Great, a Satellite Receiver that won't let you tune in free channels.

Forums › Freeview (DVB-T/DVB-S) › Great, a Satellite Receiver that won't let you tune in free channels.

basicallythis

78 posts

Master Geek

#29552 11-Jan-2009 11:21

So does anyone have a good explaination why the DSE 7500 Receivers (Zinwell) won't let you tune in free channels on other satellites? I have a 90cm dish pointing at Optus D2, 83% Signal, 100% Quality, can scan and see all the transponders, but it just won't find any channels. And of course you cannot add channels manually.

I'm so angry. Why bother talking about tuning in channels and showing screenshots of other channels other than Freeview channels in the manual. I mean, if the box stated "Can only tune in New Zealand freeview channels. Not suitable as a general purpose satellite receiver" then I can't complain.

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Waylon Kenning

All comments are my own opinion, and not that of my employers unless explicited stated.

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#188753 11-Jan-2009 11:40

These boxes are locked to Freeview and are only designed for Freeview. If you want to be able to pick up other satellites you'll have to take back the DSE box and buy a non Freeview approved device.

basicallythis

78 posts

Master Geek

#188760 11-Jan-2009 11:59

Thanks for the reply. What do you think my odds are of getting Comcom to look into this? I mean where does it state on the box or on DSE's website that this is restricted to Freeview only channels? I mean it may be common information to Geekzone readers, but too an average guy like me, this information is not commonly known.

As an aside, when I do a scan of all transponders on Optus D1, the box picks up the following scrambled channels:
- Prime
- Sky Sports Highlights
- SM Greats

That's probably the worst bit. I can tune in random encrypted channels, but not freely available ones.

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Waylon Kenning

All comments are my own opinion, and not that of my employers unless explicited stated.

sbiddle

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#188761 11-Jan-2009 12:03

I'd say there would be a pretty slim chance of getting anybody such as the ComCom to follow your line of thought. The box is clearly packaged as a Freeview box that allows you to view Freeview channels and the box has Freeview logos on it. It's not sold as anything else.

Should Sky be investigated because their box can't view other FTA channels such as Freeview?

basicallythis

78 posts

Master Geek

#188762 11-Jan-2009 12:21

On the DSE website it is labelled as a "DSE Digital Satellite Receiver", which implies that it receives digital satellite signals. The features part of the website states "Reception of Free to Air digital satellite TV channels and radio stations". Why should I assume that that *explicitly* excludes non-freeview free to air digital satellite TV channels and radio stations?

The manual of the receiver then goes into great detail about how to tune in stations available, including screenshots of other free to air channels.

And just because a product isn't labelled as being able to do something doesn't give you reason not to expect it to do something. I doubt cars say they are capable of driving on unsealed surfaces, but you would expect it as the nature of the device. I'd expect a digital satellite receiver to receive free to air channels, not just a restricted subset.

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Waylon Kenning

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cokemaster

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#188768 11-Jan-2009 12:56

When you look up DSE 7500 on the DSE website you get:

and

Both state: Free to air freeview digital satellite receiver.

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#188779 11-Jan-2009 13:28

IANACCDM (I am not a Commerce Commission Decision Maker) but...

They wouldn't touch this with an international standard length barge pole.

Free to air in New Zealand could so easily be defined as signals and programming that are intentionally broadcast in New Zealand (and the broadcaster has the rights to broadcast here etc).

Not to mention anything else mentioned in previous replies.

DSE have a VERY generous returns policy, so if you are within the 14 day period, simply return it.

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#188846 11-Jan-2009 20:49

You're talking Commerce Commission, but have you actually asked DSE for a swap/refund or store credit? They're usually pretty good in that respect.

basicallythis

78 posts

Master Geek

#188887 12-Jan-2009 06:38

The receiver was purchased about six months ago, it's only been recently that I've tried to tune in channels other than Freeview ones. Why I mentioned Comcom is because other people can be tricked by this. All it takes is one line on the website or the box to disclaim this and then I'd be happy. I'll talk to DSE first about it, and see their response.

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Waylon Kenning

All comments are my own opinion, and not that of my employers unless explicited stated.

allstarnz

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#188930 12-Jan-2009 11:13

it is a bit odd that one can't tune non-Freeview channels on it. What is the advantage for Freeview to do this, other to to not confuse 'novices'?

If you're that annoyed, i suspect one should be able to load the generic firmware for that box if there is such a thing.

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#188955 12-Jan-2009 12:56

To ask the obvious follow-on questions from this:
- which non-freeview boxes will let you do what the OP wants?
- has anyone had any interesting results doing this (ie what could you pick up)?

At the moment I have Freeview DTT, but am contemplating hooking up satellite decoder to my dish as well (to feed a different room).

On a related matter - I assume that Freeview has multiple broadcasts of TV1, 2 etc, to let TVNZ et al provide a different signal to each region for their targeted ad breakouts etc. I am curious as to how easy is it to tell a satellite box to take the feed for a different region - say the Auckland of Christchurch signals instead of the Wellington one?

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#188963 12-Jan-2009 13:24

Hi Jimmy, TVNZ and Canwest do not have multiple region versions, TVNZ canned that about 2yrs ago. The Hill FreeView decoder will allow tuning to any transponder if you flick the appropriate menu switch, all DVB-S FTA boxs are simply that and can tune to any non encrypted DVB signal with no limitations. If you want to get a good FTA decoder then I recommend either Strong or Topfield

Cyril

PS: Prime on the otherhand does have regional feeds, however these are encrypted and on Skys own muxs, obviously

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#189157 13-Jan-2009 11:00

thanks cyril, good to know.

basicallythis

78 posts

Master Geek

#189539 14-Jan-2009 14:51

Here is the email I received from DSE:

"Unfortunately it is not possible to receive other free to air channels
available from other satellites with your FreeView receiver. The
packaging on the box is branded with FreeView and only advertises the
FreeView channels. However after reviewing this customers comments
about the manual we understand that the manual needs further
clarification to avoid confusion. We will be making ammendments to the
manual in our future shipments of this product".

I'm happy with this.

--
Regards,

Waylon Kenning

All comments are my own opinion, and not that of my employers unless explicited stated.

kilaru

17 posts

Geek

#190051 16-Jan-2009 20:16

From what I know Zinwell/DSE Freeview receiver can only scan Freeview channels. Hills receiver can scan Freeview plus other channels.

Also, the latest Freeview Approved Satellite Receiver DTVS-1 can scan Freeview and other satellites. It is the latest so also has blind scan option for other satellites. Link is: http://www.dtvs.co.nz/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=72

Kilaru

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#191189 22-Jan-2009 02:14

ok you say the Hills FV box can scan other channels well i've tried to get it to do just that and its a no go i get 3 extra stations that say reserved on then and no pic or sound

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