Openview's new OV512 decoder hands-on tested

@VC-1 , wouldn't be surprised if they block their eVOD content from being recorded if the unit does offer record. Just their live channels then.

Would be the same behaviour as DStv.
 
VC-1 said:
It was never broken.
When recording the SABC programs were blocked out.
The USB Flash drive sold was loaded with special software to function with the decoder( File compression codecs).
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Do you know where to buy the USB? I looked for it and none of the retailers had it.
 
Can one stream OpenView via PC? Like maybe by using the Kodi app?

Easy enough to add a recording device then.
 
Brian_G said:
Can one stream OpenView via PC? Like maybe by using the Kodi app?

Easy enough to add a recording device then.
Click to expand...

My question is, why do you want to record low quality material, when you can download the same material, at a significantly better quality on the internet.
 
elf_lord_ZC5 said:
My question is, why do you want to record low quality material, when you can download the same material, at a significantly better quality on the internet.
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Thing is, it's free.
And no alternative to that if many users don't want to cross over to possible illegal territory.

(For me, mostly just a tech interest. And eyesight ain't too good anymore.)
 
Brian_G said:
Thing is, it's free.
And no alternative to that if many users don't want to cross over to possible illegal territory.

(For me, mostly just a tech interest. And eyesight ain't too good anymore.)
Click to expand...

The better quality available on the internet is also "free" ...
 
elf_lord_ZC5 said:
The better quality available on the internet is also "free" ...
Click to expand...
Sure :whistling:
BTW, why the interest in this decoder if you see no value in it?

Other issues aside though, seems the whole industry is hell-bent on destroying record options or making them more expensive. More profit in keeping us streamin' I recon.
 
Brian_G said:
Sure :whistling:
BTW, why the interest in this decoder if you see no value in it?

Other issues aside though, seems the whole industry is hell-bent on destroying record options or making them more expensive. More profit in keeping us streamin' I recon.
Click to expand...

Interested, because, I happen to have a useless leeching Sister In Law, who is happy, as long as someting is on the TV screen, and it does not cost her anything.

As for recording stuff, as a last resort, there is always, a pass-thru device you can use to record anything that appears on your screen. A PITA to do, but if you are so inclined it can be done. And there is no stopping it.
 
elf_lord_ZC5 said:
Interested, because, I happen to have a useless leeching Sister In Law, who is happy, as long as someting is on the TV screen, and it does not cost her anything.
Click to expand...

elf_lord_ZC5 said:
As for recording stuff, as a last resort, there is always, a pass-thru device you can use to record anything that appears on your screen. A PITA to do, but if you are so inclined it can be done. And there is no stopping it.
Click to expand...
Yep, or something for the composite cabling like the "Grex" ;- )
 
Brian_G said:
Yep, or something for the composite cabling like the "Grex" ;- )
Click to expand...

:laugh:

It is generally easier, not simpler mind you, to just download streams directly from the source. No restrictions on resolution, or audio quality.

Edit:

But again, why, when someone else, is prepared to do the heavy lifting, and then they share their efforts, why must I do it myself.
 
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elf_lord_ZC5 said:
:laugh:
Click to expand...
:giggle:

elf_lord_ZC5 said:
It is generally easier, not simpler mind you, to just download streams directly from the source.
Click to expand...
Slow day, so let's look at this too.

True source will cost, not really gonna help those interested in OpenView

And "just download streams" is an oxymoron. Unless you mean to use Internet Download Manager or Xtreme Download Manager etc. with it.

elf_lord_ZC5 said:
No restrictions on resolution, or audio quality.
Click to expand...
How many using OpenView can afford the HD+ hardware?
 
Brian_G said:
:giggle:


Slow day, so let's look at this too.

True source will cost, not really gonna help those interested in OpenView

And "just download streams" is an oxymoron. Unless you mean to use Internet Download Manager or Xtreme Download Manager etc. with it.


How many using OpenView can afford the HD+ hardware?
Click to expand...

You use different tools, things like StreamFab, gor starters and go on from there - yes, you would be paying for the source, unless you got "borrowed" credentials.

How many Opeview user, would buy the USB dongle, and the required hardware, so a bit of a moot point.
 
Anyway as things stand, to record OpenView would be far too costly now with the dongle not working anymore - if one can even find external recorders, they're relatively massively expensive.

If they allow for via-PC-streaming or even just via-Kodi one of these days it's a whole different story. Might even get some of DStv's Access clients to move across, lol.
 
Brian_G said:
Anyway as things stand, to record OpenView would be far too costly now with the dongle not working anymore - if one can even find external recorders, they're relatively massively expensive.

If they allow for via-PC-streaming or even just via-Kodi one of these days it's a whole different story. Might even get some of DStv's Access clients to move across, lol.
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You can now use the wifi to record or catch up?

My mom does not have proper internet, so the USB solution was a much better option.
 
PowerFactor said:
You can now use the wifi to record or catch up?
Click to expand...
Just to catch up, but the article says it's currently limited.

PowerFactor said:
My mom does not have proper internet, so the USB solution was a much better option.
Click to expand...
Have a look at DStv's Access package - R139pm with quite a few additional channels, and another R120pm to record them on one of their PVR decoders. Cheaper than upgrading the internet.
 
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Since OpenView is free after buying a proprietary decoder ( I have 2 plus gave another as a present, and myself not using it at the moment or the other person I suspect ) , why not just have an Android TV app etc? Broadcasting rights issues redtape or what? Article mentions options maybe in future to add other streaming options like Netflix to it like DStv.

I might buy it just to add to my collection of different model OpenView decoders. I even have that elusive USB for recording or rewinding.
 
Brian_G said:
Just to catch up, but the article says it's currently limited.


Have a look at DStv's Access package - R139pm with quite a few additional channels, and another R120pm to record them on one of their PVR decoders. Cheaper than upgrading the internet.
Click to expand...
I did look at a new PVR but they removed the coaxial output on the decoders, so the only option to extend to a different room is to upgrade the LNB and add another decoder with extra view.
 
Pity they don't take the cover off in these reviews. How are we supposed to know what chipset is in there?
 
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