Recommend me a Digibox
Discussion
I'm looking at purchasing a small/cheap freeview digibox for my 8 year old son's TV.
I'd prefer to buy something from the likes of ASDA/Tesco/Makro etc as I'm not too bothered about fancy menu's, but I do want a half descent picture......so are the cheap ones any good?
As an option I'd like to be able to take the digibox when camping or in-car but would rather not be forced into using my inverter, however this is not a real issue.
Finally, what's the deal with digital aerials?..........are they particularly different from the regular anologue ones?
I'd prefer to buy something from the likes of ASDA/Tesco/Makro etc as I'm not too bothered about fancy menu's, but I do want a half descent picture......so are the cheap ones any good?
As an option I'd like to be able to take the digibox when camping or in-car but would rather not be forced into using my inverter, however this is not a real issue.
Finally, what's the deal with digital aerials?..........are they particularly different from the regular anologue ones?
Quick silver said:
I'm looking at purchasing a small/cheap freeview digibox for my 8 year old son's TV.
I'd prefer to buy something from the likes of ASDA/Tesco/Makro etc as I'm not too bothered about fancy menu's, but I do want a half descent picture......so are the cheap ones any good?
As an option I'd like to be able to take the digibox when camping or in-car but would rather not be forced into using my inverter, however this is not a real issue.
Finally, what's the deal with digital aerials?..........are they particularly different from the regular anologue ones?
If you have a good analogue signal then freeview will work, no need to change the aerial. I would not buy really cheap Freeview boxes, they can have poor reception and often lock up requiring a re-boot. Maybe spend £30-40 on something reasonable.I'd prefer to buy something from the likes of ASDA/Tesco/Makro etc as I'm not too bothered about fancy menu's, but I do want a half descent picture......so are the cheap ones any good?
As an option I'd like to be able to take the digibox when camping or in-car but would rather not be forced into using my inverter, however this is not a real issue.
Finally, what's the deal with digital aerials?..........are they particularly different from the regular anologue ones?
Most of them run off an external PSU so if you find one that uses 12VDC then you can use it in the car.
Quick silver said:
Finally, what's the deal with digital aerials?..........are they particularly different from the regular anologue ones?
They actually dont exist, see how your reception is on your freeview box, then if you have channels missing or channels keep breaking up or freezing then contact an aerial firm, dont tell them you want a new aerial as that is what they will fit even if it dosent fix your freeview problem but tell them instead that you have freeview reception issues and you want them to sort it out for you 
I've got a Philips Freeview box (DTR220 I think? 
) which seem to get good reviews and I'm pretty happy with (although it does lock up every few days) - really good picture quality, and they're normally available in the supermarkets for around 25-35 quid....
I've also just bought a Technika box (which is more of a 'dongle') for the other half - it plugs directly into the SCART socket, no leads required.. Chuffed to bits with it at 25 notes from Tescos - it's a much neater installation, and whilst it doesn't feel quite as polished as the Philips (interface and possibly picture too), it is possible to flick through the TV guide whilst continuing to watch a programme - something mine won't do, infuriatingly!
) which seem to get good reviews and I'm pretty happy with (although it does lock up every few days) - really good picture quality, and they're normally available in the supermarkets for around 25-35 quid....I've also just bought a Technika box (which is more of a 'dongle') for the other half - it plugs directly into the SCART socket, no leads required.. Chuffed to bits with it at 25 notes from Tescos - it's a much neater installation, and whilst it doesn't feel quite as polished as the Philips (interface and possibly picture too), it is possible to flick through the TV guide whilst continuing to watch a programme - something mine won't do, infuriatingly!
cjs said:
If you have a good analogue signal then freeview will work, no need to change the aerial. I would not buy really cheap Freeview boxes, they can have poor reception and often lock up requiring a re-boot. Maybe spend £30-40 on something reasonable.
This statement is completely incorrect.I'm an aerial installer and have been for 10 years. Having an adequate analogue reception has nothing to do with digital reception. Analogue signals are often grouped together to stop clashes with signals from other regions where as digital multiplexes, at present, take up the spaces that are not broadcast in, which often means the digital signals you need are low and high frequency which requires a Wideband aerial or an aerial that will recieve the digital signals that you need (group K or E).
See here http://www.tvaerials.com/grouped_aerial.aspx
Headcase offers the best advice. Try a digibox that suits your budget but DONT buy a Bush one. These are the most unreliable on the market. Also, the more expensive boxes arent the best and are often fitted with a more sensitive tuner which causes locking up/freezing.
The Durabrand freeview box in asda is about the best value for money box there is. The software is used by many other manufacturers and you will get a reliable and easy to use box for around £15. They give a consistant picture even with the tinyest amount of signal present.
Do you have digital reception on any other tv's in the house? If you have an adequate outdoor aerial and have a strong enough signal then you may have enough to split it. If you are unsure of your reception have a look in the local paper for a LOCAL installer, not an 0800 number. You can get a quote for what is required then weigh up if its possible yourself or you want to pay to have it done. Most tradesmen like me dont charge to do a signal test and quote.
Hope this helps.
Gassing Station | Home Cinema & Hi-Fi | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff