Need recommendation for a receiver

[blueman]

I have two fixed dises, one has a regular Ku-band LNB and the other has an universal LNB. They are currently pointing at IA-5 and G3C satellites. I have been trying to connect both dishes (LNBs) to one receiver (PROSAT P-8800) through a DiSEqC switch without success even after a lots of help from many experts in this forum.

I am now thinking of buying another receiver for this 2 fixed dish-DiSEqC switch-1 receiver setup. Since I am relatively new to FTA world, I am not sure what receiver to buy. I appreciate if someone can suggest a user friendly one that is capable for user to setup various parameters (such as transponders, etc.) easily. Thanks much!

[pmb1010]

I have both a Fortec Lifetime Ultra, and a Neusat Sp6000 I got cheap.
Both do the job. After using both, I felt more comfortable with the Lifetime menus.

If I was going to look at a new unit, I'd probably buy a Fortec Mercury II
http://www.sadoun.com/Sat/Products/F...ceiver-New.htm

[rainman]

I agree with pmb1010 the fortec mercury II looks real nice.

[blueman]

Thanks pmb1010 and rainman!

[wejones]

I guess this depends on your viewing plans, but while a computer PCI card receiver may not be ideal for some as the only receiver, I'd have to recommend that anyone getting a 2nd receiver should consider a PCI card receiver. As mentioned in other threads, Twinhan no longer sells the 1020a, but that can be found on Ebay for less that $50 I think. There are newer versions of the Twinhan PCI card, but I'm not sure of just how compatable they are. I think the 102g is pretty much similar to the 1020a, but I know of at least one application where it won't function where the 1020a will.
But the advantage of getting a PCI card receiver as your second receiver is that it can do AC3 audio, it can do 4.2.2 video and do HD video, although the HD requires a fast computer. It can also allow you to stream programming across a network to other computers. I do this all the time, ie I have my Twinhan downstairs in a Win2k server, and via a shareware VNC program, I can remotely tune satellite signals from my wireless laptop, and view the programming on the laptop. This requires using TSREADER on the server and VLC on the laptop.
The disadvantage of a PCI card is that it may be more complicated to get output to a TV, depending on what video card is in your computer. I initially was running the audio/video from my computer to my TV, but this was less than ideal, so I eventually picked up a ROKU HD1000, which allows me to view SD or HD (but not 4.2.2) directly on my TV. Unfortunately the Roku isn't being made anymore.

[blueman]

wejones,
Thanks for the suggestion. I guses I am not ready for viewing it on PC for sometime yet. But, again, thanks for a suggestion that I might consider down the load.

[elgemcdlf]

What seems to be the problem with running both through a DiSEqC switch?

[pictureon]

Originally Posted by wejones

I guess this depends on your viewing plans, but while a computer PCI card receiver may not be ideal for some as the only receiver, I'd have to recommend that anyone getting a 2nd receiver should consider a PCI card receiver. As mentioned in other threads, Twinhan no longer sells the 1020a, but that can be found on Ebay for less that $50 I think. There are newer versions of the Twinhan PCI card, but I'm not sure of just how compatable they are. I think the 102g is pretty much similar to the 1020a, but I know of at least one application where it won't function where the 1020a will.
But the advantage of getting a PCI card receiver as your second receiver is that it can do AC3 audio, it can do 4.2.2 video and do HD video, although the HD requires a fast computer. It can also allow you to stream programming across a network to other computers. I do this all the time, ie I have my Twinhan downstairs in a Win2k server, and via a shareware VNC program, I can remotely tune satellite signals from my wireless laptop, and view the programming on the laptop. This requires using TSREADER on the server and VLC on the laptop.
The disadvantage of a PCI card is that it may be more complicated to get output to a TV, depending on what video card is in your computer. I initially was running the audio/video from my computer to my TV, but this was less than ideal, so I eventually picked up a ROKU HD1000, which allows me to view SD or HD (but not 4.2.2) directly on my TV. Unfortunately the Roku isn't being made anymore.

What's wrong with a simple short answer?

[wejones]

Originally Posted by pictureon

What's wrong with a simple short answer?

Sorry. I've been told that before. Really, I tried (actually trimmed it down from twice as big).
I just thought that without knowledge of what the person wants to do, that a short answer is kind of like a restuarant that decides what's best for the customer, and only offers one meal. Just trying to offer some options.

[rainman]

Originally Posted by wejones

Sorry. I've been told that before. Really, I tried (actually trimmed it down from twice as big).
I just thought that without knowledge of what the person wants to do, that a short answer is kind of like a restuarant that decides what's best for the customer, and only offers one meal. Just trying to offer some options.

Bill i like your insight gives me something to think about. different strokes for different folks.LOL

[satnutwillb]

Originally Posted by rainman

Bill i like your insight gives me something to think about. different strokes for different folks.LOL

I agree rainman.The diagrams he displays and effort he puts in his explanations just shows me he really likes to try and help someone understand.