Foxtel and MCE - Has FoxtelIQ trumped it?

howser · **27th February 2005, 10:07 AM**

Hi all
Im pretty sure that you have all heard about foxtelIQ, but if not go here: www.foxteliq.com.au. Pretty much its a PVR sold by Foxtel that allows you to record two (yes, 2) channels at once and all the while watching another one. It replaces your foxtel box and as such has all the necessary components for decrypt that bastard of an encryption system NDS.

Anyways, the point of this post is as follows: It seems that the foxtelIQ has some big advantages over MCE, namely the ability to record to channels at once. My understaning of MCE is that only one channel is able to be recorded, and u have to be watching that channel!

Secondly, the PVR has a USB port which potentially allows the ability to transfer files to a from the HDD (although this would have to be done with Foxtels permission).

Any ideas?

R_a_M_a · **27th February 2005, 10:20 AM**

MCE2005 officially supports the use of 3 tuners (ie, watch 1 and record the other 2)... but not in Aus, not with digital tuners anyway.
You can use 2 digital tuners with MCE, and in so doing, watch 1 channel while recording another - that's never been a problem... well when I say never...

USB huh? Very interesting indeed.

Jewfish · **27th February 2005, 10:23 AM**

Can the foxtel box record FTA ?. If it did, I would get it. We have fox, but we watch much more FTA than foxtel. If they made a one box does all (pay+fta), they would be sitting on something pretty hot.

With MCE you can record 2 or more channels at once and switch channels no problem (you just need multiple tuner cards). The fox box can only play a pre-recorded show while recording 2 channels, so it's the same as MCE). The unfortunate bit is you cannot get foxtel into MCE without throwing out digital tv and going to analog

Rob.

howser · **27th February 2005, 11:20 AM**

Im Pretty sure the IQ will record all foxtel channels (including FTA).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jewfish

With MCE you can record 2 or more channels at once and switch channels no problem (you just need multiple tuner cards). The fox box can only play a pre-recorded show while recording 2 channels, so it's the same as MCE). The unfortunate bit is you cannot get foxtel into MCE without throwing out digital tv and going to analog

Rob.

I dont see the problem of using MCE with foxtel being that of losing digital quality (I mean, who really cares unless your a afficanado) but rather that you have to be watching the channel your recording (ie. can only watch and record one channel). Then again, you could get another fox box and record one channel on one tuner and watch on another

Anyways, when will these prickly pears at foxtel cave and allow intergration with MCE!!!

mattyg · **2nd March 2005, 02:49 PM**

Yes, Foxtel digital has the australian free to air channels on it. But with a few exceptions.

1. Only SD broadcasts not HD
2. Ten and Seven do not give you an EPG, nor do they have now or next.
3. Seven is in 4x3 not 16.9

I think it is their analog transmistion.

Jewfish · **4th March 2005, 06:24 PM**

I am in Newcastle, NSW and only get SBS and ABC with foxtel digital.

Rob.

mattyg · **4th March 2005, 06:59 PM**

Are you on cable or have a Satelite Dish??

Jewfish · **4th March 2005, 07:45 PM**

Satellite.
Rob.

mattyg · **4th March 2005, 10:36 PM**

Thought so, the three major FTA networks, do not share their transmitions on the foxtel satelite network. This may change in the future, but don't hold your breath.

graham_h · **19th April 2005, 02:53 PM**

it would be great if someone could get an IQ and pull it apart.
I just want the tuner so we can do 2 foxtel channels at once.
The thing about it deleting your movies after 2 days is annoying aswell