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Freeview TV

  • 26-09-2010 10:03pm
    #1
    Fionn MacCool
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,275 ✭✭✭


    Where can a gentleman such as myself purchase a Freeview TV box in Galway? Not those satellite yokes you see advertised in the papers for €200, I mean the wee set top box things that give you a few channels.


Comments

  • #2
    Sponge Bob
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 25,234 ✭✭✭✭Sponge Bob


    You don't. While digital TV works in Galway a "Freeview" box is a UK spec mpeg2 decoder for UK television that will not work here. Get a "TNT HD" sticker branded box in France that will work here or even a stick for the PC or Mac . A "Freeview HD" branded box should work though.

    http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/6854944/art/terratec/cinergy-t-stick-dual-rc-h.html


  • #3
    Fionn MacCool
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,275 ✭✭✭Fionn MacCool


    Pretty sure my friend's dad has one in Limerick...


  • #4
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 5,121 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Freeview is the one that uses an ariel and isn't here. Freesat is the satellite version in the Uk and sat4free is the Irish branded version. It's still the same basic thing as the ads in the paper - you need a dish but get a fancier box.


  • #5
    Sponge Bob
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 25,234 ✭✭✭✭Sponge Bob


    Fionn MacCool wrote: »
    Pretty sure my friend's dad has one in Limerick...

    I have it in Galway for over a year but it is not a Freeview branded unit. It is a French TNT HD Digital TV Tuner. Works for HD and all (the trials started this week)


  • #6
    jonny_b1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 129 ✭✭jonny_b1


    Freebview,via ariel is called DTT. Digital Terrestrial Television. It is available in Ireland but is currently in test phase. rte have some content on it an it should be in full swing by 2013. They will then get rid of the analog signal that we now have. You need a box for it but as said it's different to Uk. For Ireland the box has to be MPEG-4 capable.

    Freesat,which is my set up is a great option for BBC ITV C4 E4 etc. Dish on roof and I have an old skybox under the tv so I have the nice sky program guide. Sweet


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  • #7
    Fionn MacCool
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,275 ✭✭✭Fionn MacCool


    My mate said his dad just got one in Lidl or something for around €30?

    We've got like 3 different UPC boxes, if they're any use?


  • #8
    Bob_Harris
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,619 ✭✭✭Bob_Harris


    Fionn MacCool wrote: »
    My mate said his dad just got one in Lidl or something for around €30?

    We've got like 3 different UPC boxes, if they're any use?

    I don't think Lidl sell UK Freeview boxes here, I never saw one anyway.

    It's more likely he got a Free to Air satellite box, but they are usually €50-€60.

    Saorview (Irish DTT) certified boxes should be appearing in shops soon, or early next year. Might be an idea to hold off on a purchase if it is not urgent.


  • #9
    Head The Wall
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,892 ✭✭✭Head The Wall


    jonny_b1 wrote: »
    Freebview,via ariel is called DTT. Digital Terrestrial Television. It is available in Ireland but is currently in test phase. rte have some content on it an it should be in full swing by 2013. They will then get rid of the analog signal that we now have. You need a box for it but as said it's different to Uk. For Ireland the box has to be MPEG-4 capable.

    Freesat,which is my set up is a great option for BBC ITV C4 E4 etc. Dish on roof and I have an old skybox under the tv so I have the nice sky program guide. Sweet
    Some TV's actually have a tuner that can pick up the irish DTT service, mine does anyway. So there isn't always a decoder needed

    I have a Samsung LE40B550


  • #10
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,852 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    Fionn MacCool wrote: »
    Pretty sure my friend's dad has one in Limerick...

    What channels does he receive? What is the manufacturer's name on the box?
    Fionn MacCool wrote: »
    My mate said his dad just got one in Lidl or something for around €30?

    We've got like 3 different UPC boxes, if they're any use?

    UPC cable and MMDS receivers will not receive any free DTT or satellite channels.


  • #11
    jonny_b1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 129 ✭✭jonny_b1


    Head The Wall wrote: »
    Some TV's actually have a tuner that can pick up the irish DTT service, mine does anyway. So there isn't always a decoder needed

    I have a Samsung LE40B550

    My TV has too but only MPEG-2 as I got It in Spain. Might get the PlayTV as I have a PS3 anyway.


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  • #12
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    The PlayTV is only worth while if you want the rather poor PVR feature. It's buggy, expensive now compared to regular USB and a significant proportion of cost of a setbox. Also Sony say they are going to charge for Firmware upgrades.

    Wait and see what Nov to Jan brings. Early days.


  • #13
    jonny_b1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 129 ✭✭jonny_b1


    watty wrote: »
    The PlayTV is only worth while if you want the rather poor PVR feature. It's buggy, expensive now compared to regular USB and a significant proportion of cost of a setbox. Also Sony say they are going to charge for Firmware upgrades.

    Wait and see what Nov to Jan brings. Early days.

    Ya I suppose. Thanks


  • #14
    Digifriendly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,074 ✭✭✭Digifriendly


    jonny_b1 wrote: »
    Freebview,via ariel is called DTT. Digital Terrestrial Television. It is available in Ireland but is currently in test phase. rte have some content on it an it should be in full swing by 2013. They will then get rid of the analog signal that we now have. You need a box for it but as said it's different to Uk. For Ireland the box has to be MPEG-4 capable.

    I think you mean Saorview which is ROI DTT and as you point out is still at a test stage and works on different MPEG than UK DTT. Freeview is UK DTT and is available in certain parts of ROI e.g. towards the border (receiving DTT from NI) and along Eastern seaboard (receiving DTT from Wales).


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