A Linux-receiver One imagines simple as an Android smartphone before that you have to bring up to scratch with a customROM. With the stock firmware (image) you will only partly pleasure at the VU + Solo² have. Who wants to just quickly watch TV, do not need a Linux-receiver, for those it does also a convenient normal receiver. Who wants to see more, can access courageously.
Using an image you ignites at Linux receivers Turbo: the original firmware brings only the most necessary Grundausttatung with, many features remain unused.
The VU + model Solo2 the image is imported via USB. Unlock rooting or boot loader and the like are eliminated. However, here the particulars may be noticed that the manufacturers for errors that are caused by an image, no guarantee or warranty takes over.
As already touched upon, the pure technical data of the VU + Solo² are impressive. No other TV receiver can because at least on paper mithalten- not the legendary DreamMultiMedeia devices.
Irritating the name Solo allemal- is the (name) predecessor Vu + Solo had just equipped with only one tuner reception, who wanted to have twin tuner had to resort to the Vu + Duo (and later for Vu + Ultimo). Apparently you but recognized the receiver without twin tuners have no market and the techies do not bring out from behind the stove. However, the two satellite tuners are not exchangeable, currently has no cable version planned. Who, meanwhile, harbors ambitions, must (three total available) with DVB-T / DVB-C tuner with a USB port to make do.
After showing you otherwise of the (design) technical chocolate side and delivers a total package that is where the technological spearhead. The design is also when you can argue about taste is well known, much better managed than in 2009 introduced predecessor. Contributing the brushed aluminum look just at how the 12-digit VFD display, or touch Standby button.
Litter remained to the concept of the reduced mass of the receiver falls relatively compact from the usual hi-fi rack dimensions is not respected. This may on the one hand not to give the impression that you are dealing with an inferior product but the whole also means that no conventional 3.5 inch hard disks can be installed. The included mounting frame and power supply are designed for 2.5-inch hard drives. Alternatively remains the way on an external hard drive either via USB or equal per Netzwerkplatte.Auf the other hand excessive heat developments will be avoided also 2.5 inch hard drives are much better suited for the living room.
Another consequence of the reduced space concept: the power supply is external and disappears from the best viewing-angle which is at this size do not permit otherwise also.
Impressive highlight of the VU + Solo² is certainly the 1300 MHz dual-core processor, the BCM7356 in the name hört- zumVergleich: offered the solo predecessor a single-core CPU with 333 MHz. Even in the more technical areas has draufgepackt a whole shovel: The busy is 1024 MB (Solo: 256MB); the flash memory (eg for images) has been doubled from 128 to 256 MB.
Gigabit LAN interface- that belongs in the normal range for standard computers, has finally become a reality in the Linux Receiver World. Thus, the sometimes large data between the receiver and other computers / hard drives finally back and forth transported in a pleasant speed. Per FTP about 40 MB / s in there.
Wi-Fi is only indirectly via the official wireless dongle of Vu + or after installing one of the alternative images (such as the VTI) for a number of other WLAN stick.
Remote Control:
Slim, pleasant division of 42 rubberized buttons with good tactile feedback here makes you look not rough Patzer. They can be programmed, ie it can replace the TV remote control. Alternatively, also control via HDMI CEC Plugin also an AV receiver, so that you can on the TV, the AV receiver and the TV on or off by pressing a key on the VU + Solo² remote control. The settings for this can be made decidedly for each individual, controllable component.
Connections:
2 x SAT-LNB in
1 Common Interface (eg for HD + module)
2 x smartcard reader
SPDIF Audio Output optical (digital)
Component Video & analog audio output
1x SCART (date?)
HDMI 1.4
Gigabit Ethernet (great!)
2 x USB rear, 1 x USB front (no USB 3.0)
Serial RS-232 port
On-off switch
Picture:
In SD broadcasts the image quality is not optimal, but it depends even more than in HD on the TV channels. Some broadcasters like ARD, ZDF also in SD still a relatively clean image.
The HD picture is super!
In my view, one should enjoy the numerous image enhancement programs on the AV receiver, TV, or at the VU + Solo² with caution and not played off against each other. Who all his fingers in the game and all sorts of controls and settings over to Max, do not be surprised if he gets an unsatisfactory result. For this, the VU + Solo² nothing, and it does not get better when you released completely meaningless reviews on Amazon of frustration. The best way to regulate everything in peace and only on TV.
Very pleasing is the boot time of the VU + Solo²- a complete restart will take about 30-40 seconds instead felt like an eternity at other Linux receivers. So you can turn off the receiver using the power switch completely quiet too often. From Standby, the receiver is ready for basically immediately because takes me to turn on the TV or the AV receiver almost longer.
The zapping is very fast, faster than its predecessor, but as always, depending on the skin, and if between broadcasters in SD, HD, within the same transponder or satellite, whether they are encrypted or unencrypted, go-to is hergeschaltet. Say longest delays dasUmschalten of an encrypted SD channels from Satellite A to an encrypted HD channels on satellite B. Who is in the range of public and private broadcasters in the German daily, but basically the fastest currently available Zapping ; result: the switch is (felt) as fast as in the good old analog times.
Another big advantage of technical facilities: one can almost safely install a range of plugins and skins, without bringing the VU + Solo² too much in distress. Tends the free memory as in the VU + Duo with half a handful of installed skins and plugins very quickly to zero, the VU + Solo² has abundant reserves of all sorts gimmicks.
The possibilities to use the VU + Solo², are endless and could overwhelm a novice at times.
Android Smartphone Who be individualized, will find many items and procedure in similar form, however soft the names slightly from each other. An image representing an custom ROM.
Skins affect the appearance of the form, as do themes for smartphones and tablets, plugins must be compared with some apps and widgets.
As Image I recommend the VTI image that is equally suited for both beginners and advanced users. In addition, behind the image a German forum with active and expert users, even beginners are happy with advice and practical help. The image is regularly maintained, that official and unofficial updates, see very quickly the way in the image. You can get through online update to the latest version, skins, plugins, etc. re-install from the online feed etc. This offer in some form or another many other images too, but here the right mix of timeliness and stability the VU + Solo². Ultimately, everyone will find sooner or later be optimal image that VTI's definitely a good starting point!
HbbTV there for a number of receivers in the VU + Solo² it is from the factory with this and is officially supported. If HbbTV is in simple terms to the good old teletext in a contemporary garb and expanded by numerous functions.
POSITIVE:
- Technically at the highest level currently
-gehobene equipment and connectivity
-1080p Upscaling (good for playing video files)
-Comes with (almost) all popular video formats to
-can be adapted to your needs thanks to Images, plugins, skins
-Good picture and sound quality
-hervorragendes price / performance ratio
NEGATIVE:
- Requires some configuration and maintenance by the user
- Factory-fitted with the most necessary functions
- No exchangeable tuner (2 x satellite permanently installed)
- Internal 2.5 inch hard disk can be installed
But: For me, a great device with incredible opportunities.
