Rogers SA8000HD PVR now available

[sjc]

I just called my local Rogers Video outlet and they have the new SA8000HD PVR in stock for both rent and sale. The monthly rental price that was quoted was $22.99 + $1.99 fee which isn't too bad. It's only about $11 more than what I'm paying now for a crappy SA3100HD which I'll be returning. Can't wait to try one of these out. It'll be my first PVR.

[tat2]

You cannot pick it up till June 1st. Other people were ready to get them but the last part of the authorization process in stores is locked out.

My local store will not hold them either, have to call June 1 early am and go int he afternoon.

I waited this long I guess I can wait longer.

[tat2]

Corrections:

Rental Price is $24.99 + $1.99 PVR access fee, only $4.99 month more than the SD PVR.

Each location has a limited number avilable first (I've heard 5-12 each)

Most stores open at 10am, I'll be there just before that. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[tat2]

Got mine this morning at 10am, there was even a bit of a line.

I got the third one. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

If is as good as the 8000 PVR, I'll love it.

[sjc]

I got mine this morning as well. I got the first unit (was there at 10 am). They had 12 in total, 3 were already held. Haven't had a chance to try it out yet though, still at work.

[tat2]

I havent' really tried mine either. I had to go to slepp to work overnight tongiiht. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[sjc]

So far so good. From an STB perpective, the picture is decent quality, and the channel changing is close to the responsiveness of my previous unit, SA3250HD. Looks like there are 2 Firewire ports, but I've been reading that they are inactive. One disappointing thing is that the DVI port is also innactive. I was just getting used to the SA3250HD's DVI port and could swear that the picture was better. There are also plenty of audio ports available, but I don't yet have a proper receiver setup to experience this.

As far as the PVR functionality goes, well I've never owned a PVR and I can now see what all the fuss was about. The convenience of simply going into the Guide and picking what to record and watch, from single episodes to recurrences. HD recording seems flawless as well. I'm thinking of re-subscribing to TMN now that I can record and watch movies when I want rather than constant Sopranos and Deadwood during primetime hours.

So far after day 1, I'm fairly impressed with this Rogers offering. I can't really say that I've had a major issue warranting a call to tech support. I've been hearing that Future Shop is selling this unit for $600 after rebates which is very tempting.

[digitalcable]

I'd like to see Motorola match the Dual Tuner option with HD.

[MCIBUS]

I would like to see a TRIPLE HD PVR for BEV /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif If not hat at least he Dual HD PVR.

TOM /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[travisc]

Motorola should be matching the dual tuner some time this summer, if they're to be believed.

[digitalcable]

Dual Tuner is a really good selling point for an HD PVR, its too bad Motorola doesn't have a competing product.

[travisc]

Well, Motorola was first to market in cable with an HD PVR, SA beat them with dual-tuner HD. You win some, you lose some.

[digitalcable]

Hey travisc is Compton going to an all digital lineup like Rogers and the other cable companies.??

[travisc]

We've digitally duplicated 15 or so analog channels in digital. Eventually, we'll go there, but there's a lot of $ involved to groom things properly to use the bandwidth. We've still got the TMNs and Superstations on analog, so we don't have that spectrum to play with. We don't get any complaints about our analog PQ, so it's not a pressing concern right now.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

do these new rogers 8000HD pvr's still only come with 8 timers for recording?

Will the component video work on a non hdtv or is component output reserved for hdtv output signal(rogers CSR couldn't say)?

I tried 2 of the old 8000 and they were very choppy and both crashed when i fast forwared it?

I emailed SCI-ATl monday and they said they are working on a DVDRW unit , but they didn't turn on the 1394 firewire becasue of DMC rules. She also didn't wanna respond to question about only 8 timers in future model's.

I heard alot of bad stuff on other forums from U.S. Viacom Time Warner customers about 8000's crashing all the time,
what do you say with the new rogers' 8000hd batch?

Let me know if this is now stable.



don't you guys consider this little since pc based units are unlimited timers ,satellite one's have 25, and panasonic e85 pvr had 16.

[tat2]

I have many timers set. No problems at all. It does crash sometimes but not all the time.

With its bugs, still worth it.