TV's with MPEG4 DTT decoder

Sam Russell · 21-08-2010 11:17AM

Clover wrote: »

Thanks John ,

I have two of them in my toolbox , can I just keep splitting the feed into other rooms with that type splitter without degrading the signal ?

No, you lose 3db per side. If you have more than one spit to do, use a distribution amp.

21-08-2010 01:06PM

I'm possibly looking at getting a new TV but it's a minefield out there and have been holding off out of fear that I'll get the wrong thing. I'm looking for something with MPEG-4 and good SD quality as apart from blu-ray I'll be using it for SD material most of the time. I think the picture quality is most important as I certainly don't want to be looking at YouTube style video on a TV. I'll also be using it with consoles so plasmas might be out of the equation (burn in et all).

The absolute biggest I can accommodate is 37" with 32" probably being more suitable and am looking around the €600 mark. Any recommendations?

Also, at the moment I have a 21" 4:3 CRT, would a 32" 16:9 be noticeably bigger?

watty · 21-08-2010 01:29PM

Measure the Height!

You want the same height of picture. the 21" is diagonal. 3:4:5 triangle
so it's 21 x 3/5 high = 12.6" minimum screen height for screen

The diagonal of a WS TV is 2.03973 x the height, roughly x2
so minimum WS is 25.2, about 26" for same hieight picture as your 4:3 TV

if existing 4:3 TV has speakers at side and is CRT, then a 32" WS with slim bezel at side and speakers under or behind is hardly bigger.

Go for a 32" 1920x1080 native (not the 1366 x768 "hd ready") or a ideally a 37" if it will fit. Measure the space and take tape measure to showrooms, even if you are buying online. Decent Cinema Wide screen needs at least the 37" as it has back bars top & bottom on decent DVD or BD transfers even on WS TV.

21-08-2010 01:40PM

Yeah it does have speakers at the side, though I was mostly referring to screen size rather than the whole unit. I'm going on the observation that my 17" 16:10 laptop still has a smaller vertical screen area than my old 15" 4:3 one. But you're right, should just get the measuring tape out!

I can fit a 37" but it would be tight. Then again I won't be staying where I am forever so could use that as an excuse.

watty · 21-08-2010 02:29PM

You'll not regret a decent 37".
Esp. on BD

I was re-watching the 1st Harry Potter film last night. It really needs a bigger screen as it's 2.35:1 Even with non-HD good quality DVD will look good.

Also more HD on RTE, BBC, ITV and probably TG4 next year to 2012.
Even TV3 are talking about HD.

If you have a typical size Living Room rather than Broom cupboard the 37" won't dominate. I'd like a triple DLP projector with 2:1 Zoom lens. About 36" for "regular" TV and 60" to 72" (depending on how widescreen it is) for Cinematic stuff. Choice of two sizes pull up or down screens so it's not there when not watched.

paulclan · 23-08-2010 12:29PM

I emailed the support link to see if this would decode MPeg4 H264 if that is what RTENL puts out!
They just said they had not tried it in Ireland.
the Spec says it handles MPEG4, but that could mean only files.
Anybody on here have a steer on this.
I want a unit for campervan/boat use here and EU.
Thanks if anybody has tried this or can offer an opinion?

here is the link:http://www.wedodigital.co.uk/12v-tv/

forestman · 23-08-2010 12:47PM

Anyone?

forestman wrote: »

Hi.

I have a Philips40PFL8605H (http://www.p4c.philips.com/cgi-bin/dcbint/cpindex.pl?ctn=40PFL8605H/12&scy=nl&slg=en) What do I need to do to get the DTT channells on this? I have no house aerial, just Sky. Would be interested to see what it can do. Also will it just show now and next on the epg or will it give me the 8 days?

Thanks

STB · 23-08-2010 12:48PM

paulclan wrote: »

I emailed the support link to see if this would decode MPeg4 H264 if that is what RTENL puts out!
They just said they had not tried it in Ireland.
the Spec says it handles MPEG4, but that could mean only files.
Anybody on here have a steer on this.
I want a unit for campervan/boat use here and EU.
Thanks if anybody has tried this or can offer an opinion?

here is the link:http://www.wedodigital.co.uk/12v-tv/

No No No.

Broadcast MPEG4 H264 processor and MPEG4 for divx completely diffrent things.

Its a freeview product. MPEG2 no good for Ireland or EU countries with MPEG4.

You are looking for 12v MPEG4 ? Look at the French sites. "TNT HD"

forestman wrote: »

Anyone?

If in Dublin you could use a small indoor aerial positioned at the window. 7 day epg, yes. RTE1,2 TG4 and RTE News Now at moment.

paulclan · 23-08-2010 12:59PM

Thanks STB,

I guessed as much, nothing is simple these days!
I'll search under TNT HD and perhaps I could post again if I get bogged down!The home set a Samsung 32" 720p from Pow city works very well near the Three rock on a small rooftop aerial, I guess HD is not so important in a campervan/boat but the ability to decode the signal surely is!
Very helpful member, thanks.:)

STB · 23-08-2010 01:10PM

paulclan wrote: »

Thanks STB,

I guessed as much, nothing is simple these days!
I'll search under TNT HD and perhaps I could post again if I get bogged down!The home set a Samsung 32" 720p from Pow city works very well near the Three rock on a small rooftop aerial, I guess HD is not so important in a campervan/boat but the ability to decode the signal surely is!
Very helpful member, thanks.:)

Big problem the 12v but you will find it. Be careful though. Some of the sellers conveniently run the words MPEG4 TNT and HD ready together and you could be mugged. Post what you think might be your solution and someonee will look at it for you before you rush in. I have seen ones 12v MPEG4 TNTHD receivers but they have to be conncted to a screen. Do you need a screen/small monitor ?

paulclan · 23-08-2010 01:18PM

Thanks STB
for the helpful further reply,
Had a look at one on pixmania, sigmatek DVBR-520 HD but as you say the vital 12 v is a must for campervan without wanting to invert 220V ac.Forgot to look at this aspect, must go back to pixmna again.
As regards a screen, I only have an old Beko 17" which is presently serving as the monitor for a mac-mini with the vga converter supplied.May have to spring for a new monitor with HDMI input as I expect the TNT HD box will only feature scart (maybe dropped) or HDMI and not DVI?
Does all this jargon make sense?
Thanks again.

paulclan · 23-08-2010 01:32PM

Récepteur TNT HD avec fonction enregistrement

AKIRA

DHB-B36HU-PVR
http://www.auchan.fr/vad/sdv/soushomeUnivers.jsp?rayon=4239308

Found this but the "alimentation" is mains, bah!
Will have another look around, but I notice that it only draws 13w/1w standby so a small can inverter might be not too big a battery burden, even if it ended up 20w through conversion losses, a solar panel would help balance the load.
Progress! thanks!

STB · 23-08-2010 02:09PM

you will need monitor. http://www.argos.co.uk/BIS?partNumber=5322408&traceablereference=TRK009

Bush DVB680 Set top box. (12 v psu)

Freeview HD which is mpeg4 dvb-t2. Will do Irish FTT, UK FTA HD and SD. Has 12v dc power supply accroding a review on tech spy.

Reduced to £99 STG from £150 til tommorow at Argos.

paulclan · 23-08-2010 02:41PM

Hi STB,

What about France,
will the Bush do for this too?I think the answer will be yes but I'm just checking!!
Sorry to pester you and everybody else!
thanks,

p.

STB · 23-08-2010 03:55PM

Yes that would be a fairly bulletproof spec Europewide. You will get the HD broadcsts from the UK as well. France same codec/platform as ourselves.

Dvb-T2 MPEG4 HD > DVB-T MPEG4 HD > MPEG2

The 12v I saw was the spec of the box posted on avforums.

The monitor obviously would have to have sound, otherwise its powered speakers.

It might be possible to get all built into a small Tv with 12v supply to avoid all the individual components.

You could also just buy a USB device for your laptop that will do all !

By the way here are some other dvb-t mpeg4 devices for boats and cars, specifically 12v.

HD
http://www.sundaybuy.com/Portable-HD-Car-Digital-DVB-T-TV-Receiver-2-Tuner-MPEG4--908_908.html

http://cgi.ebay.ie/Car-Digital-DVB-T-MPEG4-H-264-TV-Receiver-HE-ACC-HDMI-/320472142834

forestman · 23-08-2010 03:59PM

Thanks STB. Im in West Cork. Will an indoor aerial work there and also if I go for an attic aerial, what type and what transmitter should I direct it towards? Any Ideas?

STB · 23-08-2010 04:12PM

A Wideband. Mullaghanish I would think.

There are 2 main sites in Cork. Mullaghanish and Spur Hill.

Have a look to see what people are using. There are threads for both.

The Cush · 23-08-2010 10:19PM

forestman wrote: »

Thanks STB. Im in West Cork. Will an indoor aerial work there and also if I go for an attic aerial, what type and what transmitter should I direct it towards? Any Ideas?

STB wrote: »

A Wideband. Mullaghanish I would think.

There are 2 main sites in Cork. Mullaghanish and Spur Hill.

Have a look to see what people are using. There are threads for both.

Mullaghanish DTT requires a Group A UHF aerial, DTT is on UHF Channel 21. Check with your neighbours as STB said or check with your local aerial installer. Where you install the aerial will depend on how good the signal is, a professional installer should advise.

Any of your neighbours using Mullaghanish may have two aerials VHF and UHF for analogue tv, a single aerial could indicate Spur Hill or another relay. Spur Hill transmits DTT on UHF Channel 45.

The inbuilt epg should display the approx 7 day schedule.

forestman · 24-08-2010 09:13AM

Thanks Lads.

Pangea · 26-08-2010 03:24PM

Has anyone looked at rte news now today?
The rolling headlines are from 4 months ago, it just popped up on my screen saying "Chelsea have won the premier league title after a crushing 8 0 win over wigan" Like I want to be reminded of that again!

Also TG4 seems to be off.

STB · 26-08-2010 06:32PM

Both fine and up to date from Three Rock.

oldperson · 02-09-2010 01:06AM

I have reserved Panasonic a TX-L32S10B in Derry but will be using it in West Donegal. Is it likely to be able to pick up the DTT signals once they become available?

If I want to go ahead with the purchase, I need to buy it some time today.

Zonda999 · 02-09-2010 02:20PM

if its a UK model, then i dont think it will, it is definitely a 32S10B? The UK S10 only had a freeview tuner, not freeview HD

oldperson · 02-09-2010 08:22PM

I phoned Panasonic's Irish support number and they confirmed that a set bought in Derry would not receive the MPEG4 signal without using a set top box. Thanks for your reply which I saw just after phoning Panasonic.

I have bought a 37" version of the same model in Letterkenny and was assured it had MPEG4; the model number was L37S20L as opposed to L37S20B in the UK. (The salesman had the tv in stock and really wanted a sale - he undercut the UK price!)

bossdrum · 02-09-2010 09:58PM

Does anyone know if the Sony Bravia KDL-40EX401 LCD TV is able to recive the Irish Digital channels from this specification?

http://www.elara.ie/products/detailsfullft.asp?productcode=ECE1939753#spec

02-09-2010 11:46PM

bossdrum wrote: »

Does anyone know if the Sony Bravia KDL-40EX401 LCD TV is able to recive the Irish Digital channels from this specification?

http://www.elara.ie/products/detailsfullft.asp?productcode=ECE1939753#spec

According to Sony's website it can.

http://www.sony.co.uk/product/t32-ex-series/kdl-40ex401#pageType=TechnicalSpecs

High Definition TV Tuner (MPEG-4) - H.264 (with supported operators)
YES

bossdrum · 03-09-2010 12:45AM

Karsini wrote: »

According to Sony's website it can.

http://www.sony.co.uk/product/t32-ex-series/kdl-40ex401#pageType=TechnicalSpecs

High Definition TV Tuner (MPEG-4) - H.264 (with supported operators)
YES

Thanks Karsini:)

Zonda999 · 03-09-2010 10:21AM

oldperson wrote: »

I phoned Panasonic's Irish support number and they confirmed that a set bought in Derry would not receive the MPEG4 signal without using a set top box. Thanks for your reply which I saw just after phoning Panasonic.

I have bought a 37" version of the same model in Letterkenny and was assured it had MPEG4; the model number was L37S20L as opposed to L37S20B in the UK. (The salesman had the tv in stock and really wanted a sale - he undercut the UK price!)

Thats good to hear, the 37S20 is a decent set too!

piaget · 03-09-2010 12:17PM

watty wrote: »

Something like this:

They are from 6 Euro in bargain shops and about 15 Euro in Maplin. Many variations.

You can use extension lead and put it at window. Only use an amplifier near the aerial and if a long extension cable or it's in the Attic/Loft. If no good in room, try loft or upstairs. If still no good put one of these two in loft /attic.

Pointy bit points at TV mast, or on grid the box faces mast.

The rods are Horizontal or Vertical angle depending on which RTE mast. Try both orientations if in doubt. The photos all show "Horizontal". The Set-top model swivels in stand. The Yagi (2nd Aerial) is not swivelled in bracket, the entire bracket is mounted to side of pole to make rods vertical. The entire bowtie/Grid (wideband quad array) is mounted as shown for Horizontal (bows are horizontal) and simply the bracket is attached at right angles to the main reflector to attach the entire assembly for vertical polarisation (up and down bows)

If still no good, put the real aerial outdoors.

Amplifiers are really either only to boost signal before splitting signal or about 1.5m away from aerial to drive longer coax cable to cancel cable losses.

A poor quality (or too much gain) amplifier will overload with Tetra or co-channel and cause herring bones on Analogue or breakup on Digital.

Thanks to Watty for recommending the Maplins aerial, getting much more stable picture (only one slight break-up over the last few days).

First time to visit Maplins and its not for the novice, the aerial was'nt marked as UHF at all so I would'nt have been any the wiser had it not been for Watty's help. Also the assistant keep trying to get me to buy a €60 All for One job as its suitable for FreeviewHD. Now I know Freeview HD is equal to MPEG4 for reading threads here but its certainly confusing and misleading for the ordinary joe soap.

watty · 03-09-2010 01:18PM

Freeview HD doesn't need a special aerial. ALL TV actual signals are the same for Aerials and amplifiers.

One For all should stick to Remotes. Or something. Irish law don't let me say more.

TV's with MPEG4 DTT decoder

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