Newbie looking for a Dreambox - which one??

[ace_raf]

Hi,

I was hoping someone could point me in the direction of the best box for my needs.

I'm looking for a box that will work off a standard Sky satellite connection and must be HD.

My budget is anything upto ?200 however if i can get it cheaper than that then obviously that's preferred.

I've seen a few DM800 SE's ranging for around the ?180 mark however having skimmed through a few threads found via a google search there seems to be lots of models out there and some being dual core (which theoretically will perform better) for similar if not less than the one mentioned.

Also if there are any that can use a wifi connection rather than hard wired this would be preferred but not essential.

Any advice or guidance would be most appreciated.

I should probably add, i've not used the forum much so if this is in the wrong place could a mod please move it accordingly (thanks in advance).

[sexysam]

The Dm800hd with M tuner is in my opinion the 800se.Its easy to set up and is reliable.You can fit HD in it.Will cost you around ?200 with full 12 months subs as well

[ace_raf]

Thanks for the reply.
to be honest the hdd isn't a big issue for me as I don't see myself recording much, and if I do it'll most likely be to an external hd for my NAS.
it'll be mainly be for sport channels.

been doing a bit of reading and now I'm even more conflicted as there appears to be so many options.
skybox f5 appears to be a cheaper option, but then there's the VU which appears to be a beast of a box, but is a little too mig for my liking and I don't really need to dual tuners/internal HDd features as I have a single line from the standard sky satellite.

[digicon]

A clone DM800se A8P sim should cost you around ?135 posted from china

[ace_raf]

Any reputable links for where to buy?

[ace_raf]

I've seen one listed for ?185 with everything setup for me. Is it worth paying the extra to buy from the uk (quick delivery) as well as the ease of it working setup out of the box or is flashing it a relatively easy job?

also I've seen A8p mentioned a few times. Are there SE boxes that differ to that version?

[sexysam]

Thanks for the reply.
to be honest the hdd isn't a big issue for me as I don't see myself recording much, and if I do it'll most likely be to an external hd for my NAS.
it'll be mainly be for sport channels.

been doing a bit of reading and now I'm even more conflicted as there appears to be so many options.
skybox f5 appears to be a cheaper option, but then there's the VU which appears to be a beast of a box, but is a little too mig for my liking and I don't really need to dual tuners/internal HDd features as I have a single line from the standard sky satellite.

I wouldnt touch a F5, better go for an F3,but these are as not as good as the DM800's.You can get them of Ebay

[ace_raf]

What exactly is the A8P sim and what does it do (what are the benefits)?

This is what the seller sent me regarding the A8P
"The A8P sim I don't sell. It's more expensive (for the customer) and means you are limited to flashing only original images. There is no benefit what so ever except limiting the software you can use on it, I have one myself and prefer sim 2."

[digicon]

you can get an A8P sim box from any PRC supplier search in google for alibaba,Mixeshop,Nextbay,Brandasat etc...

There is now more support for the A8P sim than any other sim and also as it explains you can use original images on the box as well

[ace_raf]

Done a bit of reading and figured out that the A8P is the preferred sim as it allows you to use original image files, however is the seller correct in that it can ONLY use original files?


I did a quick search on google for the names above but none appear to be uk based, I'd really prefer a uk seller for an item like this.

[ace_raf]

Can anyone help with the above Q's?

I want to purchase ASAP so uld really appreciate some help with this.

[digicon]

Most UK suppliers are Dropshippers for these clones which means they get them from exactly the same place stick a few quid on and post them on, so as most people do cut the middle man out and order direct or if your thinking of paying around ?180 for a clone then have a look at another brand like Vu,Gigablue,TM,Max digital for an official non cloned receiver with true 12 month warranty and UK supplier

[ace_raf]

Too late now, i've already purchased the DM800 SE. I opted for that instead of the other boxes as i've read despite being originals they're not very good and i'm less likely to actually have a problem with the DM despite it being a clone than i am with the cheaper boxes.

This box also comes ready for me so i just plug it in and it'll work (no setup) so that should make life a little easier for me.

Will report back once it's arrived.

[ace_raf]

Hi,

I received my box yesterday and its been up and running without any issues.

Was wondering whether anyone could help me get the EPG setup. I've tried playing with the setting, but despite trying to download the EPG it'll only show the now and next for the current (or last few channels i've used).

I have a 4GB USB drive attached and can have it download to that.

I also noticed that when i got the box the 'OK' button would bring up the OSD, but now when i press it i'm getting the little square with a line through it at the top of the screen telling me i can't use that function and it does nothing. I'm wondering whether the record/Play/pause function has changed a setting?

Also, i've managed to stream the feed to my pc, however the HD channels won't play properly using VLC/Ace Stream but will play fine using Media Player Classic. Is there a setting that needs changing to correct this?

And on a similar note to the above, i'm able to stream the signal to my PC and ipad using varios apps, however is there anyway i can stream the signal externally so when i'm out i can watch the channels?

Devicename:	dm800se
Enigma Version:	ramiMAHER-
Image Version:	Release SVN(110r0), 23-07-2012
Frontprozessor Version:	V3
Webinterface Version:	1.6.8

[andy91]

Have a look at this thread, Andy. http://www.digital-kaos.co.uk/forums...ly-epg-193900/