Which Vu+ to buy?

[Tassie Devil]

Please bear with me for my relative ignorance about the specs etc of satellite PVRs.

I am not chasing after odd satellite O/S broadcasts but live in a terrestrial blackspot so need the dish to bring Australian programs in. I've "invested" (silly word) in VAST but the Freeview restrictions bug me so I've been supplementing VAST services with an Ultra Plus 9000 to get ABC & SBS off Optus D1 satellite.

However the 9000 has died. I suspect a new power supply board is required and I'm still unable to find where to source one - anyone know?

I'm not templed to replace it with another UltraPlus 9200 as they appear to have the same problem of freezing as mine had so I've been researching what else is available and it apprears the Vu+ is well liked. But there are a confusing array of models so I'm perplexed what to get.

I have not found an Aussie source but see them at high prices in the UK (with associated high transport costs) but reasonably priced in China at Shenzhen. I've bought from alibaba before so have no doubts about getting one fromm there.

But here are the options which I would appreciate help and advice about (these dealers will take orders for single units):

1. HD satellite receiver vu duo twin tuner linux hd pvr $USD103 to $USD108 at

2. Vu+ Solo HD Single Tuner DVB-S2 Linux Engima2 Satellite Receiver $USD70 to $80 at

3. vu duo twin tuner linux hd pvr $USD130 to $USD170 at

4. Satellite Receiver DVB-S2 Vu+ Solo2 Vu Duo Twin Tuner Linux HD PVR $USD220 to $USD230 at

5. Mini Vu+DUO smart Linux Enigma2 DVB-S2 HD Twin Tuner PVR $USD120 to $USD128 at

6. vu satellite receiver,vu duo vu solo 2 receiver twin tuner linux hd pvr receiver $USD160 to $USD180 at

Your advice?

TIA

John

[admin]

Hi John

Vu make some great sat receivers. But anything you find on sites like Alibaba are not genuine units, they are chinese clones (copies).

Any time anyone produces a good sat box, the chinese quickly buy one and replicate it. Many people here have no problem buying clones, personally I wouldnt. I have been looking at the internals of a genuine Vu Duo and a chinese clone lately and although they do exactly the same thing and look similar internally, the clones do use cheaper grade electronics where possible.

Having said that, I'll leave it to others to provide further info on whats current. I have a Vu Duo, but the Vu Duo 2 is now the current model there.

[Tassie Devil]

Hi John

Vu make some great sat receivers. But anything you find on sites like Alibaba are not genuine units, they are chinese clones (copies).

Any time anyone produces a good sat box, the chinese quickly buy one and replicate it. Many people here have no problem buying clones, personally I wouldnt. I have been looking at the internals of a genuine Vu Duo and a chinese clone lately and although they do exactly the same thing and look similar internally, the clones do use cheaper grade electronics where possible.

Having said that, I'll leave it to others to provide further info on whats current. I have a Vu Duo, but the Vu Duo 2 is now the current model there.

Thanks for that info,

So where to source a genuine Vu Duo 2?

John

[slippery49]

a member has just recently purchased



they may be able to assist in review.

[Tassie Devil]

a member has just recently purchased



they may be able to assist in review.

Thanks for the link.

One post links a German site which will not open and the other has the Vu Duo 2 for around $AUD800 landed - rather expensive. Maybe those UK sites might be better after all!! And would the Chinese clone be all that bad??

Decisions, decisions, ...

John

[admin]

Thanks for the link.

One post links a German site which will not open and the other has the Vu Duo 2 for around $AUD800 landed - rather expensive. Maybe those UK sites might be better after all!! And would the Chinese clone be all that bad??

Decisions, decisions, ...

John

A genuine Vu Duo was from memory $600 plus when they came out.

With clones you have to take in to account is it really worth saving a buck against a genuine unit. They would have to be substantially cheaper in my opinion as I wouldnt say they have a "stellar" warranty system. If something goes wrong you have to factor in the cost of postage to and from china at your cost (unless they state otherwise). But its up to you, I just wanted to make sure you knew that anything from china is unlikely to be genuine as they dont tell you in their adverts.

Have you considered a second hand genuine Vu Duo ? One just went in our Buy Sell Trade forum for $200, a very good price. I was almost considering buying it myself if it didnt sell.

When the Vu Duo originally came out, we had 2 major bulk buys on Austech. Therefore there should be a few around and a Wanted advert in there might get you something.

[admin]

I believe this UK site only sells genuine units


There are no dealers in Australia that sell genuine units that I am aware of.
are no longer importing any units in.

[Tassie Devil]

I believe this UK site only sells genuine units


There are no dealers in Australia that sell genuine units that I am aware of.
are no longer importing any units in.

Thanks, I've sent an inquiry to the UK + will see if there are any used units around.
I appreciate the interest you have taken in helping - thanks.

John

[Tassie Devil]

OK, I've now ordered this unit: It comes with two standard satellite tuners but I chose to get a HDD from here: Possibly overkill but ......

They have not charged freight and accept credit cards.

Some places wanted as much as GDP100 for courier freight. Some of the replies I had were curious and I wonder if they knew much about the products they were selling!

Anyway, I expect it to arrive in a couple of weeks

Thanks again for all the help.

John

[admin]

They are a nice looking unit.

Let us know what you think after you have had it for a while.

[Tassie Devil]

They are a nice looking unit.

Let us know what you think after you have had it for a while.

I wondered if the free freight was too good to be true. It was. I got a message just now that freight would be GDP80 and that seems excessive to me so I might cancel and go elsewhere. I've queried whether it could be sent air mail.

[Tassie Devil]

Order with the UK company has been cancelled.

As it looked VERY expensive to import from the UK I looked elsewhere and have changed tack to order from China here:

Total cost including freight was $AUD283 - less than half the cost of the "genuine" article. I discussed buying Chinese items with a technician and he pointed out that most of our electronics (TVs etc) come made in China these days so the accusation of shonky copies is questionable. I remember when the same label applied to Japanese goods.

Maybe it will end up a sorry experience as forecast - the communication with the company has been very bad and unimpressive but we shall see. Getting a reply from them was like herding a cat but they told me it will be shipped today. Once here and installed I'll report back as to whether I've been conned into buying rubbish or I've been a shrewd old (80 next year) A/V nutter.

[admin]

Everything is made in China, yes, but it comes down to quality of components and cheaper knock offs simply don't use higher quality gear compared to originals, they use lower. If the technician doesn't understand that, well.....its not a valid argument.

Having said that, many people are happy buying Chinese copies, particularly if there is a big cost saving involved. I just like to make sure people understand exactly what they are buying because in effect you are buying a "pirated copy"... even the box it comes in is an exact copy of the original and most Chinese sellers don't/won't state that what they are selling is not genuine. As long as people know, they can make there own choice.

[slippery49]

will be a differennt box,

I dont beleive there are currently any clones for the Vu Duo2

will be clone vu duo with v2 revision board etc

[ol' boy]

will be a differennt box,

I dont beleive there are currently any clones for the Vu Duo2

will be clone vu duo with v2 revision board etc

Hey bought a Solo2, there are many clones of them.

[slippery49]

original uk order was Duo2,
so now will be totally differant

[Tassie Devil]

will be a differennt box,

I dont beleive there are currently any clones for the Vu Duo2

will be clone vu duo with v2 revision board etc

So what are we looking at here (the one I've just purchased)?

[Tassie Devil]

original uk order was Duo2,
so now will be totally differant

In what aspects?

Not trying to start a heated debate asking that, just curious as I'm not well educated about the fine details of these receivers.

[admin]

In what aspects?

Not trying to start a heated debate asking that, just curious as I'm not well educated about the fine details of these receivers.

Your original link to the UK site/store was for a Vu Duo 2. The Alibaba link is to a Vu Solo 2.

[slippery49]

that is a clone vu solo2 and a lot differant to the duo2

here is link with a quick glance comparirson betwen vu models,


as a addon, just looking at the sol2 link,
is an estar sim clone, so you will be limited to the tools and images they do for these boxes,

will be very easy to brick