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Set top box reduced

  • 11-07-2011 3:01pm
    #1
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 20,144 Mod ✭✭✭✭


    I have got a new batch of these boxes in, and I got a better deal so can reduce the price. Now they are €45 each plus postage if required. They were great value at €50 so they must be even better now. See the advert on adverts.ie for details.


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 317 ✭✭darth_maul


    I have got a new batch of these boxes in, and I got a better deal so can reduce the price. Now they are €45 each plus postage if required. They were great value at €50 so they must be even better now. See the advert on adverts.ie for details.
    bought a couple of these from Sam, they are a nice little box, perfect for old crts as they can be mounted behind the TV, but also come with a HDMI cable for newer TV's


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 412 ✭✭Wide Road


    What brand of set top box are you selling?
    Can you pause etc?
    Has it a 7 day epg?
    Is it HD?


  • Moderators, Regional South East Moderators Posts: 3,585 Mod ✭✭✭✭St Senan


    Wide Road wrote: »
    What brand of set top box are you selling?
    Can you pause etc?
    Has it a 7 day epg?
    Is it HD?

    http://www.adverts.ie/tv/digital-tv-adapter-stb-for-irish-digital-service-saorview/714023


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 20,144 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    Wide Road wrote: »
    What brand of set top box are you selling?
    Can you pause etc?
    Has it a 7 day epg?
    Is it HD?

    Yes, Yes and Yes.

    It is unbranded, I ordered them from China, direct from the manufacturer. It is low power, good picture quality, fast processor, and works well. Works with an external HDD. It is set up to default to Ireland, and it is just plug and play. You still need an aerial, of course. It has both Scart and HDMI connectivity, and comes with all cables. Even the batteries are installed.

    It does not have MHEG 5. But other than that ...........:)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,358 ✭✭✭Antenna


    What voltage does the STB itself run on (output from the '13Amp power unit'), in case that power unit fails and has to be replaced in the future ?
    I assume its the common 12V DC (or is it different)?

    Can HDMI and SCART both work at the same time ? (i ask this question because i read UPC HD boxes don't allow that!) (for example if someone wanted HDMI to TV, SCART to DVD Recorder etc)

    Does the box itself have an on/off and channel up and down buttons (in case remote goes missing or for when batteries fail)


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  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 20,144 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    Antenna wrote: »
    What voltage does the STB itself run on (output from the '13Amp power unit'), in case that power unit fails and has to be replaced in the future ?
    I assume its the common 12V DC (or is it different)?

    No, it is 5 v DC. The unit is a 3 pin plug, and it is quite standard. CE certified, etc.

    Can HDMI and SCART both work at the same time ? (i ask this question because i read UPC HD boxes don't allow that!) (for example if someone wanted HDMI to TV, SCART to DVD Recorder etc)

    Yes both outputs are active at the same time. I would think that it would work well in that way, for recorder and TV. However, it has a useful personal recorder function used with an external HDD. It will allow viewing one channel and recording another on the same mux.

    Does the box itself have an on/off and channel up and down buttons (in case remote goes missing or for when batteries fail)

    No. If the remote goes missing, you are stuffed. However, I will keep spares, and can order more if required. The unit comes with batteries installed, and they should last a few years. They are standard AAA ones. If you think that a spare remote would be useful, I am sure I can sell you one, but I would think that would only make you careless with both.

    The unit is very low power (8W) so it is very unlikely to give trouble, but if it does, I will sort it out for a reasonable time after purchase.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 955 ✭✭✭Trevord


    Antenna wrote: »
    Does the box itself have an on/off and channel up and down buttons (in case remote goes missing or for when batteries fail)

    The idea with this box (and calling it a box almost gives the wrong impression cos its quite small - its more a device really) is to be as compact as possible. Its designed to hide behind your tv rather than to be a piece of electronic furniture sitting on the shelf of your tv stand.

    No buttons on it for changing channel or turning it on or off. All this is done through the remote.

    It does have an on/off time type menu. You can specify that it stays on 24/7 or for shorter durations - as little as 3 hours at a time if you want to be very energy efficient.

    A universal remote from aldi or lidl can control the box if you lose or don't like the standard remote.

    Overall, its a very good product so far and does not misbehave (no freezing or hanging or failure to record)

    @Sam - the only niggle I have is that the duration of the now and next EPG display can't be altered. It only stays on for one or two seconds when you change channel and for me sometimes that is not enough time to read the programme names and the start and end time info. I end up pressing the info button to make it reappear. If you are requesting further modifications to the software maybe that is something you could add to the wishlist.


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 20,144 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    @ Trevord
    I will bear that in mind to look for variable time.

    As to the name, I normally refer to it as a Digital TV Adapter. A much better title, I think. As you say the box is very small and hides behind the TV out of sight, where they all should be. I also think the PVR function is good as well.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,048 ✭✭✭✭Johnboy1951


    I agree the display time is not long enough .... I also have found myself having to bring it up a second time to read the info.

    I actually dislike the mechanical part of the device --- the plug and swivel rather than a scart socket and cable --- and would much prefer a similar device with socket.

    Of course I am using it on an old CRT TV, so access and space behind the TV is severly limited. When used with a scart extender the device is not easy to get stabilised .... at least in the location I am using it.

    That aside the results from the receiver are excellent.

    @Sam
    You might consider offering a similar product without the swivel mechanism, as I believe they also are available.

    regards.


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 20,144 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    I agree the display time is not long enough .... I also have found myself having to bring it up a second time to read the info.

    I actually dislike the mechanical part of the device --- the plug and swivel rather than a scart socket and cable --- and would much prefer a similar device with socket.

    Of course I am using it on an old CRT TV, so access and space behind the TV is severly limited. When used with a scart extender the device is not easy to get stabilised .... at least in the location I am using it.

    That aside the results from the receiver are excellent.

    @Sam
    You might consider offering a similar product without the swivel mechanism, as I believe they also are available.

    regards.

    Thanks for your comments. I never intended going into business with this box, I just got it in for my own use and a few friends. I offered it on adverts.ie, and it took off. I do not make much out of it, and only offer it to counteract the rip-off factor in this business. It took me a long time to find the product, and I will not be looking for any other one. It is a good product as it is and performs well, but it may have some mechanical issues with the scart connector, but the SCART design is crap in my opinion. Also, it is not always easy to connect it securely to every CRT TV as they put their connectors in the most unlikely places.

    The box has been very well received by those that have bought it, and when this batch is gone, well, it's gone.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,188 ✭✭✭wil


    Excellent unit, very happy with mine, compact, cool running hidden behind the TV as it should be.
    Do they do sat receivers?

    I cant understand why any stb has to be bulky these days, so many are power hungry toasters.

    Fast switching especially on HD channels compared to my stb.

    Good PVR too, same quality about 1Gb/hr .TS files that play easily in VLC unlike my stb .trp files which are erratic at best.

    Think it "proves" the importance of MHEG5 is somewhat overplayed. It's probably as well off without it.
    Can do without the mHegache


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 720 ✭✭✭kierank01


    I have got a new batch of these boxes in, and I got a better deal so can reduce the price. Now they are €45 each plus postage if required. They were great value at €50 so they must be even better now. See the advert on adverts.ie for details.

    The box seems to be really compact, which is good, but if it is intended to stay behind the tv, how can the remote work if there is not line of site?


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 20,144 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    kierank01 wrote: »
    The box seems to be really compact, which is good, but if it is intended to stay behind the tv, how can the remote work if there is not line of site?

    Well, that's the trick. There is a little IR sensor that sticks to the front of the TV, or some other convenient spot. [It is colour coded for black TVs].

    The whole thing is hidden when installed.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12 rochep


    I understand RTE is going to put its services on Astra - so does this mean we will no longer need a DVB-T tuner - if we have a satellite dish ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,140 ✭✭✭John mac


    rochep wrote: »
    I understand RTE is going to put its services on Astra - so does this mean we will no longer need a DVB-T tuner - if we have a satellite dish ?

    No its not.

    More info here and here

    its on astra already, but you have to pay Sky to receive it.


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 20,144 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    rochep wrote: »
    I understand RTE is going to put its services on Astra - so does this mean we will no longer need a DVB-T tuner - if we have a satellite dish ?

    The satellite service (Saorsat) is discussed on the satellite threads. It needs a second separate dish with a (currently unavailable) Ka LNB. It is intended for the last few % who will not be able to receive Saorview from an aerial. It will be more expensive to get it working, certainly in the short term. It is better to think of the Saorsat service as a backup for the transmitters, than as a viable alternative for Saorview.

    The aerial is by far the easiest solution for most people.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,805 ✭✭✭GerardKeating


    rochep wrote: »
    I understand RTE is going to put its services on Astra - so does this mean we will no longer need a DVB-T tuner - if we have a satellite dish ?

    where did you hear that. Very unlikely.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 662 ✭✭✭selfbuilder1


    Received my box today from Sam. I only ordered it on Friday so it was super fast delivery. Very easy set up just plug and play. Very happy with the picture and has saved me getting a new tv for the kitchen. Highly recommended.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,757 ✭✭✭lawhec


    wil wrote: »
    Think it "proves" the importance of MHEG5 is somewhat overplayed. It's probably as well off without it.
    Can do without the mHegache
    That'll depend on what the broadcasters on Saorview intend to do using MHEG5 in the future. Right now there's just an upgraded text service in parallel to WST for RTÉ. There are different possibilities, say interactive screens, primitive encryption for PPV channels (used currently on Freeview in the UK), interaction with internet-streamed services e.g. BBC iPlayer currently on some Freesat HD receivers, and so on.

    For now though, if you can live without Aertel Digital then the receiver looks a decent buy for the price.


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 20,144 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    lawhec wrote: »
    That'll depend on what the broadcasters on Saorview intend to do using MHEG5 in the future. Right now there's just an upgraded text service in parallel to WST for RTÉ. There are different possibilities, say interactive screens, primitive encryption for PPV channels (used currently on Freeview in the UK), interaction with internet-streamed services e.g. BBC iPlayer currently on some Freesat HD receivers, and so on.

    For now though, if you can live without Aertel Digital then the receiver looks a decent buy for the price.

    If you have an MPEG2 TV, this is a brilliant and simple way to give you what you thought you bought when you got it originally, a digital TV. The picture quality is as good as you could expect. It also acts as a PVR.

    RTE have not got series link working yet, which I would think is more important that MHEG 5. Nor have they even admitted that they have a digital service yet. When have you heard a promo for RTE News Now?

    I think Saorview is not flavour of the month within RTE anymore. Redundancy anyone?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 720 ✭✭✭kierank01


    Nor have they even admitted that they have a digital service yet. When have you heard a promo for RTE News Now?

    They may have not advertised news now, but they have definately advertised rte2 hd for for the gaa matches.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,757 ✭✭✭lawhec


    If you have an MPEG2 TV, this is a brilliant and simple way to give you what you thought you bought when you got it originally, a digital TV. The picture quality is as good as you could expect. It also acts as a PVR.
    I'm pretty sure that the receiver will also be OK for CRT TV's as well, or LCD & Plasma displays with no DVB-T tuner. Also in terms of PVR facilities, it's a very crude one that only really works while a 1 Mux network is in place, which could be changed by the end of this year - a proper PVR needs at least two tuners.
    RTE have not got series link working yet, which I would think is more important that MHEG 5. Nor have they even admitted that they have a digital service yet. When have you heard a promo for RTE News Now?
    Both series link and MHEG5 have different potential uses in the future. AFAIK there is no officially approved Saorview PVR right now so the series link under NorDig standards are not urgently needed yet. While I haven't heard of RTÉ promote their News Now channel, they have promoted Saorview in different manners e.g. news reports, advising of HD content on RTÉ2...

    Honestly, I don't have any problem with the receivers in question. I have a similar styled Freeview (MPEG2 only) receiver that plugs into the back of a SCART socket though it's not being used right now - it's just that anyone buying a receiver with the intention of receiving a service that it's not certified for it may not be fully compatible. Example - I've a portable DVD & DVB-T receiver that is "MPEG2 universal". The main Freeview channels can be watched but MHEG5 text doesn't work (it does WST text only) and there is no real opportunity to upgrade the receiver software either by connecting to a computer or USB pen drive, or by OTA updates (well in theory it can, but it is highly unlikely to be possible in the UK).


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 20,144 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    lawhec wrote: »
    I'm pretty sure that the receiver will also be OK for CRT TV's as well, or LCD & Plasma displays with no DVB-T tuner. Also in terms of PVR facilities, it's a very crude one that only really works while a 1 Mux network is in place, which could be changed by the end of this year - a proper PVR needs at least two tuners.

    Both series link and MHEG5 have different potential uses in the future. AFAIK there is no officially approved Saorview PVR right now so the series link under NorDig standards are not urgently needed yet. While I haven't heard of RTÉ promote their News Now channel, they have promoted Saorview in different manners e.g. news reports, advising of HD content on RTÉ2...

    Honestly, I don't have any problem with the receivers in question. I have a similar styled Freeview (MPEG2 only) receiver that plugs into the back of a SCART socket though it's not being used right now - it's just that anyone buying a receiver with the intention of receiving a service that it's not certified for it may not be fully compatible. Example - I've a portable DVD & DVB-T receiver that is "MPEG2 universal". The main Freeview channels can be watched but MHEG5 text doesn't work (it does WST text only) and there is no real opportunity to upgrade the receiver software either by connecting to a computer or USB pen drive, or by OTA updates (well in theory it can, but it is highly unlikely to be possible in the UK).

    If RTE do not fundamentaly alter their transmissions, these boxes will continue to work properly. I remember having a TV without teletext some years ago. I did not miss the teletext because I never had it.

    Most viewers want a TV that works and gives trouble free viewing. For a second TV in a kitchen or bedroom, that is all they want. If a TV is not equipped for Saorview, the options are
    1. new TV, or
    2. a STB.
    If the new TV costs €200 for a 20 inch, and the STB costs €45, then you make a particular choice, depending on your needs. However, if the new TV cost €500 to replace a 3 year old LED 40 inch, you might make another choice, as the STB looks a better deal.

    I am just trying to bring lower cost choices to people.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,757 ✭✭✭lawhec


    If RTE do not fundamentaly alter their transmissions, these boxes will continue to work properly. I remember having a TV without teletext some years ago. I did not miss the teletext because I never had it.
    The teletext comparison has some merit, but the difference between it and MHEG is that WST was never mandated as part of a platform specification for analogue transmissions (funnily enough it actually is for most DVB-T specs, the UK D-Book is an exception), only as a "bolt on" to transmissions. It's like having a Sky receiver that has no OpenTV software enabled. You can still use the receiver to watch of course, but things like Sky Active, BBC Red Button, Sky News Active etc. become unavailable. You can still watch programmes, but some elements of the service is missing.
    Most viewers want a TV that works and gives trouble free viewing. For a second TV in a kitchen or bedroom, that is all they want. If a TV is not equipped for Saorview, the options are
    1. new TV, or
    2. a STB.
    If the new TV costs €200 for a 20 inch, and the STB costs €45, then you make a particular choice, depending on your needs. However, if the new TV cost €500 to replace a 3 year old LED 40 inch, you might make another choice, as the STB looks a better deal.
    I find that such SCART type receivers are better for secondary TV's like portables simply because of the space they save (that's only my opinion).
    I am just trying to bring lower cost choices to people.
    My arguments are only on a technical basis. As a stand-alone DVB-T MPEG4 HD receiver, €45 I reckon is decent value.


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 20,144 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    lawhec wrote: »
    The teletext comparison has some merit, but the difference between it and MHEG is that WST was never mandated as part of a platform specification for analogue transmissions (funnily enough it actually is for most DVB-T specs, the UK D-Book is an exception), only as a "bolt on" to transmissions. It's like having a Sky receiver that has no OpenTV software enabled. You can still use the receiver to watch of course, but things like Sky Active, BBC Red Button, Sky News Active etc. become unavailable. You can still watch programmes, but some elements of the service is missing.


    I find that such SCART type receivers are better for secondary TV's like portables simply because of the space they save (that's only my opinion).

    My arguments are only on a technical basis. As a stand-alone DVB-T MPEG4 HD receiver, €45 I reckon is decent value.

    Thank you for your comments.

    I think RTE could improve RTE NewsNow by making it full screen with the fluff around the edge removed for normal viewers and, if required, added using MHEG5 facilites. I would prefer a full screen news broadcast in good resolution without the side-bar and other framing stuff. If I want them, (and I have MHEG5) I just press the green button.

    For most viewers MHEG5 features are not needed and will not be used. [Personal opinion]


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,188 ✭✭✭wil


    lawhec wrote: »
    ...... There are different possibilities, say interactive screens, primitive encryption for PPV channels (used currently on Freeview in the UK), interaction with internet-streamed services e.g. BBC iPlayer currently on some Freesat HD receivers, and so on.

    For now though, if you can live without Aertel Digital then the receiver looks a decent buy for the price.

    All excellent reasons for avoiding MHEG5 if possible.

    I have so many pc's, laptops, iThings etc in my house I actually appreciate the lack of interactivity that the common or garden bog standard broadcast offers. If I wanted Rocky Horror I'd invest in a corset and stockings but much like games on a phone or text voting on x-factor, its not something you are going to catch me doing.

    Recording is a bonus but not critical, with so many alterative methods of delivery available and years of unwatched recordings,I already need a catchup service for all the catch up services.

    What's Aertel Digital? - asked and answered.:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26 BSOH


    Some things learned about the Sam Russell STB (SRSTB). First, picture is excellent.

    With a hard disk drive attached, the recorder part of the SRSTB is a sight more versatile than my Bravia KDL-37EX403 TV (plus HDD). It plays a variety of video formats (e.g. XVID) that the Bravia+HDD won't.

    It will play, without fuss, a .VOB (copied from the VIDEO_TS folder of a DVD). That may be of interest to people with lots of videos copied to DVDs that they would prefer to play from a HDD.

    If it's a big video with several .VOBs (each about 1GB) you probably need to use VOB2MPG to first produce an mpg file, which the SRSTB will again play without fuss.

    The Bravia won't play the mpg file as such, instead I had to feed it through TSMUXER to produce an .m2ts file: fast, but still awkward.

    The recorder of the SRSTB natively produces .ts files, which the Bravia+HDD won't play, but simply changing the extension to .m2ts does the trick. OK if you only have one .ts file, if you have more than one I'm not sure if you can just bung them together. Maybe I'll find out after the hurling final tomorrow!

    Hard-won Experience Section: I accidentally plugged in a USB-powered HDD to the SRSTB (instructions warn against that). It wouldn't record, but neither did it damage the SRSTB either. It does however seem to have screwed up the HDD somewhat - it won't work on the Bravia any more - makes a faint hunting click every second or so - although it seems fine on the computer...go figure.


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 20,144 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    BSOH wrote: »
    Some things learned about the Sam Russell STB (SRSTB). First, picture is excellent.

    With a hard disk drive attached, the recorder part of the SRSTB is a sight more versatile than my Bravia KDL-37EX403 TV (plus HDD). It plays a variety of video formats (e.g. XVID) that the Bravia+HDD won't.

    It will play, without fuss, a .VOB (copied from the VIDEO_TS folder of a DVD). That may be of interest to people with lots of videos copied to DVDs that they would prefer to play from a HDD.

    If it's a big video with several .VOBs (each about 1GB) you probably need to use VOB2MPG to first produce an mpg file, which the SRSTB will again play without fuss.

    The Bravia won't play the mpg file as such, instead I had to feed it through TSMUXER to produce an .m2ts file: fast, but still awkward.

    The recorder of the SRSTB natively produces .ts files, which the Bravia+HDD won't play, but simply changing the extension to .m2ts does the trick. OK if you only have one .ts file, if you have more than one I'm not sure if you can just bung them together. Maybe I'll find out after the hurling final tomorrow!

    Hard-won Experience Section: I accidentally plugged in a USB-powered HDD to the SRSTB (instructions warn against that). It wouldn't record, but neither did it damage the SRSTB either. It does however seem to have screwed up the HDD somewhat - it won't work on the Bravia any more - makes a faint hunting click every second or so - although it seems fine on the computer...go figure.

    Thak you for your kind words.

    With regard to your HDD, I would think you have corrupted its data structures because of eratic power during writing. I suggest that you do a full low-level format of the drive on the PC, possible doing it two or three times using different file structures to force rewrites of file tables.

    That hunting/clicking is bad tracks/sectors causing retries.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 165 ✭✭dmm1000


    I have Sams device as well - highly recommended for what it does

    ( Sam ) regarding the PVR - any possibility they could incorporate the program name into the recorded file title in a future firmware update ?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,683 ✭✭✭DeepBlue


    The USB port which allows you to insert a USB stick and play back XviD avi files along with .ts files amongst others was an unexpected bonus on this STB.
    For me it has as much value as being able to get Saorview on the STB making the unit itself fantastic value.


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 20,144 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    DeepBlue wrote: »
    The USB port which allows you to insert a USB stick and play back XviD avi files along with .ts files amongst others was an unexpected bonus on this STB.
    For me it has as much value as being able to get Saorview on the STB making the unit itself fantastic value.

    Thank you for your kind words.

    I do not expect to be in a position to ask for any more upgrades unless I place a large order conditional on such upgrades. That particular one would be very good. Unfortunately, because RTE do not use series link (yet?) I do not know if this box will support it, but I doubt it.

    The box has worked very well for me, and judging by the reaction of posters on here, it has worked very well for them. It has also proved very reliable in use.

    I have said before that I will not be continuing to supply these once this batch has gone as the market has caught up with Argos selling a €50 box. I only went into this because I wanted one myself and did not see why they had to be so expensive.

    Elsewhere, I predicted that the STB price will fall to €30 by next year, and if it does not, I will sell a box at that price. We will see.


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 20,144 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    Just for those people using this box, here is how to use it for MUX1 and MUX 2.

    Use the menu, and select Set Factory Defaults.

    Press OK to get this to happen.

    Adapter will restart, and answer the questions (basically accept the defaults).

    When requested, start automatic scan.

    When scan finishes, enter Menu again. On first page, set LCN to ON.

    Then rescan using Auto

    This should have RTE 1 HD at 1, RTE 2 HD at 2, TV3 at 3, and TG4 at 4.
    RTE NN is at 5, and e3 at 6, RTE jr at 7, RTE 1+1 at 8, and RTE1SD at 9. Other channels are test cards at the moment and are of no interest. If other channels go HD or channels are added, then this procedure should work properly.

    I think I have that right, but if anyone has queries, I will answer them as well as I can. There will be no software updates (as I am not in business with the vendor).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,683 ✭✭✭DeepBlue


    This should have RTE 1 HD at 1, RTE 2 HD at 2, TV3 at 3, and TG4 at 4.
    RTE NN is at 5, and e3 at 6, RTE jr at 7, RTE 1+1 at 8, and RTE1SD at 9
    Tried the procedure but it didn't work for me.
    After the autoscan the RTE1HD went to 1 and RTE2 HD, TV3, TG4, etc started at 9, 10, 11 etc.

    However, if I set the options on the first menu to
    Sort By LCN (which I think is the default)
    LCN Off (by default I think this is On)

    I can then select the Program Edit option on the first menu to re-order the channels to whatever order I like.
    There's also the option to rename the channels that no longer have a name like RTE1 SD and RTE1+1 SD and delete the new test channels.
    The password for the Program Edit option is all zeros - "000000". I assume this is the default password as I don't remember changing it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26 BSOH


    Sam, the procedure didn't work for me either (I'm on Three Rock). Tried it several times but I always end up with channels 1, 7, and 8 still requesting a re-scan whenever I try the EPG whereas on the other channels I get the EPG OK.

    For info, my Sony Bravia updated OK from the same feed.

    I still think this box was great value - I much prefer its recordings, in a standard well-known format, to those from a HD combo box that I purchased later which records in some unknown format, and whose supplier has ignored all requests on this forum for clarification. Unlike Sam, who's still giving customer service two years down the line!


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 20,144 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    I'll try it again. It worked for me, but I will try another box from scatch. I'll post back when I've got it working on that box. (And I'll make notes this time!:))


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,048 ✭✭✭✭Johnboy1951


    Watching with interest ..... Ch 1 is RTÉ 1 SD with no name and requesting a rescan.

    I think I might jot try a manual edit if I can ......


    EDIT:
    Moved the channels in the list manually as described by DeepBlue above.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 955 ✭✭✭Trevord


    @ Sam, BSOH and Deep Blue,

    Followed Sam's instructions but also still have all the 690Mhz (MUX1) channels first followed by the 746Mhz (MUX2)

    Transmitter Maghera.

    Edit:
    Sorted using Deepblue's manual fix. I had tried this a couple of weeks ago and even though I could get the correct channel sequence with RTE1 HD at the first channel, it had the wrong channel number (it was listing as channel 9).

    So there are particular settings to select on the "Program" menu that ensure that your channel list runs from 1,2....8 after you manually move the channels as described by Deepblue. It would appear that you need to make sure LCN is set to "off".

    Great to see that this little box can still be used.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,015 ✭✭✭Zardoz


    Is text still working on these boxes ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,048 ✭✭✭✭Johnboy1951


    Zardoz wrote: »
    Is text still working on these boxes ?

    TV3 & TG4 I think yes


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26 BSOH


    A bit of clarification needed here by me...does RTE 1 HD identify itself as such, i.e. does "HD" appear on-screen or elsewhere? Or is it that if RTE 1 appears on the EPG without a re-scan prompt then I can take it as being broadcast in HD?

    If that's so, then I can just manually re-order the channels as DeepBlue suggested. For a lot of programme material, I find it's pretty difficult to tell visually whether it's SD or HD.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,683 ✭✭✭DeepBlue


    BSOH wrote: »
    A bit of clarification needed here by me...does RTE 1 HD identify itself as such, i.e. does "HD" appear on-screen or elsewhere? Or is it that if RTE 1 appears on the EPG without a re-scan prompt then I can take it as being broadcast in HD?
    RTE1 doesn't have a HD tag. You know you have RTE1 HD if the EPG button lists the programs. The other RTE1 channel won't have the name or the EPG - it will just list something like a "Rescan required" message.
    You won't see much difference in quality as there is nothing being broadcast in HD yet. Current content is simply upscaled from standard definition so should be a little better but it's not hugely noticeable.


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 20,144 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    Here goes. I assume you only get Saorview. If you get spillover Freeview, then adjust accordingly - just ignore Freeview channels.

    1. Press menu and go to FACTORY RESET. Password is [000000] if it asks for it.

    Unit will give a selection, just accept everything.

    Unit will start a scan. Let it finish, you should have 15 TV channels. If you have extra ones, then I suggest you delete them, which will come later.

    You will end up on RTE SD (with no channel name).

    Make a list (on paper) of the channels you have - and note the freg to make sure they are your local mux. [To get the freq, press Info button twice] The channels from a secondary mux should be marked for deletion. For example, I get ThreeRock and Kippure, but Kippure is much weaker.

    So now you have 15 TV channels listed from your local mux with any extra ones marked for deletion.

    Press Menu, and go to [Program Edit]

    Password is [000000]

    Starting at the bottom of your list otherwise you will lose track on which ones you want to delete, [Delete] all channels that do not have a name and all those you marked for deletion. Use the [Blue] button to do this followed by [OK] Do not at this stage move any channels with the red button.

    You should end up with eight channels.

    Now use the [Red] button to mark each channel to move, use the up/down arrows to get the staions in the right order, then press [Red] again to stop the movement.

    When you have finished, press [Exit] to exit, and Saving will be on screen.

    Press 1, and you should have RTE1 HD. Cycle through using the up/down arrows to satisfy yourself that all is OK.

    The same can be used for the radio channels but I have not bothered with that, as if you get this far, you can figure that out for yourself.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,683 ✭✭✭DeepBlue


    DeepBlue wrote: »
    RTE1 doesn't have a HD tag.
    Well it didn't yesterday but today it does. :o


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26 BSOH


    Quote:
    Originally Posted by DeepBlue viewpost.gif
    RTE1 doesn't have a HD tag.

    Well it didn't yesterday but today it does. redface.png

    So, I feel better, RTÉ must think I'm not the only dumb-dumb out here...


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


    Why is this on a two year old thread about something else?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,683 ✭✭✭DeepBlue


    watty wrote: »
    Why is this on a two year old thread about something else?
    Maybe read the thread a bit more closely and you wouldn't have to ask.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26 BSOH


    DeepBlue wrote: »
    Maybe read the thread a bit more closely and you wouldn't have to ask.

    Exactly.

    My thanks to DeepBlue and Sam for assistance with re-tuning this 2-year old box that is still well worth having.


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 20,144 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    BSOH wrote: »
    Exactly.

    My thanks to DeepBlue and Sam for assistance with re-tuning this 2-year old box that is still well worth having.

    You're welcome.


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


    It should have been a new thread and new title.

    I did read it. Now and originally.

    There is no charge for new threads.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 4,285 ✭✭✭Peter Rhea


    BSOH wrote: »
    My thanks to DeepBlue and Sam for assistance with re-tuning this 2-year old box that is still well worth having.

    All that has to be done is a manual scan of the correct mux 2 frequency & then delete & reorder to your liking. It's not like the receiver was going to fall on its ass over this kind of thing.


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