Current state of Freeview recorders in NZ

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101 posts

Master Geek
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#1853106 26-Aug-2017 23:21

Having gotten annoyed with the set top boxes I got my tinker on and "rolled my own" so to speak using a linux machine and TVHeadend, using small low power Android TV boxes with a clean Kodi install as frontends. So far the reception from the non-tech inclined in the family has been excellent, who only care that it works and looks pretty. Can record multiple channels from one transponder without using multiple tuners (eg TVNZ 1 and TVNZ 2 can record simultaneously only using one tuner) and makes everything accessible from anywhere on the home network, not just the telly :)

Nyan

turb

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#1853143 27-Aug-2017 05:56

darthmeow:
Having gotten annoyed with the set top boxes I got my tinker on and "rolled my own" so to speak using a linux machine and TVHeadend, using small low power Android TV boxes with a clean Kodi install as frontends. So far the reception from the non-tech inclined in the family has been excellent, who only care that it works and looks pretty. Can record multiple channels from one transponder without using multiple tuners (eg TVNZ 1 and TVNZ 2 can record simultaneously only using one tuner) and makes everything accessible from anywhere on the home network, not just the telly :)

These are the 'droids we are looking for!

You make it sound very easy - Please could you share your recipe?

Interests: HTPC, Web App authoring.

ermat

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Master Geek
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#1853144 27-Aug-2017 06:45

With regard to the $100 andriod boxes available, can somone recomend one. Thanks.

MikeB4

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#1853305 27-Aug-2017 16:53

We looked at the meagre offerings and decided to purchase the Panasonic DMR-HWT260GN. Got it for a good price of $320.I was tempted to get the Dish T2200 that The Warehouse had on sale for $199 but decided I had read too much hurt about these units. The Panasonic was a breeze to set up and overall so far going great.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

darthmeow

101 posts

Master Geek
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#1855470 30-Aug-2017 19:45

turb:
darthmeow:

Having gotten annoyed with the set top boxes I got my tinker on and "rolled my own" so to speak using a linux machine and TVHeadend, using small low power Android TV boxes with a clean Kodi install as frontends. So far the reception from the non-tech inclined in the family has been excellent, who only care that it works and looks pretty. Can record multiple channels from one transponder without using multiple tuners (eg TVNZ 1 and TVNZ 2 can record simultaneously only using one tuner) and makes everything accessible from anywhere on the home network, not just the telly :)

These are the 'droids we are looking for!

You make it sound very easy - Please could you share your recipe?

The recipe is still in development for the client side. The android TV box I had (running 6.0) has some issues with the live TV decode not kicking in properly sometimes (fine for anything recorded though which is all we watch here anyway).

Some quick pro's and cons though: Pro's are certainly the satisfaction that you rolled your own solution and it worked, being able to record multiple channels on one frequency using only one tuner, and the ability to watch from any device on your local network whether that's a tablet/phone with the appropriate app, VLC invoked from an m3u file via the web browser, Kodi or other media player that can talk to the server - it makes your TV viewing much more accessible. The cons I've found so far is the initial setup of the server, adding new channels is really daunting when you're new to it, EPG is a tad finnicky for "over the air" with terrestrial (fine for satellite), and if a new frequency goes live it often won't pick it up and you need to add it manually. Chances are they are remedied with a setting I just haven't found yet.

As far as the server (TVHeadend) side, you don't really need a lot. Linux of choice (Debian 9 here), compile and install, configure. Hardware I'm using is an old Dell Optiplex 745 (Core2Duo E8-something CPU), 2GB ram, cheap SSD for a boot drive and a 320GB chunk of spinning rust harvested from a laptop. I chose this particular system (I have a few kicking around) because ... well it's a Dell. It sits there, it's quiet, it does the job. I really should do a writeup of how far I've managed to get and how I got there. Project for my weekend I think.

Nyan

littleheaven

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#1855721 31-Aug-2017 09:58

When I dumped Sky back in 2015 I bought a Panasonic BWT840GZ, which was the absolute top-of-the-line in their range, to replace the MySky recording function. It was retailing for around $700 at the time, although I got it quite a bit cheaper than that in a sale. It's okay, but I was disappointed that when Netflix came out in NZ it didn't get added to the meagre lineup of apps available for the unit. It also didn't get a firmware upgrade to Freeview Plus, although I'm fairly sure the identical unit in Australia got it retrospectively (the 740GZ). The UI is clunky and slow. It does the job, but I realised the other day that I hadn't even turned it on in about three months. I don't watch much broadcast TV now, but what I do watch is generally in real time. My AppleTV4 has become my #1 device. Between Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and the ability to airplay many other streaming apps, my viewing is pretty much covered. TVNZ is launching a native app soon which will probably include live streams as well as the on demand content. TV3 already has a native app. If the PVR fell over, I doubt I'd get another, at this point. The main shows I record (in case I miss them live) can be viewed later on demand, and my home theatre system plays blu-rays. If I'd been able to see a short distance into the future, I probably wouldn't have bought it at all :)

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.

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MikeB4

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#1855733 31-Aug-2017 10:09

I turn the Freeview Plus features off as they are too problematic.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

Bananabob

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#1855737 31-Aug-2017 10:13

MikeB4:

We looked at the meagre offerings and decided to purchase the Panasonic DMR-HWT260GN. Got it for a good price of $320.I was tempted to get the Dish T2200 that The Warehouse had on sale for $199 but decided I had read too much hurt about these units. The Panasonic was a breeze to set up and overall so far going great.

So how is this thing going dear boy?

MikeB4

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#1855746 31-Aug-2017 10:24

Actually really good. The set up was a breeze and the firmware updated without hassle. I have not experienced any noticeable lag, black screens or missed recordings. I have padding set at 5 and 3 minutes and this is working fine. Picture quality is good as is the sound. This is no fan noise that I can detect. The remote is easy to use and having its own Netflix button is good. The Apps available? well there is not a lot in the cupboard but I really don't need many. It would be nice to have an Amazon and Lightbox App but I guess one cannot be greedy. Overall for the price I paid its good value for money which amounts to about three months worth of Sky.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

Bananabob

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#1855756 31-Aug-2017 10:33

MikeB4:

Actually really good. The set up was a breeze and the firmware updated without hassle. I have not experienced any noticeable lag, black screens or missed recordings. I have padding set at 5 and 3 minutes and this is working fine. Picture quality is good as is the sound. This is no fan noise that I can detect. The remote is easy to use and having its own Netflix button is good. The Apps available? well there is not a lot in the cupboard but I really don't need many. It would be nice to have an Amazon and Lightbox App but I guess one cannot be greedy. Overall for the price I paid its good value for money which amounts to about three months worth of Sky.

The apps include the expected "On Demand" from all channels?

robfish

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#1855831 31-Aug-2017 11:27

darthmeow:Having gotten annoyed with the set top boxes I got my tinker on and "rolled my own" so to speak using a linux machine and TVHeadend,

This is the type of answer I like on "Geekzone"

Building an HTPC using TVHeadend or MythTV for example is not difficult and gives more features and flexibility than any of the "off the shelf boxes".

There are many forums to help and many options for "Frontends"

I have the following "frontends" connected to TVs in and around my house (2 families at present):-

2 x Amazon Fire TV

2 x Mi Box

1 x Nexus Player

1 x Intel NUC (running LibreELEC)

1 x old desktop PC (running LibreELEC)

and a few days ago I ordered an R99 Android TV box

Rob

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MikeB4

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#1855839 31-Aug-2017 11:37

Bananabob:

MikeB4:

Actually really good. The set up was a breeze and the firmware updated without hassle. I have not experienced any noticeable lag, black screens or missed recordings. I have padding set at 5 and 3 minutes and this is working fine. Picture quality is good as is the sound. This is no fan noise that I can detect. The remote is easy to use and having its own Netflix button is good. The Apps available? well there is not a lot in the cupboard but I really don't need many. It would be nice to have an Amazon and Lightbox App but I guess one cannot be greedy. Overall for the price I paid its good value for money which amounts to about three months worth of Sky.

The apps include the expected "On Demand" from all channels?

I have not looked at the On Demand stuff for lineal TV as I do not use it. I have turned of My Freeview and have not looked for the Apps. I will however this evening if I get the chance have a look at it and come back.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

browned

636 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#1855887 31-Aug-2017 12:19

darthmeow:

The recipe is still in development for the client side. The android TV box I had (running 6.0) has some issues with the live TV decode not kicking in properly sometimes (fine for anything recorded though which is all we watch here anyway).

Some quick pro's and cons though: Pro's are certainly the satisfaction that you rolled your own solution and it worked, being able to record multiple channels on one frequency using only one tuner, and the ability to watch from any device on your local network whether that's a tablet/phone with the appropriate app, VLC invoked from an m3u file via the web browser, Kodi or other media player that can talk to the server - it makes your TV viewing much more accessible. The cons I've found so far is the initial setup of the server, adding new channels is really daunting when you're new to it, EPG is a tad finnicky for "over the air" with terrestrial (fine for satellite), and if a new frequency goes live it often won't pick it up and you need to add it manually. Chances are they are remedied with a setting I just haven't found yet.

As far as the server (TVHeadend) side, you don't really need a lot. Linux of choice (Debian 9 here), compile and install, configure. Hardware I'm using is an old Dell Optiplex 745 (Core2Duo E8-something CPU), 2GB ram, cheap SSD for a boot drive and a 320GB chunk of spinning rust harvested from a laptop. I chose this particular system (I have a few kicking around) because ... well it's a Dell. It sits there, it's quiet, it does the job. I really should do a writeup of how far I've managed to get and how I got there. Project for my weekend I think.

If you wanted to venture down the same path of recording and storing on Windows look at NextPVR, very simple to setup, get the guide working, and record shows with a TV tuner card or network device. Kodi and Emby Server/Client integration is very good.

If all you want to do is just watch live tv on devices Silicondust HDhomerun Connects are great, plug in aerial cable, plug into home router/switch and then start the HDHomerun app on your device or Android's Live Channels app on Anroid TV and it works.

Home Server: AMD Threadripper 1950X, 64GB, 56TB HDD, Define R6 Case, 10GbE, ESXi 6.7, UNRAID, NextPVR, Emby Server, Plex Server.
Lounge Media Center: NVIDIA Shield TV 16GB: Kodi18 with Titan MOD, Emby.
Kids Media Center: NVIDIA Shield TV 16GB: Kodi18 with Titan MOD, Emby.
Main PC: Ryzen 7 2700, 16GB RAM, RX 570, 2 x 24"

Groucho

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Ultimate Geek
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#1855938 31-Aug-2017 13:25

MikeB4:

I have not looked at the On Demand stuff for lineal TV as I do not use it. I have turned of My Freeview and have not looked for the Apps. I will however this evening if I get the chance have a look at it and come back.

I've read in the Panasonic's user manual they have 'multi-room TV streaming' aka DLNA. Any issues with this feature if you've used it particularly with streaming recorded HD content from TVNZ1, 2 or Three? I've heard HD content may be encrypted which won't be streamable. A great feature if it does allow it.

allan

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#1855948 31-Aug-2017 13:43

MikeB4:

Bananabob:

The apps include the expected "On Demand" from all channels?

I have not looked at the On Demand stuff for lineal TV as I do not use it. I have turned of My Freeview and have not looked for the Apps. I will however this evening if I get the chance have a look at it and come back.

No independent apps as such, On Demand accessible via the Freeview Plus function.

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