So Has Anyone Found/Bought An Integrated DTT PVR Yet?

Mark#1

Like a Humax Foxsat HDR, but for Irish DTT and not satellite.

Or like a Humax PVR-9300T, but for Irish DTT and not UK Freeview.


Failing that, has anyone even found/bought an Irish DTT tuner yet, let alone a PVR version?

Damn Sony with their hope-raising, seems-perfect-but-is-probably-actually-a-red-herring PlayTV blurb . . .


Mark

slegs

Custom products for the Irish market are not available just yet but are coming in the next few months. In the meantime there are plenty of options that go close (everything minus MHEG5 digital teletext). It all depends on how much money you are willing to spend.

Dr.Mark

i'm using the Technomate 6900 and for me, it is top notch!

Kashkai

I'm dithering over whether to get an Mvision combo / Technomate 6900 now or wait for the as yet undisclosed new products to be launched on the Irish market in the coming months. I have the unfortunate habit of buying techno thingys that get replaced by a newer and better model a week after I buy them.

gtg60

Prosperous Dave wrote: »

I have the unfortunate habit of buying techno thingys that get replaced by a newer and better model a week after I buy them.

Ha! Don't we all!!

IMHO, at the moment there is nothing out there to touch the Mvision value and spec wise, sure the Technomate is (slightly) better but also over 100 Euro more expensive. You could probably pick up a Metabox for a little cheaper but the USB PVR function of the Mvision is fantastic, I spend more time recording and burning digitally perfect DVD's of the TV shows and movies than actually watching the Mvision!!

At the moment SaorTV are doing the Mvision for 216 with free delivery if you buy direct from his new online shop or you can buy it from satshop.de for about 10 euro cheaper. I would recommend SaorTV though as you will normally get it next day and Paul includes a 3 pin plug AND loads up the latest firmware and a channel list if you want him too plus it'd be easier to deal with a guy in your own county than another country!!

Is the Mvision perfect? No, it's not and there are things I would like changed about it but overall I'm very happy. And my last piece of advice (and this goes for ALL technology purchases), once you do decide what you want and purchase it, STOP reading these forums! And don't buy any technology magazines or even surf the internet!! :rolleyes::eek:

There will always be something around the corner that's that little bit better or cheaper, that's just a fact of life...

Kashkai

GTG60,

Couldn't agree more with you mate on the absolute necessity to stop looking at reviews/prices of electronic goods once the decision has been made. I'd no sooner bought my Samsung Series 6 tv when the series 7, 8 & 9 were announced :mad:. Although I suppose if I continuosly held off waiting for the next, latest and greatest model tv, I'd never buy one.

I saw the Mvision combo "in the flesh" so to speak in the Freesat shop in Dublin a few weeks ago. It was priced at €289 if I remember correctly so thats a good hike over and above what Saor tv are charging. I was surprised at how compact it was. I'm very tempted to get a pvr at the moment as a lot of what I want to watch is on late at night and I'm staying up to 1 or 2 in the morning to watch them when I should be in my bed as I get up at 6am for work :eek:.

Now whats holding me back from getting one is that (a) I've heard it has reliability problems and (b) recording via a usb link is cumbersome. I see Saor tv are bundling a separate HDD with the Mvision at the moment - good idea or bad? Is there a better alternative to the usb linked HDD?

I've got some cash lying round that I got for my birthday recently and before I spend it on beer, I should seriously look at getting some pvr sooner rather than later. Now do I go for the Mvision or the Technomate. Ease of use and reliability being important to me. Or is there a "better, newer model" on the way that would have the Freesat epg?

Finally I presume the satellite feed is hooked up by way of an f plug but what connection does the Mvision have for the terrestrial feed, i.e. f plug or rca lead?

gtg60

As a FTA and DTT receiver I have found it nothing but reliable, as a DVB-S2 tuner on Astra it has some issues, if you don't have a CAM capable of utilising a genuine Sky HD sub card then this will never bother you.

The Mvision runs hot and you really need to have it located somewhere this won't be a major problem, it also uses almost as much power in standby as when it's on! When I don't need mine now I turn it off.

PVR is good but it'll never be as great as Sky+, I had some issues with a cheapo (might've been USB 1.1) HDD adapter but one I bought a few years ago from Lidl (a 250GB USB 2.0 one) has been faultless. If you have one lying around it'll save you a few quid and as it uses standard FAT32 you can still use it with your PC.

I have never tried timed or EPG recording and I think I may have heard that there can be issues but either way that is unfair as I personally have no experience.

At the moment I am unaware of any current or future Combo units (bar Linux based ones) that are capable of displaying the Freesat EPG but we're all hoping it will come on stream soon

I have no experience of the Technomate but could only imagine it to be a good (albeit more expensive) combo receiver but I think if a better combo unit does come along shorter you would stand to loose more money on the higher priced units.

Terrestial connection is by standard coaxial plug.

STB

The Azbox HD Elite/Premium is the one to watch out for. It is linux based, can handle the enigma 2 patch which allows for freesat epg menu etc, does DTT, plays divx files and is PVR ready.

At €289 Elite or €320 (premium- has wireless) it is probably the best spec "promised" for the money. Just wait for reviews over the next month re backup etc before rushing out to buy one.

See > http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=59152423&postcount=19

gtg60

STB wrote: »

At €289 Elite or €320 (premium- has wireless) it is probably the best spec "promised" for the money.

Cheapest I've seen a Premium advertised for is 368 Euro (+delivery) and it is unclear whether it actually only comes with a single DVB-S/2 tuner as standard.

STB

It comes with a single dvb-t and a single dvb-s2 ! Infact its in the picture I linked to. The prices I quoted are aloso correct. They are also the first combo box that will have the freesat epg, play divx and PVR via USB together. For the money that is a steal.

I am waiting to see how well supported they are.

Mark#1

So that Azbox has one satellite tuner and one DTT tuner, and a Freesat EPG?

Does this mean it can:

Record a Freesat channel while watching a DTT channel?
Record a DTT channel while watching a Freesat channel?

But can't:

Record a Freesat channel while watching another Freesat channel?
Record a DTT channel while watching another DTT channel?

Are both Freesat and DTT channels displayed in the EPG?

I take it that it's only a PVR if there's an external HDD connected?


If I don't want a combo product, is there a DTT PVR out there that'll work in Ireland?

My French isn't that good, so can anyone say if this is of any use to us:

http://www.sagem-online.com/ati-b2c/b2c/init.do?shop=B2C_ATI_FR&language=fr


Or this:

http://www.sagem-online.com/ati-b2c/b2c/init.do?shop=B2C_ATI_FR&language=fr


Or anything on this page:

http://www.sagem-online.com/ati-b2c/b2c/init.do?shop=B2C_ATI_FR&language=fr


I know we're still analog till 2012, but now that we know the spec, etc. for products for Irish DTT, where are the products to accommodate this new wonderful technology? Is it just a few geeks on a web forum that are interested?


Thanks,

Mark

gtg60

STB wrote: »

It comes with a single dvb-t and a single dvb-s2 ! Infact its in the picture I linked to. The prices I quoted are aloso correct.

No, it doesn't, they come with 2 plug 'n' play tuner slots, that picture only shows one of these slots being occupied. What you may be getting confused about is the RF modulator connection, this is a similar set-up to the Technomate 6900 Super.

Also, show me where you get get a Premium for €320?

But, I agree, IF it actually comes with a DVB-T and DVB-S2 tuner, can display the Freesat EPG (plus all the other perks listed) and can be had for €320 then it will be a steal...

STB

Well I dont know what picture you are looking at gtg60.

On the very right is the dvb-s2 satellite Input and loop through.

In the middle of the box is the dvb-t tuner both in and out......

Two tuners - DTT and Sat!


The blank port is for an altenative DVB-C output. As standard DVB-T and DVB-S2 tuners are included as in the picture. In theory the blank one could be converted to DVB-S2 too.

gtg60

Please re-read my above post it explians exactly what I mean.

I'm still waiting to see where this can be had for €320?

Onikage

STB wrote: »

In the middle of the box is the dvb-t tuner both in and out......

Don't think that's a tuner, it's more like the connection you find on a skybox.

givecredit

STB wrote: »

Well I dont know what picture you are looking at gtg60.

On the very right is the dvb-s2 satellite Input and loop through.

In the middle of the box is the dvb-t tuner both in and out......

Two tuners - DTT and Sat!

Spec taken from :
http://www.azboxhd.com/shop/




AZ BOX HD Elite
The latest generation HD Linux Multimedia Receiver with an unbeatable price.

Features:


Linux operating system
PVR (recording) externally via USB 2.0

LAN connection for software / channel list update etz

NG RACE GoGo list (online station list update)
Webradio
Support video portals such as YouTube and others
Audio & Music Portals
RSS-Feeds
SIGMA processor SMP 8634 LF
16 MB Flash Memory
256 KB EEPROM
SD 256 MB RAM

Main functions:



Smart Tuner Support
DVB-S2 / S from the factory
DVB-T2 / T, DVB-C2 / C, ISDB-T optional

GO GO list function (Intelligent Channel sorting)
MPEG4 HD and fully DVB Compatible
8 digit display

5 Front control buttons


Personal Video Recorder:



Time Shift Function (pause and play live TV, time-recording of broadcasts)
Streaming Receiver (Audio / Video and Radio)
Video On Demand

Internet access:



RJ45 LAN connection

Web Interface for remote control of the receiver
Update on the Internet via USB and a serial interface
Web Browser
RSS News Reader
E-mail client (POP only)

Media Player:



Audio: MP3, WAV, AIFF, WMA, Ogg Vobis
Images: JPEG, BMP, TIFF, GIF, PNG
Video: MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, DivX, XviD, MKV, AVI SSF (including subtitle support)
Video-Audio Aüflösung: MPEG-2/MPEG-4 Part 10 AVC/H.264 HD, HP@L4.0 1920x1080 @ 50Hz (MPEG-2 transport stream specification ISO/IEC13818)
Input: max 90 MB / s
Aspect Ratio: 4:3, Letterbox, 16:9, Pan & Scan

In / Out connectors



2 X CI
1 x Smartcard Reader
1 x USB 2.0 (Rear)
HDD LAN via Samba
Optical Dolby Digital Output
HDMI connection with HDCP

Scart TV / VIDEO

YUV / Component output
UHF connector
RS 232
Physical characteristics:



Size: 320x220x65mm
Operating temperature: 0 ° C ~ 60 ° C
Storage temperature: -20 ° C ~ 75 ° C
Power supply: 90 VAC ~ 240 VAC Power Switch
40 Watt max power
Internal security

from 288,20 EUR
0,96 EUR per
incl. 19 % Tax excl.Shipping costs


AZ BOX HD Premium from 356,62 EUR
incl. 19 % Tax excl.Shipping costs
Product No.: Premium
Print product data sheet
Shipping time: 1 Week




The latest generation HD Linux Multimedia Receiver with an unbeatable price.

Features:

Linux operating system
PVR (recording) E-sata internally or externally via USB 2.0
WLAN (wireless Internet)
NG RACE GoGo list (online station list update)
Webradio
Support video portals such as YouTube and others
Audio & Music Portals
RSS-Feeds
SIGMA processor SMP 8634 LF
32 MB Flash Memory
256 KB EEPROM
SD RAM 256 MB

Main functions:



Smart Tuner Support
DVB-S2 tuner factory built

DVB-S2 / S, DVB-T2 / T
DVB-C2 / C, ISDB-T optional
GO GO list function (Intelligent Channel sorting)
MPEG4 HD and fully DVB Compatible
11 digit VFD Display

Personal Video Recorder:



Time Shift Function (pause and play live TV, time-recording of broadcasts)
Streaming Receiver (Audio / Video and Radio)
Video On Demand

Internet access:



WLAN and RJ45 connection
Web Interface for remote control of the receiver
Update on the Internet via USB and a serial interface
Web Browser
RSS News Reader
E-mail client (POP only)

Media Player: Media Player:



Audio: MP3, WAV, AIFF, WMA, Ogg Vobis
Images: JPEG, BMP, TIFF, GIF, PNG
Video: MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, DivX, XviD, MKV, AVI SSF (including subtitle support)
Video-Audio Aüflösung: MPEG-2/MPEG-4 Part 10 AVC/H.264 HD, HP@L4.0 1920x1080 @ 50Hz (MPEG-2 transport stream specification ISO/IEC13818)
Input: max 90 MB / s
Aspect Ratio: 4:3, Letterbox, 16:9, Pan & Scan

In / Out connectors



2 slots for Common Interface
Smart Card Reader
2 x USB 2.0 (rear and front panel)
HDD LAN via Samba
Internal hard drive can be installed
E-sata interface internally

Dolby Digital Out
HDMI connector
Scart connector
YUV / Component output
UHF connector

Physical characteristics:



Size: 340x220x65mm
Operating temperature: 0 ° C ~ 60 ° C
Storage temperature: -20 ° C ~ 75 ° C
Power supply: 90 VAC ~ 240 VAC Power Switch
40 Watt max power
Internal security

STB

Oh I understand english all too well gtg.

There are several versions of this box out there, not least of which is the Premium HD AZbox Linux Combo (DVB S2 / DVB-T) WLAN

The confusion is arising because there are several versions out there and they have been messing with the spec too (and the NAME and the photos released on the net). For example here is the spec a few months ago.

http://www.sat-universe.com/showpost.php?p=280506&postcount=18

But I agree the version with the photo above is miselading. I know this because I have actually found out what this was called many months ago, togther with the brochure sheet for the original product with the DVB-S and DVB-T tuner Combo - and the rest of the spec in the AZBOX premium.

Thats what you really need to know. Google will have the answer, I'm sure, along with where you can buy the Azbox with the single tuner for €320.

Bog Butter

slegs wrote: »

Custom products for the Irish market are not available just yet but are coming in the next few months. In the meantime there are plenty of options that go close (everything minus MHEG5 digital teletext). It all depends on how much money you are willing to spend.

When you say a few months is that predicated on the belief that there will be an offical launch (with or without Boxer) in a few months or will the boxes go on sale before the offical launch?

slegs

The required spec for DTT boxes is published. Boxes will come on the market - official or unofficial. There does not need to be RTE or Boxer approval for this to happen.

watty

STB wrote: »

It comes with a single dvb-t and a single dvb-s2 ! Infact its in the picture I linked to. The prices I quoted are also correct. They are also the first combo box that will have the freesat epg, play divx and PVR via USB together. For the money that is a steal.

I am waiting to see how well supported they are.

For Combo single tuner of each is OK (I tested the Lyngbox DTT/DSAT combo). But for PVR only one of each is a PAIN! (I tested PVR on Reelbox Lite and Lyngbox with one of each).

The Lyngbox can take a module with extra Tuner(s), but the email was unclear if it was Sat + DTT or just one of either extra.

Forget the Reelbox. It's now (Avantgarde) an overpriced PC. Though supports 6 tuners.

gtg60

STB wrote: »

Oh I understand english all too well gtg.

That's a funny tone to take especially since I never critized your language skills. :rolleyes:

STB wrote: »

There are several versions of this box out there, not least of which is the Premium HD AZbox Linux Combo (DVB S2 / DVB-T) WLAN

Eh, no. In a previous post you stated:

STB wrote: »

Well I dont know what picture you are looking at gtg60.

On the very right is the dvb-s2 satellite Input and loop through.

In the middle of the box is the dvb-t tuner both in and out......

Two tuners - DTT and Sat!

The 'ANT IN / TV OUT' is NOT a DVB-T tuner and I have had this confirmed by somebody who owns a Premium but I already stated that and explained what it was but on neither occasion have you read my post correctly, please stop posting misinformation.

STB wrote: »

Google will have the answer, I'm sure, along with where you can buy the Azbox with the single tuner for €320.

Well, it doesn't, I've been looking into this item for a long while and you are the one misleading everybody, you CANNOT buy this for €320, I have asked you on several occassions to show me where but you just fob me off, prove it or stop misleading people.

STB

gtg60 wrote: »

That's a funny tone to take especially since I never critized your language skills. :rolleyes:

You cant teach and old dog new tricks.:D I'll be nice and not explain why you dont have to refer me to posts twice. I read it the first time and fully understood what you were saying. As it turns out the NG graphics are wrong. The graphics are for the elite. When I posted this a while back in the SAT/DTT Combo boxes thread stickied at the top I actually had the right graphic in for the Premium, but changed it as NG had a different graphic.

These are the final models.

Elite

Premium

gtg60 wrote: »

The 'ANT IN / TV OUT' is NOT a DVB-T tuner and I have had this confirmed by somebody who owns a Premium but I already stated that and explained what it was but on neither occasion have you read my post correctly, please stop posting misinformation.

gtg60 wrote: »

Well, it doesn't, I've been looking into this item for a long while and you are the one misleading everybody, you CANNOT buy this for €320, I have asked you on several occassions to show me where but you just fob me off, prove it or stop misleading people.

You been looking into this a long time eh... I posted it originally back in January on this site. http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055471880. I am also on azboxworld.

I was advised last year that the elite was single tuner whilst the premium was twin/combo. http://www.azboxworld.com/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=105&pageNo=4
In the meantime a lot of messing has gone on with this box and there is different versions out there so be careful when buying one. Opensat in Portugal now seem to be running the show.

When DG manufactered this, it was badged as a Relook 500HD+ and there where several versions planned including a combo. Then it became an Azbox....then there were good plans for the box, now looks like skimping is now taking place - on the elite anyhow. Messy. What they are doing is making it modular probably and ripping people for the extra tuner modules (like Cuberevo/IPBOX - same people, doesnt surprise)

Heres the original before it even became an "AZBOX"
http://www.azboxworld.com/index.php?page=Attachment&attachmentID=418&h=3c785cc8056b77e885a1d5d9e08bad20272fe032

http://www.azboxworld.com/index.php?page=Attachment&attachmentID=417&h=395c9e1ce1069477acc7db486ce3689317f6efd4

One more thing I am not in the business of disinformation, if you read this board long enough you would realise that. How your Mvision going ? http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=58225521&postcount=12

oh the 320 stuff that you cant gey etc....... just for you my friend.......


AZBOX Premium 1350ZL = €297
http://www.cardsplitter.pl/sklep/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/612

gtg60

STB, thanks for taking the time to try explain everything to me,:D it is because I am so interested in this receiver that I want to get as much (correct) information as possible.
However, if you look at this thread: (especially the last few posts)
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=59385065
kaisersose77 seems to contradict some of the things you are saying

Mark#1

If I just wanted a one-box-does-it-all PVR for Irish DTT, would either of these suit?

http://www.sagem-online.com/catalogdocs/48/48C79650D0E90470E10000008C1487B9.pdf

http://www.sagem-online.com/catalogdocs/48/48C789198D0D015EE10000008C1487B9.pdf


Thanks,

Mark

jackbauer

i noticed powercity selling a hdd/dvd recorder with mpeg4 tuner.
http://www.powercity.ie/?par=10-17-EH59EM

STB

gtg60 wrote: »

STB, thanks for taking the time to try explain everything to me,:D it is because I am so interested in this receiver that I want to get as much (correct) information as possible.
However, if you look at this thread: (especially the last few posts)
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=59385065
kaisersose77 seems to contradict some of the things you are saying

Your some smart arse. I hope you have bought one now at that €297 for all your use of capitals and throwing your toys out of the pram.:rolleyes:

jackbauer wrote: »

i noticed powercity selling a hdd/dvd recorder with mpeg4 tuner.

http://www.powercity.ie/?par=10-17-EH59EM

Nice find jackbauer, they'll work very nicely with the panasonic freesat range through the vieralink (you can only record the freesat that you are watching with the DVB-T model).

However there is a Freesat version of this is also out at the moment - Panasonic DMR-XS350 DVD/HDD (250GB) (not blue ray).

There are also plans for the release in the coming months for two Blu-ray recorders, both with twin Freesat tuners - the DMR-BS850 (500GB hard disc) and the DMR-BS750 (250GB). The Pnasonic DMR-XS350 DVD/HDD (250GB) is also out (not blue ray)

Mark#1

Pardon my ignorance, but I'd just like to confirm this:

The DMR-EH59 is a 250GB DTT PVR for Ireland?


Thanks,

Mark

gtg60

STB wrote: »

Your some smart arse. I hope you have bought one now at that €297 for all your use of capitals and throwing your toys out of the pram.:rolleyes:

Ah, showing your true colours now, nice to know someone can't even have a 'proper' discussion with you, I point you to a post where somebody has actually bought one of these and they clearly disagree with what you are touting, yet your response is to start calling me names.

Well done.

STB

Mark#1 wrote: »

If I just wanted a one-box-does-it-all PVR for Irish DTT, would either of these suit?

http://www.sagem-online.com/catalogdocs/48/48C79650D0E90470E10000008C1487B9.pdf

http://www.sagem-online.com/catalogdocs/48/48C789198D0D015EE10000008C1487B9.pdf


Thanks,

Mark

Mark the first link is fine. The second one is not even MPEG4 so its not suitable. But dont go out and buy the first one either. Its the PVR that Boxer will most likely be releasing here. Its not worth the investment for dvb-t only.

The version that would do all (ie + dvb-s) is below.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=57901984&postcount=102

@ gtg60: You got your answer. And you were told where to buy it for less than €320. I cant help you out anymore! I dont tout anything. I dont actually sell DTT equipment you know.:)

Mark#1

STB wrote: »

...they'll work very nicely with the panasonic freesat range through the vieralink (you can only record the freesat that you are watching with the DVB-T model).

Again, pardon my ignorance, but are you saying that the EH59 has a Freesat tuner as well as an MPEG DTT tuner (or is that two MPEG4 tuners?). Is it effectively a DMR-EX78 for Ireland's DTT?

I've contacted panasonicshop.ie, who confirmed that they just got the EH59 in in the last couple of days and the guy is confirming the spec for me and will call me back.

This thread seems as good a place as any to go through my needs, which are probably the same as many other folk who don't want to pay Sky/Boxer. I've posted before elsewhere, but here goes again:

Freesat PVR with 7-day RPG and its own internal HDD.

DTT PVR with 7-day RPG and its own internal HDD.

If one product was available that combined both these functions, all the better, so long as its EPG contained full info for both Freesat & Irish DTT.

The Foxsat HDR is about €330, this DMR-EH59 seems to be around €350.

That would be €680 for two separate machines.

It seems likely that either Panasonic or Humax would be the prime candidates (possibly along with Sagem?) to create such a product.

If there was a single product that provided all these functions, wouldn't it be worth €680? If not, I'll be getting a Foxsat HDR & possibly this DMR-EH59.

I confirmed my order for a Foxsat HDR and a Denon DVD-1940 from RS on Saturday, but I'm sure I could amend my order if one of you knowledgeable people could help me find the right product.


Thanks,

Mark

tomc

Just to add my 2 cents http://www.clarke-tech.com/produkte?template=detail&entryid=9&lang=en, Works well for me.

TomC

branners69

tomc wrote: »

Just to add my 2 cents http://www.clarke-tech.com/produkte?template=detail&entryid=9&lang=en, Works well for me.

TomC

How much did it set you back??

Mark#1

I contacted panasonicshop.ie about the DMR-EH59.

They do stock it, but this is the response:

"Thank you for your enquiry.

Unfortunately the DMR-EH59 does not have an Mpeg 4 tuner built in and I am unable to say when Panasonic will bring an Irish DVD HD Recorder with an Mpeg 4 tuner."


I've responded, linking to powercity's EH-59 page, asking for a comment. Will update when I get a response.


Mark

slegs

Mark#1 wrote: »

I contacted panasonicshop.ie about the DMR-EH59.

They do stock it, but this is the response:

"Thank you for your enquiry.

Unfortunately the DMR-EH59 does not have an Mpeg 4 tuner built in and I am unable to say when Panasonic will bring an Irish DVD HD Recorder with an Mpeg 4 tuner."


I've responded, linking to powercity's EH-59 page, asking for a comment. Will update when I get a response.


Mark

That beats all. They are a Panasonic franchise selling a product that Panasonic built that is very specifically targeted at markets like Ireland (and France etc) and they don't even know. If I were Panasonic I would not be very happy with these guys.

kuro_man

Perhaps there are different "flavours" of DMR-EH59 (the powercity one being DMR-EH59EM-K) - some with mpeg4 and some with mpeg2 decoders but otherwise the same.

I not surprised panasonicshop.ie knew nothing about it, I have looked on panasonics websites (.co.uk, .se, .fr and .nz) and couldn't see a similar box that was specified as having mpeg4 decoder for dtt.

€340 (about the same as a Humax Foxsat HDR) seems a lot to pay for a SD single tuner box anyway, especially for only 4 channels. Can't see my self buring anything on DVD, so hard-drive only PVR would suit better.

STB

slegs wrote: »

That beats all. They are a Panasonic franchise selling a product that Panasonic built that is very specifically targeted at markets like Ireland (and France etc) and they don't even know. If I were Panasonic I would not be very happy with these guys.

Technical support at Panasonic is useless - and thats the technical support based in the UK. I learnt this the hard way when enquiring about whether or not the signals from both the dvb-s and dvb-t tuners passed through the same mpeg4 processor chip only to be told by some woman that I was talking nonsense, that infact the Freeview tuner wasnt an "MPEG4 Tuner" and as a result would not work in Ireland.

That told me, years wasted doing Telecommunications in Kevin Street.

Mark#1 wrote: »

Again, pardon my ignorance, but are you saying that the EH59 has a Freesat tuner as well as an MPEG DTT tuner (or is that two MPEG4 tuners?). Is it effectively a DMR-EX78 for Ireland's DTT?

No Mark. Its DTT only....... What i meant is that although the tuner only has dtt tuners, Panasonic have this system of connection between "Viera products" that would allow you record what you are watching off the Panasonic Freesat LCD or Plasma range if you had one already. Its called Viera link.

Mark#1

Got the response. To be fair, they have responded reasonably quickly and with what seems to be pretty good (if disappointing) information:

"Unfortunately there is a mistake on the Powercity web-site. Initially we were led to believe that there was to be an Mpeg 4 tuner built in but at the time of going to factory Panasonic were unable to obtain a finalised format from Ireland and so the analogue tuners were left in (UHF/VHF)

I have been told this web-site will be corrected within the week!

Sorry to disappoint you but unfortunately there is no Mpeg 4 tuner in this machine."

I guess this is a ropey time to be shopping for a DTT PVR solution, specially as has been said for just four channels.

I'll stick with my Denon DVD-1740. It looks like I'm lucky my TH-50PZ80 should be able to receive the four Irish channels on analog - that'll have to do till a DTT PVR comes out.

Crap when you get your hopes up, eh? First promising product was PlayTV, then this Pan machine.

The line, "at the time of going to factory Panasonic were unable to obtain a finalised format from Ireland " is interesting. Did Panasonic ask the telecomms section of the Irish govt and got nothing back?

How long ago was the decision to use MPEG4 made, and made public?


Mark

Mark#1

On thinking about it, I could have been landed in an annoying situation because of this.

I actually told Richersounds I wanted to return my new DVD-1740 because I was going to get the DMR-EH59 from Powercity.

If I'd done that, the DVD-1740 would have been collected for return today. I'd have then found on receipt of the DMR-EH59 that it couldn't do what I bought it to do.

The DVD-1740, aparrently one of RS's last, would probably be gone, the DMR would be returned "not as described", and I'd have to start shopping again.

Moot, and obvious, but I couldn't help thinking about it. Hopefully Powercity do amend their site before someone does find themselves in that sort of situation.


Mark

Mark#1

Powercity have amended the EH59 description.

Mark

kuro_man

Until BCI approved stb/pvr's are available, I wouldn't buy anything until you can confirm it works with MPEG4 DVB streams - either from the retailer or by someone else's experience.

Some specs say MPEG4 for playback (DIVX) that won't decode DVB-T, some say HD you might think it is "high def" but it is actually "hard drive" etc etc. Caveat emptor.

STB

I actually took the powercity spec at face value since they went to the bother of specifically putting in MPEG4. They are usually on the ball when it comes to HD products. I couldnt actually find that model anyhow! But the other in that range would make it possible (ie freesat HD etc) as its just swapping the tuners. I would imagine panasonic will actualy have a product on the Irish market for DTT, sooner rather than later.

Most suitable have already been identified on this board anyhow.

For viewing purposes the HD panasonic freesat range of TVs fit Ireland spec perfectly. The forthcoming LG range will also do the same.

Mark#1

STB wrote: »

I would imagine panasonic will actualy have a product on the Irish market for DTT, sooner rather than later.

That's what I think too, even with my limited knowledge. Or maybe Humax, for a non-DVD MPEG4 DTT PVR product. And if they do, I'll still be interested - my Denon DVD-1740 cost only €90, so if I do get a Pan HDD DVD recorder as my DTT PVR later on, it's not such a big deal.

One problem with this, though, is that it'll be an Ireland-only product for Panasonic. Richersounds, for example, don't sell Ireland-only products. Their price for the DMR-EX88 is £350 (€373 today), but both panasonicshop.ie & Alliance's price is €700. Same machine, same tuner - not even an MPEG4 tuner! - what will those guys be charging for an MPEG4 version?! :eek:

What options will be open to us when an MPEG4 HDD DVD recorder is released, from any manufacturer? Prohibitve domestic prices and limited availability outside ROI.

The Sagem non-DVD MPEG4 DTT HDD PVR products that might suit us seem to be around the €350 mark, ex shipping, from that French site I linked to in an earlier post - what price will domestic Irish sellers be asking for these if they are indeed adopted as the DTT PVR of choice?


Mark

Lpfsox

folks

quick query on the Mvision box - can someone confirm if it will support Freesat, DTT and UK Freeview (if available in the area)?

If it does, it looks like a purchase for me

Thanks in advance

fat-tony

Not the Freesat 7-day EPG. But it's fine for the Irish DTT 7-day EPG. No knowledge of the UK Freeview performance, but I don't see why it wouldn't. Have a look through the Mvision combo thread - lots of info there:D

Mark#1

New Zealand uses the exact same DTT technology as us, yeah? So this should suit us as a DTT PVR?

http://www.freeviewnz.tv/products/detail/zinwell_zmt-640pvr_-_digital_television_recorder

Shame about the price, eh? NZ$1149 = €500 or so today.

These seem to be non-PVR DTT tuners, as far as I can tell:

http://www.freeviewnz.tv/products/listing/hd

If you had someone in NZ who could send or carry one of these home, would they suit? :rolleyes: They have a couple around the €300 mark (€130).


Mark

STB

Mark#1 wrote: »

New Zealand uses the exact same DTT technology as us, yeah? So this should suit us as a DTT PVR?

http://www.freeviewnz.tv/products/detail/zinwell_zmt-640pvr_-_digital_television_recorder

Shame about the price, eh? NZ$1149 = €500 or so today.

These seem to be non-PVR DTT tuners, as far as I can tell:

http://www.freeviewnz.tv/products/listing/hd

If you had someone in NZ who could send or carry one of these home, would they suit? :rolleyes: They have a couple around the €300 mark (€130).


Mark

Not exactly cheap for the DVB-T ONLY PVR.

The normal receivers that can bought from €126+ and include MHEG5 are listed below.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=59628932&postcount=18