Super performance - strong buy recommendation!

So people to take one anticipated, the receiver is super! Especially with regard to the price! Forget the comments of people who spend an HDTV receiver with little features several hundred euros and more, and then still on the screen, the functions etc. have any complaints. Nonsense!

After really long search (since early 2009), I then decided to go for the Imperial HD 2 plus. At the beginning there was the HDTV area only the customary known as Philips, Kathrein etc. Only Ferguson had advanced as one of the first manufacturers in lower Preisgefilde. When FK-8500, however, lacked a SCART connector. So I waited, and in September I reoriented myself. And I'm back on the usual manufacturer Philips, Kathrein, but then also Vantage, Technisat, Topfield etc. stumbled. There, however, the rates go back up loosely to several hundred euros. But what can one currently with such an expensive device when in HD TV can currently be seen on only a few channels (Anixe and arte) and the test stations of ARD / ZDF? Who knows how things develop over the next 2 years? So I came to the decision to make any major investment and with the Imperial HD2plus to try, even though there were hardly any reviews it. After ordering from Amazon, the receiver was already the next day with me.

I run the receiver to a satellite dish and LNB Kathrein. I use a 42 inch plasma TV from Panasonic (TH-42PZ80EA). From the Playstation 3 ago I know the full HD image of the plasma, which is really excellent. So unpacked everything and connected and started. But via HDMI cable started the receiver does not correct. It was only "digital box" appears on the display, but output will not appear on the TV. Changes to the AV port on the TV starts the box was to read the display of the selected station name. About Scart you can see the screen easily. So faster decision making a firmware update. I thought, if that does not help, then the box goes back. Firmware update from the manufacturer downloaded to a USB stick and started copying the digital box via Scart. USB Stick with the update file is detected immediately. Selected file and starts. After a few seconds (less than one minute) the update was finished. Start box again and suddenly works, the image output via HDMI. So everything Paletti!

Equipment and connections:
Everything is there. The key for me outputs are HDMI, SCART, optical and electrical digital audio output, RCA audio output and USB2.0. But there are even more ports. I have the box ordered in black. The housing is made of metal and the front plastic. Overall, a valent impression. The front panel display is easy to read also removed from 3-4 meters. The box has a separate power switch on the back!

Switching time:
The changeover was a selection criterion for me, but the network has found nothing. It is definitely in less than one second. For HDTV channels it is only slightly longer. My old Philips Receiver (DSR 2010) has a long switching times. I am pleasantly surprised !!!

Remote Control:
The remote control is okay. They served all over the D-pad. All important keys are present, the Record button for PVR operating. The remote control has a great reach. One does not just aim at the Box. It also in the opposite direction to aim and still is switched. I've seen quite differently when expensive Kathrein receivers!

Software and Firmware update:
Important purchase criterion for me. The software is stable and a firmware update can easily and smoothly. Load file down, save to USB flash drive and choose the box and start. Finished! Less than a minute! After the update, the power diode not lit more red but green when the box. If the box is in standby, the time is displayed.

To date I had with the box even a single crash! If everything goes smoothly! HUMAX I know that quite differently.

EPG:
The EPG is okay. Only that one only has to go a complete overview of the broadcast EPG on to get to the current programs (texts of the Programme Guide) information is a bit strange. Ie on the FB INFO button while the display is obtained which still runs as long and what is going on next. The program details can only be obtained via the EPG.

The resolution of the EPG and the other menus are not in HD. Therefore, the fonts look a bit pixelated, but that does not particularly bother me. You always have to keep the price in mind. In addition, the receiver can also be operated with 576p / i. And since the EPG must then also be more readable. Therefore, it is not in HD resolution!

Channel list / favorites list:
Quite important purchase criterion for me. It can be managed 8 favorite lists. The cabinet is equipped with 8 innately lists with good TV channels. a) main stations, b) Sky, c) HDTV, d) third programs etc. are categorized well over the favorites. About the overall list (FTA etc.) can be at the transmitter selection see one of which favorite list of channels. Stations can be assigned to multiple lists.

From the manufacturer, you can download an editor for editing of channel lists. You can export the Stations of the box and then edit on a PC and then import it back on a connected USB stick. But that was too cumbersome. I have edited my station list with the box and the FB. Duration 20 minutes. So not really a problem as many others write.

The Box remembers which favorites list was chosen as a last resort. The next time the box this and the last selected station will be called again. Just as it should be!

PVR function:
Without any problems. I've seen it (it has at the same time ordered the box it) with an acquaintance. Infected HDD and off you go. Select Send by EPG and highlight for recording, done. Timeshift function without problems, this will be reserved on the plate corresponding place. So surprised after the plate is not connected and you look at the free space.

The speed of USB sticks is not sufficient for video recording and media playback. With HDD that is not a problem.

Picture:
The picture is great and can not be compared in the SD range with my old receiver. Especially in stations with good picture (ARD, ZDF, etc.) the picture is fantastic! You can set all the important resolutions 576i & p, 720p, 1080i.

Switched to the HD test channels ARD and ZDF .... Wow ..... how about the PS3! Since you can really see what's coming later. Especially in football the picture is incomparable !!! And that for the price. Congratulations to Imperial!

Sound:
I have the box initially operated on my old stereo system myself but then struggled through to a new 5.1 system. Hence the optical / electrical digital output is important. Because Anixe and arte send the HD channels only in Dolby Digital 5.1 (AC3 audio stream) and can not process my television or normal stereo.

Teletext:
It is right that you should definitely choose a receiver with good Teletext. Because the HDMI connector, the teletext signal is transmitted in any receiver !!! The digital box has top text with pages memory and faster response time.

Start on / off:
Starting the Box is quick (less than one minute). When switching to standby mode, the box takes a little longer (about 1 minute). Can get over I personally, since the box 1 time is switched on or off (in extreme cases 2-3 times) a day.

Additional functions:
It is playing MP3, images possible. For this, but you should use a HDD. In addition, three games Tetris, Sudoku, Othello on the box. All this comes to me out of the question, since I anyway use the PS3 for this.

Conclusion:

Positives:
- Alphanumeric display
- Ease of use
- Good remote control
- Short changeover time
- Digital outputs optical and coaxial
- Switch on the rear panel
- Devices warming not noticeable
- Easy device discovery to the USB port
- Simple firmware update via USB stick
- Problem-Record on Hard Disk

Negatives:
- Only after the firmware update worked the box via the HDMI connection with my Panasonic TV. But there is probably also on the TV set. Because with an acquaintance with a Samsung TV everything worked immediately with the old firmware version. Therefore, still by my side, the full 5 stars!

Tip:
- A small USB extension simplifies the connection of USB flash drive and hard drive
- With most satellite box manufacturers can be downloaded from the Internet, the operating instructions. This is an often already shed light on the functions, the appearance of the menu or the EPG or the arrangement of the buttons on the remote.

So all in all a very, very strong buy recommendation! Super performance for a reasonable price! Congratulations to Imprial. Hopefully the producers keep it up!

DigitalBox Imperial HD2 plus Digital HDTV satellite receiver (CI slot, HDMI, 1080i upscaler, Scart connector, PVR-Ready, USB 2.0) Black

DigitalBox Imperial HD2 plus Digital HDTV satellite receiver (CI slot, HDMI, 1080i upscaler, Scart connector, PVR-Ready, USB 2.0) Silver