Digital TV decoders?

[ciphergoth]

Has anyone bought a digital TV decoder for terrestrial TV, cable, or satellite in the last few years? I mean actually bought, rather than having one foisted on you by a provider? How did you decide what to buy? As some of you may know, I work for a set-top-box manufacturer, so I'm curious to know whether any of my software might one day end up in your living rooms... cheers!

Comments

[sbisson.livejournal.com]

Yes, we just bought a Sky+ box, as it's the only PVR that works with Sky properly...

[babysimon]

When I bought mine (as part of a prepaid package, so it felt like buying something even if the thing technically doesn't belong to me) there were two models in the shop. Nokia and Panasonic. I went for the Nokia, as everyone likes their cellphones.

This was a mistake ;)

[lovingboth]

Not personally, but I know people who have.

They say 'sod the software, just give us one whose PSU doesn't die if you turn it off...'

[skx.livejournal.com]

 I bought one of the Pace digital TV decoders recently, I bought that because it's a one-off purchase and doesn't involve a subscription like sky etc. I only wanted to be able to get a good picture rather than be able to watch lots of channels.

 As it turned out I had to upgrade my aerial to make use of it - so I guess I didn't need to buy it in the first place (as upgrading the aerial on it's own would have been sufficient).

 I do actually like the box and don't regret buying it because it's got a some nifty features, and as a side-benefit I can now watch BBC Choice, etc with it.

[lutonianbill.livejournal.com]

I was tempted to turn this into a meme... my version could be:

"Has anyone bought a British warship for national, international, or interplanetary diplomacy or war-mongering reasons in the last few years? I mean actually bought, rather than having one foisted on you by your own or an allied Navy? How did you decide what to buy? As some of you may know, I used to work for an MoD defence contractor, so I'm curious to know whether any of my software might one day end up threatening your home country... cheers!"

This post brought by a sudden desire to know whether HMS Ark Royal still contains any of my code, plus the thought that the friend that programs satellites for NASA could probably top all of this easily...

[mistdog.livejournal.com]

My Mum bought a Pace decoder last month. There was an alternative (I don't know what brand) but it was an older model and she thought the latest model would be the most future-proof.

It's about a tenth the size of my Pace ONdigital decoder which is, ooh, 18 months old or so. And unlike mine it doesn't switch itself on in the middle of the night (causing my TV to wake up and come on as well if it's on standby rather than being switched off).