IPBox or Dreambox for my first excursion?

[Star Bar]

Hi all, I hope you can help.

I'm currently a normal Sky+ subscriber but I would like the ability to save recorded programmes & films etc to my NAS for playback on a media server (probably the new popcorn hour which seems to support a vast array of file types at 1080p).

My goal is to match the capability of the Sky+ HD box setup but via a more flexible route. Having access to more channels is also a bonus!
Key features I love are:
1) ability to record one chanel & record another
2) series linking
3) access to Sky box office movies & sports events.

Having done a fair bit reading I need 2 tuners to achive the point 1. This would point me to the Dreambox 8000 but this is very pricey. The IPBox 9000 but I'm not sure this can achieve points 2 & 3. OR is there a way to 'easily' use more than one reciever (ie 2 x DM800) without getting these confused with 2 remote controls etc? I notice some people have lots of receivers but I can't see how this is easy to control or schedule recordings from one EPG from my comfy armchair?

The rational behind 2 x DM800s is that I could buy 1 to setup & test etc as I'm new to this and then buy another later helping spread the cost.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[dowlinr]

I have no experience with the IPbox but if you know what you are doing with a computer and can follow tutorials then I would recommend a dreambox.

1) Yes you'll need 2 tuners/2 boxs.
2) Unless someone else knows a plugin, you won't get series linking on a dreambox. The epg is very different from sky
3) If you are planning on using sky box office then you'll have to order it from your own Sky+ box then use the card in the dreambox. Any other method of obtaining the box office can't be talked about on this forum. Google card sharing.

With the streaming you wouldn't need a popcorn to stream, the dreambox can record/play directly to/from your NAS.

If you want to watch sky and have a nice easy gui that you can record with then stick to a sky box and stuff a big hard drive in there. If you want to get more than Sky UK get a dreambox and an motorised dish.

The start up costs are not cheap if you are getting 2 of everything, you'll need a dish, motor, T&K brackets, lnb, some coax cable and a dreambox. Most of all you'll need some patience and a swear box

[ticticboom]

dont know much about the ipbox but dreambox is great and theres loads of support for it

[Star Bar]

Thanks Dowlinr,

The other thing I was worried about is that the Dreamboxes don't seem to support Mpeg4 which I believe is the standard for Sky HD chanels. Is this right or does changing the image or adding plugins fix this?

Thanks

[dowlinr]

I wouldn't know as I don't have a HD dreambox, from reading other peoples experiences Sky HD works fine.

You may also want to wait until the DM500HD comes out as it has a faster processor than the DM800. Also has a HDMI port instead of the DVI to hdmi lead that comes with the 800.

[satsid]

Thanks Dowlinr,

The other thing I was worried about is that the Dreamboxes don't seem to support Mpeg4 which I believe is the standard for Sky HD chanels. Is this right or does changing the image or adding plugins fix this?

Thanks

Hi m8 what your looking for is Format resolution,the more a box can do the more your see Mpeg4.Some sat receiver are not good on Format resolution.