NTL Digital

[Lead_Head]

Right, I've got NTL digital downstairs and we've just got the Sky Sports package, so I've been watching the TV a lot more than normal.

However, upstairs I just have the normal 5 terrestrial channels. Is there anyway I can watch NTL upstairs without having two subscriptions? Is it possible to watch two different channels, one downstairs and a different channel in my room? The NTL box is made by PACE if it's any help.

Cheers guys

[Bob Crabtree]

Exact model of the NTL box would have been useful so we could have searched the net for a manual.

But, in the absence of a manual - and bearing in mind I don't have NTL and so may be talking through my backside here - here for what they're worth, are my thoughts (based on how things are with Sky satellite boxes and the little I've gleaned from NTL's site).

Some Sky boxes have two "tuners" that let you output different signals from two RF outputs.

I don't think this is the case with NTL - I think all they do is provide you with an extra box and charge you £15 per month for that - and I'm guessing each will work independently (ie allow you to choose a different channel to what's showing on the other box)..

But, what may be the case (and this should be easy for you to check) is that the NTL box may have two RF outputs - all Sky boxes do, I think.

If so, then it will be possible, without paying extra, to take the output from the second socket and route it where ever you like, but this will only carry the same signal as the other RF socket - ie, what you see will be the same on both sets.

Another option - whether or not the box has two RF outputs is to use a distribution amplifier (some people just call them aerial amplifiers) to take the NTL RF signal and send it all around the house, but, again, what you'd see would be the same on each set being fed by the amp.

Bob
(fully expecting a host of NTL subscribers to come along and tell me that I am, indeed, talking rot)

[BUFF]

You can watch upstairs & downstairs using a video sender (I use the Medion £19.99 at Toys'r'Us).

Only way that you can watch 2 different channels at a time on different sets afaik would be if you have an NTL box with a bypass (they don't all) but that would only allow 1 TV to watch only terrestrial & 1 any channel - you couldn't watch 2 different digital channels.

[Lead_Head]

I'll dig the model of the set top box when I get in.

Thanks for your help

[Zak33]

unlikely Lead Head my man.....most Cable boxes have one tuner

As previouslt described, you can get a signal transmitter to send to another room, and watch the SAME channel upstairs as down, BUT you oftem have to rush downstairs to change channel....not ace when in bed!

[BUFF]

Originally Posted by Zak33

As previouslt described, you can get a signal transmitter to send to another room, and watch the SAME channel upstairs as down, BUT you oftem have to rush downstairs to change channel....not ace when in bed!

I use a cheap learning remote upstairs.
True, I can't access all the EPG functions with it but I can change channel & volume which are the important things for me.

[5lab]

you can get a 2nd box for a tenner a month from ntl.

[Lead_Head]

I dont really want to pay £120 a year just for the odd occasional viewing upstairs. I might try and get one of those signal transmitters, could be worth a shot.

Most of the time it's when my parents are watching something on terrestrial downstairs and somethings good on NTL that I want to watch, I end up missing it.

[Howard]

If you get a signal transmitter, you could also get a remote control sender... And some signal transmitters/receivers even have them built in as far as I know

[BUFF]

Originally Posted by Howard

If you get a signal transmitter, you could also get a remote control sender... And some signal transmitters/receivers even have them built in as far as I know

The Tevion that I got has it included.

[McMav]

Anyone tried the tevion 6 in one remote on ntl's samsung box?

[McMav]

K thought I'd answer myself.

Picked up a Allforone 6 in one from argos

14.99 atm instead of 20

code 1060 works for the sammy boxes

[Spud1]

The boxes have Scart and RF out, so you could use scart downstairs and then route the RF output upstairs easy enough...but the only way to get 2 diff chans is to get the extra box.

And even if you do this prepare yourself for a drop in picture quality (yes, it can get worse than it already is!) as the more boxes you have the worse it gets. Probably something to do with sharing the bandwidth or something i dunno, but I know that we had 3 NTL boxes in our student house last year, along with a net connection (from ntl urgh) and certain channels could be shocking at time - properly pixelated. Won't be making that mistake again (sky next year, its well worth the extra few quid)

There are 'unofficial' ways around the diff channels problem though, but it involves hacking your box which is a) totally illegal and b) risky as if NTL decided to look at your whats happening with your box they can tell straight away. Pretty sure we can't talk about that here tho ;p