Very reliable with a timer recording, even from deep standby there very rare times a prob. Zig external HDDs and some USB flash drives used, just great. Depends since my Telestar Diginova HD (slimmed Technisat HD8-S) loose from.
I use sticks for ext2 and ext3 as the file format HDDs. I can access on your Windows PC to the files on a Linux Reader so well. Big plus: shooting, at least my past will not be split. This makes the processing on the PC easier.
Thanks to various software and PayTV fit, and without the CI module. The twin function can be used as a rule, what about a CI module is not always possible directly. With VTI Image also run various WLAN stick, especially if they are using a RaLink chipset; also works with some Realtek sticks. Streaming is not quite strong but in wireless reception hardly possible.
Operation partly cumbersome, many functions are hardly or not at all explained in the BDA, there's only internet research and the very good VU + support forum. But there is no device for beginners should be well known. If one wants to delete a recording, you can not do this directly by pressing a button, but you must first call up a menu at this point. This could be better, eg directly prove a key at this point, and display them at the bottom.
The remote control has fallen quite large, but could use a few colored marks and clearer labels tolerated. Thanks to many key direct access to many features possible. The VU + reacts quite well at a keystroke, the FB has an overall high-quality impression. Only the buttons are a bit stiff.
The power consumption in Deep Standby is below 1W, in operation-depending on config, so connected HDDs- from 23W to 30W over. In normal standby consumption is only slightly less, since only the image output is switched off. Linux receivers are usually designed as a media server, so there are networking and many others active.
However, a major weakness is the web interface. Sort only very limited access, adjustment of options and many features unavailable even no station etc., this requires an additional back-SW.
Only the EPG is available with its own window, anything happens in a browser window, not open a new tab available. The extremely annoying when you want to program for example Timer for multiple programs from the EPG. It has, for example, the program overview in the timer, click on the EPG character of a program, EPG opens in pop-up window. Clicking here now a consignment, is switched in normal browser windows at once to timer page. Will you now be programmed by another program a timer, it gets less funny: Bouquets -> Favorites (if you have created) -> Click again EPG -> Scroll down to the program. Although not many steps, but take particularly WiFi these steps a little. It also has many programs in the favorites you have to scroll far back. Since then possibly to be updated to the EPG, the list jumps back a bit, so that you have to scroll down again.
Another gripe is that no programming on are highlighted in the web interface in the EPG. If you are not sure whether the timer is set for sending X, one must look at the Timer page or directly via the TV menu in the timer settings again.
Additional weakness: shipments with a 'in their names can only be copied directly. Additional settings, such as longer recording time, actions after shooting (Standby, Deep Standby) can not be changed. About the VU + even that is possible, but not on the Web.
I have the VU + for over 1.5 years and was recently actually very happy; at least for the faint web interface.
This week, however, my VU + given up the ghost. On the Internet I found users who have the same problem, many who own their VU + well for about 1.5 years. The total loss is probably caused by low-quality capacitors in the power supply. Unfortunately I do not know whether one has since become what improves.
My VU + is not the first revisions, but the slightly newer processor with front and deep standby.
Conclusion: Overall, great Linux box with many function, very good community with great software support. Negative drop web interface and service life.
