Options for new TV/ Freesat/ Saorview setup

Sigma101

We’re looking at upgrading our TV setup. Our current arrangement consists of several set-top boxes that have built up over the years due to the various technology changes. We use 5 remotes regularly to watch TV and have no EPG or recording functions. We’d like to replace the TV and remove as many boxes (and remotes) as possible without subscribing to any additional cable services. Our set-up is as follows:
- 12-year old Sony Bravia TV with one HDMI connection
- 6 port HDMI splitter to connect multiple boxes to the TV
- ‘smart’ satellite receiver (and satellite dish) for UK freesat channels
- ‘Finlux’ (and antennae) for Saorview free to air TV
- ‘Roku 3’ streaming box with ethernet connection, used briefly as a Plex client but now exclusively for Netflix
- Xbox one
- DVD recorder currently connected to the TV via SCART but unused in recent years
We would like to be able to program the setup in advance to record both Saorview and satellite channels. I would imagine that a new TV will be able to replace several the above boxes but I haven’t been able to get good information from the salespeople in the shops and I've no idea whats the current state of the art. We’re happy to spend a bit of money on a good set up that simplifies the above and gives the recording options. Any suggestions for suitable products or arrangements appreciated, Thanks.

Johnboy1951

Personally I would stay away from any 'Smart' TV, and concentrate on what device you use to feed it the content you want to view.
TV manufacturers are not inclined to bother about keeping their 'smartness' updated and lose functionality after a few years.

There are easy options to get Free to Air satellite channels as well as Saorview channels along with streaming apps in one device.

Probably, if you cared to take on the task, you could build a device to suit your needs ..... except for Xbox use (which is not specified).

The other option might be to get separate devices, all hooked together through a router/switch/LAN. This might be less limiting.
It would allow for live TV and recordings and other media to be played.
It could easily be expanded for use by mobile devices such as laptops/tablets etc.

Sigma101

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

Personally I would stay away from any 'Smart' TV, and concentrate on what device you use to feed it the content you want to view.
TV manufacturers are not inclined to bother about keeping their 'smartness' updated and lose functionality after a few years.

There are easy options to get Free to Air satellite channels as well as Saorview channels along with streaming apps in one device.

Thanks for that Johnboy. Is there a device that will combine Saorview and satellite but that also has programmed recording function for both sets of channels? Is there device that also has streaming function built-in?

Probably, if you cared to take on the task, you could build a device to suit your needs ..... except for Xbox use (which is not specified).

I'm not familiar with this. If you've a link to some more info I'll be able to figure out if it's something I could manage.

The other option might be to get separate devices, all hooked together through a router/switch/LAN. This might be less limiting.
It would allow for live TV and recordings and other media to be played.
It could easily be expanded for use by mobile devices such as laptops/tablets etc.

Again, I don't understand this set-up. Are all devices on a LAN and how does this avoid the multiple interfaces and remotes?

Tigerandahalf

There is no simple solution out there. Lots of people get the basic package with Sky for the combined epg.

A lot depends on whether you watch streamed tv or traditional linear tv.

Personally I think streaming and catch up is the future. A lot of people are already doing catch up through recording.

A freesat humax box is a good buy as you can connect 2 satellite feeds to it (watch and record another) and you also have netflix on it and working off the 1 remote. The box is not 4k though.

Then you have to cater for saorview and question if you want access to the rte and tg4 players. There is a Saorview Connect box that still doesn't have a recording function but does have the above players without ads at the moment.

I have a chromecast taking up the 3rd and last hdmi slot on my tv. It covers me for Now TV, eir/bt sports, Rakuten tv, google play movies plus I also have it set up to display family photo albums. It is a handy feature when family are around. The chromecast can also be taken and used away from the house. The chromecast is controlled by your phone, not a remote. I really think google need to bring out a remote so all the family can use it.

Gerry Wicklow

Sigma101 wrote: »

Thanks for that Johnboy. Is there a device that will combine Saorview and satellite but that also has programmed recording function for both sets of channels? Is there device that also has streaming function built-in?.....

Have a read of this thread

Johnboy1951

Sigma101 wrote: »

Thanks for that Johnboy. Is there a device that will combine Saorview and satellite but that also has programmed recording function for both sets of channels? Is there device that also has streaming function built-in?

As an example, see the Tiviar thread linked to by Gerry Wicklow above this post.

I'm not familiar with this. If you've a link to some more info I'll be able to figure out if it's something I could manage.

You could build your own HTPC device .... see HTPC link below.

Again, I don't understand this set-up. Are all devices on a LAN and how does this avoid the multiple interfaces and remotes?

Yes, the basic idea is to have shared tuners and media storage, in a central location, connected to the LAN. This allows for all 'clients' to have access to all tuners and stored media.
So no requirement for tuners in STBs at each TV.
Which means no requirement to string coax to those TVs.
A cheap ARM device at each TV can very easily act as a 'client' to the tuner/storage server.
Mobile devices can also act as clients ... laptops, tablets etc.

There are multiple threads on distributing live TV and stored media, as well as internet connection, to several TV points, in the HTPC section
https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=643

Having a good LAN is, IMO, a basic requirement.
Flaky wifi connections don't 'cut it', particularly foe live TV.