What's the current state of play? I have a Humax HDR and it has to be set into a separate FTA mode for channels not on the EPG. Are there any other Freesat boxes that support FTA channels through some kind of 'other channels' the way Sky boxes do?

I have a friend interested in getting satellite TV but one of the channels he wants - The Travel Channel I think - is FTA but only listed on the Sky EPG.

Having to flip the box in and out of FTA mode would be a pain in the bum for him and his wife.

I do not think so! Freesat boxes ONLY have to support channels in the Freesat EPG - so even the Humax "non Freesat mode" is an extension which does not have to appear on every box!

Go to non-freesat mode and tune in astra 28.2 and you will get all the freesat plus fta stations. You can then record and watch what you want. No 7 day epg though.

I have just checked and have Travel and Travel+1 channels on a Foxsat HDR.

Cheers,

TC

Yes but that's not the question. What we're looking for is a box that can do it without disrupting 'normal' Freesat functioning. You're right that the HDR can be tuned into that channel but you have to disable Freesat functionality. During that time it will be unable to record anything from Freesat - it becomes in effect a dumb FTA box.

That is potentially very disrupting. The box could easily be left in FTA mode for several days by accident and potentially fail to record dozens of programmes.

Doesn't it jump back to Freesat mode automatically, 15 minutes before a programme is due to be recorded?

The problem is if you accidentally switch into non-Freesat mode less than 15 minutes before a programme is supposed to be recorded in Freesat mode. Do that, and the programme is missed.

The inability to set timers (even manual ones) in non-Freesat mode is poor too.


From reading old threads, I think some other Freesat STBs handle non-Freesat channels slightly differently, but I'm not sure if this applied to any current Freesat PVRs. I don't know what the Echostar and Samsung PVRs do.

Cheers,
David.

Provided a recording is not due within 15 minutes of going into Non-Freesat mode then the box will auto switch back to Freesat mode (and stay there) to make scheduled recordings.

The modified firmware allows non-freesat channels to be listed in Freesat mode and the setting of manual timers.

http://myhumax.org/forum/topic/media...e-40#post-2348

Could get a low power HTPC and add DVBViewer or mediaportal which will allow you to get Travel Channel EPG. It's possible you can do it with a cheaper Dreambox clone also.

That's better, then. Would interrupt viewing of the FTA channel but it sounds better.

Thanks for all suggestions. It's good information and I'll pass it on to him. Hopefully there's a combination that will work

There are however Linux PVRs that can read the Freesat and other EPGs programme schedule data, and don't have the Freesat mode switching problem.

Examples please?

PS: although the firmware mod mentioned by grahamlthompson in post #6 makes it looks like it might finally be time for me to buy one of these things!

ET9200 or Vu+ Duo - running Vix.

See http://www.world-of-satellite.com/forum.php

Also discussed/compared on the digitalkaos website.

The ET9200 is a revised version of the ET9000.

But do they update their channel lists automatically or do you have to rescan every time new channels appear?

You need to amend settings when channels change.

You can do this yourself as I do by scanning the relvant transponder, or there are published channels lists which are useful, particularly if you like Sky channel numbers. I have never liked 3 digit numbers. I don't bother with the SD versions of ITV and C4, I just use the HD ones. BBC1 HD is more of a problem, however I have it next to BBC S.E. so that I can quickly switch for the local news and weather forecast.

The UK EPQ system makes it far to easy for channels to move. The main European channels are much more static.

Intriguing. I'll have to have a proper look. Thanks for that.

I believe the reason unlisted FTA channels are not allowed to be added to a box in Freesat mode relates to the fact that Accurate Record relies on data being broadcast on each transponder so that the recording can be triggered at the right time regardless of what the tuners are doing. Adding unlisted FTA channels in means the tuner(s) may be on a transponder not carrying this data. This will be why the Humax box switches back to Freesat mode 15 mins before the a Freesat recording is due.

Correct - and also that freesat requires it for approval.

As Freesat is just the major FTA channels with EPG you can record one watch another in non Freesat mode, just not pre-set a record time.

TC

Use the Raydons firmware, I have Al Jazeera Sport +1 to +8 on my normal EPG and can set schedule recordings, I can also record a Freesat channel and record or watch Al Jazeera Sport.

Not sure about the Bush PVR, but I know that the Bush Freesat receiver (Argos £29.99) allows you to programme the frequencies of the non Freesat channels ie Sky News, that will then appear below channel 101 (BBC1).

We bought one for the in-laws at Xmas and they wanted Sky News, it was just a case finding out the frequency entering it, and then going channel down from 101, If I recall it appeared as channel 3001.

Same thing applies to the Sagem dtr94 series pvrs.
You just scan the relevant transponder details from e.g. Kingofsat and add them in non freesat mode.
You can select the channels you want and hide the others from appearing on the on screen pop-up channel list.
The desired channels will be listed as 3001 upwards on this list.
Then by using this on screen channel list you can scroll through both Freesat & non freesat channels as required.
You can also watch a freesat channel and record a non -freesat channel (using the manual timer settings for a non freesat channel & the epg for freesat channels) and vice versa.....