Re: Mod tests.
 

I was amazed when I read about these recent switches, I thought all the HD on satellite was on S2 rather than S. Particularly with Freesports as that's so recent.

I think S2 was part of the Generation 1 specs for HD on Freesat and Sky's HD boxes have always met the spec too, so surprising. I can understand it from the point of view of the satellite operators though, S2 boxes are backwards compatible and S can hold MPEG4 streams as I understand it, so given the cost of satellites (to launch) just keep the status quo for as long as is practical.

Re: Mod tests.
 

It’s not really convenient for the satellite operator (in fact S2 lets them squeeze out more bandwidth to sell) but if you are say Channel 5 it might suit you to just throw an HD channel in with your existing SD channels that are on a DVB-S transponder.

Re: Mod tests.
 

That's the impression I got when I investigated earlier. Thanks jfman. :)

Re: Mod tests.
 

By using DVB-S2, (which all HD capable receiving equipment should be able to demodulate*), the total bandwidth of the transponder can be increased by over 10mb, thus fitting another HD service onto the transponder.

In theory, this should be all, but some receivers do seem to have difficulty.

Re: Mod tests.
 

It's probably dish alignment causing the problems rather than the receivers.

Re: Mod tests.
 

A satellite installer has said that some boxes/tuners don't like DVB-S2 at low FEC's eg certain early Sony Panasonic mvision and spiderbox tuners.

The early Manhatten Plaza boxes (like mine) are having problems with this change, which seems to be worse in warmer weather for some reason, and affects recordings made more than watching live TV.

In case anyone here has any problems, his advice was to increase ventilation or add a fan and that the DVB-S2 issue might be helped by slightly altering the frequency and/or symbol rate or by deleting and blind scanning the channels back in.

Re: Mod tests.
 

I'd be more likely to try and return the hardware as not fit for purpose.

Re: Mod tests.
 

Interesting. I've got one of those boxes, wonder if it's affected, I don't use it often enough to know. Any S2 channels particularly susceptible?

Re: Mod tests.
 

How far back since you bought the STB can you go though in order to be able to use this remedy?

---------- Post added at 15:36 ---------- Previous post was at 15:34 ----------

AFAIK, it affects all S2 channels. I can't check with my Freesat box either as it's not working due to tree growth or damaged cabling. I'll soon know which it is in the next few weeks as i'm having some of the trees cut down.

Re: Mod tests.
 

I think consumer rights extend to six years, but ultimately if it doesn't adhere to DVB-S2 spec it was mis-sold.