Installing USB tuner

gawaterman · Post by **gawaterman** » Tue Aug 29, 2017 12:32

Have just received a new USB tuner from Beyonwiz and it just comes in a envelope with no instructions.
The physical part is easy but not sure what I need to do in the setup.
Does it just install itself or are there proceedures to follow?

MrQuade · Post by **MrQuade** » Tue Aug 29, 2017 12:35

Just plug it into the USB port and an antenna connection and the only thing you need to do then is reboot.

You can check that the Tuner has been detected by going into MENU->Information->Devices

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Tue Aug 29, 2017 13:22

Which dongle type - the one labeled "beyonwiz MINI" or the one labeled "DVB-T+DAB+FM"? They use different chipsets.
The driver for the ITE 9135 chipset in the "beyonwiz MINI" is pre-installed. The driver for the Realtek RTL2832U chipset in the "DVB-T+DAB+FM" dongle is pre-installed only in the 17.5-series beta, you can install it from PLUGIN -> GREEN/Download plugins, expand drivers, then select dvb-usb-rtl2832. Reboot after installing.

gawaterman · Post by **gawaterman** » Tue Aug 29, 2017 15:38

Neither of those. It says its a
Tuner D: DVB-T TV Stick (DVB-C2)
Switchable tuner types:(DVB-C2)
Nothing connected

Edit: Sorry, that was on screen in setup, on the stick itself says Beyonwiz Mini

MrQuade · Post by **MrQuade** » Tue Aug 29, 2017 15:58

gawaterman wrote: ↑
Tue Aug 29, 2017 15:38
Neither of those. It says its a
Tuner D: DVB-T TV Stick (DVB-C2)
Switchable tuner types:(DVB-C2)
Nothing connected

Edit: Sorry, that was on screen in setup, on the stick itself says Beyonwiz Mini

That's good then. It means that the stick is detected and operating.
You can test it by either creating 3 recordings on 3 separate broadcasters, and then zapping the live view to a 4th broadcaster, or you can go into your settings, and set Tuner D as your preferred tuner for Live TV, and then zap channels.

peteru · Post by **peteru** » Tue Aug 29, 2017 21:31

DVB-C2 is not right. It should be DVB-T or DVB-T2. Please double check and take screenshots of what you see.

MrQuade · Post by **MrQuade** » Tue Aug 29, 2017 21:48

It's interesting that it lists "Switchable types". I've never seen that entry in the MENU->Information->Devices section before.

It looks more like the entries that appear in MENU->Setup->Tuners->Tuner configuration section.

gawaterman · Post by **gawaterman** » Wed Aug 30, 2017 14:39

It looks more like the entries that appear in MENU->Setup->Tuners->Tuner configuration section.

Yes, that's what I was reading

IanSav · Post by **IanSav** » Wed Aug 30, 2017 17:52

Hi,

I am noticing more of the hybrid type devices appearing that can be used for terrestrial, cable and in some cases even satellite reception. I wonder if this may be one of this new generation of hybrid devices.

Regards,
Ian.

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Wed Aug 30, 2017 23:32

peteru wrote: ↑
Tue Aug 29, 2017 21:31
DVB-C2 is not right. It should be DVB-T or DVB-T2. Please double check and take screenshots of what you see.

I viewed the 'Tuner configuration' on my T2 with an ITE 9135 chipped dongle and an RTL2832U chipped dongle.
I got different results between a GUI restart and a reboot.

ITE 9135:
Reboot - Switchable tuner types:(DVB-T,DVB-C,DVB-C2,DVB-S2,DVB-T2)
GUI restart - Switchable tuner types:(DVB-S2,DVB-T2)

RTL2832U:
Reboot - not switchable
GUI restart - not switchable
Reboot *again* - Switchable tuner types:(DVB-T,DVB-T2)
GUI restart *again* - not switchable

I'm sure the ITE mini dongle also showed a different result when booting via on/off switch from deep standby (i.e. not all 5 types)

I think the reporting is a bit flakey.

exitguy · Post by **exitguy** » Wed Jan 17, 2018 10:20

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Wed Aug 30, 2017 23:32
I got different results between a GUI restart and a reboot.
I think the reporting is a bit flakey.

I agree, same here when I tested yesterday.
After Cold Boot - Switchable Tuner (DVB-C, DVB-T2)
After GUI Restart - Switchable Tuner (DVB-T, DVB-C, DVB-C2, DVB-S2, DVB-*)

Recording testing Tue 16th & Wed 17th with the following setup:-
Tuner A - Live TV Eleven
Tuner B - Record SBS HD 1725-1810
Tuner C - Record Seven HD 1755-1840
Playback from Tuner C recording had breakup and pixelation for the first 10-15min, then stabilised and was OK till end of recording.

Me thinks maybe it is being caused by the inbuilt Tuner B pass-through amplifying the signal too much for Tuner C (USB), is that possible ??

Is it worth getting a dual splitter (2) and connect the Tuner A (looped to Tuner B) and Tuner C to their own antennae inputs to see if that improves the situation ??

Apart from this niggly little inconvenience

pretty happy with the unit so far

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Wed Jan 17, 2018 18:30

exitguy wrote: ↑
Wed Jan 17, 2018 10:20
...
Me thinks maybe it is being caused by the inbuilt Tuner B pass-through amplifying the signal too much for Tuner C (USB), is that possible ??

Is it worth getting a dual splitter (2) and connect the Tuner A (looped to Tuner B) and Tuner C to their own antennae inputs to see if that improves the situation ??

Apart from this niggly little inconvenience pretty happy with the unit so far

Have a read of the "T2 picture breakup (as passthrough tuner and in recording)" thread. It'll likely put you to sleep, but start at page 5 if you want to know the results. I'd suggest you do some proper testing to satisfy yourself as to whether you need to swap tuner types or not.

I was feeding a split signal into the USB tuner.

exitguy · Post by **exitguy** » Wed Jan 17, 2018 21:40

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Wed Jan 17, 2018 18:30

Have a read of the "T2 picture breakup (as passthrough tuner and in recording)" thread. It'll likely put you to sleep, but start at page 5 if you want to know the results. I'd suggest you do some proper testing to satisfy yourself as to whether you need to swap tuner types or not.

I was feeding a split signal into the USB tuner.

Have had a read - interesting stuff. From your post this would be the one to purchase, as I believe that what I am suffering probably will not be fixed just by splitting the signal to the tuners as I indicated previously.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/252771553000

Is the PAL connector on the unit a full size one that I can just connect via a short cable to either the Tuner B output or splitter ??
If it is smaller, what cable would I need to get to connect between a standard size PAL and the unit ??

prl · Post by **prl** » Wed Jan 17, 2018 21:45

exitguy wrote: ↑
Wed Jan 17, 2018 21:40
...
Is the PAL connector on the unit a full size one that I can just connect via a short cable to either the Tuner B output or splitter ??
If it is smaller, what cable would I need to get to connect between a standard size PAL and the unit ??

The USB tuner that Beyonwiz sells/supplies has a 30-cm cable with a miniature connector on one end that plugs into the tuner and a standard female PAL connector on the other end that connects to a tuner out connector on the PVR or into a separate antenna feed if you do it that way.

exitguy · Post by **exitguy** » Wed Jan 17, 2018 22:06

prl wrote: ↑
Wed Jan 17, 2018 21:45

The USB tuner that Beyonwiz sells/supplies has a 30-cm cable with a miniature connector on one end that plugs into the tuner and a standard female PAL connector on the other end that connects to a tuner out connector on the PVR or into a separate antenna feed if you do it that way.

So it would be possible to re-use the BW 30cm cable to connect the TV Tuner Receiver Stick RTL2832U+R820T2 I am buying to replace the BW one that does not work.

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Wed Jan 17, 2018 22:13

exitguy wrote: ↑
Wed Jan 17, 2018 21:40
...
Have had a read - interesting stuff. From your post this would be the one to purchase, as I believe that what I am suffering probably will not be fixed just by splitting the signal to the tuners as I indicated previously.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/252771553000

Is the PAL connector on the unit a full size one that I can just connect via a short cable to either the Tuner B output or splitter ??
If it is smaller, what cable would I need to get to connect between a standard size PAL and the unit ??

Yep, that looks like what I bought from "bestoou" - USB 2.0 Digital DVB-T SDR+DAB+FM HDTV TV Tuner Receiver Stick RTL2832U+R820T2
I bought it back in May for $13.25, so I see the price has gone up - demand and supply for 'Wiz tuners

You just use the existing Belling-Lee / PAL connector cable you were already using with the "beyonwiz MINI DVB®T Terrestrial" dongle, as the two dongles have the same micro-MCX female connector.

exitguy · Post by **exitguy** » Wed Jan 17, 2018 22:22

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Wed Jan 17, 2018 22:13

Yep, that looks like what I bought from "bestoou" - USB 2.0 Digital DVB-T SDR+DAB+FM HDTV TV Tuner Receiver Stick RTL2832U+R820T2
I bought it back in May for $13.25, so I see the price has gone up - demand and supply for 'Wiz tuners

You just use the existing Belling-Lee / PAL connector cable you were already using with the "beyonwiz MINI DVB®T Terrestrial" dongle, as the two dongles have the same micro-MCX female connector.

Just ordered, I'll make sure the drivers are there, running 17.5 20171230 so should not have any problems.
Hopefully this will fix third tuner saga and I'll keep the BW tuner as a keepsake.

sub3R · Post by **sub3R** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 09:44

exitguy wrote: ↑
Wed Jan 17, 2018 22:22
... and I'll keep the BW tuner as a keepsake.

Why not send the BW tuner back to Beyonwiz under warranty? They obviously don’t work reliably. Until they are replaced with a USB tuner that works reliably we have only got a two tuner T2, not a three tuner T2 that was advertised & we paid for.

exitguy · Post by **exitguy** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 09:55

sub3R wrote: ↑
Thu Jan 18, 2018 09:44

Why not send the BW tuner back to Beyonwiz under warranty? They obviously don’t work reliably. Until they are replaced with a USB tuner that works reliably we have only got a two tuner T2, not a three tuner T2 that was advertised & we paid for.

Could do that but all they will do is probably send out another, and guess what - it probably won't work either based upon others experiences
All I'd be doing is wasting my time & money on postage with no outcome, might as well just spend the $16 and get something that works.
If they do come out with a fix which is good I could test with the BW unit and then use the eBay one on some other piece of equipment.

Brainz · Post by **Brainz** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 10:16

exitguy wrote: ↑
Wed Jan 17, 2018 22:22

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Wed Jan 17, 2018 22:13

Yep, that looks like what I bought from "bestoou" - USB 2.0 Digital DVB-T SDR+DAB+FM HDTV TV Tuner Receiver Stick RTL2832U+R820T2
I bought it back in May for $13.25, so I see the price has gone up - demand and supply for 'Wiz tuners

You just use the existing Belling-Lee / PAL connector cable you were already using with the "beyonwiz MINI DVB®T Terrestrial" dongle, as the two dongles have the same micro-MCX female connector.
Just ordered, I'll make sure the drivers are there, running 17.5 20171230 so should not have any problems.
Hopefully this will fix third tuner saga and I'll keep the BW tuner as a keepsake.

I purchased one of these blue sticks for my T2 not long after Grumpy_Geoff had tested them and agree that it is far more stable the the BW mini.

There are a couple of minor(?) issues to note i.e the lack of any signal strength or quality reading being displayed and the inability of the T2 to detect the correct tuner mode on occasions.

The signal display is mostly irrevelant as the tuner performs at least as well as the BW mini.

The detection issue was one I had almost forgotten about after the 20171204 & 20171230 firmwares were released. I had stopped checking when starting up from shutdown/deep-standby because it had worked without issue for about a month but it came back and bit me last night.
You may sometimes find that the USB tuner is not functioning in the correct mode and you can only access the 2 inbuilt tuners. If it appears as anything other then DVB-T or DVB-T2 in the MENU->Setup->Tuners->Tuner configuration section you will need to reboot and check again.

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 10:44

Brainz wrote: ↑
Thu Jan 18, 2018 10:16
...
The detection issue was one I had almost forgotten about after the 20171204 & 20171230 firmwares were released. I had stopped checking when starting up from shutdown/deep-standby because it had worked without issue for about a month but it came back and bit me last night.
You may sometimes find that the USB tuner is not functioning in the correct mode and you can only access the 2 inbuilt tuners. If it appears as anything other then DVB-T or DVB-T2 in the MENU->Setup->Tuners->Tuner configuration section you will need to reboot and check again.

That 'non-terrestrial' USB tuner issue occurs with the standard Beyonwiz MINI DVB®T Terrestrial (ITE chipset) dongle too. The issue can ocur on T2 and T3 units. I haven't had it for about two months now (touch wood),
If it occurs, you only need to perform a UI restart, a reboot isn't needed.

exitguy · Post by **exitguy** » Fri Jan 19, 2018 10:40

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Thu Jan 18, 2018 10:44

That 'non-terrestrial' USB tuner issue occurs with the standard Beyonwiz MINI DVB®T Terrestrial (ITE chipset) dongle too. The issue can ocur on T2 and T3 units. I haven't had it for about two months now (touch wood),
If it occurs, you only need to perform a UI restart, a reboot isn't needed.

So I gather your a happy-chappy with the eBay one ??, my order has shipped so hopefully here early next week and I can install / test

In regard to the driver, I cannot see the one you mentioned earlier in this thread (admit is was some time ago like early last year 2017) enigma2-plugin-drivers-DVB-USB-rtl2832-1.0-r2.1
but there is one in the packages shown as DVB-USB-rtl2832 with a Green halo on the RHS (presume that means that it is installed as part of 17.5)

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Fri Jan 19, 2018 13:27

exitguy wrote: ↑
Fri Jan 19, 2018 10:40
So I gather your a happy-chappy with the eBay one ??, my order has shipped so hopefully here early next week and I can install / test

Yep, works fine.

exitguy wrote: In regard to the driver, I cannot see the one you mentioned earlier in this thread (admit is was some time ago like early last year 2017) enigma2-plugin-drivers-DVB-USB-rtl2832-1.0-r2.1
but there is one in the packages shown as DVB-USB-rtl2832 with a Green halo on the RHS (presume that means that it is installed as part of 17.5)

Yep, enigma2-plugin-drivers-dvb-usb-rtl2832 is already installed with the 17.5-series. Early on in the 17.5-series beta phase I asked peteru if he could include it and he did so.

exitguy · Post by **exitguy** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 09:51

A couple of questions about aerial connection on the T2:-

Is it a preference to daisy-chain - A In -> A Out -> B In -> B Out -> C In (USB Tuner)
OR
Is it better to have each Tuner connected from a 3-way splitter - Aerial -> Splitter In -> Splitter Out 1/2/3 -> Tuner A In/Tuner B In/Tuner C In

prl · Post by **prl** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 09:58

There are opinions both ways with little in the way of hard evidence to back them up.

I've never used anything other than daisychaining, but I'm in an area with good signal strength.

MrQuade · Post by **MrQuade** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 10:01

Splitter.

exitguy · Post by **exitguy** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 11:00

Thanks - got good signal so with what I have (daisy chain).

Does anybody know where I can get an equivalent to the PAL -> MCX connector that is used by the BW USB tuner ??
Searched Google / eBay but can't seem to find any one exactly the same

prl · Post by **prl** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 11:24

Most of the ones I found on eBay were 13-15cm rather than the 30cm one supplied with the Beyonwiz-branded USB tuner.

That might just be long enough on a U4. If you use it in combination with a short USB extension, the length won't really matter.

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 16:47

exitguy wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 23, 2018 11:00
... Does anybody know where I can get an equivalent to the PAL -> MCX connector that is used by the BW USB tuner ??
Searched Google / eBay but can't seem to find any one exactly the same

Aren't you just replacing the Beyonwiz-supplied MINI dongle that came with your T2 with the Rafael Micro/Realtek unit? If so, just use the same lead.

exitguy · Post by **exitguy** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 17:51

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 23, 2018 16:47

Aren't you just replacing the Beyonwiz-supplied MINI dongle that came with your T2 with the Rafael Micro/Realtek unit? If so, just use the same lead.

Yes, but just wanted to get an extra cable for the new unit as well. That way each has their own cable.

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 18:17

exitguy wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 23, 2018 17:51

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 23, 2018 16:47

Aren't you just replacing the Beyonwiz-supplied MINI dongle that came with your T2 with the Rafael Micro/Realtek unit? If so, just use the same lead.
Yes, but just wanted to get an extra cable for the new unit as well. That way each has their own cable.

There won't be any further use for the Beyonwiz MINI dongle though.

dRdoS7 · Post by **dRdoS7** » Wed Jan 24, 2018 08:07

Hi,

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Wed Jan 17, 2018 22:13
Yep, that looks like what I bought from "bestoou" - USB 2.0 Digital DVB-T SDR+DAB+FM HDTV TV Tuner Receiver Stick RTL2832U+R820T2
I bought it back in May for $13.25, so I see the price has gone up - demand and supply for 'Wiz tuners

I found one yesterday from another seller @ $13.25. Item is in Chullora, NSW. I very much doubt that though as the delivery is about 10 days. 2 out of 3 items I've bought in the last month coming from there have taken longer than they should at 3 - 4 days.

dRdoS7.

Paul_oz53 · Post by **Paul_oz53** » Wed Jan 24, 2018 09:43

dRdoS7 wrote: ↑
Wed Jan 24, 2018 08:07
Hi,

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Wed Jan 17, 2018 22:13
Yep, that looks like what I bought from "bestoou" - USB 2.0 Digital DVB-T SDR+DAB+FM HDTV TV Tuner Receiver Stick RTL2832U+R820T2
I bought it back in May for $13.25, so I see the price has gone up - demand and supply for 'Wiz tuners
I found one yesterday from another seller @ $13.25. Item is in Chullora, NSW. I very much doubt that though as the delivery is about 10 days. 2 out of 3 items I've bought in the last month coming from there have taken longer than they should at 3 - 4 days.

dRdoS7.

I wish 3-4 days were it. I ordered one from "bestoou" also, over a week ago, Delivery 25 Jan to 2 Feb.

I think it's on a boat from China at the moment...

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Wed Jan 24, 2018 11:22

Paul_oz53 wrote: ↑
Wed Jan 24, 2018 09:43
... I wish 3-4 days were it. I ordered one from "bestoou" also, over a week ago, Delivery 25 Jan to 2 Feb.

I think it's on a boat from China at the moment...

My 'bluey' from "bestoou" was in a Parcel Post package, with the AustPost label stating from a PO box in Chullora.

dRdoS7 · Post by **dRdoS7** » Wed Jan 24, 2018 18:37

Hi,

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Wed Jan 24, 2018 11:22

Paul_oz53 wrote: ↑
Wed Jan 24, 2018 09:43
... I wish 3-4 days were it. I ordered one from "bestoou" also, over a week ago, Delivery 25 Jan to 2 Feb.

I think it's on a boat from China at the moment...

My 'bluey' from "bestoou" was in a Parcel Post package, with the AustPost label stating from a PO box in Chullora.

1 item I bought, which was supposedly in Chullora, arrived via Tullamarine PO!

I left Neutral Feedback, on another item which had taken over 2 weeks from Chullora, and was offered $5 if I would revise it. Which I accepted. If they are going to misrepresent the origin I see no problem getting a better price. If I had bought from a seller in HK, it would have been cheaper in the first place.

dRdoS7.

IanSav · Post by **IanSav** » Wed Jan 24, 2018 22:44

Hi dRdoS7,

I am finding many of the "Australian" suppliers on eBay are simply redirection services from Chinese suppliers.

I feel the whole process is quite dishonest.

Regards,
Ian.

exitguy · Post by **exitguy** » Tue Jan 30, 2018 20:49

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Wed Jan 24, 2018 11:22

My 'bluey' from "bestoou" was in a Parcel Post package, with the AustPost label stating from a PO box in Chullora.

Same here, arrived today - Ordered on 17th Jan and ETA was given as between 24th to 31st. Hard to believe it take 14 days from Chullora !!
Ordered some other stuff from a Melbourne supplier on 21st and was delivered on 24th, so can't complain about that !!

On a more Positive note - the new USB Tuner works a treat. Use a M-to-F adapter to extend the USB connection so it doesn't interfere with the Network / HDMI connectors and all fits together very nicely. Tested today, all played back without any pixelating etc. - now got 3 tuners that work

Paul_oz53 · Post by **Paul_oz53** » Tue Jan 30, 2018 23:56

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Wed Jan 24, 2018 11:22

Paul_oz53 wrote: ↑
Wed Jan 24, 2018 09:43
... I wish 3-4 days were it. I ordered one from "bestoou" also, over a week ago, Delivery 25 Jan to 2 Feb.

I think it's on a boat from China at the moment...

My 'bluey' from "bestoou" was in a Parcel Post package, with the AustPost label stating from a PO box in Chullora.

My 'bluey' arrived yesterday

after 11 days

in a similar package with the added line "By Road Only". Must have been carried by hand - literally!!!

First impression is it is indeed more robust than the original Bwiz unit. Installed in seconds. Detected on reboot as DVB-T at first go (T3).

I believe I read somewhere that the signal strength and quality meters aren't supported. Only mention this because they show 52% and 100% respectively on every channel. Looks like a phantom value which I intend to ignore. The real point is whether the recordings are OK.

Our former USB tuner was still inclined to pixellate a bit when heavy clouds get between us and Mt Dandenong, 70 km away as the crow flies. I expect this to be a "set & forget".

dRdoS7 · Post by **dRdoS7** » Fri Feb 02, 2018 13:26

HI,

Paul_oz53 wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 30, 2018 23:56
My 'bluey' arrived yesterday after 11 days in a similar package with the added line "By Road Only". Must have been carried by hand - literally!!!

Lickshaw maybe??

Mine arrived today. Same "by road only".

First, before swapping the USB tuners, I checked the current readings as a comparison. 65 - 100% Signal / 95 - 100% Quality before, on all tuners. Tested by setting first A, then C, as preferred. Then I did a scan of Melbourne (about 95km, across the bays), instead of Geelong transmitter (about 5km). Found that the signal dropped quite a bit (showed 0 to 45% - varied between networks) on the A tuner, then tested C tuner which had higher signal 60% - 95%. ABC had the lowest signal (60%, it was 0% on A), but no picture. Quality on all but the ABC was > 90%. Good thing we've got a local transmitter!

Shut down the T2, inserted the "Bluey". While waiting for the T2 to fire up, I realised I had wasted my time writing the above, as the Signal & Quality meter doesn't work with the "Bluey"!! I wrote the above paragraph, before I swapped, so I wouldn't forget the values.

OK, with C as preferred tuner, I now have a picture on the ABC, but it breaks up! Other channels still look OK.

I'll take it on our next trip, might be slightly better than the BW USB tuner. I've put longer antenna poles on the 'van, so that will help. If it reduces the need to use the TV as a PVR, it will be worth it. Plus, I've added a vertical polarity antenna to the mast, but I have to climb up on the roof to swap the lead over. If the mod works, I'll run a second lead to inside, and swap them in the PVR cupboard, much better if it's raining!

dRdoS7.

csutak40 · Post by **csutak40** » Fri Jun 22, 2018 04:08

Not sure if I should write in this thread or start a new one

You’ll have to excuse me as I am not very technically minded. I did try to read most of the stuff here, but TBH, most is way over my head.
Here is my situation, I will try to be as concise as possible
I was using the BW supplied USB tuner. I don’t record a lot of shows on the T2, so rarely need a second tuner, let alone a third. TBH, I sort of forgot that its meant to have 2 tuners even without the USB one.
So, once a week it happened that two shows were supposed to record at the same time. The second one became unwatchable a few months ago, completely pixelated. So I came here to try to find the cause.
Having forgotten that I am meant to have 3 tuners, I presumed that the “second tuner” was the USB one, and concluded that it was DOA, so I bought this one https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/252771553000
It so happened that I was about to play musical chairs with my TVs, (the one connected to the T2 was on its last legs, so I bought a new one for the lounge room, the TV from there moved to the kitchen and the one from the kitchen moved to the bedroom and got connected to the T2) I didn’t install it, thought I'd wait until we move the “new” TV there and connect it to that. I have vertigo, so fiddling with backs of TVs etc is a bit difficult for me.
This is when the problem REALLY started
The HDMI plug and the USB plug being next to each other, we found the two cables a very tight fit. They are both rather “fat”. We squeezed them in, turned on the T2 and… no picture at all.

The friend helping me is a cabling guy, so I was confident that he had everything plugged in properly.
After some fiddling we got a picture. Even he had no idea what he did right.
We definitely did a reboot, BTW
However when I turned it on the next time, no picture again. Did some more fiddling, the picture re-appeared, but soon disappeared again.
So, I concluded that the two plugs are just too tight a fit next to each other, so moved the USB tuner to the front plug.
That seemed to work… for about a week. Now I have no picture again, (no amount if fiddling makes any difference any longer) Since I plugged the USB tuner into the front connection, I have a permanent thingy on the top right of the screen, telling me the name of the input I'm on. When I have no picture, this toggles with another one that also tells me that I am connected with HDMI. Every so often an actual picture appears for a seconds as well

The attachment 12018-06-21 22.20.56.jpg is no longer available

Although last night I left it on and the picture just appeared about 15 minutes later and stayed on (the T2 is in my bedroom, is set to turn off after an hour if I don’t touch the remote, so not sure just how long it would stay on)
So, I am trying to figure out what the problem is?
I am beginning to think that maybe the 2nd tuner is FUBAR? I don’t really understand what the settings say. I did test it (on that first day we installed the new USB tuner) and I set it to record on all thee at the same time, and that seemed to work, but it only seems to list two tuners.
I just changed the setting on the preferred tuner (that was on auto) and there are only options for 2 tuners there.]

The attachment 2218-06-22_03-36-48.jpg is no longer available

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On a positive note, since I started using this USB tuner, no more pixelated recordings! (provided I can actually watch it )
So, would any of you have any idea what exactly is wrong, please?
I intend to test the recordings again tomorrow (if I can get a picture at all) as it is now way past my bedtime

exitguy · Post by **exitguy** » Fri Jun 22, 2018 09:40

csutak40 wrote: ↑
Fri Jun 22, 2018 04:08
This is when the problem REALLY started
The HDMI plug and the USB plug being next to each other, we found the two cables a very tight fit. They are both rather “fat”. We squeezed them in, turned on the T2 and… no picture at all. The friend helping me is a cabling guy, so I was confident that he had everything plugged in properly.
After some fiddling we got a picture. Even he had no idea what he did right.

Use a M-to-F .5m cable to extend the USB connection so it doesn't interfere with the Network / HDMI connectors and all fits together very nicely.

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Fri Jun 22, 2018 12:23

csutak40 wrote: ↑
Fri Jun 22, 2018 04:08
...I was using the BW supplied USB tuner. I don’t record a lot of shows on the T2, so rarely need a second tuner, let alone a third. TBH, I sort of forgot that its meant to have 2 tuners even without the USB one.
So, once a week it happened that two shows were supposed to record at the same time. The second one became unwatchable a few months ago, completely pixelated. So I came here to try to find the cause.
Having forgotten that I am meant to have 3 tuners, I presumed that the “second tuner” was the USB one, and concluded that it was DOA, so I bought this one https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/252771553000

It is quite possible that the pixelated recording was a result of the T2 using the USB tuner for the recording. You are in a location where the Beyonwiz mini-tuner can't handle the changing broadcast conditions.
There is no way to determine which of the tuners was used for a recording, apart from inspecting the debug log. If the T2 had been showing live TV at the time, and the two recordings were from broadcast networks different to the one for live TV, then you'd need the other two tuners. The tuner you purchased is perfect for the job.

So, I concluded that the two plugs are just too tight a fit next to each other, so moved the USB tuner to the front plug.

Buy a short USB extension cable, or a USB hub. Use that and the short antenna lead cable (with micro adapter plug) that came with the original tuner.
Connect one end of the antenna cable to Tuner B 'out' on the back of the T2, plug the end with the micro adapter plug into the side of the 'bluey' USB tuner. Plug the 'bluey' into the USB extension cable or USB hub, then the extension cable/hub into the rear USB port on the T2.
Reboot the T2.
Now, something to be aware of - the T2 and T3 USB tuners can sometimes be struck with the 'mode-itis' ailment, where the tuner mode chosen is not suitable for our FTA TV. The U4 doesn't suffer from this ailment, as it was inoculated at birth. Unfortunately, it's too late for the T2 and T3.
So, when you either reboot or restart the GUI, check MENU>>Information>>Devices. Ensure all tuners are shown. Ensure Tuner C is shown as either having DVB-T or DVB-T2 modes. If not, restart the UI again, rinse, repeat.

I am beginning to think that maybe the 2nd tuner is FUBAR? I don’t really understand what the settings say. I did test it (on that first day we installed the new USB tuner) and I set it to record on all thee at the same time, and that seemed to work, but it only seems to list two tuners.
I just changed the setting on the preferred tuner (that was on auto) and there are only options for 2 tuners there.]

You didn't say which two tuners were present, and the attachments didn't make it through. It's possible the USB tuner wasn't firmly plugged in, and the use of the extension cable/hub as previously described should fix that.
Now to see if you have other tuner issues. Test the three tuners in turn.
MENU>>Setup>>Tuner>>Tuner allocation, change preferred tuner to "Tuner A", GREEN/Save. Exit back to live TV. Change to a different broadcaster (e.g. SBS to ABC) to force use of Tuner A. Press OK to bring up the Infobar and confirm you're viewing via tuner A. Then go back and change the preferrred tuner to "Tuner B" and repeat the exercise. Is this tuner okay? Finally, set "Tuner C" as preferred, change broadcasters and observe. Are you getting a picture?
You won't see a signal strength nor quality shown in the Infobar for the Realtek USB tuner (whether it's 'Blackie' or 'Bluey', as they have the same demodulator chip).
Once finished with this testing, set the preferred tuner as "auto".

csutak40 · Post by **csutak40** » Fri Jun 22, 2018 14:08

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Fri Jun 22, 2018 12:23

You didn't say which two tuners were present, and the attachments didn't make it through. It's possible the USB tuner wasn't firmly plugged in, and the use of the extension cable/hub as previously described should fix that.
Now to see if you have other tuner issues. Test the three tuners in turn.
MENU>>Setup>>Tuner>>Tuner allocation, change preferred tuner to "Tuner A", GREEN/Save. Exit back to live TV. Change to a different broadcaster (e.g. SBS to ABC) to force use of Tuner A. Press OK to bring up the Infobar and confirm you're viewing via tuner A. Then go back and change the preferrred tuner to "Tuner B" and repeat the exercise. Is this tuner okay? Finally, set "Tuner C" as preferred, change broadcasters and observe. Are you getting a picture?
You won't see a signal strength nor quality shown in the Infobar for the Realtek USB tuner (whether it's 'Blackie' or 'Bluey', as they have the same demodulator chip).
Once finished with this testing, set the preferred tuner as "auto".

I re-checked all the connections, they are all firmly plugged in and the blue USB tuner has a blue light on

As I mentioned in my original post, I seem to have only two available tuners in the Tuner allocation menu. I just tested those, both work, but once I chose A and B the only available option is "auto"
So, will now try attachments again (new ones I just did)

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Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Fri Jun 22, 2018 14:23

csutak40 wrote: ↑
Fri Jun 22, 2018 14:08
I re-checked all the connections, they are all firmly plugged in and the blue USB tuner has a blue light on

As I mentioned in my original post, I seem to have only two available tuners in the Tuner allocation menu. I just tested those, both work, but once I chose A and B the only available option is "auto"
So, will now try attachments again (new ones I just did)

I think the blue light simply means the USB tuner is getting power from a USB port.

Okay, from your pic we can see you only have tuners A and B, and both are fine.
Reboot and see if you get Tuner C showing.

Another test, in case the front USB port is dicky (but it does supply power?). Remove the network cable and plug the 'bluey' in to the rear port. Reboot and check the tuner availability.

It's a possibility you could have a dicky USB tuner dongle.

What firmware version are you running?

csutak40 · Post by **csutak40** » Fri Jun 22, 2018 15:10

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Fri Jun 22, 2018 14:23

I think the blue light simply means the USB tuner is getting power from a USB port.

Okay, from your pic we can see you only have tuners A and B, and both are fine.
Reboot and see if you get Tuner C showing.

Another test, in case the front USB port is dicky (but it does supply power?). Remove the network cable and plug the 'bluey' in to the rear port. Reboot and check the tuner availability.

It's a possibility you could have a dicky USB tuner dongle.

What firmware version are you running?

Hmm.
First, to clarify (told you I'm not very good at this) By network cable you meant the ethernet cable?

So...
I rebooted, nothing changed
While fiddling with cables (somewhere between having disconnected the ethernet cable and unplugging the USB tuner at the front, I lost the picture. It does try to come back, get a picture for a few seconds, but that is all. I think I will now attach the picture from yesterday, to what's showing on the top right hand of the screen, as there is a #3 on there and not sure what that means
The black one is there permanently, since I've started using the "bluey"

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I can't get a picture on the TV at all, not even the menu.
However, discovered (having plugged the Ethernet cable back and leaving the toggle in the back and having rebooted again) that I CAN see the screen on the web.
Still only two tuners
However, the fact that I can see the screen here, but not on the TV, must mean something, but NFI what

Oh, nearly forgot!

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Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Fri Jun 22, 2018 15:45

csutak40 wrote: ↑
Fri Jun 22, 2018 15:10
Oh, nearly forgot!

Right, you're running older firmware that doesn't have the driver installed to run either a blackie or a bluey.
You'll need to install it - see here
From live TV, press PLUGIN, press GREEN/Download plugins, expand 'drivers', locate the "dvb-usb-rtl2832" entry, and install it.
Reboot. Test.

The images are likely your TV stating there's no signal on the HDMI connection. They're not from the Wiz.
Check both HDMI cable connections and make sure it is plugged in firmly.

csutak40 · Post by **csutak40** » Fri Jun 22, 2018 16:22

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Fri Jun 22, 2018 15:45

Right, you're running older firmware that doesn't have the driver installed to run either a blackie or a bluey.
You'll need to install it - see here
From live TV, press PLUGIN, press GREEN/Download plugins, expand 'drivers', locate the "dvb-usb-rtl2832" entry, and install it.
Reboot. Test.

The images are likely your TV stating there's no signal on the HDMI connection. They're not from the Wiz.
Check both HDMI cable connections and make sure it is plugged in firmly.

Another silly question. Can I do it from the Web? Still can't get a picture on the TV
Did double check the HDMI connections

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Fri Jun 22, 2018 16:45

csutak40 wrote: ↑
Fri Jun 22, 2018 16:22
Another silly question. Can I do it from the Web? Still can't get a picture on the TV
Did double check the HDMI connections

Yes, you can use OpenWebif to drive the virtual remote to install the driver. However, I'm not sure that'll help unless the preferred tuner is currently set to the absent Tuner C.

Given you can't get the menu up on the TV, are you sure you have the TV on the right HDMI input connection?

csutak40 · Post by **csutak40** » Fri Jun 22, 2018 17:22

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Fri Jun 22, 2018 16:45

csutak40 wrote: ↑
Fri Jun 22, 2018 16:22
Another silly question. Can I do it from the Web? Still can't get a picture on the TV
Did double check the HDMI connections

Yes, you can use OpenWebif to drive the virtual remote to install the driver. However, I'm not sure that'll help unless the preferred tuner is currently set to the absent Tuner C.

Given you can't get the menu up on the TV, are you sure you have the TV on the right HDMI input connection?

I am (nearly) sure. I certainly haven't changed it and had a picture earlier today for a while and yesterday. Also had it for about a week after I moved the tuner to the front
I do, even now, get a picture for a few seconds at a time.
I have a friend coming on Monday, may leave it to him

Actually, will try installing the plug-in, can't hurt, can it?

Meanwhile, will go out and buy a short USB extension cable and a hub

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