REVIEW

[REVIEW] Octagon F1

The Octagon F1 (often compared to or branded similarly to the Formuler F1) is a high-performance, twin-tuner HD receiver that sits a step above the SF108 in terms of raw power and expansion. While it is still a 1080p-generation device, it was designed as a “premium” mid-range box.

Core Specifications

  • Processor: Broadcom BCM7356 (Dual-Core @ 1.3 GHz)

  • Performance: ~3000 DMIPS (Significant jump over the SF108’s 2000 DMIPS)

  • Memory: 1GB RAM (DDR3) / 512MB Flash

  • Tuner Config: 2x Fixed DVB-S2 (Twin Tuner) + 1x Optional Plug-and-Play Slot (for DVB-T2/C or a third Satellite tuner)

  • Display: 8-digit VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display) which shows full station names rather than just channel numbers.


Performance & User Experience

Because the F1 uses a 1.3 GHz Broadcom chip, it feels notably snappier than the SF108 or SF8.

  • Multitasking: With 1GB of RAM and twin tuners, this box is a recording powerhouse. You can record one encrypted channel while watching another without the UI lagging.

  • Boot Times: Cold boot is rapid, usually clocking in at under 30 seconds.

  • Gigabit LAN: Unlike many HD boxes that use 10/100 Mbps, the F1 features 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet, making it excellent for streaming high-bitrate recordings to other rooms (Multiroom) or a NAS.

  • Expansion: It includes an SD card slot, eSATA port, and 3x USB 2.0 ports, giving you more storage options than almost any other box in its class.

Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
High Speed: 1.3GHz CPU makes Enigma2 menus fly and handles heavy skins easily. No H.265/HEVC: Cannot play 4K content or standard HD channels that use the newer HEVC codec.
Triple Tuner Support: Rare ability to have 3 tuners (2 Sat + 1 Terrestrial) in a compact box. End of Life: Now considered a legacy device; newer images (OpenATV 7+) push the limits of its older Broadcom architecture.
Gigabit Ethernet: Superior networking for home streaming and IPTV buffering. Physical Size: Larger footprint than the ultra-compact “SF” series.

Comparison: F1 vs. SF108

Feature Octagon SF108 Octagon F1
CPU Speed 751 MHz 1300 MHz
RAM 512 MB 1 GB
Ethernet 100 Mbps 1000 Mbps (Gigabit)
Tuners 1x Fixed 2x Fixed + 1x Optional
Display 4-digit (Number) 8-digit (Text)

2026 Verdict

The Octagon F1 is the “luxury” choice of the HD-only era. If you are a hobbyist who still relies on satellite feeds in 1080p and you value a fast UI and deep recording capabilities, the F1 is vastly superior to the SF108.

However, like the SF108, it is a 1080p/H.264 device. If your provider has moved to H.265 (HEVC), this box will show a black screen on those channels. For a modern equivalent that adds 4K and HEVC, you should look toward the SF8008 Supreme.