The Captiveworks CW-3000HD

[carpenter1]

With the new High Definitation craze firmly tightening is grip of the FTA marketplace since the launch of the Coolsat 8000HD another HD unit enters the ring while more Free To Air manufacturers gear up for what will definately a new battle for HD supremacy. The Captiveworks CW-3000HD is the newest heavyweight ready to throw some punches at the competition with its comparable features and functions. Right out of the box (and it's a heavy box) this receiver shows its beefy status. Make sure you have ample room on your wall unit for this bad boy as the size is not only visually impressive but unique as well.
Sporting standard MPEG-2 2 Digital and DVB-S digital compliance, easy setup guide, user friendly on screen display (OSD) this receiver shines with the new and impressive on screen graphic capability. With the ability to store up to 1000 satellites, 6000 channels and 5000 transponders DSS testers will be pleased with the chock a block features in the new Captiveworks HD system.

Powered by Linux Opensource Kernal 2.6 in an X windows environment it supports Java, Firefox browsers and flash plugins. Having a dedicated operating system with the optional keyboard plugin impressed us and our testers were happy with the full featured options and scalability with this new system.
Other standard features that are more common to the everyday fta user are PIP small window with zoom function, electronic program guide with 7 day data fast download and timer, full DiSEqC and USALS at the 22khz tone range, lightning fast channel switching, 256 GUI, multi funtion timer and favorite storage, ulti language support and much more.

Captiveworks CW-3000HDSpecs:

• Hardware:
  Processor: Powerful AMD 3000+ 64Bit Processor
  Memory: 512MB DDRII RAM Expandable to 8GB
  Flash Drive: 1GB Fast System Flash
  Hard Drive: Not Included
  Video: MPEG2 and MPEG4 Acceleration
  Satellite Tuner:
  Input terminal: F type 75 Ohm
  Receiving frequency: 950~2150 MHz tuning range
  Input level: 65~25dBm
  Support MCPC and SCPC
  Symbol rate: 2~45 Msps
  FEC Codes: 1/2,2/3,3/4,5/6,7/8 and Auto
  QPSK
  ATSC Tuner:
  Latest LG 5th generation tuner for enhanced reception.
  Supports QAM 64 and QAM 256 Cable signals.
  One TV antenna 75 ohm reception port.
  One S Video input port.
  One stereo connection jack to sound card for analog TV.
  Video Output: VGA/HDMI or DVI/Component/SVideo
  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.
  Media Reader: All In One Media Reader. Supports most popular flash cards.
  Ethernet Port: RJ45 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
  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
  Remotely Schedule Recordings via Web Based Interface
  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

[carpenter1]

CW 3000HD for the Newbie?.... NOT! We have had several feedback requests for information. At this time we would like to offer some advice to those that may be interested in the CW 3000 HD.
For those that have been in the hobby of FTA for some time, the CW 3000 might be a good choice. But only if you are a true hobbyist and have some experience. A working knowledge of FTA and networks is a must. The CW 3000 is absolutely not for the newbie in the FTA Hobby. Why..?
Well the CW 3000 does require MUCH user input. There is a Linux OS to consider, network parameters and...oh yes you will need to have a high speed connection to the internet. Updates and files can be extremely large for the CW 3000. If you don't understand the terminology, then that in itself is why. A thorough knowledge of computer terminology would be a good staring point. You must understand what it is you need to install and update... on a relatively regular basis.. for the CW 3000 to give you everything you would expect from an HD Unit.
Feedback has been sent to us requesting information and screenshots to assist in getting the CW 3000HD functioning. The problem is not in the availability of the unit, but rather in the time it would take to thoroughly explain all of the necessary additions that are needed for the CW 3000 to opperate.
What is most important for the newbie to know is that the CW 3000 is not plug and play as so many of the others that are available on the market today. If you are looking for an HD unit that is plug and play, then consider a Coolsat or Sonicview. Now this is not about brands, this about an STB that is simple to setup and use. There will be many HD units debuting this year. Please know what you are buying. The CW 3000 is a great box for the true hobbyists that has plenty of time and experience to devote. But if you want a box that is plug and play, you might consider choosing another. You may wind up disappointed and less a weeks pay if you are a newbie and go for the CW 3000HD.
I just can not stress enough to you that may be new to this hobby, please do your homework. Read Read Read.. before you buy!