Living in Douglas, Isle of Man - can I get RTE TV?

3DataModem

Hi...

I've moved to the Isle of Man.

I'm keen to get RTE1, RTE2 and TV3 by any means necessary. Quality doesn't need to be great... I'd be happy with internet stream, fuzzy analogue, anything.

I have a pretty nifty looking aerial, and a dual-LNB dish, and a kickass broadband connection.

What are my options... ?

STB

An MPEG4 set top box connected to your aerial will get you Irish DTT on Channel 54. (A combo box will do both DTT and HD Sat in one box - see the edison on Saor TV)

Reception reports from IOM (incidentally from user peddyr who posts here).

http://www.mpeg4ireland.com/map.php?report=1023

3DataModem

STB wrote: »

An MPEG4 set top box connected to your aerial will get you Irish DTT on Channel 54. (A combo box will do both DTT and HD Sat in one box - see the edison on Saor TV)

Reception reports from IOM (incidentally from user peddyr who posts here).

http://www.mpeg4ireland.com/map.php?report=1023

many thanks

i see that peddyr's report is from south west... i'm in Douglas in the east... does that make a difference?

Peddyr

3DataModem wrote: »

many thanks

i see that peddyr's report is from south west... i'm in Douglas in the east... does that make a difference?

Hi 3DataModem,

Unfortunately you cannot get Irish DTT in Douglas as signal is shielded by hills & buildings etc. and you´re more likely to pick UK DTT from Winter Hill on ch 54 (HD / DVB-T2 and same channel as Three Rock, Dublin) My location is the only place I know of on the Island where Irish DTT can be recieved as it´s only available from Three Rock & KIppure transmitters above Dublin. Analogue can be recieved along the west coast from Port Erin to Ballaugh from Clermont Cairn on the border just above Dundalk, but unfortunately DTT is nulled / shielded to the north and east presently so again no go here. You can also watch some live and archived TG4 progs at www.tg4.tv Access to RTE player is restricted to Irish IP addresses (Geoblocked) unless you can find a proxy server that actually works, which I have´nt!

You may have some success if you´re prepared to pay quiet a few quid for an Irish sky card from somewhere like here... http://storesatellite.com/irishsky.php

You could always move to the west coast but not Peel as it´s in a dip!

Good luck!

The Cush

Peddyr wrote: »

You can also watch some live and archived TG4 progs at www.tg4.tv Access to RTE player is restricted to Irish IP addresses (Geoblocked) unless you can find a proxy server that actually works, which I have´nt!

RTÉ Player International is now available worldwide with cleared programming.

mrdtv2010

Peddyr wrote: »

Hi 3DataModem,

Unfortunately you cannot get Irish DTT in Douglas as signal is shielded by hills & buildings etc. and you´re more likely to pick UK DTT from Winter Hill on ch 54 (HD / DVB-T2 and same channel as Three Rock, Dublin) My location is the only place I know of on the Island where Irish DTT can be recieved as it´s only available from Three Rock & KIppure transmitters above Dublin. Analogue can be recieved along the west coast from Port Erin to Ballaugh from Clermont Cairn on the border just above Dundalk, but unfortunately DTT is nulled / shielded to the north and east presently so again no go here. You can also watch some live and archived TG4 progs at www.tg4.tv Access to RTE player is restricted to Irish IP addresses (Geoblocked) unless you can find a proxy server that actually works, which I have´nt!

You may have some success if you´re prepared to pay quiet a few quid for an Irish sky card from somewhere like here... http://storesatellite.com/irishsky.php

You could always move to the west coast but not Peel as it´s in a dip!

Good luck!

Yes, Winter Hill T2 will drown out Three Rock as you can get Winter Hill in Douglas. The best solution is, if you have a friend, to set up a Sky NI subscription (basic tier needed). Then you have all UK and all Irish channels apart from TV3 which is no loss.

Peddyr

mrdtv2010 wrote: »

Then you have all UK and all Irish channels apart from TV3 which is no loss.

True, as it´s basically ´ITV Ireland´ bar for the news!

Peddyr

The Cush wrote: »

RTÉ Player International is now available worldwide with cleared programming.

Good man The Cush! I managed to miss that one!

Steel Pump

Have someone buy sky digital in irleand and post it over there, set it up and you ll get rte1,2 tv3 tg4 - loads of people do it around europe - the only way really

Would Kippure VHF not reach Douglas?

I used be able to receive manx radio on fm here near Arklow very well untill,the local stations drowned it out.

Peddyr

Deleted User wrote: »

Would Kippure VHF not reach Douglas?

I used be able to receive manx radio on fm here near Arklow very well untill,the local stations drowned it out.

Hmm... Douglas lies in a dip on the east coast so I very much doubt the signals would make it into the town. If you lived up on Carnane over looking the town there maybe a small chance, but could be prone to interference from all the masts up there...

Peddyr

3DataModem wrote: »

Hi...

I've moved to the Isle of Man.

I'm keen to get RTE1, RTE2 and TV3 by any means necessary. Quality doesn't need to be great... I'd be happy with internet stream, fuzzy analogue, anything.

I have a pretty nifty looking aerial, and a dual-LNB dish, and a kickass broadband connection.

What are my options... ?

Just tried my Sony PS3 which has wireless connection to broadband, on the RTE Player site as mentioned by The Cush and works a treat! It´s connected to the TV via HDMI lead and you can use full pic to view. Quality not as good as BBC iPlayer but perfectly watchable all the same. If you have one, give it ago. http://www.rte.ie/player/

And don't forget you can use foxyproxy for to watch the ip blocked content

http://foxyproxy.mozdev.org/

3DataModem

Steel Pump wrote: »

Have someone buy sky digital in irleand and post it over there, set it up and you ll get rte1,2 tv3 tg4 - loads of people do it around europe - the only way really

OK - so does that mean I need to get someone to order the box + card only, and I hook it up directly to my dish? What about the phoneline?

3DataModem

Peddyr wrote: »

Just tried my Sony PS3 which has wireless connection to broadband, on the RTE Player site as mentioned by The Cush and works a treat! It´s connected to the TV via HDMI lead and you can use full pic to view. Quality not as good as BBC iPlayer but perfectly watchable all the same. If you have one, give it ago. http://www.rte.ie/player/

Will try that.

I'm afraid what I'm actually looking to be able to watch is The Afternoon Show, Fair City and Xpose. The first two aren't on the RTE player!

Minstrel27

3DataModem wrote: »

OK - so does that mean I need to get someone to order the box + card only, and I hook it up directly to my dish? What about the phoneline?

If you buy a sky box off ebay and then get someone at home to take out the most basic of Sky subscriptions for you (€20 odd euro a month), this will give you the four main channels. No phone line is required for that setup.

3DataModem

Minstrel27 wrote: »

someone at home to take out the most basic of Sky subscriptions for you (€20 odd euro a month)

How do I do this without getting a box/dish?

fat-tony

3DataModem wrote: »

How do I do this without getting a box/dish?

After the sub card all you need is a box. They're cheap as chips;)

You said already -
"I have a pretty nifty looking aerial, and a dual-LNB dish, and a kickass broadband connection."

f-t

3DataModem

fat-tony wrote: »

After the sub card all you need is a box. They're cheap as chips;)

You said already -
"I have a pretty nifty looking aerial, and a dual-LNB dish, and a kickass broadband connection."

f-t

You misunderstand.

How do I get a card-only subscription in Ireland without them insisting on installing box/dish in ireland?

Finne1993

Just ring them up and ask for a card only subscription as you already have the box and dish. Its not an uncommon thing, they'd actually be happy doin this as they don't have to subsidise the price of the equipment and installation, its a handy sub for them.

3DataModem

Finne1993 wrote: »

Just ring them up and ask for a card only subscription as you already have the box and dish. Its not an uncommon thing, they'd actually be happy doin this as they don't have to subsidise the price of the equipment and installation, its a handy sub for them.

Niiiiice.

I'll do that.

If they just post it out, all the better! I have my Ireland post redirected to my Isle of Man house...

3DataModem

So can I get a plus box and record the RTE channels as normal?

Will this give me all the FREESAT channels too?

3DataModem

Also - does it have to be a sky-branded box or can I get other brands that accept viewing cards?

Finne1993

Yes, or you can use a Sky+HD box either if you want and get BBC and ITV HD free.

Yes, all the freesat channels will come with this as well although you'll have to add the ITV's and FIVE into the other channels section

You're probably better off using a Sky branded box, there are ways to use a sky card with a dreambox but I don't know much about it, you're better off staying away from it unless someone wants to advise you otherwise?

3DataModem

Finne1993 wrote: »

Yes, or you can use a Sky+HD box either if you want and get BBC and ITV HD free.

Yes, all the freesat channels will come with this as well although you'll have to add the ITV's and FIVE into the other channels section

You're probably better off using a Sky branded box, there are ways to use a sky card with a dreambox but I don't know much about it, you're better off staying away from it unless someone wants to advise you otherwise?

OK I just ordered my SKY HD subscription - told the nice lady that I had a dish and 18 month old HD box that my housemate brought to my gaff (I have a gaff in Ireland).

I'm going to order a SKY+ HD box on ebay and it seems that the best thing to do is get a SKY branded one such as this;

http://cgi.ebay.ie/Samsung-SKY-HD-Receiver-300Gb-High-Definition_W0QQitemZ130371640147QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_ConEle_SatCableFreeview_RL?hash=item1e5ac15b53#ht_3217wt_1165

Finne1993

3DataModem wrote: »

OK I just ordered my SKY HD subscription - told the nice lady that I had a dish and 18 month old HD box that my housemate brought to my gaff (I have a gaff in Ireland).

I'm going to order a SKY+ HD box on ebay and it seems that the best thing to do is get a SKY branded one such as this;

http://cgi.ebay.ie/Samsung-SKY-HD-Receiver-300Gb-High-Definition_W0QQitemZ130371640147QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_ConEle_SatCableFreeview_RL?hash=item1e5ac15b53#ht_3217wt_1165

Just remember you don't need to take out the HD sub if you're only getting the basic Sky pack for €22 p/m, you'll only get 1 or 2 HD channels, not worth the extra €15 a month in my opinion. You will be able to watch BBC and ITV HD for free anyway.

Peddyr

3DataModem wrote: »

OK I just ordered my SKY HD subscription - told the nice lady that I had a dish and 18 month old HD box that my housemate brought to my gaff (I have a gaff in Ireland).

I'm going to order a SKY+ HD box on ebay and it seems that the best thing to do is get a SKY branded one such as this;

http://cgi.ebay.ie/Samsung-SKY-HD-Receiver-300Gb-High-Definition_W0QQitemZ130371640147QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_ConEle_SatCableFreeview_RL?hash=item1e5ac15b53#ht_3217wt_1165

How did you get on with your RTE subcription, are you viewing Irish channels via satellite in Douglas now?

3DataModem

Yep... worked perfectly. Very impressed with the whole sky experience (although not cheap).

Picture quality generally excellent, although freeview is a little better for some channels.

(Sitting here thinking of upgrading to the movie package.)

pa990

3DataModem wrote: »

OK I just ordered my SKY HD subscription - told the nice lady that I had a dish and 18 month old HD box that my housemate brought to my gaff (I have a gaff in Ireland).

I'm going to order a SKY+ HD box on ebay and it seems that the best thing to do is get a SKY branded one such as this;

http://cgi.ebay.ie/Samsung-SKY-HD-Receiver-300Gb-High-Definition_W0QQitemZ130371640147QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_ConEle_SatCableFreeview_RL?hash=item1e5ac15b53#ht_3217wt_1165

Don't pay too much for a sky box. I've got one on ebay recently for 20euro + 20 postage.
Don't card if the hard drive works, as i'll only be using it with a ftv card,

200motels

How would you go about getting a NI sub for down here?

3DataModem

Apologies for resurrecting my own old thread.

After two years of trouble free Sky use, I now spoke to a local sattelite / aerial installation company and they confirmed that Saorsat will be able to be picked up on IOM (where I am) and much of mainland UK.

They are putting a dish / box deal together for me.

back to €zero per month for RTE!

So anyone looking for a couple of Sky boxes... key me know!

zg3409

3DataModem wrote: »

OK - so does that mean I need to get someone to order the box + card only, and I hook it up directly to my dish? What about the phoneline?

You don't need to connect Sky to the phone line. They charge an extra once off of about 50 euro if you say you don't have a phone line.

You cannot get the box as a multiroom box on someone elses account as then they insist both boxes are on phone lines.

So basically you need to know someone who is not on Sky, and does not intend getting Sky in.

There is also

http://aertv.ie for live TV. Not sure if it is geo-locked

An ROI subscription is most expensive but it will get you TV3. A NI subscription is cheaper but no TV3.

Broadband could work out cheaper.

Even abroad the RTE player does allow most Irish produced content to play, but not US shows etc.

zg3409

3DataModem wrote: »

After two years of trouble free Sky use, I now spoke to a local sattelite / aerial installation company and they confirmed that Saorsat will be able to be picked up on IOM (where I am) and much of mainland UK.

They are putting a dish / box deal together for me.

I would be very, very hesitant to believe that installer. Have they setup Saorsat for ANYBODY on the Isle of Man yet???

We have heard (unofficially) that one person got it working. But then we had it confirmed that professionals have tested it on every corner of the Island and could not get a signal, even with large dishes

You say much of mainland UK and this is definitely NOT TRUE. The signal drops away very quickly in central wales, so 99% of England will get no Signal, nor Scotland. Only west Wales and west of plymouth are confirmed OK reports.

I would ask you to contact the installer again and ask him has he actually got it to work himself.

If so that is great news and let us know. Even if he has got it to work, it may not be possible over all the Island.

I hope you are right. I'll try find some links to my sources. In the mean time check again with the installer and let us know.

zg3409

So far we have confirmed reception in ....Isle Of Man,

http://www.satellitetvshop.co.uk/ka_lnb

but NO ONE else has confirmed this. In fact the exact opposite applies.

Here is my guess at coverage:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=77382094&postcount=2223

Warning. It is now confirmed that saorsat can not be received even on a 1.8M Dish on the Isle of Man that includes test carried out in the North, East, South, and West of the Island. This has involved a lot of testing by engineers.
So don’t waste money on equipment and LNBs

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=77266872&postcount=2166

The Large dishes used were a Andrews 1.8M and a Andrews 2M with C120 professional grade Norsat LNB. The smaller dish used a domestic, Eutelsat White Ka-sat LNB. Spectrum Analyzers used: Promax TV Explorer II+, and A Rohde & Schwarz, sorry don't know the model.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=77266872&postcount=2166

My reading of the above is whoever did this test may have known what they are doing. It is possible they were mistaken but you can hopefully confirm for us.

We all would be interested, if you could prove it is possible.

3DataModem

I'll be speaking to the local guy soon... I'll keep you all posted.

3DataModem

Well, he's orded a test setup and is installing it next week. If it works, then me (and about 10 others) are ordering. 159 for dish cable and box, plus another 60 or so to install.

Digitaltv

best of luck,

Souriau

zg3409 wrote: »

There is also

http://aertv.ie for live TV. Not sure if it is geo-locked

Doesn't work in NI via BT broadband

Peddyr

3DataModem wrote: »

Well, he's orded a test setup and is installing it next week. If it works, then me (and about 10 others) are ordering. 159 for dish cable and box, plus another 60 or so to install.

Any news on progress?

3DataModem

Peddyr wrote: »

3DataModem wrote: »

Well, he's orded a test setup and is installing it next week. If it works, then me (and about 10 others) are ordering. 159 for dish cable and box, plus another 60 or so to install.

Any news on progress?

Nope. TT week so guy is away. Update Monday...

Peddyr

3DataModem wrote: »

Nope. TT week so guy is away. Update Monday...

Any update?

Cesium Clock

In Mullingar centre of beam , quality dropped from 81 % to 51 % tonight ,
Receiver level

Didn't measure it on analyser

Cloud cover and humidity high

Your best bet for RTE if you must have it ?

Proxy IP and good Internet

Or 3m dish and a lot of patience

Rotating Egg

Others have reported 0% quality & it still works, check out the code rate & never mind the analyser.

Cesium Clock

Rotating Egg wrote: »

Others have reported 0% quality & it still works, check out the code rate & never mind the analyser.

Ok will do , analysers are a complete waste of time ?

Best to rely on the receivers guess of signal ?

And which code do you refer to BER, MER, PER, or what ? Please tell

3DataModem

He is setting it up to test tomorrow and will call me Monday.

Sponge Bob

I'd say the Saorsat signal drops a lot from west to east across the IOM..small as it is. I'd wait tilll someone in the west of the island got it working first. Centre of beam would be Longford I reckon, not Mullingar.

1.2-1.5m dish in Douglas perhaps , maybe nearer 1m very west of island. I would certainly consider communal dishes if one needed planning permission for a beast like that in the IOM as I suspect one does.

Cesium Clock

Sponge Bob wrote: »

1.2-1.5m dish in Douglas perhaps , maybe nearer 1m very west of island. .

not a hope,

buggane

Tried a Ka band lnd on my system some months ago (I metre Channel Master Dish) on west coast of the Island and it pulled in the signal in good weather and even was there when overcast but any rain or medium/heavy cloud knocked it out. Don't know what the results might be with larger dish but I think its safe to say we are on the edge for any serious chance of Soarsat reception.

Certainly on the west coast of Mann anyone in line of sight of the Belfast transmitters is best waiting to see if the N. Ireland mux comes in ok.

I have good analogue from C Carn so I am hopeful that when any nulling to the north comes off in back end of the year I should get Soarview.

One thing - the Kasat reception I got was pulling in a (steady) pic at levels that Ku band reception just would not have entertained in fact so low I thought there was a problem with the meter!

zg3409

buggane wrote: »

Tried a Ka band lnd on my system some months ago (I metre Channel Master Dish) on west coast of the Island and it pulled in the signal in good weather and even was there when overcast but any rain or medium/heavy cloud knocked it out. Don't know what the results might be with larger dish but I think its safe to say we are on the edge for any serious chance of Soarsat reception.


One thing - the Kasat reception I got was pulling in a (steady) pic at levels that Ku band reception just would not have entertained in fact so low I thought there was a problem with the meter!

Is your dish fibreglass, as they are not recommended for KA. A solid metal dish is recommended. The signal may pass though 12Ghz designed fibreglass dishes as many are constructed with a mesh layer internally and the signal may pass though.

If you can pull in a signal, then a larger dish would help. The same size dish on 20Ghz is MUCH more directional than the same dish on 12Ghz, so peaking is very important. Even things like the position of the LNB in the holder can make a great difference.

The bit error rate BER can be very high with Saorsat due to the amount of error correction used during transmission, so a low signal will still display.

So is your dish fibreglass?

SalteeDog

zg3409 wrote: »

The bit error rate BER can be very high with Saorsat due to the amount of error correction used during transmission, so a low signal will still display.

Not sure I understand that. Is the BER the error rate measured prior to correction in the receiver or after correction? Why can a higher than normal BER be tolerated on Saorsat? Is it merely because of the particular FEC used?

Apologies for going OT but this gave me pause for thought.

buggane

Yes it is fibreglass.

I didn't mess around much just swapped the Ka (which was borrowed) for my Ku lnb when the dish was pointed at 9E (its motorised) did not tweak anything and as I said a decent sgnal came in albeit as the rain moved in the signal disappeared. not to bothered about messing around as:

a) I can wait until the NI mux or C Carn come on stream and I have the analogue in the meantime.

b) My motorised dish cannot carry two lnbs anyway and I am not turning off Ku for the dubious delights of Soarsats 4/5 channels.

Cheers.