DSX5500 vs GAEBOA vs HBH-SA vs "Helix"

[Mark Holtz]

Okay, doing some calling around and looking at two standalone receivers for my mother. (Don't ask why), and so far, I've come up with the following:

* Phillips DSX5500
* Hughes GAEBOA (Isn't this called the Director)
* Hughes HBH-SA

Plus, one of the sales reps referred to a "Hughes Helix" that "came out about a month and a half ago, and is one of the fastest standalone out." Huh? A quick google search pulled up some DirecTV retailer in Helix, Oregon. Huh?

[ClearCom]

The "Helix" receiver is the newest, fastest receiver out. It will replace the GAEBOA and the GCEBOA recievers.
The reason for the switch is that the new Helix receivers have a receiver location ID number in addition to the serial number and access card number.
It is being asked during activation to prevent people from moving the receiver to another physical location.

They are very good receivers and include 2 RCA outputs. The only thing missing is the ability to upgrade the receiver to UHF (no port on the back).

[DishDude1]

I like the HBH-SA, it is a basic, easy to use receiver that is laid out logically. Nice remote, 2 sets of A/V outputs.

[ChrisPC]

I just got a couple of GAEBOAs and really love them. The remotes can even control my ten year old stereo receiver, so I went from three remotes to one! The guide is really easy and quick, and switching channels is very fast. The audio and video quality is noticeably better than before, and all the included cables are good quality, better than some I was using.

[music_beans]

Hughes Helix?

Is this related to the RealNetworks "Helix" video? (aka RealVideo 9)

[beegfoot]

The first letter of a Hughes receiver tells you the generation. GAEB0A, "G" series is now replaced by the "H" series Helix.

I do not like the Phillips DSX5500. I'm selling my last three tomorrow.

[SouthernSky]

I'm curious. What problems have you had with Philips DSX5500?
I sell 20-40 per month and have never had a problem with them.
I had 2 DOA's last year of the 5353 but that's it. Metron gives me prices that rival and usually beat Hughes GAEBOx from P-10 so I'm pretty much exclusive to Philips.

Still, I'm open-minded and would like to know what you think about the DSX5500 that I might be aware of or wathing for in the future. Thanks!


The first letter of a Hughes receiver tells you the generation. GAEB0A, "G" series is now replaced by the "H" series Helix.

I do not like the Phillips DSX5500. I'm selling my last three tomorrow.

[beegfoot]

Hello, SS.

The DSX5500 is a decent receiver, but I had 2 die out of the first 20 I ordered. I had to send them in for replacement and it took over 30 days to get them back. If a customer has a bad receiver, they have to send it in for warranty, where as the Hughes I fix at my store.

The Hughes GAEB0A has been a pretty good receiver. I've had maybe 1 or 2 DOA in the last 300 or so. With installed units, I've changed out maybe 3-5 main boards due to failure other than surge damage. My first 50 HBH-SA have had no problems.

The truth is, I feel more in control with the Hughes because of the capability of repairing at my shop. The Phillips is a decent machine, and I shouldn't have been so rough on them. What drew me to the DSX5500 was the new SAVI system, and I may get more later if the price is right.