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What Combo box to buy?

  • 05-02-2012 11:29AM
    #1
    Red Crow
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,139 ✭✭✭


    I'm getting rid of Sky and have decided to go down the free route. I'm just wondering what is the best box to buy?

    The Ferguson 120 HD doesn't have digital teletext, that's a bit annoying, but it seems to be the best for the price atm but has no EPG.

    Triax ST HD 537 Satellite Combo Box has issues with recording and seems like a badly supported box.

    My question is that is there a combo box available with a 7 day EPG, MHEG-5(Digital teletext as I understand it) and allows me to record and watch at the same time? As I'm a complete novice at this I don't want to spend €500 on a box yet as I want to move into the system so wouldn't mind paying up to €250 for a box.

    What box are all you guys using?


Comments

  • #2
    Peter Rhea
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 4,285 ✭✭✭Peter Rhea


    Is your tv Saorview compatible? This would take care of the 'watch & record' angle on that front if you're limited to a box with a single terrestrial tuner.


  • #3
    Red Crow
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,139 ✭✭✭Red Crow


    Peter Rhea wrote: »
    Is your tv Saorview compatible? This would take care of the 'watch & record' angle on that front if you're limited to a box with a single terrestrial tuner.

    Yes, my TV is Saorview compatible. However, I need to buy 3 boxes and the two other TV's are from the earlier Samsung 4 series.


  • #4
    Peter Rhea
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 4,285 ✭✭✭Peter Rhea


    This is the latest word from our own Saorview rep. on an approved PVR.
    We expect an approved PVR product will become available in the future, but have no definite timeline at this stage


  • #5
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,451 ✭✭✭✭watty


    I'd hold off a few months.


  • #6
    Peter Rhea
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 4,285 ✭✭✭Peter Rhea


    Eli Manning wrote: »
    . . . the two other TV's are from the earlier Samsung 4 series.

    They don't necessarily need to be on the Saorview approved list; what are the model nos.? The Cs certainly work ok afaia.


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  • #7
    Red Crow
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,139 ✭✭✭Red Crow


    watty wrote: »
    I'd hold off a few months.

    So just use a Ferguson 120 for the time being?
    Peter Rhea wrote: »
    They don't necessarily need to be on the Saorview approved list; what are the model nos.? The Cs certainly work ok afaia.

    One is but the other one isn't. Just tested the line there. Thanks.


  • #8
    STB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    A lot of the Samsungs have MPEG4 tuners built in as standard, especially since 2009.

    All of the letters in the model define something.

    Even some of the 2008 range have MPEG4 chips.

    EG: LE55A956 full model No is LE55A956D1MXXU
    • L=LCD
    • E=Europe
    • 55=Screen Size
    • 9=Series
    • 5=Position within series
    • 6=Variant eg different colour speaker cover
    • A=2008
    • D=Diamond
    • 1=1st case design of Diamond
    • M=DVB-T MPEG-4 Tuner
    • X=means it's a complete assembled product
    • XU=UK

    Triple tuner Set Top Boxes are €450+ (Technomate/Clarke Tech). But the 7 day epg needs to be patched for satellite.

    2 Ariva 120s gives you the option to record and watch you want does it not albeit not within one box. At least they can serve 2 rooms. And for less than €200.


  • #9
    dubber
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 355 ✭✭dubber


    It has been mentioned on another thread that Triax and Walker have new combo boxes on the way - it might be worth waiting (I am).


  • #10
    Bravobabe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 411 ✭✭Bravobabe


    This is a question most people migrating from Sky will need answered.
    We need a Freesat & FTA/Saorview and Home media guide for Dummies (I'm including myself in the dummy category):)

    Like most modern houses I have 3 x TVs. Lounge/Playroom/Bedroom
    Currently have Sky+,Sky and a AV sender to bedroom.

    As I have a Sky Dish on my chimney with a Sky+ (2 cables) and a Sky Box in another room.
    I should have 3 feeds from the Satellite dish - Am I correct?

    Will I be able to use these 3 cables to feed three Freesat or combo boxes?


  • #11
    Kristopherus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,907 ✭✭✭✭Kristopherus


    Yes, you can use the existing cables in the new boxes, assuming they are in good condition. If you have 3 cables coming into your current boxes, you most likely have a quarto lnb at least and maybe even an octo lnb. The quarto has 4 outlets so you have at least 1 of these outlets that you can use to connect up another box should the need arise. Not an everyday job if your dish is up on the chimney:).


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  • #12
    Ken bryan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 117 ✭✭Ken bryan


    I have triax 537 For last 6 months .
    I have no issues . With It what so ever
    I have,nt recorded with for a while . But i cant recall any issues with it
    All the issues were fixed in last August Firmware update.

    It has down Side is . It only has one Tuner .
    So it cant record one channel whist viewing another channel .
    I got upc hd tv Recently . As I love discovery .
    The Picture is from the Triax Esp the Hd .
    Is excellent alot better than upc Hd . the quality it improvent
    Is alot more noticable on the sat ,
    The standard Def is also very good from the Triax .


  • #13
    Bravobabe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 411 ✭✭Bravobabe


    Kristopherus wrote: »
    Yes, you can use the existing cables in the new boxes, assuming they are in good condition. If you have 3 cables coming into your current boxes, you most likely have a quarto lnb at least and maybe even an octo lnb. The quarto has 4 outlets so you have at least 1 of these outlets that you can use to connect up another box should the need arise. Not an everyday job if your dish is up on the chimney:).

    Thanks Kristopherus
    Being a bit like Frank Spencer - the chimney is a no no for me.
    Trying to get the process completed as economically and with the least disruption. At this stage I am thinking of getting an aerial installed on the chimney and connect the aerial feeds to the Sat cables using combiners and spliters. (Will run the 4th spare cable for future use).
    This would allow me to have 4 feeds for Saorview & Freesat.
    Anybody know good Aerial Installers in the Maynooth/Kilcock area?


  • #14
    Macy0161
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,626 ✭✭✭Macy0161


    We've an Edison Mini 2in1. No issues really (only when RTE changed the programme info, which has been resolved with a firmware upgrade). However, at this stage I'd be waiting to see what the rumoured certified receivers are like - both price and functionality.

    The smaller TV's (19 inches) I'm probably going to upgrade the TV - the freesat receivers are still working, so it's debatable whether it's really worth getting an STB (either saorview or the currently available combo's).


  • #15
    Kingdomkerry
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 101 ✭✭Kingdomkerry


    I want to get rid of UPC and save some money. I don not have a Saorview approved TV. I am renting an apartment in south dublin area so I cannot put up a dish.

    Basically I want Saorview which allows me to record programmes and a good amount other/english channels. I am not very technical so a combo box that is easy to set up would be an added bonus?

    Recommendations grately appreciated

    Thanks in advance?


  • #16
    rurs
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 594 ✭✭✭rurs


    Kingdomkerry wrote: »
    I want to get rid of UPC and save some money. I don not have a Saorview approved TV. I am renting an apartment in south dublin area so I cannot put up a dish.

    Basically I want Saorview which allows me to record programmes and a good amount other/english channels. I am not very technical so a combo box that is easy to set up would be an added bonus?

    Recommendations grately appreciated

    Thanks in advance?

    If you can't put up a dish, and don't want to pay for UPC, you won't get the UK channels.
    The combo boxes need an aerial for Irish DTT, and a dish for UK satellite channels


  • #17
    FREETV
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,673 ✭✭✭FREETV


    Hi, if you have a balcony facing south/south east you may be able to place a satellite dish on the railing or mount it with or without a short two inch thick galvanised steel pole. They can be mounted from the ground also. If you are high up and have line of sight for either or both of the Three Rock or The Divis transmitters then possibly you could install two aerials, one Group A high gain aerial for N.I. together with a Group A masthead amp, a smaller C/D or wideband aerial for Saorview. Ask the Management Company or the owner to help sort you out with free television. Are there any TV points in the apartment? :)
    Divis is due to have a big increase in signal on October 24 so you may be able to receive Freeview then.


  • #18
    Johnsat
    Closed Accounts Posts: 23 ✭Johnsat


    Wait about a month and the new Triax saorview combi will be out, the first and possibly only combi to be approved by RTE!


  • #19
    Macy0161
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,626 ✭✭✭Macy0161


    Johnsat wrote: »
    Wait about a month and the new Triax saorview combi will be out, the first and possibly only combi to be approved by RTE!
    There's rumoured to be a walker certified combo in the offing too.


  • #20
    channelsurfer2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,675 ✭✭✭channelsurfer2


    Johnsat wrote: »
    Wait about a month and the new Triax saorview combi will be out, the first and possibly only combi to be approved by RTE!

    thats interesting. I wonder what pricepoint they will target and also who will be brave enough to buy it straight away or will people wait until any(if there are any) bugs are ironed out.


  • #21
    byte
    Moderators, Regional North West Moderators Posts: 19,173 Mod ✭✭✭✭byte
    byte


    Not the only combi to get Saorview badges, as there is to be a box from Walker soon also, and I believe later down the line, a Nordmende branded one. All of which will supposedly have Saorview certification. The Triax one looks like it'll be a bit on the pricey side.

    Hoping to get my hands on some of them soon, whenever they are released into the wild!


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  • #22
    Bravobabe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 411 ✭✭Bravobabe


    Hi (no expert but)
    FreeSat: In Ireland, this is basically all the FTA free to air channels (BBC, ITV C4s, Film 4 etc) - you need a satelite dish and decoder box to receive this.
    Saorview: RTE1 & 2, TV3, TG4 etc Irish FTA - you need a TV with a ditigital tuner or a freeview box and an external or an amplifiled internal aerial (powercity €30)

    So, in your case you only choice is probably UPC
    Has anyone else in the block got sky? Sky sometimes do a special appartment block deal - one large dish (at least they advertise it, whether they provide it)


  • #23
    eirman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,022 ✭✭✭eirman


    You could get a disguised satellite dish and use a foxsat pvr (for freesat)
    Then get a saorview pvr when they arrive.

    http://www.ddelec.com/digisquare.htm
    http://www.digicams-uk.com/prod235.htm

    The above gear ain't cheap and your cash break-even point in time might be 18 months .... after that you're on a winner.

    Post a question over in the satellite forum.


  • #24
    Bravobabe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 411 ✭✭Bravobabe


    Thanks Eirman

    I have to say they look great:cool:


  • #25
    Compton
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,157 ✭✭✭Compton


    eirman wrote: »
    You could get a disguised satellite dish and use a foxsat pvr (for freesat)
    Then get a saorview pvr when they arrive.

    http://www.ddelec.com/digisquare.htm
    http://www.digicams-uk.com/prod235.htm

    The above gear ain't cheap and your cash break-even point in time might be 18 months .... after that you're on a winner.

    Post a question over in the satellite forum.
    The top dish is a selfsat or squish dish and its not too expensive they are just over a hundred euro or so


  • #26
    knick_knack
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 93 ✭✭knick_knack


    eirman wrote: »
    You could get a disguised satellite dish and use a foxsat pvr (for freesat)
    Then get a saorview pvr when they arrive.

    http://www.ddelec.com/digisquare.htm
    http://www.digicams-uk.com/prod235.htm

    The above gear ain't cheap and your cash break-even point in time might be 18 months .... after that you're on a winner.

    Post a question over in the satellite forum.

    wow those look brilliant. Nice find :D


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