But first to the basic functions:
(+) The satellite reception quality is satisfactory in my opinion and just above average, not weaknesses but also not outstanding performance. Nevertheless, remarkable how stable the image remains even in very bad weather.
(+) View the TV with the latest firmware even when HD programs synchronous (No Lip-Sync problems). This partially self costly satellite Reciever have problems.
(+) The image quality is quite good, the upscaling and deinterlacing of 576i signals is solid; for the price range even above average! However, the most popular television should get better through this now, so that I almost recommend the signal unchanged to hand over to the TV.
(-) Although I have here a major gripe. Unfortunately, it is not (yet) to be possible to automatically detect the Reciever what resolution the current program has to be give (576i, 720p or 1080i) and this then. You have to in the options manually opt for an output method when you want to use his TV for deinterlacing. Therefore, there has been for me for practical reasons to adjust the Receiver to 720p.
(+) Operator is designed very simply and clearly. The channel list can be made using the tool of Xoro home easily create.
(+) Very good service; The firmware we continuously adapted and improved import and can be very easy.
In addition, the Receiver has many additional features:
(+) PVR and Timeshift are very easy to use and operate reliably.
Play (+) Videos (AVI, MPEG and Co.) is also a nice extra feature that also works fine.
Conclusion: price-performance tip and strong buy recommendation
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Addendum 04.02.2011:
With the current firmware Xoro (HRS8520 S2.1.2_r) for the newly launched Xoro called HRS8520 it is now possible to use NTFS formatted USB sticks / hard drives! The Xoro HRS 8520 is identical to the HRS 8500, so that the firmware is compatible. The update can be found on the Xoro.de Home -> Downloads -> Digital Reciever -> HRS8520
Text of manufacturer information (Xoro.de Home -> Downloads -> Digital Reciever -> HRS8520 -> readme file) Firmware:
Notice for customers of HRS8500:
The firmware for the HRS8520 is different numbered by the firmware for the HRS8500. The version HRS8520 S2.1.2_R based on firmware S2.1.2_S for HRS8500. In the download version HRS 8520 S2.1.2_r support for the NTFS file system has been added.
1) Supported Devices:
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Xoro HRS 8500
The firmware HRS8520 S2.1.2_r is suitable for all Xoro HRS 8500.
Xoro HRS 8520
This firmware is only for devices with the identifier "AA1210" in the serial number
(Characters 11-16) suitable!