Is the combo box/Irish DTT/Freesat solution mature enough yet to replace Sky/UPC?

Turbulent Bill

As per the title, is a combo box with dish and DTT aerial a mature enough replacement for the standard Sky/UPC options? Irish DTT hasn't been formally launched, and from reading through the forum lots of the combo boxes seem more for hobbyists than ordinary Joes (frequent flash updates, hacks for compatability etc.). Is this solution likely to become more plug 'n play in the future? I have no problem doing some of this stuff myself (on a limited basis), but my wife would go nuts if we have to reset the equipment on a regular basis.

I'm using bog-standard UPC analogue at the moment, and the upgrade choice seems to be the combo box route or Sky (no faith in UPC). If the combo box option isn't mature enough I could sign up to Sky for a year, wait for the Irish DTT to officially launch and more boxes to appear, then go down the combo box route.

Any opinions?

STB

Combo boxes do not need to be constantly updated with firmware. The people who are constantly updating the firmware are techies/people who cannot stop fiddling with toys. There are no real gains. For basic Free TV its setup and go.

I have a few HD combo boxes, I have had to rescan the DTT channels maybe twice over the last year and readd them. Occasionally a Satelitte channel may move but you just rescan and add it to YOUR DEFINED channel list.

Is it a real choice. YES. Why would someone actually pay Sky or UPC for channels that are free. I have been using a combo box for maybe 2 years for a DTT service that is not supposedly launched!

FTA Teleivision - What SKY/UPC Dont Want You to Know

Irish Viewing Habits
9 out of the Top 10 most watched channels in Ireland are actually Free to Air - either on 28.2/Analogue or DTT.

TOP 20 Watched Stations 2009
Position Channel Owner Share of total viewing (%)
1 RTÉ One Raidió Teilifís Éireann 23.7 FTA
2 TV3 Ireland TV3 Group 12.3 FTA
3 RTÉ Two Raidió Teilifís Éireann 9.65 FTA
4 BBC One Northern Ireland BBC 5.29 FTA
5 UTV UTV Media 4.53 FTA
6 Channel 4 NI Channel 4 3.74 FTA
7 BBC Two Northern Ireland BBC 3.06 FTA
8 TG4 Teilifís na Gaeilge 2.67 FTA
9 Sky1 Sky Ireland 1.92
10 E4 Channel 4 1.19 FTA
11 Living Virgin Media Television 1.18
12 Comedy Central MTV Networks Europe 1.02
13 Sky News Ireland Sky Ireland 1.17 FTA
14 Setanta Ireland Setanta Sports 0.9
15 Sky Sports 1 Sky Ireland 0.94
16 3e TV3 Group 0.85
17 MTV MTV Networks Europe 0.72
18 Sky Sports News BSkyB 0.53
19 Nickelodeon Ireland MTV Networks Europe 0.48
20 Nick Jr MTV Networks Europe 0.46

You also get ITV2, 3 & 4 as well as BBC 3 and 4 and Channel 4, E4, More 4, BBC HD and ITV HD (and Channel 4 HD later this year) and the BBCi Sports streams which are not available on the NTL/UPC/Chorus basic CHARGED packages.

HERE IS A TYPICAL CHANNEL LIST OF FREE STATIONS AVAILABLE ON A COMBO BOX.

emaherx

Consider a Freesat TV.
Irish DTT and Freesat in one device and no need for any Set top Box.

I have a sony bravia with Freesat. there are two seperate guides for DTT and Sat and both have full 7 day EPG without need for firmware updates or patches. (single button press to switch between DTT and Sat).

Also I can receive internet content from BBC iPlayer and Hulu.com and other sites. although this requres network connection to a PC with Playon DNLA server and a VPN service. But once setup is easy to use and better value than Sky

watty

I'd prefer a TV that's just a "monitor" with loads of inputs.

Then a Combo PVR with 4 tuners. I will wait for Official launch. There is no rush on getting DTT.

On TV with Internet, Project Canvas is the Biggie.

Turbulent Bill

emaherx wrote: »

Consider a Freesat TV.
Irish DTT and Freesat in one device and no need for any Set top Box.

I have a sony bravia with Freesat. there are two seperate guides for DTT and Sat and both have full 7 day EPG without need for firmware updates or patches. (single button press to switch between DTT and Sat).

Also I can receive internet content from BBC iPlayer and Hulu.com and other sites. although this requres network connection to a PC with Playon DNLA server and a VPN service. But once setup is easy to use and better value than Sky

That's interesting, I thought the Freesat-branded TVs would only support a full 7-day EPG for the Freesat channels, not those from another source like DTT. Do you know if this is particular to the Bravia? I'd prefer a fully-integrated EPG where the Freesat/DTT split is invisible (something that looks similar to Sky+), however if the switching is straightforward it might be ok. But...

watty wrote: »

I'd prefer a TV that's just a "monitor" with loads of inputs.

Then a Combo PVR with 4 tuners. I will wait for Official launch. There is no rush on getting DTT.

On TV with Internet, Project Canvas is the Biggie.

This is a good alternative - a good (but dumb) TV with all the receivers in an external STB. The STB technology will probably advance quicker then the displays, so you could just swap you STB and keep the existing screen. A Freesat TV could have an obsolete receiver in a year or two, though if there's plenty of inputs it would still be ok.

Decisions, decisions...

TheDriver

its having a freesat epg on a combo box mixed with a dtt listing so you can chop and change to what suits, it there such a thing? (without lots of hacking.........)

In the old days

Turbulent Bill wrote: »

As per the title, is a combo box with dish and DTT aerial a mature enough replacement for the standard Sky/UPC options? Irish DTT hasn't been formally launched, and from reading through the forum lots of the combo boxes seem more for hobbyists than ordinary Joes (frequent flash updates, hacks for compatability etc.).... Any opinions?

Great idea for a thread! The technomate 6900 gives a reasonably neat combi solution if favorites are arranged to suit Irish viewing habits(bar TV3 for now). An installer can arrange the EPG very close to the UPC or Sky EPG with bonus channels such as C5 and ITV HD + BBC HD and BBC3,4, news etc. in the mix. Main bugbear is the Satellite stations will only have now/next on EPG and the single PVR isn't as good or intuitive as sky plus (also big extra multi-room expense). Using a Freesat box plus a mpeg4 tv is a fairly good solution if you don't need a PVR but switching between inputs is a bit annoying. I've given up UPC but do keep the basic Sky package for the easier PVR and live pause. The technomate Astra 28E sat + aerial is great for bonus HD + BBC/ITV extra channels. I think a Freesat+ box and an mpeg4 tv (with analogue for belts and braces) is best current general solution. For an average family I think better to wait til the full Irish DTT launch and see what's available combi-wise (and saorsat approved to be sure to be sure) before Christmas. I'm not familiar with linux boxes etc. they are another option for better EPG I guess but again a bit nerdy for general family viewing. The basic Sky for a year seems a good option at present to get the dish installed free and look at DTT Combo or DTT + NI FTV Sky card in 12 months. My tuppance worth!

emaherx

watty wrote: »

I'd prefer a TV that's just a "monitor" with loads of inputs.

Then a Combo PVR with 4 tuners. I will wait for Official launch. There is no rush on getting DTT.

On TV with Internet, Project Canvas is the Biggie.

I agree about waiting for the 4 tuner pvr. I plan on getting one of these for my other tv if one comes on the market. But the stb free bravia suits its current position as it is wall mounted. My current pvr function involves dtt/sat tuners in the pc with recordings available through the tvs network port.

Apogee

Receiver: Dreambox DM8000
Tuners: 2x DVB-S2 + optional DVB-T (x2) plugin
7-day EPG for satellite: Yes
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes
Hardrive: Internal
Price: €1000


Receiver: AzBox Premium Plus
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: Yes
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes?
Hardrive: Internal
Price: €449


Receiver: QBox HD
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T + optional plugin DVB-S2
7-day EPG for satellite: Yes
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: No
Price: €449


Receiver: Vu+ Duo
Tuners: 2x DVB-S2 + optional USB DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: Yes
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes
Hardrive: External
Price: €499


Receiver: Dreambox DM800
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + optional USB DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: Yes
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes???
Hardrive: External
Price: €399


Receiver: Optibox Alligator
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: No
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes
Hardrive: External
Price: €199


Receiver: Edision Argus mini 2 in 1
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: No
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: No
Hardrive: External
Price: €169


Receiver: Edision Argus VIP2
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: No
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes????
Hardrive: External
Price: €199


Receiver: Technomate TM-6900HD
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: No
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial:No????
Hardrive: External
Price: €300


Receiver: Technomate TM-7100HD
Tuners: 2x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: No
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial:Yes????
Hardrive: Internal
Price: €500


The above almost certainly contains errors and omissions, so please post any corrections.

Turbulent Bill

TheDriver wrote: »

its having a freesat epg on a combo box mixed with a dtt listing so you can chop and change to what suits, it there such a thing? (without lots of hacking.........)

My understanding is that a Freesat/MPEG4 TV or combo box has its own EPG, which pulls the information from the Freesat and DTT EPGs and presents it as a single list. How well the TV or combo box does this is down to the manufacturer, and how much information they can get from the source EPGs.

Turbulent Bill

In the old days wrote: »

Great idea for a thread! The technomate 6900 gives a reasonably neat combi solution if favorites are arranged to suit Irish viewing habits(bar TV3 for now). An installer can arrange the EPG very close to the UPC or Sky EPG with bonus channels such as C5 and ITV HD + BBC HD and BBC3,4, news etc. in the mix. Main bugbear is the Satellite stations will only have now/next on EPG and the single PVR isn't as good or intuitive as sky plus (also big extra multi-room expense). Using a Freesat box plus a mpeg4 tv is a fairly good solution if you don't need a PVR but switching between inputs is a bit annoying. I've given up UPC but do keep the basic Sky package for the easier PVR and live pause. The technomate Astra 28E sat + aerial is great for bonus HD + BBC/ITV extra channels. I think a Freesat+ box and an mpeg4 tv (with analogue for belts and braces) is best current general solution. For an average family I think better to wait til the full Irish DTT launch and see what's available combi-wise (and saorsat approved to be sure to be sure) before Christmas. I'm not familiar with linux boxes etc. they are another option for better EPG I guess but again a bit nerdy for general family viewing. The basic Sky for a year seems a good option at present to get the dish installed free and look at DTT Combo or DTT + NI FTV Sky card in 12 months. My tuppance worth!

That's the thing, I'm in no real hurry to change or to be an early Freesat/DTT adoptor (my existing TV is rubbish anyway!) - it's just a question of when I make the jump. Free dish installation from Sky would be nice but not a deal-breaker - I want it done well rather than just done cheap.

I'm guessing that when the DTT launch happens there'll be a flood of people wanting to switch to a combo option and dump UPC/Sky. Both companies are making big advertising pushes at the moment, presumably to sign people up to contracts before the launch. Even though Ireland's a small market there should still be technology advances in combo boxes and new suppliers, all good for consumers.

cormacl

Apogee,
I think you could also add the DM500HD which has a built-in S2 tuner and while the USB port is a mini-USB variant, there are images for this model that claim support for USB DVB-T tuners. So I'm assuming that its just a case of getting the correct cable or adaptor. I have read however that the USB-based tuner support is quite prone to audio lags. So I view this approach as a bit finnicky TBH.

Right now, the DM8000 is IMO, the best option around but also the most expensive at €1000. The 4 tuners is obviously the biggest advantage. It's commercially available for over a year and unfortunately the price is only coming down a bit. Its probably a saturation point for Dream Multimedia in that its as much as any of their customers could require in terms of the modular receiver. They've sold **** loads of them and all reviews it got were very good.

Way back, I came to the conclusion that 3 tuners is a minimum we require. 2xS2 for proper watch one, record one satellite experience and then at least one DVB-T tuner for the national 4. Their current co-location of the DTT services on a single transponder means that many receivers will be able to use a single DVB-T tuner to record from all 4 at the same time.

We're only likely to wonder beyond this single DTT transponder as they roll out more services and possibly HD services. And the DM8000 has still one tuner slot spare in the event that these services do expand. So I'm feeling future-proofed with the 4 tuners.

I realise that many will say that 1xS, 1xT suits them fine. I accept that.. but try to fit that into conflicting schedules or if you have kids wanting to watch their programmes etc. Having the ability to schedule your stuff for recording and then know that you can still watch other satellite or terrestrial services at the same time becomes important, especially with an FTA-only offering.

Macy0161

Turbulent Bill wrote: »

I'm guessing that when the DTT launch happens there'll be a flood of people wanting to switch to a combo option and dump UPC/Sky. Both companies are making big advertising pushes at the moment, presumably to sign people up to contracts before the launch. Even though Ireland's a small market there should still be technology advances in combo boxes and new suppliers, all good for consumers.

There's talk on another thread of FreesatHD/ FreeviewHD reciever in development, which should do the job with 7 day epg for both.

However, I'm not convinced that they'll be a flood of demand though given that there isn't likely to be that much more on DTT compared to analogue, in which case they could already have Freesat and Analogue for virtually the same line up? Who's going to really push the combo option?

STB

Turbulent Bill wrote: »

My understanding is that a Freesat/MPEG4 TV or combo box has its own EPG, which pulls the information from the Freesat and DTT EPGs and presents it as a single list. How well the TV or combo box does this is down to the manufacturer, and how much information they can get from the source EPGs.

Freesat Combo TVs DO not present channels in one list.

There is a DVB-T tuner and Freesat menu that you must switch from.

There is no freesat combo box either although some Combo linux boxes have been written to aquire the 7 day epg from 28.2 it doesnt involve use of the Freesat menu system which is written using an MHEG5 menu and most certainly does not integrate DVB-T within it.

Turbulent Bill

Macy0161 wrote: »

However, I'm not convinced that they'll be a flood of demand though given that there isn't likely to be that much more on DTT compared to analogue, in which case they could already have Freesat and Analogue for virtually the same line up? Who's going to really push the combo option?

STB's viewership figures above show that the top 3 channels (RTE1, TV3 and RTE2, over 45% total viewership share) will have free, high-quality (much better than analogue) TV via DTT when it's launched. When people notice this they're bound to question why they're paying Sky/UPC for the remaining channels. It's a great opportunity for any Freesat/combo vendors to show that there's an alternative.

I realise there are DTT coverage issues, but this still makes sense for many people.

Turbulent Bill

STB wrote: »

Freesat Combo TVs DO not present channels in one list.

There is a DVB-T tuner and Freesat menu that you must switch from.

There is no freesat combo box either although some Combo linux boxes have been written to aquire the 7 day epg from 28.2 it doesnt involve use of the Freesat menu system which is written using an MHEG5 menu and most certainly does not integrate DVB-T within it.

Thanks STB, as you can guess I'm just starting to understand this stuff! So am I right in saying that the combo boxes with integrated EPGs pull the programme information direct from the satellite, and the DTT info from the aerial, then combine these in their own software to form a single EPG?

STB

Turbulent Bill wrote: »

Thanks STB, as you can guess I'm just starting to understand this stuff! So am I right in saying that the combo boxes with integrated EPGs pull the programme information direct from the satellite, and the DTT info from the aerial, then combine these in their own software to form a single EPG?

Yes. But the epg data will be now and next info for the sat stations and 7 day for DTT unless its a linux combo like the Azbox that can do both with tinkering. If the Allligator can be manipulated to run Enigma then it will be possible to do it for €200. We shall see.

Apogee

cormacl wrote: »

Apogee,
I think you could also add the DM500HD which has a built-in S2 tuner and while the USB port is a mini-USB variant, there are images for this model that claim support for USB DVB-T tuners.

Waiting until we get actual confirmation.

emaherx

STB wrote: »

Freesat Combo TVs DO not present channels in one list.

There is a DVB-T tuner and Freesat menu that you must switch from.

There is no freesat combo box either although some Combo linux boxes have been written to aquire the 7 day epg from 28.2 it doesnt involve use of the Freesat menu system which is written using an MHEG5 menu and most certainly does not integrate DVB-T within it.

Single button press to change from using DTT to Freesat, why is this such an issue? I much prefer this to single epg with just now and next.

Seems like a combo FreesatHD/FreeviewHD is now likely from Echostar, although not yet confirmed.

Macy0161 wrote: »

.
However, I'm not convinced that they'll be a flood of demand though given that there isn't likely to be that much more on DTT compared to analogue, in which case they could already have Freesat and Analogue for virtually the same line up? Who's going to really push the combo option?

going to be a lot more on DTT considering Analog will be turned off!!

slegs

emaherx wrote: »

Single button press to change from using DTT to Freesat, why is this such an issue? I much prefer this to single epg with just now and next.

Seems like a combo FreesatHD/FreeviewHD is now likely from Echostar, although not yet confirmed.

Agreed this is a good solution and easy to use on one remote but some people think its a single guide. There will never be an official single guide between Freesat and DTT for rights reasons.

STB

emaherx wrote: »

Single button press to change from using DTT to Freesat, why is this such an issue? I much prefer this to single epg with just now and next.

Seems like a combo FreesatHD/FreeviewHD is now likely from Echostar, although not yet confirmed.



going to be a lot more on DTT considering Analog will be turned off!!

Well in one sentence. "But why arent all the channels in one list together thats too much stuff to have to do".

The GF/Wife factor. They dont want to know. They just want the button that says NO FOOTBALL CHANNEL or more likely Grays Anatomy etc!

It really wouldnt bother me, once it wasnt Grays Anoatomy of course.

Macy0161

STB wrote: »

Well in one sentence. "But why arent all the channels in one list together thats too much stuff to have to do".

The GF/Wife factor. They dont want to know. They just want the button that says NO FOOTBALL CHANNEL or more likely Grays Anatomy etc!

It really wouldnt bother me, once it wasnt Grays Anoatomy of course.

Can't say it took my missus long to get to grips with two remotes. Maybe you need to upgrade the firmware?

In the old days

STB wrote: »

"But why arent all the channels in one list together thats too much stuff to have to do

I think simplicity is the key. How many people use analogue cable in (e.g) Dublin for handiness? I wouldn't understimate the market share up for grabs for the main (DTT/Freesat)FTA stations in a handy format.

zbluebirdz

Apogee wrote: »

Receiver: Technomate TM-6900HD
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: No
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial:No????
Hardrive: External
Price: €300


Receiver: Technomate TM-7100HD
Tuners: 2x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: No
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial:Yes????
Hardrive: Internal
Price: €500


The above almost certainly contains errors and omissions, so please post any corrections.

Corrections:

TM-6900HD Combo Super +
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes

TM-7100HD (same as 6900, but with extra sat tuner)
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes

Apogee

Receiver: Dreambox DM8000
Tuners: 2x DVB-S2 + optional DVB-T (x2) plugin
7-day EPG for satellite: Yes
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes
Hardrive: Internal
Price: €1000


Receiver: AzBox Premium Plus
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: Yes
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes
Hardrive: Internal
Price: €449


Receiver: QBox HD
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T + optional plugin DVB-S2
7-day EPG for satellite: Yes
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: No
Price: €449


Receiver: Vu+ Duo
Tuners: 2x DVB-S2 + optional USB DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: Yes
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes
Hardrive: External
Price: €499


Receiver: Dreambox DM800
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + optional USB DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: Yes
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes???
Hardrive: External
Price: €399


Receiver: Optibox Alligator
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: No
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes
Hardrive: External
Price: €199


Receiver: Edision Argus mini 2 in 1
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: No
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: No
Hardrive: External
Price: €169


Receiver: Edision Argus VIP2
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: No
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes
Hardrive: External
Price: €199


Receiver: Technomate TM-6900HD Combo Super+
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: No
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes
Hardrive: External
Price: €300


Receiver: Technomate TM-7100HD
Tuners: 2x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: No
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes
Hardrive: Internal
Price: €500


The above still contains errors and omissions, so please post any additional corrections.

slegs

VIP2 can do watch terrestrial and record satellite and vice versa. Argus mini not yet but its coming.

Apogee

Can you confirm that dual tuner is fully functional also on AzBox Premium Plus?

slegs

Apogee wrote: »

Can you confirm that dual tuner is fully functional also on AzBox Premium Plus?

Yes, confirmed for premium plus but not premium or elite

Gerry Wicklow

One option which seldom, if ever, gets mentioned here is to use a PC. One setup I currently have is a PC with DTT and HD-Sat tuners connected to the TV. Using Windoze Media center it is possible to:-

1. Record either while watching the other
2. Record both while watching either
3. Record both while watching another recording.
4. I have full pause, rewind etc of live TV from either source.
5. Full, intelligent series recording with very comprehensive options if required (no repeats, etc).
6. Combined 14 day EPG for both DTT and most FTA Sat channels (now/next on the cheapo channels). The EPG is downloaded automatically free from M$.
7. Full remote control just like any STB.
8. Save to DVD if required.
9. In the event that you get both DTT and Sat versions of a signal it is possible to prioritise the sources. E.g. if the DTT signal is flaky due to weather it will automatically use the Sat instead.

Total cost about €700 inc a fairly decent PC and all the other uses it offers. Everyday use as a TV system is simple and intuitive.

The only downside is it records in "WTV" format which is tricky to convert.

Never thought I'd promote M$ software.:eek:

watty

It's a pain.
Getting decent video out only possible with high end cards and HDMI.

I have 3 PCs with 2x sat cards in each. It's not a consumer friendly solution and getting a native highest quality 576line 25FPS interlaced output near impossible.

Many graphics cards will only de-interlace (reduces quality) and many will not do 25fps progressive or interlace but standards convert to 30fps or 60fps (even worse).

slegs

Gerry Wicklow wrote: »

One option which seldom, if ever, gets mentioned here is to use a PC. One setup I currently have is a PC with DTT and HD-Sat tuners connected to the TV. Using Windoze Media center it is possible to:-

1. Record either while watching the other
2. Record both while watching either
3. Record both while watching another recording.
4. I have full pause, rewind etc of live TV from either source.
5. Full, intelligent series recording with very comprehensive options if required (no repeats, etc).
6. Combined 14 day EPG for both DTT and most FTA Sat channels (now/next on the cheapo channels). The EPG is downloaded automatically free from M$.
7. Full remote control just like any STB.
8. Save to DVD if required.
9. In the event that you get both DTT and Sat versions of a signal it is possible to prioritise the sources. E.g. if the DTT signal is flaky due to weather it will automatically use the Sat instead.

Total cost about €700 inc a fairly decent PC and all the other uses it offers. Everyday use as a TV system is simple and intuitive.

The only downside is it records in "WTV" format which is tricky to convert.

Never thought I'd promote M$ software.:eek:

Agreed, I have a very similar setup on my media centre PC with a low cost intel motherboard with oboard hi def video card. All features above with excellent picture quality via HDMI.

emaherx

I think the PC/Media Centre option gets a fair bit of mention here.
But not that relevant to this thread as it is not a mature consumer replacement for a single STB.

I use a Windows 7 PC with Media Centre and Sat/DTT tuners for recording TV.
I then watch the content on a DNLA enabled Sony Telly or on Games consoles connected to the other tellys.

The PC is an important piece of my TV setup. But runs away in a diffrent room and then connected to every tv in the house via network cables. I like this setup as there is no noisy PC in the room and the same PC serves every Telly/DNLA device.

Also handy as it not only handles TV recordings but holds all of my media and can stream content direct from the internet. All of which can be selected from the TV's own remote (except setting up of the recordings. ).

The PC option is nice, very cofigurable, can be very easy to use......... but sadly not for every one. Alot of people do not want a pc running all day while watching TV (possibly not a very green option) Requires high end graphics card for true hdmi output, even DNLA option loses quaility via transcoding and can require high end processor/ lots of memory to serve more than one TV (So More Power and even less green). And for a lot of people the idea of so much hardware/software for TV just plain scares them!!

Gerry Wicklow

emaherx wrote: »

...it is not a mature consumer replacement for a single STB.

I agree it's not for everyone. I'm sure there are many people who still run a mile at the mention of PCs. I merely threw in my tuppence worth when you compare to €1000 Dreamboxes etc. I offer it simply as another option.
As for efficiency and fan noise, many existing HDD/DVD recorders would be comparable.

emaherx

Gerry Wicklow wrote: »

I agree it's not for everyone. I'm sure there are many people who still run a mile at the mention of PCs. I merely threw in my tuppence worth when you compare to €1000 Dreamboxes etc. I offer it simply as another option.
As for efficiency and fan noise, many existing HDD/DVD recorders would be comparable.

As I said I'm all for the PC option myself and I'm not knocking it.
Its just as a Sky/UPC replacement for the genral public its never going to be the option. (its for us Teckies/Geeks and those unfortunate enough to live with us. )

Personely I consider the Dreambox option to be the same as the PC option. (small linux based PC, not going to appeal to everyone unless it comes preconfigured out of the box.)

Efficiency of a PC is always going to be lower, even than the linux based receivers that are essentially lightweight PC's with lightweight custom Os's. Any home built PC setup will consume alot more power just loading the OS.

Turbulent Bill

emaherx wrote: »

As I said I'm all for the PC option myself and I'm not knocking it.
Its just as a Sky/UPC replacement for the genral public its never going to be the option. (its for us Teckies/Geeks and those unfortunate enough to live with us. )

Personely I consider the Dreambox option to be the same as the PC option. (small linux based PC, not going to appeal to everyone unless it comes preconfigured out of the box.)

Efficiency of a PC is always going to be lower, even than the linux based receivers that are essentially lightweight PC's with lightweight custom Os's. Any home built PC setup will consume alot more power just loading the OS.

Agreed, the PC option is very flexible but not suitable as a standard Sky/UPC replacement. People aren't willing to turn their sittingrooms into server rooms (though I know media PCs can be discreet!). Might make sense for a heavy multiroom user though.

There's a cost issue too for PC and high-end Dreambox setups. €1000 spent on hardware represents 2-3 years Sky/UPC subscriptions, which is a big punt on relatively niche equipment.

Tony

No mention of the ferguson combo box? This can record terrestrial while watching satrellite and vice versa

Apogee

Tony wrote: »

No mention of the ferguson combo box? This can record terrestrial while watching satrellite and vice versa

If only there was someone in Ireland selling them mail order ...

Receiver: Dreambox DM8000
Tuners: 2x DVB-S2 + optional DVB-T (x2) plugin
7-day EPG for satellite: Yes
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes
Hardrive: Internal
Price: €1000


Receiver: AzBox Premium Plus
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: Yes
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes
Hardrive: Internal
Price: €449


Receiver: QBox HD
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T + optional plugin DVB-S2
7-day EPG for satellite: Yes
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: No
Price: €449


Receiver: Vu+ Duo
Tuners: 2x DVB-S2 + optional USB DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: Yes
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes
Hardrive: External
Price: €499


Receiver: Technomate TM-7100HD
Tuners: 2x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: No
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes
Hardrive: Internal
Price: €500


Receiver: Dreambox DM800
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + optional USB DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: Yes
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes???
Hardrive: External
Price: €399


Receiver: Optibox Alligator
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: No
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes
Hardrive: External
Price: €199


Receiver: Edision Argus mini 2 in 1
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: No
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: No
Hardrive: External
Price: €169


Receiver: Edision Argus VIP2
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: No
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes
Hardrive: External
Price: €199


Receiver: Technomate TM-6900HD Combo Super+
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: No
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes
Hardrive: External
Price: €300


Receiver: Ferguson HD Ariva Combo Box
Tuners: 1x DVB-S2 + 1x DVB-T
7-day EPG for satellite: No
Record from satellite while watching terrestrial: Yes
Hardrive: External
Price: €169

Please post any additional corrections.

Tony

If only Thanks for posting the info

Apogee wrote: »

If only there was someone in Ireland selling them mail order ...

[

STB

Apogee, How about a Line for Linux and one for media formats played (some of those also allow for wifi acces).

Apogee

STB wrote: »

Apogee, How about a Line for Linux and one for media formats played (some of those also allow for wifi acces).

I could but I don't know the boxes to that level of detail, and when you go searching on the web, I often find conflicting claims.

I was, however, considering a line indicating whether they can read Sky videoguard cards - useful for FTV etc.