freeview before GST hike

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aionwannabe

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#68586 25-Sep-2010 13:08

I have a whole host of questions so please just answer them as i think of them :3 thx in advance.

Basically my parents tell me when I wake up today they want me to go get some quotes for either a new aerial or a full Freeview setup. Our current aerial is either not connected properly or just plain old broken. Honestly if the satellite is easier to deal with I can convince them to move to it, however their mind is at the moment set on UHF.

Back in like 2005 satellites got rain fade is this still an issue?

Also are there any Hamilton based stores which specialize in tv aerials/freeview setups? Dicksmith are obviously the easiest to go to for a UHF aerial and a topbox but i wouldn't trust my DIY skills on such an expensive product.

sbiddle

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#384303 25-Sep-2010 13:14

The first thing you need to answer is whether you actually have a TV with Freeview|HD built in. It's hard to give any advice without knowing the answer to that.

aionwannabe

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#384306 25-Sep-2010 13:32

I personally have an IDTV yes how ever my parents personal TV does not, Getting a top box is not an issue its the aerial

bfginger

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#384415 25-Sep-2010 21:20

Rain fade is usually only an issue if the dish is too small or misaligned.

The advantage of Freeview via UHF is the higher image quality. Central TV is also only available via UHF.
The satellite has a few channels available on it like CUE and SBS that are not available via UHF. You're better off getting a non Freeview satellite receiver especially as SBS isn't on Freeview. So it is most ideal to have both UHF Freeview and a satellite receiver.

What model TV do your parents have? Are they on a tight budget?

aionwannabe

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#384861 27-Sep-2010 12:00

we got this giant 3k tax refund but cheeper is still better (for obvious reasons)

They have a Sony CRT so its not technically an HDTV however it does have component ports. Personally im thinking a Hamilton based warehouse/store if any one can refer me to one

bfginger

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#384941 27-Sep-2010 13:54

Many Sony CRTs with component ports are infact HDTVs. What model is it?

aionwannabe

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#384957 27-Sep-2010 14:37

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/TVs/Standard/CRT/22-32-56-81cm/auction-320465891.ht...

thats what it is.

Small question.. how does this help me all i want is a Hamilton based supplier that can get me free-view. It still plays in SD doesn't it?

Dyson

Shop now for Dyson appliances (affiliate link).

Jaxson

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#384971 27-Sep-2010 15:15

It helps you because if your TV can accept HD signal inputs then you should feed it that. A freeview approved freeview HD/Terrestrial box will not allow HD output via component video cables, but a non approved box might. If you'd like to benefit from others experience then stick around.

Personally if you are in a freeview HD area you probably should look at that approach rather than the satellite version. Either way will require you to have a working aerial or a working satellite dish. You've said you don't have a good aerial so maybe you've already made up your mind.

If all you are after is a local supplier then go to anywhere like noel leemings etc.

Ragnor

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#384986 27-Sep-2010 15:39

Step 1: Check coverage
http://www.freeviewnz.tv/all_about_freeview/coverage

Step 2: Find a local aerial installer to install/fix your aerial (either UHF or Sateliite depending on coverage in your region, UHF preferred)
http://www.freeviewnz.tv/index.php/products/retailersandinstallers/

Step 3: Buy a HDTV that has HDMI inputs and supports HDCP (required copy protection encryption stuff). Generally any decent new model will have this Sony KDE EX400 and 500 range, Series 5 or 6 Samsung, LG and Panasonic etc.... and will probably have an inbuilt UHF HD tuner so no need for a set top box for UHF. Satellite will still require a set top box.

bfginger

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#385206 27-Sep-2010 22:21

I don't think the model you linked to above supports HD. The Sommet SHDNZ3 DSE is selling is the cheapest of the Freeview terrestrial receivers.

HDCP is only required for Freeview certification. But the broadcasts are unencrypted so unapproved STBs like the HDT HD801s can do HD over component.

DaMo73

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#385215 27-Sep-2010 22:33

bfginger:
Rain fade is usually only an issue if the dish is too small or misaligned.

The advantage of Freeview via UHF is the higher image quality. Central TV is also only available via UHF.
The satellite has a few channels available on it like CUE and SBS that are not available via UHF. You're better off getting a non Freeview satellite receiver especially as SBS isn't on Freeview. So it is most ideal to have both UHF Freeview and a satellite receiver.

What model TV do your parents have? Are they on a tight budget?

Farmers have the Freeview approved Dish TV S7070 going cheap. I got mine today actually for $139.00 and I'm presently watching SBS.

Rainfade doesn't effect dishes above 75cm, am I right?

My setup
Sony Bravia KDL-26BX320
Sony Blu Ray Player BDP-S360
Panasonic DMR-XW380

richms

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#385259 28-Sep-2010 03:11

If you are in a freeview HD area and you get a satellite box, you are nuts.

Even on a small SD tv connected thru composite, the difference is night and day between the 2 of them.

Richard rich.ms