Captain 7000 Premium Review

[Web Wizard]

I was fortunate enough to obtain a couple of these units to demo and review. Many thanks to Captain FTA for the opportunity. I will be reviewing the HD box in the next few days, but decided to start with the 7000 Premium model as I was pressed for time at the moment and the HD box requires me to install another dish.


There are many things about this box that I really like and hope to be able to touch on them all as well.


Ok I will start from the beginning. When I test a unit, I prefer not to look at the manual at all. Two reasons for this really. First and foremost I am experienced in FTA and if I can figure it out on my own without resorting to a manual then that is a real plus for the end users. Secondly, if I run into problems and have to resort to users manual then you can rest assured that anyone new to FTA is going to have major issues.


The first thing I do when testing a unit is to make sure it works before ever updating any software. This wasn’t a problem with this unit so I decided to update the unit and see what happens.


This was my first pleasant surprise. Unlike most other FTA units you do not have to guess when the update is complete. The loader alerts you on the computer screen when software update is complete. This is great since many people new to FTA have fried boxes by not waiting for the software update to complete. Not a problem with these units as you just wait until the loader program tells you that it’s finished.


If you already have your dishes aimed then configuring the unit is a breeze. It will ask you if you wish to auto detect. Select “YES” and let it do its’ thing. The Premium 7000 correctly found all three dishes connected to my diseqc switch, and, the proceeded to scan channels automatically after I answered a few prompts. The whole process took approximately 10 minutes.


A few minutes later after allowing for autoroll and you are watching TV. Great for the newbies just starting out. Most people new to FTA have problems either updating software or configuring switches. Both of these problems are now solved.


Time to dissect the unit a bit and see what makes it tick!!!


To begin with I found picture and audio quality equal to any box I tested thus far and that includes many of the long time and also most popular current models. To be perfectly fair I always review all models using the same setup. I find it much easier to compare boxes that way. My audio / video is always connected via the RCA video / audio out. The one thing I did notice with the picture quality is that the contrast is slightly softer than what I was used to with my other STB. This is neither a good thing or a bad thing, but just an observation and is easily corrected by TV settings as well.


Another nice first impression is the fact that unlike many other receivers I have tested the Premium 7000 does not have a drastic change in volume when changing between sat providers. There is still a discrepancy but nowhere near as noticeable as with some other receivers.


The menus are well laid out and everything is where you expect to find them. As an added bonus all menu options are accessible via buttons on the front of the receiver itself. This in itself is a big plus considering remotes have a tendency to grow legs and walk away occasionally.


Channel changing is approximately one second and I really have seen no difference when switching between sats or just toggling up or down 1 channel. Pressing OK on the remote will pop up the channel list. “Page UP” and “Page Down” will scroll this list very fast. Also from the channel list you can sort channels and also preview multiple channels using multi-pic.


The EPG works well, although it is a 2 step procedure to get it to populate fully and process seems a bit slower than some other boxes I have tested. Two hours EPG is almost instant. From EPG mode, pressing the blue button will download additional EPG data. Extended EPG can be pre-configured for either 3 or 7 days. Unfortunately, the best I have been able to obtain to this point is about a full 30 hours.


One thing I really enjoyed is that you do not have to stick with the default blue color found on so many other FTA menu themes. In addition to the default blue color, you also have the option of brown, purple, and, green. Also menu transparency can be set to 4 different levels.


When pressing “Info” while viewing a channel the info bar appears on the bottom of the screen. In addition to displaying current channel information, signal and quality, and time left in program on a bar graph it will also display the next program coming on as well. Pressing “Info” the second time will display a window showing the programs’ details. The information displayed here is correct but seems to be lacking in some details.


Now I can’t say the unit is totally bug free but have yet to see any FTA that is. I have been experiencing some slight video freezing and I believe it is related to my signal level. I have noticed that my signal is much lower in quality. Instead of the 85-95% percent I am used to seeing I am seeing levels in the 50-65% range. This alone would cause the freezing issues and considering I am testing using the very first software release I would have to say WTG Guys! This is more than likely a bin issue and I expect this issue to be resolved.


All things considered these boxes might not be the best choice for the avid “tester” but for the end user who either just wishes to watch some trouble free TV or to be used as a second receiver, in the rec room, bedroom, or, just as a backup you could hardly go wrong. With a price tag on these boxes (approx. $130 Cdn) and the fact they are brand new line on the market they deliver better than many of the other units that have been here for a year or more.

[expired]

Wiz , I tell ya, almost my thoughts exactly. Very very nice receiver, very sturdy.
As you did, I dont use the manuals, download the guides just incase of future probs, but I too like to see how easy it would be to handle for someone who knows nothing about the receiver. And in no time from getting in, had it unpacked, loaded, setup and watching tv.
As I said in my other post, the quality of video and audio is very good, nice full function front panel as you said, and actaully a nice lookin unit that doesnt stand out like a sore thumb in the entertainment system.
A lot of great little features, and loved the auto setup, I actually turned mine off when it was doing it so I could see how it manually setup and how hard, and was very very easy.
Havent had time yet to play with all the other features, but one thing did stand out to me as something that could be looked into, that is deleting channels. I always go in and delete the free channels/pirate tv channels. and other channels I find useless, usually from the channel i'm watching, so you can select a channel, and see if that is actually the right one to delete. I notice on this one you have to go to a seperate screen to delete the channels, and there for, dont see what is actually on that channel. Would be nice to see it in that pop up screen as an extra option, so you could browse up and down and make sure what is on that channel before you check it and delete it.
Agree with ya on the guide too, instant and extended. But ya know, comin from the old days, that would not be one of my concerns. I'd rather a good running box than a 7 day guide anytime. I'm sure that is another thing that will improve with input and bins.
I personally have the lower sig/quality levels too but luckily never seen any pixelating yet, but it is beautiful and clear here the last couple days.
Overall I'm quite pleased with it and cant wait to see what will happen when they got the info,input and experience into their work. Great job and great receiver.
I'd recommend it to anyone, ESPECIALLY someone who may not be too familiar with the software and hardware issues needed for this game.
Cheers

[bubba52]

great review guys. Alway good to hear from guys you can trust when it comes to reviews. All the best

[expired]

Ya know Wiz, something that was sooooo sooooo obvious to me when I went to load the receiver, but never thought to mention it cuz of how good everything went. But, unlike every stb I've ever seen, there is no power switch at the back to reboot the receiver and clear things out. However, did immediately notice when I turned it off after loading and back on, that with turning it off with the front of the receiver or remote, it goes into boot mode and ends up clearing everything out like the back switch, everysingle time you turn it off. This can be a good thing, but also some drawbacks at this point. Like another receiver I used to play with, it used to have this feature way way back when it started. It is good for always clearing out the bugs and nags by rebooting and will prevent freezing and lockups cuz it will not be holding alot of junk. BUT, the drawback of this at this point is that you also loose your epg, and again will have to wait for it to repopulate which can take awhile as mentioned above.
Again curious with the auto setup on this, I did a factory reset, which is cool itself again because it gives you the option of just reseting all your channels, or all your settings or both, that can come in handy if ya wanna rescan. And as already mentioned, when auto setup is done with a diseq, it goes through and finds everything. However, I then did another complete factory reset, switched everything over using sw21 switch this time, and the auto setup does not continue on past the diseq search to detect if you are using switches rather than diseqcs'. Now in all fairness, it gives you a wide choice of switch's and settings to choose from , so again, a few seconds, and scanning away. This time, did a blind scan, and noticed wiz that the sig and qual went way back up to normal, sig of 90 and quality 95, scanned each dish in about 1 1/2 min each, then when back to watching tv, sig and qual, went back to being low as we already mentioned. Still no issues running with s21 switch.
Still playing and having fun with things.

[Robo]

I figured I could throw a couple of my thoughts in on this box, many thanks to Captain as well!

Setup for me was a breeze. I loaded the latest bin, then since I already have my dishes pointed, I let it run the auto setup. It picked up on all three of mine and scanned them within about 10 minutes. Another 3 minutes, and the autoroll kicked in, and I was watching TV. I did not notice a decrease in signal levels from my previous box though, as WW and BS did.

I like the look of the menu's, and everything seems very well laid out. One thing that I do like, that I can not find the option on the Captain, is the previous channel button places you back to the last channel, it does not allow a list of previous channels to choose from. The themes menu is a little different from what I am used to, but, it does have a themes menu, which is nice. Manual key entry is very nice for sure, no looking for letters on the remote.

I do not get into too much detail with any box that I have, so, for me, a beginner sat guy, this seems like a good box. :)

[expired]

Well, one thing I can definetly add so far is that all this time, I have personally left the receiver on all this time, and it has not gotten hot at all, has not frozen up or needed to be rebooted as some others I have messed with. Still lucky with the good weather so have not experienced any pixelating or anything, but
have had the rare occasion where the screen will go black for a second or two like its rolling keys, then comes right back in,
I definetly cant wait for some new/improved bins, can only be great. I have some info and pics i'm putting together I'll toss up too.

[just_angel]

what i found is this.. it will go black for a second or two ...then i get the message ...LNB protection on...and it comes back mine has been running for over a week and thats the only thing i've noticed

[kikid]

Great review guys the only thing i am timid on is how does it work with a motor setup?? And does the box have power scan or blind scan for my big c-band dish? And how does it work on the ku side of the real fta channels also? Not being picky but just an observation....

[Web Wizard]

to be perfectly honest I never tried it that way as most people who purchase one never will either...sure someone has though and can add to the thread

[expired]

Great review guys the only thing i am timid on is how does it work with a motor setup?? And does the box have power scan or blind scan for my big c-band dish? And how does it work on the ku side of the real fta channels also? Not being picky but just an observation....
Well, I cant say first hand how it would work for ya, but can tell ya it
has the motor options in the diseq part of the setups, also supports almost every switch in the options I can think of, and has an auto scan, manual, port and blind scan. I've mentioned above I've tried both just to see how they worked out, Very quick, even the blind scan

[kikid]

Thanks for the fast reply web and bear i was thinking on getting the 8000 i am an old nova scotian geezer still set in my old ways the bud i have is prob just as old as i am "LOL" Thanks again guys.... :)

[harpdog]

3 quick questions as i am a sucker for trying out new receivers but if sig quality lowers , does this mean if u have a signal of 75% or less, will this become an issue. I myself can install but for newbies, they sometimes have problems getting top strength and quality and thus will this affect pixalization?
is there options for the sw34 and 44 and 64 switches?
and the final and most important question is with regards to SUPPORT. I noticed that bin support with regards to the sig issues was mentioned and I personally see very little difference between many basic fta models but the biggest difference is support. reviews for the ariza extreme were very good too but support died. I know what the basic answer is but I wanted to see a bit of a support feedback on this model since the hd model is gonna be another purchase I would hate to invest lots of money on another "ariza extreme"

by the way Kudos the reviewers, they were very honest and straight forward

[expired]

3 quick questions as i am a sucker for trying out new receivers but if sig quality lowers , does this mean if u have a signal of 75% or less, will this become an issue. I myself can install but for newbies, they sometimes have problems getting top strength and quality and thus will this affect pixalization?
is there options for the sw34 and 44 and 64 switches?
and the final and most important question is with regards to SUPPORT. I noticed that bin support with regards to the sig issues was mentioned and I personally see very little difference between many basic fta models but the biggest difference is support. reviews for the ariza extreme were very good too but support died. I know what the basic answer is but I wanted to see a bit of a support feedback on this model since the hd model is gonna be another purchase I would hate to invest lots of money on another "ariza extreme"

by the way Kudos the reviewers, they were very honest and straight forward

I would have to believe, being new to the scene and a first or second bin(that i know of), the sig issue would be addressed.
I havent tried them all, but shows dishpro, dp34, diseq 2port,4port and 8 port, sw21,sw42,sw44,sw64, Twin and quad. So looks like one way or another, most if not all users will be able to manage with what they have.
And as already mentioned, support, well, new to the scene, and early in the file stages, so really hard to say yet, but hopefully, I'd believe, they will live up to the machine with their support,
JMHO

[Sky_Pilot]

Hi All, I'm new and somewhat tech challenged, but I'm learning. This is by far the best FTA site out there and the reviews and input are great. Based on what I read, I bought a Captain 700 Premium and would like to relay some of my experiences. I like the unit, even though it's a little buggy. I've long given up on Ariza and Fortec.

First, thanks Wiz for telling me how to set this up, without reading the manual. If I followed the manual, I would still be at it. Little things like "Then you can see the "S/W upgrade" box, click the [select file] button and select the file to upgrade." Well [select file] as well as the other buttons on Loader v1.24 do not function. You have to go to File>Down to get it to download.

I did say "Challenged" not dead, but what the heck does "6. Then, plugged out and in." mean. At this point I closed the manual and went back to the Wiz instructions. This manual was probably written by the same guy that wrote the manual for the Made in China tool box that I recently purchased. Sure was nice of them to pack all those spare parts in the box.

Other than that, it was remarkably easy to get going. Love the auto scan. It's a no brainer. My dish was already pointed so I was watching TV in about 10 minutes.

The bugs that I've found so far:

The remote freezes up all the time. Changing batteries and trying all sorts of different button combinations does not work. When I first booted up the box, the RC worked without the SetUp. When it first froze, I went back to THE MANUAL and followed the RC Setup procedure. This is not intended for controlling the STB (don't know what STB stand for but it's probably an acronym for Digital Satellite Receiver), but for controlling the TV or other devices. Guess you can use this as a universal RC. Setup RC did not un-freeze the RC. Next I tried to re-boot from the box and that got it going again. Haven't had much time to play with the unit yet, but the RC freezes up quite often. Sometimes a single reboot (push the STANDBY / ON button) gets it going again, sometimes I need to reboot 2 or 3 times.

Also get the blank screen & Blue Box from time to time. Again reboot gets it going again. I assume this is a result of changing sat keys or an auto roll glitch in the box.

In general, this seems like a nice box. I like it. Very user friendly, which is a good thing because my wife, who also likes to watch TV, is TD (technically dead) and since I'm TC I only have a limited amount of patience for things I don't understand or don't care about.

Any input into the buggy RC problem would be greatly appreciated.

[Web Wizard]

I would double check to make sure you have STB (Set Top Box) selected before thinking remote is dead as everyone I know has at one point been stuck in DVD or some other mode and tried to change channels. Other than that contact company where you bought the unit. The remote could in fact really be bad

[expired]

I havent had one single freeze on mine yet, and not one issue with the remote, running D*** only so could be something to do with it like others.
OS, if ya talkin about deleting channels, it is there, but I mentioned earlier that it was not what I hoped for, in the channel edit screen, all the channels are listed numerically only and do not show what is on the screen, so if ya wanna make sure you got the right channel to delete, you cant confirm it first.
The blank screen, and/or no info/signal messages, mentioned earlier as well, but not turning the receiver off, cuz as mentioned before, its like rebooting from the back on most receivers, and you'll loose all your guide info its pulled in for ya so I just go to a channel or two up or down, when one comes in, just go back. I dont think its the autoroll issue, more of a bug issue I'm sure cuz nothing to roll lately

[ginsoaker]

I havent had one single freeze on mine yet, and not one issue with the remote, running D*** only so could be something to do with it like others.
OS, if ya talkin about deleting channels, it is there, but I mentioned earlier that it was not what I hoped for, in the channel edit screen, all the channels are listed numerically only and do not show what is on the screen, so if ya wanna make sure you got the right channel to delete, you cant confirm it first.
The blank screen, and/or no info/signal messages, mentioned earlier as well, but not turning the receiver off, cuz as mentioned before, its like rebooting from the back on most receivers, and you'll loose all your guide info its pulled in for ya so I just go to a channel or two up or down, when one comes in, just go back. I dont think its the autoroll issue, more of a bug issue I'm sure cuz nothing to roll lately

This is gonna sound stupid Bear, but I had the same problem with the 8000HD remote. Tried almost everything I could, until I tried replacing the batteries. Duh!!! You'd think that a new unit would have relatively fresh batteries for the remote. Not the case. Fresh batteries and all is good. Cheers gin :rolleyes:

[expired]

This is gonna sound stupid Bear, but I had the same problem with the 8000HD remote. Tried almost everything I could, until I tried replacing the batteries. Duh!!! You'd think that a new unit would have relatively fresh batteries for the remote. Not the case. Fresh batteries and all is good. Cheers gin :rolleyes:

It depends bud, ya never know how long they've sat around where they were made, shipped, stored, and ya know the top of the line bunny batteries aint being shipped with the box

[slowroller]

See link for important info !!! http://www.dssgeeks.com/forums/captain-not-supported-t6537.html?t=6537

[Web Wizard]

See link for important info !!! http://www.dssgeeks.com/forums/captain-not-supported-t6537.html?t=6537

well just had this PM from Satpirate as well

The User satpirate has just sent you a Donation in the amount of 15723364.18.

Reason: Buy ...I quit....It has been fun

gee thanks! and been nice knowing ya!

LOL well now I have some extra points I dont know what to do with so the first person to start a new thread and explain why me slapping with a hijack violation was an error can have the points.

remember first poster start a new thread, title it satpirates points in the geeks lounge and you have to have a legitimate reason why him posting what he did was not hijacking a thread... I will pick a winner tomorrow... all other ones interested in his points post in that thread as well HAHA

[pebblesmb]

I beg to differ. I am very new at this and I don't have a clue. First of all I didn't know u needed a special adapter for a laptop but that prob was solved. I don't know where to get even the factory downloads. I am lost and need help please!!!!!!!!! I need step by step easy instructions! Anyone????
P.S. I am T.D. lol as I have seen described in recent threads.

[rdzieg]

You covered all the bases but I find the need to enter password to do almost any adjustment a real pain and the channel numbers sure plays a mind game with me.All in all for the 105.00 Cdn plus tax it's worth the buck and 64 Mgbts will give it a longer service life providing the maker holds up their end.How can you go wrong.
Purchased from MAXX ,free shipping

I ain't the sharpest tool in the shed by far ,but like Khan I generally put things together and try to hook up,If all else fails read the directions ,so Pebblesmb this box is so easy a cave man can do it.
normally when you require how too's infor you go to the help and files ,I found all I needed there