Geekzone: technology news, blogs, forums
Guest
Welcome Guest.
You haven't logged in yet. If you don't have an account you can register now.


1gkar

722 posts

Ultimate Geek


#86610 9-Jul-2011 19:17
Send private message

Hi,

After my round of golf today, one player stated he had to go digital with an earlier Sony HDTV that had no Freeview decoder. As I've always run an HTPC, I thought the best solution was a dual tuner Freeview DVB-T settop box.

But is this the best solution for a multi-tuner FreeviewHD watcher? Am not up to speed with what's in the marketplace, so input would be greatly appreciated Wink




Silverstone LC14 HTPC Case/Intel E4600 CPU/GA-EP35-DS3 MOBO/Asus EN9500GT graphics/2GB RAM/total 2TB HDD space/HVR-2200 & 2X 150MCE tuner cards/LG GGC-H20L BD Drive/MCE2005/Mediaportal/TVServer 1.1.0Final/LG 55"3D LED-TV/Denon AVR-1803 receiver/X1 projector

Create new topic
scuwp
3880 posts

Uber Geek


  #491497 9-Jul-2011 19:58
Send private message

If he's a Telecom customer then TiVo is great value for money, they were going for under $400.





Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation





JimmyH
2886 posts

Uber Geek


  #491515 9-Jul-2011 20:59
Send private message

scuwp: If he's a Telecom customer then TiVo is great value for money, they were going for under $400.



I thought that as well, and at one point was close to purchase, but have been reading some of the feedback from not-so-happy TiVo owners in the relevant forum. Among other things:

- crappy service from Hybrid when something goes wrong
- lack of some channels on the EPG (notably Prime)
- being dependent on Hybrid for the EPG when the company's finances and future look none too rosy
- the extortionate price they charge to flip a switch so you can see *your* harddrive over your network

all put me off. If (when?) Hybrid folds much of the units functionality will simply disappear.

For a non-geek, they should go with a Freeview box, that will plug in be simple to use and just work. It won't do much more than record and play, but it will do that just fine.  One of the Dish TV units would probably be OK. I have steered older non-technical relatives in this direction with few issues.

If they have a few more geek braincells, and don't mind losing the Freeview EPG, then a non-freeview-approved recording box or HTPC that doesn't have the irritating Freeview restrictions (60 second skip removal etc) could be a better option.



Create new topic





News and reviews »

Amazfit Expands Active 2 Lineup with the New Active 2 Square
Posted 23-Jun-2025 14:49


Logitech G522 Gaming Headset Review
Posted 18-Jun-2025 17:00


Māori Artists Launch Design Collection with Cricut ahead of Matariki Day
Posted 15-Jun-2025 11:19


LG Launches Upgraded webOS Hub With Advanced AI
Posted 15-Jun-2025 11:13


One NZ Satellite IoT goes live for customers
Posted 15-Jun-2025 11:10


Bolt Launches in New Zealand
Posted 11-Jun-2025 00:00


Suunto Run Review
Posted 10-Jun-2025 10:44


Freeview Satellite TV Brings HD Viewing to More New Zealanders
Posted 5-Jun-2025 11:50


HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14-inch Review
Posted 3-Jun-2025 14:40


Flip Phones Are Back as HMD Reimagines an Iconic Style
Posted 30-May-2025 17:06


Hundreds of School Students Receive Laptops Through Spark Partnership With Quadrent's Green Lease
Posted 30-May-2025 16:57


AI Report Reveals Trust Is Key to Unlocking Its Potential in Aotearoa
Posted 30-May-2025 16:55


Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series Brings Intelligent Experiences to the Forefront with Premium, Versatile Design
Posted 30-May-2025 16:14


New OPPO Watch X2 Launches in New Zealand
Posted 29-May-2025 16:08


Synology Premiers a New Lineup of Advanced Data Management Solutions
Posted 29-May-2025 16:04









Geekzone Live »

Try automatic live updates from Geekzone directly in your browser, without refreshing the page, with Geekzone Live now.



Are you subscribed to our RSS feed? You can download the latest headlines and summaries from our stories directly to your computer or smartphone by using a feed reader.