[jtbell]

This will supposedly be available in April, but can be pre-ordered now from Channel Master.

http://www.channelmasterstore.com/HD..._p/cm-7001.htm


Has HDMI, component-video, S-video, composite video, stereo analog audio, and optical digital audio outputs.


The manual describes the EPG as "Simple guide lists the following program’s information of current channel." No grid-type display of all available channels. And there's no mention of a TVGOS setup procedure. So it must be PSIP-only and not hybrid TVGOS/PSIP as on the CM-7000PAL DVR.

 

[jjeff]

Wow they've kept the S-video, basically an orphan format now days. Unless I'm mistaken it looks like they still don't have APT

or a way to loop the RF without it being modulated. I only see a CH3/CH4 switch but no OFF position.

Much nicer looking remote than my CM7000s and I hope it's picture quality and tuner are as good or even better than the excellent 7000, of course HDMI/Component will be HD. Looks like they've also added QAM, which of course was forbidden on the CECB 7000.

If I were in a market for such a product I'd seriously consider it

 

[DAP]

It is missing separate inputs for antenna and cable. That would be a feature that would tempt me to replace the Centronics ZAT 502 HD that I have already.

 

[arxaw]

DAP,

That's too bad. It sounds like a fatal flaw for anyone looking to easily watch OTA and QAM cable channels on the same box.


TVGOS would've been nice, too.

 

[videobruce]

Kinda worthless without two RF inputs. Almost worthless RF output.

Great info on their web page; USB & Ethernet ports listed but are not present.


Another example of what happens when some other corporation comes in and buys out the name.

Quote:

TVGOS would've been nice,

Keep dreaming.

 

[Management]

Anyone pre-order this box and received it? The website states that it is shipping April 15th.


I just pre-ordered so not sure when I would be receiving it. Will post back when I get some details.


Side note: Thanks jjeff for enlightening me on this thread.

 

[tylerSC]

Mine was shipped on Friday 4/15 so am waiting to receive it. Sales rep said on phone it has same sensitive tuner as CM 7000 converter box and DVR. Eager to examine its features and performance. And by the way, Channel Master is now the consumer division of PCT and most of its products are now made overseas. As reported previously, the old CM antennas made in the US are no more. (Smithfield NC shutdown). But the current PCT imported products are not necessarily inferior, but just not the same.

 

[LithOTA]



Quote:
Originally Posted by tylerSC /forum/post/0


Sales rep said on phone it has same sensitive tuner as CM 7000 converter box and DVR.

How good is that tuner? Did the rep say which generation?

 

[jjeff]

It along with the Zenith DTT-9000/9001 were know as the best tuners available in a CECB. I believe they were 6th gen, whatever is the newest. I would have hoped a slight improvement with the 7001 but the 7000 was an excellent box for reception, especially weak signal reception. I'd give a very slight nod to the 9000/9001 for multipath.

 

[bobbyc]

Hi,

Let us know how it turns out. I hope it is newer generation tuner than the CM7000PAL DVR. I have that, and am in a multipath prone location. My cheap sanyo bedroom LCD that I bought at walmart, and my Samsung 58" Plasma tuners do a much better job than the DVR. The TV tuners rarely cut out on all channels; and when I hook the DVR up, a couple channels are pretty unwatchable. I was kinda blown away since the 7000PAL gets good reviews of how well it's tuner is.


I just ordered a different, less powerful amp, and a stronger/narrower beam yagi for the roof; I'm hoping to improve the signal quality just enough and dial in a little better to make the 7000PAL rock solid. I really want DVR capabilities. Wish they'd make a 7001DVR! My wife won't let me cancel our $90 a month dish network until I make the DVR signal rock solid!


Bob C

 

[Rammitinski]



Quote:
Originally Posted by bobbyc /forum/post/20335977


I hope it is newer generation tuner than the CM7000PAL DVR.

I'm not 100% positive on this, but I don't believe anything newer than the 6th generation has been released.


But it has to be better than your CM7000PAL DVR's tuner, because that device uses the same tuner that's in the DTVPal Plus CECB - and if it's true that the tuner in the CM-7001 is at least as good as the CM-7000 CECB's, than it is indeed better.

 

[Rammitinski]



Quote:
Originally Posted by bobbyc /forum/post/20335977


My wife won't let me cancel our $90 a month dish network until I make the DVR signal rock solid!

I don't understand why you've been paying $90 for extended programming from Dish, when it sounds as if you're saying your wife would be satisfied with just the OTA locals (as long as their solid).


I'd at least downgrade Dish as much as possible before I got the OTA stable. I mean, if paying that much really bothers you as much as you make it sound like.

 

[OPPIZ]



Quote:
Originally Posted by bobbyc /forum/post/20335977


Hi,

Let us know how it turns out. I hope it is newer generation tuner than the CM7000PAL DVR. I have that, and am in a multipath prone location. My cheap sanyo bedroom LCD that I bought at walmart, and my Samsung 58" Plasma tuners do a much better job than the DVR. The TV tuners rarely cut out on all channels; and when I hook the DVR up, a couple channels are pretty unwatchable. I was kinda blown away since the 7000PAL gets good reviews of how well it's tuner is.


I just ordered a different, less powerful amp, and a stronger/narrower beam yagi for the roof; I'm hoping to improve the signal quality just enough and dial in a little better to make the 7000PAL rock solid. I really want DVR capabilities. Wish they'd make a 7001DVR! My wife won't let me cancel our $90 a month dish network until I make the DVR signal rock solid!


Bob C

I spoke with tech support at Channel Master about a month ago, I was told they have another DVR coming out that will use the ethernet port for more stable programming guide updates, instead of TVGOS/PSIP. He didn't mention if it was going to be OTA only or OTA/cable( like Tivo ). He also didn't mention if it was going to be free or fee based.

 

[tylerSC]

Received my CM7001 tuner today and it is an exact clone of the Centronics ZAT502 box rebranded as Channel Master. Same menu set up and user interface as Centronics and probably uses the same Samsung tuner. Not the same mechanics as CM 7000 DVR or converter box which both used the same tuner and made in Bulgaria. CM 7001 and Centronics remotes are interchangeable as I now own both units and tried them both. And like the ZAT502, the CM7001 does not provide detailed program info other than title.

 

[bobbyc]

OT:

Got my 91XG mounted yesterday with my 7777 amp. Everything is stable except ION and CBS. So good enough to cancel dish.

Going to play around with antenna positions this weekend to see if I can bring ion and cbs to stable.

Bob C

 

[jjeff]



Quote:
Originally Posted by tylerSC /forum/post/20341947


Received my CM7001 tuner today and it is an exact clone of the Centronics ZAT502 box rebranded as Channel Master. Same menu set up and user interface as Centronics and probably uses the same Samsung tuner. Not the same mechanics as CM 7000 DVR or converter box which both used the same tuner and made in Bulgaria. CM 7001 and Centronics remotes are interchangeable as I now own both units and tried them both. And like the ZAT502, the CM7001 does not provide detailed program info other than title.

That's not good, I thought the phone rep told you it was the same tuner as on the CM7000

If the remote codes are the same as your ZAT then it probably is made by the same company, Channel Master seems to be going down the toilet like lots of other US named companies!

The CM7000 had a nice guide with full program info, it was one of the things that attracted me to the box.

 

[OPPIZ]



Quote:
Originally Posted by tylerSC /forum/post/20341947


Received my CM7001 tuner today and it is an exact clone of the Centronics ZAT502 box rebranded as Channel Master. Same menu set up and user interface as Centronics and probably uses the same Samsung tuner. Not the same mechanics as CM 7000 DVR or converter box which both used the same tuner and made in Bulgaria. CM 7001 and Centronics remotes are interchangeable as I now own both units and tried them both. And like the ZAT502, the CM7001 does not provide detailed program info other than title.

That's too bad.

I think I'll probably grab another CM 7000 DVR then. A detailed program guide makes the OTA experience so much better. I have a Vizio TV( VO47 ) that has a nice detailed EPG( EXAMPLE on Pg 35 of the manual pdf http://www.vizio.com/documents/downl...7LF/Manual.pdf ). My SONY TV( 52XBR5 ) & Panasonic TV( TC-P65V10 ), both only provide the program title, like the CM7001. I was really looking forward to getting the CM7001, to use with my Panasonic.

 

[Rammitinski]



Quote:
Originally Posted by tylerSC /forum/post/20341947


Received my CM7001 tuner today and it is an exact clone of the Centronics ZAT502 box rebranded as Channel Master.

No ability to delete subchannels, no likey.

 

[tylerSC]



Quote:
Originally Posted by jjeff /forum/post/20343230

That's not good, I thought the phone rep told you it was the same tuner as on the CM7000

If the remote codes are the same as your ZAT then it probably is made by the same company, Channel Master seems to be going down the toilet like lots of other US named companies!

The CM7000 had a nice guide with full program info, it was one of the things that attracted me to the box.

As usual, sales rep lacked technical knowledge and was wrong. I was hoping for an HD version of the CM7000 and ended up with a rebranded ZAT502. Although not a bad unit, the CM7001 does not provide the full program info that I wanted for my Panasonic GT25. But the pic quality is very good via HDMI and eliminates the need for an A/B switch with cable. But I am still looking for a unit with full program info; probably CM7000 DVR or PrimeDTV PHD8VX box.

 

[tylerSC]



Quote:
Originally Posted by OPPIZ /forum/post/20343274

That's too bad.

I think I'll probably grab another CM 7000 DVR then. A detailed program guide makes the OTA experience so much better. I have a Vizio TV( VO47 ) that has a nice detailed EPG( EXAMPLE on Pg 35 of the manual pdf http://www.vizio.com/documents/downl...7LF/Manual.pdf ). My SONY TV( 52XBR5 ) & Panasonic TV( TC-P65V10 ), both only provide the program title, like the CM7001. I was really looking forward to getting the CM7001, to use with my Panasonic.

Yes...detailed program info is exactly what I'm looking for with my Panasonic GT25, and unfortunately the CM7001 will not provide it. I am now trying to confirm if the PrimeDTV PHD-8VX tuner will provide this info. It is nice to have an included description of the program you are watching, as Samsung TVs provide this complete PSIP data. Don't understand why the high quality, high end Panasonic plasmas do not. May consider CM7000 DVR as well.