Page 1 of Digibox query

Hi,

It`s a long time since I posted anything, but I hope someone here can answer a query. With the multitude of `cheap` freeview digiboxes available, is there much difference between them? My present box (MATSUI, no model number I can find) works ok, but has an annoying habit of losing most (but not all) of it`s radio stations whenever it`s turned off or left on standby. It`s got two SCART sockets but one has a loose audio connection so maybe it`s time to replace it. as well as L and R audio out, it has a socket marked RS 232. Could someone tell me what this is for please? There`s nothing in the instruction book about it.

Regards,

Jim.

RS232 is normally a service port for engineers to do upgrades and diagnostics. I would ignore it.

RS232 can be used to update the firmware on many boxes by connecting the device to your PC.
Doing so is not rocket science as there are many sites which give step by step instructions and the updates can often allow the user to view other channels ;)

Choagy FFCUK The SPL My Comag SL55 Is A f***in Great Wee Box :D

They vary greatly in quality and features.

Before youi buy a new digibox, ask yourself these questions:

Do you want the option to view subtitles (Usuall at the touch of a single button on the remote)?
Do you want a 7 day EPG (Electronic Programme Guide)?
Do you want Interractive Features? (the remote will have the four coiloured buttons Red, Green, Yellow & Blue to allow selection of pages in BBCi, QVC etc)
Do you want a digital audio output?
Would you like an inbuilt Hard Disc Drive to record to? (Digiboxes with this feature start at about £100 now!)
How strong is the signal in your area?

You can check your signal strength here: www.freeview.co.uk/

If you are in a weak signal area, stick with one of the better brands like Humax, who have really strong tuners that lock onto the weakest channels without any break-up.

If you are in a strong signal area, then the world is your oyster! There are some bargains to be had if you shop around, and all of the above features are available if you want them.

Thank you Sue,


I think the signal strength is OK in this area; the MATSUI box I have locks on happily enough to both tv and radio. Problem is that it seems to lose most of the radio channels whenever it goes into standby mode; going through initial installation again gets them back. Is this common for digiboxes? (or should that be digibox`s). Someone on Ebay is selling an old ON digital receiver that he describes as "thought by many to be the best digital receiver ever". I`d appreciate your opinion on this.

Regards, Jim.

Quote:
Someone on Ebay is selling an old ON digital receiver that he describes as "thought by many to be the best digital receiver ever"

The best digital receiver ever , might have been true when On digital was around but not any more , compared to todays boxes it will be much bigger , slower and possibly unstable.

If you just want a cheap basic box then get along to Asda or Tesco as they are selling them for around £25 or if you want something a bit more upmarket look around for the Sony VTX-D800U which has been out for a while but is still considered by many to be the best digital receiver available now.

This item was edited on Wednesday, 26th July 2006, 22:27

A couple of years ago, my Dad wanted a cheap Freeview box, and I bought him one of those On Digital boxes on eBay! It`s the size of a DVD player (large) and has a superb strong tuner that locks onto everything very well (he lives in a weak signal area)

However, being old, there is no programme info at all, let alone 7 day EPG, no interractive features, no subtitles and it isn`t even compatible with some channels! So he now uses one of my old boxes, an Echostar T-101, which unfortunately is now a discontinued model. That also has a very strong tuner and holds the channels well.

It is not normal for all radio channels to be lost each time you switch off, no! But as I am not a Matsui fan, I had better not say any more than that!

Prices have dropped rapidly over the past couple of years, but I urge you not to buy the cheapest box you can fine, but to go for a good brand like Humax now that their prices are more affordable.

Thank you Sue,

I`ve looked up Humax on Google and found a couple of sets on offer from Amazon. Prices are not too frightening, but they both list in the specifications DAB= NO. Does this mean that I would not be able to receive any of the digital radio channels I presently get from the Matsui? If I`m working late, listening to Virgin Radio or hearing the presenters on `Talk Sport` winding the callers up helps keep me awake.

Best Regards,

Jim.