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Change from Sky+ to Freesat+


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Old 18-01-2011, 17:47
zozo4
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I am getting rid of my Sky+ digibox and changing to Freesat very soon (because of over inflated Sky charges) and want to make sure I’ve got everything ready to still be able to record.
I’ve decided to go with the Humax Foxsat HDR. I have two other TVs in different rooms which, at present are operated by Magic Eyes. I don’t have multiroom so we can only watch channel at any one time, which has never been an issue.
The coax from the Skybox RF2 output is connected to an SLX2CF two way amplifier and then splits to the two TVs.
I want to continue being able to watch and control these TVs the same as we do now. From what I’ve read on various webpages and forums, I think I need to get a couple of items by www.bluedelta.co.uk, namely the Smartblaster and two Smart eyes along with a splitter.
My question is basically, can someone please confirm this setup will do what I want, or is there a better alternative? I’d also be interested to know if the SLX2CF would do as the new Freesat cable splitter and if the existing Magic Eyes would also work?
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Old 18-01-2011, 17:57
grahamlthompson
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I can't be sure but I sure I have seen posters who have used smartblasters with an existing skylink install. The unit serves as a power supply, uhf modulator and skylink rf to IR converter as far as I know. The site is very light on technical details but no harm in trying the one item first. At worst you will still be able to watch the output on the remote TV's if you have to buy the other kit later.
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Old 18-01-2011, 22:54
nowster
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Please bear in mind that the HDR does not have a UHF modulator. You'll need to attach one to a SCART output to be able to relay the received TV signal over coax cable.
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Old 19-01-2011, 12:13
swedish cook
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I use the bluedelta smart eye and smart blaster. The remote control is excellent.

My RF modulator is slightly less than excellent, but much much better than the video transmitter/receiver that I used to use ... I think RF has had its day, we're used to pixel perfect pictures now and RF doesn't deliver - acceptable for a small screen in the bedroom. If you want to feed a large remote screen then I don't think you will be happy with sending video via RF cable.

Longer term solution has got to be a recorder downstairs that can stream, then a media player around the house should give real pixel perfect video.
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Old 19-01-2011, 16:55
zozo4
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Thanks for the replies.
I'm a complete newbie at this so sorry if the questions are basic.
Two of the replies mention a UHF & RF modulator. What one would I need and is there a particular brand that would be best?
Would the Sky Magic Eyes still be OK to use?
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Old 19-01-2011, 17:43
zozo4
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Is there a difference between RF and UHF modulators???
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Old 19-01-2011, 18:32
swedish cook
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Is there a difference between RF and UHF modulators???
Don't think so, same looking devices appear on amazon under the RF as UHF. Wikipedia has it as RF modulator.
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Old 19-01-2011, 19:27
grahamlthompson
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Same animal, connects to a analogue video/audio source, converts it to a UHF analogue TV channel using the UHF channel of your choice over coax as a RF signal. A remote TV tunes this as any other analogue channel.
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Old 28-01-2011, 11:15
zozo4
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If I've got to fit an RF modulator and the Smartblaster, does it matter what one goes to the box first?
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Old 28-01-2011, 11:32
grahamlthompson
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If I've got to fit an RF modulator and the Smartblaster, does it matter what one goes to the box first?
The aerial cable goes to the moduiator in, the modulator out goes to the smartblaster in, the smartblaster out to the remote skylink(s) and remote TV's. It has to be that way round so that the smartblaster can provide power for the remote skylink (magic eyes)

In addition the modulator connects to a composite video and analogue audio source either RCA phono or scart.

Both boxes require a power supply.
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Old 28-01-2011, 12:42
zozo4
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Thanks very much for the info
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