MPEG-4 TV FtA - set top box suggestions?

[obitankenobi]

Hi collective brains trust,

 

my old man has a Pioneer Kuro LX508 which no longer can receive the new MPEG4 standard FTA broadcast channels.

 

As more and more of the channels switch over what’s a good quality and relatively cheap set top box he should get?

 

Thanks in anticipation of your wisdom - Obi

[bob_m_54]

Depends on a few things:

What is "relatively cheap"

Does he want to record programs while watching another?

Does he have an internet connection (wifi or wired) for streaming (even if only for catchup TV), if he wants that.

 

Personally, I have a couple of Fetch TV maxis, and one mini. But that's so I can record programs, and watch catchup TV, or watch movies located on my NAS, from 3 different locations at my own leisure.

 

But he could just get a basic set top box for under $50.00 eg:

Blaupunkt Full HD STB

There may be better? cheaper? alternatives to the STB..

[obitankenobi]

1 hour ago, bob_m_54 said:

Depends on a few things:

What is "relatively cheap"

Does he want to record programs while watching another?

Does he have an internet connection (wifi or wired) for streaming (even if only for catchup TV), if he wants that.

 

Personally, I have a couple of Fetch TV maxis, and one mini. But that's so I can record programs, and watch catchup TV, or watch movies located on my NAS, from 3 different locations at my own leisure.

 

But he could just get a basic set top box for under $50.00 eg:

Blaupunkt Full HD STB

There may be better? cheaper? alternatives to the STB..

Does the Fetch require ongoing subscription? Couldn’t tell from the Fetch website but looks like it’s a prerequisite?

 

He's got ethernet nearby can hookup, really only looking for live access to those FTA channels that now have switched to MPEG4 and he doesn’t do much recording.

[bob_m_54]

3 hours ago, obitankenobi said:

Does the Fetch require ongoing subscription? Couldn’t tell from the Fetch website but looks like it’s a prerequisite?

 

He's got ethernet nearby can hookup, really only looking for live access to those FTA channels that now have switched to MPEG4 and he doesn’t do much recording.

Fetch requires an account that costs a one off $1.00, for a max of Three boxes. There are subscriptions to streaming of content, but not required if you don't want them. It requires the internet connection for program guide, and for the free streaming content of course.