Discussion:
the LIDL silver crest SL65
(too old to reply)
GT TDT
2005-08-21 00:08:06 UTC
Permalink
HI . can anyone help me. I hope to pick up a free to air
silvercrest SL65 (digtal satellite box) later in the week, m
main reason is to pickup RAI uno and all the other rai italia
channels

from what i can see once i get on to hotbird 2 13E I should hav
no problems.

I just dont want to buy the system unless i am sure it will work fo
me?? :)

anyone out there that can confirm this for me????
Anti-Spam
2005-08-21 06:28:24 UTC
Permalink
On Sat, 20 Aug 2005 19:08:06 -0500,
Post by GT TDT
HI . can anyone help me. I hope to pick up a free to air
silvercrest SL65 (digtal satellite box) later in the week, my
main reason is to pickup RAI uno and all the other rai italian
channels.
from what i can see once i get on to hotbird 2 13E I should have
no problems.
I just dont want to buy the system unless i am sure it will work for
me?? :)
anyone out there that can confirm this for me?????
You will get the channels marked with an "F" on the following link.
http://www.lyngsat.com/hotbird.html
I found the easiest way to program this box, is when you first install
the box, delete from its pre-programmed list, all the Satellites you
don't want, in your case delete all satellites except Hotbird, this
makes it a lot easy to find the stations you actually want. Be careful
not to delete Hotbird, if you do make a mistake, you can recover and
start again, by selecting "Restore Factory Defaults"
Mark in Spain
pekilan
2005-08-24 14:56:47 UTC
Permalink
Post by Anti-Spam
I found the easiest way to program this box, is when you first install
the box, delete from its pre-programmed list, all the Satellites you
don't want, in your case delete all satellites except Hotbird, this
makes it a lot easy to find the stations you actually want. Be careful
not to delete Hotbird, if you do make a mistake, you can recover and
start again, by selecting "Restore Factory Defaults"
Yesterday I installed one. But it has a problem.
If I change beetwen some channels it displays an error message.
For example, if I jump to ZDF from channel RTL I get "Video output not
available". If I go to Prosieben and jump back to ZDF all works fine.

Anybody has the same problem ?

Another problem: I can't get it in "download mode" (pressing Power-on for
least 4 secondo while switch on the main power switch).

Has anybody successfully downloaded the program list ?
I use the software from:

http://www.comag-ag.de/engl/com-download/receiver/com-dwl-cmg-sl65.html

Pekilan
Jim Watt
2005-08-21 07:31:54 UTC
Permalink
On Sat, 20 Aug 2005 19:08:06 -0500,
Post by GT TDT
HI . can anyone help me. I hope to pick up a free to air
silvercrest SL65 (digtal satellite box) later in the week, my
main reason is to pickup RAI uno and all the other rai italian
channels.
from what i can see once i get on to hotbird 2 13E I should have
no problems.
I just dont want to buy the system unless i am sure it will work for
me?? :)
anyone out there that can confirm this for me?????
It might help to know approximately where you are to answer
that question.

The SL65 is a good well specified receiver, rather like the
SL55 but flashier menu's
--
Jim Watt
http://www.gibnet.com
GT TDT
2005-08-21 16:08:05 UTC
Permalink
Hi Jim I am in Dublin....... rdgs :
Jim Watt
2005-08-21 17:33:32 UTC
Permalink
On Sun, 21 Aug 2005 11:08:05 -0500,
Hi Jim I am in Dublin....... rdgs :)
fine as from your news server you could be anywhere and we
do get hopeful Americans here.

The LIDL set is really good value and the dish should be
useful.

The only Eurosport I get at present is in Analogue, the
British version on 28 is encrypted.

I have a message board dealing with the SL55, the
previous LIDL deal at

http://sat.connect.gi

The new one is much the same but better handset and menu's
Nice sets, run a little warm, but great value for an enthusiast
who wants to receive foreign stations. You can also get the
BBC TV and radio on it

Highly reccomended, mine cost 65 euros.
--
Jim Watt
http://www.gibnet.com
GT TDT
2005-08-21 16:08:05 UTC
Permalink
Thanks Mark rai channels are are what I have to get.. to kee
her indoors happy :D

do you know or anyone else know if i can get eurosport anywhere
on fta anymore ? I think you used to on analog but it swithe
off i think

or is it only on astra 2? or if i can get it free to air will i
not be in english

thanks..
Noel
2005-08-24 20:02:40 UTC
Permalink
On Sun, 21 Aug 2005 11:08:05 -0500,
Thanks Mark rai channels are are what I have to get.. to keep
her indoors happy :D
Another Dub with an Italian missus? ;-)

I'll be popping out to get the LIDL box for the same reason.
Another Dave
2005-08-21 19:01:14 UTC
Permalink
Post by GT TDT
HI . can anyone help me. I hope to pick up a free to air
silvercrest SL65 (digtal satellite box) later in the week,
Is this a special offer, I can't see it on their web site. If not, is it
a standard item and what's the price?

Another Dave
--
Change nospam to webtribe in e-mail address
Jim Watt
2005-08-21 21:16:02 UTC
Permalink
On Sun, 21 Aug 2005 20:01:14 +0100, Another Dave
Post by Another Dave
Post by GT TDT
HI . can anyone help me. I hope to pick up a free to air
silvercrest SL65 (digtal satellite box) later in the week,
Is this a special offer, I can't see it on their web site. If not, is it
a standard item and what's the price?
http://www.lidl.ie/ie/index.nsf/pages/c.o.oow.20050825.p.Satellite

Not sure from the website if that includes a dish and what size it is
the pic looks like a nasty small one, the ones I saw were good
quality and suitable size for +this+ area.

The set itself will make suitable noises for dish alignment, however I
bought one of their cheapo aligignment meters and although it
works, its not particularly good - the receiver itself is better at
the job - however it may do to loan to people as they are not
getting their hands on my expensive one.

The UK stores are not listing it and the Spanish one only has
socks and food this week from the website. Ireland looks
the best.

--
Jim Watt
http://www.gibnet.com
Justin Thyme
2005-08-22 18:45:39 UTC
Permalink
"Jim Watt" <***@aol.no_way> wrote in message news:***@4ax.com...
http://www.lidl.ie/ie/index.nsf/pages/c.o.oow.20050825.p.Satellite
Post by Jim Watt
Not sure from the website if that includes a dish and what size it is
the pic looks like a nasty small one, the ones I saw were good
quality and suitable size for +this+ area.
The set itself will make suitable noises for dish alignment, however I
bought one of their cheapo aligignment meters and although it
works, its not particularly good - the receiver itself is better at
the job - however it may do to loan to people as they are not
getting their hands on my expensive one.
The UK stores are not listing it and the Spanish one only has
socks and food this week from the website. Ireland looks
the best.
--
Jim Watt
http://www.gibnet.com
Lidl promotional material for 1 Sep specials claims "Can be used to receive
Sky, but will require a subscription to the service"
Surely this has to be an error.

JT
Jim Watt
2005-08-22 19:08:36 UTC
Permalink
On Mon, 22 Aug 2005 19:45:39 +0100, "Justin Thyme"
Post by Justin Thyme
Lidl promotional material for 1 Sep specials claims "Can be used to receive
Sky, but will require a subscription to the service"
Surely this has to be an error.
Mine gets Sky News ;)

As regards subscriptions, there is nowhere for a card to go
as its a FTA set.

The dish points at the Sky ...

--
Jim Watt
http://www.gibnet.com
pekilan
2005-08-24 14:43:46 UTC
Permalink
Post by Jim Watt
As regards subscriptions, there is nowhere for a card to go
as its a FTA set.
It has two CAM slots (for common interface modules). But where do we buy
one ?
Post by Jim Watt
The dish points at the Sky ...
ROTFL

Pekilan
Nigel Barker
2005-08-24 17:24:27 UTC
Permalink
Post by pekilan
Post by Jim Watt
As regards subscriptions, there is nowhere for a card to go
as its a FTA set.
It has two CAM slots (for common interface modules). But where do we buy
one ?
Dragon CAM www.dvbshop.tv

--
Nigel Barker
Live from the sunny Cote d'Azur
Jim Watt
2005-08-24 18:15:06 UTC
Permalink
Post by pekilan
Post by Jim Watt
As regards subscriptions, there is nowhere for a card to go
as its a FTA set.
It has two CAM slots
Mine don't


--
Jim Watt
http://www.gibnet.com
Brian
2005-08-24 19:45:41 UTC
Permalink
Post by Jim Watt
Post by pekilan
Post by Jim Watt
As regards subscriptions, there is nowhere for a card to go
as its a FTA set.
It has two CAM slots
Mine don't
No sign of CAM slots on the ones sold in Belgium.

Brian
pekilan
2005-08-25 08:17:19 UTC
Permalink
Post by Brian
No sign of CAM slots on the ones sold in Belgium.
I bought mine in Italy. Sorry for the wrong info.

Pekilan
Roger R
2005-08-25 08:41:42 UTC
Permalink
Post by pekilan
Post by Brian
No sign of CAM slots on the ones sold in Belgium.
I bought mine in Italy. Sorry for the wrong info.
Well it was worth knowing that models for the Italian market are
different in this respect.

Could it be because a very few programmes (possibly football?) on
principal Italian channels such as RAI Uno and Mediaset Rete 4 are
encrypted. Is there any guidance on the type of card to be used?

Roger
pekilan
2005-08-27 11:05:45 UTC
Permalink
Post by Roger R
Could it be because a very few programmes (possibly football?) on
principal Italian channels such as RAI Uno and Mediaset Rete 4 are
encrypted.
I guess that you are correct.
Post by Roger R
Is there any guidance on the type of card to be used?
I have no information if RAI has these cards. I know only that Sky-Italy
transmits also the encrypted RAI programs, with his smartcard.

Pekilan
Noel
2005-08-24 20:04:56 UTC
Permalink
Post by pekilan
Post by Jim Watt
As regards subscriptions, there is nowhere for a card to go
as its a FTA set.
It has two CAM slots (for common interface modules). But where do we buy
one ?
No, it does not. Look at
http://www.mysilvercrest.de/en/artikel.php?a=51 for the spec.
pekilan
2005-08-25 08:15:17 UTC
Permalink
Post by Noel
No, it does not. Look at
http://www.mysilvercrest.de/en/artikel.php?a=51 for the spec.
You are right. I see now that my model is a SL65/2CI
I understand that 2CI is for the two slots.

Pekilan
Justin Thyme
2005-08-22 18:49:30 UTC
Permalink
"Jim Watt" <***@aol.no_way> wrote in message news:***@4ax.com...
http://www.lidl.ie/ie/index.nsf/pages/c.o.oow.20050825.p.Satellite
Post by Jim Watt
Not sure from the website if that includes a dish and what size it is
the pic looks like a nasty small one, the ones I saw were good
quality and suitable size for +this+ area.
The set itself will make suitable noises for dish alignment, however I
bought one of their cheapo aligignment meters and although it
works, its not particularly good - the receiver itself is better at
the job - however it may do to loan to people as they are not
getting their hands on my expensive one.
The UK stores are not listing it and the Spanish one only has
socks and food this week from the website. Ireland looks
the best.
--
Jim Watt
http://www.gibnet.com
Lidl promotional material for 1 Sep specials claims "Can be used to receive
Sky, but will require a subscription to the service"
Surely this has to be an error.

JT
Roger R
2005-08-22 10:38:33 UTC
Permalink
Post by Another Dave
Post by GT TDT
HI . can anyone help me. I hope to pick up a free to air
silvercrest SL65 (digtal satellite box) later in the week,
Is this a special offer, I can't see it on their web site. If not, is it
a standard item and what's the price?
The Lidl marketing strategy is not to have 'standard items', only
'specials'.

In relation to their hardware products, items appear to be bought from
manufacturers in single fixed price contracts placed annually or
possibly bi-annualy. That is, there is only one delivery to warehouse
and subsequent distribution to shops. There is no restocking of
products.

IMO this is a very cunning plan to get you to buy when you other wise
might defer the purchase. Ordinary stores have on going contracts
with manufacturers to keep the goods on the shelf. The problem with
that philosphy is that the consumer may think, 'I'd like to get one of
those, but I'll leave it till next week, or the week after, because
I'm a bit short this week and it will still be there next week. The
result may be that the consumer never buys the item at all.

In the case of the Lidl satellite receivers these will be sold out in
most stores on the day of release in the UK. Never the less if you
are prepared to dance to the Lidl tune, IMO their satellite receivers
are worth getting, as, so far, they have been good kits for Free to
Air reception.

Roger
R. Mark Clayton
2005-08-22 12:17:23 UTC
Permalink
Post by Roger R
The Lidl marketing strategy is not to have 'standard items', only
'specials'.
I think you are ascribing too much thought to their pile it high and sell it
cheap philosophy
Post by Roger R
Never the less if you
are prepared to dance to the Lidl tune, IMO their satellite receivers
are worth getting, as, so far, they have been good kits for Free to
Air reception.
Lidl are basically grocers. If they get a seasonal or occaisional item like
fresh strawberries or satellite receivers they just put it in the shopo with
a mark up and [hope] it sells. When the stock runs out, well too bad you
can't buy any...

I don't think it is a sophisticated method to get you to purchase, when you
otherwise wouldn't. It does however mean that they don't end up holding
expensive stock (hard goods) or throwing out perishables when they go off.
Post by Roger R
Roger
Roger R
2005-08-22 14:11:09 UTC
Permalink
Post by R. Mark Clayton
Post by Roger R
The Lidl marketing strategy is not to have 'standard items', only
'specials'.
I think you are ascribing too much thought to their pile it high and sell it
cheap philosophy
[snip]
Post by R. Mark Clayton
Lidl are basically grocers. If they get a seasonal or occaisional item like
fresh strawberries or satellite receivers they just put it in the shopo with
a mark up and [hope] it sells. When the stock runs out, well too bad you
can't buy any...
I don't think it is a sophisticated method to get you to purchase, when you
otherwise wouldn't. It does however mean that they don't end up holding
expensive stock (hard goods) or throwing out perishables when they go off.
This 'buy it or miss it' psychological strategy is quite a good one to
acheive a sucessful business. They say there is 'nothing new in
retail' but perhaps Lidl have thought of a novel strategy. Other
retailers are using a similar techinque by saying 'When its gone its
gone'.

It is certainly good for free advertising since the consumers are
always posting on Usenet about some upcoming Lidl product or other.
e.g this thread.

And I don't think they have become sucessful across Europe simply by a
process of snapping up distressed or end of line goods and heaping it
up as though its some haphazard process. They do seem to use only
particular manufacturers, such as Comag for the satellite stuff which
also counts against it being 'end of line' goods.

Their advertising too sometimes quotes 'cheaper than last year'
(quoting some actual reduction) suggesting an annual or bi annual
cycle for the hardware goods.

On the topic of the satellite receiver, these appear to be an annual
event and, possibly like the OP, I would be pleased to hear of another
retailer who normally stocks the Comag range.

Roger
GT TDT
2005-08-22 16:08:15 UTC
Permalink
hi Jim you get the dish and stuff ok. its 59cm according to th
flyer ....

just to confirm it i want eurosport fta i need an analog sat box
Simon05
2005-08-24 00:08:10 UTC
Permalink
Just had the leaflet through the door about this dish and receiver, d
you get all FTA channels that you get on free view
Jomtien
2005-08-24 06:16:11 UTC
Permalink
Just had the leaflet through the door about this dish and receiver, do
you get all FTA channels that you get on free view?
Watch out! Only Sky boxes (with card) can receive ITV, C4 and C5.
--
Digibox problem? : A reboot solves 90% of these.
The Sky Digital FAQ: http://tinyurl.com/7rm2m
UK TV overseas: http://tinyurl.com/6p73
BBC reception questions? ; http://www.astra2d.com/
Fed up with on-screen logos? : http://logofreetv.org/
----
Only the truth as I see it.
No monies return'd. ;-)
Nigel Barker
2005-08-24 17:27:37 UTC
Permalink
Post by Jomtien
Just had the leaflet through the door about this dish and receiver, do
you get all FTA channels that you get on free view?
Watch out! Only Sky boxes (with card) can receive ITV, C4 and C5.
A quick Google on "Dragon CAM Sky" will prove this statement incorrect.
Evidently any receiver or satellite PC card with a CI compatible with the Dragon
CAM will work for FTV (or indeed any subscription channels).

--
Nigel Barker
Live from the sunny Cote d'Azur
Jomtien
2005-08-25 06:09:47 UTC
Permalink
Post by Nigel Barker
Post by Jomtien
Watch out! Only Sky boxes (with card) can receive ITV, C4 and C5.
A quick Google on "Dragon CAM Sky" will prove this statement incorrect.
Evidently any receiver or satellite PC card with a CI compatible with the Dragon
CAM will work for FTV (or indeed any subscription channels).
There is no guarantee whatsoever that these CAMs will work with a Sky
card tomorrow, let alone in a month or a year. Also these boxes will
not provide the full EPG. Also it may not even be possible to activate
a card in one of these CAMs. Therefore I will not recommend them for
anyone wishing to get the FTV or pay channels.

Given the low cost of proper Sky boxes it seems pointless buying
anything else for use with FTV or pay Sky channels, unless one is
hoping to make a PVR.
--
Digibox problem? : A reboot solves 90% of these.
The Sky Digital FAQ: http://tinyurl.com/7rm2m
UK TV overseas: http://tinyurl.com/6p73
BBC reception questions? ; http://www.astra2d.com/
Fed up with on-screen logos? : http://logofreetv.org/
----
Only the truth as I see it.
No monies return'd. ;-)
Nigel Barker
2005-08-25 08:59:01 UTC
Permalink
Post by Jomtien
Post by Nigel Barker
Post by Jomtien
Watch out! Only Sky boxes (with card) can receive ITV, C4 and C5.
A quick Google on "Dragon CAM Sky" will prove this statement incorrect.
Evidently any receiver or satellite PC card with a CI compatible with the Dragon
CAM will work for FTV (or indeed any subscription channels).
There is no guarantee whatsoever that these CAMs will work with a Sky
card tomorrow, let alone in a month or a year. Also these boxes will
not provide the full EPG. Also it may not even be possible to activate
a card in one of these CAMs. Therefore I will not recommend them for
anyone wishing to get the FTV or pay channels.
Given the low cost of proper Sky boxes it seems pointless buying
anything else for use with FTV or pay Sky channels, unless one is
hoping to make a PVR.
You need to have a genuine digibox in any case as every so often the card needs
to be re-authorised in one. I would regard the ability to use the card in a
standard receiver as a welcome alternative not a replacement especially as it
may be only a temporary facility. For a PVR of course it's even more interesting
as although your lose the EPG you gain in recorded quality plus avoid the Sky+
subscription.

--
Nigel Barker
Live from the sunny Cote d'Azur
Jomtien
2005-08-26 05:42:08 UTC
Permalink
Post by Nigel Barker
You need to have a genuine digibox in any case as every so often the card needs
to be re-authorised in one.
All the more reason not to recommend them to beginners.

These CAMs are suitable for hobbyists and those who already know the
answers but are not suitable as a replacement for a Sky box. Therefore
I shan't mention them.
--
Digibox problem? : A reboot solves 90% of these.
The Sky Digital FAQ: http://tinyurl.com/7rm2m
UK TV overseas: http://tinyurl.com/6p73
BBC reception questions? ; http://www.astra2d.com/
Fed up with on-screen logos? : http://logofreetv.org/
----
Only the truth as I see it.
No monies return'd. ;-)
Simon05
2005-08-24 16:08:12 UTC
Permalink
Jomtien

thanks for the reply, I am glad I did my research before getting one
looks like getting a skybox instea
Jim Watt
2005-08-24 18:18:12 UTC
Permalink
On Wed, 24 Aug 2005 11:08:12 -0500,
Jomtien,
thanks for the reply, I am glad I did my research before getting one,
looks like getting a skybox instead
get both, the SL65 receives a lot of things that the
digibox will not. However if you want ITV and CH4/5
you need a digibox. However, depending where you
live your dish size becomes important.
--
Jim Watt
http://www.gibnet.com
shamin
2005-08-25 16:08:15 UTC
Permalink
Hi there

I've already asked this question over on another thread, but the
found this one which looks more suitable; so I'll ask again.

Does anybody know where to find the remote code for the SL65? I woul
like to use my All4One remote in stead of the one that came with th
box. I've checked www.allforone.com but no luck there

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Cletus Lowe
2005-09-01 00:08:10 UTC
Permalink
I manged to get the SilverCrest 65 working, but when I chnaged over t
the TV mode, the signal was diabolical, no reception at all. However
when I removed the scart from the receiver, I got the signal back. A
I doing something wrong? Help, please. Thanks
lucazade
2005-09-04 00:08:09 UTC
Permalink
Any ideas how often lidl have full sat kit as ive been waiting age
and they were sold out in the 4 shops i went to so they must b
popular and im desprate for a sat kit just dont want to pay rip of
prices
MJ Ray
2005-09-04 01:25:14 UTC
Permalink
Any ideas how often lidl have full sat kit as ive been waiting ages
and they were sold out in the 4 shops i went to so they must be
popular and im desprate for a sat kit just dont want to pay rip off
prices?
From a quick newsgroup search, looks like last offers were:
2 Sep 2005, 23 May 2005, 19 Aug 2004, 26 Apr 2004, 21 Aug 2003.

You may find a mail-order boxed set like
http://www.ziezotec.co.uk/info?p=986 is worth the extra to avoid
the wait and the shop hunting, as lidl's are usually short-stocked.

Hope that helps,
--
MJR
lucazade
2005-09-04 16:08:07 UTC
Permalink
ok thanks that looks like the kind of thing i want so if i cant fin
it anywhere else ill go for tha

Looks like every 6 months lidl stock the stuff the

Anyone know if aldi ever stock a set like lidl and if so when they ar
most likely to stock it again

Also you say lidl dont stock many..........what amount is not many?
under 5 sets per shop

cheer
Jim Watt
2005-09-04 16:39:08 UTC
Permalink
On Sun, 04 Sep 2005 11:08:07 -0500,
ok thanks that looks like the kind of thing i want so if i cant find
it anywhere else ill go for that
I would say that a satellite dish is not something to buy mailorder
from Holland, the delivery costs would be significant.

My advice would be to look around as the SL65 is the sort of thing
people will buy and never set up properly, or find that it does not
get Sky Sports and want to move on.
--
Jim Watt
http://www.gibnet.com
MJ Ray
2005-09-04 17:30:03 UTC
Permalink
Post by Jim Watt
I would say that a satellite dish is not something to buy mailorder
from Holland, the delivery costs would be significant.
15 euro, if you read the site. It's a small boxed set.
Post by Jim Watt
My advice would be to look around as the SL65 is the sort of thing
people will buy and never set up properly, or find that it does not
get Sky Sports and want to move on.
Yes, that's another way. You can sometimes pick up second-hand kit.
Another cause is when non-DIYers get gouged for "dish realignment" or
"software updates" of dodgy decoders a couple of times and give up.
Andy Luckman (AJL Electronics)
2005-09-06 12:24:09 UTC
Permalink
Post by Jim Watt
My advice would be to look around as the SL65 is the sort of thing
people will buy and never set up properly, or find that it does not
get Sky Sports and want to move on.
Just had a customer bring one in for me to setup. It is a long time since I
have seen anything quite so awful.
--
AJL Electronics (G6FGO) Ltd : Satellite and TV aerial systems
http://www.classicmicrocars.co.uk : http://www.ajlelectronics.co.uk
Nick Hopton
2005-09-06 15:57:20 UTC
Permalink
In a recent message <***@office.ajlelectronics.co.uk>,
"Andy Luckman (AJL Electronics)" <***@privacy.net> wrote.

[...]
Post by Andy Luckman (AJL Electronics)
Just had a customer bring one in for me to setup. It is a long time since I
have seen anything quite so awful.
[...]

Pity, I was toying with the idea of buying one. Is it a problem with
build-quality or just the awkwardness of setting it up?

Regards,
Nick.
--
Nick Hopton and Anne Hopton
Caversham, Reading, England
<***@dsl.pipex.com>
Jim Watt
2005-09-06 17:35:41 UTC
Permalink
Post by Nick Hopton
[...]
Post by Andy Luckman (AJL Electronics)
Just had a customer bring one in for me to setup. It is a long time since I
have seen anything quite so awful.
[...]
Pity, I was toying with the idea of buying one. Is it a problem with
build-quality or just the awkwardness of setting it up?
The build quality is good and so is the user interface, you can change
the colours and turn the noises it makes off if you don't like audio
queues, good for the handicapped I guess.

get one !
--
Jim Watt
http://www.gibnet.com
Roger R
2005-09-06 19:24:40 UTC
Permalink
On Tue, 6 Sep 2005 16:57:20 +0100, Nick Hopton
Post by Nick Hopton
[...]
Post by Andy Luckman (AJL Electronics)
Just had a customer bring one in for me to setup. It is a long time since I
have seen anything quite so awful.
[...]
Pity, I was toying with the idea of buying one. Is it a problem with
build-quality or just the awkwardness of setting it up?
The build quality is good and so is the user
interface.........[snip]

I think I'm with Andy Luckman on this one.
The build quality is reasonable but IMO the user interface is very
poor - and that's after being used to the previous model the SL55.

The most significant retrograde step is the loss of the '+favorite',
'-favorite' buttons on the remote.

Perhaps I've missed something but it appears the only way to increment
to the next 'favorite' channel is to zoom out twice with the 'list'
button, then increment the channel and then press ok. If that's
really what has to be done - what a rigmarole - I think I'll go back
to the SL55.

As for setting up the tranducers, that's worth a separate thread.

Roger
Jim Watt
2005-09-06 20:48:01 UTC
Permalink
On Tue, 6 Sep 2005 20:24:40 +0100, "Roger R"
Post by Roger R
I think I'm with Andy Luckman on this one.
I prefer the styling of the SL55 but hey its whats inside
that counts. The remote is a lot better to use. I rather
liked the user interface, although getting rid of the
preprogrammed channels is painful and may use the
PC interface for that.

shameless plug for the cable recipe

http://sat.connect.gi

... or two plugs :)
--
Jim Watt
http://www.gibnet.com
Roger R
2005-09-06 21:30:00 UTC
Permalink
Post by Jim Watt
On Tue, 6 Sep 2005 20:24:40 +0100, "Roger R"
Post by Roger R
I think I'm with Andy Luckman on this one.
I prefer the styling of the SL55 but hey its whats inside
that counts. The remote is a lot better to use. I rather
liked the user interface, although getting rid of the
preprogrammed channels is painful and may use the
PC interface for that.
I thought I'd 'deleted' all the pre-programmed channels and
transducers, and the screen said 'no transducers' or something like
that, but the next time I came back to 'add transducers' there they
all were again without doing anything. It may be that Comags
'delete' and 'add' really mean 'hide' and 'reveal'.

Just to correct my earlier comment on incrementing a 'favorite'
channel where I had inadvertently described incrementing a 'genre'
favorite [1].

To increment a standard 'favorite' channel the action is: Press the
'favorites' button - which brings up the channel list while shrinking
the picture to a tiny window in the corner of the screen, increment
the list and press ok. That's still three presses just to increment
to the next favorite channel.

For anyone like me frequently changing channels this rigmarole is not
just a pain but I'm reduced to watching (previewing) the channels in a
small window in the corner. This totally spoils the satellite TV
surfing experience.

[1] SilverCrest spelling of 'Favourite'.

Roger
Jim Watt
2005-09-07 07:45:07 UTC
Permalink
On Tue, 6 Sep 2005 22:30:00 +0100, "Roger R"
Post by Roger R
I thought I'd 'deleted' all the pre-programmed channels and
transducers,
Uh doncha mean Transponders?

I will admit my interest in the units is to stick them in a
communal headend after tuning them to one channel
and features like the satellite loopthrough and that they
power up on channel and have a good front end are the
prime attractions, along with much cheapness except in
build quality.
--
Jim Watt
http://www.gibnet.com
Roger R
2005-09-07 08:49:23 UTC
Permalink
Post by Jim Watt
On Tue, 6 Sep 2005 22:30:00 +0100, "Roger R"
Post by Roger R
I thought I'd 'deleted' all the pre-programmed channels and
transducers,
Uh doncha mean Transponders?
err..Yes. oops.
Post by Jim Watt
I will admit my interest in the units is to stick them in a
communal headend after tuning them to one channel........[snip]
That's one way of exploiting the low cost of the box. I expect many
will use one receiver permanently tuned to a particular
channel -perhaps for recording - while using another box for surfing.

Roger
Jim Watt
2005-09-07 15:02:14 UTC
Permalink
On Wed, 7 Sep 2005 09:49:23 +0100, "Roger R"
Post by Roger R
Post by Jim Watt
On Tue, 6 Sep 2005 22:30:00 +0100, "Roger R"
Post by Roger R
I thought I'd 'deleted' all the pre-programmed channels and
transducers,
Uh doncha mean Transponders?
err..Yes. oops.
Post by Jim Watt
I will admit my interest in the units is to stick them in a
communal headend after tuning them to one channel........[snip]
That's one way of exploiting the low cost of the box. I expect many
will use one receiver permanently tuned to a particular
channel -perhaps for recording - while using another box for surfing.
Indeed, I use my SL55 for Radfio 3 via the fibre connector, the final
solution to earth loops.
--
Jim Watt
http://www.gibnet.com
Andy Luckman (AJL Electronics)
2005-09-08 10:30:04 UTC
Permalink
In article <***@dsl.pipex.com>, Nick Hopton
<URL:mailto:***@dsl.pipex.com> wrote:

{SL65 LIDL receiver]
Post by Nick Hopton
Pity, I was toying with the idea of buying one. Is it a problem with
build-quality or just the awkwardness of setting it up?
Well unless this one was faulty, there were problems in setting up. The
download was very poor with channel names all showing "ASTRA". The menu
system was quite unfriendly in my opinion and was unconventional in that the
OK button didn't provide a channel list. Combined with my prejudice about
LIDL / ALDI etc, it didn't make for a pleasant experience.

For a budget receiver, the Technomate 1000D takes some beating.
--
AJL Electronics (G6FGO) Ltd : Satellite and TV aerial systems
http://www.classicmicrocars.co.uk : http://www.ajlelectronics.co.uk
Lua
2005-09-06 23:37:26 UTC
Permalink
Since you spotted a top poster yesterday evening, you mean? :-)
Post by Andy Luckman (AJL Electronics)
Post by Jim Watt
My advice would be to look around as the SL65 is the sort of thing
people will buy and never set up properly, or find that it does not
get Sky Sports and want to move on.
Just had a customer bring one in for me to setup. It is a long time since I
have seen anything quite so awful.
MJ Ray
2005-09-04 17:22:21 UTC
Permalink
Anyone know if aldi ever stock a set like lidl and if so when they are
most likely to stock it again?
I've not noticed it, but aldi don't advertise as much as lidl here.
Also you say lidl dont stock many..........what amount is not many?
under 5 sets per shop?
Yes, 2 to 4 most times I've seen it or read reports.
--
MJR/slef
Charles Ellson
2005-09-04 18:05:46 UTC
Permalink
Post by MJ Ray
Anyone know if aldi ever stock a set like lidl and if so when they are
most likely to stock it again?
I've not noticed it, but aldi don't advertise as much as lidl here.
More often than not, both on Thursday[?] in various tabloids.
Post by MJ Ray
Also you say lidl dont stock many..........what amount is not many?
under 5 sets per shop?
Yes, 2 to 4 most times I've seen it or read reports.
Some Lidl branches seem to have a habit of "specials" appearing on
display a couple of days later than at others, or even in the
following week.
--
_______
+---------------------------------------------------+ |\\ //|
| Charles Ellson: ***@e11son.demon.co.uk | | \\ // |
+---------------------------------------------------+ | > < |
| // \\ |
Alba gu brath |//___\\|
Jim Watt
2005-09-04 20:51:01 UTC
Permalink
On Sun, 04 Sep 2005 19:05:46 +0100, Charles Ellson
Post by Charles Ellson
Post by MJ Ray
Anyone know if aldi ever stock a set like lidl and if so when they are
most likely to stock it again?
I've not noticed it, but aldi don't advertise as much as lidl here.
More often than not, both on Thursday[?] in various tabloids.
Post by MJ Ray
Also you say lidl dont stock many..........what amount is not many?
under 5 sets per shop?
Yes, 2 to 4 most times I've seen it or read reports.
Some Lidl branches seem to have a habit of "specials" appearing on
display a couple of days later than at others, or even in the
following week.
There were large piles of the sets in both nearby stores for a
week here, I bought enough for my needs :)

--
Jim Watt
http://www.gibnet.com
Cletus Lowe
2005-09-07 16:08:19 UTC
Permalink
Peter
I live in Drogheda area. I managed to set up SL65 without much hassle
The signal indicator reads over 95% and the quality is around 75%
does this sound okay? Please let me know whether I could improve bot
signals better than they are right now. Thanks
Noel
2005-09-07 18:07:37 UTC
Permalink
On Wed, 07 Sep 2005 11:08:19 -0500,
Peter,
I live in Drogheda area. I managed to set up SL65 without much hassle.
The signal indicator reads over 95% and the quality is around 75% -
does this sound okay? Please let me know whether I could improve both
signals better than they are right now. Thanks.
I live in the Drogheda area too. Which sat are you pointing at? I
assume it is Astra 2. Depending on where you are in Drogheda, the two
figures sound either okay or quite good.
Charles Ellson
2005-09-07 20:50:32 UTC
Permalink
On Wed, 07 Sep 2005 11:08:19 -0500,
Peter,
I live in Drogheda area. I managed to set up SL65 without much hassle.
The signal indicator reads over 95% and the quality is around 75% -
does this sound okay? Please let me know whether I could improve both
signals better than they are right now. Thanks.
The built-in "meters" aren't exactly calibrated instruments (not the
"strength" one anyway) but the "quality" reading is a better guide as
a strong signal is not always a clean one. Your figures sound
reasonably OK with the practical measurement in most cases being
whether the picture starts breaking up in light rain, heavy rain or a
torrential downpour.
--
_______
+---------------------------------------------------+ |\\ //|
| Charles Ellson: ***@e11son.demon.co.uk | | \\ // |
+---------------------------------------------------+ | > < |
| // \\ |
Alba gu brath |//___\\|
POKDUB
2005-09-07 16:08:19 UTC
Permalink
I am newbie to Sat TV. Just setup the SL65 from Lidl

When I purchased it in Dublin, there were two palette loads o
complete system boxes, so this might dispell the notion that Lid
only had 4-5 sets per shop, no great Jan Sale rush at the doors o
opening

Having said that, every second person at the cash register had on
barcoded. So I would say by mid morning they had all gone

I also bought the small sat finder device they had, I found this ver
useful to get the initial alignment. I proceeded slowly as I did no
want to have drill holes all over my back wall in finding the righ
spot to mount the bracket. Eventually took out the small portable T
and sat on the extension roof like the 'Fiddler on the Roof' to ge
the final alignment

The cable supplied was just enough to reach my TV. I think th
interface menus are fine and the general setup easy once you immers
yourself
I will make a cable to link my laptop to it for Channel management
doing this through the handset is a bit of a pain

I am very pleased with the end results, the reception is excellent i
Dublin, using 58cm dish on the Astra 2D satellite. The Channe
selection is only fair. Great BBC coverage

Two things give me hope. 1) Next to attach a Diseqc motor, €100 i
Maplin, and get a broader satellite selection, and 2) Now that BB
and ITV are coming together to rival Sky, this receiver will have IT
shortly in the clear

I think the fresat offering from Sky is only a temporary offering i
order to position all there kit for eventual subscription payments.
think the BBC and ITV see through this, and are now doing the righ
thing

First post, hope to participate more in the future, although m
exepriences will center round the SL65
POKDUB
2005-09-07 16:08:20 UTC
Permalink
Mine are about 10% less on both, but pictures are perfect.
So I would say you are right on the nail

BTW saw two SL65 kits still avabilable in Baldoyle Lidl at lunchtim
today Wed 7th for any other Dubs trawling for a system
Cletus Lowe
2005-09-10 00:08:08 UTC
Permalink
The dish is pointed at Astra 28East, including Eurobird1 and Astra 1B
The selection of channels is reasonably good, except the ones tryin
to sell all sorts of 'stuff'.

I manged to edit the list of channels using the remote; it was
painful exercise! What type of a cable do I need to connect the SL6
to a computer to so that I could edit the long radio list

Thank you all for your comments on the signal issue
Charles Ellson
2005-09-10 02:04:23 UTC
Permalink
On Fri, 09 Sep 2005 19:08:08 -0500,
The dish is pointed at Astra 28East, including Eurobird1 and Astra 1B.
The selection of channels is reasonably good, except the ones trying
to sell all sorts of 'stuff'.
I manged to edit the list of channels using the remote; it was a
painful exercise! What type of a cable do I need to connect the SL65
to a computer to so that I could edit the long radio list?
Thank you all for your comments on the signal issue.
Have a look at http://www.satedit.de . You'll need the software first.
--
_______
+---------------------------------------------------+ |\\ //|
| Charles Ellson: ***@e11son.demon.co.uk | | \\ // |
+---------------------------------------------------+ | > < |
| // \\ |
Alba gu brath |//___\\|
pekilan
2005-09-10 10:00:48 UTC
Permalink
Post by Charles Ellson
Have a look at http://www.satedit.de .
Where is the cable description ?

Pekilan
Charles Ellson
2005-09-10 17:39:45 UTC
Permalink
Post by pekilan
Post by Charles Ellson
Have a look at http://www.satedit.de .
Where is the cable description ?
In section 6 on page 39 of the fine manual, available by clicking on
the appropriate flag alongside the PDF manual section beside "What do
I need?" on the page headed "You have a Comag SL-55? Then this is the
right place for you." which you reach by following the links from the
home page. If I've read it correctly the same software applies to the
SL-65.
--
_______
+---------------------------------------------------+ |\\ //|
| Charles Ellson: ***@e11son.demon.co.uk | | \\ // |
+---------------------------------------------------+ | > < |
| // \\ |
Alba gu brath |//___\\|
Jim Watt
2005-09-10 06:58:01 UTC
Permalink
On Fri, 09 Sep 2005 19:08:08 -0500,
What type of a cable do I need to connect the SL65
to a computer to so that I could edit the long radio list?
see:
http://sat.connect.gi/cable.htm
--
Jim Watt
http://www.gibnet.com
Charles Ellson
2005-09-10 17:41:47 UTC
Permalink
Post by Charles Ellson
On Fri, 09 Sep 2005 19:08:08 -0500,
What type of a cable do I need to connect the SL65
to a computer to so that I could edit the long radio list?
http://sat.connect.gi/cable.htm
That's a few wires short of the cable described in the SatEdit manual.
At best it is presumably going to work slower.
--
_______
+---------------------------------------------------+ |\\ //|
| Charles Ellson: ***@e11son.demon.co.uk | | \\ // |
+---------------------------------------------------+ | > < |
| // \\ |
Alba gu brath |//___\\|
Jim Watt
2005-09-10 20:12:28 UTC
Permalink
On Sat, 10 Sep 2005 18:41:47 +0100, Charles Ellson
Post by Charles Ellson
Post by Charles Ellson
On Fri, 09 Sep 2005 19:08:08 -0500,
What type of a cable do I need to connect the SL65
to a computer to so that I could edit the long radio list?
http://sat.connect.gi/cable.htm
That's a few wires short of the cable described in the SatEdit manual.
At best it is presumably going to work slower.
No, speed is not an issue, the other wires would supply status
signalling which are probably not even used.

There is some software on the LIDL support site for the SL65
the SL55 being a more mature product has more software around
from third parties,

--
Jim Watt
http://www.gibnet.com
pekilan
2005-09-11 01:19:38 UTC
Permalink
Post by Jim Watt
No, speed is not an issue, the other wires would supply status
signalling which are probably not even used.
Hardware handshake. And sometimes it is the only way to work if the
application is bad written.
With tre wires (common-receive-transmit) you can do only software handshake.
It works fairly, but if you have a 5 wire null-modem, adding RTS and CTS
(pins 7 and 8, also crossed), you have more options.
Beside, some applications/OS'es don't like if you forget to bridge DSR, DTR,
DCD (pins 6, 4, 1).

A standard cable would do (5 wire plus shield):

connect pin 5 to pin 5 (common ground)
cross pin 2,3 to 3,2
cross pin 7,8 to 8,7
bridge 6,4,1 on the same side ( on both sides)

and if you are really good, you connect the shield on one side (only on
side) to pin 5,

Pekilan
Jim Watt
2005-09-11 09:49:48 UTC
Permalink
Post by pekilan
Post by Jim Watt
No, speed is not an issue, the other wires would supply status
signalling which are probably not even used.
Hardware handshake. And sometimes it is the only way to work if the
application is bad written.
With tre wires (common-receive-transmit) you can do only software handshake.
It works fairly, but if you have a 5 wire null-modem, adding RTS and CTS
(pins 7 and 8, also crossed), you have more options.
Beside, some applications/OS'es don't like if you forget to bridge DSR, DTR,
DCD (pins 6, 4, 1).
connect pin 5 to pin 5 (common ground)
cross pin 2,3 to 3,2
cross pin 7,8 to 8,7
bridge 6,4,1 on the same side ( on both sides)
and if you are really good, you connect the shield on one side (only on
side) to pin 5,
Pekilan
One of the things you learn quickly about RS232 is there is no
standard cable.

Flow control is important for circumstances where there are
devices with bursty traffic or that the comms rate is missmatched.

This is not the case with PC to receiver exchanges, so a simple
three wire interface is fine. I doubt it uses traditional flow
control like XON/XOFF but may transmit blocks in a proprietry
format. Not that it matters unless you are writing code for it.

Although you are correct about the shielding, unshielded cable
is fine over the lengths needed. I tend to use plugs with RJ11
sockets and flat cable for the job these days as its easier.



--
Jim Watt
http://www.gibnet.com
pekilan
2005-09-11 12:38:12 UTC
Permalink
Post by Jim Watt
One of the things you learn quickly about RS232 is there is no
standard cable.
That's true :-)
But you may agree that for PC cables it comes close to a "full" cable. It
misses only the Ring indicator - pin 9 - but I am not sure PC use it.
Post by Jim Watt
Flow control is important for circumstances where there are
devices with bursty traffic or that the comms rate is missmatched.
If flow control is cabled, Nokia receivers use it. So why build a cable that
works only "sometimes" ? I haven't used the Silvercrest, I plan to see on
the matter the next weeks.
Post by Jim Watt
This is not the case with PC to receiver exchanges, so a simple
three wire interface is fine.
And if flow control is implemented, transfer rate is up to twice faster.
Post by Jim Watt
I doubt it uses traditional flow
control like XON/XOFF but may transmit blocks in a proprietry
format. Not that it matters unless you are writing code for it.
Although you are correct about the shielding, unshielded cable
is fine over the lengths needed.
Receivers can be some distance from the PC. Mine requires about 5 meters of
cable. And, also if that distance doesn't cry for shielding, it would feel
more confortable.

Pekilan
Jim Watt
2005-09-11 17:16:13 UTC
Permalink
Post by pekilan
And if flow control is implemented, transfer rate is up to twice faster.
There is no sense in that.
Post by pekilan
Receivers can be some distance from the PC. Mine requires about 5 meters of
cable. And, also if that distance doesn't cry for shielding, it would feel
more confortable.
It depends on the environment, if you had strong RF fields around
or were worried about HF reception, its a must. Otherwise long
distance means 50m


--
Jim Watt
http://www.gibnet.com
Cletus Lowe
2005-09-11 00:08:13 UTC
Permalink
As mentioned by Jim Watt, the cable description is to be found here:

http://sat.connect.gi/cable.ht

Good luck![/quote
POKDUB
2005-09-12 16:08:10 UTC
Permalink
I have experienced problems on the SL65 interface

And I suspect the RS232 interface as well (or should I say 3 wir
cable). See
http://forums.exthus.co.uk/showthread.php?t=101

I have worked on RS232 interfaces for many years, my experience i
that RTS/CTS and other controls are necessary for a high serial bau
rate such as 115200

I am going to change the cable, extend the signal wires and will le
you know the results
Jim Watt
2005-09-12 22:57:36 UTC
Permalink
On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 11:08:10 -0500,
I have experienced problems on the SL65 interface.
And I suspect the RS232 interface as well (or should I say 3 wire
cable). See.
http://forums.exthus.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1012
I have worked on RS232 interfaces for many years, my experience is
that RTS/CTS and other controls are necessary for a high serial baud
rate such as 115200.
I am going to change the cable, extend the signal wires and will let
you know the results.
I've only been making custom cables since 1980 and have an
expensive test set - although the batteries need replacing
as its not been used for a while, as everything is now USB
or ethernet.

If three wires work, use them and 9600 bps is quite fast enough
anyhow I expect the serial rate is determined by the firmware in
the receiver.
--
Jim Watt
http://www.gibnet.com

Loading...