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Posts Tagged ‘hd’
Thursday, December 11th, 2008
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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.
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Lifetime Free to Air Receiver Files and
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Tags: 4000, captive, captiveworks, cw, cw-4000, fta, hd, receiver, works
Posted in FTA Receiver Reviews | No Comments »
Sunday, December 7th, 2008
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Is the High Price for High Def Worth It?
by Sammy Satellite. – Staff Writer for n2news
Just by reading this article you already know what kind of person you are. You’re not the type of keep up with the Jones, you’re the one showing off your cool digital toys and telling the Jones where to shop. That may be an over statement but the truth is, FTA is a hobby for those that simply love TV. If you’ve got the cash, get the HD receiver. Sammy can’t think of any reason why anyone would buy and SD receiver except to save money (quite a lot of money!). Here are some common questions and answers about HDTV, FTA, and your money.
Tommy S in St. Petersburg writes, “My TV is fairly old. I got it in 2003. It’s a Sony with a flat screen but it’s one of those old kind that weights 300 lbs. It has a yellow, red, and white plug on the back and then a red, green, and blue plug. Will I even be able to see HDTV?” The Yellow plug on the back of your TV is the Video Input and it’s called an RCA Jack. This is you’re normal low-definition picture and it’s been around longer than Sammy. The other three (Red, Blue, Green) are your component input jack and this means you can take advantage of an HDTV receiver. Most likely your T.V. doesn’t display a nice HDTV signal but even regular TV will look better from a nice HDTV Receiver using component video cables. Many older TV sets from Toshbia, Sony and Samsung supported “480p” over component video long before HDTV was a selling point. Check your owners manual, even your older TV may benefit from a nicer STB (set top box). If you pitch that old beast and upgrade to an LCD or Plasma or even a nice rear projection system you’ll definitely see an improvement in most shows even if they aren’t actually HD shows.
 Molly P in Tucson writes, “I looked online at the birds I wanted to point my dish at and very few of the stations were in HD. Why should I get an HD receiver?”. Molly, you’re running a common question with a simple answer. The better receivers support over the air (ATSC) HDTV reception. Local Broadcasters have been sending network stations in digital format in every major TV market for quite a while now. With a good receiver such as the Sonicview SV-8000HD you can watch your favorite prime-time TV shows free over the air from your local broadcasters and the guide data will be added right into your satellite data and you can use the PVR features.
Johnny Q in Washington asks, “I’m 62 and I have glasses thicker than the Hoover Dam. Will I really see a difference with HDTV on my FTA receiver that makes it worth the cost?” Sammy says, “Won’t somebody think of the children!” Really Johnny, you’ll see a difference. It’s not just the popular prime time shows in HDTV anymore. With the right receiver and FTA setup you’ll be able to watch a huge variety of shows that look much more real and vibrant than you’re used to. Shows shot in HD format tend to zoom less and certainly pan the camera less making them easier to watch and easier on the eyes. Besides, 62 is the new 42 and you’ll want to be hip your kids come over to watch the latest mega-blockbuster release on PPV in full surround sound.
Subscribe in a reader
or If you aren’t a member but you need the latest working autoroll BIN files and keys to get your receiver back up now then Sign up with N2News below:
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1 Month Free to Air Receiver Files and
Keys Download Support
only $15.99 $12.99
|
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Lifetime Free to Air Receiver Files and
Keys Download Support
only $89
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Tags: hd, hd free to air, hd fta, hd receivers, high definition
Posted in Guides and Articles | No Comments »
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