Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption
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earthyvirgo
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Numpty digi-box and DVD recorder question ....My parents have just had a (cheapo) Goodman's digi box installed this morning under the Switchover Help Scheme for older TV viewers.
I offered to sit in with them through the installation as Dad is a total technophobe and Mum, although better, thinks that things work better the harder you press the buttons.
Anyway, said box is now in place but what they didn't realise, nor did I as we don't have a TV, is that all this gives them is freeview channels and they the ability to record other channels while they're watching too.
So, I've dashed to Bennets (an unenthusiastic 3/10), Currys (guy with a cold and not much help 4/10) and a surprisingly helpful guy in Comet, 9/10 and am now a little bit wiser, I think.
But I thought I'd see if I've got it right.
They have 2 options or so it seems;
1. They keep the digi-box and add a DVD recorder to the gubbins
2. They ditch the dig-box and have a box that does everything.
What would be best for a couple in their 80's who's grasp of things technical isn't the best - no interest in Sky, any pay channels, they just want what I call the 'traditional' TV channels?
The guy in Comet suggested a Humax (I think) all-in-one box that would search for and programme new channels as they came online ... then he lost me.
EV
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Barefoot Andrew
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Some hard disc/DVD recorders have dual freeview tuners, but these can be pricey. So assuming the existing telly is to be retained, they'll need to keep the digi box. Hopefully the TV has dual scart inputs for the digibox and the recorder.
As for the recorder itself, the best option would be a hard disc recorder - loadsa capacity. A DVD recorder only can be a cheaper alternative - I have a Panasonic DVD recorder which has been in faithful service for a while now (it cost me about £200 at the time, whereas hard disc machines were 3 or more times that cost).
A.
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RichardW
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Some videos (most) will record from the scart cable. So wire the digi box to the video to the tv. BUT you can then only record what you watch or whats channel its on if out.
For technophobes a one box solution is normally best.
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James
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We've got a digi-box and a DVD recorder and its an absolute pain in the arse. Sometimes the digi-box throws a fit, sometimes the DVD player doesn’t respond. Sometimes its happy with DVD+ as well as DVD- , sometimes it only likes DVD+. Once, it happily recorded something then wouldn’t play it back again.
Normally, after a few minutes of not wanting to be beaten by technology, I give up. This normally involves me throwing the remote across the room (thats after I’ve finally found the damn thing), and swearing lots, demanding to know why on earth TV is so much more complex than it ever used to be.
Then I go into the kitchen and listen to the radio.
I wouldn’t recommend this set-up.
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earthyvirgo
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I think the consensus is therefore, for my Mum and Dad and people like James  - a one-box solution is the best answer.
Lovely, I will sort it out for them.
Thanks
EV
shame the helpline people didn't actually ask them what their needs were.
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alison
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we bought the in laws a free view box, that recorded as well, so they can record another side whilst watching.
It works really well for them (75 and 80).
One tip. It is worth scanning the instructions so you have a copy too.
MIL thinks, as we have sky+ that we know how to work her box.
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12Bore
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Deffo go for the one box solution, they will be able to use the programme guides with a bit of practice. The hard drive capacity will be enough so that they won't need to start looking for blank discs and (the big plus) only 1 remote control! When it comes to brands, Humax are arguably the best in terms of ease of use and quality of reproduction.If looking at several, I would ask to see the remotes, because some of them are incredibly fiddly, again Humax are excellent.
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earthyvirgo
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| 12Bore wrote: | | Deffo go for the one box solution, they will be able to use the programme guides with a bit of practice. The hard drive capacity will be enough so that they won't need to start looking for blank discs and (the big plus) only 1 remote control! When it comes to brands, Humax are arguably the best in terms of ease of use and quality of reproduction.If looking at several, I would ask to see the remotes, because some of them are incredibly fiddly, again Humax are excellent. |
Thanks 12bore.
I know this is your area of expertise, so good to hear you recommeding Humax - I'll be honest with you, I'd never heard of them until today.
The gov scheme is plonking in cheapo stuff I'm afraid. The one box solution they're offering is one that the guy in Comet said was cheap and nasty (typically, I can''t remember the name) and 30 quid dearer than the Humax in Comet!
EV
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Nick
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You could try another alternative. BT Vision. Comes through your phone and home broadband lines, costs around £15 a month. Freeview channels, plus ESPN, plus the option to buy other channels if you want, plus iPlayer, 4OD and ITV/Channel 5 player thingie, and is a HD recorder, plus internet streamed TV and movies. (on a pay per view basis).
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earthyvirgo
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| Nick wrote: | | You could try another alternative. BT Vision. Comes through your phone and home broadband lines, costs around £15 a month. Freeview channels, plus ESPN, plus the option to buy other channels if you want, plus iPlayer, 4OD and ITV/Channel 5 player thingie, and is a HD recorder, plus internet streamed TV and movies. (on a pay per view basis). |
Nick, you are kidding aren't you??
My Dad wouldn't even be able to recognise what half those things were, never mind use them 
He's not THAT keen on using the phone bless him ... a typical conversation with him goes along the lines of "Hello, I'll just hand you over to your Mum"
EV
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Nick
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Just a thought. The advantage was it was one box, one remote and one cable, for the Freeview and recording. And they have some real rubbish movies that old folk enjoy.
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tahir
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Havr you got it?
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Nick
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Is this a genuine question, or are you implying I'm an old git?
Yes, we have it, but to be honest, I'm about to cancel it. We never use any of it.
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tahir
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| Nick wrote: | Is this a genuine question, or are you implying I'm an old git?
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Yes, and I'm not implying anything, you are.
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earthyvirgo
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| Nick wrote: | | Just a thought. The advantage was it was one box, one remote and one cable, for the Freeview and recording. And they have some real rubbish movies that old folk enjoy. |
Appreciate the thought.
My Dad's viewing comprises News, Question Time, anything with a political bent, natural history progs. I can't really recall him ever watching a film.
He did like Reggie Perrin, though he'd probably deny it.
He despises soaps, any 'American', anything 'celebrity'
EV
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Nick
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| earthyvirgo wrote: | | Nick wrote: | | Just a thought. The advantage was it was one box, one remote and one cable, for the Freeview and recording. And they have some real rubbish movies that old folk enjoy. |
Appreciate the thought.
My Dad's viewing comprises News, Question Time, anything with a political bent, natural history progs. I can't really recall him ever watching a film.
He did like Reggie Perrin, though he'd probably deny it.
He despises soaps, any 'American', anything 'celebrity'
EV |
I like your dad already, although he's wrong about Corrie.
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