The DSD 4121 RV PVR Ready?...
The DSD4121 VAST Decoder has now been discontinued and has been replaced with the new DSD4121 RV "12 Volt / 240 Volt" PVR ready model.
With the simple step of connecting an external Hard Drive or USB Stick to this decoder, you now can record shows that you are watching.
The older model portrayed in the ad below and the standard DSD4121RV are no longer manufactured by Altech UEC and the only unit in this line left is the RV PVR ready model.
For over a decade the only practical television service available away from major population centers has been the Aurora service with its limited channel repertoire.
On the Aurora service you did have access to 'Imparja' ( channel 9) and 'SCTV' ( channel 7) on the East Coast or 'WIN' and 'GWN' on the West Coast plus a little boon in that you could also receive ABC1 and SBS1 from all over Australia. That basically was it.
VAST has dramatically changed this (see a list of available channels here) and the new VAST Decoder's have dramatically changed the picture and sound quality.
To start with, the new VAST DSD4121 RV set top unit (STU) not only has the old RCA (AV / red white and yellow cables) format to connect to your TV but also has a HDMI (High Definition Multi Media Interface) output.
What this means, with a single HDMI cable you get a true high definition picture on your TV which frankly, if you have not seen it before, is quite stunning. Imagine looking at the television and being able to tell if your favourite football player had a shave this morning or actually seeing the ball in flight during a game of cricket. More so, watching a movie thriller in High Definition while listening to its soundtrack in 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound is a treat.
This STU has both optical fibre and SPDIF coaxial outputs for a 5.1 surround sound connection to your amplifier or home theatre setup or you can use the red and white RCA leads to hook up directly to your TV or amplifier. Of course, you could always just use a HDMI connection if that suits your needs.
You can still view the channels that you received on Aurora but in addition to this, you also receive all the ABC and SBS services across Australia including ABC24 news service and SBS2.
Altech UEC have delivered a serviceable product here but they have dropped the ball when it comes to the Remote Control that is shipped with this unit. Compared to the unit that in itself has some aesthetic attraction, the remote feels quite thrifty in comparison sporting an exposed and naked infrared LED out front. The result is something that looks cheap. Comparing this remote with the remote that was shipped with the original DSD4121, even though smaller in construction it was much more appealing with a more refined finish.
Considering that this unit and its remote may live in your lounge for many years, I think Altech UEC could have spent more time considering the remote. With competition now in this market place maybe they will.
Another point is that the DSD4121 PVR Ready is marketed as a unit up-gradable to a PVR. Technically this is true but what they fail to stress is that with the upgrade you can only record the channel you are watching. I am sure the more educated customer may find this not so satisfying.
Summing up, apart from the remote controls appearance, Altech UEC have presented the market with an, in general, serviceable product. One big advantage is that this is a 12 Volt model that you can run from your car cigarette lighter or other 12 volt power source. One little drawback however is that even though it is marketed as a '12 Volt unit' they do not supply a 12Volt lead? Instead It is shipped with a 240 volt / 12 Volt adapter allowing you to run it of a 240 volt power outlet. Even so, bearing in mind that a 12 volt lead only costs a few dollars and where the Power Adapter may cost over $30, you are in front here value wise.
It is the lowest in price on the market but have a look around and see what else is on offer before you make a purchasing decision.