Excellent Box (with foreign Firmware)

################################################## ##############################
A few words in advance on firmware / software:
This is not my first VU + Box, another VU + Duo (predecessor of the reviewed here Duo²) I use daily. With friends I have also configures six Solo² and two Ultimo.
For all devices of the manufacturer VU + is equipment, which will come with a firmware (FW) by the manufacturer. This covers the most important functions. How good they are, I can not judge at all, because I've never used a VU + box with the original FW.
These devices make a living, that a foreign FW is used. On the Internet there are many different boards, where you can download these for free and can also legally.
VU + is certainly aware that their own original FW does not really represent the end of the flagpole. Therefore they have absolutely simple, ie to install a foreign image a strange FW.
Only with such a FW you can really exploit the potential.
Almost all negative reviews refer to the original FW.
Who is looking for a box that he unpacks from the box, connects to the TV and must not do anything that is certainly better off with other boxes, and then should also save the comments.
Who but a little bit of experience and / or interest in flashing of firmware, which can not go with the boxes of VU + wrong. But you have to invest a few hours for the first steps and the first steps in the field of Linux Box. For this you will be rewarded with features that provides no box of other manufacturers.
The oh-so-dreaded flash process requires a USB stick.
First (once) prepared the box with a Flash file, then the FW will be installed in the second step. Both steps are really simple. Both the Flash file, and the FW are successively unpacked on the USB stick. Then plug the flash drive into the front USB slot and turn on the box with the power switch. The rest is on the display.
That was about it. Then removed the stick, the box will reboot and is in configuration mode.
################################################## ##############################
Configuration:
I signed up for a VU + Duo² with two individual satellite receivers (I did anyway just two satellite cable and a possible problem with heat generation is therefore excluded).
EDIT 01/08/2014: Topic heat generation in dual tuners:
This problem (lt. Of numerous statements in the forums) has probably done.

As Image I have the VTi 6.0.6er (the most recent image at the current time 27/3/2014) installed with all updates.
A hard disk drive (HDD), I have not installed, more on that later.
Connection to the network / Internet via LAN cable (GigLAN- network available), a Fritz! Box7390, multiple NAS are available, including a QNAP TS412.
WLAN is disabled by Duo².
################################################## ##############################
Look, feel and processing:
A very simple appearance, simple feel and the extent fine workmanship, so I feel it.
Only the normal display is not really well. It seems, unfortunately, quite faded, almost milky, as the Duo is significantly better. However, the color display is a highlight!
################################################## ##############################
Special features:
Thanks to the image, it is also possible to take advantage of subscription cards. For this you have to use either a suitable PCMCIA module in one of the shafts stuck, or card in one of the slots. In this case, a plug-in needs to be installed.
About the built-in 10/100/1000 network card or via WLAN can be accessed on the Internet. There you can eg install on the updates and plug-ins menu, but also use HbbTV. A special feature: Instead of internal HDD can be saved over the network movies, cut and look at (eg NAS drive). Stream is also possible.
Take for instance the plug-in for the Fritz! Box installed, incoming calls can be displayed on the TV (even with reverse lookup and / or integration of a Google address book).
Several HD recordings are also possible.
The box is thanks to the plug-ins almost infinitely expandable and configurable. Even the key functions of the very good FB can be edited.
################################################## ##############################
Image and sound:
My VU + Duo² is connected to a Sony 55 inch model. The picture is excellent, even without using filters and adjustments! The menu is easy to read and of course completely changed via download.
The sound is excellent both via HDMI, as well as via optical digital output.
SD movies / broadcasts are upscaled in good quality.
################################################## ##############################
Multimedia etc .:
The box can be retrofitted almost every conceivable multimedia functions thanks to virtually an infinite number of plug-ins. Web radio, DLNA server, DLNA client, access to external HDDs via USB and eSATA and network and and and
Accepted virtually any format whether .mkv or TS, also DVD structures are accepted.
Images can be cut, and the recording function can be edited: pre- and post-time, location no problem. There's even a plug-in which a S ** plus recorder makes the VU + in conjunction with a subscription, with automatic recording of new films etc.

################################################## ##############################

################################################## ##############################
Conclusion:
The Duo² is I believe the best thing you can get at the moment, if you installed a clever Image.
It is (without internal HDD) almost silently, yet cool.

Thus, and I will recommend everyone this box (and also the other VU + boxes)!
But time and interest in installations must be present!

The box runs without crashes, has fast switching times and is probably for each user on its information needs.

################################################## ##############################
################################################## ##############################
Plus Minus:
+++++ Reliability
+++++ Continuous development of FW (eg VTi) and Neufunktionen
+++++ Fast channels switching
+++++ Almost infinite expandability
+++++ Very good picture and very good (digital) sound
++++ Multimedia options
+++++ Virtually noiseless
+++++ Great color display
+++++ 3x USB and 1x eSATA
+++++ Possible depending on the installed tuner modules SAT, cable and terrestrial reception
+++++ Very fast and reliable working HbbTV (s.Edit- note dated 02/22/2014)
+++++ Fully configurable functions of HDMI CEC
+++++ Streaming to other boxes (in rooms without cable / satellite connection)
+++++ Streaming on your laptop, computer or tablet
++++ Good remote control (editable)
++++ Remote control available via code list for TV functions
++++ Unicable capable
+++ PiP even with HD channels
+++ Power Switch
+++ WoL Wake on LAN (with VTI Image)

~ Must be flashed so that they can develop their true potential
~ Not for 08/15 users, who feel that they have nothing more to make the Box
~ Pretty high price (but in my opinion reasonable)
~ Scart socket

---- Milky normal display
- Only the optical digital output

EDIT (2/22/2014): I have now in the last few days very often used HbbTV (Olympia on ZDF and ARD) and can only say:
This is really a great thing. On my old VU + Duo runs HbbTV also, just not as fluid and fast.
So makes HbbTV fun. So if you are interested in this function is the right place with the Duo² ;-)

HDMI CEC functions: I use this feature since day one (even in the "old" duo). Here you can choose a lot of features and it works fine. Who knows what to do with the name: You can define in the box, which can be controlled via the HDMI jack.
For example, if you turn on the box, to tackle the TV when you press the volume key, the volume in the connected amplifier should be changed.
But you can with the TV remote control, select the programs in the VU + Box and and and ... A great feature that makes a multi remote control almost superfluous thanks CEC. If you configured everything correctly you need almost exclusively the remote control of the box.

EDIT (24/03/2014): Also still absolutely loved it! I've installed and angetestet some more plugins in the meantime. The Sky Fanzone example is outstanding, I know to date original box (except the Sky), which dominates this function so well.
Another plug-in (just so tested): You can take two boxes, of: The second box is to be used in a room that has no satellite connection, but rather a network port or a good Wi-Fi reception. Then you can enable a plug-in that the first box (with satellite connection) passes on the program to the second box. Thus, one can thus allow satellite reception even in a location where it would otherwise be impossible.
Also streaming on tablet and laptop works great (good Wi-Fi connection required) ...
Recently, a new Image 6.0.6 is now available that provides further improvements (eg more comfortable Update Management) ...