Next Gen Freesat?

Capt'n Midnight

micks_address wrote: »

Is there any box yet that gives freesat epg and saorview epg with recording? One that doesnt require pc configuration with channel lists etc?

Strictly speaking there are none because Freesat impose restrictions. Like the way recordings of HD Free To Air programs are encrypted so you can't watch them on a different device.


In reality there are plenty of options.

SKY, Virgin, Eir, Vodafone, etc. will rent you a box that has UK and Irish on the same EPG.
Apart from RTE1 or 2 if you want ANY Irish channel, in HD you will need to pay monthly for it. :mad:



Freesat box and Saorview TV and a USB memory stick is the easiest option. And it just works. Apart from series link on Saorview.
A lot of button presses to swap UK-Irish. If FreeSat had better CEC support this would be soo much easier.
FreeSat handles schedule changes and offers alternatives when there's a recording conflict better than a Linux box.



Linux box. For legal reasons this has to be a roll-your-own. The Freesat EPG can't be preinstalled. Things like AutoBouquetMaker mean you can get the stations setup and numbered easily enough. HD recordings aren't encrypted.
You can get the Irish channels through built in TV tuner, compatible USB tuner, or Saorsat. YMMV on the Irish On Demand.

Johnboy1951

Capt'n Midnight wrote: »

Linux box. For legal reasons this has to be a roll-your-own. It can't be preinstalled. Things like AutoBouquetMaker mean you can get the stations setup and numbered easily enough. HD recordings aren't encrypted.
You can get the Irish channels through built in TV tuner, compatible USB tuner, or Saorsat. YMMV on the Irish On Demand.

What legal reasons are you referring to?

Of course Linux can be installed on devices for sale ...... and that is not at all uncommon!

Capt'n Midnight

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

What legal reasons are you referring to?

Of course Linux can be installed on devices for sale ...... and that is not at all uncommon!

yes of course Linux can be preinstalled.

But you have to roll-your-own because the EPG grabbing setup can't be preinstalled.

AFAIK with patents any individual can use the information in a patent for their own use but a commercial enterprise can't and it's something like that.

Johnboy1951

Capt'n Midnight wrote: »

yes of course Linux can be preinstalled.

But you have to roll-your-own because the EPG grabbing setup can't be preinstalled.

AFAIK with patents any individual can use the information in a patent for their own use but a commercial enterprise can't and it's something like that.

So it can be pre-installed but the 7 day EPG needs to be initiated by the user?
A simple thing to do with the available add-ons.

Hotblack Desiato

FRIENDO wrote: »

Have been lucky with Humax, still using the Foxsat hdr since 2009, not a day goes by it's not recording, a great box

The Foxsat-HDR is still the business, especially with the modified firmware. I have two

Sam Russell

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

The Foxsat-HDR is still the business, especially with the modified firmware. I have two

Particularly since we are geo-blocked for all the new features.

Mr Velo

lukeeman wrote: »

Amazon had them on there site on Tuesday I think it was a mistake, I bought the 500gb one got it thru parcel motel today. Seems good only prob so far is the remote.

How's this been going for you since you got it?

Tweezer

Mr Velo wrote: »

How's this been going for you since you got it?

I managed to get one too and unfortunately it’s going back as it reboots not long after it switches on from passive standby.

I read on another forum it has been pushed back until end of March due to technical issues, hopefully that covers my issue and it wasn’t a faulty box. It was a step up from the Humax speed wise for the short time it was on and the new EPG looked crisp.

NewClareman

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

The Foxsat-HDR is still the business, especially with the modified firmware. I have two

I loved the modified firmware and the ability to stream in HD. Unfortunately, I was the only one using it as “others” found multiple EPG’s too cumbersome. It was only when I moved to Linux that I finally got permission to unsubscribe from Sky.

I still have the Foxsat HDR, but I haven’t used it in ages.

lukeeman

Mr Velo wrote: »

How's this been going for you since you got it?

Very happy with the box, alot faster than my old Humax, only problem
so far is the remote on the same frequency as the saorview box.

FRIENDO

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

The Foxsat-HDR is still the business, especially with the modified firmware. I have two

I never did the modified software, I wouldn't have a clue how to do it

Johnboy1951

Just looked at this page
https://www.freesat.ie/freesat-4k-tv-box.html
where it is €180 for the non-recordable box.

Looking to the built in advantages of this box ..... the on demand services ...... I wonder how many of those will work in Ireland?

Would they be just geo-blocked or do they require something extra (besides subs for the likes of Netflix) to be able to be used?

There seems to be a fairly comprehensive list of services built in but not much use if not accessible here

On Demand Services:
BBC iPlayer
ITV Hub
Netflix
YouTube
My5
STV Player
UKTV Play
Horror Bites
CBS Catchup Channels
France 24
Pop Fun

Is there any information of those available when in Ireland?

decor58

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

Just looked at this page
https://www.freesat.ie/freesat-4k-tv-box.html
where it is €180 for the non-recordable box.

Looking to the built in advantages of this box ..... the on demand services ...... I wonder how many of those will work in Ireland?

Would they be just geo-blocked or do they require something extra (besides subs for the likes of Netflix) to be able to be used?

There seems to be a fairly comprehensive list of services built in but not much use if not accessible here


Is there any information of those available when in Ireland?

Most or all of those, with the exception of Netflix and YouTube, are on the Humax box but don't work here in normal circumstances.

mackersdublin

https://www.freesat.co.uk/4k-tv-box/ has been updated with more spec details at the bottom of the page

decor58

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

Just looked at this page
https://www.freesat.ie/freesat-4k-tv-box.html
where it is €180 for the non-recordable box.

Looking to the built in advantages of this box ..... the on demand services ...... I wonder how many of those will work in Ireland?

Would they be just geo-blocked or do they require something extra (besides subs for the likes of Netflix) to be able to be used?

There seems to be a fairly comprehensive list of services built in but not much use if not accessible here


Is there any information of those available when in Ireland?

ITV hub unblocked at present on Humax Freesat box.

ITV2

still free. used the family postcode to log in.. ta for the info.

The Cush

Freesat tweet about the recordable boxes

All being well the boxes will be available by Easter.

https://twitter.com/freesat_tv/status/1247154969536385026

Atlantic Dawn

Anyone hear any update on when the recordable boxes go on sale? Was to be Easter.

The Cush

Freesat tweet yesterday morning

The new Recordable 4K TV Box is expected to be available from Currys/PC World next week and on the Freesat website shortly after.

https://twitter.com/freesat_tv/status/1250718043384221696

Harry Palmr

They've made an unholy mess of this.

Tigerandahalf

It is a bit mad that they don't have the likes of Disney+ and Prime on the box.

Disney+ is a great app. 4k on it for the same price. The HDR symbol kicks in on my tv when 4k content is played. Not that you would notice a huge difference on a 42" tv. Kids love it and a good selection of quality films like Toy Story and Frozen, etc. The kids will watch that stuff over and over. The app is also on fire sticks.

Freesat are being left behind.

Lord Glentoran

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

It is a bit mad that they don't have the likes of Disney+ and Prime on the box.

Disney+ is a great app. 4k on it for the same price. The HDR symbol kicks in on my tv when 4k content is played. Not that you would notice a huge difference on a 42" tv. Kids love it and a good selection of quality films like Toy Story and Frozen, etc. The kids will watch that stuff over and over. The app is also on fire sticks.

Freesat are being left behind.

Not every Freesat/Saorview user gets excited for paying for television beyond the licence fee.

Tigerandahalf

Lord Glentoran wrote: »

Not every Freesat/Saorview user gets excited for paying for television beyond the licence fee.

You don't pay any licence fee for freesat if you are in the ROI.
The previous generation freesat box already has subscription apps like netflix, etc.

Harry Palmr

All the recordable boxes are now available from Curry's.

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/freesat-tv-and-home-entertainment/digital-and-smart-tv/set-top-boxes/304_3021_30021_34492_ba00010848-bv00310977/xx-criteria.html?awc=1599_1587133493_f8cea134019a81a4c9c60ff50d65b899&srcid=369&xtor=AL-1&cmpid=aff~Skimlinks~Sub%20Networks~78888~Skimlinks

I'll not be an early adopter but I'll keep an eye on the user feedback and hope they discount the price a bit later.

patsryan

Currently the new 4K boxes and old Humax boxes aren’t hugely different but I’m sure that will change in time when live 4K channels come on board

Right now this image from the 4K Freesat box recording screen seems interesting- is C4 HD returning????

byte

^^
I wouldn't go by that at all, as it also shows Spike, which is now rebranded as Paramount.

That Film4 logo is also ancient and long superceded.

Looks like they lazily used an older file image.

lukeeman

Unfortunately no C4 HD on recording boxs

Gerry Wicklow

The timer dates are July so definitely an old stock image. Typical of the half-a*sed launch FreeSat are doing.

Atlantic Dawn

Would Currys deliver to Parcel Motel?

ka2

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Would Currys deliver to Parcel Motel?

I’m giving it a try. They rejected my Irish credit card initially but accepted PayPal. Will keep you posted.