New Receiver Advice / Recommendations

[Sonic1]

Hi Folks,
Potentially looking to purchase a new receiver, have certain requirements and see endless choices!
Should note, its for the parents, who aren't tech savvy in any manner.

Existing Setup:
Currently we are rocking an Amiko Alien2 (dual sat tuner), running OpenATV 6.2 and an IPTV app/addon, box is connected via LAN and has 2 sat feeds input (so we can watch 1 freesat channel whilst recording another), and a USB to Sata SSD disk for the recordings.
Its 6 years old and after much tinkering through that time, with different images, finally settling on OpenATV (after removing bloatware, got about 37mb flash free now woo lmao!), it actually runs moderately well considering it wasn't exactly high spec to begin with...


With above in mind, we are therefore looking a box that fills below requirements:

- Can watch 1 freesat channel whilst recording another
- Probably run OpenATV (as this is what the parents are now used to, or if there is a similar / simpler GUI on different OS that would be grand, suggestions welcome :))
- Can run IPTV app (not sure if allowed to mention app names...)
- Supports 4K (no immediate need but want the availability)
- Decent aftermarket support for the box (Amiko isn't great, not a popular device here...)
- Decent hardware spec that it will stand up after a bit of time (eg CPU/RAM, due to experience in other areas, I know spending a bit more can mean you don't get a machine that's doogpoo after 6-12 months...;))

Is Android or Enigma2 the way to go?

Certain crowd recommended Formuler boxes, but after speaking to their pre-sales support, nothing fully fits the bill, they suggested S mini or S turbo (which only have single tuners).

No budget yet in mind, maybe around £150-200ish?
If you need more info, feel free to ask.

Hopefully someone can assist, thanks in advance!

Regards,
S

[Andy_Hazza]

I’d personally look at the twin version of the Octagon SF8008 >> https://www.world-of-satellite.co.uk/satellite-and-terrestrial/digital-receivers/Octagon/octagon-sf8008-twin-s2x and use a class 10 microSD card for storage/recordings. I have a 256gb one installed at present.
Also this might be of interest too as this can take an internal HDD for storage if that was your preference, the Zgemma H7S Combo >> https://www.world-of-satellite.co.uk/satellite-and-terrestrial/digital-receivers/zgemma/zgemma-h7s

Both can run Kodi 17.6 and also both have the excellent Stalker for your IPTV needs.


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[Andy_Hazza]

Also forgot to add, I’d use the OpenViX image as imo best image by a country mile, will be a better GUI experience for your parents too.


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[lespat]

I agree Andy_Hazza, I took the plunge on an upgrade and bought the Zgemma H7s with integral HDD and never looked back. It is quick and with 3 tuners I can record any number of programs (8 max) in particular the freeview HD main channels 1-5 because they are all on the same frequency. I would go for Openvix, tried most of the others but for me, vix is the best.

Forgot to mention, all for £160 ish. Brilliant.

[twol]

Agree! The H7 has a good reputation, solid with good features.
Octagon SF8008 - excellent and they keep on adding updates - but your parents are probably not wanting to know about updates/upgrades/flashing etc!!

Also OpenATV originally came out of OpenViX, so your parents should be fine with ViX‘s menu structure - and its still a lot cleaner than the ATV structure where they seem to have duplexed everything.

[Sonic1]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I was instructed to use OpenATV/WB for the iptv plugin but maybe it is available on OpenVix too, have to do some research there.
Is OpenVix faster, and uses less flash than OpenATV?
(Might consider reflashing existing box....lol)

I haven't come across Octagon before, are they well supported?
Was looking at the ZGemma, they seem to have a decent support.

Is 1GB RAM really enough for a little future-proofing?
Quad core CPU does sound to be the way to go, over a dual core.

Heard the Vu+ boxes were the mutts nuts a few years ago, is that still the case?
Ignoring the budget for the moment, are there better options if we spend a bit more?

Regards,
S

[lespat]

In addition, I discovered a feature that if you have more than 1 image on on the multiboot feature, when I change to another image (albeit another Openvix) I can choose to go for mode 12 which then offers PiP (picture in picture) option which can also be useful in following something on another channel. Just saying.

Just seen the last post and I would say that anything else would have to be good to make me change, this zgemma H7s does a lot more than I ever imagined, and I have only scratched the surface.

[Andy_Hazza]

OpenViX Image not available for the Amiko Alien 2, so not an option for you. Yeah the OpenViX is way less bloated than other images!


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[Andy_Hazza]

Correct the Vu+ is a premium receiver, great quality, great remote, but in all honesty shocking support with regards drivers etc. The Vu+ (4K receivers) has the Stalker app for your IPTV needs. I was going to say look at the Gigablue 4K range, but don’t think that supports Stalker!?! Someone may correct me on this though!


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[twol]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I was instructed to use OpenATV/WB for the iptv plugin but maybe it is available on OpenVix too, have to do some research there.
Is OpenVix faster, and uses less flash than OpenATV?
(Might consider reflashing existing box....lol)

I haven't come across Octagon before, are they well supported?
Was looking at the ZGemma, they seem to have a decent support.

Is 1GB RAM really enough for a little future-proofing?
Quad core CPU does sound to be the way to go, over a dual core.

Heard the Vu+ boxes were the mutts nuts a few years ago, is that still the case?
Ignoring the budget for the moment, are there better options if we spend a bit more?

Regards,
S
"I was instructed to use OpenATV/WB for the iptv plugin but maybe it is available on OpenVix too, have to do some research there." - excuse my ignorance whats WB???
When you are instructed to do something - you should question - Why!
An image is usually a personal choice - but they all basically do the same thing - but offer a few different options - personally I am always confused by OpenATV's various buttons that end up with the same choice.

"I haven't come across Octagon before, are they well supported?" - Yes (German company)- irritatingly so in terms of continuous marketing updates - but they continue to add receiver functionality on latest receiver(SF8008).

"Was looking at the ZGemma, they seem to have a decent support." - Yes - have to say great price/performance

"Is 1GB RAM really enough for a little future-proofing?" - if you are into Kodi etc then check out what the receiver actually offers in flash once loaded with the image.

"Vu+" - quality product at a price, 1st to offer some good hardware and features (like FBC tuners) but gone quiet with the likes of Zgemma and their prices (see Andy I can be nice about Vu+!!)

[Andy_Hazza]

"I was instructed to use OpenATV/WB for the iptv plugin but maybe it is available on OpenVix too, have to do some research there." - excuse my ignorance whats WB???
When you are instructed to do something - you should question - Why!
An image is usually a personal choice - but they all basically do the same thing - but offer a few different options - personally I am always confused by OpenATV's various buttons that end up with the same choice.

"I haven't come across Octagon before, are they well supported?" - Yes (German company)- irritatingly so in terms of continuous marketing updates - but they continue to add receiver functionality on latest receiver(SF8008).

"Was looking at the ZGemma, they seem to have a decent support." - Yes - have to say great price/performance

"Is 1GB RAM really enough for a little future-proofing?" - if you are into Kodi etc then check out what the receiver actually offers in flash once loaded with the image.

"Vu+" - quality product at a price, 1st to offer some good hardware and features (like FBC tuners) but gone quiet with the likes of Zgemma and their prices (see Andy I can be nice about Vu+!!)

WB >> WoooooooshBuild I bet. [emoji1787]
@twol, I’ve given an honest opinion about Vu+ too.... you’ll be impressed!! haha

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[twol]

WB >> WoooooooshBuild I bet. [emoji1787]
@twol, I’ve given an honest opinion about Vu+ too.... you’ll be impressed!! haha

Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkI was amazed..... and I am sure you are correct about WB -

[Sonic1]

I was amazed..... and I am sure you are correct about WB -

Yep, he is correct.
I'm trying not to list names in event it breaks a forum rules, did read them but its not clear in my view on iptv plugins being mentioned lol.

Kodi isn't really on the radar currently, did use it on a MiniPC a few years ago but sources seemed to dry up.
Stalker isn't the IPTV plugin we are using at the moment, can i just log into stalker with given account and work away?

Vu+ looks interesting with the 2GB RAM, but notice is it dual core CPU.

Is there anything that has quad core and 2GB RAM?
(Filter would be nice on the products page ;))

SATA would be nice, tidier setup, see the ZGemma and Gigablue have option to mount inside
Suppose as I'm using an SSD at the moment, and if intended device has SATA with 1GB RAM, the swapfile would still be pretty darn quick compared to current SATA over USB 2.0 (if it was ever to be used anyway).

[Andy_Hazza]

@sonic1 - Swap File? Hope you don’t mean the swap file method that was intended for old less spec receivers, like the Vu+ Solo, Vu+ Duo, TM-Twin etc? If so not needed!


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[ronand]

I wouldn't worry about the RAM - 1Gb is plenty. I have an SF8008 and its fast - its in a completely different league to the doorstop that you have at the moment. It has 8Gb flash memory and we don't use swap files any more either. Come to think of it I haven't used a swap file since an Azbox HD (but that's a long time ago). For the price an SF8008 or one of the zgemmas cant be beaten. There is no particular benefit in using a SSD drive - just get a large 2.5" HDD to have loads of recording space.

[Sonic1]

@sonic1 - Swap File? Hope you don’t mean the swap file method that was intended for old less spec receivers, like the Vu+ Solo, Vu+ Duo, TM-Twin etc? If so not needed!


Yep, I do, the Alien2 is ancient and although does have 128mb x 2, only 128mb is seemingly usable. The joys...

So is 1GB really enough for a bit of future-proofing?

[Sonic1]

Apologies for the double post, but I cannot edit my previous post (yet...?).
Just found this beast that has quad core and 2GB RAM, has anyone any views/opinions on it?
https://www.world-of-satellite.co.uk/vu-plus-duo-4k

[Sicilian]

Apologies for the double post, but I cannot edit my previous post (yet...?).
Just found this beast that has quad core and 2GB RAM, has anyone any views/opinions on it?
https://www.world-of-satellite.co.uk/vu-plus-duo-4k

Great receiver if your happy to spend that amount, but please note with current drivers the CPU from memory runs at lower speed. Iirc around 1.9GHz.

[twol]

So IF you want to spend that amount(ish) the GigaBlue 4K‘s would be better (in my view) especially the UE - but note has FBC tuners and DVB-S2x plugin tuner, there are others with legacy tuners that offer great price/performance depending on your real needs

[Sonic1]

...with current drivers the CPU from memory runs at lower speed. Iirc around 1.9GHz.
Understood, its a quad core CPU though which is what drew my attention, probably quite overkill lol.
Might be a bit on the expensive side.



So IF you want to spend that amount(ish) the GigaBlue 4K‘s would be better (in my view) especially the UE - but note has FBC tuners and DVB-S2x plugin tuner, there are others with legacy tuners that offer great price/performance depending on your real needs

Is this the Gigablue you mean?
https://www.world-of-satellite.co.uk/satellite-and-terrestrial/digital-receivers/multistream-satellite-receivers/gigablue-uhd-ue-4k

I don't believe we have FBC, dish would be 6 years old now, wasn't overly expensive at the time, quad LNB was all I remember, probably DVB-S2 connectors?
Rather avoid having to replace Sat kit, if possible.
Didn't think of that until just now hmm, does that change/limit my options much?

The VU+ Duo would be the one to go for if money wasn't an issue, think the Octagon SF8008 is slightly edging it, quad core CPU, twin tuner, Kodi support for down the line and pretty good price.
Just cannot mount the HDD inside but that certainly is not a deal breaker as that's what we currently have anyways.

[twol]

Octagon SF8008 would be a much better option for you than Duo - and Yes thats the box I meant but with your dish etc again SF8008 is best bet.

[abu baniaz]

You can use FBC tuners with a universal/regular LNB.

[Sonic1]

Hi Guys,
Sorry to dig up an old-ish thread.

I've been corresponding with my IPTV provider, they've basically said they only support Wooshbuild, which is not available on OpenVix.
I could run OpenVix but would be on my own for any support issues.

They do support STALKER, but in a really roundabout way.
Do not support PIP/PAP as I do not have multi-line.

Does that affect my choices with regards box?
Means SF8008 on OpenATV, is that alright, or are there known issues/caveats?

We have not yet bought, Alien2 was running (surprisingly) extremely well for its age until about 3 weeks ago but now its being a balls.

[twol]

Change the provider and free yourself - do you really want to jump when somebody tells you to jump!!............. there are plugins on most of the images that can handle IPTV
All that the Wooshbuild people do is put a wrapper around the ATV images and say they do all the work - what a joke........ have to say I admire their cheek and ability to manipulate people who are too scared to learn to do it for themselves.

[Sonic1]

Change the provider and free yourself - do you really want to jump when somebody tells you to jump!!............. there are plugins on most of the images that can handle IPTV
All that the Wooshbuild people do is put a wrapper around the ATV images and say they do all the work - what a joke........ have to say I admire their cheek and ability to manipulate people who are too scared to learn to do it for themselves.

Hi Twol,
Wouldn't say I am scared to do it myself, had to do a fair bit with the Amiko over the years trying to get it running half decent.
Different images, FTP files to and from box, removing plugins/software/drivers to free up space etc.
Not a pro, but know enough to do what we need it to do.

This is however my first experience with IPTV sub and just do not know who's good, bad and ugly.
They have been ok for what we've go out of them though.
When you try to research online, there is obviously a lot of hush hush going on, posts deleted etc and of course everyone has their own opinion, as well as poor providers spamming posts.

I'm only asking if the SF8008 will still fit the "requirements" laid out by my provider.
They actually recommended zgemma H7s, even though it is (on paper) lower spec hardware.

[twol]

The SF8008 is a great receiver.

[XabiX]

Hello All,

Would a SF8008 be better in quality picture and/or flexibility to run addons on OpenVix than the VU+ Zero4K?
I was interested about the Gigablue trio 4K (as I liked this brand) as the price was good but he has limited E2 images support.

Merci for your insights for my next S2 box.

[twol]

The SF8008 is all round a better capability box than the Zero4K

[Sonic1]

Hi Folks,
Eventually went with the Octagaon SF8008 twin tuner.

Set up and working well so far, very happy with it, only 2 minor issues (below)
It would have taken about 6 to 8 hours to set the Amiko up, took about 90 minutes, including flashing latest OpenATV 6.3 image and a half hour channel scan on the SF8008.
Nice bit of kit, so fast.
Surprised how small the box really is!

How can we remap the Play button to actually "play"?
It currently brings up the folder list of recordings, with the on demand stuff we sort of need the actual "play" button.
Could not change it under the key remap, "play" was not an option.

Cannot record IPTV, it seems to cause the channel stream to drop out less than 2 minutes in.
Could previously record IPTV on the Amiko
Satellite is perfect however.
Any idea what to try?

Thanks for the recommendations and assistance folks, apologies on the many questions I asked!

[twol]

Normally cannot watch & record IPTV - better to set up a record timer
“Play“ button ..... ask ATV??