New Freeview HD hardware: eXtra Terrestrial Freeview HD tuner

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#160353 28-Aug-2008 09:14

Crap, that's a bummer about the audio.

What you've described suits me fine, as I don't use HDMI to provide audio to my TV. I take an analogue RCA stereo feed to the TV and provide picture via HDMI/DVI adaptor. I then take a coax or optical to my receiver and having the bypass option and coax drop out problem fixed is awesome for me, exactly what I wanted and need.

However, most people who have an HD TV will be using HDMI to provide both picture and audio to their tv's. And this solution is going to be useless for them.

Does the bypass option provide true 5.1 surround dolby when this audio track is present? I'm picking it will.
And even though it now defaults to dolby soundtrack if present, can you manually revert to MPEG audio on the off chance the dolby track was ever rubbish?

Yeah we're getting there. This upgrade will sort me fine, but is a step in the wrong direction for those using HDMI TV inputs. In fact it's the same problem just reversed essentially now.

Spong

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#160358 28-Aug-2008 09:24

Yes, with this "pre-release" firmware, you do get true Dolby Digital AC3 5.1 on the channels that support it currently (1&3) when the ET is set to bypass, but you can't switch back to the PCM soundtrack while in bypass mode. This suits me fine also, as I don't have an AV receiver capable of accepting HDMI. So at this point in time, the older current firmware is better for those getting their audio via HDMI, and the pre-release is ideal for those using opt/coax for their audio. Hopefully soon, both camps will be happy.

Update with 1.04 pre-release: Actually I've found that if you use optical or coax for audio, and set to Bypass mode, you can still select the lower quality PCM sound track on TV1 or TV3 should you wish to using the Audio key on the remote.
It seems also that if you're using bypass mode and HDMI for your sound link, the AC3 track sounds fine, but the PCM sound tracks on all channels are too distorted to be of any use. I'm only able to test audio via HDMI with a direct link to a TV.

Tivo upgrades to operate with the new OzTivo EPG, support and service. Over 400 performed here so far. See: www.hillcrest.net.nz

bazzer

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#160361 28-Aug-2008 09:38

I run HDMI to my TV (for video and audio) only because I'm out of HDMI inputs on my HT receiver. This works well as I can watch it just through the TV or with sound from the receiver (via coax). I tried HDMI to the receiver, but this was stereo PCM only so need the coax in that scenario anyway. I'll be trying HD component to the receiver and see what that quality is like, as it would be nice to have all the video switching handled there.

Bottom line is that this update will improve my HT setup but worsen my direct TV watching. I might have to run separate analog audio to the TV and override the HDMI audio (or only watch through HT receiver) if this problem persists but that's no biggie. It's a step in the right direction anyway.

I think this update will only really affect those who use HDMI for audio to their TV, even if their HT takes HDMI (like mine) they'll be using coax/opt out anyway. Can anyone confirm that HDMI can't output 5.1 or do I need to play with my settings? This could be changed in firmware I guess? Is it possible a change was made in this respect in this firmware (i.e. the distorted HDMI audio is actually bitstream output rather than PCM)?

Also, used the composite output to my VCR last night. It's a bit average, but still watchable. Since the upscaling seems reasonable on this box (i.e. SD C4, TVNZ6/7 etc output at 720p/1080i) I'm surprised the downscaling is so bad. I didn't check what the SD channels look like on composite out.

Jaxson

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#160363 28-Aug-2008 09:47

To be fair I think the composite (yellow RCA) down scaling may depend on the source. I found it almost unwatchable the first time I tried it but it was ok next time. Zinwell really does this better, but 95% of people will be using this box with hdmi or component out. My gut feel is that no one will be that happy with it (quite blocky digital ish) all the time.

My amp does not do hdmi in either, so I'm using the digital out coax/optica to pass my audio signal.

I'd say best way to use this box now would be with the newer update, but take video to your TV via HDMI but audio via analogue stereo RCA leads. Hopefully a TV can be set to do this, but then again probably not, as you'd never really want to be connecting this way normally. Anyhow, if you can do this, then this is the best option and means receiver/amp will work fine.

bazzer

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#160372 28-Aug-2008 10:05

Jaxson: To be fair I think the composite (yellow RCA) down scaling may depend on the source. I found it almost unwatchable the first time I tried it but it was ok next time. Zinwell really does this better, but 95% of people will be using this box with hdmi or component out. My gut feel is that no one will be that happy with it (quite blocky digital ish) all the time

I think it is only really of use for recording. I suppose some recorders have component in, but the only ones I have had had composite or s-video. Only have VCR now and it's composite only.

Jaxson: I'd say best way to use this box now would be with the newer update, but take video to your TV via HDMI but audio via analogue stereo RCA leads. Hopefully a TV can be set to do this, but then again probably not, as you'd never really want to be connecting this way normally. Anyhow, if you can do this, then this is the best option and means receiver/amp will work fine.

You can do this (at least on my oldish Philips). It's to cater for PC or DVI input. I haven't tried it but I think there's an option to choose audio from the analog in rather than HDMI (which in the cases I mentioned wouldn't have audio anyway). I may have to test this to see if it works.

Hinko

282 posts

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#160563 28-Aug-2008 21:24

With reference to the URL (posted earlier) http://www.szdehoo.com/en/products/products_view.asp?id=167 I note there is an Ethernet option:

LAN (Option) RJ-45 10M/100 Base-T

Would others see this as an advantage, like I would? Ethernet access opens a whole new level of capability. Web page access, saving content over a LAN, updating, and remote control all come to my mind.

I think such a connection would really position this device even further apart from the competition and open the door for this to become a cult device.

If so it might take more inquiry and comment to have this option made available in New Zealand in the eXtra Terrestial. What do others think?

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Kanz

29 posts

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Inactive user

#160569 28-Aug-2008 21:45

Spong: New ET Firmware vers 1.04 pre-release.

[stuff]. PM me if you're interested.

hey mate im keen on a unit but have no idea how to PM you. let me know your details and ill get in touch...

cheers

Spong

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#160571 28-Aug-2008 21:52

You could try finding my contact details at my basic website at www.hillcrest.net.nz
You can also PM members by clicking their name next to their posting, and choosing "email"
I'll PM you also.

Tivo upgrades to operate with the new OzTivo EPG, support and service. Over 400 performed here so far. See: www.hillcrest.net.nz

Garglo

49 posts

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#160703 29-Aug-2008 12:40

How much from you are the ET boxes?

Only Butterflys are more beautiful.

Spong

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#160734 29-Aug-2008 14:59

Garglo: How much from you are the ET boxes?

As mentioned, PM for more info. I've sent you a message with all the details. Cheers, Dave.

Tivo upgrades to operate with the new OzTivo EPG, support and service. Over 400 performed here so far. See: www.hillcrest.net.nz

Batman

Mad Scientist
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#160887 30-Aug-2008 14:56

was just wondering - do you think if we ask the dealer to ask the manufacturer to put in hard drive "live pause" recording, dual tuners, and capability to play divx avi & mkv files via usb storage device, that it could be done? that would make it super awesome! i'm just holding on till a reliable recorder that can at least do live pause to come through ... and at a good price!

Lenovo

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triode66

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#161022 31-Aug-2008 13:40

Bought an ET about 10 days ago ......

I have had some problems getting the unit to sync 1080i with a LG 24" LCD multimedia monitor using the HDMI connector supplied with the ET. Monitor resolution is 1920 x 1200 pixels.

Some times it does it properly, other times it half syncs and flickers madly, though can still see a picture, but horrible/impossible to watch.

Not sure if its a problem with the panel refusing to sync with the ET ....... or vice versa.

Anybody else had problems with 1080i syncing using the ET with LCD displays from other manufacturers ?

Appreciate any replies !!

Triode

kiwimudcrab

9 posts

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#161235 1-Sep-2008 12:28

Jaxson: To be fair I think the composite (yellow RCA) down scaling may depend on the source. I found it almost unwatchable the first time I tried it but it was ok next time. Zinwell really does this better, but 95% of people will be using this box with hdmi or component out. My gut feel is that no one will be that happy with it (quite blocky digital ish) all the time.

I have to agree with Jaxson regarding the composite/s-video output. I need a s-video feed for my sony harddrive recorder and I was very disappointed with the quality coming from the ET box - the DSE/Zinwell box does it so much better. It's a shame 'cause the ET box is great value otherwise. I haven't had any experience of any of the other boxes out there, but if a good composite/s-video output is important to you stick with the DSE/Zinwell box.

BTW, I was pretty impressed when I was able to do a software update of my DSE box over the airwaves in the weekend!

Cheers,

coolvibe

39 posts

Geek

#161299 1-Sep-2008 15:53

The Visione 4000 has exactly the same problem with composite output. The developers are currently working on a fix. Here are my findings. (output set to 720p on component)
c4 (567p native ) composite looks ok no duplicate vertical lines visible.
C3 (1080i native) composite not as good some duplicate vertical lines seen.
C1 and C2 (720p native) total garbage. looks like 256 lines upscaled to 576. vertical.
I have recieved 1 firmware upgdate to fix other issues but I am still waiting of the composite to be fixed along with a few other gripes. At least updates are arriving.

ArchPrime

30 posts

Geek

#161723 3-Sep-2008 01:12

Garglo: Where are you? If you are in an area like Auckland where there are Multipule Transmitters on the same frequencies. This may account for the interferance. I have no problem as I have an aerial directed to Pine Hill (Hor) although I can see the SKY tower (Vert) which is on the same freq. Check link below to check your status.
http://www.kordiasolutions.com/broadcast_solutions_digital_broadcasting_terrestrial_television_installers

Hi - I have this issue and am in Christchurch - i.e theroetically have no competing tramsitters.

I can pretty much eliminate the aerial and signal strength & quality as an issue anyway, because I can connect the same aerial to the DBV-T card in my PC and get a perfect and stable image on all channels, with no corruption.

I am wondering if the pixelation is consistent with insufficient processing power in the unit for decoding complex rapidly changing scenes?

I am also noticing the unit sometimes has slight sound vs picture synching issues, especially on TV 3, which might be part of the same issue?

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