Solid HD Performance
Written: Dec 18 '03 (Updated May 18 '04)
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Pros: Decodes HD from all sources
Cons: More expensive than the same unit from Zenith
The Bottom Line: This is one of the best HD tuners available.
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| SHOSHOSHO's Full Review: Sony SAT HD200 Satellite TV Receiver |
I purchased this tuner/receiver in February and have had some time to get to know it quit well.
This receiver can accomodate any HD signal whether it be terrestrial (over the air), cable and DirectTV. What really makes this box worth the price is that it costs less to purchase than a set with the tuner built in. And you still need it if you want DirecTv in HD. What this means is that even if you purchase a Monitor with a HD tuner you still need to buy this box if you are a DirecTV subscriber. Sets with a built in tuner generally cost about $1,000 more than those without tuners. Because this tuner costs $799.00 you can see that it makes more sense to purchase an HD ready set and buy the SAT-HD200. Unless you purchase one of the handful of sets available with a DirectTV tuner built in (I beleive these are uncommon). This unit will act as an HD/DTV tuner for any broadcast type.
Here is a breakdown of the features of this unit:
HDTV
I purchased this box back in February when DirecTV was only broadcasting HBO, Showtime and HDNET in High Definition. While it worked well, the program line up was small. Since then, DirecTV has added an HD package for $10.99 per month. In addition to the mentioned you also receive ESPN HD, DiscoveryHD, HDNet movies, (3) NFL Sunday Ticket Games (1 in HD and 2 in High Res) and Pay Per View HD. The HD channel line up is still small but the results are amazing.
Watching programs in High Definition is truly amazing. I would suggest a monitor that has a screen aspect ratio of 16x9. If you purchase a monitor with a 4x3 aspect ratio that is capable of displaying 1080i you will have the black bars on the top and bottom of the screen similar to watching a DVD in widescreen mode. If you have a monitor that is Standard Definition then you do not need this box. It will not give you a picture that is any different than a standard DirecTV tuner.
It gets better. I recently purchased a Radio Shack powered HD outdoor antanae for my local stattions in HD. I can now watch available local channels in HD. You must check which channels broadcast in DTV in your area for availability. In Buffalo NY the local NBC, CBS and PBS stations broadcast in DTV(Digital TV). This sends a digital broadcast signal over the air which can be received using an antenae and decoded with a box such as the SAT-HD200 or any other DTV tuner. Remember you need DTV to receive HD but not all programs are in HD. For instance, your local news is probably not broadcast in 1080i (HD) but rather 720p or 480i. HD programming will usually state whether that show is avaialable in HD, assuming that your station broadcasts in DTV. All of the digital programming viewed with this box are top notch. You can upconvert signals, for instance 480i to 480p or 1080i although there does not seem to be a dramtic difference. Set up was easy, the unit will automatically detect digital and analog inputs for all inputs (Cable, ANT, SAT). The stations are then seamlessly integrated into your program guide. The tuner detected all my local digital stations. The picture quality is what you would expect for HD. You will not beleive that you are viewing a picture from an antanae as it is as good if not better than the HD channels on DirecTV. I have little to no drop outs on over the air signals. The hardest part was getting into the attic to install the antanae. One other quick note, indoor "rabit air" or powered set top anatanae's work poorly for DTV. You really need height in order to receive a good signal. Any decent roof top should work (in the attic is OK for multiple story dwellings). THere should also be a good clear "line of sight" meaning that if there are tall objects or buildings around it may affect reception. The higher you can get the antanae the better.
This unit is flexible when choosing outputs. First off, there is a switch on the back pannel for choosing between analog and digital out. You can use this box with any type of TV. Video outputs include RCA type, S-Video, Component and DVI (and COAX). If you are paying this much for the unit then you will probably use the DVI (Digital Video Interface)for HD prgramming. You would of course need a TV with a DVI input. There are sets that use component video inputs for HD but this is inferior in quality to the DVI signal. If your set does not have a DVI input you can use the component outs. There is a BIG difference between component and DVI signals. DVI uses no compression and no Digital to Analog converter. DVI is an all digital stream straight through to the set while component uses an analog signal from box to set.
This box decodes 8-VSB which is now the standard for HD broadcasts. Please note that local channels digital stations are not the regular stations. Channel 4 for instance broadcasts on 39.1, 39.2 and 32.3. Every station has three digital channels. The first channel is usually the actual channel. You need to get the channel line up for your local market.
PERFORMANCE AND FEATURES
Given the price of this unit you should expect a well constructed piece of electronics. This box is actually heavy and feels very solid. The remote is also well constructed and easy to use. Unlike the older SAT-HD100 this unit does not have a fan so operation is silent.
You may take note that this unit is identicle to the Zenith HD-SAT520. They are both made in Korea by LG Electronics. From what I have read the performance is identicle. The box's are only slightly different in appearance. The rear panels are identicle. The Sony includes a DVI ($20) cable while the Zenith does not. The Zenith may cost about $100-$200 less than the Sony. You can buy either one if you can get your hands on one.
The exterior of the box is brushed aluminum while the display looks like a mirror when the unit is off. The display indicated the viewing mode and the channel. You can select different display types which means you can manually switch between 480,720 and 1080 or it can be set to automatically detect and display.
When you first turn on the unit it will autmatically set up via an ineractive display. You choose your specific system options and it does the rest. Once this is done the unit should be properly configured based on your system set up.
I feel Sony does a pretty good job in setting up menu displays. The menu is easy to use and navigate. Everything can be controlled using the reomte except for the output display which is located on the front panel. The unit will automatically detect display type and adjust accordingly. The remote will work with virtualy any brand, codes are included in the manual.
There is a dowside to digital technology. The options for recording programs are limited. In my setup I use a Sony 65WV700 rear screen prjection and the SAT-HD200. If you switch to digital on the rear panel there is only one usuable signal output. Therefore you would not be able to connect to a VCR/DVD-R and TV simultaneoulsy. There is no signal present on the analog outs when switched to digital. Furthermore you can only use one digital out, so if you are using the DVI out, that is the only signal present. You can not use the DVI and Component out together. My only choice for recording prgrams then would be using the RCA out on the TV itself. If this works for you then fine, but the signal is being passed around a bit before getting to your recorder which would affect quality. A HD DVR is supposedly in the works but no word yet. Another option which I was excited about was a D-VHS unit. D-VHS is bascially Digital VHS. Pre recorded D-VHS tapes can be purchased in HD, the only pre-recorded HD format available right now. Unfortunately, JVC decided to go with IEEE 1394 or "Fire Wire" for the digital signal. This is the equivalent (arguably) of DVI but the two are not compatible. What this means is that, theoretically you would connect the DVI out to your recorder, this would give you a digital bit-stream of data for pure digital recordings. No signal loss whatsoever. There are no digital recording devices avialble today that use DVI. Ultimately this means that you can not watch a program in HD on your set if you plan on recording anything. You need to switch to analog, which does not support HD (480p, 720p or 1080i) essentially forcing you to watch in 480p while recording. Remember if you want an analog signal there is no signal present on the digital outs.
SUMMARY
I did not realize how complicated HD and DTV was until I started writing this review. I hope it helps. I also did not realize how much I have learned since February!
The bottom line is this unit does everything it supposed to do very well. If you want HD prgramming from all available sources this does the job. I have not experienced any problems using the unit. DirecTv will have the HD package turned on within minutes and you'll be enjoying High Definition!
***ADDED 5/18/04****
Just a little note. I'll be switching to VOOM as Directv has a dismal HD offering. Directv has not added an HD channel in over a year! I get 4 HD channels (excluding HBO and Showtime)on Directv while VOOM offers 40+ HD channels. Don't bother with Directv HD as the parent company, Fox, is totally uncommited to HD.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 799
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Epinions.com ID:
SHOSHOSHO
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Reviews written: 30
Trusted by: 2 members
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