Device Configuration:
***************
I have, despite some negative reports on the Vu + Duo2 with 2 x DVB-S2 tuners Dual decided what practically corresponds to a quad tuner. But you can also buy with DVB-C tuner or DVB-S2 Single tuners. A subsequent change of the plug tuner is possible.
Design and manufacturing quality:
***********************
Visually, the device does not very much. It is externally neither beauty nor particularly dibasic. The center display could be clearer and sharper. Since I use a Logitech Harmony remote control, I do not disturb me on the remote control also not very high. Slightly offset the appearance of high-resolution color display on the left side. In the factory configuration makes it not look like much, but it has only once busy and configured that looks really good and certainly provides a lot of useful.
Commissioning and installation:
***********************
The installation of a 2.5-inch hard drive (also 3.5 inch hard drives are available) turned out to be very easy. I opted for the WD10JPVX in 1TB capacity, because it is extremely quiet and produces little heat. All necessary cables and screws were supplied with the box.
Theoretically you could take with the original device software operating the receiver now. But this is neither recommended nor excites you by the possibilities of the device even comes close from. Therefore, I have the current VTi Image 6.0.1 partly filled at the beginning. Following the box starts in a more or less colorful tile appearance that something reminiscent of Windows 8. Who wants to get an idea in advance to can look at some screenshots I've uploaded here. Who does not like it, finds countless alternative skins and can replace the user interface at any time. My personal recommendations are the Skins called Kerni-HD or HD-DMConcinnity.
Those like me who only has a twin LNB with two cables should connect each cable to the respective upper Tuner Input and then configure as follows:
- Tuner A: simple / single / Astra (19.2E) / no
- Tuner B: associated with A
- Tuner C: single / single / Astra (19.2E) / no
- Tuner D: associated with C
I have performed several tests and had no trouble seeing stream or record more than 10 programs simultaneously. With a quad LNB and four cables of course goes even more, but I shake all possibilities.
Image quality and suitability for everyday use:
************************
The image quality is very good. I have a feeling that both HD and SD programs have a slightly better image quality than it was the case with my predecessor also very good device.
The switching times are quite good. Menu Operations to be absolutely no delay on the stage. The boot time is for a Linux receiver at slightly more than 30 seconds at a record level. The picture-in-picture (PIP) function is also useful for HD channels.
Fans and hard drives are not audible and thus a significant improvement over my old receiver. Despite dual tuners, the device remains relatively cool. Only directly above the tuners, it is a bit warmer, hot but I would not speak here. Nevertheless, I have corrected caution the fan speed to still inaudible 1,300 U / min upwards. In Maximum term internal temperature display shows 43 ° C. Worry I'm not there, computer components usually come easily cope with temperatures up to 60 ° C, which I did not nearly reach in this unit.
The box has been factory enormously many options to meet individual needs optimally. In addition, you can load with free software enhancements are many other more or less useful additional functions on the Enigma2 receiver. For example EPGRefresh, EPGSearch, Fritz Call, OpenWebif, Web Interface, Cutlisteditor, Moviecut or permanent Timeshift.
These provide in my case that the EPG data are loaded every night for up to 14 days in advance and instantaneously available. Per a custom keyword search for broadcasts of all programs is possible. Phone calls are signaled and displayed on the screen while watching TV.
If the Vu + Duo2 is networked via a LAN cable (which is highly recommended), all your home network computers and devices via the web independently to select each TV program Play (streaming). On Windows machines should do this, the VLC player to be installed because the Windows Media Player is preparing here partly problems.
The whole is rounded off by a very easy-to-use editing function, which allows leading or trailing periods and advertising cut out from the records. If you want to archive records, or if the space of the internal hard drive should be just once, can be accessed via the network to the receiver and copy with maximum data rate to the computer or external drives.
Regarding stability the box exceeds in everything I knew before. Crashes or freezing, I have so far experienced only during the intensive trial and error and experimentation, but never with the normal use in everyday life.
Afraid of the installation of extensions you need not have the way. You can experiment as much as you want provided that you use the backup feature of Vu +. This allows any time the return matches a system images should actually broke my mods have become unstable or the box.
Conclusion:
****
I am more than pleasantly surprised! Initially, it had grayed me something before the purchase of a craft box. But that was unfounded. Of course, I have to deal with me a few days with the device, but this was worth it and also a lot of fun. The not so nice housing optics is more than offset by the intrinsic values. Therefore, I forgive also the maximum score for this product!
All technically interested and experimentation consent interested I can Vu + Duo2 anyway unreservedly recommend!
