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Last edited by loaded2107; 25 January, 2013, 15:36. -
Cloud iBox First Impressions
OK, apologies for the delay in putting up my impressions of this receiver, got a bit busy on other things...
INITIAL THOUGHTS:- Packaging is basic (in the style of VU+ products)
- Receiver is amazingly small an has a nice form factor
- Receiver gets very hot (probably because it is so compact)
- Latest ViX 3.0 image works (although image downloaded from Ferrari forum - even though box isn't supported by Ferrari as far as I know)
- Price is relitively low for enigma 2 receiver (?75 with 3 days express shipping from China), although could be lower if shipping costs could be ofset by buying in bulk (for resellers)
I'm no expert in this field by any means, but do have an interest in using various setups. So bear that in mind when reading what I have to say on this. In fact, I would encourage more experianced users to add any suggestions and corrections to make this 'review' more productive.
Anyway, Here is a slightly more detailed overview:
Packaging:
Comes in what appears to be VU+ type colored plain old cardboard box.
Form Factor and Outer Shell:
The fist thing you notice about this receiver, is how small it is. I compared it to an Skybox F3 and it was signifcantly smaller (both length and width). Speaking to the suppliers, they did say it had a larger form factor but they have since removed the fan and made it smaller adding composite output too.
When putting the remote across it's front, the VU+ style remote is a good few centimeters longer.
The case has a brushed aluminium look although is plastic and the Cloud iBox seems to be written on a nice looking plastic strip stuck on the front. The case does have ventalation holes on the sides and back.
Perhaps a few more dollars could be cut off the manufacture price, with an even more basic look. But will see what these chinese cloners come up with.
What they did here to really reduce the width (but perhaps increase heating issues) - was to put the CI(common interface) slot on the underside which can be accessed via a hatch on the bottom. This would usually sit on the side and while I won't be using a card in this slot anytime soon, it would be an important factor to consider for anyone who might consider using this receiver in that way.
It has the USB slots on the side and interesting an empty unusable SD card slot. Older versions didn't have the composite outputs. The case doesn't have any buttons on the front, and the PSU unit is outside.
Remote:
Coming to the actual remote, while it's nicer than some other remotes (like the awful Skybox F3 remote). It's nowhere near as responsive and well made as the Original Duo or Solo2 remotes(in particular the emitter of the remote as well as the IR receiver sensor). I held up both the orginal Solo2 remote and this clone remote, and while at first appearance and even touch there is little differance, the clone does have a light coloured purple plastic, whereas the solo2 is almost black.
I've used a Duo and currently have a Solo2 and have to say they have been great. IMO, a good remote and IR sensor adds 40% in terms of usability to the receiver. A nice slick responsive well designed ergonomic remote make your usage all the more enjoyable. A remote that doesn't accept button presses or needs to be directed within a very narrow angle of the receiver is not only annoying but it prevents the user from getting the most out of the capabilities of the box.
I use a Harmony remote myself, but even then the sensor on the receiver is significant. I have the cloud iBox sitting next to my Solo2, up and out of my line of sight. Amazing the solo2 like theVU+ Duo before it, still recognizes buttong presses and is smooth to operate. This Cloud iBox is on par with a Skybox F3 which I briefly used. And while it may not be that bad if you have the receiver right in front of you (like most people do). I like using a remote without really thinking where I'm pointing it, having a receiver with a narrow usable remote angle is something which I really hate. I'm not sure what an Orginal Solo is like and for that matter what the Solo Clone and duo clone remotes are like, but what I can say, this clone receiver has a limited range, when compared to other genuine VU+ products I've used.
Anther point, which might be more related to the remote codes on Harmony setup than the remote itself. while setting it up with my Harmony remote, the pre-installed Marusys VU+ solo data codes would not work but interestingly the Marusys VU+ Duo does. So it looks like it uses the VU+ Duo codes?? I thought Solo and duo remotes were interchangable but maybe not?
Installing an Image:
I have to admit I was bit worried when I received it. Before purchasing I spoke to the chinese supplier and asked if it accepted the latest vix image they were like, "yeh, takes all the latest images BH and vix 5.0!) and they had a screenshot picture titled "Accepts Vix 5.0 - but on closer examination it's VTI 5.0!
The receiver did come with OpenPLI image and while it was usable, I was more familiar with ViX, so wanted to get that on.
I didn't want to risk it, as I'm not that familiar with clones, I just downloaded the image from Ferrari forums even though I don't think they support this receiver. The latest Vix image for their 3.0 Solo receivers, is the one I downloaded and used. [Question to more knowledgable people: could the ferrari version of vix image be causing the heating issues? or would an older vix iamge possibly help with the temperatures?]
I havn't flashed a solo before, but read up that you need to watch the green LED and wait until it flashes as the solo has no display. The Cloud iBox doesn't have a green LED, it has a piercing blue one (which might be distracting to some due to it's brightness - I found the bright LED similar to the Blade 7000S receiver). Anyway, the flashing process is pretty similar to an orginal Solo as far as I can tell.
Usage:
Not really used it long enough. But I did find it worked well when I could get the remote in front. Using the web interface to watch TV and stream to ipad via dreambox live app worked well too. Didn't really install many plugins. Just got the usual CAMs installed and that's about it, got streaming going. Picons worked straight off the USB, but that more the Vix image picking them up.
The HDMI and Composite outputs both stream at the same time like most other recivers out there.
Had it on a single mini dish on 28e. So can't comment how it would handle a motor.
Supplier:
Spoke to supplier about overheating issue, they said fan version was noisy and slightly larger. Also no longer in production, now using a heatsink. I reckon this receiver will go through a few more development cycles until they solve the heating issue - if it is an issue.
Price:
From chinese supplier was cheap, can't remember the price in $ (USD) but overall cost to me was ?75 via paypal and super fast tracked DHL shippping. Can be got cheaper obviously with lesser shipping or for those who buy in bulk and then resell.
Other competing receivers:
Well firstly, in this section I must admit I'm a bit biased and I'm going to favour ANY E2 receiver over any closed source non-e2 receiver. Having said that, every Sat Rx has it's advantages and disadvantages. How does this clone of a VU+ solo clone stack up against the competition within the same price range. Looking at Prices and Performance it would be a bit too early to judge this receiver, considering no one has used one long enough to see if it will live up to the test of time. Although based on what we do know so far, it definately has a place in the market low end and it might be the clone that brings e2 to the low budget bargain hunters, if sold at a competitive price of ?75 I could see many people using it over a skybox F3 - downside for most current Skybox Users, would be the learning curve of learning FTP etc. but positives are numerous based on e2 experiance and plugins available. Just the fact you have 7-day EPG (and really good user interface skins etc) and can stream what your watching to another computer/tablet/phone in the home will be reason enough to have one over a skybox/openbox type receiver.
Skybox F3 - ?45 - This beats the F3 type receivers hands down. F3 wins on price and has run the test of time. And thousands have been sold and it has been successful on the whole. While the Solo clone (cloud ibox) is new, so could be taking a risk with it. Image wise obviously being a solo clone it does have some really good images available which make the whole usability of this receiver miles ahead (like 7-day EPG) of the very limited (although stable) openbox/skybox menu system
VU+ Solo Clone - ?90-?110 - Not used an orginal(!) solo clone but from the pictures I have seen, it has more outputs including Component and has buttons on the front which the cloud ibox hasn't. Don't think much people use those outputs anyway, hence why the chinese cloners expelled them. Basically if you want a cheaper box with a very nifty nice form factor choose the cloud ibox. If you want the buttons on the front, possibly better remote sensor (not sure?) and no overheating issues as far as I know choose the Solo Clone (V3 chip)
DM800SE - ?100-?130 - I think the DM800SE Sunray beats this receiver in everyway, except price. Even then there is the cloud over the heat this cloud ibox thing gives out, which could lead to problems in the future. Basically if you're in the market for an e2 receiver and can afford it, choose the DM800SE. Only reason to go for cloud ibox would be price.
Blade 7000/Spiderbox - ?135-?150 These are overated IMO and not worth the money. Would choose this Cloud iBox at half the price and with enigma2, with good images available - it's no contest.
At it's PRICE POINT (of ?75), I think the Cloud iBox is the best oiption for ANY receiver, e2 or otherwise. The thing is, If I was going to get a receiver below ?100, I would probably opt for the Solo Clone at the moment, mainly due to Image (Vix, which I prefer), Safer than Cloud iBox (at the moment) and the Form Factor isn't that important for me. And if the solo clone has a better IR sensor all the better. If I was being a tight git, and had a choice between this and the Skybox F3, I would choose Cloud iBox, but that's because I despise the F3 menu system and unresponsiveness. The thing the Skybox has over this is that it's tried and tested and it's biggest plus - it's only ?50.
The biggest Negative I can point to this box, is the uncertainty of it's fortitude against long term usage - can it last and still perform well? Or will we see similar problems as the first DM800s? While briefly using it, I havn't noticed any sluggishness ~YET~ although like I mentioned regarding the remote, I find it really unresponsive (the actual remote but more the IR sensor). I havn't used it continuously days on end either which might be another factor as I'd imagine it would get even hotter and if like other electrical devices will possibly be prone to screen freezes, sluggishness etc. If/when this overheating and wear on the electrical parts kicks in.
SUMMARY
Worth it for the price, but will it live long enough? Those after a small form factor so they can stick this behind the TV in a closed space, better think again. This receiver will probably need a lot of ventalation.
Personally I just think this receiver will have to go for another chinese revision to overcome it's apparent overheating. In the meantime I'm going to get some hard disk fan/cooling on this, as I don't think it will last long otherwise.
If it can, then it's a great little option for what you can get for the ?50-?80 price bracket
Will add more (including pictures), as I get more use out of it.Last edited by redondo5; 26 January, 2013, 15:32.Comment
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thanks for the great review
ejmbonComment
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forgot to say, with clones in general and especially ones like this. There could be real threat with fire with PSU blowing up, etc
if the hardware is being over worked and the use inferior parts leading to problems - people need to ask themselves if they're willing to gamble with a new product which is untested but may be cheap. It may be ?20 cheaper than it nearest competitor but then it may cost you a whole lot more in terms of damage it could potentially cause to your home.
This is the story with all new clonesComment
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Also ordered 5 of the cloud ibox from this seller Satellite Receiver KING - Skybox/Dreambox/Openbox/Azbox.
Postage was with FedEx and took delivery in 3 days.
I loaded a straight forward vix 3 image on with no problem at all. Not a "clone friendly image" but an original image.
They have the v3 chipset and on closer inspection it looks like the psu has been removed from the box and it has an inline power pack type power supply which is a better idea than an internal because its less heat inside a small box.
The only real annoying thing could be the blue led power light that is super bright at eye level....
I've ordered 8x skybox from this seller and a duo that the seller claims is an original so when I get it ill let you know if it is.
First impressions of this seller are good but remember it Chinese New Year coming up so I wouldn't be ordering anything next week!.
Just want to add that I've had about a 5% failure rate using skybox f3. Some of the problems were freezing up and becoming unresponsive/booting to 95 and stopping(failing to boot)/random power cycling for no reason. Also if you look at their main board more often than not the heatsink on the processor is not square but out of line and not giving even heat dispersion.
But hey for the price of the f3 any problems then just dump it and buy another.Comment
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If anything i would say the cloud ibox is running cooler than a skybox f3. It has quite a few vents in either side aswell as the bottom.
Hope this helps.Comment
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If its running cooler than a f3 should be ok for me as I run a f3 very very tempted to upgrade from my f3 to this box, cheers for the info guys
forgot to ask is it possible to mount a 2.5 inch hdd inside one of these or pvr done via usb ?Last edited by ajax2061; 27 January, 2013, 18:34.Comment
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The housing is made of plastic rather than metal and the heatsink is attached properly with bigger cooling fins compared to the F3. See attached photo of an F3 board with the crap fixing of the heatsink!!!!
You wont fit a harddrive inside as where would you plug it in? If you do then let us all know how you did it.
Buy a stubby usb flash drive 32gb etc and use DCC to ftp the files off the box and that way memory wont be an issue.....Last edited by benmeade; 27 January, 2013, 18:54.Comment
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not worth trying if it not made for it, would could be interesting though is fir a small fan to the heatsink and solder it to one of the usb's inside the case would help with the heat and only running on 5volt rail would mean slow fan so not noisy something to think about with summer coming up.Comment
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Or what about one of them netbook coolers that work off a USB..
They would blow air up through the bottom vents.
To be honest I wouldn't bother unless its stored in a cabinet with other heat sourcesComment
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Running cooler than an f3?. When you touch it after prolonged use (more than 12 hours) is it hot to the touch?
Mine feels very hot especially on the side away from the tuner (opposite side).
an F3 which has been on for days is barely luke warm, the cloud ibox is very hot after a few hours. Not hot enough that you cant touch it, but it is very hot.
I think we need a scientific way of calling the temperatures here, because what might be luke warm to me might be boiling out to someone else and vice versa. what I can say with certainty is an F3 which has been on for days is barely luke warm to me and on the other hand the cloud ibox is extremely hot after a few hours. The F3 runs pretty cool for most people from what I've seen, The outer case at least. and my solo2 hardly gives out any heat onto the case that is detectable.
Might have a duff ibox, but i think someone mentioned it earlier from something they read on the german forums too. It might even be the image I'm using, so I might try vanilla VIX 3.0 image see if it makes a difference.Last edited by redondo5; 28 January, 2013, 02:32.Comment
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notebook cooler should work and they only a quid in poundland atm My box is in a cabinet so a hot box could be a issue for meComment
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Just to confuse things more about heat
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The board in the f3 is in the bottom whereas the board in the ibox is at the top.Comment
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i tried using the box while removing the bottom hatch and the pcmcia card slot to allow possibly better air flow through the bottom.
so far it has helped me a bit. just waiting for various fans and cooling devices to arrive now, so i can try them out in various ways.
The heat is mostly on the top, right hand side of the box when looking face on. perhaps a fan blowing air directly back into the box from the bottom might not achieve the desired cooling?but i will try it out when the fans arrive.
We need to remember the heat "issue" might not even be a problem. I have a feeling it will be but I could be very wrong.
And maybe other people will try the receivers and find they don't run that hot. And even if they do, it might not degrade performance in the long run. People will have to make their own decisions.
Good point about the F3 having the heat at the bottom and this at the top. I will need to reasses the F3 heating by seeing if it's luke warm at the bottom. Will have to check that out. Hopefully it is running hot at the bottom, that way it could be comparable and put my mind at ease with the cloud ibox. Perhaps because I was used to just touching the top of receivers to "assess" how hot they were getting, it was unfair on the cloud ibox that has all it's wiring on top. Have a quick touch of the solo2 on the bottom it is significantly warmer than the top but we probably need to factor in, it has less gap for the air to flow out from the bottom, and with that in mind, the cloud ibox is probably better of with it board on top. I will definately need to reconsider this, when I get a chance to see how hot the other receivers get to the touch where the board is, rather than having a feel of the top of the case. Cloud iBox might not be as bad as first thoughtLast edited by redondo5; 29 January, 2013, 03:29.Comment
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