Combo Box: Saorview + Freesat + Netflix/Youtube/NowTV ?

endeval

Hi Folks,

I'm about to drop Sky and am in the market for a good Combo Box.
As I'm going to save €600/year on Sky, I am OK to spend a bit more to make sure I get the right box. I have a 7 year old Sony TV, so no WebOS etc.

I'd welcome ideas on the following requirements;

Must have's
- Slick EPG/menus system (EPG for both Terrestrial and Freesat)
- Transparent switching between Terrestrial and Freesat)
- Saorview (ideally integrated playback/catchup capability)
- Freesat
- Programmable channels
- Internal or external USB drive


Nice-to-have's
EPG: Catchup capability for both Saorview (I think that's locked to Powerpoint) and Freesat
Apps: Netflix, NowTV, BBC iPlayer, ITV player, YouTube
Capability: DNLA, Home streaming


Any thoughts, please?

Thanks
James

P.S. I have a Humax HDR1100s in another room, lovely unit but no Saorview.

Thanks
James

Gerry Wicklow

The current favourite is the Tiviar Combo. This does most of your wishlist. This box is Linux enigma based so it helps if your are reasonably comfortable with computers. The initial setup is a bit of a learning curve but the rewards are well worth the effort. I'm not sure but someone said you wont get Netflix on any combo box for licensing reasons.

Tigerandahalf

Your only option there is to buy the saorview connect box and team it up with the freesat box.

To get access to uk catchup you will have to be in that territory or go down other routes that isn't allowed to be discussed here.

The BBC iplayer on the freesat box is excellent as is the catchup for all the channels. It is very handy for kids' programmes as one episode auto streams after another.

The Saorview Connect box won't allow recording until July at least.
The only players on it are the rte player and the tg4 player.
Catchup is available on the rte channels. Catchup on tg4 is not there yet, but due in the next software update.
Tv3 player is not available.
No other apps on the box.

Freesat box has youtube, netflix and others but not Now Tv. You could use a chromecast for it or newer tvs can have it but I find the apps on the tv are often not supported for long.

There is no user login yet on the players on the Connect box which means if you leave a catchup programme it won't remember where you were on it nor will you be able to keep watched programmes to yourself.

Rte and tg4 don't stream in HD on the Connect box yet and the whole catchup experience with these stations pales in comparison to the iplayer.

You also can't stream live tv on the Connect box yet.

It is lovely to be able to catch up on rte programnes on the tv though and if they sort out those issues with the players and enable recording/timeshift the box could be worth the cost.

cc

A brand new LG TV will do most of what you are looking for nativley. Plus you have a new TV

Tigerandahalf

cc wrote: »

A brand new LG TV will do most of what you are looking for nativley. Plus you have a new TV

Switching between satellite and saorview is meant to slow and cumbersome.
Rte player app doesn't work on them.

endeval

Thanks everyone for the replies, very useful indeed.

Thanks Gerry - Yes, I'm fine with computers, Linux etc.
So the Tiviar Combo looks like an interesting unit. OK from 2013, but loaded with connectivity/spec.
I'm all new to OpenATV/OpenViX, but the thread you sent Gerry - the poster shows an excellent interface.

I wonder if you can mix the Terrestrial/SAT channels consecutively?
Where would someone normally buy this unit?


Absolutely agree on the WebOS LG TV, it does have it all, but switching Antenna >< Sat is painful unfortunately with no integration, essentially two separate guides, and 3-4 button clicks to flip and wait for the tuner to render.

Thanks
James

Gerry Wicklow

endeval wrote: »

Thanks everyone for the replies, very useful indeed.

Thanks Gerry - Yes, I'm fine with computers, Linux etc.
So the Tiviar Combo looks like an interesting unit. OK from 2013, but loaded with connectivity/spec.
I'm all new to OpenATV/OpenViX, but the thread you sent Gerry - the poster shows an excellent interface.

I wonder if you can mix the Terrestrial/SAT channels consecutively?
Where would someone normally buy this unit?


Absolutely agree on the WebOS LG TV, it does have it all, but switching Antenna >< Sat is painful unfortunately with no integration, essentially two separate guides, and 3-4 button clicks to flip and wait for the tuner to render.

Thanks
James

You can mix and match the channels in any order you wish. You can also group channels in different lists known as bouquets E.G. Kids channels, music or news channels etc. Enigma based boxes are infinitely customizable.
world-of-satellite supply them at a good price but the site seems to be down at the moment.

endeval

Thanks Gerry !

Tigerandahalf

Just to add again. I find using the chromecast much more useful for Netflix and Now tv as you can use your phone to scroll/enter text much more quickly. Granted if others in the house wanted to use it it is better to have it on the box.

A lot of the apps on WebOs on the LG tvs may not be supported/updated after a few years as the companies want you to trade up.

A funny example I had with the Now tv app on my LG tv is that they told me it was supported if based in the uk but not if in Ireland.

I don't think you will get a box/tv with all necessary apps. A separate android box may be an option though not sure what ones are recommended and you would possibly have an extra remote.

With my saorview connect/humax freesat box I am using the connect remote to control both boxes and the tv - just the 1 remote.

Gerry Wicklow

Many "Smart" Tvs are obsolete before they leave the shop. Quite often there is no user means of updating the software. You are also paying a huge premium for the added features. IMO a seperate box is a far better choice in terms of options, update ability, price and longevity.