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TV's with MPEG4 DTT decoder

13567…36

Comments

  • #102
    Richersounds.ie: John
    Company Representative Posts: 9,469 ✭✭✭Richersounds.ie: John


    STB,

    Thanks for the (very) detailed reply!

    We ARE aware of the situation, but the point we are making is that we have become aware of it through our own digging! (we are not CEDA members) the general situation of awareness in the Irish market is woeful in comparison to the UK situation (that to be fair I am more familiar with).

    However again to be fair we all accept that system we have got in Ireland is a better system - the main issue I see is that of the serious list of TV's that you offered most are neither available via the UK or if they are, they are pretty pricey - whilst we all sometimes bristle at being an 'add-on' to the UK distributors order pads, there is an ecomony of scale gained from the historic attachment and I feel that the net result of the break with a UK standard, whilst better technically will hit our Customers in the pocket - specifically the close relationship with the UK market via the north (of which I have some experience) has always 'moderated' Irish price levels - I am unsure if Consumers will shop in France for comparison and therefore the relationship between UK & Irish pricing can be broken and this will end up costing the Customer more.

    I have not had a chance to review the whole thread (I will tonight) so I don't want to waffle on about issues that have almost certaintly been covered already - however if we were in a similiar situation to the French handling of the changeover whereby only suitable receivers were on the market - I feel that distributors and in turn retailers would be in (possibly forced to be in) a better situation - to the best of my limited knowledge there is no sign of this happening in the near future!

    Thanks again STB - to sum up - I think we are pretty much in complete agreement!
    :D

    John McDonald / Managing Director / Richer Sounds Ireland / www.richersounds.ie / johnmc@richersounds.ie



  • #103
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    Retailers spotted by me with stupid Freeview only models of TV or SetBox:
    B&Q
    Marks & Spencers
    Tesco
    PC World/Currys
    Maplin

    Too busy thinking how much nicer the 40" Samsung was than Philips Ambilight in Harvey Norman to investigate Tuners.. Best LCD I've seen.


  • #104
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    However if you want to record, then a PVR (setbox with DVB-t, dual Tuners and MPEG4 decoder and SCART + HDMI) is recommended. Then your TV needs HDMI for HD and SCART for regular TV. An non-HD set with SCART will view any future HD transmissions in regular SD format with such a setbox.

    Setbox with dual Satellite Tuner as well for BBC, ITV, C4 & Five and 40 other decent TV and many Radio.

    If the Setbox has a volume, Recording, DTT and Satellite then you only need one remote as the TV will normally only need turned on /off.

    So it's not the end of the world to be missing the MPEG4 decoder/DVB-t/DTT integrated tuner if the TV is otherwise good value and quality.


  • #105
    STB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    I absolutely agree that the convenience of shipping LCDs being warehoused in the UK to Ireland (as a few extra sales) will be a habit that retailers may not wish to break.

    I know we are probably not a big country as sales go but I do wonder how the manufacturers feel towards their own brand products being wrongly stocked and sold wrongly in certain countries. I would imagine that brand loyalty is still a big issue especially with multinationals! It would be nice to see some items suitable for DTT being offered for sale at the very least. Correct labelling is also required. Outside of MHEG5, DTT it is the very same spec as TNT HD. Whats frightening is the level of knowledge out there among people working in retail shops.

    I think it is an embarrassment that knowledgeable punters have to ship the suitable DTT products in themselves from France. No doubt the whole issue of selling suitable goods will probably become a matter for the consumer association in the future, when customers wishing to watch DTT and who recently bought an LCD are told that it is not suitable for DTT and that they will have to put themselves to even more expense in buying a STB.

    I do notice that there are no real difference in price between MPEG4 on the ground in France and the MPEG2 equivalent being sold here!

    The UK and France having similar market numbers (i.e. 61 million populations)surely benefits the Irish consumer as regards product availability and competitive price.


  • #106
    pa990
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,883 ✭✭✭pa990


    johnmc wrote: »
    PA, just a quick reply to your post!

    I'm not sure if you are referring to the actual Philips Shop in your post above -however .........

    John Mc

    I was referring to a shop that mainly has philips products in cork.
    And i was expressing, the impression that i have gotten from the sales people i have dealt with in cork city and surrounds.

    TBH, any dealing i've had with 'RS' and 'S & R' etc have been professional and knowledgeable


  • #107
    Richersounds.ie: John
    Company Representative Posts: 9,469 ✭✭✭Richersounds.ie: John


    Thanks PA990 & STB!

    ATB,

    John Mc

    John McDonald / Managing Director / Richer Sounds Ireland / www.richersounds.ie / johnmc@richersounds.ie



  • #108
    Finne1993
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 502 ✭✭✭Finne1993


    Hi everyone, I've spent the last few months reading these threads with great interest about the whole DTV situation in Ireland so I've at last joined up and decided to get involved! I'm in Louth and I've got 2 Panasonic TH-42PX80B TV's and I've got a TH-50PX70BA also, both of which have only MPEG2 capabilities, I'm getting a perfect signal from 3 Rock on all of these TV's, I have a C/D green tipped aerial and a wideband Amplifier, (I need this because the aerial is diplexed with another for the BBC and ITV stations and that signal unfortunately comes from Kilkeel which does'nt carry the Freeview channels!) After a bit of reading up on the subject i bought a Neotion MPEG4 Viaccess cam from cdtronix and much to my disappointment it wont work in any of my TV's.frown.gif Is there any other setting I should enter or should the cam work a few seconds after i insert it? I left in for 15mins and still no joy. I also tried a re-scan but that did no good also. Its very frustrating because the 7 day epg works fine on it for all 8 services and the text is perfect and sound is crystal clear. If anyone out there can help I'd be extremely grateful, thanks.

    [Mod: Welcome to Boards. Please don't post the same thing to multiple places]


  • #109
    maxg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 516 ✭✭✭maxg


    @Finne1993
    Did you enable the mpeg4 to mpeg2 conversion in the cam menu?


  • #110
    Finne1993
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 502 ✭✭✭Finne1993


    Apologies Watty, i was too eager to try and find a quick solution to my problem! Won't happen again, thanks.


  • #111
    Finne1993
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 502 ✭✭✭Finne1993


    maxg wrote: »
    @Finne1993
    Did you enable the mpeg4 to mpeg2 conversion in the cam menu?

    Hi, thanks for the reply, yes I had MPEG4 enabled, that was the option on the the menu, just enable or disable MPEG4, there was nothing saying mpeg4 to mpeg2 conversion on the menu but I just assume thats the same thing. There was also an option to enable/disable SHL whatever that means, i just played about with these options and tried out different permutations and done a few re-scans but nothing doing! :confused: I'm left still scratching the head and wishing the PZ81 series was on the market when I was purchasing these TV's although I'm very happy with them, an excellent picture on them and a full five year warranty on top of that but just little blip of no Irish DTT picture. I'll cling onto the hope that some genius devises a CAM or plug in that will allow all MPEG2 TV's to operate MPEG4 without the need for a STB...! Any other suggestions anyone let me know, I'll post any new info i come across on the subject, thanks.


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  • #112
    maxg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 516 ✭✭✭maxg


    SHL is for SVxxx via hotbird. You don't need it.
    Did you reset the cam after enabling mpeg4?


  • #113
    D'Peoples Voice
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,698 ✭✭✭D'Peoples Voice


    STB wrote: »
    Samsung
    LE26A465,

    Sony
    KDL-26E4000, KDL-26E4020, KDL-26E4050/KDL-26V4500,

    stb, thanks a million for that list.
    Do you mind if I ask you again to confirm that the LE26A465 is definitely compatible,
    I was previously told that only the Samsung 600 series and above were Irish DTT compliant.


  • #114
    Finne1993
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 502 ✭✭✭Finne1993


    maxg wrote: »
    SHL is for SVxxx via hotbird. You don't need it.
    Did you reset the cam after enabling mpeg4?

    There is no function on the cam menu to reset the cam, well not that i can see anyway, i've been through every option on the menu 10 times over and all you can change is mpeg2 - mpeg4 or vice versa or enable shl. Every other sub menu requires a card and its just stuff like morality level, cam information, operator list, update etc.
    I'm just thinking I've a couple of old Art Sport Cards lying around, would'nt do any harm to stick one of them in to see if it'll give me a bit more access to the menu, it'll satisfy my curiosity if nothing else!
    I'll keep trying, keep any suggestions coming folks, I will crack it someday! Thanks.


  • #115
    STB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    D'Peoples Voice wrote: »
    stb, thanks a million for that list.
    Do you mind if I ask you again to confirm that the LE26A465 is definitely compatible,
    I was previously told that only the Samsung 600 series and above were Irish DTT compliant.

    Yes. And I am presuming that if there was anything that varies in that series of TV they would add an "e" "f" or whatever at the end like Panasonic do to control products by country. So yes is the answer has Mpeg4 tuner.

    HD TV : HDMI HDCP + 16:9 + YUV + 720 lignes min. + 720p/1080i + Tuner HD MPEG4

    http://www.lcd-compare.com/televiseur-SAMLE26A465-SAMSUNG-LE26A465.htm


  • #116
    Skyhater
    Closed Accounts Posts: 311 ✭✭Skyhater


    STB wrote: »
    Hi John,

    Glad to see a retailer actually being proactive! Retailers were written to by their own retail association, CEDA a copy of which is on digitaltelevision.ie (as discussed herein the past). Either way the specification has been out there since February 2008 as was published by the BCI who are reponsible for licensing commercial DTT and who set MPEG4 as the minimum standard. The PSB, RTE also recently confirmed the spec in December 2008. It most definitely isnt MPEG2. Although there is nothing illegal about selling MPEG2 technology, I do personally believe that the consumer needs to be advised of what they are buying (especially in the current economic recession where we will see less and less subscribing to pay TV).



    The French government in their legisalation have been more forceful in ensuring the right products are on the market.

    I can well imagine the difficulty in sourcing products for Ireland from UK stock given that the specification sheets on most UK sites are actually wrong or neglect to mention that the TV also has an MPEG4 HD TV tuner. That most of the manufacturers IE websites simply just transpose the UK site must also confuse retailers (imagine what effect that has on joe public!). The convenience of using UK stock as you pointed out is no longer a runner, unfortunately.

    I have no doubt that you wish to sell the right products and you may wish to look into this list below (ALL with Mpeg4 tuners as far as I have gathered). Some of these are freely available on the UK market by the by, so they probably dont even require sourcing from France!


    LG

    LG 42PG2500, LG 50PG2500, LG 42PG3500, LG 50PG3500,
    LG 32LG3500, LG 37LG3500, LG 42LG3500 LG 50PG4500
    LG 32LG5500, LG 37LG5500, LG 47LG5500, LG 52LG5500
    LG 42LG6500, LG 50LG6500 LG 32LG7500, LG 37LG7500,
    LG 42LG7500, LG 47LG7500, LG 52LG7500

    Panasonic

    TX-32LXD86FV, TX-37LXD86FV
    TH-42PZ81E, TH-46PZ81E, TH-50PZ81E
    TH-42PZ83E, TH-46PZ83E
    TH-42PZ86FV, TH-46PZ86FV
    TH-42PZ800E, TH-46PZ800E, TH-50PZ800E
    TH-58PZ800E, TH-65PZ800E
    TH-37PX81FV, TH-42PX81FV
    TH-42PZH8FV

    Philips
    37PFL5603H, 42PFL5603H, 47PFL5603H, 52PFL5603H
    52PFL7203H
    32PFL7403H, 37PFL7403H, 42PFL7403H, 47PFL7403H, 52PFL7403H
    37PFL7603H, 42PFL7603H, 47PFL7603H, 52PFL7603H
    37PFL9603H, 42PFL9603H, 47PFL9603H
    42PFL9703H, 42PFL9703H, 47PFL9703H, 52PFL9703H
    37PFL9803H, 42PFL9803H, 47PFL9803H
    37PFL9903H, 42PFL9903H, 47PFL9903H

    Samsung
    PS42A426, PS50A426, PS42A466, PS50A466/PS42A467,
    PS50A467, PS50A566/PS50A567, PS50A756, PS63A756,

    LE26A465, LE32A465, LE37A465, LE40A465
    LE26A466, LE32A466, LE37A466, LE40A466
    LE32A566, LE37A566, LE40A566, LE46A566,
    LE52A566, LE32A577, LE37A577, LE40A577,
    LE46A577, LE52A577, LE32A568, LE37A568,
    LE40A568, LE46A568, LE52A568, LE32A569,
    LE37A569, LE40A569, LE46A569, LE52A569
    LE37A626, LE40A626, LE32A676, LE37A676,
    LE40A676, LE46A676, LE52A676, LE37A696,
    LE40A696, LE46A696, LE32A756, LE40A756,
    LE46A756, LE52A756, LE40A796, LE46A796
    LE40A856, LE46A856, LE52A856, LE40A859,
    LE46A859, LE52A859, LE46A956, LE55A956


    Pioneer

    PDP-LX5090H, PDP-LX6090H
    KRP-500A, KRP-600A

    Sharp

    LC-46HD1E, LC-52HD1E
    LC-32DH65E, LC-37DH65E, LC-46DH65E, LC-52DH65E
    LC-32DH66E, LC-37DH66E, LC-46DH66E, LC-52DH66E
    LC-52XS1E

    Sony

    KDL-26E4000, KDL-26E4020, KDL-26E4050/KDL-26V4500,
    KDL-32V4500, KDL-37V4500 KDL-32E4000, KDL-32E4020,
    KDL-32E4030, KDL-32E4050 KDL-40E4000, KDL-40E4020,
    KDL-40E4030, KDL-40E4050 KDL-40W3000, KDL-46W3000,
    KDL-52W3000 KDL-32W4000, KDL-40W4000, KDL-46W4000,
    KDL-52W4000 KDL-40W4500, KDL-46W4500, KDL-52W4500
    KDL-40X3000, KDL-46X3000 KDL-40X3500, KDL-46X3500,
    KDL-52X3500, KDL-70X3500 KDL-40X4500, KDL-46X4500,
    KDL-55X4500 KDL-40Z4500, KDL-46Z4500, KDL-52Z4500
    KDL-40EX1, KDL-46EX1, KDL-52EX1
    KDL-40ZX1

    Toshiba

    32CV515DG, 37CV515DG, 42CV515DG
    32XV515DG, 37XV515DG, 42XV515DG
    32AV563DG, 37AV563DG 32AV565DG,
    37AV565DG 32XV565DG, 37XV565DG,
    42XV565DG, 46XV565DG, 52XV565DG
    32XV566DG, 37XV566DG, 42XV566DG
    40ZV575DG, 46ZV575DG

    Hi Stb,

    Gread list!!! . I've noticed that neither The Panasonic TX37LZD81 or Panasonic TX32LZD81 are on your list. I believe they are MPEG4 Tv's???


  • #117
    STB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    Indeed Skyhater, I will edit the orginal. There is infact various models in that range of Panasonic TX37LZD81 and TX32LZD81. They have the letters B, E, or F to denote the country model. So those considering buying one should be careful if they looking for the fresat tuner as well. If they are listed on a British internet site then you could assume that it is the B model, some do, some dont list the model.

    B = is the British model that includes a freesat tuner (and freeview tuner - which I am almost certain will pick up DTT as it uses the MPEG4 chipset which is used to decode the DVB-S HD Channels). It may be the same technology used in the PZ81B series. I will know next week when I test it.

    The F version is for France and does not include the freesat tuner (but does have a dvb-t tuner MPEG4 H264). Dont know what the E is. It may be Estonia.

    By the way the Pionner series listed also have dvb-s/dvb-s2 tuners PDP-LX5090H, PDP-LX6090H
    KRP-500A, KRP-600A (not freesat menu etc though)


  • #118
    Skyhater
    Closed Accounts Posts: 311 ✭✭Skyhater


    STB wrote: »
    ............B = is the British model that includes a freesat tuner (and freeview tuner - which I am almost certain will pick up DTT as it uses the MPEG4 chipset which is used to decode the DVB-S HD Channels). It may be the same technology used in the PZ81B series. I will know next week when I test it......

    Looking forward to hearing results from your test.

    Can anyone confirm that they have used the TX37LZD81 or TX32LZD81 to pick up Irish DTT's????
    Also, Does anyone know how this tv (or any other MPEG4 DTT TV's/STB's) handles receiving both Irish DTT and UK Freeview (...in Border Area's, etc).


  • #119
    TheDriver
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,575 ✭✭✭✭TheDriver


    Saw few here that can pick up mpeg4 using z81 for dtt, I'min Mullaghanish area so can't confirm for another few weeks


  • #120
    D'Peoples Voice
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,698 ✭✭✭D'Peoples Voice


    STB wrote: »
    Yes. And I am presuming that if there was anything that varies in that series of TV they would add an "e" "f" or whatever at the end like Panasonic do to control products by country. So yes is the answer has Mpeg4 tuner.

    HD TV : HDMI HDCP + 16:9 + YUV + 720 lignes min. + 720p/1080i + Tuner HD MPEG4

    http://www.lcd-compare.com/televiseur-SAMLE26A465-SAMSUNG-LE26A465.htm

    STB,
    you're a bleedin legend,
    thanks, very much appreciated.


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  • #121
    swoofer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,556 ✭✭✭swoofer


    Can I assume that a UK Model Panasonic 50PZ800 will have an MPEG4 decoder and will work with the Irish DTT when it arrives? Its cheap from uk but the 800E is very dear.

    gb--


  • #122
    STB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    The 800 has an Mpeg4 tuner. Panasonic's technical support is rubbish. They either do not know what technology is in their products or giving deliberate wrong answers. Its hard to know whats up...... eh so what are you selling ? You dont know, do you.

    Some girl recently tried to tell me there was seperate chip sets for the Satelitte and Terrestrial Tuners! Even though the PZ81b is confirmed as working with Irish DTT (even though according to Panasonic "it has an mpeg2 dvb-t tuner" - whatver that is!:rolleyes:)

    I'm setting up the 37" LZD at the end of the week with a mate. Its not meant to do MPEG4 on the terrestrial end according to Panasonic. I am nearly convinced its a scare tactic to stop people in ROI buying Freesat products, especially ones that avail of the Use of the MPEG4 chip on the dvb-t end!

    http://www.hifissimo.com/televiseur-plasma-panasonic-th-50pz800-31068-1.html


  • #123
    steveq
    Closed Accounts Posts: 71 ✭✭steveq


    Skyhater wrote: »
    Looking forward to hearing results from your test.

    Can anyone confirm that they have used the TX37LZD81 or TX32LZD81 to pick up Irish DTT's????
    Also, Does anyone know how this tv (or any other MPEG4 DTT TV's/STB's) handles receiving both Irish DTT and UK Freeview (...in Border Area's, etc).


    I have just bought a Panasonic TX32LZD81 with Freesat and I set it up over the weekend. I connected an old 'rabbits ears' aerial and it auto-tuned in the 4 Irish TV channels as well as the radio stations.
    The reception quality is excellent. I am based in Dublin and picking up Three Rock, I assume.
    I connected up the NTL box and the picture is excellent on that as well. I haven't tried Freesat yet.


  • #124
    medoc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 975 ✭✭✭medoc


    Hi STB, I'm new to posting here but have been following various forums and threads for a while so apologies if this is posted improperly. I was in a shop on sunday looking to buy an LCD. The salesman told me that all Samsung series 6 and 7 were compatiable but i am unsure. I was looking at either LE40A786r2fxx or LE40A656 and could not see them on your list. I would be grateful if you or anyone here could advise me. Thanks



    Samsung
    PS42A426, PS50A426, PS42A466, PS50A466/PS42A467,
    PS50A467, PS50A566/PS50A567, PS50A756, PS63A756,

    LE26A465, LE32A465, LE37A465, LE40A465
    LE26A466, LE32A466, LE37A466, LE40A466
    LE32A566, LE37A566, LE40A566, LE46A566,
    LE52A566, LE32A577, LE37A577, LE40A577,
    LE46A577, LE52A577, LE32A568, LE37A568,
    LE40A568, LE46A568, LE52A568, LE32A569,
    LE37A569, LE40A569, LE46A569, LE52A569
    LE37A626, LE40A626, LE32A676, LE37A676,
    LE40A676, LE46A676, LE52A676, LE37A696,
    LE40A696, LE46A696, LE32A756, LE40A756,
    LE46A756, LE52A756, LE40A796, LE46A796
    LE40A856, LE46A856, LE52A856, LE40A859,
    LE46A859, LE52A859, LE46A956, LE55A956


  • #125
    swoofer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,556 ✭✭✭swoofer


    @STB. Many thanks for reply, got me really interested in uk version now.

    gb--


  • #126
    STB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    medoc wrote: »
    The salesman told me that all Samsung series 6 and 7 were compatiable but i am unsure. I was looking at either LE40A786r2fxx or LE40A656 and could not see them on your list. I would be grateful if you or anyone here could advise me.

    Series 6,7,8 and 9 "apparently" are meant to have MPEG4 tuners as standard, but as always this varies by country.

    Neither of those do. They are British models with a standard Mpeg2 chip. There is a model LE40A656F which is sold in France with an Mpeg4 tuner. Most products sold in retail shops have Mpeg2 tuners and will not work with Irish DTT.

    Most salesmen would sell their own grannies. If in doubt get the salesman to connect the particular model in the shop to an aerial or google the model no and spec.


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  • #127
    medoc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 975 ✭✭✭medoc


    STB wrote: »
    Series 6,7,8 and 9 "apparently" are meant to have MPEG4 tuners as standard, but as always this varies by country.

    Neither of those do. They are British models with a standard Mpeg2 chip. There is a model LE40A656F which is sold in France with an Mpeg4 tuner. Most products sold in retail shops have Mpeg2 tuners and will not work with Irish DTT.

    Most salesmen would sell their own grannies. If in doubt get the salesman to connect the particular model in the shop to an aerial or google the model no and spec.


    Many thanks for your reply, I was 99% sure he was talking cr*p but I'm glad I checked here. The salesman actually sold the 7 series to a person before ma and assured all they would need were "rabbit ears" in a year or two. I'll keep looking.
    Thanks again STB


  • #128
    Clanck
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1 ✭Clanck


    Hi All,
    I purchased a Panasonic Th42-PZ800B which has freeview (the mpeg2 decoder) and I have been considering changing out the tunerboard for the Th42-PZ800E model (mpeg4), which is locally available through your local TV service agent. I am interest in your feedback on this idea, the turner board cost 300Eur locally. I am trying to source one online, I can get a US model at shopjimmy.com. ( http://www.shopjimmy.com/showparts.cfm?item=418604&ps=4186&pn=4 ).
    This is an expensive solution but I should keep the full capabilities of my TV.
    What you your thoughts?


  • #129
    Myxomatosis
    Closed Accounts Posts: 429 ✭✭Myxomatosis


    Clanck wrote: »
    Hi All,
    I purchased a Panasonic Th42-PZ800B which has freeview (the mpeg2 decoder) and I have been considering changing out the tunerboard for the Th42-PZ800E model (mpeg4), which is locally available through your local TV service agent. I am interest in your feedback on this idea, the turner board cost 300Eur locally. I am trying to source one online, I can get a US model at shopjimmy.com. ( http://www.shopjimmy.com/showparts.cfm?item=418604&ps=4186&pn=4 ).
    This is an expensive solution but I should keep the full capabilities of my TV.
    What you your thoughts?

    For that kind of money I'd just buy a high end set top box.


  • #130
    Apogee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,802 ✭✭✭Apogee


    The US model has an ATSC tuner - avoid like the plague!

    Have you considered selling your current model and replacing it with an mpeg4 compatible version?


  • #131
    Monkey Gibbons
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6 ✭Monkey Gibbons


    Hi all,
    I receive a good signal BBC1/2, ITV & Ch4 through an arial (living in south Cavan). Does this suggest I would receive Freeview? Any opinions on the benefit of Freeview?

    Looking at buying a Panasonic plasma and would probably go for a TH-42PZ81B (/E on pixmania?) if I thought Freeview would work, combined with the Mpeg4 compatibility I've been made aware of from this thread. I’m particularly interested as satellite/cable is not an option for me but wondering if it's this feature is worth the extra money:confused:.

    Any info would be appreciated.


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  • #132
    maxg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 516 ✭✭✭maxg


    Clanck wrote: »
    Hi All,
    I purchased a Panasonic Th42-PZ800B which has freeview (the mpeg2 decoder) and I have been considering changing out the tunerboard for the Th42-PZ800E model (mpeg4), which is locally available through your local TV service agent. I am interest in your feedback on this idea, the turner board cost 300Eur locally. I am trying to source one online, I can get a US model at shopjimmy.com. ( http://www.shopjimmy.com/showparts.cfm?item=418604&ps=4186&pn=4 ).
    This is an expensive solution but I should keep the full capabilities of my TV.
    What you your thoughts?

    The tuner has nothing to do with mpeg decoding.
    The job of a tuner is to demodulate the signal and give bits and bytes.
    The job of the mpeg decoder is to decode that bit and bytes delivered from the tuner.
    The mpeg decoder is either a extra chip at the mainboard or part of the cpu design.


  • #133
    fkearney
    Registered Users Posts: 54 ✭✭fkearney


    Argos now selling this for just 130euro. Its new to the market so 'may' have MPEG4 enabled. Anyone willing to check it out ?


  • #134
    Mossy Monk
    Closed Accounts Posts: 28,128 ✭✭✭✭Mossy Monk


    I doubt itdoes if they are advertising it as an LCD with Freeview. A tv for the UK market on sale here I think.


  • #135
    GerardKeating
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,711 ✭✭✭GerardKeating


    fkearney wrote: »
    Argos now selling this for just 130euro. Its new to the market so 'may' have MPEG4 enabled. Anyone willing to check it out ?

    Not sure about the tuner, but some googling finds some comments about poor picture quality and limited viewing angles.


  • #136
    GerardKeating
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,711 ✭✭✭GerardKeating


    IBOOD have an interesting offer today.

    Does not mention mpeg-2 or mpeg-4 for the turner, but since it does DiVX/MPEG4 play on the DVD side, the tuner might do it as well.
    Philips PET835 Portable DVD Player with DivX support
    You'll enjoy using the elegant PET835 DVD/DivX player in your car as much as at home. In fact, wherever you are, you can watch your favourite films, watch Freeview channels (thanks to its built-in Freeview tuner), and listen to music. Thanks to Zero Bright Dot & trade technology and an anti-reflective treatment, you get incredible image quality on the screen. You can play DVDs, DivXs, MPEG4 and MP3 files, as well as JPEG files, making it a really versatile machine! Amongst its many qualities is a dual headphones socket, so two people can enjoy the PET835 at the same time without disturbing those around them. It also has a USB port to play files stored on a USB key, a practical remote control, and an in-built battery for three hours of playback. Enjoy all your media wherever you are, thanks to the PET835 from Philips!
    • Brand: Philips
    • Type: Philips PET835 DVD/DivX
    • Product Type: DVD player with TV tuner
    • Form Factor: Portable
    • Media Type: CD-R, CD-RW, SVCD, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD, CD, Video CD
    • Media Format: NTSC, PAL
    • Electronic Programme Guide: Digital EPG
    • Supported Digital Video Standards: DivX, MPEG-4
    • Supported Digital Audio Standards: WMA, MP3
    • Digital TV Tuner Type: DVB-T
    • Display Type: LCD display - TFT active matrix - 8.5" - colour
    • Image Aspect Ratio: 16:9
    • Display Format: 480 x 234
    • MP3 Compatible: Yes
    • Features: JPEG photo playback
    • Sound Output Mode: Stereo
    • Digital Audio Format: Dolby Digital output
    • Speaker System Details: 2 x right/left channel speaker - built-in
    • Type: Remote control
    • Technology: Infrared
    • Connector Type: 1 x composite video/audio output 1 x composite video/audio input 1 x SPDIF output 2 x headphones ( mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )
    • Included Accessories: Carrying case, car power adapter, antenna
    • Cables Included: A/V cable
    • Power Device: Power adapter - external
    • Battery: DVD player battery - rechargeable
    • Capacity: 3 hour(s)
    • Dimensions: 25.5 x 3.1 x 17 cm
    • Weight: 1 kg


  • #137
    maxg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 516 ✭✭✭maxg


    Once more, the tuner has no affiliation to mpeg decoding.
    Beside that DIVX is not mpeg4 AVC H.264.
    You need a mpeg4 AVC H.264 level3 compatible mpeg decoder for irish dtt.


  • #138
    taung
    Closed Accounts Posts: 339 ✭✭taung


    GerardKeating wrote: »
    IBOOD have an interesting offer today.

    Does not mention mpeg-2 or mpeg-4 for the turner, but since it does DiVX/MPEG4 play on the DVD side, the tuner might do it as well.

    This Philips specification states that the DVB-T tuner in this unit only complies to MPEG-2. So, no good for Ireland DTT, but OK for UK Freeview.


  • #139
    GerardKeating
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,711 ✭✭✭GerardKeating


    maxg wrote: »
    Once more, the tuner has no affiliation to mpeg decoding.

    Don't get so pedantic, you know what i mean.


  • #140
    GerardKeating
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,711 ✭✭✭GerardKeating


    taung wrote: »
    This Philips specification states that the DVB-T tuner in this unit only complies to MPEG-2. So, no good for Ireland DTT, but OK for UK Freeview.

    Pity, maybe the next version...


  • #141
    zaphodbeeb
    Registered Users Posts: 368 ✭✭zaphodbeeb


    Was in HNs in Nutgrove today looking at hi-def tvs - printed out the model number list from this thread and took it along. Had checked practically every tv when I gave up and asked the guy - he said they had only 1 - a [granted beautiful] Phillips tv for 2.8k!!

    I asked him would they be getting more in as the Irish DTT service would be using it - he seemed confused and just said that nobody's asking for them....

    -ZBEEB


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  • #142
    Zonda999
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,533 ✭✭✭Zonda999


    zaphodbeeb wrote: »
    I asked him would they be getting more in as the Irish DTT service would be using it - he seemed confused and just said that nobody's asking for them....

    -ZBEEB

    Shows just how informed Harvey Normans clientelle usually are...


  • #143
    zaphodbeeb
    Registered Users Posts: 368 ✭✭zaphodbeeb


    Zonda999 wrote: »
    Shows just how informed Harvey Normans clientelle usually are...

    I'd say it's more how informed most of us are to be honest....

    I also rang DID and spoke to a guy who seemed to know a bit about it - but he said that the one model they sold with MPEG4 (a Sony) would probably get the fta stuff but that a stb would be needed for any commercial (pay) channels anyway.

    I don't know much about this stuff but I thought some of the more modern tvs had a slot for a CAM (? - apologies if I'm confusing the terminology) / card that would allow them to work with pay services?

    Basically he was saying you may as well get a non MPEG4 telly as you'll need a stb..... is he right? I guess it's down to what "other" channels might be available on DTT when it launches....


  • #144
    slegs
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,014 ✭✭✭slegs


    zaphodbeeb wrote: »
    I'd say it's more how informed most of us are to be honest....

    I also rang DID and spoke to a guy who seemed to know a bit about it - but he said that the one model they sold with MPEG4 (a Sony) would probably get the fta stuff but that a stb would be needed for any commercial (pay) channels anyway.

    I don't know much about this stuff but I thought some of the more modern tvs had a slot for a CAM (? - apologies if I'm confusing the terminology) / card that would allow them to work with pay services?

    Basically he was saying you may as well get a non MPEG4 telly as you'll need a stb..... is he right? I guess it's down to what "other" channels might be available on DTT when it launches....

    Most of not all Sony MPEG4 TVs also have a CAM slot which could be used for Boxer.


  • #145
    STB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    Panasonic_TX37LZD81.jpg

    37" LCD

    You CAN get a Panasonic TX-LZD81 for Sterling £699.

    To ship these in costs either £49 from one supplier or £69 from the other. 3 day delivery.

    This was obviously a very good deal a week or two ago when sterling was weak.

    At todays rate that is in around €850 all in. which is still good considering they do both Freesat & DTT

    2 places to try.

    1. LE CONCEPTS
    http://www.leconcepts.com/products/lcd-tvs/panasonic-tx-37lzd81-freesat-full-hd-lcd.html
    + STG69 shipping

    2. DIRECTTVs
    http://www.directtvs.co.uk/Panasonic_TX-37LZD80_37in_HD_Ready_1080p_Widescreen_LCD_TV_TX-37LZD80/version.asp + STG49 shipping


    PLEASE NOTE THAT ALTHOUGH THESE LCDS HAVE 3 TUNERS -THE ANALOGUE TUNER WILL NOT WORK WITH NTL (as it is a UHF Tuner only).


  • #146
    zaphodbeeb
    Registered Users Posts: 368 ✭✭zaphodbeeb


    STB wrote: »

    37" LCD

    You CAN get a Panasonic TX-LZD81 for Sterling £699.

    To ship these in costs either £49 from one supplier or £69 from the other. 3 day delivery....
    <snip..>
    Thanks for that - will have a look at that site - looking for more of a 42" screen but I guess that they'll have one suitable as well.


  • #147
    TheDriver
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,575 ✭✭✭✭TheDriver


    also try richersounds.ie or samsyerman.co.uk, they do some pricematching too


  • #148
    byrnefm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 889 ✭✭✭byrnefm


    Any ideas if this TV from Argos picks up TNT HD?

    Samsung 40in LE40A856S1MXXU 1080P Digital TV. 536/7229

    I see it on the Argos UK website for £1174.99.


  • #149
    bird-man
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12 ✭bird-man


    STB wrote: »
    PLEASE NOTE THAT ALTHOUGH THESE LCDS HAVE 3 TUNERS -THE ANALOGUE TUNER WILL NOT WORK WITH NTL (as it is a UHF Tuner only).

    STB, so if a TV has a VHF tuner, then you can plug NTL cable straight into it without an stb? I presume that the TV will have to have a CAM slot to allow decryption?

    Slegs or anyone else, do you know if the Sony 40W4000 has a CAM slot. I looked up the spec on the sony web-site and I don't see CAM mentioned. It did mention PCMCIA card slot - is that it? :confused:


  • #150
    STB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    bird-man wrote: »
    STB, so if a TV has a VHF tuner, then you can plug NTL cable straight into it without an stb? I presume that the TV will have to have a CAM slot to allow decryption?

    A stb for what ?

    This panasonic will pick up Irish DTT services via the internal digital tuner when conected to an aerial.

    It will also give you freesat when a sat dish is connected to it.

    It also has an analogue tuner for picking up terrestrial analogue broadcasts.

    The analogue tuner covers channels 21 - 68 and is UHF only. The reason for that is that is a UK model.

    The point is that those who think that they can connect their basic NTL cable connection to it should know that it wont work for NTL analogue as they use VHF in Dublin.

    It is important to understand the concepts of digital terrestrial television and cable television. They are not the same.

    This TV will allow you receive (digitally) RTE1,2 TV3, TG4 and BBC 1,2,3,4 ITV 1,2,3,4 CH4, E4, More4, Sky News, BBC News and all those stations listed on freesat.co.uk FOR FREE. You do not have to subsribe to NTL or SKY.


    Most cable operators these days actually supply a digital box anyhow.

    The possibility of watching low grade cable tv though this TV will not bother those who buy it as it is a FTA air SAT and Irish DTT TV. Most people will have bought it to avoid paying bills to cable/satellite companies

    bird-man wrote: »
    Slegs or anyone else, do you know if the Sony 40W4000 has a CAM slot. I looked up the spec on the sony web-site and I don't see CAM mentioned. It did mention PCMCIA card slot - is that it?

    Yes.

    But you should buy the Panasonic. Has Freesat tuner and Irish DTT tuner, is HD, a Common Interface Slot and costs €850 max delivered!


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  • #151
    bird-man
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12 ✭bird-man


    STB wrote: »
    A stb for what ?

    This panasonic will pick up Irish DTT services via the internal digital tuner when conected to an aerial.

    It will also give you freesat when a sat dish is connected to it.

    It also has an analogue tuner for picking up terrestrial analogue broadcasts.

    The analogue tuner covers channels 21 - 68 and is UHF only. The reason for that is that is a UK model.

    I understand all this.
    STB wrote: »
    The point is that those who think that they can connect their basic NTL cable connection to it should know that it wont work for NTL analogue as they use VHF in Dublin.

    Good point. Now I get where you were coming from. Sorry, bit sloooow.
    STB wrote: »
    It is important to understand the concepts of digital terrestrial television and cable television. They are not the same.

    This TV will allow you receive (digitally) RTE1,2 TV3, TG4 and BBC 1,2,3,4 ITV 1,2,3,4 CH4, E4, More4, Sky News, BBC News and all those stations listed on freesat.co.uk FOR FREE. You do not have to subsribe to NTL or SKY.


    Most cable operators these days actually supply a digital box anyhow.

    Yes I understand that they are different.

    I currently have a digital cable stb with a ntl card. So my query was whether I could now plug digital cable directly to the TV if there is a CAM slot for the NTL card. I've no idea what kind of compression (MPEG?) that NTL use for digital tv over cable. Perhaps it is proprietary coding and therefore I will always need their digital stb.


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