Satman Previews the New VS Pro
Viewsat's latest product is an entry into the trendy area of Personal Video Recorders. Two other major players--CNX and Coolsat-- have entered this market and in the tradition of accurate reporting Satman has published reports on them. One would expect that with each product release consumers will find interesting and innovative features. To be sure the VS Pro is a product packed with quality and innovation . Satman brings you this special preview even before a full test is made. Our Satman team is very excited about this product and we want to be the FIRST to share it with you.
Set Up
Icon Main Menu | 
Choose the sats you want to watch | 
A Satellite List is built |
One immediately notices that the menu has a clean look like that of the Xtreme.The menu is grouped with icons. As you can see functions such as Antenna setup or motor have clear icons. Choosing the satellites you are interested in results in a satellite list this has a clear advantages over scrolling through the whole satellite list and individually doing antenna set ups.
Select LNB Freq | 
Define DiSEqC Switch | 
Hit Red Button to Start | 
Scan is 76% Complete |
The set up procedure is one of small steps with a individual menu. Good idea a new user will find this easy to follow.
Recording
The VS Pro's value added features are found within its record capabilities.
Most visitors to user forums will see that many discussions of PVR products center on what hard drive to use. At this stage of development of the whole PVR product lines experimentation seems to be a key.
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Front or Rear USB Port |
C and Ku Band Tests
Satman received a unit on July 13,2007. Testing began immediately .
AMC 1 C band was scanned along with Galaxy 4R and Galaxy 3 . The scan works best in the auto mode where you are scanning from a predefined list. Satman always recommends that predefined list be checked with SATCO DX or Lyngsat list. Some user groups have excellent lists that are updated by "old men using blind scan units that have nothing else better to do"( Satman's personal observation and description) on a daily basis .However such user groups are difficult to get involved with-- Satman's group requires personal recommendation by 3 group members.
Scans went well. Some additions were made to G-3 the NPS mux at 4208 V 11000 was added. The Galaxy 4R list was edited and several non operational frequencies were removed.
Entering Sats to Scan
The T5 or IA5 as it is now called--satellite proved to have a superior scan over the Ultra . The VS Pro locked well on weak transponders.
11874 H 22000 Ariana Afghanistan
A special test was done on Press TV at 12053 V 22000 . Another recently introduced PVR unit did not pass audio on this frequency. The VS Pro successfully passed audio. If you are a "news junkie" Press TV operated by the Government of Iran is a must watch . Most viewers here in Canada would call it a "propaganda tool ". Satman is equally sure that the CRTC would find the coverage to be very biased and would refuse to license it here in Canada. Press TV has only been up since 1 July . Media watchers are already writing detailed articles such as the one appearing in the LA Times in July 13. Press TV is a must see for FTAers.
Satman then went on to do AMC 4 Ku --home of the very popular in Canada RTP International -- Portuguese Channel. Vietmanese and Polish Channels have large numbers of viewers on this satellite here in Canada . AMC 4 is also used by Glory Star Christian Satellite . However no AMC 4 Ku satellite list was included on the VS Pro. One was constructed and ran primarily to test the Portuguese channel which is somewhat weak. We loaded 12169 H 3003 into the unit getting a good scan. Then Satman proceeded to attempt a blind scan on the remainder of the satellite.
Adding AMC 4 ku Editing "Double Scans"
Blind scan on the VS Pro scans in 12khz steps with no provision to reduce the step to 6 khz. The result was the Pro finding the Adventist mux on 11983 at 11988 and 11978 these two values were off center enough to cause poor signal lock and pixilization. Satman erased the 11988 and 11978 scans and did a direct entry 11983 scan to obtain a good lock.
Motor control is also improved over the Ultra . Satman used the DiSEqC 1.2 for motor control settings. Satellites can be found by selecting a known strong transponder and then moving toward that satellite. The simple arrow to show movement is a big improvement. There is no provision to "step" the motor movement so one has to "bump" the unit to maximize the signal.
Motor Set Up
Conclusions
Viewsat has done it again !! They have produced another performance product. Viewsat owners will want to try this latest product with the PVR function. The new PVR market has lots of choices. Viewsat will shine as one of the leading players in the industry. Viewsat enthusiasts will have to adapt to a new look and menu structure but going through the learning curve is worth the effort.
Satman notes that this unit represents marked improvements over the Ultra by offering the additional level of PVR functionality. The biggest area of improvement is in the area of motor control software.
As a product line Viewsat still has room for improvement in the area of Blind Scan. Stepping in 12 khz increments is ideal for high power DBS that spaces in 12 to 18 khz steps. Viewsat needs to add an optional 6 khz step to give the advanced user more flexibility. Satman's personal recommendation is that unless you have a basic understanding of rf tuning theory DO NOT use blind scan. The average consumers needs are best served by constructing a good channel list and letting the unit scan that list. Satman always tests the blind scan component of receivers because it is a good benchmark of tuner performance outside of the high power DBS satellites.
Buyers should note that several PVR products now exist in the marketplace. As always Satman recommends that you clearly define your needs and match the product that fills your requirements.
Test Notes
C band Tests conducted with 12' Odem dish and DMS BSC-621-2 feed . Ku band tests done with KTI 1 meter dish motorized with SG2100 motor using an Invacom QPH-031 dual linear/circular feed.
All software is factory software available from the Viewsat website .
SatmanCanada does not test ANY 3rd party software.
SatmanCanada welcomes questions and comments about any products we have reviewed.
