SAB Unix HD triple tuner V Edison OS mini with DVS2 Twin tuner

intro

Hi,
I'm a complete newbie to linux boxes. I want to replace a Humax freesat HDR and saorview on TV tuner with a one box soulution and eventually replace another Ferguson 220 STB in the bedroom .
I would like a 7 day EPG with satellite and saorview on one list, series link, auto update of channels, pause/live playI would'nt mind RTE player as well but not a deal breaker. I'm not interested in teletext.
I dont mind a bit of tinkering but writing code or such like is a bit beyond me. My internet is very poor so regular updating of large files on the internet is a problem. I have a few questions if someone could share their knowledge.
I am looking at these two boxes from FreeTV.ie:
http://www.freetv.ie/edision-os-mini-twin-tuner/
http://www.freetv.ie/triple-tuner/

I like the idea of one box with everything in it like the SAB but there seems to be a lot more fans of the Edison mini twin DVS2 tuners and a USB DVBT dongle.
Is there any advantage(apart from price)/disadvantage to the SAB over the Edison?
I see sombody on the forum recommended adding a PlayTV DVBT dongle to add terrestrial to the Edison. This seems to have a twin tuner. Does this allow you to watch a channel on a mux while recording another or is it the same as a single?
Am i correct in thinking that auto updating and EPG's are done through the satellite link rather than internet?
If it is internet only for updates etc., the built in wi fi of the Edison would be handy as i have no direct connection to the router at present. I could run a cat 6 cable but there is a bit of work in it. This will hopefully change in the future if we ever get planning (and thats a long story!)
Am i correct in thinking that external hard drives are better that internal ones adn if so why?
Is it possible to access Netflix with these boxes?
The SAB is available with Spark or Enigma 2. Which would be better?
I have done a fair bit of reading of the forum (i'm sure some of you will be surprised with that after these questions!) but am starting to get overloaded with information.
In time i will purchase something like the Edison mega as the main box but as its a new box i really dont want to start with something that may have teething problems. I would like to dip my toes in with something tried and tested.
Many thanks.

ShaneOC

I like the idea of one box with everything in it like the SAB but there seems to be a lot more fans of the Edison mini twin DVS2 tuners and a USB DVBT dongle.
Is there any advantage(apart from price)/disadvantage to the SAB over the Edison?

The two boxes are very similar in specs so no, there is no major advantage / disadvantage of one over the other. On one hand I do not like the look of the SAB receiver, on the other it's a neater solution than the Edision with the dongle.

I see sombody on the forum recommended adding a PlayTV DVBT dongle to add terrestrial to the Edison. This seems to have a twin tuner. Does this allow you to watch a channel on a mux while recording another or is it the same as a single?

A single DVBT tuner will allow you to record all channels on a mux at the same time. A twin tuner will allow you to record all channels on 2 muxes at the same time. So for most people a twin tuner will allow you to record all of the Irish channels simultaneously or more realistically to watch any Irish channel while recording any other Irish channel.

The DVBS tuners work in a similar fashion. Anything on a transponder is available if you are recording from the transponder. So for example you can record BBC One HD and watch BBC Two HD using just one tuner.

Am i correct in thinking that auto updating and EPG's are done through the satellite link rather than internet?

No, the EPG is updated nightly over the internet.

Am i correct in thinking that external hard drives are better that internal ones adn if so why?

Internal or external both work well. Whatever suits you best. Disks can be shared across receivers. I have an internal 2TB disk in my main receiver and you can view recordings from that disk on another receiver in the kitchen.

Is it possible to access Netflix with these boxes?

No.

The SAB is available with Spark or Enigma 2. Which would be better?

Enigma2 is the one that you will need.

dav32cs

ShaneOC wrote: »

The two boxes are very similar in specs so no, there is no major advantage / disadvantage of one over the other. On one hand I do not like the look of the SAB receiver, on the other it's a neater solution than the Edision with the dongle.

The Edision is a far better spec box, same processor as the Vu Zero.

The SAB/Amiko/GM has it's fans among those who know what they're doing,like to tinker or for a budget option but for a newbie or those wanting a more hassle free experience the Edision would be the one to choose.

In my opinion the SAB/GM/Amiko can't handle triple tuner properties fully eg if you were recording to sat and one terrestrial due to the limitations of the processor it has.USB DVBT can work very well but will never be just as reliable as an internal DVBT tuner as a disadvantage for the Edision however. The new Edision OS Mega has triple tuner.

ShaneOC wrote: »

No, the EPG is updated nightly over the internet.

Cross EPG (EPG) & AutoBouquetsMaker (Frequency) will update through your satellite connection

EPG Importer (EPG) & AutoBouquets (Frequency) will update through your internet connection

So the answer to OP question depends on what way it is set up.