Ferguson Ariva 252 Combo

doogb

Hi,

I am looking for a cheap combo unit for the 2nd tv.

I have seen Ferguson Ariva 252 Combo on satsklep for €85. Does anyone know about them and id there any major difference between the 252 combo and 250 combo ?

Specifications:
Receives High Definition channel
PAL upscaling up to 720p & 1080p resolution
Supports 32 timers
Favorite channel groups, TV and radio
QuickFind function
Supports Teletext and Subtitles
DiSEqC 1.0, 1.1, Unicable and DiSEqC 1.2, USALS suport
MPEG-2, MPEG-4, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 support
Fully compliant with DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-T and DVB-T2
Smart Card Interface for pay TV
CI slot

Additionally receiver is equipped with the following inputs / outputs:
HDMI video output and digital audio
USB output to connect an external USB memory
LAN - Ethernet port for connecting via LAN / Internet
SPDIF digital optical audio output
SCART output for connection to TV
RS232 port for PC connection

Thanks in advance.

Peter Rhea

I'm not particularly familiar with the 250, but one noticeable feature of the 252 is its ability to handle DVB-T2 transmissions (250 is DVB-T only).

At present, the only T2 signals receivable on the island of Ireland are the Freeview HD mux & the NImux, so only of limited interest in ROI.

However, DVB-T2 is a mandatory part of the Saorview spec. for receivers approved after Jan. 2013, but there's no indication of any intention to use it on the platform, in the near future anyway.

Useful bit of future-proofing, I suppose & doesn't cost much more than the older model.

uck51js9zml2yt

Anyone in Ireland selling the 252?

STB

The 252 is the exact same software, chip etc as the 250 with the tuner module swapped out for a DVB-T2 tuner.

uck51js9zml2yt

STB wrote: »

The 252 is the exact same software, chip etc as the 250 with the tuner module swapped out for a DVB-T2 tuner.

Is anyone selling them in Ireland ?

STB

Zuri Rich Dolphin wrote: »

Is anyone selling them in Ireland ?

Check with Tony @ satellite.ie.

Satboxes say they are out of stock. They are a relatively new edition of these boxes so may not have made there way to the suppliers yet.

Tony will no doubt post their availability etc. You only need the 252 over the 250 if living on border, parts of Wexford/Wicklow for HD Freeview from UK/BNI.

Satellite.ie: Tony

As the 250 is now discontinued we will be selling the 252 from now on. Discount code is boards.ie

uck51js9zml2yt

Satellite.ie: Tony wrote: »

As the 250 is now discontinued we will be selling the 252 from now on. Discount code is boards.ie

Tony whats the story about connecting a hard drive to the 252. Can it be done?

Satellite.ie: Tony

Yes its exactly the same as the 250 except it has a T2 tuner for terrestrial

Zuri Rich Dolphin wrote: »

Tony whats the story about connecting a hard drive to the 252. Can it be done?

Satellite.ie: Tony

Here's a channel list for ariva 252 combo with 1.25 firmware including new BBC HD channels https://www.mediafire.com/?5t7rxzbfjkt37ym

How to guide here which you must follow to the letter at your own risk http://www.mediafire.com/view/69yp35sijci8dly/How%20to%20upgrade%20ariva%20150%20firmware%20edited.pdf

Satellite.ie: Tony

If you get a bin file mismatch warning do not proceed. The file name should contain the model number .

ButterSprout

can iptv app on Ariva 252 be used to stream from internet without the use of VLC player or the computer on.

Satellite.ie: Tony

I've not seen any IPTV app on this so far so I doubt it.

ButterSprout wrote: »

can iptv app on Ariva 252 be used to stream from internet without the use of VLC player or the computer on.

ButterSprout

should have said iptv from the internet services menu. can stream from VLC on PC, but trying to stream from internet without PC on.

Mr Grumpy

Satellite.ie: Tony wrote: »

Here's a channel list for ariva 252 combo with 1.25 firmware including new BBC HD channels https://www.mediafire.com/?5t7rxzbfjkt37ym

How to guide here which you must follow to the letter at your own risk http://www.mediafire.com/view/69yp35sijci8dly/How%20to%20upgrade%20ariva%20150%20firmware%20edited.pdf

Hi Tony

Can you do one for the v1.25B8 firmware? I got my box from you last week and made a hash of setting it up

Thanks

Tony

Just made one for 1.25B4 (which is the version you have) with the ITV HD update http://www.mediafire.com/download/9hkz9oo0a3hw69t/A252Combo_06March2014_V1.25B4.abs Try using "userdb" instead of "allcode and bootloader" its a lot faster when you're installing channel list and settings to the same firmware version. As always do not proceed if you get a "bin file mismatch" warning.

Let us know here how it goes

Mr Grumpy wrote: »

Hi Tony

Can you do one for the v1.25B8 firmware? I got my box from you last week and made a hash of setting it up

Thanks

Mr Grumpy

Tony wrote: »

Just made one for 1.25B4 (which is the version you have) with the ITV HD update http://www.mediafire.com/download/9hkz9oo0a3hw69t/A252Combo_06March2014_V1.25B4.abs Try using "userdb" instead of "allcode and bootloader" its a lot faster when you're installing channel list and settings to the same firmware version. As always do not proceed if you get a "bin file mismatch" warning.

Let us know here how it goes

That would be fab but part of the reason I hashed up the setup is that I updated the firmware via the internet and it's now 1.25B8. Oops...

Tony

Ah I see , ok you can still use "allcode and bootloader" and it should revert to B4. If you get a binary file mismatch warning though do not proceed

Mr Grumpy wrote: »

That would be fab but part of the reason I hashed up the setup is that I updated the firmware via the internet and it's now 1.25B8. Oops...

Selhurst

Hi all
Does the 252
Take sky card for
bt setanta sports
if you had a sub .

Thanks in advance

Tony

Yes it does work but will not update the card subscription details so will have to go back into a working sky box periodically to update.

Selhurst wrote: »

Hi all
Does the 252
Take sky card for
bt setanta sports
if you had a sub .

Thanks in advance

Selhurst

thanks very much tony
and if card is paired with sky box
will it work in in the 252

Tony

Yes but you will have to put it back in the box from time to time when it loses its authorisation from sky.

Selhurst wrote: »

thanks very much tony
and if card is paired with sky box
will it work in in the 252

Selhurst

Thanks for info Tony

DeniG2

Hi,

I bought an Ariva 252 and everything seems okay so far. Just one small issue someone might be able to help me with, When I go into the Guide, the EPG is empty, but as I move down through the list of channels it fills. This can be a pain, as I have to manually update the EPG, channel by channel, which is time consuming. Am i doing something wrong, is there an EPG option I need to change?

Thanks in advance

Denis

Tony

I'm afraid this is normal as the epg data only downloads when the transponder is tuned in

DeniG2 wrote: »

Hi,

I bought an Ariva 252 and everything seems okay so far. Just one small issue someone might be able to help me with, When I go into the Guide, the EPG is empty, but as I move down through the list of channels it fills. This can be a pain, as I have to manually update the EPG, channel by channel, which is time consuming. Am i doing something wrong, is there an EPG option I need to change?

Thanks in advance

Denis

DeniG2

thanks for the reply Tony, excuse my ignorance though, what does "when the transponder is tuned in" mean?

Cheers

Denis

Tony

No problem, a transponder is the particular satellite frequency which contains several channels, so when you select one channel it should download the info for all other channels on that particular transponder.

DeniG2 wrote: »

thanks for the reply Tony, excuse my ignorance though, what does "when the transponder is tuned in" mean?

Cheers

Denis

DeniG2

ah, I understand, thanks.

When buying my combo box, the spec stated - "Can show Saorview TV with 7 day guide", which is technically true, but every time I open the guide it's empty. Is there any firmware update that can 'force' an EPG update at certain time intervals? When viewing Saorview through my Samsung TV the EPG works perfectly

Thanks again for the quick and details responses

Denis

Tony

The saorview epg should work ok for 7 day , if you select a terrestrial channel from either mux (transponder) it should download automatically. There are only two muxs at present on Saorview.

DeniG2 wrote: »

ah, I understand, thanks.

When buying my combo box, the spec stated - "Can show Saorview TV with 7 day guide", which is technically true, but every time I open the guide it's empty. Is there any firmware update that can 'force' an EPG update at certain time intervals? When viewing Saorview through my Samsung TV the EPG works perfectly

Thanks again for the quick and details responses

Denis

DeniG2

thanks i'll try that when i get home

boatbuilder

I'm thinking about getting one of these Ariva 252 boxes to combine FTA sat channels with Saorview channels with the ability to record- anyone got any opinions on whether this is the best choice of combo receiver?
I've already tried an Amiko Alien 2 box but that was far too complicated and I felt there was too much potential for things to go wrong.
Can anyone recommend a usb drive to go along with the Ariva?

Tony

Western digital and verbatim seems to work well.

boatbuilder wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a usb drive to go along with the Ariva?

boatbuilder

Thanks, would I be right in thinking that 320GB is the highest you can reliably go with a USB powered drive on these boxes?

Tony

Ferguson say you need self powered but I've known verbatims to work without issues up to 500gb . I guess it depends on the power consumption of the individual model.

Edit: Sorry I cannot comment on whether its a good box or not as I sell these so not exactly objective :-) Hopefully other guys will weigh in with their thoughts.

boatbuilder wrote: »

Thanks, would I be right in thinking that 320GB is the highest you can reliably go with a USB powered drive on these boxes?

Selhurst

Hello all
I am thinking of getting a 252 as well .
I am just using up the last of my sky sub .
I heard someone on boards said this one is good Harddrive it a wd ultra passport 500gb .

boatbuilder

Selhurst wrote: »

Hello all
I am thinking of getting a 252 as well .
I am just using up the last of my sky sub .
I heard someone on boards said this one is good Harddrive it a wd ultra passport 500gb .

I see you can get the WD 500GB on Amazon for 52 euro with free delivery...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00CRZ1YQK/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&psc=1&s=computers

Selhurst

Thanks boatbuilder
was going to send that link
on but would not work for me .
I Think Tony said
Ferguson recommend
wd harddrives for their boxes .
Correct me if im wrong .

boatbuilder

Just thinking here...I have a spare 250GB 2.5" sata drive from a laptop.
What are the chances of it working with the Ariva with a cheap usb drive enclosure off ebay like this one?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/USB2-0-2-5-EXTERNAL-SATA-HARD-DRIVE-HDD-ENCLOSURE-CASE-FOR-XBOX-LAPTOP-DVR-/261084169938?pt=UK_Collectables_HardDriveEnclosures_RL&hash=item3cc9d446d2

JimmyL

Hi,

Is 500GB really the maximum drive size?

It has a terrestrial out, so can I use that for another box?

It also has a LNB out, again, could I use that for another box?

Thanks,

Jimmy.

Tony

Hi Jimmy,

No this may only be used for unicable lnb's .

JimmyL wrote: »

It also has a LNB out, again, could I use that for another box?

ButterSprout

Is there any added extras in the update A252Combo_V1.26B3 from Ferguson site.

Tony

Nothing of note so probably not worth the upgrade.

ButterSprout wrote: »

Is there any added extras in the update A252Combo_V1.26B3 from Ferguson site.

JimmyL

Tony wrote: »

Hi Jimmy,

No this may only be used for unicable lnb's .

Thanks, Tony (You should be getting an order from me soon

By the way, is there a way to distribute the same picture and sound, like the Sky box RF outs, and preferably with something like the magic eye?

Jimmy.

Tony

No problem Jimmy. Yes you can do this with something like a triax tri link but when you add the cost of this and a remote eye you get pretty close to the price of another box and you also have the disadvantage of having to watch the same channel at both locations with the second Tv not getting HD quality .

JimmyL wrote: »

Thanks, Tony (You should be getting an order from me soon

By the way, is there a way to distribute the same picture and sound, like the Sky box RF outs, and preferably with something like the magic eye?

Jimmy.

JimmyL

Tony wrote: »

No problem Jimmy. Yes you can do this with something like a triax tri link but when you add the cost of this and a remote eye you get pretty close to the price of another box and you also have the disadvantage of having to watch the same channel at both locations with the second Tv not getting HD quality .

Ah, I see it - I should had looked myself.

Yes, another box would make more sense and shockingly, two boxes are still cheaper than Sky for 12 months! Should have done this sooner.

Thanks.

Jimmy.

boatbuilder

Just got the Ariva 252 yesterday and had no major problems setting it up from a blank system. Took a while to arrange the channels and delete the rubbish ones.
Pretty impressed so far, especially with the recording options. I like how when a scheduled recording kicks in, it automatically reduces the list of available channels that you can watch simultaneously - pretty clever! I've cobbled together a USB drive from an old 2.5" internal laptop hard drive, and a USB Sata adapter like the one below...


Only glitch that I haven't sorted yet has been tuning in CBeebies and CBBC - I can't locate them but it must be something to do with them only transmitting between 7am and 7pm?

Another thing I don't like is the inclusion of the Youporn app as there seems to be no way of getting rid of it. I think I will end up just not connecting it to the internet at all...... wish they had a Netflix app though instead of all those rubbish ones.

hobby bobby

Got an Ariva 252 last week just for fun to test it out. TBH they are ok depending on what you are used to and what you expect. If you do like to update and add channel lists etc I would strongly advise purchasing a NULL MODEM cable for back up. I have found through trial and error you will brick these ferguson receivers easily enough but its just as easy to unBrick provided you can connect Null Modem cable to your laptop. I am only saying this now cause when you do brick and have to spend several days waiting to get a Null Modem cable in the post you will be sorry for the sake of three or four euro they should put these cables in the box when purchased

Tony

Must disagree, that would not be the experience for the vast majority of users here who update their own lists.

hobby bobby wrote: »

I. I have found through trial and error you will brick these ferguson receivers easily enough

degoosefish

Tony is it possible to reflash any ariva models with USB rather than null modem?

Tony

Yes USB is normally used, null modem is really only for boxes that have been flash corrupted.

degoosefish wrote: »

Tony is it possible to reflash any ariva models with USB rather than null modem?

degoosefish

Sorry Tony thanks for reply what I meant is can the ariva's be reflashed with USB if the box is corrupt ie ASH or bricked?

is there a master reset button or take the lid off etc

if the box is bricked or ASH can you only reflash with Null Modem in this situation.