Samsung SIR-TS160 High Definition Receiver

[Boneprone Family]

First post here. What a Great board!
Im suprised to see such a great volume of regulars here and the vast variety of topics and help.

Simply amazing.

Being a board administrator of a large board myself (adult) I can admire what you all have going here. Nice work.

Ok.. And now my Question.


This whole HDTV thing is new to me.

Today we bought a Phillips Wide Screen 34 inch HDTV at Bestbuy for 1500.00. Im pretty happy with it thus far in terms of what we got and the price. Well now im looking for a HDTV service. Looks like we are choosing Direct TV.

Now comes the question of recivers.

SHould I get the Sony HD200 or the Samsung TS160 Reciever?

Its hard to find many reviews on these items, but what ive seen thus far shows some disappointment with the Sony. It seems there was a high expectaion of it and it was a let down from its release.

Also for my other TV's in the home that are non HDTV's do I need to buy the cheap recievers for them, or can i just wire them some how to the one single reciever?

Thanks!
I look forward to being a regular here.

[DWBJ]

I tested and activated both of these receivers and pefered the Sony by quite a bit more. It has a stronger OTA tuner and formats can be changed in the front, it is in the back of the T-160. There are other advantages to it if you would like more info, let me know. I would buy the Zenith SAT520 over the Sony since it is virtually the same receiver, and is $200 less. I did and love it, no problems at all!!
If you are new to Direct TV I would reccommend you buy a 2 or 3 room package. They will give you the standard receivers, dish and install it for free. Just make sure they give you a 3 LNB dish. Then go out and buy a HDTV receiver for your new tv. This way you get everything you need for around $600. Good Luck.

[quickfire]

I agree with DWBJ 100%.......if you are planning on having more than one tv in your home then do exactly what DWJB just advised you to do.if you don't then it will cost you alot of money in the long run.if you still aren't sure if you want an extra Tv .then i would still do it because you will have the installer to run all of your r-6 cable to each room.and can just not activate the extra receivers until you need them.I wash i had thought of this:(

[pradike]

I have the Samsung, and enjoyed the same dilemma. There are 4-5 good HDTV receivers out there - all were rated in Home Theater Magazine a few months ago.

THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE IS THAT ONLY THE SAMSUNG HAD DVI CONNECTIVITY - important if you want the best true digital signal to your TV (not to mention forward technology). I didn't want to have a unit that would be obsolete in a year, so I went with the Samsung. I've read 4 reviews - all goo. I've had mine 4 months, no problems, great picture, espically HD.

The last thing I really like about the Samsung is how you can "merge" off-air local HDTV with DirecTV channels on the channel guide - seamless.

[nyworker3]

i bought the samsung st-160 in march-i enjoy it very much-i didnt get the sony it was to much money-my brother in law has it he loves it-the only thing i dont like about it you have to go to 3 menus to see the signal strength of the ota digital signals-other than that great!:)

[DWBJ]

The Zenith and Sony both have a DVI connection.

[Boneprone Family]

What is this DVI connection so good for?

Ok. So it seems the recievers to get are the Sony 200 (but i heard the 300 will be out in fall) the Zenith or the Samsung.

I am hoping that if I choose to go with any one of these three I will be happy. It seems they all get pretty good reviews and depending on the person and the personal prefrences they like one over the other for one reason or another.

I think im gunna try the Samsung, the sony was my second choice but the fact it cost more and that I was reading the 300 was due to come out soon is weighing my choice towards the samsung.

The first posted does make some good points about the sony, so Ill continue to check this thread here to see if anymore info is posted!!

Thanks again guys!!

And remember boneprone is 4-LIFE!!

[Boneprone Family]

Originally posted by DWBJ
There are other advantages to it if you would like more info, let me know..

Yeah Id like more info if ya have it.
Thanks for you help!!


Also, this stronger OTA signal, was pretty significant?
Is it a common report from most users? IS the Samsung's Bad?

[pradike]

What DVI brings to the table is a higher degree of "future-proofing" for a true digital signal. While I am fortunate to already have a true end-to-end digital from satellite and off-air into my Marantz projector via DVI connectivity through the Samsung and Onkyo receivers...this is the exception and not the rule.

DVI comes into play 2 main ways - 1) to provide a non-converted digital signal from component to component (requiring a DVI input/output), and 2) future HDTV Video Recorders will mostly be using the DVI w/HDCP digital controls. Again, I am lucky that I already have it, and see a fantastic picture on all HD signals, regardless of the source.

Many of the less-expensive receivers and/or satellite set-top boxes fail to include the DVI/HDCP connectivity - something you will end up regretting when the HD Personal Recorders come out this fall and next year - connectivity may be either more costly or impossible. I have seen a number of poeple post that they "could not see a difference" between DVI and other signals, but no mention was made as to whether or not the end-to-end signal was DVI - this makes a major difference!

Finally, there is a 3rd factor. IF you have a projector or TV which supports the DVI/HDCP standard, you will get the optimum digital picture possible, since no signal conversions take place during the full end-to-end feed. Only a handfull of projectors (like my Marantz) or HDTVs have this today....more are on the way...

Best wishes to successful HDTV viewing.

[DWBJ]

The things I liked better about the Zenith/Sony vs Samsung T160.
My opinion only.

1. Better OTA tuner

2. Better stretch mode. The panorama aspect stretch mode on the Zenith was far superior to the Samsung. We hardly notice the stretch to 16x9 using Direct TV standard broadcast.

3. Leaving the format display on 1080i or 720p at all times allows the braodcast to be run thru your component/DVI connection. This will make standard broadcast come in much clearer, sharper and more colorful. This also eliminates the need for a S-Video chord. I did not like the Samsung non HD look.

4. When veiwing HD channels both deliver a nice picture.

5. Both receivers will give you all channels availible on your guide. That means cable, ota and satellite channels will show up on one guide.

6. The Samsung does a better job of letting you alter your guide.
Add/Delete channels to customize your guide. The Zenith is pretty weak in this regard.

7. Regarding cost the Samsung and Zenith both cost around $600.00. I would by the Zenith over the Sony. Basically the same reciever for $200.00 less.

8. I would not worry about models that are being discountinued.
This is common in electronics and does not mean there was a problem with it. Even better it gave the manufactures time to iron out some of the bugs.

On a side note, make sure if you are getting Direct TV installed in three rooms, including the HDTV box, make sure to get 3 Standard receivers. It should not cost more and it is nice to have a spare just in case one breaks or you want to add another room down the road. Also Direct Tv charges a extra $4.99 for every receiver that is activated. The one you will not be using will not count if not activated.

Hope this helps, and once again these are just my opionins.

[Boneprone Family]

Originally posted by DWBJ

Hope this helps, and once again these are just my opionins.

Yes this is very helpful!!
The point you made with the non HD viewing and the streched view with that with the zenith vs the samsung is a very good point.

Now can we confirm the reviever model is Zenith SAT520?

I will look into this and make a purchase on it.

But does it have this DVI so many people speak of?

[pradike]

I actually had one of the Zenith HD Sat tuners and returned it. A friend of mine did the same thing. It is a shame that so much mis-information is propogated:

1. Better OTA tuner

The tuner is the Samsung is cited as one of the best in any unit (by several magazine reviews).

2. Better stretch mode. The panorama aspect stretch mode on the Zenith was far superior to the Samsung. We hardly notice the stretch to 16x9 using Direct TV standard broadcast.

While the stretch mode is 5% greater with the Zenith, this action distorts the color and vertical height ot the point that a true 16:9 image is overscanned - not a good thing!

3. Leaving the format display on 1080i or 720p at all times allows the broadcast to be run thru your component/DVI connection. This will make standard broadcast come in much clearer, sharper and more colorful. This also eliminates the need for a S-Video chord. I did not like the Samsung non HD look.

The tuner is the Samsung can be set up for a 1080i HD default(the best image), with automatic adjustment downward for lesser resolution - a feature only found in the best HD sat receivers. If you have an LCD Projector output, you will be restricted with only the use of one output choice in the Zenith & Sony, whereas the Samsung supports multiple outputs. Since I have DLP, this is moot, but it may matter for your TV/projector.

4. When veiwing HD channels both deliver a nice picture.

The Zenith has a tendancy towards green tint colorations, particularly for darker images - cited in 2 magazine reviews as a weakness. The Samsung is cited as having some of the truest color reproduction in DVI mode. Audio out in all 3 units are about the same.

5. Both receivers will give you all channels availible on your guide. That means cable, ota and satellite channels will show up on one guide.

True - However, the merged channel guide in the Samsung is far easier to set up and use.

6. The Samsung does a better job of letting you alter your guide.
Add/Delete channels to customize your guide. The Zenith is pretty weak in this regard.

7. Regarding cost the Samsung and Zenith both cost around $600.00. I would by the Zenith over the Sony. Basically the same reciever for $200.00 less.

Actually, they are exactly the same, sharing the identical mother boards and output connections. In that regards, the Zenith is a better buy than the Sony, but still lacks some of the future-proofing technology found in the Samsung

8. I would not worry about models that are being discountinued.
This is common in electronics and does not mean there was a problem with it. Even better it gave the manufactures time to iron out some of the bugs.

While this is not a real concern...the reason some units get discounted is that they are about to be replaced by newer units. Zenith announced last November that they would have a DVI output model that can be used with a second device in Spring - its now Summer, and no such replacement.

STICK WITH THE SAMSUNG - IT IS FIELD TESTED IN THE REAL WORLD AND PROVEN TO BE A WINNER!!!

[DWBJ]

OK, I did state twice these were my opinions, but since pradike likes to make refrences to unnamed reviews I will counter with a named review, Home Theater Magazine June 03.

He said that the Zenith has only one output choice.
HTM: The Samsungs tuner only option is another back panel switch that offers 1080i,720p or 480/480p options. The switch location makes any kind of a native output impossible but also keeps curious fingers from changing the setting. Depending on which mode you pick the receiver up or down converts all signals to the output rate and activates the appropiate connectors. While this is simple and entirely appropiate for the vast majority of displays, The Sony and Zenith models add four additional outputs options including native, hybrid 1, hybrid 2 and EZ DVI.

I will agree that dual-output capibability is nice, if you would need it.

He said the Samsung tuner is cited as one of the best.
HTM: The Sony and Zenith tuners, which created identical pictures, provided a slightly sharper picture than the Samsung.

In regards to the green tint, never seen or have heard of it until today.

In regards to the stretch, once again I thought the Zenith was better but that is just me.

Bottemline is there are those who would tell you that the Samsung is the best and those who will tell you the Zenith is the best, and those who will tell you other ones are the best. I would go with either of these two. Both have pro's and con's and both will do a nice job for you.

[Boneprone Family]

pradike, do you workfor samsung?

[pradike]

Don't work for Samsung, nor anyone that has anything to do for them...

Just had the field opportunity to compare.

As has been correctly pointed out - there are 2 real comparison points:

1) Viewer eyes & ears
2) Actual feature variations

One is subjective, the other based on need. I pointed that out before.

On point 1...I got to see 2 of the 3 reviewed units...virtually identical.

On point 2...depends on your overall system & configuration.

Happy shopping.

[twonami]

I have a perfect solution for your dilemma, BUY ALL OF THEM!! Try them out and see which you like the best.

[CJL]

Which on of these receivers is best for bringing in OTA signals? I have the Hughes reciever, and get about a 40-50% signal on my locals and they sometimes breakup. Would a newer reciever help pull in these signals better?

I already have an amplifier on my antenna.

[Lowpro]

"Which on of these receivers is best for bringing in OTA signals? I have the Hughes reciever, and get about a 40-50% signal on my locals and they sometimes breakup. Would a newer reciever help pull in these signals better?"

Quite possibly. The Hughes box has been on the market longer than most any of the other DIRECTV HD STB's out there and I don't think the OTA tuner is as good. I personally saw a significant improvement with the Samsung SIR-TS160 over the Hughes with regards to the OTA and overall picture quality as well. I have tried both and went with the Samsung.

[pradike]

Originally posted by Lowpro
"Which on of these receivers is best for bringing in OTA signals? I have the Hughes reciever, and get about a 40-50% signal on my locals and they sometimes breakup. Would a newer reciever help pull in these signals better?"

Quite possibly. The Hughes box has been on the market longer than most any of the other DIRECTV HD STB's out there and I don't think the OTA tuner is as good. I personally saw a significant improvement with the Samsung SIR-TS160 over the Hughes with regards to the OTA and overall picture quality as well. I have tried both and went with the Samsung.

I get great OTA reception with my Samsung T-160 for all channels in the area (nothing less than 80% strength, mostly 93%) using channelmaster 3010 stealth antenna. The antenna (and location of it) are equally important to the receiver.

The best receiver won't do much without a good antenna (non-Terk!).

[CJL]

I tried the Samsung TS-160 receiver to compare to my Hughes, and I am going back to the Hughes.

I tried every connection except DVI, My Mitusbishi TV doesnt have it. Component connection was good, but not better than the Hughes, RGB seemed a bit more blurry and pixellated on some channels. And....

The OTA channels were exactly the same as the Hughes, I still can't get the Fox station most of the time. The other networks usually come in, but sometimes break up. You also have to split the sattelite and OTA feeds into it, you don't with the Hughes. The graphics are much better on the Hughes as well.

When I tried to set the Samsung to 720P I got no picture on my TV so I couldnt check that out.
All in all, not worth 600 bucks to upgrade to Samsung, Ill wait for something newer to come out! Id love to know of any with improved OTA tuners in particular.

[Lowpro]

"You also have to split the sattelite and OTA feeds into it." ... in reference to the SIR-TS160

What do you mean by having to split the SAT and OTA feeds into it. The Samsung unit has seperate satellite and OTA RF inputs on the back. Do you run an antenna line to your multiswitch by any chance? Have never done this, but if doing so would that not require you split the feed for a given room with a special splitter to seperate the antenna feed from the sat feed? Is that how that setup works? Are you saying the Hughes box will do this internally? I may be all over the map. Not sure. Someone chime in. :-P