PC viable option for Freesat in the UK?

[Pob]

I would like to get BBC HD (and ITV HD when available), and I would like to have it working on my HTPC, because
1. There are no Freesat PVR's, so a real bonus if PVRX2 can record.
2. I only have one HDMI socket on my TV, which HTPC is connected to.
3. The cost of a Hauppage S2 card is quite a bit less than a HD Freesat box
4. I would be able to get all the unencrypted Astra channels
5. I want my PC to do everything, with no extra equipment clutter!

I have read through the Freesat threads, and it seems there are problems tuning into the Freesat channels. I would like advice on the viability - anyone succesfully getting the Freesat channels? Recording BBC HD OK?

[nemulate]

I think the biggest issue with freesat and gbpvr is the epg. You'll have to use xmltv to download listings from the internet. Some people aren't getting all the channels either but not sure why. I've got a Freesat box but will have a go at getting the channels tomorrow if I get the chance.

[steeb]

I would like to get BBC HD (and ITV HD when available), and I would like to have it working on my HTPC, because
1. There are no Freesat PVR's, so a real bonus if PVRX2 can record.
2. I only have one HDMI socket on my TV, which HTPC is connected to.
3. The cost of a Hauppage S2 card is quite a bit less than a HD Freesat box
4. I would be able to get all the unencrypted Astra channels
5. I want my PC to do everything, with no extra equipment clutter!

Agree with all of this

I have read through the Freesat threads, and it seems there are problems tuning into the Freesat channels. I would like advice on the viability - anyone succesfully getting the Freesat channels? Recording BBC HD OK?

I am sure there are other members out there getting the HD thing, meself haven't tried yet as wanted to get Freesat up and going first.

All in all Freesat scans and works and I've found I get a couple of bonus channels that aren't listed as available...

I think the biggest issue with freesat and gbpvr is the epg. You'll have to use xmltv to download listings from the internet. Some people aren't getting all the channels either but not sure why. I've got a Freesat box but will have a go at getting the channels tomorrow if I get the chance.

Agree with nemulate. I'm having to use xmltv listings. As far as I am aware there is me and a couple of other users who can't get either/or E4 and More 4 apart from that a scan should get very good results.

Steeb

[martint123]

I have a Compro s350 from ebuyer and at the moment just use it in a test machine.
I'm having problems scanning for channel, but I think that may be a problem specific to that board (hopefully sub is having a look when he get a free moment)
I'm just using it for BBC HD at the moment and as I'm using a Popcorn Hour thingy to drive the LCD TV, I can switch from the main to the test server and I can say BBC HD is stunning on the preview programs they are transmitting.

Martin

[Graham]

I expect that you have found this already, but just in case, Digitalspy discusses Freesat to death. Relevant threads might include ...

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/showt...p?t=812667
and
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/showt...p?t=772373

Good Luck

[BigMoose]

There are some comments in this thread about UK freesat / FTA channel usage with GBPVR. I've got the BBC and ITV HD channels working pretty well all be it with some quirks. They record fine if large files! I've never had scanning problems missing channels (assuming I remember to scan when the channel is on air) but it is annoying that channel parameters do change from time to time so you see some go missing and a full rescan is required (or find some kind soul to give you the parameters so you can edit your scan.cache file manually). I also use XMLTV (not the gui version) with the radio times grabber and generally it works fine. They rename the channels every now and then too which screws things up and you get extra unmapped ones appearing or no listings for ones that have been working fine... But a bit of checking/fixing every now and then and it works well.

[Pob]

Thank you to all for the replies.
Methinks I will take the plunge, for the HD stuff -I can use my existing tuners for the regular SD channels.
Now I just need to find a Win TV Nova S2 card - everyone seems to be out of stock?

[martint123]

Ebuyer says they have 62 in stock http://www.ebuyer.com/product/140477
Not sure how their price compares?

Is the DVB-S2 portion supported by gbpvr? ISTR sub saying there wasn't a defined BDA interface for the S2 functions ???

[Pob]

Cheers for the Ebuyer link - last time I looked they were not listed at all..
I am only getting the S2 card for a bit of 'future-proofing', as I understand that HD broadcasts may switch to S2 some time in the future. I don't think it offers anything at all currently...

[Rickos]

Hi Pob,
you're right, you can get BBC HD on a nova-s-plus.

Nova s2 can be found on amazon for £67