I found a very nice unbiased entry by Arjun at blogspot.
Choosing The Right FTA Receiver – Coolsat or Viewsat ?
Lately there has been a lot of interest in FTA (free-to-air) receivers. These boxes allow users to use standard dishes (similar to those used for Dishnet and DirectTV) and get hundreds of freely broadcasted channels from a host of nations without any monthly fees. Some hobbyists also modify the software on their FTA receiver to view encrypted channels. Such usage is illegal but fta receiver files can be easily found on many forums online.
Even with just FTA channels, getting an FTA receiver is definitely worth it. However, with several manufacturers and more getting into the game everyday, how do you choose between them? Some of the more common manufacturers including Coolsat, Viewsat, Pansal and SonicView have been around for many years and provide good product support which is very important when dealing with these fickle devices.
Coolsat receivers tend to be the most user friendly. The remote controls are well thought out and make common tasks very simple. However, the coolsat file support generally lags behind Viewsat by up to 2 weeks. Coolsat receivers can be updated with new software via serial cable.
Although not as user friendly as Coolsat receivers, Viewsat receivers are very stable and the support is top notch. Viewsat programmers tend to release updated files before all other FTA receiver manufacturers. The remote is a little awkward to use but the support makes Viewsat receivers our top choice. In particular, the Viewsat Xtreme 2000 provides the best value for money. Like Coolsats, Viewsat receivers are updated via serial cable.
Sonicview receivers seem to be a cheaper Viewsat line and also provide good value for money. The remote is better designed but the support seems to lag Viewsat a bit although it doesn’t seem to be as bad as Coolsat. The Sonicview receivers also have a front USB port so that file updates can be conveniently applied with a USB memory stick instead of via serial port like the others. As a cheaper secondary receiver, Sonicview is definitely a good choice although we have had slight issues scanning channels at higher frequencies.
When choosing an FTA receiver, go with Sonicview if price is your most important consideration, with Coolsat if you’re after ease of use and Viewsat if you want quick bin updates.
here is the current Viewsat line up except the MAX HD, I will be sure to post it asap.
The Viewsat Platinum Lite was developed to meet the demand for a lower priced unit with the same power as the Viewsat Platinum. The Lite does not include a card reader, Dolby output, or a universal remote. The Lite also has one set of composite outputs. Other than that, it is just as user friendly and powerful as it’s big brother, the Viewsat Platinum.
Viewsat VS 2000 Platinum Lite
The VIEWSAT ULTRA Lite Introducing the NEW VIEWSAT Ultra Lite. Viewsat designed this unit to satisfy the demand for a small but very powerful low end unit. Don’t be fooled by it’s small size or it’s low price. This sleek unit has all of the power of Viewsat’s all time best seller, the Viewsat Ultra. The Ultra Lite has a USB port for easy updates like its big brother and uses the conexant Chipset. The 200Mhz processor gives this baby everything it needs to handle the future of FTA. The Ultra Lite is perfect as a stand alone receiver, or for additional rooms. This Viewsat is a must have for all Viewsat owners or FTA hobbyists.
Viewsat Ultra Lite
The VIEWSAT ULTRA (New VERSION 2) has added a faster processor (200 MHz), double the memory of the Xtreme (32 Mb SD RAM), and a USB communications port for easy data updates. Now you can use your USB flash drive to update your receiver. The new universal remote that comes with this unit is awesome. If that’s not enough, wait until you see the new colorful Graphic User Interface. This far then the old Xtreme.
Viewsat Ultra V2
The Viewsat VS-PRO is the latest outstanding STB added to the Viewsat product line. Designed with user-friendly functionality in mind, VS-PRO contains a new simple setup wizard, all your favorite On-Screen functions such as “Theme Search” and a great 7 day EPG. The Viewsat VS-PRO also offers dual USB ports and USB PVR (Personal Video Recorder) Functionality.
The new processor used in VS-PRO will prove to be the front runner for all STBs to follow. The unique new Samsung Tuner and 2 USB Ports will make VS-PRO a winner among all other STBs in the market! Included new feature options will allow you to capture, record, playback and save to your external HDD right out of the box! View your recorded programs using the PIP option, now with the ability to playback your recorded program right along side your current channel.
Loaded with new Features and Options, High Speed Processing, Excellent Picture Quality and USB PVR Capabilities, VS-PRO is another unmatched technologically advanced STB release by Viewsat.
The Viewsat Pro FTA receiver provides free to air satellite reception for the USA, Canadian, and Caribbean markets.
Viewsat Pro
The Viewsat PVR 7000 is the flagship product in the Viewsat family of FTA receivers. It is a dual-tuner Personal Video Recorder, which enhances TV viewing experience by allowing users to record one program while watching another one or record two programs at the same time. It uses ATA or Ultra ATA 3.5″ IDE hard drives for program recording, which can be easily installed through the front access panel.
The PVR receiver comes with component outputs for superior picture quality. It can record continuously, giving users the ability to “rewind” while watching live TV. Recording is simple and can be completed with just a few clicks of the remote control; users can schedule recording by using electronic programming guide or by selecting the desired time and channel. The PVR contains many features found in other Viewsat FTA receivers, such as blind scan, support for C and Ku-bands, control for various LNB polarities, and many more. It also includes a built-in MP3 player and photo viewer. Users can connect to a PC via the USB 2.0 ports and transfer recorded programs for external archiving, or their favorite photos or MP3s.
Viewsat PVR 7000
The Viewsat 9000 HD provides many new features that make it stand out from all the other ordinary FTA receivers. Besides supporting PVR function with optional external USB HDD best EPG period, Selectable Output Video Format: 1080i / 720p / 480p / 480i give you the option to download updates through the USB port, zoom in and out to a picture and it will also allow you to view up to 9 different channels on a single screen. It has a 266 MHz powerful processor The Fastest Booting & Scan Speed which makes this receiver to be the best in the Free To Air World. Buy this receiver today and experience the difference. The Viewsat 9000 HD is a very high quality receiver completely designed, engineered, and manufactured in Korea.
Viewsat 9000 HD PVR
