NTL digital TV

Bertie_MB · 17-06-2006, 13:45

Hello,

I've just ordered the select pack from NTL (just trying it out) and have a quick question - how does the set top box connect to everything? Someone give me a simple flow diagram/explanation please! Cheers

17-06-2006, 14:18

hi

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/at...4&d=1129407405

should help, although it is a little small

Bertie_MB · 17-06-2006, 15:13

So when you're using it do you use the AV channel on the TV and then control the channels by using the set top box remote?

17-06-2006, 15:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bertie_MB

So when you're using it do you use the AV channel on the TV and then control the channels by using the set top box remote?

Yes, although you also need to tune in your VCR to the cable signal, as well, if you want to record. I have my VCR with channels 1-5 set as normal with channel 6 tuned to receive the cable signal.

Where it gets a little more complicated is when you want to record a terrestrial channel from an aerial, & watch a cable program, at the same time - then it depends on which type of box you are supplied with, as to how easy that is.

moiraf100 · 17-06-2006, 18:09

When the engineers came round to install ntl tv a few weeks ago they spent nearly 2 hours playing with my dvd and dvd recorder until they got it right.

Stuart · 17-06-2006, 18:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by moiraf100

When the engineers came round to install ntl tv a few weeks ago they spent nearly 2 hours playing with my dvd and dvd recorder until they got it right.

You are lucky. When the engineer came to install my Samsung box, he unplugged everything (DVD player, VCR, Tivo and Set Top Box), then plugged the Samsung straight into the TV. Then, when it was working, he left. I had to unplug the STB, and wire the whole system up as it was.

Bertie_MB · 17-06-2006, 22:34

On that diagram posted it connects the set top box to the terrestrial arial - don't the terrestrial channels come through the cable and so the aerial isn't needed?

Stuart · 17-06-2006, 22:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bertie_MB

On that diagram posted it connects the set top box to the terrestrial arial - don't the terrestrial channels come through the cable and so the aerial isn't needed?

No you don't need the aerial. However, without it, if you record something, you are limited to watching what you happen to be recording. At least with the aerial, you have some other channels to watch.

17-06-2006, 23:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart C

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bertie_MB

On that diagram posted it connects the set top box to the terrestrial arial - don't the terrestrial channels come through the cable and so the aerial isn't needed?

No you don't need the aerial. However, without it, if you record something, you are limited to watching what you happen to be recording. At least with the aerial, you have some other channels to watch.

Unless you have a 'bypass' fitted to your particular box, then you can record 'terrestrial' & watch 'cable', at the same time, without an aerial.

Alternatively, my Samsung box has a built in 'combiner' , which allows using an external aerial to integrate with the cable feed, which is compatible with my VCR/TV combo ...

PS1 · 19-06-2006, 21:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart C

You are lucky. When the engineer came to install my Samsung box, he unplugged everything (DVD player, VCR, Tivo and Set Top Box), then plugged the Samsung straight into the TV. Then, when it was working, he left. I had to unplug the STB, and wire the whole system up as it was.

Did you happen to see what colour his horse was!? yeeeeehaa.

seaneeboy · 26-06-2006, 11:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart C

You are lucky. When the engineer came to install my Samsung box, he unplugged everything (DVD player, VCR, Tivo and Set Top Box), then plugged the Samsung straight into the TV. Then, when it was working, he left. I had to unplug the STB, and wire the whole system up as it was.

I think I'd probably prefer that so I could just do it myself

Dexxa · 26-06-2006, 15:13

What is this "bypass" that allows you to record terrestrial Telly without an aerial? More info would be very helpful.

26-06-2006, 15:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dexxa

What is this "bypass" that allows you to record terrestrial Telly without an aerial? More info would be very helpful.

Exactly as you say, the bypass unit allows the terrestrial signal to be 'split' from the digital signal & treated as though it comes from an external aerial.

Not to be confused with a 'combiner' which will take an external aerial signal & overlay it onto the cable feed so that only one cable goes from the box to the tv, but the terrestrial channels can be tuned in & recorded seperately. Samsung boxes have these built in - I'm not sure about the Pace ones.

The problem is that, as far as I can tell, not all areas will fit a bypass unit, and I don't think they will work with all the various boxes available.

The only way to tell, I imagine, is to call customer service & see what they say about the situation in your area - unless anyoneone else has any more info??

deathtrap3000 · 26-06-2006, 16:29

My tv downstairs has 3 av inputs and i have a video, 2 dvd players and an ntl box.
The 1st dvd player plugs into the samsung ntl box and the ntl plugs into the video which then goes into the tv. and the second dvd player plugs straight into the tv. I use the aerial output to plug into a second tv (upstairs in my room) and the one that carries the terrestrial signals plugs straight into the tv and not into the ntl box.

lauzjp · 30-06-2006, 04:19

I think I'll just leave our set up as it is, much as I hate only being able to watch whatever is recording only!