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We somehow missed this one but thanks to a reader (Duncan Macdonald), we’ve been made aware that the software update on the standard-definition Alba boxes (Grundig, Bush, Goodmans) was automatically carried out a few days ago, suspected to be around 27th July (or sooner, please let us know if you received earlier).
The update carries the same changes the HD boxes received earlier in the month (see Alba Box Update Now Live) but unlike the HD receivers, the version number hasn’t changed so many of you may be unaware of the update.
The biggest addition is the ability to add FTA (free-to-air) channels which are currently not on the official Freesat EPG (tv guide).
The software version is 1.2.16.
July 31st, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Not sure when this update actually occurred - probably nearer mid July at a guess from other blogs.
If your box has not updated - i.e. you cannot see the new genre options in EPG - set the upgrade option to manual in settings menu and go to the EPG (Guide button) and just wait (make a cup of tea) until it informs you it is updating. It will later inform you it is rebooting shortly - it doesn’t but switches itself “off” to standby.
Switch to on to experience the new software (which is great!).
Hidden paging tip:
To page up/down in any of the channel list options use the CH+/CH- button.
This also works as a useful alternative on EPG lists.
Many people will not be “techies” and will not have a clue how to manually tune in any of the “Sky” free channels which are not yet available on FREESAT and I hope to post another comment in the next day or so with practical examples using a few popular programmes.
Duncan
July 31st, 2008 at 2:38 pm
My Goodmans SD box was updated around 2 or 3 weeks ago - around the same time as the HD boxes were updated.
July 31st, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Manual Tuning Guide/Examples for non “techies”.
(To obtain “Sky” free channels not yet available on FREESAT called FTA channels which will be accessed when stored by pressing Swap button after pressing CH LIST button.)
On Settings menu scroll to : Show Non-Freesat Services
and select the YES option.
Scroll up to : Add Non-Freesat Services.
Press OK twice to enter Manual Tune display.
Ignore the two lower data boxes.
Enter your data in the top left hand data box as follows:
Lets try the Travel and Travel 2 channels as an example.
Enter Frequency as 12560
Enter Symbol Rate as 27500
Enter LNB Polarisation as V (right arrow to change)
Scroll down to Scan and start scan (right arrow).
Wait until small TV picture appears then Exit as new programmes now stored.
Unfortunately it will have stored a whole gruop of programmes and you now have to delete the unwanted ones.
Press CH LIST and press Swap to view FTA channels stored.
Use the delete feature shown on screen and enter your pass code each time.
Default pass code is 4 zeros.
For OMusic enter Frequency 11224 and the same Symbol Rate/Polarisation as before.
For Sky News enter Frequency 12207 and same other data.
Where do these numbers come from?
My source was the very useful listings in What Satellite magazine - page 84 August issue. From the above examples you will see where the numbers come from. (Other links to sources may found on this website.)
Important! If you do a first time install/rescan you loose all thses FTA channels.
(Free To Air - from Sky platform).
Remember to page jump in Channel Lists use CH+/CH- Button.
Hope this helps,
Duncan
July 31st, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Thank you for your contribution Duncan, worth posting about now
August 5th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
I’ve also been able to do this for weeks on my Bush SD - ever since it was announced for Bush HD etc.
August 7th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
hi can anyone tell me when you can get channel 5 and fiver and any others. thanks ellen. ps trying to make my mind up this or sky freesat