Next Gen Freesat?

ka2 · 24-04-2020 2:07pm

Got it! I'm working from home for the afternoon so won't get the chance to play with it until later.

Harry Palmr · 24-04-2020 2:10pm

The Cush wrote: »

I see Digi Repairs are selling the 500Gb box at a £60 markup over the Currys £199.99 price + £23 EU delivery from Co. Fermanagh.
https://www.digirepairs.co.uk/product-category/freesat/

Also freesat.ie €334.94 (£294) delivered
https://www.freesat.ie/freesat-uhd-4x-smart-4k-ultra-hd-digital-tv-recorder-500-gb.html

Support your local shop? Not at crazy prices.

The Cush · 24-04-2020 2:38pm

ka2 wrote: »

Got it! I'm working from home for the afternoon so won't get the chance to play with it until later.

I was going to order one from Currys UK via one of the parcel motels but blocked as I didn't have a valid UK phone number.

lukeeman · 24-04-2020 3:24pm

The Cush wrote: »

I was going to order one from Currys UK via one of the parcel motels but blocked as I didn't have a valid UK phone number.

You could use Parcel motels phone number,

ka2 · 24-04-2020 4:21pm

The Cush wrote: »

I was going to order one from Currys UK via one of the parcel motels but blocked as I didn't have a valid UK phone number.

That's odd. I used my own number with 00353 in front and it accepted it. Unless it changed in the last few days?

lukeeman · 24-04-2020 5:35pm

Can anyone that has the new recordable box tell me what software version is on there's or last software update date.

ka2 · 24-04-2020 5:53pm

Just got mine connected. Same version but update date shows 14th February.

ka2 · 24-04-2020 7:54pm

So far so good. Doesn’t give any aspect ratio options (probably because it only has HDMI out) but I see it pillarboxes 4:3 content, which is what I prefer. But I could see them getting some complaints about that.

Harry Palmr · 24-04-2020 8:13pm

How shocking! Pictures in correct ratio

Gooey Looey · 24-04-2020 8:23pm

Harry Palmr wrote: »

How shocking! Pictures in correct ratio

Stretchyvision

ka2 · 24-04-2020 10:53pm

Looks like non-Freesat mode is very broken. I tried to enable it to add Channel 4 HD. It worked but I couldn’t delete 4seven from the channel list.

But when I chose to exit non-Freesat mode, I had to go through the whole setup wizard again (re-entering the postcode and the like).

Went back to non-Freesat mode and Channel 4 HD was gone. Then had to run the setup wizard yet another time when back in Freesat mode.

I won’t be touching it again for a while I’d say.

Harry Palmr · 24-04-2020 11:03pm

Well they'll not be in a rush to fix FTA switching I'd say.

The Cush · 26-04-2020 1:00am

The Cush wrote: »

I see Digi Repairs are selling the 500Gb box at a £60 markup over the Currys £199.99 price + £23 EU delivery from Co. Fermanagh.
https://www.digirepairs.co.uk/product-category/freesat/

Someone is having a laugh up in Enniskillen, price has increased by £200 to £487.49 delivered for the 500Gb box.

Atlantic Dawn · 26-04-2020 2:28am

To record 4 things at once what LNB is needed? Seems to be Sky Q setup as best to use?

The Cush · 26-04-2020 9:23am

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

To record 4 things at once what LNB is needed? Seems to be Sky Q setup as best to use?

According to reports over on the AV Forum it requires a wideband LNB feed for the 4 recording option from either the standard wideband LNB fitted during a SkyQ install or a wideband feed from the fixed wideband outputs of the newer Sky supplied 4 output hybrid LNB.

It doesn't appear to be able to auto-switch the outputs of the original 6 output smart hybrid LNB over to wideband output. Not sure if this is by design or one of the many bugs reported.

This 6-output Labgear hybrid LNB with 2 fixed Wideband and 4 Quad outputs should be compatible - http://www.visiblewave.tv/product/vhk6-hybrid-lnb-6-output/

Also one person on that forum reports he cannot get a signal via his communal single-cable setup even though the is an MDU feature in the LNB-type screen, he's awaiting feedback from Freesat.

swoofer · 26-04-2020 11:53am

Just to be clear that lnb you can use any of the six outputs for wideband ie they are not specific.

The Cush · 26-04-2020 2:50pm

swoofer wrote: »

Just to be clear that lnb you can use any of the six outputs for wideband ie they are not specific.

Which 6 output hybrid are you referring to?

There are 2 that I'm aware of, the original Sky supplied smart hybrid where all outputs can be wideband or legacy, now discontinued.

The retail one from Labgear that I linked to previously has 2 fixed wideband outputs and 4 fixed legacy outputs.

The Cush · 26-04-2020 7:29pm

Set up and review of the new Arris Freesat UHD-X 4K satellite receiver

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgGlZFK2Dfc

mackersdublin · 26-04-2020 7:38pm

ka2 wrote: »

Looks like non-Freesat mode is very broken. I tried to enable it to add Channel 4 HD. It worked but I couldn’t delete 4seven from the channel list.

But when I chose to exit non-Freesat mode, I had to go through the whole setup wizard again (re-entering the postcode and the like).

Went back to non-Freesat mode and Channel 4 HD was gone. Then had to run the setup wizard yet another time when back in Freesat mode.

I won’t be touching it again for a while I’d say.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcwlsGc6DLE

ka2 · 26-04-2020 8:10pm

mackersdublin wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcwlsGc6DLE

That’s exactly what happens with me. Have to do that every time I switch, it doesn’t save.

Despite the bugs, the box definitely has good potential. I always found the Humax to be sluggish and this doesn’t feel that way at all.

Tigerandahalf · 26-04-2020 8:30pm

Can you put a dns service on the box to get the players?

The Ayatolla · 26-04-2020 9:09pm

I don't see a major demand for this with Freesat.

LG's mid-range of TVs have a lash of catch-up apps (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five etc), Freesat TV guide and ability to series link, pause etc with a hard drive plugged in. Netflix and Prime Video available on 4K too. I think the need for separate boxes for Saorview and Freesat is becoming less & less.

Fair enough most of the catch-up apps don't work in Ireland without a VPN or what-not but that will never be Freesat's target market anyway.

Tigerandahalf · 02-05-2020 6:59am

Youtube kids has launched on the 4k boxes it seems but not on older boxes.

castle2012 · 02-05-2020 5:09pm

Hi Guys I have sky q and am thinking of getting freesat. Do I need to change the lnb? The current lnb has 6 ports on it.Many thanks

Gerry Wicklow · 02-05-2020 6:08pm

with 6 ports it could be a hybrid LNB which will work with a FreeSat or FTA box. Worth trying before spending on a new LNB.

The Cush · 02-05-2020 11:42pm

castle2012 wrote: »

Hi Guys I have sky q and am thinking of getting freesat. Do I need to change the lnb? The current lnb has 6 ports on it.

The new Freesat box should work with your hybrid LNB but the exact model of hybrid will depend on how many tuners are available to you. 2 tuners when connected to a standard legacy 2 cable LNB or 4 tuners when connected to 2 fixed wideband outputs of a wideband LNB or hybrid LNB.

Over the years Sky has fitted 3 types of 6 output hybrid, the most well known was the smart hybrid (EL010) where all 6 outputs could be a wideband output or a legacy output depending on a switching signal from a SkyQ box, Without this switching signal the output defaults to a standard legacy output. Unfortunately, according to posts on other forums the new Freesat receivers do not send this switching signal and therefore the output remain legacy with 2 tuners available.

Since mid 2019 they have discontinued the smart hybrid and replaced it with 2 fixed hybrids EL027 (4 outputs - 2 for wideband, 2 for standard/legacy) and EL028 (6 outputs - 2 for wideband, 4 for standard/legacy), The wideband outputs on these LNBs will provide for 4 tuners on the new Freesat box.

The original Sky hybrid, before the smart model, also had 2 fixed wideband outputs and 4 standard/legacy outputs.

Also there is now a commercially available 6 output hybrid with 2 fixed wideband outputs and 4 standard/legacy outputs - http://www.visiblewave.tv/product/vhk6-hybrid-lnb-6-output/

castle2012 · 04-05-2020 7:51pm

The Cush wrote: »

The new Freesat box should work with your hybrid LNB but the exact model of hybrid will depend on how many tuners are available to you. 2 tuners when connected to a standard legacy 2 cable LNB or 4 tuners when connected to 2 fixed wideband outputs of a wideband LNB or hybrid LNB.

Over the years Sky has fitted 3 types of 6 output hybrid, the most well known was the smart hybrid (EL010) where all 6 outputs could be a wideband output or a legacy output depending on a switching signal from a SkyQ box, Without this switching signal the output defaults to a standard legacy output. Unfortunately, according to posts on other forums the new Freesat receivers do not send this switching signal and therefore the output remain legacy with 2 tuners available.

Since mid 2019 they have discontinued the smart hybrid and replaced it with 2 fixed hybrids EL027 (4 outputs - 2 for wideband, 2 for standard/legacy) and EL028 (6 outputs - 2 for wideband, 4 for standard/legacy), The wideband outputs on these LNBs will provide for 4 tuners on the new Freesat box.

The original Sky hybrid, before the smart model, also had 2 fixed wideband outputs and 4 standard/legacy outputs.

Also there is now a commercially available 6 output hybrid with 2 fixed wideband outputs and 4 standard/legacy outputs - http://www.visiblewave.tv/product/vhk6-hybrid-lnb-6-output/

Thanks a million excellent advise, much appreciated. I have just ordered one of the new freesat box's with recorder from currys.co.uk and getting delivered through parcel motel.

castle2012 · 04-05-2020 7:52pm

The Cush wrote: »

The new Freesat box should work with your hybrid LNB but the exact model of hybrid will depend on how many tuners are available to you. 2 tuners when connected to a standard legacy 2 cable LNB or 4 tuners when connected to 2 fixed wideband outputs of a wideband LNB or hybrid LNB.

Over the years Sky has fitted 3 types of 6 output hybrid, the most well known was the smart hybrid (EL010) where all 6 outputs could be a wideband output or a legacy output depending on a switching signal from a SkyQ box, Without this switching signal the output defaults to a standard legacy output. Unfortunately, according to posts on other forums the new Freesat receivers do not send this switching signal and therefore the output remain legacy with 2 tuners available.

Since mid 2019 they have discontinued the smart hybrid and replaced it with 2 fixed hybrids EL027 (4 outputs - 2 for wideband, 2 for standard/legacy) and EL028 (6 outputs - 2 for wideband, 4 for standard/legacy), The wideband outputs on these LNBs will provide for 4 tuners on the new Freesat box.

The original Sky hybrid, before the smart model, also had 2 fixed wideband outputs and 4 standard/legacy outputs.

Also there is now a commercially available 6 output hybrid with 2 fixed wideband outputs and 4 standard/legacy outputs - http://www.visiblewave.tv/product/vhk6-hybrid-lnb-6-output/

Thanks a million excellent advise, much appreciated. I have just ordered one of the new freesat box's with recorder from currys.co.uk and getting delivered through parcel motel.

Movie Maestro · 06-05-2020 11:35am

castle2012 wrote: »

Thanks a million excellent advise, much appreciated. I have just ordered one of the new freesat box's with recorder from currys.co.uk and getting delivered through parcel motel.

Please post a review here when you get a chance to try it out:D

_Kaiser_ · 08-05-2020 9:36am

I'm thinking about it because while my LG 4k 55" does have Freesat support, it's somewhat broken in that the EPG and channel switching from within it doesn't work right (known bug with LG Freesat TVS generally)

That said, I don't watch much live TV anyway so might wait until the bugs are ironed out

09-05-2020 10:15am

I have Humax 1100S is there any value for me if I upgrade to the new box or would o be wasting my money?

Also if I did upgrade so I just plug on and put in the cables old words from satellite into the new box?

Thanks

Harry Palmr · 09-05-2020 10:19am

Only change is that you will need a Q Box type wideband LNB to take advantage of it's up to 4 simultaneous recordings facility but if you do nothing it'll still record two channels. So not much of a big deal really.

I'd wait, the software is clearly several updates from sorted. If the Humax is working stick with it.

09-05-2020 10:30am

Harry Palmr wrote: »

Only change is that you will need a Q Box type wideband LNB to take advantage of it's up to 4 simultaneous recordings facility but if you do nothing it'll still record two channels. So not much of a big deal really.

I'd wait, the software is clearly several updates from sorted. If the Humax is working stick with it.

Only problem I have and there’s is nothing wrong With my box is when I turn if now from stand by mode it takes about 30-40 seconds with the loading screen other than that it’s perfect, maybe there is something in setting I can do to stop that?

I’m guessing it’s bad to leave it on 24/7? When going to bed?

Harry Palmr · 09-05-2020 11:22am

My box (a Manhattan) also takes 45 seconds to boot from stand by as it happens. Nothing can be done about it in the menu so i live with it

ka2 · 09-05-2020 12:28pm

I only got the new 4K box because my Humax died. If yours is working then hold on to it. There’s nothing groundbreaking in the new box, the interface is more responsive but that’s about it. And, as was mentioned, it’s still quite buggy in parts.

About the startup times, a lot of this is down to EU power regulations, so the boxes go into very low power states by default.

decor58 · 09-05-2020 12:53pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I have Humax 1100S is there any value for me if I upgrade to the new box or would o be wasting my money?

Also if I did upgrade so I just plug on and put in the cables old words from satellite into the new box?

Thanks

I have a Humax about 3 years now, I had been keen to see what the new box offered but having seen the specs now I won't be in any rush to change.

castle2012 · 14-05-2020 9:01pm

Movie Maestro wrote: »

Please post a review here when you get a chance to try it out:D

OK so waiting almost 2 weeks. Got stuck in parcel motel for a week. Any way on opening looks very impressive, Much smaller than the sky Q box.
Very easy to set up, And as said previously works off the sky Q cables.
Very user friendly to use, very sleek, Really like the remote, No freezing, very camparable to the sky Q box in my opinion.
If you have a humax I wouldn't change, However if your buy for the first time, it's the way to go.
Hope that's of help

The Cush · 14-05-2020 10:18pm

castle2012 wrote: »

OK so waiting almost 2 weeks. Got stuck in parcel motel for a week. Any way on opening looks very impressive, Much smaller than the sky Q box.

You have the (smart?) 6 output hybrid, how many tuners have you available, 2 or 4?

castle2012 · 15-05-2020 9:37am

The Cush wrote: »

You have the (smart?) 6 output hybrid, how many tuners have you available, 2 or 4?

6 output hybrid lnb, What do you mean with regards how many tuners? Are you referring to the leads going into the box?. If you are i have 2 going into the box.

The Cush · 15-05-2020 9:49am

castle2012 wrote: »

6 output hybrid lnb, What do you mean with regards how many tuners? Are you referring to the leads going into the box?. If you are i have 2 going into the box.

When connected to a 2 output wideband LNB or a hybrid LNB with separate wideband outputs the box has 4 tuners available for recording/watching.

When connected to a standard LNB or Sky smart hybrid LNB only 2 tuners are available for watching/recording.

See my post above re hybrid LNBs.

Cerco · 18-10-2020 5:18pm

Has the switch to Non-Freesat mode been sorted out now?
Thinking of moving to the 4K box and looking for latest feedback please.
Any other issues showing up now?

Thanks for replies.

mackersdublin · 18-10-2020 6:01pm

Cerco wrote: »

Has the switch to Non-Freesat mode been sorted out now?
Thinking of moving to the 4K box and looking for latest feedback please.
Any other issues showing up now?

Thanks for replies.

Don't have the box myself but posters on the Digital Spy forum say that the issue is stil happening

26-11-2020 2:45am

Bought this new box today from Richards sounds 2TB can’t wait I have two cables I used with my old 1100S box to record two shows at once if I wasn’t watching tv or record one while watching another but this box can record more? How do I record more? Do I have to get new satellite and cables or is it something simple I can do?

Dumb it down for me lol

decor58 · 26-11-2020 9:01am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Bought this new box today from Richards sounds 2TB can’t wait I have two cables I used with my old 1100S box to record two shows at once if I wasn’t watching tv or record one while watching another but this box can record more? How do I record more? Do I have to get new satellite and cables or is it something simple I can do?

Dumb it down for me lol

You would need either a wideband or hybrid lnb, if you are using other satellite receivers then a hybrid would be best.

02-12-2020 8:45pm

Got my 4K freesat box I love it but there is no recording padding like on my old humax box? to set recording 5 minutes before and after?

I’m not seeing it?

Movie Maestro · 03-12-2020 9:26am

Are there any recent reviews of the Arris 4k recordable Freesat box online please? Is it still a disasterous device, very difficult to find any up to date information on it.

03-12-2020 7:06pm

Movie Maestro wrote: »

Are there any recent reviews of the Arris 4k recordable Freesat box online please? Is it still a disasterous device, very difficult to find any up to date information on it.

I have since yesterday it’s amazing buy it and get 2TB you might not need it but just incase you’ll never run out of space and buy it from Richard sounds and get 6 years insurance for €33 for peace of mind

Harry Palmr · 03-12-2020 7:22pm

https://www.avforums.com/threads/new-generation-freesat-stb-arris.2256339/

Movie Maestro · 04-12-2020 9:42am

@ tajd, cheers for the tip!
@Harry Palmr, great link with plenty of info, thanks for that!

Tigerandahalf · 05-12-2020 8:08pm

The iplayer doesn't seem to work on my humax 1100s anymore. I have had to set up a Fire stick but the picture quality is poor, like tv3 quality.

I reset the box today hoping it would sort it and now I also seem to have lost the ability to delete channels. I want to get rid of some the channels at the top of the epg epecially the bbc1 london sd channel.

This new Arris 4k box seems to be really poor with their selection of apps.
The penny doesn't seem to have dropped that people want an Android system where you can download what apps you want.

Next Gen Freesat?

Comments