Installing Freeview (inc. RTE)

funkey_monkey

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Hi,

I'm looking into getting freeview installed.

Firstly, I'm not sure if I've got the correct aerial, but I can sort that out later.

I'm looking to get a Freeview Box with a built in recorder - hopefully with similar ability to the Sky system where 2 stations can be recorded simultaneously. It must also have a simple interface for the user.

I've been told that the Humax boxes are the most straightforward. Any recommendations?

Secondly, will RTE be available on the Freeview Boxes on sale here, or will I need to get a saorview box as well?

Are CRT's with no SCART input (only RF) be obselete, or do the boxes have an RF out connection?

Is there any way to visually determine if you require a new aerial for Freeview?


Many thanks,

FM.

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falko89

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Hi,

I'm looking into getting freeview installed.

Firstly, I'm not sure if I've got the correct aerial, but I can sort that out later.

I'm looking to get a Freeview Box with a built in recorder - hopefully with similar ability to the Sky system where 2 stations can be recorded simultaneously. It must also have a simple interface for the user.

I've been told that the Humax boxes are the most straightforward. Any recommendations?

Secondly, will RTE be available on the Freeview Boxes on sale here, or will I need to get a saorview box as well?

Are CRT's with no SCART input (only RF) be obselete, or do the boxes have an RF out connection?

Is there any way to visually determine if you require a new aerial for Freeview?


Many thanks,

FM.

In October when the switch of begins you RTE will be available on Freeview, only some of the channels mind RTE 1&2 & TG4 and there will be rights issues with some programmes meaning some programmes such as football will be blocked.

However if you currently receive RTE via overspill at the moment you should be able to pick up Saorview the Irish freeview, however they broadcast in MPEG4 and Freeview channels broadcast in MPEG2 meaning a standard Freeview box will only decode sound on Saorview channels no picture, however a Freeview HD box will decode MPEG 4 so if you want both Freeview and Saorview you will need a Freeview HD box of which these are available in the PVR variety making them similar to Sky+

For aerials a Wideband aerial is required.

dmxdave

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Are CRT's with no SCART input (only RF) be obselete, or do the boxes have an RF out connection?
FM.

If not a modulator will work for around £17

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Universal-Scart-Coax-Video-Modulator/dp/B000M6SMKW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347219648&sr=8-1

RikM

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Is there any way to visually determine if you require a new aerial for Freeview?

My current understanding is: usually, no.

The first thing to recall is that OfCom thinks 90% or more of current aerials will work after switchover. That doesn't say much about whether they will work before switchover. Switchover will change things, frequencies used as well as signal strength.

If your current aerial receives normal broadcasts well, it may not need changing. But, the only ways to find out are; 1. a full site survey (guy up a ladder with meters), or 2. plug-in a set top box.

2. is cheaper if there are no problems. Worst case is that you need to get someone in to look at or replace the aerial anyway. Best case is that you just need to plug in your new box.

I've had two house moves here so far, and in both cases the existing aerials have freeview reception. It's not perfect in the current place, but I think that's to do with the placement of the aerial and our location. It will probably be better after switchover. If not, we may have someone look at it then.

Then again, maybe not, as we also have freesat (current house had an old Sky dish).

But the bottom line: anyone who quotes you for a new aerial, without measuring the signal on your current one, is having you on. Anyone who talks about "digital" aerials is trying to con you.

ballyblack

however they broadcast in MPEG4 and Freeview channels broadcast in MPEG2

I take it any 'HD' or 'HD Ready' Television on sale in Northern Ireland will work if used in the Republic?



.

steveymp

ballyblack wrote: »

I take it any 'HD' or 'HD Ready' Television on sale in Northern Ireland will work if used in the Republic?



.

No, TV must be MPEG 4 compatable. any TV with Freeview HD inbuilt will be grand or any Samsung, Sharp or LG tv as these are all MPEG 4.

funkey_monkey

How far back does the LG series go in Mpeg-4?I've got an M227WDL which I believe to be HD - it seems to have been a monitor that LG repackaged and sold as a TV - (poor shadows unless looking at it straight on). It says here it is HD: http://www.lg.com/uk/monitors/lg-M227WD-lcd-monitor(4th line under general in the spec). However, it does not define what signal types it can handle. I assume it will be okay for RTE?As I want to put a recorder underneath this unit, I assume it is easy to bypass the Tv's built in freeview by using the AV-1 input or HDMI input from the PVR?Thanks.

doltage

I suppose this is as good a thread as any to ask before I get myself ridiculed on a techy thread :rotfl:

We bought our house about two years ago and in the living room, kitchen & three bedrooms there are TV points like this:



What, if anything, will they be connected to? Should they all connect to something in the attic which could then be connected to a roof mounted aeriel?

nickcc

Just your normal, non Sky, coax aerial point. If you have more than one, as in your case, they are usually connected to a signal booster often in the loft which is connected to the aerial.

doltage

Thanks nickcc, was browsing the digital TV section and someone else has the same type of question:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4153029

markdebby

When we go to the South we dont have TV in our boat. We have recently bought a freeview box what else will we need to get TV when we are there? Be kind to me :cool:Thanks