Saorview Connect

bk wrote: »

People are either going Linux combos (techies) or Freesat (non techies) IME.

If true, this isn't going to change anything at all and just be another Saorview failure.

Tony wrote: »

Freesat boxes are also excellent but many people don't want two boxes with two remotes and TV input switching.

My Humax Foxsat HDR's remote controls TV's. So one remote, admittedly it takes a few presses to change source.

Plan B is adding a Saorsat LNB to the Foxsat , which thanks to Linux add-ons can have non-Freesat channels listed too. Not sure if I'd get the Saorsat EPG or just now/next though.

Some TV's with satellite tuners will support Freesat which is another option especially if the boxes aren't cheap. I'm assuming you've to choose UK for the country which means the Irish channels will be higher numbers though. You don't get the handy record features but a cheap USB key gets you pause and rewind, which might be enough for older relatives or technophobes.


Thing is, had a Saorview/Freesat box been available at launch then the TV viewing landscape could have been very different. And it still might be if the box is good enough and not too much above the normal freesat boxes, tuners aren't that expensive these days.

STB. wrote: »

The data is broadcast in the open with a compression algorithm that is already known.

Historically there's the McGill case and EU database laws allowing copying of list of facts but not the layout.

However, all moot if Freesat start encrypting the data.

On the point about the expectations of technophobes, Saorview really need to get with the reality of the pressures of the various competing platforms. Thats why they should really only be looking at a box that supports H265/4k and is pluggable with stuff like Netflix as options which does not cost the earth as the cost effective chips are already out there in good stock. There is nothing Holy grail about it, its very do-able and would be a big seller as a all in one product. There is nothing integrated about freesat TV's in the Irish market. Its function jumping and not suitable as a plug and play option due to Country settings required for DVB-T not being separable for DVB-S2.

Nope.

KISS. Keep it simple for the first one. Most of the fancy stuff can be added on later in software but only after the system is stable.




4K is over kill for now. Saorview isn't using T2 for legacy reasons with the first batch of receivers. TV3, 3e, TG4, UTV are still in SD. I'd also be wary of choosing hardware with licensing costs on the basis it might be useful later on. Sky boxes and saorview and TV's all have CI slots so decoding hardware can be added later.

Software add ons sound good but, they have to be continuously patched, are only useful if you have internets and most people with the internets already have devices or smart TV's , security concerns could your affect your brand. And all moot on the initial release as they can be pushed out later over the air, as indeed Netflix and on demand features were in the UK.

For future proofing just pick a stable chipset with spare processing power extra memory and ram. Stuff like CI slot , CEC , and a universal infra red remote are all no-brainers too. I'd add in legacy RF output, what % of Irish homes have a TV in the bedroom using analog from UPC or SKY ? ( This perhaps is the only possible justification of an RF type remote over infra red, and even then the path back over the co-ax is a better option in most cases ) Allowing the box to stream might be an option too, but that could be done in software later, but may not appeal to luddites.

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

That implies to me that the error was in getting involved with Freesat in the first place!

No, the error is using the word "Freesat", unless of course they are actually providing Freesat.
Setting the wrong expectation is the worst thing you can do, and if it doesn't include Freesat EPG then they should have killed that rumour on Day 1.

Mrs Doyle: Are you looking forward to your lunch tomorrow, Father?
Ted: Hmmm? I suppose so.
Mrs Doyle: You do like pheasant, don't you Father?
Ted: Pheasant? I love pheasant.
Mrs Doyle: Well there's a little clue. The thing you'll be eating likes
pheasant as well.

One box with one easy to use remote and one EPG is all most people want. Even if people stay with SKY and UPC there is still a huge market for second TV boxes for bedrooms, kitchen, granny flat.


http://www.tivusat.tv/pages/prodotti/bollini-tivusat/bollino-tivuon.aspx
Google translate Tivù is the Italian DTT/Sat and they are rolling out a Freetime TV system (note Tivusat needs a Free to View card to get HD or most of the commercial channels )

tivùon! It is the new label that can be found along with the label DGTVi Gold (or, in the case of satellite receiver, the dot Gold tivùsat ). A decoder or TV equipped with tivùon! It ensures secure content use and interactive services - on demand movies or content also broadcast on television in the days before - such as the new service on demand videos and movies, Infinity.

In detail, the label tivùon! It allows:
- Access to premium content, free or paid depending on the service offered by different publishers, adequately protected by a digital security system (called DRM)
- Guarantee to block violent or pornographic content (that are not compatible with the technology tivùon! For our company choices)
- Ensures the quality of the content (for example, in High Definition)

Finally it will be possible the display of content on demand also in case of internet connections (ADSL) not super fast, thanks to a called Adaptive Streaming component that allows the loading and the video display also in case of bandwidth up to 2-3 Mbit / s.
tivùon! It is found only on HD decoder and the latest televisions, to keep abreast of the times and enjoy a greater quality and safety.

If they were to go down the option of a UK TV subscription than it would have to be for a nominal amount as the failed attempts at DTT have shown the market won't allow it. The TivuSat card/CI costs €99 (FTV card because overspill encrypted) and TBH I can't see a sub covering that sort of hardware cost without offering extra content over and above what's already FTA and then you'd have to pay for the content and it spirals up. OnDigital and TopUpTV also showed that's not a runner.