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Ferguson Ariva 250

1356747

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,108 ✭✭✭The Ayatolla


    I've read reports of issues with the 120, can anyone confirm the reliability of the 250? Contemplating purchasing one


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 939 ✭✭✭SchrodingersCat


    There was a bad batch of 120's around christmas that had a dodgy nvram. However, if you had bought your 120 outside of this batch it was fine. I have one 120 and three 250's and have had no issues with any of them.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,108 ✭✭✭The Ayatolla


    Looks like a 250 could be on the cards so. Parents TV is still using Analogue and also have a Dish connection near, and the one-4-all remote option looks like its gonna seal the deal!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 939 ✭✭✭SchrodingersCat


    Yea, I would recommend it, as it has some great points like the remote (as you mentioned), the menu system looking pretty slick (although its not as easy to navigate as say sky or some dreambox firmware images), the media player (which plays everything thrown at it from a usb drive) and especially now that STB has uploaded a full channel list for it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,108 ✭✭✭The Ayatolla


    How is its user-friendliness? Both parents are quite old and something thats easy to use with a simple remote would be the job! Saves me training them :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,070 ✭✭✭✭dodzy


    How is its user-friendliness? Both parents are quite old and something thats easy to use with a simple remote would be the job! Saves me training them :D
    Get a channel list loaded and they'll be fine. Even without, parents have a weird way of "adapting" easily to these boxes or similar ( especially where corrie or eastenders is concerned ) :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 939 ✭✭✭SchrodingersCat


    dodzy wrote: »
    How is its user-friendliness? Both parents are quite old and something thats easy to use with a simple remote would be the job! Saves me training them :D
    Get a channel list loaded and they'll be fine. Even without, parents have a weird way of "adapting" easily to these boxes or similar ( especially where corrie or eastenders is concerned ) :D

    Dodzy hit it on the head there. Get stb's channel list and you should be grand. You could also delete all lists except for the "saorview and freesat" list to simplify it further. Also, the fact that it's a combo box and has a 4 in one remote means that's it's pretty easy to use as you can get rid of the multitude of remotes. My own folks and my aunt were quick enough to pick it up.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 533 ✭✭✭SmallBalls


    Hey guys, received one of these boxes less than 24hrs after I ordered it, great stuff, thanks Tony.

    Just a quick question, I've done all the upgrade stuff listed below including the rescan of Saorview but on 'Favourite list 1', I can only view the satellite channels, Saorview channels come up as 'No Signal'. But if I switch to 'All Channels' list I can view everything, Saorview channels and Satellite.

    Why are the Saorview channels not showing up in the 'Favourite list 1? Am i doing somthing wrong? This box is for my parents so want it as simple to use as possible so the 'Saorview & Satellite' list is going to be the best I think. Any thoughts?
    STB wrote: »
    Ariva 250 Channel List based upon firmware version 1.19B1 - upgrade to this firmware first before doing the following.

    If you are already on version 1.19B1 then you just need to go to Tools, Upgrade by USB, then right click til you get userdb and then click down to start and flash this file to your box. When it gets to 100% it is done.

    Channel Lists included
    (Astra 1, 2 and Hotbird)
    Favourite List 1 - Saorview & Satellite (Ordered)
    Favourite List 2 - BBC Red Button
    Favourite List 3 - Sky Channels (Alphabetical - Including Sky 2 HD/Sky Summer HD)

    All Channels
    Hot Bird
    Astra 1
    Astra 2A (Alphabetical)
    Eurobird

    You may need to rescan your Saorview channels for your area. This one includes Mt Leinster.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,336 ✭✭✭✭Tony


    My pleasure. I'd say whats probably happening is the original Saorview channels are still in the favourite list so you need to delete these and them move the re scanned channels into the favourite list . You probably have the newly scanned Saorview channels at the end of your "all channels list " and if you look in the "Terrestrial " list you will probably see two sets of Saorview channels.

    Hope this helps

    SmallBalls wrote: »
    Hey guys, received one of these boxes less than 24hrs after I ordered it, great stuff, thanks Tony.

    Just a quick question, I've done all the upgrade stuff listed below including the rescan of Saorview but on 'Favourite list 1',

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



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    Thats exactly what it is Tony.

    The First favorites list is the Saorview and Satellite Channels in one channel list. The Saorview Channels are for Mt Leinster (Ch45) so thats why they are not working.

    Removing the old Saorview Channels

    What you need to do is press menu, go to Tv Channel List, Press Blue for Edit, Blue again for delete and then pick the channels you want to delete with the Ok button (it will X them) and then exit by pressing the menu button again. It asks you do you want to save, press Ok.

    Adding the new ones

    To add the new saorview channels scanned to favorite list 1. Whilst in Channel list, left arrow and it will give you DVB-T - Press the Fav button and choose Fav List 1, then pick the second set of Saorview Channels in the dvb-t list and add them with the Okay button. And then menu to exit, Okay to Save.

    You can move the around using the move option within these menus.

    I have renamed "favorite list 1" by going Edit Channel Menu and Favorite and renaming it. Unfortunately when you share the firmware and someone else loads it on their box, the new person has to rename it as the Fav list names dont come accross naturaly.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 34 phil49


    Somebody may be able to help me here.
    I have an Ariva HDCombo for a number of years and recorded a lot of programs on a usb hdd.
    I have recently purchased a 250 combo. On moving the hdd to this receiver I can see my files on it but I cant seem to be able to play back any of them. Any help would be appreciated in resolving this issue


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 987 ✭✭✭The Royal Scam


    I have been told that I need to have a HDD with it's own power supply to record and pause on my 250, I have never bought on of these , can anybody recommend one for me, 'cause I have'nt a bulls notion . Thanks


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,070 ✭✭✭✭dodzy


    I have been told that I need to have a HDD with it's own power supply to record and pause on my 250, I have never bought on of these , can anybody recommend one for me, 'cause I have'nt a bulls notion . Thanks
    The same questions are getting asked over and over again on this thread ( and the sister thread for the 150 I'm sure ). The SEARCH function on Boards actually works sometimes.
    There have been many who have had success with the 2.5" USB Powered unit but the success rate is higher with the AC powered units. Personally I prefer a USB stick, but then that suits us for only periodic recording, with the added bonus of no clutter. Each to their own.....


  • Registered Users Posts: 20 jrmam


    STB wrote: »
    They files recorded on the Ariva are TS files and are fully editable with a variety of free software.

    came across this thread searching for info ( I am going to buy one of those diy kits and this is the box that comes with it ), any chance anyone could post a sample file ( only a couple of seconds with sound is necessary ) I'd like to see what existing kit I have will play nicely with this format.


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


    .TS files are essentially the raw data that is transmitted. Many common players including windows media player, VLC, etc will show them with the same quality as originally broadcast. The file also includes all audio tracks and subtitles.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,108 ✭✭✭The Ayatolla


    dodzy wrote: »
    The same questions are getting asked over and over again on this thread ( and the sister thread for the 150 I'm sure ). The SEARCH function on Boards actually works sometimes.
    There have been many who have had success with the 2.5" USB Powered unit but the success rate is higher with the AC powered units. Personally I prefer a USB stick, but then that suits us for only periodic recording, with the added bonus of no clutter. Each to their own.....

    What kind of USB stick do you have?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    jrmam wrote: »
    came across this thread searching for info ( I am going to buy one of those diy kits and this is the box that comes with it ), any chance anyone could post a sample file ( only a couple of seconds with sound is necessary ) I'd like to see what existing kit I have will play nicely with this format.

    They are MPEG-TS files. As Gerry said above, thats a raw transport stream which incudes subtitles etc if you wish. There is also an option to record as a PS which wont capture the subtitle data. Within that file the encoding will be dependent on what the broadcaster uses video and audio wise. So for Saorview all the Channels are MPEG4 AVC (H264 Part 10) and the Audio is MPEG. The UK standard definition stations off satellite will MPGEG2 and the HD stations the same as Saorview.

    Existing free software such as Format Factory and Xmedia Recode work fine for converting should you wish to.

    VLC will play them straight off.


  • Registered Users Posts: 20 jrmam


    .TS files are essentially the raw data that is transmitted. Many common players including windows media player, VLC, etc will show them with the same quality as originally broadcast. The file also includes all audio tracks and subtitles.
    Sure I understand what a ts file is, I am more interested in contents, e.g. the audio/video codecs, fps, cbr etc. does the box just dump the stream as is ? or does it output in a different format ( I have no idea )
    Even If it dumps the streams raw although I know saorview uses H.264 and aac/ac3 I know little else. However I kinda assumed the box would record to some common hd or sd format... ( sometimes players that have pvr capability offer some primitive editing functions which you would expect for reasons of practicality it would depend on using a common recoding format ) if that is the case I'd be interested in seeing a sample file.


  • Registered Users Posts: 20 jrmam


    STB wrote: »
    They are MPEG-TS files. As Gerry said above, thats a raw transport stream which incudes subtitles etc if you wish. There is also an option to record as a PS which wont capture the subtitle data. Within that file the encoding will be dependent on what the broadcaster uses video and audio wise. So for Saorview all the Channels are MPEG4 AVC (H264 Part 10) and the Audio is MPEG. The UK standard definition stations off satellite will MPGEG2 and the HD stations the same as Saorview.

    Existing free software such as Format Factory and Xmedia Recode work fine for converting should you wish to.

    VLC will play them straight off.

    ok, thanks alot, that's clear then, probably best then to wait 'till I get the box to see, I think I can handle any transcoding nonsense I might have to deal with if I have to


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  • Registered Users Posts: 42 MickserB


    Hi guys, long time reader, just bought a Ariva 250, box flashed with latest firmware V1.19B1, scanned chans and it's working well from that point, but have found that the wireless dongle when the box is turned off and back on, doesnt connect automatically? Is it supposed to connect automatically to your router or is this a manual thing having to select it?

    Its the Ralink 5370 chipset dongle, pop it in and it shows my wireless router in the list, I select it, enter in my code WPA code, it accepts it, but doesnt seem it wants to connect, sometimes, it times out, I have turned the router off (UPC) and back on and the dongle will scan and scan and scan and then connect, but as soon as the box is turned of, same scenario, its very hit and miss and I am just wondering if its a setting or perhaps I may need to do something with the Mac address in the router to allow the dongle to connect or the security in my router perhaps etc,

    Cheers


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 520 ✭✭✭5h4mr0(k


    Does anyone with the 1.18 version have the weather feed working? I keep getting a "no network available" error even though rss, maps, YouTube etc. is working.

    Does it work in 1.19? (youporn fix?)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,108 ✭✭✭The Ayatolla


    Just purchased it, downloaded STB's file and upgraded firmware. Very happy with the remote and box. Having one remote is a big advantage!

    Only downside is no 7-day for Satellite but that doesn't exist yet in combo's so no complaints.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Got one today. Great great little product but id have thought the bbc red button function would have been available on the bbc channels?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 520 ✭✭✭5h4mr0(k


    Got one today. Great great little product but id have thought the bbc red button function would have been available on the bbc channels?

    For the red button, it needs to be able to handle mheg5. That's the main thing it's missing for it to be Saorview compliant.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,336 ✭✭✭✭Tony


    5h4mr0(k wrote: »
    For the red button, it needs to be able to handle mheg5. That's the main thing it's missing for it to be Saorview compliant.

    And €20k to pay for testing :)

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



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,070 ✭✭✭✭dodzy


    What kind of USB stick do you have?

    This'll do fine. 32GB.

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=79093296

    Just be aware that if you activate the timeshift function, it will take a portion of this space for the pause / rewind function, but as previously stated, an ideal & neat solution for infrequent recordings.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    5h4mr0(k wrote: »
    For the red button, it needs to be able to handle mheg5. That's the main thing it's missing for it to be Saorview compliant.


    Fair enough but i cant even get bbc text on it. is that a different standard?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    Fair enough but i cant even get bbc text on it. is that a different standard?

    BBC Teletext (VBI) was discontinued on FTA Satellite years ago. The new one is MHEG5 based.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    STB wrote: »
    BBC Teletext (VBI) was discontinued on FTA Satellite years ago. The new one is MHEG5 based.

    Fair enough. Is the hardware in place in case the box supported mheg 5 in the future? Can it be done via a firmware upgrade if the powers that be decide it can be done?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    Fair enough. Is the hardware in place in case the box supported mheg 5 in the future? Can it be done via a firmware upgrade if the powers that be decide it can be done?

    It could be but I wouldn't hold out too much hope for it. The old aertel text on RTE1 and Threetext on Tv3 and Tg4 text works at the moment on the Arivas.


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  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    STB wrote: »
    It could be but I wouldn't hold out too much hope for it.

    It is strange that these boxes are not at least freesat/freeview approved though?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    It is strange that these boxes are not at least freesat/freeview approved though?

    No they are not specifically aimed at the UK market, they are aimed at the European market.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    STB wrote: »
    No they are not specifically aimed at the UK market, they are aimed at the European market.

    Ah i see. its an awful pity and an ever so slight drawback to what is a terrific little piece of equipment.


  • Registered Users Posts: 106 ✭✭iarann


    Can I ask a favour

    I got my 250 and it works a treat (thanks tony) I setup a schedule to record the Paralympics over the weekend as I have a family member competing but my Hdd has let me down it is going to power save or something and won't work properly.

    Could somebody record chanell 4 Friday and sat morning from 9 am to 1pm and I would get a copy of the file next week.

    If anybody up for that please pm me

    John


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,859 ✭✭✭bmaxi


    iarann wrote: »
    Can I ask a favour

    I got my 250 and it works a treat (thanks tony) I setup a schedule to record the Paralympics over the weekend as I have a family member competing but my Hdd has let me down it is going to power save or something and won't work properly.

    Could somebody record chanell 4 Friday and sat morning from 9 am to 1pm and I would get a copy of the file next week.

    If anybody up for that please pm me

    John

    Is it possible you are making the same mistake as Tweebs (see post 46)?
    The default wake up setting in the 250 timer menu is "channel", you need to change that to "record". It may not be the fault of your HDD.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,268 ✭✭✭✭uck51js9zml2yt


    Hoping someone can help me.

    I am suddenly getting a no signal on the digital channels. I can get saorview ones no problem.

    I was getting them until recently.
    TIA


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


    You mean the satellite channels? Is there heavy rain or cloud cover where you are? (Maybe your channels will be back by the time you read this.)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,268 ✭✭✭✭uck51js9zml2yt


    You mean the satellite channels? Is there heavy rain or cloud cover where you are? (Maybe your channels will be back by the time you read this.)

    there was some cloud cover last night in cabra but its never been an issue before and the sky box downstairs was ok.

    I am missing the little screwey thing (technical term)you use to keep the cable in the back. would that be the problem ,though it was getting a feed last week with the cable just stuck in the back.


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


    I am missing the little screwey thing (technical term)you use to keep the cable in the back. would that be the problem

    Yes, that would very much be the problem. It's called an f-connector, the twist on type are an easy diy fitting: http://www.satcure.com/tech/fconn.htm


  • Registered Users Posts: 106 ✭✭iarann


    bmaxi wrote: »
    iarann wrote: »
    Can I ask a favour

    I got my 250 and it works a treat (thanks tony) I setup a schedule to record the Paralympics over the weekend as I have a family member competing but my Hdd has let me down it is going to power save or something and won't work properly.

    Could somebody record chanell 4 Friday and sat morning from 9 am to 1pm and I would get a copy of the file next week.

    If anybody up for that please pm me

    John

    Is it possible you are making the same mistake as Tweebs (see post 46)?
    The default wake up setting in the 250 timer menu is "channel", you need to change that to "record". It may not be the fault of your HDD.

    I will try that when I get back but am snooker till then :( and I will miss the records.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,070 ✭✭✭✭dodzy


    I am missing the little screwey thing (technical term)you use to keep the cable in the back. would that be the problem ,though it was getting a feed last week with the cable just stuck in the back.
    WTF !!!:eek::eek::eek:

    If you're in D15, i've plenty. Otherwise, powercity, DID, maplins - they all have 'em.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,336 ✭✭✭✭Tony


    dodzy wrote: »
    WTF !!!:eek::eek::eek:
    :D:D amazing stuff

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



  • Registered Users Posts: 14 Celsoft


    Why isn't it Saorview approved ?????


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


    It wasn't submitted for approval & it's not specifically aimed at the Irish market. Approval costs quite a bit: just compare the price of the Arivas & other generic receivers to the price of the couple of approved combos available.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,336 ✭✭✭✭Tony


    Celsoft wrote: »
    Why isn't it Saorview approved ?????

    It was never submitted (costs 20K €) and would fail in any case as it does not support MHEG 5 middle ware for things like interactive teletext.

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



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,859 ✭✭✭bmaxi


    there was some cloud cover last night in cabra but its never been an issue before and the sky box downstairs was ok.

    I am missing the little screwey thing (technical term)you use to keep the cable in the back. would that be the problem ,though it was getting a feed last week with the cable just stuck in the back.

    Let's hope you're not missing the little 3 pin thingy that goes into the socket.:)


  • Registered Users Posts: 5 Tweebs


    bmaxi wrote: »
    Is it possible you are making the same mistake as Tweebs (see post 46)?
    The default wake up setting in the 250 timer menu is "channel", you need to change that to "record". It may not be the fault of your HDD.

    bmaxi, thing you might be right, sounds very similar to the mistake I was making. I assumed as I was going into timer mode that it would record as it would with other recorders but not realising that you had to change the "Timer Service" to "Record" as opposed to "Channel" which it is set to automatically.

    iarann, hope you get it sorted, found it a bit of a learning curve and am still being educated thanks to the posts on this thread.


  • Registered Users Posts: 106 ✭✭iarann


    Tweebs wrote: »
    bmaxi wrote: »
    Is it possible you are making the same mistake as Tweebs (see post 46)?
    The default wake up setting in the 250 timer menu is "channel", you need to change that to "record". It may not be the fault of your HDD.

    bmaxi, thing you might be right, sounds very similar to the mistake I was making. I assumed as I was going into timer mode that it would record as it would with other recorders but not realising that you had to change the "Timer Service" to "Record" as opposed to "Channel" which it is set to automatically.

    iarann, hope you get it sorted, found it a bit of a learning curve and am still being educated thanks to the posts on this thread.

    Thanks for the tech help, it is always spot on.

    I'm in London and won't be back to make that change till tomorrow but it will be over then, that's why I asked for the favor

    If anybody does happen to have these recorded I would love a copy

    J


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 385 ✭✭EoghanConway


    MickserB wrote: »
    Hi guys, long time reader, just bought a Ariva 250, box flashed with latest firmware V1.19B1, scanned chans and it's working well from that point, but have found that the wireless dongle when the box is turned off and back on, doesnt connect automatically? Is it supposed to connect automatically to your router or is this a manual thing having to select it?

    Its the Ralink 5370 chipset dongle, pop it in and it shows my wireless router in the list, I select it, enter in my code WPA code, it accepts it, but doesnt seem it wants to connect, sometimes, it times out, I have turned the router off (UPC) and back on and the dongle will scan and scan and scan and then connect, but as soon as the box is turned of, same scenario, its very hit and miss and I am just wondering if its a setting or perhaps I may need to do something with the Mac address in the router to allow the dongle to connect or the security in my router perhaps etc,

    Cheers

    Had a mysterious timeout problem with mine too, solved it by moving the router closer to the box so the signal was over 80%, then it connected fine. But when I moved it away afterwards it would still connect fine! And it would automatically connect too. So try moving box + router closer together, then put them back and see if that works.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,268 ✭✭✭✭uck51js9zml2yt


    dodzy wrote: »
    WTF !!!:eek::eek::eek:

    If you're in D15, i've plenty. Otherwise, powercity, DID, maplins - they all have 'em.

    Thanks for the offer. Unfortunately I wont be out your way for a few weeks.:D


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