Sony SAT-B50: Delivers Quality
Written: Sep 07 '00 (Updated Sep 07 '00)
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Pros: Fast response, Ease of use, Portability, Reliability
Cons: Price higher than what we paid, DirecTV can sometimes offer poor customer service
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| cpaaa3's Full Review: Sony SAT B50 Satellite TV Receiver |
This review is not about DirecTV itself, but about the Sony SAT-B50 receiver that delivers the DirecTV programming. We have subscribed to mini-dish satellite programming since it was first introduced, in 1994. We were one of the first in line at our local electronic dealer for the system, which at the time was the RCA receiver.
Over the years, we have owned several receivers. The RCA satellite receiver, being one of the first generation, had the capabilities to acquire the programming that we needed but soon succumbed to age. Previously, we also added to our system with a Toshiba second receiver. It was provided similar capabilities to that of the RCA receiver, but only after 2 years the equipment began to suffer prolonged freezes to the signal. There were many interruptions to programming, and it was not able to provide quality or durability.
We then needed to replace not one but two receivers. We purchased a Sony SAT-A4 and were pleased with its performance and features. We liked the ease of use it provided and quality synonymous with the Sony Brand. We soon decided that we would replace the ailing Toshiba receiver. We replaced it with the Sony SAT-B50 and have found that this little receiver, that we were able to purchase for a mere $50(we just happened to luck out) gave us more power, more reliability, more features and consistent reliability than the $1200 RCA system that we had purchased six years before.
It boasts and easy to use menu screen. Programming can be auto programmed, blocking out any unsubscribed channels. It is compact and easily portable. The remote is functional, light and less bulky, unlike other universal remotes. It provides versatility in channel surfing. It provides a full view of your highlighted selection without being blocked by the programming guide. It contains the disappearing display that does not appear unless the display button is hit. Even when you do use that feature, the bar is not overwhelming and you can still view behind the display. This menu driven display can easily set the locks and limits option. It provides sharp, clear pictures and crisp sound.
In being able to use three different brands of equipment, I have found that the Sony SAT-B50 as well as our other Sony SAT-A4 receiver has provided greater reliability and viewing pleasure than the other receivers on the market. Snow and rain that our other receivers were affected by, do not as easily affect this receiver. Abnormal freezes, that we were continuously plagued by with the Toshiba receiver, are non-existent. We enjoy faster response time from remote commands as well as increased reliability, not due to programming interruptions. We have been pleased by its performance.
This unit boasts quality, user-friendly features, reliability and durability that the Sony name brand invokes in the mind of its consumers for a reasonable price.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 50
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Epinions.com ID:
cpaaa3
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Location: midwest
Reviews written: 31
Trusted by: 6 members
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