Combi Box recommendation

danm14

Hello,
I wonder could somebody recommend a combi box (satellite and terrestrial) to me. I believe it will most likely have to be a Linux receiver, as I want two satellite tuners (and two terrestrial tuners if possible) and a 7 day epg.
It would be an advantage if the terrestrial tuners were DVB-T2 as opposed to just DVB-T as I can receive UK terrestrial TV, but this isn't essential as I don't believe there are any channels that arent on satellite on the HD multiplex in the UK at the minute. I won't consider a Freeview HD or a Freesat HD recorder even though I do not watch Irish channels as there are some terrestrial-only and satellite-only channels I watch
I need to be able to record at least two channels at once (whether these are both satellite, both terrestrial (if a twin terrestrial tuner box exists) or one of each) but I don't care whether this is to an external or an internal hard drive.
I want the box to be reasonably easy to use once set up, but if the setup is complicated I don't mind at all.
I don't mind if the box has to be imported from elsewhere, be that from the UK or somewhere in Europe, but I can't spend much more than €200, the less the better of course.

Thanks for your help!

Technofobe

danm14 wrote: »

Hello,
I wonder could somebody recommend a combi box (satellite and terrestrial) to me. I believe it will most likely have to be a Linux receiver, as I want two satellite tuners (and two terrestrial tuners if possible) and a 7 day epg.
It would be an advantage if the terrestrial tuners were DVB-T2 as opposed to just DVB-T as I can receive UK terrestrial TV, but this isn't essential as I don't believe there are any channels that arent on satellite on the HD multiplex in the UK at the minute. I won't consider a Freeview HD or a Freesat HD recorder even though I do not watch Irish channels as there are some terrestrial-only and satellite-only channels I watch
I need to be able to record at least two channels at once (whether these are both satellite, both terrestrial (if a twin terrestrial tuner box exists) or one of each) but I don't care whether this is to an external or an internal hard drive.
I want the box to be reasonably easy to use once set up, but if the setup is complicated I don't mind at all.
I don't mind if the box has to be imported from elsewhere, be that from the UK or somewhere in Europe, but I can't spend much more than €200, the less the better of course.

Thanks for your help!

I would reccommend the amiko alien 2+ Iv had same for almost a year now
2 sat tuners + 1 terrestial tuner
7day epg when connected to the internet via built in network adapter
or optional wifi adapter
record via optional usb hard drive
If simplicity is what your after stick to the default spark operating system
if you like a drama this linux box is dual boot so you can opt for enigma 2
can be had for around €140
just my 2p worth

danm14

Technofobe wrote: »

I would reccommend the amiko alien 2+ Iv had same for almost a year now
2 sat tuners + 1 terrestial tuner
7day epg when connected to the internet via built in network adapter
or optional wifi adapter
record via optional usb hard drive
If simplicity is what your after stick to the default spark operating system
if you like a drama this linux box is dual boot so you can opt for enigma 2
can be had for around €140
just my 2p worth

Thanks for your reply. You say, "if you like a drama," do you mean enigma 2 is complicated to set up/maintain or that it's complicated to use generally? Once set up I'm assuming it's the same as any other box - enter channel number or select channel from EPG? What's recording like, can you record a program by selecting it on the EPG and pressing record like on Sky or is it a set a timer manually kinda thing like a VCR?

Technofobe

danm14 wrote: »

Thanks for your reply. You say, "if you like a drama," do you mean enigma 2 is complicated to set up/maintain or that it's complicated to use generally? Once set up I'm assuming it's the same as any other box - enter channel number or select channel from EPG? What's recording like, can you record a program by selecting it on the EPG and pressing record like on Sky or is it a set a timer manually kinda thing like a VCR?

I have tried a number of images
openATV
hyperion 4
hdmu
openarp
All had their good points and bad points all were easy to use and set up

I love the look of open atv kind of windows 8 look but everyone seems to be having the same issues it runs great for a few weeks and then starts to act up and you have to flash it again
things like if you stop a recording manually it will cause the stations to give a blank screen and a reboot will be required to get them back
the answer is of course not to stop the recording just let it finish

Hyperion 4 was probably the most stable for me but when you went to use some of the features / plugins like ts media it would crash
The media portal plugin crashes too

Spark is the default operating system and is very stable but also very boring

There is a kind of series link
you can record by pressing record when on a chanell in the epg and you will be asked if you want a once off or a repeated recording IE every week
you can also set up multiple timers like the old vcr if you like

some of the issues could be down to the fact the AA2 is not blessed with a lot of memory and runs on a 450 mhz chip
where as some top of the line boxes like the vu duo2 is a lot better but a lot more money
also check out the edison optimus 3 a triple tuner with a bit more memory and faster processor for more money though
http://www.freetv.ie/edision-optimuss-os-3-plus.html
I do not work for tvtrade my opinion is just that it is an irish company and I have bought from them before and found them prompt and reliable

Ive had my AA2+ for almost a year now and dont miss sky at all this box was bought as a replacement to sky to save a few quid and it has done the job admirably despite the hardship ive given it trying out different images trying to find a wife and kids freindly alternative to sky
dont get me wrong I liked sky I just could not afford it anymore

you will find the ever growing AA2 thread here
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057246289