Satbum's Skyview Max2000 PVR Review

[Satbum]

Next was to set the user options. I turned off all of the parental controls. I set my A/V preferences and adjusted the time again. I set the receiver to Auto Roll, AutoTP and SID Sort to On and adjusted for my Local channels. Next, I loaded the latest bin file, which was the 1.4 at the time. As soon as I put the USB into the slot, the receiver recognized it. Some people turn off the receiver first but I chose to just stick it in the USB slot with it on. When the file was completely downloaded I got the message that I could remove the USB, so I did. Next, I hard booted the receiver from the back.



I again tried to go back to 110W and could not do it, so I had to delete that sat setting and start over again with a new setup and scan. At least this time I ended up with 337 channels and 4 radio stations. I cannot argue with those numbers, but I can with the fact that I have to redo the time settings again. Until that is done nothing will show up accurate. In addition, the switch settings changed after the scan. I had to trouble shoot the settings all over again to find this issue before I could view the channel broadcasts.



This receiver does need a lot of work in certain areas and I do not advise it for the motor enthusiast until these problems are fixed. It is just to darn frustrating to work around. This receiver would be a good asset to anybody with a fixed dish as long as it continues to get good s/w support.

The EPG looks nice but I would prefer to select from more channels being available to look at one time. I also could not put a certain channel number while in the EPG mode and have the receiver to go to that keyed channel. The RCU did work well and scrolled through the EPG with ease.



Another good feature was that the picture came on within 5 minutes after the s/w upgrade and the picture had a superb image.
This receiver has one of the best OSD that I have seen without a HD tuner.



NOTE: I had no time to experiment with the PVR function that this receiver also has built-in. When I do find more time to do so, I will update this review.

My Opinion Based on My Results
CONS
1: Definitely Needs better motor control
2: Needs a satellite signal indicator
3: Need a west - east indicator for the motor functions
4: Needs the Time function to stay put after scans or programming / updates. I also prefer to have regular / standard time not military or 24- hour settings.
5: Buttons controls on the RCU could have been larger and located better.
6: Some sat scans are slow
7: After scans you lose switch settings.
8: There are no motor setup instructions in manual.
9; I experienced some RCU or picture freezes. This could be more s/w issues that can be fixed in the future.


PROS
1: The OSD is a Great Picture and one of the best that I have seen
2: Very Responsive RCUwhen it is working correctly
3: Receiver has tons of features just like a higher end unit
4: EPG is very easy to navigate through
5: Keys roll very quickly.
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