Cheap Freeview Boxes discussion

epm-84

nroberts wrote: »

Please be aware that not all areas after Terrestrial digital switchover will be able to get the 50+ channels that are regularly mentioned.

Sometimes if you retune your box when they are doing engineering works on your transmitter channels are missing off your list which should be available, so always try retuning at a different time on another day if that happens.

Also, if you are using a loft aerial you'll probably need to upgrade to a roof aerial, unless you live close to the transmitter, otherwise you'll get limited reception.

jtyrrell

Does anyone know if these boxes enable sub-titles? My current Sagem box doesn't do sub-titles for BBC programmes, OK for all others...

nroberts

Thanks for the information on lack of channels being due to engineering work or a weak signal. I was trying to make the point
(perhaps not very well I must admit) that some areas (particularly
those served by low-power relay transmitters) simply are not provided with all the channels and that they will never get all the
channels. This is why I suggested that those trying to decide on
investing in new equipment/receivers/boxes should check the digital uk site and see what they will get on Freeview.

[Deleted User]

I bought a freeview digibox on Ebay for just £4 delivered ( used of course ) but silly me didn't realise you have to have an OUTDOOR arial to use it and I just use an ordinary TV top arial for my portable TV in bedroom , so may have to stick it back on Ebay even though it was a great price!

( I only have an outdoor arial in my living room )

3guesses

cazzap06 wrote: »

I bought a freeview digibox on Ebay for just £4 delivered ( used of course ) but silly me didn't realise you have to have an OUTDOOR arial to use it and I just use an ordinary TV top arial for my portable TV in bedroom , so may have to stick it back on Ebay even though it was a great price!

( I only have an outdoor arial in my living room )

Not necessarily, it really depends on the quality of your Freeview signal. I am receiving Freeview in 2 rooms using portable aerials with excellent results (only very occasional signal corruption), but then I'm on the second floor and not too far from the transmitter. And it's definitely worth trying your aerial in all possible positions and orientations (while your Freeview box is reporting the signal strength and quality, if it can). You might even get a significantly better signal just by attaching an extension to the aerial lead. It is also worth trying the Freeview box from your sitting room in the bedroom, as it might have a better quality tuner.

Tip: Set up the tuning on your Freeview box using the outdoor aerial in your sitting room first before trying to use it in the bedroom!

paadzer

Apologies if it's already been mentioned but if you need a freeview box try freecycle as many people are ugrading TVs with one's with built in freeview and no longer have a need for an external box (unless it was freeview +).

shrewd_dude

This is the cheapest I have found. Yes it is 'used' but it has free P+P, 3 months warranty and some good reviews (nothing fancy but no obvious flaws).

Currys Essentials C1STB11 Freeview Box
**not allowed to post links but it's on eBay**

bright-spark

I have just found a reasonably cheap high definition freeview STB, a Technisat HDFV, which is around £36 at PC World and Currys. I have not tried it but all reviews are favourable.

Our switch-over has started so I tried an old Tompson box connected to a internal set top mounted aerial with a Commtel TV Signal Booster. It picked up all available channels and with some minor adjustments the picture was fine. We are about eleven miles from the Rowridge (IoW) transmitter. Switch-over started on the 7th March, with HD starting on the 21st March.

3guesses

bright-spark wrote: »

I have just found a reasonably cheap high definition freeview STB, a Technisat HDFV, which is around £36 at PC World and Currys. I have not tried it but all reviews are favourable.

Indeed, I think you'll find I pointed out the Technisat HDFV box in post #40 (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=51250085&postcount=40).

I see MSE Becca has thanked you for your post, but not me for mine - so nice to know it's worth trying to help people on these boards.

jenniewb

3guesses wrote: »

Indeed, I think you'll find I pointed out the Technisat HDFV box in post #40 (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=51250085&postcount=40).

I see MSE Becca has thanked you for your post, but not me for mine - so nice to know it's worth trying to help people on these boards.

Don't take it to heart: its happened to me in similar ways more times then I can count, once I posted my thread on one board, it was moved to another and then a second person came along the very next day and rewrote my thread...it ended up on the weekly email and was highly thanked (as in over 100!) So please don't let sour grapes about being thanked get to you, I think it happens to most of us!