Recently signed up to TalkTalk TV (né Tiscali TV), an IPTV-based setup.
If you're thinking of doing the same - beware!
At face value it looked good: all Freeview channels + Sky 1/2/3 & Sky Arts, FX & various other satellite-type channels. A free HDMI PVR that records 2 channels simultaneously; free wireless router + unlimited 8MB broadband; 'free' landline calls 24/7, incl line rental - all for £25/month + a one-off £30 instal fee. Not bad, eh?
However, what TalkTalk don't tell you is that the TV PQ is dependent on your broadband DL speed, you need at least 7.5MB to get decent PQ or to receive their on-demand HD films. For example, I get 5.4MB DL speed, so the PQ is VERY mediocre & inconsistent.
It's not possible to record 2 ADSL-sourced/satellite-type channels simultaneously, only 1 ADSL & a Freeview, or 2 Freeviews. In turn, nor can you watch the 'catch-up' service, which is via ADSL, & record an ADSL-sourced channel simultaneously.
Also, the PVR has the world's noisiest, most intrusive & irritating cooling fan, which also whirrs away 24/7 if the box is on recording stand-by (not exactly eco-friendly & a tad annoying when you want some P&Q). And invariably the box requires several prods of its remote's 'on' button before it will deign to fire up.
Not surprisingly, I've cancelled my contract & gone back to using my Humax.
If you're thinking of doing the same - beware!
At face value it looked good: all Freeview channels + Sky 1/2/3 & Sky Arts, FX & various other satellite-type channels. A free HDMI PVR that records 2 channels simultaneously; free wireless router + unlimited 8MB broadband; 'free' landline calls 24/7, incl line rental - all for £25/month + a one-off £30 instal fee. Not bad, eh?
However, what TalkTalk don't tell you is that the TV PQ is dependent on your broadband DL speed, you need at least 7.5MB to get decent PQ or to receive their on-demand HD films. For example, I get 5.4MB DL speed, so the PQ is VERY mediocre & inconsistent.
It's not possible to record 2 ADSL-sourced/satellite-type channels simultaneously, only 1 ADSL & a Freeview, or 2 Freeviews. In turn, nor can you watch the 'catch-up' service, which is via ADSL, & record an ADSL-sourced channel simultaneously.
Also, the PVR has the world's noisiest, most intrusive & irritating cooling fan, which also whirrs away 24/7 if the box is on recording stand-by (not exactly eco-friendly & a tad annoying when you want some P&Q). And invariably the box requires several prods of its remote's 'on' button before it will deign to fire up.
Not surprisingly, I've cancelled my contract & gone back to using my Humax.