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Satellite PVR Selection help

  • 19-06-2018 12:02pm
    #1
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,593 ✭✭✭


    Hi,

    I'm looking to purchase a satellite PVR and I'm getting a bit confused by the choice of tuners.

    For a Freesat/Saorsat system is there any point opting for a S2X tuner in order to future proof the box (I foresee the unit lasting until it gives up as opposed to be replacing for something better) or should I opt for S2 or FBC?

    In terms of PVRs, I've narrowed it down to (in no particular order):

    1. GigaBlue UHD UE 4K [£249 (S2 FBC tuners)]
    2. Octagon SF4008 [£225 (Twin S2X tuners)]
    3. Mutant HD51 [£211 (2 x S2X tuners)] [£199 ( 1 x S2, 1 x S2X tuners]

    Is OpenVix or OpenATV the best image? What are the differences?


    Thanks.


Comments

  • #2
    Ten Pin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,868 ✭✭✭Ten Pin


    Slightly higher spec Gigablue Quad says that S2X tuners are "coming soon" whatever that means.
    https://www.world-of-satellite.co.uk/GiGaBlue/gigablue_uhd_quad_4k

    AFAIK DVB S2X tuners are for future broadcast of UHD with a lower transmitted bit rate than DVB S2 without loss of quality.

    FBC is useful for multi room as it allows simultaneous channel viewing / recording when connected to a Unicable LNB. It's not any real advantage with Saorsat because (I think) all the channels are on one transponder.


  • #3
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,593 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    Ten Pin wrote: »
    Slightly higher spec Gigablue Quad says that S2X tuners are "coming soon" whatever that means.
    https://www.world-of-satellite.co.uk/GiGaBlue/gigablue_uhd_quad_4k

    AFAIK DVB S2X tuners are for future broadcast of UHD with a lower transmitted bit rate than DVB S2 without loss of quality.

    FBC is useful for multi room as it allows simultaneous channel viewing / recording when connected to a Unicable LNB. It's not any real advantage with Saorsat because (I think) all the channels are on one transponder.

    Thanks - you have no idea I've been looking for a synopsis like that!
    So, FBC is no use either with a Hybrid SkyQ LNB (quattro inputs) for Freesat?

    Essentially, I should opt for S2X tuners as I've got a 4K TV and intend to get a 4K receiver?


  • #4
    ShaneOC
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,092 ✭✭✭ShaneOC


    If you get a receiver that has plug and play tuners you would be covered for future developments.

    It is not clear from the specs if S2X is backwards compatible with DVB-S and DVB-S2. As all of the current channels use these tuner type DVB-SX may not work with current channels.

    FBC would be useful for FreeSat (the UK channels) as there are lots of different transponders. For SaorSat (only RTE channels + TG4) it would be overkill.

    One thing that you may find useful though, is that even with a standard DVB-S/S2 tuner you can watch and or record multiple channels on the same transponder. (E.g. you can watch/record BBC1 HD and BBC2 HD using just one tuner.).

    Regarding the 'best image' it is really down to your own personal preference. The functionality is pretty much the same on all images. I'm using OpenVix and find it does everything I need it to do.


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