156 replies to this topic

[DrP]

Just keep in mind that the ABC/SBS stuff on D1 is not intended for viewer use, so there's nothing stopping ABC from making changes (such as encrypting it) to stop people watching it directly.

[Tassie Devil]

 DrP, on Nov 17 2010, 10:27 AM, said:

Just keep in mind that the ABC/SBS stuff on D1 is not intended for viewer use, so there's nothing stopping ABC from making changes (such as encrypting it) to stop people watching it directly.

Ye Gods this TV watching is becoming a game of cat and mouse!!!    But it will do in the interim.

The new mpeg4 services will soon be soon be available via satellite for all FTA stations - needed for when all analog ceases so everybody can receive digital.  http://www.viasattv.com.au/FAQ.htm

I see Strong already have a PVR available STRONG SRT5440 HD MPEG4 PVR which cleverly allows the use of your own external HDD via USB.    However from what I can see it is only a single channel effort - unsatisfactory.

DrP do you have any further info on all this?

John

[Tassie Devil]

Just rang the 1800 number for more info on the MGEG 4 services.  Looks like mid 2113 before it will be available here.  By that time there should be a good choice of PVRs.

In the meantime I hope Optus D will suffice using the Toppy 5000 for SBS & ABC.  MPEG 4 should be better as HD services will be on those satellite services although upscales SD looks very close to HD on most programs except direct broadcasts.   Of course satellite is not 100% reliable either - rain storms can interrupt reception.  But still better than the present situation for us.

John

[figjam]

I still can't believe that I have received no correspondance whatsoever from either SelecTV or Foxtel.

Ahh well, looks like it's Foxtel on Xbox for me then.

[Refidim]

 Tassie Devil, on Nov 17 2010, 11:50 AM, said:

Just rang the 1800 number for more info on the MGEG 4 services.  Looks like mid 2113 before it will be available here.  By that time there should be a good choice of PVRs.
John

Already here ...>> http://www.lyngsat.c...kages/vast.html   . Regarding receivers it's a closed shop. UEC only boxes come with 5.7 Irdeto card secured silicon paired to the box.  Cards only not available because they won't work in any other box.

[Tassie Devil]

Great success with the dish previously set for Select and now pointed at the Optus D satellite.  Super video quality (yes Dr P, you were correct) and better on scaled up SBS SD than FTA HD.

Some of this PQ can be attributed to the tuner quality of the SD Topfield 5000 although it remains a clunky beast ergonomically compared to the Toppy 7000 or 7100.  But we now get crystal clear ABC & SBS with no risk of the savage pixellation from FTA.  We live in a lovely spot but FTA reception IS a major downside.  FTA generally holds for Commercial TV but breaks down severely on ABC and also on SBS, the channels we view the most.

As someone once said, life is not meant to be easy.  But if you work hard enough at it solutions can be found and it does seem we might have found our solution.

But roll on the proposed satellite services.  But, as usual, I guess Tasmania will be the last one on the list.    It rarely gets a mention on "Today Tonight" or "A Current Affair" in their State surveys.

John

Edited by Tassie Devil, 11 December 2010 - 05:00 PM.

[betamax]

ah well, for most of us on the English package, the fat lady had already sung.  But alas, Select is now truly dead.