My Vu+ Ultimo arrived today and while I'm not sad enough to do an unboxing video, I am sad enough to take a few pics and write a few words!
I ordered mine from one of the UK suppliers - It came well packed and they kindly installed the 3rd S2 tuner for me
First thing to note is its very shiny! The finish is a finger print magnet but looks great...it sits under my TV so I don't really see it but it sure looks pretty!
Accessories are plentiful - SATA cable & anti-vibration & fixing screws for HDD, power cable with UK plug/converter, HDMI cable & USB wireless LAN
I decided against the wireless LAN as I've read it transmits and receives a lot of data causing disruption in other areas of your network - How true this is, I don't know but I'm wired for GigE so I've left the card out for the minute
The remote is a fair bit different to the standard Duo remote...I really don't find it easier to use as the buttons are harder to press. The keyboard on the back will definitely be handy if you use the web browser feature - buttons are enabled by hitting a lock button and are disabled if you press a key on the regular remote side
The HDD is as easy to install as the Duo, theres plenty of space inside so hopefully heat is as well controlled.
I've loaded BlackHole 1.6.7 Beta 2 on as my image. Obviously its going to be a bit faster and the increased RAM and flash will certainly be a welcome addition! I frequently found my flash and RAM at dangerously high levels on the Duo...even when saving most addons to the HDD so it will be interesting to see how this fairs.
After uninstalling a few stock addons and installing a few of my own, I'm only using 20% flash and 60% RAM. I have noticed my HDD is running 20 degrees hotter so will have to keep an eye on it. The fan on the Ultimo is automatic and I'm using a non eco drive at the minute so thats likely got something to do with it.
The rest of the setup is pretty much the same as my Duo...one thing I have noticed is I'm getting a higher Snr on a lot of channels so the quality of the S2 modules may have improved (it may however be related to the latest BH image as I have only just upgraded)
I'm still playing with the VFD picons and theres some work to do there to ensure the panel isn't swamped with too much info but it looks the part!
I'll add to this during the week when I get a proper play with network recording and streaming as well as customising the VFD and recording on all 3 tuners at once! (this will be the big test for me as I'm using a NAS to save programs to)
Overall I'm very happy with the purchase...its exactly what I expected and while its certainly not cheap, it will hopefully handle everything I throw at it - time will tell!!