freeview Qs+++ ?

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Batman

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#16213 29-Sep-2007 13:14

Hi guys i'm going to cancel sky ... and am just learning about this freeview = dvb-s stuff ...
now i'm so sorry, have searched the forums but have not found anything to explain how digital tv receivers work or what to look out for when buying one so here goes ...

1) which type give best quality? (one with progressive scan via component outputs i presume? are there any?)
2) any disadvantages buying off trademe?
3) can you just tune these things to the channels like your ol' vcr?

thanks

ps for case studies i insert these example models

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/TVs/Other/auction-120197426.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=118130203
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/TVs/Other/auction-119915536.htm

cyril7

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#88640 29-Sep-2007 14:25

Definitely get a STB that supports Component video but dont worry about progressive scan via component, let your display sort that out as all broadcast SD tv is interlace anyway, so there is no disadvantage in transporting the signal to your display in interlace, but component is a plus.

I assume you are aware that currently FreeView exists as a DVB-S (satellite) variant, and at this time there is no intention of doing HD via the sat service. However early next year all major metro areas will get a DVB-T service, this will support HD that TVNZ announced yesterday that they would be starting June08. STBs for the DVB-T service (T=terresital if will be a UHF service)

As for buying off trademe, most of the boxs on trademe are very cheap chinese clones, they work alright, but for a few more dollars you can get better quality boxs. I recommend the Strong Brand you can get these from the freeview shop for around $230.

Hope that helps, and yes you just scan the D1 transponders and the channels appear, its all sorted by STB.

Cyril

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#88644 29-Sep-2007 15:29

hey that helped heaps cheers!

errm your assumption was a wee bit wrong as i'm a total ignorant bloke regarding this freeview thing ... despite trying googling :)

okay so now i know what dvb-s and -t stand for ... can i ask if the -t will be of inferior quality as it is uhf as opposed to -s?

also obviously i cant buy a dvb-t set now as i wont receive the -s signal? in that case you mean next year they are changing all the signals to a -t signal? so should i wait till they do the -t next year and buy a dvb-t? hmmm ... sorry for these silly questions - i have really tried googling but to no progress

cyril7

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#88646 29-Sep-2007 15:56

The satellite (DVB-S) service is designed to give coverage to the whole country, it saves Kordia (BCL) from having to support the hundreds of small translators that barely provide service to all the outback of the country. It will for the forceable future will only be a SD service.

The DVB-T (UHF terrestial) service will only be available in the metro areas, I understand the largest 18 Tx sites will get three mux's. This will not replace the DVB-S service but will compliment it. It will provide HD capability not that the DVB-S service could not provide HD, but the DVB-T service will cost a premium in STB's.

If you live in a major city area and have good analog UHF reception of Prime and the TAB channel then I suggest you wait for the DVB-T service if you also want HD.

Cyril

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#88651 29-Sep-2007 16:53

ah got you loud and clear ...

thanks!