DVB-T with recording for old people

Forums › Freeview (DVB-T/DVB-S) › DVB-T with recording for old people

sleemanj

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Topic # 66353 17-Aug-2010 18:01

So I was at my grannies last night and she was complaining how she couldn't get blank VHS tapes to record her programmes any more.

What's available in the world of DVB-T with (external or internal) hard drive for PVR which is not too expensive and also not too complicated for an old person to use. We all know how old people don't cope well with technology as it is, so... simple is the word.

Any pointers appreciated :-)

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James Sleeman
I sell lots of stuff for electronic enthusiasts...

valtam

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Reply # 368967 17-Aug-2010 22:50

Whats her budget?

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sleemanj

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Reply # 368994 18-Aug-2010 00:07

Hah, my budget somewhere around 200 (with external drive capability but not included) would be nice, since I'll be the one buying it for her.

A look on TradeMe shows there is an abundance of DVB-S things like this for well under 200, but basically zip in DVB-T until you get to the 300 mark.

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James Sleeman
I sell lots of stuff for electronic enthusiasts...

Batman

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Reply # 369022 18-Aug-2010 07:01

hey you get what you pay for. skim on a $100 less and you might end up with the same VHS vs granny problem, get something tried and tested by these geeks.

Jaxson

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Reply # 369165 18-Aug-2010 10:30

sleemanj: not too expensive and also not too complicated for an old person to use.

Opposite ends of the spectrum sorry.

Spend the money, expect min of $399 for a jc matthews unit on special one of sale etc, or up to $800 for a magic tv type box etc.

Sat is an option if you want to go cheaper but really the mheg5 epg is very good for non technical people and DVB-T is the way to go if you are in a suitable reception area.

sultanoswing

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Reply # 369510 18-Aug-2010 20:08

The Teac HDB6T from JB Hi-Fi (online):
https://shop.jbhifi.co.nz/home%20theatre/set%20top%20box/teac-hdb6t-freeview-hd-digital-terrestrial-receiver/321

It's just a nudge over $200.

Flash it with the following firmware update, and it'll record to a USB drive (either SSD or hard drive formatted to FAT32) plugged in to its USB port:
http://www.directimports.co.nz/brands/teac/Service/Product-Upgrades/

You'll need to provide the USB drive separately.

Once the above is done, give it to your Grandparents, and they can use the official Freeview MHEG5 EPG to record stuff more easily than the ol' VHS. In theory. YMMV depending on technobility of the old people in question.

sleemanj

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Reply # 369512 18-Aug-2010 20:15

sultanoswing: The Teac HDB6T from JB Hi-Fi (online)

Ahh, now we are cooking with gas, thanks sultan!

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James Sleeman
I sell lots of stuff for electronic enthusiasts...