DVBworld USB DVB-S effectiveness?

[sjetski]

Hi all, New to this forum but an intermediate with dvb-s.

The backdrop:
Been looking for some lower cost USB alternatives to test out lately. I have a couple of twinhans and skystar 2's already, but have the itch to test out other products. I would be more than happy to post some results on any product i end up buying. I am a big fan of DVBDream as well.

The questions:
- Was wondering how well the DVBworld USB DVB-S or it's clones work in North america? Any concerns, issues or opinions when paired with DVBdream 1.3c or 1.4a?


Many thanks for any answers, opinions or alternate recommedations! Some of this info is really hard to come by, even after multiple google searches. Don't want to end up with a dud product if it's avoidable, just hoping to test a nifty USB product.

[etufo]

Have been using DVBworld DVB-S usb box for 1 1/2 years now. Never have any problem with it. Easy to intall and works happily with dvbdream.
CPU usage is 10-25 % for sd programs and 18-38 % for HDs.
To me, an external usb box is better than a pci card. It is fun to watch the LED on the box to flick once a while, assuring you everything is ok.

[sjetski]

Thank you for the reply, and sorry for getting back so late. Glad to hear the dvbworld works well for you. Your CPU usage looks pretty darn good. A cousin of mine is also chomping at the bit to purchase a USB solution for his laptop.

Any major limitations that are worth mentioning? We are not looking for any serious features, just good DVBDream compatibility and the usual watching and recording.

Thanks again, and more opinions are always welcome

[etufo]

The only thing I can think of is that you have to play around with codecs. I finally settle on nvidia purevision for both video and audio, with VMR (not VMR7 or VMR9 or overlay, etc) for rendering. Yours could be different, though; it all depends on your PC's setup, OS, etc.

As well, dvbdream 1.4d does not work for me. I have to revert back to 1.3c version. I guess it is the driver compatibility problem for my usb box. I tried different ways to install the 1.4d with the same results, telling me that I have the video/audio and VMR compatibility problem and graph cann't be created. Wonder whether other memeber encounted similar problems and whether Dvbdream team awares of this.

[casperc]

I too have had to revert to 1.3c with my DVB World USB box.
With the new versions, scans miss some transponders, or if they find channels, I can't get any signal when I select them. Other times I get good signal and quality, but no video shows.
Much resetting of device, direct show, etc..
Sometimes when I rescan a transponder, it shows the channels from the other bird.
I am using a DP dual bandstacked LNB and sending Raw DisEQC command to switch birds. (110 and 119).
Switching the USB I can watch on 37' LCD through a Desktop or on my Laptop.
Results are similar on both.

[etufo]

My Nextorm usb box (which is the same as dvbworld usb box) works ok with dvbdream v1.3c but not with v1.4x. The reason I think is that starting with v1.4x, dvbdream only supports dvbworld usb box 2102. My Nextorm box is version 2101, which is supported by v1.3c, but not by v1.4x anymore. So it is the driver problem. Wonder if the dd programming team can look into this and add 2101 as the supported devices by v1.4x.

[etufo]

Just want to say that dvbworld usb box works with dd 1.4g, using the same video/audio codec and the same vmr. But it does not work with the rest of dd1.4x versions

[sjetski]

Thanks for all the followup information, much appreciated since i haven't fully researched yet, and thus haven't decided. This info will definitely help when the time is right, hopefully it can help others also.

So far it looks like a toss up between the Match Box Pro and the DVB world usb box, and the skystar2 usb as a possible third candidate. Will hold off my decision and purchase due to the "recent developments"

[casperc]

I still have issues with DD 1.4g and Nextorm DVB USB box, I use Raw DisEQC commands to switch birds, and they don't seem to work reliably, I keep getting the wrong bird. DD 1.4g still crashes often.
Even though with 1.3c I find more channels, I still have problems, channels found during scan when selected show no signal, and switching birds is still not 100% reliable. I think I am giving up on Nextorm USB with DD, and will try the PCI route.