Hong Kong freeview compatibility?

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Jaxson

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#21074 15-Apr-2008 10:27

Hi all,

Does anyone know specifically how different the DVB-T NZ standard is to the Hong Kong DMB-T standard?

Is there any reason why their set top receivers would not work here in NZ?

Thanks,
Jackson.

Mattnzl

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#123618 15-Apr-2008 10:30

I know someone in NZ has tried the HK "Olevia" firmware in their NZ Zinwell and it did work (and even gave more functionality) but other than that I'm not sure.
The Olevia sells for about HK$1500 I think so would be a good alternative if it does work

openmedia

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#123625 15-Apr-2008 11:01

They are similar standards but not identical.

What is useful is that HK have decided to go H.264 with AAC audio like NZ, plus Singapore is supposed to be doing the same as NZ with DVB-T. This should all help bring STB prices down dramatically.

Generally known online as OpenMedia, now working for Red Hat APAC as a Technology Evangelist and Portfolio Architect. Still playing with MythTV and digital media on the side.

Jaxson

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#123627 15-Apr-2008 11:09

Thanks for the quick feedback.
I know that one of the European countries has basically exactly the same as ours, but there doesn't seem to be set top boxes available that we could buy to bring here to NZ. Hong Kong doesn't seem to be exactly like ours, but it looks 'close enough'.

It's not the same, but there are set top boxes available that we could look to import here to NZ. So the question really is, would the unit still play our content here in NZ, or are the differences enough to make it not worth the effort? Is DMB that much different to DVT?

I'm hoping to get a HD decoder available to sell to NZ public who don't want to pay/can't afford the $399 min for existing gear. I'm picking flash add ons like the mheg5 EPG would not be supported, but if it's just video and audio output that you're in, I'm certain I could do this for more like $200. Then you just look online or in the paper for what's coming up on the TV Channels.

Thanks all,
Jackson.

mentalinc

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#123632 15-Apr-2008 11:31

Yeah doesn't sound like an ideal solution if it doesn't do mheg5 EPG - its not a "flash add on" its a requirement.
Your "customers" are not going to be happy once they see everyone else with a working EPG
The extra $200 now is due to there only being one STB wait for more LEGIT ones and the price will come down.
plus the "savings" are going to be eaten up having to buy something like the TV-guide everyweek.

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Jaxson

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#123636 15-Apr-2008 11:46

Yeah fair call, I take on board what you’re saying.

Just looking for a low price alternative now, I know they will come over time, they always do.
The EPG is not a biggy for me, I make do without one currently and have done for years on analogue tv. That said, it's a great feature of DVB and one most would not want to do without.

My motivation for looking for alternative boxes is a bit different to most:
I've recently found out that part of the freeview accreditation process requires limiting the component video out to SD 576i resolution. HD is only available via the hdmi out of the freeview boxes. I have an older tv that doesn't have HDCP compatibility, so I'm looking for an alternative that will allow HD resolutions out via component.

I'm hoping some of the cheaper Hong Kong style boxes I've found will allow this, but need to know if they'd work at all here in NZ first!

Cheers,
Jackson.

sbiddle

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#123639 15-Apr-2008 12:25

Jaxson: My motivation for looking for alternative boxes is a bit different to most:
I've recently found out that part of the freeview accreditation process requires limiting the component video out to SD 576i resolution. HD is only available via the hdmi out of the freeview boxes. I have an older tv that doesn't have HDCP compatibility, so I'm looking for an alternative that will allow HD resolutions out via component.

Just be aware of the new copyright act which makes it an offence to bypass or hack copy protection - since Freeview are enforcing the ICT flag selling a box for commercial gain that bypasses this measure could open yourself up for prosecution.

If you were to import boxes to sell I'd certainly be looking for some legal advice first.

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old3eyes

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#123646 15-Apr-2008 12:56

sbiddle:
Jaxson: My motivation for looking for alternative boxes is a bit different to most:
I've recently found out that part of the freeview accreditation process requires limiting the component video out to SD 576i resolution. HD is only available via the hdmi out of the freeview boxes. I have an older tv that doesn't have HDCP compatibility, so I'm looking for an alternative that will allow HD resolutions out via component.

Just be aware of the new copyright act which makes it an offence to bypass or hack copy protection - since Freeview are enforcing the ICT flag selling a box for commercial gain that bypasses this measure could open yourself up for prosecution.

If you were to import boxes to sell I'd certainly be looking for some legal advice first.

I very much doubt that the cops will knock down your door to see if you have modefied your STB otherwise they would have to bust everyone with a home made HTPC and the like..

Regards,

Old3eyes

Jaxson

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#123649 15-Apr-2008 13:08

Me thinks I should have worded my statements better above. My focus is not really on the import and selling of boxes, I'm not opening a shop or anything. I'm just looking for a solution for my family/friends etc who now have newer flat panel tv's and would like to receive freeview HD. Also, for myself who has a non hdcp compliant tv, for which the current freeview stb's will be of no use.

One could argue that the cost for a receiver is only a small part of the cost of a compatible display, but for many the tv cost 'so much' that they can't really justify too much more on a tv receiver. I was just hoping that one of the hong kong style boxes available would work with NZ compression/broadcast standards.

Of course all of this is just an idea, if it won't actually physically work.

richms

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#124187 16-Apr-2008 21:51

HDCP component HDMI to component adapters are available on ebay.

hey look, I'm telling someone how to circumvent protection... Uh-oh...

Richard rich.ms