Combi box with digital teletext?

denismac

I ditched Sky and bought an Ariva 150 in Maplin but I found it didn't have the new telext. I use teletext a good bit and I would like to have it on a new sytem. Is there any make of box out there that will give me teletext and who sells it?

Apogee

If you tune in the scrambled versions of RTE, TG4 etc from satellite, you can still access the old version of Aertel on your Ariva.

On 10744MHz, Horizontal, SR 22000

zg3409

As Apogee says, there is a way of getting it on the 150. I am not sure if it needs to be connected to the TV using a Scart lead, or if the TV needs to have teletext or if that is all done in the box itself.

Any Saorview approved combo will offer text on the Irish channels. They have MHEG5 which decodes the newer Saorview text.

Some non approved boxes have MHEG5 features, but generally I would normally recommend people only buy approved boxes.

SPAWKER

denismac wrote: »

I ditched Sky and bought an Arive 150 in Maplin but I found it didn't have the new telext. I use teletext a good bit and I would like to have it on a new sytem. Is there any make of box out there that will give me teletext and who sells it?

Better still bring the box back to Maplins and get your money back or ask them for a replacement box that is Saorview compatible.

Antenna

zg3409 wrote: »

As Apogee says, there is a way of getting it on the 150. I am not sure if it needs to be connected to the TV using a Scart lead, or if the TV needs to have teletext or if that is all done in the box itself..

If its connected by SCART, this will work on both the TV's own teletext function and the Ariva 150's teletext button (take your pick). If the TV has no teletext it will still work on the Ariva box.

If using HDMI it will only work on the Ariva's teletext function, not the TV's as HDMI does not pass teletext data before decoding.

denismac

Thanks for the help. I think I might bring it back. I thought it should have a decent EPG as well but its only now and next being displayed, unless there is a setting I don't have right.

Apogee

denismac wrote: »

Thanks for the help. I think I might bring it back. I thought it should have a decent EPG as well but its only now and next being displayed, unless there is a setting I don't have right.

The EPG showing only 'now and next' on the satellite channels is the same of all standard combi-boxes, whether they are Saorview approved or not - it is not peculiar to the Ariva boxes.

If you want a full EPG on satellite, then you either get a Freesat satellite receiver and Saorview box, or else look at the Linux based combi-boxes which can provide an integrated, full EPG for both satellite and terrestrial channels.

denismac

Apogee wrote: »

The EPG showing only 'now and next' on the satellite channels is the same of all standard combi-boxes, whether they are Saorview approved or not - it is not peculiar to the Ariva boxes.

I didn't know that. The technology is quite limited then. Looks like I need to shell out a good bit more to replace Sky with a comparable service. And then, whats the point. Sure theres no monthly billing but its still a hefty forkout initially.

PogMoThoin

Apogee wrote: »

The EPG showing only 'now and next' on the satellite channels is the same of all standard combi-boxes, whether they are Saorview approved or not - it is not peculiar to the Ariva boxes.

If you want a full EPG on satellite, then you either get a Freesat satellite receiver and Saorview box, or else look at the Linux based combi-boxes which can provide an integrated, full EPG for both satellite and terrestrial channels.

Don't think any of the linux boxes do MHEG5 so no teletext (what was originally asked in the OP).

I know it's not the answer for everyone, but these problems can be overcome with an internet capable device, phone/tablet/laptop. There are websites and smartphone apps for TV guide. Then if you have internet access you won't need teletext.

Apogee

PogMoThoin wrote: »

Don't think any of the linux boxes do MHEG5 so no teletext (what was originally asked in the OP).

The Linux boxes can access the traditional (non-MHEG5) Aertel teletext transmitted on the satellite versions of RTE, TG4 - same as the other combi boxes like the Ariva.

zg3409

Yes when switching from Sky you have a high initial outlay. Especially if you want 7 day guide on Satellite and Saorview, if you want recording and series link. However the setup could last 5 to 10 years. How much is Sky over 5 to 10 years (minimum 300 per year)

Educate yourself here. Official freesat boxes have 7 day guide for UK channels. Official Saorview boxes have 7 day guide for Irish channels. More expensive boxes have series linking record. DIY self setup linux boxes can have lots of options such as streaming live TV to a laptop or other device, playing movies from a hard drive etc.

Apogee

denismac wrote: »

Sure theres no monthly billing but its still a hefty forkout initially.

A Sky 'starter bundle' is €27 a month which comes to €324 a year. Or €1650 after 5 years.

You can pick up a Linux combi box for under €200.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056707402

denismac

I appreciate the comments and i've followed the links but to be honest the technical details are beyond my comprehension.
To be concise: is there any box on sale in Ireland that will give me Irish channels and U.K. channels that has digital text and a full EPG? I'd guess not but I would like to find out if there is.

Kristopherus

denismac wrote: »

I appreciate the comments and i've followed the links but to be honest the technical details are beyond my comprehension.
To be concise: is there any box on sale in Ireland that will give me Irish channels and U.K. channels that has digital text and a full EPG? I'd guess not but I would like to find out if there is.

Very unlikely that what you are looking for will ever be made for the Irish market. Its too small for the biggie brands. So it will be very accidentally that a box that fulfills your requirements will come along. Your best option may be to have a Saorview TV for the Irish channels and a Freesat STB to get the UK channels complete with 7-day EPG. The Freesat boxes are not freely available in Ireland. You may have to go up North to get one. You will have to give a postcode so that the variant of channels for that area will load when you boot it up. You just may get a Freesat box from Amazon.co.uk. May be worth a try.

Edit. You can order from Amazon UK.

zg3409

As suggested if 7 day EPG is important, easiest setup is 2 box solution. You could use an old Sky box for some UK channels, but a freesat box is better.

Any Saorview approved box will give 7 day guide for Irish channels but needs an aerial.

If recording is important recording versions of boxes are available. If series link is important less boxes support that.

Capt'n Midnight

don't forget you can also get teletext on the web

www.aertel.ie