Ferguson Ariva 250

O'Prez

Guys is there much of an improvement with the media player functionality with this box as opposed to the 120 which was very hit and miss (even with avi files)?

iba

bmaxi wrote: »

Did you see the seller's comment?
" The Ferguson 250 is out of stock at Ferguson until 1/10/2012, price will return to normal when stock is replenished" Talk about screwing the punter, he doesn't deserve support, I hope he still has that box in 20 years.
i suppose the only saving grace is he's telling you he's screwing you.:)

My reading of that is that he will bring the prices back down when his stock comes in which should actually be today. No harm in phoning him I guess, I found his number in the Golden Pages.

All I can say is I got mine from him for €103 plus €10 postage

Tony

bmaxi wrote: »

" The Ferguson 250 is out of stock at Ferguson until 1/10/2012,

Thats actually not true, perhaps he means he is not receiving any until 1/10

karltimber

another boards forum ?

either way - post the link please. thx

iba wrote: »

Hi

Ive been advised on another forum that I can use a previous channel list with the 1.20 firmware - perhaps someone else might confirm though

Regards

Iba

iba

karltimber wrote: »

another boards forum ?

either way - post the link please. thx

No, not a boards forum.

From here, but maybe you need to join to view link - Im not sure:

http://www.sat-universe.com/showthread.php?t=181640&page=10

iba

Guys,

I did a Blind scan on ArabSat but only picked up 9 stations - thats not right - can anyone help please?

Thanks

Iba

Tony

I've made and uploaded the 1.20 Firmware for the ariva 250 with freesat channel list pre loaded
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?ucekczlibqnz665

Peter Rhea

iba wrote: »

I did a Blind scan on ArabSat but only picked up 9 stations - thats not right - can anyone help please?

Is this the 1st time you've tried the Arab channels on a 250? I presume you still have other receivers that get all the channels from this satellite?

iba

Peter Rhea wrote: »

Is this the 1st time you've tried the Arab channels on a 250? I presume you still have other receivers that get all the channels from this satellite?

Hi Peter,

Hows it going?

Yes, 1st time

Just checked on the Ariva 120 - only have the same 9 stations there too. (used to have a lot more, but had to do a rescan the other day) - Im only getting the MBC stations - ok, they are the most important, but still.

On the 250 I did a Blind scan and a Pre Set scan, same results - 9 stations all MBC

Only picked up 66 stations on Hotbird too - thats not right either - scratch that, just redid a PreSet Scan and picked up 441 FTA

On Astra 19 I have 437 FTA

On Astra 28 I have 735 FTA and Scrambled

Checked the dish and the diseqc switches, all seem ok (except 4 loads of Spiders)

STB

iba wrote: »

No, not a boards forum.

From here, but maybe you need to join to view link - Im not sure:

iba wrote: »

Hi

Ive been advised on another forum that I can use a previous channel list with the 1.20 firmware - perhaps someone else might confirm though

Regards

Iba

http://www.sat-universe.com/showthread.php?t=181640&page=10

I have done numerous tests with the 120, 150 and 250 Arivas.

DO NOT use a channel list from a previous firmware version with a newly installed firmware version. It copies over other little bits of crap from previous firmware versions that slows the operation of the box.

There is a reason with V1.20B1 that Ferguson ask that you do a factory reset to "clean" the remnants of previous firmware versions (the channel lists). The boxes work smoothly if you dont mess around with bits from various firmware versions!

If you use patched firmware on these it completely wrecks the media functions, channel change and remote sensitivity because they are using a patch source that is not fully compatible. (putting a clean original firmware will resort this of course). Just to be aware that the sources of some of the patched firmware are not cleanly compiled.

STB

O'Prez wrote: »

Guys is there much of an improvement with the media player functionality with this box as opposed to the 120 which was very hit and miss (even with avi files)?

All files play. In addition to MKV/MP4, Divx/Xvid also now supported (through the chipset upgrade on the 150&250 over the 120's).

bmaxi wrote: »

I can't get the weather to work, even with the latest firmware.

A lot of issues with the entertainment functions are sorted in firmware V1.20B1. The one issue that remains is the weather link it is based on a google link which keeps moving stuff around. That is affecting the API from working.

iba wrote: »

Guys,

I did a Blind scan on ArabSat but only picked up 9 stations - thats not right - can anyone help please?

Thanks

Iba

The Arivas are fine for Astra 2 Hotbird and Astra 1 satellites that are strong in Ireland with a 60-80cm dish.
If you are using a Diseqc switch you should be aware that the Arivas do not have as sensitive a tuner as Clarketechs/Technomates/Vu+duo's. So if you are borderline reception on weak satellites like BADR, a more sensitive box would be recommended. They are not a DXrs box.

slayerking

I picked one of these wifi adaptors and it doesnt seem to work. :mad:
i.e when its plugged in and you go to network local settings -> wifi manager it basically pops up saying its not detected.

Am I missing anything?

Anyone recommend a good wifi adaptor for this box?

O'Prez

STB wrote: »

All files play. In addition to MKV/MP4, Divx/Xvid also now supported (through the chipset upgrade on the 150&250 over the 120's).

Deadly. Thanks STB. That's me sorted so for an early Christmas present to myself.

STB

slayerking wrote: »

I picked one of these wifi adaptors and it doesnt seem to work. :mad:
i.e when its plugged in and you go to network local settings -> wifi manager it basically pops up saying its not detected.

Am I missing anything?

Anyone recommend a good wifi adaptor for this box?

You cannot just pick a wifi adaptor on the internet to work in the box!

That wifi adaptor you bought is based upon the Ralink RT3070 chipset. The Ferguson wifi dongle and this box expects a Ralink RT5370 based wifi adaptor.

5h4mr0(k

STB wrote: »

All files play. In addition to MKV/MP4, Divx/Xvid also now supported (through the chipset upgrade on the 150&250 over the 120's).



A lot of issues with the entertainment functions are sorted in firmware V1.20B1. The one issue that remains is the weather link it is based on a google link which keeps moving stuff around. That is affecting the API from working.

So I'm guessing that they will fix that and there will be another patch....
Any idea what the google link is?

STB

5h4mr0(k wrote: »

So I'm guessing that they will fix that and there will be another patch....
Any idea what the google link is?

http://www.weather.com/weather/right-now (followed by your location according to IP- according to google!)

or go to google and type weather. Look Above the results.

slayerking

STB wrote: »

You cannot just pick a wifi adaptor on the internet to work in the box!

That wifi adaptor you bought is based upon the Ralink RT3070 chipset. The Ferguson wifi dongle and this box expects a Ralink RT5370 based wifi adaptor.

Right, I'll have a look for the correct chipset so.

gg69me

Tony wrote: »

I've made and uploaded the 1.20 Firmware for the ariva 250 with freesat channel list pre loaded
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?ucekczlibqnz665

Hi Tony
i have downloaded this abs file just to have it but from what i have read from other users if i were to buy a box off say satellitte.ie will it already have the latest firmware and freesat channell list already installed and will i be able to rearrange this list and scan for more freesat channells in the coming months if i want and will all the youtube ,youporn ,weather , google maps etc etc work as soon as i connect my ethernet cable ..... i would sooner buy off a site i can trust for a bit more wonga than getting a better price on a foreign site with no after sales service and no gaurantee with the box .
if the box has the latest firmware installed then i think that might sway me to buy from say Satellite.ie . i think i have to be careful here what i say if you get my drift as regards forum rules .

iba

STB wrote: »

I have done numerous tests with the 120, 150 and 250 Arivas.

DO NOT use a channel list from a previous firmware version with a newly installed firmware version. It copies over other little bits of crap from previous firmware versions that slows the operation of the box.

There is a reason with V1.20B1 that Ferguson ask that you do a factory reset to "clean" the remnants of previous firmware versions (the channel lists).

If you use patched firmware on these as they completely wrecks the media functions, channel change and remote sensitivity because they are using a patch source that is not fully compatible.

Thanks for the advice STB

iba

STB wrote: »

All files play. In addition to MKV/MP4, Divx/Xvid also now supported (through the chipset upgrade on the 150&250 over the 120's).



A lot of issues with the entertainment functions are sorted in firmware V1.20B1. The one issue that remains is the weather link it is based on a google link which keeps moving stuff around. That is affecting the API from working.



The Arivas are fine for Astra 2 Hotbird and Astra 1 satellites that are strong in Ireland with a 60-80cm dish.
If you are using a Diseqc switch you should be aware that the Arivas do not have as sensitive a tuner as Clarketechs/Technomates/Vu+duo's. So if you are borderline reception on weak satellites like BADR, a more sensitive box would be recommended. They are not a DXrs box.

Thanks again STB - I have a 110 dish (Triax) - but I used to pick up all the stations on Badr with my ariva `120 - now both the ariva 120 and this ariva 250 r picking up just the MBC stations (9 in total)

Tony

Ok I cannot answer directly but please bear in mind that the latest firmware will be what ships from the factory and as 1.20 only just came out on the 25/09/2012 many retailer stocks will still have 1.19 . A channel list is quite quick to load on to a box but complete firmware load is impractical because of the time taken for each box. So to sum up if you buy a box right now its unlikely to have 1.2 unless the retailer received the shipment today or later and even then its not assured.

Hope this helps

gg69me wrote: »

from other users if i were to buy a box off say satellitte.ie will it already have the latest firmware and freesat channell list already installed and will i be able to rearrange this list and scan for more freesat channells

karltimber

gg69me wrote: »

if the box has the latest firmware installed then i think that might sway me to buy from say Satellite.ie . i think i have to be careful here what i say if you get my drift as regards forum rules .

I just bought a 250 and it's my first item like this.
It is very easy to upgrade the firmware.
Also to copy, chnage & re-install the channel list.

I used Tonys list and then edited it to get rid of Essexgirls channel (kids !!! :rolleyes: ) and just reloaded.
And if that ever corrupts etc - you just reload and away you go.

k

Tony

Essexgirls channel is not on my list (deleted for obvious reasons) , what channel number did you see it on?

karltimber wrote: »

I used Tonys list and then edited it to get rid of Essexgirls channel

Thargor

What connections do you need to edit channel lists on the 250, just a USB connection?

Tony

Thargor wrote: »

What connections do you need to edit channel lists on the 250, just a USB connection?

None, if you editing channels you either do it with the remote control or use a USB key with the ferguson editor on a PC.

Thargor

Ah okay, thanks.

karltimber

Tony wrote: »

Essexgirls channel is not on my list (deleted for obvious reasons) , what channel number did you see it on?

Hi

just a general comment - when a full scan is done all these "young-one on phone" channels appear with strange questions from the 3 lads :D

your list was fine. greatb feature that all the channels can be kept on a pc as a list.

thx

k

gg69me

Tony wrote: »

Ok I cannot answer directly but please bear in mind that the latest firmware will be what ships from the factory and as 1.20 only just came out on the 25/09/2012 many retailer stocks will still have 1.19 . A channel list is quite quick to load on to a box but complete firmware load is impractical because of the time taken for each box. So to sum up if you buy a box right now its unlikely to have 1.2 unless the retailer received the shipment today or later and even then its not assured.

Hope this helps

ok Tony that makes sense i suppose . is there much of an advantage updating the firmware from 1.19 then to 1.20 and how is this done....step by step instructions would be great if you ( or one of the many educated people following this ) wouldnt mind letting us know the procedure .
i presume after updating the firmware you would then have to rescan the box for sat and terrestrial stations or load your freesat list back onto the box . i have 2 ariva 120 boxes so i presume it would be fairly similar set up to scan chns etc and set up terrestrial chns. Either way i am going to order one of these boxes now off Satellitte.ie as i can see from your input into this discussion that you like to help as best you can as does STB and other users so i appreciate the help from one and all....cheers guys...

Tony

Here's a link to a "how to " .pdf for a file that has the channel list embedded in the software http://www.mediafire.com/view/?69yp35sijci8dly

gg69me wrote: »

.step by step instructions would be great if you ( or one of the many educated people following this ) wouldnt mind letting us know the procedure .

freddy99

Hello, Should it be possible to use the ANT Loop OUT to pass the antenna signal to a different Mpeg4 TV in the house ?
Just tried, but getting no signal on the second TV

Tony

Yes it should pass the UHF signal

freddy99 wrote: »

Hello, Should it be possible to use the ANT Loop OUT to pass the antenna signal to a different Mpeg4 TV in the house ?
Just tried, but getting no signal on the second TV

Thargor

Anyone know roughly how much tv will the Aviva can record to a 32 GB USB stick? Does it make a difference if you're recording RTE 2 HD versus SD RTE?

swoofer

did you have the box switched on as that can reduce signal if not switched on. how long is the cable to second tv but you must be using the antenna out for first tv so you maybe splitting the signal and that weakens it as well. run cable direct from antenna out with box switched on, if no signal could be dodgy cable.

gbc

STB

freddy99 wrote: »

Hello, Should it be possible to use the ANT Loop OUT to pass the antenna signal to a different Mpeg4 TV in the house ?
Just tried, but getting no signal on the second TV

The box needs to be turned on.

Nowso

if you have say freeview bbc1 on the box . there wont be any signal on freeview on the tv connected via the out connection. soarview does seem to work

phil49

Hi I've asked this before but nobody replied.
I have an original Ferguson HD combo which has worked very well for me. I have now purchased a 250 box to use in another room. I have lots of stuff recorded on the original box which I would like to view on the new box. When I connect up external drive to the 250 box it sees the files but I cannot seem to be able to play them. Does this mean that there is no compatibility with programs recorded between these boxes

FreshCoffee

phil49 wrote: »

Hi I've asked this before but nobody replied.
I have an original Ferguson HD combo which has worked very well for me. I have now purchased a 250 box to use in another room. I have lots of stuff recorded on the original box which I would like to view on the new box. When I connect up external drive to the 250 box it sees the files but I cannot seem to be able to play them. Does this mean that there is no compatibility with programs recorded between these boxes

I have the 120 and a friend recently got the 250. I had a program recorded on a USB stick (from my 120) and it played fine on his 250.

I can only suggest you check the recording format setting (in the PVR menu I think) and make sure both boxes are set for the same record type (I use TS, Transport Stream).

Nowso

phil49 wrote: »

Hi I've asked this before but nobody replied.
I have an original Ferguson HD combo which has worked very well for me. I have now purchased a 250 box to use in another room. I have lots of stuff recorded on the original box which I would like to view on the new box. When I connect up external drive to the 250 box it sees the files but I cannot seem to be able to play them. Does this mean that there is no compatibility with programs recorded between these boxes

connect the drive up to ur laptop and watch them

Gerry Wicklow

Thargor wrote: »

Anyone know roughly how much tv will the Aviva can record to a 32 GB USB stick? Does it make a difference if you're recording RTE 2 HD versus SD RTE?

Allow roughly 4gigs per hour of HD

FreshCoffee

I have the Ariva 120 Combo and it's working perfectly. However a friend of mine recently got the Ariva 250 Combo and there seems to be definite lip-sync problems with his box.

Perhaps unusually he is using it with an old TV on a SCART connection so it's possible the lip sync issue is only on SCART. It doesn't happen immediately. We tested two channels last night and they both behaved the same (RTE 1 from Three Rock and C4 on satellite). When you select the channel it always looks fine initially but after about 20-30 minutes if you look carefully when people are speaking you can see the lip-sync 'drifting' out. After about an hour it's pronounced (as best I can tell video lags audio). If you change channel and change back immediately the audio seems perfect again.

It's running the latest firmware 1.20B1. We tried a few things including resetting the box (losing all the channels) & rescanned the channels. Also loaded a freshly downloaded copy of the firmware, reset the box and rescanned the channels. Still have the lip-sync problem.

When I get a chance I will swap my 120 with his 250 for a night and test it on HDMI.

Has anyone experienced any kind of lip-sync problems with this model?

iba

FreshCoffee wrote: »

I have the Ariva 120 Combo and it's working perfectly. However a friend of mine recently got the Ariva 250 Combo and there seems to be definite lip-sync problems with his box.

Perhaps unusually he is using it with an old TV on a SCART connection so it's possible the lip sync issue is only on SCART. It doesn't happen immediately. We tested two channels last night and they both behaved the same (RTE 1 from Three Rock and C4 on satellite). When you select the channel it always looks fine initially but after about 20-30 minutes if you look carefully when people are speaking you can see the lip-sync 'drifting' out. After about an hour it's pronounced (as best I can tell video lags audio). If you change channel and change back immediately the audio seems perfect again.

It's running the latest firmware 1.20B1. We tried a few things including resetting the box (losing all the channels) & rescanned the channels. Also loaded a freshly downloaded copy of the firmware, reset the box and rescanned the channels. Still have the lip-sync problem.

When I get a chance I will swap my 120 with his 250 for a night and test it on HDMI.

Has anyone experienced any kind of lip-sync problems with this model?

Hi

I too have Lip Sync issues and Im using HDMI.

Regards

Iba

Thargor

Please tell me thats not common or that theres a fix?

iba

STB wrote: »

All files play. In addition to MKV/MP4, Divx/Xvid also now supported (through the chipset upgrade on the 150&250 over the 120's).



A lot of issues with the entertainment functions are sorted in firmware V1.20B1. The one issue that remains is the weather link it is based on a google link which keeps moving stuff around. That is affecting the API from working.



The Arivas are fine for Astra 2 Hotbird and Astra 1 satellites that are strong in Ireland with a 60-80cm dish.
If you are using a Diseqc switch you should be aware that the Arivas do not have as sensitive a tuner as Clarketechs/Technomates/Vu+duo's. So if you are borderline reception on weak satellites like BADR, a more sensitive box would be recommended. They are not a DXrs box.

Thanks STB.

I actually have a triax 110cm dish and previously on the Ariva 120 I was able to tune in 100s of stations. I m awahowever that the tuneis not as good as on the other STBs you listed above nor the humax - but I do think it is somewhat strange that Im only picking up 9 stations - all MBC.

Not even picking up Al jazeera or Dubai or Saudi. And Ive had the same result doing a pre-set scan and a blind scan (although Im not too sure what the difference is) - perhaps there are transponders or something missing from the settings - my knowledge would not be good enough though to know things like that for sure.

Regards

Iba

Tony

Thargor wrote: »

Please tell me thats not common

Its not common

RUCKING FETARD

Tony wrote: »

Thargor wrote: »

Please tell me thats not common

Its not common

Are you just telling him that...













"smiley face"

STB

iba wrote: »

Thanks STB.

I actually have a triax 110cm dish and previously on the Ariva 120 I was able to tune in 100s of stations. I m awahowever that the tuneis not as good as on the other STBs you listed above nor the humax - but I do think it is somewhat strange that Im only picking up 9 stations - all MBC.

Not even picking up Al jazeera or Dubai or Saudi. And Ive had the same result doing a pre-set scan and a blind scan (although Im not too sure what the difference is) - perhaps there are transponders or something missing from the settings - my knowledge would not be good enough though to know things like that for sure.

Regards

Iba

What you could try is to take the Diseqc switch out of the equation temporarily, ie connect the cable going from your diseqc Out directly to the BADR lnb. See if that makes any odds. I suspect that your diseqc switch is reducing the signal below the threshold of the ariva.

Tuning them in by taking that diseqc switch out of the equaton is the first thing I'd do. Then if they tune in the other stations, reconnect the diseqc switch back etc and see what the signals like on BADR.

Dont forget to change the Diseqc settings for BADR to off when doing the scan direct and dont forget to switch it back to that diseqc switch number when diseqc is reconnected..

If you press the white edit button on the ariva remote (above f4 key) it will give you rough BER readings

STB

RUCKING FETARD wrote: »

Are you just telling him that...

I have no issues with lip sync.

iba

STB wrote: »

What you could try is to take the Diseqc switch out of the equation temporarily, ie connect the cable going from your diseqc Out directly to the BADR lnb. See if that makes any odds. I suspect that your diseqc switch is reducing the signal below the threshold of the ariva.

Tuning them in by taking that diseqc switch out of the equaton is the first thing I'd do. Then if they tune in the other stations, reconnect the diseqc switch back etc and see what the signals like on BADR.

Dont forget to change the Diseqc settings for BADR to off when doing the scan direct and dont forget to switch it back to that diseqc switch number when diseqc is reconnected..

If you press the white edit button on the ariva remote (above f4 key) it will give you rough BER readings

Thanks STB, good idea - ILL try that

Pete2k

Anyone know if its possible to copy a channel list from a 250 to a 150? Thanks

Tony

Pete2k wrote: »

Anyone know if its possible to copy a channel list from a 250 to a 150? Thanks

I've done this using this method from a 150 to a 250 http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=72892011 try at your own risk though as if not done carefully you may have to fix the box via the rs232

Good luck