Bargain Alert: New Ferguson HD DTT/Sat Combo Box - €63 before postage

Tony · 08-09-2011 10:25PM

Just delete the satellite from the satellite list

peace2804 wrote: »

I'll try my best before opening a new thread.
what is he best way to delete the channels from one satellite in one go please?
I found the option of deleting 1 channel at a time or to delete all channels in the box but I didn't find the option of deleting channels from only one satellite.

Any ideas guys?

LordSutch · 08-09-2011 10:47PM

What benefits can I expect if I upgrade my Firmware from V2.14B4 to 15B5.

Any major changes? or just small little things?

I'm a little uneasy doing the USB upgrade, so I'm just asking, is it worth the risk?
Will the benefits of the latest Firmware outweigh the risk of killing my Ariva 120?

Tony · 08-09-2011 10:59PM

If you are not having any problems then you should not upgrade, especially if you are uneasy about doing so .

LordSutch wrote: »

What benefits can I expect if I upgrade my Firmware from V2.14B4 to 15B5.

STB · 08-09-2011 11:23PM

Zab wrote: »

MKV is a bad choice as most hardware decoders don't support it for whatever reason. An AVI container with Xvid in it should be supported by most things.

???
The unit has a MPEG4 H264 chip (that is the hardware). As it is MPEG4 H264 L4 AVC (i.e. Part 10) for DVB, it also can handle quite easily video formats MKV AVI etc, once the software is written to make it so. Hardware is not the limitation.

These video codecs containers are subsets of MPEG4.

MKV is the choice being shipped with all new TVs (LG/Samsung/Panasonic/Sharp) because its open source and free. DIVX is licensed as logo and certification use goes. DIVX/XVid are subsets of AVI. The unit will play an AVI.

Zab · 08-09-2011 11:57PM

STB wrote: »

???
The unit has a MPEG4 H264 chip (that is the hardware). As it is MPEG4 H264 L4 AVC (i.e. Part 10) for DVB, it also can handle quite easily video formats MKV AVI etc, once the software is written to make it so. Hardware is not the limitation.

These video codecs containers are subsets of MPEG4.

MKV is the choice being shipped with all new TVs (LG/Samsung/Panasonic/Sharp) because its open source and free. DIVX is licensed as logo and certification use goes. DIVX/XVid are subsets of AVI. The unit will play an AVI.

By "hardware decoders" I simply meant not on a PC, I wasn't referring to an actual chip or hardware vs software on a device. You appear to be referring to the Ariva here, yet we were clearly talking about anything except the Ariva (he would have played the original file on the Ariva).

MKV is a container format and it is not a subset of MPEG4. AVI is also a container format and DivX/Xvid are not subsets of AVI. DivX is not in competition with MKV as one is a codec and the other is a container. There is actually a DivX container but it isn't under discussion here. None of that really matters, I'm only pointing it out because you've jumped all over my post.

MKV is better than AVI and is gaining support like you say. However, a lot of devices don't support it, particularly older ones such as the Iomega Screenplay HD that the guy has. This makes MKV a poor choice for compatibility reasons. I stand by my original statement. If you know your target device supports MKV then by all means use it.

STB · 09-09-2011 12:45AM

Zab wrote: »

By "hardware decoders" I simply meant not on a PC, I wasn't referring to an actual chip or hardware vs software on a device. You appear to be referring to the Ariva here, yet we were clearly talking about anything except the Ariva (he would have played the original file on the Ariva).

MKV is a container format and it is not a subset of MPEG4. AVI is also a container format and DivX/Xvid are not subsets of AVI. DivX is not in competition with MKV as one is a codec and the other is a container. There is actually a DivX container but it isn't under discussion here. None of that really matters, I'm only pointing it out because you've jumped all over my post.

MKV is better than AVI and is gaining support like you say. However, a lot of devices don't support it, particularly older ones such as the Iomega Screenplay HD that the guy has. This makes MKV a poor choice for compatibility reasons. I stand by my original statement. If you know your target device supports MKV then by all means use it.

Jumping... nah.

I do wonder why people come to the conclusion that hardware is always the limitation. Chipsets dictate the limitations alright (in this case the example is a H264 L4.1 chip). Infact chipsets these days are where Divx applies their licences not on products. Short written software is the limitation to most of these problems (be it an iomega or an stb etc). But you are right I was reading the post from an Ariva or DVB spec viewpoint.

Re containers. Yes I was lazy with my wording. Divx was hacked from AVI MPEG4 v3. Xvid hacked from Divx. These days Divx and Divx+HD/MKV are profiled from MPEG4 Pt 2 and H264/AVC respectively in their "containers".

Given this is a TV tech and DVB STB discussion board so when it comes to debates about MKV being a bad choice for compatibility reasons I cannot see the arguement. It is a growing trend that such software support is added as the main high level processing chip for DVB H264 AVC video processing actually handles other video and audio derivatives and is therefore ONLY software dependent. Biggest issue I have seen within so called supported formats like MKV is frame rate! Some devices will expect 25fps and nothing else!

Wrong place of course for this discussion.

Zab · 09-09-2011 01:28AM

STB wrote: »

Jumping... nah.

I do wonder why people come to the conclusion that hardware is always the limitation. Chipsets dictate the limitations alright (in this case the example is a H264 L4.1 chip). Infact chipsets these days are where Divx applies their licences not on products. Short written software is the limitation to most of these problems (be it an iomega or an stb etc). But you are right I was reading the post from an Ariva or DVB spec viewpoint.

Re containers. Yes I was lazy with my wording. Divx was hacked from AVI MPEG4 v3. Xvid hacked from Divx. These days Divx and Divx+HD/MKV are profiled from MPEG4 Pt 2 and H264/AVC respectively in their "containers".

Given this is a TV tech and DVB STB discussion board so when it comes to debates about MKV being a bad choice for compatibility reasons I cannot see the arguement. It is a growing trend that such software support is added as the main high level processing chip for DVB H264 AVC video processing actually handles other video and audio derivatives and is therefore ONLY software dependent. Biggest issue I have seen within so called supported formats like MKV is frame rate! Some devices will expect 25fps and nothing else!

Wrong place of course for this discussion.

Well, I pretty much agree with everything that you've written here anyway. I know too many people with older boxes that don't support MKV to start using it yet. The PS3 didn't even support it last I checked. Regardless of whether they could support it or not (and I'd say almost all of them could) the fact remains that they don't.

Surfn · 09-09-2011 11:45AM

hello folks, is the Ferguson Ariva 120 the most recommend stb for the price to receive freesat and saorview

Surfn · 09-09-2011 12:07PM

Tony wrote: »

Thats inaccurate, there were problems like lip sync that have been resolved and what remains are some minor issues . If you want to see what users think take a look here http://www.soapbox-reviews.net/cgi-bin/iwsoapbox.dll/EXEC/0/1oece861r73kob16sap5r115u9mz

tony this link doesnt work for me.

Tony · 09-09-2011 12:13PM

Surfn wrote: »

tony this link doesnt work for me.

Sorry about that, as I mentioned above it changes when someone posts a review (reviews are run by another company) . If you click on the this page http://www.satellite.ie/acatalog/HD_Ariva_120_Combo_Box.html#aFerguson120Combo then click on the text just to the right of the 5 stars it will show you the reviews

Surfn · 09-09-2011 12:53PM

yup cheers tony that works

gkp1 · 09-09-2011 03:40PM

Just to add to the PVR drive list, I have used a Seagate Expansion 500GB 2.5 inch portable external drive and all seems to be working fine powered from the USB port. Recordings look perfect including HD channels.
Drive does get accessed constantly which provides an "instant rewind" feature but it would be nice to be able to turn this off?

Zab · 09-09-2011 04:46PM

If you botch an upgrade for whatever reason and you brick your device then you can still rescue it (mine was flashed with firmware for another device).

You'll need a computer with a serial port (probably an older computer, they look like this, you may be able to use one of those USB to serial adaptors), a null modem cable (looks like this, very cheap online, about a tenner in Peats). Don't buy anything in a high-street store like Peats if you can avoid it. Ebay is usually pretty cheap.

Download the flashing utility and then get the firmware you want to put on the box.

Hook up the turned off box to the computer using the null modem cable. Run the flashing app and select the firmware you downloaded. When it tells you to reset the box just turn it on and then follow the on screen instructions. A few minutes later your box should be back up and running.

Chuck Stone · 09-09-2011 06:45PM

I'm just setting up my ariva 120 and I was surprised to see that it was getting a reception from two satellites Eurobird1 and Astra2. I thought the Sky dish could only recieve from 1 sat (yeah I'm a total rookie).

Couple of questions

1. Should I be choosing channels (carried on boths sats) from Astra 2 for my edit list?

2. Why is there so much duplication?

3. Could anyone recommend me an indoor arial to recieve Saorview?

Tony · 09-09-2011 07:07PM

Eurobird and Astra 2 are in the same orbital position so you can receive both with one lnb/dish

norbert64 · 10-09-2011 01:47AM

STB wrote: »

Satsklep.pl is the only english one - they charge 54zl for UPS delivery (€13), but they dont have the 120s at the moment - they only have the Ariva HD 200 Combo which is €100.

Use a translator.

Other reputable site - 263zl (even cheaper).

http://www.dmtrade.pl/index.php?p1368,ferguson-ariva-120-combo&utm_source=radar.pl&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2011-05&utm_content=57238653

http://www.ceneo.pl/;004+sAriva~~MHD~~M120~~MCombo

STB wrote: »

Hmmm... actually as low as 249zl which is €63 before postage. Quite insane.

http://www.sklep.awhandel.pl/go/_info/?id=268&partner_id=97979797&code=8ffdeac4ac8e545137b0adeb5d275c24

Best of luck with the polish.

She's been reduced in price on the polish sites.

ceneo.pl = 240zl
sklep.awhandel.pl = 239zl :cool:

Kristopherus · 10-09-2011 02:07AM

norbert64 wrote: »

She's been reduced in price on the polish sites.

ceneo.pl = 240zl
sklep.awhandel.pl = 239zl :cool:

But they wont deliver to Ireland:(. At least I cannot find out from the website. Come up with "wrong country" when I tested the checkout procedure:(

LordSutch · 10-09-2011 01:25PM

They do deliver to Ireland .

The correct link is somewhere at the beginning of this tread.

Surfn · 10-09-2011 01:59PM

@Tony or any1 else who can help me, where i want to mount the dish, i was checking where the sun was at 11am this morn, there is a shed, but it doesnt seem to be blocking the line of sight, i mean looking from where the dish will be mounted i could see a clear line of sight to the sun at 11am this morning. would it be ok to mount the dish in this situation

Tony · 10-09-2011 02:03PM

Sounds ok , take a look at the vide on this page http://www.satellite.ie/acatalog/Freesat_DIY_satellite_systems.html

Surfn wrote: »

@Tony or any1 else who can help me, where i want to mount the dish, i was checking where the sun was at 11am this morn, there is a shed, but it doesnt seem to be blocking the line of sight, i mean looking from where the dish will be mounted i could see a clear line of sight to the sun at 11am this morning. would it be ok to mount the dish in this situation

Kristopherus · 10-09-2011 05:39PM

For any of you Ariva folkies who are looking for a good deal in 500gb external hdds, there is one on offer in Lidl next Monday for €45.

Kristopherus · 10-09-2011 05:40PM

LordSutch wrote: »

They do deliver to Ireland .

The correct link is somewhere at the beginning of this tread.

That link is for Satsklep. This crowd are a different outfit altogether.

LordSutch · 10-09-2011 06:48PM

No EPG on BBC4/Cbeebies or BBC3/CBBC.

Is that normal?

Peter Rhea · 10-09-2011 07:25PM

LordSutch wrote: »

No EPG on BBC4/Cbeebies or BBC3/CBBC.

Is that normal?

On all during their respective broadcasting hours?

Did you tune them seperately during the hours they're actually 'on'?

Trevord · 10-09-2011 08:07PM

How flexible is the channel numbering on this box?

Would I be able in manually implement the following numbering system for the channels?

001 RTE 1
002 RTE 2
etc

101 BBC 1
102 BBC 2

201 BBC News
etc as with freesat

May encourage parents to switch to this as they are finding changing inputs and multiple remotes annoying and confusing with existing analogue and freesat set up.

As they are used to the freesat numbering for UK channels I'd like to implement that type of numbering for them if possible.

Tony · 10-09-2011 08:09PM

You can have any numbering you like

Trevord wrote: »

How flexible is the channel numbering on this box?

.

myironlung · 10-09-2011 08:53PM

My TV only has a DVI-I input and an audio input for using with it. I also have an HDMI to DVI adapter I use to play my XBOX 360 in high definition on it. I was wondering, will I be able to use the Ariva 120 in the same way?

LordSutch · 10-09-2011 09:20PM

Peter Rhea wrote: »

On all during their respective broadcasting hours?

Did you tune them seperately during the hours they're actually 'on'?

I have one channel tuned in as BBC Four/CBeebies (10803 H 22000), which changes to BBC Four at 7pm every evening, if I then press EPG I get nothing! The same applies to BBC Three/CBBC.

Still no EPG on Either :cool:

Peter Rhea · 10-09-2011 10:51PM

LordSutch wrote: »

I have one channel tuned in as BBC Four/CBeebies (10803 H 22000), which changes to BBC Four at 7pm every evening, if I then press EPG I get nothing! The same applies to BBC Three/CBBC.

So you have the EPG on the kids' channels?

Tune in BBC3 & 4 seperately after 7pm.

LordSutch · 10-09-2011 11:17PM

Ah ha, so there are another two BBC3/ BBC4 channels lurking out there, anyone got the channel frequencies/pids handy?

Bargain Alert: New Ferguson HD DTT/Sat Combo Box - €63 before postage

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