UltraPlus 980HD write up - the new Octagon SF1008?
I recently purchased the UltraPlus 980HD miCro PVR Satellite Receiver. This is a recent addition to the Linux stable, similar to the Octagon SF1008. It’s manufactured in the same factory and I would say for most intentional purposes, they are the same but I’m yet to play with the Octagon.
I still had a requirement for a High Definition blindscanning receiver with ethernet connectivity utilising the CCcam and Newcamd protocols. With my Azbox falling a little short of its promises (blindscanning was one of them) this receiver seems to fit the bill quite nicely.
Upon opening the box it revealed a nice compact receiver not much larger than the familiar Strong 4658x with it being only marginally larger in width. It contained the usual remote, batteries, manual and of course a HDMI cable which is what's required to get the most out of a high definition receiver.
The rear of the receiver has the usual in/out LNB F connectors along with Optical, Component, Compost (I call it this because it usually looks like shite!), HDMI, USB and that all important Ethernet/Network connection.
The front panel has a nice VFD (vacuum florescent display). I like these because they display the actual channel name as opposed to just a number. In saying that though it would be nice to have a few extra characters on the display but it does scroll the channel name if longer.
There is a flap on the right hand side revealing 1 card slot and 2 CAM slots. With only a power/standby and channel up/down buttons on the front it’s essential you don’t loose the remote!
The remote is nice and sleek and fully featured. It has everything from all your PVR buttons to your regular navi configured buttons. There’s even a recall button so you can select from the last 10 channels viewed! Another nice feature is the Picture in Picture function. You can look at 2 channels on the same transponder and place them in various positions on the screen. This might be great for all you Fox Sports nuts!
For a Linux receiver, the look and feel is that of a regular satellite receiver. The setup and menus are very easy to follow and well laid out.
The blindscan is the fasted of any receiver I have played with and the details appear accurate. The channel information screen doesn’t show the detail of the Vantage / Mediastar. But at least it does show if a channel is in HD on the channel information bar unlike the Strong HD box but I’m happy to be corrected there.
Of course you can enter transponder details manually will all the options from Transmission ( DVB-S / DVB-S2 ), FEC, Modulation (QPSK, 8PSK etc) and Pilot.
Once you have scanned in your satellite, the channel list is selected by the usual pressing of the OK button. You can select form a number of views by pressing the red button. I really like the way it’s all presented showing channels with the various views of Default (the way the channels were scanned in), Alphabetically, TP, Satellite or All, CAS and Provider. There’s also the channel preview window.
The EPG is clear and easy to read. The time window can be adjusted to display programs from 1 – 4 hours on the screen at once, then scrolling to the right to see more. Using a Selectv sub I saw 7 days ahead of EPG information.
You can press the EPG button again to show the programs on the current channel, once again, 7 days in advance. Selecting the left or right buttons in this mode will change the channel still showing the programs for that channel.
Recording a program is as simple as scrolling to the show in the EPG and pressing the OK button twice (first press selects channel to only play or change to while the second records it) that’s it!
PVR functionality – Works great and nothing like the Octagon SF918 I have. Fast Forward and Fast Rewind actually work and can also be used when you press play, bringing up the playback progress bar – Nothing like the old Octagon SF918! Files are recorded in the familiar .TS format not the proprietary format of the SF918.
There are 2 forms of media to record to; they being a USB hard disk or a network drive/PC share. Actually I didn’t try a USB key so probably 3 really.
Once again I used a 2.5” laptop drive in a USB external drive enclosure for my testing and it worked fine. I also created a network share on my D-Link 323 NAS and it worked fine as well. I’m yet to try other recordings like those from my Dreambox but will copy some across in the next day or so.
The Ethernet port can be used for more than connecting to a file share. This box supports the CCCam and Newcamd protocols and the connections are very reliable and glitch free.
Plugins for this functionality can be downloaded from the Octagon.gmc.to forum. Also I have started a thread with the current working plugins. These also enable the card slot to work the same as the Octagon SF918
Now I haven’t tried the Octagon SF1008 firmware on this box and have been warned by the distributor that this will void my warranty. But he said it’s fine to use the Octagon SF1008 plugins. What more do you need?
So at the end of the day I’ve found this to be a fantastic box and so far it seems like every things works. This isn’t like what I expected after buying the old Octagon SF918!
Cheers,
Leroy
Last edited by LeroyPatrol; 24-04-10 at 11:51 PM.
XCRUISER HDSR600HD twin sat and terrestrial receiver $OOS *
XCRUISER HDSR385 Avant - sold out$OOS UltraPlus DVB-T and DVB-S2 tuners $49 Remotes $OOS
band59 (02-06-10),bigfella08 (25-04-10),conan_oz (25-04-10),derinstarz (13-01-11),Digis@t (09-02-11),ident (25-04-10),jamisiah (26-04-10),malrose (29-04-10),Min (25-04-10),mol666 (02-09-11),OSIRUS (24-04-10),resads (23-12-11),rewstar (25-04-10),sat 49 (25-04-10),sdrambo (05-09-10),weirdo (25-04-10),z1gg33 (24-04-10)
| Look Here -> |
I have uploaded the manual. There are lots of screen shots and other useful info.
Leroy
XCRUISER HDSR600HD twin sat and terrestrial receiver $OOS *
XCRUISER HDSR385 Avant - sold out$OOS UltraPlus DVB-T and DVB-S2 tuners $49 Remotes $OOS
Digis@t (09-02-11),gesundheit (17-04-11)
Thanks Leroy, great reveiw.
LeroyPatrol (25-04-10)
Ultraplus980 HD
Hi Leroy - whats the Picture Quality in comparison to the 918 and what did you pay for it.Originally Posted by LeroyPatrol
I recently purchased the UltraPlus 980HD miCro PVR Satellite Receiver. This is a recent addition to the Linux stable, similar to the Octagon SF1008. It’s manufactured in the same factory and I would say for most intentional purposes, they are the same but I’m yet to play with the Octagon.
I still had a requirement for a High Definition blindscanning receiver with ethernet connectivity utilising the CCcam and Newcamd protocols. With my Azbox falling a little short of its promises (blindscanning was one of them) this receiver seems to fit the bill quite nicely.
Upon opening the box it revealed a nice compact receiver not much larger than the familiar Strong 4658x with it being only marginally larger in width. It contained the usual remote, batteries, manual and of course a HDMI cable which is what's required to get the most out of a high definition receiver.
The rear of the receiver has the usual in/out LNB F connectors along with Optical, Component, Compost (I call it this because it usually looks like shite!), HDMI, USB and that all important Ethernet/Network connection.
The front panel has a nice VFD (vacuum florescent display). I like these because they display the actual channel name as opposed to just a number. In saying that though it would be nice to have a few extra characters on the display but it does scroll the channel name if longer.
There is a flap on the right hand side revealing 1 card slot and 2 CAM slots. With only a power/standby and channel up/down buttons on the front it’s essential you don’t loose the remote!
The remote is nice and sleek and fully featured. It has everything from all your PVR buttons to your regular navi configured buttons. There’s even a recall button so you can select from the last 10 channels viewed! Another nice feature is the Picture in Picture function. You can look at 2 channels on the same transponder and place them in various positions on the screen. This might be great for all you Fox Sports nuts!
For a Linux receiver, the look and feel is that of a regular satellite receiver. The setup and menus are very easy to follow and well laid out.
The blindscan is the fasted of any receiver I have played with and the details appear accurate. The channel information screen doesn’t show the detail of the Vantage / Mediastar. But at least it does show if a channel is in HD on the channel information bar unlike the Strong HD box but I’m happy to be corrected there.
Of course you can enter transponder details manually will all the options from Transmission ( DVB-S / DVB-S2 ), FEC, Modulation (QPSK, 8PSK etc) and Pilot.
Once you have scanned in your satellite, the channel list is selected by the usual pressing of the OK button. You can select form a number of views by pressing the red button. I really like the way it’s all presented showing channels with the various views of Default (the way the channels were scanned in), Alphabetically, TP, Satellite or All, CAS and Provider. There’s also the channel preview window.
The EPG is clear and easy to read. The time window can be adjusted to display programs from 1 – 4 hours on the screen at once, then scrolling to the right to see more. Using a Selectv sub I saw 7 days ahead of EPG information.
You can press the EPG button again to show the programs on the current channel, once again, 7 days in advance. Selecting the left or right buttons in this mode will change the channel still showing the programs for that channel.
Recording a program is as simple as scrolling to the show in the EPG and pressing the OK button twice (first press selects channel to only play or change to while the second records it) that’s it!
PVR functionality – Works great and nothing like the Octagon SF918 I have. Fast Forward and Fast Rewind actually work and can also be used when you press play, bringing up the playback progress bar – Nothing like the old Octagon SF918! Files are recorded in the familiar .TS format not the proprietary format of the SF918.
There are 2 forms of media to record to; they being a USB hard disk or a network drive/PC share. Actually I didn’t try a USB key so probably 3 really.
Once again I used a 2.5” laptop drive in a USB external drive enclosure for my testing and it worked fine. I also created a network share on my D-Link 323 NAS and it worked fine as well. I’m yet to try other recordings like those from my Dreambox but will copy some across in the next day or so.
The Ethernet port can be used for more than connecting to a file share. This box supports the CCCam and Newcamd protocols and the connections are very reliable and glitch free.
Plugins for this functionality can be downloaded from the Octagon.gmc.to forum. Also I have started a thread with the current working plugins. These also enable the card slot to work the same as the Octagon SF918
Now I haven’t tried the Octagon SF1008 firmware on this box and have been warned by the distributor that this will void my warranty. But he said it’s fine to use the Octagon SF1008 plugins. What more do you need?
So at the end of the day I’ve found this to be a fantastic box and so far it seems like every things works. This isn’t like what I expected after buying the old Octagon SF918!
Cheers,
Leroy
Digis@t (09-02-11)
I find it difficult to compare because I have to change between HDMI inputs and the picture change isn't instant. But I can see the picture quality is excellent compared to all my HD boxes including the SF918.
Leroy
XCRUISER HDSR600HD twin sat and terrestrial receiver $OOS *
XCRUISER HDSR385 Avant - sold out$OOS UltraPlus DVB-T and DVB-S2 tuners $49 Remotes $OOS
Leroy,
Channel zapping is it quick? Compared to AZbox and Mediastar?
1 x VU+ Duo HD Twin Tuner PVR, 2 X AZbox HD, 2 X Opticum 9500 HD, Unotelly DNS & VPN, 2 X Roku Media players, 3 X WD-TV Media Players, and some shitty Vast STB's
It's not as slow as the Az. I would say on par with the Mediastar and the Occy 918 I have. Obvioulsy a card in the slot is always going to clear pictures the quickest.
Leroy
Last edited by LeroyPatrol; 26-04-10 at 03:14 PM.
XCRUISER HDSR600HD twin sat and terrestrial receiver $OOS *
XCRUISER HDSR385 Avant - sold out$OOS UltraPlus DVB-T and DVB-S2 tuners $49 Remotes $OOS
sat 49 (26-04-10)
I think you will find going by Leroy's Signature He sells these thus the review for our knowledge of the product.
See Buy sell and Trade for more info.........
LeroyPatrol (26-04-10)
I was going to do a little image juggling but..... Much the same but with more channel info like program description. (I couldn't steal my Select card from the outlaws the other night!) And a better preview pic on the screens. The original pics are mostly when I was pointed at Asiasat2/5 and no program info or guide etc on that sat.
I also copied some avi files to my network mounted NAS drive and the 980HD plays them. I copied a .TS file from my AZbox and no go. Prob has something to do with the id files that they are recorded with.
If you want pics of anything else let me know. Most are in the manual but they are small. If you need a bigger pic I'll post it.
Leroy
Last edited by LeroyPatrol; 26-04-10 at 03:50 PM.
XCRUISER HDSR600HD twin sat and terrestrial receiver $OOS *
XCRUISER HDSR385 Avant - sold out$OOS UltraPlus DVB-T and DVB-S2 tuners $49 Remotes $OOS
Digis@t (09-02-11)
Wireless
Is this unit capable of wireless, or need to have an adaptor.
It doesn't have built in wireless but nothing to stop you using a wireless AP in client mode. I don't know of wireless USB support either.
Leroy
XCRUISER HDSR600HD twin sat and terrestrial receiver $OOS *
XCRUISER HDSR385 Avant - sold out$OOS UltraPlus DVB-T and DVB-S2 tuners $49 Remotes $OOS
Yes it can be setup using a USB Wlan stick.
Download the manual
For those who want to know,
All these boxes are the same.
Fortis HS-9510HD
Rebox RE-4000HD
Octagon SF-1008HD
HD Box FS-9100HD
UltraPlus 980HD
Openbox S5 HD
Tiviar S1 eco HD
Atevio AV700HD
Skyway Classic
I.Com HD-9000 DIVX
Optibox Koala HD
VisionNet FS-9510 HD
bigfella08 (06-05-10)
and these are the same as each other,
Fortis FS-9000
Rebox RE-9000HD
Octagon SF 1018HD
HD Box FS-9300HD
UltraPlus F-9000HD
Openbox S8 HD
Tiviar F1 HD
Icecrypt S4000HD
Atevio AV 7000HD
Skyway Diamond
And it's not a case of the Octagons are cloned, they all come from the same factory and it's called.....Branding. Octagon have been good at marketing!
Leroy
XCRUISER HDSR600HD twin sat and terrestrial receiver $OOS *
XCRUISER HDSR385 Avant - sold out$OOS UltraPlus DVB-T and DVB-S2 tuners $49 Remotes $OOS
All made by Fortis Korea
Here is a 980HD method of setting up a wireless using a WiFi USB.
DM600 & 85cm Motorised Dish
I've used wireless on my Azbox from day one and it's great having one less cable running your receiver. I better get me a USB wireless NIC and have a play
Cheers,
Leroy
XCRUISER HDSR600HD twin sat and terrestrial receiver $OOS *
XCRUISER HDSR385 Avant - sold out$OOS UltraPlus DVB-T and DVB-S2 tuners $49 Remotes $OOS
Digis@t (09-02-11)
I just bought one of these wireless adapters
Great price. I'll report back on how it goes.
Leroy
XCRUISER HDSR600HD twin sat and terrestrial receiver $OOS *
XCRUISER HDSR385 Avant - sold out$OOS UltraPlus DVB-T and DVB-S2 tuners $49 Remotes $OOS
My DLink wireless USB NIC arrived today. First issue was it wouldn't physically fit beside the HDMI lead as nic is too wide! I finally found a male to female USB lead.
Now I can set it up and see my network and it all configures etc but it won't pick up an IP via DHCP. I tried to enter one in statically and it's not happy either.
It's a Hardware Ver C1 like on the list in the Octagon wireless setup pdf.
I'll continue to play....
Leroy
XCRUISER HDSR600HD twin sat and terrestrial receiver $OOS *
XCRUISER HDSR385 Avant - sold out$OOS UltraPlus DVB-T and DVB-S2 tuners $49 Remotes $OOS
bigfella08 (06-05-10),Digis@t (09-02-11)
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