Argos saorview box, 49.99

TheDriver

Can't see this posted anywhere but saorview box 50 euro
http://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10152&catalogId=13352&langId=111&productId=242002

Tony

Great price for an approved box

PressTheButton

Good tip OP! Some 'SAORVIEW Approved' STBs were selling at over €100.00 not so long ago. Don't have one of these but as stated above it's 'approved'. Any problems - just bring it back.

This STB appears from Argos link above to have a pretty basic spec, ie, it appears to be an approved SAORVIEW STB receiver only. Unlike some of its more expensive rival 'SAORVIEW Approved' STBs this one

• doesn't appear to be 'PVR Ready' (capable of record, pause and rewind Live TV via an external HDD)

• doesn't appear to be also a 'Multimedia Player' (capable of playback of movies, music and photos via an external HDD)

Just a word of warning: Make sure the ALBA STB being sold by Argos is the 'T8010' Model, ie the only ALBA currently 'SAORVIEW Approved' STB. See HERE.
Model Number on Argos product image (shown below) appears to show different model number - 'B 660'. However the ALBA STB in the photo (like other 'SAORVIEW approved' STBs) does look like a rebadged Vestel T8010 STB.

peckerhead

Never mind that, you can add on a "high speed" 1m HDMI cable for only €31.99!

More seriously, how would you rate this by comparison? It has a USB connection for PVR onto a hard drive. OK, it's from a Lithuanian eBay seller, but still.

Or would I be a bit mad not to spend another €45 for something like a Ferguson Ariva 120? Just that I already have 2 perfectly good (but old) Sky boxes and a quad LNB on the dish...

Tony

Its a good box but no MHEG 5 for digital text (they do plan to bring one out but it will not be saorview approved) so I think the Alba represents better value

peckerhead wrote: »

More seriously, how would you rate this by comparison? It has a USB connection for PVR onto a hard drive. OK, it's from a Lithuanian eBay seller, but still.

peckerhead

Cheers, Tony. Knowing me, I'll keep dithering over it until October rolls around...

Tony

peckerhead wrote: »

Cheers, Tony. Knowing me, I'll keep dithering over it until October rolls around...

No harm

PressTheButton

SAORVIEW Help & Support
Hi,
Is ALBA Set-top-box (STB) Model Number B660 the same as ALBA 'SAORVIEW Approved' STB Model T8010?
Above ALBA STB model (image attached) currently on sale in Argos and described as being 'SAORVIEW Approved' is branded ALBA Model Number B 660 (B660). Link: http://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10152&catalogId=13352&langId=111&productId=242002
Is this the one and the same STB as the ALBA 'SAORVIEW Approved' STB Model T8010 listed on your website (http://www.saorview.ie/product/alba/).
If so does your website need to reflect this.
Confused potential customer.
Prez deButton.

Popped off email to SAORVIEW Help & Support to clarify. Will post reply in due course.

TheDriver

got it today, is a b660 and has pvr functionality and plays media files. i would think its obviously the vestel rebadged and incorrectly renumbered

danjo-xx

Am I wrong but are there no Saorview approved boxes with built in pvr available if not that kinda surprises me.

TheDriver

it has pvr functionality, but its not a true pvr. You can't change channels while it records etc.

danjo-xx

TheDriver wrote: »

it has pvr functionality, but its not a true pvr. You can't change channels while it records etc.

that is my question are there any all in one built in pvr saorview boxes available and if not why not, can't be rocket science or costly to produce one even for a small market like ours.

Our older folk would welcome one I'm sure.:(

not that I'm lookin for one just curious.

Compton

great value if you can find them in stock!

green123

Compton wrote: »

great value if you can find them in stock!

what are you talking about ?

there is loads of stock all over the country

http://www.checkargos.com/index.php?productId=+532%2F2745

skywalker

Can someone point me to some basic info about what I need to hook one of these up? The parents currently have ntl analoge in the house (no satillite).

Edit. Ok so I see this basically gets plugged straight into the tv, but this obviously only services the irish channels, how then is everyone getting the basic uk channels, the bbc's, & utv's etc?

PressTheButton

@skywalker:

Some useful links:

1. http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=40 (Satellite & Terrestrial Forums in particular should have answers to most if not all of your info needs.)
2. http://www.saorview.ie/
3. http://www.saortv.info/

Tony

skywalker wrote: »

how then is everyone getting the basic uk channels, the bbc's, & utv's etc?

Via satellite using a freesat or combo box , a combo is basicially a satellite receiver and a digital terrestrial (Saorview) receiver in one box .

More info here http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=56

EDIT: NI border counties and parts of Wexford can receive the UK terrestrial freeview service also using an aerial

TheChevron

Tony wrote: »

Via satellite using a freesat or combo box , a combo is basicially a satellite receiver and a digital terrestrial (Saorview) receiver in one box .

More info here http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=56

EDIT: NI border counties and parts of Wexford can receive the UK terrestrial freeview service also using an aerial

Hi Tony,

What parts of Wexford are picking up the UK freeview? What kind of aeriel is needed to pick them up?

Tony

TheChevron wrote: »

Hi Tony,

What parts of Wexford are picking up the UK freeview? What kind of aeriel is needed to pick them up?

I've no idea as I'm in Dublin but if you ask on the terrestrial forum linked above I'm sure someone there will help.

skywalker

Thanks for the links guys Plenty to read up on the topic there.

Parents are in Dublin so will look into the satillite options for em.

Typhoon.

skywalker wrote: »

Can someone point me to some basic info about what I need to hook one of these up? The parents currently have ntl analoge in the house (no satillite).

Edit. Ok so I see this basically gets plugged straight into the tv, but this obviously only services the irish channels, how then is everyone getting the basic uk channels, the bbc's, & utv's etc?

see here

Analogue switch off (ASO) refers to the turning off of Ireland's terrestrial analogue TV service. This is due to take place at the end of 2012. At that time this service will be replaced with a new Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) service called Saorview.
ASO will have absolutely no impact to any customers receiving their TV service from UPC. UPC operates a standalone network with our own separate signal for RTE ONE, RTE TWO, TV3 and TG4. As these networks operate independently from the national analogue service it will not be impacted by the national analogue switch off campaign. These channels will continue to be available on UPC networks in both analogue and digital formats.

If you currently receive your analogue TV service from UPC this service will continue to be available in its current format after the national analogue switch off takes place. You will not need to make any changes to your service or purchase any additional equipment.

danjo-xx

.

PressTheButton

SAORVIEW Help & Support
Hi,
Is ALBA Set-top-box (STB) Model Number B660 the same as ALBA 'SAORVIEW Approved' STB Model T8010?
Above ALBA STB model (image attached) currently on sale in Argos and described as being 'SAORVIEW Approved' is branded ALBA Model Number B 660 (B660). Link: http://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/store...oductId=242002
Is this the one and the same STB as the ALBA 'SAORVIEW Approved' STB Model T8010 listed on your website (http://www.saorview.ie/product/alba/).
If so does your website need to reflect this.
Confused potential customer.
Prez deButton

Popped off email to SAORVIEW Help & Support to clarify. Will post reply in due course.

Reply received from Saorview info:

Unfortunately, if the model you mention is not listed, it is not a SAORVIEW approved model.
All SAORVIEW approved set-top-boxes are MPEG4 compatible with MHEG5 middleware.
You may wish to consult with the manufacturer to ascertain whether the aforementioned model contains this technology.

TheDriver

well the teletext works a treat and all that so i suspect they named it as t8010 as thats the vestel bones and then did some renaming afterwards. For 50 euro, its an "approved" box with a slight name change methinks. Saorview will always respond with that line I think unless its exact

DIF

Saorview is owned by RTE so they just want you to buy digital boxes with a Saorview sticker on them - because the manufacturer has paid RTE a few quid to become 'official Saorview box' suppliers.

Any digital tv box that plays MPEG4 & has MHEG5 Teletext receivers will pick up the Irish Digital TV signal (Saorview)

Using a non-saorview approved box with the same spec(or better spec) isn't going to make you TV glow luminous green or cause your house to implode.

If anything the Saorview approved boxes are very basic compared to the features on the non-approved boxes - some can play MKV movie files, have video playback in Full HD (1080P), have 5.1 digital coaxial audio output, dual or even triple receivers, have internet access and network access.

So before you feel you have to use the governments digital box... shop around... be brave and look at the non-approved boxes as well.

But remember a few of the non-approved boxes will be rubbish... so shop around... do your homework on the brand of digital box you are interested in and I reckon you will find a nice all-in-one home entertainment box for under your TV.

PressTheButton

@TheDriver: I suspect you're right.

Sent email to Argos (ALBA products appear to be exclusively sold by Argos) to clarify. Will again post reply when it arrives.

Argos Ireland
Hi,
Please comment on whether the 'ROI Alba Saorview HD Set-top Box', Model Number B 660 per illustrated photo on your web advert - http://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10152&catalogId=13352&langId=111&productId=242002 (Argos Ref. 532/2745) is in fact 'SAORVIEW Approved' (as your advert contends) or not.
SAORVIEW Info has informed me (see forwarded email from SAORVIEW) that as the model in question "is not listed, it is not a SAORVIEW approved model." (SAORVIEW Quote)
ALBA Set-top Box Model No. B 660 (B660), i.e. the one in your advert, does not appear on SAORVIEW's list of 'Approved' products. Link: http://www.saorview.ie/product/alba/
Confused potential customer,
Prez deButton.

PressTheButton

PressTheButton wrote: »

Sent email to Argos (ALBA products appear to be exclusively sold by Argos) to clarify. Will again post reply when it arrives.

Interim response from Argos Direct E-Commerce:

Thank you for your email regarding the specifications of the ROI Alba Saorview HD Set Top Box (532/2745).
I am sorry to read that you have been advised that this Alba Set Top Box is not a Saorview approved item. I can appreciate that must have caused confusion. I have forwarded your query to the relevant department to look into further.

shnaek

So I reserved one of these for my Dad, and he drove all the way to Tullamore to collect it, but they wouldn't give it to him.

They said it was a mistake, and that it was supposed to be 70.99

Fuming at the time-wasting feckers!

shnaek

I mailed Argos about this and in fairness to them they got back to me pretty quickly and said the price online is the correct price. So it looks like the deal is on.

TheDriver

i got mine for 49.99 and indeed instore the machines say was and is prices so all above board. They had been briefed instore before the sale because the catalogue always stated 49.99

byte

donjfarrell wrote: »

Saorview is owned by RTE so they just want you to buy digital boxes with a Saorview sticker on them - because the manufacturer has paid RTE a few quid to become 'official Saorview box' suppliers.

Any digital tv box that plays MPEG4 & has MHEG5 Teletext receivers will pick up the Irish Digital TV signal (Saorview)

Using a non-saorview approved box with the same spec(or better spec) isn't going to make you TV glow luminous green or cause your house to implode.

If anything the Saorview approved boxes are very basic compared to the features on the non-approved boxes - some can play MKV movie files, have video playback in Full HD (1080P), have 5.1 digital coaxial audio output, dual or even triple receivers, have internet access and network access.

So before you feel you have to use the governments digital box... shop around... be brave and look at the non-approved boxes as well.

But remember a few of the non-approved boxes will be rubbish... so shop around... do your homework on the brand of digital box you are interested in and I reckon you will find a nice all-in-one home entertainment box for under your TV.

Uhm, Saorview certification is carried out by Teracom, not RTE.

as for any DTV box that has MPEG4 being suitable, there's more to it than just MHEG5 middleware. AAC audio support for example.