Dream Multimedia unveils dual-tuner DM 8000 HD PVR in Europe

Not to be confused with the similarly named DM 800, the DM 8000 HD PVR is finally shipping overseas. The Dream Multimedia DVR comes with a 400MHz processor, MPEG-2 / H.264 decoding, an Ethernet jack, an OLED display, twin DVB-S2 tuners (DVB-C / DVB-T optional), a pair of SmartCard readers, S/PDIF audio output and all sorts of other ports. According to a local, the potent box is on sale now for €989 ($1,369), and just in case you're having trouble deciding if the inkling you're having is true: yes, that's absurdly expensive.

[Thanks, Rob]

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 5th 2009 12:39PM]

This box is way to expensive. The DM800 is much cheaper (about 450 Euros) & the Kathrein UFS 910 is a real winner, only 300 Euros.

http://ufs910.hdtvinfo.eu

All these boxes are Linux based & are running Enigma2 (Python based framework) & do offer many interesting possibilities, like mediacenter capability & can read all possible smartcard encryptions.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 5th 2009 1:52PM]

It has only taken 2 years but they've finally released it. Sure it sounds OK but for for the price they are asking? CRAZY. Not just that but North American support will probably lag at times. I've have a DM500 for 3 years, don't get me wrong it was a great value at the time but the company just doesn't keep up.

You can find similar receivers which should be more fun to play with such as the Captive Works 4000 HD:
http://www.captiveworks.com/cw4000hd.php

That receiver can be stuffed with as much as 8GB of RAM and a hard disk of your choice. Of course it is basically a computer though.

If all you want is a tiny FTA HD receiver that will run a long time (with the occasional reboot) then I guess the DM 8000 is a good buy. If nothing else support will probably last for a very long time.

But remember these are for enthusiasts & hobbyists. If you aren't either you might want to stay away...