Great Cheapest Freeview Box Hunt

kah22

Not your standard Freeview question.

I live in Northern Ireland and some areas of the province receive broadcasts from the Republic of Ireland (RTE). Now the RTE digital signal goes out via mpeg 4 while the UK currently uses the mpeg 2 standard, but when the UK start broadcasting Freeview HD then they will have to use the mpeg 4 standard.

Apparently there are a few set top boxes, and Freeview PVR's out there that can convert mpeg 4 signals but while I've Googled for information I'm not coming up with anything So question does anyone know of a decent set top box that will read mpeg 4 signals as well as mpeg 2 signals?

Just to be on the safe side; if I do manage to obtain an mpeg 4 box will it automatically be able to convert mpeg 2 signals

Kevin

withywood

i want a box that can be used with a older tv (no scarf lead)

Johnwt

withywood wrote: »

i want a box that can be used with a older tv (no scarf lead)

Try Homebase online who can supply a TVonics MFR-200 Black Digital Set Top Box which is what you're looking for I think.

Copy and paste the text in maroon into the search field on the Homebase site and that should take you to the item to order - cost is £38.99 + p&p

P0123

I recently trawled through comparison sites and Ricability, (the one recommended by the Digital Roadshow people,) to check the best value/quality for a Freeview set-top box, to cover "low energy" use, size/look, inclusive leads, ease of use and cost.

The best I found was (and after buying two, still is) the TVonics MDR-250.

TVonics have similar models, either coming in or going out of the market, but look on their own website to check which you prefer for your own use.

Another good thing about these is that you do not need Scart sockets if you don't have them, eg, old TVs, some portables.

The small size makes it ideal for small rooms or areas, and it even has an "extension lead" to enable you to place the box out of sight if you prefer, and the extension acts with the remote control.

Due to the ease of use and connection, and the low energy, I am now getting my Dad one for his changeover.

I paid £42 for mine from Laskys, and free p&p, which beat Comet due to p&p, (and also it has taken me ten months to get refunds from Comet recently because their after-sales service is criminal if things do not work!!).

If you do not pick this item, still search on Laskys website, as they seem to be about the cheapest and fairest around.

Best of luck!

dorey69

That is still expensive for digi box. must be some where cheaper, only live on 90 pounds a week.

Patr100

dorey69 wrote: »

That is still expensive for digi box. must be some where cheaper, only live on 90 pounds a week.

That's because it has a RF loop (to bypass scart) - that adds to the cost.

I wish I earned 90 quid a week!

ljw1

I did have freeview boxes on all tellys but one has decided to die!!! Our area is being 'switched on' March next year so these boxes are now very expensive. Has anyone seen any recently at a sensible price please?

gandad

Not sure if anyone else has posted this, bit late now to check, so will post anyway.
SKY CUSTOMERS .......

have you got a sky box, when sky is cancelled, provided your contract date is past, they wll just take off paid for channels leaving all freeview channels active,
I have had this happen when i cancelled explaining i was going to purchase a freeview box, they told me to (unusual i know) to save my money and carry on using the sky box.
another advantage is you sometimes get free preview weekends , sky sports, espn or movies.

Not sure if it applies to virgin tv or bt vision, worth asking.

gandad

dorey69 wrote: »

That is still expensive for digi box. must be some where cheaper, only live on 90 pounds a week.

if you get any benefits, you are enttled to free one, check it out,
also check -gov. website -, sorry not sure of address

A Help scheme has been set up to give support to people aged over 75, those with significant disabilities, or are blind or partially sighted; and households with a very low income. The scheme will cost eligible households £40 (free for those on Income Support) for basic equipment to convert one TV to digital, with a new aerial if required; and help with the installation and using digital for the first time. If you are eligible for this scheme, you should be contacted before your region switches to digital, if you would like information leaflets you can request them by calling 0845 234 0399.

rickbonar

:)Please can anyone recommend a value for money freeview box that doesn't blank the sound out for 5 seconds everyone 10 minutes?

Can you give me an idea of the price where to buy from and what the make is ... perhaps a known name brand is a good idea in buying these things.

I bought a couple of boxes from Argos (never again) that have this problem.. caveat emptor to anyone who buys from there! BTW their normal guarantee wasn't available on these and now I know why!