Argos Digisender

Couch Potato

Anybody use this gadget or know if it is any good ?

http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/commerce/command/ExecMacro/ols_prod_detl.d2w/report?prrfnbr=5351637&prmenbr=6970&type=big&thisMode=ols&cgrfnbr=55288

Genghis

I am considering buying a similar device (see www.maplin.co.uk) - I have looked into it and as far as I can see this option beats a wired solution for the following reasons:

1. Your second TV is mobile (whereas with a wired system it would be difficult to move the TV)

2. It is capable of switching between devices - hence you are not just extending satellite, but also Video, DVD, etc. (as far as I know the 9v current required to boost Sky gets lost if you attempt to pass it through other devices)

3. The inbuilt remote extender beats the Sky remote sender (which only controls the Digibox, and not other devices)

4. You can easily obtain additional receivers - hence you could have multiple viewpoints without additional wiring - and no need to purchase 'boosters' to run your signal through before splitting.

5. Because the digisender uses digital transmission on 2.4Ghz, there is minimal loss of quality up to something like 100m. These devices therefore do not suffer the reputation for poor / variable picture and sound quality that 80's videosenders had.

6. This system will set you back about €120 and can be installed with relative ease. The alternative will cost about €40 for the remote extender, cable, co-ax points etc and something similar for installation. For the few euros more, I prefer this option.

The only concern I have at the minute is this - if they all broadcast on the same frequency, what happens if your neighbour gets one?

Perhaps there is a 'channel scan' like on wireless phones - if not wouldn't it be fun - Change your neighbours channel, order box office movies, the practical joke potential is endless ....


Anyway, I am still looking for good reasons why a cabled system is better.

BTW I have seen these on websites in the US for less than $40 - but none from stores that ship outside the states.

ronanf

Hi folks,

A friend of mine recently bought one of these and he is very happy with it. I have checked out several online reviews such as:

http://www.automatedhome.co.uk/review-digisender.html

all of which are very positive. There is definitely something to be said for not drilling holes and running extra cable through your house.

The above review also explains how this device avoids conflicts with your neighbour's digisender.

Check out www.digisender.com too. I think I will be buying one of these in the near future.

cheers,
Ronan.

Couch Potato

Thanks for your comments guys ...

Krusty_Clown

Hi Folks,

I use a ONEforAll Audio/Video sender (SV1700) to send AV from my sitting room to my Eye-treks..

I couldn't recommend this product more. Reception is first class. Doesn't look too ugly.. Sender has a very handy IR Extender, so you can hide the sender unit behind your TV etc and still control all devices using InfraRed from elsewhere in the house..

To answer your question, you can broadcast/receive on five different channels (on this unit), which should sort out any interference problems with your neighbours.. You can buy and combine multiple senders, or receivers, etc..

Has alot of practical uses. You could hook-up the sender to a camcorder, and use it as a security system, watching the baby etc...

Check out www.oneforall.com (site seems to be down at the moment). I bought mine in an Eircom shop for IR£120, but you can buy it on the internet for much cheaper...

Try http://www.dalepakdirect.com/prod_sender.html who are selling it for 80 quid stg.

Comes with SCART and composite connections.. Note, these devices do not have tuners, so you still need to connect it to something which can manipulate channels etc.. Like a video, TV-Out, DVD player, Satelite receiver etc..

Any questions, give me a shout...

ronanf

The URL is www.oneforall.co.uk and it contains loads of cool stuff including some snazzy remotes that will operate DVD players, AMPs etc etc.

Krusty_Clown

Yeah, I'm very tempted by the Mosaic Remote control...
Get rid of my huge clutter of 6 remotes!

Price variances are huge though...
Maplin is selling it for 250 squids.
Dalepakdirect : 129 squids..
Much cheaper than Sony's/Philips products etc..

Tom Dunne

Originally posted by Couch Potato
Anybody use this gadget or know if it is any good ?

Yes, I bought one just before Christmas. I have to say it is an excellent gadget. There is an ever-so-slight degradation in the picture and sound quality, but it is barely noticable. The ability to switch channels upstairs while the digibox is downstairs is great, if you have your DVD (or Video player) plugged into the Scart socket on the digi-box, you can watch that upstairs too! Having said that, I don't think you can control your DVD/Video via the digisender.

If you want a wireless connection to your digibox, this is the way to go. On the issue about your neighbour having a digisender too, there is a channel select switch at the back of both the transmitter and receiver. There is a choice of four different channels to avoid interference from another digisender.

I think this is most certainly worth the 99 pounds I paid for it.

TD.

Samson

I bought a Digisender yesterday (Saturday) and I have to say I'm very pleased with it.
Degradation in picture/sound quality is negligible (as Tom Dunne stated) and it was a piece of p!ss to install.
Cost was a few cent less than €127.

pbirney

Originally posted by Krusty_Clown
Yeah, I'm very tempted by the Mosaic Remote control...
Get rid of my huge clutter of 6 remotes!

Price variances are huge though...
Maplin is selling it for 250 squids.
Dalepakdirect : 129 squids..
Much cheaper than Sony's/Philips products etc..

Avoid Maplin, if you can. Shop around and you'll find that a lot of the items they sell are much cheaper elsewhere.

Krusty_Clown

____________________________________________________
Having said that, I don't think you can control your DVD/Video via the digisender.
____________________________________________________

The product I bought : OneforAll Sv1700, is connected to the Digibox (or other peripheral) via Scart, however, it uses an infra red extender which you can position anywhere infront of the hardware you are using.

You can then use a universal remote control, or the original remote controls to control whichever device you want to use, be it Digibox, Video, DVD etc...

pbirney

For those interested, Argos have reduced the price of the DigiSender + Receiver from €126.96 to €99.99

The DigiSender with two receivers has been reduced from €194.99 to €153.57

Please note that the receivers only work on TV's that have SCART connections. Otherwise, you will have to purchase a separate Modulator to convert from SCART to the aerial input of the TV. Their website (http://www.easylife.co.uk/digisender) has details on how to order this and extra receivers.

Does anyone know if the modulators can be bought anywhere in Dublin?

~Paul.