Saorview Compatible Digital TV Receiver Query

Twatter

Hi

I was looking for a set top box for my bush tv purchased just over a year ago. Through the tv I can get the digital channels sound only no picture (i presume this is mpeg2?)
Anyway I was looking online for a cheap box because its only for the bedroom tv. The other tv's are receiving the digital channels.
I came across these
http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.208-8420.aspx

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.209-0458.aspx

can anyone advise me before i order whether they will do the job for me.
Thanks

Johnboy1951

Don't know about the exchange rate and delivery price comparison, but this may also interest ....... certified SaorView .....
http://www.powercity.ie/?par=10-23-WP11DT €90

watty

Those are both about €75 ex shipping.

The issues of Freeview HD boxes mentioned on other threads.
Channels might be in 800s. Some boxes have favorites or renumbering.
May have only MHEG5 text and not traditional Teletext (which will likely cease in 2012/2013 anyway)
No Over the Air upgrades from Irish Transmitters.
Does do MHEG5, so better than "generic boxes"

Twatter

Yeah had looked at that.I suppose for the small difference there'd be it might be best solution. Thanks

dmm1000

If prepared to wait there will probably more of these around the same price point and may have nice extra features such as :

being able to record to a USB device (via the USB port)
being able to play back movies / photo / mp3 via the USB port (or maybe LAN - streaming from a PC - if it has a LAN port on the STB (set top box) )

The current Humax Freeview HD box does this and is about £100 stg (ish) on average - and is being phased out and I think a newer model has been announced

Twatter

What about a freesat HD box? I'm in Dundalk area so I wonder can I get the UK channels along with the Irish ones using my skydish? I might purchase a box from Argos in Newry and try it out.
I'm not in a big panic anyway so I suppose I could wait and see the options in a month or two.

scath

Twatter wrote: »

What about a freesat HD box? I'm in Dundalk area so I wonder can I get the UK channels along with the Irish ones using my skydish? I might purchase a box from Argos in Newry and try it out.
I'm not in a big panic anyway so I suppose I could wait and see the options in a month or two.

Do not confuse FreesatHD and Freeview HD. These are two different transmission platforms. One is satellite the other is aerial. You can not get Irish channels free to air on satellite yet. In June you will be able to get them using a new Saorsat dish, that is different from Freesat dishes. Currently Irish TV is only receivable via satellite with a subscription and that is Sky.
Your options are combination boxes (combos) which include FTA satellite (UK) and terrestrial (aerial) and thus a dish and box setup required. These are available. UK TV will not be available free to air on Irish terrestrial unless via overspill which has yet to be determined after analogue switchover due to low transmission of digital power until then. Otherwise UK broadcasters see no benefit to be free-to-air on Irish terrestrial so they do not provide these except via pay TV who pays them to be carried.

Twatter

scath wrote: »

Do not confuse FreesatHD and Freeview HD. These are two different transmission platforms. One is satellite the other is aerial. You can not get Irish channels free to air on satellite yet. In June you will be able to get them using a new Saorsat dish, that is different from Freesat dishes. Currently Irish TV is only receivable via satellite with a subscription and that is Sky.
Your options are combination boxes (combos) which include FTA satellite (UK) and terrestrial (aerial) and thus a dish and box setup required. These are available. UK TV will not be available free to air on Irish terrestrial unless via overspill which has yet to be determined after analogue switchover due to low transmission of digital power until then. Otherwise UK broadcasters see no benefit to be free-to-air on Irish terrestrial so they do not provide these except via pay TV who pays them to be carried.

Yes I'm aware that they are different but I was thinking of my location so close to Northern Ireland that I have more chance of picking up a satellite signal than aerial (as there are a few mountains in the way!) for free channels. I suppose until June then I won't know fully but as you say if i need a different dish then I maybe just should get the powercity box as johnboy says and use it for the time being...... or failing that take the 40inch compatible tv upstairs!!

Thanks all

Sam Russell

Twatter wrote: »

What about a freesat HD box? I'm in Dundalk area so I wonder can I get the UK channels along with the Irish ones using my skydish? I might purchase a box from Argos in Newry and try it out.
I'm not in a big panic anyway so I suppose I could wait and see the options in a month or two.

If you are in Dundalk, surely you can get the Freeview from the North. Mind you, it is not due to switch over for a while yet, but it should give you UK TV and Saorview on a FreeviewHD box/TV in a single EPG.

Twatter

Sam Russell wrote: »

If you are in Dundalk, surely you can get the Freeview from the North. Mind you, it is not due to switch over for a while yet, but it should give you UK TV and Saorview on a FreeviewHD box/TV in a single EPG.

Unfortunately not well not so far anyway, I'm between Dundalk and Newry with the Cooley and Mourne Mountains blocking the signal! thats what i get for living under a mountain!!

lucernarian

The freesat HD box will get you the british channels supplied through it, no problems. You won't pick up any Irish channels on it, that will require a different dish and possibly a different box too. Check satellite forum for more details:)

Edit: have only seen the newest posts now. The Camlough relay outside Newry may offer a decent signal in Ravensdale. It's analogue only at the moment but that will change next year. I know terrain varies widely around there but it's possibly an option for you.

Trevord

watty wrote: »

Those are both about €75 ex shipping.

When I follow the link from the OP the Tesco own brand box is only £30 ex postage.

But do these guys even deliver to Ireland? Can't register as they want a valid postcode.