Plus points for the P+, the Amiko has no 'rec' indication on the front panel. The timer is basic providing no warm up from standby so takes 30sec off the programmed start. From 'on' it misses 2 sec, probably 1 sec each end. The 7900 model has no component out, just composite and RGB, but the OSD is only available via HDMI. The Amiko doesn't include the recorded programme title in the playlist. You can edit the title but it only shows in the STB playlist not in the filenames if viewed on a PC, only the channel and date/timestamps show on a PC, otherwise the filenaming convention is identical with each programme folder.
OTOH you can do more on the Amiko whilst recording, access now+next details, playback from an earlier point while recording, all in HD.
I tried some file spoofing. If you swap complete file groups within folders the entire recording disappears from the playlist, so there's some connection between each programme folder and the support files. You can swap the .ts files between folders. The playlist shows and plays the thumbnail of the new .ts file but details and duration of the original programme. I only tried it with a shorter file and it exit-ed to the 'menu' page, rather than the playlist. Complete folders can be moved between partitions and media without problem. I assume they'll be in date order on the playlist but haven't checked this.
I updated the firmware via USB although there's options for RS232 or satellite update. Although only a single backup option, there are 4 update options, channel list, sw, sw+channel list, and all+bootloader.
The website is equally glib as Fortec's giving no indication of what the updates add or fix. My box was one update low and a hang on the mp3 playlist finder seemed to be fixed but some single button actions now need double-click?? Same old etc. I may downware to double check. The upgrade was quick, easy to choose from multiple files, all STB backup files are title time+date stamped so easy to pick'n'choose. The STB autoreboots properly with the USB stick present.
I didn't reload my saved channel lists but blind-scanned 28.2E and it took 6.5 minutes. The Philips 3100 Bluray will play Amiko 'mpg'd' HD BBC HD files but not 'mpg'd' BBC One HD files! Typical!