FTA STB - Advice on Best/easiest to use Box

IRCA

HI folks,

Finally taking the plunge into FTA Satellite! Getting a new TV with built-in Saorview tuner so no need for Combo box (?). What I'm looking for is a good quality easy to use Satellite STB that anyone can recommend. Not particularly interested with integrated HDD, but would like the option to connect an external drive for movies. I travel a lot so it has to be easy to use and reprogram for the rest of the (not so tech savy family). Anyone recommend anything?

Cheers.

Peter Rhea

If it's for UK channels only, a Freesat branded box would be your best bet. You'll get a full 7-day EPG & automatic updating of the channel list when any changes occur. Most of the generic free-to-air receivers only offer 'now & next' programme info. & need manual rescans when channels are added or moved to different frequencies.

Not sure if all have media player but a new tv should have some capability there anyway.

IRCA

Thanks Peter

BTW what would be your opinion on getting a Freesat TV? Is it worth the extra to get the build in tuner and avoid the purhcase of a STB - or am I better off with a cheaper TV and a seperate box?

Advice appreciated!

evilivor

Nice new Manhattan Plaza HD-S2 freesat HD box launched this week - about £50.

http://www.joinfreesat.co.uk/review-manhattan-plaza-hd-s2-freesat-hd-receiver/

Peter Rhea

IRCA wrote: »

. . . BTW what would be your opinion on getting a Freesat TV? Is it worth the extra to get the build in tuner and avoid the purhcase of a STB - or am I better off with a cheaper TV and a seperate box?

If you don't have a preference for any make/model of tv or STB & aren't too bothered about features, then I suppose it just comes down to how much you appreciate the 'tidiness' factor of integrated Freesat.

Audioslaven

IRCA wrote: »

HI folks,

Finally taking the plunge into FTA Satellite! Getting a new TV with built-in Saorview tuner so no need for Combo box (?). What I'm looking for is a good quality easy to use Satellite STB that anyone can recommend. Not particularly interested with integrated HDD, but would like the option to connect an external drive for movies. I travel a lot so it has to be easy to use and reprogram for the rest of the (not so tech savy family). Anyone recommend anything?

Cheers.

why not just buy a tv with a built in sat tuner and a terrestrial tuner.. no need for any box

Macy0161

Easiest to use would be a freesat branded receiver. Built in FTA/ FTA receiver aren't that much hard work, but freesat is easier with autotuning and full epg, and a sky plus style PVR with freesat+

STB

So you want something that is easy to use and something that will play Divx/MKV/mp4 files from a USB Hard Drive.

Well its not a Freesat box that you want.

It is a Combo box. And the Ferguson Ariva 250 is possibly the easiest box to use and set up that also plays media files.

Furthermore you will only need one remote control with this box and you wont have to switch to the TV's terrestrial tuner to the satellite HDMI input and vice versa as the Combo box alllows you to combine the terrestrial and satellite channels in your own customisable channel list.

Macy0161

STB wrote: »

So you want something that is easy to use and something that will play Divx/MKV/mp4 files from a USB Hard Drive.

Well its not a Freesat box that you want.

A new TV might or could cover that though? I was looking into one of the walker saorview tvs and the manual said it supported those formats for USB playback.

STB

Macy0161 wrote: »

A new TV might or could cover that though? I was looking into one of the walker saorview tvs and the manual said it supported those formats for USB playback.

The OP would still have to switch between Saorview on the TV's remote to the satellite input on the freesat box and would also have to to switch from the USB on the TV to the freesat box and vice versa. The use of 2 remotes and input switching and USB devices being connected to TVs and which remote is confusing for non tech people.

My solution does it all in one box without any switching whatsoever. Its all done by one box with one remote control. Set it up and thats it. And an Ariva 250 costs about €100.

The only draw back is that the Ariva 250 does not have 7 day epg on satellite just now and next, but the pluses outweigh the minuses per the OPs original request.

Macy0161

All fine until a channel moves transponder while the op is away, as per the op!

STB

Macy0161 wrote: »

All fine until a channel moves transponder while the op is away, as per the op!

How often does this happen ? As someone who uses a variety of boxes both Linux and simple solutions, the answer is not often at all, especially for the main channels.

Like I said the functionality outweighs such an irregular occurence.

Freesat receivers do not support integrated Saorview or sufficient media playing facilities. I really wish people would stop recommending them as such to such queries as straight forward as the OPs.

Peter Rhea

STB wrote: »

Freesat receivers do not support integrated Saorview or sufficient media playing facilities. I really wish people would stop recommending them as such to such queries as straight forward as the OPs.

You do realise that you can put your case for the combo without rubbishing the perfectly relevant suggestions of others? Maybe let the OP make an informed decision?

OP wasn't necessarily aware of any media player function their new tv will have.

I did notice the (?) after 'no need for Combo box' but, the part of the OP that stood out was 'good quality easy to use satellite STB'.

Macy0161

STB wrote: »

Like I said the functionality outweighs such an irregular occurence.

Freesat receivers do not support integrated Saorview or sufficient media playing facilities. I really wish people would stop recommending them as such to such queries as straight forward as the OPs.

In your opinion. They both score better on different functionality. A freesat reciever has better functionality in other areas - like full 7 day epg, full digital text/ red button and (regardless of how rare) no need for retunes. Media playing functionality through a TV is no better or worse than through a combo in my experience (both ok, but not as good as a dedicated media player imo).

I have both combo's and saorview tv's/ freesat recievers running in the house and that I've set up for relatives. The ones that aren't near, I always go freesat if they have a saorview tv, as I wouldn't want to talk them through a retune and channel reorganisation. We, and they, cope fine with two remotes. And we cope fine without a full epg on the rooms with a combo to be fair too. It's swings and roundabouts.

STB

Peter Rhea wrote: »

You do realise that you can put your case for the combo without rubbishing the perfectly relevant suggestions of others? Maybe let the OP make an informed decision?

OP wasn't necessarily aware of any media player function their new tv will have.

I did notice the (?) after 'no need for Combo box' but, the part of the OP that stood out was 'good quality easy to use satellite STB'.

The OP came on to ask for his suggestions as he is not fully aware of what is available.

I constantly see Freesat box suggestions for people looking for Free to Air TV both Saorview and Satellite. Its getting monotonous.

Without second guessing the functionality of the TV that others have or whether he wants to teach his family input hopping with 2 remote controls and devices connected to the television directly, it all comes down to functionality and ease of use.

It is easier to use one combined channel list containing Saorview and Satellite channels. One remote control that controls that channel list and the media player built in (Combo Box).

Its not as if I am selling devices (I Dont) so I make no apologies for having read the question and having a slight inkling about what the solution is.

Macy0161

My 5 year old can handle switching between the saorview TV and the freesat receiver, as can her 70 year old grandad.

The OP has the pro's and con's of both now, and they can make their own choice.

Peter Rhea

STB wrote: »

The OP came on to ask for his suggestions as he is not fully aware of what is available.

I constantly see Freesat box suggestions for people looking for Free to Air TV both Saorview and Satellite. Its getting monotonous.

Without second guessing the functionality of the TV that others have . . .

. . . I make no apologies for having read the question and having a slight inkling about what the solution is.

It would appear the new tv hasn't been bought yet.

I like the way a 'slight inkling' led to an attempted takeover of the thread & dismissal of all other suggestions.

Not to mention the fact that combo boxes would inevitably have been mentioned at some stage, with or without your input. Maybe some of us like to wait for the OP to reply again, you know a bit like a real life conversation? Or maybe all your interactions are one-way lectures?

STB

Peter Rhea wrote: »

It would appear the new tv hasn't been bought yet.

I like the way a 'slight inkling' led to an attempted takeover of the thread & dismissal of all other suggestions.

Not to mention the fact that combo boxes would inevitably have been mentioned at some stage, with or without your input. Maybe some of us like to wait for the OP to reply again, you know a bit like a real life conversation? Or maybe all your interactions are one-way lectures?

Lecture ?

Well it certainly wasn't meant to come accross that way Reaper. I'd rather people buy the right gear than have to buy twice.

Point is that there is a one box solution regardless of the TV's integrated software. I merely responded to the responses to my posts

By the way Freesat HD receivers, what media files do they play ?

IRCA

Hi and thanks for all the posts.

I appreciate all the suggestions and have to admit my lack of knowledge in this area. Following my original post I have been coming down on the side of a new TV with integrated Freesat receiver (mainly the EPG/auto retuning etc...) for all the reasons I originally mentioned (ease of use etc...) and also the option of wall mounting the TV with minimal STB's having to be sited close to the set.

Thanks for all the suggestions!

Peter Rhea

STB wrote: »

Point is that there is a one box solution regardless of the TV's integrated software.

. . . By the way Freesat HD receivers, what media files do they play ?

Not a lot of info available there tbh. The Humax <free time> boxes 'play media files' & similar function is claimed for the USB port on the Bush boxes sold by Argos (reference buried in FAQs).

I did post this in my original reply:

Not sure if all have media player but a new tv should have some capability there anyway.

Now, it's a bit of a vague quote but, I'm pretty sure you'd be hard pushed to find a new tv that doesn't do everything the OP would require in this area, along with the ability to record Saorview in a lot of cases & I reckoned the proper Freesat EPG & OTA channel & software updates might outweigh the attractions of a 'one box solution'. Seems the Freesat tvs have taken the OP's fancy now anyway.

gordongekko

Jesus lads take a deep breath and count to ten.

I have both options on different tvs. I have a humax hdr on my main tv. Great box but no saorview so have to use two inputs. Does not bother me but drives herself mad.

Have the ariva 150 on second tv. The lack of a proper epg drives me mad.

So I can see the advantages and disadvantages of each. Its really up to the op to decide.

Macy0161

STB wrote: »

Assuming the TV has an integrated Saorview level tuner and assuming that the TV also has Media player functionality, you are then assuming that the user will have the patience and knowledge to want to switch between 2 inputs with seperate remote controls. Lot of assumptions. The point is that the Combo box takes all the assumptions out of the equation and offers a cheap, customisable channels list that includes the Irish and UK stations in one list with no faffing about with loads of remotes and input switching and second guessing.

We didn't need assumptions, the opening post said they were getting a saorview TV, and were looking for a satellite receiver! SD freesat receivers are under stg£30.

There's no real right answer on this, we can only offer options. Like a lot (I'm sure) we have both systems in different rooms. And we'll be getting a combo TV in coming weeks all going well too! There's pros and con's to both - its not an absolute for any option. I really think you're over playing the two remotes issue tbh though. We also moved the combo to the bedroom, as it was causing issues to record during prime time on satellite.

STB

Macy0161 wrote: »

We didn't need assumptions, the opening post said they were getting a saorview TV, and were looking for a satellite receiver! SD freesat receivers are under stg£30.

The OP never asked for a satellite receiver.

The thread is entitled "FTA STB - Advice on Best/easiest to use Box "

The OP said "Finally taking the plunge into FTA Satellite! Getting a new TV with built-in Saorview tuner so no need for Combo box (?)"

The Question mark signifies a question.

Some of the functionaility required was EASE OF USE. Hence the discussion in this thread. A Combo box allows easy integration of both Saorview/Satellite and Media all in one.

Macy0161

STB wrote: »

For gods sake. Okay final time.

The OP never asked for a satellite receiver.

The thread is entitled "FTA STB - Advice on Best/easiest to use Box "

The OP said "Finally taking the plunge into FTA Satellite! Getting a new TV with built-in Saorview tuner so no need for Combo box (?)"

The Question mark signifies a question.

Some of the fuunctionaility required was EASE OF USE. Hence the discussion in this thread.

And the next sentence was... "What I'm looking for is a good quality easy to use Satellite STB that anyone can recommend."

STB

Macy0161 wrote: »

And the next sentence was... "What I'm looking for is a good quality easy to use Satellite STB that anyone can recommend."

A combo box is a satellite box as well as a Saorview box. Easy to use too.

Macy0161

STB wrote: »

A combo box is a satellite box as well as a Saorview box. Easy to use too.

As is a freesat receiver. Didn't matter in the end, they went for something different to both!

Macy0161

Skull Murphy wrote: »

The OP seems to have fallen in with your way of thinking with the combi tv. Do you think you influenced them at all in that decision?

Dual tuner TVs aren't the same as a combo - one remote, two channel lists. Its probably the middle ground!

OldRio

evilivor wrote: »

Nice new Manhattan Plaza HD-S2 freesat HD box launched this week - about £50.

http://www.joinfreesat.co.uk/review-manhattan-plaza-hd-s2-freesat-hd-receiver/

Moving on, please.

That Manhattan sounds a cracking box. Under £50 !
Going up to Enniskillen in a week or two might have a look at it in Currys.

Peter Rhea

Why can't you just state your case for the combi boxes without the evangelising?

Amen to that!

muffler

STB wrote: »

I take it that Skull Murphy is your latest pen name.

Its a bit sh1tty for the rest of us having to put up with the petty bickering......and that applies to a few here.

icdg

Guys this thread has turned into a flame war and to be honest the amount of deleted posts on it make it hard for me to allow it to continue.

OP - feel free to ask the question again, if you do, I'd rather the protaganists of this thread keep out of it