Geekzone: technology news, blogs, forums
Guest
Welcome Guest.
You haven't logged in yet. If you don't have an account you can register now.


getresults

99 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

#105013 25-Jun-2012 12:19
Send private message

Hi everyone, 



I just moved house in Christchurch into a new place that happens to be *just* outside of line of sight for terrestrial UHF freeview. Gutted. So much for the money invested in my Tivo. 

Can anyone recommend a very good Satellite PVR or two?  With a similar level of user friendly interface to a TiVo.  

A protected kids mode (similar to TiVo) that restricts kids to specified program levels (G, PG etc) unless they have a pin code would be great. 

Ability to remotely book recording requests would be great too. 

Thank you!





View this topic in a long page with up to 500 replies per page Create new topic
 1 | 2 | 3
B1GGLZ
1961 posts

Uber Geek


  #645836 25-Jun-2012 12:48
Send private message

getresults: Hi everyone, 

I just moved house in Christchurch into a new place that happens to be *just* outside of line of sight for terrestrial UHF freeview.

Thank you!

You don't need to be line of sight for Freeview. As long as there is enough signal strength and quality it will work. Just might need a high gain antenna and masthead amp.
My son's place is in a gulley (in Auckland) with hills in the way and gets a signal OK even without an amp. Antenna positioning on the roof was critical though.
Have you tried?

 
 
 

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).
getresults

99 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

  #645846 25-Jun-2012 13:04
Send private message

Thanks for the reply. 

No I haven't tested.  There is a sharp 50-60 meter immediate rise between my house and the Sugarloaf tower so I think it's unlikely to get through.  No other neighbours have UHF aerials on this street so it pretty much seems to be bad luck. 

I could get a survey done but it's $85+GST just for the call out and then I'd have to pay for the aerial, the pole, stabliers, the install etc. 

It's going to add up to a whole lot more than simply plugging a Satellite PVR into the existing satellite dish. 



nickb800
2715 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

  #645866 25-Jun-2012 13:23
Send private message

I think it is still worth your while to investigate UHF.

You can get antennas such as these which are designed for non-line-of-sight signal
http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/tvs/cables-aerials/auction-487479877.htm

Another satellite PVR will probably be at least $200, maybe $500 for a good one, and won't be in HD either

If you are looking for a friendly user interface, I would recommend sticking with the Freeview approved ones, of which there are only two http://www.freeviewnz.tv/equipment-installation/approved-products.aspx?includeUHF=false&category=recorders



tangerz
616 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #645870 25-Jun-2012 13:30
Send private message

nickb800: I think it is still worth your while to investigate UHF.

You can get antennas such as these which are designed for non-line-of-sight signal
http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/tvs/cables-aerials/auction-487479877.htm


+1

I've even heard of people using reflections of signals off of buildings higher up and 'behind' them.  Can't say if that's true or not but might work?!?

B1GGLZ
1961 posts

Uber Geek


  #645889 25-Jun-2012 14:07
Send private message

getresults: Thanks for the reply. 

No I haven't tested.  There is a sharp 50-60 meter immediate rise between my house and the Sugarloaf tower so I think it's unlikely to get through.  No other neighbours have UHF aerials on this street so it pretty much seems to be bad luck. 



That shouldn't pose much of a problem as long as your not a very long way from Sugarloaf. Beg borrow or obtain a UHF antenna and try.
Maybe the rest of the street can't be bothered.  Can you receive Prime and/or Maori TV (both UHF) at the moment on the current setup? Even if you can't it's surely worth trying a new UHF antenna? They're reasonably priced at Bunnings, Mitre 10 etc.

B1GGLZ
1961 posts

Uber Geek


  #645893 25-Jun-2012 14:14
Send private message

getresults:

I could get a survey done but it's $85+GST just for the call out and then I'd have to pay for the aerial, the pole, stabliers, the install etc. 



OK. Sounds like there is no TV antenna there at all now?
Another option would be MySkyHdi? Would need HD ticket for HD though.

getresults

99 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

  #645899 25-Jun-2012 14:25
Send private message

B1GGLZ:
getresults:

I could get a survey done but it's $85+GST just for the call out and then I'd have to pay for the aerial, the pole, stabliers, the install etc. 



OK. Sounds like there is no TV antenna there at all now?
Another option would be MySkyHdi? Would need HD ticket for HD though.


Oh sorry - I obviously didn't make that clear. 

There is no existing aerial on the house. 

It's possible there may have been one attached to the balcony... but er... the balcony fell off in the Feb earthquake as did many of the upstairs windows, the stone exterior of the entire house etc etc. :)

No aerial at all... but a sky dish sitting there unused and still connected into the lounge. 

Hence why I can't even try to connect the Tivo or experiment with a signal.  

I'm reasonably sure though that the house never had VHF.  Everyone on the street only has UHF and yet if I wander down to the bottom of the street where line of sight starts to improve the UHF aerials start to appear on every house. 

Pretty much every house without UHF has a satellite dish. 

So... the PVR I'm looking at now is the UltraPlus 900HD

http://www.freeviewshop.co.nz/ultraplus-900hd-micro-digital-satellite-receiverpvr-p-655.html

It looks suitably geeky - record to USB, ethernet connectivity, DNLA, time shifting, record 3 channels while watching one, parental lock. 

Any feedback on this model would be great. 

Thanks for your help so far!



B1GGLZ
1961 posts

Uber Geek


  #645947 25-Jun-2012 16:06
Send private message

getresults:  Everyone on the street only has UHF and yet if I wander down to the bottom of the street where line of sight starts to improve the UHF aerials start to appear on every house. 

Pretty much every house without UHF has a satellite dish. 


That would indicate there is Freeview reception in your street. Could be worthwhile just asking nearest neighbour with UHF if they have any problems.
If not then your TIVO would probably work OK with a UHF antenna installation.
Your satellite dish may require a new LNB if it hasn't been used for some time.
I can see your problem though. Fork out for UHF which may not work satisfactorily or go the Satellite non-HD route.
I only have basic Sky so can't really offer any more help. Have been considering getting myself the UltraPlus X-9200HD though. Just put off by the cost. Looks like a nice unit and I believe it will take a Sky card too.

Yank
14 posts

Geek


  #645992 25-Jun-2012 17:09
Send private message

UHF is definitely the best way to go because of HD and also the channels are better than satellite in my opinion. You do not need line of sight so much as distance from the tower, most UHF signals are good for about 20K. At my work they are about 20K from the tower and behind a hill and still they pick up about 4 of the stations and that is without a high gain antenna. If you know someone that has one you can always try an amplified antenna indoors in the highest spot you can get and see if you get a signal, if you do then a roof high gain antenna will be heaps better. Cheers

xarqi
727 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #645998 25-Jun-2012 17:15
Send private message

My advice about Ultraplus: avoid.
I don't want to get dragged into the whys and wherefores again because each time I do I find it very hard not to get angry all over again. If you do choose to go that way, be *very* sure that you have a no-hassle right of return so that if you find that it is just a bad joke, as I did, you won't have to rely on the Consumer Guarantees Act.

Doubtless others will sing the praises of Ultraplus, but be aware that that opinion is by no means unanimous.

nickb800
2715 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

  #645999 25-Jun-2012 17:16
Send private message

I have really good reception in my place, LOS from Sugarloaf (near sign of the kiwi) to here in Ilam. Even a piece of hookup wire coming out of the TV will give me some reception, if i hold it right. Perhaps you could try this with your tivo, get a long piece of hookup wire, and move it around, see if you get a little bit of signal.

If you do, then this gives you some confidence in paying for a proper signal survey. If not, then your idea of getting a satellite PVR is confirmed.

Jaxson
8018 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

  #646006 25-Jun-2012 17:33
Send private message

UHF/Terrestrial offers HD on 3 channels and Dolby Surround sound.
Try, try more and then try again to receive this prior to pursuing Satellite.

getresults

99 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

  #646048 25-Jun-2012 18:52
Send private message

B1GGLZ:
getresults:  Everyone on the street only has UHF and yet if I wander down to the bottom of the street where line of sight starts to improve the UHF aerials start to appear on every house. 

Pretty much every house without UHF has a satellite dish. 


That would indicate there is Freeview reception in your street. Could be worthwhile just asking nearest neighbour with UHF if they have any problems.


Sorry - my bad.  In the crazy rush that was today what I was trying to type was that there is only VHF aerials on my street - no UHF at all until I get 30 metres down the road and the line of sight starts to clear the massive hill crest here. 

So in fact every indication is that Freeview is not available in this street. No UHF, just clunky old VHF aerials and Satellite dishes. 
 
I'll ask neighbours tomorrow but I'm pretty much convinced there's no hope now after talking to local installers. 



getresults

99 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

  #646051 25-Jun-2012 18:53
Send private message

xarqi: My advice about Ultraplus: avoid.
I don't want to get dragged into the whys and wherefores again because each time I do I find it very hard not to get angry all over again. If you do choose to go that way, be *very* sure that you have a no-hassle right of return so that if you find that it is just a bad joke, as I did, you won't have to rely on the Consumer Guarantees Act.

Doubtless others will sing the praises of Ultraplus, but be aware that that opinion is by no means unanimous.


Okay... I know you mean well but your post doesn't actually help. 

What other brands & model(s) would you recommend with a similar feature set? 

Can you point me to a thread regarding problems? 

Point noted re: right of return - I'll ask.  Kind of need to know why I might want to return it though :)

grant_k
3539 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

  #646053 25-Jun-2012 18:59
Send private message

getresults: What other brands & model(s) would you recommend with a similar feature set? 

I will answer the first question on Xarqi's behalf because we have the same receiver:

http://www.vuplus.com.au/Satellite-STB/Vuplus-DuoLE

Vu+ provides a very solid platform with a variety of images available and excellent support both from Craig (the Aussie distributor) and a UK-based forum.  Craig was in touch with me today about another matter, and he is a font of knowledge about all things regarding satellite reception in this part of the world.

As you will see from the link above, Vu+ can be fitted with up to a 2TB HDD which is awesome.





 1 | 2 | 3
View this topic in a long page with up to 500 replies per page Create new topic





News and reviews »

Māori Artists Launch Design Collection with Cricut ahead of Matariki Day
Posted 15-Jun-2025 11:19


LG Launches Upgraded webOS Hub With Advanced AI
Posted 15-Jun-2025 11:13


One NZ Satellite IoT goes live for customers
Posted 15-Jun-2025 11:10


Bolt Launches in New Zealand
Posted 11-Jun-2025 00:00


Suunto Run Review
Posted 10-Jun-2025 10:44


Freeview Satellite TV Brings HD Viewing to More New Zealanders
Posted 5-Jun-2025 11:50


HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14-inch Review
Posted 3-Jun-2025 14:40


Flip Phones Are Back as HMD Reimagines an Iconic Style
Posted 30-May-2025 17:06


Hundreds of School Students Receive Laptops Through Spark Partnership With Quadrent's Green Lease
Posted 30-May-2025 16:57


AI Report Reveals Trust Is Key to Unlocking Its Potential in Aotearoa
Posted 30-May-2025 16:55


Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series Brings Intelligent Experiences to the Forefront with Premium, Versatile Design
Posted 30-May-2025 16:14


New OPPO Watch X2 Launches in New Zealand
Posted 29-May-2025 16:08


Synology Premiers a New Lineup of Advanced Data Management Solutions
Posted 29-May-2025 16:04


Dyson Launches Its Slimmest Vaccum Cleaner PencilVac
Posted 29-May-2025 15:50


OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G Review 
Posted 29-May-2025 15:33









Geekzone Live »

Try automatic live updates from Geekzone directly in your browser, without refreshing the page, with Geekzone Live now.



Are you subscribed to our RSS feed? You can download the latest headlines and summaries from our stories directly to your computer or smartphone by using a feed reader.







Backblaze unlimited backup