SA8000 (standard version) experience/feedback?

[r2traps]

Hi everyone,

I've wanted to buy a Rogers HD PVR but the price ($599 plus taxes) is way out of my budget so I have been looking at buying used, older PVRs. I have an opportunity to buy a used standard def SA8000 pvr. A local seller bought it in August 2005, has had no issues with it, and if asking $250. Of course I started doing research on here, but there doesn't seem to be too much recent info, especially considering this is a fairly old model. For those that currently own/rent one, do you have any feedback to share?

[57]

A few comments for your consideration.

- If you have an HDTV, then you should get an SA8300HD.
- The price is usually $499 - see the deals section.
- The HD has:

- A larger HDD - 160 vs 80 GB, plus it has SATA for further expansion
- You can tune the HD channels (even if you have an SDTV - watch in SD Widescreen with excellent PQ)
- The HD channels have DD5.1 (if you have an AVR with DD5.1 speakers)
What's available in DD5.1
- future proofing (You may have an HDTV sooner than you think).

[mr weather]

Going for the newer HD PVR is probably the better bet.

Having said that, I've had my 8000SD since September 2004 and up until recently (see thread elsewhere) it's been flawless.

[bimmer]

I started out with two rental 8000's less than a year ago (one HD and one SD).

Both had the hard drives crash - likely due to their age. I understand they are also susceptible to heat. Rogers replaced them both since they were rental boxes (with 8300's).

If you do buy it, be prepared for the HD to crash and then having to shell out $ to replace it. Otherwise functionality is pretty much the same as the 8300's.

[nathan]

Personally, I found the 8000HD slow and sort of sluggish. And if you use an 8300HD, it's tough to go back to an 8000 series.

That being said, with the new firmware, it's a very fine box. I couldn't live without a PVR now. Sigh.

[MacTVJunkie]

I have both an SA8000 (SD) and an SA8300HD. I don't find the SD box to be significantly slower than the 8300. My recommendation would be to try to get an 8300 if you can but if you can't, the 8000 is a good enough alternative.

I agree with nathan: Once you have a PVR, you'll never go back. When I got my 8300HD, I still continued to watch stuff on my 8000 in the bedroom for a few days in order to let the 8300HD build up some content. I just can't stand watching stuff as it airs anymore. Much nicer to be able to skip the commercials and to fit the shows into my schedule rather than the other way around.

[nathan]

Maybe 'slow' isn't the right word...maybe just sluggish? I just remember when I swapped out my 8000HD for the 8300HD, I was pleased as punch at how 'responsive' it was.

But other's have the same sentiment as you...that it's not that bad (and it really isn't!), I think I'm just picky.

[r2traps]

Thanks for your input everyone. I'm very eager to use a pvr, but it seems I am better off getting the newer, high definition version.

[gslrider]

I've heard that the SA8000 had alot of issues when it first came out. But after a software update, it works like a charm.

1. How many SA8000 users updated the software?

2. What is the latest revision of the software update?

3. How many of those who've updated are still having issues? And what are they?

4. How much are the SA8000 unit going for these days, or how much are they worth? Lowest price - highest price. I have a friend selling me his for $225 CDN. I know he takes care of all his stuff, so no worries about it being busted. But considering how old this unit is, and can't find price ranges on-line for it, and PVRs aren't cheap to begin with, just wanted to know if that is too much.

5. I'm with Rogers in Canada, how do I upgrade the software (if hasn't been done already). Does rogers simply have it available for download, or do I need to find it and install myself?

Thanks!

[57]

1, 2, 3, 5. The firmware is automatically downloaded to all STBs by Rogers. You have no choice in the matter.

To find the firmware version, see the diagnostics and other Tips for SA STBs:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=17719

4. I probably wouldn't pay $225 for an (old) SD PVR. The HD SA8300HD (new) has been on for as little as $299 (a while back in limited quantity).

[SkiBunny]

An issue with any PVR is that the drive has probably been spinning for years. The drive tends to be the weakest link in a DVR.

I dont think you can get an 8300 for less than $684 (with tax) in ontario. They were on-sale at FS and BB in January for $345-$495 (incl tax), but those were sold-out within hours the first day.
So some of us (including me) paid for one on "layaway", but it's been 3 months and we're still waiting for an 8300HD to arrive at a FS or BB in Toronto.

There's a resale 8300HD on ebay right now ending tonight and it's bid up to $561.12+shipping ... wow!

[gslrider]

Thanks for the info guys.

Apologies, I was actually wondering about the value of the SA8000. I was just making reference to the SA8300 because it's a newer unit.

Also, for anyone thinking of buying any of these units from the states, Rogers has informed me that more than likely it will not be able to be activated. And/or if the unit came from another cable company, ie. Shaw. According to Rogers, the unit needs to have a specific software already installed, so that their system can communicate with it. I'm sure FS will have the ones ready for Rogers, and used ones will have to come from people that had it already hooked up with Rogers.

This is all coming from Rogers, they could just be saying that so you go through them. Can anyone confirm?

Thanks.

[57]

Discussed many times. You have to purchase/rent from Rogers or from an authorized distributor.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=35032