New Freeview HD hardware: eXtra Terrestrial Freeview HD tuner

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208 posts

Master Geek

#190311 18-Jan-2009 08:59

smac:
bazzer: What are you using to watch your Freeview|HD? It doesn't have any problems?

Nothing, so no, no problems! I actually watch very little TV so I'm not prepared to pay $250 for 2 channels and better resolution/reception. I already have a DVD recorder so what I would be after would be an EPG recorder....otherwise the benefits don't outweigh the costs (for me, I realise others watch more TV so have different priorities).

The options for me at this point seem to be:
$1000 for the Zinwell...not gonna happen.
Wait for the Sommet....still waiting for an email let alone a product
Wait for the Vantage to get MHEG5...they're working on it but no dates
Wait for the ET.......
$500+ for the Hyundai.....don't have a dish and don't want one...makes it a $700 unit and I don't value TV that highly.

I relaise other people have other priorities and different prices they go for etc, this is just my position.

I hear you smac. Pickings are very slim out there at the moment for people in our position

Whoever is first coming up with a functional low cost DVB-T STB with PVR functions in the next month or two is going to have a lot of customers. Expecially with the geeks who have surplus HDDs lying around

The only real alternative to the apparently buggy $1000 Zinwell MyFreeview box at the moment is building your own Vista MCE unit. Cost wise, you're not going to get much change out of $800-$1000 and it is out of most peoples technical skills to get the it working properly with the xml imports for the PVR as there is no native support for NZ channel guides. However, you get a hell of a lot more bang for your buck in the long run, and it is proven to work.

Personally I don't really have the inclination or the money to build up an MCE box, and a STB with PVR functions is all I really require. That is the whole reason I bought this ET box. If I had known that it was going to take this long, and not the 2 weeks I was quoted in November, I think I would have just bitten the bullet, and would have had one up and running by mid-December.

I can't wait forever, and If the update does not show up in Feb as promised, I will be seeking a refund and going down this path.

freitasm

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#190315 18-Jan-2009 09:13

bazzer: [What are you using to watch your Freeview|HD? It doesn't have any problems?

I am currently using Windows 7 on a Mac Mini. It works ok, but it's beta so has some expected problems. Before that I was using dvbviewer on Windows Vista on the same Mac Mini, no problems, great picture and sound.

But the thing that really got me was th DSE Freeview box. I got three boxes before just getting a refund. The first one was DOA (Dead On Arrival). The second one died after two days. The third one was another DOA. So I just asked for my money back before running through their stock.

rizzo

18 posts

Geek

#190318 18-Jan-2009 09:23

I normally watch ch1 or ch4, daytime my kids watch ch 6, with negligible problems. I rarely watch ch3.
Last night however I watched a movie on ch3, The Flight of the Phoenix. I was amazed at the amount of freezing and pixellation that I got.
Had I not been a keen reader of this thread, and with my very limited experience, I would have thought it was a fault at the transmitting end, not the receiving.
In other words, why should the ET box receive several channels perfectly, but not TV3? has anyone considered it could be the transmitted signal that is at fault?
I live in Te Atatu with clear view of Waitaroa mast
thanks

InspectorGadget

208 posts

Master Geek

#190323 18-Jan-2009 09:48

freitasm:
bazzer: [What are you using to watch your Freeview|HD? It doesn't have any problems?

I am currently using Windows 7 on a Mac Mini. It works ok, but it's beta so has some expected problems. Before that I was using dvbviewer on Windows Vista on the same Mac Mini, no problems, great picture and sound.

But the thing that really got me was th DSE Freeview box. I got three boxes before just getting a refund. The first one was DOA (Dead On Arrival). The second one died after two days. The third one was another DOA. So I just asked for my money back before running through their stock.

I've got the W7 Beta as well. MCE has been drastically improved in this release even in the Beta version. Apparently it also has native H.264 support, but still no support for MHEG5. So you will still need to do the XML creation and import to get the PVR schedule populated.

Sounds fun, but I would still like a quick and easy STB solution at this stage.

It is a shame that the Mini doesn't have an HDMI connector.

Legion

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#190346 18-Jan-2009 12:22

TV3 is broadcast in 1080i, as opposed to TVNZ's 720p, it's possible that it's something to do with this. I had a customer a while back with a similar problem, and it ended up being a shortage of signal affecting only that channel. Admittedly he was in a somewhat dubious signal area with a lot of trees, but it came down to the number of outlets, quality of cable, and a couple of poor connections. With all that ironed out, he got TV3 no probs, and his analogue was improved quite a lot too. If you've got other outlets in the house, I would try bypassing those to bring the signal level up and see if that makes any improvements. Otherwise, check for any shorted or open connections. A single strand of copper from the outer braid touching the centre conductor can destroy your signals. Stranded or poor quality cabling could also be a culprit. Faulty flyleads (that may look just fine) between the wall and STB can also cause problems.

rizzo: I normally watch ch1 or ch4, daytime my kids watch ch 6, with negligible problems. I rarely watch ch3.
Last night however I watched a movie on ch3, The Flight of the Phoenix. I was amazed at the amount of freezing and pixellation that I got.
Had I not been a keen reader of this thread, and with my very limited experience, I would have thought it was a fault at the transmitting end, not the receiving.
In other words, why should the ET box receive several channels perfectly, but not TV3? has anyone considered it could be the transmitted signal that is at fault?
I live in Te Atatu with clear view of Waitaroa mast
thanks

rizzo

18 posts

Geek

#190353 18-Jan-2009 12:43

Hi Legion,
thanks for that, I'll check out what you say. However mine is a stand alone system, no other sets, a decent HDMI cable, so I'm fairly certain it's not my setup.
But I was under the impression many other readers/contributors to this forum had a similar sort of reception on ch3, whilst other channels worked OK.

pete9321

105 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user

#190359 18-Jan-2009 12:55

Here is update from our supplier ...Re/ PVR feature...

1. immediatelly recording. This step will achieve immdediate record and replay. On this step, you need to conect USB or extendal Hardish when you want to record; You need disconnect USB or extend hardish. It can record and wacth two channels on the same time at same frequncy. can record multple subtitle.; This step take many jobs, the main issue for us is to make the USB port compatiable. Now this function basicall is complete. However, there are some bugs. When we search channels, EPG function watching, sometimes the STB deadlock, it may relate to . The USB port compatiable still not can not support the most popular USB brand. We think we can only fix these bugs after we came back office from holiday. Our holiday is from Jan 21th-Feb 2nd. We think we should finish this job on Feb 10th-15th. 2. EPG and timer recording. It will provide EGP and time setting recording. This feature need 15 days after finish the first step.
JUST a thought here...for you geeks out there....
We hardly watch any of this crap...NZ TV, especially freeview is basically all rubbish...unless you're coronation st. freeks, with small brains...etc...
I can see why Sky does so well, being a monopoly...but thats because N.Z is just a Island...thats why TM(trade me) is untoucheable, and why "Ferret" has gone bust.

NOW, for those supa geeks out there...I am sadly included in this catagory too, by some folk...okay..!!
There is a alternative.....imagine 140 ch!!!
like sky but more!!
Yes....foxtel/Austar...you can receive this in N.Z.....thats all we watch....
don't ask me about this and how on this site...e/mail us from our website...okay!
freeviewnz.com

Quic Broadband

Move to New Zealand's best fibre broadband service (affiliate link). Free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE. Note that to use Quic Broadband you must be comfortable with configuring your own router.

mentalinc

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#190362 18-Jan-2009 13:11

Full PVR function is going to be in March at the earliest, based on the message above.

"Yes....foxtel/Austar...you can receive this in N.Z.....thats all we watch....
don't ask me about this and how on this site...e/mail us from our website...okay!

Now it looks like he trying to flog something else which is questionable illegal.

CPU: AMD 5900x | RAM: GSKILL Trident Z Neo RGB F4-3600C16D-32GTZNC-32-GB | MB: Asus X570-E | GFX: EVGA FTW3 Ultra RTX 3080Ti| Monitor: LG 27GL850-B 2560x1440

Quic: https://account.quic.nz/refer/473833 R473833EQKIBX

pete9321

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Master Geek
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#190363 18-Jan-2009 13:17

what a stupid geeky comment, we are just telling folk of a alternate...not selling anything.
comments like that are why we get so pissed with some of you folk...!!

InspectorGadget

208 posts

Master Geek

#190364 18-Jan-2009 13:25

mentalinc: Full PVR function is going to be in March at the earliest, based on the message above.

"Yes....foxtel/Austar...you can receive this in N.Z.....thats all we watch....
don't ask me about this and how on this site...e/mail us from our website...okay!

Now it looks like he trying to flog something else which is questionable illegal.

I think TV3 has slightly higher bandwidth requirements and may be more susectible to weaker signals.

Sounds like a large dish and reception from a couple of different satelites. Not particularly useful if you are renting (and the landlord doesn't want a 90+ cm wok bolted to the side of the house) or are in an area where building restrictions prohibit large standalone dishes.

pete9321:
NOW, for those supa geeks out there...I am sadly included in this catagory too, by some folk...okay..!!
There is a alternative.....imagine 140 ch!!!
like sky but more!!
Yes....foxtel/Austar...you can receive this in N.Z.....thats all we watch....
don't ask me about this and how on this site...e/mail us from our website...okay!
freeviewnz.com

Mentalinc is right

Pete, with this kind of comment you are most definately trying to sell something off your website. Especially if you are directing people to your website to find out about it. I am under no illusions that you intend to be the supplier of this kit that supposedly enables the viewing of 140 channels.

I think that you should focus on getting what you are currently offering working correctly before offering alternatives.

The scope that you have for selling further product on this site is limited by the reputation you have gained for limited support and
multiple missed deadlines. Deal with your current customer base and products first and get them happy before flogging new kit.

Word of mouth can ke a killer.

graemeh

2078 posts

Uber Geek

#190391 18-Jan-2009 16:31

pete9321: PVR update from factory......they have it working, but still some faults to fix in software...so if theirs some geeks out their willing to help them in the factory, kindly fly over and tell them what to do, as it seems a lot of you know better then us....!!

So in other words it is NOT working as a PVR.

I have been watching TV 1, 2 and 3 with an ET box. It hasn't crashed for at least two weeks. I do not use the EPG. I'm about to hook it up as a "tuner" for my Tivo. It seems that it is stable enough to use as long as you don't use any of the fancy features :)

sbiddle

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#190399 18-Jan-2009 17:06

InspectorGadget:
It is a shame that the Mini doesn't have an HDMI connector.

It has DVI so you only need a DVI -> HDMI cable.

sbiddle

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#190400 18-Jan-2009 17:09

Buttonmash: I'd hate to have this thread locked as it seems to be the only place to get reliable updates on the ET.
I bought an ET box months back because it was cheap, well featured and had PVR coming just around the corner, prior to that I'd been holdng out for Sony's PlayTV. Another no show product.

I don't think there is any need to look at locking this thread providing people stay on topic. It certainly is the most complete discussion of the pros and cons of this box.

Hinko

273 posts

Ultimate Geek

#190403 18-Jan-2009 17:21

On a positive note the higher level of detail from pete/david is appreciated, thank you, it is good to understand where the chaps are at, given being so many months behind from the promises. Keep up focussing on keeping us informed on the ET kit, not your comments on the competition, which coming from you are not neutral, promoting other products is also a cheap effort that fools few.

Re # 190364 posted on 18-JAN-2009 12:25

Mentalinc is right, Pete, with this kind of comment you are most definately trying to sell something off your website. Especially if you are directing people to your website to find out about it. I am under no illusions that you intend to be the supplier of this kit that supposedly enables the viewing of 140 channels.

I think that you should focus on getting what you are currently offering working correctly before offering alternatives.

The scope that you have for selling further product on this site is limited by the reputation you have gained for limited support and multiple missed deadlines. Deal with your current customer base and products first and get them happy before flogging new kit.

Word of mouth can ke a killer.

Well said Mentalinc and InspectorGadget.

I also agree that fundamentally for future PVR functionality the ET box has to be stable, we look forward to focus on this.

We want honest accuarate complete information about the ET please pete.

broozm

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#190464 19-Jan-2009 07:58

I also agree that fundamentally for future PVR functionality the ET box has to be stable, we look forward to focus on this.

We want honest accuarate complete information about the ET please pete.

Agreed - what we need is real information and user experiences one way or the other.
What we DON'T need on this forum is sniping as this well only disengage readers and contributors, and helps no one!

Being able to compare the performance of units across the country minute by minute is powerful stuff.
And more so whenever new firmware is released, if, when, maybe we get there

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