New user - tuner setup

G

gutted

Vu+ Newbie
Hi,

I bought a Solo2, but am worried that maybe I bought the wrong kit... It looks like the Solo2 requires a satellite signal - is that right? I'm hoping for a replacement for my Topfield, and would like to just use regular terrestrial signal.

I've done a couple of quick searched here, and found information about USB DVB-T sticks - I'll do some further research into this, but in the meantime could anyone tell me whether it's possible to connect standard TV signal (not satellite) to the Solo2? My DNLA TV (Sony KDL-40HX803) has a built-in HD tuner - can I use the signal from that for the Solo2? Or is my only option to get a DVB-T stick (unless I sign up for a satellite/cable service)?

Sorry for what must sound like a dumb question. I'm very new here, and still finding my way around.

Thanks,
Dan.
 
K

Katikakus

Vu+ User
Can you explain why you want a box? Your TV has built-in DVB-T tuner, no need for a box if you want just DVB-T. Just connect the antenna directly to the TV.
 
G

gutted

Vu+ Newbie
Thanks Mito - I'll do some more research into most suitable USB DVB-T sticks.

Katikakus said:
Can you explain why you want a box? Your TV has built-in DVB-T tuner, no need for a box if you want just DVB-T. Just connect the antenna directly to the TV.
Click to expand...

I wanted the VU+ as I understand it can be used as a PVR. I've bought a 1TB drive, and wanted it as a replacement/upgrade for my Topfield. I'm looking for similar functionality (similar to the Topfield, I mean) but with HDTV, since Topfield can only receive standard definition signals. My TV has built-in HD, but no ability to record. If I could have used the TV signal (somehow) it might have meant I don't have to buy another tuner (or 2).

But if a DVB-T USB tuner is the only way, then so be it.

The Solo2 can record stuff onto the HDD I've installed, right? I mean - it can be made into a PVR, right? Seriously? Otherwise I've made quite an expensive error of judgement and I need to stop spending money on tuners and stuff!!
 
G

gutted

Vu+ Newbie
Thank **** for that! :) For a moment there I was starting to worry...

I'm still poking around the site - I'm probably missing some really obvious stuff here - can you direct me to a suitable place where I can find out more about tuners and firmware etc? I checked the How-to section, but it looks a little advanced for me (I'm relatively competent, but am still on a learning curve when it comes to VU+)

Thanks again for your help though dude. Much appreciated!
 
cyborgpunte

cyborgpunte

Vu+ User
I guess you are in trouble if your DVB-T broadcasts is scrambled.
For example I think there isn't any T2 USBsticks with slot for your subscriptions card.
and you are not allowed to ASK/talk about Dromaius novaehollandiae "the bird" here. (rules)
 
G

gutted

Vu+ Newbie
At present I'm only looking for standard UK FTA channels (BBC, ITV, C4, C5, and the various freeview channels). I've already got an old DVB-T stick that I used to use in my laptop (Hauppauge, I think) but I don't know whether it can pick up HD. I didn't know about DVB-C before, so now I'm not sure what I need.

DVB-T? DVB-C?

So long as I can pick up standard FTA (hopefully unscrambled?) channels here in UK - and so long as I can also pick up FTA high def. channels, then I'm good to go. I hadn't heard about Dromaius novaehollandiae. But now I'm intrigued! But for any moderators reading, I'm ONLY looking for a compatible tuner (or 2?) to pick up standard UK channels.

Recommendations for tuners welcomed :)
 
angelofsky1980

angelofsky1980

BlackHole Driver Specialist
gutted said:
At present I'm only looking for standard UK FTA channels (BBC, ITV, C4, C5, and the various freeview channels). I've already got an old DVB-T stick that I used to use in my laptop (Hauppauge, I think) but I don't know whether it can pick up HD. I didn't know about DVB-C before, so now I'm not sure what I need.

DVB-T? DVB-C?

So long as I can pick up standard FTA (hopefully unscrambled?) channels here in UK - and so long as I can also pick up FTA high def. channels, then I'm good to go. I hadn't heard about Dromaius novaehollandiae. But now I'm intrigued! But for any moderators reading, I'm ONLY looking for a compatible tuner (or 2?) to pick up standard UK channels.

Recommendations for tuners welcomed :)
Click to expand...

About USB DVB devices I'm the right person to ask ... but for a coherent answer I need some more infos about your device ...
First of all look into section http://www.vuplus-community.net/board/forums/black-hole-usb-tuners-drivers.34/

I will point your attention to one post: http://www.vuplus-community.net/board/threads/usb-tuner-howto-report-problems.621/#post-82219
That post contains some Linux commands who generate a simple text file who contains some infos about your device.

I understand you don't have bought a Vu+ box but we can discover something about your current hardware also without the box.
Please open a thread for you into the dedicated section of this Board and I try to answer to your questions :)
 
sunespeg

sunespeg

Vu+ Newbie
A duo2 would have been the right product to buy, some models can take an addon tuner, solo products can't.
 
G

gutted

Vu+ Newbie
I have bought a Solo2.

I've installed a hard drive, but haven't turned the unit on yet as I only have terrestrial signal (I don't have satellite or cable).

Thanks for the info - I'll check out the threads referenced above.
 
angelofsky1980

angelofsky1980

BlackHole Driver Specialist
gutted said:
I have bought a Solo2.

I've installed a hard drive, but haven't turned the unit on yet as I only have terrestrial signal (I don't have satellite or cable).

Thanks for the info - I'll check out the threads referenced above.
Click to expand...

Open a thread in the USB Tuner section about your request and I will answer and get some hints to startup with your box.
 
yummer

yummer

BH Lover
Its a lot of money to be splashing out on a smart Linux sat stb mate if you only required a free view HD PVR. You can get them for half the price! Your not unleashing the full potential out of the box until you've got a dish :)
 
G

gutted

Vu+ Newbie
Yes, I'm beginning to realise that! :) I'm cautious about breaking forum etiquette or rules, so I don't want to post the same thing in 2 separate threads; I've mentioned about a dish in my other thread over the in the USB Tuners section... But to summarize - I don't mind getting a dish, but I don't want to pay for a subscription service (I don't want Sky, or Virgin cable, or anything like that). And if I get a dish, I want to be sure I get the standard UK FTA channels along with any other channels that a satellite may provide.

I've always steered clear of satellite because I've always assumed they would involve a subscription (and I'm kinda tight when it comes to speding money :) )
 
K

Katikakus

Vu+ User
To be honest, I must agrere with yummer. The money you spent on solo2 could pay you for a year or two of subscription - that much to you being tight on money. But anyway. You can receive many UK FTA (without subscription) channels with dish - more than in DVB-T.
 
Shiro

Shiro

BH-C
@gutted i am sure you will be happy with your Solo2 but you have to be patient to learn about it and to discover all the things it can do. It can do things you cannot image now and things we cannnot discuss here.
To begin in the right way you have to
1) flash your box with the latest bh image.
2) insert your usb dvb-t tuner and connect antenna
3) reboot the box and check in tuner config if your tuner is recognized. If you have an Hauppauge win Nova T it will be instantly working.
4) if it is available you can perfome a channel search and start to play with your box, organize channel list and so on. If it is not available post in usb tuner section

See howto section for detailed infos howto to flash your box.

Have fun.
 
Ev0

Ev0

Admin
gutted said:
Yes, I'm beginning to realise that! :) I'm cautious about breaking forum etiquette or rules, so I don't want to post the same thing in 2 separate threads; I've mentioned about a dish in my other thread over the in the USB Tuners section... But to summarize - I don't mind getting a dish, but I don't want to pay for a subscription service (I don't want Sky, or Virgin cable, or anything like that). And if I get a dish, I want to be sure I get the standard UK FTA channels along with any other channels that a satellite may provide.

I've always steered clear of satellite because I've always assumed they would involve a subscription (and I'm kinda tight when it comes to speding money :) )
Click to expand...

I can confirm if you get a dish and aim it at 28.2°e it will pickup all the freesat / uk fta channels without any subscription required.
 
G

gutted

Vu+ Newbie
Ev0 said:
I can confirm if you get a dish and aim it at 28.2°e it will pickup all the freesat / uk fta channels without any subscription required.
Click to expand...

Beautiful - thanks, man :cool:

Perhaps this is my first step into unlocking some of the potential of the Solo2...
 
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