Accessing Saorview in NI - MPEG4 Question

funkey_monkey

Hi,

Apologies if there is already a thread on this, but I could not find one when searching.

I live in NI and will be installing Freeview when the switchover starts on 10th October. I want to purchase a setup which will allow me to view RTE through the UK system as I don't think the RTE Saorview signal will be strong enough in my region.

I've been told that I need to purchase PVR which is MPEG-4 compliant as this is the format which RTE will broadcast their transmissions.

Is their a specific subset of this standard which is required or will any MPEG4 PVR be acceptable?

I've been looking at a Humax box as I have been told their interface is the best and are good quality kit:

MPEG Transport Stream A/V Decoding
Transport Stream MPEG-4 PART2/MPEG-2 ISO/IEC 13818
Profile Level MPEG-2 MP@HL, MPEG-4 AVC MP@L3, MP@L4, HP@L4
Video Resolution 1080p/1080i/720p/576p/576i
Aspect Ratio 4:3, 16:9

Audio Decoding MPEG/MusiCam Layer I&II
Audio Mode Single/Dual/Joint stereo/Stereo

MPEG-2 MP@HL, MPEG-4 AVC MP@L3, MP@L4, HP@L4

http://www.humaxdigital.com/uk/products/new_leaflet/HD-FOXT2_leaflet.pdf

coylemj

You need Freeview HD equipment...

Freeview signals from the Black Mountain, Carnmoney Hill and Brougher Mountain transmitters will broadcast TG4, RTÉ One and RTÉ Two for the first time at switchover. You can check if your address is served by one of these transmitters using the Digital UK postcode checker. The channels will be broadcast in standard definition but Freeview HD equipment will be required to receive them. Some programmes, including certain sport and films, may not be broadcast owing to rights restrictions.

www.digitaluk.co.uk/postcodechecker

Receiving TG4 and RTÉ channels in Northern Ireland

http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/when_do_i_switch/northernireland/northern_ireland_info

The Cush

Any receiver with a DVB-T2 (FreeviewHD) tuner should meet your requirements such as the Humax above for both Saorview and/or the NImux.

Also the new Samsung PVRs being discussed here at the moment - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056755522

Use the Saorview coverage checker to see what the signal is predicted to be post analogue switchoff - http://www.saorview.ie/make-the-switch/coverage-map/

Maybe you'll be within coverage of the new NImux which carries RTÉ1/2, TG4 from oct 24th - http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/files/2012/07/NIMuxFactsheet4.pdf.

http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/transmitternetwork/tools__and__resources/almanac/installer_newsletters_transmitter_groups2009_pdfs/NI_BroMtDivisLima_1MO_13_Sept_12_Final_revised.pdf
http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/transmitternetwork/tools__and__resources/almanac/special_editions/Special_edition-010612_NI_trade_update_on_Nimux.pdf

funkey_monkey

Thanks - although the coverage checker does not work for an NI address that I entered. I'll just speak to a retailer closer to the time.

The Cush

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Thanks - although the coverage checker does not work for an NI address that I entered.

Enter an address like Belfast, Strabane etc. and then drag the marker to your location, predicted coverage info will appear on the r/h side of the map OR select the "show coverage" button and then zoom in on your location.

funkey_monkey

Re-tried, but it 'is a challenge' in my area

lawhec

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Re-tried, but it 'is a challenge' in my area

Don't let that put you off too much. The part of Omagh I live in says Saorview reception is "a challenge" but I get reception fine from Carin Hill.