PVR recommendations

[inkey$]

...not the Dutch one.

Looking to replace my HUMAX with a new PVR. Needs to have lots of recording storage and digital freeview. Not sure anybody has don't this yet, but I also want to be able to mirror my iPad through it and onto the TV (saving me the need for a separate Apple TV or Chromecast device).

Any recommendations?

 

[gannet]

You don't say what Humax you have?

I've got a HDR Fox-T2 which is great (especially with custom firmware on it)...

Not sure any current ones do what you want with the mirroring though...

YouView has the catchup stuff built in (more than just iPlayer), but there is also a Freeview version of the youview system coming out soon - not sure of the name - which might be worth waiting for?

 

[buzyg]

You say not the Dutch one. I understand that far. Then you start talking double dutch. :?

 

[TonyP]

I'm interested in this too as we are still running an ageing Topfield PVR, with taps (apps) it is a brilliant bit of kit but doesn't support Freeview HD.

 

[inkey$]

You don't say what Humax you have?

I've got a HDR Fox-T2 which is great (especially with custom firmware on it)...

Not sure any current ones do what you want with the mirroring though...

YouView has the catchup stuff built in (more than just iPlayer), but there is also a Freeview version of the youview system coming out soon - not sure of the name - which might be worth waiting for?

I'm currently running a 3 year old Humax Fox-T2, but it's riduclously slow booting up (has latest firmware) and it doesn't mirror. Wifi enabled and on my network but the choice is woeful so if you have any tips on custom firmware I don't have that would be great.

 

[pvr]

I have not found a method to do it using a single device, but I use an HDMI-switcher with a Pronto programmed to make it as seamless as I can. That way I have the best of all (at the moment at least) until a newer type device comes along.

 

[inkey$]

I have not found a method to do it using a single device, but I use an HDMI-switcher with a Pronto programmed to make it as seamless as I can. That way I have the best of all (at the moment at least) until a newer type device comes along.

This Pronto? http://getpronto.com/en

Seems crazy nothing exists to do it all yet. Considered plugging in a Chromcast to a USB port of my Humax for power, but don't think that would work as I'd still need to connect the HD.

 

[pvr]

No, Philips Pronto like this:

http://www.sirkom.com/en/producto.php?id=104


You can teach it any commands using a macro language, so with one button press it can simulate a lot of actions in sequence - like switching the HDMI port, change the audio setting as required, match the satellite signal to the correct channel or if it is iPad mirroring, it switches the Apple TV on, sets the correct HDMI and then continues.

 

[Stuart Truman]

I think if you're looking to use AirPlay with anything other than an Apple TV, you'll need XBMC and custom build something. I'm not even sure the iPad mirroring/AirPlay even works now having done a little googling.

 

[gannet]

or Logitech Harmony Smart Control remote - bit cheaper than philips pronto.

custom firmware - I just use the one from hummy.tv can't say I've noticed it being slow to start - my TV generally takes longer! Useful hint with these models - stand it on it's side with the feet to the right if you can - cooling fan then never comes on The custom firmware allows installation of various packages - might be worth a look through those available to see if there's anything that might meet your specific requirements.

I have a Chromecast plugged into the TV for mirroring - not tried installing in the Humax, truth is I don't use the Chromecast much because I've also got a Roku

 

[NeilP]

I think if you're looking to use AirPlay with anything other than an Apple TV, you'll need XBMC and custom build something. I'm not even sure the iPad mirroring/AirPlay even works now having done a little googling.

+1 on the XBMC build. Whilst it wouldn't be as cheap as an off the shelf PVR unit, you'll be open to more features that comes with running some choice plugins.