Is HD-PVR decoder worth it

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zululami

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I am trying to spruce-up my whole entertainment area, first it was with the acquisition of a playstation 3, which I am very happy with... I have done the sound system... now I want move on to other things...

I would like to know if the HD-PVR decoder is worth it. I know it can record programmes, view HD shows etc, but is this all it can do? And do I have to play ekstra in terms of subscription fees?
 
You have to pay an extra R65 I think on top of the normal subs.

It's worth it if you like to watch TV when YOU want to watch - pausing is nice, the wife and I use it often.
HD channels - nice for sport and movies if you have a capable TV.

My 5c
 
Its is a nice thing to have. I use it alot, but I still dont think its worth R65 a month.
 
Good buy if you watch a lot of TV and especially sport. I wouldn't get a standard decoder unless you don't have the cash to outlay or don't want to pay additional R65 per month. Benefits of recording and pausing (as well as fast-forwarding through adverts) is a big bonus. Not to mention sport is way better on SSHD than normal SS.
 
Yes, the HD-PVR is nice. The R65 pm is a rip-off. However, this also includes Xtraview. So, you could use your old decoder to give you 2 simultaneous view channels + 1 record.

Being able to record, I find that I get much more value from DSTV because I can watch what I want when it suits me.
 
So many opinions so little time. for R65 and the initial outlay of R1499 I really think that its worth every cent. I will be investing in this end of June once they deliver my 80cm HD LCD :D

I like my sport and other shows on DTSV and the fact that I can record a movie or show (Channel 260 :p) be able to come back after a evening out and sit down and watch something how can that be bad. Lets face it R65 is a mere pittance and
 
I have the HDPVR that can record 2 channels simultaneously plus Xtraview.

I never watch TV except for sports on weekends. (Xbox Live is much better than any TV program)

My family will kill me if I have to cancel all this though, they love it.

So if you watch TV or have a family that loves TV then it is worth it.
 
I also got a Mede8er - this is excellent and really a must if you love media on demand and lots of it.
 
Oh cool. Lots of positive comments... Looks like I will get that HD-PVR decoder after all. It seems pretty convenient, especially the fast forwarding through ads part... I also like watching stuff in my own time. I am also of the view that R65 is a rip-off, especially considering that you have to buy the HD-PVR decoder for R1k+ ... But hey, we live in a world of plenty rip-offs... Me wonders why I still pay for a TV licence while I hardly ever watch SABC... Here's to another rip-off then!
 
Quantum Theory said:
So you get more value, because you can record and have XtraView, but then you say this...



Why??
Click to expand...

Don't you think the premium subscription is high enough ? Why should we pay even more to enable PVR functionality that is entirely decoder based, but can't use without paying more ? I guess I can understand paying extra for Xtraview, but the sum of the subscription is just getting a bit much.

I could also record, with full-pvr functionality via my single-view decoder on my HTPC at no additional cost. Been doing this for a few years already, but now I also want HD, so had to get a HD Decoder. The HD decoder, unfortunately, is less than 100% compatible with Windows Media Center.
 
hijack

guys so with the xrtraview included in the R65 will i get an HD feed to the second HD tv ?

i currently have the SD decoder that everyone is apparently after
 
SFW007 said:
hijack

guys so with the xrtraview included in the R65 will i get an HD feed to the second HD tv ?

i currently have the SD decoder that everyone is apparently after
Click to expand...

The HD feed is only available on the HDMI port of the HD-PVR, so only the TV the it's connected to will receive the HD channels.
 
Mier said:
Don't you think the premium subscription is high enough ? Why should we pay even more to enable PVR functionality that is entirely decoder based, but can't use without paying more ? I guess I can understand paying extra for Xtraview, but the sum of the subscription is just getting a bit much.

I could also record, with full-pvr functionality via my single-view decoder on my HTPC at no additional cost. Been doing this for a few years already, but now I also want HD, so had to get a HD Decoder. The HD decoder, unfortunately, is less than 100% compatible with Windows Media Center.
Click to expand...

It's not as simple as you make it out to be. I believe DStv pays royalties for supplying a PVR service. They also have to put content protection on the AV outputs (macrovision), so you are not supposed to be able to record to HTPC's or HDD recorders (this is obviously not very secure). Bottom line is, MC are not making these rules. It is made by the people supplying the content.
 
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