Skybox M3 VS Skybox F3

[PopcornNMore]

Mixeshop now offers the Skybox M3 as well as the Skybox F3 for roughly $47 each plus shipping.

Which model is the latest and which model is better? Brian recommended the Skybox F3, but the M3 also has a dual core processor and might actually be the latest model.

 

[woodheat/nooil]

M3 looks smaller you might need to buy both to test

skybox M3 sky box M3 Mini skybox M3 Satellite receiver Dual-Core CPU 1080P Full HD - YouTube
Skybox F3 1080P Full HD Dual CPU Ali 3601 Openbox F3 skybox F2 SKYbox F1 openbox F2 openbox F1 - YouTube

 

[KE4EST]

M3 looks smaller you might need to buy both to test

 

[PopcornNMore]

The M3 looks like a new model of the S12. Ok, I might just need to order one.

 

[PopcornNMore]

The M3 comes with Wifi.

Original Skybox M3 Full HD Satellite Receiver

Full HD 1080P : FTA+Multi CAs+LAN+USB+PVR General Specifications: Core Dual CPU, 396 MHz MIPS Processor Fully compliant MPEG-4 H.264/AVC Main Profile Level 3 & High Profile Level 4.1; Fully compliant MPEG-2 MP@HL & MP@ML; Fully compliant MPEG-1 Layer I & II & III, Dolby Digital Audio(AC3); SCPC & MCPC receivable from C/Ku band satellites; multiple LNB-Switching control (supports DiSEqC1.0/1.1/unicable/1.2/1.3(USALS) supported) NIT search supported; Support MPEG-5; Support HDMI 1.3; Support PVR(store in USB disk); Multimedia files playback(by USB); Support Electronic Program Guide(EPG) for 7 days; Teletext and subtitle out through OSD; Support multi-lingual DVB subtitle and teletext; Automatic and manual channel scan options; automatic service scan channel-change time < 1 second OSD in many languages and skin-support Multilingual support on screen menu (OSD): English, French, Deutsch, Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Danish, Greece, Portuguese, Finland, Holland, Turkish, Czech, selectable LED Display Multiple display mode: 1080p/1080i/720p/570p/576i/480p; MPEG-2 / H.264 Hardware decoding Videotext Decoder Analog audio output: stereo(L+R); S/PDIF Interface for digital bit stream out (AC-3) YCbCr available; Screen format:auto, 4:3, and 16:9; Upgrade software through USB2.0 port; Powerful program management function, parent lock; CA 1x slot 10/100Mbit Ethernet Interface Directly bouquet-lists

 

[squid385]

The f3 has wifi too. The m3 doesn't use a regular rs232 connector and is in a smaller plastic case. The f3 has a metal case with a clock display on the front. The f3 is almost as small as the m3. They both use the same fw. Just an FYI. The f3 has the same processor (m3601, 128mb ddr2 400 memory and 4mb flash). They were both introduced at the same time. Best use the latest fw on the f3 (5-10-2012) and by all means don't try to load any s9, s10, s11, s12, s16, etc. fw on the f3 or you will fry it. The f3 works great with the last fw release.

 

[KE4EST]

Yeah I would order the F3 if you are going to order one.

 

[Pixl]

128mb ddr2 400 memory


128 MB seems lite. I suspect lack of enough memory is why many of our fta boxes freeze.

 

[AJV]

Hey Jim,

You know a little about these Openbox receivers. Is it possible upgrade the memory in these? And is it cost effective?

AL

 

[Pixl]

The chips are surface mounted on the pc board, beyond my talents to change one out. And if you could, the FW would have to be altered to take advantage of the extra memory.
I'm learning that the memory spec is something to pay attention to when you buy your next receiver.

 

[squid385]

128mb ddr2 400 memory


128 MB seems lite. I suspect lack of enough memory is why many of our fta boxes freeze.

I agree, the f3 is somewhat lite on memory. I don't know what the s9-10 had for memory, but the ddr2 400 in the f3 might be just a cut above those. All I know is the f3 with the latest fw is working good for me.

 

[Bongu]

I just ordered the F3 from Mixeshop. I still plan on the MicroHD when it is released too. I'm dying to try a sub $100 S2 STB. I will love it or hate it. It will still be a bit more portable than my current PC based S2 solution.

Sent from my Timex Sinclair using SatelliteGuys

 

[jsattv]

Good info. Also noticed that a seller called Ali Express (Shenzhen Invention Electronics Ltd) sells the Skybox F3 for a total price including shipping of $74.70 delivered. Looks like they are not on eBay - not that that matters. This price seems unbelieavable but if it works well and has a faster Blind Scan than the painfully slow Blindscan on my AzBox, it could be worth taking a chance on. Has anyone tested this Skybox F3? ie Brian, Squid385, others? Will it play YouTube Videos on WIFI that are frozen on my HD Rx? Any comments would be much appreciated.

 

[squid385]

Good info. Also noticed that a seller called Ali Express (Shenzhen Invention Electronics Ltd) sells the Skybox F3 for a total price including shipping of $74.70 delivered. Looks like they are not on eBay - not that that matters. This price seems unbelieavable but if it works well and has a faster Blind Scan than the painfully slow Blindscan on my AzBox, it could be worth taking a chance on. Has anyone tested this Skybox F3? ie Brian, Squid385, others? Will it play YouTube Videos on WIFI that are frozen on my HD Rx? Any comments would be much appreciated.

I've had one for a couple of weeks or so and have done some very limited testing. The first fw releases had some problems, but the last fw release dated 5-10-2012 fixed all those problems. I have noticed some minor freezing on montana pbs, but I have a weak signal on that channel. I haven't tried it with a motor as I only use it on three fixed ku dishes. I haven't tried to record anything or test the wifi either. With the latest fw, it has been stable for me on 125w, 97w and 30w. I tried to upload the 5-10-2012 fw and american satellite list here in zipped form, but so far it is still in the moderation que. So far, this seems to be the best stable fw available. It has a nice sharp picture, good color and the osd is well laid out. It was an easy setup for me. It does have a fast blindscan, about 5-8 minutes. That about all I know about the f3 at this time.

 

[KE4EST]

I tried to upload the 5-10-2012 fw and american satellite list here in zipped form, but so far it is still in the moderation que.

Not any more.

 

[jsattv]

I've had one for a couple of weeks or so and have done some very limited testing. The first fw releases had some problems, but the last fw release dated 5-10-2012 fixed all those problems. I have noticed some minor freezing on montana pbs, but I have a weak signal on that channel. I haven't tried it with a motor as I only use it on three fixed ku dishes. I haven't tried to record anything or test the wifi either. With the latest fw, it has been stable for me on 125w, 97w and 30w. I tried to upload the 5-10-2012 fw and american satellite list here in zipped form, but so far it is still in the moderation que. So far, this seems to be the best stable fw available. It has a nice sharp picture, good color and the osd is well laid out. It was an easy setup for me. It does have a fast blindscan, about 5-8 minutes. That about all I know about the f3 at this time.

Squid385, thanks a lot for the great & detailed info on the F3, If it works I would like to try it with my Actuator Dish Mover for C & Ku Band on my Mesh Dish. Hopefully there is a Satellite List for North America? Forgot to ask, is there a Web Site where you can download the latest fw 5-10-2012 updates?

 

[woodheat/nooil]

Maybe from here, Download / Software_Shenzhen Yojia Technology Co., Ltd.

 

[KE4EST]

Here is the one that squid uploaded: FTA Firmware - Downloads - SatelliteGuys - America's Satellite & Home Theater Technology Information Source!

 

[joshrr]

Does the F3 support the APSK signals like the microhd? Does the timer work? Can you upload your sat and channel list from your s9 unit or did they change the internal database format? Also where do you buy it? Thanks for any info!

 

[jsattv]

Thanks for the info woodheat and Ke4est.