Altech UEC DSD4121 VAST Satellite PVR / Set Top Box Bonus 1.8m HDMI cable

The Altech UEC VAST DSD4121-PVR is the only PVR on the Australian market which will work with the VAST Satellite service.   New features include : 

• Single Tuner Recording
• Book recordings via the Electronic Program Guide
• Play Pause, Fast Forward and Rewind
• Chase Play (Play a recording from the beginning, while it is recording)
• Pause and Rewind Live TV
• Record one program while watching a second pre-recorded program
• Supports up to 1TB External USB HDD (Must be powered)
• Playlist Sorting

Altech UEC are Australias ONLY certified manufacturer of VAST compatible Satellite Set Top Boxes.  

Finally True HD television is available to Satellite users via the VAST (Viewer Access Satellite Television) technology.   The Altech UEC DSD 4121 is the only satellite set top box currently available in Australia which will enable users in remote areas to access the same Free to Air television as those with in cities with terrestrial boxes.   

The DSD 4121 can receive all existing Free to Air Satellite channels including (among others) ABC and SBS.  

The DSD4121 employs a new generation STi7111 microprocessor incorporating the latest secure processor technology, and is equipped with an HDMI interface, component video, stereo audio outputs with digital audio S/PDIF, and a USB 2.0 port.

Altech is currently Australia's only registered manufacturer of Set Top Boxes capable of utilising the new VAST satellite network.  Closing the gap between city and country,  the new VAST satellite network replaces the outgoing Optus Aurora network and will make HD TV available to eligible households in regional and remote Australia.

So how does VAST differ from Optus Aurora?
Firstly the VAST network delivers HD free to air content.  The outgoing Optus Aurora Network was only capable of delivering SD channels resulting in country views missing out on some of the exclusive content previously only available to those in Digital Terrestrial reception areas.  The VAST system is also capable  of delivering 3D TV, however at this stage 3D broadcasts are not available via VAST.

How do I use the VAST service?
All Altech UEC DSD 4121 Set Top Boxes come pre-installed with a VAST satellite card.  In order to use the service - you will need to register your UEC DSD 4121.  Before you use the vast service, you should check with the Australian Governments "MySwitch" website to ensure you are eligible.  Eligibility is only available to residents in poor reception, regional or remote areas which don't have adequate cover via the Australian terrestrial service.  Once eligibility is confirmed, you can apply for the service using the same website.  To see the exact process, please see the following PDF document.  It contains instructions on how you can confirm eligibility and apply to use the service.  myswitch_vast_registration_process.pdf

What does the VAST service deliver via the Altech UEC DSD 4121?
The VAST service is designed to allow users access only to the channels which are relevant in their area as well as the national channels which are open to all areas.  For example.  A VAST user in the Northern Territory will only be able to view the state wide channels (ABC, SBS etc.) plus the local channels which would ordinarily be available in their area such as Channel Nines NBN.


What about time zones?
The VAST Satellite service and DSD 4121 is designed to work in all areas - regardless of time zone.  The DSD 4121 will update itself to your local time zone to ensure the EPG (Electronic Program Guide) data is relevant to your area.  


What about subsidies?
At the time of publishing this document, eligible households can receive up to $400 to pay for the cost of changeover from the old Satellite or Terrestrial System. Current information regarding this subsidy on the Australian governments "MySwitch" website.


I currently use the Aurora service - does this mean I am eligible?
Most likely.  Most existing Optus Aurora users will be eligible for the new VAST service however they will need to register with the "MySwitch" website to verify eligibility and in order to gain full service using the DSD 4121.  Further some areas will only be able to access a limited service until the existing Optus Aurora service is switch off.  Again, check the MySwitch Website for service availability and eligibility in your area.  


Is the Altech UEC DSD4121 the only VAST Set Top Box available?
Currently - yes.

Key Features

STi7111 Secure Processor Core
MPEG-2/4 HD compliant
DVB-S2 Front end
F-Type Satellite input
IRDETO secure silicon conditional access 
450 MHz core processor
Over-the-Air secure software download
HDMI output 
Component video output
Coaxial S/PDIF digital audio output
Optical digital audio output
Dolby digital audio
Subtitles
Stereo audio outputs
USB 2.0 interface
8 Day electronic program guide
Compliant with Australian VAST services