My Panasonic freesat from Sky (never paid them a penny) has just died after 10 years service.

Has the Humax Freesat + box got an output on the back to allow me to run a magic eye up to a bedroom like the Panasonic has?

I was going to wait until Humax released their updated model but it looks as if I'll have to make a purchase this week.

No the magic eye system is basically restricted to Sky boxes although you can emulate the system using extra kit. Basically it's an external modulator to create the PAL analogue TV channel from the boxes output and a box to convert IR remote control signals sent over the coax and retransmit it in Infra Red which means the magic eyes can be used to control pretty well any IR kit remotely

Thanks Graham, I take it that other brands of Freesat + boxes don't have the RF either then.

Could be an expensive week for me, here's my situation. Samsung tv in lounge with in built Freeview tuner. Reception is poor as it's the original aerial I had when I moved in 10 years ago and is in the loft (Listed Building). Sky box being used on this tv but it's now dead.

Smaller version of the same tv upstairs with a magic eye. Aerial socket in this room is disconnected.

Do I buy a Humax even though I was determined to wait for the forthcomimg release or upgrade my loft aerial to increase Freeview reception and use aerial socket in room upstairs as no longer needed for magic eye, giving me freeview in both rooms whilst I await new Humax?

Rf output is getting quite rare these days, afaik no freesat kit has rf output though this is easy to emulate by simply adding an external modulator. This will distribute the video in exactly the same way as your existing sky box. Bear in mind that post 2012 new TV's may well not have the PAL analogue TV tuners required to make this system work.

There are other ways of making remote control work using a system like powermids that use wireless to transmit remote control signals. One receiver by the TV and multiple senders from each remote location.

There is nothing to stop you replacing the Sky box with say a HD skybox (from about £50.00) on fleabay. You will get the same channels as on a Freesat box plus a few extras if you have an expired sky subscription card.

The only snags are you can't use it to record without a subscription and there will be lots on the epg you can't watch. Favourites will allow you to sort this for up to 50 channels.

Don't expect rf out on any kit in the future other than sky boxes.

RF out is considered a bit obsolete (in the world of HDMI). I think your problem is a difficult call, basically no one seems to know the next Humax freesat box will be out (except Bob-cat possibly) and I think if I were a Humax guy I would want youview on it to ensure market success.

I think we could be up to a year away from the next box. I thought about waiting 6 months back, when we thought the next Humax PVR would be Q1 2011 - Glad I did not - well happy with the box - think I will buy the youview box when it comes out for the bedroom (prob will swap them around)

Graham types quicker than me!
Last edited by REPASSAC : 24-10-2010 at 19:52

[quote=REPASSAC;45082593

Graham types quicker than me![/QUOTE]

only with one finger though

To send RF ouitput upstairs and enable remote I use :

- RF modulator (ebay)
- smart eye (http://www.bluedelta.co.uk/smart-eye.html)
- remote "blaster" (http://www.bluedelta.co.uk/smart-blaster.html)

Freesat or Freeview is tricky one, as Freeview hasn't lived upto expectation of more HD channels - in theory Freeview doesn't have the bandwidth to compete with Freesat, but that theory.

How come a Sky dish is ok on a listed building and an aerial isn't ?

Thanks for your response,

Swedish Cook - I have my dish attached to a fence post in the garden at the height of about 4 feet and it's worked a treat for 10 years. The dish can't be seen from the roadside so no complaints re: listed building.

An option is for me to get the Humax if it isn't due to be replaced for a while and use the upstairs tv with Freeview after upgrading the aerial.