HD Set Top Box to run LCD TV in the Van

Hi Peter

My experience in using set top boxes was with a SD unit in 1965, at Tom Price in WA. I had no reception at all and had to buy a video player so I could hookup and receive 'normal' TV.

I suppose it boils down to - where in OZ are you going to be using this HD box? Does it then have to be hooked to a HD TV (as opposed to a 'good' TV)? When I installed HDTV at home I also had to buy a new digital antennae.

Moving on from there I bought a satellite setup and have been guaranteed reception where ever I go.

Malcolm

http://wintal.com.au/set_top_boxes/43126052.html

I bought one of these off eBay about 12months ago. Worked well when I was able to get a digital signal on a recent 4 month trip through Qld. They are still available on eBay for around $75.
Chris W

HI Peter,
I got frustrated with bits & pieces of boxes cables etc . Bought an excellent HDTV on ebay with DVD &SD card slot. 12 V. also has240v transformer, very simple to retune when setting up in new camp site. Silly but it is as good a picture as my top of range Tv at home. If you want any further info contact me
Regards Mike.

Peter,

Most of my caravan friends and myself have the Strong 12V/240V HD tuner.

I bought mine for $99 a few years ago but I think the RRP is around $139.

Most of your retailers like HN and Good Guys don't stock the 12V versions for some reason, but a good Caravan Accessories place should have them.

We used ours on a 3 month trip and with the exception of Lawn Hill NP and across the base of the Cape, we got some reception of some kind.

The thing I learnt from mine is that when you get to a new location and want to tune it in, you must go and clear the data from the settings before you rescan, otherwise the newly scanned stations are just added to what is already stored in the memory.

Cheers,

Cruiser

SD (Standard Definition) digital STB's are available at most Electrical Goods outlets from around $50. In most digital TV areas that will give you at least two channels on each network. A HD STB will cost anything from around $100 upwards and give you 3 channels per network. The cost of STB's however can be significantly increased if you add in the ability to record to the Hard drive and the size of the hard drive. Add more again if you want it to play DVD etc.
We purchased a 'Strong SD with a 180Gig Hard drive for $160 and can't fault it.
It's in the back room connected to an old 26" analogue set and used mainly for just to record and re-play programs.
ozjohn.

SD probably the way to go as HD is not generally available in many country areas - yet. Yes you will have to re-scan the channels when you change locations otherwise you will be very disappointed and not receive much in the way of viewable signals. Perhaps as digital rolls-out the number of transmission sites will also increase enabling better and more reliable TV. For anyone buying a new TV, make sure that it has a digital tuner as well as analogue. Analogue is all you can receive in many areas - at the moment.

Thanks for your replies.
Late yesterday bought a Strong STB from Hardly Normal their lowest price was $125 but they matched Me yer cataclogue price of $119. This unit is not a 12DC/240vac but straight 240vac so will need to use a modified Sine wave inverter.

Intended to buy 2 units, the second for our bedroom but no further discount because of the less than cost price. I prefer to buy from HN because they keep the details on file and even if you lose your receipt will print out another one and honour the warranty. You must ask them to do this if your purchase is under $200.

In closing are not 100% happy as the TV's involved are not the thin wide screens but the more squarer ones and neither 16/9 or the 4/3 aspect ration give a full picture ie the news presenters have thinner bodies and longer faces.

So glad I left off buying the second unit.

Ps we have Sat TV, but prefer the quick set up, wind up aerial for overnight if a signal is available.

Peter