advice on kit please...

[jayda]

purchasing for my parents who have crap reception but are only able to access ABC and SBS via VAST for now as are on outskirts of Melbourne.

I'm assuming this kit has the UEC DSD 4121?



They do not have a satellite dish currently so need one. I'm guessing they need all that other stuff that comes in the kit?

Or should they purchase separately?

Also, the recording option...not sure they would use that until they can access the commercial stations but should I take that option? $69 extra. But don't want to complicate things for them.

I'm scared they are going to kill each other if they don't get a clear tv station to watch My dad has dementia and changes all the settings on the tv and settles in to watch buzzing/unclear stuff at high volume! My mum's ear drums are going to burst!

[mtv]

Yes, there is ONLY one VAST decoder available on the market for now, and the forseeable future... the Altech UEC DSD 4121.

It states in your link that is the decoder model included.

As you're aware, there is the non PVR and PVR version available.

The only difference is the PVR remote and firmware. The decoder hardware is identical.

Personally, I'd go for the PVR version. At least that way you have the option to record if you want to.

You'd need an external HDD connected to the decoder to record onto.

It's good that there's an 85cm dish included, which is much better for VAST than the commonly supplied 65cm dish (eg: Foxtel/Austar).

If you're interested, I can provide the same kit, less the satfinder, but including delivery and installation, for the same price.

[jayda]

seriously mtv? you would install as well?! That would be fab! Whittlesea area....is that ok? I'll PM you!

[mtv]

seriously mtv? you would install as well?! That would be fab! Whittlesea area....is that ok? I'll PM you!

Yep... happy to install for you.

PM received

[LeroyPatrol]

Another option, if they are only entitled to SBS and ABC, is to point your dish at Optus D1 and there you get all of those channels from all time zones. Plus you can choose a better receiver.

Leroy

[Tiny]

Could get all the commercial stations if they were "travelers"?

[LeroyPatrol]

Could get all the commercial stations if they were "travelers"?

I'm sure they're travelling They migh know someone that is in a black spot being up that way as well so another option.

Leroy

[jayda]

I already put the application in and have approval. They aren't really going anywhere and I'm not a good liar to ask for the travelers deal!

Leroy Patrol, you are confusing me now! What's the difference? I mean apart from the obvious of getting more chanels. Is it legal?!

[LeroyPatrol]

Of course it's legal! It's not confusing, just another option seeing you only have approval for SBS and ABC and these channels are on Optus D1 free to air. You then don't have to use a crappy UEC receiver and can choose something a little more friendly!

Leroy

[mtv]

The downside of going with ABC/SBS on D1 is none of the commercial channels are available, or will become available, so if jayda went down this path, they would then have to buy a VAST box anyway, then re-align the dish when the commercial channels became available in their area.

Yes, adding 'traveller' to the application will give them all commercial channels now.

Pre-approval isn't the actual application, so that's easily changed to include their new intention to travel.

[gordon_s1942]

The fact that you/your parents PLANNED a trip and got a VAST Travellers Approval in readiness but havent yet taken it is within the guidlines as I read them and you have 6 months to do so but if circumstances delay your trip or you PLAN to travel into other areas later , you may just have to extend the original 6 month approval wont it ?
Plans of Mice and Men etc,etc,etc????
Typical 'Grey Nomads', out on the road spending the Kids Inheritence.................

[LeroyPatrol]

The downside of going with ABC/SBS on D1 is none of the commercial channels are available, or will become available, so if jayda went down this path, they would then have to buy a VAST box anyway, then re-align the dish when the commercial channels became available in their area.

Pros and cons for everything but it will also help others when making a similar decision.

Cheers,
Leroy

[jayda]

Thanks everyone for their opinion. It definitely all helps. At this stage of my parent's life, as least change as possible makes their lives' simpler so will go with the VAST.

[jayda]

Oh, this is the reply I got re the VAST approval..I thought that was approval??!

"Thank you for your application to receive VAST satellite television services.

ABC and SBS services will be enabled on your decoder in the next 48 hours.

You are eligible to receive commercial VAST channels if you have been previously granted special permission at your location to receive satellite television via the Aurora satellite platform.

We are unable to find any evidence of you having received special permission or an Aurora smart card registered to you. Your application to receive commercial VAST services has therefore been rejected.

Applications to receive commercial VAST services cannot be accepted until 6 months before the declared Analogue TV switch off date in your area. Please re-apply after that date.

You will however continue to receive ABC and SBS services.

If you wish to have this decision reviewed, you may do so by contacting the Australian Communications and Media Authority at

Kind regards

VAST"

[jayda]

So should I just fill out the form here? You don't think it would look sus that I'm doing this within a day of each other?!

[Tiny]

So should I just fill out the form here? You don't think it would look sus that I'm doing this within a day of each other?!

First, have you actually got the equipment yet, in particular the UEC 4121 Box with smart card?
If not you wont be able to fill in the form, as you need the smart card number.

If & when you have the box then you can apply.

Haven't heard of anyone being rejected as a traveler yet, let us know what happens.

Once you get approval as a traveler the reapplication every 6 months is easy.

All you need to do is enter your name & smart card number.
No reasons for extension necessary.
Click submit & the automated database gives you a conformation of extension & date extended to.
Also shows your already registered email address & sends an email to you.

Then when your parents are eligible for switching over to VAST as a permanent, then go with that, every one has changes in circumstances over time even grey nomads settle down eventually

[mtv]

So should I just fill out the form here? You don't think it would look sus that I'm doing this within a day of each other?!

It's the correct form, but you will need the smartcard serial number first, which you won't have until the decoder is installed.

Regardless, the form should not be lodged before the decoder is connected to a correctly installed dish, as the over-the-air activation of the smartcard will not be received and the box will not decode any channels.

Guys.... I'll be supplying and installing the gear.. so it will all be taken care of.

[LeroyPatrol]

The activatoin is almost instant now so there will be no waiting.

Leroy

[mtv]

The activatoin is almost instant now so there will be no waiting.

Leroy

Yep... that's why it should be a simple process at the time of installation.

[jayda]

Ok, I see that about needing the serial number first.

With the one for applying for SBS and ABC only it says to use * - For a decoder pre-approval request please use 42000000000 which I did.

Obviously I have no idea and thank goodness for mtv!