7 Day EPG on Combo Box

muchos04

I notice that the QBox Mini HD coming out in May states that the box is capable of providing a 7 day EPG for Satellite. Is it possible that with the Edison Argus Mini IP combo box that down the line there will be an upgrade to the software which allow for 7 day EPG or is this only possible with Linux combo boxes i.e. QBox Mini HD?

Mr McBoatface

I use a D.I.Y. combo box my HTPC with Dual DVB-S2 and Dual DVB-T tuners. It's based on windows XP and MediaPortal, I can get a 8 day Sky/freesat EPG and a 7 Day Irish DTT EPG all directly from the DVB source.

FREETV

jobyrne30 wrote: »

I use a D.I.Y. combo box my HTPC with Dual DVB-S2 and Dual DVB-T tuners. It's based on windows XP and MediaPortal, I can get a 8 day Sky/freesat EPG and a 7 Day Irish DTT EPG all directly from the DVB source.

Interesting, elaborate more please for everyone on here. How does it work exactly? How can we get that epg using an FTA SAT OR TERRESTRIAL RECEIVER AND with an XP or Vista system and Windows Mediaplayer for instance guys?

Mr McBoatface

@ FreeTV there is no need to be smart (or in your case try to be smart)

The OP asked was there any receiver or combo box that could receive a 7 day EPG.

muchos04 wrote: »

down the line there will be an upgrade to the software which allow for 7 day EPG or is this only possible with Linux combo boxes i.e. QBox Mini HD?

My HTPC which I use as a receiver is as good if not better than any combo box on the market. I never stated that windows or Mediaportal could be used on a standard receiver. If you've got a spare PC and invest in Dual DVB-S/DVB-T tuner like a pinnicle 7010ix which can be bought for 70 euro delivered it's a very viable option. With the extra capabilities it may be considered by many people to be a better option.

If you've nothing to add to the OP post/question other than mock and make smart comments with smiley faces I'd suggest you get a life.

FREETV

jobyrne30 wrote: »

@ FreeTV there is no need to be smart (or in your case try to be smart)

The OP asked was there any receiver or combo box that could receive a 7 day EPG.



My HTPC which I use as a receiver is as good if not better than any combo box on the market. I never stated that windows or Mediaportal could be used on a standard receiver. If you've got a spare PC and invest in Dual DVB-S/DVB-T tuner like a pinnicle 7010ix which can be bought for 70 euro delivered it's a very viable option. With the extra capabilities it may be considered by many people to be a better option.

If you've nothing to add to the OP post/question other than mock and make smart comments with smiley faces I'd suggest you get a life.

Relax please, I wasn't trying to be smart at all or offend you. I ask questions to find out more about new ventures or avenues to go down with products. I was actually laughing at myself incase what I was asking isn't possible yet and how little up to now that I know about that subject. Sorry if you got the wrong impression about my post. I wasn't laughing at anyone else apart from myself. I thought we were all on here to discuss things and try to help each other out? Why would I mock others when I am looking for information that might benefit us all? Not likely at all! Look before you leap! I was asking for your input and others. I wasn't sure about the FTA receivers, haven't read up on possible ways of receiving a 7 or 8 day full EPG or experimented with it yet. I would like to be able to view a proper EPG without having to buy a Freesat Receiver.

FREETV

FREETV wrote: »

Relax please, I wasn't trying to be smart at all or offend you. I ask questions to find out more about new ventures or avenues to go down with products. I was actually laughing at myself incase what I was asking isn't possible yet and how little up to now that I know about that subject. Sorry if you got the wrong impression about my post. I wasn't laughing at anyone else apart from myself. I thought we were all on here to discuss things and try to help each other out? Why would I mock others when I am looking for information that might benefit us all? Not likely at all! Look before you leap! I was asking for your input and others. I wasn't sure about the FTA receivers, haven't read up on possible ways of receiving a 7 or 8 day full EPG or experimented with it yet. I would like to be able to view a proper EPG without having to buy a Freesat receiver or a combo box.

Mr McBoatface

FREETV wrote: »

How can we get that epg using an FTA SAT OR TERRESTRIAL RECEIVER AND with an XP or Vista system and Windows Mediaplayer for instance guys?

CAPS LOCK = shouting. Switching from normal case to CAPS + Big Grin smiley at the end comes across from my point of view as insulting , but then again maybe I'm over sensitive.

If you meant no offence then it cool, unfortunately on boards.ie especially outside of the Tech section there are alot of flamers and not everybody is here to help.

*******************************************************

If you are interested in Windows + Mediaportal for Freesat and DTT freeview reception with 7 & 8 day epg . It's not a out of the box solution to every-bodies taste.

I use XP with Mediaportal which supports both DVB-S and DVB-T that run on BDA drivers and it's free. I use with it with StreamMP skin " http://forum.team-mediaportal.com/st...1-0-rc1-79351/ "

You can also get a 7 or 8 day RTE DTT , Freesat/Sky EPG (program guide) using this addon " http://forum.team-mediaportal.com/ge...sat-epg-43261/ ". This addon can scan in all 800 + Sky channels in about 120 second and group them as per your SKY box, read from page 89 of the attached link for more details. No internet connection is needed it takes the EPG info from the DVB source.

For RTE you'll need a h264 codec like this " http://www.divx.com/en/software/divx-plus/codec-pack "

To receive freesat epg from Mediaportals TV server configuration menu, go to the TV DVB EPG section and select channel "10510" (Old ITV HD) or any channel on the same transponder. For Sky EPG you go to Radio EPG section and select channel "SKY epg background audio". For RTE digital I select RTE1 from the TV DVB EPG section. You can then set the EPG refresh rate I have it updating every 2 day.

For best results with MP I'd recommended you install it on a new/fresh OS installation with minimal codecs and crap to clog it up. Also with the MediaPortal RC1 release there was a problem with one of the dll files that for me caused black screens or snowy grainy images on My TV. A replacement dll file can be found here " http://forum.team-mediaportal.com/me...vi-dxva-78501/ " download the core.zip file extract it to the media-portal program folder over-riding the original.

It really deserves a thread of it's own with screen capture etc but I don't have time to write one at the moment. It not to every-bodies liking, some on this forum find it a bit fiddly and use payware DVBViewer instead. I've built about ten HTPC this year for friend and family who want a Freesat/Freeview, Blu Ray/DVD player, harddrive media player all in one box under their TV. Not one has complained about glitches or issues and find it very easy to use.

I can also run and update a SKY FTV card directly from my HTPC the same way many Linux based box do but forum rules here don't allow me to talk further

slegs

jobyrne30 wrote: »

CAPS LOCK = shouting. Switching from normal case to CAPS + Big Grin smiley at the end comes across from my point of view as insulting , but then again maybe I'm over sensitive.

If you meant no offence then it cool, unfortunately on boards.ie especially outside of the Tech section there are alot of flamers and not everybody is here to help.

*******************************************************

If you are interested in Windows + Mediaportal for Freesat and DTT freeview reception with 7 & 8 day epg . It's not a out of the box solution to every-bodies taste.

I use XP with Mediaportal which supports both DVB-S and DVB-T that run on BDA drivers and it's free. I use with it with StreamMP skin " http://forum.team-mediaportal.com/st...1-0-rc1-79351/ "

You can also get a 7 or 8 day RTE DTT , Freesat/Sky EPG (program guide) using this addon " http://forum.team-mediaportal.com/ge...sat-epg-43261/ ". This addon can scan in all 800 + Sky channels in about 120 second and group them as per your SKY box, read from page 89 of the attached link for more details. No internet connection is needed it takes the EPG info from the DVB source.

For RTE you'll need a h264 codec like this " http://www.divx.com/en/software/divx-plus/codec-pack "

To receive freesat epg from Mediaportals TV server configuration menu, go to the TV DVB EPG section and select channel "10510" (Old ITV HD) or any channel on the same transponder. For Sky EPG you go to Radio EPG section and select channel "SKY epg background audio". For RTE digital I select RTE1 from the TV DVB EPG section. You can then set the EPG refresh rate I have it updating every 2 day.

For best results with MP I'd recommended you install it on a new/fresh OS installation with minimal codecs and crap to clog it up. Also with the MediaPortal RC1 release there was a problem with one of the dll files that for me caused black screens or snowy grainy images on My TV. A replacement dll file can be found here " http://forum.team-mediaportal.com/me...vi-dxva-78501/ " download the core.zip file extract it to the media-portal program folder over-riding the original.

It really deserves a thread of it's own with screen capture etc but I don't have time to write one at the moment. It not to every-bodies liking, some on this forum find it a bit fiddly and use payware DVBViewer instead. I've built about ten HTPC this year for friend and family who want a Freesat/Freeview, Blu Ray/DVD player, harddrive media player all in one box under their TV. Not one has complained about glitches or issues and find it very easy to use.

I can also run and update a SKY FTV card directly from my HTPC the same way many Linux based box do but forum rules here don't allow me to talk further

I have used media portal quite extensively and in my opinion Windows Media Centre 7 is far less fiddly and more stable and has all the same functionality.

muchos04

Thanks for all the info guys! Sounds interesting and certainly something I would consider if it were an installation for myself but it will be for my father. What do you think?.....do you see other combo boxes being able to incorporate a 7 day EPG down the line?

Mr McBoatface

Hi slegs , I've not used windows 7 myself so not sure of it's capabilites can it recieve the full 7/8 day EPG direct from the DVB source or is it xml file , internet download based ?

Granted MP isn't to everybodies liking but I've it running smooth and glitch free and it has passed the "Wife test". I would consider a move to a Window 7 if the epg could be got directly from the DVB source, but having to update via xml file of download would drive my wife mad.

Bob_Harris

jobyrne30 wrote: »

Hi slegs , I've not used windows 7 myself so not sure of it's capabilites can it recieve the full 7/8 day EPG direct from the DVB source or is it xml file , internet download based ?

Granted MP isn't to everybodies liking but I've it running smooth and glitch free and it has passed the "Wife test". I would consider a move to a Window 7 if the epg could be got directly from the DVB source, but having to update via xml file of download would drive my wife mad.

Windows 7 Media Center gets the EPG from the internet as far as I can tell. But it does this automatically so the wife wouldn't have to do anything.

muchos04

Any answers to my question?

Bob_Harris

muchos04 wrote: »

Any answers to my question?

Any Linux based box will most likely have the ability to grab the EPG from the internet with third party plugins / modifications.

A HTPC can end up fairly expensive unless you have the parts lying around. Noise levels from a HTPC are a concern and it will cost you more to suppress the noise.

Energy consumption might also be a concern. HTPC will use a lot more wattage than a dedicated STB. You can go for energy efficient parts for your HTPC but again they will cost more.

slegs

jobyrne30 wrote: »

Hi slegs , I've not used windows 7 myself so not sure of it's capabilites can it recieve the full 7/8 day EPG direct from the DVB source or is it xml file , internet download based ?

Granted MP isn't to everybodies liking but I've it running smooth and glitch free and it has passed the "Wife test". I would consider a move to a Window 7 if the epg could be got directly from the DVB source, but having to update via xml file of download would drive my wife mad.

Yes, it can do both DVB source and IP based XML EPGs. Note the XML EPG is integrated with MC7 and the source files do not have to be downloaded outside the app like other media centre apps. Addon wise it has the same capability as Media portal including CI/Pay TV plugins for subscription cards.

I really liked MP and in particluar the TV Series plugin but just found it a tad fiddly on the techy side. Took forever to get the MPEG4 setup correctly where as WinMC7 has this out of the box perfect.

muchos04

Thanks for the info Guys. So am I correct in assuming that for any combo box to ever have a 7day EPG it must be connected to the internet. For example if I had a Linux based Qbox Mini HD, it would require an internet connection to retrieve the 7 day EPG? It's for my father so this might be a bit too technical for him!

FREETV

Thanks to everbody who replied about the epg subject. It's nice to see how friendly and helpful people are here on boards. I will try Windows Media later.

muchos04

Thanks for the info Guys. So am I correct in assuming that for any combo box to ever have a 7day EPG it must be connected to the internet. For example if I had a Linux based Qbox Mini HD, it would require an internet connection to retrieve the 7 day EPG? It's for my father so this might be a bit too technical for him!

Apogee

muchos04 wrote: »

Thanks for the info Guys. So am I correct in assuming that for any combo box to ever have a 7day EPG it must be connected to the internet. For example if I had a Linux based Qbox Mini HD, it would require an internet connection to retrieve the 7 day EPG? It's for my father so this might be a bit too technical for him!

Assuming it'll be running firmware similar to the QBox HD, then it doesn't need to be connected to the internet. It can analyse the EPG data stream transmitted by Sky and uses that data to populate the EPG grid - effectively, it's the same EPG as Sky (but no series link). It can be set up to download/update the EPG automatically at regular intervals.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=63743120&postcount=45
CrossEPG: http://www.crossepg.com/

muchos04

Thanks a million Apogee for pointing me in the right direction with just the info i was looking for. Do you know where i could purchase the Qbox Mini HD when it comes out?

Apogee

Ebay?

I'd hold off from buying it until you read that the firmware is up to scratch - with the lack of dual tuner support, it currently isn't.

muchos04

How come other combo boxes cannot incorporate firmware to allow a 7day EPG for the Satellite channels? Is this a rights issue? Apologies if these questions sound stupid but i clueless to all of this technology but am very interested in getting the best product out there for a good price.

tlaavtech

muchos04 wrote: »

How come other combo boxes cannot incorporate firmware to allow a 7day EPG for the Satellite channels? Is this a rights issue?

Yes. Because the QBox is linux based, users can write their own software and avoid paying for the EPG rights.

polyfusion

jobyrne30 wrote: »

... If you've got a spare PC and invest in Dual DVB-S/DVB-T tuner like a pinnicle 7010ix which can be bought for 70 euro delivered it's a very viable option. With the extra capabilities it may be considered by many people to be a better option ...

Lots of good info in this thread.

I note the 7010ix is a PCI-express card - are there any regular PCI cards that would do a similar job, that anyone here might have had experience with? I have a PC connected to the TV, but I mainly use it for watching DVDs or movies. The computer is elderly, something like a 1.8 or 2.4GHz P4, with 1G of RAM, but it runs the Irish DTT fine on a USB-DVB-T stick and AltDVB. I would have no need for HD broadcasts.

Mr McBoatface

polyfusion wrote: »

Lots of good info in this thread.

I note the 7010ix is a PCI-express card - are there any regular PCI cards that would do a similar job, that anyone here might have had experience with? I have a PC connected to the TV, but I mainly use it for watching DVDs or movies. The computer is elderly, something like a 1.8 or 2.4GHz P4, with 1G of RAM, but it runs the Irish DTT fine on a USB-DVB-T stick and AltDVB. I would have no need for HD broadcasts.

I've never used it but the Creatix CTX944 is the only standard PCI quad DVB-S/DVB-T tuner card that I know of. It's a brand mainly used in Medion PC's and it is BDA driver supported. You'll find it on ebay " http://cgi.ebay.ie/Creatix-CTX944-V-2-TV-Tuner-DVB-T-DVB-S-Analog-TV_W0QQitemZ190385354031QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDE_Technik_Computerzubeh%C3%B6r_Multimedia?hash=item2c53d9f52f " . It sells for 17.90 euro but delivery is a killer at 30 euro ! The same company sell the 7010ix for 39 euro again the delivery is 30 euro.

Drivers for the Creatix CTX944 can be found here " http://www.creatix.com/support/typ.php?tid=111&gid=14 " there is also a guide for installing it on windows 7 .

The delivery cost is a killer but a less than 50 euro delivered it's still good value.

Hope it helps

polyfusion

jobyrne30 wrote: »

I've never used it but the Creatix CTX944 is the only standard PCI quad DVB-S/DVB-T tuner card that I know of. It's a brand mainly used in Medion PC's and it is BDA driver supported. You'll find it on ebay " http://cgi.ebay.ie/Creatix-CTX944-V-2-TV-Tuner-DVB-T-DVB-S-Analog-TV_W0QQitemZ190385354031QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDE_Technik_Computerzubeh%C3%B6r_Multimedia?hash=item2c53d9f52f " . It sells for 17.90 euro but delivery is a killer at 30 euro ! The same company sell the 7010ix for 39 euro again the delivery is 30 euro.

Drivers for the Creatix CTX944 can be found here " http://www.creatix.com/support/typ.php?tid=111&gid=14 " there is also a guide for installing it on windows 7 .

The delivery cost is a killer but a less than 50 euro delivered it's still good value.

Hope it helps

Many thanks for that, I could have it sent to my sis in the North and save myself €10. The PC is actually a 2.8GHz with 640MB of RAM, so is above the system requirements for the card. I presume most of the work is done by the card anyway? Would a beefier PC only really matter if I was planning on doing recording while watching? Must have a search around anyway, see what the consensus is about the card.

Thanks again, much appreciated.

Bob_Harris

polyfusion wrote: »

I presume most of the work is done by the card anyway?

PCI cards and USB sticks only demodulate the signal and send on the info. Very few decode the video onboard, and are fairly expensive. I don't know of any that decode h.264 on board.

Your PC is plenty powerful to decode and record. HD channels might struggle depending on your GPU.