Last Updated: November 25, 2018 (Refresh Now)
Mediasonic Homeworx HW180STB 3 4 Channel HDTV Digital Converter Box with Recording and Media Player New Version
Last Updated: November 25, 2018 (Refresh Now)
6.1
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
1000
Old Reviews
86
Unverified
33
Spam Test
!
HDTV 720p
RESOLUTION
Yes
USB
Yes
HDMI
Yes
VIDEO
Review Analysis - 881 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Product Reliability
209year, died, stopped working, lasted, quit
+19%
-81%
" ... STOPPED WORKING AFTER $ MONTHS. ... "
" ... Very poor quality, never buy it again only worked once or twice ... "
" ... THE UNIT QUIT WORKING IN LESS THAN 2 MONTH ... "
" ... Died within 2yrs. ... Won’t be buying this brand again. ... "
" ... It does at about the 13 month mark. ... "
" ... I first bought one in 2014, which broke by Dec 2015. ... "
" ... After a year, it stopped working and would no longer power up. ... "
" ... Started glitching and rebooting itself more and more during the last several months until it went dead completely. ... "
Resolution
122tuner, digital, ota, converter box, hdmi
+65%
-35%
" ... I like that it has an HDMI output (not all do), making it a snap to route video and audio through my AV receiver. ... "
" ... OTA DVR/PVR could not be more affordable! ... Using an HDMI cable to the TV (forget the antiquated RCA connectors) true 1080p and digital surround are outstanding! ... The Homeworx DTV receiver does as well, maybe better, at picking up channels with a steady video signal strength than my TV receiver. ... "
" ... This box works great as a TV tuner. ... "
" ... These are the connections I used: Coax cable in from attic antenna, HDMI out to Yamaha Aventage 720 AV Receiver, RCA L/R audio out to RUSS Sound Home Speaker system. ... I have never seen a channel scan that gives you the frequency, mhz, and a running list of channels found. ... Very responsive when changing channels. ... "
" ... Great product for use with a digital antenna and Vizio display. ... "
" ... I'm coming from using a Windows 8.1 with media center computer and HD Homerun as my DVR. ... Better than the HD Homerun. ... "
" ... This thing helps get HD clear channels. ... "
" ... Also gets better reception than the direct connection to our HD tv. ... "
Remote
84control, menu, harmony, homeworx, universal
+26%
-74%
" ... Had to unplug it sometimes because I could not get it to power down - neither with the remote nor the power button. ... "
" ... Interesting the IVIEW has the exact same software but the remote control and hardware is much better. ... "
" ... The remote has to be directly in front of the box for it to work. ... "
" ... One time, I turned both DVR and TV off (or forgot to turn DVR off), and days later, the Homeworx was still on (with no visible indicator that it was on). ... "
" ... Product works ok but the remote stopped working after one week. ... "
" ... Every time I would use the power button on the remote, it would quit working and need to be unplugged for much, much longer than acceptable before it would power back up. ... "
" ... The keyboard layout on remote control is absurd. ... Difficult to control the unit from remote control. ... Confusing layout of keys on remote control. ... Remote infrared conflicts with my other devices. ... "
" ... Remote buttons do not work consistently or at all (not even the power, and no, it's not the battery) ... "
Price
82money, waste, pay, worth, cheap
+66%
-34%
" ... Even though I did have some of it on hand, the total cost would be no more than $100 for anyone. ... "
" ... For the price of the unit I still think it is a good buy. ... "
" ... Such a good tuner for a small price. ... "
" ... not as good as channelmaster, but for the price, amazing. ... "
" ... I would certainly recommend this unit for the money! ... "
" ... I thought that I was to get better quality and features with this box as it cost me more than the others that I have. ... "
" ... If you don't want to spend a lot of money on a recorder, this is the one. ... "
" ... For sure, but at this price, it's unbeatable ... "
Ease of Use
78user friendly, easy to use, set, navigate, menus
+67%
-33%
" ... Ease to set up. ... "
" ... Menu is easy to use and being able to skip channels you don't have is great. ... "
" ... Easy to set up. ... "
" ... I was surprised at how easy it was to set up and use. ... "
" ... I did have to update the software, but turned out to be pretty easy once I read the instructions from technical support. ... "
" ... And best of all, No Hassle operation . ... "
" ... I find the guide easy and choosing a program to record is easy. ... "
" ... Takes a little searching to set up but it is easy once you find the options. ... "
USB
66drive, usb port, record, external, hard drive
+76%
-24%
" ... The ability to use a USB memory stick, or an external hard drive, to save recorded shows is nice. ... "
" ... So far there are no cons (I have not yet connected an external drive to test the recording function). ... I will update this review when I attach an external hard drive and begin recording. ... "
" ... works well with external HD, and the beauty of it is the drive can be read on a computer, files transferred to another drive to be used as you wish. ... "
" ... Attach a usb HDD to record your shows. ... "
" ... So I tried a Western Digital USB 2.0 250gb portable drive formatted in NTFS. ... "
" ... I was using a solid state drive which I was powering from the USB port only. ... "
" ... Yes you can record using the usd drive . ... "
" ... The manual states you can use a USB Hard drive, my 1TB passport is recognized by the box but when trying to record it states no USB drive attached when I attempt to record to it. ... The passport drive relies on the box’s USB port for power. ... "
Ports
66usb, usb port, output, drive, tuner
+62%
-38%
" ... I like that it has an HDMI output (not all do), making it a snap to route video and audio through my AV receiver. ... "
" ... There is also the optional coax, RCA, HDMI method of connecting Homeworx to your TV ... "
" ... Plug the right stuff in the right place and it works. ... "
" ... I'm running this Mediasonic via HDMI. ... "
" ... I was using a solid state drive which I was powering from the USB port only. ... "
" ... Availability to pass signal out to RCA jacks for older TVs. ... The passport drive relies on the box’s USB port for power. ... I will try using a USB drive with its own power source and update this review if it works. ... "
" ... I just bought a 64GB USB thumb drive for $15. ... "
" ... You do need an USB external hard drive, but that was no problem because I had a spare one already. ... "
Marketplace
61picture, expected, works as advertised, seller, described
+61%
-39%
" ... It works as advertised. ... "
" ... As described and basically what I expected. ... "
" ... I especially like that it tells me what the show is and what show is next, even when I click in during an advertisement. ... "
" ... No hassle shopping, No hassle ordering, No hassle receiving, ... "
" ... The picture was smaller as well. ... "
" ... Works as advertised. ... "
" ... Product as expected. ... "
" ... Works as advertised. ... "
Setup
57set, setup, instructions, easy to use, minutes
+77%
-23%
" ... Super easy, plug and play as far as I'm concerned. ... "
" ... Easy to set up. ... "
" ... Installed unit for customer works great ... "
" ... I was surprised at how easy it was to set up and use. ... "
" ... No hassle installation. ... "
" ... I find the guide easy and choosing a program to record is easy. ... "
" ... Hook up is easy . ... "
" ... I've seen others complain that it won't record by choosing a program in advance . ... "
Network
57signal, channels, reception, ota, hdtv antenna
+68%
-32%
" ... 3) Signal strength is outstanding! ... "
" ... Strong signal reception and has all the basic features you need at a great price. ... "
" ... Worked perfectly for my Vizio TV thru HDMI with an added antenna. ... "
" ... Currently my set up in the house has 3 set top boxes connected to an antenna. ... "
" ... and it best work with 1byone 50 miles range amplified antenna ... "
" ... That being said, we want to remain unimprisoned by cable/satellite, so we use our antenna. ... "
" ... Mine was fine for a couple days, pulled in Kansas City stations from 75 miles away using our seperate antenna. ... "
" ... Pick one up from fleetfarm/farm and fleet. ... "
Controls
56remote, channel, pause, menu, press
+16%
-84%
" ... Now it simply does not turn ON. ... "
" ... Had to unplug it sometimes because I could not get it to power down - neither with the remote nor the power button. ... "
" ... Every time I would use the power button on the remote, it would quit working and need to be unplugged for much, much longer than acceptable before it would power back up. ... "
" ... Menus are not intuitive, channel info is not formatted properly and so program info is practically useless. ... "
" ... Difficult to control the unit from remote control. ... "
" ... Power button on the base doesnt work. ... Remote buttons do not work consistently or at all (not even the power, and no, it's not the battery) ... "
" ... Remote keys and even power button on unit become useless. ... "
" ... I experimented with it by pausing and then hitting play and noticing that there were no captions. ... "
Cables
53antenna, satellite, power cord, ota, hdmi
+77%
-23%
" ... I do not have cable or satellite service available, so I can't verify compatibility with those services, some have complained about this. ... For cable/satellite users, this may not be the buy of the year, but for me - it Definitely was! ... "
" ... I bought this box because I cut the cord. ... "
" ... Cut the cord on cable company. ... "
" ... Not as elegant as a cable box but very functional. ... "
" ... Not quite as cool as your cable DVR, but does the job for cord cutters. ... However, right now out of the box, this cord cutter is STOKED! ... "
" ... I worry that It could have been the wire that was in the wall so I took one of the set top boxes from the other TV and the signal was clear. ... "
" ... That being said, we want to remain unimprisoned by cable/satellite, so we use our antenna. ... "
" ... I'm not sure yet if I will cut the cord to cable since I have a lot of favorite sports shows I watch. ... But getting a great HD signal for free is enticing and I may cut the cord ... "
Returns
47returned, replacement, unit, try, sent
+6%
-94%
" ... Returned and bought IVEIW 3500. ... "
" ... just stop workin, i don't know how to make work again , im so desapointed , last without using much , i want to return but i dont know where and how ... "
" ... Trying to return it and I can't. ... "
" ... They did ship a replacement, but the replacement did not work out of the box. ... "
" ... I didn't even get a chance to try it until past the return window. ... Now I can't even return this hunk of junk. ... "
" ... Returned right away. ... "
" ... Reprogram, try again. ... At thirty bucks it's hardly worth sending back. ... "
" ... Returned for a refund! ... "
Memory
40drive, storage, external, usb, gb
+83%
-18%
" ... The ability to record and save it requires an additional device, I bought a 16GB USB memory stick that holds over 4 hours of of recorded shows. ... The ability to use a USB memory stick, or an external hard drive, to save recorded shows is nice. ... "
" ... For storage I purchased a Sandisk Ultra 64gb and it works perfectly for my purposes. ... "
" ... 11/17/2017 Update - I did not have a large external hard disk handy to attach so I attached an 8GB flash drive. ... "
" ... I purchased a good external storage and guess what, I can record shows for ever now. ... "
" ... works well with external HD, and the beauty of it is the drive can be read on a computer, files transferred to another drive to be used as you wish. ... "
" ... I first tried a 32gb San disk that was formatted in fat32 and it didn't do so well. ... So I tried a Western Digital USB 2.0 250gb portable drive formatted in NTFS. ... "
" ... I suggest making sure you have the correct type of thumb drive (or whatever memory stick you use). ... "
" ... I just bought a 64GB USB thumb drive for $15. ... "
Device Compatibility
38connected, sync, projector, vizio, screen
+53%
-47%
" ... Luckily my TV has a lip sync setting that fixes it. ... "
" ... Someone needs to put together a list of compatible drives with this device. ... "
" ... I finally hooked up a flat screen TV to my antennae without the box and it worked perfectly. ... "
" ... Over all great device. ... "
" ... This worked either with or without a powered hub. ... "
" ... It is very easy and simple to connect with the TV ... "
" ... This was perfect for our TV solution ... "
" ... I do have a lot of experience dealing with different devices, so that may help me deal with deficiencies. ... Only to have it accept both commands. ... "
Delivery
35arrived, item, received, delivery, third box
+63%
-37%
" ... The Item was delivered within a few days, even with free shipping! ... "
" ... No hassle shopping, No hassle ordering, No hassle receiving, ... "
" ... this is my second box. ... "
" ... This item came recommended so I decided to try it. ... "
" ... I received my package on time and I was pleased. ... "
" ... Many thanks from Amazon, seller and delivery person. ... "
" ... This is a good box. ... "
" ... As described, prompt delivery. ... "
Picture Quality
34hdmi, image, hd, box, antenna
+82%
-18%
" ... Picture and audio are both high quality. ... "
" ... 2) Image quality is top notch! ... "
" ... The picture was smaller as well. ... "
" ... Picture quality it fine . ... "
" ... PROS: Free OTA TV, recordings that when played back show HD pictures with audio synched perfectly to the image (not all boxes can achieve this). ... "
" ... My TV picture is so much more clearer than with the old converter box that I had. ... I was going to keep my old box and put it in the bedroom but now, I see the picture clarity with this box, I through away the old box. ... For the price and picture clarity it's worth it. ... "
" ... The quality of the picture is excellent. ... "
" ... The tv picture is crystal clear. ... "
Video Playback
34record, recording, watching, live tv, shows
+71%
-29%
" ... For recording it uses about 6gb per hour of recording HD video. ... "
" ... For OTA recording works fine, the software is a bit clunky but once you get passed that recording and watching tv is easy enough. ... "
" ... Playing recordings is simple but could be simpler as I hate having to hit the hold key to go full screen. ... "
" ... I also have a Amazon FireStick for movies ... "
" ... I was in the market for just a digital converter for my dad so he can watch tv. ... I also love that you can pause live tv and record with this. ... "
" ... Although your hard drive won't be cluttered, you cannot save the recordings from pausing live TV. ... "
" ... I loaded some of my favorite movies from my PC to the external drive and so far so good seems to play all the popular formats no lag. ... "
" ... Excellent video, and full screen capture. ... "
Product As Described
28expected, works as advertised, described, works, product
+89%
-11%
" ... It works as advertised. ... "
" ... As described and basically what I expected. ... "
" ... I especially like that it tells me what the show is and what show is next, even when I click in during an advertisement. ... "
" ... The picture was smaller as well. ... "
" ... Works as advertised. ... "
" ... Product as expected. ... "
" ... Works as advertised. ... "
" ... Worked as advertised ... "
Software Platform
22update, interface, error, user interface, program
+27%
-73%
" ... I only tried to schedule two events at once on one occasion, but I got some kind of error message, so I didn't try it again. ... Perhaps I'll give her this unit, since I dread finding programs by date and time, also known as "trial and error". ... "
" ... Ultimately you just have to figure out a bunch of workarounds. ... "
" ... The menu was not intuitive and the graphics looked like something out of Windows 3.1. ... "
" ... Mediasonic support and they e-mailed me the URL to download the newest update. ... "
" ... This product failed to even begin operating TWICE. ... "
" ... - not the best user interface either . ... "
" ... Which ultimately, was the problem, some devices are not CEC compatible--the HW180 be one--normally you can go into a device and adjust functions or disable it but, I could not figure this low-grade, Atari-like technology. ... "
" ... Poorly written software. ... "
Lagging
22unplug, freezes, restart, record, reboot
+18%
-82%
" ... 66% of the time it freezes up and you get a partial or no playback. ... Even with these the unit freezes up. ... Once the unit freezes you have to completely unplug it to get it back up and running. ... "
" ... I've had several times where during playback the box freezes up and you have to unplug it to reboot it. ... "
" ... It also froze up several times and I had to unplug to reboot it and that was annoying. ... "
" ... Freezes up at random times for no apparent reason. ... You either have to wait several minutes for the unit to restart or you have to unplug it and plug it back in. ... "
" ... To get the machine to work, however, I have had to periodically unplug it. ... "
" ... I had to unplug and restart a couple of times. ... "
" ... Sometimes, I have to unplug it because it freezes. ... "
" ... When recording, it doesn't always record the right time of day. ... "
Display Clarity
22tv, display, vizio, turn, tuner
+32%
-68%
" ... especially for night scenes, the TV screen would just be completely dark as if there is no pciture. ... "
" ... I wish it would auto delete channels that just come in as blue screen. ... "
" ... Now, I make sure to turn the Homeworx off first, then after I see its message disappear from the screen, I turn off the TV. ... "
" ... We were watching TV and just went blank . ... "
" ... It’s difficult to program and the screen menus are difficult to read. ... "
" ... Once it was done there was static on the screen. ... "
" ... Turned it off and tried to turn it on several hours later and it wouldn't go past the initial start up screen, even after waiting 20 minutes for it to load. ... "
" ... This one would turn on, display the logo screen then go black. ... "
Features
20mode, functions, function, auto, time shift
+70%
-30%
" ... With so many stations adding xx.1, xx.2, xx.3, etc, the Homeworks smartly added this auto-function, yet still has the ability to tune an xx. ... "
" ... Lots of features. ... "
" ... It also have some decent features, so it seems be to be a fair balance. ... "
" ... Has a lot of useful features. ... "
" ... The Electronic Program Guide EPG is a nice feature. ... "
" ... The simplest of features are simply . ... "
" ... Normally, the box is in “pass through” mode. ... Perhaps that could have been a configuration setting – Auto exit time shift when performing other functions or changing the channel” instead of having to see a big message, then click STOP, then click OK every time you are in time shift and want to do something else. ... "
" ... So far the features seem really nice, though. ... "
Overall performance
19works, bit, well, unit, slow
+79%
-21%
" ... Works really well ... "
" ... It's a bit cumbersome at first, but once you know what you're doing, it does a great job. ... "
" ... Those the job ... "
" ... Again, a little time consuming but This Mediasonic does a Beautiful job! ... "
" ... The device has a no frills interface but it gets the job done. ... "
" ... Works just fine. ... "
" ... Does a great job ... "
" ... Works like a champ. ... "
Build Quality
19cheap, broke, plastic, made, box
+5%
-95%
" ... Cheap piece of crap. ... "
" ... To me, that's a big ball drop right there. ... "
" ... Of course my first thought is that a connection must be loose. ... "
" ... If I could give this cheap plastic piece of junk less than one start I would do so. ... "
" ... Two boxes broke within a year. ... "
" ... Falls apart over time ... "
" ... Tried everything I could to get it to work, nothing, its a little plastic box full of dead circuitry, and Im stuck needing to buy another one. ... "
" ... Good reception but is cheaply made. ... "
Sound Quality
16sound, tv, sync, channels, picture and sound
+56%
-44%
" ... easy to change channels for speakers I want to hear. ... "
" ... If I leave it off for some time and switch on again, I get audio again. ... "
" ... My sound bar is connected to the tv so it works in sync just as well. ... "
" ... I bought it so I could connect it to my audio receiver and get surround sound/hi fi, etc. ... "
" ... This product works great HD on my HDMI and Dolby surround sound. ... "
" ... ** I installed this adapter and was able to use my 3.5mm HEADPHONES and listen to the TV channels with the TV speakers turned all the way down. ... "
User Manual
14instructions, instruction manual, guide, written, sketchy
+21%
-79%
" ... Incredibly poor instruction manual. ... (No PDF manual on website.) ... "
" ... The instructions are crap and once you finally do get it connected it won't work. ... "
" ... Limited information in the user manual and don't expect help from support, they will just tell you to post to this forum/blog thing and hope someone else solves the problem. ... "
" ... I didn't even have to open the instruction manual! ... "
" ... What's more, the lack of a real program guide (trust me . ... "
" ... The one thing that is not great is the manual. ... "
" ... no manual date/clock set and only military time. ... "
Power Consumption
14units, unit, supply, red, nothing
+21%
-79%
" ... Parts of the internal power supply melted down. ... While reviewing other posts, it seems to be a common problem for these and similar units with built in power supplies. ... "
" ... (my old VCR would always work unless the power went out . ) ... "
" ... Cycled power multiple times and still nothing. ... "
" ... Won't power on ... "
" ... I still had a picture but the unit just quit responding to the remote and I could not power it off with the units power on/off button. ... "
" ... I suppose the power supply circuitry is not well designed as being hosted inside the little plastic box. ... "
" ... Was displaying the Red power light but wouldn't turn on. ... No indication of power at all. ... "
" ... Unit will not power up. ... "
ISP
14worked, one, connection, works, update
+71%
-29%
" ... This one did. ... "
" ... Works perfectly for me. ... "
" ... I'll update should I have any problems with it. ... "
" ... Take that Charter!!! ... "
" ... Worked fine the day we installed it. ... "
" ... Does just what I need it to do. ... "
" ... 64 is the limit. ... "
" ... I purchased my first unit and it worked just fine. ... "
Apps
13software, program, shows, recorded, record
+46%
-54%
" ... Cant get Mediasonin on phone .kenelec5121@msn.com ... "
" ... I have used it for that several times and the recorded programs are disappointing. ... "
" ... Poorly written software. ... "
" ... There is an option in settings menu to update software through thunb drive, but no update exists that i know of. ... "
" ... When setting up programs to record you can not record shows that are back to back,it will say there is a conflict and you to ancel one of the shows. ... "
" ... • Perhaps the worst problem is that device simply does not record some or all of scheduled programs. ... • If errors in performance or software do occur, the user is seldom given adequate (if any) notification of the failure, or why, or what to do about the failure. ... "
Capacity
12tvs, rooms, hdtv antenna, guest, garage
+92%
-8%
" ... Does the job for a theater room. ... "
" ... Pick one up from fleetfarm/farm and fleet. ... "
" ... that I recomend for under $10 to distribute inside the house ... "
" ... If you have multiple TVs around the house, I suppose you could get one for each. ... "
" ... Used this to record a friend that appeared on Family Feud. ... "
" ... Works well in my garage ... "
" ... I will order one more for my home country . ... "
" ... used it for my TV in my garage. ... "
Firmware
12update, software, upgrade, latest, bugs
+25%
-75%
" ... I may have gotten a "lemon" but even after a firmware update from the manufacturer, the unit was totally unreliable as a PVR. ... "
" ... - there are a number of bugs in the firmware, and they never fix them. ... "
" ... Box had latest firmware for its particular hardware version, 11.3. ... I have noticed that the firmware is still a little flaky. ... "
" ... The software / firmware has some bugs though that cause it to fail to record sometimes. ... "
" ... Do not buy - they do not have a firmware update for this and it is only 24 hour time. ... "
" ... Tried firmware update no luck ... "
" ... Firmware leavs lots to be desired ... "
" ... On the only slightly downside, the firmware programming is a little clunky. ... "
Wash Programs
11time, timer, mode, program, weekly
+55%
-45%
" ... Haven't tried the record feature yet. ... "
" ... 2) Timer only has record once, daily and weekly option and no weekday weekly option. ... "
" ... Normally, the box is in “pass through” mode. ... "
" ... Can be set to record daily or weekly. ... "
" ... I solved that by setting each program to record longer than the scheduled time. ... "
Codecs
11recorded, mp4, format, usb, playback
+64%
-36%
" ... we'll see if the recorded files are compressed at all or not. ... "
" ... it has played every format i have thrown at it! ... "
" ... You can also insert the Flash Drive into your computer and play the files there if necessary. ... "
" ... The movies & tv programs I downloaded & recorded from my computer in avi format were easily recognized by the Mediasonic just by connecting the external hard drive & pushing the usb button on the remote! ... "
" ... It plays MP4 and MKV's like a champ. ... "
" ... The Homeworx saves the recorded TV Shows to the hard drive as .mts files. ... "
" ... The 150 video files will play on the 180 and vise versa. ... "
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Specifications
Connectivity
USB: Yes
HDMI: Yes
Number of USB ports: 2
Camera
Video: Yes
Memory
Memory: 2097152 GB
Display
Resolution: HDTV 720p
Recommendations
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