From: dlb@sunloaf.dazixco.ingr.com (Dave Buehmann)
Subject: Re: toshiba 2200 and montery: how good? (compared to sierra 11)
Reply-To: dlb@dazixco.ingr.com
Organization: Dazix-Intergraph
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 1992 19:24:57 GMT

In article <Bt8GI0.692@news.cso.uiuc.edu>, Richard J. Gaylord <gaylord@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu> writes:
|> i have a few year old sierra II+ and my dealer has offered to trade it in
|> for a toshiba 2200 for $1000 [or a chapparal monterey 90 for $2000]
|> upgrade.

I just bought a system a couple months ago and initially got a Toshiba
2200.  I was not satisfied with the programming flexibility so I
exchanged it for a Monterey 90, which I am *extremely* happy with.

That trade price for the Monterey is a ripoff.  I paid $1599 for the
monterey 90.  Toshiba 2200 was $1299 at the same dealer, DBS satellite
(mail order).  Be aware that most dealers get significant discounts
on one or two lines of equipment and other lines they must pay a 
premium for.

|> 
|> i like my sierra11+ fine except for the temperature it runs at which
|> makes it impossible for me to put on the doors of the video cabinet. but
|> it may be a good time to  upgrade to an ird.
|> 
|> he says that it is the top-of-the-toshiba line and has better video than
|> the chapparal.

IMHO, the video is *slightly* better on the Toshiba.

|> 
|> i have some questions to ask the group about the toshiba [and by
|> comparision] the monterey 90 
|> 
|> note: i don't need  pip or surround sound as i already have these on my
|> tv and a separate audio system.
|> 
|> 1. does the toshiba (or monterrey) run hot?

Neither seems excessively hot.  The Toshiba did have a "new electronic"
smell the first few days I had it on.

|> 
|> 2. can i set up favorite channel recall? can i also set up favorite audio
|> subcarrier recall?

Yes.  The audio favorites are more restrictive on the Toshiba: you
have to choose from a central database of 30 audio formats.  You also
cannot give your own descriptive name to any new video or audio channels.
If you set up a new favorite that isn't already in their ROM database,
all you get for the name is  SAT/CHAN/AUDIO_NUM.  This restriction, IMHO,
is unacceptable.  On the Toshiba, you must be tuned to the channel you want
to set as the favorite in order to enter it into the database.

On the Monterey, everything is completely configurable on a per-channel
basis.  You can set 100 favorites into 13 groups, all of which are
*completely* configurable.  You can define any favorite regardless of
what you're currently watching or listening to.

|> 
|> 3. how long will the unit retain its memory in the event of a power
|> outage or being unplugged (does it also have the right calendar (the
|> sierra 11 must always be set for the wrong year)? 

Not certain, but I think a few weeks with either unit.

|> 4. how easy is it to program in new satellites (are they pre-formatted)?

Both are pre-formatted, though the Toshiba I got had pre-formatting that
was about 6 months out of date.  The Monterey's pre-formatting had apparently
just been updated since it contained at least one channel that wasn't even
on the air yet when I received the unit.

The Monterey is slightly easier to configure new satellites.  It also
gives MANY more options for satellites/channels (e.g. video bandwith &
strength, sync signal insertion, and many others).

|> 5. how easy is it to use the remote control? is the remote uhf and if so,
|> does it really work from any room in the house?

IMHO, the Monterey remote sucks.  It is the most poorly designed human
interface device known to man (but how do you really feel, dave?).
I only hope I get accustomed to it in time.

|> 6. how good is the volume level (i have to run the sierra at 8/10to get
|> sufficient volume) and how good is the audion quality?

Monterey 90 includes a noise reduction system.  I don't think the other
models do.  I haven't noticed any weaknesses.  You can also adjust the
volume level on each station (high or low).  

The Toshiba is fine here (though no noise reduction).  I think you can
also set volume levels per channel.

|> 7. does the unit have two video/audio outputs as well as a s-video output
|> (my dealer thinks so) and can they be used simultaneously (in vcr's using
|> the s-video cuts off the video).

The Monterey's vary by model number from 1 to 4 outputs, but no S-video.
The Toshiba had 2 outputs plus the S-video.

IMHO, this is the only area where the Toshiba excels.  I saw the 
difference in video quality between the RCA jacks and the S-video
on a 5 foot big screen.  The S-video was significantly better.
However, on a 35" big-tube, there was NO perceptable difference.

Others in this group have attributed the difference in video quality
between S-video and RCA jacks essentially to the S-video conversion
mechanism (layman's terms).  If your monitor has a better S-video
conversion than the IRD, then the S-video output will appear to look
better.  Those more technically in-tuned can give a better explanation.

|> 
|> 8. can you  fine tune the video frequency (especially important for ku)? 
|> how do Ku channels on the unit correspond to transponder numbers (such as
|> are listed in Westsat guide)?

Can definitely fine-tune the Monterey; not sure about the Toshiba.
Satellite TV Week uses Monterey transponder numbering.  I couldn't find
any correlation between the Toshiba numbering and any of the SAT mags.

|> 9. can i set up a M-F record program as well as a daily and a weekly and
|> a one-time (the sierra  has a weekly but not a M-F).

Not sure.

|> 10. does it include videopal and is that important?

Included in price of Toshiba.  Add $50 for Monterey.  I got it but
haven't used it yet.  I'm still overwhelmed by the free programming.
 
|> 11. does it have automatic fine tuning?

Toshiba yes; Monterey no.

|> is there anything else i should be asking or should know?

Unless video quality is a very high priority, I would strongly
recommend the Monterey.  There is no comparison with regards to
configurability.

There are also many people on the group who like the Drake 1524 and claim
it has the best video on the consumer market.  I looked into it but could
not find one locally to see.  It seemed comparable to the Monterey
in configurability and had one advantage: 200 favorites vs 100 on the
Monterey.  One weakness in comparison to the Monterey was that Monterey
allows you to define (and name) your own groups of favorites.  You cannot
custom-name groups on the Drake, though you can still custom-name channels.

|> Should i keep the 11+ or buy the toshiba 2200 for $1000 or maybe even go
|> for the monterey for $2000.

I paid $1599 for a Monterey 90.  I think a M50 is about $300 less.
It does not have the picture-in-picture, surround sound, noise reduction
and only 2 outputs instead of 4.

What's wrong with the 11+?

|> tnaks alot for any info. you have.

-- 

Dave Buehmann               Voice:    (303) 581-2318
Dazix - Intergraph          Fax:      (303) 581-9972
5101 Spine Road             Internet: dlb@dazixco.ingr.com
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