Buy Satellite TV: August 2008

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Cairo Online Shopping For Computers and Goodies

Egypt has not joined the e-commerce business sector to any degree as yet. Seems Egyptians all have a friends, or a friend with a friend, with shops known for all they are looking for. The other reason is this is a cash society, and only a small percentage have credit cards (it is growing) and those that do have credit cards do not trust the internet.

However, I have found 2 sites that provide online shopping for computers and goodies. I bought an IPOD and speakers from Apple but in end did pay them cash on delivery - maybe a preferred way. Also make sure you unpackaged and test what you bought on delivery.

I am posting this site for online company called Sistrum, as only stumbled across it. Computer online store I filled in a order form for a webcam. Was phoned next day and confirmed delivery and price, which was cheaper than website price. Advised it would be delivered in 2 days in morning. It was so I give this company 5 stars.

Apple Egypt is easy to find with a google but here it is Apple/Mac

Another useful site is Radio Shack (1 store in Maadi on Road 9 up the street from Beano's and another on Road 233 Digla near northern end of street)

Another that I came across, but not tried but has a very comprehesive list of notebooks with prices at this link

Friday, August 29, 2008

Tivax STB-T8 Digital TV Converter Box - Updated Version Of STB-T8

Tivax has now came out with an updated version of the Tivax STB-T9 digital TV converter box that includes analog pass-through. The updated version is the Tivax STB-T8.

If you are interested in getting a digital TV converter box you should get one that has analog pass-through. Getting a digital TV converter box with analog pass-through is absolutely essential or you could lose some smaller local channels that aren't required to make the big digital switch.

Check out more Digital TV converter box reviews, ratings, and comparisons.

Tivax STB-T8 Digital TV Converter Box - Updated Version Of STB-T8

Tivax has now came out with an updated version of the Tivax STB-T9 digital TV converter box that includes analog pass-through. The updated version is the Tivax STB-T8.

Ramadan in Egypt - Guide for Tourists and Newbies

"Ramadan lasts for one month (from the 1st September to the 30th September in 2008, and 22st August to the 20th September in 2009 plus add vacations days for famous EID holiday at end of Ramadan. (e.gr in 2009 Ramadan will end Sept. 20th but first day of "business as usual will likely be September 27th) During the holy month, many businesses closing during daylight hours, particularly in the afternoon. However this does not generally apply to businesses that cater predominantly to tourists.

Some of the tourist sites will close earlier (around 3.00pm), so we will be taking this into account and starting some of your tours a little earlier in the morning on some days and shortening lunch breaks when required (it is not too hot during the middle of the day in September or October, so this does not cause a problem this year).

Although visiting non-Muslims are certainly not expected to fast during daylight hours, it is considered impolite to openly eat, drink or smoke in public, the exception being in obvious tourist areas. Hotels and restaurants will still be serving food to tourists all day, and evening meals in the hotels are particularly good at this time of year.

During Ramadan, it is very courteous and considered polite to greet Muslim people with the words - Ramadam Karim." Reference

"The festive period of Ramadan in Egypt is an excellent period, which simply adds more color and fun to the country of monuments and ancient civilization. The festival of Ramadan in Egypt is different from elsewhere. Other than the rituals practiced during the month, there are other certain social habits of Egyptian Muslims that are much different than anywhere else.

The exact timing of this one-month long festival during the year is variable, sometimes falling in summer and sometimes in winter. However Ramadan is a month that follows the lunar calendar, the basis of the Islamic (or Hijri) calendar. Astronomical calculations are utilized to detect the birth of the new moon. Ramadan festival lasts for 29 or 30 days.

The principal ritual during Ramadan festival is fasting. This entails abandoning eating, drinking, smoking, sex from dawn to sunset. The daily meals become limited to two. "Iftar" the breakfast or first meal is just after sunset. While "sohour" the second meal is just before dawn. However the timing of the second meal is variable according to personal preference

Natives of Egypt adopt certain social habits for Ramadan festival. These social habits are not directly related to religion. Officially, the working hours are diminished to allow more time for prayers. People usually sleep very late and spend substantial time in the mosques. Usually all the traditional practice starts immediately after sunset." Reference

Some additional insights:

As mentioned above, the fasting time is from sunrise to sunset. For expatriates the few hours before the sunset period is important to appreciate, as the people fasting have been doing so for about 13 hours - they can be very tired and irritable and some driving radically to get home to enjoy their Iftar. I personally stay off the roads till about 1/2 hour after sunset. The sunset timings can be found here. At this time you will have all the roads pretty much to yourself. What a funny feeling it is to be alone on normally chaotic roads.

In Maadi and, all other areas I'm sure, it is not unusual to tables and chairs, with tent like covers laid out on the streets. Drive carefully as these are ready made eateries that have been setup by private individuals, and some companies, to provide Iftar food and drinks for persons that cannot get to their homes. So you will experience many persons on the street and please beware. Also, if driving at Iftar time don't be surprised if someone hands you a small package of drink with food into your car window. I think this is a fantastic event to witness.

About 1 hour, or bit more after Iftar, what seems like a global party begins, and the traffic jams happen instantaneously. Seems everyone is out and about enjoying themselves (all 17 million) and all are invited even you expats. The party atmosphere last till very early hours of the morning. Quite an experience downtown especially and if you are out at Iftar you will likely be invited to join one of the free eateries. Egyptians are very tolerant of us expats, and almost overly friendly at times.

And don't worry, most stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and pubs are open for business as usual. There is a saying that Egyptians consume as much food during Ramadan as they do all the other months put together.

Also if working, the hours are diminished and usually offices will close around 2 pm. A good time to stay off he roads if you can. Some shops will close about 3 pm till about 1 or 2 hours after Iftar. Don't expect anyone to serve you at Iftar time - they are thirsty and hungry. Also most schools have diminished hours, so this year my youngsters start day after Ramadan is expected to begin and they will be home by 2pm. Yikes - just had them for the whole summer, and now they come early home to bug parents!

Not all Egyptians are happy with the diminished working hours, and schedule changes, per this article in the Egyptian Gazette found under the HOME section at bottom of posting. Link

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Dish Network DTVPal Digital TV Converter Box Reviews (DTV)

Product Details: This digital TV converter box provides users with one of the best pictures out of all digital converter boxes on the market. Its picture quality is close to the quality of DVDs and its upgrade from analog TV is astronomical. The sound quality for the Dish Network box is just as good as all other top notch digital TV converter boxes that we have looked at so far. Its sound quality is crystal clear and may remind you of the sound quality you get from cable TV. The Dish Network DTVPal is one of the best boxes on the market and sells for around $55. The DTVPal is no longer available but a very good alternative is its upgraded version, the DTVPal Plus.

The Dish Network DTVPal digital TV converter box provides users with some of the best features out of all digital TV converter boxes. This digital TV converter box provides the best electronic programming guide of any digital converter box on the market. With this TV converter you can get all the same information that you get from paid services. You get show run time, title, and a show description. You get this information for the current show and for shows for the next several days. This has three different, easy to set, aspect ratio options. It also comes with, adjustable closed captioning. This converter box does come with analog pass-through.

Overall this Dish Network box is one of the most well thought out digital TV converter boxes on the market It provides users with excellent viewing quality and every feature you could want. Also its lower selling price makes it a very attractive buy. We highly recommend this converter box.

Dish Network DTVPal Features & Specs - Dish Network DTVPal Owners Manual

Analog Pass-Through
V-Chip Lock Parental Control Setting
Configurable Closed Captioning
Electronic Program Guide
Compact Size

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Dish Network DTVPal Converter Box
Remote Control
RF Cable

Dish Network DTVPal Digital TV Converter Box Reviews (DTV)

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Magnavox TB100MG9 Digital TV Converter Box Reviews (DTV)

People have reported channel loss with this converter box but in most cases this is because people don't realize that with nearly all converter boxes a good digital TV antenna is required. The Magnavox TB100MG9 has been discontinued and replaced by an upgraded version the Magnavox TB100MW9 which includes analog pass-through.

Product Details: The picture quality of this digital TV converter box has been reported as being very good. This digital TV converter box ranks near the top. When using this digital converter users will be pleasantly surprised to get such a great picture that is such a huge upgrade from analog TV. The sound quality of this digital TV converter box has been reported to be not that great as opposed to other digital TV converter boxes. The L/R output is excellent but this digital converter RF output produces an annoying hissing sound. This converter box sells for roughly $65 which is a bit steep. This converter box is out of stock at most stores and you can find cheaper, better boxes, such as the Tivax STB-T8 and Dish Network DTVPal Plus.

This digital TV converter box provides users with a very good programming guide that includes the current show title, run time, and a short description. This converter box also has the auto scan and individual tuning functions. It also comes with adjustable closed captioning. This digital TV converter box is different than its counterpart because it has been upgraded to include analog pass-through.

Overall, this product is pretty good but did not get the best rating. Its analog pass-through upgrade made it a significantly better choice but it is simply not as good as other boxes that are being sold at a lower price. We suggest that instead of this box you check out our ratings of the best TV converter boxes in order to make a decision.

Magnavox TB100MG9 Features & Specs - Magnavox TB100MG9 Owners Manual

Analog Pass-Through
Parental Control Setting
Configurable Closed Captioning
Electronic Program Guide
On Screen Signal Strength Meter
Energy Star Compliant
English, French, and Spanish Language Support

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Magnavox TB100MG9 Converter Box
Remote Control
Remote Control Batteries
Coaxial Cable

Magnavox TB100MG9 Digital TV Converter Box Reviews (DTV)

Monday, August 25, 2008

Digital Stream DSP7700T Digital TV Converter Box Reviews (DTV)

This converter box is not recommended due to others being better and cheaper. If you do have this box, in order to get the best reception possible you will need to get a digital TV antenna.

The Digital Stream DSP7700T has been upgrade to the Digital Stream DSP7700P.

Product Details: This digital TV converter box has picture quality that is just average. Its picture quality in HD is very good but is stretched and blurry while watching SD content. When we hooked it up to our 32" LCD HDTV it was still an upgrade from the quality of analog TV but you can find better quality in other digital TV converter boxes. This digital converter box is the same as most others in regards to sound quality. Its sound quality is very clear and is a significant upgrade from that of analog television. This converter box sells for around $65 right now. This TV converter box is no longer available at most retail stores, better alternatives to consider include the Zinwell ZAT-950A and Tivax STB-T8.

This digital TV converter box has an above average programming guide that provides users with the show title, show run time, and a brief summary of the show. It also shows this information for the next upcoming shows. It also comes with the ability to auto scan for channels or individually tune them. This digital TV converter box was upgraded and does now include analog pass-through. Finally it comes with an on screen signal strength meter, a universal remote, and adjustable closed captioning settings.

This converter box has a decent number of features and does get the job done but its poor picture quality and high price do not make it an attractive buy. There are plenty of other converter boxes that are better and cheaper.

Digital Stream DSP7700T Features & Specs

Analog Pass-Through
V-Chip Lock Parental Control Setting
Configurable Closed Captioning
Electronic Program Guide
On Screen Signal Strength Meter
Energy Star Compliant
English, French, and Spanish Language Support

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Digital Stream DSP7700T Converter Box
Universal Remote Control
Remote Control Batteries
Coaxial Cable

Digital Stream DSP7700T Digital TV Converter Box Reviews (DTV)

This converter box is not recommended due to others being better and cheaper. If you do have this box, in order to get the best reception possible you will need to get a digital TV antenna.

The Digital Stream DSP7700T has been upgrade to the Digital Stream DSP7700P.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Digital TV Converter Box Reviews Blog Update (DTV)

Just wanted to shoot out a quick note out to all of our readers and let them know we will coming out with another 10-15 digital TV converter box reviews over the next couple weeks.

With the new analog pass-through feature being added to almost all digital tv converter box models most of my information on our reviews is outdated because you can find the exact same digital TV converter box with analog pass-through and just a slight switch of the name. A perfect example of this is the Zenith DTT900 and Zenith DTT901.

If you are interested in any of our old reviews below is a list of all the reviews we have completed through today.

Digital TV Converter Box Reviews Blog Update (DTV)

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Newbies guide to finding rental properties

Basically, three types of persons/families move to Cairo. Those that are transferred with major companies (like oil and gas), individuals on contracts (like teachers), and students.

Excepting students, all will have an allowance for accommodation and most companies will have some form of housing assistance. These housing assistants will know your allowance so don't be surprised when they arrange a real estate agent, they also will know. And don't be surprised if some under the table agreement has been made between agent and companies housing people.

Also beware, the agent usually will not have your interests at heart, but his wallet! The landlord pays his commission - usually one months rent for a 1 year contract. You will be asked to provide one month damage deposit payable to the landlord. Getting this deposit back is another story.

There seems no shortage of accommodation on the markets in all expatriate favorite areas as Maadi, Helipolis, or Katameya (new Cairo). But finding one you like, can take time and effort to be escorted around looking at those on offer. This assumes your company provided temporary accommodation i.e. hotels or apartment hotels like the Residence Hotel in Maadi. I've heard of a few short term furnished places which could suffice until you find your place. Check with agents, especially see my recommendation below.

There are many agents available with majors being Coldwell Banker, Edar, Century 21, and hundreds of independent agents. But try and get a recommendation from one of your colleagues and following is my recommendation for reasons given.

Finding your dream place is one issue, but after contract signing service by agent is critical so I recommend Mrs Nahed Shook owner of Expat Real Estate Services, Mobile 010 572 6969, email nahed@expatrealestate.net, website link, located in Maadi. I know her personally, and can vouch she looks after her tenants extremely well. If you need a bar, shelves, cabinets, or any custom wood working, I would be very remiss not to mention my great wife, Nasha, who does all this. Email me for her cell number.

Egypt Property Renting and some Bewares
-Be sure the place has a working telephone - you will most likely want to get ADSL and need a land line to connect. But also check the number at place is acceptable and you can do this at TEDATA website.
-Check air conditioners as you will be stuck with them. Also check they work on cool and heat - this is not crucial but sure is a plus in winter time. If moving from cooler climate you may will not be that familiar with AC's, so in broad brush strokes avoid wall units if at all possible and opt for split units. Also check the electrical isolation switch is a breaker type not the old fuse type, unless you are an electrician with all the tools. A good reminder is landlords are notorious for giving promises to fix things or add items you desire but you will most likely struggle to see them after you sign contract.
-Check all bathrooms to be sure hot water is available, pressure is OK (turn on showers) and toilet flushes.
-Check place has city gas and does not use bottled gas. Wife will not be happy to be in middle of roast and bottle runs our of gas, and has to arrange delivery and hook-up, and they are too heavy and dangerous for my way of thinking.
-Make sure the place has off street parking and you have an allocated slot or 2. Family does not want to have to cruise streets finding a parking place.
-Also open the electrical breaker box and see if it looks reasonably neat and find our where the meter is. Also be aware there is no electrical grounding in Egypt. Seriously think about installing an earth leakage fault detector in your main breaker box. I only know of one electrician that knows what this is and how to install so email me for his number.
- Also check if there are any emergency lights. - most likely not unless an expat rented before you and left them installed. But you should have them and they are available as standalone units or wall mounted. I have both.
-Thinking you would like a pent house. Think twice because Egyptians do not understand preventive maintenance so elevator will likely only be fixed when broken. You will get either stuck in elevator or need to trudge up many floors. I would suggest to people 3rd floor is about the maximum you want to go( that is 4 floors up as ground floor is floor zero).
-Security is a important issue. Suggest after you move in have the door locks changed. You can see Hussein on Road 9 Maadi located beside the Mermaid restaurant (He has a ironing shop here as well). And if you lock yourself out he can gain entry for you as I can confirm as happened to me. He will provide you his cell number if you ask.
-When things break down, don't really expect landlord to fix in any timely fashion or even at all. You can get if fixed and take off rent but be ready for long heated discussion. Egyptian landlords like western renters as they kind of expect the place will be left better than the way they found it all to benefit of landlord.

Here is a persons first hand experience and all was not good. See this link

General Information
You will be expected to pay electric, telephone,water, bowab (guy comes with building as guard, car washer, gofer etc.) and building utilities monthly. So make sure you start from square one as of date you rental agreement starts. Nahed does this but if using other agent, make sure they do this.

Choosing an area - this is really personal, but Maadi/Digla is very popular and Cairo American School is located in Digla, and British School is located near by in Zahara, French school in Maadi.
If you want a stand alone villa with fresher air, swimming pool and company can pay upwards of $5000 to $7000 per month for you - chose Katameya Heights with golf course, club house, basic shopping etc. Beware of crazy ring road highway you have to take to Maadi or Heliopolis as in new Cairo Area not many services as restaurants, stores etc. But many new schools are located in this area now. Worth mentioning is Canadian International School Egypt, Namer Americal School, Chouefeit. Heliopolis is an area I do not know but do know of families that choose Maadi to live and suffer the drive each day to their office in Heliopolis.

Hope some of this helps - email for any more ideas to help

Monday, August 11, 2008

Maadi Road 9 [Shara Tisa] has new Mobinil and other shops

Walking today saw a new Mobinil shop just down from Massoud's grocery store. So us in Maadi, and Digla should no longer have to fight our way to New Maadi where at Mobinil parking is near impossible now. Of course, so is Rd 9 but go before 10Am.

Also across street beside Thomas cook is a new RA'A shop with Vodaphone signs in window. So maybe you folks can get service there?

As another point I saw an Etisalat office at post office just north on Road 9 past metro station.

Nothing to do with Mobil telephones but if you fancy a delicious shawrma sandwhich, try the Egyptian place across street from Metro. Don't worry they will know what you want by pointing if necessary and Sharwma is universal word. Only tell them big (kabir) or small (swayia). [not perfect Arabic but makes the point and they will understand]. Pay cashier and take your receipt and give to carving man. Cheap and I love them!.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

DSTV renege on XtraView promise

Much has been made of Multichoice's new DSTV XtraView offering. The claims of being able to link current decoders to the new HD PVR as well as each other, essentially allowing subscribers to have multiple viewing options making for interesting water cooler conversation.
However, since the original press release and impressive array of graphics showing the various configuration options took pride of place, Multichoice have quietly amended their XtraView webpage. The original promise of being able to link the new HD PVR with the previous, entry level 1110 decoder has suddenly been pulled. This option is now only going to be available 'by the end of the year' according to dstv.com.
For someone who was looking forward to seperating 'feeds' to different rooms in the house, only to find out (with the approved installer) once installed that the service is no longer possible until some time before the end of the year, it's a huge dissappointment.
A further aggravation is that the equipment comes with no user guides or manuals. Very frustrating for a newbie!

To end on a more positive note. The HD PVR only offers one viewable output (hence the need for the XtraView option) however it has two recordable 'channels.' This allows you to browse through the programme listing and with 1-click, select the programmes you wish to record. The beauty being that should there be two programmes at the same time or overlapping in any way, this is no longer an issue ... all while watching a third channel.

Now please click on a banner ad, it goes to the HD TV fund!

Monday, August 4, 2008

User Review Of The Tivax STB-T9 TV Converter Box

Update!! The Tivax stb-t9 has now been upgraded to the Tivax stb-t8. The only difference between the two is that the Tivax stb-t8 comes with analog pass through.

Today's post comes from a reader of ours named Karen. Karen recently used the information on our blog to make a decision about which digital TV converter box was right for her. She went with the Tivax STB-T9 and has been using it for several weeks now. You can read the messages below that she has sent me about the Tivax STB-T9 digital TV converter box.

The messages from Karen also include here general overall experience that she had when trying to locate and purchase her analog converter box.

Karen said...

"Thank you for your website reviews. We have relied heavily on them in making a decision as to which converter to purchase. Our coupon expiration was closing in so after endless attempts to buy in local stores and then making even more daily phone calls to see if they had received any converters, we decided to buy online. According to your info and availability, we ordered the Tivax STB-T9 today. With a cost difference of $8.95 after the government coupon (and before shipping) it seemed like a good choice."

Karen said...

"Well Hi Jesse,I received my Tivax converter yesterday as did my neighbors. It was simple to hook up. The manual that came with it was very helpful. We receive our TV reception with rabbit ears to which we have added a booster. I routed the Tivax through the booster to the TV. I lost one channel that had been very weak but gained two more channels. The reception is must better on all of the channels then it had been. The pictures are very clear and the sound good. I did find that I had to boost my sound all the way up on the TV remote to get more play in the Tivax remote. This is vital in our house because my husband is very hard of hearing. My only complaint is the small remote but I knew that when I purchased it and it is easy to program and operate. I am VERY HAPPY with my purchase and would recommend it to anyone."

Well, there you have it. A review straight from one of your fellow readers that has been using this digital TV converter box. What more could you ask for?

Visit our DTV converter box reviews page for more info.

User Review Of The Tivax STB-T9 TV Converter Box

Update!! The Tivax stb-t9 has now been upgraded to the Tivax stb-t8. The only difference between the two is that the Tivax stb-t8 comes with analog pass through.