Best New satellite setup Vu+ Duo2?

LeinsterLegend

Hi All

I’ve been researching a new TV setup for a while and have found boards incredibly informative (a collective thank you!) but before I commit I’d like to close out some gaps in my knowledge. I’d appreciate any advice / guidance and corrections.

Reason for switching:
I’m finally ready to cut the cord on VM TV channels due to Sky Sports losing all the rugby and I’m out of contract. (I will keep VM broadband because its excellent and I’ve no other choice - eir is not an option) .

I’m going to move my TV to everything free on Satellite. (I have a paid subscription to Rugby Pass for all my rugby needs via a VPN which I’m delighted with).

Requirements:
All the Irish and UK free channels (capability for any other channels possibly available need to work all the time every time or I’m not interested)
Rock solid performance once set up (must be fully wife and kids friendly - all functionality will be compared with VM)
No time lag when flicking stations
Ability to record multiple channels while watching a different channel
Series link
Fully integrated 7 - 8 day epg
PiP functionality
Ability to stream recorded content to another TV and other devices around the house
Ability to stream channels live to another TV and other devices around the house
Picture perfect on a 55 inch TV (and possibly bigger in the future )

What I think I need:
Main box: Vu+ Duo2 (dual satellite tuner (DVB-S2) and dual terrestrial tuner (DVB-C/T/T2) with a 1TB drive and Enigma2 (Blackhole or Vix image)
Dish with 2 cables (the Vu+Duo2 doesn’t have FCB so I understand I need 2 cables to connect 1 to each of the satellite tuners for multi recording)
Aerial (for saorview) with 1 cable (I understand 1 cable will allow me to record all the Saorview channels at the same time if I so wished)
Secondary box: TBD - will be connected to another TV - I’m confused as to what this needs.

Questions:
Are my assumptions correct in what I think I need?
I’m happy to spend on the main box to ensure rock solid and easy operation. If there is a better box for my requirements I’d be grateful for suggestions. I’m not interested in sacrificing any functionality or stability to save money - I need to get this right first time and I need it to last a long time.
I read about needing a free tuner for streaming? In my example what would act as the free tuner and where is it (eg main box or second box; DVB-S2 or DVB-T2)?
Will an installer set this all up and any recommendations in the Dublin area?
What's the deal with the second box. No clue what this needs. Does it need to be connected to the satellite and aerial too (in which case do I need more cables) or can it just take a stream from the main box? Quality is my main concern. Any suggestions?
Am I missing something obvious like a simpler way to do this? I’ll have reliable broadband throughout the house.

Really appreciate any feedback especially if I’ve made any incorrect assumptions. Thanks.

The high horse brigade

Do you know how to set all this up? The box is not plug and play and it of the box will not pass the wife test. The most important part is where you're going to go for advice and info on getting the Vu+ configured and set to do all the things you need, auto scan channel changes and pull down the EPG daily etc.

Check out the Tiviar Alpha thread. It's much cheaper box and most of the questions you'll have have already been dealt with in the thread which is very active. There are pre-configured images to get you up and running quickly.
https://touch.boards.ie/thread/2057827739/1

Johnboy1951

There are several items that need thinking about .......

Ability to record multiple channels while watching a different channel

That 'multiple' needs to be defined because that determines the number of satellite tuners you require.

In addition

Ability to stream channels live to another TV and other devices around the house

Each of those streams can also impact on the number of tuners required.

Essentially each tuner can provide all the channels from one satellite transponder (maybe 10 channels on each).
If the channels required for recording and/or streaming to other TVs, PCs, tablets, phones, laptops etc are not available on either of the two tuners already in use then it cannot be done.

You are OK in regard to the Saorview channels because there are only two muxes and with 2 tuners all Saorview channels are simultaneously available to all who want them.

What about your LAN ..... is that wired?
If not you will be relying on sometimes flaky wireless connections and the user experience will not be as good as it should or can be.

I think you either need to be prepared to learn how to set up 'YOUR' system to your satisfaction, or find someone who has done something similar for themselves to help out.
Most 'installers' have no experience outside fitting a box and making sure it is operating according to manufacturers specifications.

There is no commercial box available, to my knowledge, that can be plugged in and expected to do all you require 'out of box'.

I think you should be looking at 'separates' to achieve your desired goal.

dubrov

What's your existing cabling, satellite dish, TV and box setup?
You may be able to leverage some of what you already have.

Realistically, you won't be able to get all of the above without some compromises.

LeinsterLegend

dubrov wrote: »

What's your existing cabling, satellite dish, TV and box setup?
You may be able to leverage some of what you already have.

Realistically, you won't be able to get all of the above without some compromises.

I currently have Virgin Media setup with 240MB broadband so all works fine. No dish etc so its all from new.

About 15 years ago I dabbled with one of those boxes on cable as a hobby and had all channels etc - it was painstaking to set it all up. IIRC I needed a cross ethernet cable to flash the box etc. so have some faded memory of that kind of thing but from reading here technology has moved on significantly.

LeinsterLegend

The high horse brigade wrote: »

Do you know how to set all this up? The box is not plug and play and it of the box will not pass the wife test. The most important part is where you're going to go for advice and info on getting the Vu+ configured and set to do all the things you need, auto scan channel changes and pull down the EPG daily etc.

Check out the Tiviar Alpha thread. It's much cheaper box and most of the questions you'll have have already been dealt with in the thread which is very active. There are pre-configured images to get you up and running quickly.
https://touch.boards.ie/thread/2057827739/1

I read that thread and made a lot of sense. I've read Vu+ is like the Apple of satellite boxes so thought that would help the wife conversion. I'd back my ability to set it up with guides but will it need to be redone. Nightmare scenario - I'm away with work and something happens to the box and wife and kids completely mad at me

LeinsterLegend

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

There are several items that need thinking about .......



That 'multiple' needs to be defined because that determines the number of satellite tuners you require.

In addition

Each of those streams can also impact on the number of tuners required.

Essentially each tuner can provide all the channels from one satellite transponder (maybe 10 channels on each).
If the channels required for recording and/or streaming to other TVs, PCs, tablets, phones, laptops etc are not available on either of the two tuners already in use then it cannot be done.

You are OK in regard to the Saorview channels because there are only two muxes and with 2 tuners all Saorview channels are simultaneously available to all who want them.

What about your LAN ..... is that wired?
If not you will be relying on sometimes flaky wireless connections and the user experience will not be as good as it should or can be.

I think you either need to be prepared to learn how to set up 'YOUR' system to your satisfaction, or find someone who has done something similar for themselves to help out.
Most 'installers' have no experience outside fitting a box and making sure it is operating according to manufacturers specifications.

There is no commercial box available, to my knowledge, that can be plugged in and expected to do all you require 'out of box'.

I think you should be looking at 'separates' to achieve your desired goal.

THanks Johnboy. That has helped a lot. So if I got a box with 2 x dual DVB-S2 tuners, thats 4 satellite tuners and maximises recording / streaming ability. How many wires coming from the dish would I need?

Then just a usb DVB-T2 tuner would do all the Saorview?

When you say "separates" do you mean a fully functioning second box in the other room. Would that be another cable from the dish?.

Cheers.

The high horse brigade

LeinsterLegend wrote: »

I read that thread and made a lot of sense. I've read Vu+ is like the Apple of satellite boxes so thought that would help the wife conversion. I'd back my ability to set it up with guides but will it need to be redone. Nightmare scenario - I'm away with work and something happens to the box and wife and kids completely mad at me

I detest Apple

Yes the Vu+ is a very good box, but besides the extra terrestrial tuner not a whole lot better than the Tiviar IMHO. It requires the same setup, the exact same learning curve. Paying extra does not give you anything more stable or wife friendly as the Tiviar is already rock solid. I reboot mine every few months, have never seen a crash or green screen.

LeinsterLegend

The high horse brigade wrote: »

I detest Apple

Yes the Vu+ is a very good box, but besides the extra terrestrial tuner not a whole lot better than the Tiviar IMHO. It requires the same setup, the exact same learning curve. Paying extra does not give you anything more stable or wife friendly as the Tiviar is already rock solid. I reboot mine every few months, have never seen a crash or green screen.

I detest Apple too as I like open platforms but wife likes that kind of thing so anything for an easy life

Ok so if I get a Tiviar in two rooms what do I need to tell the dish install guy. How many cables etc coming out of the dish to maximise the tuners on both boxes. I definitely only want a guy to come out once.

The high horse brigade

LeinsterLegend wrote: »

I detest Apple too as I like open platforms but wife likes that kind of thing so anything for an easy life

Ok so if I get a Tiviar in two rooms what do I need to tell the dish install guy. How many cables etc coming out of the dish to maximise the tuners on both boxes. I definitely only want a guy to come out once.

2x satellite, 1x terrestrial to each point. You should also put 2x Ethernet at each location if you can also

LeinsterLegend

The high horse brigade wrote: »

2x satellite, 1x terrestrial to each point. You should also put 2x Ethernet at each location if you can also

Thank you. I now know exactly what I'm going to do. I'll get the Tivlar box, configure it and get it installed in the kids room but all the cables etc for the main TV room too. I'll run in parallel with VM for a month before I recommit to a VM contract or get rid.

So ballpark for a guy to install a dish & areal with 2x satellite, 1x terrestrial to each point what would it cost?

Also bit of a chicken and egg scenario - If I order the box I wont know if I've configured it correctly until I get the dish installed. On the other hand how do I know its all been installed correctly if I dont have a box to test it

The high horse brigade

Any installer will have a meter to test, they don't need a box on site

Johnboy1951

LeinsterLegend wrote: »

THanks Johnboy. That has helped a lot. So if I got a box with 2 x dual DVB-S2 tuners, thats 4 satellite tuners and maximises recording / streaming ability. How many wires coming from the dish would I need?

Then just a usb DVB-T2 tuner would do all the Saorview?

When you say "separates" do you mean a fully functioning second box in the other room. Would that be another cable from the dish?.

Cheers.

I am unsure what you understand this to mean

2 x dual DVB-S2 tuners

Are there suitable boxes available with 4 Satellite tuners? .... or you might use two boxes with two tuners?

You need two DVB-T tuners ..... 1 for each mux if you intend to record while viewing say RTE1 & RTE2, and likely at least one Satellite tuner per user, which accepting that rarely will all users want access concurrently, should allow free a tuner or two for recording.


As I said you need to specify exactly how many tuners you need for max usage in the house. That should indicate what direction you take with the install.

As for 'separates' what I had in mind was a central position with tuners connected to Sat dish and Aerial, and a small cheap 'controller' device to manage all those tuners and make them available to any device in the house including tablets & phones as well as TVs etc.
Everything can be distributed over the LAN you intend to have, so no coax cables would be needed to TV points (Monitors would do just as well).
If you find you need extra tuners at any time they can be added to the central point and made available in addition to the existing tuners.

Also by selecting a suitable LNB you can use just one coax cable from the Sat dish to feed multiple (up to 32 I think) suitable tuners for all Satellite transponders.
One aerial cable for Saorview tuners.
So two coax cables in total into a central location is all that would be required.

It is a different concept to putting coax in all rooms for TV channels .... necessarily fixed positions.
All Live TV, stored recordings and other media can be made available on the LAN.

It all depends on need ...... if you need multiple connections of different device types then this would be considered.

If you are more comfortable with individual set top boxes at fixed points then that is probably the way to go.

LeinsterLegend

yeah, I may be confusing terms. I had understood a dual / twin satellite DVB-S2 tuner to mean there are 2 tuners on that input. I thought that would mean I can watch 1 TV channel on that satellite and record another (therefore I'd be using both the tuners). So if that's what 1 of these dual tuners can do then if I had 2 of them I'd be able to record / stream even more channels.

I know now there's something flawed in my logic as people talk about transponders and grouped channels so that causes a limitation. I don't think I'll ever get my head around all the technical components which is why I'm trying to stay focused on the requirements.

Johnboy1951

LeinsterLegend wrote: »

yeah, I may be confusing terms. I had understood a dual / twin satellite DVB-S2 tuner to mean there are 2 tuners on that input. I thought that would mean I can watch 1 TV channel on that satellite and record another (therefore I'd be using both the tuners). So if that's what 1 of these dual tuners can do then if I had 2 of them I'd be able to record / stream even more channels.

I know now there's something flawed in my logic as people talk about transponders and grouped channels so that causes a limitation. I don't think I'll ever get my head around all the technical components which is why I'm trying to stay focused on the requirements.

A standard satellite tuner has one input for the coax. It has a single tuner.
It locks onto a transponder frequency (group of channels) and can provide any and all of the channels on that transponder concurrently.
If you want to view one and record another on that transponder, then you only need one tuner.
If, as is most often the case, you want to view a channel on one transponder and record a channel on a different transponder, then you need a second tuner to lock onto the frequency of the second transponder.

Those boxes with two satellite tuners will (mostly) have two coax inputs.
There are coming to the market, some devices which can use those 'special' LNBs I previously mentioned, where one coax cable will feed multiple tuners. They are the exception at this time.

How many Sat channels will need to be watched+recorded at the most used time? That is what should govern your selection of the number of Sat tuners you require in total.

Because there are only two muxes (groups) for the Saorview channels you only need two tuners to cover all eventualities for Saorview viewing and recording.

LeinsterLegend

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

A standard satellite tuner has one input for the coax. It has a single tuner.
It locks onto a transponder frequency (group of channels) and can provide any and all of the channels on that transponder concurrently.
If you want to view one and record another on that transponder, then you only need one tuner.
If, as is most often the case, you want to view a channel on one transponder and record a channel on a different transponder, then you need a second tuner to lock onto the frequency of the second transponder.

Right, I understand. So for all the free satellite (UK) channels how many transponders are there?

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

Those boxes with two satellite tuners will (mostly) have two coax inputs.
There are coming to the market, some devices which can use those 'special' LNBs I previously mentioned, where one coax cable will feed multiple tuners. They are the exception at this time.

Are those special LNBs anything to do with FCB (I have some notes on that but didnt quite get it). Also I've been caught out with "bleeding edge" tech before so happy to go with best now - tried and tested.

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

How many Sat channels will need to be watched+recorded at the most used time? That is what should govern your selection of the number of Sat tuners you require in total.

Tough one. My wife series links lots of shows and they tend to clash. On the rare occasion there might be 4 shows on at the same time. At least 1 of those would be on Saorview so I guess 3.

Gerry Wicklow

Conventional LNBs are Quads (4 outputs) If you are getting an installer in, it makes sense to run all 4 cables into the house. 2 to the main TV and 2 to other room(s). If recording wasn't required in the other room(s) a single cable to each would suffice. E.G. one to the kitchen and 1 to the kids room.

Johnboy1951

LeinsterLegend wrote: »

Right, I understand. So for all the free satellite (UK) channels how many transponders are there?

119 transponders on my set up for the Astra satellites.
A lot of their content would be encrypted by Sky.

Are those special LNBs anything to do with FCB (I have some notes on that but didnt quite get it). Also I've been caught out with "bleeding edge" tech before so happy to go with best now - tried and tested.

This could hardly be termed 'bleeding edge', but is not used by commercial installers usually. But then neither do they usually do an install like I described so that would be expected.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_cable_distribution

Tough one. My wife series links lots of shows and they tend to clash. On the rare occasion there might be 4 shows on at the same time. At least 1 of those would be on Saorview so I guess 3.

If you have two boxes in separate rooms, each with two tuners, will that work for you? Will you have a central repository in which to save recordings from both boxes?

LeinsterLegend

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

If you have two boxes in separate rooms, each with two tuners, will that work for you? Will you have a central repository in which to save recordings from both boxes?

Possibly. What is a central repository? I have a QNAP NAS (Network attached storage) which can stream all through the house. Is it something like that you are thinking of or what exactly would a central repository be?

I don't mind investing to get the best setup from the start. That's my fear that I get a setup and after a few months realise I could have done it a lot better with more channels and more functionality etc.

dubrov

He just means somewhere on the network that is accessible by all your boxes. So your NAS would qualify.

You should definitely look at Unicable for future proofing. I believe the Tiviar is compatible and you may be able to use your existing cable structure.

If you are re-cabling, I'd add in some network cables as well as IPTV is becoming very popular.

It sounds like you will need loads of tuners so I would also look into getting a main box with FBC tuners. The top box is the VU Ultimo 4k which has FBC tuners but check out the Gigablue UHD Quad 4k which is very similar but a bit cheaper. It also has SAT>IP which means you can access the channels from a tablet/phone/PC etc. The Tiviar is cheaper again and would be able to do the main functions but missing these extras. There may be newer boxes out there and Google is your friend.

Plenty of reading there for you anyway

Johnboy1951

LeinsterLegend wrote: »

Possibly. What is a central repository? I have a QNAP NAS (Network attached storage) which can stream all through the house. Is it something like that you are thinking of or what exactly would a central repository be?

Yes, just be sure that the boxes you choose will have no difficulty saving recordings to, and managing the various files on, the NAS.

I don't mind investing to get the best setup from the start. That's my fear that I get a setup and after a few months realise I could have done it a lot better with more channels and more functionality etc.

In truth, no matter what you choose in six months there will be something better available.
That is the nature of a fast moving and developing electronics industry.

You should have the same number of channels available regardless of system you choose.

IMO, it is the functions of whatever you decide that should influence you, and how open the software/firmware is to control by you, for you to get the best put of it.
A lot of (maybe most?) people are content to be in a 'walled garden' provided it is nice, and do not require control over their hardware and software.

LeinsterLegend

dubrov wrote: »

If you are re-cabling, I'd add in some network cables as well as IPTV is becoming very popular.

Just researching this now - a whole other minefield (I had thought IPTV was dead and understand most of it cant be discussed here). For an Enigma2 setup can IPTV channels be integrated into an EPG with the free to air satellite channels, saorview and be recorded?

dubrov wrote: »

It sounds like you will need loads of tuners so I would also look into getting a main box with FBC tuners. The top box is the VU Ultimo 4k which has FBC tuners but check out the Gigablue UHD Quad 4k which is very similar but a bit cheaper.

Ok - what dish and cables do I need for FBC tuners to work, is it still 2 sat cables and 1 for saorview?

dubrov wrote: »

It also has SAT>IP which means you can access the channels from a tablet/phone/PC etc.

This is a requirement, great to know the technical term for it, thanks.

dubrov wrote: »

The Tiviar is cheaper again and would be able to do the main functions but missing these extras. There may be newer boxes out there and Google is your friend.

Plenty of reading there for you anyway

Yes, lots more considerations to read about. You guys are incredibly generous with your time and knowledge. I need to narrow it down as each time I read about 1 thing it sparks a load of research and more questions - I love it!! I've learned so much from this thread. Better do some more reading.

dubrov

LeinsterLegend wrote: »

For an Enigma2 setup can IPTV channels be integrated into an EPG with the free to air satellite channels, saorview and be recorded?

Yes. It can be seamlessly integrated. I expect decent legitimate services to start appearing in the next few years.

Ok - what dish and cables do I need for FBC tuners to work, is it still 2 sat cables and 1 for saorview?

My understanding is that you need a Unicable compatible LNB and box with FBC tuner. The cabling is the same. The setup allows many feeds to be sent down a single cable and even split I believe.

Normal satellite setups only allow a single feed per cable and do not allow splitting so each feed needs a direct connection to the dish.

Even if you are laying loads of new cables, I'd still go for a Unicable setup.

Johnboy1951

When wiring from the beginning IMO a couple of ethernet cable (cat5e/cat6) runs to each room should be a top priority.

IPTV technology is of course allowed to be discussed on Boards.
What is not allowed is how to receive streams that do not comply with regulations and laws around copyright and such.

I use a form of IPTV to distribute throughout my home, and surrounds, all FTA TV & Radio channels, on a 'request' basis.
If someone wants to view a channel then it is provided to their device (client) on demand provided there is a tuner free to do so.

All the stored recordings and other media are also available to everybody (unless I deliberately exclude them).

This thread provides some idea of the 'journey', but there are earlier threads also where I used different hardware
https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057826211

My set up is as follows

Unicable coax from Sat dish to Digibit R1 Quad DVB-S tuner box
Digibit R1 quad DVB-S tuner box (€130) ..... ethernet cable to switch

Saorview aerial ....... to Edision coax input (its output then has aerial and DVB-T of HDMI)
Pre-owned Sky+HD box with eir sports card ..... its HDMI output to Edision HDMI to DVB-T converter
Edision HDMI to DVB-T converter ..... coax to HDHomerun (combined Saorview muxes and a separate mux of the Sky box)
HDHomerun quad DVB-T tuner box ..... via ethernet cable to switch

Tanix Tx3 (€40) running CoreELEC with tvheadend to manage tuners, recordings, etc ..... ethernet cable to switch
NAS/Server ..... ethernet cable to switch

There are of course more costly devices with better specs available, but essentially I was keeping spending as low as possible on hardware - on the basis I might not get it right or it might not work correctly etc..

I also use low cost devices at each TV to receive and display the channels available.
I can watch Live TV on a tablet in the garden and so on. The tablet needs open source and free of cost software to be installed.

I am not proposing this kind of set up for your situation, only letting you know there are other options you might like to explore before making your final decision.

Regardless ..... create a small area (call it media press) where all the ethernet cables from all rooms end so they can be all connected to an ethernet switch and create a full house LAN for internet and maybe IPTV.
I also have in that 'media press' one coax coming into the Digibit R1 for 4 sat tuners and one coax in for 4 DVB-T tuners (I only use three).
The wee server box is there along with the other hardware specified above.
All out of the way and easily accessible should I need to.
I also have my internet termination there, which also goes on the LAN.

Sorry, I am waffling on ........

LeinsterLegend

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

When wiring from the beginning IMO a couple of ethernet cable (cat5e/cat6) runs to each room should be a top priority.

Yes I agree but while I can do satellite cables (as I dont currently have them) I'd only get away with running ethernet wherever those cables go. How do the highest network powerline plugs compare to ethernet and solid wifi?

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

I use a form of IPTV to distribute throughout my home, and surrounds, all FTA TV & Radio channels, on a 'request' basis.
If someone wants to view a channel then it is provided to their device (client) on demand provided there is a tuner free to do so.
All the stored recordings and other media are also available to everybody (unless I deliberately exclude them).

Yes, I'd like this functionality. My original plan had the main box I was considering (the Vu+ Duo2) streaming its recordings. That might simplify.

Thanks for the detailed response. I'm reading your other threads and probably getting a bit carried away in the art of the possible. (As a result of the last of my projects my home is now smarter than me!) I'm going to start working on a master plan building incrementally taking everything discussed here into account as best I can. I think I have until Christmas to get it done.

Super set up.

Sorry, I am waffling on ........

You have an avid listener / reader. Thank you.

The high horse brigade

LeinsterLegend wrote: »

How do the highest network powerline plugs compare to ethernet and solid wifi?

They don't!

Homeplugs are a terrible option. Power cables are not designed for data transfer.
Wireless and homeplugs are shared mediums, they can either send or receive and only on one device at a time. You are always best run cat5e/6 cables as a cable will not only always be many times faster but it also can send and receive at the same time on different pairs of cores.

Johnboy1951

How do the highest network powerline plugs compare to ethernet and solid wifi?

Nothing is comparable to a wired connection.

powerline plugs are completely dependent on the house wiring and the interference on that wiring from other devices.

'solid wifi' is a contradiction in terms IMO
Wifi is susceptible to interference from other devices in the home as well as clashes with other wireless devices. It is also affected by building materials such as foil backed insulation, thickness of walls, and so on as well as distance from the wireless 'transmitter' device.

I would say ethernet cable is a higher priority than coax (but I would, given that I do not distribute over coax at all ). Run the ethernet cables with the coax and bring all back to a central location where the coax can be connected to those from the Sat dish.
Doing this will allow for any changes you might wish to apply in the future without re-doing any internal wiring.

If that central location can also be the 'entry' point of your broadband, even better. Else make allowance to wire the central location to the broadband modem, so you can distribute broadband from that central location to all rooms.

Plan well your wiring distribution and get that done first.
With a less than optimal wiring in place you will forever be fighting to overcome its limitations.

Most of all 'Have Fun'

LeinsterLegend

Thanks Johnboy and The High Horse brigade. I think I’ve now arrived at what I need. I’ve thought about your setup Johnboy but I think it is a step too far. I’ve simplified my plan after long negotiations with herself. Is this suitable:

2 rooms (Living room and second room) with 2 different set top boxes.
Hardware:
* 4k FBC Enigma2 box (Living room)
* Tiviar box (second room)
* Dish with Unicable 2 LNB
* Power pass splitters
* Aerial for Saorview
* Ethernet cable (going from living room to second room via this wiring. Carrying broadband from router)

Second room (phase1):
Tiviar box: Will use the image posted on these forums
Wiring: unicable split at box but only gives limited recording capability which is ok in this room. Aerial for saorview, loop out from box to TV. Ethernet connected. IPTV future option.

When this room is working perfectly I’ll get a better box for the Living room (I’ll understand any other requirements for the main room). Will have all the wiring in place for phase2 so it’ll just be flashing a box and connecting.

Living room (phase2, stop using Virgin for TV):
4k FBC Enigma2 box (still researching this)
Can record as many channels as required and stream to different rooms if required. Will have 4k capability. Box will be flashed with image recommended by OpenVix team on WoS
Start with UK freeview and saorview channels. Option to include IPTV at a future date when I get my head around everything.
Wiring required: The unicable split at the box connecting to 2 physical Sat tuners (that gives me lots of effective tuners). Aerial for saorview connected to dual DVB-T2 allowing recording and watching of all saorview.
Also connected to my NAS.

I’d love to know
* your thoughts on the setup
* if there are other satellites worth getting another LNB for – rugby is the main thing I watch and with RugbyPass and VPN I get everything for about €140 a year
* if you could recommend a satellite installer who understands unicable2 and the best wiring options etc. I understand it’s different from Sky Q lnbs and if not done correctly I won’t get the best functionality (I’m terrified of that given holes will be drilled etc).

Thanks.

dubrov

LeinsterLegend wrote: »

Wiring: unicable split at box but only gives limited recording capability which is ok in this room.

Why does it only give limited recording ability?
I thought the Tiviar was Unicable compatible.

The setup looks good in general,
I guess the only bit missing is being able to play Rugby Pass directly on the box. There are some Enigma2/Android hybrid boxes around but I am not sure how good they are.

The high horse brigade

dubrov wrote: »

Why does it only give limited recording ability?
I thought the Tiviar was Unicable compatible.

The Tiviar isn't a modern box, it's from 2013

LeinsterLegend

Yes the Tiviar doesn't have FCB tuners. Using Unicable2 lnb with FCB tuners gives lots of virtual tuners. You can use the technology independently as normal (the Tiviar is unicable compatible) but used together maximises the virtual tuners. That's why my main box will have FCB tuners.

Johnboy1951

LeinsterLegend

As you have listed individual tuner boxes/STBs that I have no experience with, I am unsure if you will get the full functionality desirable.

There is one cable coming from the Unicable LNB which has to be split with each of the two 'split' coax cables going to an individual STB.
When setting up the tuners on those two STBs, providing they are Unicable compatible, you will need to ensure you choose non-conflicting frequencies for the tuners. It is simple to do but might throw you off if you do not remember.
There will be a list of frequencies to use with whichever LNB you choose.

LeinsterLegend

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

LeinsterLegend

As you have listed individual tuner boxes/STBs that I have no experience with, I am unsure if you will get the full functionality desirable.

There is one cable coming from the Unicable LNB which has to be split with each of the two 'split' coax cables going to an individual STB.
When setting up the tuners on those two STBs, providing they are Unicable compatible, you will need to ensure you choose non-conflicting frequencies for the tuners. It is simple to do but might throw you off if you do not remember.
There will be a list of frequencies to use with whichever LNB you choose.

Yes, I read about that on WoS. Do you know is setting up those tuners independent of Enigma2 images? ie If I configure the tuners will the image I flash work or would I need to change something in the image?

Johnboy1951

LeinsterLegend wrote: »

Yes, I read about that on WoS. Do you know is setting up those tuners independent of Enigma2 images? ie If I configure the tuners will the image I flash work or would I need to change something in the image?

I don't know, but strongly believe there should be little or no problem with software.
Hopefully someone with experience of those images in such hardware will confirm.

It should be hardware dependent ..... tuner/s Unicable compatible? if not, allocate suitable frequencies to those tuners first, and ensure you do not use the same frequencies for any other tuners you might feed from that LNB.

Because I have a 4 x DVB-S/2 tuner box, I have had no need to add any device with standard tuners to the system.

LeinsterLegend

Thank Johnboy

I need to contact installers and work out what I need to buy from WoS, what I can buy locally, and what the installer can bring (eg Dish itself, cabling, etc - I'll can buy the boxes and unicable2 lnb online). Are you allowed to recommend an installer in Dublin (south) area?

murpho999

I'm also very interested in all of this and looking for a similar set up to LensterLegend.

However, I'm currently with Sky through a communal dish in an apartment block.

Will I be able to use the two satellite cables coming into my apartment for this?

dubrov

murpho999 wrote: »

I'm also very interested in all of this and looking for a similar set up to LensterLegend.

However, I'm currently with Sky through a communal dish in an apartment block.

Will I be able to use the two satellite cables coming into my apartment for this?

Yes for the satellite signal (all the main UK channels). You could just plug a Freesat box into it directly and ti will work.

You'll need to check with your management company to see if Saorview (Irish channels) is available on it. The setup will be either

a) Sky install and maintain the satellite. In that case they own the dish and cabling so will not add the Saorview signal to it. Technically they could disconnect you if you termiante your sub but they won't.
Potentially you could get Saorview directly using an indoor satellite depending on your location.

or

b) The management company installed and maintain the dish. In that case it is very likely that Saorview has been added to the signal.

murpho999

dubrov wrote: »

Yes for the satellite signal (all the main UK channels). You could just plug a Freesat box into it directly and ti will work.

You'll need to check with your management company to see if Saorview (Irish channels) is available on it. The setup will be either

a) Sky install and maintain the satellite. In that case they own the dish and cabling so will not add the Saorview signal to it. Technically they could disconnect you if you termiante your sub but they won't.
Potentially you could get Saorview directly using an indoor satellite depending on your location.

or

b) The management company installed and maintain the dish. In that case it is very likely that Saorview has been added to the signal.

Thanks, I already know it's a sky install and it doesn't have Saorview.

Had multiroom before and disabled it and still had UK freeview but just wanted to be certain it would work with the setups being spoken about here.