Cheapest DTT TV Decoder?

redalicat

If I were to buy a DTT decoder now (my TV is CRT and definitely not HD, can't afford to change it out), what are the cheapest options (or are certain ones on sale from time to time) and where should I be looking (store, online, eBay)?

Is MPEG4 decided on or could they still change before 2012?

Should I only look for DVB-T2 or would it matter on my CRT?

pa990

for the moment i'd recommend a picnic box, they are cheap as chips and come up on ebay frequently.

you can always get another box in a year or two

Martin_F

pa990 wrote: »

for the moment i'd recommend a picnic box, they are cheap as chips and come up on ebay frequently.

you can always get another box in a year or two

Not seen the Picnics on ebay for a couple of months now.

Pixmania are selling 2 at €60-70 (they seem to both say MPEG4)

http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/4258890/art/sigmatek/dvbr-520-hd-digital-tv-re.html

and

http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/2024987/art/sigmatek/dvb-500-digital-tv-receiv.html

strongman

Try this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SAGEM-PICNIC-FREEVIEW-DIGITAL-TV-SET-TOP-BOX-ITD81-SD-/380196554066

pa990

or this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sagem-ITD81-SD-Picnic-Ready-Digital-Freeview-Box_W0QQitemZ270559875818QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_ConEle_SatCableFreeview_RL?hash=item3efea012ea

kah22

pa990 wrote: »

or this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sagem-ITD81-SD-Picnic-Ready-Digital-Freeview-Box_W0QQitemZ270559875818QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_ConEle_SatCableFreeview_RL?hash=item3efea012ea

Stay away from the Sagem, I've one, it was cheap but it would break your heart. I have to un-freeze it at least three times a night - the only reason I got it was to catch the RTE digital signal.

And remember there will be no over the air upgrade, it was originally designed for Sky when they were thinking of entering into digital terrestrial television but the regulator said 'no.' Like Ryanair get what you pay for.

Martin_F

I've been quite pleased with my Sagem - I don't use it too much - but I've had no major freezes to date (touch wood). You get what you pay for - yes, so for 15 + postage you can hardly grumble. They should be seen as an entry point stop gap until the full service is up and running and more boxes are readily available. For 5 channels you hardly want to spend a fortune.

redalicat

Thanks all, will keep an eye out.

pa990

i've had no problems with the sagem box either.
Just keep it well ventilated

slegs

pa990 wrote: »

i've had no problems with the sagem box either.
Just keep it well ventilated

This is the key to most modern av equipment. Heat is the biggest problem due to the advances with more CPU power and memory. Keep boxes in airy cabinets or open shelf units with plenty of space around them.