Positives:
Processing very good
compact and attractive design
Add an internal HDD (2.5 inch) possible
Hardware is also not too hot during prolonged use and is barely audible.
The display (matching skin and Image provided) is quite appealing, informative and relatively easy to read.
Switching times are super fast.
Also SKY channels and HD + with matching standard tools / plugins generally possible.
More Fanned decryption works until now properly and also parallel.
An enormous number of options and plugins
Hardly "green screens" and crashes.
relatively good HD display and acceptable SD representation (in my experience, probably very dependent on the Image used!).
Neutral:
LCD display might be just a tad bit bigger, in my view even.
Timer function I could not fully test until now.
A second card reader slot would be useful (rather than two would be my CI slots)
Negatives:
There are not yet supported for all video formats.
HbbTV is not on board.
Actually bothers me so far very little.
Now that I've tried a Kathrein receivers, Cool Stream and Vu + and each of said devices in part had big deficiencies for me, I now first found by Gigablue my device.
Of course you have to be clear on what you're getting into with these devices.
These are Linux receivers that can not just draw up, turns on and performs a channel scan. But here is "tinker around" hip, read and try out a lot.
Who generally has little computer skills, do not like to try and patience has should prefer to buy pre-configured and well-maintained equipment from leading manufacturers. However, one has then hardly the possibilities as the Gigablue and similar devices. Comparable (hardware) equipped devices like the Gigablue HD Quad are currently not known to me. Soon, however, the Vu + Solo2 / Duo2 that will be very interesting for sure appear.
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Addendum 22.12.2012:
Devaluation of 4 to 2 stars.
My initial enthusiasm is now relative path:
Positive are still processing and design including display of the box.
The entire options which offer the Linux system.
The TV function with Timeshift, EPG and Timer running now very reliable and stable.
The supplied remote control can I find better designed and operable as, for example, (is probably a matter of opinion) of Vu + devices.
Now the major disadvantages which to date still exist or have emerged (I have now tried almost the entire image width)
- Picture quality is average to poor. Above all, the HD images are sometimes quite fuzzy (especially in fast movements such: b live broadcasts in football.).
I Mikroruckler with most HD channels. Especially with ARD and ZDF. This must be on the device, since I had already some satellite receivers before, in which the image quality was always good.
- The Quad can not be reliably integrated into the network. Here, he "forgets" often the mounted devices. Also can be with me on the network stream the least video formats. It actually works only mp4 and flv. M2T2 and partly MKV go not with me, Avi jerky enormous.
Mind you these mentioned files can be played on my HTPC and PS3 without problems depending on the format option of the terminals.
Resume:
Unfortunately, I have the now too many construction sites, which I have devoted many hours to craft work. I quite like to tinker on the devices, etc. But here you get the feeling that you somehow never is completed. Actually very unfortunate because at for the Quad has a great potential. The instrument goes back now.
I have already brought my Vu + Solo2 and have to say that the device already runs very stable shortly after realse. The image quality is very good (for example, no more Mikroruckler) and also quite sharp. It will play the most video formats.
