Eye-candy, if you don't have it, we don't want it
Written: Jan 24 '00 (Updated Jan 30 '00)
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Pros: Nice GUI
Cons: Needs channel reminder feature
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| RiPPn's Full Review: RCA DS5120RB Single LNB DIRECTV System |
RCA: When planning on buying any television or other electronic device, I would have never considered RCA. RCA has always given me the impression of a "Budget brand." But when it comes to their DSS receivers, there is no competition.
Channel Guide (GUI): I made the mistake of buying a Sony A40 series before buying this model, and in comparison, the Sony seemed to have the same features (RF Remote, Dolby Digital, etc.), but the Sony’s channel guide compared to the RCA, the Sony’s is like something out of the 70s. Looks like it was designed after the old Atari video games or something, and the Hughes isn't much better. Since the guide is one feature that is always used, I have to base most of my emphasis on this feature. Now Sony did come out with the 50 series, which did have improved GUI, and actually made the channel logos color, but still falls short in the feature that attracted me to the RCA to begin with, and that is the ability to stay on a channel, while viewing the guide, seeing what is on other channels. Now you might say "heh I have checked out the new Sony 50 series, and I know it allows you to do this with the new "surf option"" which I might add is one thing Sony is marketing, but RCA has had in their receivers since they brought out the 32-bit versions. The "surf option" in the Sony 50 series lets you stay on a channel yes, but in order to see what is on other channels you have to move to the channel logo of other stations, it is highly inconvenient trying to view what is on other channels one station at a time. RCA puts it right there on the left side of the screen, and you can view 10 or so channels at a time.
Features: Another thing I like about RCA is when you buy a lower end model, they do not strip the software of features, but instead just strip features off the receiver. What I mean by this, I will once again use Sony. When you buy a low end Sony, you lose customize options for your guide as well as Dolby, RF Remote, etc. With RCA, if you are channel surfing, there is no way to tell you are surfing on a low end model, or the top of the line, you only lose major features, same as the Sony.
Missing Feature: One feature I wish the RCA Receivers did have, is the "channel reminder" feature that is actually found on AT&T Digital Cable boxes. It's a real nice feature to be able to browse ahead, mark a show, and have the receiver throw up a box saying that the show is starting, or you have the option to have the receiver change it right to that channel.
Conclusion: Buy an RCA if you are going to buy a DSS receiver, especially if the purchase is going to be a lower end model. They have everything the other receivers do, plus a nicer channel guide.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 350
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Epinions.com ID:
RiPPn
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Member: Troy Stout
Reviews written: 10
Trusted by: 5 members
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