STB Combo Choices

rampantbunny

Hi folks. I'm looking to get rid of SkyQ and set up saorview and free-to-air. I 'think' I would like to be able to record saorview channels while viewing another terrestrial channel but it's not a deal breaker.

I've started reading the following thread re. the Tiviar Alpha Plus, started years ago but still very active. https://touch.boards.ie/thread/2057827739/1

Is this still a good unit to get or has it been superceded given its age?
It can't record saorview while watching another saorview channel - right?

Any other budget friendly units I should look at?
Also, is it the case that there's no single box available to combine sat and saorview without the need to install openAtv/Vix/other and get down and dirty with the config?

rampantbunny

Answering some of my own questions but just came across this thread: https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=113761347

Zgemma H7s vs Tiviar Alpha. Interesting..Zgemma is newer tech, supports 4k (although there's essentially no content available to exploit this), but faster processor. Tiviar is the subject of many posts here on boards because of a few individuals willing to share their expertise so setup would probably be easier.
The research goes on.

Johnboy1951

You will need to have two Saorview tuners if you wish to ensure you can record one channel while watching another.
The same applies to Satellite channels ...... two tuners.

Most here seem to be using a tuner in the TV as the 'second tuner' for watching a Saorview channel while the tuner in their STB is occupied recording.

I regard this as an inconvenience solved by having two tuners for Saorview.

athlone573

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

You will need to have two Saorview tuners if you wish to ensure you can record one channel while watching another.
The same applies to Satellite channels ...... two tuners.

Very few here seem to put up with using a tuner in the TV as the 'second tuner' for watching a Saorview channel while the tuner in their STB is occupied recording.

I regard this as an inconvenience solved by having two tuners for Saorview.

For many the need for two Saorview tuners is lessened by the ability to access content via RTE+1 channel and the RTE and TG4 players (as well as the fact that a lot of the VM content is available on ITV).

Atlantic Dawn

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

You will need to have two Saorview tuners if you wish to ensure you can record one channel while watching another.
The same applies to Satellite channels ...... two tuners.

Very few here seem to put up with using a tuner in the TV as the 'second tuner' for watching a Saorview channel while the tuner in their STB is occupied recording.

I regard this as an inconvenience solved by having two tuners for Saorview.

You can record 2 shows on a single Saorview tuner if they are on the same MUX, for example you could record something on RTE2 and VirginMedia One at the same time.


RTÉ One - 2RN Mux 2
RTÉ2 - 2RN Mux 1
Virgin Media One - 2RN Mux 1
TG4 - 2RN Mux 1
Virgin Media Two - 2RN Mux 1
Virgin Media Three - 2RN Mux 2
RTÉ Junior - 2RN Mux 2
RTÉ One +1 - 2RN Mux 2
RTÉ2 +1 - 2RN Mux 2
RTÉ News - 2RN Mux 1
Tithe an Oireachtais - 2RN Mux 1

rampantbunny

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

You can record 2 shows on a single Saorview tuner if they are on the same MUX, for example you could record something on RTE2 and VirginMedia One at the same time.


RTÉ One - 2RN Mux 2
RTÉ2 - 2RN Mux 1
Virgin Media One - 2RN Mux 1
TG4 - 2RN Mux 1
Virgin Media Two - 2RN Mux 1
Virgin Media Three - 2RN Mux 2
RTÉ Junior - 2RN Mux 2
RTÉ One +1 - 2RN Mux 2
RTÉ2 +1 - 2RN Mux 2
RTÉ News - 2RN Mux 1
Tithe an Oireachtais - 2RN Mux 1

Interesting info, but I suppose in real world use, when others not familiar with this table are using the STB to record saorview, they'll more than likely hit an issue not being able to access the different muxes at the same time. Anyway, dual saorview recording/watching is not critical but that for the response.

Johnboy1951

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

You can record 2 shows on a single Saorview tuner if they are on the same MUX, for example you could record something on RTE2 and VirginMedia One at the same time.

You can record ALL the channels on each mux with one tuner per mux.

athlone573 wrote:

For many the need for two Saorview tuners is lessened by the ability to access content via RTE+1 channel and the RTE and TG4 players (as well as the fact that a lot of the VM content is available on ITV).

Sure there are other ways to view the content, but if you want an integrated system then two Saorview tuners is the most convenient option, just as it is with Satellite channels.

athlone573

OK fair enough
But are there any systems with 4 tuners (2 DTT and 2 Satellite ) ? I think you can get the Zgemma with 2+1 either way as an option.

Gerry Wicklow

rampantbunny wrote: »

Answering some of my own questions but just came across this thread: https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=113761347

Zgemma H7s vs Tiviar Alpha. Interesting..Zgemma is newer tech, supports 4k (although there's essentially no content available to exploit this), but faster processor. Tiviar is the subject of many posts here on boards because of a few individuals willing to share their expertise so setup would probably be easier.
The research goes on.

The setup is virtually identical for both the Tiviar and the Zgemma. The only advantage the Tiviar has is that some kind Boards users have posted copies of their setup for others to use.
Remember 4k content is available online from the likes of YouTube.

rampantbunny

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

You will need to have two Saorview tuners if you wish to ensure you can record one channel while watching another.
The same applies to Satellite channels ...... two tuners.

Most here seem to be using a tuner in the TV as the 'second tuner' for watching a Saorview channel while the tuner in their STB is occupied recording.

I regard this as an inconvenience solved by having two tuners for Saorview.

Coming from SkyQ, the perceived inconvenience of switching between the TV vs the STB to watch a channel will drive the wife daft. And me then by extension. I see a Gigablue product that supports additional optional twin DVBC-T/T2 tuners. Not cheap though. Thinking my saorview recording requirements can be dropped really.

Off-topic (but I'll forgive myself); I've been reading your responses on other threads re. distribution over network. I've a node-zero in attic and lots of cat 6 cables run to multiple locations, plus sat cable. I'm trying to get myself to commit to either local STBs or following your lead. Not an easy decision given that one of the reasons for the cat6 was for this purpose originally.
But, if I do go down the network route it becomes a more specialist install. No one in house will be able to resolve issues except me. Can't be dealing with that. And, we really only watch one TV..no need for full-on distribution until kids get older.

rampantbunny

Gerry Wicklow wrote: »

The setup is virtually identical for both the Tiviar and the Zgemma. The only advantage the Tiviar has is that some kind Boards users have posted copies of their setup for others to use.
Remember 4k content is available online from the likes of YouTube.

Yea, those guys that contribute deserve recognition. I don't know where they get the time...but you yourself are pretty forthcoming with advice as is johnboy so credit where it is due.

And yes, the prepared images for the Tiviar are enticing...real timesavers for everyone. Saving time and hassle, hard to look past that TBH.

Johnboy1951

rampantbunny wrote: »

Coming from SkyQ, the perceived inconvenience of switching between the TV vs the STB to watch a channel will drive the wife daft. And me then by extension. I see a Gigablue product that supports additional optional twin DVBC-T/T2 tuners. Not cheap though. Thinking my saorview recording requirements can be dropped really.

Off-topic (but I'll forgive myself); I've been reading your responses on other threads re. distribution over network. I've a node-zero in attic and lots of cat 6 cables run to multiple locations, plus sat cable. I'm trying to get myself to commit to either local STBs or following your lead. Not an easy decision given that one of the reasons for the cat6 was for this purpose originally.
But, if I do go down the network route it becomes a more specialist install. No one in house will be able to resolve issues except me. Can't be dealing with that. And, we really only watch one TV..no need for full-on distribution until kids get older.

As you had not mentioned the need for multi-room and/or multi concurrent use, I refrained from suggesting a local distribution method

If you can do without concurrent recording and viewing on Saorview then there is no need for the second tuner. Even if it occurs very rarely, then the inconvenience is not great and would probably be acceptable.

BTW, if you have interest in testing a distributed system on your LAN then it can be added by using the tuners from an Enigma2 box, and having tested it you will know how it operates should you need such in the future ...... and have had some fun along the way.

Gerry Wicklow

rampantbunny wrote: »

...... we really only watch one TV..no need for full-on distribution until kids get older.

The way things are going, linear Tv will be dead by then

rampantbunny

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

As you had not mentioned the need for multi-room and/or multi concurrent use, I refrained from suggesting a local distribution method

If you can do without concurrent recording and viewing on Saorview then there is no need for the second tuner. Even if it occurs very rarely, then the inconvenience is not great and would probably be acceptable.

BTW, if you have interest in testing a distributed system on your LAN then it can be added by using the tuners from an Enigma2 box, and having tested it you will know how it operates should you need such in the future ...... and have had some fun along the way.

If I want fun I'll probably do something (anything) that isn't tech related. I'm up to my neck in it. I've some smart home sensors to fit (definitely heading off topic now ) and that along with delving into the world of enigma2 will be my limit I think. I'm leaning towards the Zgemma h7s right now btw. Just need to commit.

rampantbunny

Gerry Wicklow wrote: »

The way things are going, linear Tv will be dead by then

... and ssh, but I'm secretly hoping they can do it all themselves at that stage.

Posh Boy

Not trying to hijack the thread but I am also considering getting rid of the sky q and going FTA and saorview. I know I'll need a hybrid lnb and a saorview aerial.
What I really would like though is a single box that can receive both signals but which can also be used for the likes of Netflix, Disney + also. Will the Zgemma H7S do that?

Johnboy1951

rampantbunny wrote: »

If I want fun I'll probably do something (anything) that isn't tech related. I'm up to my neck in it. I've some smart home sensors to fit (definitely heading off topic now ) and that along with delving into the world of enigma2 will be my limit I think. I'm leaning towards the Zgemma h7s right now btw. Just need to commit.

The Zgemma h7s seems like the best 'bang for buck' presently ....... and you could always add a USB tuner to it if you need the two Saorview muxes to be available concurrently.
If doing that just make sure it is a compatible tuner with the OS.

Gerry Wicklow

Posh Boy wrote: »

Not trying to hijack the thread but I am also considering getting rid of the sky q and going FTA and saorview. I know I'll need a hybrid lnb and a saorview aerial.
What I really would like though is a single box that can receive both signals but which can also be used for the likes of Netflix, Disney + also. Will the Zgemma H7S do that?

I'm open to correction but I don't think Netflix or Disney are licensed for enigma boxes. Possibly afraid of enigmas unencoded recordings