Coolsat 8100HD micRo PVR

The Coolsat 8100HD micRo PVR is a FTA receiver capable of tuning both ATSC and satellite signals for free. Released in the fall of 2007, the 8100HD supports HD television broadcasts and includes PVR functionality by attaching an external USB hard drive up to 500 GB. It is compatible with DiSEqC 1.0 and 1.2 protocols allowing you to connect up to 16 satellite sources with a single coaxial input. The 8100HD has HDMI and component outputs, and supports resolutions up to 1080i.

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Coolsat 8100HD micRo PVR
MSRP $499.99
Release date October, 2007
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Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
4 reviews
69
negative
mixed
positive
2 positive
1 mixed
1 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

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Pros:
Do you agree?
Access FTA (free) programming from both satellite and ATSC
+3agreedisagree

Supports HD programming
+2agreedisagree

Includes PVR, and "trick mode" functionality for pausing, rewinding live TV
+2agreedisagree

Connect up to 16 satellite sources
+2agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
Setup can be fairly difficult for a novice
+2agreedisagree

External HDD must be formatted in FAT32 which imposes a 4.1 GB file-size limitation (38 mins. of HD)
+1agreedisagree

You have to buy a separate hard drive - not included
+1agreedisagree


4 people added to this review by submitting or voting on pros and cons. Add your say!

Details

Features

  • Outputs: HDMI, Component, RCA, S/PDIF digital optical
  • MPEG 2 & MPEG 4 Support High Definition (ATSC Only)
  • Digital Terrestrial(ATSC) & Satellite Set-Top-Box(TS combo)
  • Multiple Video Outputs HDMI, RGB, Ypbr, S-Video & CVBS
  • Seletable output for 1080i, 720P, 576P and 576i format
  • Tunes & Decodes all 18 ATSC broadcast formats
  • Max 500 GB external USB 2.0 Host Hard Disk Drive (Fat32 format)
  • Premium Grade VFD displaying 12 character(CH #, CH name & Local Time), Recording mode(Record & Play mode)
  • Status Icons(TV/Radio, Dolby Sound and Left HDD capacity)
  • Play back a recorded file at PC
  • Dolby Digital(AC3) 5.1 Channel Surround Sound via optical
  • Aspect ratio adjustment 4:3 (16/9 crop), 4:3 (16/9 letterbox), 16:9 (4/3 pillar box)
  • User friendly OSD and operation.
  • Favorite channel selections.
  • S/W upgrade through USB 2.0 port and RS-232
  • Parental Guide and rating control.
  • Picture in Picture support (Aux input/optional)
  • Electronic Program Guide
  • DiSEqC 1.0 & or DiSEqC 1.2
  • Flash memory 4MB
  • DDR RAM 128MB (DDR400 16MX16) X 4ea
  • Universal Remote Control
  • Smart Card Reader (Option)

PVR Functionality

To record television broadcasts you must purchase a separate, compatible external USB 2.0 hard drive. This hard drive is limited to a maximum size of 500 GB and must be formatted in FAT32. Because of the FAT32 restriction, no recording can exceed 4.1 GB in size, limiting HD recording to 38 minutes. Standard Definition recording can be hours long. There is speculation that a newer version of the player's software will automatically split the recording into multiple files as a way around the FAT32 restriction. The files are are stored in a .TS unencrypted format, capable of being archived and played back on your PC and other devices.

Installation

To begin viewing FTA satellite programming, you must also purchase a separate satellite dish, one or more LNB receivers, coaxial cabling and optional DiSEqC switch. The satellite dish must be mounted outside with line-of-sight to Geocentric satellites. Once the dish has been mounted and connected to the Coolsat 8100HD, the satellite dish and LNB must be pointed at a satellite and positioned for a maximum signal strength using the installation menu in the 8100s software and on-screen guide. Select the appropriate LNB type and satellite from the settings, and scan for channels.

 

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This report was started March 3, 2008 at 6:31 pm by Erik
with the last edit occurring September 16, 2009 at 12:37 am by judarami04
This page has been viewed 2542 times, with 24 edits by 4 contributors.
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Reviews

Sort by: Most helpful  •  Newest  •  Most positive

Erik

avatar
March 3, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
57
negative
mixed
positive
4 pros
3 cons
want itwant it

Pros

  • Access FTA (free) programming from both satellite and ATSC
  • Supports HD programming
  • Includes PVR, and "trick mode" functionality for pausing, rewinding live TV
  • Connect up to 16 satellite sources

Cons

  • Setup can be fairly difficult for a novice
  • External HDD must be formatted in FAT32 which imposes a 4.1 GB file-size limitation (38 mins. of HD)
  • You have to buy a separate hard drive - not included

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Amanie

avatar
March 4, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
4 pros
0 cons

Pros

  • Access FTA (free) programming from both satellite and ATSC
  • Supports HD programming
  • Includes PVR, and "trick mode" functionality for pausing, rewinding live TV
  • Connect up to 16 satellite sources

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

judarami04

avatar
September 16, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
0
negative
mixed
positive
0 pros
1 con

Pros

Did not agree with any pros

Cons

  • Setup can be fairly difficult for a novice

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

ddasney

avatar
September 5, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
1 pro
0 cons
love itlove it

Pros

  • Access FTA (free) programming from both satellite and ATSC

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

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This product is also known as:

8100, HD, 8100HD