Hoping someone can confirm for me , can you switch between Freesat and FTA mode on a Freesat+ receiver .. e.g. Humax Foxsat HDD

I have read dozens of forums, receiver spec sheets, hundreds of forum posts and am still not certain.

Confusion is .. do you loose the availability of the FreeSat 7 day Guide .. i.e. is it wiped and no longer receivable....when you tune in one or more FTA channels in non freesat mode.

Background requirement behind Question.

I want a dual satellite input receiver .. with internal/external disk .. not decided which yet .. which has on
Input 1 - Astra2 Freesat channels with full EPG support while also having available Astra1 FTA channels .. both feeds combined via a DiSEqC.
Input2 - Astra2 To allow either 2nd simultaneous recording or watching of an Astra 2 channel.

I want to be able to record from either source , or in theory both Astra 1 and Astra 2 at the same time.

As I have no access to anyone with a Freesat+ box I am depending on the experts here to clear up my uncertainty.

appreciate your expertise and experience .. Mike

Yes.


The EPG is not available in non-freesat mode, although it's not wiped and returns when you go back into freesat mode. If you press the Guide button while in non-freesat mode then you just get a plain list of channels rather than a complete schedule.


I think for most flexibility you need two dual-output LNBs (one each for Astra 1 & Astra 2), and two diseqc switches so that each tuner gets both satellites. Otherwise I guess you could get into the situation where Tuner 1 is being used to record from Astra 2 but then you also want to record something on Astra 1 and you won't be able to.

However, I'm not quite sure what happens when you've got simultaneous recordings in freesat and non-freesat mode. I think the box can only exist in one state or another, not both. I'll have to try it!

[quote=Chris Simon;56980062However, I'm not quite sure what happens when you've got simultaneous recordings in freesat and non-freesat mode. I think the box can only exist in one state or another, not both. I'll have to try it![/QUOTE]

You can't record non-freesat and freesat at the same time.

If you enter non-freesat with a freesat recording due within the next 15 minutes or so then it won't start until you switch back again. If it's further away than 15 minutes than after a warning it switches back to freesat to make the recording. (terminating any current non-freesat recordings).

As you can't set recording timers for non freesat mode (unless you use the modified firmware and the channel editor to add them to Freesat mode) the situation of a non-freesat scheduled recording on a standard box doesn't arise

Chris Simon - Many thanks Chris .. at least I now finally "KNOW" what happens that Freesat EPG when alternating between modes.


GrahamlThompson - Many thanks Graham .. can I just clarify one final point to be sure I have picked it up correctly .. You can start to record a FTA channel in non Freesat mode "now" but not set on a timer to commence at a given time/duration ... do I have that correct ? If this is correct , then I assume that you could forward plan a recording on a FTA+ receiver that did not have Freesat SW capability/dual mode etc.

Can you expand on or point me at an info source on the "modified firmware and the channel editor" on what it is , what it does, where you would source it from, how difficult it is to load and any negative implications you can think of to doing that.

Appreciate the experience and support guys ...Mike

Yes without using the customised media server and channel editor software in order to access channels you have added manually you have to start recording by pressing the recording button. Now and Next epg info provides enough data for the recording to stop when the current programme data changes to something else.

Most generic fta receivers don't have a epg like the Freesat one so you have to set timers in the old fashioned way (same for non-freesat channels added to Freesat mode using the above).

ie Date Time Channel Duration and repeat pattern (if any).

Lots of info on the above if you look around

http://myhumax.org/forum/topic/raydo...ndle-release-3

http://www.avforums.com/forums/frees...oxsat-hdr.html

http://www.avforums.com/forums/frees...-part-2-a.html

Mike:
I suspect what you are after is a 'Master of all trades' and I am not aware that one exists. I think you may be dissapointed in any box you buy.
The Humax is certainly a Master of freesat. I haver had mine three years and can not recomend it highly enough.
Faced with a similar requirement to you I went through the following thought process.
1) Add the software to the Hummy. Discounted because one missed episode of Eastenders because of my playing would not be a good idea.
2) Get cheap Foxsat off eBay and mod the software. But SWMBO doesn't like the idea of no guarantees etc. and it's still a freesat box trying to do something else.
3) Get an ICord (German Version of Foxsat). But that has the same problems as the Foxsat, only the other way around (EPG wise), and I would have to import it myself (actually easy - Amazon.de)
4) My solution. A FTA PVR. I settled on a Vu+ Duo, but there is a bewildering choice. (I dropped in the HDD that came out of my upgraded Hummy).
I have a monoblock LNB for 13 and 19 on one input and a spare 28 feed on the other. At least now and next on everything and 'old fashioned' timer anyway. No "modes" to worry about. So I can't record form both 13 and 19 at the same time, but don't see that as a problem.
I am lucky in that I had specific advantages to she who holds the cheque book, and I think I would be a bit dissapointed in the Duo as a freesat recorder, but as a Jack of all trades it's brilliant!
Looking forward to hearing what you decide on.
KC

I've got the Samsung freesat STB.

I use it exclusively in non-freesat mode as I've added all channels available on freesat and free to air channels that aren't.

The EPG/guide works just as it does in freesat mode except for a few channels for which the programmes don't populate beyond whats on now and next and there channel categories.

Adding a channel as a favourite also provides the option of renumbering it so I added all channels as favourites and renumbered the channels to their sky epg numbers as I had a Sky+HD box previously.

Does the Samsung do more than now and next on 19?

Stillgotabox - Sorry about delay responding .. have been away for a couple of days. So to be sure I understand you correctly , ( though your post is very clear .. just a little surprising ) the Samsung Freesat+ receiver still retains full 7 day EPG support and simplified recording in Free to Air mode unlike the Humax which others above have confirmed reverts back to now/next program only guide when in Free to Air mode.

Is this the model Model: SMT-S7800 with 500GB drive ?

many thanks .... Mike

Grahamlthompson - many thanks for excellent info .. ok I understand the recording restriction on the native firmware ... had a read through the 3 links you included on customised firmware .. have to say looks very complex to install the customised media server and channel editor .. based on admittedly a quick read through .. and thats with 30+ years IT expertise .. however I can see that the effort certainly enhances the Humax's capability significantly .. looks like excellent work .. Am looking at samsung based on post from Stillgotabox .. would certainly seem to be easier solution IF I have understood it correctly .. again thanks for clarity which is appreciated ..Mike

KaySea - many thanks for reply .. think you are correct , I am chasing a non existent master of all trades box.. IT background causing that I suspect .. you are quite correct .. bewildering array of choices .. all with one restriction or another .. I absolutely want to be able to in advance record the Gran Prix from Astra 1 RTL .. during small hours of the morning for long haul races .. and also at the same time to be able to watch/record in advance Astra 2 Freesat channels .. ( or the same Astra 2 channels in Free to Air mode if as per Stillgotabox post the Samsung enables 7 day EPG while in FTA mode would be a great solution ) .. one way or the other .. need to decide soon .. thanks Mike

I have only recently got the Duo and do not yet know what it can do. But I can sit at my PC and browse the EPG and select this to record..........

So. 18.3.2012 RTL Television Formel 1: Das Rennen
6:00 105 min. N/A
7:45 Moderation:Florian König, Experte: Niki Lauda, Kommentatoren: Heiko Wasser und Christian Danner, Boxenreporter: Kai EbelŠDas Rennen zum Großen Preis von Australien in Melbourne. Mit dem Großen Preis von Australien startet die Formel 1 in die neue und längste Saison in der Geschichte der Königsklasse. 20 Rennen stehen im Rennkalender, erst nach acht Monaten wird am 25. November in Brasilien der letzte Grand Prix 2012 ausgetragen. RTL überträgt alle Rennen wie gewohnt live und exklusiv im ...

It seems to do all the great stuff the Hummy (with added software) can do. Stream/copy across local network etc. Because it is not a freesat box it can not reorder the freesat EPG - it doesn't have one, you make your own. Because it's not freesat, HD recordings are not encrypted (BBC HD etc.). Because it's a Linux box, you can modify it by installing (what I see as) a different distro. Something I will investigate when I know what it means, I suspect you need to be from an IT background A quick google takes you to a whole new world!
At present I only have now and next on 28, but a good 'old fashioned' timer and a PPG (Paper Programme Guide!) relieves the duties on the Hummy at 9pm some nights.
KC

I would suggest that you run Vix (if you are not already doing this). That way you could schedule it to record RTL F1 and the Radio 5 Live commentary at the same time using 7day epg data which the box has collected. Certainly with Vix, the box the box can get all the Freesat programme schedule EPG data. You can use Dreamboxedit to create channels list(s) aka Bouquets. The lists can have any channel in any order. The Clarke-Tech/Xtrend ET9200 is an alternative to the Vu+ Duo which will do what the Op wants.

machare
Thanks for that. I sort of knew I would be able to get the freesat EPG, once I got over the initial amazement of what the box can do straight out of the box. But as I don't have it yet I wasn't going to say it could.
I regulary change distros on my PC, so the concept is very familiar to me, but as I said a quick google leads to a deer in the headlights moment. What I need is some knowledable people to say something like "suggest that you run Vix" so thanks again.

I can already record the pictures (RTL) via EPG and the commentary (R5L) on the Duo using the timer. But I would then have to stream the commentary across to my PC speakers. So I will be using the hummy for the radio, as it's already connected to my amp. For someone looking for a one box solution it is perfectly possible and one I considered.

Can you please look out for my 'How do I flash my Duo' thread that I will almost certainly be starting soon? At present the Duo is working perfectly well and don't want to brick it before the weekend!

So is the Vu+ Duo/Clarke-Tech/Xtrend ET9200/bewildering choice getting close to that master of all trades???????
KC

KaySea

See http://www.world-of-satellite.com/fo...iX-Team-images

You should ensure that any image is compatible with your boot loader. The latest images of various types usually require you to have the latest boot loader.

For support, you would do better to use the above forums rather than this one.

AAAAAAAARGHHHH, TOO BRIGHT, TOO BRIGHT, need to return to the dim shade of DS!

Thanks machare, that's one of the sites that blinded me beforehand. I know I just need to dive in and do it. My previous experience of Linux tells me it will be fine. (but not before the first GP!)

KC

No worries.

Yes that is the model.

There are some issues with the EPG, I'll check if its full 7 days.

Issues being that sometimes pressing guide loads no programme information at all and going to freesat mode and back to non-freesat mode resolves this problem. Some channels do only have now/next but it seems to be some of the channels not available in freesat mode.

I'll have a proper look when I can and let you know.

Yes, recording functionality is the same as it is in freesat mode.

Hi Stillgotabox - Many thanks for feedback .. appreciate it .. Am leaning towards this Samsung receiver .. rather than the Humax .. depending on your answers.. so feedback is very much appreciated .. but one final issue that I need to be sure of before taking the plunge is does it support DiSEqC support ( as the Humax I know does ) so that I can input Astra 1 & Astra 2 to input 1 .. as well as a second DiSEqC pair of Astra 1 & Astra 2 going to input 2 ? .i.e. I need to be able to record RTL F1 .. but also want the ability to watch Astra 2 channels while recording Astra 2 channel at the same time. .. Looking forward to hearing back from you and once again appreciate your valuable experience and help.Mike

Stillgotabox - Update :- Just received confirmation from Samsung Technical Support that this Samsung does not support DiSEqc , so thats a deal breaker for me .. back to the Humax I guess... thanks for the help and support on this. Mike

I know you kind of ruled it out already but I would strongly suggest installing the channel editor software when you get your Humax, it can be a bit confusing but when you get your head round the software it's easy.

Like this?
http://www.myechostar.com/~/media/Eu...Operation.ashx

(I've never used DiSEqC myself, so I'm not offering advice!).

I'm not much of a fan of non-Freesat mode on the Humax or the Echostar. The Humax will do an auto scan (the Echostar asks for individual frequencies), but someone said the Echostar lets you watch non-Freesat without upsetting Freesat timers (I don't know if this is true, but I do know the Humax won't do this - it'll only do one or the other, which makes non-Freesat mode a pain IMO).

So pick carefully and make sure you fully understand the restrictions of non-Freesat mode on each STB.

Cheers,
David.

LongBallPlease & 2Bdecided - appreciate the support ... have ordered the HumaX 1TB last night .. No doubt after a play I will be back seeking assistance .... Mike