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Cost-Effective, High-Functionality, User-Friendly Replacement for Pay TV

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Comments

  • #202
    SportsJess
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭SportsJess


    Thanks again @swoofer, thanks @ Gerry Wicklow, this is going to be a steep learning curve so please bear with me a little more guys and I sure will get there.

    When I asked about internet connection I really meant whether I need any wire/wireless network connection between the box and my LAN to install the picon folder on the HDD (having read ‘Connect to the box in your web browser using it's IP’ and use of ‘Webif’, ‘Samba’ and ‘Filezilla’ in @THHB’;s and @ NewClareman’s installation instructions, or is it my misunderstanding again) ?

    I will remove the loop-through cable and disable tuner 2 or tuner B (and I guess I need a new scan), @Gerry Wicklow I guess that would not stop me watching one channel and recording 1-2 others at the same time?


  • #203
    Gerry Wicklow
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,558 ✭✭✭Gerry Wicklow


    SportsJess wrote: »
    Thanks again @swoofer, thanks @ Gerry Wicklow, this is going to be a steep learning curve so please bear with me a little more guys and I sure will get there.

    When I asked about internet connection I really meant whether I need any wire/wireless network connection between the box and my LAN to install the picon folder on the HDD (having read ‘Connect to the box in your web browser using it's IP’ and use of ‘Webif’, ‘Samba’ and ‘Filezilla’ in @THHB’;s and @ NewClareman’s installation instructions, or is it my misunderstanding again) ?

    I will remove the loop-through cable and disable tuner 2 or tuner B (and I guess I need a new scan), @Gerry Wicklow I guess that would not stop me watching one channel and recording 1-2 others at the same time?

    Having your box connected to your local network makes life an awful lot easier both in terms of set up but also updating. The main issue I found with wireless dongles is that they are erratic for demanding tasks such as streaming HD. For less demanding tasks like using Webif or transferring small picon files it's not so much of an issue. Although not essential for daily use, internet access also adds a lot more useful functions.
    By default, if you are watching a channel on tuner A and a recording is due, the box tries to use tuner B for the recording. Likewise it prefers tuner B to download the EPG data. If it is not connected and disabled in the settings, the box knows to use tuner A for the above. If you are watching a conflicting channel it will warn you it needs to switch to the other channel to record. It will then switch automatically.
    There shouldn't be any need to rescan if you disable tuner B. The normal setting for a two cable setup is the make "Tuner B = Tuner A". That way they share the same database of channel details and know the status of each other. (if that makes sense)

    EDIT: Regarding multiple recordings at once. Using a single cable means you only ever have access to a quarter of the channels at any moment. For example, if you were watching/recording a Film 4 movie (low band Horizontal), you could not watch/record BBC2 (low band vertical) at the same time.


  • #204
    SportsJess
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭SportsJess


    Gerry Wicklow wrote: »
    Having your box connected to your local network makes life an awful lot easier both in terms of set up but also updating. The main issue I found with wireless dongles is that they are erratic for demanding tasks such as streaming HD. For less demanding tasks like using Webif or transferring small picon files it's not so much of an issue. Although not essential for daily use, internet access also adds a lot more useful functions.
    By default, if you are watching a channel on tuner A and a recording is due, the box tries to use tuner B for the recording. Likewise it prefers tuner B to download the EPG data. If it is not connected and disabled in the settings, the box knows to use tuner A for the above. If you are watching a conflicting channel it will warn you it needs to switch to the other channel to record. It will then switch automatically.
    There shouldn't be any need to rescan if you disable tuner B. The normal setting for a two cable setup is the make "Tuner B = Tuner A". That way they share the same database of channel details and know the status of each other. (if that makes sense)

    EDIT: Regarding multiple recordings at once. Using a single cable means you only ever have access to a quarter of the channels at any moment. For example, if you were watching/recording a Film 4 movie (low band Horizontal), you could not watch/record BBC2 (low band vertical) at the same time.

    ============
    Great help @ Gerry Wicklow.

    I already have a quad LNB on my dish, so I guess I would be better off attaching another cable to connect to tuner B IN, and use the 'Tuner B = Tuner A' configuration, right.

    Also, excuse my slow following: so I would still need a network connection to install the picon files to the HDD, right. Currently, I do not have one and it wont be easy to run one to the room where the Tiviar box is in.


  • #205
    Gerry Wicklow
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,558 ✭✭✭Gerry Wicklow


    The second LNB cable is always the best option.

    Without a network connection you would need to unplug the HDD and connect it to a PC that understands the Linux ext4 file system. Windows PCs do not understand ext4 without extra software. I'm not sure about Apple.
    If you can get the wireless network dongle to work you will be able to access the box using your PC and transfer files, settings etc. By using the network connection it doesn't matter what make of PC / laptop / tablet you have as you are using web protocols instead. Another option for a network connection is by using home network plugs that use your house wiring for the network. They work almost as well as a direct cable and far better than wireless. The Argos one is purely an example of what I mean, you might get better elsewhere.


  • #206
    Gerry Wicklow
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,558 ✭✭✭Gerry Wicklow


    BTW once connected to your network you would be able to watch live or recorded content on anything with a web browser anywhere on your home network. Webif also allows you to view / search the EPG. Set timers and lots more.
    Don't lose too much sleep over picons. They are not essential and are merely pretty pictures of the channel logos to make the EPG look nicer.


  • #207
    MenloPete
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 321 ✭✭MenloPete


    SportsJess wrote: »
    ============

    Also, excuse my slow following: so I would still need a network connection to install the picon files to the HDD, right. Currently, I do not have one and it wont be easy to run one to the room where the Tiviar box is in.

    Of course, if it's just a job like transferring picons, you could bring the Tiviar box to the modem location and establish a (temporary, short) wired connection to do that job.


  • #208
    SportsJess
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭SportsJess


    Gerry Wicklow wrote: »
    BTW once connected to your network you would be able to watch live or recorded content on anything with a web browser anywhere on your home network. Webif also allows you to view / search the EPG. Set timers and lots more.
    Don't lose too much sleep over picons. They are not essential and are merely pretty pictures of the channel logos to make the EPG look nicer.

    =================
    Great help GW – have not started anything yet, but will get things prepared to work on this weekend.

    BTW, I know this question has been asked before, but what you think would be best build for me THHB or NCM: from the outset, I like NCM’s general family use build but a little bit worried about the settings being heavily customised and locked for future adjustments.

    Also, the picture quality I get from the box at the moment is not great – nowhere close to that I used to get with the sky+ box, is this expected? Others on this thread indicated impressive quality and wonder whether some of my video settings of the box, for example, are not right for example? Is yours good, would you or any of the group mind sharing a view of your video setting? Thanks.


  • #209
    sligojoek
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,420 ✭✭✭✭sligojoek


    SportsJess wrote: »
    =================
    Great help GW – have not started anything yet, but will get things prepared to work on this weekend.

    BTW, I know this question has been asked before, but what you think would be best build for me THHB or NCM: from the outset, I like NCM’s general family use build but a little bit worried about the settings being heavily customised and locked for future adjustments.

    Also, the picture quality I get from the box at the moment is not great – nowhere close to that I used to get with the sky+ box, is this expected? Others on this thread indicated impressive quality and wonder whether some of my video settings of the box, for example, are not right for example? Is yours good, would you or any of the group mind sharing a view of your video setting? Thanks.

    Have you the output set to 1080? The picture on mine is fantastic.


  • #210
    Gerry Wicklow
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,558 ✭✭✭Gerry Wicklow


    NCM has put a lot of work into that image to suit the family wants. I worry it has gone too far in customising to personal tastes. Maybe for someone with a bit of experience in enigma it would be worth a try as they would know how to tweak it again to their own tastes.
    THHBs image seems to be nearer to defaults which I think is a far better starting point for a new user.
    One of the greatest features of enigma is the ability to make backups of both your user settings and a full copy of your image. These are quickly and easily made and just as easy to restore. You could try THHBs image, tweak it to your location and personal taste, and then make a backup. Then give NCMs image a try. If you don't like it, you can go back to your version of THHBs within 5 minutes. Alternatively, you could try a clean default install and use your backed up settings to personalise your own image. In each case it only takes a few minutes to swap around or undo anything. Every time you make a backup of your settings or full image, the file names are date stamped so you would know which was which.

    As for picture quality, I would be hard pressed to tell the difference between Sky and enigma. The best guess I could make is perhaps the box is not set to 1080P HD under MENU>SETUP>VIDEO


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  • #211
    NewClareman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,481 ✭✭✭NewClareman


    SportsJess wrote: »
    Hi,
    I am new to Boards and this thread, but have been reading for few days – NCM, THHB and GW you guys have done great job. I have one of these boxes from WOS and comes with OpenATV 6.2 and no int HDD. I already started twiddling with it, but results so far are not great: lots of channels not easy to browse and can only view ‘Last Scanned’ for some reason. I now would like to use NCM or THHB custom build/image and would appreciate your help in this, starting with:

    Welcome to Boards. It is an amazing community with a large community of, often very opinionated, users. Don't take everything you read as gospel, on this, or any other, thread. Contributors are posting on a personal capacity, based on their individual experience.
    SportsJess wrote: »
    Hi,

    1. To install one of the builds, do I always start with the flashing process described by NCM ? Would you recommend another way given I already have OpenATV 6.2?

    This is currently the only way of flashing the THHB and NCM custom builds. (Either could be made available on a custom feed, for downloading directly, but that is well beyond the scope of what I set out to do.)
    SportsJess wrote: »
    2. I am about to install a 500GB internal HDD; would you recommend doing this before or after flashing?

    Absolutely, install the internal HDD, first. I see no reason to install the picons on an external USB drive. (The only exception is if you cannot connect the box to a network, during the setup phase.) I have used the picons on the internal HDD for a number of months, without issue. This is also the approach taken by all commercial builds.
    SportsJess wrote: »
    Hi,
    3. Do I need the box connected to the internet for the installation? Currently I don’t have a network cable, only a WiFi connectivity using a mini 150Mbps USB-WiFi dongle but, as you flagged, not very stable.
    SportsJess wrote: »
    ============
    Also, excuse my slow following: so I would still need a network connection to install the picon files to the HDD, right. Currently, I do not have one and it wont be easy to run one to the room where the Tiviar box is in.

    That WiFi connection will suffice to transfer the picons, as per post 11. I used it myself, for that very purpose, without issue.

    For regular use I would recommend a wired connection, or Home Network Plugs, as suggested by GerryWicklow.

    If you must use WiFi, I would suggest using a Vonets VAP11G-300 Wireless Bridge. The link is only a suggestion, a google search gives cheaper suppliers. I used the previous generation of this for a number of years, with the Humax Foxsat Freesat box.

    (There is a stability issue with recent versions of Enigma2, on the Tiviar AlphaPlus, with Wireless dongles. I have evaluated three versions, on three differnet enigma builds, all exhibit the same behaviour. It does not appear to be related to heat, or signal strength. Based on this, I couldn't recommend their use, for streaming content.)
    SportsJess wrote: »
    Hi,
    4. Do I have to do a new scan (satellite and terrestrial) once installation is complete? if so, would you recommend auto/manual scan – only have one cable from dish to Tuner A (LNB1 IN), feedthrough cable from LNB1 OUT to LNB2 IN, and aerial cable to ANT IN.
    SportsJess wrote: »
    I will remove the loop-through cable and disable tuner 2 or tuner B (and I guess I need a new scan), @Gerry Wicklow I guess that would not stop me watching one channel and recording 1-2 others at the same time?

    You may need to do a Terrestrial Scan, if the Terrestrial Stations are not visible. The process is outlined in post 108.

    You have the correct connection for single cable operation - i.e. feedthrough cable from LNB1 OUT to LNB2 IN. It will not cause any problems with my image and tuner 2 does not need to be disabled. However, with legacy LNB's it does limit what you can watch, as per post 142.

    With only one tuner connected to a legacy LNB, you will be able to watch/record two satellite channels, on the same transponder. With the loop connected (LNB1 OUT => LNB 2) you will be able to watch/record three satellite channels, on any two transponders, within the same satellite band. With the current channel allocations on satellite, you can watch/record BB1/BBC2 and UTV.*

    If you've got decent satellite cable run in, youve got a number of options, as outlined in post 154. Personally, I wouldnt run in a second cable, unless it was a trival task. I'd either replace the legacy LNB with a Unicable one or feed the existing LNB to a multiswitch, with a Unicable output. The simplest solution is simply to switch your legacy LNB for a Unicable one.

    *In general the use of a legacy LNB, with one cable is very restrictive. Satellite channels are hosted on transponders on satellites, each transponder being identified by a specific frequency and polarization. Without the loop cable, you will be able to watch channels on one transponder only, at a time. Look at Transponder 41 (10714 H), on this chart. If tuner 1 is set to that transponder, the only channels that can be watched/recorded are two of: Channel 4, Film 4, More 4+1, E4. With the loop cable, the second tuner can access any transponder within the same satellite band as that of tuner A. That means the same polarity, in this case Horizontal (H). It also means the same frequency band, LO or High, with a breakpoint of 11700. In this case you are restricted to the LO Band, as 10714 falls within this.
    SportsJess wrote: »
    BTW, I know this question has been asked before, but what you think would be best build for me THHB or NCM: from the outset, I like NCM’s general family use build but a little bit worried about the settings being heavily customised and locked for future adjustments.

    The build settings are only locked for the causal, or family, user. They are all accessible via the pin.

    As per post 60; My image is best suited for people who want a replacement TV box, with a low learning curve. Note that the low learning curve applies equally to the installer and the user. :) This custom build is in use in multiple homes, with excellent feedback. I printed out the remote guides, in colour, and laminated them. It makes the transition as painless as possible.

    (In my opinion, the usability of any general build is very poor as a general purpose family device. Not only is the usability curve steep, but many technical functions, some of which could be problematic to adjust, are available on a single button press. The feedback I got from family and friends was pretty straight, they wanted it out and go back to pay TV. The developers, rightly, gave the ability to address issues such as these, via configuration. Using that capability, I have tried to create a custom build that is closer to normal commercial products for consumers.)


  • #212
    Johnboy1951
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,031 ✭✭✭✭Johnboy1951


    @NewClareman

    When using a Unicable LNB, can you confirm the coax wiring required?

    Loop out to 2nd tuner input, without external splitter, is required to allow the 2nd tuner to lock on any available frequency?

    or

    Is there a setting in the Tiviar to use both tuners directly from the Unicable LNB (as is the case with tuners such as the Digibit), thus not requiring the loop wiring?

    Sorry if this has previously been directly addressed and I have forgotten.


  • #213
    NewClareman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,481 ✭✭✭NewClareman


    Johnboy1951 wrote: »
    @NewClareman
    Is there a setting in the Tiviar to use both tuners directly from the Unicable LNB (as is the case with tuners such as the Digibit), thus not requiring the loop wiring?
    Not that I have found and I suspect that there is none as it would require hardware support. It would be nice as it would allow receivers be daisy-changed, without requiring splitters. 🙂


  • #214
    SportsJess
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭SportsJess


    Many thanks @NewClareman for the welcome and the detailed reply - excellent job. Yes, it is an amazing community and I am glad to join.


  • #215
    NewClareman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,481 ✭✭✭NewClareman


    Gerry Wicklow wrote: »
    Call me old-fashioned but I find that the defaults and basic plugins do all I need. I have 1000's of movies and shows on my NAS and don't need or want any database. If a show/movie is worth keeping it should be memorable as it is. IMO

    I agree with you, Gerry. For many people, from a technical background, functionality is whats important. They are happy with technical terms and don't mind complex menu's. This build is not for them. Likewise, if you are comfortable with (very) long lists of films, with no supporting information, this is not for you.

    However, for many people, usability is king. They don't care about technology, they just want something that "works". They will pay a premium for usability, as proven by the likes of Apple iPads and Sky TV. Present them with a complex menu, or a simple list of films, and they don't want to know. They would rather go back to Pay TV or the likes of Netflix. This build is for them.


  • #216
    SportsJess
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭SportsJess


    Hi All,

    Just wondering whether anyone has come across the 'techkings.org' site, and has experience of using it ? Is it safe to use/download images from?

    They have a new Sky Q skin here: http://www.techkings.org/threads/skyq-skin.89189/

    Would this skin work on Tiviar AP OpenATV 6.2 - see installation instructions on above link? and if so any advice for/against?

    Thanks


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  • #217
    NewClareman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,481 ✭✭✭NewClareman


    SportsJess wrote: »
    Hi All,

    Just wondering whether anyone has come across the 'techkings.org' site...

    Hi SportsJess,

    I have answered your post on the technical Tiviar thread, as this thread is intended for the custom build, only.


  • #218
    tadhg88
    Registered Users Posts: 7 ✭tadhg88


    First of all NewClareman a huge thank you for making this image freely available after all the time and effort put in.
    I have been running the box with your image for a couple of weeks now and quite a few timer recordings have popped up, i understand i may not have gotten the latest image at that point as you removed them and the movie list, however i have moved quite a few channels around now and i dont really want to re-flash at the moment.
    So i'm just wondering if there is anywhere i can view the list of timers or auto timers setup? Anywhere at all i can see the timers so i can remove them.

    I note you say on the first page that there is:
    Poor Visibility of Planned Recordings
    The best approach I could think of was to make them visible under a simplified main menu. I would like to link directly to the sub-menu entries, or even the timer view pages directly, but haven't figured out how to do this.


  • #219
    NewClareman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,481 ✭✭✭NewClareman


    tadhg88 wrote: »
    So i'm just wondering if there is anywhere i can view the list of timers or auto timers setup? Anywhere at all i can see the timers so i can remove them.

    You’re welcome, I built on the work of others. ��

    You can view the timers under the main menu (menu button on LHS, half way down the remote).

    You should also go into the timeshift settings and turn off autorecord.


  • #220
    a clanger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 357 ✭✭a clanger


    HI. Thank you NCM and THHb for you work and sharing the image. I've been lurking for a while and decided to take the plunge. I bought the Triviar box and flashed the image on with no problem. I just cannot seem to get the Satellite channels to display. The terrestrial showed up straight away. Am i missing something ? Do I have to do a scan ?. Thanks in advance ....


  • #221
    NewClareman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,481 ✭✭✭NewClareman


    a clanger wrote: »
    HI. Thank you NCM and THHb for you work and sharing the image. I've been lurking for a while and decided to take the plunge. I bought the Triviar box and flashed the image on with no problem. I just cannot seem to get the Satellite channels to display. The terrestrial showed up straight away. Am i missing something ? Do I have to do a scan ?. Thanks in advance ....

    The satellite channneks are pre-tuned, and should have shown up straight away. Had you an existing satellite box?


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  • #222
    a clanger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 357 ✭✭a clanger


    Yes an old sky box that was fully functional up to a week ago. ....Its not a Sky q one either !


  • #223
    The high horse brigade
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,456 ✭✭✭The high horse brigade


    a clanger wrote: »
    Yes an old sky box that was fully functional up to a week ago. ....Its not a Sky q one either !

    You sure you have the cables in the right ports, the first thing to check.

    In service searching there's a signal meter, make sure both have signal


  • #224
    a clanger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 357 ✭✭a clanger


    Thanks willdo...unfortunately will have to wait until tomorrow now due kiddy commitments ...Thanks again for speedy response !


  • #225
    a clanger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 357 ✭✭a clanger


    After reexamining my satellite plugs I realized I had managed to bend the inner core so it was not engaging correctly. Only realized after THHB pointed me to the signal meter and I had signal on the 'B' tuner but not 'A'. Thanks again help and quick reply's.

    I love the image so far and look forward to wife/EPG integration. Just a few more questions ...

    1) I have an SSD to hand can I use that as opposed to the recommended PVR disk
    2) Does it have to be formatted to ext2/3/4 before installation
    3) Do I have to reflash the image or can I just insert the disk
    4) Any recommendations for a magic-eye setup ...I have an infrared red extender I might try

    Thanks again to NCM for the image and THHB for the help ...


  • #226
    NewClareman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,481 ✭✭✭NewClareman


    a clanger wrote: »

    1) I have an SSD to hand can I use that as opposed to the recommended PVR disk
    2) Does it have to be formatted to ext2/3/4 before installation
    3) Do I have to reflash the image or can I just insert the disk
    4) Any recommendations for a magic-eye setup ...I have an infrared red extender I might try

    1) Other users use SSD’s, without issue. My only concern is that you have a much more limited set of read/write cycles with SSD’s. If I were using one I would turn off timeshift, as that writes to the disk continuously. (Still leaves live pause available.)

    2) You can set it up, once installed.

    3) You don’t have to reflash, you do have to change the settings.

    4) I’ve a couple hanging around that I used use with a Humax Box that I have in the attic. Then I found software that allowed me to control it from my phone/iPad. That’s what I ow use with the Humax and I’d recommend the same approach with the Tiviar.


  • #227
    crasy dash
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,611 ✭✭✭crasy dash


    Quick question lads just got one of these boxes and am hoping to set it up in the next few days,reading the flashing guide it says not to use a memory stick larger than 8gb.

    The only one I have are 16gb plus ,does it actually matter its more than an 8gb stick you use to flash the image


  • #228
    NewClareman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,481 ✭✭✭NewClareman


    crasy dash wrote: »
    Quick question lads just got one of these boxes and am hoping to set it up in the next few days,reading the flashing guide it says not to use a memory stick larger than 8gb.

    The only one I have are 16gb plus ,does it actually matter its more than an 8gb stick you use to flash the image

    I have used a 16GB drive, in the front USB port, without issue. However, these boxes are temperamental and it may not recognize it. It won’t do any harm to try.


  • #229
    Milsey
    Registered Users Posts: 178 ✭✭Milsey


    I've been using this for a while now and cannot fault it. No complaints or niggles at all.
    The part I need help with..... is with openwebif, I cant get ti view anything on my laptop or phone using it. I view it and is shows my setup, my favourites and my recorded list. When I click in the computer screen it phone icon the screen comes up blank and says "failed to play video. An unknown error occured" can anybody help me. I'd say it's a setting somewhere but I don't know. Please somebody help. Thanks in advance.


  • #230
    flashinthepan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 657 ✭✭✭flashinthepan


    Milsey wrote: »
    I've been using this for a while now and cannot fault it. No complaints or niggles at all.
    The part I need help with..... is with openwebif, I cant get ti view anything on my laptop or phone using it. I view it and is shows my setup, my favourites and my recorded list. When I click in the computer screen it phone icon the screen comes up blank and says "failed to play video. An unknown error occured" can anybody help me. I'd say it's a setting somewhere but I don't know. Please somebody help. Thanks in advance.

    I would imagine you don't have any software installed on your pc that can play the stream
    try downloading vlc media player on your pc and see if it will play it

    did you get a popup asking what you wanted to do with the stream
    Also what browser are you using to browse eg firefox , chrome . IE


  • #231
    NewClareman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,481 ✭✭✭NewClareman


    Milsey wrote: »
    I've been using this for a while now and cannot fault it. No complaints or niggles at all.
    The part I need help with..... is with openwebif, I cant get ti view anything on my laptop or phone using it. I view it and is shows my setup, my favourites and my recorded list. When I click in the computer screen it phone icon the screen comes up blank and says "failed to play video. An unknown error occured" can anybody help me. I'd say it's a setting somewhere but I don't know. Please somebody help. Thanks in advance.


    Before I tried much else, I would try connecting the box directly to the LAN, if you are using a dongle. I never got streaming to play to a pc, using the dongle. It would stream to a tablet/phone, only, and even then it was problematic.

    I would suggest VLC Player too, as flashinthepan suggests.


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  • #232
    Milsey
    Registered Users Posts: 178 ✭✭Milsey


    NewClareman wrote: »
    Milsey wrote: »
    I've been using this for a while now and cannot fault it. No complaints or niggles at all.
    The part I need help with..... is with openwebif, I cant get ti view anything on my laptop or phone using it. I view it and is shows my setup, my favourites and my recorded list. When I click in the computer screen it phone icon the screen comes up blank and says "failed to play video. An unknown error occured" can anybody help me. I'd say it's a setting somewhere but I don't know. Please somebody help. Thanks in advance.


    Before I tried much else, I would try connecting the box directly to the LAN, if you are using a dongle. I never got streaming to play to a pc, using the dongle. It would stream to a tablet/phone, only, and even then it was problematic.

    I would suggest VLC Player too, as flashinthepan suggests.
    I have box connected direct to the router. I'm actually thinking my wifi is dodgy at the moment especially in the room I'm trying so I'll look into that first I think.
    I'm getting it to play now on dream player but not openweb. I'll play with it again when I get a chance. Thanks both for the replys. It's good to have someone to turn too.


  • #233
    a clanger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 357 ✭✭a clanger


    Just an update for fence sitters.

    I bought the box just before Xmas and have been using Newclaremans image. ( Thanks to NCM and THHB for answering the newbie questions.)
    Set up and initialization were straight forward
    Technical questions were met with patience and answered promptly
    Ease of use and simplicity are fantastic.
    EPG similiar to sky etc
    Record function is simple and straightforward
    All in as a family we find this far easier and intuitive than the virgin media box we tried for 10 days

    The only problem we have so far is the lack of a kids bouquet !!. The channels may well be there but I haven't found a way to access them yet if anyone could provide a few pointers


  • #234
    The high horse brigade
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,456 ✭✭✭The high horse brigade


    a clanger wrote: »
    Just an update for fence sitters.

    I bought the box just before Xmas and have been using Newclaremans image. ( Thanks to NCM and THHB for answering the newbie questions.)
    Set up and initialization were straight forward
    Technical questions were met with patience and answered promptly
    Ease of use and simplicity are fantastic.
    EPG similiar to sky etc
    Record function is simple and straightforward
    All in as a family we find this far easier and intuitive than the virgin media box we tried for 10 days

    The only problem we have so far is the lack of a kids bouquet !!. The channels may well be there but I haven't found a way to access them yet if anyone could provide a few pointers

    Freesat has a children's bouquet, is it hidden by autobouquetmaker? I'm not running this image. You can check in service searching


  • #235
    a clanger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 357 ✭✭a clanger


    The high horse brigade wrote: »
    Freesat has a children's bouquet, is it hidden by autobouquetmaker? I'm not running this image. You can check in service searching

    I think that option is locked down in the image NCM provided. I haventn't found
    autobouquetmaker
    It seems the only channels available are those that came with the image/bouquet


  • #236
    NewClareman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,481 ✭✭✭NewClareman


    a clanger wrote: »
    The only problem we have so far is the lack of a kids bouquet !!. The channels may well be there but I haven't found a way to access them yet if anyone could provide a few pointers

    My “kids” are all adults, hence the missing bouquet. However, given all the praise, I’ll create one for you. (Give me a day, or two.)


  • #237
    NewClareman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,481 ✭✭✭NewClareman


    a clanger wrote: »
    I think that option is locked down in the image NCM provided. I haventn't found
    autobouquetmaker
    It seems the only channels available are those that came with the image/bouquet

    Reproducing the Freesat Bouquets didn’t really meet our needs - we wanted to mix and match UK/Irish channels.

    I have just reinstalled autobouquetmaker, so that upcoming terrestrial frequency changes would be handled automatically. However, I’m currently at an impasse - it always uses the usb tuner for terrestrial scans. This doesn’t work, due to driver issues. If anyone could tell me how I could configure it to use the inbuilt terrestrial tuner, I’d appreciate it.


  • #238
    Johnboy1951
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,031 ✭✭✭✭Johnboy1951


    NewClareman wrote: »
    Reproducing the Freesat Bouquets didn’t really meet our needs - we wanted to mix and match UK/Irish channels.

    I have just reinstalled autobouquetmaker, so that upcoming terrestrial frequency changes would be handled automatically. However, I’m currently at an impasse - it always uses the usb tuner for terrestrial scans. This doesn’t work, due to driver issues. If anyone could tell me how I could configure it to use the inbuilt terrestrial tuner, I’d appreciate it.

    What frequency changes do you mean?
    Saorview changes?

    Will that not be a once-off, easily handled by a manual re-tune?


  • #239
    sligojoek
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,420 ✭✭✭✭sligojoek


    I think Saorview are re-jigging frequencies later in the year. I could have read it in the terrestrial forum.

    Edit: Here you go

    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=105468171&postcount=1


  • #240
    NewClareman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,481 ✭✭✭NewClareman


    Johnboy1951 wrote: »
    What frequency changes do you mean?
    Saorview changes?

    Will that not be a once-off, easily handled by a manual re-tune?

    Of course it could, just like satellite channels can be returned manually. Nevertheless, I set out to have a configuration that didn’t require ongoing maintenance. If I can’t solve my issue, I will try to set it up so that it works for users without an external tuner. (I know, I’ve much too much time on my hands.)


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  • #241
    Johnboy1951
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,031 ✭✭✭✭Johnboy1951


    NewClareman wrote: »
    Of course it could, just like satellite channels can be returned manually. Nevertheless, I set out to have a configuration that didn’t require ongoing maintenance. If I can’t solve my issue, I will try to set it up so that it works for users without an external tuner. (I know, I’ve much too much time on my hands ��)

    My point was of course that Sat channels move frequency more often and of course there are many more of them to keep track of.

    For once in maybe 5 years or more and the few Saorview channels involved, it hardly seemed worth much effort to me, is all. :D

    EDIT:

    I meant to ask ...... is there a setting in which you determine whether the tuners do an idle and or initial EPG scan?
    If so delete that option for the USB tuner and it should use the other one.


  • #242
    NewClareman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,481 ✭✭✭NewClareman


    Johnboy1951 wrote: »
    I meant to ask ...... is there a setting in which you determine whether the tuners do an idle and or initial EPG scan?
    If so delete that option for the USB tuner and it should use the other one.

    Couldn’t find any setting that allows me to select the in-built tuner. Anyway, I’ve a bigger issue - a standard scan is also failing on the Terrestrial inbuilt tuner. The only way I can get it to scan is by first using the DVB-T frequency finder. This finds a “2RN1 terrestrial” provider, and both mux’s. However, only one mux scans. I’m giving up on it for now, it’s taken enough of my time.


  • #243
    McBain11
    Registered Users Posts: 1,300 ✭✭✭McBain11


    Hi lads, I've decided to ditch the Virgin TV setup. Their broadband is very good, but the tv box and setup isn't worth the cost at all.

    Reading through the threads on the forum here, it seem that the Tiviar Alpha + combo box is a very good setup. I'm very new to all of this and not very technical so excuse my ignorance on a lot of this!

    First of all, is this the exact box I need to get?

    https://www.world-of-satellite.co.uk/tiviar-alpha-plus

    Are there any add ons I need to buy with that? If so, what should I be looking at?

    Basically, what I'm hoping to have is

    - all the Irish and UK free channels on one easy to navigate setup (no switching)
    - lots of recording space (do i need to buy the extra hdd drive for this?)
    - 7 day EPG guide
    - series recording ability if possible

    I've read through bits here and I see NewClareman has done phenomenal work on this thread. Would an absolute rookie like me be able to set up this box in the way you mentioned in the first few posts?

    Any help would be greatly appreciated lads.


  • #244
    NewClareman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,481 ✭✭✭NewClareman


    McBain11 wrote: »
    Hi lads, I've decided to ditch the Virgin TV setup. Their broadband is very good, but the tv box and setup isn't worth the cost at all.

    Reading through the threads on the forum here, it seem that the Tiviar Alpha + combo box is a very good setup.
    First of all, is this the exact box I need to get?

    https://www.world-of-satellite.co.uk/tiviar-alpha-plus

    Are there any add ons I need to buy with that? If so, what should I be looking at?

    Would an absolute rookie like me be able to set up this box in the way you mentioned in the first few posts?
    .

    Yeah, that’s the box we used. Choose:
    1. 1TB HDD
    2. 8GB USB Stick

    Once you can download and flash an image, you’re good to go.
    Apart from that you’ll need an aerial for the Irish Channels and a dish for the uk ones.

    For some of the functionality, but not what you listed, you’ll need an internet connection. If you’re planning to use this I’d recommend purchasing the Tecnomate homeplugs at the same time.

    There’s lots of help around here, should you run into difficulties.


  • #245
    McBain11
    Registered Users Posts: 1,300 ✭✭✭McBain11


    Thanks a million NewClareman. All sounds good. In terms of recording, is it possible to record one channel and watch any others, or are there certain limitations. eg. If I'm recording rte1 on this box, am I able to watch rte2 or bbc1 at the exact same time?


  • #246
    NewClareman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,481 ✭✭✭NewClareman


    McBain11 wrote: »
    Thanks a million NewClareman. All sounds good. In terms of recording, is it possible to record one channel and watch any others, or are there certain limitations. eg. If I'm recording rte1 on this box, am I able to watch rte2 or bbc1 at the exact same time?

    I’m assuming you’ll have a Terrestrial Aerial and a dual feed satellite dish. With these you can watch/record at least one Irish Channel and at least two uk channels. You’ll find more info if you search through this thread.


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  • #247
    bramblesTitus
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭bramblesTitus


    AndrewJRenko wrote: »
    Is there any professional installer who will supply and fit this kind of setup in Dublin, with the emphasis on the 'user-friendly' bit?

    Just seeing this now as I finally cancelled with EIR. Did you ever get a pro installer to do this for you?


  • #248
    NewClareman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,481 ✭✭✭NewClareman


    a clanger wrote: »
    The only problem we have so far is the lack of a kids bouquet !!. The channels may well be there but I haven't found a way to access them yet if anyone could provide a few pointers

    I've just uploaded a new image with a Children's Bouquet. I also took the opportunity to update the software packages.

    AuouBouquetMaker is installed in this version, turned off. (I hope to use it later.)


  • #249
    a clanger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 357 ✭✭a clanger


    @NewClareman Thanks again for the work on the children’s bouquet

    @McBain11 ditched sky before Xmas due cost and tried Virgin media box. I/family did not like this, found the layout and configuration very convoluted and difficult for HQ (wife) to navigate. Returned within 14 day cooling off period
    I bought the above box based on reading this thread. Downloaded the files installed my own disk and found it a simple procedure. No technical knowledge is required. I had some issues of my own making and got fast accurate solutions from the chaps here. .....NCM has even added the kiddy channels 48hrs after my initial query...
    Using navigating recording and playback are simple and straightforward. The layout of the EPG is like TV growing up Rte’s followed by Bbcs etc ...
    Buy it you won’t regret it. I’ll buy it off you if you don’t like it :)


  • #250
    McBain11
    Registered Users Posts: 1,300 ✭✭✭McBain11


    Thanks got the feedback clanger :-) I agree the info on here is top notch and some serious work was put in by NewClareman on this thread and other lads on other threads in this forum.

    I will most likely buy this box over the weekend and then hopefully get it sorted and up and running the following week when I've a few days off work.

    Just one query before I buy the box, I have a 1TB WD Elements hard drive at home. Have some photos, a few movies etc. on it. If I wipe those is it possible to use that as the HDD device for recording on the Tiviar box. Or should I make sure and get the add on 1TB hard drive installed when I buy it.

    Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. Thanks guys.


  • #251
    The high horse brigade
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,456 ✭✭✭The high horse brigade


    McBain11 wrote: »
    Thanks got the feedback clanger :-) I agree the info on here is top notch and some serious work was put in by NewClareman on this thread and other lads on other threads in this forum.

    I will most likely buy this box over the weekend and then hopefully get it sorted and up and running the following week when I've a few days off work.

    Just one query before I buy the box, I have a 1TB WD Elements hard drive at home. Have some photos, a few movies etc. on it. If I wipe those is it possible to use that as the HDD device for recording on the Tiviar box. Or should I make sure and get the add on 1TB hard drive installed when I buy it.

    Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. Thanks guys.

    You would be as well add a drive as this box takes internal drive. Those Western digital elements can come with a proprietary connection so you would end up simply using usb, internal would be quicker.


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