Hi, I've taken the plunge and got a Humax Foxsat HDR to replace my Sky+. Mostly v happy, but just a few things that I'm having probs with, hopefully you guys on here can help.

1. I have a tv upstairs which I used a magic eye with sky+. I want to do the same with the freesat, but no RF out. I've read bits here and there and I presume if I buy one of these - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Universal-Sc.../dp/B000M6SMKW all should work as it did with sky+. The actual magic eye IR I had for sky+ is a 'SLX Link' will this work with the new set up?

2. In relation to my first question, if I get the RF modulator do I need to plug the aerial into it to carry the freeview signal upstairs too? The reason being my downstairs tv only has an RF in, so my connection is - aerial>DVDR>Downstairs TV (Dead end) or aerial>DVDR>RF Mod>Upstairs TV (Dead end) either way I can't get freeview on both TV's? Hope that makes sense

3. When I connect my DVDR to Humax via scart the VCR (bottom connection) scart only gives me sound where as if I use the TV scart (top connection) this is fine. Is this a faulty scart socket? The DVDR is a Panasonic DMR-EZ25.

4. The only other prob is connecting the Humax to the internet for iplayer etc. I have a wireless router upstairs, but I know the Humax doesn't have wifi. I have a phone socket right next to the Humax, is there an easy way to connect up? I can't really move the router downstairs as it's wired into my mac for priority.

Thanks in advance for any help.

The modulator will give you the pictures but not magic eye controls.

You need to connect the aerial to pass on the terrestrial signals along with the modulator output.

There's a number of ways of making a magic eye work, this is not the cheapest but is a straight forward substitute for a Sky box

http://www.aerialsuperstore.co.uk/tr...-kit-508-p.asp

The vcr scart is probably set in the menus to output s-video. In any case if your dvdr can record RGB you should use the TV scart anyway.

Easiest way to connect your box to your router is a pair of home plug adaptors which use the mains to transmit the signbals.

Cheapest and best way is to run CAT 5 network cable to the router.

Thanks for the info. I didn't really want to spend much on getting this to work upstairs too. Would this - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Universal-Sc.../dp/B000M6SMKW work in combination with a simple aerial splitter? Freeview isn't really a priority it's just a shame not have it working as both TV's have it built in. Also would the SLX Link work with this set up - http://www.amazon.co.uk/SLx-Magic-Ey...ref=pd_sim_ce7 I already have this that worked for my sky+.

Re the internet connection, I was wondering if it's possible to connect the Humax to the nearby phone socket with some sort of adapter, or is this not possible?

Thanks again.

The modulator will deliver pictures as already said it won't let you use a magic eye.

Two reasons, the eye needs 9V dc power provided by the sky box. The remote control signals are sent back down the coax on a vhf carrier. The sky box has internal circuitry that uses this signal to provide remote control.

You could use a remote control extender like powermids to replace the eye.

Other than relocating the router you can't use the phone socket.

Thanks Graham, Ahh thats makes sense as to why the red light on the SLX link is no longer on since I unplugged the sky+ box. I didn't realise it powered it too.

To be honest those powermids look pretty ugly. Unless you can hide them behind the tv? Also in regard to the Triax Tri Link, I'm not sure about the 'stick on IR transmitters'. Do these have to be facing the IR on the freesat, they can't be hidden behind and plugged in? Are there any other ways, maybe utilising my old sky+ box to achieve this?

Cheers, Terry

They have to face the IR receiver but you can stick one under the flap in front of the IR receiver. You don't want to leave your Sky box powered it uses a wallet busting 22W in sby.

There's other kit around see this page

http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page3.htm.

A video sender is a possible alternative but can suffer from interference (The more expensive higher frequency models are better). These incorporate stereo sound and remote controls.

Thank you for your help.

Sounds like the Triax Tri Link is the way to go. I presume of all the various ways to achieve freesat on another tv with magic eye functions, this is the best way in terms of quality and no interference etc. I saw an image of IR blasters on a freesat box on google images and really don't want anything that obtrusive on my new Humax box. I presume the IR stickers that come with the Triax are the neatest way too.

If anyone else is after the same info, which I presume will be a lot, I found this youtube link which is also helpful - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BNhOFommKQ

My next task is what to do re the internet connection. I have a PS3 that can play iplayer through wifi so it's not essential, it would just be nice to use the function through my new humax box. Are the homeplug adapters safe and cheap? And would they mess with my wireless router settings?

Cheers, Terry

They are pretty much plug and play. You stick one in a socket by the hdr and connect it by a cat5 patch lead. The second goes by the router and connects by a second patch lead to a spare socket on the router. If you have a networked PS3 and are not planning to use Raydons excellent media server software I wouldn't bother. The ps3 offers the iplayer BBC HD service and a better overall performance as well.

Really, thats good to know I'll stick with the PS3. I might just hold off on the homeplugs for now. I don't really use the iplayer much anyway, just thought I'd get it working if I can as it's a feature.

Whats the media server software? What can I do with this? I'm interested...

I found a good price for the Triax Tri Link here if anyone else is in the same boat - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Triax-Tri-...item563c0a1d13

Terry

Basically It let's you view recordings on the hdr independently of what the main user is using it for to a PC, a media player or a dnla equipped TV. Pretty cool stuff

http://www.avforums.com/forums/frees...ase-4-0-a.html

If you record HD without encryption this includes full HD streaming (if you use homeplugs you may need the faster AV ones for HD streaming).

Nice one, sounds interesting. I'll have a look into that. How can you turn off the encoding for the HD channels?

One more thing re the Triax Tri Link, I guess I need new screw on connectors for my RF leads, do you know which type I need and are these easy to fit?

Thanks.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-x-F-Con...item2ea4b2e51e

are these the type of connectors I need for the Triax?

Cheers.

Very simple to fit but you need the right size for your coax cable

http://www.satcure.com/tech/fconn.htm

You don't need the grease for indoor connections. The box may come with 3 f connectors,

To record HD without encryption

Use manual tune to add the HD channels to non-freesat mode.

You now have an extra menu option STB Mode Freesat/Non Freesat. In non-freesat reboot the box. You have to initiate recordings manually (no timers).

Brill. Thanks for your help.

Hi. I got my Triax Tri Link today and after a lot of work managed to get a decent-ish picture on my second tv. I know through RF you're never going to get a top quality picture but it took a lot of trial and error choosing the best channel to use and even then it's not brilliant.

The problem I've got is that my freeview aerial signal isn't coming through the Triax. It did at first but was very intermittent and now not at all. I don't think it's my coax cable or connector as this works fine plugged straight into my TV. Has anyone any ideas?

Also, has anyone any creative ideas how to connect the IR dots to the front of a Humax neatly? I can't fit them under the flap at the front as suggested?

Thanks.