FTA Fever Free-To-Air (FTA) Satellite TV Receivers

Neusat SP 6000 Premium Standard Definition USB 2.0 FTA SATELLITE Receiver

Design & Features Review

What's the difference between the Neusat SP 6000 Premium and the Neusat SP 6000 free-to-air satellite receivers? The SP 6000 Premium is a beefier version of the Neusat SP 6000, quadrupling the 16MB RAM configuration of the original SP 6000 to 64 MB RAM. The Neusat SP 6000 Premium includes all the features of the SP 6000, but the SP 6000 Premium's RAM enhancement offers eight times the SP 6000's Electronic Program Guide capacity.

Sporting the speedy 32-bit, 200mhz NEC processor UPD61115, the Neusat SP 6000 Premium is one of the more impressive base FTA models on the market. It's modern USB 2.0 port lets you download channel lists and Neusat program updates efficiently, in the tradition of its high-end second-generation competitor Sonicview 4000 USB.

Just plug in a USB flash memory stick and the SP 6000 Premium will automatically detect the presence of files on the stick. You don't have to connect via your PC's pokey RS-232 serial connection to download bin updates! (Though you'll also have the RS-232 option, should you ever need it.)

The SP 6000 Premium's USB port also gives you the freedom to plug in a USB multimedia device for MP3 or JPEG playback. It even ships with games, such as the venerable PacMan.

The Neusat SP 6000 Premium is fully MPEG-2 & DVB compliant, and ships with a full suite of component outputs -- a welcome addition if you have a High Definition TV. The SP 6000 Premium also features Picture-In-Graphic functions, Multi-Picture capability (4,9,10,13 or 16 pictures on-screen simultaneously), and the most comprehensive multi-language support in the free-to-air satellite industry.

Other noteworthy features include: a slick auto-tuning feature, true 8-Day Electronic Program Guide, Multi-Satellite Search and programmable 6,000-channel capacity. The 6000 Premium's friendly On-Screen Display offers easy setup, and its true hardware Blind Scan offers one-minute per satellite blind scans.

While this second-generation Neusat FTA receiver doesn't offer the High Definition resolution of the Neusat 9000HD, the 6000 Premium is a reliable performer with a solid feature set. For FTA newbies, or for the FTA enthusiast who doesn't want to shell out big bucks for all the bells and whistles, the SP 6000 Premium is a good user-friendly, value-priced receiver.

The Neusat SP 6000 Premium outperforms the SP 6000.

What's In The Box: The Neusat SP 6000 Premium ships with a Diseqc Switch, a null modem cable, RCA cables, component cables, universal remote, and (2) AAA batteries, Neusat SP 6000 Premium User Guide.

Buy Neusat SP 6000 Premium:

THIS ITEM HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED BY THE MANUFACTURER, NEUSAT.

CLICK HERE FOR CANADA

Comparative Buying Guide

Compare the Neusat SP 6000 Premium to our other 2nd generation Standard Definition USB 2.0 non-PVR receivers:

• Sonicview 4000 — $99. 1 USB port
• Neusat SP 6000 — $39. 1 USB port
• Neusat SP 6000 Premium — $49. 1 USB port
• Coolsat 6100 Private — $79. 1 USB port
• Viewsat Ultra Lite — $79. 1 USB port
• Captive Works 700S— $89. 1 USB port
• Viewsat Ultra V2.0 — $119. 1 USB port
• Pansat 3500SD — $119. No USB ports

Comparison Highlights: Our second-generation FTA receivers include: Neusat SP 6000, Neusat SP 6000 Premium, Coolsat 6100 Private, Viewsat Ultra 2, Viewsat Ultra Lite, Sonicview 4000, CaptiveWorks 700S and Pansat 3500SD. The receivers in this class are generally comparable in terms of processing speed, memory capacity, and Electronic Program Guide. The Pansat 3500SD doesn't include a USB port, but is still considered a second-generation receiver since it does include (Secure Digital) SD card technology, which allows you to transfer files.

The Pansat 3500SD includes a 128MB SD Card with purchase. The Neusat SP 6000, Neusat SP 6000 Premium, Coolsat 6100 Private, Viewsat Ultra 2, Viewsat Ultra Lite, and Sonicview SV-4000 USB do not ship with flash drives or SD Cards. The Pansat 250SM includes a 128MB USB flash drive with purchase.

The Sonicview 4000 USB costs more than the Neusat SP 6000, Neusat SP 6000 Premium, Viewsat Ultra Lite, and Coolsat 6100 Private; however, the Sonicview 4000 offers superior functionality and performance over the Viewsat, Neusat and Coolsat models, and the Sonicview 4000 is better supported than them as well. The Sonicview SV-4000 USB costs less than the Pansat 250SM, Pansat 3500SD and Viewsat Ultra Version 2, yet offers equal or greater functionality.

Trying to decide between the Neusat SP 6000 Premium and the Neusat SP 6000? Easy call. Spring for the extra ten bucks and buy the SP 6000 Premium. You'll appreciate the Premium's RAM boost.

But ultimately, Sonicview's stellar reputation for accessibility and support distinguishes the Sonicview SV-4000 USB from this pack of second-generation receivers. Sonicview provides frequent bin updates and impressive warranty processing of repairs and exchanges.

Looking for a High Definition FTA Satellite Receiver?
You may wish to consider:

• Sonicview 8000 HD PVR w/Fan — $369