CaptiveWorks CW-4000HD

by  Sammy Satellite. – Staff Writer for n2news

The CW-4000HD from CaptiveWorks Inc is touted as a new high end Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) receiver with premium features.   Read my review and see what you think.     This system, unlike most, runs Linux and offers a wide range of features beyond the normal FTA functions found in this price range.    The startup tells you that you’re in for something totally new with its slick interface rich with graphics and add-ons.   For example, the startup screen keeps you constantly updated with your local weather conditions displayed subtly off to the side of the screen.  Before getting into the review, let’s look at the standard features:

CW 4000HD The CW-4000HD is a available in a black finish with high-gloss front panel and silver highlighting.

Dimensions:

• Width: 367 mm (14.45 in)
• Height: 99 mm ( 3.89 in)
• Depth: 350 mm (13.78 in)

Hardware:

• Processor: AMD 4600 X2 Processor
• Memory: 512MB DDRII RAM Expandable to 8GB
• Flash Drive: 1GB Fast System Flash
• Hard Drive: Not Included
• Video: Nvidia GeForce 7050
• Satellite Tuner: Genpix Skywalker-CW3K (internal)
• Input terminal: F-type 75 Ohm
• Receiving frequency: 950~2150 MHz tuning range
• Input level: -65~-25dBm
• Support MCPC and SCPC
• Symbol rate: 256Ksps~30 Msps
• FEC Codes: 1/2,2/3,3/4,5/6,7/8 and Auto
• QPSK, 8PSK, 16QAM
• LNB/switch control: 13/18V (or 14/19V), 22khz, Tone Burst, DiSEqC 1.0/1.2, Legacy switch commands, 450 mA
• ATSC Tuner: (optional)
• Latest LG 5th generation tuner for enhanced reception.
• Supports QAM 64 and QAM 256 Cable signals.
• One TV antenna 75 ohm reception port.
• One stereo connection jack to sound card for analog TV.
• Video Output: HDMI/SVGA/Component/S-Video
• Audio Ouput: Analog and SPDIF Dolby Digital Audio output
• USB Ports: 4 USB v2.0 ports on back panel and 2 USB v2.0 ports on front panel.
• Ethernet Port: RJ-45 10/100/1000 Mbits compatible.
• DVDRW: Read/Write DVDs and CDs.

Software:

• Open Source and available for download online
• Linux Operating System - Version 2.6 Kernel
• Powerful X Windows Environment
• Java 1.42 Graphical User Interface
• Software Upgradeable Via Internet and/or USB Storage Device
• Windows file sharing
• Firefox browser with support for popular plugins including Flash

Multimedia Software:

• DVB-S Free To Air Using Open Source Video Disk Recorder (VDR)
• ATSC Reception Using Open Source Video Disk Recorder (VDR)
• EPG (Electronic Program Guide) Support - Stored on Hard Drive
• Automatic Channel Scanning
• Comprehensive DVR Functionality
• Pause Live TV With Full Fast-Forward and Rewind Capability
• Timer Recording Through Program Guide
• Automatic Timer Recording For Series and Daily/Weekly Programs
• Grid And List Style Electronic Program Guides Stored on Hard Drive
• Updates Download via the Internet
• Internet TV (IP TV) Streaming Video Player (*)
• Peer To Peer TV (P2P TV) Streaming Video Player (*)
• Customizable User Interface via Themes
• Video Player For popular video formats.
• Music Player For popular audio formats including MP3 and WMA.
• DVD Player/Writer
• CD Player/Writer

You’ll notice right away that this is actually a computer running specialize FTA software and it includes a wide range of software such a the Firefox web browser complete with Flash Player.   Forgetting about FTA for a moment, the receiver is capable of a huge range of well thought out entertainment options.

The good: The CW-4000HD is built on the success of the 3000 series that has done very well.   The interface is top notch as is the list of included software.  Includes a full DVR allowing you to pause live TV as well as multiple ways to view the Electronic Programming Guide (EPG).   An additional module provides support for encoding formats used on some satellite systems.

The bad: The boot time is very slow.   Support and updates are not as fast as some receivers and the unit is a bit bulkier.  

The ugly:  This system is built on Linux and offers a huge range of features that are great for some but may be confusing if you have to explain them all to your parents.   Requires internet access to be plugged into the unit although it can’t use IKS.

For about $500 you’re getting much more than an FTA receiver, you get a complete living room entertainment device.   If you can get past the fact that the receiver and product line is so new that few people have and support it then you may find a great deal here.