Pace 99 pound Set Top Box Review

[dishdoctor]

Come on all you test pilots,Who has got one,what's it like,what's it get,anyone got the latest info on 1 month only cards,(pay for one month,see if you like it,then buy another month or even for one year,come on,
I know someones got one already,probably the same people who bought Betamax,8 Track stereo and BSB Squarial,but i promise your secret will be confined to 2000 enthusiasts....Best of luck...Brian

 

[dishdoctor]

Not available till the end of March...........OK so i jumped the gun,still,it will need a bloody long co-axial to reach me here in Malaga...........Brian

 

[rolfw]

I've ordered one for the first release Brian, purely for testing as it's not worth my while to trade them. I'll post details as soon as I get delivery.

Rolf

PS. If you're doing the cable run, make sure it's CT125 foam or better (You may need a substantial launch amp as well)

 

[Channel Hopper]

I can supply a bloody good aerial for you Brian

Malaga Hmmm. If you put me up I might install it for you

 

[rolfw]

No, with that sized aerial it must be a two man job CH, he'll have to put us both up

Rolf

 

[dishdoctor]

I have the dynamic duo coming over in three weeks,you know the fella with the jetski,and his compadre,and if they can trail a co-axial from their hold luggage all my problems will be over!.....Brian

 

[Channel Hopper]

You will need a telescopic mast otherwise it wont fit in the plane

Malaga will be a challenge on a Group A aerial

 

[rolfw]

Just had a look at the spec for the Pace box, it definitely has embedded mediaguard conditional access with integral smart card reader (for optional Pay TV upgrade). The outputs are PAL composite, RGB and SVHS. The rest is fairly basic stuff like a quick EPG, interactive text and subtitles. Software is downloadable.

The interesting bit is the "optional Pay TV upgrade", does that mean that the cam slot won't work unless it is upgraded, and if it does, how is the upgrade carried out?

Rolf

 

[ProDave]

A major limitation is that it only has a Scart output, no UHF RF output.

So while it's a step in the right direction and the price is heading the right way, it's only good for use on ONE set. No good if you also want to pipe it to your bedroom tv for instance.

I doubt many people will want to buy more than one, so for me this lack of RF output as well is a BIG disadvantage.

Also, there must still be a lot of people (like me) who's main Tv is so ancient it doesn't have a Scart socket anyway (yes I know it's about time I bought a new TV, but that's a long story)

One question I am very interested in when someone does get to review one, is can the remote control be programmed to operate your TV as well (Like the Sky remote) so you don't need to keep fiddling with two seperate remote controls. Again if the answer is no, this would be a major stumbling block. My wife complains at the number of remotes we have at the moment, and one more would not go down well.

 

[rolfw]

I'll let you know on the remote control point when it arrives ProDave, with regard to the RF outlet, just run it via your video and then into a 2 way amp. That's what a lot of people do with the existing boxes.

Rolf

 

[pixey]

That's exactly what I do and it works fine for me.

 

[PoloMint]

Hey dishdoctor are you the DishDoctor that used to write in the Reporter or Entertainer around here?

 

[dishdoctor]

Hi. Polo mint,
No,I am not he,the dishdoctor you mention was or is Ronald Blankenstien,who owns a big tv and satellite showrooms near me in Los Boliches,Fuengirola.I know him well as i supply him with satellite stuff now and again..........best of luck....Brian