which combo box is best?

DannyD

I need a combo box that :
- has a tv tuner (rte,tv3 etc...).
- has a satellite receiver (sky etc).
- has a proper media player (must play all formats mp4, Xvid, Mkv etc..)
- has a network port
- is popular can be flashed with emulator etc..

My budget is around 100 Euro but can probably be stretched to 150 Euro.

I was thinking of a Amiko Mini Se but I'd appreciate some advice from experienced satellite persons

STB.

TM Nano SE. 119STG. http://www.world-of-satellite.co.uk/combo-digital-cable-terrestrial-satellite-receivers/Technomate-Combo-Linux-HD-Receivers/Technomate-TM-Nano-SE-Combo

DannyD

Thanks but it doesn't look like it does DVB-T/MPEG-4 ?

STB.

DannyD wrote: »

Thanks but it doesn't look like it does DVB-T/MPEG-4 ?

Of course it does, infact it does DVB-T2 (which is now the Saorview spec - dvb-t2 does dvb-t). I wouldn't send you the wrong way Danny!

Use Parcel motel and postage will only cost you E3.90

BTW Its a MIPS E2 box so does E2 images natively unlike an Amiko.

bored_stupid

Also can got for local online stores here in ireland first link in Euro 169 euro Wos before delivery ,
http://www.world-of-satellite.co.uk/combo-digital-cable-terrestrial-satellite-receivers/Technomate-Combo-Linux-HD-Receivers/Technomate-TM-Nano-SE-Combo

2nd link irish owned 174 euro inc delivery all in but as STB was saying box does everything you need and more great little box for the money .
https://www.satellitetv.ie/linux-hd-satellite-tv-receivers/tm-nano-se-linux-hd

Choice is yours .

STB.

bored_stupid wrote: »

Also can got for local online stores here in ireland first link in Euro 169 euro Wos before delivery ,
http://www.world-of-satellite.co.uk/combo-digital-cable-terrestrial-satellite-receivers/Technomate-Combo-Linux-HD-Receivers/Technomate-TM-Nano-SE-Combo

2nd link irish owned 174 euro inc delivery all in but as STB was saying box does everything you need and more great little box for the money .
https://www.satellitetv.ie/linux-hd-satellite-tv-receivers/tm-nano-se-linux-hd

Choice is yours .

2nd one is only a single tuner!

1st one has 2 tuners, one saorview, one satellite.

54and56

Is there a triple tuner version with two satellite tuners to facilitate watch and record another channel at the same time? I'm due to ditch my 12 month Sky contract in January and in the market for two replacement FTA combo boxes with a single/blended 7 day EPG for both Satellite and Saorview.

I'm happy to install a HD myself or attach via USB to enable recoding if necessary.

I'm not worried about media player/NAS or streaming functionality as I'll also have a Win 10 mini HTPC attached for such content.

red bellied

Je_suis_Jean wrote: »

Is there a triple tuner version with two satellite tuners to facilitate watch and record another channel at the same time? I'm due to ditch my 12 month Sky contract in January and in the market for two replacement FTA combo boxes with a single/blended 7 day EPG for both Satellite and Saorview.

I'm happy to install a HD myself or attach via USB to enable recoding if necessary.

I'm not worried about media player/NAS or streaming functionality as I'll also have a Win 10 mini HTPC attached for such content.

Freetv.ie sell the Optimuss Plus 3 triple tuner for 228 and the have a 10% discount on for Christmas, apply freetv at checkout.

STB.

red bellied wrote: »

Freetv.ie sell the Optimuss Plus 3 triple tuner for 228 and the have a 10% discount on for Christmas, apply freetv at checkout.

Sold as a Triple tuner using a USB DVB-T stick! Cheeky.

Any twin tuner linux box could do that.

54and56

red bellied wrote: »

Freetv.ie sell the Optimuss Plus 3 triple tuner for 228 and the have a 10% discount on for Christmas, apply freetv at checkout.

Is this the model you are referring to? http://www.freetv.ie/edision-optimuss-os-3-plus.html

If so what does "Note: Terrestrial Tuner via USB DVB-T2 Dongle" mean and is going with the recommended Enigma 2 firmware rather than the official Spark OS the best option if all I really want to do is have 7 day blended EPG and series recording functionality? I'm handy enough with tech in terms of flashing ROM's to Android devices and I've assembled a couple of gaming PC's over the years but that's about it. I've no Linux experience for example.

Also, do you know if the box has built in Wifi capability for auto update of the EPG or do I have to purchase and install a WiFi dongle to enable that functionality?

I'm really looking for a fairly straightforward box I can swap with my existing Sky boxes both of which have two cables routed to them. I'm happy to do some learning curve but once set I pretty much want to be able to leave it for months without having to flash anything or do manual updates etc. Am I expecting too much?

Lastly, my house is located on a relatively elevated site in South Dublin. Will I have to install a Saorview antenna alongside the Sat dish and run cables to each box or is it likely I'll be able to discreetly install a set top Saorview ariel and that will suffice?

red bellied

Je_suis_Jean wrote: »

Is this the model you are referring to? http://www.freetv.ie/edision-optimuss-os-3-plus.html

If so what does "Note: Terrestrial Tuner via USB DVB-T2 Dongle" mean and is going with the recommended Enigma 2 firmware rather than the official Spark OS the best option if all I really want to do is have 7 day blended EPG and series recording functionality? I'm handy enough with tech in terms of flashing ROM's to Android devices and I've assembled a couple of gaming PC's over the years but that's about it. I've no Linux experience for example.

Also, do you know if the box has built in Wifi capability for auto update of the EPG or do I have to purchase and install a WiFi dongle to enable that functionality?

I'm really looking for a fairly straightforward box I can swap with my existing Sky boxes both of which have two cables routed to them. I'm happy to do some learning curve but once set I pretty much want to be able to leave it for months without having to flash anything or do manual updates etc. Am I expecting too much?

Lastly, my house is located on a relatively elevated site in South Dublin. Will I have to install a Saorview antenna alongside the Sat dish and run cables to each box or is it likely I'll be able to discreetly install a set top Saorview ariel and that will suffice?

That's the plus 2 you have linked too, that will do the job of a triple tuner if you buy a USB tuner like a play TV which will give you Saorview. Better off using homeplugs instead of WiFi dongle if you don't have direct link to router.

Straight swap for your sky boxes, Your saorview will depend on how good your reception is but more than likely will require aerial in attic or outside.

Optimuss plus 2 uses engima 2 which has plugins like crossepg for giving you the function of a 7 day guide.

54and56

red bellied wrote: »

That's the plus 2 you have linked too, that will do the job of a triple tuner if you buy a USB tuner like a play TV which will give you Saorview.

I'm confused.com as the headline description says it's an "Edision™ Optimuss OS2+ (Triple Tuner)".

red bellied wrote: »

Better off using homeplugs instead of WiFi dongle if you don't have direct link to router.

Can't use homeplugs I'm afraid. whatever way my house is wired (only re-wired a few years ago) the tiny wires used in the trip switches are too small to carry the internet signal. I tried several times and even got a sparks in to help but no joy. As a result I invested in a really good router which combined with 100mb from UPC gives excellent coverage throughout the house. One TV is only 4 metres from the router and is cabled so not a problem but the other is a couple of rooms away and not cabled hence the Wifi requirement but I currently stream online sports in HD to an Android media box at that location without any buffering so the WiFi signal should be plenty good for downloading EPG and channel updates.

red bellied wrote: »

Straight swap for your sky boxes, Your saorview will depend on how good your reception is but more than likely will require aerial in attic or outside.

That sounds fine. I might try with a set top Saorview ariel first and if I don't get a good signal I'll invest in a proper ariel and some proper cabling.

red bellied wrote: »

Optimuss plus 2 uses engima 2 which has plugins like crossepg for giving you the function of a 7 day guide.

So if I don't want an external/USB Saorview tuner should I go with this box instead which I think is the one STB originally recommended to the OP? http://www.freetv.ie/technomate-nano-3t.html

red bellied

STB. wrote: »

Sold as a Triple tuner using a USB DVB-T stick! Cheeky.

Any twin tuner linux box could do that.

Didn't know it was out of stock but you could potentially have a triple or quadruple tuner with usb add on for around 195 euros. The 10% off apply's to everything on site, I have used play tv tuner for the last two or three years and never had a problem, may be zapping is slower.

red bellied

Je_suis_Jean wrote: »

I'm confused.com as the headline description says it's an "Edision™ Optimuss OS2+ (Triple Tuner)".

Can't use homeplugs I'm afraid. whatever way my house is wired (only re-wired a few years ago) the tiny wires used in the trip switches are too small to carry the internet signal. I tried several times and even got a sparks in to help but no joy. As a result I invested in a really good router which combined with 100mb from UPC gives excellent coverage throughout the house. One TV is only 4 metres from the router and is cabled so not a problem but the other is a couple of rooms away and not cabled hence the Wifi requirement but I currently stream online sports in HD to an Android media box at that location without any buffering so the WiFi signal should be plenty good for downloading EPG and channel updates.

That sounds fine. I might try with a set top Saorview ariel first and if I don't get a good signal I'll invest in a proper ariel and some proper cabling.



So if I don't want an external/USB Saorview tuner should I go with this box instead which I think is the one STB originally recommended to the OP? http://www.freetv.ie/technomate-nano-3t.html

Ya as STB remarked they have been sneaky, the box only comes with 2 satellite tuners and doesn't have in built dvb-t like the plus 3 which must be out of stock. You can buy a usb tuner separately and install drivers from plugin feeds to make it compatible with the plus 2. The Edision models are a rehash of the Technomate made in the same factory, price wise I would go for the plus 2 and add the usb tuner. I have never used wifi dongle but for the likes of crossepg and autobouquets this won't be required as the data is downloaded from the satellite but I am sure the lads on here can advise you on a decent stick for wifi.

54and56

Don't want a usb based Saorview tuner, not as a permanent solution.

Would this do the trick or is it a bit OTT for my needs?

http://www.world-of-satellite.co.uk/GiGaBlue-HD-QUAD-PLUS-Linux-Enigma-2-HD-PVR-Digital-Satellite-Receiver-2-DVB-S-S2-2-C-T-T2-cable-satellite-terrestrial

Configured with 2x DVB-S/S2 and 1X DVB-C/T/T2 tuner plus a 1TB HDD and a Wifi dongle it comes in at just over £300 which is circa €425 and there is a choice of Enigma 2 (the default), OpenVix, OpenATV or OpenMIPS firmware.

The two boxes I'm going to get will need to be very solid, well supported and capable of doing the job for circa 5 years. I don't mind spending a bit more if it ensures good quality as the savings from having no Sky subscription will fairly quickly pay for the boxes.

red bellied

Je_suis_Jean wrote: »

Don't want a usb based Saorview tuner, not as a permanent solution.

Would this do the trick or is it a bit OTT for my needs?

http://www.world-of-satellite.co.uk/GiGaBlue-HD-QUAD-PLUS-Linux-Enigma-2-HD-PVR-Digital-Satellite-Receiver-2-DVB-S-S2-2-C-T-T2-cable-satellite-terrestrial

Configured with 2x DVB-S/S2 and 1X DVB-C/T/T2 tuner plus a 1TB HDD and a Wifi dongle it comes in at just over £300 which is circa €425 and there is a choice of Enigma 2 (the default), OpenVix, OpenATV or OpenMIPS firmware.

The two boxes I'm going to get will need to be very solid, well supported and capable of doing the job for circa 5 years. I don't mind spending a bit more if it ensures good quality as the savings from having no Sky subscription will fairly quickly pay for the boxes.

Have a search on WOS for the xtrend 8000 and go with that will work out cheaper and basically the same specs, its a solid box, I got one for my sister

codar

This one may also interest you (if you don't need the option of adding more tuners)
http://www.world-of-satellite.co.uk/combo-digital-cable-terrestrial-satellite-receivers/Xtrend-Combo-Linux-HD-Receivers/Xtrend-ET8000-2x-DVB-S2-1x-DVB-C-T-T2
Its also a bit cheaper than the gigablue. (no tft colour display on front though which is a bit of a gimmick anyway in my opinion)

Gerry Wicklow

Just a thought I haven't fully reasearched so don't bite my head off, but would these not be a lot cheaper coming from, say Germany, given the sterling exchange rate? By a rough calculation these are ~€290 inc delivery from UK but ~€230-240 from Germany.

codar

Could very well be, haven't looked into it to be honest.

bored_stupid

STB. wrote: »

2nd one is only a single tuner!

1st one has 2 tuners, one saorview, one satellite.

Sorry about that post STB & DannyD was getting up for work at that time i was,nt on the veno .

Will double check in the future school boy error on my part sorry lads.

Zardoz

Gerry Wicklow wrote: »

Just a thought I haven't fully reasearched so don't bite my head off, but would these not be a lot cheaper coming from, say Germany, given the sterling exchange rate? By a rough calculation these are ~€290 inc delivery from UK but ~€230-240 from Germany.

Yes ,much cheaper to buy from Germany .

bored_stupid

Satexperts are now selling the Technomate Nano SE COMBO for 170 now .

http://www.adverts.ie/satellite/technomate-nano-se-combo-751mhz-broadcom-cpu/9398634