Review: SageTV HD Theatre

**Advocate86** · 29-10-09, 18:18

Reviewing SageTV HD Theatre was a mammoth task due to the amount of options available and the level of configurable items within the menus. I was impressed by this little player and won over by the attention to detail and depth of the immersive online options. Thankfully the attention to detail did not end there.

BDMV and BD-ISO playback was inspiring and SageTV have managed to achieve what the community has been asking after for a long time. Playback of HD 1080p video over wireless was seamless and without stutter and this was for BDMV,BD-ISO and MKV's.

It has taken me a long time to review this little gem and the result is a bit larger than I would have liked. But I believe, if a player deserves and in depth review it should receive it and that is what we at MPC are renowned for.

So grab a coffee and Enjoy this rather in-depth review over at our review section... http://www.mpcclub.com/forum/links/reviews-2009-9

**vespaman** · 29-10-09, 21:32

Excellent review, thank you!

I really think that you focused on the essence, and it is very nice to hear that there may be one player that actually does what it set's out to do, rather than promising xtra everything.

Is there any comments from the SageTV team about any 1.3 coming soonish?

Thanks,
Micael

**porkepik** · 29-10-09, 22:21

Nice job, looks like you gave this player the review it deserved

A bit down about the lack of auto refresh rate, though. It is surprising that even 24Hz isn't available.

**Advocate86** · 29-10-09, 22:25

Hi Thanks for the comments.

The player is capable of /24 but as stated it is a trick play command.

I am onot SageTV to get this option added to the usual settings area so that it can be switched on as easily as the other resolutions.

I will keep you updated in the forum for SageTV.

P.s They have just released yet anothe beta firmware enhancing features. This is the 3rd or 4th in the last month.

Advocate86

**talas** · 29-10-09, 23:14

Bravo..Fantastic Review and lot of time and effort and it shows.

Well no 1.3 that is a real bummer and if i hadn`t buy my new Denon i would certainly purchased this player,But they seemed to have really built the Hardware/Software from the ground up and more to the point they got it right from the start..and here`s the biggie...
THE PLAYER DOES WHAT IT SAID WOULD..how refreshing..please lIsten..WD, AC Ryan,Xstreamer etc etc..Nice to see a company deliver FOR A CHANGE.

Advocate you deserve an Oscar for such an in-depth and informative review..Thank you indeed.

zamzickles · 29-10-09, 23:42

The spec's are awsome, particularly BD-ISO with menus and chapters. But what was really impressive about your review was the screen showing Angels & Demons which is not available until November 24 in the US. I'm impressed!

**porkepik** · 30-10-09, 00:06

Originally Posted by zamzickles

But what was really impressive about your review was the screen showing Angels & Demons which is not available until November 24 in the US. I'm impressed!

It was released on Sept. 14 in the UK =]
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Angels-Demon.../dp/B00243HD2Y

Originally Posted by Advocate86

Hi Thanks for the comments.

The player is capable of /24 but as stated it is a trick play command.

I am onot SageTV to get this option added to the usual settings area so that it can be switched on as easily as the other resolutions.

I will keep you updated in the forum for SageTV.

Big thanks

I do hope that if they do, it will be proper auto 24/50/60Hz. For example realtek players only propose 24Hz switch, after choosing manually 50 or 60Hz for default refresh rate. Tvix or PCH do it properly.
Even though they seem to sale this player only in the USA, i hope they'll still consider it.

Originally Posted by talas

THE PLAYER DOES WHAT IT SAID WOULD..how refreshing..please lIsten..WD, AC Ryan,Xstreamer etc etc..Nice to see a company deliver FOR A CHANGE.

Not that i want to seem negative

i just wanna point out that this player is getting reviewed 1 year after its market entry, while other players are usually reviewed here on the basis of a pre-retail firmware.

But indeed looking at their changelog page gives a great impression of quality coding.

smills · 30-10-09, 00:12

Other Manufacturers - pay close attention to the SageTV:

1. Setup - highly customizable and user friendly
2. Interface - probably the most complete interface of all the players.
3. Internet Media - just awesome - something that all other players wish they had including online Firmware Updates
4. BD support - stable and mature firmware from the start !!!
4. Price : $179 ($200)

Wish List
HDMI 1.3
internal HDD

**coolstream** · 30-10-09, 00:21

Another excellent review, Advocate86!

I'd love to get my hands on one

One thing that intrigues me is the online material. You say it has a heavy leaning towards American interest, but I'd be interested to hear if you actually got any of it to play.

There appeared to be a wealth of choices, but do you end up with the equivalent of 'You are in the wrong area and cannot access this material'?

zamzickles · 30-10-09, 00:45

[QUOTE=porkepik;165838]It was released on Sept. 14 in the UK =]
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Angels-Demon.../dp/B00243HD2Y

I need to start shopping my Videos overseas. Thanks for the tip.

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