Accessing TiVo in the country

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KiwiDen

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#231900 19-Mar-2018 16:53

Hi Everyone,

Quick question and I think I know the answer but I need to confirm...

We have just moved out to the country and have satellite dish on the roof but are not receiving any signal, we have been told that since we aren't close to a UHF broadcast transmitter, we will need to purchase a UHF decoder to receive a signal. AND here's the kicker... We won't be able to get TIVO!! Please tell me this isn't true!!! I've looked at the Freeview broadcast map (our telly isn't very old and has built in Freeview), and it looks like we are in an area that is likely to have coverage for Freeview HD. Any one have any suggestions or is it a lost cause???

Thanks!

Spyware

3764 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1980000 19-Mar-2018 17:00

You contradict yourself. TiVo is a UHF DVB-T decoder. Freeview HD describes the service provided via a UHF antenna, i.e., DVB-T.

Suggestion is to call an antenna installer.

KiwiDen

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1980005 19-Mar-2018 17:04

Just repeating what I've been told. BUT you're reply has answered some questions...
If we can't receive a signal though - we have a problem with the aerial no?

Behodar

10508 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1980012 19-Mar-2018 17:19

If you've moved outside Freeview HD (UHF) coverage then you'll need a satellite dish and receiver, and your Tivo won't work.

KiwiDen

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1980013 19-Mar-2018 17:21

Oh bugger, that was a definitive answer. Not what I wanted to hear but thank you. Cheers!

mattwnz

20164 posts

Uber Geek

#1980016 19-Mar-2018 17:24

KiwiDen:

Oh bugger, that was a definitive answer. Not what I wanted to hear but thank you. Cheers!

Have you got a UHF aerial outside? If the coverage map shows you can get freeview HD in your area, then an aerial pointing in the right direction should pick up the signal. Maybe borrow an aerial to test whether you can get it before buying one

KiwiDen

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1980031 19-Mar-2018 17:40

No just the satellite dish.

Spyware

3764 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1980048 19-Mar-2018 18:05

But you state you are in an area likely to receive Freeview HD - which is the terrestrial service. Without an antenna can be difficult to tell. If you give an address to the nearest intersection someone can give their educated opinion.

Note: DVB-T reception is possible from reasonable distances, 80 km or more, as long as you have line of sight.

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

KiwiDen

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1980051 19-Mar-2018 18:10

From what I can gather the inbuilt freeview only works on terrestrial normally, and only near or in large towns and cities. Which I'm not. The map that I've seen says "likely" to receive.... Think that's more likely unlikely in this case.
I'm in Ruatangata - just West of Whangarei. No close intersections here and no line of sight to the nearest transmitter.

Spyware

3764 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1980053 19-Mar-2018 18:13

If it says likely then it is likely BUT you obviously need a roof mounted antenna. Not going to work with rabbit ears. And you can NOT use a satellite dish as a terrestrial antenna.

KiwiDen

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1980054 19-Mar-2018 18:16

Yup understood.... would a dual receiver tv do the same trick??

Spyware

3764 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1980062 19-Mar-2018 18:24

matchmaster.net.nz shows that terrestrial reception is possible even without line of sight. I just ran the antenna selector on Knight Road, range 15 kms, 49 dBuV which would be usable but maybe not reliable.

Dual satellite/terrestrial (DVB-S/S2/T/T2) tuner is fine.

Maxcat

273 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1981308 22-Mar-2018 07:43

I had a similar issue at Waihi Beach. It is designated as Satellite only but I noticed a few 'unusual' looking aerials.

I asked the owners and yes they were getting Freeview over UHF used these aerials.

I bought a Phased Array aerial (see pic) and it has worked fine for UHF TIVO reception, despite it being Freeview satellite area.

trig42

5814 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#1981322 22-Mar-2018 08:37

You need to get a UHF antenna on your roof. I have found that most of those maps etc are pretty accurate (and conservative).

The previous occupants must have had Sky, hence the dish (or they were happy with SD quality freeview Satellite).