Combo Box with Twin Terrestrial?

Jurgen Klopp

Looking to drop Sky.

Now I want to be able to record two Saorview channels at once so I need to fit a twin tuner.

I also want a combo box so I can get Saorview and FTA on the one box and be able to record and series link

I had looked at the VU+ Duo2 about 8 months ago but never got around to purchasing it

Has it come down in price or is there a cheaper alternative? Think it came to £378 for the box and twin Terrestrial tuner

Have a HDD and USBs lying around I can use myself

decor58

Jurgen Klopp wrote:

Now I want to be able to record two Saorview channels at once so I need to fit a twin tuner.

One way around might be if your tv has a Saorview tuner and then record to usb /hdd, then a twin tuner combo might suffice.

ShaneOC

The VU+ Duo2 is a fantastic box. It approx €429 on hm-sat-shop.de for the dual sat / dual terrestrial tuner version.

It is one of the more expensive receivers around but you get what you pay for.

clancger

I use a Duo2 with the basic internal 2x single Sat tuners and Terrestrial via USB PS3 Play TV tuner. Works perfectly.

http://www.ebay.ie/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xplay+tv+tuner+ps3.TRS0&_nkw=play+tv+tuner+ps3&_sacat=0

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayTV

STB.

ShaneOC wrote: »

The VU+ Duo2 is a fantastic box. It approx €429 on hm-sat-shop.de for the dual sat / dual terrestrial tuner version.

It is one of the more expensive receivers around but you get what you pay for.

Its a rip off Shane. I dont buy into overpriced tech. There are plenty of boxes which much the same hardware in them for much lower prices on the market. The 4K combo boxes have a higher spec and capabilities and are cheaper than that!

OP should look at the Edision OS Mega Triple. Its £179. Add a dvb-t stick (10 euro) and you'll have 2 DVB-T tuners and 2 DVB-S2 tuners.

The neecessity to have 2 tuners on dvb-t is quentionable as there are only 2 multiplexes in Ireland. And what are the chances that the channel you are recording is on a different mux to the one you want to watch?

ShaneOC

The Edision is a good box, no doubt about it. But it is not as slick as the Duo2. I appreciate that there are similar specced boxes but the physical look of the Duo2 is one of the best out there (in my opinion).

Regarding the 2 DVB-T tuners, these are necessary if you want to watch RTE1 and record RTE2 as they are on different muxes.

Jurgen Klopp

ShaneOC wrote: »

The Edision is a good box, no doubt about it. But it is not as slick as the Duo2. I appreciate that there are similar specced boxes but the physical look of the Duo2 is one of the best out there (in my opinion).

Regarding the 2 DVB-T tuners, these are necessary if you want to watch RTE1 and record RTE2 as they are on different muxes.

Just getting back to this topic now.

Usually need to record two of RTE 1, TV3 or TG4 at the same time in this house so I assume two different mixes?

Would the Edison still be best value for money?

However would not adding a second Terrestrial tuner via a USB stick not be less reliable than adding a proper twin tuner in say a VU duo 2?

Johnboy1951

Jurgen Klopp wrote: »

Just getting back to this topic now.

Usually need to record two of RTE 1, TV3 or TG4 at the same time in this house so I assume two different mixes?

Would the Edison still be best value for money?

However would not adding a second Terrestrial tuner via a USB stick not be less reliable than adding a proper twin tuner in say a VU duo 2?

I have found the USB tuners to be reliable .... but I would guess it also depends on the operating system in use.

I agree that two DVB-T tuners are well worth the effort ...... particularly considering the low cost of DVB-T tuners. The DVB-T2 dongles are much more costly it seems, but not required for Saorview.

STB.

Jurgen Klopp wrote: »

Just getting back to this topic now.

Usually need to record two of RTE 1, TV3 or TG4 at the same time in this house so I assume two different mixes?

Would the Edison still be best value for money?

However would not adding a second Terrestrial tuner via a USB stick not be less reliable than adding a proper twin tuner in say a VU duo 2?

If cost is not an problem there are plenty of options out there.

VU+ have a range. The Duo2 is not the top of their range as its not UHD. For me they are overpriced. Heres an example. Pretty much the same spec box (Vu+ Ultimo) as the first gigablue mentioned below is €700 in a 4 tuner configuation.

Gigablue have a range, for example the Gigablue UHD Quad 4k. They come with 2 Satellite tuners as standard, but you can expand that to 3 or 4 tuners with either a single dvb-t module or a dual dvb-t module. These boxes also have FBC tuners so if you use an wideband lnb you will have 8 feeds. They also do Sat>IP Streaming/Multiroom. So for the 4 tuner version its €379

They also have another box below this that allows 2 of each tuner called the Gigablue UE UHD. €279

The difference is the processor.

If you are trying to do it economically, then you can buy a Formuler F1 box with 2 Sat Tuners and 1 DVB-T tuner for £89 from World of Sat. You could then buy a suitable USB dvb-t stick for about a tenner (not all work so get the right one) to make it 2 DVB-T.

Clareman

Sorry for jumping into this thread but I've an Ultimo for years and it's a brilliant box, I've a couple of Sat tuners and a Saorview together with a 3.5" HDD in it and it's brilliant, I couldn't recommend it highly enough.

Actually saying that, I've just realised I haven't used it in ages as it's connected to a TV that I don't use anymore, I might put it up on adverts.

Jurgen Klopp

Ok gents I'm looking to finally buy this week

Now the gigablue UHD looks to be the most economical for a twin terrestrial and twin sat for 280

Now what is the best site to buy from that will honour warranty etc?

If there's any other suggestions pop em up I'll need to buy the box this week or so cause I'm getting a new aerial installed whole I'm at it

40now

Plenty of cheaper and perfectly good dual T2 tuner boxes here.
https://www.zgemma.co.uk/Sat-Cable-Terrestrial

Jurgen Klopp

40now wrote: »

Plenty of cheaper and perfectly good dual T2 tuner boxes here.
https://www.zgemma.co.uk/Sat-Cable-Terrestrial

Thanks but they seem to be a single S tuner and twin T2?

I'm after twin S and twin T tuner boxes, 4 tuners

Johnboy1951

Is this what you are considering?

https://www.rakuten.de/produkt/gigablue-uhd-ue-4k-2x-dvb-s2-1x-dvb-ct2-dual-tuner-1tb-2122755720.html?sclid=p_idealo_DE_2122755720_mid116619_catidelectronic_prc_34317_RAKUTEN7_promocode&portaldv=6&cid=idealo&cc=RAKUTEN7

greasepalm

https://www.world-of-satellite.co.uk/satellite-and-terrestrial/digital-receivers/Octagon/octagon-sf4008.
well known place many of can buy boxes that are supported by openvix image.

Clareman

I couldn't recommend a VU+ Ultimo with dual internal Sat, an internal terrestrial and a USB terrestrial highly enough, but that might be because I've 1 up on adverts

In regards to where to buy, I've bought off loads of places and the site looks & feels legit and you can pay with paypal just go with the cheapest.

STB.

@ OP, I see you mention the words "most economical"

Just so you know theres 2 triple tuner enigma boxes on the market for less than €100. Both from WOS. One is the Formuler F1, the other is the Tivier. Both are 1.3ghz MIPS boxes. The Formuler F1 has an external esata connection for HDD, the Tivier has an internal caddy space. The configs of both are 2 x dvb-s2, 1 x dvb-t. You just add a dvb-t stick for the fourth. Thats less than half the price of the Gigablue.

Stay away from anything SH4 or Zgemma! They are low spec crappy boxes trying to pass themselves of as E2 boxes.

greasepalm

as STB said above and yet another closed thread over there when false advertising advises you to go there.

Jurgen Klopp

That formular looks good I have been looking at demo vids of it on YouTube I would be happy enough with it

However the one thing that worrys me is will a USB terr tuner be as reliable?

STB.

Jurgen Klopp wrote: »

That formular looks good I have been looking at demo vids of it on YouTube I would be happy enough with it

However the one thing that worrys me is will a USB terr tuner be as reliable?

As well as usb theres an esata connection but its external. It would need its own power source. The Tivier has an inernal caddy space. The Tiviers are a few years old and were €400 when first released. The someone figured out how to overwrite the bootloader so now it takes E2 images rather than its own OS.

Both are basically the same spec. The Tivier has a load of usb ports too. Get WOS to recommend you an additional usb dvb-t stick. Shouldnt be more than a tenner. Ask for an mcx to rf cable too (apx €1) if its one of the ones with the small connection.

Jurgen Klopp

Cool thanks for some reason I thought the formular only had 1 USB port

Is the Tiviar harddrive powered internally? I will just get an harddrive added

I think I will for the Tiviar for teh simply fact I'll get to put the HDD inside and out of the way

Now for the EPG do I need a USB stick for it or will my wired net connection do?

I've emailed them for a terrestrial USB tuner recommendation

So I reckon my shopping list is

Tiviar box
With added 500GB HDD

Plus a terrestrial USB tuner stick

And I assume OPEN Vix latest?

What would I need a USB WiFi option for? Maybe save me the hassle if a wired connection ya?

greasepalm

use a wired lan connection is better.

Clareman

WiFi might work for you but wired is a whole lot better, even powerline adapters are better.

Jurgen Klopp

What exactly is the net connection for? Is it simply to download and update the EPG?

I have an android box as it

Does this support certain players and apps or what?

Clareman

Jurgen Klopp wrote: »

What exactly is the net connection for? Is it simply to download and update the EPG?

I have an android box as it

Does this support certain players and apps or what?

It's a full Linux box so it can do whatever you want really, there are loads of apps for it, personally I use mine for streaming when I'm not at home, extremely useful. Where about are you based? I'm in Clare and have a box for sale (Ultimo), you can trial it for a while to see what you think if you would like, might give you an idea for the whole Enigma scene.

greasepalm

you might need to download plugins and other stuff so lan connection is needed.

Jurgen Klopp

Ah grand thanks all. I have a wired connection on my android box in teh same spot where the Tiviar will go so can swap over the wire if needed it just get a splitter

Just need to wait on sat world to email me back a USB tuner rec and I'll be all set

STB.

Jurgen Klopp wrote: »

What exactly is the net connection for? Is it simply to download and update the EPG?

I have an android box as it

Does this support certain players and apps or what?

You dont need to hardwire it, if the router isnt far away. You dont need it for EPG. You can set it to download from Sky's satellite transponder.

You do need it for donloading plugins so a usb wireless stick is fine.

Add to your list an RF to MCX cable. This slots into the usb stick (most USB sticks dont have the big RF cable output.

You need two cables from your aerial connection junctioned by a splitter.

how.gareth

STB. wrote: »

@ OP, I see you mention the words "most economical"

Just so you know theres 2 triple tuner enigma boxes on the market for less than €100. Both from WOS. One is the Formuler F1, the other is the Tivier. Both are 1.3ghz MIPS boxes. The Formuler F1 has an external esata connection for HDD, the Tivier has an internal caddy space. The configs of both are 2 x dvb-s2, 1 x dvb-t. You just add a dvb-t stick for the fourth. Thats less than half the price of the Gigablue.

Stay away from anything SH4 or Zgemma! They are low spec crappy boxes trying to pass themselves of as E2 boxes.

Is the amiko alien not a sh4 box? Runs enigma 2 perfectly

Jurgen Klopp

STB. wrote: »

You dont need to hardwire it, if the router isnt far away. You dont need it for EPG. You can set it to download from Sky's satellite transponder.

You do need it for donloading plugins so a usb wireless stick is fine.

Add to your list an RF to MCX cable. This slots into the usb stick (most USB sticks dont have the big RF cable output.

You need two cables from your aerial connection junctioned by a splitter.

Ok so basically I bring in the one line from aerial and then plug it into a splitter for 2 lines to feed the Tiviar? Correct?

Oh also, whats the type of splitter needed? Is it just called a coaxial splitter or what?

Clareman

Jurgen Klopp wrote: »

Ok so basically I bring in the one line from aerial and then plug it into a splitter for 2 lines to feed the Tiviar? Correct?

Some tuners do a pass through which means you'll only need 1 connection, not sure how it works to be honest.

STB.

how.gareth wrote: »

Is the amiko alien not a sh4 box? Runs enigma 2 perfectly

The Amiko Alien is an Sh4 box.

Thats not enigma2 its running, its a ported version hacked to work.

Use a MIPS box with a decent processor and you'll see works perfectly

Jurgen Klopp wrote: »

Ok so basically I bring in the one line from aerial and then plug it into a splitter for 2 lines to feed the Tiviar? Correct?

Oh also, whats the type of splitter needed? Is it just called a coaxial splitter or what?

Yep.

Jurgen Klopp

Is anyone able to find an RF to mcx adapter on world of satellite? Don't see one and if it's there would like to order the whole lot of them

Just one thing on the splitter won't I need to get extra cable and fittings for the two feeds off the splitter

greasepalm

there are different splitters for different jobs but unsure,i wondered what the mcx adapter was for and looking at google looks lot like the 5" magnetic aerial and pc tuner

splitter most likely will be type screw on f connectors

Jurgen Klopp

Well world of satellite replied saying they don't have a suitable USB tuner in stock back to square 1

STB.

Jurgen Klopp wrote: »

Well world of satellite replied saying they don't have a suitable USB tuner in stock back to square 1

I could suggest a good few usb dvb-t sticks that work, fff the Top of my head this one does actually work as its one of those I last tried.

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/New-USB-2-0-DVB-T-Digital-TV-Receiver-HDTV-Tuner-Dongle-Stick-Antenna-Remote-CT/132239814086

So now that you know what they look like, you should be able to track one in UK if its that immediately required.

An MCX to RF cable looks like this.

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/RF-Coaxial-to-MCX-TV-Antenna-Cable-Adaptor-DVB-T-DVBT-FP/263459083805

The USB sticks come with little aerials. The little aerials are obviously useless, so thats why you need the little cable to connect to your actual aerial.

If you have an old 2.5" HDD lying around, you don't need to order another one. They are easy to install.

Jurgen Klopp

Thank you. Forgive me but what's the mini remote needed for? Do I need to use it every time I wish to record something? Can see that being a problem with the family here having to use it to record something on RTE and then needing to use the Tiviar remote separate to record TG4

I doubt it's needed tho surely the Tiviar will be able to utilize the whole lot via its own remote yeah?

STB.

Jurgen Klopp wrote: »

Thank you. Forgive me but what's the mini remote needed for? Do I need to use it every time I wish to record something? Can see that being a problem with the family here having to use it to record something on RTE and then needing to use the Tiviar remote separate to record TG4

I doubt it's needed tho surely the Tiviar will be able to utilize the whole lot via its own remote yeah?

Throw it in the bin. All you are concerned about is the device itself. The remote control of the set top box will control everything else.

Jurgen Klopp

STB. wrote: »

Throw it in the bin. All you are concerned about is the device itself. The remote control of the set top box will control everything else.

Lovely jubly thanks

Thanks to everyone else too for the advice I'll order tonight

Jurgen Klopp

This splitter is ok ya?

https://www.world-of-satellite.co.uk/Labgear-fju402-uhf-2-way-Splitter?filter_name=Splitter

Ten Pin

You'll need f plugs on the lead for that splitter or adaptors to connect the coax lead.

Other option is a coax splitter like this and adaptors to suit the lead.

Jurgen Klopp

Actually I just realized I have a spare Sky Plus HD box with a barely used HDD

I take it I can remove it and use it in the Tiviar?

Will I need to reformat it via PC first? Also would it then need to download the openvix build and install?

Jurgen Klopp

Ok so does this shopping list seem right:

Tivar Box
Splitter
F adapters X 3

USB Tuner card
RF to mcx cable

I have a HDD and USB sticks here

greasepalm

e2 boxes can be fussy with make of usb used.

Jurgen Klopp

Have it all ordered now

Gonna wait on booking the local TV lad until it comes cause if I'm short bits of fittings for the splitter and that he'll have em

STB.

Jurgen Klopp wrote: »

Actually I just realized I have a spare Sky Plus HD box with a barely used HDD

I take it I can remove it and use it in the Tiviar?

Will I need to reformat it via PC first? Also would it then need to download the openvix build and install?

No you can do that when you are mounting it. The box will do it for you.

Whilst you are waiting you can download and familiarise yourself with dreamboxedit which is a program for sorting channel lists. Just pick 28.2E and it will download a list and you can put the ones you want into a Fav list which you can name as you like.

You can flash this to the box over your lan.

It will mean you will not have to scan the satellite list.

Then scan the dvb-t tuner and flash that back to your PC (theres an option to "receive from dreambox"). You can then add the dvb-t channels to your favourites. Save it as your master on the PC and then flash it back to the box as your final list.

On the USB stick discussion. Cruzer blades work fine for me. You probably dont need one at all. They are used on lower flash memory boxes to save the epg data. Theres no reason for you to do that as the box 512Mb flash memory. The E2 Image is only Max 90mb.

Jurgen Klopp

STB. wrote: »

No you can do that when you are mounting it. The box will do it for you.

Whilst you are waiting you can download and familiarise yourself with dreamboxedit which is a program for sorting channel lists. Just pick 28.2E and it will download a list and you can put the ones you want into a Fav list which you can name as you like.

You can flash this to the box over your lan.

It will mean you will not have to scan the satellite list.

Then scan the dvb-t tuner and flash that back to your PC (theres an option to "receive from dreambox"). You can then add the dvb-t channels to your favourites. Save it as your master on the PC and then flash it back to the box as your final list.

On the USB stick discussion. Cruzer blades work fine for me. You probably dont need one at all. They are used on lower flash memory boxes to save the epg data. Theres no reason for you to do that as the box 512Mb flash memory. The E2 Image is only Max 90mb.

Feckin handy out gonna go at that tonight

Edit: ah I take it I need to be connection to a box to scan the sat?

For some reason assumed the program would have the channel frequencies in the program!

STB.

Jurgen Klopp wrote: »

Feckin handy out gonna go at that tonight

Edit: ah I take it I need to be connection to a box to scan the sat?

For some reason assumed the program would have the channel frequencies in the program!

Nope. You dont need a connection to the box to start on a channel list. It downloads it from the internet. You can then create a little fav group and add the channels that you will watch in the order you want.


You can flash that to the box once it from your pc over the lan so that you wont have to scan the satellite.

You'll only need to scan the dvb-t frequencies on the box and then add those to your fav list.

https://dreamboxedit.com/en/

Jurgen Klopp

STB. wrote: »

Nope. You dont need a connection to the box to start on a channel list. It downloads it from the internet. You can then create a little fav group and add the channels that you will watch in the order you want.


You can flash that to the box once it from your pc over the lan so that you wont have to scan the satellite.

You'll only need to scan the dvb-t frequencies on the box and then add those to your fav list.

https://dreamboxedit.com/en/

I must look again. I had it all installed but no option for that matter such as import setting from net

greasepalm

28.2 is what sky use
sounds like your on a sat tuner?
other tuner should be dvb/t/2t ?

greasepalm

Abu had this posted for aerial usage