TEST REPORT

Satellite receiver

A tried-and-tested receiver is reborn
The South Korean company Topeld was one of the rst to offer a PVR receiver which actually worked awlessly thanks to a software team that listens to what customers really want, and thanks to a huge number of enthusiastic supporters around the globe. The name of the box was TF4000PVR. In the meantime, several years have gone by and Topeld has added several other products to its range. Yet, the success story of the TF4000PVR continued all the way. smart info bar which shows EPG information on the current programme, the availability of teletext, Dolby Digital, subtitles etc. as well as the reception parameters of the selected channels and tuner that is providing the current signal. Zapping is fun with the TF4000PVR Plus, as the time it takes to switch from one channel to the next is around one second. This receiver features two tuners and therefore is able to record two different events from different transponders at the same time, while simultaneously a third programme from one of these two transponders or a recording on the hard disk can be watched on the screen. All this needs two distinct signal inputs to work, of course. The Archive button on the remote control opens a window listing all available recordings. Similar to the concept of PCs, the recordings can be led in different folders. A coloured $ symbol indicates whether a recording is encrypted, partially encrypted or FTA. Using the Vega software that is provided free of charge by Topeld the channel list can be edited on a PC, while the receiver can conveniently be updated via satellite. The TF4000PVR Plus turned out to be a perfect A-grade product when we put it to the tuner test: neither the reception of an SCPC transponder with approximately 1.5 Ms/s nor weaker satellites (at our location) such as Eurobird 2 or Astra 2D could make this sweet box sweat. One word of caution, though: the signal quality meter is not 100% trustworthy. In conclusion, we can happily state that the new TF4000PVR Plus is the ideal receiver to jump into the Personal Video Recorder world. It offers top features and includes everything most users will desire with the exception of an USB 2.0 interface.

Topeld TF4000PVR Plus

In the beginning this receiver was considered a high-end box for professionals, but in the course of time it became the perfect gadget for beginners not least because of its unbeatable price. So its hardly surprising that Topeld continued to manufacture this cash cow up until very recently, when nally the decision was taken to re-launch this particular model so that new features that have become available thanks to more advanced chipsets can be included as well. Ever since we rst got wind of this decision by Topeld, wed been eagerly waiting for the new TF4000PVR Plus. The casing is once again perfectly designed and the combination of silver metal with black Plexiglas looks stylish and makes this box something want to display in your living room cabinet, rather than hide away. Five buttons are located on the front panel which allow operating the receiver without the remote control. Its a pity there is no dedicated button for accessing the main menu. In the centre of the front there is the usual easy-to-read Topeld segment display with three LEDs. A ap on the right hides two CI slots for all standard modules as well as a slot for an embedded card reader, which was blank and thus inactive in our test receiver. However, one might ponder the idea that in the future the TF4000PVR Plus just like its predecessor will also be available with an integrated card reader. On the back panel there are two tuner inputs with their respective loop-through outputs, two scart connections, three RCA jacks for stereo audio and video, an RS232 interface for linking the box
to a PC, as well as an optical digital audio output. Unfortunately, there is no mechanical main power switch. Contrary to Topeld PVR receivers of the 5000 and 6000 series the TF4000PVR Plus does not feature an USB 2.0 connection and therefore it is not possible to transfer recordings from the box to the PC or MP3s from a PC to the box. The included remote control is the standard Topeld model which has rightly received much praise in the past. The downside is that the remote will also control all other 5000 series receivers within its reach.

tion of NTSC or PAL signals and correct switching in case of US feeds happened without any problems. Thanks to the YUV option this box is predestined for use with LCD or plasma screens or beamers. Apart from LNB settings the installation menu includes the channel search as well. An automatic search can be performed with the network mode on or off and can be restricted to FTA signals or scan all available signals. With the network search mode activated the Topeld completed a full scan on our 80-transponder test satellite in approximately seven minutes. This is a very good result, albeit one we have come to expect from Topeld products. The channel edit menu deserves special mention as it is a very effective tool: channels can be renamed, moved, deleted or sorted according to all kinds of parameters as well as protected with a PIN code to make sure your little ones dont watch anything thats not suitable for their age. Channels can also be copied to an unlimited number of favourite lists, a feature that is both fun and extremely useful for keeping everything close by and handy. Once all basic settings are nished it is time to press the Exit button to leave the main menu. The TF4000PVR Plus then automatically tunes into the rst channel on the list and displays a
If you ever have had the privilege of holding a Topeld remote control in your hands you should feel at home with the one that comes with the TF4000PVR Plus. Operating the receiver is straightforward, the only change we noticed with the new European model is that it sports a very up-to-date channel list for both ASTRA 19.2 East and HOTBIRD 13 East. A clear focus on the German speaking market is also evidenced by the fact that all German language channels show up on top of the channel list. The default language for the OSD is also set for German. The new TF4000PVR Plus is able to output the video signal as RGB, CVBS, YUV and S-Video using either the PAL or NTSC colour mode. Automatic detec-

Everyday use

18 TELE-satellite International www.TELE-satellite.com

TECHNIC

Manufacturer Fax E-mail Model Function Channel memory Symbol rates Satellite inputs SCPC compatible USALS DiSEqC Scart connections Audio/video outputs UHF modulator 0/112 Volt connection Digital audio output EPG C/Ku band compatible Power supply
Topeld, Seongnam/Korea +82-31-7082607 inquiry@i-topeld.com TF4000PVR Plus Digital Satellite Receiver with PVR function 5000 1-45 Ms/sec. 2xF yes yes 1.0 / 1.1 / 1.2 / 1.3 x RCA no no yes yes yes 90-250 VAC / 50/60 Hz

Main menu

LNB settings

Info bar

Signal search
Horizontal beam of NILESAT 7 West

Expert conclusion

The receiver is easy to use, offers a wide range of features and looks very stylish in the living room.
To calibrate & adjust your dishes - easy to use - exact and accurate - absolutely reliable - programmable
Satellite and transponder data should be completely updated, 5000 channels are on the low side for a PVR receiver with DiSEqC 1.3 support, two CI slots and many reception areas, especially in Europe.
Thomas Haring TELE-satellite Test Center Austria

TOPFIELD

t was just about a year ago when TELE-satellite was the first to introduce the TOPFIELD TF4000PVR. Even back then there was hardly anything to be critical about. TOPFIELD always listened very closely to what their hard drive receiver customers had to say and fulfilled many of their wishes. As a result many software updates appeared as time went on. These updates were made available either via the Internet or, what is much more practical, via satellite. At press time the current software version was v.4.3.54 dated September 30, 2002. Many hard drive receivers only come with one tuner. The problem with this is that while it is possible to record one program while simultaneously watching another prerecorded program, the user could never watch another live program. To fix this problem, TOPFIELD simply added a second tuner to the TF4000PVR. The simple-looking front panel has all of the control buttons hidden behind a flap so that the receiver can still be used if the remote control should vanish. Hidden behind this same flap are the two slots that accept various CA modules for the reception of PayTV programs. The selected channel (3500 for TV and 1500 for radio) is shown on a green display. On the rear panel the four IF jacks are immediately noticeable. Two are IF inputs and the other two are IF outputs. The inputs can be used separately or can be looped through from one to the other. In this way one tuner can be used to record a program while at the same time the second tuner can be used for watching another program that is currently running. The two Scart connectors deliver video and audio to a TV and a VCR. For those parts of the world that dont use Scart connectors, video and audio outputs are also available via a set of RCA jacks. And with the proper stereo system, the digital audio output (S/PDIF) can be used. External switches can be controlled with the 0/12 volt programmable output. The modulator output operates in all PAL norms. The NTSC norm is available on the video output. The serial interface permits the uploading of new software. The Loader program is easy to use and should not present

TF4000PVR

40 GB Hard Drive, 2 Tuners and USALS
a problem even for beginners. As far as SatcoDX compatibility is concerned, the ability to upload current transponder data into the receiver is being worked on.

Everyday Use

The initial installation of this receiver is actually fun. Easy to understand menus greatly simplify this job. Regardless of whether you are setting up an LNB or activating a satellite, the signal strength and quality are always blended in at the bottom of the screen. Outfitted with DiSEqC 1.0 and 1.3 the TF4000PVR can be used with single antennas, multi-feed systems, SMATV and DiSEqC motors. Since the latest software release, it is now also USALS compatible. This makes finding satellite positions extremely easy when using a proper DiSEqC motor such as one from STAB. 64 C and Kuband satellites are already preprogrammed and additional ones can easily be added. The TF4000PVR is one of the best when it comes to a channel scan. In only four minutes, the data from an 80-transponder satellite was scanned into the receiver, including SCPC signals with symbolrates less than 2 Ms/sec (manufacturers specification: 1-45 Ms/sec). For more experienced users there are the Manual and Advanced searches with manual PID entry if needed. If a scan is successful, the video of the newly found channel is immediately shown in the OnScreen Display (OSD) in an insert. Next, the Edit menu will help in organizing everything that was found. Unwanted programs can be deleted and others can be moved around as desired. Popular programs end up in one of the many themed Favorites lists (News, Music, Movies, etc.). A parental control feature is included to prevent kids from seeing things they shouldnt. A Sleep timer is also available for those who are in the habit of falling asleep in front of the TV. If a program is available in more than one language, selection is made directly via the remote control without having to open up menu pages unnecessarily. Teletext (VBI) and subtitles are also supported. The Electronic Program Guide (EPG) is very well made and deserves high praise. It provides an overview of the programs from several different providers or

more detailed information on an individual program. And if you find a program that you want to record, it can be highlighted here and the start and end times are automatically transferred to the Record menu. The record/playback functions on the remote control are hardly any different than those found on a standard VCR. A single push of a button brings up the Record menu and by using the Quick function a recording can be started immediately. The length of the recording can be set up in advance. The start and end times of a recording can also be set up in advance. Highlighted programs in the EPG are automatically recorded. In another menu all previously recorded programs are shown in a list and can be accessed with the push of a button. For those who are in a rush, a quick push of a button starts recording the current program. The Time Shift function is an outstanding feature. If you happen to be interrupted (telephone call, etc.) while sitting there enjoying your favorite program, all you need to do is push the appropriate button on the remote and the receiver begins recording the program. When you can finally get back to the TV, you can pick up watching that program from the point of the interruption. It will simply end a little later than originally expected. Naturally the standard functions such as fast-forward, rewind and pause are also provided. With the receivers second tuner you watch an entirely different program than the one currently being recorded by the first tuner. When playing back recordings it is possible to view specific content in an endless loop.

Conclusion

Of all the digital receivers with hard drives that have been tested so far the TOPFIELD TF4000PVR without a doubt ranks as one of the best. Its easy to use receiver and recorder sections are only a few of its plusses. We cant forget the numerous useful software updates made available via Internet or satellite and of course the USALS compatibility. To top it off, there is the second tuner that allows the user to watch one live program while recording another and the digital audio output. Put all of this together and you have a receiver that has clearly earned the stamp of Very Good.
TELE-satellite International The Worlds Largest Satellite Magazine www.TELE-satellite.com