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TV's with MPEG4 DTT decoder

jpogorman

Hello,

I'm new to a lot of the issues around DTT and am in the market for a new television. I was just wondering is there are any TV's out there that have MPEG4 decoders build into them so I would not have to get a seperate decoder when DTT goes fully live. Could anyone recommend a TV that they know has this decoder?

I was thinking of getting this TV but am nearly sure it does not support MPEG4...
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=348230&view=detailed#ProductTabs

Thanks,
JP

MODEDIT: STB has made a more recent list (19 Jan 09) of MPEG4 TV's here in this thread:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=58664909&postcount=101

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John mac

STB wrote: »

There is no problem getting the Panasonic's in UK. The shipping costs are €69 max. I know I shipped 2 over as I had been given the runaround by Richer Sounds...... be in this day, next week etc.

So you will get them from LEConcepts or directTVs - link is earlier in this thread. 3 days delivery time! Just check they are in stock beforehand....

i just got a quote for a 42" from leconcepts :

Delivery to Ireland can take up to 5 working days at a cost of £179.99:eek:

slegs

Couch Potato wrote: »

I have this tv also but cannot get it working ...

Do you need to connect an aerial to the set to get it working ... ?

Have done several scans with country set to Ireland and UK but no joy.

The tv is definitely the H model also ..

Yes, you need a suitable UHF aerial to receive the signal. For three rock it is on 738Mhz (Ch54). This is a Group C/D aerial or a good wideband aerial will also work.

Couch Potato

slegs wrote: »

Yes, you need a suitable UHF aerial to receive the signal. For three rock it is on 738Mhz (Ch54). This is a Group C/D aerial or a good wideband aerial will also work.

perfect thanks.

John Dough

Couch Potato wrote: »

I have this tv also but cannot get it working ...

Do you need to connect an aerial to the set to get it working ... ?

Have done several scans with country set to Ireland and UK but no joy.

The tv is definitely the H model also ..

Based in Dublin 15 also

You may even get it on a indoor amplified set top aerial as the signal is very strong.
In your area I would also try the Clermont transmitter on channel 60 I think it is ,maybe someone can confirm.

Mayo Exile

Clermont Carn, channel 53.

cnocbui

I have just purchased a Panasonic TH-50PZ81B plasma tv and had it delivered from the UK.

I purchased it in the full knowledge (?) that the terrestrial digital tuner was UK spec DVB compliant and that it would therefore not work with the local DTT which will be using DVB-T.

Having read a few posts in this thread it would seem that in fact I was possibly incorrect and that it might decode DVB-T.

Can anyone shed any light?

slegs

cnocbui wrote: »

I have just purchased a Panasonic TH-50PZ81B plasma tv and had it delivered from the UK.

I purchased it in the full knowledge (?) that the terrestrial digital tuner was UK spec DVB compliant and that it would therefore not work with the local DTT which will be using DVB-T.

Having read a few posts in this thread it would seem that in fact I was possibly incorrect and that it might decode DVB-T.

Can anyone shed any light?

Both the UK and Ireland use DVB-T for digitial terrestrial TV (DTT). The difference is that Ireland uses a different encoding mechanism. This is MPEG4/H.264 as opposed to MPEG2 in the UK. MPEG4 hardware is backward compatible to MPEG2. Your television is the Freesat version I beleive (Z81) which has a HD Freesat tuner with MPEG4 decoding hardware. The separate digital terrestrial DVB-T tuner in your TV also uses the same technology.

The long and the short of it is that your DVB-T tuner should be capabale of receiving both Irish DTT and UK Freeview along with Freesat from your sat tuner.

50"

Nice TV

cnocbui

slegs wrote: »

Both the UK and Ireland use DVB-T for digitial terrestrial TV (DTT). The difference is that Ireland uses a different encoding mechanism. This is MPEG4/H.264 as opposed to MPEG2 in the UK. MPEG4 hardware is backward compatible to MPEG2. Your television is the Freesat version I beleive (Z81) which has a HD Freesat tuner with MPEG4 decoding hardware. The separate digital terrestrial DVB-T tuner in your TV also uses the same technology.

The long and the short of it is that your DVB-T tuner should be capabale of receiving both Irish DTT and UK Freeview along with Freesat from your sat tuner.

50" Nice TV

Slegs

Thanks for that explanation. Looks like I win !

I really was thinking I would have to get a STB to get DTT.

On the Panasonic website, the specifications clearly state it is DVB with a n/a against DVB-T: http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/870440/index.html?trackInfo=true

It really is stunning set. Going from a ten year old Philips 29" with a permanent burn mark in the centre of the screen and a dead audio section (headphone output worked via an amp) to this has been a revelation. Just need to sort out a high gain UHF aerial to improve RTE1 and 2.

cnocbui

I have just found this:

http://www.igizmo.co.uk/articles/news/1080-home-entertainment-panasonic-unleashes-tv-frenzy-including-raft-new-freesat-models

and thought others might be interested.

Panasonic has released the details of its Viera TV range for 2009 – and it’s easily the brand’s biggest offering to date.
The new TVs will be spread over no less than eight new series: The flagship Z1, the V10, the G15, the G10, the S10, the X15/X10 and C10.
The top four series – the Z1, V10, G15 and G10 models – all feature built-in Freesat tuners, with all the lower models using standard Freeview tuners.
....

Tom

I'm looking for a DVD HDD recorder with DVB-T MPEG4. Anyone come acrossone of these for sale here?

Thanks,

Tom

slegs

Tom wrote: »

I'm looking for a DVD HDD recorder with DVB-T MPEG4. Anyone come acrossone of these for sale here?

Thanks,

Tom

I have also been looking for one of these. Dont think they are out there yet. MPEG4 is generally associated with HD so manufacturers seem to be saving MPEG4 recording for Bluray recorders like the Panasonic as outlined in the thread elsewhere on the forum

STB

Once you have loads of Money!

500gigs on each. Double MPEG4HD DVB-T tuners. Plays DVD record to DVD. Difference in price is Blue Ray etc.

PANASONIC DMR-BW500 500 Go

PANASONIC DMR-XW400 - €780

Sony have an RDR range of something similar BUT they havent went down the road of MPEG4 tuners yet.

byrnefm

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could confirm which (if any) of these have MPEG-4 decoders? I'm fairly sure the Samsung LE40856 does but wasn't sure the other two do:

http://www.komplett.ie/k/kcp.aspx?sku=374799&sku=387664&sku=377584

STB

For a start those prices are madness. Secondly I cant believe how bad the tech spec info is on that site. How difficult is it put a line in for MPEG4, most sites do.

A lot of the samsungs are MPEG4 (especially where you see the TNT HD logo). There is a list previously in this thread of MPEG4 LCDs including the Samsung range.

If the ability to receive text doesnt bother you then check this out - where you see TNT HD in the 1st line of description, ignore the others. It will give you an idea of what you should be paying.

http://uk.shopping.com/xPP-plasma_and_lcd_tvs-TNT_HD~S-213~OR-0#stt

One thing to remember is that MPEG4 is not the full spec! If they dont have MHEG5 you will not receive text.

There are only 2 manufacturers that I know of producing goods that have both MPEG4 and MHEG. They are Sony and Panasonic and only certain ranges within the 2.

The Panasonic Viera freesat range (37LZD81/32LZD81/

TH-46PZ81B/TH-50PZ81B/TH-42PZ81B). - only reason that they fit the spec is that the MHEG is fitted for the freesat element but the dvb-t tuner can also avail of it.

The Sony KDL range (check individual specs).

gfinn

The W series of Sony Bravia should give DTT and enhanced teletext. I've got a KDL40W4500 and recieve everything.

TheDriver

can confirm my z81 working with DTT from Mullaghanish

byte

I've been informed that all new upcoming Samsung TV's will have an MPEG4 tuner. The new models will have a B instead of A (eg. 40B656, etc). I believe they're to launch in the next month or two. Don't know if they'll have MHEG5 middleware yet though.

micratoyota

STB wrote: »

You do not need the VHF tuner anyhow. People who buy a Freesat/DTT Combo are trying to avoid cable/pay TV, I would imagine!

DTT is on UHF. Cant recommend this range enough. MHEG5 an all!

Just reading all about Freesat/DTT MPEG4 etc and would llike some advise. I am thinking of buying a 32" LCD . I have a Silvercrest Sat System and I get my RTE's from an old cable connection, (Chorus) which I had years ago. Now this cable is analogue as my neighbours who have NTL had their cable upgraded. I believe it works on the VHF system. I have two remote controls one to work the RTE's and one for the Sat system. What would the TV i buy have to have. I would like to be able to record some programmes as I now can record the RTE's. I am living in Cork City

TheDriver

get yourself a z81 panasonic which will give you DTT (digital rte) from spur hill (where in Cork city are you? an indoor aerial might work for you, I use an attic aerial with abooster in Bandon for Mullaghanish) and hook up a satellite dish to the tv also and you can get freesat in HD. I got mine off Richer Sounds in Belfast, delivered

micratoyota

I live near Shandon just minutes from city centre. I think I pick up the signal from Collins Barracks on my portable upstairs, which needs moving around now since they built high rise flats opposite me blocking out my view of the transmitter in Collins Barracks. I was leaning more to a Sony or Samsung as I had a Panasonic VCR some years back which gave lots of trouble. p.s I have two televisions running from the Chorus cable.

TheDriver

things have changed a lot over the years, sony, panasonic and samsung have the best names, mine is a great tv.
You should be able to get some reception off spur hill, there is a thread on here that you could look at or ask someone like Rippy who could give you the advice you need. Doesn';t matter about 2 tvs off it, chorus would be no good to dtt, need aerial from rte transmitter.
I literally threw a 20 euro uhf aerial in attic, booster and power supply from dwyers and get dtt full reception, 9/10 and my reception from mullaghanish before was poor enough so should be no problem for you for spur hill

micratoyota

Thanks for that information. Will definetely look into putting an aerial upstairs. Will I be able to split that to work the two TV's I have one in the front of the house and one in the back, with the cable running under the timber floor (which I will be replacing soon anyway):)

TheDriver

you can run as many cables as you want, lots of options. ONce you know exactly what you want, post a thread so you can be advised as to what you need. Very easy to do. If you are replacing floors and hence cables, make sure you use proper cable i.e. ct100 or equivalent

pa990

35 miles from Mulla
15 Miles from Spur Hill

Receiving 8 services on ch45 (full strength)
&
8 Services on ch21 (Medium strength .. minor occasional pixelation)

Yagi Contract C/D antenna pointing at Spur Hill

(mulla must be thumping out the power)

TheDriver

Hey pa,
I am getting grand quality and strength but occasional pixelation too, wonder what thats all about as doesn't appear to be reception related?

aldente

Hi, I must say that I am very pleased with the recent DTT rollout in the midland area.

My full HD LCD TV Sony Bravia KDL-32W4000 is equipped with MPEG4 decoder, and now shows clear, crisp pictures in digital reception! It has a cheap indoor aerial from One For All connected, and you can see the difference straightforward by switching between analogue and digital using the remote, thanks to the strong signal in my area.

I spent some time researching and decided to get one with MPEG4 decoder so that at least those Irish channels could be digitally received without subscribing to Sky or NTL. Now I am thinking to add a satellite for FTA channels as the next step.

Sony has already finished manufacturing this model, but it seems still easily available, and there is a new W range out soon, which I reckon follows the same steps as W4000. I strongly recommend anyone who is considering a new LCD TV (or any electronic item) to check the product manuals on the web before you buy. You will certainly save lots of hassle by doing so.

I feel that, despite the recent economic recession, there is a fundamental role for a public body like ComReg to play in carrying public awareness activities on a wider basis, because not every one of us is technically literate, nor can afford Sky subscription.

I would like to thank the boards community because I would not be enjoying TV the way I am enjoying DTT now if I had not joined a space like boards.ie

STB

micratoyota wrote: »

Thanks for that information. Will definetely look into putting an aerial upstairs. Will I be able to split that to work the two TV's I have one in the front of the house and one in the back, with the cable running under the timber floor (which I will be replacing soon anyway):)

If you are buying an a new MPEG4 TV and are splitting the aerial cable to go to the TV in the back room which presumably is older (and doesnt have a DTT tuner in it) remember you will need a DTT box for that TV to show the DTT stations (aerial cable goes to box - scart to TV). You can buy one fairly cheap on ebay.fr (France have a similar DTT service) using the search term TNT HD. Do not spend anything over €80 for one.

Mega-Man

Recently purhased this T.V in the north..
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5293551/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CHome+entertainment+and+sat+nav%7C12108813/c_2/2%7Ccat_12108813%7CTelevisions%7C12108983/c_3/3%7Ccat_12108983%7C26+inch+to+28+inch+LCD+TVs%7C12108990.htm

Although it was one of the cheaper tvs on offer the picture quality is excellent and i am very happy about it.The one thing that makes me regret buying this telly is the is the fact that the digital TV tuner doesn't pick up any channels at all.I live in the south-west of Donegal and my normal analogue reception is very good(all the british and irish channels) and the thought did cross my mind that the digital signal could be blocked because I live in the republic.

What i want to know has any one purhased this tv in argos in the south?If so does the Digital tuner work?Also any help in getting the Digital tuner to work would be greatly appreiciated thanks in advance for any help anyone would be able to give me.

EDIT:I apologize if this post is off topic to the rest of the thread

Rick_

The TV doesn't have a MPEG4 tuner as it is not required in the UK yet, it has an MPEG2 tuner.

You won't be able to watch the current tests unless you buy a new TV with MPEG4 tuner in it or a seperate MPEG4 set top box.

The price of a new TV with the MPEG4 tuner would be a lot more expensive than what you paid for that TV in Argos though. I have an Acoustic Solutions TV myself in the bedroom (a model or two before the one you got - no DTT tuner in it) and I'm really happy with it, looks good and picture qulity is great. If getting the ROI DTT tests is really that important to you, then consider a different TV or compatible STB, if not, then stick with this TV and just enjoy all the UK and ROI analogue channels, and Freeview of course, if you can get it depending on which transmitter you're using to get the UK channels...

aldente

Paddy C wrote: »

...The price of a new TV with the MPEG4 tuner would be a lot more expensive than what you paid for that TV in Argos though. ... if not, then stick with this TV and just enjoy all the UK and ROI analogue channels, and Freeview of course, if you can get it depending on which transmitter you're using to get the UK channels...

As far as I know, Argos Ireland is on the expensive side for electronic products unfortunately. My MPEG4-compatible TV cost 769 euro at Pixmania.ie, which was 35% less than Argos, and there were a couple of other yolks like Elara, Komplette at that time offering attractive price tags.

As we know, new TV models come and go rather quickly, which means we are more likely to enjoy reduced prices on models near or already discontinued. If you shop round, you will not be spending so much on items like TV, in my opinon.

Yes, the main thing is whether you like your TV or not, but the current situation just leaves us confused in how we can manage spending on the forthcoming switchover to digital television.