Globalteq STH-700HD COMBO DVB-s2 and DVB-t with H264 will this work in Ireland

Psygnosis

Hi,

I am looking into moving to sat at the moment and now just need to source a couple of box's I want a box that will accept dvb-s2 h264 and dvb-t h264 for the irish trials and the normal FTA channels

I am aware that I will lose the EPG but will just have to live with this at the moment. This box would be a bedroom box so would not get much use.

What do people think of it.
Take a look at the link below seems like it would work in Ireland have mailed the guys but never got a response

http://wizardsatellite.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_44&products_id=52

STB

Yes it does have the profile of working and it was previously discussed here. I have not tried one, but have read enough not to wish to take the risk.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055351551&page=6

Apparently the Darkbox2008 is the clone of it. The Metabox is also a known clone. And if that is the case there may be similar apparent bugs such as box lock up, bad channel management, corrupt menus and issues with hd channels. Also PVR mode not supported. Support is the key here... I cant find any!

Anyhow seems to have dramatically dropped in price! Beware.

Globalteq afaik is OEM of most boxes out there including Technomate.

Psygnosis

So if they are clones would a more stable image from one of the other clones work on it.

I am seriously thinking of takeing a punt on this. Its a great price its a good bit cheaper than the mvision hd 200 combo and c-tech 5000

Fat_Fingers

It is not recommended to use images from the other receivers (even if they are clones). I know of few cases where people have loaded Darkbox image on Globalteq and they are very happy. However also number of people managed to destroy receiver doing the same thing. So its 50-50%, your warranty does not cover messing about with images from other receivers so if this happens you are on your own, nice funky doorstop...

You need to decide, make a list of features you want and buy receiver if those features are working at the time of purchase, not in "next update" or "coming soon" . Globalteq has been around for a while now and they haven't figured out how to get PVR going so i would say its not going to happen. I haven't seen much support for Globalteq either. If it has everything what you want and its working now then go for it.

Psygnosis

Just bought this so will give a review when I get this setup if its crap Ill ebay it should get the same for it

Fat_Fingers

yes, please post a review once you have it running. I'm sure it would be of interest for others who might be considering it.

podgeandrodge

Looking forward to review Psygnosis.

Saw this review which makes me wary..

uploads.avforums.com/pdfs/WHV334-335/WHV334.global.pdf

Psygnosis

Hi,

What I am going to do is put the darkbox firmware on it as I have been infromed that this works I'll test with both first

Psygnosis

Hi,

Ok got my dish installed yesterday by pelsior on this forum Very good guy,

Anyway plugged my globalteq in and am happy with gets the rte dvb-t channels.

So last night had a couple glass's of wine and decieded feck it Im putting darkstar hd combo on it. And low and behold it works.
Only issue us when you hit any of the menu buttons it is really slow for around 20 seconds or so than it is fine.

I have nothing to compare picture quality to sat wise but I can say that it is 100 times better than my NTL MMDS digital sh1te.

I have noticed with BBC HD though that it can look a little grainy other than that I am delighted will make a great second box.

So go ahead and purchase it It is great value compared to the mvision 200 combo which my dad has.

podgeandrodge

Thanks for that Psygnosis. Can you tell me what the darkbox stuff does for this?

Psygnosis

As far as I can tell it gives you more favourites also has a softcam thingy not too sure what this is far.

Also has more options for the av settings and audio settings let you select ntsc and a couple of other things.

Happy enough with it though.

podgeandrodge

Psygnosis did you get ITV HD working on it?

Fat_Fingers wrote: »

yes, please post a review once you have it running. I'm sure it would be of interest for others who might be considering it.

Fat Fingers, I see you got the Technomate 6900 combo for €425. In a sentence can you tell me what it has over this Globalteq for about €170? I've heard the Technomate got good reviews but this is one hell of price difference?

Psygnosis

Hi,

Yeah ITV HD is working fine with the darkstar firmware. It comes in as 1501 or something of that ILK.

It seems decent allright for the price and I fixed the slow down on it that I mentioned on the top you have to switch it off at mains for aroun 20 seconds after the firmware update and this sorts it out for you.

I think this is a complete bargin. Hopefully the darkstar peope will get the freesat EPG on it now that would be awesome

Fat_Fingers

podgeandrodge wrote: »

Psygnosis did you get ITV HD working on it?



Fat Fingers, I see you got the Technomate 6900 combo for €425. In a sentence can you tell me what it has over this Globalteq for about €170? I've heard the Technomate got good reviews but this is one hell of price difference?

well, to be pedantic about it price was €364.40 delivered for my Techomate 6900 Super, i got black one so silver one would be a small bit cheaper

To be honest i made this what it looks like very expensive purchase based on my previous experience with cheap product. And i have to say i haven't regretted it. Receiver is solid, works 100% the way i expected it, good build. Remote is solid and professional, no issue with remote having to point directly at receiver, no menu deterioration, no phantom reboots, no crashing in the midst of channel surfing. Menu system and editing is joy to use. Timeshift, recording works. Basically it does exactly what it said on the box, and it does it perfectly, without any hiccups. Support for the receiver is very good.

podgeandrodge

just got the globalteq delivered. very happy with this machine. Total cost including delivery €157 thanks to a good sterling exchange rate.

bbc HD coming in fine (though I think HD is overrated)

RTE, TV3 etc coming through fine in digital quality using my €2 rabbits ears from the €2 shop!

Now, if someone could guide me as to how to get ITV HD without loading any firmware that would be appreciated.

Fat_Fingers

First check what firmware you are running. If its 1031 then you'll be able to get ITV HD.

Scan transponder - 11428, you will see channel name "10510" ;this is ITV HD, rename it and place it in your favorites.

Note that most of the time you will only see test card. Nothing wrong there, they only broadcast few hours a week.

podgeandrodge

scanned that transponder and it found one channel but comes up with a message "bad channel" and freezes the system..maybe it needs the software Psygnosis put on it...


(other question - do i setup using LNB Universal 1 or 2?)

Fat_Fingers

You didn't say what firmware you are running, the fact that it crashes the system suggest you are not running 1031 but let us know anyway.

Leave LNB as universal 1

I think you need firmware update. Since this is not Globalteq support forum you would get better and quicker help if you join Globalteq support forum.

CHW

Looks like a very nice machine, am very tempted - thanks for the info so far.

A couple of questions, if anyone can answer, I'd be very grateful:

- USB port - what's it used for? Can it be used with a memory stick as a PVR? Can you do updates with it?

- Is it possible to get 4.2.2 feeds with this?

- Can it read/play movie files from other sources? If it can, what formats?

- Is it getting the complete terrestrial EPG (freeview and/or Irish)?

- Any teletext functions, older or newer format, or red/interactive button functions?

Any other comments/observations after using this for a few days?

podgeandrodge

Fat_Fingers wrote: »

You didn't say what firmware you are running, the fact that it crashes the system suggest you are not running 1031 but let us know anyway.

Leave LNB as universal 1

I think you need firmware update. Since this is not Globalteq support forum you would get better and quicker help if you join Globalteq support forum.

Hi. Thanks. I'll have a look for that firmware - I can't even find a Globalteq support forum so if you know where it is please let me know!

CHW wrote: »

- USB port - what's it used for? Can it be used with a memory stick as a PVR? Can you do updates with it?

- Is it possible to get 4.2.2 feeds with this?

- Can it read/play movie files from other sources? If it can, what formats?

- Is it getting the complete terrestrial EPG (freeview and/or Irish)?

- Any teletext functions, older or newer format, or red/interactive button functions?

Any other comments/observations after using this for a few days?

Don't think the usb port is operational yet - but it could be used to record to an external hard drive in the future if i understand correctly.

It does not read/play movies at all. It's only a receiver.

Seems to be getting a 1 day epg for most channels.

Still have to play with it further - including trying to get ITV HD on it - will check what firmware as Fat Fingers has suggested. But it's a mighty cheap way to get Satellite incl HD and the Irish mpeg4 channels all in one box.




Edit - software was 1013 from november 2007.
found the firmware, didnt realise it was on the wizardsatellite forum - loaded fine, and have ITV HD without any transponder search. Thanks for all help.

Psygnosis

I think its a nifty box all irgt I just purchased a Technomate 9100 box as well. The Wife is going to kill me The Picture of bought box's just puts NTL to shame.

podgeandrodge

Just realised Luxe.Tv HD is in the channel list - really brings out the quality of HD. Pity its crap television!


edit - according to digiguide the Champions League is supposed to be on ITV HD - but I'm just getting "service currently unavailable" and the ITV HD logo - is this a problem with machine or is Digiguide wrong??

Fat_Fingers

Not a problem with your receiver, ITV did not broadcast match in HD.

ecodub

I picked up one of these Globalteq boxes during the week, delivered in 3 days. Really great value, when you look at the prices in Ireland.

It's great to have all your channels on the one remote again.

slegs

Got myself one of these. Very good value imo.

Is it possible to take an image of your setup and channel lists to USB to save it in case you want to restore? (Its basically the same box as the Darkbox Combo and the Metabox)

slegs

Fat_Fingers wrote: »

First check what firmware you are running. If its 1031 then you'll be able to get ITV HD.

Scan transponder - 11428, you will see channel name "10510" ;this is ITV HD, rename it and place it in your favorites.

Note that most of the time you will only see test card. Nothing wrong there, they only broadcast few hours a week.

Got this working too, note the big difference is that the transponder is listed as 11426, you need to type in 11428 manually to get channel 10510.

STB

This box seems to be the same as the Metabox.

Does the Globalteq have an esata port at the back ?

I just said I'd mention it because the metabox support has a test version for enabling the esata as a PVR.

http://metaboxhd.110mb.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=12

Fat_Fingers

i think it is, i hear before people using Darkbox image on Globalteq.

STB

Well I had a look at them.

The Metabox Combo HD CXCI is the successor of the Globalteq STH700HD Ci. Hardware and software are the same, the only difference is the built-in card reader that the Metabox has.

Have a look.... same ?

http://www.wizardfox.net/showthread.php?t=9754

Check the back of your globalteq does it have an esata port or is it taped over ?????


More PVR firmware here..... apparently it works. Strangely enough the box (Metabox) is huge in Croatia where you will pay €300 plus for it. Think I'll get one of the Globals to play with.

http://boom-boom.mylivepage.com/file/1815/6351_METABOX_HDCI_PVR_SOFT_for_TEST_.rar

Guy who posted it says it works with no problems (at least thats what google translator says!)

galwayguy22

The Globalteq STH700HD is described as "FreeSat capable".

What exactly does this mean? 7-day EPG, full interactive features?

If these are not available now, what are the chances an improved firmware could emulate the behaviour of a real FreeSat box?

STB

No. Not Freesat. FTA satelite i.e. Astra2/Eurobird.

So it will be now and next for SAT, and a week/few days for DTT.

The only people that have managed to manipulate the Freesat EPG data are Myth TV people. The only other non freesat box that I have seen that has been updated via firmware with this function is the Fortec Passion HD, which isnt stable. To be hopnest with you I am not too sure of the legality of either and there has been much discussion on the subject over at ds.

You order the channels as you like. As far as I know (i have read a lot!!) it has 5 favourite lists so you can mix terrestrial and sat anyway.

One of the people that actually has one will be able to tell you more.

Fat_Fingers

STB wrote: »

More PVR firmware here..... apparently it works. Strangely enough the box (Metabox) is huge in Croatia where you will pay €300 plus for it. Think I'll get one of the Globals to play with.

http://boom-boom.mylivepage.com/file/1815/6351_METABOX_HDCI_PVR_SOFT_for_TEST_.rar

Guy who posted it says it works with no problems (at least thats what google translator says!)

You got lucky there with your pick of the posts.. lot of the posters are complaining about stability, EPG gone and issues with signal.

Yes, its very popular in Croatia and the reason is built-in card reader.

Psygnosis

Mine has a esata taped over as well at the back. Dont think I'd bother with it though

ecodub

Hi All,

I have one of these boxes and it had been working fine up until today. I have lost sound on all the Irish terrestrial channels (RTE1, RTE2, TV3, TG4), the picture is perfect. I have sound for the radio channels and all sat channels.

I tried a re-tune of the DTT and still no sound.

Has anyone else experienced this problem?

It's back working again later this afternoon - Panic Over

The Globalteq HD Combo box is a perfect solution for terrestrial and satellite channels in one unit and a great deal for the money.

podgeandrodge

ecodub wrote: »

The Globalteq HD Combo box is a perfect solution for terrestrial and satellite channels in one unit and a great deal for the money.

+1

galwayguy22

Can you record DTT while looking at Satellite or vice-versa, using the PVR firmware or otherwise, i.e. using an external DVD-recorder.

podgeandrodge

I don't think so as I haven't seen a facility to have DTT on say DTT channel 1 and satellite on Satellite Channel 1. It's one program at a time. Though I'm open to correction.

jackbauer

Whats the situation re ITV HD on this box?

Psygnosis

Works fine with the firmware I have, shows as ITV HD.
There is never anything on yhe channel though

jackbauer

ok sounds good. Where is the best place to source this receiver?

Psygnosis

read the thread wizzard sattelite

lollipop08

Hi guys excuse my noobie ignorance, but i take it you can hook this up to a sattelite but do you just cable it directly from dish, or is this meant to be an add on, also do you already need to have NTL cable subscription and hook this up to it or not.

Thanx in anticipation

ecodub

lollipop08 wrote: »

Hi guys excuse my noobie ignorance, but i take it you can hook this up to a sattelite but do you just cable it directly from dish, or is this meant to be an add on, also do you already need to have NTL cable subscription and hook this up to it or not.

This set top box requires a cable from a satellite dish (pointing to Astra 28E same as Sky for best choice of english channels) and it also need a feed from a terestrial ariel for the Irish channels. This may have to be outdoor or in your attic if you are in a poor recption area.

Fat_Fingers

... and its nothing to do with NTL.

kuro_man

320gb drive on sale in Lidl for €80 after chrismas. It's got eSATA and USB ports, so might be a good one to use with the globalteq.
http://www.lidl.ie/ie/home.nsf/pages/c.o.20081230.p.Targa320GBExternalHDDrive

Any globalteq owners willing to try it? It would be fantastic value to have a 320gb HD combo PVR for around €220

fat-tony

kuro_man wrote: »

320gb drive on sale in Lidl for €80 after chrismas. It's got eSATA and USB ports, so might be a good one to use with the globalteq.
http://www.lidl.ie/ie/home.nsf/pages/c.o.20081230.p.Targa320GBExternalHDDrive

Any globalteq owners willing to try it? It would be fantastic value to have a 320gb HD combo PVR for around €220

Looks just the ticket for trying the PVR functions - but I assume not with the standard firmware - no mention of eSATA in the menus

I got a Globalteq on Monday - working great with DTT and with standard and HD channels from Astra 2. Haven't tried for ITV HD yet, but that will wait. The user interface is a bit awkward, though, as I have a motorised setup and I find myself selecting channels on Astra 1 by mistake and then having to re-select Astra 2. Any time you do a scan of a transponder or a whole satellite, the user interface defaults to the "all channel" setting where you have thousands of channels in one big list. At this stage I have only scanned in 13E, 16E, 19E, 23E and 28E and am finding it somewhat awkward to edit the channel lists. The one advantage of the combined list, though, is that DTT channels and sat channels are merged, so it's seamless going from RTE1 on DTT to BBC1 on sat. The favourites facility means you can mix and match DTT and satellite channels, though the facility to sort the channels into alpha sequence is not retained, which is a pity:(

From what I've read on the forum on wizard satellite, other firmware images provide a better user interface and I assume I need to load one for the PVR functions - any recommendations?

Zaphod

I have one of these boxes on loan to play around with. Works fine with a Dragon CAM and a FTV card. C4 HD, Fiver, Five US and Sky 3 all OK.

Shulgin

Does the freesat EPG work with this box by any chance?

Zaphod wrote: »

I have one of these boxes on loan to play around with. Works fine with a Dragon CAM and a FTV card. C4 HD, Fiver, Five US and Sky 3 all OK.

kuro_man

Highly unlikely that freesat epg is available unless it is hacked. It is a licensed product and official receivers have to have ethernet port, red-button/interactive support, auto-tune, regions support and OTA upgrades.

You may be able to load an XML epg on to this box. There is software (see digital spy) that will convert a freesat epg to XML, but you'd need a PC with a satellite card.

watty

It's not a closed system like Sky's "Open TV" used for Sky Digibox. It is based on MHEG5 and I've seen a demo in Netherlands of Freesat EPG on a non-Freesat box. It's only a matter of time before non-official boxes have at least the program guide. They can't call themselves "Freesat" receivers though.

Onikage

Is it just me or have they removed all Globalteq products from the site?