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Best Combo box for Satellite, Saorview and with an ability to record series

  • 12-09-2022 09:44AM
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8


    Hi all,

    I have a satellite and saorview aerial installed and working with a cheap combo box.

    The combo box software (Amiko) has the functionality to record at particular dates and times. It does not have the functionality to record a series - specify a programme that's being broadcast and it figures out when it's being broadcast and records all episodes, even if the times and dates change.

    I want to get a combo box that will do this for me. I see people on here talking about Enigma 2, Gigablue, Zgemma, etc. When I look at the user guides for these, I'm not sure they will do what I want.

    Has anyone got a setup that will do this for them?

    It would be an added bonus if I could record on one TV and watch through another. I've seen people say that this is possible with Firesticks (https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119484104/#Comment_119484104).

    I've been looking for a Smart TV that could do all of this for me without a Combo box, but can't find one in any of the retail places I've looked. There are TVs that have two tuners and recording facilities, but none that could record series that I could see.

    Thanks!



«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,572 ✭✭✭Gerry Wicklow


    The Zgemma H7S does all you need. You can build your own favourites lists with any combination of Saorview and satellite channels you like. You have full 7 day EPG for all channels. The builtin WEBIF function allows any device on your home network with a web browser to stream live or recorded. You can also use this function control the box, set timers, edit bouquet lists etc. 'Series linking' or autotimers are based on a clever search function that matches program names (or parts of) in the EPG. You can specify days, time ranges and channels if needed although the default settings usually suit most needs. To use it, you would select a show on the EPG. Pressing a coloured button on the remote will set a timer or a different button would set an autotimer. If you pick autotimer a window opens to confirm the default settings should you wish to change them or just hit OK to accept the defaults. In other words, two button presses is all you need to set a series link timer. E.G. if you set it for 'Great British Bake off' on Ch4 without specifying a day, it will record the main show and the 'Extra Bits' show if you want.

    I am not aware of any Smart Tv that comes close to a box in terms of functionality. I have no experience with Firesticks so cant vouch for them.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8 Mullass


    Thanks @Gerry Wicklow , that looks good. It's difficult to source one in places I am looking, seemingly due to chip shortages in some sites - any ideas where I could get one now.

    Does anyone know how this box compares to some of the Gigablue boxes??



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8 Mullass


    I found some at

    It's a bit pricey compared to prices I've seen on here, but there are some available and it's local. Is this the correct box ans is there anything like OpenATV or CrossEPG that I should ask to have installed on it?

    Apologies for the image - I'm not able to post a link yet. Hopefully it's ok to do it this way

    Thanks



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,572 ✭✭✭Gerry Wicklow


    Personally I prefer openVIX as the OS because it includes most of the plugins by default. Others on here prefer openATV. There's not much in the difference. The HDD is simple to install if you have a spare 2.5" drive already or you can get a 120Gb SSD for ~€20 delivered.

    I've lost track of suppliers but someone else here might know of better prices for the Zgemma. Make sure it is the H7S model there is another similar named one that doesn't suit Ireland. Pre-Brexit I used to recommend world-of-sat in UK but they are out of stock currently.

    As for Gigablue or VU+ boxes, You are paying 2X premium prices for not a lot more.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,312 ✭✭✭Schorpio


    Hi Mullass,

    The H7S is cheaper here - https://virts.ie/sat-receivers/zgemma-h7s-satellite-receiver-4k-enigma2-dvb-s2s2x-dvb-t2c.html (also an Irish supplier, so no customs worries).

    I've purchased to H7S for family members post-brexit and that's where I got them.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8 Mullass


    I got the Zgemma H7S box today in the freesat shop today. The guy in the shop was fairly sure that it won't allow me to do series recording (just scheduled recording for the same time every week), but I looked back on the threads here while I was there (and other stuff online) and I think it can!

    Let's see how I get on.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,312 ✭✭✭Schorpio


    Enigma2 operating systems (which the H7S runs) have their own version of series link called Autotimers.

    It basically creates a list of criteria (what the show is called, when it's on etc.) and automatically records whenever the criteria are met.

    That might sound complicated, but it's not. It's much more intuitive when you've tried it out. If you just select the program you want to 'series link', hit Add Autotimer, the box will just suggest some criteria, and you just hit OK.

    Like everything in the land of Enigma2, it's suuupper flexible, but for 95% of people the default options just work.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8 Mullass


    I got the H7S and set it with my satellite and aerial. It's all working well.

    I configured it with OpenVIX (managed to overwrite the installed OS instead of flashing it to a new partition, but I will get back to that) and tried out the autotimers to record series. They seem to be working well, so thanks everyone!

    I just have one cable each for my satellite and my aerial.

    1) Can I use splitters on those to get two signals so I can record and view from the same source at the same time? I think I saw somewhere that people have done this.

    2) Are there ways to access Netflix, Disney+, etc through plugins on OpenVIX? I think I read somewhere that this could be done with Kodi on OpenATV.


    Thanks!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8 Mullass


    Just to feedback:

    I got simple splitters and they are working well - to generate two signals for the Zgemma box and also to generate signals (aerial and satellite) for the TV. Recordings are being done and it doesn't stop us watching channels on the inputs in a number of different ways.


    Thanks all



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,796 ✭✭✭swoofer


    You have me intrigued, normally its not possible to split a sat signal in the way you describe and it should not work. Is it possible the lnb is unicable?



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46,749 ✭✭✭✭muffler


    Not sure if it's relevant but I was able to split the cable / signal from the Sky box and run it to 2 different TVs.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,796 ✭✭✭swoofer


    Do you mean sat cable? And will both work on different channels and polarity at same time??



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46,749 ✭✭✭✭muffler


    Sorry, I meant the HDMI cable. Can only watch the same channels obviously. That's probably all different to what the previous poster was alluding to.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,796 ✭✭✭swoofer


    yes totally. 😁



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 717 ✭✭✭dingbat


    I have same use case. Is the Edision OS Nino Pro any good?


    https://www.edision.gr/en/detail/edision-os-nino-pro-s2x-t2-c-grey



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,222 ✭✭✭✭AndrewJRenko


    Will the ZGemma EPG continue to be available for ever? I understand it is a bit of a hack, and they're pulling data from a source that they really shouldn't be using. Is there a risk that this source will be cut off at some point in time?

    How about the Freesat branded boxes, that have their own official EPG?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,572 ✭✭✭Gerry Wicklow


    CrossEPG is the plugin used to download the EPG data, usually during the night. It can be configured to use several sources direct from the satellite or from the internet if required. The main weakness of the FreeSat data is, obviously, that it only includes channels that are on FreeSat and not all of the FTA channels available. Some minor channels and +1s are not included which is why some people configure crossEPG to use the other sources.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,048 ✭✭✭DopeTech


    It’s being pulled from a completely legitimate source and isn’t going anywhere. Nothing to worry about on that front. The Zgemma h7s is ideal for your needs.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,222 ✭✭✭✭AndrewJRenko




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,796 ✭✭✭swoofer


    read post 18. And can you give the source of your throwaway " I understand its a bit of a hack",



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,439 ✭✭✭andy1249


    And you understand that from where ?

    The EPG source is "Sky UK Open TV on Astra" and is available for free to any box that point and tune to it.

    It is not specific or exclusive to Zgemma boxes.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,222 ✭✭✭✭AndrewJRenko


    Jeez, did I ruffle some feathers? No offence intended, and no particular expertise in this area on my part.

    My source was a fairly detailed discussion with a provider of bundled systems. They did both the Zgemma and the Freesat boxes, and wasn't particularly trying to steer me in one direction or another. I'm not sure if he used the word 'hack' to describe the Zgemma EPG source, but he did indicate that it wasn't an official source, unlike the Freesat box, using Freesat's own EPG.

    Does the Sky reference in the EPG source indicate that Sky TV are involved? Could they be motivated to block the source for their competitors at some stage?



  • Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 12,263 Mod ✭✭✭✭icdg


    We might move past the issue of entitlement to use the EPG data for now please.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8 Mullass


    Sorry @swoofer - just seeing this query now! I don't know whether the lnb is unicable or not. We got the satellite from freesat in Fairview.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20 AindrisBro


    Hey everyone not sure if there is a thread like this in another section. But been looking at this thread a lot and finally pushed the button on cancelling sky (took an hour of repeating myself on the phone to do so) seen all the recommendations for the Zgemma H7S. Also the world of satellite website. I’m not too far from the boarder so can get it sent to a parcel club for €3 and avoid all the hassle of fees etc. just a few questions to ask your very knowledgeable minds here. Firstly I’m planning on using the sky satellite. It was for a sky Q box my understanding of what I read is I need a hybrid LNB for this now? Also in that regard my indoor aerial I’m looking at ones ion Amazon that have good reviews in the €30 range. They say they go upto 170 miles. I’m about 30km from the nearest tv mast I would assume this would be okay? And lastly the H7S is the best combo box to get? The wife needs subtitles on everything we watch and thinking back to the good old days of dodgy boxes the subtitles didn’t exist on live tv.


    Thanks so much in advance guys



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,796 ✭✭✭swoofer


    You are leaving out a few vital bits, 1. Make and model of TV, it may have a Saorview Tuner and a satellite tuner. 2. A link to that aerial in amazon. 170 miles is stretching it a bit but may have been tested in a desert.

    1. Zgemma h7s will be fine for your needs, it was reduced to 99 recently. Make sure you get a HDD with it and with the new boxes it sticks out at rear.
    2. WOS do the lnb you need but you will have to access the dish. The sky q lnb is usually well installed, i.e unscrewing the cables can be bit tight.
    3. If you are fairly close to border you may pick up Freeview along with Saorview. Look at houses nearby and see what aerials they use.
    4. I would not use an internal unless you mean a loft aerial beyond 8km.
    5. you will have to tune in Saorview when you get box so you will need a bit of know how, look at the ZGemma guide thread.
    6. Make sure WOS set it up for you, ie you may have to ask and NB get the OPENVIX IMAGE installed.
    7. you will have to turn on subtitles when you get box or ask WOS.
    8. NB make sure its well ventilated.
    Post edited by swoofer on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20 AindrisBro


    Really appreciate the reply buddy. Sorry never thought to include the tv. It’s a Samsung LED46 (English bought) from what I see in the menu it does have a satellite tuner or can be configured to it in the main aerial channel. The option is greyed out on the HDMI channels.

    this is the aerial https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deenor-Upgraded-Digital-Freeview-Booster-Black-1001/dp/B0CVXDYX4G/ref=sr_1_7?crid=34CWIAVWOUH6M&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cMcGUn7jbZ2-mRJO8BHo2vBTC-_IWMfB7Y-JiOi-OZpKuz1SKVVYc3g85dIMl1c2WxcjQlZjnDGYiEzIVmMS_3gicfaonWJvQq_iEMDRGZC2OayOKJILGL9kY3r1Wm8uI0kcpELVoA6l8aqVkWohqzhBAWtecNcgZmECEOgw5jjv7yCjLqmrVwxbRDny9_EcIQH4Dx_WuGFzS504lsYSRxmtP71Kjo55UdDfY4X3N1E.SU5s2mV4S5f5rZ2_XwpTxYDNi-l7Ktx-sCByvrHWPIc&dib_tag=se&keywords=indoor%2Baerial%2Bfor%2Bsmart%2Btv&qid=1709915630&sprefix=Indoor%2Baerial%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-7-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&th=1

    it’s bigger then the one I had previously viewed but was more or less just checking them out. With the sky dish I’m in a bungalow and the dish is placed fairly low lying so with a step ladder I would be fine in getting to it. It was installed less than two years ago by a very drunk technician so could be anything in terms of tightness. I just checked ukfreetv for the mast in the north and the signal strength shows I would just be on the edge of it. Local houses would have a mix of sky and the normal high gain aerials. Out in the sticks houses are far and inbetween to get a proper gauge.


    honestly really appreciate the help



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,796 ✭✭✭swoofer


    At the rear of TV there will be a nameplate and that will tell me the EXACT model and that is what I need 46 led is just screen size and its a LED one.

    You can chance that aerial and it may work if not you can send back, HIGH GAIN means signal is not that easy to get.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20 AindrisBro


    The model number of the tv is UE46F6670SB. The aerials are a hard one to call. We moved to Leitrim and an awful lot of houses are far and inbetween and populated by elderly people. They don’t look in anyway new rather just like the old ones from the 80s for the terrestrial tv. Looking at what I could get etc on the freeview I’m not overly worried that I could miss out on RTE. Never watch virgin and if needed be if it’s a case of having to get a high gain I would just resort to RTÉ player I think



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,796 ✭✭✭swoofer


    That TV has a satellite tuner for Freesat and a Digital tuner for Freeview/ saorview. To get Freesat you would need to set up tv as located in UK and it asks for a postcode. however, when TV is set as UK and you tune SAORVIEW the channels will be in the 800 range.

    The Zgemma h7s gives you 2 tuners and one DTT so a good choice.

    Just make sure you tell WOS to load Openvix with a skin called Vix Blue and picons snp-full 220x 132-190 x 102 dark on blue, looks ace.

    With these boxes you are given a choice as to which region in the UK you want for BBC/ITV I use London.

    When you get box you will need to set up the DTT tuner for your location, post on the zgemma thread if you need how to do that.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,374 ✭✭✭✭dxhound2005


    The NI map might be out of date, but you won't need an aerial that can get signals from 250 miles away for Freeview. Or Saorview. You could try that aerial, but you might find you need an outside one. There are two versions of Freeview, Full and Lite. Brougher Mountain is one of the three Full Freeview transmitters in the North, but some of the stations are on a lot lower power than the main BBC etc channels. The Lite transmitters e.g. Belcoo do not carry the full range of channels.

    This is the coverage map for Brougher. If you replace the "Brougher_Mountain" in the address bar with other transmitters, including Saorview ones, you should get a coverage map for each.

    https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Belcoo

    Truskmore would probably be your Saorview transmitter.




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20 AindrisBro


    Thanks so much boys. I’ll send off that email tomorrow to them and let WOS know what to put on for me. Really appreciate the help @swoofer and I’ll check that channel out before I get the kit. @DXH thansk for that it’s good to know. My closest saorview transmitter is about 20-30km away in Longford. I’m out that side of things. So more or less squarely in between the freeview transmitter and the saorview view. One thing that did dawn on me there was we tried to get imagine broadband when we moved as it was in the area but they couldn’t as we where in a black spot and had we been 20m in either direction we would of gotten it?? We ended up with starlink instead and that’s been brilliant so I’m assuming whatever transmitter they work off is a different type and feq to the tv ones



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20 AindrisBro


    Had a friend of mine give me this https://www.screwfix.ie/p/visiblewave-4-output-universal-quad-lnb/734gv he never used it but said it should work according to the reviews for Freesat. Unsure about it as not much info on it and the fact it’s a universal not hybrid one..? waiting hopefully also for the guys at WOS to get back to me today about the preload image too.. hopefully should be set up by the end of the week.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,796 ✭✭✭swoofer


    You don't need a HYBRID LNB and the one linked is ideal. I looked on WOS and it gives all the options ie it is an SSD = good, they will supply an USB and that is good, box will work better with epg saved to USB. As you are using a UK address delivery is cheap and you miss all the bits, cost will be about 168 euro and that is very good. 240 here and not setup very well.

    I had a look at WOS and went through the process of ordering and it gives all the options ie which region, 2 tuners, ssd, usb.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20 AindrisBro


    hi lads sorry for never replying. Got the box and ended up bed ridden before I could do anything. Went out today to try put the new lnb on and chatting my next door neighbour about him doing the same as me here and getting a Zgemma etc. we say his lnb and mine currently installed had 4 outlets and his had two. He is using the satellite that was there when he moved in. So looked up quickly and saw if it has 4 slots it’s a newer lnb and a hybrid. The one I bought has 4 connections on it side by side. This one has 2up 2down. Tried it on the box just now and got no signal at all. My question is does the connection in the lnb make a difference ie must be in certain ports? Or is it simply not a hybrid at all and I need to replace it with the one I bought? Or last one I have to do something on the box in order to allow to signal through? Thanks a lot lads if I can just save myself the hassle of getting up on a ladder it would be lot right now and the fact with the wind already I think I seen Mary poppins flying over the house earlier haha.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,861 ✭✭✭greasepalm


    If Sky Q was in that house feeds would be different , Hybrid allows a freesat box or Zgemma to use the other feeds.

    Does he have a sub with Sky i wonder , what box is he using ?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20 AindrisBro


    that’s probably it then I have sky Q myself. Not sure if he has but he’s only in there I think 4 years or so. But I never asked him that. He may of just moved in and they didn’t touch his dish. So even tho it has 4 outlets it’s still not a hybrid lnb? Under pressure as sky goes off in a couple of days.. bad timing



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,978 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    It could be a quad universal LNB - 4 legacy outputs or a hybrid LNB - 2 legacy outputs and 2 wideband SkyQ outputs



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,796 ✭✭✭swoofer


    If you currently have sky q and its working then its a wideband lnb and wont work with the zgemma box. If it has 4 outputs then use the 2 spare outputs and they may work. Sky q LNB usually has 2 outputs.

    But you have me a bit confused when mentioning next door neighbour!! The big wind is tomorrow. Is the dish very high?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20 AindrisBro


    sorry the neighbour was just to say looking at his lnb it simply has two outputs which are connected where mine has the 4. It’s in an awkward spot it’s on the corner of the house about 10ft up. Can reach over to it by putting the ladder on the trim but no direct way of putting myself directly underneath it with the lay out of the back wall etc. I’ll give that a go tho what you said there and swap the two ports as a test first. I can manage that quick enough. If not I know then it’s just a matter of replacing the lnb



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,796 ✭✭✭swoofer


    Can you take a pic of LNB on dish? 4 output for SKY Q is rare but you may be in luck.

    I had a quick search and yes you can get them 2 for sky q and 2 for old SKY/FREESAT

    Here is a pic.

    The 2 at the front are Sky Q, ie coloured red, black



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20 AindrisBro


    sorry for the delay literally just got in door. That’s exactly just went out with the torch to check except mine has a casing over the ports. But that’s it.. the two connections re the ones closest to the dish. So that’s the front I may just be in luck and all I need to do by the sounds of it is swap them around.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,861 ✭✭✭greasepalm


    You do know your possibly wanting a box like the H7S that allows you to record sat and watch sat with 2 feeds.

    Saorview with 1 tuner you could record and possibly watch Saorview on tv ?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20 AindrisBro


    yes saorview is already hooked upto to the tv. Gonna swap it over to the H7S after I get the dish connection sorted before I go connect it and tune in that. The tv can record on its own with soarview which I’m tempted to leave there as there is very little I would ever need to record from saorview channels



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,796 ✭✭✭swoofer


    That cover is a weathershield and just piushes back up to access the lnb's. Its on the pic as well if you look closely, a little lip is visible. Those lnb connectors may be quite tight and may need a spanner to twist off. I have forgotten the spanner size but may figure it out later. Quite windy here in Clare, be careful.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,861 ✭✭✭greasepalm


    Are they not 11mm F Connectors in size as that is beside my box. If old they could be corroded?

    Put a splitter on Saorview feed as can have H7S ready to go on record.

    Like yourself dont record much there but on Virgin i am recording Captivated.

    Harry Wild on RTE.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20 AindrisBro


    thanks very much lads. I’ll get up on the ladder tomorrow when it’s less wild. Crazy in Roscommon/Leitrim boarder right now dog won’t even go out cause he’s afraid. But that’s great I know the size now as well so less hassle going up to do it. Will update here when I have the job done thanks again boys



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,861 ✭✭✭greasepalm


    If you knew what box they were/ are on would also help.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 754 ✭✭✭illdoit2morrow


    Slightly off topic.

    I've been a Freesat and Saorview user for years now, but have recently moved into a new-to-me house.
    Is it still worth getting a dish and aerial on the new-to-me house? Will i get 10+ years out of it, not having to pay a subscription for TV channels or is the end in sight?

    My TV has a satellite and Aerial connection but I'm also considering a combo box if it'll still be useable for a good few years.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,796 ✭✭✭swoofer


    The best value combo box is the Zgemma H7S. How long is a piece of string.

    Post edited by swoofer on


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