Saorview Connect

Tigerandahalf · 17-11-2017 06:40PM

Has anyone signed up for the Saorview ID?

I have but I can't seem to get the id number to pair with my box. Will they not give this id until mid 2018?

Capt'n Midnight · 17-11-2017 09:15PM

Former Former wrote: »

If you all want a fully-functional TV experience, you can cobble a free version together or you can pay for one via Sky or Virgin. You are never going to get it FTA in Ireland.

A Freesat box combined with a Saorview TV with a 32GB Memory Stick ticks a lot of the boxes and is reasonably idiot proof

To go from Freesat to RTE on the freesat remote that I have you press TV and 1.
To go back I have to press the Source button a few times and then PVR.
Less presses if the TV or PVR are already on the channel you want to watch.

When you use record you won't channel hop as much.

Both have full 7 day EPG and recording.
The Freesat box also has series link that just works.

Tigerandahalf · 17-11-2017 09:28PM

Capt'n Midnight wrote: »

A Freesat box combined with a Saorview TV with a 32GB Memory Stick ticks a lot of the boxes and is reasonably idiot proof

To go from Freesat to RTE on the freesat remote that I have you press TV and 1.
To go back I have to press the Source button a few times and then PVR.
Less presses if the TV or PVR are already on the channel you want to watch.

When you use record you won't channel hop as much.

Both have full 7 day EPG and recording.
The Freesat box also has series link that just works.

That is still a lot of hassle when people just want to toggle between a saorview and a freesat box.

I wonder what this box is running on as it is very slow on channel changes too.
I think the developers knew there was a serious lag between switching from sat to saorview and vice versa so they stuck in 2 logos (a saorview one and a plain satellite text one) to not draw attention to the lag.

At least I hope that is the reason. Otherwise they have stuck in an unnecessary delay.

I am having a few other issues with the box this evening too.

Does anyone know are you entitled to return the box in the 14 day cool off period?

byte · 17-11-2017 09:31PM

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

Folks this box is a dead duck.
Switching on the box at the wall it takes a full minute to load up. It also takes nearly a minute to load from standby.

I'd consider that nearly the norm for many boxes like Sky, Freesat, even Linux boxes (my Xtrend 10k seems to take bloody ages). I guess they do have to fire up an OS and then load up the fancy user interface.

Tigerandahalf · 17-11-2017 09:36PM

byte wrote: »

I'd consider that nearly the norm for many boxes like Sky, Freesat, even Linux boxes (my Xtrend 10k seems to take bloody ages). I guess they do have to fire up an OS and then load up the fancy user interface.

Maybe so. I might put it into that other standby mode as I guess the box will have to be in some standby mode for the remote recording to work. I doubt it would use too much electricity anyway.

Surely there has to be others on here who are using the box.

Johnboy1951 · 17-11-2017 09:54PM

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

Folks this box is a dead duck.

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

Surely there has to be others on here who are using the box.

Maybe if someone gave me one for nothing I would try it, but no way am I spending money on that 'dead duck'

Tigerandahalf · 17-11-2017 09:55PM

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

Maybe if someone gave me one for nothing I would try it, but no way am I spending money on that 'dead duck'

Well even all the trade lads that got them.

George Sunsnow · 17-11-2017 09:59PM

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

So I've read most of the last few pages.. correct me if I'm wrong:

- No record facility at launch
- No 7 day EPG/equivalency to Freesat
- The broadband connectivity is NOT to enable streaming of the channels (which would be useful in poor signal areas) but just the RTE Player/catchup features
- It's ridiculously expensive for what is pretty much the same boxes you can get - just with catch-up

Am I missing anything? If not what on earth was the point of this??

Yes,it comes with instructions on how to connect to telecom internet

galtee boy · 17-11-2017 10:08PM

If only they hadn't knobbled the series link function on Freeview boxes, when using Saorview. I was in my local Tesco store this evening and they had 500gb Humax Freeview PVRs for sale at €148.

Ten Pin · 17-11-2017 10:24PM

Does anyone know are you entitled to return the box in the 14 day cool off period?

Power city returns policy
Shouldn't be a problem to return it although it does say the following: "You may examine the goods as necessary to establish their nature, characteristics and functioning but you must not start using them, install them or input any data/software onto them."

Capt'n Midnight · 17-11-2017 10:25PM

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

That is still a lot of hassle when people just want to toggle between a saorview and a freesat box.

It's less steps than Saorview Connect.

Another option is to get a second hand Humax Foxsat HDR, add the custom firmware which adds extra functionality, install a Saorsat dish and LNB. You have to do a little editing of channels but then you end up with Freesat AND all the Irish Channels except Tv3/3e/Be (most of which is available in HD on Freesat anyway) on one box. The Irish channels only have Now/Next instead of a full EPG and you can't guarantee recording on two channels at the same time.

I wonder what this box is running on as it is very slow on channel changes too.

wow.
That's not really acceptable in 2017 at this price point.

Tigerandahalf · 17-11-2017 10:42PM

Capt'n Midnight wrote: »

wow.
That's not really acceptable in 2017 at this price point.

I am just flicking here now on the saorview channels. There is a definite lag and the sound comes on before the picture.

My Triax box is way ahead of this. Granted there is probably less stuff to load but gosh you have got to deliver a smoother product than something 5 years old.

I am not surprised that the trade guys are not selling it as they would be dealing with a lot of issues and the obvious questions about lack of recording.

jelutong · 17-11-2017 11:09PM

galtee boy wrote: »

If only they hadn't knobbled the series link function on Freeview boxes, when using Saorview. I was in my local Tesco store this evening and they had 500gb Humax Freeview PVRs for sale at €148.

In which branch did you see them?

Atlantic Dawn · 17-11-2017 11:17PM

galtee boy wrote: »

If only they hadn't knobbled the series link function on Freeview boxes, when using Saorview. I was in my local Tesco store this evening and they had 500gb Humax Freeview PVRs for sale at €148.

From memory they all worked originally but then Saorview put some kind of change down that disabled it on all but official boxes.

STB. · 18-11-2017 12:50AM

Former Former wrote: »

They're in the STB market because no one else wants to be. They're in the STB market because they have to keep Saorview alive even though it is not and never will be a viable entity. What private manufacturer would be stupid enough to get into it, when every TV coming off the line has Saorview built in?

You have some interesting theories not all of them true.

Your ideas about the STB market, the costings per unit, the availability of ready to shelf items and miminum numbers required to interest an OEM are completely wrong.

The STB market worldwide is worth 20 billion euros. Its expected to double in the next 10 years. Its quite competitive.

The reason RTE/2RN are involved in the STB market is because they were given technical oversight of the platform 10 years ago. Back then it was ready to use STB's that were utilised in closed tests (Humax 2000T). As well as the RTE channels, some channels were encrypted, some MPEG2, some H264. Its commonly referred to as the DCMNR trial but RTE were the technical managers. That was 2007/8.

The 2-3 years that followed saw continuation of the FTA broadcasts on dvb-t ala H264. It was referred to as the Not a Public Service phase. RTE engineers had become black belts at digital broadcasting in that time. The beauracratic faffing about with the commercial multiplex order of merit went on and on as the commercials realities of running commercials muxes became apparent to bidders, and meant nothing happened, except a misguided attempt at dictating broadcast standard requirements.

Someone decided on a hybrid approach to the Irish spec mish mashing bits of UK DBook (MHEG interactive layer) with the Nordig standard. Possibly to keep Boxer the probable commercial Mux operator happy.

This was not a good idea as it meant that pan european tv's would not be ready off the shelf. And so followed a period of certification through Terracom. Because of the mish mash standard, many devices TVs/STBs failed. Then ASO loomed large and there was a rush to get a branded box. Enter Vestel, large OEM. The only way to bypass a convoluted and expensive certification process who saw the advantages by passing a chassis rather than individual boxes, and simply rebadging.

In the last 6 years in terms of hardware for the market, not whole lot has been done. Times moved on and the STB market exploded. Combo boxes that cost 200euro are now less than half that. Opensource linux boxes took off and overtook the closed box market.

The other Saorview commercial operator didnt want to pay the going rate, went to the courts, was bailed out by the taxpayer, bought back its own loan book and was then sold when stripped.

The inability to realise that commercial muxes will never exist coupled with an open bandwidth/bitrate usage policy has left RTE with the continued headache of paying most of the bills.

Technically they continue to be the organisation to run the STB process. However somewhere along the line developing a Combo FTA box that complimeted and secured the Saorview platform, became confused with an internal pet project to highlight your own product. On the one hand, Forgivable given the lack of interest from other broadcasters. The consumers loss though when it comes to certified products.

And here we are.

Johnboy1951 · 18-11-2017 11:06AM

STB. wrote: »

.......

Technically they continue to be the organisation to run the STB process. However somewhere along the line developing a Combo FTA box that complimeted and secured the Saorview platform, became confused with an internal pet project to highlight your own product. On the one hand, Forgivable given the lack of interest from other broadcasters. The consumers loss though when it comes to certified products.

And here we are.

In truth, if the Saorview box had the Saorview channels fixed in the top positions, and all other channels (FTA Sat) added and editable by the user after those, I believe it would have been acceptable.
That would resolve the 'Saorview Promotion' aspect of the box, while allowing a reasonable amount of user control.
Of course the other aspects such as recording and 7-day EPG for FTA Sat channels etc etc should also be there.

In the end, whoever is responsible, they have made a complete mess of this, taking much longer than should have been necessary, and with a price point only those who know no better will pay.

Peppa Cig · 18-11-2017 11:53AM

So it’s a copy and paste of freesat EPG/functionality with

* no PVR option (internal or external). Why launch without it?

* will it have series link in future?

* lot of hassle to switch from soarview to
Freesat?

*does freesat screen on connect have same EPG as Soarview?

I have Freesat via Humax HDR 1000. The EPG which is same/similar to soarview connect is nice and not laggy. But it includes decent apps like the essential Netflix.

If they have a product that has decent apps, same EPG on soarview and freesat, PVR options including 2TB, non laggy they should get some nice sales. Without these “necessary” basics it’s not a great offering?

Tigerandahalf · 18-11-2017 12:55PM

Do the enigma boxes offer the rte player services?

They don't offer remote recording do they?

Just trying to weigh up the pluses and minuses.

For people with freesat boxes and saorview how many remotes are you having to use?

Harry Palmr · 18-11-2017 01:12PM

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

Do the enigma boxes offer the rte player services?

They don't offer remote recording do they?

Just trying to weigh up the pluses and minuses.

For people with freesat boxes and saorview how many remotes are you having to use?

two, but it might be possible to get one of those after-market yokes that can integrate two sources.

FRIENDO · 18-11-2017 01:24PM

Tigerandahalf wrote:

For people with freesat boxes and saorview how many remotes are you having to use?

One Remote

TV input for the Humax freesat hdr
(The Freesat box is bullet proof, 7 day epg, serial link, search for geners sports/movies etc, easy to use, nearly 9 years still working perfect)

However if you have a Saorview tv, I would imagine the Freesat Humax control will control the telly for Saorview.
The Humax control I have controls all TV functions on our TV.

Presently I use two remotes as my TV is outdated and 10 years old so I needed a second box, have the Walker Combo which I use for Saorsat.

Harry Palmr · 18-11-2017 01:27PM

Does the Humax remote have a source button then?

FRIENDO · 18-11-2017 02:03PM

I can only speak for the humax foxsat hdr

YES it controls the TV source
(Constantly used for changing tv source dvd/sat/android etc)
The tv we have is basically just used as a monitor.

The original control for the tv is sitting in a drawer and hasn't been used in years.

Tigerandahalf · 18-11-2017 02:14PM

FRIENDO wrote: »

I can only speak for the humax foxsat hdr

YES it controls the TV source
(Constantly used for changing tv source dvd/sat/android etc)
The tv we have is basically just used as a monitor.

The original control for the tv is sitting in a drawer and hasn't been used in years.

How many button presses to change from one to the other?

Gerry Wicklow · 18-11-2017 02:20PM

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

Do the enigma boxes offer the rte player services?

They don't offer remote recording do they?

Just trying to weigh up the pluses and minuses.

For people with freesat boxes and saorview how many remotes are you having to use?

Enigma boxes can be configured to offer remote recording. You can even stream live or recordings from your box to your phone/laptop if your broadband is up to it.
I think there is an issue with RTE player at the moment but I don't use it so can't confirm. I've never had the need for it when you can record in better quality. Chances are whatever it was will probably be repeated in a few days time. (weather live anybody)

FRIENDO · 18-11-2017 02:32PM

Tigerandahalf wrote:

How many button presses to change from one to the other?

The humax control can control 4 devices
PVR - TV - DVD - AUDIO

It also has a SOURCE button which operates when control is in TV mode.

1. So with TV button pressed

2. SOURCE buttun for whatever TV input you want.

3. Then press PVR button to operate Freesat for example
Or DVD for dvd etc.

Tigerandahalf · 18-11-2017 02:57PM

FRIENDO wrote: »

The humax control can control 4 devices
PVR - TV - DVD - AUDIO

It also has a SOURCE button which operates when control is in TV mode.

1. So with TV button pressed

2. SOURCE buttun for whatever TV input you want.

3. Then press PVR button to operate Freesat for example
Or DVD for dvd etc.

I'd still like to be able to toggle between sat and saorview with one button click.

Can you do this with enigma setup? As in a recall button to go between 2 channels you are watching?

I see the vuo2 gets recommended.

I'd like a box with 2 sat tuners and 2 terrestrial tuners and the ability to stream to any other room. Red button functionality. Series link and remote record with full 7 day epg.

I think I could live with rte player on chromecast for catchup.

Sam Russell · 18-11-2017 03:07PM

In 2011, when Saorview was on test (before it was called Saorview), STBs were being sold at €100 plus which I thought was way more than reasonable. I took it on myself to import a good quality box which worked well with the service and was sold for approx €50. It arrived with the purchaser in a plug and go configuration which was just what was required. Despite some posters on here projecting the units catching fire and not working, it was very well received and I had no complaints.

Subsequently, Saorview launched a second mux and then messed with the signal such that, unless the STB was Saorview approved (which mine was not), it would not perform well because of hidden traps in the signal. They put 39 blank channel headers into the signal which flooded the EPG with nonsense.
They had a few 'Test Cards' to pad the signal because they had spare bandwidth that they could not charge for. They put two SSB software channels as the first channel in each mux which confused the STB. They removed the UK type flags for series link, putting in the Nordig one, whereas they had been using both and that allowed Humax PVRs to work correctly. They also dropped the time signal so summer-time was not catered for if the set was configured for Country=UK.

All of these signal 'modifications' were unnecessary but were designed to confuse unapproved sets and render them difficult to use. I have no idea why Saorview were involved in this kind of action as they always proclaimed they had no commercial interest in the approval process. Hmmmmm - I wonder were they telling porkies!

Now they are launching a troubled STB that will not meet the likely requirements of their target market. Are they financially involved in these products?

Gerry Wicklow · 18-11-2017 03:11PM

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

I'd still like to be able to toggle between sat and saorview with one button click.

Can you do this with enigma setup? As in a recall button to go between 2 channels you are watching?

I see the vuo2 gets recommended.

I'd like a box with 2 sat tuners and 2 terrestrial tuners and the ability to stream to any other room. Red button functionality. Series link and remote record with full 7 day epg.

I think I could live with rte player on chromecast for catchup.

In enigma you can make a favourites list with any mixture of Saorview and satellites in any order you fancy. All with full 7day EPG and series linking. You have two methods of switch back and forth. Pressing the zero button will switch to the last channel you watched. There is also a history button which will bring up a menu of recent channels so you can quickly pick one. 'Red button' is a Freesat service so not available on enigma AFAIK. However you can still access the red button channel directly just like any other. BBC online catchup services are geoblocked.

Tigerandahalf · 18-11-2017 03:21PM

Gerry Wicklow wrote: »

In enigma you can make a favourites list with any mixture of Saorview and satellites in any order you fancy. All with full 7day EPG and series linking. You have two methods of switch back and forth. Pressing the zero button will switch to the last channel you watched. There is also a history button which will bring up a menu of recent channels so you can quickly pick one. 'Red button' is a Freesat service so not available on enigma AFAIK. However you can still access the red button channel directly just like any other. BBC online catchup services are geoblocked.

That sounds like what I need.
I am hoping to watch the Ire Fiji match later and Scot NZ is also on about the same time.

But I can't record the sat channel with this new box. I will have to reconnect my Triax.
With no record function I am going to try and return the Connect box and the lack of the 1 button toggle makes it unusable.

If I was to purchase an enigma box with the software on it ready to go what box would you recommend?

The freesat box is tempting as I could possibly use an old modem to use a vpn and access players.

Gerry Wicklow · 18-11-2017 03:27PM

A Freesat box will not give you Saorview so you will have multiple remotes and boxes and have to switch sources to go between them. The triple tuner version of the Formuler F1 will do all of the above and costs half the price of a connect box.

Saorview Connect

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