Saorview PVR question - USB stick v external HDD

NIMAN

With the likes of the Ariva 120, Triax TSC114 etc, that allow recording via USB, I was wondering if its possible to use a USB memory stick or does it have to be a powered HDD?

Johnboy1951

NIMAN wrote: »

With the likes of the Ariva 120, Triax TSC114 etc, that allow recording via USB, I was wondering if its possible to use a USB memory stick or does it have to be a powered HDD?

The Ariva can use a USB flash stick, or a powered HDD.

recyclebin

You will need a USB stick with a good read and write speed to record HD from RTE2

NIMAN

recyclebin wrote: »

You will need a USB stick with a good read and write speed to record HD from RTE2

I was thinking the speeds would have to be good - I know a lot of the great deals around on memory sticks are for ones with very slow speeds.

the_syco

It depends on the PVR. Some give power to the USB port, some don't. The USB sticks generally don't need power, but the drives do as the hard-drive inside them need power to operate, so may need a separate power source if the PVR doesn't give power to the USB port.

watty

However such single Tuner + External USB receivers are not "real" PVRs, they are single tuners with recording feature which is why the "Recording" on the Saorview Certified boxes and TVs are not tested. There are no Saorview PVRs at all yet. The closest would be some true PVRs to the "Freeview+ HD" spec from Sony and Humax.

All external "USB" recording feature TVs and Set-boxes are hugely less reliable than real PVRs and often very limited in storage time per HD Program and may not work reliably with series link. It's not a supported core feature but an "extra" where you are on your own sourcing suitable storage, features and compatibility.

USB sticks need power from the USB socket, but all HDD need more power than the USB spec actually covers. Some devices can supply this extra power. Usually you are best with a separate PSU for HDD via jack plug or USB "Y" cable depending on model of HDD.

zg3409

In terms of capacity a HDD will have greater capacity for price. If recording the HD channel the capacity will be quickly used up, especially if you want to keep recordings forever.

Some boxes will test the hardware to see if it is suitable for recording and complain if not.

the_syco

Something to keep in mind; if using external harddrives, format it in Fat32 and not NTFS, as most of the cheaper PVR devices can't read NTFS drives.

blowtorch

watty wrote: »

However such single Tuner + External USB receivers are not "real" PVRs, they are single tuners with recording feature which is why the "Recording" on the Saorview Certified boxes and TVs are not tested. There are no Saorview PVRs at all yet. The closest would be some true PVRs to the "Freeview+ HD" spec from Sony and Humax.

All external "USB" recording feature TVs and Set-boxes are hugely less reliable than real PVRs and often very limited in storage time per HD Program and may not work reliably with series link. It's not a supported core feature but an "extra" where you are on your own sourcing suitable storage, features and compatibility.

USB sticks need power from the USB socket, but all HDD need more power than the USB spec actually covers. Some devices can supply this extra power. Usually you are best with a separate PSU for HDD via jack plug or USB "Y" cable depending on model of HDD.

Bought a Walker TV 3 weeks ago. Decided to buy as it had a PVR. 'Ordinary' memory sticks do not work on it. You need to buy a 'fast' stick. I bought one this week from memoryc.com - Was a 16gb ADATA C903. This works. But I am very disappointed with the PVR function.

- You can only record what you're watching. (You cannot record say, TV3 while watching say RTE1).

- If you have say a SKY box connected to your TV, you STILL cannot record from the 'TV' to the PVR while watching SKY box. - it does not allow you to view a different source while recording.

- You cannot (as least I couldn't) record while the TV is on Standby. So, what's the point of a PVR like this?

- The recordings - I couldn't play them on a PC. I couldn't play them on another TV that takes USB sticks. Therefore, you can only play them of the TV where you have recorded from - (unless you buy more of the same TV's).

The PVR function on my Walker Saorview TV is as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike.

Many months ago I bought a small cheap unit off EBAY that plugs into the scart of any TV. It picks up all Saorview except RTE2 HD. I can record on it, and watch another program at the same time. €30 I paid. I believe there's an updated one now that can get the HD. + Whatever I recorded from this cheapie, I could play on my PC.

My advise (for what it's worth), if you have more than one TV, is to buy the set top box with PVR for each TV. That way, you can watch say in the sitting room, and record another channel, say, in the bedroom. Better/cheaper than buying a completely new TV that doesn't do what you need.

(Incidentially, the screen layout and remote control from a Tecknika (Tesco) TV, is the same as, and works on the Walker TV).

watty

It's not a PVR at all. It's only a "recording feature".

blowtorch

watty wrote: »

It's not a PVR at all. It's only a "recording feature".

Aye - that's all it is. Says PVR ready on the box.

zg3409

Indeed I know one person that bought a HDMI computer monitor, instead of a TV. The intention is to use external receivers and connect to the TV through HDMI. A lot of these so called SMART TV's are not a patch on a combo box, let alone a true PVR like Sky+. Often a basic TV linked to a laptop and DVD and receiver is a much more useful setup than a TV with built in features. However the neatness of an all in one is good for bedrooms etc.

NIMAN

blowtorch wrote: »

Aye - that's all it is. Says PVR ready on the box.

Well technically it does record, so it can probably call itself a 'PVR'.

But problem is, most people think of Sky+ when they think of PVR, but not everything will have all those features.

Johnboy1951

the_syco wrote: »

Something to keep in mind; if using external harddrives, format it in Fat32 and not NTFS, as most of the cheaper PVR devices can't read NTFS drives.

The Ariva 120 manual recommends NTFS, although FAT32 can also be used. (15.1 Storage Info)

You can use the Ariva 120 to format the drive/partition to be used.

upaho

Not so!

I understand that the Saorview PVR spec includes recording and playback the subtitles. These units don't do that. When a complete PVR hits the market I'll be first in line