Cheap Freeview Boxes discussion

optiMISER_3

It would be helpful to always put power consumption, in standby and when on, on reviews like this. The difference can be considerable; some boxes are specifically desiged for low power consumption.

Of course usability and reliability are also very important, otherwise money and time will be wasted struggling with the things and eventually buying replacments etc.

Toby_dog_2

I got one of the microdirect boxes for just over a tenner, 2 day delivery, has a 30 second rewind (very handy for the footy!) Seems to be an all round good buy, even though it is classed as refurbished. Many thanks to whoever spotted this one.

Money_Cub

I got a microdirect one, there's no remote so I can't use it.

Can't get through to microdirect, held on for 26 mins.

Annoyed....

bully_2-2

ALDI SALE IN BIRMINGHAM
some electricals on sales at stores
freeviews £9.99
twin cordles phones 14.99
plus other things

SJC31

Argos now doing the digihome one for £14.95 532/0754:T

CherryPie

532/1777 from Argos is only £12.99 just now (was £29.99)

TrishaM

techwood TWDFV2 Freeview Digital box

£4.97 in Currys store only.

mallymal

My Mum is a savvy 79 year old, who asked for a Freeview set top box as a prezzie. We tried 3 different ones, all of which were eventually returned for a refund as only working intermittently.

Which led me to think, nobody can be that unlucky buying set top boxes, so it's probably the antique aerial that's the problem.

In her area, switchover is Nov 2009, which will fly by... so I looked on the official website & discovered there will be a help scheme. The site says:

You are eligible for the Switchover Help Scheme if:


You are aged 75 or over, or
You have lived in a care home for 6 months or more, or
You are registered blind or partially sighted, or
You get (or could get):
Disability living allowance, or
Attendance or constant attendance allowance, or
Mobility supplement
Still unsure? Please call us on 08456 50 50 50

Apparently they will cough up £40 - I assume to buy a box or subsidise a new aerial. Rang helpline and they said all eligible groups would receive info automatically sveral months in advance (presumably from the database of who gets a free tv license).

BernardM

http://www.eclipsecomputers.com/product.aspx?code=GT-FREE.

http://www.eclipsecomputers.com/product.aspx?code=GT-SOLARIS

cattie

For anybody who doesn't fancy an actual box cluttering up the place, bargaincrazy have the Bush freeview scart adaptor for £19. It's about the size of a cigarette packet & plugs into the scart socket of the tv.

It's a nifty little gadget & originally was marketed at around £50.