Aldi Saorview Set Top Box

ralphie

Aldi have a Saorview Set Top Box for sale on Thursday 2nd of June for €79.99.
I have no link for it as it was on their catalogue.

PressTheButton

Aldi quote:

We are developing a range of Set Top Boxes and Televisions to the new approved Saorview specification and we intend to offer our customers the lowest prices on the equipment needed to make the move to Free to Air viewing.

Source.

Sponge Bob

With their buying clout they should be looking at standard UK Ireland ( Freesat HD+Freeview HD+Saorview HD-DVB-T2 and DVB-S2 ) Combi boxes for €149 working down to €99 over time.

Took long enough to persuade them to stop selling incompatible UK spec crap and even though they were ultimately better than Tesco Argos and Currys in that respect they are well behind Lidl.

HarcourtGreen

For set top boxes which claim to have a "built in epg"... how is the epg actually updated. Is epg information transmitted by broadcasters to set top boxes?

Thanks

The Cush

HarcourtGreen wrote: »

For set top boxes which claim to have a "built in epg"... how is the epg actually updated. Is epg information transmitted by broadcasters to set top boxes?

The epg data (DVB-SI, Event Information Table (EIT)) is transmitted within the multiplex data stream incl audio, video, text etc. The data is then displayed by the manufacturers built in guide.

Macy0161

ralphie wrote: »

Aldi have a Saorview Set Top Box for sale on Thursday 2nd of June for €79.99.
I have no link for it as it was on their catalogue.

Was that in a seperate insert - nothing in the "Special Buys" I picked up last night?

watty

Unless it's on the Certified list, it can't be called a Saorview Set-box
http://www.saorview.ie/products-retailers/saorview-approved-product-listings/

LG and Techwood obviously comming soon

(Most current Techwood stuff in Harvey Normans seems not to work).

STB

Oh I think they realise the errors of their ways.


@Watty - the Finlux and Techwood are rebadges. Probably based on the T8300s submitted by Vestel directly so that they could offer it as a rebadge. Expect other supermarkets to follow this trend. I had previously speculated on this happening. Case in point - Tevion.



Aldi stores in the Republic of Ireland sell Tevion and Logix TVs, most of which are supplied with twin analogue and digital tuners. TVs sold prior to 1st January 2011 typically include a digital tuner which is appropriate for use with UK Freeview, but which is not designed to tune in to the new Saorview service, which was launched in Ireland in October 2010.
Saorview is a new Free to Air digital TV service which can be accessed through a normal TV set with a set top box, or via a Television with built in MPEG 4 Tuner. The Saorview logo gives consumers the confidence that the product they are buying is specially designed for use with Irish Digital TV, and will give them access to local TV channels (RTÉ1, RTÉ2, TV3, TG4) as well as many other Free to Air digital channels.
If you are using a Tevion or Logix TV bought before 1st January 2011 for analogue viewing in Ireland, you should be aware that the analogue TV signal in Ireland will be switched off at the end of 2012. From this point onwards you will need an additional Set Top Box in order to access free local TVchannels in Ireland. If you are using your TV for Satellite or Cable services you will be unaffected by this change.
We are developing a range of Set Top Boxes and Televisions to the new approved Saorview specification and we intend to offer our customers the lowest prices on the equipment needed to make the move to Free to Air viewing.
Please see diagram below for 3 different ways you can access Free to Air Viewing in Ireland. Please note that only Options 1 and 2 take advantage of the new Saorview service and only options 1 and 2 give access to local Irish TV channels. You can decide whether you need an outdoor aerial or just an indoor (rabbit ears) aerial depending on the signal strength in your area. Please see www.saorview.ie/make-the-switch/coverage-checker for details on signal strength where you live.





source: http://www.aldi.ie/ie/html/service/16803.htm?WT.z_src=main

ralphie

Macy0161 wrote: »

Was that in a seperate insert - nothing in the "Special Buys" I picked up last night?

Its on their latest special buys which I picked up yesterday evening.
Not many specific details on it.

BowWow

Just seen the insert - product available 2nd June.
It costs €79.99!:eek:

Trevord

I was ready to write a post complementing the diagram from Aldi as a useful educational tool to get the message out, but now I'm not too sure.

There is potential confusion for consumers following Aldi's usage of the term "other FTA channels". They could have drawn a distinction between Irish vs non Irish FTA channels. As currently presented I could gain the impression that the FTA channels available on Satelitte could also be accessed by Saorview (aka Soarview/Soareview/Soreview).

Trevord

BowWow wrote: »

Just seen the insert.
It costs €79.99!:eek:

Can it record to USB ?

STB

Probably will be able to record.

Guessing it may look quite similar to this.

SPDUB

STB wrote: »

Probably will be able to record.

Doesn't make a point of mentioning it unlike the ad for a HD satellite receiver

STB

Probably isnt definite. I dont have one, but if its based upon the T8300 it will have the capacity to do so as a PVR but only if enabled in the software.

watty

Being a Vestel or definitely the same chassis doesn't make it 100% compatible. That is only assured if it's also identical firmware.

Unless it's Certified they can't claim it's Saorview compatible, only claim suitable for Ireland.

STB

watty wrote: »

Being a Vestel or definitely the same chassis doesn't make it 100% compatible. That is only assured if it's also identical firmware.

Unless it's Certified they can't claim it's Saorview compatible, only claim suitable for Ireland.

As I understand it Vestel the OEM may have submitted the OEM hardware chassis with firmware for two "T8300s". Now what Vestel does with that certification as regards rebadging I would imagine would be fine.

Same as happened in the with UK Freeview boxes. Tesco/Argos/etc didnt submit boxes.... they bought a certified one off the OEM who rebadged it together with certified logo. You with me ? Thats how you have massive lists of rebadged boxes all getting the one OTA download on Freeview.

Educated guess is LIDL and Tecos next.

Macy0161

BowWow wrote: »

Just seen the insert.
It costs €79.99!:eek:

If it's certified, it would be the cheapest certified receiver so far. Hopefully it'll be the start of the prices dropping.

Gerry Wicklow

I don't suppose we would be lucky enough to get a T2 tuner as well or am I really dreaming?

liamtech

Gerry Wicklow wrote: »

I don't suppose we would be lucky enough to get a T2 tuner as well or am I really dreaming?

actually many vestel rebadges are Freeview HD boxes so they will be T2, if im correct - can anyone confirm this?

Gerry Wicklow

liamtech wrote: »

actually many vestel rebadges are Freeview HD boxes so they will be T2, if im correct - can anyone confirm this?

That's what I'm hoping;)

Antenna

Trevord wrote: »

I was ready to write a post complementing the diagram from Aldi as a useful educational tool to get the message out, but now I'm not too sure.

There is potential confusion for consumers following Aldi's usage of the term "other FTA channels". They could have drawn a distinction between Irish vs non Irish FTA channels. As currently presented I could gain the impression that the FTA channels available on Satelitte could also be accessed by Saorview (aka Soarview/Soareview/Soreview).

Yes, especially the use of the word 'many'. The duo of 3e and RTE News Now (in addition to the usual 4 Irish) can hardly be described as 'many other'.
'Many other' is only appropriate marketing in the areas of the republic with reliable UK Freeview reception - which is only a very small percentage of the population of the republic.

STB wrote: »

and will give them access to local TV channels (RTÉ1, RTÉ2, TV3, TG4) as well as many other Free to Air digital channels.

(as STB quoted from Aldi site)

BowWow

Trevord wrote: »

Can it record to USB ?

No mention of it in the spec.

BowWow

STB wrote: »

Probably will be able to record.
Guessing it may look quite similar to this.

From what you can see of it in the brochure, it looks exactly like that, with a Saorview logo on the frount.

BowWow

Macy0161 wrote: »

If it's certified, it would be the cheapest certified receiver so far. Hopefully it'll be the start of the prices dropping.

I accept that, but I was thinking of UK Freeview HD boxes available at £30ish.

STB

liamtech wrote: »

actually many vestel rebadges are Freeview HD boxes so they will be T2, if im correct - can anyone confirm this?

Not so straight forward.

They were almost certainly submitted by Vestel to Terracom who are doing the Saorview certification, not DTG who did the Freeview HD certification.

Saorview's certification is DVB-T MPEG4 H264 MHEG5 and Nordig.

Freeview's HD is DVB-T2 according to UK Dbook 6&7.

Freeview HD is not the same and among other specifications contains DRM techniques. The Saorview doesnt.

However, the tuner module is a T8300 (the latest walkers are these too) and the chassis is the DVB680. Perhaps the tuner modules are T2 tuners - no problem there as they are backward compatible with DVB-T. The rest of the software would be geared towards Saorview though, rather than Freeview HD, so even if they do tune Freeview HD stations in overflow/border areas, the gear might do strange things for non Iri, especially when country broadcast flags come into play. This could be the interoperability playoff for NI.

Good to see a cheaper box on the market, although only a temporary sale. The walkers will only drop when a full time item is on sale in parallel.

Tesco's will no doubt do one (of the same certified OEMs) rebranded under the Technica label.

watty

http://ireland.aldi.com/ie/html/offers/special_buys3_16976.htm


Has a logo, but last night this was not on saorview.ie

www.saorview.ie down with database error as I type.


Obviously a Vestel. But same SW as Walker, or different?

Macy0161

They've also an aerial kit and HD FTA Sat kit (45cm dish though) on Thursday too - you could get a complete set up with the groceries

liamtech

watty wrote: »

http://ireland.aldi.com/ie/html/offers/special_buys3_16976.htm


Has a logo, but last night this was not on saorview.ie

www.saorview.ie down with database error as I type.


Obviously a Vestel. But same SW as Walker, or different?

Does it do PVR via USB i wonder?

Gerry Wicklow

Cant see a USB port on the front as per the Vestel above. No mention of USB in specs.

PressTheButton

watty wrote: »

http://ireland.aldi.com/ie/html/offers/special_buys3_16976.htm


Has a logo, but last night this was not on saorview.ie

www.saorview.ie down with database error as I type.


Obviously a Vestel. But same SW as Walker, or different?

Saorview website back up. Wonder if it's an AKURA rebadged version of the STB on the Finlux approved product listing -

Model Number SAO634 STB T8010 OEM Vestel (SW 8.1) and above.

... Seems unlikely.
Only three STB providers currently listed as Saorview approved - Finlux, Triax & Walker. Maybe saorview.ie website needs updating.

davehey79

Gerry Wicklow wrote: »

Cant see a USB port on the front as per the Vestel above. No mention of USB in specs.

if you zoom in on the pic in the browser you can see USB on the front panel to the right of the unit ( after HD / HDMI / DVB )

here it is on the akura site

http://www.akura.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=431&category_id=41&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=89

http://www.akura.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=230:avt8010&catid=39:manuals&Itemid=90

PressTheButton

Gerry Wicklow wrote: »

Cant see a USB port on the front as per the Vestel above. No mention of USB in specs.

Photo of Aldi STB not very sharp but methinks it says 'HDMI DVB USB' on front right hand side of box.

Gerry Wicklow

I must be watching too much TV:)
couldn't hear Pat Rabbite and couldn't read advert:eek:

davehey79

davehey79 wrote: »

if you zoom in on the pic in the browser you can see USB on the front panel to the right of the unit ( after HD / HDMI / DVB )

here it is on the akura site

http://www.akura.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=431&category_id=41&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=89

http://www.akura.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=230:avt8010&catid=39:manuals&Itemid=90

if you click the 2nd link to the pdf quick start guide and the manual you will see adiagram showing a usb slot on the back

davehey79

Taken from the user manual

USB Connection.
•You may connect a USB Hard disk drive or Memory stick to your STB by using the USB connection.
This feature allows you to play files or record programmes on the USB memory.
• 2.5” and 3.5” (Hdd with external power supply) are supported.
• To record a programme, the HDD or Memory stick must be connected while the STB is turned off. Turn on
the STB and the box will enable the record feature.
• IMPORTANT. To avoid data loss. Ensure any files on the Memory media is “Backed up”. Akura
accepts no responsibility for any data lost on your External Memory, under ANY circumstances.
• It is Possible that certain makes and types of external memory media may not work with this STB, e.g MP3
players.
• IMPORTANT. The STB only supports FAT32 disk format. NTFS is NOT supported. If a NTFS disk is
connected the STB will ask you to format the Memory media.
Any data stored on the Memory media will be lost when the media is formatted in FAT 32.
• To connect a USB Hard drive to the STB it should have a cable as short as possible. USB 2.0 format is
required.
• It is recommended that Disk Drives of 1TB (Terra Byte) or larger should be formatted on a PC in FAT 32
mode. The STB may not format drives over 1TB successfully.
• CAUTION. Do NOT unplug the USB device while the STB is turned on. This may damage the USB
interface on the STB or the Memory media. Do not unplug while playing a file or programme, the data may
be corrupted.
Programme Recording.
Any Memory media must have a minimum capacity of 1GB and a speed of 2.0. If the media is not 2.0 speed
the STB will display an error message.
One hour of recording takes up a space of approximately 2GB.
For more information about recording programmes see sections :- “Instant Recording”, “Electronic Programme
Guide”, “Recordings Library” or “Recording timers”.
Recorded programmes are stored in the directory \DVD\RECS. An .IDX file is created for each recording. This
file includes information such as “Broadcaster”, “Programme” and “Recorded Time”.

liamtech

So Akura unit is certified - I am going to buy one of these i reckon! And i may advise friends to do the same

munster nomad

davehey79 wrote: »

Taken from the user manual

USB Connection.
•You may connect a USB Hard disk drive or Memory stick to your STB by using the USB connection.
This feature allows you to play files or record programmes on the USB memory.
• 2.5” and 3.5” (Hdd with external power supply) are supported.
• To record a programme, the HDD or Memory stick must be connected while the STB is turned off. Turn on
the STB and the box will enable the record feature.
• IMPORTANT. To avoid data loss. Ensure any files on the Memory media is “Backed up”. Akura
accepts no responsibility for any data lost on your External Memory, under ANY circumstances.
• It is Possible that certain makes and types of external memory media may not work with this STB, e.g MP3
players.
• IMPORTANT. The STB only supports FAT32 disk format. NTFS is NOT supported. If a NTFS disk is
connected the STB will ask you to format the Memory media.
Any data stored on the Memory media will be lost when the media is formatted in FAT 32.
• To connect a USB Hard drive to the STB it should have a cable as short as possible. USB 2.0 format is
required.
• It is recommended that Disk Drives of 1TB (Terra Byte) or larger should be formatted on a PC in FAT 32
mode. The STB may not format drives over 1TB successfully.
• CAUTION. Do NOT unplug the USB device while the STB is turned on. This may damage the USB
interface on the STB or the Memory media. Do not unplug while playing a file or programme, the data may
be corrupted.
Programme Recording.
Any Memory media must have a minimum capacity of 1GB and a speed of 2.0. If the media is not 2.0 speed
the STB will display an error message.
One hour of recording takes up a space of approximately 2GB.
For more information about recording programmes see sections :- “Instant Recording”, “Electronic Programme
Guide”, “Recordings Library” or “Recording timers”.
Recorded programmes are stored in the directory \DVD\RECS. An .IDX file is created for each recording. This
file includes information such as “Broadcaster”, “Programme” and “Recorded Time”.

OMG - FAT32 Not very intelligent for people with 1Tb+ HDD's. Weak...

BostonB

FAT32 and even short filenames is a limitation on many boxes.

watty

liamtech wrote: »

So Akura unit is certified - I am going to buy one of these i reckon! And i may advise friends to do the same

Where does it say on any RTE site that they are Certified?

http://www.saorview.ie/products-retailers/saorview-approved-product-listings/

oppiuy

Will this work with the old ntl dodgy boxes?

watty

no
Not even with new shiny ones,

bob11

watty wrote: »

Where does it say on any RTE site that they are Certified?

http://www.saorview.ie/products-retailers/saorview-approved-product-listings/

Would Acura be allowed to use the Saorview Logo on their Box without certification ? It is clearly on their website :



Maybe saorview website is not fully up to date yet ?
Then again, Akura may be jumping the gun ...

The Cush

bob11 wrote: »

Would Acura be allowed to use the Saorview Logo on their Box without certification ? It is clearly on their website :

This from RTÉ

RTÉ has appointed Teracom AB to conduct receiver compliance testing for SAORVIEW receivers, both STBs and iDTVs. Those receivers which pass the tests thereby meeting the SAORVIEW specification will be eligible to be licensed to use the “SAORVIEW” logo, which will confirm to consumers that the receiver is SAORVIEW compliant.

Manufacturers/distributors wishing to use the SAORVIEW logo should contact Teracom (irdtest@teracom.se) to arrange testing. When a receiver passes the tests, it will then be eligible to be licensed by RTÉ to carry the SAORVIEW logo.

lawhec

Is it me, or is there no mention of MHEG5 in the Akura specs?
Seems weird if it appears to be Saorview approved.

Cantona's Collars

Aldi are also selling an aerial for use with the box http://www.aldi.ie/ie/html/offers/special_buys3_16980.htm



For the price of a Walker box,you can get a set top box and aerial kit in Aldi;)

PressTheButton

watty wrote: »

Where does it say on any RTE site that they are Certified?

http://www.saorview.ie/products-retailers/saorview-approved-product-listings/

Let's not forget this STB will not be on sale until 2nd June. (See ad) so maybe Aldi are confident of appearing on the Saorview approved list by then. Would have been more correct of them to to asterisk the word 'Saorview' in the meantime with a note explaining Saorview certification was pending or TBA. Very naughty of them it hasn't either been already certified (in which case saorview.ie website needs updating) or if it isn't by the time the product goes on sale.

Sam Russell

zerks wrote: »

Aldi are also selling an aerial for use with the box http://www.aldi.ie/ie/html/offers/special_buys3_16980.htm



For the price of a Walker box,you can get a set top box and aerial kit in Aldi;)

That looks like the tin foil one Argos were selling for €9 a few months back, but Argos did not give the bracket or cable.

HarcourtGreen

Thanks!

The Cush wrote: »

The epg data (DVB-SI, Event Information Table (EIT)) is transmitted within the multiplex data stream incl audio, video, text etc. The data is then displayed by the manufacturers built in guide.

watty

It's an attic aerial.

Digital Satellite TV

Digital Aerial? When are they bringing out their HD Aerial:D