Skybox F3

[Costactc]

I wasn't quite sure where to post this as I didn't see a forum for miscellaneous receivers, if there is a more appropriate forum please move it.

Just received my new Skybox F3 receiver today and it's not quite like the s12 at all. First it's black and not white like my s12. It's also much larger- 9" x 6" whereas the s12 is 6" x 4". On the front panel we have a power button, menu, ok, usb, card slot and cursor. On the rear we have rs232, component and composite cable slots, ethernet and hdmi. Included with the receiver was an hdmi cable and the power cord is suited for North America so I don't have to buy an adapter like I had to with the s12 and s9. I'm going to attach this receiver first to my ku setup and then c band, I'll post anything that comes up. Finally, I plan on doing this with the virgin file that is on the receiver- I haven't plugged it in yet but if I don't have a North American channel list then I will input all that info manually:

 

[Lazarus]

If enough interest is shown in a particular Rx, then a sub-Forum can easily be created for it in due course - great Review to kick off!

 

[digi247]

Definitely a part of the Openbox family from what i have read its a new edition, Quite cheap here in the UK around £49 from the E of Bay.

 

[Costactc]

It cost $48 US plus shipping. Unfortunately took almost 3 weeks to arrive. A great unit with an incredibly fast blind scan, only issue I've encountered is thet the component slots don't work so I have it hooked up with hdmi cable.

 

[Vipersan]

Critical factor for me would be the tuner sensitivity ..
Looking forward to comparison reports Costa..
What's the storage capacity like ?
Might be tempted to get sush a cheap box to add to my collection if it proves itself..
Also ..being from the openbox family ...does it by some remote chance handle 4:2:2
?
rgds
VS

 

[Costactc]

Tuner sensitivity comparable to other openbox receivers but did manage to scan in a tough ku tp on Simon Bolivar at 78w that my s12 didn't. I did also scan in a 4:2:2 feed on Amc9 at 83w but the box couldn't open it. Just scanning all my sats at moment, will know more details when I'm done. I'll say one thing though, s2 channels and lightning blind scan for $48 works for me.

 

[Vipersan]

Tuner sensitivity comparable to other openbox receivers but did manage to scan in a tough ku tp on Simon Bolivar at 78w that my s12 didn't. I did also scan in a 4:2:2 feed on Amc9 at 83w but the box couldn't open it. Just scanning all my sats at moment, will know more details when I'm done. I'll say one thing though, s2 channels and lightning blind scan for $48 works for me.

Thanks for the update Costa..
Its appreciated

 

[Lazarus]

Just ordered one of these myself (£47.45 inc pp from Radoxshop on fleabay).

Haven't got the pennies for an External USB HDD as yet, but have my eye on a slimline 80GB for around £25.

Might also shell out for a WiFi dongle in due course.

 

[Lazarus]

Box has just arrived.

Unpacked and connected up.

Set up USALS and checked it drives H-H Motor ok: It does, so that's a slight concern allayed - I have read that Openboxes of various ilks are as fussy as DM500s about driving motors.

Currently Blind Scanning 28E.

 

[Lazarus]

Scan complete and currently viewing BBC1 HD ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Video is much sharper than that from my Foxsat.

Only bug so far is that the Motor Moving caption won't go away until you press Exit: I had expected this, reading around.

 

[Lazarus]

Just shoved a Sandisk Cruzer 8GB FAT32 formatted USB stick in, turned on DVR features and seems to be happily recording France 2 off 5W.

And now I'm playing back - really easy to use.

Ah: I had thought a USB stick might be too slow and that might be the case as it started off ok but is flashing up a warning that "Device Speed Too Slow To Play"

I sort of expected this but think there are faster devices around now at reasonable cost (I don't especially want to be obliged to get a USB HDD as this box is only for occasional Recording use if my Foxsat HDR is fully occupied, and for Live Pausing on the occasions we watch telly in bed).

It seems to be on the cusp as regards speed, so any recommendations for a high speed pen drive welcome.

 

[Ghostleader]

What firmware are you using at the moment mate?

 

[Ghostleader]

I have the eagle 800 HD and if it wasnt for the fact the fave channel listing feature just plain dosnt work it would be a cracking wee box.

 

[Lazarus]

What firmware are you using at the moment mate?

21 May 2012 073A

 

[Ghostleader]

Have you had a look at cccam, NewcamD features, nudge nudge wink wink say no more, eh, eh? lol

 

[Lazarus]

Have you had a look at cccam, NewcamD features, nudge nudge wink wink say no more, eh, eh? lol

Give it time!

But I have it in mind to use as many features as possible ................

There is only one USB slot, and I do want Rec/TSR available at all times, so I may have to move my Router into the bedroom so I can connect by Ethernet, even though the F3 is Wi_Fi enabled.

We shall see.

 

[aceb]

I've just noticed on the spec it has LAN connectivity, I don't suppose it's able to stream out for viewing 422 on a PC?

 

[Lazarus]

Can't help you there.

I'm sure someone will know.

Getting towards time for the dedicated Section requested by the OP to be generated! (I'll ask Admin)

 

[Lazarus]

Ok.

Have ascertained that the original USB stick is fine on most SD Channels but bombs out with high-res SD and with HD.

Still awaiting ideas /recommends for a Fast stick.

About to do what I should have done two hours ago and dump the Firmware.

 

[PaulR]

I don't think I've seen speed specs for USB sticks quoted in the same way as you see speed classes for SD cards.

Maybe you'll have to use an SD card and USB card reader. Still a pretty cheap combination - I bought an SDHC reader for 39p including postage from Hong Kong not so long ago.