Saorview box for older TVs?

seamusd1982

My folks have two 10 year old TVs. I am looking to set them up for Saorview and cost wise the cheapest option is to get a couple of Triax TR112s. But in the long run I am wondering is this the right choice?

How long more would they get out of their old TVs? Would it be better to get 2 new TVs with the Saorview built in?

b318isp

You could get another 10 years easily. Assuming that they are not interested in HD, etc., a cheap set top box is the way to go - but I'd suggest considering a FTA/Saorview box.

seamusd1982

OK.

At the moment I don't think they want a Saorview/FTA box as they are not keen on putting a dish on the house. My Dad can't get his head around the idea that to get the free UK channels you need a dish. He'll know when he can't watch the races.

Just had a quick check on Powercity and I could get a Walker 26" for around €240 - as opposed to €85 for a Triax TR112.

Not sure yet.

Peter Rhea

seamusd1982 wrote: »

My Dad can't get his head around the idea that to get the free UK channels you need a dish. He'll know when he can't watch the races..

How does he currently view the UK channels?

seamusd1982

Peter Rhea wrote: »

How does he currently view the UK channels?

He is based in the midlands and gets the Irish/UK channels off an aerial - the aerial is 4ft tall (I think its called a BBC aerial??) on top of really tall telegraph type pole. He has had no problems with reception in over 30 years.

I have been trying to tell him that when the swithover happens he'll lose the UK channels unless he gets a dish.

Antenna

seamusd1982 wrote: »

My folks have two 10 year old TVs.

.......

How long more would they get out of their old TVs?

What are these TVs??

Someone here might have experience of the reliability of them ??

seamusd1982

Antenna wrote: »

What are these TVs??

Someone here might have experience of the reliability of them ??

Both TVs are 32" Panasonic TX-32PK3L and about 10 years old.

They are the old style 'tube' type TVs. One is still working OK. The other TV has a slight problem - there is a slight double on images - the local repair shop said that the tube was gone - its in a room not used alot so the parents put up with it.

Peter Rhea

He shouldn't lose the UK channels if he has good analogue reception. At switchover the power of the digital broadcasts will be increased to match analogue coverage for at least the main (PSB) channels.

Any Saorview receiver will also decode the standard definition UK Freeview channels & if Freeview reception proves reliable, you could later upgrade to a Freeview HD capable tv, as many Saorview approved sets are.

It should be pointed out though, that conditions which would cause fading or interference on the analogue picture while still leaving it watchable, can cause complete loss of digital reception. Satellite is generally a more reliable option & certainly is if you're on the fringes of coverage.

Ronnie Raygun

Terrestrial reception is convenient in terms of signal distribution & availability of tvs with integrated tuners, but in this case we seem to be dealing with a fairly elaborate aerial installation, the cost of which could probably only be justified if you're feeding a large no. of tv points & of course reception would have to be as near to 100% reliable as possible.

OK while it's still functioning but will have to be replaced at some stage.

ardmacha

It would seem worthwhile replacing the main TV in the house, while perhaps using a box for a less used one.

Freeview should be possible, but until transmitters are at full power in October it will be hard to be sure.

Sponge Bob

He won't know whether UK Digital will work until October....especially if picking up around the N6/Westmeath or south Roscommon. He may need a dish by then.