Openbox Vendors who / where are they? - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

mitigator · 2012-05-12, 02:28 AM

I hope this post is okay for this forum. I was reading about OpenBox S9 and saw a YouTube Video on the newer? OpenBox S12. Does anyone know where these Receivers can be purchased from? ie in North America or China?

cyberham · 2012-05-12, 08:11 AM

Just Google "Openbox S12" and you'll get lots of locations. Of course, if you Google "Openbox S16", "Openbox S18", "Openbox S20", you'll get lots of results too! You might want to reconsider buying Openbox anything...

Kraven · 2012-05-12, 11:20 PM

With the FTA market becoming more competitive in terms of receivers, unless this new "s12" does 4:2:2, it won't stick out from what already out there. Besides, is there even an openbox S11 out there?

Cheers, K

mitigator · 2012-05-14, 02:27 AM

Cyberham, not sure what you mean re your references to Openbox 16 18 & 20? Are they legit?

cyberham · 2012-05-14, 06:31 AM

That's my point. Google those terms. With Openbox, you don't know what you're getting. Personally, I'm happy with my S9 with its current firmware. But the next box I buy will be from a responsible manufacturer with a development and support plan for its boxes.

DrSat · 2012-05-14, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kraven

With the FTA market becoming more competitive in terms of receivers, unless this new "s12" does 4:2:2, it won't stick out from what already out there. Besides, is there even an openbox S11 out there?

Cheers, K

None of the Openbox models out so far have or even will support 4.2.2 as this requires a much higher end chipset than what the Openbox is based on. The S12 model is basically the same as the S10 but in a more compact case (165 mm x 110 mm x 40 mm) with an external power supply instead of being internal, similar to current AzBox models. If you are looking for an affordable receiver that supports 4.2.2 however, we suggest the AzBox miniMe which will be coming very soon.

With the hardware deficiencies of the S10, the S12 appears to be a good replacement as any power supply issues can easily be resolved simply by getting a new external power supply "brick". We are in the process of discontinuing the S10 but might be carrying the S12 if it passes our tests. As the Openbox S9 has better quality components in its power supply, we continue to carry this model.

Emerald_Boar · 2012-05-14, 03:11 PM

Openbox does support 4.2.2 indirectly. (aka capturing a feed and playing on your computer.)

Openbox s9 is a good box. But there are a couple of flaws.

PROS
Excellent fast "blind scan". 5 mins/satellite. Able to find unknown signals.
Support for 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i@50 & 1080@60 video formats. Mpeg2/ Mpeg4 video formats.
Mpeg1 & AC3 audio format.
Partial support for DVB-S2. (There is no way to set FEC.)
PVR - tivo.

CONS
Timer. Is there a FTA receiver that supports a fully a CLOCK and doesnt lose time when unit is off?
Freezing. (Universal LNBf/weak signal. I read somewhere that Universal Lnbf have a Glitching problem. I have experienced this freezing.)
Default PAL support. (For a Canadian this can be a serious issue. As you may think something is wrong with the unit. But all you done is set it to PAL mode. Not all TVs in NA support PAL format. Easy fix, but can be annoying if you accidently set the receiver to MODE that the TV can not support. Thankfully, we do have another TV that support PAL format. )

There a some feeds that require an boxes with additionally abilities.
Plus, The having With a real Blind Scan makes a world of difference.
Some random programming found.
WBEZ This american life (last thursday)
Universal sports Ruby sevens (yesterday)
WWE Superstars/RAW feed (monday @8 start - 72W)
NCAA Mayland vs Lehigh Lacrosse match. (yesterday)

Read ya l8r,
Al

PS.
There probably should be "review equipment posting" some where.

cyberham · 2012-05-14, 03:27 PM

Good summary Emerald. Under Pros, practically speaking in most cases, not being able to set FEC is not a problem.

Under Cons, my version of firmware in my S9 provides a fix for the timer and puts the S9 into standby so time is not lost when the S9 is turned off by remote control. This means the PVR can be used as you would expect. You should check the time regularly though to be sure it is accurate. There is an issue if using an S9 (or S10 I believe too) with a universal LNB and a motor: use a standard LNB to resolve. The PAL default is not a problem if you know about it: you just use the Component or Composite outputs until you have configured for 1080i 60Hz.

majortom · 2012-05-14, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyberham

practically speaking in most cases, not being able to set FEC is not a problem.

This is true, noone would want to have to set the FEC manually. The less the end user needs to do the better. Give it Freq, Pol, SR away it goes is all it needs to lock.scan a transponder. That's how ya want it. However it would be nice if it told you where it ended up with all the parameters, FEC wise included. No biggie though, the avg joe may not care.

mitigator · 2012-05-15, 01:02 AM

Thanks for the replies guys. So then who are the Reliable Dealers for buying say a OpenBox S9 since I've heard they can be purchased for under $100.00? ie there are reliable dealers for AzBox Rx's in both Canada & USA, but what about OpenBox Rx's?

cyberham · 2012-05-15, 06:49 AM

http://www.drsat.ca/

Emerald_Boar · 2012-05-15, 01:25 PM

The only way your going to get an Openbox S9 for <$100. If its was used.

Dr. sat has a S9 for $129 (I went to Missuasaga for pick up.) For me he updated the firmware + satellite list.
Plus, set the receiver to 1080 @ 60. Limted 90 day warrantly. (And later on I did set it to a PAL mode).

There was another store I went to that was charging $119 +HDMI cable.
Warrantly was extra $20 for 90 days. Plus, he didnt update the firmware. In fact didnt hook up S9 to a TV to check it.

You probably would be able to find on a online store. But so often with the lowest price. The store has no stock.

Buyer beware,
Al

cyberham · 2012-05-15, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emerald_Boar

Openbox does support 4.2.2 indirectly. (aka capturing a feed and playing on your computer...

I've heard about this, but today I tried it. It works! I recorded a PS file to an external 1TB drive connected to S9. I tried recording a checkerboard square 4.2.2 signal from F1R. After recording, I just swung the drive USB cable over to my PC and the PS file played perfectly using VLC media player. Since I have a PVR on the S9, this is a good workaround to get 4.2.2.

Master_Mister · 2012-05-15, 08:36 PM

On fleebay, there is a guy who selling S9 under 100$ with free shipping. He ships from Ontario.

cyberham · 2012-05-15, 08:41 PM

He may be legit. He might buy direct from China in large numbers. Or...he might buy used, refurbish them and sell them. Does it say the units are NEW anywhere in his ad?

2012-05-12, 02:28 AM	#1
mitigator Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 80	Openbox Vendors who / where are they? I hope this post is okay for this forum. I was reading about OpenBox S9 and saw a YouTube Video on the newer? OpenBox S12. Does anyone know where these Receivers can be purchased from? ie in North America or China?

2012-05-12, 11:20 PM	#3
Kraven Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: South Shore, QC Posts: 530	With the FTA market becoming more competitive in terms of receivers, unless this new "s12" does 4:2:2, it won't stick out from what already out there. Besides, is there even an openbox S11 out there? Cheers, K __________________ 6 ft BUD, motorized 39" KU, S10, Viewsat Ultra, CM 4228, home made SBGH

2012-05-14, 03:11 PM	#7
Emerald_Boar Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: (SoHo area) London ON Posts: 600	Openbox does support 4.2.2 indirectly. (aka capturing a feed and playing on your computer.) Openbox s9 is a good box. But there are a couple of flaws. PROS Excellent fast "blind scan". 5 mins/satellite. Able to find unknown signals. Support for 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i@50 & 1080@60 video formats. Mpeg2/ Mpeg4 video formats. Mpeg1 & AC3 audio format. Partial support for DVB-S2. (There is no way to set FEC.) PVR - tivo. CONS Timer. Is there a FTA receiver that supports a fully a CLOCK and doesnt lose time when unit is off? Freezing. (Universal LNBf/weak signal. I read somewhere that Universal Lnbf have a Glitching problem. I have experienced this freezing.) Default PAL support. (For a Canadian this can be a serious issue. As you may think something is wrong with the unit. But all you done is set it to PAL mode. Not all TVs in NA support PAL format. Easy fix, but can be annoying if you accidently set the receiver to MODE that the TV can not support. Thankfully, we do have another TV that support PAL format. ) There a some feeds that require an boxes with additionally abilities. Plus, The having With a real Blind Scan makes a world of difference. Some random programming found. WBEZ This american life (last thursday) Universal sports Ruby sevens (yesterday) WWE Superstars/RAW feed (monday @8 start - 72W) NCAA Mayland vs Lehigh Lacrosse match. (yesterday) Read ya l8r, Al PS. There probably should be "review equipment posting" some where. __________________ OTA: DB8 + Y5 2-6 + CM777. FTA: 30W + 72W + 87W + 97W

2012-05-15, 01:25 PM	#12
Emerald_Boar Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: (SoHo area) London ON Posts: 600	The only way your going to get an Openbox S9 for <$100. If its was used. Dr. sat has a S9 for $129 (I went to Missuasaga for pick up.) For me he updated the firmware + satellite list. Plus, set the receiver to 1080 @ 60. Limted 90 day warrantly. (And later on I did set it to a PAL mode). There was another store I went to that was charging $119 +HDMI cable. Warrantly was extra $20 for 90 days. Plus, he didnt update the firmware. In fact didnt hook up S9 to a TV to check it. You probably would be able to find on a online store. But so often with the lowest price. The store has no stock. Buyer beware, Al __________________ OTA: DB8 + Y5 2-6 + CM777. FTA: 30W + 72W + 87W + 97W

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2012-05-12, 08:11 AM	#2
cyberham Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 422	Just Google "Openbox S12" and you'll get lots of locations. Of course, if you Google "Openbox S16", "Openbox S18", "Openbox S20", you'll get lots of results too! You might want to reconsider buying Openbox anything...

2012-05-14, 02:27 AM	#4
mitigator Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 80	Cyberham, not sure what you mean re your references to Openbox 16 18 & 20? Are they legit?

2012-05-14, 06:31 AM	#5
cyberham Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 422	That's my point. Google those terms. With Openbox, you don't know what you're getting. Personally, I'm happy with my S9 with its current firmware. But the next box I buy will be from a responsible manufacturer with a development and support plan for its boxes.

2012-05-14, 03:27 PM	#8
cyberham Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 422	Good summary Emerald. Under Pros, practically speaking in most cases, not being able to set FEC is not a problem. Under Cons, my version of firmware in my S9 provides a fix for the timer and puts the S9 into standby so time is not lost when the S9 is turned off by remote control. This means the PVR can be used as you would expect. You should check the time regularly though to be sure it is accurate. There is an issue if using an S9 (or S10 I believe too) with a universal LNB and a motor: use a standard LNB to resolve. The PAL default is not a problem if you know about it: you just use the Component or Composite outputs until you have configured for 1080i 60Hz.

2012-05-15, 01:02 AM	#10
mitigator Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 80	Thanks for the replies guys. So then who are the Reliable Dealers for buying say a OpenBox S9 since I've heard they can be purchased for under $100.00? ie there are reliable dealers for AzBox Rx's in both Canada & USA, but what about OpenBox Rx's?

2012-05-15, 06:49 AM	#11
cyberham Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 422	http://www.drsat.ca/

2012-05-15, 08:36 PM	#14
Master_Mister Rookie Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Montreal, Québec Posts: 30	On fleebay, there is a guy who selling S9 under 100$ with free shipping. He ships from Ontario.

2012-05-15, 08:41 PM	#15
cyberham Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 422	He may be legit. He might buy direct from China in large numbers. Or...he might buy used, refurbish them and sell them. Does it say the units are NEW anywhere in his ad?