UK Freesat USB Tuner Requirements (2 Viewers)

[swifty]

Hi all,

I'm considering getting myself a USB tuner so I can receive UK Freesat.
Can anyone explain what features I need to look for on the tuner to ensure it will work with Freesat and receive the HD channels it broadcasts?
Also tuners like this one seem to have two inputs (in the picture at least..) does this mean if I get a Dish with a twin LNB the tuner can tune two different channels at the same time ? or do I need two USB tuners aswell ?

Thanks!

 

[allanp81]

Well ideally you should buy one that supports DVB-S2 rather than just DVB-S. I can't see why that usb tuner has 2 inputs though as it makes no mention of having dual tuners.

 

[swifty]

Thanks Allan,
I presume DVB-S2 might be needed for new channels that are added ?

Are there any recommendations on which tuner to go for? (Needs to be USB unfortunatly)

Strange about the twin inputs.. lots of those little boxes seem to have them but don't mention having twin tuners

 

[allanp81]

Unfortunately there seems to be a severe shortage of usb dvb-s2 tuners, the only one I've seen is the satelco one. DVB-S2 is needed for certain HD channels I think and you should look to get one even if it's just for some sort of future proofing. I use a firedtv but it requires a firewire connection. At worse you could purchase a firewire pci card to give you the option.

 

[settingsun]

I have this one - http://www.technotrend.de/2780/TT-connect__S2-3650_CI.html works flawlessly

 

[allanp81]

Does that technotrend need a separate mains adapter?

 

[settingsun]

yes it does

 

[allanp81]

I'm tempted to get that to go along with my firedtv that I already have so I can make use of dual tuners. Cheapest I can see it is £105ish.

 

[settingsun]

Well I really recommend it, I have used it to record a lot inc HD and the quality of the recordings are superb. I looked at a few but this won out. Very stable and just works if you get what I mean.

 

[allanp81]

The recordings wouldn't be any different in quality to another tuner though.