Box recommendation for a techophobe!

PGE1970

Hi all,

I'm looking for a recommendation for a combi box for Saorview & free uk channels.

I already have a 4life box but I find that it drops channels a lot and I get audio descriptions unprompted. It also takes forever to search for satellite channels. It was cheap so I'm not bothered to lose it.

I would like the ability to record if possible (from a plug in stick if needs be) and a programme guide would be helpful.

My budget would be €100 - €150.

However, I am clueless with technology and would need something that is, quite literally, foolproof!!

All recommendations very gratefully received!

shanemkelly

Some ideas here http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057558477...

PGE1970

Thanks Shane,

I saw that thread but the jargon totally confused me. I also note that these seem to be high spec boxes at around €300.

Would something like this be any good?

http://www.freetv.ie/amiko-alien-2.html

blue_blue

PGE1970 wrote: »

However, I am clueless with technology and would need something that is, quite literally, foolproof!!

Would you not think of educating yourself?

shanemkelly

Ah, sorry. I'm not knowledgeable enough to recommend (i.e. I've no experience of any of the boxes - not interested til mine dies ).

PGE1970

blue_blue wrote: »

Would you not think of educating yourself?

Thanks, that's helpful. Kind of defeats the whole purpose of seeking advice on a discussion board then.

I have previously assisted others when in a position to do so on other fora with good intentions and without the need for a smart comment.

As stated, I'm not good with technology. I wouldn't know where to start in the same way that I cannot service a car. What's your point?

ShaneOC

PGE1970 wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm looking for a recommendation for a combi box for Saorview & free uk channels.

I already have a 4life box but I find that it drops channels a lot and I get audio descriptions unprompted. It also takes forever to search for satellite channels. It was cheap so I'm not bothered to lose it.

I would like the ability to record if possible (from a plug in stick if needs be) and a programme guide would be helpful.

My budget would be €100 - €150.

However, I am clueless with technology and would need something that is, quite literally, foolproof!!

All recommendations very gratefully received!

The Amiko box you mention is OK for a basic receiver. However all of the Enigma 2 boxes do require some level of tech know-how to set up. Once they are set up though they are a doddle to use.

PGE1970

ShaneOC wrote: »

The Amiko box you mention is OK for a basic receiver. However all of the Enigma 2 boxes do require some level of tech know-how to set up. Once they are set up though they are a doddle to use.

Thanks Shane, appreciate the comment.

When you say "tech know-how", is it complicated? I can follow instructions!

I'm only looking for basic really. It's for a bedroom TV so the ability to record soaps and watch them later would go down well with boss in the house!

Gerry Wicklow

The Amiko Alien is a popular box with many users on Boards. Have a look through the Terrestrial forum for more info. It comes with two versions of the operating system, Spark or Enigma, which you can switch between. Spark is reliable but pretty basic in its functions. Enigma is far more powerful and versatile but takes a bit of tinkering to get to your own personal liking. What many users do is get a copy of someone else's setup (image) and use that as a basis to get up and running. Once you get comfortable with the workings you can try more advanced changes safe in the knowledge that there is plenty of support available here.

gordongekko

Sending someone who's not good with technology towards a Linux box may not be the best idea. If you want something very basic then try the Ferguson box.

exaisle

If you're continually losing channels, you may have an alignment problem with your satellite dish....may be nothing to do with your receiver.
Look up the manual and find out how to check the signal strength and quality....if either are below 50% it's probably that the satellite is slightly misaligned...