Updated Oct 08

Lastest software should now be 3.5.3 or 3.6.4.18. Both work fine, any box working 3.5.3 will evently self update to 3.6.4.18

I started this guide as an opinion on what I believed to be the best receivers, since Skys latest software update it has become more of a what not to buy, I hope it helps.

I am often asked which Sky receiver is best for me.                        

Here I have listed the receivers I have had dealings.

Pace DS430N  

This has to be one of the best on the market it is quick at channel change, a very nice looker, very reliable. Recommended

Pace BSKYB2600C1  (check software before buying)

looks the same as the above DS430N, these boxes have had a problem with the new sky software, make sure when buying they have software 3.4.4b or 3.5.3 or 3.6.4.18 If they don't have the new software they will be missing channels and freeze, don't buy them.

Sony VTX-S750 / 760

Still one of the nicest boxes you can buy, stylish, these boxes have never been given as free boxes so are not as common as some boxes.    N.B They are getting on abit and I have recently had a few with problems, but still a good box

Pace BSKYB1000 also known as javelin

   This is much the same as the DS430N very quick and reliable, the big difference is this is 12 volt, ideal for campers, I have even sold one for a Limousine. Rare box and still commands a good price. Excellent tuner, no software problems. Recommended

Panasonic TU-DSB30 

I have always been happy to sell Panasonic TU-DSB30, a good box.

Panasonic TU-DSB31, TU-DSB34 and TU-DSB40

Good boxes but make sure the box you buy has the lastest software.

Panasonic TU-DSB50.     

A newer box from Panasonic very reliable, in my Opinion a little to much black and plastic, but doesn't have any software issues and very reliable. Recommended

Grundig GDS3000

A good receiver but can be a troublesome box.

Amstrad DRX550 same as  Pace DSN440 and Thomson

I like these boxes, they are the latest box from Amstrad, Pace and Thomson work very well, as quick as the Pace DS430N, the style will not be to everybody test as they look a little like bathroom scales, but I like the box. Recommended

The above design is the new standard for all Sky receivers, should all be the same but I think the Pace has the edge on picture quality.

Pace BSKYB2500 in black or silver  

This is a good receiver if a little dated now, will be slow in comparison to the newer boxes, has tuner problems, but still a good box.

Pace BSYB2200

First Sky digital receiver from Pace, it is old and now very slow, but has been a good box in its day.

Amstrad DRX100

First Sky Digital receiver from Amstrad, old but still good box.

Amstrad DRX200.

Second Sky box from Amstrad, very much like the DRX100 but a little smaller, not as reliable as the DRX100 a poor box.

Amstrad DRX300

I have always thought that this box is under rated, It looks great and works very well, has suffered from power supply faults but still much better than the DRX200.

Amstrad DRX400

I like this box, it a nice looker and works very well, does suffer from power supply problems.

Amstrad DRX500

Produced after the DRX400 but before the DRX550, nice small box, fast box but looks cheap,

Thomson DSI4212C

A good reliable box, don't remember ever having a problem with one of these, my only Criticism is its very plastic. Recommended

Thomson DSI4210

Same as above, but with more plastic. Recommended

Thomson DSI4101

I think this is the best box that Thomson have produced, it's built very well quick and a good looker, they do suffer from power supply faults, but get one working and it will give you long service.

Grundig GDS200

One of the first receiver, very good box for it's age, they suffer from power supply faults, but are easy to repair, also they except the latest software and have very good tuners for Europe.

Grundig GDS300

Much the same as above but a step back words, not as good a tuner but still a fair box for it's age

Grundig GDS210

Same as the GDS200 but in silver

Grundig GDS310

Again the same as the GDS300 but in silver

Pace BSKB 2400

This box replaced the BSKYB2200, and I can't really see what they did to improve the 2200, it's an okay box, but I would opt for the BSKYB2500 which followed this box.

I think that covers all the boxes, I have not had much experience in Sky Plus but I will review once I know a little about them.

Summaries

Sky Receivers

Amstrad

DRX100 Good but very old, will be slow and probably unreliable

DRX200 As above, but wasn’t built as well

DRX300 Small than the 100 and 200, but not always the most reliable box

DRX400 A good box, nice looker, they can be a bit troublesome, stuck in standby is one fault and they can also have power supply problems.

DRX 500, A fast box, small box looks a bit cheap.

DRX550, A new box from Amstrad, looks great is very quick, have had no problems with these box, recommended

Pace

BSKYB2200 A nice box, reliable but old, probably over 10 years old.

BSKYB2400 Similar to above, but not as reliable, suffered with power supply problems.

BSKYB2500 A good box, there are a lot of these about, now getting old, problems with stuck in stand by and power

BSKYB2600C1, A very nice box, make sure it has the lastest software installed before you buy.

DS430N, looks the same as above, but is very good, loves the new software and is very reliable

DS440 New shaped flow box, cracking picture quality, a very nice box.

Grundig

GDS200, was probably the best box that was used by Sky, but is now over 10 years old and suffers from power supply faults

GDS210, as above but silver

GDS300, new than the GDS200 but not as good and still very old

GDS310 as above but silver

GDS3000 A nice box works can suffer from same power supply problems, but don’t let that put you of, as they are repairable.

Sony

VTX-S750U The first box from Sony, very nice looker, works okay, there are better.

VTX-S760U The second box from Sony, pretty much the same as the 750, a better option than the 750 only because its newer

Panasonic

TU-DSB20 The first box from Panasonic, a nice box good and reliable but over 10 years old.

TU-DSB30 Probably Panasonic most popular box

TU-DSB31/35/40 The nicest looking box that Panasonic have produced, make sure they have the latest 3.5.3 software, if not don’t buy.

TU-DSB50 The newest from Panasonic, a good reliable box that works fine with the software, I like this box, if I was to have one moan it would be the amount of plastic, it feels cheap.

Thomson

DSI4212C I like these boxes, very reliable work fine with the EPG software, only moan would be the amount of plastic

DSI4201 A nice box, works very well but can be a problem with the power supply

Thomson DSI4210 Another good box very reliable but again a lot of plastic

Thomson, same as the Amstrad DRX550 and pace DS440, Very nice box.

Always make sure the box you are buying has the latest software 3.5.3 If it doesn't don't buy it!!!!!!

Please remember the guide is my opinion and the software problems can be corrected, so always check before being put off from buying.

Thank you for ready our reviews. Rob  ID robandjayne