Saorview Content Speculation

watty

Why?

They claim "Public" launch is mid 2011

FREETV

watty wrote: »

Why?

They claim "Public" launch is mid 2011

Isn't the service going live at the end of Oct? Wouldn't it make sense to have boxes ready for inital takeup of the service before then to make it more of a success?

The Cush

FREETV wrote: »

Isn't the service going live at the end of Oct? Wouldn't it make sense to have boxes ready for inital takeup of the service before then to make it more of a success?

The Oct date is being referred to as the technical launch - information campaign for retailers/installers/viewers, training for installers/retailers.

The 2009 Broadcasting Act requires RTÉ to provide a full national digital service by the end of 2011 or such date the Minister may specify. The Minister has informed RTÉ that the date for the provision of a full national digital terrestrial television service is 31 December 2011. RTÉ recently said they recommend Q2 2011 as the date for the public national launch with 49 of the 51 sites rolled out to over 97% of the population and the Saorsat service possibly operational.

I think we will begin to see STBs once the public information campaign begins.

sob1467

As far as I am concerened there is no point in launching any new platform unless it launches with a RTÉ HD channel.

Gerry Wicklow

The Cush wrote: »

The Oct date is being referred to as the technical launch - information campaign for retailers/installers/viewers, training for installers/retailers.

I would imagine it's kinda hard to train people about things that don't exist i.e. STBs...
"It'll sorta look like this, and might do that but won't do the other... we think!":p

watty

sob1467 wrote: »

As far as I am concerened there is no point in launching any new platform unless it launches with a RTÉ HD channel.

RTE2 will be part time HD.
When the 2nd Mux is available, then RTE1 & 2 will be HD more often.

There is not space for a separate HD channel, nor does simulcast make sense when the ENTRY LEVEL spec is for a box or TV that can do HD. Any HD set box has to provide SCART down-sampling for non-HDTVs. Downsampled HD will be about 50% better quality or better than SD Digital RTE on Sky on the same non-HDTV.

Peter Henderson

I think we will begin to see STBs once the public information campaign begins.

Yes, but that's the problem with the ROI going for MPEG 4 rather than MPEG 2

Had they gone for the MPEG 2 standard there would have been plenty of cheap UK boxes available (well under £50). As things stand, the only UK boxes capable of receiving MPEG 4 are the very expensive Freeview HD ones (£179 for the Humax).

The whole thing could turn into a complete farce.

STB

Peter Henderson wrote: »

Yes, but that's the problem with the ROI going for MPEG 4 rather than MPEG 2

Had they gone for the MPEG 2 standard there would have been plenty of cheap UK boxes available (well under £50). As things stand, the only UK boxes capable of receiving MPEG 4 are the very expensive Freeview HD ones (£179 for the Humax).

The whole thing could turn into a complete farce.

Rubbish, Peter. MPEG4 is THE standard in Europe. No boxes NOT cost that price. MPEG4 DVB-T Boxes are less than 60 EURO everywhere accross Europe. What you wont see is the MHEG5 part, many can live without that.

Infact you can get a combo HD box that does Irish DTT and Sat for €150 posted.

MPEG2 is dead. The only people using it are the UK for their SD stations.

Back on topic away from MPEG2 hijacking, as has been said, it is highly likely that Saorview approved boxes will not appear until March April 2011 to coincide with the combined launch of Saorsat and Saorview.

That shouldnt stop people from buying a HD combo box that will do all that RTE and Sat, minus MHEG5. Its just not a major plus to have, the EIT will still be broadcast outside of MHEG5.

watty

Peter,
And then there would be 1/2 the space for channels. Almost 20 countries are going for MPEG4. MPEG2 would be irresponsible.

You do realise also that RTE2 will be HD part time and when the 2nd Mux is nationwide RTE1 and RTE2 will be gradually HD full time. The MINIMUM is an HD box. Even if you don't have an HDTV (it will downsample).

In another year HD MPEG4 boxes and TVs will be much cheaper, similar price as MPEG2 today. Only PVRs will be at the €180 price.

The Cush

Peter Henderson wrote: »

Yes, but that's the problem with the ROI going for MPEG 4 rather than MPEG 2

Had they gone for the MPEG 2 standard there would have been plenty of cheap UK boxes available (well under £50). As things stand, the only UK boxes capable of receiving MPEG 4 are the very expensive Freeview HD ones (£179 for the Humax).

The whole thing could turn into a complete farce.

MPEG-2 v MPEG-4 has been discussed to death here since it was selected as the video compression standard in late July 2008, all we need now is someone to bring up DVB-T2 :rolleyes:.

Peter Henderson

Rubbish, Peter. MPEG4 is THE standard in Europe. No boxes NOT cost that price.

But the only boxes compatible with MPEG 4 are the DVB T2 HD boxes, and the cheapest currently availablein the UK is the Humax at £ 179. As far as I'm aware, none of the cheap <£50 boxes decode MPEG 4.

MPEG4 DVB-T Boxes are less than 60 EURO everywhere accross Europe

I assume the major retailers are going to import these in time for DSO ?

Otherwise, there's going to be a major problem in that little old ladies in Connemara or Donegal are suddenly going to find themselves without any TV pictures at all and they'll be wondering what's happened.

Unless this is done properly it's going to be a complete and utter disaster.

Apogee

Peter Henderson wrote: »

But the only boxes compatible with MPEG 4 are the DVB T2 HD boxes, and the cheapest currently availablein the UK is the Humax at £ 179. As far as I'm aware, none of the cheap <£50 boxes decode MPEG 4.

You're incorrect. There are plenty of DVB-T MPEG4 boxes, both standalone and combo type. The majority of TVs released in the past year or two are MPEG4 compatible. There are endless threads on this already.

STB

Peter Henderson wrote: »

But the only boxes compatible with MPEG 4 are the DVB T2 HD boxes, and the cheapest currently availablein the UK is the Humax at £ 179. As far as I'm aware, none of the cheap <£50 boxes decode MPEG 4.



I assume the major retailers are going to import these in time for DSO ?

Otherwise, there's going to be a major problem in that little old ladies in Connemara or Donegal are suddenly going to find themselves without any TV pictures at all and they'll be wondering what's happened.

Unless this is done properly it's going to be a complete and utter disaster.

Peter you are still not up to speed and still incorrect.

No. The only compatiable boxes are not the Freeview HD DVBT2 boxes. There are plenty of boxes that retail at €60 and less mainly from France - DVBT MPEG4.

The little old ladies in Connemara and Donegal will be fine. ASO 2012. DSO 2011.

Yes. There is a plan to go with DSO I am sure Peter.

I get the impression that you reside outside of Ireland ? If this is the case you may be interested to know that the cheapest UK DVBT2 box is 60stg (AND NOT 179STG) from Tesco's which will be handy for picking up the UK Freeview HD service within the UK.

watty

But not in Jordanstown till 2012

Currently we will have RTE HD in Limerick before Co. Antrim has Terrestrial HD. In fact my mum's house in Co. Antrim can't even get Divis DTT at all. She has Freesat and Sky boxes. Not even "Five" on her Analogue, just 1, 2 UTV and C4.

There are also people off Antrim Road, North Belfast with no DTT. Only Analogue Carnmony Hill.

STB

ah Jordanstown. Didnt see it under Peters name.

Well Peter when RTE start broadcsting from Divis next year you will have to update your MPEG2 gear to MPEG4 in order to receive it. Whilst Freeview HD wont happen in NI until 2012 you will be able to watch RTE form Irish DTT with some HD content.

In cases in NI, a Freeview HD box is a good investemnt. As i said earlier Tesco - Technika STBHDIS2010 60STG.

lawhec

STB wrote: »

ah Jordanstown. Didnt see it under Peters name.

Well Peter when RTE start broadcsting from Divis next year you will have to update your MPEG2 gear to MPEG4 in order to receive it. Whilst Freeview HD wont happen in NI until 2012 you will be able to watch RTE form Irish DTT with some HD content.

In cases in NI, a Freeview HD box is a good investemnt. As i said earlier Tesco - Technika STBHDIS2010 60STG.

That's news to me? RTÉ from Divis starting in 2011?

As for the MPEG2 vs. MPEG4 debate, were this 2005 or even 2006 there might have been a reasonable argument for MPEG2 but in 2010 it's now a legacy codec. Countries that have launched DVB-T services in the past couple of years are using MPEG-4 as standard.

watty

STB wrote: »

Well Peter when RTE start broadcsting from Divis next year

Whatever the value of the GFA, the whole point of an MOU is that it's absolutely non-binding and basically PR Fluff.

If Egypt and Iran signed an MOU about peace between Iranians and Arabs I'd prepare for war.

I'm not saying RTE on N.I. Digital is impossible, after all we have the Bizarre broadcasting of TG4 in Analogue from Black Mountain, but I'd not hold my breath either.

The Cush

lawhec wrote: »

As for the MPEG2 vs. MPEG4 debate, were this 2005 or even 2006 there might have been a reasonable argument for MPEG2 but in 2010 it's now a legacy codec. Countries that have launched DVB-T services in the past couple of years are using MPEG-4 as standard.

There are some exceptions, Slovakia launched it's public service mux last Dec with MPEG-2 due to the percentage of MPEG-2 equipment in homes. Croatia launched a two mux MPEG-2 service last year.

watty

I've been in bits of Slovakia.

Brataslava has shared aerials on the Apartment blocks.
Pointing Slovak, Hungarian, Austrian and Czech TV.

STB

watty wrote: »

Whatever the value of the GFA, the whole point of an MOU is that it's absolutely non-binding and basically PR Fluff.

If Egypt and Iran signed an MOU about peace between Iranians and Arabs I'd prepare for war.

I'm not saying RTE on N.I. Digital is impossible, after all we have the Bizarre broadcasting of TG4 in Analogue from Black Mountain, but I'd not hold my breath either.

Indeed I am speculating, not betting mind you ! Everything and anything might be possible.

The Cush wrote: »

There are some exceptions, Slovakia launched it's public service mux last Dec with MPEG-2 due to the percentage of MPEG-2 equipment in homes. Croatia launched a two mux MPEG-2 service last year.

And that indecision and lack of regulation in not tying down the box spec will come back to haunt them I'd imagine. You could forever be in a period of transition when you allow your country to buy up the remaining MPEG2 stock and then expect them to move to a new box within a short after period. As low cost is the key driver to this move, it will now take them at least a decade to get people moved over to MPEG4 and there is still no firm spec out there. Their biggest broadcaster hasnt even made a decision to join DTT. Strangely the pay operator on Sat is also the same group that launched DTT. Hard to fathom whether they want competition on DTT or whether its just to facilitate analogue switch off - a quarter of Slovakia depend on analogue? Hmmm.

Czech Republic is the other. You think Ireland's commercial mux issues where bad you should read up on the extremes that the broadcasting authority had to go to get the Czech commercial operators to move from analogue and the resultant legal cases. It set them back years. One of the muxes is actually MPEG4 and thats the one operated by the network owner.

Outside Croatia the rest of the country's that have stuck with MPEG2 are early adopters of DTT and are stuck with legacy for the moment. ASO is coming. DSO must happen regardless of the compression. Bordering a country can be a strong influence with legacy compression.

Rick_

STB wrote: »

Well Peter when RTE start broadcsting from Divis next year you will have to update your MPEG2 gear to MPEG4 in order to receive it.

When exactly was this announced? And how is it going to broadcast when the spectrum is already full from Divis and it can't even support a small signal strength increase, never mind fitting another MUX in?

watty

He admitted that was speculation. Lets move on

Rick_

Apologies, I didn't see that part of the post.

lgs 4

watty wrote: »

TV channels

• RTE1
• RTE2
• TV3 (eventually)
• TG4
• Oireachtas TV / RTE News (not enough content for 2 full channels)

(there are two Oireachtas TV feeds already for years and 2.3GHz spectrum tied up in part of Dublin).

All RTE's Radio

• RTÉ Radio 1
• RTÉ 2fm
• RTÉ lyric fm
• RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta

Including spectrum wasting DAB Stations

• RTÉ 2 XM
• RTÉ Choice
• RTÉ Junior / Chill
• RTÉ Gold
• RTÉ Pulse
• RTÉ Radio 1 Extra

No HD once TV3 joins. HD needs another THREE Muxes if all 4 channels on HD as well as SD, or TWO addition Mux if no SD.
In theory with Saorview spec boxes people without HD can use HD feed, so no need for wasteful simulcast.

the one that people are forgetting the present channel line up none of the channels are in dolby digital

watty

Oireachtas TV seems on hold
also
TV3e,
Sharing a channel: RTE1 +1 (evening), Children (daytime), Eurovision (overnight)
RTE 2 part time in HD.

The Cush

lgs 4 wrote: »

the one that people are forgetting the present channel line up none of the channels are in dolby digital

Didn't forget, when the RTÉNL2 HD test channel launched in May I did post question regarding audio on that channel - thought they might be testing both HD audio and video. Quess it's not a priority.

watty

Historically Digital Sat TV uses MP2, like DAB. It's an old rubbish codec.
AAC gives much better quality at same bit rate, or same quality at much lower bit rate. Or someplace between. Also while DAB uses MP2, DAB+ uses AAC.

All TV apart from Cinema rebroadcast is simply stereo or mono.

They are desparately short of space even with two mux to have 4 x HD channels (the minimum). So it would make sense to go with AAC for all TV audio and for all the Radio on DTT

RTÉ Radio 1
RTÉ Radio 1 Extra
RTÉ 2 FM
RTÉ RnaG
RTÉ Lyric FM
RTÉ Choice
RTÉ Gold
RTÉ Junior/RTÉ Chill
RTÉ Pulse/RTÉ 2xm

This means it's cheaper to roll out DAB+ as Saorview or Saorsat has the same bitstream and Saorsat can be backup for DAB+ as well as Saorview.

The minimum RTE spec does include AAC audio, as does the nordig 2.0

The IRD should also support parametric stereo audio decoding for MPEG-4 HE AAC Level 4 (i.e.
version 2). (Parametric Stereo (PS) is only applicable for use of MPEG4 HE.AAC version 2 stereo
audio and mainly target for use in Radio services, i.e. not applicable for 5.1 or mono audio services
and not applicable for any Enhanced AC3 or MPEG-1 Layer II).
...
The IRD shall support decoding of variable bitrate of HE.AAC up to level 4 audio stream.

I think using AAC instead of MP2 at same quality level saves about 2Mbps per multiplex. Using Statistical Mux and 1440x1080i HD, that's almost 1/3rd to 1/2 of an HD channel and slightly more than one SD channel.

mossym

lgs 4 wrote: »

the one that people are forgetting the present channel line up none of the channels are in dolby digital

that's been echoed everywhere though, sky won't send DD over HDMI,even if the signal has it, ITV aren't sending multichannel, bbc are poor too.

just a theory i have they are worried about tv's not been able to handling a multichannel track correctly and switching to the stereo, only tv'si know of with multichannel decode are Loewe, and while most tv's should handle the swith correctly, if some el cheapo tv's can't handle the multichannel stream correctly then the chennl provider will be getting the call as it must be the channel as all other channels are working fine

this may be more relevant to sky and the freesat platforms, the space may be a limiting factor for irish DTT

just a theory mind

watty

1) Only Cinema has multichannel, buy the DVD.
2) There isn't space
3) Read the Soarview minimum RTE spec

mossym

watty wrote: »

1) Only Cinema has multichannel, buy the DVD.
2) There isn't space
3) Read the Soarview minimum RTE spec

Cinema, sports, TV shows(in the US, they get limited to stereo here). and i acknowledged the space issue, but a minimum set of standards is just that a minimum, you have to broadcast stereo , but nothing says that you can't also transmit s multichannel track if one exists

the HDMI spec that deals with ARC(Audio return channel),mainy used for TV tuner audio back to external AVR specifies mandatory support for multichannel up to 5.1 at 48kHz, and optional up to to 192kHz. France for example is using Dolby Digital Plus in(some of) it's transmissions, 5.1 @48KHz oversampled to 192KHz.

there is no reason they can't do it, other than space. For systems where the space isn't an issue, as the multichannel track has already made it to the box, there has to be another reason, and i still believe what i wrote above.

the chances of us ever seeing it in Ireland? Doubtful, if the UK won't do it, neither will we.

watty

Possible first Box and maybe the Saorview logo spotted by Byte?
http://www.techtir.ie/blog/watty/possible-saorview-logo

mossym

watty wrote: »

Possible first Box and maybe the Saorview logo spotted by Byte?
http://www.techtir.ie/node/1003521

Tv's from Turkey then...will people buy a tv from an unknown brand just because it has the Saorview logo?

i actually like the Saorview logo....

watty

Well, the set-box might not be Vestel from Turkey, Walker could be importing from anywhere and the logo may not be official. It's remiss of RTENL not to publish (yet) on their web site what the logo is supposed to look like.

mossym

watty wrote: »

Well, the set-box might not be Vestel from Turkey, Walker could be importing from anywhere and the logo may not be official. It's remiss of RTENL not to publish (yet) on their web site what the logo is supposed to look like.

Very True. you'd have to think thought they didn't pull the logo out of thin air, but as you say it's not official, and given what has heppened all along is quite possible they could change the whole thing anyway. They'll have to settle on something soon though..(one would think)

Sam Russell

That does not look exactly like the logo I saw earlier in the year, it has bits added in front that are reminiscent of RTE's logo, and the TV bit was not there. It could have evolved because they have designers in RTE.

It is very fussy for a logo.

watty

Moved to http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=67568527&postcount=103

micks_address

hi guys,

is the DTT service defintely officially starting in October this year? Has it been confirmed that tv3 will be on it from the beginning? Any hope tv3 will come on before october to do some more testing? Not long to go now.. only 8/9 weeks

Cheers,
Mick

The Cush

micks_address wrote: »

hi guys,

is the DTT service defintely officially starting in October this year? Has it been confirmed that tv3 will be on it from the beginning? Any hope tv3 will come on before october to do some more testing? Not long to go now.. only 8/9 weeks

Cheers,
Mick

The Oct date is being referred to as the technical launch (information campaign, training, equipment testing etc.). Basically ensuring that everything is in place for the full national launch.

The 2009 Broadcasting Act requires RTÉ to provide a full national digital service by the end of 2011 or such date the Minister may specify. The Minister has informed RTÉ that the date for the provision of a full national digital terrestrial television service is 31 December 2011. RTÉ recently said they recommend Q2 2011 as the date for the public national launch with 49 of the 51 sites rolled out to over 97% of the population and the Saorsat service possibly operational.

Nothing official regarding TV3 only speculation.

10000maniacs

mossym wrote: »

Tv's from Turkey then...will people buy a tv from an unknown brand just because it has the Saorview logo?

i actually like the Saorview logo....

Totally agree with that.
The picture and sound quality of Freeview boxes in the UK varies considerably depending on the price.

watty

watty wrote: »

Well, the set-box might not be Vestel from Turkey, Walker could be importing from anywhere and the logo may not be official. It's remiss of RTENL not to publish (yet) on their web site what the logo is supposed to look like.

It seems the Walker set-box may be made by Vestel. But there is a curious tale!

This seems irrelevant current news: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11093271

Fugitive tycoon Asil Nadir returns to the UK from northern Cyprus after evading trial on fraud charges since 1993.

or is it?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polly_Peck#Collapse

In 1991, Polly Peck Group transferred all of its Vestel Electronics shares to one of its subsidiaries, Collar Holding BV, which was based in the Netherlands. In the same year, following the collapse of the Polly Peck Group, PPI was placed in administration. In November 1994, Ahmet Nazif Zorlu acquired PPI[and thus Vestel?] from the administrator by buying the entire share capital of Collar Holding BV, which at the time held 82% of the Polly Peck's issued share capital.

Fascinating stuff
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/blog/2010/aug/26/asil-nadir-returns-to-uk

Michael Mates's famous words of advice to the businessman: "Don't let the buggers get you down." Mates's support for Nadir led to his resignation as a Northern Ireland minister (although he denied any impropriety on his part).

According to one report, Mates thought Nadir was the victim of an MI6 plot[!]. This morning the Today programme played an extract from Mates's resignation statement. It was gripping stuff, because Betty Boothroyd, the Speaker, tried to get him to shut up, because she was worried that he would say something that would breach the Commons's sub judice rules.

watty

Actual new Saorview / Soarsat content?

Kerry TV proposed for 2013
blog comment
http://www.techtir.ie/blog/watty/kerry-tv
via
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/new-regional-tv-station-plans-kerry-big-brother-2315219.html

d.a.r.r.a.g.h

watty wrote: »

Actual new Saorview / Soarsat content?

Kerry TV proposed for 2013
blog comment
http://www.techtir.ie/blog/watty/kerry-tv
via
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/new-regional-tv-station-plans-kerry-big-brother-2315219.html

That is a laughable idea.

I wouldn't say no to another channel, but It needs to be a national channel, not localised sh1t for 1/26th of the Country. Not enough happens in Kerry, for a channel to be dedicated to it. It will just end up with reruns of old westerns and the like, and nobody will watch it, and it will close down. FACT

She is off her trolley

thetonynator

Can anyone explain what will actually happen on Oct 31st???

On a standard digital tv with bunny ears arial, will i be able to receive new stations? I can get the RTENL tests at the moment.

Do i need to get a box for the new stations???

watty

If you receive the RTENL test you don't need to do anything.

thetonynator

watty wrote: »

If you receive the RTENL test you don't need to do anything.

Thanks.

Hope we can get TV3 in digital!!!

Stinicker

d.a.r.r.a.g.h wrote: »

That is a laughable idea.

I wouldn't say no to another channel, but It needs to be a national channel, not localised sh1t for 1/26th of the Country. Not enough happens in Kerry, for a channel to be dedicated to it. It will just end up with reruns of old westerns and the like, and nobody will watch it, and it will close down. FACT

She is off her trolley

I wouldn't agree so much, Local Radio in Kerry is very popular what I think they should aim for is a Munster station, this would give plenty of topics and give a good balance to the D4 oriented crap spouted by Montrose.

The Cush

thetonynator wrote: »

Can anyone explain what will actually happen on Oct 31st???

On a standard digital tv with bunny ears arial, will i be able to receive new stations? I can get the RTENL tests at the moment.

Do i need to get a box for the new stations???

thetonynator wrote: »

Thanks.

Hope we can get TV3 in digital!!!

By the end of Oct the current pre-launch engineering test transmissions (around since the beginning of Aug '08) becomes the soft/technical launch or the public testing phase of the DTT network probably includes consumer and trade awareness, Saorview brand and equipment awareness in preparation for the full national launch next year.

There should be no change to the services you currently receive from the test transmissions unless of course TV3/3e decide to launch although this looks unlikely now following what was posted here recently after a Today FM discussion last Friday, looking like 2012 at the moment.

New services announced in Jul by RTÉ may launch between Oct and the full national launch next year.

With the new RTÉ Director of Digital Switchover, Mary Curtis, taking up her position this Sept at least we will have a single official point of information for DTT in Ireland before launch which the print and broadcast media (and public) will be able to access so that we won't have listen to those so-called expert journalists cluttering the airwaves with inaccurate information to a less than knowledgeable public.

Minister Eamon Ryan: We are progressing. We are starting the DTT service in October 2010, which is a crucial time. It will take time to test it and get it right before it is fully launched in a public way, that is, where we are pushing and selling it to the public.

Mr. Conor Hayes (RTÉ): October 2010 is the switch-on from a technical basis. The date for the public national launch must be decided by the Minister but we recommend the second quarter of next year.

Hibrasil

thetonynator wrote: »

Thanks.

Hope we can get TV3 in digital!!!

Apologies....if this is not the right place to ask.....but I have a Sony Bravia....with a Conax DVB NP4.....I was (and i say was) able to receive perfect digital test transmissions from 3Rock.....for some time all I can receive is Sound and no picture......on sixteen tv and radio channels...is there a problem with the transmissions until start up.....or have I a problem with reception.....comments appreciated.... thanks

watty

Your "Conax DVB NP4" is going to be less use than a Chocolate Teapot as you can't eat it.

It can't do HD. The main stations will slowly migrate to HD (RTE2 first part time) with no SD simulcast. The Neotion missing loads of Saorview features. They can't be added.

It also runs too hot and is visually poorer picture than a proper MPEG4 receiver.

It seems from your post that a CAM setting is wrong or the NP4 has overheated and failed as you are not getting MPEG4 decoding.

You need a Set-box anyway for that TV. Wait till Saorview certified ones are in the shops. Though the soft launch is 31st October 2010, the full Public launch is not untill between Q2 2011 and December 2011. There is plenty of time.
Watch http://www.techtir.ie/isaa/saorview/setbox
and http://www.techtir.ie/saortv for updates.

ftakeith

watty wrote: »

Your "Conax DVB NP4" is going to be less use than a Chocolate Teapot as you can't eat it.

It can't do HD. The main stations will slowly migrate to HD (RTE2 first part time) with no SD simulcast. The Neotion missing loads of Saorview features. They can't be added.

It also runs too hot and is visually poorer picture than a proper MPEG4 receiver.

It seems from your post that a CAM setting is wrong or the NP4 has overheated and failed as you are not getting MPEG4 decoding.

You need a Set-box anyway for that TV. Wait till Saorview certified ones are in the shops. Though the soft launch is 31st October 2010, the full Public launch is not untill between Q2 2011 and December 2011. There is plenty of time.
Watch http://www.techtir.ie/isaa/saorview/setbox
and http://www.techtir.ie/saortv for updates.

I got the humax freeviewHD+ in manchester last weekend, it picks the dtt tests from 3 rock

Watty, does that mean it will work around October when irish dtt begins, thank for your required help

its like the humax freesat+