Hoping someone can assist me with a technical question.

I'm about to get Foxtel connected, but thanks to the crappy infrastructure in my apartment block, I can't get IQ.

I want to be able to record games / programs off both free-to-air and Foxtel, and I want to be able to start watching those games / programs while they are still recording. ie Start playback while still recording.

My question is: Do I need a set-top box, a PVR, a recordable DVD player, or a combination of these?

None of JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, or the Foxtel tech support were able to give me a convincing answer, and I don't want to fork out for gear I don't need.

Does anyone have such a set-up or can anyone advise on what I need?

Thanks in anticipation for your patience with my luddite understanding of modern technology...

It doesn't surprise me that Foxtel wouldn't tell you anything. They would already be dead if it wasn't for live sports, and they don't want people copying their content off their feed.

I don't have Foxtel, but I assume you'd need a setup like the following:

Foxtel box -> HDMI out to PVR -> HDMI out to TV

Hit record on the PVR when whatever you want is on on Foxtel.

I'm pretty sure that'll work.

1. Follow these instructions http://pc.mmgn.com/Articles/how-to-watch-afl-international-streaming

2. Buy a VGA cable to connect your laptop to your TV

3. ????

4. Profit

It doesn't surprise me that Foxtel wouldn't tell you anything. They would already be dead if it wasn't for live sports, and they don't want people copying their content off their feed.

I don't have Foxtel, but I assume you'd need a setup like the following:

Foxtel box -> HDMI out to PVR -> HDMI out to TV

Hit record on the PVR when whatever you want is on on Foxtel.

I'm pretty sure that'll work.

Thanks Choke, although a Google search through some forums tells me that HDMI to HDMI won't work, and I need to check whether the various bits of equipment have a Component, Composite or SCART output, all of which is meaningless to me.

Thanks Choke, although a Google search through some forums tells me that HDMI to HDMI won't work, and I need to check whether the various bits of equipment have a Component, Composite or SCART output, all of which is meaningless to me.

Interesting, I can't think of any reason why it shouldn't. Unless Foxtel are really sneaky and use the HDMI connection to test what device it's plugged into, and if it's a PVR, refuse to output.

Can you provide a link? I'm curious.

But yeah the setup should work fine if you replace HDMI with one of the other outputs you mentioned.

Another method may be simply recording with a smart TV. I bought a new sony tv a few months back and it can record anything currently on screen to a usb drive.

Here's the link I was referring to: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2096334

I also have a newish Sony TV with USB capacity - do you know if it allows you to start watching from the beginning while it is still recording? (I've only just got mine, there are no instructions with it and I havent checked yet on the set-up)

We've got a Panasonic DVD player/recorder with a hard drive in it that allows you to record and watch a delayed version at the same time. If you get far enough ahead you can cut out the ads manually.

We've got a Panasonic DVD player/recorder with a hard drive in it that allows you to record and watch a delayed version at the same time. If you get far enough ahead you can cut out the ads manually.

Thanks Kali, can you pls post what model it is when you have a chance? And are you talking about free-to-air or pay TV or both?

My telly has an in-built recording feature if you connect a USB HDD but I can't find any info on whether it allows you to playback while recording, and I don't own a USB HDD so I can't check it out myself.

Here's the link I was referring to: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2096334

I also have a newish Sony TV with USB capacity - do you know if it allows you to start watching from the beginning while it is still recording? (I've only just got mine, there are no instructions with it and I havent checked yet on the set-up)

Nope, you need a TV with dual tuners for that. Or a PVR.

Thanks for the link, I'll check it out

Edit: Here it is "The HDMI won't work because it has/enables copy protection."

Damn foxtel are [censored]. So yeah, my method will work then, just substitute HDMI for basically any other kind of A/V cable. You'll have to check the back of your Foxtel box to see which ports it has other than HDMI.

I see no reason why you couldn't use HDMI from the PVR to the TV though. Once the signal has gone through an old 'analogue' signal to the PVR (via component/SCART), there won't be any copy protection to stop you using HDMI from the PVR to TV. Having said that, there's no advantage to it either, since it won't make the signal better. Just easier to use I guess.

Edited March 27, 201510 yr by Choke

Nope, you need a TV with dual tuners for that. Or a PVR.

Thanks for the link, I'll check it out

Edit: Here it is "The HDMI won't work because it has/enables copy protection."

Damn foxtel are [censored]. So yeah, my method will work then, just substitute HDMI for basically any other kind of A/V cable. You'll have to check the back of your Foxtel box to see which ports it has other than HDMI.

I see no reason why you couldn't use HDMI from the PVR to the TV though. Once the signal has gone through an old 'analogue' signal to the PVR (via component/SCART), there won't be any copy protection to stop you using HDMI from the PVR to TV. Having said that, there's no advantage to it either, since it won't make the signal better. Just easier to use I guess.

Yeh, they're coming to install tomorrow, so hopefully they'll be able to advise on what to buy and how to set it up. The Foxtel tech guy on the phone said you can record to a DVD (also presumably a PVR) but he didn't sound convincing about it, so I guess I'll wait to speak to them in the flesh.

Hoping someone can assist me with a technical question.

I'm about to get Foxtel connected, but thanks to the crappy infrastructure in my apartment block, I can't get IQ.

I want to be able to record games / programs off both free-to-air and Foxtel, and I want to be able to start watching those games / programs while they are still recording. ie Start playback while still recording.

My question is: Do I need a set-top box, a PVR, a recordable DVD player, or a combination of these?

None of JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, or the Foxtel tech support were able to give me a convincing answer, and I don't want to fork out for gear I don't need.

Does anyone have such a set-up or can anyone advise on what I need?

Thanks in anticipation for your patience with my luddite understanding of modern technology...

how can you get foxel but not get an iq box?

Foxtel Go / stream it - pretty sure you can rewind back if it's live.

What sort of tv are you using? Brand and model please.

how can you get foxel but not get an iq box?

something about needing two lines d.c, or two of something in the cabling in my apartment block. the visionaries who built this building only installed one.

What sort of tv are you using? Brand and model please.

Sony Bravia KDL50W800B

If you need info from someone conversant with Foxtel itself, try a PM to the poster big_red_fire_engine who I think works for them - he's a good bloke and shares your first name so you should get on well.

something about needing two lines d.c, or two of something in the cabling in my apartment block. the visionaries who built this building only installed one.

still don't get it

an iq box is just a signal decoder with a builtin pvr

to use foxtel you have to have a signal decoder

did they say what sort of box gets installed in your unit?

If you need info from someone conversant with Foxtel itself, try a PM to the poster big_red_fire_engine who I think works for them - he's a good bloke and shares your first name so you should get on well.

he's called "grape"?

Interesting, I can't think of any reason why it shouldn't. Unless Foxtel are really sneaky and use the HDMI connection to test what device it's plugged into, and if it's a PVR, refuse to output.

Can you provide a link? I'm curious.

But yeah the setup should work fine if you replace HDMI with one of the other outputs you mentioned.

Another method may be simply recording with a smart TV. I bought a new sony tv a few months back and it can record anything currently on screen to a usb drive.

It probably won't work due to HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Copyright Protection). Something put in place to not let devices record stuff when the broadcaster don't want them to. You'll have to record in Analog

still don't get it

an iq box is just a signal decoder with a builtin pvr

to use foxtel you have to have a signal decoder

did they say what sort of box gets installed in your unit?

possibly no internet? dunno actually

I assume that if you are not getting an IQ, you would be getting an older form of a Foxtel box that just has has the channels on it. We were able to tune our old recorder to foxtel and tape the shows as long as we had the desired channel selected on the box. We couldn't watch another foxtel channel though, if we were already taping something on Foxtel. We now have IQ and there are very limited connections options at the back of our newer Panasonic recorder and Foxtel box, so much so that we canot record Foxtel on it.

I would say you need to check very carefully the 'out' connections of your box once installed and ensure any recording device you may get is compatible with the connection for a start, but unless things have changed since we were recording via external recorder, (couple of years ago) your options are limited.

gv, instead of using a cable connect (and your dodgy apartment cabling) any chance you could get foxtel to provide a satellite connection which could support an iq box?

how can you get foxel but not get an iq box?

We had a similar issue where the building was not set up for IQ Box and so I was going to be getting all standard definition only and no recording capabilities. I made a big issue over the fact I was paying the same as I had been at my previous residence but going backwards in the services available to me (that is, paying more for less).

After hounding them (politely), I managed to get onto a manager and eventually got them to get a technician out to make a few adjustments at the entry point to the apartment block and I ended up with a fully working IQ Box and at no charge. They will give you good service, but you really have to work for it. I suggest the OP gives it a try.

Edited March 28, 201510 yr by hardtack

something about needing two lines d.c, or two of something in the cabling in my apartment block. the visionaries who built this building only installed one.

Yes, that's the same issue my block has/had. See my post immediately above...give them a call.

We had a similar issue where the building was not set up for IQ Box and so I was going to be getting all standard definition only and no recording capabilities. I made a big issue over the fact I was paying the same as I had been at my previous residence but going backwards in the services available to me (that is, paying more for less).

After hounding them (politely), I managed to get onto a manager and eventually got them to get a technician out to make a few adjustments at the entry point to the apartment block and I ended up with a fully working IQ Box and at no charge. They will give you good service, but you really have to work for it. I suggest the OP gives it a try.

They didn't say anything about standard definition when I signed up ht; if that proves to be the case, well, then we have a problem Houston.

As for the second bolded bit, I presume body corporate would have to approve this.

gv, instead of using a cable connect (and your dodgy apartment cabling) any chance you could get foxtel to provide a satellite connection which could support an iq box?

Didn't know that was an option dc - they certainly never raised it with me as an alternative when I was discussing the iq issue with them. If there was a chance to make extra $ from the whole thing, presumably they would have mentioned it?

Anyway, the technician will be here soon, so the excitement is building and the answers aren't too far away.