Questions Regarding DTT

[IdlePhaedrus]

OK, lets say ZA goes with DVB-T/DVB-T2, which looks likely given the recent decision from SADC (http://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadcasting/16831-Digital-standard-for-SADC-declared.html), and I wanted to buy a cheap mass produced industry standard device (I don't want the cr@p expensive one that I will have to buy from the government sponsored bl00dy agents).

This is what I would like it to do:

1. DVB-T2 backwards compatible with DVB-T
2. Work with my TV / Recorder via SCART or RCA
3. Work with my Surround Sound amp via optical or coaxial
4. HDMI (not necessary, but might be good for my next TV or recorder)
5. Able to decode the MWEB DVB signals on the DTT platform.
6. Do EPG (not really necassary, but a nice to have)

According the the articles I have read over the last few months and days these should be available, at good prices due to 'economies of scale' but cannot find one at less than 65GBP, or one that does all of these reasonably basic tasks.

Google has not been a friend in these circumstances, perhaps someone out there can help?

 

[reslfj]

I am very reluctant to answer questions with such foul language :twisted: - you don't deserve an answer - but others may, so here it goes.

1. DVB-T2 backwards compatible with DVB-T
DVB-T2 receivers can receive DVB-T signals - NOT the other way around.

2. Work with my TV / Recorder via SCART or RCA
All recorders should be new PVR's (personal video recorder) that record the digital signal directly.
SCART is analog and only there to support existing TV sets.

3. Work with my Surround Sound amp via optical or coaxial
Read this very useful website: http://gonedigital.net/tag/surround/

4. HDMI (not necessary, but might be good for my next TV or recorder)
HDMI is needed for HD broadcast - V1.4 may be needed (audio out)

5. Able to decode the MWEB DVB signals on the DTT platform.

6. Do EPG (not really necassary, but a nice to have)
Yes, it is, when more than a few channels are broadcast - always needed for PVR's

Do not invest in DVB-T2 STB's before you need to - prices will be lower next year. TV sets with DVB-T2/MPEG-4 High Profile Level 4.0 support will last much longer and the extra cost will be very small or none very soon.

But SADC is not SA and you shoud wait until the DTT spec's has been published.

Lars

 

[xrapidx]

What foul language?

 

[IdlePhaedrus]

Thanks Lars,

I do not have a digital television yet, so HDMI is not immediately useful to me, but DVB-T2 probably will be if they only start broadcasting using that standard (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/268143-DVB-T2-Digital-TV-trials-expanded), so I suppose the STB will need to 'downscale' or whatever to component video or SCART. I am also not going to replace my amp in the near future, however the link you posted to Gone Digital is very interesting.