Confused about saorview!

seldduca2012

Hi,
I'm hoping someone can help me.
We are trying to 'sort' ourselves for this saorview switch.
We currently have 3 TV's in our home and we are trying to organise ourselves based on our limited budget.
- One of our TV's is extremely archaic:o, however because we received it as a wedding gift (over 27yrs ago) it holds sentimental value! It has no scart:o. We both feel it probably isn't salvageable, but thought we'd ask here before we sent it to TV heaven:(. We feel, however, that we will probably have to buy a TV to replace this archaic one!
- We plan therefore based on our bugdet to buy 2 'set-top' boxes for our other 2 less archaic tv's:D. I have found 2 different brands of set top boxes within our budget [http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5322745/Trail/searchtext%3ESAOR+VIEW.htm or
DIGIHOME SAORVIEW HD BOX Model : DI1180] however as I am not extremely 'au-fait' with this I would appreciate if someone here could maybe help. Also what cables would I have to purchase or are the necessary cables included in either? (This would help me compare relevant to my budget also) The specs of both I have pasted below also.

Many thanks in advance


Alba Saorview PVR Ready Set Top Box

Saorview approved to work with the Irish digital signal. PVR Ready. Simply records direct to a USB memory device.
Digital set top box features:

• Digitally interactive.
• Digital text.
• Digital video broadcasting (DVB) subtitles available.
• Auto setup.
• Now and next programme guide.
• 7 day electronic programme guide (EPG).
• Audio description compatible.

Connectivity:

• HDMI output.
• 1 SCART socket.

Additional information:

• Remote control batteries required 2 x AAA (included).
• Size H4, W29.5, D17cm.
• Weight 0.92g.

---

DIGIHOME SAORVIEW HD BOX

Model : DI1180
Specifications
Digihome Saorview Approved Hd Box
Mpeg4 Digital Rte Tuner
Aertel Mheg5 Teletext
Rte Dab Radio Stations (x10)
7 Day Rte Program Guide
Hdmi Digital Tv Connection
Scart Connection
Usb With Movie Playback
Optical Digital Out Connection
Simple & Quick Installation
Connects To Existing Aerial
Remote Control
200 Channel Memory
Hdmi Cable In Box
1 For All Rc7120 (code: 1284)
Works Box & Any Tv

GarIT

What help are you looking for other than if the cables are included? The power lead would be but you probably need to get scart of HDMI or SCART leads depending on the tv. The Digihome box comes with a HDMI cable you may need scart though.

DeepBlue

seldduca2012 wrote: »

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5322745/Trail/searchtext%3ESAOR+VIEW.htm

If you decide to go with this one, whatever you do do not tick that box to add the Belkin High Speed HDMI cable for €31.99. :eek: It's shocking that they can list something at that price when you can buy effectively the same thing for about a fiver.

Both of those set top boxes seem much the same.

If your newer TVs do not have a HDMI connection then my understanding is that you won't get full HD as you will be relying instead on the SCART cables.

watty

You need to use an old VHS as a modulator to RF (Aerial) from SCART for the really old set. You can also get SCART to RF modulators on their own for about €20.

ALL approved boxes have SCART (for old TVs) and HDMI (for HD TVs). I don't think any have built in modulators to feed an RF socket. They may have "RF loop" out, but don't add a signal to it like a VHS or Sky box does.

Buy cables separately. Under €8. A good SCART costs more though than perfect HDMI cable (€8 max).

zg3409

seldduca2012 wrote: »

Hi,
- One of our TV's is extremely archaic:o, It has no scart:o. We both feel it probably isn't salvageable, but thought we'd ask here before we sent it to TV heaven

As Watty says it is possible to get this TV working on Saorview. Get a Saorview set top box.

Then either using an old VCR or an item such as this:
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/RF-MODULATOR-/160809480700?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Other&hash=item2570fdf1fc

Hook the scart from the Saorview box to the VCR/Modulator. Then take an ordinary coax lead from the modulator/VCR into the old TV. Then Saorview will appear as a channel on the TV. You then use the Saorview remote to change channels, rather than the TV remote.

If you decide to use an old VCR then post the exact model number and we can give more detailed advice.

Regarding the leads, if the TV is flat screen, then it probably has HDMI so use a HDMI lead. If the TV's are older type with only SCART then use a Scart lead.

I have seen argos say leads arn't included when in fact they are. So I would recommend opening the box in store and if the proper lead is not included then buy one. I would not spend more than 5 euro on a HDMI or SCART lead. Pound shops are a good place to find cheap ones.

Argos sell SCART:
http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5349632/Trail/searchtext%3ESCART+LEAD.htm

and HDMI
http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5349694/Trail/searchtext%3ESCART+LEAD.htm

at 6.50 each they are not the cheapest, but if you have no pound shop nearby they are better value than a 32 euro lead!

If your TVs are over 10 years old it may actually be better long term value to buy a new TV with a built in Saorview tuner. I presume you are not on Sky or UPC and already have an aerial up for RTE's and Saorview. I also presume your sure you can get Saorview with your exsiting setup. If not 100% sure just buy the one box and try it, you can return it to argos under the 14 day guarantee if it does not work.

jonnygee

Although the old tv has no scart it probably has rca connectors, red and white audio and video connectors which could be used a using scart to rca adaptor. If it has an av channel button then it could be done but really it,s not worth it. Anything less than a widescreen tv is going to be a pain to watch with saorview.

watty

I have a 14" philips 4:3. It's fine on Saorview. Also lots of smaller sets not that old don't have SCART or RCA composite.

There isn't any TV that is unsuitable to fit adaptor on if you are happy watching it today. Also a 14" 4:3 colour CRT is no worse on power than a 28" 16:9 LCD. A mono CRT uses less.

A nice 42" HDTV is fine for main TV, but a 12" or 14" 4:3 CRT may actually give a better picture with much wider view angle and less shelf width (the important bit) than a 16:9 LCD with same height of picture. It's the HEIGHT, not the diagonal that counts for a picture, especially comparing a 4:3 and 16:9 set for secondary use.

jonnygee

Cant say that i have seen any tv large or small in the last 20 years that doesnt have some type of ext input, if it has an av button then it will have an input.
4.3 Sets are pretty much obselete now.

IMC042

The alba saorview box that was mentioned, currently €59.99 in Argos, can I also connect it to the satellite dish and get the free channels like more4, channel4, BBC, etc. Or will it only do Irish saorview??

Peter Rhea

It will only do terrestrial channels: Saorview & if you have UK terrestrial reception, Freeview standard def.

IMC042

Peter Rhea wrote: »

It will only do terrestrial channels: Saorview & if you have UK terrestrial reception, Freeview standard def.

That was fast! I am in Cork so I don't think I'll get terrestrial? What's the cheapest, best box that can do what I want, saorview + sky dish connection for the free channels?

Thanks.

Invincible

IMC042 wrote: »

That was fast! I am in Cork so I don't think I'll get terrestrial? What's the cheapest, best box that can do what I want, saorview + sky dish connection for the free channels?

Thanks.

Have a look at tv trade.ie or satellite.ie for price of cheapest

watty

if you want 100% compatibility you need a separate Saorview box and Freesat box.

"Absolute cheapest" can work out only as very temporary remedy that costs more.

www.saortv.info

formerly scottish paddy

Best combination? simples: Saorview tv + Freesat box.

Eoin Martin

hi all,
these nights i have been so board in my room . i am thinking of buying a saorview approved tv what channels would i receive
thanks in advance
eoin

Eoin Martin

what channels would i receive with a saorview approved tv:):)

The Cush

Eoin Martin wrote: »

what channels would i receive with a saorview approved tv:):)

The channels listed here - http://www.saorview.ie/what-is-saorview/

Also if you live close to the border or in the south-east of the country and with the correct aerial pointing at a UK TV transmitter you may be able to receive the UK Freeview channels.