Loading ...Samsung SMT-S7800
6.73 out of 10 (290 votes)
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Samsung Freesat+ HD PVR Digital Box (SMT-S7800)
Released: March/April 2011
Samsung SMT-S7800 Price Comparison (buy online now)
| STORE | PRICE | P+P | DISCOUNT CODE | TOTAL | SHOP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | £189.95 | FREE | - | £189.95 |  |
| Dixons | £189.95 | FREE | - | £189.95 | |
| Laskys | £189.95 | FREE | - | £189.95 | |
| John Lewis | £229.95 | FREE | 2 year warranty | £229.95 | |
| Comet | £229.99 | FREE | £229.99 | |
|
| Currys | £229.99 | FREE | - | £229.99 | |
| Satbuyer | £249.00 | £5.00 | - | £254.00 |  |
*Discount codes must be entered when prompted at checkout to apply savings
No discounts at this time.
About the Samsung SMT-S7800 Freesat+HD Digital Box (official press release 23-Mar-11)
Samsung Electronics Co. UK Ltd., announces the sleek and stylish SMT-S7800 Freesat HD PVR, providing choice and flexibility to TV owners wanting to get the most from their set.
Offering up to 250-hours of standard definition or 120-hours of high definition recording with its 500GB of storage, the built-in twin tuner lets you record one channel while watching another. The ‘+’ functionality means that you can pause, rewind and fast forward live TV, so there’s no need to miss your favourite programme.
The SMT-S7800 is full HD, delivering dazzlingly rich colours and vivid detail and it supports standard definition upscaling, providing a sharp and crisp picture. It is also Wi-Fi enabled and will allow you to gain access to Freesat’s on demand services including YouTube and BBC iPlayer. Support for ITV Player will follow shortly.
The contemporary and minimal design makes the PVR a stylish addition to any home entertainment set-up. Features include a light-up front panel showing channel information, time and commands plus a USB port integrated into the chic facia.
Samsung’s Smart Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) makes finding your favourite TV shows easy with channel programme listings, series link, recorded programme lists, disk space availability and a screensaver function to protect the TV. The SMT-S7800’s low power consumption in standby mode is less than 1watt, which will appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
Andy Griffiths, Vice President of Consumer Electronics, Samsung UK, said,;
Samsung continues to deliver against its promise to create products that evolve with the needs and desires of our customers. With the Digital Switchover happening, we want every TV owner to be able to enjoy a great selection of TV channels and connectivity options. The SMT-S7800 is Samsung’s first foray into the UK retail set top box market and we are looking forward to becoming a force in this sector
Managing Director of Freesat, Emma Scott, said;
Marrying a trusted and loved national TV service with such a well known household name can only mean good things for both Samsung and Freesat, and it’s great to have them on board. This launch further strengthens the Freesat proposition of subscription-free satellite TV and is part of our long-term plan to keep on innovating to offer viewers across the UK great TV without monthly bills
Samsung SMT-S7800 Specification
- Information to follow…
Samsung SMT-S7800 Online Reviews
We haven’t seen a review, let us know if you have!
Samsung SMT-S7800 Product Links
Samsung SMT-S7800 Product Page
Samsung SMT-S7800 User Manual
March 3rd, 2011 at 5:50 pm
March 4th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
The only link found to date (by Paul-well done-thanks) is
http://www.samsung.com/global/business/telecommunication/productInfo.do?ctgry_group=14&ctgry_type=81&b2b_prd_id=572
Samsungs website(s) don’t seem to respond to a search for the product ref.
RozzoQuote
March 22nd, 2011 at 8:02 pm
http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/tv-audio-video/set-top-box/set-top-box/SMT-S7800/XEU/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail
RozzoQuote
March 23rd, 2011 at 4:24 pm
I wonder if you can stream films from Lovefilms with an account at Lovefilms like you can on some other Samsung Products?
It would be good if you can..
ztoppeQuote
March 23rd, 2011 at 6:07 pm
http://www.laskys.com/Samsung
2.5% Off Everything Use Code Lent25
Save £7.50 on SAMSUNG SMT-S7800 at £292.49
and on the first day it is out too
ztoppeQuote
March 24th, 2011 at 8:15 am
March 25th, 2011 at 4:31 pm
It seems to have vanished from Samsung’s website.
Samsung SMT-S7800 Product Page
http://www.samsung.com/uk/common/notfound.html
Richard CrichtonQuote
March 25th, 2011 at 6:10 pm
in the belief we are not talking vapourware, dose any one know if it possible to make a dvd like copy of a programme, then archive it to a flash drive so that I can take it to a friends house?
jamesQuote
March 27th, 2011 at 12:13 am
How can 28 people rate/vote on this item when no one has got one yet?
ztoppeQuote
March 29th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
I have took some quick phone photos and put them on this link
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ztoppe/5570325585/in/photostream/
I will add more later on
There is now about 54 Photos on the above link. I know they are not the best photos but they were took on my phone for speed so to get them up on flickr as soon as I could. So I will say sorry now for some of them, but I hope they will help you.
ztoppeQuote
March 29th, 2011 at 3:20 pm
Ok my first impressions of it is very very good I like the feel of the remote and it works from any part of the room I am in and from any angle which is good. Plus some of the keys glow in the dark. I have try the remote from 22 feet away and it works fine.
It is very easy to set up and the menu system is fast. I also got Channel 4 HD on the Non-freesat part and did a test recording of what was on at the time and it played back OK.
The iPlayer works well and I had NOT even set up the network yet. The Samsung box find and set the internet network up by itself without me having to do anything apart from pluging the network cable in the back of the box.
YouTube work well and quick also, I had a quick try out and was happy with it.
Now the thing is am I happy I got this? Well at the moment that will have to be a big YES as what I have seen so far is very good.
But remember I have only had this for a few hours so far.
So that is my first impressions.
ztoppeQuote
March 29th, 2011 at 5:13 pm
Thanks so much ztoppe!
I see non-freesat is switched via menu settings > service mode and that you recorded ch4hd that way.
I’d love to know as soon as you can give it a try;
1. if you can set up timer recordings in non-freesat
2. whether these can be epg or manually set?
and eventually …
3. whether there is any auto-switching between modes if you set recordings in both modes
4. any key pages for the more advanced operations you can photograph from the manual that supplement the set of photos you linked to.
RozzoQuote
March 29th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
ztoppe as you have one in your hand, is there a way to down grade hd recordings for the purpose of for example lending a copy to a friend.
Or is there a way to edit recordings, for example to remove adverts
jamesQuote
March 29th, 2011 at 8:49 pm
Q: Have you tried recording from the buffer yet for a program which has already started?
A: Now Been tested
I put it onto a channel before the program started and then waited until it was around 20 mins into the program.
Then I press record and a menu pop up giving 3 choices so I pick the first one “record program” and then waited until the program and recording finish.
Now 1 of 2 things can happen here
1. did it just record from where I had press record in the program missing the first 20 mins.
or
2. did it use the buffer and added the missing first 20 mins.
Well when I went to play it back it had recorded from the beginning of the program, so using the buffer to record from.
So we now know that this is working on this box:D
ztoppeQuote
March 30th, 2011 at 11:46 am
Just finish testing
I have recorded two channels at the same time while watching a third channel.
The two recorded channels were CBBC and Popgirl and the third watch channel (all at the same time) was Pop..:D
see my photo link above and go to the new photos number 055,056 and 057 to see.:)
ztoppeQuote
March 30th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
How to record Three programs on 3 channels which are on at the same time.
HOW it is done:
Schedule the first TWO channels to record as normal.
Then go to the Third channel a few minutes before the Program start and leave it on.
When one of the other channels finish recording (you can check by pressing the “info” on the remote) just press record on the channel you are on and then press record full program on the pop up.
It will then take the full program from the buffer and record the start of full program on to the samsung drive.
You will end up with all three programs recorded on the drive.
That is how I did it. ( I did it my way)
ztoppeQuote
March 31st, 2011 at 9:36 am
Just tried to copy a recording to usb – doesn’t look possible
It might get sent back!
JohnQuote
April 1st, 2011 at 9:54 am
It’s on Amazon now but the price is a bit high and surely they can’t be serious with a release date of 3rd June 2012 (tes TWELVE) when we know it’s already being delivered by other stores.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-SMT-S7800-500GB-Freesat-Recorder/dp/B004S5ZUJ4/ref=sr_1_46?ie=UTF8&qid=1301648288&sr=8-46&tag=5336653544-21
AndyPandyQuote
April 1st, 2011 at 1:34 pm
Admin and all. The official website is back but using the link to the subpages only as below. The main page seems not to be there but the subpages are and it also means that navigating through the drop downs to set top boxes ends up in a not found
http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/tv-audio-video/set-top-box/set-top-box/SMT-S7800/XEU/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail&tab=feature
RozzoQuote
April 1st, 2011 at 6:35 pm
Link to main page seems to work again (maybe it was my third webform submission or maybe others have complained too).
Still no downloadable manual though. I did go through to their global downloads and the box is listed there with a certificate of conformity under the tab for manuals.
RozzoQuote
April 2nd, 2011 at 4:11 am
I complained too.
Laskys price now showing as £279.99 but still out of stock.
Comet now shows “Sorry, this item has now been discontinued”
JGHQuote
April 2nd, 2011 at 4:09 pm
Web formmails I have submitted have come back with the most ridiculous answers; Not our product, It’s a Sony product; Contact the retailer….
Phoning no better; SMT-S7800? that must be a commercial name, what’s the product reference?
Did get another phone no. for “technical” 0800 1691269 but they are too busy to answer now. The message does give an email address I have tried ; eucctv.help@samsung.com and seeing as the auto reply says “Thank you for contacting Samsung Techwin Europe’s CCTV technical support team” I don’t think it will get us anywhere.
RozzoQuote
April 4th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Answer received; wrong dept.
RozzoQuote
April 5th, 2011 at 9:11 am
Laskys sent me an email confirming that they now have 30 units in stock. They have reduced their price to £279.99, matching Currys/Dixons – and also now Comet.
However, those who have been following the firmware problems may be reluctant to buy until Samsung demonstrate their ability to deliver an effective firmware upgrade quickly.
JGHQuote
April 8th, 2011 at 11:53 am
The Amazon price has been reduced to £272.99 but it still shows “due to be released on June 3, 2012″.
JGHQuote
April 23rd, 2011 at 9:29 am
How did you guys give this box such a high score “7.33 out of 10 (82 votes)”?
I cannot even see where you vote for it.
IMHO, at the moment the box has some of the worst bug-ridden software I have seen in years. Also their promised first software update never materialised.
You can however now download the manual.
List of common issues is at http://www.morlocks.co.uk/Samsung_Freesat_Bugs.htm
AutomanQuote
April 24th, 2011 at 7:34 am
Purchased from John Lewis on Friday.
Overall impression v.good.
Takes 30-40 seconds to boot up -I have not timed it fully.
I upgraded from a terestial Humax. the samsung manual is lacking. If you had never seen a pvr or sat box before you would be challenged. Fortunately the menus and buttons are self explanatory so it worked straight out of the box.
Recorded Dr Who in HD.
Picked up my media pc via network and streamed photos and music.
Iplayer works well – took a while to find it on channel 901.
Itv player -coming soon. No 4od. No obvious way to stream from love film.
I am thinking it’s passible with the hardware but needs a software patch.
I chose this over the Humax Fox because of the on demand functions.
V happy so far. No ratting yet. I’ll u it for a week first.
BacksmithQuote
April 25th, 2011 at 8:36 pm
You vote by hovering over the stars at the top of this page. Most votes were made even before it became available so were based on “spec” not “in use”.
RozzoQuote
April 26th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
Unfortunately neither the updated site nor the manual tell me anything about
whether or not it has that DiSEqC I would need so much, which I wrote about previously.
@ztoppe
The photos you originally posted showed some tuning screens for other satellites and I am guessing there might be some reference to DiSEqC in the screens that precede or follow those tuning ones.
Please could you/someone take a look for me.
Now that the price is down to the £250 mark again in some places (and sw update due) I’d like to consider buying one if it has the feature.
RozzoQuote
April 27th, 2011 at 11:55 am
JL and Amazon prices also now reduced, but I won’t buy one yet. Need answers to questions listed on the Samsung website reviews tab (DiSEqC, timers etc) as well as the sw update to happen first.
RozzoQuote
May 3rd, 2011 at 3:11 pm
SW update has taken place but is reported to have only partly cured some of the issues making the box still drop single recordings from the schedule.
RozzoQuote
May 3rd, 2011 at 9:52 pm
Upgraded my SMT-7800 last night with the newly released ‘fix’ Haven’t tested all issues yet but the box now records 2 HD programs one after the other successfully. Very interested in other comments and trials…?
EdGeQuote
May 4th, 2011 at 9:52 am
IMHO with the new firmware it still has the following issues…
Critical
Non series link planned recordings sometimes vanish from Library / Timers.
Some recordings are not made and all you get is several recordings all with the same name at various lengths up to 16 seconds
Non Critical
On channels that support accurate start signals, if the program runs late the unit seems to stop recording at the scheduled time rather than after it actually finishes (however, since new firmware I have not missed a program end so not 100% sure this is still an issue – more late running programs needed to test).
Sometimes the unit will record several 1 second recordings with the same name after the program ends.
Some recordings are saved with no program information.
If connected to your TV using HDMI via an A/V amp you may find you get no sound unless on the amplifier you set it to send HDMI audio to TV (with Sony AMPS at least).
If you load the Media application from a channel with Dolby Digital sound (HD Channels) you will not hear any of your music. (work-around – exit media player, select a non HD channel and try again).
Media player only shows the first 100 matching tracks or artists when browsing.
AutomanQuote
May 9th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
Samsung Technical seem to think vanishing planned recordings are a problem with my units hardware and it needs to go to one of their service centres.
I have asked for a refund and have hooked my old Humax-HDR back up.
AutomanQuote
May 19th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
I understand the Samsung SMT-S7800 was due to receive an OTA update on 4th May. It is impossible to verify whether this happened because the Freesat elements of the DTG website have not been updated since the 25th February. There have been numerous updates in respect of Freeview OTA updates; any idea why DTG has gone into hibernation with regard to Freesat?
Gordon SimeQuote
June 12th, 2011 at 10:34 am
Can owners of this box please post how well it is working or not working…
My one is away at a Samsung service centre who now to seem to have cancelled my repair.
AutomanQuote
June 13th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
Some news, at the amazon website some feedback to comments made indicate a software upgrade will be on offer from the 20th June at their support website.
AutomanQuote
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:10 pm
A new firmware / software release is now on the Samsung website…
Release Notes of SMT-S7800 Software V4.0.296 23rd June, 2011
√ Resolved the issue with missing timers for single recordings.
√ Resolved the issue with small duplicate recordings.
√ Resolved the issue of cutting short recordings.
√ Improved the compatibility with HDMI audio AMP.
Note 1: Some users may experience schedule conflicts when recording some regional programmes in series because of broadcast information. Samsung is working with Freesat to resolve this issue.
So far so good
AutomanQuote
June 29th, 2011 at 9:56 pm
New software is not bad and the box is now usable.
However they have introduced some new bugs and one is quite bad…
If two episodes of the same series follow each other and are recorded by a series link e.g. Family Guy the unit will not stop recording one of them till hours later.
If you playback a recording still being made and stop playback the resume information is not saved.
Clock display is often 15 seconds slow.
AutomanQuote
July 8th, 2011 at 9:48 pm
8th July, 2011 There is also new firmware available! (The Third Update)
Release Notes of SMT-S7800 Software V5.0.300
8th July, 2011
Quote:
√ Resolved the issue of missing some timers of individual recordings after the STB has been low-power standby.
√ Resolved the issue with small duplicate recordings.
√ Resolved the issue of cutting short recordings.
√ Resolved the issue of not being able to stop recording a programme of a series recording in some cases.
√ Improved the compatibility with HDMI audio AMP.
Note 1: Some users may experience schedule conflicts when recording some regional programmes in series because of broadcast information. Samsung is working with Freesat to resolve this issue.
Note 2: This includes the major fixes or improvements, compared with V3.0.273.
Note 3: You can find the latest software from the menu “Support > Downloads” of the website http://www.samsung.com/uk or http://www.samsung.com/uk/support/de…name=SMT-S7800
Tips for users:
√ You can use the SMT-S7800 remote to control most TVs. Refer to the pages 12 or 13 of the User Guide (Ed.01) uploaded on the same website as in Note 3.
√ You can use the HDD auto-eraser feature by turning on the option and by unprotecting recordings with the button . Refer to the pages 41 and 57 of the User Guide.
√ You can use the “Seek Modes” to seek fast a recording by pressing or without release while the play banner is displayed. Refer to the pages 32 and 40 of the User Guide.
√ You can add the time-shifted and watched contents to your instant recording. Refer to the page 32 of the User Guide. ”
ztoppeQuote
August 30th, 2011 at 9:16 pm
My box is 3 months old. And has started to play up. The screen will go black for a few seconds. The will go totally grainy and pixilated. The only button on the R/C that works then is the off switch. If I reboot, it works OK. But tonight for the first time. It keeps going off.
Mike +Quote
September 10th, 2011 at 9:29 am
Everytime I change channel the screen says cannot receive channel please check connection. If I pick a channel then go up andc then back down a channel it works but is a pain. My signal strength is strong…… any ideas anyone?
zacsmithQuote
September 21st, 2011 at 1:30 pm
I’ve got exactly the same problem. A repeat Freesat scan seems to restore channels for a while and then it starts to play up again. It seems to happen on channels where either the strength or quality are just below the 50% mark but I haven’t confirmed this for definite. I had the box connected via a signal splitter because I only have a single LNB so I connected direct on one input alone – same problem. SW upgraded automatically when I switched on. I’m completely stumped. New LNB needed?
JJQuote
September 21st, 2011 at 7:11 pm
@zacsmith, @JJ
2 wires: reset to defaults, choose Two cables on antenna settings.
1 wire: reset to defaults, choose SAT1 or SAT2 on antenna settings.
Make sure you have the latest version of software (5.0.300). If not, download and install via USB.
AmmarokQuote
September 21st, 2011 at 7:22 pm
@JJ (no edit)
Splitter doesn’t work. I’d suggest to upgrade your LNB installation to be able to record 2 and watch 3rd channel at the same time.
AmmarokQuote
September 26th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Hi just got the box in August and for the last 2 day I can not get the Library
contents up the timer will come up but not what I have recorded Im 58 so I wont understand short abbreviations
angelaQuote
October 17th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
Hi Angela,
We got the box in July, and around the end of September, we started experiencing exactly the problem that you describe. After unplugging the box completely, and plugging it back in again, we would sometimes have some of the recorded programs appear again. But after viewing one or 2 recordings, it would start playing up again and show only a few recordings, or none at all.
We’ve now decided to reformat the hard disk, thus unfortunately losing some unwatched recording. We’ll keep you informed whether this will have solved the issue.
JanQuote
October 17th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
Jan, Angela,
Format is not needed, just perform “reset to defaults”. It shall solve the problem.
Also make sure you have the latest software (5.0.300).
AmmarokQuote
October 22nd, 2011 at 3:44 pm
Thanks a lot, Ammarok!!!
Reset to defaults did the job. Do you have any idea why this started happening?
JanQuote
December 30th, 2011 at 9:44 am
i have recorded lots over xmas now all thatshows up on library is the contents of the timer when you go up to the actual contents recorded just a blank screen any suggestions before i take a hammer to it or get adivorce only got it at end of oct 2011
peteQuote
December 30th, 2011 at 10:58 am
@pete: read 48.
AmmarokQuote
January 19th, 2012 at 6:14 pm
Updated FAQ from Samsung site:
Settop Box : Missing programme information when accessing EPG Guide (Electronic Programme Guide)
Because of the way programme information data is updated whilst the device is in standby, occasionally some of the information is not completely gathered, and therefore is not displayed when the device is switched on.
We are aware of this issue, and are currently working to provide a software update, to enable the programme data to be displayed much faster.
A fix for this issue will be available in the next software update, scheduled for the 2nd May from Samsung’s website. An ‘Over-the-Air’ download will be available from the 4th May.
This software update notification is shown on numerous FAQ, so let’s hope it solves most of the problems.
MikeQuote
January 26th, 2012 at 3:14 pm
Anybody help with this problem?
When I push the ‘on’ button the HDR goes from blue light to ‘– –’ (4 dashes) and then, eventually, the clock appears. You then have to do a further press to get the unit to displkay a channel both on the TV and on the units front panel.
So does this unit need 2 ‘on’ button presses to get fully operational? Also, if I turn the TV off or into standby after 5 minutes the HDR goes back into ‘deep sleep’, as I call it, and then needs two ‘on’ button pushes, as detailed above, to get fully operational again.
EamonnQuote
January 28th, 2012 at 8:10 pm
We had to retore defaults this morning (again – this is the third time) but since then when the sat box is switched on the tv crackles (like a power surge – or like its going explode !). It doesn’t happen when watching a DVD (so we think the problem is with the box) – anyone any ideas ? Before 9pm and Borgen starts if possible
FlintonQuote
February 24th, 2012 at 10:32 am
Is it possible that this update mentioned for 2nd May is last year’s update… Very co-incidental that it’s exactly the same dates as 2011??
CastleQuote
March 2nd, 2012 at 3:05 pm
Quite often when i select library, the list of recorded programs is blank and the only way i have found to recover or veiw them is to switch of at the mains and reboot. Any solutions anyone?
SteveCQuote
March 8th, 2012 at 1:45 pm
Hi Steve,
Reset box to factory default and your sorted.
SteveCQuote
March 12th, 2012 at 7:58 pm
may be of interest to some
available used like new from amazon warehouse for £123.19
cheers
afQuote
March 16th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
I think the May update is going to include ITV player
Lee SQuote
April 8th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Our flat has just been upgraded to SCR-enabled feed – anyone know how to get this working?
DrPaulQuote
May 2nd, 2012 at 5:51 pm
any one know when the update is coming out as found on the forum here 2/05/2012 been to samsungs website and no update can even find anything from samsung about the update also what will the update involve
Raj GhaiQuote
May 2nd, 2012 at 6:05 pm
Raj GhaiQuote
May 2nd, 2012 at 7:26 pm
Have just checked this page
http://www.dtg.org.uk/industry/download_schedule.php
This week’s scheduled OTA upgrade isn’t even listed anymore. Anyone know if it’s been re-scheduled or just cancelled?
MikeQuote
May 3rd, 2012 at 3:26 pm
See this reply posted on Digital Spy
Upgrade now moved to June or July, no exact date know yet!
Does Admin at joinfreesat have a contact at Samsung to confirm what is really happening?
Thanks
MikeQuote
May 3rd, 2012 at 3:27 pm
Oops, link not shown in last post, here is the full reply
Thank you for contacting Samsung.
I am sorry to hear of your continuing problems with your Freesat box.
We have received confirmation from Joe, our audio visual engineer, that
a firmware update for this product will be released in June or July of
this (exact date TBA). You can check for the update becoming available
at the following link (under ‘Firmware’):
http://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mo…/XEU-downloads
If you have any additional queries or require further assistance, please
contact Samsung again and we will be happy to help.
Kind regards,
Helen
MikeQuote
May 3rd, 2012 at 3:37 pm
Not really surprised to be honest, still not convinced they will release any update, or certainly won’t resolve all the bugs in the current software. Shame really as it would be a cracking receiver otherwise.
I’ll have a word, see if I can dig anything else up; Samsung are notoriously cagey though.
adminQuote
May 3rd, 2012 at 4:49 pm
Thanks
MikeQuote
May 3rd, 2012 at 4:56 pm
hi thanks for replying to my previous comment but does any one what this update will include will it have itv player or is that down to samsung or freesat
and will it become smart tv freesat box like the new box samsung released yersterday
Many thanks
Raj GhaiQuote
May 8th, 2012 at 12:34 am
Good Freesat PVR but I wont be buying one until Samsung bring out a Smart Hub version like they have with the Freeview PVR!!!
SimonQuote
May 10th, 2012 at 11:11 pm
Email from Richer Sounds say its now £179.95 and £219.95 TSP
JohnQuote