Digital TV (DVB T2) in Singapore [consolidated]

[Apparatus]

Hi saw the Draco brand DVB-T2 digital antenna last night on TV when Media Corp was airing it's news.

Is the MakAntenna better in displaying digital signals or the Draco? Any problems with both? Would like to get some feedback on both leh.

Anyone knows where to buy and with a long cable antenna? Cannot tahan till 2015.

Thanks

 

[sunsetbay]

Yup, I am aware that situation 2(a) applies to you as well.
I passed on to you Kiwi8's suggestion of the manual frequency as he got it working for his external DVB-T2/C tuner that he bought.

Are you able to get the 4 other DVB-C channels that sunsetbay mentioned?
(there's another 4 un-encrypted HD channels from DVB-C on 434 & 458Mhz~ one sport, H2, Lifetime HD & Nat'l Geo HD~ not sure if ts limited period time, will continue to monitor~ another free non-HD is Karaoke channel which is pretty much crap)

Strange part is that for Kiwi8, is it the other way round for him!
He can get the 7 digital FTA channels + HD5 on DVB-C.
But not on DVB-T2!

The additional 4 HD channels are still there but I hv problem with the sound~ only HD life got sound, the other 3 dun hv~ will reinstall my codecs to fix the glitch~

 

[SilveR1_09]

The additional 4 HD channels are still there but I hv problem with the sound~ only HD life got sound, the other 3 dun hv~ will reinstall my codecs to fix the glitch~

Haha ok. Could u help out oric1 a lil bit here.
Check out your HD5.
And post a screen grab of the frequency number and other details/settings like the channel bandwidth, modulation, encoding etc that your tuner could display?

Not sure why his Samsung with a DVB-C/T2 tuner couldn't get HD5.

Oric1, if you are reading this, perhaps you wanna share with the community the exact model of your Samsung Smart TV. Maybe someone have a similar model and a solution?

 

[hwsinn]

the map with the coverage is thru the starhub point (which is DVB-C?). Please correct me if im wrong

and i was looking for a TV Tuner for my PC so far hauppauge on has 1 DVB-C and one DVB-T2 only, and both are external and USB

Hauppauge Computer Works

Hauppauge Computer Works

 

[chakuman]

Sample image captures of DVB-T2 broadcasts from Mediacorp » OCWorkbench

Some sample images of the HD channels!

 

[Apparatus]

RE

Hi!

I was checking with SAMSUNG a while ago.

Now, my SAMSUNG tv with built-in DVB-T2 cannot receive digital signal from the wall mount in my HDB flat as my area will only have digital signal in 2015.

If I'll to purchase an external digital tuner (like Draco or MakAntenna) I can, hopefully, receive digital signals for some channels.

The question is. Is it possible to combine the two (analogue + digital) into a device so that when I switch channels on my tv it would be seamless? SAMSUNG said not possible as my tv only has one antenna input. So connecting the wall antenna to this port will allow me to receive analogue signals only. And the external digital tuner will have to connect to the TV's HDMI port.

In short, if I want to watch a channel which is in analogue I just select the channel with the tv remote as per normal. When comes to HD/digital channel I'll need to switch to HDMI on my tv and then select the channel from there. That is a change of source is required. What a hassle!

So, any better way to do this seamlessly? Like having a device which can accept analogue and digital signals and then output one cable to my tv so that when I carry out auto scan on my tv (setting it to scan analogue and digital signals) it'll show up both the analogue and digital channels and switching channels will be a breeze?

Thanks

 

[MoneyFace =p]

Hi!

I was checking with SAMSUNG a while ago.

Now, my SAMSUNG tv with built-in DVB-T2 cannot receive digital signal from the wall mount in my HDB flat as my area will only have digital signal in 2015.

If I'll to purchase an external digital tuner (like Draco or MakAntenna) I can, hopefully, receive digital signals for some channels.

The question is. Is it possible to combine the two (analogue + digital) into a device so that when I switch channels on my tv it would be seamless? SAMSUNG said not possible as my tv only has one antenna input. So connecting the wall antenna to this port will allow me to receive analogue signals only. And the external digital tuner will have to connect to the TV's HDMI port.

In short, if I want to watch a channel which is in analogue I just select the channel with the tv remote as per normal. When comes to HD/digital channel I'll need to switch to HDMI on my tv and then select the channel from there. That is a change of source is required. What a hassle!

So, any better way to do this seamlessly? Like having a device which can accept analogue and digital signals and then output one cable to my tv so that when I carry out auto scan on my tv (setting it to scan analogue and digital signals) it'll show up both the analogue and digital channels and switching channels will be a breeze?

Thanks

If you confirm your Samsung TV supports DVB-T2, you DON'T NEED another set top box. Just stick your antenna out of the window to receive the channels just like the good oldie days of using V shaped antenna...

 

[Apparatus]

Re

If you confirm your Samsung TV supports DVB-T2, you DON'T NEED another set top box. Just stick your antenna out of the window to receive the channels just like the good oldie days of using V shaped antenna...

Yes, my tv do support DVB-T2. If I adopt your solution using a separate antenna I suppose I'll receive both digital + analogue channels, right?

What good brand of antenna would I be looking out for in terms of best reception, no ghosting, no smearing etc?


Thanks

 

[mrsun18]

Hi!

I was checking with SAMSUNG a while ago.

Now, my SAMSUNG tv with built-in DVB-T2 cannot receive digital signal from the wall mount in my HDB flat as my area will only have digital signal in 2015.

You hdb wall point confirmed no T2 signal?

If I'll to purchase an external digital tuner (like Draco or MakAntenna) I can, hopefully, receive digital signals for some channels.

The question is. Is it possible to combine the two (analogue + digital) into a device so that when I switch channels on my tv it would be seamless? SAMSUNG said not possible as my tv only has one antenna input. So connecting the wall antenna to this port will allow me to receive analogue signals only. And the external digital tuner will have to connect to the TV's HDMI port.

In short, if I want to watch a channel which is in analogue I just select the channel with the tv remote as per normal. When comes to HD/digital channel I'll need to switch to HDMI on my tv and then select the channel from there. That is a change of source is required. What a hassle!

So, any better way to do this seamlessly? Like having a device which can accept analogue and digital signals and then output one cable to my tv so that when I carry out auto scan on my tv (setting it to scan analogue and digital signals) it'll show up both the analogue and digital channels and switching channels will be a breeze?

Thanks

You may want to try this, read the disclaimer at the end:

Finally found them with the help of my best friend...Google "A/B Antenna Switch"

It has an operating frequency of 5 ~ 1000MHz which is suitable. But the insertion loss is unknown. If adaptor such as F to IEC is needed, there will be more losses.

Here is the url:
Antenna Cable Switch | eBay

For those who need help with the wiring connection:
A/B Switch Setup

Disclaimer: I have not used the products listed. Try at you own risk.

If this works you don't need the set top box, just an indoor antenna.

 

[Apparatus]

RE

You hdb wall point confirmed no T2 signal?

You may want to try this, read the disclaimer at the end:
If this works you don't need the set top box, just an indoor antenna.

Yes, confirmed no digital signal for I did a scan of digital and analogue channels last night.

I heard of an A/B switch before. It's still not seamless, right? I'll need to get up and walk to make the switch depending on whether I want to watch analogue or digital channel, right?

SAMSUNG did advise seeking a external digital tuner which can connect using HDMI to my tv. The only thing is I'll need is to change source (i.e. between tv and HDMI) on the tv each time I need to watch either analogue or digital channel. This method only requires me to press my tv remote and does not require me to get up from my sofa lah.

Both solutions are a hassle!

Any better one that can do the channel switching seamlessly?

Thanks

 

[hwsinn]

Hi!

I was checking with SAMSUNG a while ago.

Now, my SAMSUNG tv with built-in DVB-T2 cannot receive digital signal from the wall mount in my HDB flat as my area will only have digital signal in 2015.

If I'll to purchase an external digital tuner (like Draco or MakAntenna) I can, hopefully, receive digital signals for some channels.

The question is. Is it possible to combine the two (analogue + digital) into a device so that when I switch channels on my tv it would be seamless? SAMSUNG said not possible as my tv only has one antenna input. So connecting the wall antenna to this port will allow me to receive analogue signals only. And the external digital tuner will have to connect to the TV's HDMI port.

In short, if I want to watch a channel which is in analogue I just select the channel with the tv remote as per normal. When comes to HD/digital channel I'll need to switch to HDMI on my tv and then select the channel from there. That is a change of source is required. What a hassle!

So, any better way to do this seamlessly? Like having a device which can accept analogue and digital signals and then output one cable to my tv so that when I carry out auto scan on my tv (setting it to scan analogue and digital signals) it'll show up both the analogue and digital channels and switching channels will be a breeze?

Thanks

As mentioned by one of the bros, the A-B switch is one of the cheapest and easiest way. Im using it for my current DVB-T and analogue signal set up

 

[hwsinn]

Yes, confirmed no digital signal for I did a scan of digital and analogue channels last night.

I heard of an A/B switch before. It's still not seamless, right? I'll need to get up and walk to make the switch depending on whether I want to watch analogue or digital channel, right?

SAMSUNG did advise seeking a external digital tuner which can connect using HDMI to my tv. The only thing is I'll need is to change source (i.e. between tv and HDMI) on the tv each time I need to watch either analogue or digital channel. This method only requires me to press my tv remote and does not require me to get up from my sofa lah.

Both solutions are a hassle!

Any better one that can do the channel switching seamlessly?

Thanks

Not sure if what i am going to say exist.

If u could mux the analogue and digital signal then send it thru the ANTENNA port and all u have to do is to select digital or analogue channel.

 

[AnDyLe0]

Omg. Channel 8 HD when downscaled to SD, the quality is damn bad la...

Edit: I am using StarHub Hubstation HD

i don't really find it that bad comparing hubstation hd ch8 (hubstation hd set to 1080i) and DVB-T2 8(HD) via Draco... of course the sd version is dimmer and not so sharp... but still viewable with no pixellation.
at least it's far better than DVB-T Digital 8 (SD) which is very pixellated and blur.

the news announcement yesterday is quite misleading... keep saying that ONLY bukit batok residents can view the digital tv now... other areas cannot.

 

[AnDyLe0]

Hi AnDyLe0, Where do you live ?

I'd just got this draco setup box but I'm not able to get any signal intensity and signal quality on all channel using UHF scan band. I'd put the draco antenna high near window and all 'epic' fails. After all scanning 'no program found'.... Sianzzzz. BTW, I'm staying at bedok north, 8th floor.

did u connect the antenna amplifier/booster and power it on?
also try connect the antenna directly to stb, without the amplifier.
for my case, i find that without the amplifier works better.

since the transmission is at bukit batok, i think west side is easier to get stronger signal (outdoor reception).

 

[HeeroYuy84]

Sony KDL-50W704A.

Buy from Sony Store/Centre and get 5 years warranty, GST absorbed.

The specs never put dvb-t2

 

[SilveR1_09]

Yes, confirmed no digital signal for I did a scan of digital and analogue channels last night.

Could you list down the programmes that your scan picked-up?
Together with the channel number as well.

 

[toshm200]

did u connect the antenna amplifier/booster and power it on?
also try connect the antenna directly to stb, without the amplifier.
for my case, i find that without the amplifier works better.

since the transmission is at bukit batok, i think west side is easier to get stronger signal (outdoor reception).

I'd connected both with and without amplifier but draco antenna not able to received any signal...

Managed to get skycom technician came down to test at my house using one of their testing equipment n the reading is around 40dbi which is insufficient to received any digital signals (using draco antenna). They did brought others antenna, brand Margon v2.0 to do testing and voila, the reading shoot up to 65 - 70 dbi and all channels able to scanned. The reading for signal intensity is 97% and signal quality is 98%. So... the choice is clear, the draco antenna is not workable at my area (Bedok North). I make the purchased on the spot for this Margon antenna from them since everything works fine. All the HD channels now look greats

adds : Margon V2.0 antenna come with internal amplifier / booster

 

[AnDyLe0]

I'd connected both with and without amplifier but draco antenna not able to received any signal...

Managed to get skycom technician came down to test at my house using one of their testing equipment n the reading is around 40dbi which is insufficient to received any digital signals (using draco antenna). They did brought others antenna, brand Margon v2.0 to do testing and voila, the reading shoot up to 65 - 70 dbi and all channels able to scanned. The reading for signal intensity is 97% and signal quality is 98%. So... the choice is clear, the draco antenna is not workable at my area (Bedok North). I make the purchased on the spot for this Margon antenna from them since everything works fine. All the HD channels now look greats

adds : Margon V2.0 antenna come with internal amplifier / booster

margon home 2.0? i googled the website it looks very high-tech. how much?

btw... can u confirm that DVB-T2 5(HD) only got 2 "AAC" audio track... no "Dolby D+" track? last week i saw 3 audio tracks, but now only 2 audio tracks.

 

[Soul77]

I'd connected both with and without amplifier but draco antenna not able to received any signal...

Managed to get skycom technician came down to test at my house using one of their testing equipment n the reading is around 40dbi which is insufficient to received any digital signals (using draco antenna). They did brought others antenna, brand Margon v2.0 to do testing and voila, the reading shoot up to 65 - 70 dbi and all channels able to scanned. The reading for signal intensity is 97% and signal quality is 98%. So... the choice is clear, the draco antenna is not workable at my area (Bedok North). I make the purchased on the spot for this Margon antenna from them since everything works fine. All the HD channels now look greats

adds : Margon V2.0 antenna come with internal amplifier / booster

How much is this Margon V2.0 antenna? also can take picture of it? is it this one?

 

[SilveR1_09]

margon home 2.0? i googled the website it looks very high-tech. how much?

btw... can u confirm that DVB-T2 5(HD) only got 2 "AAC" audio track... no "Dolby D+" track? last week i saw 3 audio tracks, but now only 2 audio tracks.

Yes, I noticed this also. You are not alone...