Octagon SF128 REVIEW
WITH THANKS TO
The Octagon Sf128 is a Korean manufactured DVB-S2 Satellite Receiver, which also has a DVB-C2 cable equivalent (SF138).
It has a very modern look to it and is also H.265 HEVC compatible, allowing playback of H265 (X265) coded material. When I received this device, I must admit I didn’t see the wow factor, until I plugged it in. It runs the E2 Community build flawlessly (Better than most devices I have tested TBH).
This device would be perfect for those with a single satellite feed, like an apartment with
a communal satellite dish with a single feed, or maybe even a second device as a multi room option.
I originally tried this device with Openvix, but found the platform to not be as responsive as Openatv, this could be down to the fact that I am so used to ATV and not familiar with VIX. However, once the E2 Community build was loaded onto it, the response of it was tremendous and the picture quality was amazing.
As you are aware, every test I do involves installing an IPTV service onto the device. In my eyes, I can’t see the point in having a box that isn’t capable of running HD IPTV content.
After fully installing the IPTV service including the EPG I run the tests and the outcome………
I was blown away that it didn’t buffer once whilst watching a full match. Some people would say, ‘thats a reliable IPTV supplier’, but IPTV is only as good as the device its running on. Few screenshots here of it in action.
Right………time for the biggest flaw, which will come as no surprise what-so-ever.
The remote control.. the layout of it is brilliant, easy to find buttons, has a nice weight and feel to it and is well labelled and very responsive, when within 3-4 metres.
However the infra red I have found as a let down, as you literally have to point the remote at the box not towards the box like most remotes, but in all fairness I haven’t yet come across a box with a perfect remote control.
I have recently purchased a one for all remote, which I tested with this device and it runs perfect!
This is the first single tuner device that I have had the pleasure in testing and after testing it, i am seriously considering purchasing one each for the kid’s bedrooms, to stop the bickering of who’s watching what.
Specifications:
- Fast Boot time ~ 35 seconds (dependant on image/firmware installed)
- 2000MIPS processor (2K DMIPS) BCM
- Broadcom 73625 Chip with 2 x 750 Mhz Dual Threaded
- Linux E2 HD Operating System (Enigma2)
- 4 digit white display
- Built-in DVB-S2 satellite tuner
- CI slot (slot)
- Integrated smartcard reader (card reader)
- 256MB NAND Flash / 512MB DDR3 RAM
- 10 / 100MB network interface
- SAT-IP (client) function
- Fully automatic / manual search function
- DisEqC 1.0 / 1.1 / 1.2 / USALS, Rotor, Unicable, FastScan
- Pay TV support
- Multilingual menu
- Pre-programmed favorite list
- Extensive network functions
- Web interface for PC or Smartphone Control
- Teletext, Videotext & Subtitle
- MultiEPG (EPG, Electronic Program Guide)
- Support for recording function
- Supports downloadable plugins
- Fully automated update function
- Wi-Fi & 3G modem support via USB
- consumption standby-by 0.5Watt, operation: 11-12Watt
Front of OCTAGON SF128 E2 HEVC H.265 HD BLUE:
- Power (On / Off) button
- 4 digit white display
- USB 2.0 connector
- SmartCard card reader (Conax)
Rear connections of OCTAGON SF128 E2 HEVC H.265 HD BLUE:
- Tuner input: DVB-S2 satellite tuner
- RCA Cinch A / V connector
- HDMI 1.4a connection
- LAN RJ45 connector – 10/100 Mbit (Ethernet interface)
- SPDIF Dolby connector (optical)
- CI slot (Common interface)
- DC power connection
- USB 2.0 connector
- Power switch On / Off (complete power disconnection)
Dimensions (L x H x D): 211 x 40 x 170 mm
Weight: 1,5kg
Many thanks to World of Satellite for allowing me test this box.
If you are interested in purchasing one of these bad boys, see below the links along with the link to download the E2 Community build for it!
Octagon SF128 DVB-S2 Satellite Receiver can be purchased from HERE
Octagon SF138 DVB-C2 Cable receiver can be purchased from HERE
The E2 Community Build can be Downloaded from HERE
