Record TV programmes

littleredhen

I currently have an old youview (TT) box which I can record programmes, I don't have a smart tv.  The box is not working and after an agonising 3 hours on and off to the TT support desk I cannot get their new 4k box and buy a memory stick due to the fact I don't have fibre.  So in short I want to be able to record any programme I want - currently using youview box to access tv channels and when working it will record 2 programmes at once while I watch another.  Can someone tell me where I go to next - I presume I need to upgrade tv etc but will that allow me to record programmes etc but I know that is not going to be cheap - tia

Martin_the_Unjust

well you could just buy a new HDD recorder for £120 ish

littleredhen

would a manhattan t1 freeview hd zapper box allow me to record programmes etc

littleredhen

I can currently access on demand with my youview box - will I not be able to do this - I thought I was quite savvy about tech but am feeling a complete dinosaur!!

Cornucopia

Your issue is not with your TV.    You just need to replace the Set-top box.

Something like this will handle both your recording requirement and access to on-demand content.  You would need to make sure that your TV has the correct connections to use it.   If you currently pay Talktalk for access to Youview you would not need to do that any more.

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8861708

Cornucopia

littleredhen said:

would a manhattan t1 freeview hd zapper box allow me to record programmes etc

No, it's just a Freeview receiver.

Neil49

I have a Manhattan t3-r box (which is what someone provided a link to above) and it works extremely well. 

My old pvr gave up the ghost last year but this box has been a big jump up in functionality. You need an hdmi connection on your tv to link the two together. 

littleredhen

Thank you - I don't know if its relevant but TT said I could get their 4K box and would need to buy a USB but then they back tracked and said because I didn't have fibre broadband the system isn't compatible - when I look up "freeview play and recorder" they all come with 4K box - I am now wondering if it will even be compatible 

Cornucopia

TT seem to be going "all in" on this new 4K box.   It's delivering a lot of its content over broadband, and they have determined that it will only be sold with their fibre BB products.   That's a slightly artificial restriction, but you haven't said how fast your broadband service is, so perhaps it's justified.

Not sure what you mean when you say you have looked up freeview play and recorder - do you mean on Talktalk?  Yes - they are only doing this new box now.   Elsewhere, as discussed above there are plenty of other options, and if you are already using on-demand apps like iPlayer quite happily, there's no reason why you shouldn't continue to do so.

I appreciate that TT are your service provider, but some of the things they tell you will be specific to the things they can provide (why would they tell you about competitors' products?)

littleredhen

I decided to google freeview play and recorder to see what options were there - no it wasn't TT - my broadband is not good I live in a rural area - I currently get my tv and on demand through their old box that is only just working (well the recording part is iffy but the normal viewing is ok)

littleredhen

I am currently on online chat with TT and they are now telling me the 4k box is compatible if I get a USB - I could scream - which is it!!!???