DSE DSR Freeview TV channel range

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GD

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Wannabe Geek

#17876 16-Dec-2007 15:06

Last week I bought a Freeview DSR from Dick Smith. I'm keen to also tune-in TV channels other than the Freeview ones that are available on the Optus D1 satellite. So far I've succeeded in tuning-in 36 channels (using AutoTune and adjusting frequency & S/Rs), but the only channels of these that will load into the active channel list are the Freeview channels plus 4 Sky TV encrypted channels.

How do I load more of the tuned channels into the active channel list so that they can be viewed? For instance I've successfully tuned in Imparja TV (12643, Vert, & SR 6870), but when using Edit TP it wont move into the viewing list (message; 'service not connected').

While it could be because its polarity is Vertical and not Horizontal, I'm hoping nobody is going to tell me it's because 'Freeview' has limited the channels that can be viewed on their boxes - if this is true it's very ironic ('freeview' then should become 'not very freeview'). Anyway, how come I can tune in, load and view 4 Sky channels but nothing else? Your thoughts? Many thanks

sbiddle

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#100243 16-Dec-2007 15:21

What model did you buy?

GD

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#100244 16-Dec-2007 15:23

G7500 (DSE Digital Satellite Receiver) - Aug 2007 last software update I think

cyril7

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#100360 17-Dec-2007 07:49

I have not personally confirmed them however it is my understanding that the Zinwell/DSE boxs do not allow you to tune to anything other than the FreeView bouquet. The Hills on the other hand will allow you if you flick the right switch in one of the setup menus that says (allow tuning of other services).

Personally I would never buy one of the certfied boxs, the Zinwell/DSE boxs appear to have less than par firmware and hardware, the hills whilst it seems a much better box does not have RF out. Non certfied boxs from Strong and Topfield have superiour build and firmware to the certfied boxs. There only real downside is that you cannot access any interactive features, which unless you have not noticed dont exist anyway.

Cyril

GD

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#100548 17-Dec-2007 22:31

Thanks for your comment. I received a reply from DSE today that said much the same, although apparently they could allow other channels to be tuned if they updated the software, I suppose in later versions of their box. Still strikes me as ironic that so called Freeview is anything but!!!!

Their full reply follows FYI:

Hi,

I'm afraid that the DSE Model G7500 will only load the Freeview
channels, as that is how it's manufacturer Zinwell has designed it.
Firmware updates come down via the satellite; we don't have a copy of
the firmware here. I have suggested to the suppliers via our Product
Manager that it would be an excellent idea to allow the box to receive
all non-encrypted signals, but so far they don't seem to have done so.

Apparently the G7501 Hills HSM075 freeview receiver can be set up to
receive non-Freeview transmissions, although I have not played with one
to that extent.

If you want to go to the extent of receiving a number of other
non-freeview channels as well, it may be best to return your DSE
Freeview receiver, and purchase a standard digital satellite receiver.
With some brands/models, the E.P.G. may not be (fully) compatible, so
you may not be able to find out what TV programmes are on next.

Best Regards,
DSE Service Dept.

sbiddle

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#100576 18-Dec-2007 06:47

GD: Still strikes me as ironic that so called Freeview is anything but!!!!

I don't agree with this. You purchased a Freeview box to view the Freeview service. The box doesn't claim to be able to pick up anything but Freeview so to expect it to do so is a being a bit unrealistic.

Personally I'd return the DSE box and pick up a cheaper STB - you could even buy a Dreambox for the same price which is a far superior unit.

BarTender

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#100598 18-Dec-2007 09:45

sbiddle:
GD: Still strikes me as ironic that so called Freeview is anything but!!!!

I don't agree with this. You purchased a Freeview box to view the Freeview service. The box doesn't claim to be able to pick up anything but Freeview so to expect it to do so is a being a bit unrealistic.

Personally I'd return the DSE box and pick up a cheaper STB - you could even buy a Dreambox for the same price which is a far superior unit.

I can only agree on the Dreambox, $200 (which is what I am selling them for) and it does everything any of the freeview boxes can do, including having a composite / component output (via SCART), record / stream to a PC over the network.

SentenilNZ

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Wannabe Geek

#100729 18-Dec-2007 19:32

I wouldnt buy the Hills HSM075 either, I brought one for $299, and it reboots itself, when I change the channel, Emailed HILLS and they sent a new STB down from Auckland, but it has started to the same reboot. Hopefully I can get my money back or get them to send a STRONG down.

Also SCB Channel 7 is no longer available on 12637V 5100. all you get is a TEST pattern. Looks like the article in the NZ Hearld worked.

Quote["Free view of Aussie TV
5:00AM Saturday December 08, 2007
By Chris Barton

Some Freeview satellite TV watchers are getting an unexpected bonus - a free view of Australian programmes.

Many are happily watching SCTV, delivered by Southern Cross Broadcasting to the Northern Territories and Darwin, which carries Australian Channel 7 programmes.

Until they were affected by the American writers strike, that included the latest series of Heroes, several episodes ahead of New Zealand, and Bionic Woman, not showing here yet.

Other channels that technically savvy Freeview users have managed to tune in to include Imparja Television, which purchases programming from the Nine and Ten Networks.

Quite why the channels, available in NZ for three months, are able to be seen here remains a mystery.

Freeview, TVNZ and TV3 all seemed unaware of the channels. "To my knowledge they're not on [Optus] D1," said Freeview general manager Steve Browning, referring to the satellite that beams out Freeview channels.

Satellite experts suspect the reason is because of problems with the Optus D1, which was supposed to have its transponders set to different "polarities" to distinguish between Australia and New Zealand.

How long the channels will remain available is unknown."}Quote

All ready gone :(