WALKER (2018) Saorview Combo WPS818C

FRIENDO

Hi Guys, I picked up a new Combo in Powercity yesterday

https://powercity.ie/product/WPS818C

Product Information:
saorview approved hd combi box
simple channel menu
all your channels in one place
irish tv saorview aerial input
uk tv satellite dish input
rte radio channels
automatic channel search
hdmi connect to tv
analog a/v output
connects to existing aerial system
rte digital teletext
7 day electronic programme guide
record needs usb key or hdd

Features:
BRAND : WALKER
SAORVIEW APPROVED : SAORVIEW AND SATELLITE
UK TV STATIONS VIA SATELLITE : YES

WALKER SAORVIEW APPROVED COMBI BOX
Product Code: WPS818C
Warranty: 2 Years Parts and Labour

€89.95

So far so good with the Box
Easy Setup
The box is DVB-T2
All channels both terrestrial and Satellite on one single EPG
Channels can be easily organised on a favourites list
Some Internet features, Google and some apps available
Digital Aertel working on both Terrestrial Channels and Satellite.

I'm using the box for Saorsat and Freeview HD, all working perfect at the moment.

On initial set up it gave the option to install a preset channel list for Astra 2 (didn’t try it as I’m using Saorsat).

Recording is working, select programmes from TV guide for recording/timers etc, (I connected a seperate hard drive/USB)
Pause live TV also working

Nice Remote Control, big buttons, easy to use (the same control as the older Walker Combo)

Very good picture quality, up to 1080p

The high horse brigade

7 day EPG on satellite?

FRIENDO

The high horse brigade wrote: »

7 day EPG on satellite?

Not tested on Astra 2 yet (UK Sat channels)

7 day epg on Saorsat working perfect

The high horse brigade

FRIENDO wrote: »

Not tested on Astra 2 yet (UK Sat channels)

7 day epg on Saorsat working perfect

It will, satellite is the big test and the reason why most opt for Linux boxes and roll their own

byte

Interesting. I notice it states that satellite and terrestrial channels are all on one EPG, so I guess it'll be more like their current TV range, where satellite channels start at 301, much handier than swapping between satellite and terrestrial like their previous combi box.

Shame it has no "Connect" but then, it does have some apps, whatever they are? Having Netflix on it would be a plus, something really lacking on the Powerpoint Connect box. I wonder if connected online, will it have the same issue that the TV's have, where being on BBC can cause TV to restart.

FRIENDO

byte wrote: »

Interesting. I notice it states that satellite and terrestrial channels are all on one EPG, so I guess it'll be more like their current TV range, where satellite channels start at 301, much handier than swapping between satellite and terrestrial like their previous combi box.

Shame it has no "Connect" but then, it does have some apps, whatever they are? Having Netflix on it would be a plus, something really lacking on the Powerpoint Connect box. I wonder if connected online, will it have the same issue that the TV's have, where being on BBC can cause TV to restart.

On initial setup satellite channels start at 201

However easy to make a Fav list and place Sat channels in any order starting at number 1 if it suits

EPG will either show Terestrial or Satellite, not both together (I dont find that an issue)

Sadly No Netflix
Lots of apps Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Google, Internet browser, news, weather etc.

Seems to work ok on BBC Freeview when launching apps, not tested astra 2 yet.

Having the one channel list is very handy, also with DVBT2 its nice to pick up the Freeview HD channels.

The Cush

FRIENDO wrote: »

On initial set up it gave the option to install a preset channel list for Astra 2 (didn’t try it as I’m using Saorsat).

If it's the same list that's downloadable from their website or that came with my WP-4K4017 TV, it's a mess, e.g. it still includes BBC Three and multiple versions of Channel4, its +1s, BBCs, ITVs etc. Best to setup the way you want and save to USB.

The Cush

byte wrote: »

I wonder if connected online, will it have the same issue that the TV's have, where being on BBC can cause TV to restart.

Recently updated my TV to the latest software version via internet, to v2.45.0.0 from v2.40.6.0, and that issue has been resolved. No longer crashing the TV if you select one of the BBC channels with TV connected to the internet.

The Cush

FRIENDO wrote: »

On initial setup satellite channels start at 201

Is this only the Saorsat channels or does it apply to all satellite channels including Astra etc.

FRIENDO

The Cush wrote: »

Is this only the Saorsat channels or does it apply to all satellite channels including Astra etc.

Connected Astra 2 - looks like only now and next on the epg

Satellite channels starting on 301

Did factory reset and connected Saorsat again coming in on 301 now.

Just redone favourite list, satellite channels set to number 1 on favourite now

St Senan

It seems the new walker box then has the same menu as the TV's, its great to see such a box back on the market again.

The Cush

Navarre wrote: »

It seems the new walker box then has the same menu as the TV's,

but missing Netflix, which would have been a nice addition.

Also at a more realistic price point than the Saorview Connect box.

FRIENDO

The Cush wrote: »

but missing Netflix, which would have been a nice addition.

Also at a more realistic price point than the Saorview Connect box.

It's a pity really, one of the apps is called VEWD app store, lots of apps but no Netflix

Tried YouTube and it worked excellent

byte

The Cush wrote: »

Recently updated my TV to the latest software version via internet, to v2.45.0.0 from v2.40.6.0, and that issue has been resolved. No longer crashing the TV if you select one of the BBC channels with TV connected to the internet.

Oh! This is good to know. Thanks!

STB.

FRIENDO wrote: »

It's a pity really, one of the apps is called VEWD app store, lots of apps but no Netflix

Tried YouTube and it worked excellent

VEWD is the rebranded opera TV platform

It's all web based. Does it not have Netflix ?

FRIENDO

STB. wrote: »

VEWD is the rebranded opera TV platform

It's all web based. Does it not have Netflix ?

Apps for everything, loads of apps, apps for stuff I never thought existed

Some great classic movie/tv apps, watching an old western now

But no Netflix

St Senan

FRIENDO wrote: »

Apps for everything, loads of apps, apps for stuff I never thought existed

Some great classic movie/tv apps, watching an old western now

But no Netflix

I dont use Netflix but if the receiver can connect to the internet can a user not just search for Netflix thru Google
and once the Netflix home page opens then log into their account that way. https://www.netflix.com/ie/

FRIENDO

Navarre wrote: »

I dont use Netflix but if the receiver can connect to the internet can a user not just search for Netflix thru Google
and once the Netflix home page opens then log into their account that way. https://www.netflix.com/ie/

No didn't work for me
I've tried that with the Google search app, logged in, pressed play.
But then told requirements are HTML5 and Silverlight.

I don't think the box downloads.

FRIENDO

Little bit of playing around with the box today, now set up with:

Freeview
Astra 2 (now and next epg)
Astra 1
Saorsat

Must be funny weather for terrestrial, bringing in freeview channels from South England

All working perfect

STB.

@ Friendo

The VEWD stuff. A Lot of the content is web based (HTML5-based platform). So you must have a VEWD account.

At a guess paired devices enables the html/silverlight dependencies.

FRIENDO

STB

Not asked to sign in, I had to agree to terms and conditions before use

The apps on VEWD are working fine

mackersdublin

@FRIENDO what are the dimensions for this box and does it have a scart input?
Nothing on the Walker site or Power City

Hopefully more retailers will stock this, I only see it on Power City

jacob2

no scart input on it got one today from powercity uploaded channel list from the walker tv to usb and downloaded to box i didnt know it had smart till now for 89 euro its not bad has red button for bbc.s its the same as the tv without a screen

FRIENDO

mackersdublin wrote: »

@FRIENDO what are the dimensions for this box and does it have a scart input?
Nothing on the Walker site or Power City

Hopefully more retailers will stock this, I only see it on Power City

Hi Macker, the box is smaller than the previous Walker Combo

HEIGHT: 40mm
WIDTH: 225mm
DEPTH: 155mm

No Scart connection, however Powercity mention a work around for a scart connection

"**no scart connection
av out can connect to scart connection
to connect to a scart socket on a tv
you will need
1x code: 186848
&
1x code: dv0200"

https://powercity.ie/product/186846
(PC mention code: 186848, think the above does the same job, check in the shop)

https://powercity.ie/product/DV0200

Ten Pin

Wouldn't this do same thing...
https://www.freetv.ie/3.5mm-to-scart/

byte

Ten Pin wrote: »

Wouldn't this do same thing...
https://www.freetv.ie/3.5mm-to-scart/

Yeah, should do.

FRIENDO

A problem:

BBC satellite channels can freeze and cause box to reboot.
Have noticed it only happening when box location is set to Ireland.

Have tried other locations ie. UK and Germany and BBC seems to be working OK and not freezing the box.

With UK location you only get a couple of apps, Germany would be the same as Ireland or more.

The Walker pre programme list for satellite channels only works in the Ireland location.

jacob2

FRIENDO wrote: »

A problem:

BBC satellite channels can freeze and cause box to reboot.
Have noticed it only happening when box location is set to Ireland.

Have tried other locations ie. UK and Germany and BBC seems to be working OK and not freezing the box.

With UK location you only get a couple of apps, Germany would be the same as Ireland or more.

The Walker pre programme list for satellite channels only works in the Ireland location.

using one now no problems with channels freezing uploaded channel list from walker tv by usb then downloaded to the walker box has all the channels the same as the tv in the other room

FRIENDO

jacob2 wrote: »

using one now no problems with channels freezing uploaded channel list from walker tv by usb then downloaded to the walker box has all the channels the same as the tv in the other room

Have you got the box on location Ireland?

I've done a number of factory resets and finding it freezes on BBC when set on location Ireland.
Doesn't matter if I use the Walker supplied list or do manual scan.

However if I set it up on another country location BBC seems to work, in doing this I loose the Saorview logo on the epg,

Put it on UK, I'm getting Freeview logo instead.

Will keep an eye on it, thanks

The Cush

FRIENDO wrote: »

A problem:

BBC satellite channels can freeze and cause box to reboot.
Have noticed it only happening when box location is set to Ireland.

A known issue - https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=105597354#post105597354
https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=106485948#post106485948

Fixed my TV recently with a software update - https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=107707606#post107707606

byte

FRIENDO wrote: »

A problem:

BBC satellite channels can freeze and cause box to reboot.
Have noticed it only happening when box location is set to Ireland.

Have tried other locations ie. UK and Germany and BBC seems to be working OK and not freezing the box.

With UK location you only get a couple of apps, Germany would be the same as Ireland or more.

The Walker pre programme list for satellite channels only works in the Ireland location.

This sounds like the problem that was in the televisions that I alluded to earlier in the thread. The TV's have since got an update to fix that issue, so maybe the boxes will get a similar update since menu is apparently the same.

It might be no harm to email Walker about the issue.

FRIENDO

Thanks Guys,

Yes will email Walker.

Works fine with a different location UK or Germany (Germany has more apps, UK limited with apps)

Overall I'm happy with the box, works perfect with Saorsat (Digital Aertel) and recording is working fine.
Easy box to use

The Cush

FRIENDO wrote: »

Yes will email Walker.

Works fine with a different location UK or Germany (Germany has more apps, UK limited with apps)

Overall I'm happy with the box, works perfect with Saorsat (Digital Aertel) and recording is working fine.
Easy box to use

So no luck with the software update then?

Just checked my TV and the software update that sorted the problem was created 11th Sept 2017 although there is nothing on their website to indicate there was an update available. I'm very surprised they have recently launched this box with that same issue having sorted the TV problem last year.

St Senan

The problem is with Vestal, The same thing happens to Nordmende and Toshiba TVs that have Saorview/Satellite/Smart functions. Once the TVs are connected to the internet and any of the BBC channels are selected the TV will freeze after a few seconds and will reboot.
A software update will sort the problem and i am sure it will do the same for the Walker box.

FRIENDO

I'm not at the box at the moment, but I think the current software is 10th of July 2018

I won't find it an issue setting up with another location and making a channel list.

But for an everyday non tech person who set's up with Ireland and the preset Walker list, they will be disappointed with the BBC freezing.

The preset Astra 2 list is ok too and upto date.

I think they realised they had a problem as the left out any BBC HD channels on the preset list, however it still freezes on BBC SD.
Even BBC World NEWS on Astra 1 froze after a while when on Ireland location.

Freeview terrestrial BBC are working perfect

Apart from this hiccup the box is very good, easy to use and reliable for recording, will set it up on Germany or UK now.

St Senan

FRIENDO wrote: »

I'm not at the box at the moment, but I think the current software is 10th of July 2018

I won't find it an issue setting up with another location and making a channel list.

But for an everyday non tech person who set's up with Ireland and the preset Walker list, they will be disappointed with the BBC freezing.

The preset Astra 2 list is ok too and upto date.

I think they realised they had a problem as the left out any BBC HD channels on the preset list, however it still freezes on BBC SD.
Even BBC World NEWS on Astra 1 froze after a while when on Ireland location.

Freeview terrestrial BBC are working perfect

Apart from this hiccup the box is very good, easy to use and reliable for recording, will set it up on Germany or UK now.

what number does the RTE's start at when a different country is chosen when you using Saorsat.

FRIENDO

Navarre wrote: »

what number does the RTE's start at when a different country is chosen when you using Saorsat.

Can't say right now, but well in the hundreds, if using UK freeview has its own channels allocation numbers

No particular set numbers for Saorsat, when setting up it tunes in Terrestrial first followed by satellite, the order I have Is Astra 2, Astra 1, Saorsat, but the sat stations start at 301 or a 601 possible 801, can't recall as I'm using a favourite list.

Will confirm when I get to the box

St Senan

I would advise people who are using this box or any of the vestal made TV's that have saorview,satellite and smart functions to do a software upgrade and have the country selected as Ireland that way the Irish channels will start at number 1 up to 21 they can be rearranged from 1-10 and BBC1 starts at 301 straight after number 10.

The Cush

Navarre wrote: »

I would advise people who are using this box or any of the vestal made TV's that have saorview,satellite and smart functions to do a software upgrade and have the country selected as Ireland that way the Irish channels will start at number 1 up to 21 they can be rearranged from 1-10 and BBC1 starts at 301 straight after number 10.

Not forgetting the radio channels which can be deselected from view within the menu.

Turlock

Hi couple of quick questions on this that could really help me out as it seems it could be exactly what I'm looking for.

From standby does the box come on fairly quick? I saw the powerpoint saorview box and it seemed to take about 2 minutes from standby to boot and get going which can be frustrating.

How bad is the BBC issue? Is it a case that anytime you change to BBC it'll just hang the box or is it intermittent/fixable?

Lastly, anyone know the main Walker website, can't find anything googling

Cheers

The Cush

Turlock wrote: »

How bad is the BBC issue? Is it a case that anytime you change to BBC it'll just hang the box or is it intermittent/fixable?

Lastly, anyone know the main Walker website, can't find anything googling

http://walker.ie/

As posted in the other thread the BBC issue is only there when connected to the internet.

Turlock

Just to confirm, picked up that box today and am absolutely delighted with it

Channel setup was a breeze (although note that as someone says it omits HD freesat channels)
The channel listings are organised similar to a sky box so they group the most used channels up the top
The UI is simple to use compared to the previous Ferguson Combo 250
Remote has a wide angle use (or normal angle use, this is a big problem I had with my old box)
Boot time from cold or standby is about 10 seconds which is great compared to some of the other boxes I saw

Thanks a mill for the review and recommendation, as per another thread this was for my 80 year old neighbour who was always going to struggle with a more techie box. Over the moon to be able to give him something easy to use

FRIENDO

Navarre wrote: »

what number does the RTE's start at when a different country is chosen when you using Saorsat.

Box now working perfect
Location Ireland
Internet NOT CONNECTED

The box is now advertised as Saorsat Approved!!

Saorsat TV channels start at No. 1 - 20
Saorsat Radio start at No. 200 - 209

Preset list TV channels BBC One starts at No. 21 - 157

Saorsat Channels now have their own epg numbers like Saorview would on the box.

I have no terrestrial connected.

Johnboy1951

Turlock wrote:

it omits HD freesat channels

@FRIENDO
What's the story there?
Are FTA HD channels not available on this box or maybe are with some extra effort?

FRIENDO

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

@FRIENDO
What's the story there?
Are FTA HD channels not available on this box or maybe are with some extra effort?

HD channels are working perfect
Astra 2, Astra 1, Saorsat, Freeview all good.

The original Walker preset channel list was missing BBC and UTV HD channels
But came with Channel 4 HD and 5 HD

I've tweaked the list now to my own liking, by manual tuning and adding a few extra channels and HD channels etc.

Can Put channels in a favourite list in any order you wish then.

The Cush

FRIENDO wrote: »

Saorsat TV channels start at No. 1 - 20
Saorsat Radio start at No. 200 - 209

Preset list TV channels BBC One starts at No. 21 - 157.

Is it the Freeview terrestrial channels or the FTA satellite channels that start at 21?

On the Walker TVs the satellite channels start at 301 and cannot be moved lower down the epg, this appears to be different for this box. If the number of satellite channels stored goes beyond 199, do they overspill into the 200s or into the 300s?

FRIENDO

The Cush wrote: »

Is it the Freeview terrestrial channels or the FTA satellite channels that start at 21?

On the Walker TVs the satellite channels start at 301 and cannot be moved lower down the epg, this appears to be different for this box. If the number of satellite channels stored goes beyond 199, do they overspill into the 200s or into the 300s?

I only have satellite connected now

So if I download my satellite channels (Astra 2 selection of channels)
The Astra 2 channels start at No. 1

I then do a scan on the Saorsat (Kasat 9) satellite

Saorsat TV channels start at No. 1 - 20

Astra 2 channels then move to No. 21

Saorsat Radio channels start at No. 200

Extra channels scaned on Astra 2 are coming in after the RTE radio stations at 210 onwards

You can delete Saorsat blank channels and move the astra list up starting at No. 8 for example, but a little time consuming as you can only move 10 stations at a time.

Much easier and quicker to create a Fav list in any number order (One button selects all, then just remove the Saorsat blanks, add selection to Fav) only takes a few moments.

If I connected the Terrestrial aerial, Terrestrial channels would go into No. 1 onwards and Sat channels similar to the TV setup.

For the purpouse of BBC, I have the Internet Disconnected, however no problem connecting/disconnecting the internet, Im watching the Youtube Boxing this evening, great picture quality live stream

Turlock

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

@FRIENDO
What's the story there?
Are FTA HD channels not available on this box or maybe are with some extra effort?

Sorry to claridy, they're not on the default channel list that comes with the box but you can add them in.
I didn't as it's an 80 year old getting the box and hoping that sticking to the "out of the box" channel list saves channels going missing later therefore increasing reliability meaning I don't have to get involved

Seriously impressed with this yoke, I did loads of digging and they all just seemed messy to set up and organise channels etc. The Walker box is just so nice and comfortable to use.

The Cush

Turlock wrote: »

Sorry to claridy, they're not on the default channel list that comes with the box but you can add them in.
I didn't as it's an 80 year old getting the box and hoping that sticking to the "out of the box" channel list saves channels going missing later therefore increasing reliability meaning I don't have to get involved

If this is the same as the TVs the stored satellite channels can be saved to USB drive in Satcodx format. The problem with the default channel list is that channel frequencies will change over time and the default list will no longer be up to date.

I keep a USB drive permanently attached and any changes are updated to the drive.

FRIENDO

The Cush wrote: »

If this is the same as the TVs the stored satellite channels can be saved to USB drive in Satcodx format. The problem with the default channel list is that channel frequencies will change over time and the default list will no longer be up to date.

I keep a USB drive permanently attached and any changes are updated to the drive.

Ye it has the Satcodx, I ammended the Walker list, reorganising and adding channels and saved to the USB, works well

St Senan

The Cush wrote: »

I keep a USB drive permanently attached and any changes are updated to the drive.

Same as that, the biggest seller in the shop i work for is Walker and at the moment the walker wps 3219sm is the most popular TV sold and especially for the elderly people and non techies. I have the Irish channels 1-10 and straight after that UK channels start at 301 upwards. so simple to use, channel up and down and volume up and down power on power off button. I also disable the sources on the TV so it leaves only 5 buttons for people to use.