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Setting up Multi-room Digital TV

  • 31-05-2011 05:53PM
    #1
    BnB
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,091 ✭✭✭


    Hi. I am tyrying to get Sky (or some form of Digital TV) to a second room in my house - and it is proving more complicated than I though. I'd appreciate any advice.

    To a central point in the attic I have,

    I have :
    • 2 Coaxial Cabels coming in from the Satatelite Dish
    • 2 Coaxial Cabels coming up from the living room
    • 1 Coaxial Cabel coming up from the playroom
    • 1 Coaxial Cabel coming up from a bedroom

    161160.JPG

    The 2 Cables that are coming in from Sat Dish are going to the living room and plugged into the Sky+ Box.

    The cables coming up from the bedroom & playroom are not being used at the minute.

    I want to get Digital TV of some form in one of the other rooms, lets say the bedroom for arguments sake.

    The easy answer I though would be to get Sky Multi-room. But because I don't have a land line, apparently, I can't get this. (How Freggin Frustrating is that...?) I rang sky Ireland and they confirmed this.
    What other options do I have ?

    Just a few pointers :

    • I don't need Sky+ in the bedroom, but I do want to keep Sky+ in the living room.
    • I don't necessairly want to be able to watch something different in the bedroom. It would be nice, but not a deal breaker. I just want to be able to watch the TV in a different room.
    • I would only need it in the other room occasionaly (maybe once or twice a week) so if I had to put in some kind of a switch I had to turn to do it, that wouldn't be the end of the world. As long as I didn't have to go moving sky boxes or taking out sky cards or anything like that.
    Thanks in advance for any suggestions.


Comments

  • #2
    Ranicand
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,960 ✭✭✭Ranicand


    BnB wrote: »
    Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

    Yes post your question on the satellite board this is the cable board.

    Not being rude your query is quite technical and involves splitting wires which I know is a big no no on satellite.


  • #3
    bk
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 23,699 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    Thread moved to the sat forum.

    You have a few options.

    1) Run another cable from the Living Room to the attic.

    This would allow you to take the output from the Sky+ box and run it to the other two rooms so you can watch what is on the Sky+ box.

    Advantage of this is no extra Sky box or subscription required.

    Disadvantage is you can only watch what is currently on the Sky+ box, however you can change the channel via remote eye.

    2) Run two more cables from the sat dish into the attic and then into the two other rooms. You can then watch the freesat channels.

    Advantage is you can watch loads of channels for free from freesat independent of your Sky box.

    Disadvantage you will need to buy a Freesat box and no Irish channels.

    3) Ultimate solution. Do both 1 and 2 above, plus put up an aerial and connect them all using a bidirectional amplifier, so in the two second rooms you can watch:

    - The output of the Sky+ box
    - Irish channels via Saorview approved set top box or TV
    - Freesat channels via a freesat box


  • #4
    BnB
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,091 ✭✭✭BnB


    Thanks for moving bk and thanks for the advice. Much appreciated.

    Running extra cables inside the house isn't really an option. It's a new house and it's all cabled and chased into the walls. I wouldn't be too keen on having a cable hanging down in the living room outside the walls. Also, The ceilings are solid pre-cast and I wouldn't be keen on drilling through them.

    However, on your other idea. I do have extra cables coming in from the Sat dish. They're just not connected up. I had a look at the dish just now and there are two output slots in it not used. So I can just connect 2 of the extra cables I have coming into the house.

    So that will give me 2 extra "Sat Dish signals" into the attic which can be fed through to the bedroom and playroom.

    However, what can I do with these. I don't really understand how Sat dishes work. when I was getting it set up, I had a guy install the dish on a pole at the end of the garden and it is set up at whatever angle needed to pick up sky.

    You mentioned Freesat and Saorview. Would I be able to to pick these up (with teh required set top box) without changing the angle of the dish (and affecting my existing Sky connection). Ideally, I would like to get Saorview, but I would be happy to get Freesat instead. As long as I could get a couple of kids channels I'd be happy.

    Thanks again


  • #5
    bk
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 23,699 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    BnB wrote: »
    However, on your other idea. I do have extra cables coming in from the Sat dish. They're just not connected up. I had a look at the dish just now and there are two output slots in it not used. So I can just connect 2 of the extra cables I have coming into the house.

    Yes
    BnB wrote: »
    So that will give me 2 extra "Sat Dish signals" into the attic which can be fed through to the bedroom and playroom.

    Yes
    BnB wrote: »
    However, what can I do with these. I don't really understand how Sat dishes work. when I was getting it set up, I had a guy install the dish on a pole at the end of the garden and it is set up at whatever angle needed to pick up sky.

    The Freesat channels are on the same satellite as the Sky channels, so you can use the Sky dish and no need to move the dish.

    You can use the same dish for both Sky and Freesat at the same time.

    Sky actually use the Freesat channels also, Freesat are just channels with no encryption that can be viewed by anyone.

    You just need either a FTA sat receiver or Freesat receiver in the two other rooms.

    FTA receivers tend to be a little cheaper, but they don't have the full 7 day Freesat EPG.
    BnB wrote: »
    You mentioned Freesat and Saorview. Would I be able to to pick these up (with teh required set top box) without changing the angle of the dish (and affecting my existing Sky connection). Ideally, I would like to get Saorview, but I would be happy to get Freesat instead. As long as I could get a couple of kids channels I'd be happy.

    Thanks again

    You can see the Freesat lineup here:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_channels_on_Freesat

    and the FTA sat lineup (which can also be added to a Freesat box) here:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_free-to-air_channels_at_28E

    Really the only thing you miss are Sky channels and the doc channels.

    It also doesn't have any Irish channels and that is why I recommend putting up an aerial in the attic and using an a combiner like these:

    http://www.satellite.ie/acatalog/Satellite_UHF_VHF_Cable_Combiner.html

    this will basically allow you to combine the aerial (saorview for Irish channels) and freesat signal onto one cable in the attic, down into the bedroom and then use a second combiner in reverse to split them out again.

    You will then need a Freesat box and a Saorview box to watch all the channels. You can get combined FTA sat and Saorview boxes, which is great, but you lose the 7 day Freesat EPG then, which may or may not be important to you.

    If you want to do the above for both second rooms, then you need to put an amplifier in the attic to combine the aerial and sat signals to be sent down the single cable to each room, see here:

    http://www.satellite.ie/acatalog/Triax_6_Way_Bi_Directional_Amplifier.html#aTriax6way

    You will still need one combiner in each room to slit the signal back out.

    BTW you can also use the above amplifier to send the saorview signal to your living room, in case you decide to cancel Sky in the future.

    Let me know if this isn't clear and you have any other questions.


  • #6
    BnB
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,091 ✭✭✭BnB


    bk - Thank you so much. I really appreciate the effort you went to.

    I don't think I will bother trying to combine the saorview / freeview for now. I just want to get a basic service in there. I think from reading your posts my best option is just stick in a freesat box in the bedroom. It's cheap and it's easy.

    I saw a Freesat box in Malpin during the week for €55. That should do teh trick. Plus, it has a USB connection which is great as it means we can watch films as well on it as well. So I'll probably go for that.

    Thanks again for the advice.


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  • #7
    BnB
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,091 ✭✭✭BnB


    Hi The OP here again...

    I am getting a TV for teh spare room as planned above, with a cable coming in from the Sky disk to pick up freeview.

    I saw this TV in Argos..

    http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5296493.htm

    It has a built in Freeview Digital Tuner in it. Now the page does specifically say...

    "This TV will not work with digital signals in the Republic of Ireland, you will require a digital set top box or satellite source"

    But I wonder does this refer to just FreeSat (i.e. You couldn't pick up FreeSat with it) or does it all digital signals.


  • #8
    Ronnie Raygun
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,351 ✭✭✭Ronnie Raygun


    It refers to digital terrestrial, must only have an mpeg 2 tuner, post the make & model if you want someone here to make sure . . .


  • #9
    BnB
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,091 ✭✭✭BnB


    Ronnie Raygun wrote: »
    It refers to digital terrestrial, must only have an mpeg 2 tuner, post the make & model if you want someone here to make sure . . .

    See here... http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5296493.htm

    Can anyone reccomend a similar TV in the same price range that would work with freeview (Not Saorview) in Ireland.


  • #10
    Ronnie Raygun
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,351 ✭✭✭Ronnie Raygun


    That tv will work with Freeview, ie the UK terrestrial service, if you can receive overspill transmissions from NI or Wales.
    Where are you located? Your whole setup as is seems to be geared to satellite reception.


  • #11
    Peter Rhea
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 4,285 ✭✭✭Peter Rhea


    BnB wrote: »
    Can anyone reccomend a similar TV in the same price range that would work with freeview (Not Saorview) in Ireland.

    Know what you're dealing with; Freeview (capital F) = UK digital terrestrial service (renamed as such after the collapse of the original pay platform).
    Also available in '+' & HD versions.

    Freesat; originally conceived as a fill-in service for those in the UK with poor or non-existent terrestrial coverage, it's basically just free-to-air sat. channels with a decent epg & interactive features for the 'Freeview' set of channels, also automatically retunes channels when necessary (like Sky).

    Substitute 'Saor' for 'Free' & you have the Irish equivalents (Saorsat currently testing).

    Anything else; generic, unbranded terrestrial or satellite should be referred to as such to avoid confusion.


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  • #12
    jpk1976
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28 ✭jpk1976


    If you are not bothered about being able to watch a different channels in the bedroom and the living room then the handiest option may be some sort of digisender---plug the emitter into the back of your sky box and then plug the reciever into your bedroom telly and your signal from the box to your tv is transmitted upstairs---we have been using it for a few years and would not be without it,especially as all your recorded programmes on the sky+ are available in the bedroom...
    http://www.digisender.net/DigiSender-DG200-X2.php

    http://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10152&catalogId=13352&langId=111&searchTerms=digisender&authToken=


  • #13
    Kristopherus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,906 ✭✭✭✭Kristopherus


    BnB wrote: »
    Hi The OP here again...

    I am getting a TV for teh spare room as planned above, with a cable coming in from the Sky disk to pick up freeview.

    I saw this TV in Argos..

    http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5296493.htm

    It has a built in Freeview Digital Tuner in it. Now the page does specifically say...

    "This TV will not work with digital signals in the Republic of Ireland, you will require a digital set top box or satellite source"

    But I wonder does this refer to just FreeSat (i.e. You couldn't pick up FreeSat with it) or does it all digital signals.

    Have you followed BK's suggestion. Have you got the Freesat or FTA boxes. If so then any TV will do as the signal is coming through the box initially. Don't mix up Freesat and Freeview. They are 2 completely different systems. From your earlier postings, I understand you may have gone down the Freesat route. Apologies if I'm wrong.


  • #14
    Liam Byrne
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18,163 ✭✭✭✭Liam Byrne


    BnB wrote: »
    Hi The OP here again...

    I am getting a TV for teh spare room as planned above, with a cable coming in from the Sky disk to pick up freeview.

    Freeview (or more relevantly the Irish version, Saorview) does not come from the Sky dish....it comes from a UHF antenna / aerial.

    Freeview is MPEG2 - the older UK standard. Saorview is MPEG4 - the Irish standard.

    So Freeview is useless unless you are feeding the signal from a decoder box of some sort - either Satellite or Saorview - through the SCART / HDMI lead or through a coax via an RF out for that decoder box.

    These are the reasons why they are only stocked by Irish "versions" of UK chain stores - they didn't cop the difference - and why they are now extremely cheap as those stores need to get rid of pointless stock. They ONLY will work as long as you have a separate box to do the decoding, making them no better than the older model that had no Freeview.

    As others have said, the only exception to the above is if you are in a border area that has some overspill from a UK transmitter.

    If you are using FreeSat then FreeView makes no difference as long as you haven't paid extra for the TV, because it's a feature that you won't be using because you're not in the UK.


  • #15
    Harolds+
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 186 ✭✭Harolds+


    I have a humax freesat + box and I recently bought a humax freeview + box in Newry. Trouble is when I delete a recorded programme/film in my freesat, it deletes a recording on my freeview.

    I heard I need a frequency to clear up this matter. Does anybody know it or have the same problem?


  • #16
    AstralTV
    Closed Accounts Posts: 176 ✭✭AstralTV


    Harolds+ wrote: »
    I have a humax freesat + box and I recently bought a humax freeview + box in Newry. Trouble is when I delete a recorded programme/film in my freesat, it deletes a recording on my freeview.

    I heard I need a frequency to clear up this matter. Does anybody know it or have the same problem?


    see here

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=73159950


  • #17
    Harolds+
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 186 ✭✭Harolds+


    Thanks AstralTV, The remote change worked and I am happy with that but I couldn't record on my Freeview+. I tried to record Xpose on TV3 as a test - it really was a test ha ha - but it didn't work. The record function worked when I pressed the red button but when I went into the "Media-Video" page there is a "lightening bolt" symbol indicating the recording was a failure.

    Its fine to record an alternative channel on the freesat at the same time so would this be a problem recording Freeview and Freesat at the same time?

    Thanks


  • #18
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,074 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    Harolds+ wrote: »
    .. I couldn't record on my Freeview+. I tried to record Xpose on TV3 as a test - it really was a test ha ha - but it didn't work. The record function worked when I pressed the red button but when I went into the "Media-Video" page there is a "lightening bolt" symbol indicating the recording was a failure.

    Its fine to record an alternative channel on the freesat at the same time so would this be a problem recording Freeview and Freesat at the same time?

    The Humax Freeview+ isn't compatible with the Irish digital channels, as was mentioned earlier in the thread Freeview is MPEG-2 and Saorview is MPEG-4.

    A Humax FreeviewHD+ receiver is capable of recording the Irish mpeg-4 digital channels but it has some niggles with Saorview. Do a search in the terrestrial forum.


  • #19
    Harolds+
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 186 ✭✭Harolds+


    @The Cush

    If my Freeview+ box isn't compatible then did I just blow £279 or will these niggles with Saorview sort themselves out or is it possible to buy an MPEG4 device to connect to my Freeview+ box?

    Sorry, its Freeview+ HD. It is the most recent so would it have the mpeg4?

    Thanks again


  • #20
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,074 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    Harolds+ wrote: »
    Sorry, its Freeview+ HD. It is the most recent so would it have the mpeg4?

    Can you post the model no.?

    If it is FreeviewHD then it should work with Saorview, if not some troubleshooting is called for.

    Unplug the freesat receiver and programme a recording with the FreeviewHD receiver - does it record OK?

    What type of aerial are you using to receive the Saorview channels?
    Do you have a Saorview TV, if you do does it display the Saorview channels OK?
    Is the TV aerial connected directly to the FreeviewHD receiver or TV?
    How is the FreeviewHD receiver connected to the TV?
    Does the FreeviewHD receiver display the Saorview channels OK on the TV?
    What channels appear on the FreeviewHD receiver's epg/programme guide?
    Do you have UPC cable or Sky in the house?


  • #21
    rlogue
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,035 ✭✭✭rlogue


    If a Freesat recording is disappearing when a Saorview recording is deleted does that mean both remotes are operating each box at the same time?


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  • #22
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,074 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    rlogue wrote: »
    If a Freesat recording is disappearing when a Saorview recording is deleted does that mean both remotes are operating each box at the same time?

    see posts 16 & 17 above.


  • #23
    Harolds+
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 186 ✭✭Harolds+


    The Cush wrote: »
    Can you post the model no.?

    If it is FreeviewHD then it should work with Saorview, if not some troubleshooting is called for.

    Unplug the freesat receiver and programme a recording with the FreeviewHD receiver - does it record OK?

    What type of aerial are you using to receive the Saorview channels?
    Do you have a Saorview TV, if you do does it display the Saorview channels OK?
    Is the TV aerial connected directly to the FreeviewHD receiver or TV?
    How is the FreeviewHD receiver connected to the TV?
    Does the FreeviewHD receiver display the Saorview channels OK on the TV?
    What channels appear on the FreeviewHD receiver's epg/programme guide?
    Do you have UPC cable or Sky in the house?

    OK Its Humax Freeview+ HDR-FOX T2. I unplugged the Humax Freesat+ and I recorded a film on RTE1 last night and it worked perfectly with the Freeview+. So you are spot on with that one.

    The aerial is connected into the Freeview+ box and its a 5V Antenna Power and it is marked "on" when I went into "Installation and Antenna Power"

    I have a SHARP HD ready tv and the reception is perfect. The TV guide says "Freeview - TV Guide" (Not Saorview - I supppose it being a Freeview box) I have the 8 Irish channels marked 800 RTE One, 801 RTE Two, 802 TV3, 803 TG4, 804 RTE News Now, 805 3e, 806 RTEjr, 807 RTE One +1. I also have channels marked "818 Future Service 1, 819 Future Service 2" etc

    I have a scart lead in the Freeview box connected to the back of the tv marked Ext2 in the tv.

    I have a scart lead in the Freesat box (marked VCR Scart) connected to the back of the tv marked Ext1 in the tv.

    We got rid of UPC 3yrs ago. The Freesat system was connected with a brand new dish and Freesat system.

    I wondering would the problem be with the HDMI cable running from the back of the tv into the family playstation and not from the Freeview+ box into the tv? The playstation wont work unless its connected to the tv via the HDMI cable.

    Thanks again


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