Potentially cheap DTT/SAT HD Combo €129

Mann239 · 18-02-2010 11:22PM

Thanks for the rapid reply about DD+ reception, GBCullen, which was good news since I'm not thinking of replacing my amp this century - stereo suits me fine and anyway, the lounge is too small to be festooned with more speakers - She'd never put up with it!

slegs · 20-02-2010 04:29PM

Have done some more testing and I can confirm that the Edision DOES work with Sky white cards with the unofficial firmware. It also worked with my Cyfra+ polish card (both cards in at the same time in the 2 card slots).

Also powered my motorised dish in USALS with no issues in both official and unofficial firmwares.

zbluebirdz · 20-02-2010 04:43PM

How does the "Edision Argus mini 2 in 1 Combo HD Satellite/DTT Receiver" compare to the "Free to air HD Satellite and Terrestrial Digital Ferguson Ariva Combo Box"?

swoofer · 20-02-2010 05:01PM

Well its at least 100 euro cheaper so end of story. Does everything.

gb-

Tony · 20-02-2010 05:11PM

Really? somebodys overchaging then, I've not seen the ferguson at 249 on any site.

GBCULLEN wrote: »

Well its at least 100 euro cheaper so end of story. Does everything.

gb-

swoofer · 20-02-2010 10:40PM

I did a quick google and this was first,

xxxx//www.satshop.tv/Ferguson-Ariva-HD-Combo

with that price I looked no further, you are a bit way down. Now your price is very good and should be top on the search.

gb--

zbluebirdz · 21-02-2010 12:58AM

GBCULLEN wrote: »

I did a quick google and this was first,

xxxx//www.satshop.tv/Ferguson-Ariva-HD-Combo

with that price I looked no further, you are a bit way down. Now your price is very good and should be top on the search.

gb--

Google.ie's search results for "Ferguson Ariva Combo Box":
#1 is a boards.ie posting made a few hours ago ...
#2 is Tony's site (when "pages from Ireland" is selected)
#6 is Tony's site (when "the web" is selected)

==========================================

A couple of questions in relation to the Ariva:

Are there any issues with using external HDDs?

Can it actually record and play back sub-titles?

swoofer · 21-02-2010 10:12AM

I just use a basic search and your tip is worth noting. It does do subtitles.

but have a look on here for more info.

xxx://www.saortv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=383

I have it working with a usb HDD as well.

gbcullen

zbluebirdz · 21-02-2010 10:33AM

GBCULLEN wrote: »

I just use a basic search and your tip is worth noting. It does do subtitles.

but have a look on here for more info.

xxx://www.saortv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=383

I have it working with a usb HDD as well.

gbcullen

My questions are in relation to the Ferguson Ariva.

- Yourself and Sleg has answered similar questions in relation to the Edision Argus (which is muchly appreciated by us all).

GerardKeating · 21-02-2010 10:37PM

Tony wrote: »

Really? somebodys overchaging then, I've not seen the ferguson at 249 on any site.

With the "Digital Ferguson Ariva Combo Box", one if the "features listed is "It has an Ethernet port for connection to a network or the internet"

What this allow, can one play mp3/4/avi files over the home network for example.

Also, does the card slot support "Irdeto 2" cards

thanks

swoofer · 22-02-2010 11:26PM

be carefull, there is one that states IP and this combo does not have ethernet port.

gb-

Robxxx7 · 22-02-2010 11:39PM

another potential box here Mvision HD 250T

High Definition Digital Terrestrial Receiver

1x HDMI 1080i connection
1x Card Reader
2x CI ( Common Interface Slot )
1x RS-232
2x SCART
4x RCA
1x Component Video Output ( YPbPr )
2x Digital Audio Outputs ( 1 Coax, 1 Optical )
1x Loop Out ( Signal DTT )
2x USB ports, with the following possibilities:
- Recording on external hard drive or memory stick
- Upgrade software ( 20 sec. Approx. )
- Playback audio and JPEG files
- Time shifting

I think this is priced at around the €115.00 mark ..

zbluebirdz · 23-02-2010 01:22AM

Robxxx7 wrote: »

another potential box here Mvision HD 250T

<<<*** picture removed ***>>>

High Definition Digital Terrestrial Receiver

1x HDMI 1080i connection
1x Card Reader
2x CI ( Common Interface Slot )
1x RS-232
2x SCART
4x RCA
1x Component Video Output ( YPbPr )
2x Digital Audio Outputs ( 1 Coax, 1 Optical )
1x Loop Out ( Signal DTT )
2x USB ports, with the following possibilities:
- Recording on external hard drive or memory stick
- Upgrade software ( 20 sec. Approx. )
- Playback audio and JPEG files
- Time shifting

I think this is priced at around the €115.00 mark ..

Doesn't have Satellite inputs ... Terrestrial input only.

- Original post is about a combo unit ...

Robxxx7 · 23-02-2010 09:59AM

yes, my mistake

galtee boy · 23-02-2010 02:21PM

slegs wrote: »

Have done some more testing and I can confirm that the Edision DOES work with Sky white cards with the unofficial firmware. It also worked with my Cyfra+ polish card (both cards in at the same time in the 2 card slots).

Also powered my motorised dish in USALS with no issues in both official and unofficial firmwares.

Slegs, forgive my ignorance on this question, but what do you mean, when you say that Sky's current white card ( Subscription or FTV card ? ) works in this set top box ? Does it give access to some subscription channels or access to a 7 day epg like Sky's one ? or what exactly does putting a white Sky card into the box do for you ?

snaps · 23-02-2010 02:56PM

just access to the channels subscribed too, but possibly not the premium ones (sports/movies). card will need to be kept alive in a offical sky box though every so often.

slegs · 23-02-2010 04:08PM

galtee boy wrote: »

Slegs, forgive my ignorance on this question, but what do you mean, when you say that Sky's current white card ( Subscription or FTV card ? ) works in this set top box ? Does it give access to some subscription channels or access to a 7 day epg like Sky's one ? or what exactly does putting a white Sky card into the box do for you ?

It doesnt give you an EPG or anything like that but it will allow you to view the channels the card decodes. EPG will be now/next as per all satellite channels. Any valid Sky card will work - didnt test premium sports/movies as I dont have them but the subscription kids channels defintitely cleared fine with a valid subscription card.

Many people will be familiar with this from MVision and Technomate boxes and would use this feature with a Sky FTV card to pad out their FTA channels with Sky3, Channel 4HD, Fiver, Five USA etc

shovel · 24-02-2010 11:13PM

Can i just add that i think the edision argus 2 in 1 is a great piece of kit.

I would recomend it to anyone.

The picture quality on the irish channels is as good if not better than the freesat channels on my humax hdr.

My rte were always poor-ghosting sparklies etc.

Good service and speedy delivery from slegs at saortv as well.

bigdogbarking · 25-02-2010 12:12AM

Have to agree, just took a while getting to grips with the new layout because i was so used to sky.now its so simple to use even my wife understands it!!!

shovel · 25-02-2010 12:49AM

definitely the "wife" ease of use is a big plus!

god! this box to use is a doddle!!!

gkp1 · 25-02-2010 03:16PM

Two questions on this box.

What happens if you try to view a sat channel on a different transponder while recording/timeshifting another sat channel? I'm thinking you could inadvertently cancel a recording by switching?

Does the remote offer basic TV controls, i.e. power on/off, CH +/- and Vol +/- ?

slegs · 25-02-2010 05:37PM

gkp1 wrote: »

Two questions on this box.

What happens if you try to view a sat channel on a different transponder while recording/timeshifting another sat channel? I'm thinking you could inadvertently cancel a recording by switching?

Does the remote offer basic TV controls, i.e. power on/off, CH +/- and Vol +/- ?

It prompts you with a Yes/No do you want to stop the recording box. There is a nifty feature where you can save a timeshift to a recording if you want (setting in menu). With the setting on if you timeshift and change channel it will ask you if you want to save the bit you havent seen yet after the pause/rewind to a recording.

Remote does not operate the TV functions

bublehead · 26-02-2010 06:35AM

Hey,
A few questions on this box. I would be interested in buying one of these but need more info first.

What is the timer record menu like? Is it any easier/user friendly to use than the pitiful timer set section on the HD200/300?
Unusual question, but does this box work with URC remote controls?

The reason for asking, is that I’m looking for a combo box for a person who suffered a stroke and have barely learnt to use the existing “easy to use” remotes they have (URC-7240). I tried one of these remotes with a HD200 combo. Even though they have a code for a M-Vision in the book, I presume it’s an older model as it doesn’t work (nor do any of the codes from a code scan).

Ideally I would love a box with remote record function through Ethernet/Internet, but do any of these exist yet? (I’m guessing not, since searches have come up with nothing). Freesat epg would be useful too, but I’ve all but given up on any cheap boxes doing that at this stage (might real digital change that ?).

Thanks

slegs · 26-02-2010 09:55AM

bublehead wrote: »

Hey,
A few questions on this box. I would be interested in buying one of these but need more info first.

What is the timer record menu like? Is it any easier/user friendly to use than the pitiful timer set section on the HD200/300?
Unusual question, but does this box work with URC remote controls?

The reason for asking, is that I’m looking for a combo box for a person who suffered a stroke and have barely learnt to use the existing “easy to use” remotes they have (URC-7240). I tried one of these remotes with a HD200 combo. Even though they have a code for a M-Vision in the book, I presume it’s an older model as it doesn’t work (nor do any of the codes from a code scan).

Ideally I would love a box with remote record function through Ethernet/Internet, but do any of these exist yet? (I’m guessing not, since searches have come up with nothing). Freesat epg would be useful too, but I’ve all but given up on any cheap boxes doing that at this stage (might real digital change that ?).

Thanks

On the timer, I will check it out. I have found that generally the features of the Edision while very similar to the MVision are implemented a little better. In particular recordiing is more flexible and stable. Maybe others who have used it a little could comment here.

Is the URC 7240 a One4All Remote? I have one like it at least at home if it is and i will try out. i would suggest one of the Logitech Harmony universal remote range if you have more than 2 pieces of kit. They are extremely easy to use and everyone in my house can operate them including my 3 year old

Remote record is a fairly advanced feature not likely to be found in this price range. Freesat EPG as discussed before is only available on Freesat boxes which in turn do not have integrated DVB-T for Irish DTT.

I know you are looking for the killer solution for Free TV. I get these kind of questions alot. To be honest with you, you are being a little too ambitious and the features you are looking for are not likely to be found in these type of combo boxes. The closest you will get is at the very high end of the Linux boxes like the DM8000 or something like a Windows Media Centre PC but these can go up to 1000eur.

The main appeal of these boxes is the ability to combine Irish DTT and Satellite FTA in one low cost box with single guide and remote and also be able to record. They are not intended to cover every base that Sky+ does as it has the advantage of being integrated with a specific tailored service supplied by Sky funded by their subscription revenue.

BostonB · 26-02-2010 10:34AM

A good combo DTT/FreeviewHD PVR box, I think would tick a lot of boxes.

slegs · 26-02-2010 11:28AM

BostonB wrote: »

A good combo DTT/FreeviewHD PVR box, I think would tick a lot of boxes.

That is not a Combo - both are DTT standards. A FreeviewHD PVR will pick up Irish DTT anyway. For those who can get overspill they will be popular.

Presume you mean DVB-S2/DVB-T2 Freeview HD Combo. As there are very few UK Freeview (with MHEG5) DVB-S2/DVB-T combos I dont expect to see too many S2/T2 combos aimed directly at the UK. They will come in generic non MHEG5 format but will be pricey initially. Would expect to be 250 to 300 eur and as they wont add anything for people who cant receive Freeview HD overspill they will have limited appeal but will be popular in Wexford/Wicklow etc.

BostonB · 26-02-2010 01:05PM

No entirely sure. LOL. I haven't been paying attention. I meant a box that can show Irish DTT and FreeSat, both with a 7day+ EPG and unified channel list. I assume the only way to do this is the Freeview HD boxes.

I am I wrong in assuming most of the east coast gets freeview overspill, for example most of Dublin?

Tony · 26-02-2010 01:09PM

BostonB wrote: »

No entirely sure. LOL. I haven't been paying attention. I meant a box that can show Irish DTT and FreeSat,

Its extremly unlikely this will happen as there would be no UK market for it and Freesat is a Uk system where terrestrail DTT is mpeg 2 in any case. The only way I see of doing this is for an indeoendent manufacturer to get a licence to use the freesat epg and again very unlikely this would be allowed.

shovel · 26-02-2010 02:00PM

i am useing a urc 7555 with the this box.

there was no code in the manual for the box.so i just used the learning function on the 7555 to copy the functions of the original remote.

only takes 5 minutes.

alternatively google "one for all" customer support.

if your model remote has a modem built in

you can update it over the internet

BostonB · 26-02-2010 02:43PM

Tony wrote: »

Its extremly unlikely this will happen as there would be no UK market for it and Freesat is a Uk system where terrestrail DTT is mpeg 2 in any case. The only way I see of doing this is for an indeoendent manufacturer to get a licence to use the freesat epg and again very unlikely this would be allowed.

But isn't a freeviewHD box effectively this anyway.

Obviously only where in range

Potentially cheap DTT/SAT HD Combo €129

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