Potentially cheap DTT/SAT HD Combo €129

Tony

bublehead wrote: »

I will feed back on that next week

Cool

bublehead wrote: »

our Nasa scientist above used

Now thats funny

tlaavtech

So I have done a little bit more testing on the PVR side of the Argus Mini 2in1, and have found that you can bring the files onto your PC for editing/burning etc.

The folder structure is as follows:

ALIDVRS2 -> YYY-MM-DD.HH.MM-CHANNELNAME

Inside the folder with the date, time and channel of the recording are two files: 000.dvr and info.dvr.

If you simply change the file extension on the 000.DVR file from .DVR to .TS, it can then be treated like a standard TS file - at least with the suite of programmes I use! I have done this with MPEG2 SD, MPEG4 SD and HD services.

Am currently doing tests in the other direction and will post the results.

tlaavtech

Getting video files on a memory stick to playback on the Edison is proving to be a lot more complicated. The info.pvr seems to be necessary for the programme to show up on the playback interface. This file is not particularly comprehensible when you open it up in notepad.

Since I don't really need this functionality, I'm giving up

Paul Kiernan

tlaavtech wrote: »

Getting video files on a memory stick to playback on the Edison is proving to be a lot more complicated. The info.pvr seems to be necessary for the programme to show up on the playback interface. This file is not particularly comprehensible when you open it up in notepad.

That's a shame. It would be nice to be able to use it as a media player, especially if you had ripped Blu-rays;).

I can't imagine what the Ethernet connection on the new IP models is for except playing files over the network so it'll be interesting to see how this works out.

CircusIntro

bublehead wrote: »

I will feed back on that next week
I just bought one of these from possibly the same person our Nasa scientist above used (German Ebay seller who uses DHL ).

http://www.itv.com/Games/Gameshows/TheKryptonFactor/ApplicationForm/default.html

It seems you are wasting your time here !

STB

Paul Kiernan wrote: »

That's a shame. It would be nice to be able to use it as a media player, especially if you had ripped Blu-rays;).

I can't imagine what the Ethernet connection on the new IP models is for except playing files over the network so it'll be interesting to see how this works out.

A nice free tool for merging situations where you have a 000.dvr file and a 001.dvr etc is TSDoctor whice can read the info.DVR file and merge all the recording into one TS file.


Regarding getting movie formats to play on the Edison you might want to google the processor Ali M3602 which is used in a good few sat boxes including the comag brand (all manufactured by Taiwan & China based company "ALi" - who also have cheap MHEG5 solutions for this chipset - SLEGS).


Its highly likely that someone has written a java file for doing this (the german sites are notorious for doing this).

By the way the ethernet could also be used for "other purposes" mainly via the internet.

tlaavtech

STB wrote: »

A nice free tool for merging situations where you have a 000.dvr file and a 001.dvr etc is TSDoctor whice can read the info.DVR file and merge all the recording into one TS file.

I presume that when a long programme is recorded (over 1Gb) it splits it into sequential files (000, 001, 002 ...) and TSDoctor will re-combine them into one file (assuming that your PC has NTFS to allow large files!).

When testing yesterday, I only used a minute of each type of broadcast, so it never got near a large file size. When I record NASCAR on Sunday, that should really test it since it is about 4.5 hours!

Interestingly, when I copied TS files from the PC into folders in the the ALIDVRS2 folder on the memorystick, the box seemed to have deleted them when it did not recognise them. You have been warned!

tlaavtech

From reading a little bit more about the IP version, it seems that currently, all it can do with the network port is upgrade firmware, with other features to be added in the future. I think it is fair to say that this should include video file playback. If that is the case, I see no reason for not including this functionality in the firmare of the standard Mini. We live in hope

bublehead

Well for the difference of around €10, i thought is was worth having over the non ip version. Here is hoping they do offer more than firmware updates with it. From what I've seen so far, it seems to use the same firmwares . I'm open to correction though, as I've not researched it properly yet.

james finn

120 euro B&Q

ROSS

Connecting with Technology

• • Performance TV Wall Mounts
  • TV Wall Mounts
  • Satellite TV
  • Performance Interconnects
  • Interconnects
  • Digital and Analogue Switches
  • TV Remote Controls
  • TV Reception
  • Headphones
• About ROSS
  • Home Entertainment Connectivity
  • Retailer Support
  • Factory
  • Downloads
  • Contact Us

Important, free software upgrade. Pre-Loaded channel selection now available
Satellite TV


HD Satellite Kit

22300HD-R

Benefits

• The Ross HD Satellite Kit gives you everything you need to receive stunning FREE SATELLITE High Definition TV from anywhere in the UK.
• Future proof – As more and more HD channels come on stream, the HD Satellite Kit will receive them.
• Provides over 350 channels and 150 Radio stations from Astra2/Eurobird1 SUBSCRIPTION FREE.
• Now and Next EPG Guide
• Option to receive 1,000’s of FOREIGN Language channels from all over the world.
• Save money – No need for expensive Digital HDTV subscriptions.
• PVR function for live product recording

The Kit includes

• HD DVB-S2 Satellite TV Receiver
• Remote Control
• 65cm Diameter Satellite Dish
• Roof Terrace/Wall mount
• Fully adjustable mounting bracket
• HDMI Cable for TV connection
• 12m F type Satellite Cable, connectors and clips
• Single Digital LNB
• Full Installation Instructions
• Set up guide for finding Astra 2 and Eurobird 1 Satellites

Installation and Trouble shooting

For Satellite dish installation please consult the extensive Installation Guide supplied with the product. Dish Alignment can be tricky. However, www.dishpointer.com is a great way of establishing the exact satellite direction from your own home. Satellite dish co-ordinates vary slightly depending upon where you live in the UK. Check out the Alignment settings leaflet for the exact settings corresponding to where you live.
Further details as to how to access the Astra Satellites can be found by visiting the consumer section of www.ses-astra.com. If you are still unsure, we recommend that you appoint a local CAI registered installer to do the work for you. You can go to www.cai.org.uk or call 0208902 8998 to locate a local installer.
Alternatively use the contact us page in this web site to detail your query.
Satellite Channel Reception Full details as to how to access the TV channels from the Astra Satellites can be found in the Receiver Manual supplied with the product. These supply most of the popular English language programs that are watched.
The Ross HD Satellite Receiver automatically downloads Eurobird1 channels when the ASTRA 1 2A/2B/2D satellites are selected according to the instructions.
There are many other Satellites with thousands of foreign language programs that can be accessed using the Ross Satellite Kit. For a full list of satellites go to www.lyngsat.com
Other useful web sites include www.liveonsat.com and www.satcodx.com

bublehead

I'm afraid thats not a combo box james
or all that cheap for that matter

MayoForSam

I'm seriously looking at buying 2 of the Edison Mini's to replace my existing Sky+ set-up - I'm not prepared to pay a monthly sub any longer for a pile of channels we never watch (although my 6 year old nearly had a heart attack when he found out that pressing '601' on the remote may not have the desired effect from now on ).

Not too bothered about losing the ability to dual-record - being able to record on 2 separate boxes should make up for that mostly.

Whats the HD picture quality like - I want to get BBC HD for the World Cup this summer?

Do the new Sky Freesat cards work fine with these boxes and do the extra channels (Channel 4 HD, Five, etc.) integrate into the satellite EPG?

The new version of the box has an ethernet port which (potentially) offers all sorts of possibilities - my dream scenario would be able to record over a network onto my media server hard drive and also be able to play back .avi (.mkv?) files from there. Maybe too much too ask for in this price range?

Where can one access the various firmwares (official and unofficial) for this box?

gtg60

MayoForSam wrote: »

Do the new Sky Freesat cards work fine with these boxes and do the extra channels (Channel 4 HD, Five, etc.) integrate into the satellite EPG?

According to slegs over on his Saortv forum the cards do work with the Unofficial firmware, you'll probably still have to update them every 6 weeks in a Sky box though.

Don't forget non Sky boxes are going to have 'Now and Next' at most for the sat channels.

St Senan

james finn wrote: »

120 euro B&Q

ROSS

Connecting with Technology

• • Performance TV Wall Mounts
  • TV Wall Mounts
  • Satellite TV
  • Performance Interconnects
  • Interconnects
  • Digital and Analogue Switches
  • TV Remote Controls
  • TV Reception
  • Headphones
• About ROSS
  • Home Entertainment Connectivity
  • Retailer Support
  • Factory
  • Downloads
  • Contact Us

Important, free software upgrade. Pre-Loaded channel selection now available
Satellite TV


HD Satellite Kit

22300HD-R

Benefits

• The Ross HD Satellite Kit gives you everything you need to receive stunning FREE SATELLITE High Definition TV from anywhere in the UK.
• Future proof – As more and more HD channels come on stream, the HD Satellite Kit will receive them.
• Provides over 350 channels and 150 Radio stations from Astra2/Eurobird1 SUBSCRIPTION FREE.
• Now and Next EPG Guide
• Option to receive 1,000’s of FOREIGN Language channels from all over the world.
• Save money – No need for expensive Digital HDTV subscriptions.
• PVR function for live product recording

The Kit includes

• HD DVB-S2 Satellite TV Receiver
• Remote Control
• 65cm Diameter Satellite Dish
• Roof Terrace/Wall mount
• Fully adjustable mounting bracket
• HDMI Cable for TV connection
• 12m F type Satellite Cable, connectors and clips
• Single Digital LNB
• Full Installation Instructions
• Set up guide for finding Astra 2 and Eurobird 1 Satellites

Installation and Trouble shooting

For Satellite dish installation please consult the extensive Installation Guide supplied with the product. Dish Alignment can be tricky. However, www.dishpointer.com is a great way of establishing the exact satellite direction from your own home. Satellite dish co-ordinates vary slightly depending upon where you live in the UK. Check out the Alignment settings leaflet for the exact settings corresponding to where you live.
Further details as to how to access the Astra Satellites can be found by visiting the consumer section of www.ses-astra.com. If you are still unsure, we recommend that you appoint a local CAI registered installer to do the work for you. You can go to www.cai.org.uk or call 0208902 8998 to locate a local installer.
Alternatively use the contact us page in this web site to detail your query.
Satellite Channel Reception Full details as to how to access the TV channels from the Astra Satellites can be found in the Receiver Manual supplied with the product. These supply most of the popular English language programs that are watched.
The Ross HD Satellite Receiver automatically downloads Eurobird1 channels when the ASTRA 1 2A/2B/2D satellites are selected according to the instructions.
There are many other Satellites with thousands of foreign language programs that can be accessed using the Ross Satellite Kit. For a full list of satellites go to www.lyngsat.com
Other useful web sites include www.liveonsat.com and www.satcodx.com

James you have posted this in a few threads do you work for B&Q or Ross.

Tony

scaller wrote: »

James you have posted this in a few threads do you work for B&Q or Ross.

I sure hope not since this is satellite kit in a terrestrial forum

Sponge Bob

Tony wrote: »

I sure hope not since this is satellite kit in a terrestrial forum

And in a "combo" thread in the terrestrial forum as well :eek:

zbluebirdz

MayoForSam wrote: »

I'm seriously looking at buying 2 of the Edison Mini's to replace my existing Sky+ set-up - I'm not prepared to pay a monthly sub any longer for a pile of channels we never watch (although my 6 year old nearly had a heart attack when he found out that pressing '601' on the remote may not have the desired effect from now on ).

Not too bothered about losing the ability to dual-record - being able to record on 2 separate boxes should make up for that mostly.

Whats the HD picture quality like - I want to get BBC HD for the World Cup this summer?

Do the new Sky Freesat cards work fine with these boxes and do the extra channels (Channel 4 HD, Five, etc.) integrate into the satellite EPG?

The new version of the box has an ethernet port which (potentially) offers all sorts of possibilities - my dream scenario would be able to record over a network onto my media server hard drive and also be able to play back .avi (.mkv?) files from there. Maybe too much too ask for in this price range?

Where can one access the various firmwares (official and unofficial) for this box?

This is my brief review of the Argus(mini) combo box:
Some of the pros:
- Picture is ok
- Sound is ok
- Fast channel switching
- Records to external hdd (if timer is set correctly)
- Has Time shift (apparently it can be saved to hdd)
- Sat's subtitles - works well
- Is cheap (< €200)

Some of the cons:
- DTT's picture. Not scaled up to full-hd (height - yes, width - no).
- DTT's subtitles. Not shown properly (displayed for a micro-second)
- Sat's picture. As per DTT's picture, not scaled to full-hd if picture is not 14-9/16:9.
- Slow start - takes a few seconds
- Picture is a bit dark - need to get telly to brighten it up

Above is compared to a Technomate TM6900 combo super + (priced €300 - €350)

Which one do I prefer? Technomate - but if they can sort out the terrible subtitles bugs and the odd crashing.
- TM starts quicker
- TM's DTT's & Sat pictures are scaled full-hd (can be downscaled to original scale)
- TM's remote is better
- TM is able to record Sat and view DTT at same time and vice-versa


Regarding HD picture ...
Argus: it is good, but the sound is out of sync (both BBC-HD and ITV1-HD). - There is no option to sync the sound with the picture.
TM6900: it is good. Sound appears to be in sync on BBC-HD. No sound in ITV1-HD.

Mann239

zbluebirdz wrote: »

This is my brief review of the Argus(mini) combo box:
Some of the pros:
- Picture is ok
- Sound is ok
- Fast channel switching
- Records to external hdd (if timer is set correctly)
- Has Time shift (apparently it can be saved to hdd)
- Sat's subtitles - works well
- Is cheap (< €200)

Some of the cons:
- DTT's picture. Not scaled up to full-hd (height - yes, width - no).
- DTT's subtitles. Not shown properly (displayed for a micro-second)
- Sat's picture. As per DTT's picture, not scaled to full-hd if picture is not 14-9/16:9.
- Slow start - takes a few seconds
- Picture is a bit dark - need to get telly to brighten it up

Above is compared to a Technomate TM6900 combo super + (priced €300 - €350)

Which one do I prefer? Technomate - but if they can sort out the terrible subtitles bugs and the odd crashing.
- TM starts quicker
- TM's DTT's & Sat pictures are scaled full-hd (can be downscaled to original scale)
- TM's remote is better
- TM is able to record Sat and view DTT at same time and vice-versa


Regarding HD picture ...
Argus: it is good, but the sound is out of sync (both BBC-HD and ITV1-HD). - There is no option to sync the sound with the picture.
TM6900: it is good. Sound appears to be in sync on BBC-HD. No sound in ITV1-HD.

Hmm...doesn't sound so great. Still interested in the Argus though.
The images moving rapidly in the horizontal plane on my present combo receiver - a Metronic - get the "jaggies" on the trailing edge - sat and DTT images. Has anyone noticed a similar effect on the Argus, and how would owners now rate image quality generally? Initial reactions seemed very favorable - are they still so, having lived with the thing a bit?

bigdogbarking

I've no problems with image quality or sound sycnchro's in either sd or hd channels.
For the money, its not a bad bit of equipment at all. I was actually telling a few friends about it too. a lot of them are actually considering buying it.

Just a quick question on it though, does anyone know if i can run linux on the argus box? A friend was asking me and i just didn't know.
Cheers

slegs

No its not a Linux box

james finn

Tony wrote: »

I sure hope not since this is satellite kit in a terrestrial forum

B&Q have some great deals going, think B&Q next time you shop

Sponge Bob

james finn wrote: »

B&Q have some great deals going, think B&Q next time you shop

What terrestrial deals are you pimping for B and Q there James, we are not interested in sat only boxes BTW

Tony

james finn wrote: »

think B&Q next time you shop

Not too bright are we James?

cowengate

i got one a month ago, its terrific.the picture on terrestrial channels with a indoor aerial is stunning.having BBCHD andITVhd side by side awsome,roll on the world cup.

bigdogbarking

slegs wrote: »

No its not a Linux box

Thanks,
Is there any possibility of running some kind of emulator on it for linux? just a stab in the dark, sorry, don't mean to be taking it off topic

bublehead

james finn wrote: »

B&Q have some great deals going, think B&Q next time you shop

Of course they do James :rolleyes:
That’s why last time I was in there, they were selling a terrestrial aerial I had bought, for twice the price I had paid.

slegs

bigdogbarking wrote: »

Thanks,
Is there any possibility of running some kind of emulator on it for linux? just a stab in the dark, sorry, don't mean to be taking it off topic

Not likely big dog. But as the IP version has ethernet I expect some similar interactive/internet type features will be available on this box also.

PacMan

Ordered on of these boxes yesterday from Paul.
Looking forward to the new arrival :pac:

Mann239

Thanks for your reactions Bigdogbarking and Cowengate, just what I wanted to know:) Very encouraging. I reckon I'll give it a whirl and keep you posted about reception here in France. Cheers.

elvis23

tlaavtech wrote: »

Getting video files on a memory stick to playback on the Edison is proving to be a lot more complicated. The info.pvr seems to be necessary for the programme to show up on the playback interface. This file is not particularly comprehensible when you open it up in notepad.

Since I don't really need this functionality, I'm giving up

Hello,
Anyone do any follow up testing on the above. The box sounds great value, now with ethernet port on board also. But playback of my exisiting .avi files is a must before I buy, this would be the only reason I'd go with the Mvison HD 300N over this box.
cheers.