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

STB · 2011-05-30 22:10:35

Ferguson Ariva 120 Combo Brand new from Ferguson, the Ariva 120 Combo available now from all the polish sites... lowest i have seen is 275zl which is €70 (before postage). Front Back Remote SPECIFICATION STB Type: DVBS/S2/T Combo Receiver Main Chipset: ALI 3602B CPU frequency: 333MHz Flash Memory: 1PC 32Mbit/4Mbyte SDRAM…

Comments

#62 31-05-2011 9:55pm

RogerThis

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Does it support watching satellite while recording dtt and visa versa?
I know this is a problem with similar boxes eg edision argus mini.

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#63 31-05-2011 10:10pm

RogerThis

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Manc-Red wrote: »

I see a Lan.... Surely to god you can't put Cccam on that??

Can you??

Maybe:pac:
http://www.sat-universe.com/showthread.php?t=178438

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#64 31-05-2011 10:38pm

STB

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In relation to divx, it plays AVI and MKVs and those part of MPEG4.

@cccam the 100E(sat only version upon which the 120 is based and is replacing) did, that would be unofficial software no doubt.

The eth port is enabled for web radio on the official so has access.

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#65 31-05-2011 10:43pm

O'Prez

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STB wrote: »

In relation to divx, it plays AVI and MKVs and those part of MPEG4.

@cccam the 100E(sat only version upon which the 120 is based and is replacing) did, that would be unofficial software no doubt.

The eth port is enabled for web radio on the official so has access.

Yeah that's what I thought. Hmmm. Anyway, just what is the difference between this and the 200 that warrants such a difference in price??

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#66 31-05-2011 10:50pm

STB

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O'Prez wrote: »

Yeah that's what I thought. Hmmm. Anyway, just what is the difference between this and the 200 that warrants such a difference in price??

Nothing from what I can see (I dont have one of either to see) but from what I have read they are rejigging their product line and stopping production of the 100e in preference to this 120 combo, hence a lower entry box built on a common chipset -ALi.

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#67 01-06-2011 12:07am

O'Prez

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Am I right in thinking that with this box you tune the terrestrial and satellite channels you want and then add them to a favourites list so you can go from one channel to another seamlessly and if so...how many channels can be stored in a favourites list? And how does this weigh up against the Edision Argus Mini?

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#68 01-06-2011 8:57am

Tony

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Apogee wrote: »

Does it support HE-AAC? Can't see it in the specs.

I have put in a request for this (STB made me aware of it) but as I said earlier ferguson are not very pro active adding what the market needs I'm afraid.

Desktop PC Boards discount code on https://www.satellite.ie/ is boards.ie

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#69 01-06-2011 8:59am

Tony

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The 200 can so i assume this would but I'll test it to make sure when we get stock.

RogerThis wrote: »

Does it support watching satellite while recording dtt and visa versa?
I know this is a problem with similar boxes eg edision argus mini.

Desktop PC Boards discount code on https://www.satellite.ie/ is boards.ie

0
#70 01-06-2011 9:03am

Tony

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Yes you can have the Irish channels on 1 to 5 for example and satelite from 6 on .

O'Prez wrote: »

Am I right in thinking that with this box you tune the terrestrial and satellite channels you want and then add them to a favourites list so you can go from one channel to another seamlessly a

Desktop PC Boards discount code on https://www.satellite.ie/ is boards.ie

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#71 01-06-2011 9:04am

cullenswood

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Does this require an aerial or will just a Sky dish suffice? will you be able to series link?

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#72 01-06-2011 9:17am

Tony

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cullenswood wrote: »

Does this require an aerial or will just a Sky dish suffice?

It needs both an aerial and dish

cullenswood wrote: »

will you be able to series link?

no

Desktop PC Boards discount code on https://www.satellite.ie/ is boards.ie

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#73 01-06-2011 9:17am

Macy0161

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Apogee wrote: »

Does it support HE-AAC? Can't see it in the specs.

I know it's part of the saorview spec, but how likely is this to be an issue? I've had a combo for a good while, but while I'm happy with it, and would personally take a chance. However, I'm getting asked as the resident free tv "expert" (their opinion, not mine) at work and within the family as to what peoples options are.

I don't want to point them towards an uncertified receiver if this could become a problem sooner rather than later! Fine with my own money, someone else's is a bit different.

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#74 01-06-2011 9:23am

Tony

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Its a fair point, if I do get any confirmation from ferguson one way or the other I'll post here.

Macy0161 wrote: »

I don't want to point them towards an uncertified receiver if this could become a problem sooner rather than later! Fine with my own money, someone else's is a bit different.

Desktop PC Boards discount code on https://www.satellite.ie/ is boards.ie

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#75 01-06-2011 9:34am

Macy0161

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Tony wrote: »

Its a fair point, if I do get any confirmation from ferguson one way or the other I'll post here.

Thanks - not necessarily aimed at just this combo btw. Just something I hadn't really thought of until I was being asked advice!

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#76 01-06-2011 9:45am

Tony

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Macy0161 wrote: »

Thanks - not necessarily aimed at just this combo btw. Just something I hadn't really thought of until I was being asked advice!

Of course yes, its definitely something we need clarification on. As you say its ok taking a chance with your own money but not someone elses.

Desktop PC Boards discount code on https://www.satellite.ie/ is boards.ie

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#77 01-06-2011 11:05am

Apogee

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It's such a good price, it would be a pity if it didn't do HE-AAC. Who is to know if RTÉNL will ever use it, but it is arguably more important than MHEG-5 etc.

Perhaps you could test it on 4.8e as suggested by rurs?

rurs wrote: »

Also Ferguson Ariva HD Combo

Confirmed working in Israel with HE-AAC

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=70347863&postcount=197

Your right to be concerned, MHEG-5 would be nice, but audio is a necessity.

I posted the other night about a radio channel on 4.8e using AAC. If you could demo a combo box with a motorised dish, you could see/hear if it plays the audio.

Also vu+duo (tested myself on the radio channel)

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#78 01-06-2011 11:13am

Tony

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Thanks for the info . Its reassuring that the previous model works but I will test it when we receive stock. I agree it is more important than mheg 5

Apogee wrote: »

It's such a good price, it would be a pity if it didn't do HE-AAC. Who is to know if RTÉNL will ever use it, but it is arguably more important than MHEG-5 etc.

Perhaps you could test it on 4.8e as suggested by rurs?

Desktop PC Boards discount code on https://www.satellite.ie/ is boards.ie

0
#79 01-06-2011 1:06pm

Tony

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I asked the technical support manager in ferguson to run a test on AAC on 4.8 as suggested earlier. Heres his reply

"all this AAC radio works on Ariva 200

so it will work also on 120Combo"

I have requested that this be mentioned on the product page spec as I reckon its important to us here.

Desktop PC Boards discount code on https://www.satellite.ie/ is boards.ie

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#80 01-06-2011 1:41pm

Gerry Wicklow

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Silly Q.. Is AC3 and AAC the same animal or different codecs?

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#81 01-06-2011 2:47pm

John mac

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Gerry Wicklow wrote: »

Silly Q.. Is AC3 and AAC the same animal or different codecs?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Audio_Coding

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolby_Digital

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#82 01-06-2011 4:51pm

Paul_S

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Just placed my order for the Ariva 120 unit online with Tony. Coupon code 'Boardscombo' got me the discount . Looks like a great deal.....cant wait to try the unit out !!

My current setup uses a cable TV feed + quad lnb from a sky dish into a 4-8 multiswitch feeding 1 sky HD and one Humax Freesat PVR (direct to HD TV) plus RF output feeding into labgear distibution amp with handylink (IR) routing to 6 TV's. Giving each TV access to the sky box and the humax box...as well as analog.

Bought some mux / demux kit from a crowd in the UK that allows me to feed both sat IF & RF down 1 cable to the remote TV's....seems to work ok..tested with a freesat box.

If the ariva works, could free me up from s*y & u*c AND give me independant channel selection on each TV's...yipee....alternatively I go looking for a supply of sony 5810s (or similar)with freesat & MPEG 4 'freeview' capability.......

BTW, anyone know any cheap sources of these TV's or more combined freesat HD/freeview HD TVs about to come onto the market ?

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#83 01-06-2011 7:00pm

rurs

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Tony wrote: »

I asked the technical support manager in ferguson to run a test on AAC on 4.8 as suggested earlier. Heres his reply

"all this AAC radio works on Ariva 200

so it will work also on 120Combo"

I have requested that this be mentioned on the product page spec as I reckon its important to us here.

For anyone who's interested, the HE-AAC channel is still there on 4.8E, however it's named "1079". The "Test" channel on the same transponder should have the same audio, but in MPEG format.

Looking at the RTE minimum requirements, Dolby Digital Plus/Enhanced AC3 is also mentioned, going by the Ferguson product page, this is also supported, looks like all the audio bases are covered.

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#84 01-06-2011 9:19pm

zbluebirdz

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STB wrote: »

A Sky dish (or any 60cm satellite dish) will work - you do not pay sky - these are all free channels. you just buy the box and connect to your existing dish. Its all perfectly LEGAL I must add too.

Typical list (all are free)
1 RTÉ 1
2 RTE 2 HD
3 TV 3
4 TG 4
5 3e
6 RTE News Now
7 RTE+1
5 BBC 1 HD
6 BBC 2 NI
7 BBC HD
8 UTV
9 ITV1 HD
10 Channel 4 HD
....
92 Al Jazeera Eng
93 France 24
94 Russia Today
95 PTV Prime
96 Abu Dhabi TV
97 PCNE Chinese
98 QVC
99 Thane Direct
100 Travel Channel
101 Travel Ch +1

Add:
ITV +1
STV
STV HD
NHK World TV (HD)

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#85 01-06-2011 9:44pm

ShamoBuc

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just ordered one from Tony aswell.... fine bit of equipment!

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#86 01-06-2011 10:04pm

Kristopherus

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ShamoBuc wrote: »

just ordered one from Tony aswell.... fine bit of equipment!

Cannot find it on the site. Only the Ariva 200

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#87 01-06-2011 10:07pm

O'Prez

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Kristopherus wrote: »

Cannot find it on the site. Only the Ariva 200

Here ya go: Ariva 120

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#88 01-06-2011 10:14pm

ShamoBuc

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O'Prez wrote: »

Here ya go: Ariva 120

beat me to it:D

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#89 01-06-2011 10:17pm

Tony

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Kristopherus wrote: »

Cannot find it on the site. Only the Ariva 200

Its hidden so only boards guys can find it

Desktop PC Boards discount code on https://www.satellite.ie/ is boards.ie

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#90 01-06-2011 10:22pm

savemejebus

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Bought one earlier from Tony - that boardsie discount made all the diff :P

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#91 02-06-2011 12:08am

IrishHomer

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savemejebus wrote: »

Bought one earlier from Tony - that boardsie discount made all the diff :P

How do you get the Boards discount? :o

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