Question:
I'm thinking of having the Free to Air Digital Channels. Does any one have any experience with them? If so, which is the best set top box to go for?
Bob
I'm in a similar position as well, and after trawling the net. I've managed to narrow my selection to about 5 or so...
Nokia Mediamaster 221 T
Daewoo SETPAL DS608P
Grundig GDT1500
Netgem I-Player (can connect to the Internet via built-in modem)
Hauppauge DEC2000T (can be used with TV and PC, though I've heard the PC software is a bit on the buggy side)
Should hopefully make up my mind in the next couple of days about which box to buy
Nac
The Nokia Mediamaster is the one I'm thinking of as well, it is aprox £129 in John Lewis. I saw a friend's set up. He had the Thomson one, and I was impressed with that. I am having a new airiel fitted Monday, and I have checked to make sure I can receive the signal.
Bob
The picture is significantly better with a digital receiver, and it's in widescreen! I've had the Nokia box for over 2.5 years (was OnDigital) and it's always worked fine. The only problem is that it's pretty much first generation, so it's quite slow at changing channels although this doesn't bother me since I use TiVo.
Dixon's have re-furb models for £89.94
I picked up the Grundig GDT1500 yesterday from Currys for £99.95 and its a super little box. Very small but has a decent array of connectors on the back (2 scarts, rf-loop).
Remote is above average and its fairly quick at changing channels, although like nigel I use the box with TiVo so speed isn't an issue.
Very quick to get setup and the onscreen menu's are a breeze to work through. Great little STB :thumbs:
Most of the new boxes don't have two scarts so you will lose the quality and have the box tuned into a channel on your TV.
I got the Grundig GDT1500 for 1p when I bought a new TV 6 months ago before freeview launched. In my opinion even that was too much!! It now lies disconnected in the attic.
The freeview channels are a waste of time. The BBC etc are living in cloud cuckoo land if they think this load of pants is going to turn anyone over the age of 6 onto digital TV.
BBC 1&2, ITV, Ch4 and 5 - no discernable improvement over analogue. In fact, despite the Beeb's pledge to increase power output, picture and sound breakup is still an irritating problem
BBc News 24, ITV News, Sky News - Why does anyone need 3 24Hr news channels????????
ITV2 - Ok, had its uses for Champions League and the only time my digibox ever got used but that transfers to Sky next season. The rest of its output is just rubbish
CBBC, CBeebies & BBC3, TMF, The Hits - for the under 6s
BBC4 - for those arty farty types that should get a life
Sky Travel & Travel Shop - holidays in Majorca/Ibiza that you can find cheaper at your local Travel Agent - who cares?
QVC - yawn yawn yawn - who buys that cheapo crap?
FTN - from what I've heard this will just be a load of old American chat shows
UK Bright Ideas - the very worst of UKTV home and food shows
Bit harsh there Rondo - I'm very happy with Freeview.
Mind: my analogue reception was a bit iffy but I think most people would notice an improvement with digital (plus it's, mostly, widescreen).
I must admit I only really watch News24 (and occasionally The Hits/TMF and I'm a tad over 6 - nearly 40 actually).
Can any one tell me please of any other forums that discus satellite or cable TV, where the free to air boxes are discussed and reviewed?
Bob
They have some forums at digitalspy.co.uk which might be of use.
Nac
I'm with Rondo, Freeview is pitiful. A load of crap radio stations that sound like 10kbps MP3 files encoded from dusty 8 tracks, and a selection of the worst TV you'll never, ever watch. UK History which is basically repeats of programs shown 10 years ago on BBC1, the same goes for SKY Travel, except 50% of SKY Travel's output is QVC style shopping advertising.
In short, you'll be lucky if you find even1 thing worth watching in a month. I would only recommend it if someone gives you the box for free, £130 for Freeview is daylight robbery!
Oh and the Nokia box is crap. It takes about 20 years to change channels and locks up all the time.
The only good thing about the digital box we have is that you get proper widescreen and ProLogic through the digital out. Shame DPL sucks really then.
Weren't the boxes supposed to be dropping to around £50 after Christmas just gone?
bobcat you can have a look here their is more on digital
http://doubledecks.proboards4.com/index.cgi
Thanks.
Have to agree with the reviews of the channels i'm afraid.
The only thing I watch with any regularity is the history channel which isnt only stuff made 10 years ago (at least some of its pretty new ;) )
Its just not worth the initial cash layout unless you need it for a decent picture on channels 1-5...I dont get channel 5 reception normally but thats a duff channel as well...
But isn't one of the advantages of the freeview is the interactive bits associated with BBC sports?
when they have it yes....but its a rare thing.
But Ive no interest in being able to watch every game played at wimbledon and most of the interactive stuff is nonsence anyway, the only thing Ive seen that id use is on sky digital where they get 2 fans to commentate on the football...and even that would lose its appeal after a few games.
I'm staggered by some of the views on here about Freeview. There are plenty of people not interested in paying huuuuuge sums for football and movie channels. For, lets face it, a pretty small initial outlay, you do get extra channels that are worth it. Okay, I know its all a matter of opinion, but CBBC & CBeebies keep the kids amused, BBC Choice (Three) and BBC Four have some great stuff, often premiered and their schedules over Christmas were a breath of fresh air.
ITV2 and the ITN News Channel carry alternative live Champions League viewing. There's BBC News 24, SKY News, SKY Sports News, UK History, a couple of music vid channels, a shedload of digital radio channels, including the sublime Radio 6, some travel channels, if that's your bag and, as pointed out, the Beeb's interactive services. If anyone hasn't enjoyed having this during Wimbledon, World Cup etc, then speak up now.
All in lovely widescreen too.
Rondo said
"The freeview channels are a waste of time. The BBC etc are living in cloud cuckoo land if they think this load of pants is going to turn anyone over the age of 6 onto digital TV."
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Misinformed, Rondo. BBC/Freeview are overwhelmed with the response to the service. Contrary to common belief, they're not trying to compete with SKY/Cable etc... Targetting folk who just wanted a bit more choice without being fleeced every month has paid off.
No vested interest, just LMAO at the Freeview knockers (no Splobber, there's no porn:norty: )
Wow, Cbeebies!!!!!! Amazing. 2 childrens channels, that's really exciting for me. And radio stations on the TV! Yep, listening to poorly encoded radio stations (BBC Radio stations) through TV speakers is excellent.
And what great stuff have BBC3 and 4 ever had?
This is ITV 2's schedule: Trisha, Coronation Street, Emerdale, Sally Jessy, Trisha, Coronation Street, Emerdale, Sally Jessy, Trisha, Coronation Street, Emerdale, crap film, Trisha, Coronation Street, Emerdale, Sally Jessy. CLOSE.
UK History is ok if you can find something that hasn't already been repeated 30 times. That day.
Hmm a couple of music video channels that show exactly the same videos as each other, thats really really great for someone who hates pop music, no really it is.
The interactive services are crap simply because they are so SLOW. Pres Red, 10 minutes later an overlay is slowly drawn over the screen, press another button, wait 10 minutes while the new option comes up, wait 10 minutes again and forget why you even pressed "The red button for super great interactive services" in the first place.
As i said, the only good thing is true widescreen and Champions League. The rest is laughable. I know what i'd choose if i had the choice (which i dont unfortunately), FreeCrap or the cheapest cable pack. Oh and it wouldn't be Freeview.
If Freeview was free and they gave the boxes away then you might have a point, but there is nothing on it worth paying for a box for.
Oh my sides, etc..
springer said: "I know its all a matter of opinion"
At The Gates agreed, and said: "there is nothing on it worth paying for a box for"
You see? Each to their own. If your box is taking 10 minutes :lol: :lol: to access interactive services, I'd take it back. Oh, you are anyway. That's alright then.
You also provided this nugget: "And what great stuff have BBC3 and 4 ever had?"
Weeelllll, how about subtitled foreign language films (not that common on telly these days), imaginative concert/music programming, first runs of new comedy series for starters? Over the Christmas/NY period, I've particularly enjoyed....
Scorsese's 'The Last Waltz'
The Scorsese doc on BBC4 last night....followed by Passion Fish......followed by 'Scene By Scene' (John Sayles)
The Making Of Band Of Brothers
The DVD Collection (What?? You don't like DVD's?? Or films?)
The Lovers Of The Arctic Circle
Judi Dench doc
Storyville series (consistently good)
Angela Gheorghiu's Romanian Journey
Sophie's Choice
Natalie Cole/Diana Krall in concert
Last weekend's 'Cambridge Folk Festival' schedule - Martin Carthy, Christy Moore, Nick Drake profile etc..
Sign O' The Times
Private Schulz re-run (!)
Three had a Christmas horror film season. Nothing groundbreaking, but still an alternative to the 'normal' schedules. First runs of Shooting Stars, Buzzcocks xmas show, Dermot's Sporting Buddies (good show BTW!) and a sensible repeat policy, like last night's rerun of Hound Of The Baskervilles (missed by many 'cos it clashed with Mr Chips)
And sh*tloads more, but I just can't be arsed......
So, nothing there then.:nuts:
It has some things for some people I will admit...but there was never any need for 3 channels of fame acadamy whilst it was on!
Thats a red card offence straight off :)
Bob
Answers:
I'm in a similar position as well, and after trawling the net. I've managed to narrow my selection to about 5 or so...
Nokia Mediamaster 221 T
Daewoo SETPAL DS608P
Grundig GDT1500
Netgem I-Player (can connect to the Internet via built-in modem)
Hauppauge DEC2000T (can be used with TV and PC, though I've heard the PC software is a bit on the buggy side)
Should hopefully make up my mind in the next couple of days about which box to buy
Nac
Answers:
The Nokia Mediamaster is the one I'm thinking of as well, it is aprox £129 in John Lewis. I saw a friend's set up. He had the Thomson one, and I was impressed with that. I am having a new airiel fitted Monday, and I have checked to make sure I can receive the signal.
Bob
Answers:
The picture is significantly better with a digital receiver, and it's in widescreen! I've had the Nokia box for over 2.5 years (was OnDigital) and it's always worked fine. The only problem is that it's pretty much first generation, so it's quite slow at changing channels although this doesn't bother me since I use TiVo.
Dixon's have re-furb models for £89.94
Answers:
I picked up the Grundig GDT1500 yesterday from Currys for £99.95 and its a super little box. Very small but has a decent array of connectors on the back (2 scarts, rf-loop).
Remote is above average and its fairly quick at changing channels, although like nigel I use the box with TiVo so speed isn't an issue.
Very quick to get setup and the onscreen menu's are a breeze to work through. Great little STB :thumbs:
Answers:
Most of the new boxes don't have two scarts so you will lose the quality and have the box tuned into a channel on your TV.
Answers:
I got the Grundig GDT1500 for 1p when I bought a new TV 6 months ago before freeview launched. In my opinion even that was too much!! It now lies disconnected in the attic.
The freeview channels are a waste of time. The BBC etc are living in cloud cuckoo land if they think this load of pants is going to turn anyone over the age of 6 onto digital TV.
BBC 1&2, ITV, Ch4 and 5 - no discernable improvement over analogue. In fact, despite the Beeb's pledge to increase power output, picture and sound breakup is still an irritating problem
BBc News 24, ITV News, Sky News - Why does anyone need 3 24Hr news channels????????
ITV2 - Ok, had its uses for Champions League and the only time my digibox ever got used but that transfers to Sky next season. The rest of its output is just rubbish
CBBC, CBeebies & BBC3, TMF, The Hits - for the under 6s
BBC4 - for those arty farty types that should get a life
Sky Travel & Travel Shop - holidays in Majorca/Ibiza that you can find cheaper at your local Travel Agent - who cares?
QVC - yawn yawn yawn - who buys that cheapo crap?
FTN - from what I've heard this will just be a load of old American chat shows
UK Bright Ideas - the very worst of UKTV home and food shows
Answers:
Bit harsh there Rondo - I'm very happy with Freeview.
Mind: my analogue reception was a bit iffy but I think most people would notice an improvement with digital (plus it's, mostly, widescreen).
I must admit I only really watch News24 (and occasionally The Hits/TMF and I'm a tad over 6 - nearly 40 actually).
Answers:
Can any one tell me please of any other forums that discus satellite or cable TV, where the free to air boxes are discussed and reviewed?
Bob
Answers:
They have some forums at digitalspy.co.uk which might be of use.
Nac
Answers:
I'm with Rondo, Freeview is pitiful. A load of crap radio stations that sound like 10kbps MP3 files encoded from dusty 8 tracks, and a selection of the worst TV you'll never, ever watch. UK History which is basically repeats of programs shown 10 years ago on BBC1, the same goes for SKY Travel, except 50% of SKY Travel's output is QVC style shopping advertising.
In short, you'll be lucky if you find even1 thing worth watching in a month. I would only recommend it if someone gives you the box for free, £130 for Freeview is daylight robbery!
Oh and the Nokia box is crap. It takes about 20 years to change channels and locks up all the time.
The only good thing about the digital box we have is that you get proper widescreen and ProLogic through the digital out. Shame DPL sucks really then.
Answers:
Weren't the boxes supposed to be dropping to around £50 after Christmas just gone?
Answers:
bobcat you can have a look here their is more on digital
http://doubledecks.proboards4.com/index.cgi
Answers:
Thanks.
Answers:
Have to agree with the reviews of the channels i'm afraid.
The only thing I watch with any regularity is the history channel which isnt only stuff made 10 years ago (at least some of its pretty new ;) )
Its just not worth the initial cash layout unless you need it for a decent picture on channels 1-5...I dont get channel 5 reception normally but thats a duff channel as well...
Answers:
But isn't one of the advantages of the freeview is the interactive bits associated with BBC sports?
Answers:
when they have it yes....but its a rare thing.
But Ive no interest in being able to watch every game played at wimbledon and most of the interactive stuff is nonsence anyway, the only thing Ive seen that id use is on sky digital where they get 2 fans to commentate on the football...and even that would lose its appeal after a few games.
Answers:
I'm staggered by some of the views on here about Freeview. There are plenty of people not interested in paying huuuuuge sums for football and movie channels. For, lets face it, a pretty small initial outlay, you do get extra channels that are worth it. Okay, I know its all a matter of opinion, but CBBC & CBeebies keep the kids amused, BBC Choice (Three) and BBC Four have some great stuff, often premiered and their schedules over Christmas were a breath of fresh air.
ITV2 and the ITN News Channel carry alternative live Champions League viewing. There's BBC News 24, SKY News, SKY Sports News, UK History, a couple of music vid channels, a shedload of digital radio channels, including the sublime Radio 6, some travel channels, if that's your bag and, as pointed out, the Beeb's interactive services. If anyone hasn't enjoyed having this during Wimbledon, World Cup etc, then speak up now.
All in lovely widescreen too.
Rondo said
"The freeview channels are a waste of time. The BBC etc are living in cloud cuckoo land if they think this load of pants is going to turn anyone over the age of 6 onto digital TV."
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Misinformed, Rondo. BBC/Freeview are overwhelmed with the response to the service. Contrary to common belief, they're not trying to compete with SKY/Cable etc... Targetting folk who just wanted a bit more choice without being fleeced every month has paid off.
No vested interest, just LMAO at the Freeview knockers (no Splobber, there's no porn:norty: )
Answers:
Wow, Cbeebies!!!!!! Amazing. 2 childrens channels, that's really exciting for me. And radio stations on the TV! Yep, listening to poorly encoded radio stations (BBC Radio stations) through TV speakers is excellent.
And what great stuff have BBC3 and 4 ever had?
This is ITV 2's schedule: Trisha, Coronation Street, Emerdale, Sally Jessy, Trisha, Coronation Street, Emerdale, Sally Jessy, Trisha, Coronation Street, Emerdale, crap film, Trisha, Coronation Street, Emerdale, Sally Jessy. CLOSE.
UK History is ok if you can find something that hasn't already been repeated 30 times. That day.
Hmm a couple of music video channels that show exactly the same videos as each other, thats really really great for someone who hates pop music, no really it is.
The interactive services are crap simply because they are so SLOW. Pres Red, 10 minutes later an overlay is slowly drawn over the screen, press another button, wait 10 minutes while the new option comes up, wait 10 minutes again and forget why you even pressed "The red button for super great interactive services" in the first place.
As i said, the only good thing is true widescreen and Champions League. The rest is laughable. I know what i'd choose if i had the choice (which i dont unfortunately), FreeCrap or the cheapest cable pack. Oh and it wouldn't be Freeview.
If Freeview was free and they gave the boxes away then you might have a point, but there is nothing on it worth paying for a box for.
Answers:
Oh my sides, etc..
springer said: "I know its all a matter of opinion"
At The Gates agreed, and said: "there is nothing on it worth paying for a box for"
You see? Each to their own. If your box is taking 10 minutes :lol: :lol: to access interactive services, I'd take it back. Oh, you are anyway. That's alright then.
You also provided this nugget: "And what great stuff have BBC3 and 4 ever had?"
Weeelllll, how about subtitled foreign language films (not that common on telly these days), imaginative concert/music programming, first runs of new comedy series for starters? Over the Christmas/NY period, I've particularly enjoyed....
Scorsese's 'The Last Waltz'
The Scorsese doc on BBC4 last night....followed by Passion Fish......followed by 'Scene By Scene' (John Sayles)
The Making Of Band Of Brothers
The DVD Collection (What?? You don't like DVD's?? Or films?)
The Lovers Of The Arctic Circle
Judi Dench doc
Storyville series (consistently good)
Angela Gheorghiu's Romanian Journey
Sophie's Choice
Natalie Cole/Diana Krall in concert
Last weekend's 'Cambridge Folk Festival' schedule - Martin Carthy, Christy Moore, Nick Drake profile etc..
Sign O' The Times
Private Schulz re-run (!)
Three had a Christmas horror film season. Nothing groundbreaking, but still an alternative to the 'normal' schedules. First runs of Shooting Stars, Buzzcocks xmas show, Dermot's Sporting Buddies (good show BTW!) and a sensible repeat policy, like last night's rerun of Hound Of The Baskervilles (missed by many 'cos it clashed with Mr Chips)
And sh*tloads more, but I just can't be arsed......
So, nothing there then.:nuts:
Answers:
It has some things for some people I will admit...but there was never any need for 3 channels of fame acadamy whilst it was on!
Thats a red card offence straight off :)
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