Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Linux with Freesat functionality

  • 19-09-2012 1:14pm
    #1
    Deesse
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 47 ✭


    I'm desperately trying to switch from upc to free satellite and saorview, but I'm having trouble getting straight answers, so maybe someone could help?

    I want to have a box with 2 satellite tuners that has the functionality of freesat (it MUST have 7 day EPG AND series link),
    AND a terrestrial tuner for saorview, preferably with the same EPG & series record functions of freesat.

    Does such a box exist that meets my (and I'm sure many peoples') desires?

    I have been directed towards linux boxes, but am still unsure why? Most of them seem extremely expensive for what you get! Is it possible that there are boxes where people have written software patches for these boxes that mimic the freesat functions?

    I'm looking at something like the Golden Media spark triplex which has 2 DVBS2 and one DVBT tuners for around €170 (reasonable compared to the Vu+, but I don't know why?), which has all the tuners, but I don't know how the EPG would work?

    I'd be delighted if someone could give (or direct me to) some real information:)


Comments

  • #2
    zg3409
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,032 ✭✭✭zg3409


    For proper Sky+ like features you would need 2 x DVB-T tuners. This would allow you to watch one Saorview channel while recording another into the future. At the moment 2 tuners is not essential but when more channels (or HD versions of existing ones) mux 2 will launch and if the channel you want to watch is on the other mux then you would need the 2nd tuner.

    You get what you pay for. In general linux boxes offer more support as interested people fix problems themselves and release the fixes. They are also fairly stable with lots of users who are technically minded. However you must be interested in computers and they are not a fix and forget solution. As they are not Saorview and FreeSAT compliant if either service changes anything you may need to wait for someone to update the software.

    Remember Sky's basic service is €300 every year for basically free channels. If the box lasts you 3 or 4 years then it will pay for itself quickly. There is a reason Sky can get away with charging so much. They have had decades to improve their service and the cash to stay a step ahead of other service providers.

    I would be hesitant to buy any box yet. RTENL are not sending series link on Saorview yet. They said they will start sending series link information before the end of the month. Until then no-one can tell you for sure which box can perform series link on Saorview. The Saorview series link will have limited demand meaning limited boxes will support it. If you could wait I would wait until at least someone says their box can do it.


Advertisement