HOT? Zenith HDR230 HDTV PVR

[jellyjams]

I've been investigating HD receivers and also PVR units for some time. I have DishNetwork sat and a HDTV ready TV. The problem has been that nothing offers everything I'm looking to get...but that is the usual situation. I ran across the Zenith HDR230 HDTV Personal Video Recorder/Receiver and it is pretty close. It doesn't appear to offer ethernet or commercial skip. But what it does offer is HD receiving and PVR in one unit, PLUS HD recording. Grant you, 80 gigs will probably not offer very much HD recording time, but there may be a way around this by using the video capture card in my PC. I've looked at TiVo and ReplayTV; both good units in their own niche...both pretty close to $500. DishNetwork offers a unit, but at this stage the info is sometime unclear as to what it will actually do. Again, $500+. The GIGANTIC difference is HD receiving and recording in the Zenith! I have not purchased the unit yet. I read the reviews and they seem positive. I fired an email to Zenith with some questions about future plans for this unit; as of today have not received a reply. The Zenith is selling for $829.99 (special) with FREE SHIPPING and since I live in Cali, NO TAX. There is also 30-day money back. I hope my link works. For those not wanting to make the "jump" I've added details. I've only checked this one site, therefore, the price is just reference. PLEASE, anyone with experiece with this unit or added recommendations chime in. I've had some problems with this URL...so hope I'm not breaking rules by saying the info is at Amazon with search for this unit.

Link



Some more info: (Paste from site)

June 2003. This is the world's first combination HDTV receiver and HDTV digital video recorder set top box.

Finally, a PVR for viewers of high-definition television. Zenith's HDR230 is a combination full-function personal video recorder and terrestrial high-definition broadcast receiver, offering the ability to receive, pause, store, and play back high-definition programming all from one compact set-top box. All you need is your HD-ready television and an antenna compatible with over-the-air HDTV reception.

This all-format ATSC receiver uses Zenith's fourth-generation VSB (vestigial sideband) technology for both improved terrestrial/cable VSB-DTV reception and noise immunity. Its 80 GB hard drive stores up to eight hours of full high-definition programming (in resolutions of 1080i, 720p) or around 27 hours of standard-definition digital programming (that is, signals with fewer than 700 lines of horizontal resolution, including progressive-scan 480p).

With the unit's time-shift mode engaged, you can pause both live TV and recorded playback, view in slow motion, and fast-forward/rewind at 2x, 5x, 20x, and 50x normal speed. The HDR230 offers various display options, with an enhanced scaler and selectable outputs so you can configure the unit for playback on different displays in both 4:3 (standard) and 16:9 (widescreen) formats.

For immersive, full-bodied sound to go with your high-definition picture, the HDR230 passes 5.1-channel Dolby Digital surround sound through both coaxial and optical digital-audio outputs, which any Dolby Digital-equipped audio/video receiver can decode for use with a multichannel surround speaker system (AV receiver and speaker system not included).

An electronic program guide based on PSIP (Program and System Information Protocol) alerts you to viewing options and assists with advanced PVR programmed recording. A user-friendly GUI and fast program-screen tuning further simplify setup and operation. Bookmarked playback lets you index your recordings for easy access to your favorite sections, while digital closed captioning provides subtitling on select programs.

What's in the Box
Main unit, one audio/video interconnect (stereo analog-audio with composite-video), one S-video cable, one component-video cable, one remote control, two AA batteries, one RF cable, one attenuator, a user's manual, warranty information.

Note: the HDR230 does not include an NTSC tuner for standard-definition analog broadcast reception.

From the Manufacturer
Combining a hard drive and latest-generation digital television (DTV) reception technology, Zenith's new HDR230 HDTV personal video recorder (PVR) represents the world?s first set-top box to offer both ATSC DTV tuning and hard disc storage. The HDR230 combines Zenith?s newest-generation ATSC terrestrial tuner with an 80-gigabyte hard disc recorder--allowing storage and playback of more than eight hours of HDTV programming--for an irresistible marriage of performance and convenience.

Features include basic on-screen navigation using a PSIP-based electronic program guide, Dolby Digital recording, live pause, variable rate trick play, a variety of fast- and slow-motion capabilities, record file management, aspect ratio control and high connectivity via RGB, Component, S-video and A/V outputs.

Along with the rest of Zenith?s digital set-top lineup, the HDR230 HDTV personal video recorder builds on the success of its high-definition receivers in delivering DTV signals to the growing family of plasma, LCD, rear-projection, and direct-view HDTV monitors.

Features:

Allows over the air HDTV reception
Utilizes Zenith's 4th-generation VSB technology for improved terrestrial/cable VSB-DTV reception and noise immunity
Selectable output format allows configuration on different displays in both 4:3 and 16:9 formats
Allows selection of output display formats
Electronic program guide based on PSIP
Live and reservation recording, variable speed slow motion, fast-forward, and rewind. Time Shift feature allows the review of a segment that you missed during a view
User-friendly GUI and fast program screen tuning
Provides superior picture for different formats
Provides Dolby Digital audio to create 5.1 channel sound for home theater
Front LED display for status indication
Digital closed captions
Fast program search for tuning
Built-in 80 GB hard drive records more than 8 hours of HD content via antenna
Bookmarked play back allows indexed playback
Dimensions: Width x Height x Depth: 16.9" x 2.7" x
Weight: 10.4 lbs.
Accessories include A/V cable, S-video cable, Component video cable, remote control, batteries, RF Cable, attenuator, users manual

Product Description
The World's First HDTV Broadcast Receiver AND High Definition Personal Video Recorder, the HDR230 set-top box allows you to pause, playback, record, and timeshift a live High Definition video feed. With a built-in 80GB hard drive, the HDR230 can record over 8 hours of High definition content or 40 hours of SD content. With Zenith's 4th generation VSB technology, the HDR230 receives improved over-the-air HDTV programming (with proper antenna) or cable programming with greater noise immunity. The PSIP-based Electronic programming guide allows for quick browsing and selection of desired content.

 

[Chain777]

"This is the world's first combination HDTV receiver and HDTV digital video recorder set top box"

That statement alone would keep me from buying this. 1st generation electronics are notoriously overpriced and full of bugs. I always wait until at least the second generation to jump into any 'new' technology.

If you have disposable income to spare and don't care, go ahead and spend close to a grand for an 8 hour PVR.

I'd hold off, and make do with a nice ~$300.00 replay 5040 or similar. Granted your not getting HD, but when they do perfect the units and have some competition to bring the prices down to reasonable level, you can sell your Replay, or keep it and buy the 'new' unit in addition (for probably about what you would pay for this alone right now).

Just my opinion...

 

[RobsTV]

While I can't comment on this unit, I do know a little about Zenith. (15 years servicing them).

Zenith is no more (at least not like they used to be).
Zenith quality dropped off hard in the late '80's and throughout the '90's.
Towards the end of the 20th century, Zenith CRT's were the worst in the business.
Their CRT's would develop intermittent shorts, which would fry the main board in the set's.
Service tech's would replace the main board, and it would last a short time, until CRT again fried it.
Zenith ended up with a lot of main boards under warranty repair to add to their CRT mess.
Eventually all of this forced Zenith into bankruptcy around 1999. (IMHO).
Goldstar jumped in and bought all the good rights to Zenith's name, but bailed on us Tech's by closing parts depots, and stopping support.
So now the thing you see with Zenith on it is actually a product of the Korean company Goldstar.
As such, it rates near the bottom of the electronics barrel. (not because of Korean, but because of Goldstar).

 

[SpaceHulk]

Yeah, Goldstar pretty much sucks. Too bad, it sounds like a cool unit.

 

[mboy]

The only HD you will be able to record with this (or so it seems) is OTA which means no SAT broadcasts or Cable based HD broadcasts.

 

[DUKAT1]

Originally posted by: mboy
The only HD you will be able to record with this (or so it seems) is OTA which means no SAT broadcasts or Cable based HD broadcasts.

The Dish pvr #921 which is not available yet will allow recording of HD Satellite broadcasts. And I believe it will have a much larger hard drive too.

 

[Jeraden]

Well, this is the first set-top box solution I've seen for HDTV PVRs. However, $800+ is a bit pricey for what you get. A normal HDTV set top box runs around $400. So thats another $400 just to do PVR on normal OTA HDTV stations. That seems a little excessive especially with only 8 hours of record time. There are PC solutions for a bit cheaper than that (MyHD hdtv card for example). Like the guy above said, the 921 dish receiver is coming out at some point which will also let you pick up the HD dish channels and have a lot of other features. It might be a long way off (maybe as few as 3 months or as long as 6 months), but I'd suggest just waiting for that. Its still another month at least before the new fall TV season, so there isn't a whole lot of HD shows on now to record anyways.

Incidentally, I read on another forum that there might be a monthly charge for all future Dish Network PVR units, including the 921 ($0 to $10 depending on your programming level). That kinda sucks, but I'd probably still get it.

 

[DUKAT1]

yhpm

 

[mboy]

Originally posted by: DUKAT1

Originally posted by: mboy
The only HD you will be able to record with this (or so it seems) is OTA which means no SAT broadcasts or Cable based HD broadcasts.

The Dish pvr #921 which is not available yet will allow recording of HD Satellite broadcasts. And I believe it will have a much larger hard drive too.

Right, but this isn't what the thread is about, it is about the Zenith.

 

[DUKAT1]

Originally posted by: mboy

Originally posted by: DUKAT1

Originally posted by: mboy
The only HD you will be able to record with this (or so it seems) is OTA which means no SAT broadcasts or Cable based HD broadcasts.

The Dish pvr #921 which is not available yet will allow recording of HD Satellite broadcasts. And I believe it will have a much larger hard drive too.

Right, but this isn't what the thread is about, it is about the Zenith.

Wrong! If you bother to read the OP, jellyjams specifically asks "

PLEASE, anyone with experiece with this unit or added recommendations chime in

I chimed in with my recommendation. And I also sent him some other info about other products via pm.

 

[farstar]

Hey, RobsTV, I think Zenith sold off their TV section in early 90s to move into HDTV only. That was the same time that they sold off their computer side to Bull. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think there are now like three different Zenith branded companies running around (if the Zenith name is still on computers).

 

[tw1164]

Its 80 GB hard drive stores up to eight hours of full high-definition programming (in resolutions of 1080i, 720p) or around 27 hours of

Now if only I had 8hrs of HD programming to record...lol

 

[JoeCraw]

Originally posted by: RobsTV
While I can't comment on this unit, I do know a little about Zenith. (15 years servicing them).
Zenith is no more (at least not like they used to be).
Zenith quality dropped off hard in the late '80's and throughout the '90's.
Towards the end of the 20th century, Zenith CRT's were the worst in the business.
Their CRT's would develop intermittent shorts, which would fry the main board in the set's.
Service tech's would replace the main board, and it would last a short time, until CRT again fried it.
Zenith ended up with a lot of main boards under warranty repair to add to their CRT mess.
Eventually all of this forced Zenith into bankruptcy around 1999. (IMHO).
Goldstar jumped in and bought all the good rights to Zenith's name, but bailed on us Tech's by closing parts depots, and stopping support.
So now the thing you see with Zenith on it is actually a product of the Korean company Goldstar.
As such, it rates near the bottom of the electronics barrel. (not because of Korean, but because of Goldstar).

I can't give you a breakdown of Zenith's downfall in 80s and 90s, but I know that LG Electronics now owns them. Zenith has been a big player in the new HD format and created the 8VSB transmission method that is being used today by every broadcast station. Zenith currently has the best HD receivers on the market (HDSAT520 & HDSAT420) and also makes the Sony SAT-HD200. They are one of the few companies that have a 60" plasma TV and is a leader in digital / HD technology.
No, I don't work for Zenith, but I do install home theaters and often use Zenith products. Companies like Zenith, Samsung and Sanyo, which might not have a history of being a great CE name, have improved the new digital formats. Don't let 10 year-old prejudices interfere with making a good decision about today's technology. I can't speak for the HDR230 from experience (haven't installed one yet), but I would not let the Zenith name deter me from recommending it. If anything, I would be encouraged by the Zenith name because I would be confident the HD tuner would be top notch.


Joe

 

[SimMike2]

http://www.digitalconnection.com/Products/Video/mdp120.asp If you are on a budget and you have a computer you might want to check out this HDTV tuner card that goes in your computer. It is designed for over-the-air signal pickup with a UHF antenna (I got a good one for $23 shipped at Buy.com.) For under $300 you not only get HDTV decoding, you can record full HDTV to your hard drive. This solution is probably best for techies who can figure out cable configurations and other stuff. Recording to hard drive requires 8GB per hour, so it might be a good time to get one of the 160GB drive deals this weekend for $80 AR.

Here are a couple of reviews:
http://www.laaudiofile.com/mdp100.html
http://www.keohi.com/keohihdtv/htpc/myhd/myhd_intro.html

 

[SpaceHulk]

http://www.digitalconnection.com/Products/Video/mdp120.asp If you are on a budget and you have a computer you might want to check out this HDTV tuner card that goes in your computer. It is designed for over-the-air signal pickup with a UHF antenna (I got a good one for $23 shipped at Buy.com.) For under $300 you not only get HDTV decoding, you can record full HDTV to your hard drive. This solution is probably best for techies who can figure out cable configurations and other stuff. Recording to hard drive requires 8GB per hour, so it might be a good time to get one of the 160GB drive deals this weekend for $80 AR.

Now thats more like it. Go to AVSforum.com for more info on the MD-p120.

 

[MontyBurns]

I wouldn't worry too much about a debate on the merits of "Zenith" as a brand name. When it comes to new technology, newcomers have frequently led the way. The quality of a Zenith TV from 15 years ago likely has no correlation to the quality of this unit. The only thing "zenith" about it is the name.

 

[Wag]

The Fusion software based PC-HDTV tuner card costs ~$150, and you can also save to your HD.

 

[vfrjim]

Software support alone will make you buy the MDP-120 over ALL other cards, it's one sweet card IMO and to throw in DVI output with the optional DVI daughtercard only adds icing to the cake.

Jim

 

[RobsTV]

Originally posted by: MontyBurns
I wouldn't worry too much about a debate on the merits of "Zenith" as a brand name. When it comes to new technology, newcomers have frequently led the way. The quality of a Zenith TV from 15 years ago likely has no correlation to the quality of this unit. The only thing "zenith" about it is the name.

Actually my post should have had the opposite meaning.

Some people will look at Zenith name and think it must be good.
Zenith and quality TV's went hand in hand for many years. The further you go back, the better they were.
Now, Zenith is no more. Gone. Done. History. All that was left was the name. All service centers closed in past couple years.
Today when you buy Zenith name, you are in fact buying Goldstar.
This did not happen many years ago, but just recently, around 2000, or 3 years ago.
(actually Goldstar invested in Zenith in the mid '90's, to aid in their Goldstar TV distribution, then bought the name after backruptcy.)
Piss poor quality lasted all the way to the end, (not talking about 15 years ago).
I get calls everyday from customers wanting their 1 to 5 year old Zenith repaired, and I have to turn most down.
Customers then get pissed because Sales rep never told them their 2 year old Zenith was not Zenith, or that Zenith went bankrupt.

Just wanted to point out that you do not get a good named Zenith, but instead a Goldstar unit.
So when it breaks, at least you now know what happened to Zenith TV.


With all that in mind, sure this could be a fine unit. Times change. Sometimes quality goes up (sometimes it goes down).
Generally cost does play a big role with consumer electronics (with some exceptions).
If it's a cheap price, more times than not it is also cheap quality.

 

[jellyjams]

Thanks everyone. This is just the type of dialog I was hoping to inspire. With this info, it helps to make a better decision. I found out that DishNetwork will be announcing when the 921 will be available next month. Also that if you carry the "Everything package" there will be no premium charge with the 921. They are not giving out much info yet (promised next month) about 921 features or costs. They also promise to release details about a package that will include the 921, a monitor and installation, with a possible discount to present customers. I was not clear on if the discount will relate to present HD and/or PVR unit customers or customers of Dish programming period. Now back to the Zenith unit. One of my concerns was if this unit would be adaptable to Sat reception and if it has output that could be adaptable to allow computer input (via a card). This would make it possible to burn CDs and DVDs and use larger harddrives. Granted 8 hrs is not a lot of record time...NBA and NFL games can run 3+ hrs each. If there is no output on either unit (the Dish unit promises a large? HD) this means a lot of over-writes! One thing I know for sure: It's damn costly to be a computer/audiophile/videophile JUNKY!!!