Sky digibox to Humax - only one line?

babaloushka

I'm thinking of replacing our basic Sky Digibox (FTA) with the Humax Foxsat PVR. There is only one cable/line going from the old Sky box to the dish at the moment and I'm not capable enough to install a second cable. I may be able at some point to get someone to do it for me, just not right now.
I'm not THAT bothered about watching one station and recording another at the same time (for the present) but I need to know if the Humax will work ok on one line in the short term? Also, what exactly would the main advantages of changing from the free Sky set up I have to the Humax? Are there any disadvantages?
I apologise if this is adequately covered in other threads but I've been reading for hours and I'm still not sure ...

Rippy

Yes you can use the Foxsat with only one cable.
It has a loop through facilty which means you can connect a short jumper cable from LNB 1 output to LNB2 input.
This would enable you to record or view a second channel as long as it is of the same polarization and band as the first (1 in 4 chance.)
Only disadvantage in switching away from a Sky digibox is the loss of 7 day EPG for the non Freesat channels, and the need to switch to 'non freesat ' mode through the menu to view them.
Not much of a problem . I would say go for it, they are a great box and you can always add the second cable later for full PVR functionality.

TheDriver

rippy, I am going down the same route but i see some issue with updates using this setup?

Rippy

TheDriver wrote: »

rippy, I am going down the same route but i see some issue with updates using this setup?

By no means sure, but I assume any over -the-air updates would utilize the first tuner as sky+ & HD boxes do?

babaloushka

TheDriver wrote: »

rippy, I am going down the same route but i see some issue with updates using this setup?

I don't know how much help it is, but I came across this http://www.joinfreesat.co.uk/index.php/faqs/how-to/operating-a-pvr-with-one-input (number 8) while searching for relevant information. In essence (and I don't have the box yet so I don't know how straightforward it will be) it says to initiate the update manually and move the cable into the second line for installation.

Rippy

babaloushka wrote: »

I don't know how much help it is, but I came across this http://www.joinfreesat.co.uk/index.php/faqs/how-to/operating-a-pvr-with-one-input (number 8) while searching for relevant information. In essence (and I don't have the box yet so I don't know how straightforward it will be) it says to initiate the update manually and move the cable into the second line for installation.

There is a known issue with firmware updates using a single feed from the LNB. Humax are looking into this. There is a workaround which is to initiate the update. Then at the point where it asks for confirmation that you want to do the update. Carefully disconnect the cable from line1 and plug it into line2 then confirm the update. You need to take care not to short out the LNB.
Of course when the update is complete swap the cable back again.


Thanks for that. Useful info and a good link.

TheDriver

thanks though one could be worried about the swapping of cables for this purpose, maybe pop next door and use neighbours connection for the updates!!