Comparing Options for Watching Japanese TV from Overseas

[pato]

Thanks to all who recommended the iHome and Mark on Aliexpress. Finally purchased one for my mother last month and she is extremely happy with the quality.

I haven't seen this discussed anywhere, but I was able to hook up the iHome to a Slingbox 500 and after downloading a custom remote .BIN file for DocoDemo TV, we are now able to watch and control the iHome on a computer or laptop using the Watch on Slingbox.com website and on the Slingplayer app for Android and iPhone. We also have WD TV Live media players connected to most TV's in the house and are able to watch and control the iHome through the Slingplayer app pre-installed on those devices (however the remote control response time is painfully slow when using this slingplayer app).

If you wanted to try the iHome and Sling box setup you have to download the .BIN file for DocoDemo TV at JP1 forums (but unfortunately you also have to register there first before you can download) http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload ... e11f5a604e

There is also more info on how to use a custom remote .BIN on the Slingbox website http://support.slingbox.com/KB/KB-1000320

So if i understand well, it means you have to buy a slingbox 500 to watch ihome on your pc?

[mvmdecr]

Not as smooth as Niji but a good option for the time being.Thanks a lot for sharing!!!

[foradeleh]

So if i understand well, it means you have to buy a slingbox 500 to watch ihome on your pc?

I don't know if it is the only option for watching the iHome on a pc, but connecting iHome to a Slingbox will work. It doesn't have to be the Slingbox 500 but I think the 500 is the only one with both HDMI input/output and Wi-fi (which I personally needed for my set-up). The custom remote .BIN file for DocoDemo TV and thus iHome should also work with the Slingbox Pro HD, 350, and the newest M1.

So yes connecting iHome to a Slingbox allows you to watch iHome on a pc or mac, android phone/tablet, iPhone/iPad, Windows phone/tablet, Kindle Fire or Amazon Fire Phone with a slingplayer app, or TV connected to a media player that has a slingplayer app like WD TV Live or more recently Apple TV, Roku, and Google Chromecast. See below for more info

http://www.slingbox.com/Products/SlingplayerApps.aspx

[statrosa]

Hi guys, just found a new subscription service only $146 per year.
It is a service for android box, so if you already own an android phone, tablet, tv box etc. it should work (mine is a single core Himedia Q5 box, so big chance yours is better).

You can find the link below. Be aware that the first picture of the channel list (the one that is different than the others) is not correct. The Blue pictures (basically the same as ihome) are the correct channels.

The quality is cable, with some channels that come close to HD.
The 7 day playback service is really fast.

I have no need for live TV as I live in Europe, so for me the 7 days playback was a must.

There is a 2 day trial.

I hope this helps you guys.

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/HD-Japan ... 32728.html

Sorry guys, I have to get back on my original message.
After two weeks their service really started to deteriorate:
First the 7 days playback started to disappear, then Asashi Terebi disappeared. And now all main channels are out of sync (audio does not match video).

I wanted to give these guys a chance, but there excuses are leading to nothing.

It seems to be a hoax, so best stay a way for now.

Update: They have contacted me promising to improve the service (but only after I complained to Aliexpress.com the place where I bought the subscription) let's wait and see if things really change.

So, have things improved any? I ask because I'd really be interested in something like this--if it really works.

It improved somewhat, many CS and BS channels, are in sync and recordings work, but the main Tokyo channels and Kansai channels + Wowow channels are still out of sync (and their 7 days vod recordings).

I keep pushing them to get it right. They seem to be genuine sorry, so I think they started their business a bit to fast and are now trying to fix the issues.

As soon as everything is working fine, I will post it here.

Final update: A few of my friends have joined UchiTV and have no problems whatsoever. When I confronted seller with this he explained to me that I was very unfortunate and that the new customers received a new software update, but I was not selected, so I will not get it. In other words I'm screwed. If I would pay for a new subscription I will get the software update. Pretty ungrateful I say, however if you are still interested, the problems seem to be fixed.

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/HD-Japan ... 32728.html


I myself will try to get my money back and find an alternative.

[wohsas]

hi, is anyone using Skytv365 or knowing what's happening these days?
It works well for me until about 36 hours ago, no matter I logged in or not, the server cannot the connected, both LIVE and VOD. (The "connecting" indicator got running forever and no picture shown. On the bar it shows x D(0kb/s), U(0/kb/s).)
This condition has been continued for one and a half day, I tried on two computers and experienced the same failure.
Is it problem with its service or problem on my side?
Really appreciate it if the problem can be solved.
Thanks.

[statrosa]

hi, is anyone using Skytv365 or knowing what's happening these days?
It works well for me until about 36 hours ago, no matter I logged in or not, the server cannot the connected, both LIVE and VOD. (The "connecting" indicator got running forever and no picture shown. On the bar it shows x D(0kb/s), U(0/kb/s).)
This condition has been continued for one and a half day, I tried on two computers and experienced the same failure.
Is it problem with its service or problem on my side?
Really appreciate it if the problem can be solved.
Thanks.

It seems they have technical issues.
Will most likely be fixed fast.

[wohsas]

hi, is anyone using Skytv365 or knowing what's happening these days?
It works well for me until about 36 hours ago, no matter I logged in or not, the server cannot the connected, both LIVE and VOD. (The "connecting" indicator got running forever and no picture shown. On the bar it shows x D(0kb/s), U(0/kb/s).)
This condition has been continued for one and a half day, I tried on two computers and experienced the same failure.
Is it problem with its service or problem on my side?
Really appreciate it if the problem can be solved.
Thanks.

It seems they have technical issues.
Will most likely be fixed fast.

Still not working, service has been down for > 3 days.
Is anyone experiencing the same? I'm worried...

[Super Saiyan]

The service has been working perfectly fine for me. I haven't had any issues with it this week. No change from how it usually works. Maybe try to uninstall and install it again? I have had issues with it in the past when it said that it couldn't find my internet connection. Resetting the router and re-installing might do the trick.

[wohsas]

Thanks for suggestion.
I have tried to re-intall skytv365, reset my router, even plug the PC directly to the LAN without going via the wireless router, but still the same condition, on two PC at different times (at the same IP address though).
The "connecting" indicator got running forever and no picture shown. On the bar it shows x D(0kb/s), U(0/kb/s).)

However, I tried to connect WIFI sharing from my iPhone to the same PC and skytv365 got connected and video can be played like usual.
It seems that the problem is at the streaming connection between my broadband network and skytv365. (Different PCs at the same broadband IP failed, while the same PC succeeded in streaming connection when using another WIFI (shared from iPhone 3G network) ).

So, what can I do with the original network problem?
Because I haven't done any change on my network/PC before or after the failure of connection.
I was watching skytv365 as usual on 27 Nov morning, both LIVE and VOD, searched films, it worked and played the video normally until once I changed channel (VOD) from one to another, after that click, all connection failed for these 4 days.
Even though I can login and get connected to the "skytv365" logo shown, whenever I tried to play any channel on LIVE or VOD, the "connecting" indicator got running forever and no picture shown.

Is there any chance that the streaming server blocked my IP for some reason since that "clash" on 27 Nov?
What can be done to solve the problem?
Appreciate every suggestion. thanks a lot.

[liontaro]

Hi,

I've just discovered those IP boxes for watching japanese tv and i have a few (newbie's) questions ...

1/ So, the iHome IP900 appears to be the best, right ?
2/ Based on previous experiences, is that kind of service a long term thing or you have to switch regularly to another box/provider ?
3/ Something not clear on aliexpress : how much is the annual free ? One year is included when you buy the hardware ? How do you renew ? through the box ?
4/ Is 8Mbps enough for stable HD streams ? (i live in Europe)

Thank you all !

1/ It is a personal choice. I enjoy the 7 days of storage available so that I don't have to record locally. Other boxes may have more channels available. For example iHome doesn't have Tokyo MX.
2/ My understanding it has been around for over a year, so hopefully we don't have to switch around.
3/ When you purchase the box, the annual fee is included in the price. Afterwards it is between $200 - $250 (US) to renew. You have to contact a iHome seller to renew. Unfortunately we can't renew via the box.
4/ I have a 20 Mbps connection in the US, but I rarely see it go above 6 Mbps via iHome loading screen. 8 Mbps should be fine.

Thanks for all the info. I took the plunge and got a iHome from the Mark guy. I just got activated a few minutes ago and the picture looks great. He said that the activation is for 7 days and if no problems to contact him to activate for one year. Hopefully the re-activation will go as smoothly. Thanks again for all the info on this topic.

[renner_santos]

Hi! I installed the skytv365, but I just see 1 channel... The "NHK Eテレ HD"... This software just have this channel? =/

How can I watch the FujiTV 日本テレビ?

Thanks!

[supabakakun]

Hi! I installed the skytv365, but I just see 1 channel... The "NHK Eテレ HD"... This software just have this channel? =/

How can I watch the FujiTV 日本テレビ?

Thanks!

Did you pay for a subscription? It has been awhile, but I seem to remember they showed one demo channel so that people could see the picture and sound quality before buying a sub.

[renner_santos]

Hi! I installed the skytv365, but I just see 1 channel... The "NHK Eテレ HD"... This software just have this channel? =/

How can I watch the FujiTV 日本テレビ?

Thanks!

Did you pay for a subscription? It has been awhile, but I seem to remember they showed one demo channel so that people could see the picture and sound quality before buying a sub.

I didn't know that it was necessary... Thanks!

Do you know if there is any free solution to see FujiTV? even online...

[statrosa]

Hi! I installed the skytv365, but I just see 1 channel... The "NHK Eテレ HD"... This software just have this channel? =/

How can I watch the FujiTV 日本テレビ?

Thanks!

Did you pay for a subscription? It has been awhile, but I seem to remember they showed one demo channel so that people could see the picture and sound quality before buying a sub.

I didn't know that it was necessary... Thanks!

Do you know if there is any free solution to see FujiTV? even online...

Nijitv, although it is live tv, not on demand like paid version of Skytv365 has.

And if you can read some Japanese you can find recorded shows here:
http://youtubeowaraitv.blog32.fc2.com/

For example, here: http://youtubeowaraitv.blog32.fc2.com/b ... 53921.html
you can find latest episode of Smap x Smap Bistro (8th of December), the video links are always beneath the first advertisment. For example you can choose MioMio . Just choose the link which has the fastest streaming to your location.

Have fun.

[mvmdecr]

Wilsonjj seems to be down today. Does anyone know when is it coming back?
Nijitv has been down for several weeks. Same question, does anyone know if service will be restored in the near future. Thanks!

[Shinryu]

Hi! For Niji, I was glad to finally found the solution to make it work again..

So here you go :
1.First install BETV, it's kind of the same program as NIJI but for chinese channels ( search on google "BETV china" because others foreign programs have the same name )
Then go in the folder where BETV is installed
2.Copy the following files : ppp.conf, ppp_codec.exe and ppp_release.exe
3.Past them where you have your NIJI installed. (Past new by erase old files)
4.Launch NIJI

Been a few weeks now for me and all it's good..

Well, for me, my trouble is that I can't make the skytv365 to work..=/
I have properly installed it then a box called "Loader" open right away. It's look like to load something but at a moment it's just stop to increase (in fact, the green bar is stick really on the left side of the box..maybe it's not even 3% of loading and it's don't go further).
I try severall time to re-install it but it's always the same thing. I also try to wait really longer thinking the green bar will finally increase but then it's just crash after 10min..=/ And I don't know why but I can't launch it by clicking on it's icon, it's just does nothing..

So, was the same issue for someone else ? There is a way for me to make it works ? Thanks for any help ! (I'm on Windows 7 by the way..)

Also, I see that there was a box for the skytv365..may it is required somehow to get the application to work or we can use the application without their box ? Could their box be better by the way ?

If I can't get this one to work, I was planned to buy the iHome that seems to be very perfect thought !

See you ! =)

PS : Wanted to say too..it's a very nice topic on Japanese TV ! Thank you all ! Keep it up ;)

[mvmdecr]

Thanks a lot to Shinryu for the information on Nijitv. I will follow the instructions and see how it goes.
By the way Wilsonjj broadcast was restablished a few hours ago.

[mvmdecr]

Success!!! Instructions provided by Shinryu worked perfectly. I downloaded betv from the N+ site that also provides the Niji software.
Thanks again for the great tip!!!

[karyuudo]

For those of you with the iHome900, does the box come to you activated when delivered, or do you email someone to activate it? Also how to you renew your subscription and do you have to pay for the entire year, or is it monthly?

[karyuudo]

Also has anyone gotten their hands on this box? http://www.iptv.com.hk/Pview_23.html

[pato]

For those of you with the iHome900, does the box come to you activated when delivered, or do you email someone to activate it? Also how to you renew your subscription and do you have to pay for the entire year, or is it monthly?

Ounce you get your iHome, you send your seller a message with your ID number to activate it. When you buy it, it comes with 1 year service. Every year you have to renew your subscription with your seller so after a year or in your last month, you send him a message and payment with your ID number and they will renew it. I don't think you can get iHome with monthly subscription. Maybe different iptv box.

[pato]

Hi! For Niji, I was glad to finally found the solution to make it work again..

So here you go :
1.First install BETV, it's kind of the same program as NIJI but for chinese channels ( search on google "BETV china" because others foreign programs have the same name )
Then go in the folder where BETV is installed
2.Copy the following files : ppp.conf, ppp_codec.exe and ppp_release.exe
3.Past them where you have your NIJI installed. (Past new by erase old files)
4.Launch NIJI

Been a few weeks now for me and all it's good..

Well, for me, my trouble is that I can't make the skytv365 to work..=/
I have properly installed it then a box called "Loader" open right away. It's look like to load something but at a moment it's just stop to increase (in fact, the green bar is stick really on the left side of the box..maybe it's not even 3% of loading and it's don't go further).
I try severall time to re-install it but it's always the same thing. I also try to wait really longer thinking the green bar will finally increase but then it's just crash after 10min..=/ And I don't know why but I can't launch it by clicking on it's icon, it's just does nothing..

So, was the same issue for someone else ? There is a way for me to make it works ? Thanks for any help ! (I'm on Windows 7 by the way..)

Also, I see that there was a box for the skytv365..may it is required somehow to get the application to work or we can use the application without their box ? Could their box be better by the way ?

If I can't get this one to work, I was planned to buy the iHome that seems to be very perfect thought !

See you ! =)

PS : Wanted to say too..it's a very nice topic on Japanese TV ! Thank you all ! Keep it up ;)

AWESOME! About NIJI your right! I did what you said and it works perfect!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Sorry i can't help you with your skytv365 problems since i don't used skytv365.
You should get iHome instead. If you need to watch with your PC just get jpPlayer, it's not perfect but it's better then skytv365 i guess.

[fischer22]

Hi! For Niji, I was glad to finally found the solution to make it work again..

So here you go :
1.First install BETV, it's kind of the same program as NIJI but for chinese channels ( search on google "BETV china" because others foreign programs have the same name )
Then go in the folder where BETV is installed
2.Copy the following files : ppp.conf, ppp_codec.exe and ppp_release.exe
3.Past them where you have your NIJI installed. (Past new by erase old files)
4.Launch NIJI

THANKS A LOT!!!!!!!

[Shinryu]

Glad that my tip about Niji works great for you all ! It's a very nice free software for watching japanese TV with a decent quality. Hope they keep it up working for long !

My skytv365 still don't works but I will test the jpPlayer.. I buy a month access for trial and while waiting for my iHome to arrives. For now, the buffering is very bad.. (don't know if it's because of my connection but hope it's would be better on the iHome..) but I was able to watch a little.
The quality is very good. Thank you ! ;)

By the way, still early but I was wondering how to pay again for the renewal process for the iHome box ? I have buy it with the Mark reseller guy too.. For renewal, I had to send him a message but then ? Do I have to send him somehow directly the payment or can I pass by Aliexpress payment process like the first purchase of the box ?

[mvmdecr]

My Nijitv is down again. Shinryu's advice fixed it but now it's back to where it was before. I updated the files again but nothing changed this time. Can someone tell me if this is happening to you too?
Please let's us know more about your experience with jpplayer.
Thanks a lot!

[Shinryu]

Hi! My Niji is still working great (I'm currently watching it..) I think you should re-install Niji with the lastest update from their site (or just install it again then launch the auto update)..
Then do the trick I have explained with "BETV" (even re-install BETV in case the 3 needed files from it get corrupted or something who knows..).
Post again if it's still not working but should works great with that ! ;)

About jpPlayer.. in fact, I'm currently comparating it with Niji watching my favorite show..and the less I can say.. the quality is by far very better ! =)
My buffering too is good now, all is working very perfectly. And it's have all the channels I wanted.. So happy !! ;)

Don't worry, I think it's really worth that you give it a try like I did for at least a month (30$..) to check it by yourself ! =)
Then you can choose to stay on Niji for free or pay for more longer if you need the quality and the other avalaible channel that Niji don't have..;)

[pato]

My Nijitv is down again. Shinryu's advice fixed it but now it's back to where it was before. I updated the files again but nothing changed this time. Can someone tell me if this is happening to you too?
Please let's us know more about your experience with jpplayer.
Thanks a lot!

My Niji is also working well for me.
I have iHome but i also have jpPlayer. I think jpPlayer is much better then Niji. It's not free but picture quality is much better and you have much more channels. You can buy 3 days subscription if you want to test jpPlayer.

[pato]

Glad that my tip about Niji works great for you all ! It's a very nice free software for watching japanese TV with a decent quality. Hope they keep it up working for long !

My skytv365 still don't works but I will test the jpPlayer.. I buy a month access for trial and while waiting for my iHome to arrives. For now, the buffering is very bad.. (don't know if it's because of my connection but hope it's would be better on the iHome..) but I was able to watch a little.
The quality is very good. Thank you ! ;)

By the way, still early but I was wondering how to pay again for the renewal process for the iHome box ? I have buy it with the Mark reseller guy too.. For renewal, I had to send him a message but then ? Do I have to send him somehow directly the payment or can I pass by Aliexpress payment process like the first purchase of the box ?

As for me, i did not used Mark reseller. But for my renewal i just send my seller a payment using paypal with my ID number and a brief message.

[mvmdecr]

Thank you guys for the feedback and advise. I am in Costa Rica and I am guessing my ISP may have made some changes that messed up my Nijitv
I have tried reinstalling it but still get the same message: failure to initialize -1
Wilsonjj is working fine. If I find out how to fix it I will let you know in case it can be useful for somebody else.

[Shinryu]

So your Niji still don't work.. no more idea about this issue.. sorry for you =/ But maybe it's could be just a matter of time too.. keep trying, could works later I think ! ;)

By the way, I have more feedback about jpPlayer.. all was good until I found out that on the peak hours the buffering is very bad..totally impossible to watch something on any channel (at least for me it's the case..) !! =(
So depeding on some hour, it's very very great but at peak hours just forget about it.. people who use box like the iHome could tell me please if it's the same for them too or if it's at least still possible to watch something even with some lag at peak hours on the box ?
(I make another comparison and I can confirm that Niji works perfecly even at peak hours unlike the jpPlayer..)

And about the renewal, if you can pay your reseller by Paypal, I guess it's could be the same with Mark reseller.. thank you for information ! ;)

[pato]

So your Nji still don't work.. no more idea about this issue.. sorry for you =/ But maybe it's could be just a matter of time too.. keep trying, could works later I think ! ;)

By the way, I have more feedback about jpPlayer.. all was good until I found out that on the peak hours the buffering is very bad..totally impossible to watch something on any channel (at least for me it's the case..) !! =(
So depeding on some hour, it's very very great but at peak hours just forget about it.. people who use box like the iHome could tell me please if it's the same for them too or if it's at least still possible to watch something even with some lag at peak hours on the box ?

And about the renewal, if you can pay your reseller by Paypal, I guess it's could be the same with Mark reseller.. thank you for information ! ;)

My Niji works well!
My iHome works extremely well, i have no problem at all. Even changing channels is really fast and I LOVE IT.
About jpPlayer, for me it works well. Sometimes the picture freeze so i change channel and come back and it works well. Are you sure your PC processor is strong enough?

[mvmdecr]

Got my Nijitv to work fine again. I am ashamed as it was some issue with my router. When I plugged my laptop directly into the moden all was fine. I turned off router, unplugged all cables and plugged them back and now all is fine )).
Thanks again for the feedback!

[pato]

So your Niji still don't work.. no more idea about this issue.. sorry for you =/ But maybe it's could be just a matter of time too.. keep trying, could works later I think ! ;)

By the way, I have more feedback about jpPlayer.. all was good until I found out that on the peak hours the buffering is very bad..totally impossible to watch something on any channel (at least for me it's the case..) !! =(
So depeding on some hour, it's very very great but at peak hours just forget about it.. people who use box like the iHome could tell me please if it's the same for them too or if it's at least still possible to watch something even with some lag at peak hours on the box ?
(I make another comparison and I can confirm that Niji works perfecly even at peak hours unlike the jpPlayer..)

And about the renewal, if you can pay your reseller by Paypal, I guess it's could be the same with Mark reseller.. thank you for information ! ;)

Right now is your jpPlayer working well? Mine is doing fine right now. Unless the jpPlayers servers are too busy on peak hours. I use my jpPlayer mostly evening time in Canada and i only use jpPlayer when my wife is using my iHome so i dont use it often.

[Shinryu]

Thnak you for feedback about iHome ! ;) Glad I have bought it too. Besides, with it's PVR and playback function of past aired emission, it's possible to watch them anytime without the fear of lag or buffering issue I was thinking of !

Then, yes I'm sure my CPU it's OK.. as it's a gaming machine with i7 core ! ;) In fact, was perfect all the night, but now this morning I can't watch any channel anymore with it.. but I can still watch them on Niji without trouble so that can't be an issue from me I was guessing..Maybe it's depend on location too.
Well, for now, will continue to use it hoping that I don't miss the shows I want to see soon until I get my iHome !

See you guys ! ;)

[Shinryu]

Hello guys !
Wanted to know if you know a way to watch "J:COM" channels ?
Well, I want to watch this show : http://ochanokosaisai.jp/
It's seems to be broadcast on the ch11 from CATV but I don't know what it is.. it is possible to watch this channel either on jpPlayer or iHome or either by an another way ?

Thank you for any help !

[guroneko]

Hello guys !
Wanted to know if you know a way to watch "J:COM" channels ?
Well, I want to watch this show : http://ochanokosaisai.jp/
It's seems to be broadcast on the ch11 from CATV but I don't know what it is.. it is possible to watch this channel either on jpPlayer or iHome or either by an another way ?

Thank you for any help !

AFAIK you can only watch it on J:COM Channel (west), which is the Chi-deji (digital terrestrial tv) channel 11 (111) in Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo and Wakayama prefecture.

You'd need a Slingbox host in one of those prefectures to watch it outside japan, and the only hosts/housing services i know are based in Kanagawa/Tokyo or Taiwan (BS/CS/Skyperfectv).

Sorry, i wish i could tell you something better.

Watching japanese TV overseas is still very complicated...

[Onogoro]

Hi! For Niji, I was glad to finally found the solution to make it work again..

So here you go :
1.First install BETV, it's kind of the same program as NIJI but for chinese channels ( search on google "BETV china" because others foreign programs have the same name )
Then go in the folder where BETV is installed
2.Copy the following files : ppp.conf, ppp_codec.exe and ppp_release.exe
3.Past them where you have your NIJI installed. (Past new by erase old files)
4.Launch NIJI

Been a few weeks now for me and all it's good..

Thank you! This works!
I just have one question: watching NHK I saw some sound delay, which is progressing while of the show. Is there a possibility to fix this problem? Or do have the streaming sources already the sound issue?

[Shinryu]

Hello guys !
Wanted to know if you know a way to watch "J:COM" channels ?
Well, I want to watch this show : http://ochanokosaisai.jp/
It's seems to be broadcast on the ch11 from CATV but I don't know what it is.. it is possible to watch this channel either on jpPlayer or iHome or either by an another way ?

Thank you for any help !

AFAIK you can only watch it on J:COM Channel (west), which is the Chi-deji (digital terrestrial tv) channel 11 (111) in Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo and Wakayama prefecture.

You'd need a Slingbox host in one of those prefectures to watch it outside japan, and the only hosts/housing services i know are based in Kanagawa/Tokyo or Taiwan (BS/CS/Skyperfectv).

Sorry, i wish i could tell you something better.

Watching japanese TV overseas is still very complicated...

Hi! Well, it's OK, don't worry about that, I undestand.. Thank you for informations ! ;)

>Onogoro
Glad it's works again for you too !

I don't watch NHK so I can't tell you but do the other channels works great without this sound issue ? Maybe it's could really be because of the NHK channel..so you may can't do anything to fix it..Well, of course, hope I'm wrong about this ! ;)

See you !

[statrosa]

Guys, just wanted to say that this topic really has become a great source for all who are interested in Japanese TV. Thank you guys.

I want to wish you all happy holidays and don't forget NHK1 will be airing Kohaku and Nihon Terebi the new Gaki no Tsukai Batsu Game on 31st of December.

[mvmdecr]

I have noticed that if you jump right away to full screen the sound delay becomes noticeable, but if you let it run a couple of minutes in normal small screen before going to full screen there is no sound delay. It is just my experience.
Happy holidays to all!

[mikao]

It seems that it begins have too many people using the ihome ???
For some time now, and especially to 8:00 pm (from Japan) the ihome program puts a lot of time to start... and usually to finish to a white screen ...
Does that happen to you too? or is that this problem seems to be especially in Europe ? (I live in France and my internet connection is very good)

[koonchu]

Hello all,

I'm in the midwestern USA. I purchased the I home ip900 from "Mark" on Aliexpress. He says he activated it for 7 days.

After 2 days of fiddling with this, I can't get past the loading screen.

I've been in constant contacts with Mark, who keeps telling me to change the DNS to 114.114.114.114 or 8.8.8.8

Nothing works.

I'm always stuck at the loading screen.

Diagnostics say that everything passes except for "Home Page URL" and "Update URL"
Those 2 always fail and I'm always stuck on the loading screen...

I've set the machine to be on a DMZ, so all the ports are open for both incoming and outgoing connections.

I've tested the machine at two different residences and networks.

Am I doing something wrong?

Any tips?

--EDIT--

So it's finally working, but I'm not sure if it's something I did or something on the server side of things. Mark has been helping me every step of the way. I reset the system by entering a code that may or may not have worked. It may have been coincidence that it worked after I input the code that first time turning it on again.

Aside from a few random freezes, it works great and looks GORGEOUS in 1080p HD.

Mark has been very kind and helpful to me. Instead of moving on to the next customer, he wants to monitor my connection to make sure everything is ok for the next few days.

[Potbellypig]

I was wondering if anyone has bought the uchi tv apk for their android tablet. I saw one post where someone said they used it. It is basically a newer version of the ihome ip900 interface that you can put on an android device. It works okay with a few bugs. But I have one issue. The live streaming is not working although the 7-day playback is. I tried 3 different ways. On a Samsung Galaxy 12.2 Note under 4.4.2, the live streaming says loading, you hear some sound for a second, then nothing. I tried 4.4.2 on a Samsung Note 8.0 with the same results. Interesting, I also tried on a Samsung Note 8 with 4.2.2 and live streaming worked, but when I did 7 day playback, the video player won't allow me to fast forward/rewind. I'd rather have the 7-day playback working properly because of the time zone difference. Has anyone else experienced the same results? I was thinking it could be interference from the touchwiz api or whatever Samsung puts on top of android so I could try a vanilla custom ROM. I'll probably buy a subscription anyway but I was wondering if there was a way to fix the problem. Thanks.

[WaikikiJFan]

I bought the Maige HD3 IPTV box from AliExpress. I got it for the Japanese channels (about 47 of them), but there are a few hundred other channels (Chinese and Korean). I get live TV plus 7-day playback so I can watch all the shows during the week when I have time. It works pretty well.

[statrosa]

I bought the Maige HD3 IPTV box from AliExpress. I got it for the Japanese channels (about 47 of them), but there are a few hundred other channels (Chinese and Korean). I get live TV plus 7-day playback so I can watch all the shows during the week when I have time. It works pretty well.

Hi WaikikiJFan, do channels like Fuji Terebi One and Two also have 7 days playback?

Edit: by the way d-addicts.com the new forum is looking great, congratulations on a smooth transition and upgrade!!!

[WaikikiJFan]

Hi WaikikiJFan, do channels like Fuji Terebi One and Two also have 7 days playback?

As far as I can tell, all the channels have 7-day playback. I mostly watch Nihon TV and Fuji TV and they certainly have that feature.

[supabakakun]

It seems that it begins have too many people using the ihome ???
For some time now, and especially to 8:00 pm (from Japan) the ihome program puts a lot of time to start... and usually to finish to a white screen ...
Does that happen to you too? or is that this problem seems to be especially in Europe ? (I live in France and my internet connection is very good)

I am in the US, and I haven't seen this occur. Is it occurring watching playback or live?

[supabakakun]

I bought the Maige HD3 IPTV box from AliExpress. I got it for the Japanese channels (about 47 of them), but there are a few hundred other channels (Chinese and Korean). I get live TV plus 7-day playback so I can watch all the shows during the week when I have time. It works pretty well.

I checked out the renewal rate, and the $90 price sounds a lot better than $210. It also appears to be a lot easier to renew the subscription. Are you able to fast forward the video and still see it? iHome allows users to fast forward, but only via a time basis. It makes is very difficult to fast forward through commercials and stopping when the program restarts without seeing the video.

I just checked some videos on YouTube for the Maige HD3 IPTV and I am not seeing any buffering for live TV. I am curious to learn more about your experience with the box. Mark told me that I can renew my subscription for iHome in Febuary. If Maige is a better box then I should just pay $100 more and get it. Why doesn't IPTV have to be so expensive.

[koonchu]

After I ironed-out the problems with my iHome IP900, I've had a really enjoyable experience. So far, I've had 4 or 5 days of uninterrupted viewing of 36 Japanese channels, all with 7-days playback.

The quality is amazing, full HD, even though 720p is what I keep the settings at.

The only drawback is that sometimes playback of previous content gets frozen or the system reboots when pausing too long or fast-forwarding too much. Mark at AliExpress has been wonderful, though. I hope he stays in business a long time because I hope to be a loyal customer.

For the record, I'm not at all rich. $300 is alot of money to me, but it was the big family Christmas gift and a year's worth of service is a great investment.

MaigeTV was one of my options, but there's no real face to it and there was a legal scare recently. Somehow, Mark and his iHome seemed a better choice and I do not regret it. Highly recommended!

[supabakakun]

I really enjoy the iHome, and have ran into the same issues that have been mentioned of the box needing to be restarted because fast forwarding and switching too much. This isn't a deal breaker, since I have yet to have had an electronic device that hasn't needed to be restarted. It is nice that when there is server maintenace scheduled, the people operating the iHome service will provide scrolling text alerting people that maintenance will be performed on a certain date. I wish it had the same number of channels available as MaigeTV, for example all of the WoWWoW channels. The renewal price for the 2 services are fairly far apart.

Mark has been great. I reached out to him to inquire about renewing my subscription and he let me know that the box is limited for saving 15 months. I needed to wait a few more months before I could renew. Not sure how we will transfer the money for paying for the renewal, but I am hoping he will use Pay Pal.

[WaikikiJFan]

I checked out the renewal rate, and the $90 price sounds a lot better than $210. It also appears to be a lot easier to renew the subscription. Are you able to fast forward the video and still see it? iHome allows users to fast forward, but only via a time basis. It makes is very difficult to fast forward through commercials and stopping when the program restarts without seeing the video.

I just checked some videos on YouTube for the Maige HD3 IPTV and I am not seeing any buffering for live TV. I am curious to learn more about your experience with the box. Mark told me that I can renew my subscription for iHome in Febuary. If Maige is a better box then I should just pay $100 more and get it. Why doesn't IPTV have to be so expensive.

In principal you can jump forward and backward in 1-minute intervals during playback. In practice, it works for about half the shows. Sometimes you don't get that option (I'm not sure why). But at least Japanese commercials are entertaining, so it's not a big problem. The other thing is that maybe about once per hour or two I'll get a "no signal detected" message during playback that lasts a few seconds. Then it rejoins the program. As far as buffering goes, when you start playback, it will often buffer for a few moments, but then it's fine for the rest of the show. If you pause it for a moment and restart, it's pretty much fine from there. I've never had it crash and reboot.

So I think none of these IPTV solutions are flawless, and what you get is worth the minor annoyances. I wouldn't pay $210 a year unless the quality was significantly higher, but from what I've seen, I'm not convinced that it is.

[mikao]

It seems that it begins have too many people using the ihome ???
For some time now, and especially to 8:00 pm (from Japan) the ihome program puts a lot of time to start... and usually to finish to a white screen ...
Does that happen to you too? or is that this problem seems to be especially in Europe ? (I live in France and my internet connection is very good)

I am in the US, and I haven't seen this occur. Is it occurring watching playback or live?

After a mail sent to Aliexpress seller, all returned back to order and the problem was solved !

[shimizu no jirochou]

Morning all,

Just had a browse over the tremendous number of IPTV set top boxes available on AlieExpress and only seem to get more and more confused....

I understand why the iHome would be the preferred option for American and European forum members, due to its PVR function and the time differences between these places and Japan.

Being located in Australia, where there is only a one hour time difference (2 hours during daylight savings time), the PVR is not absolutely essential for me. What set top box without PVR, but with the ability to watch shows up to seven days old, would be good from amongst those on AlieExpress?

There are just so many to choose from.....

[supabakakun]

Morning all,

Just had a browse over the tremendous number of IPTV set top boxes available on AlieExpress and only seem to get more and more confused....

I understand why the iHome would be the preferred option for American and European forum members, due to its PVR function and the time differences between these places and Japan.

Being located in Australia, where there is only a one hour time difference (2 hours during daylight savings time), the PVR is not absolutely essential for me. What set top box without PVR, but with the ability to watch shows up to seven days old, would be good from amongst those on AlieExpress?

There are just so many to choose from.....

I chose iHome for the 5 - 7 day playback. I enabled the hard drive recording, because I could but I not really use it. It seems the post popular combinations is iHome or MaigeTV.

I believe this site is the same store that was on AliExpress that allowed people to download a app for their android device and cut the cost of having to buy a new box. They are no longer able to sell on AliExpress because AliExpress only wants physical merchandise to be sold on their site. They have a 2 day trial. My understanding is that the picture of the channel menu is correct and the printed channel is not.

http://www.qnethd.com/en/productsview.asp?id=270

I don't have a android box, but I was thinking this may be a fun box for me to get since you boot android or linux off of a sd card. The cost would be about the same as iHome or Maige after including the Japan IPTV APK, but the flexibility this could be a really fun set top box.

http://www.solid-run.com/product/cubox-i4pro/

[shimizu no jirochou]

Thanks for responding Supabakakun...
I really do appreciate it :-)

iHome is looking like the preferred option at the moment...
because of the favourable reviews of both the hardware itself and the seller called Mark on AliExpress.

The only problem regarding the iHome for me is that, due to the location of my telephone wall socket, the wireless modem is quite some distance (8/9 meters) from the TV on which I wish to connect it. Meaning I would need to drill holes in the hardwood floors to run a 9 metre Ethernet cable under the house to the iHome box.

The android devices here:

http://www.aliexpress.com/premium/japan ... =y&catId=0

looked handy due to their wireless capability.....however I don"t know how effective these proliferation of Chinese made android boxes are???

[shimizu no jirochou]

Speaking of android set top IPTV boxes.....

Are any forum members using oneof these dual or quadcore Android set top boxes for their IPTV needs?

I suppose the benefits of one of these boxes, beside the obvious benefit of being wifi enabled, is that you are free to install any Google Play apps you wish?

Whereas with the iHome, being Linux based, you can't?

[supabakakun]

If you are looking to create an access point for network devices near the TV, you want to look at this:
http://www.amazon.com/Edimax-Universal- ... ifi+bridge

For about 6 months I was using http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0056V ... UTF8&psc=1 to connect my iHome to the network. I needed all the ports because of all the games systems that I have. It work great for me. This summer I finally got around to running network cable to the TV, so I don't use it anymore.

[shimizu no jirochou]

Yet again Superbakakun, sincerest of thanks for the reply.

I will be sure to check out the bridging options you have pointed out!

Cheers

[frag2]

Have lurked this thread for a few years now and initally contemplated the TVpad but seems like niji is hit or miss for service.

I guess it's come down to Maige or iHome? Isn't iHome the more expensive option due to the subscription fee being 2-3x more than Maige?

[shimizu no jirochou]

I also agree the Maige looks promising....anyone out there using the Maige 3?
Perhaps the iHome is more expensive due to its PVR functionality? While the Maige 3 appears to have 7 day playback, it does not appear to have any PVR functionality built in.

I also remember seeing somewhere here in the deep dark depths of this threads history that the Maige has audio issues, whereby the lips and the audio are out of sync......not sure if this is an issue with the Maige 3??

I don't believe I have read here about the iHome having a similar audio sync problem....

Any one here running an android box with a japanese iptv app??
If you could get reliable japanese iptv through an android box (or the Niji Show app - but then that is only seven or so channels right?), the customisation possibilities of this platform would be inviting.....being able to install any other android app/game/xbmc etc.....

[WaikikiJFan]

Yes, I have the MaigeTV HD3. There does seem to be an option to connect a PVR, and there are two USB ports, but I have no idea how to use that. I haven't needed to, though, because the 7-day playback works fine. As for audio/video sync problems, as long as you have a fast connection, you shouldn't have a problem with that, at least not enough to really notice.

There's an iPad app so I can watch and control the MaigeTV from my iPad (it's very cool), and there's also an app for that for Windows PCs, but I couldn't get that to play. It could be because I'm running Windows XP within a Parallels environment on a MacBook Pro. Not sure. They ought to have a OS X app for that, or be able to access that via an internet browser. It would be nice if there were more instructions and how-to discussion in English.

[statrosa]

Yes, I have the MaigeTV HD3. There does seem to be an option to connect a PVR, and there are two USB ports, but I have no idea how to use that. I haven't needed to, though, because the 7-day playback works fine. As for audio/video sync problems, as long as you have a fast connection, you shouldn't have a problem with that, at least not enough to really notice.

There's an iPad app so I can watch and control the MaigeTV from my iPad (it's very cool), and there's also an app for that for Windows PCs, but I couldn't get that to play. It could be because I'm running Windows XP within a Parallels environment on a MacBook Pro. Not sure. They ought to have a OS X app for that, or be able to access that via an internet browser. It would be nice if there were more instructions and how-to discussion in English.

Thanks for your explanation. For me it's clear I will get the Maige TV.

[k1m1hr]

Hello,

I bought the iHome some time ago (August of 2014) and had no issues until yesterday,it is now saying a Network connection failed even though it is acquiring an IP Address properly and pinging the DNS, it says the Upgrade URL and Home Page URL tests Failed. Anyone else had this problem, or is having now?

Back then, iHome seemed the best solution (Maige was not available i think...), and i got to say it is an impressive device, unfortunately it failed me now... maybe i should try the Maige.

Thanks,

[koonchu]

Hello,

I bought the iHome some time ago (August of 2014) and had no issues until yesterday,it is now saying a Network connection failed even though it is acquiring an IP Address properly and pinging the DNS, it says the Upgrade URL and Home Page URL tests Failed. Anyone else had this problem, or is having now?

Back then, iHome seemed the best solution (Maige was not available i think...), and i got to say it is an impressive device, unfortunately it failed me now... maybe i should try the Maige.

Thanks,

Did you you read this thread? I posted about a similar problem ("Upgrade URL failed") when I first got the iHome a few weeks ago. Hopefully you've contacted your seller about this problem.

I received some instructions from my seller (Mark) to reset things. When I followed these instructions, the first time, all worked well. It may have been a coincidence though.

Here is what worked for me:

1) Turn on the iHome
2) Turn it off via the remote, then quickly turn it on via the same remote.
3) When you see the "RESTARTING" screen, quickly enter: 246838
4) After doing this, everything worked fine for the very first time.

I hope this works for you.
My iHome has been working great and my family uses it almost 24/7.

[k1m1hr]

Thanks Koonchu, it is working again!

Actually, i opened the box and took a look inside to check if there is a reset button but there is none. The circuit is very simple and it seems to use a SD card to cache some videos and such. Another interesting thing... there is a SATA port on the board, but with no purpose written anywhere... might try plugging a HD later to check what happens.

If anyone wants some info on the device, just ask ok? I really recommend it.

[matsutake]

Hi, Is anybody subscribing a TVEE Linker? I have J6903.
On 1/10, I did notice that the TV Station lineups were changed since then English Language channels are receive OK, but the rest of all Japanese channels are unable to access, just dot spinning wheals on a screen.
Need a new upgraded APP file?, or what will happen if I press the J6903 reset button?
Sent e-mail to seller but no response.

[supabakakun]

Since my iHome subscription is up for renewal, I decided to purchase a MaigeTV 3 to see if that may be the better choice. Since I now have both boxes, I will be able to do a proper comparison. We have only had the Maige 3 for about 3 days now, so I will spend more time before I do a full writeup. My initial thoughts are:

iHome was easier to setup than MaigeTV in my situation. I hooked up the box with HDMI to my TV, and my TV reported that it was a unsupported signal. I needed to find the component cables to hook up to my TV so that I can see the picture. The MaigeTV tries to automatically select PAL/NTSC and I suspect that it thought my TV was PAL. I went into the menu, changed the language from Chinese to English, rebooted, and then selected to use only NTSC. The component video quality was very fuzzy, so it made navigating the settings even more less enjoyable.

MaigeTV has significant buffering issues when compared iHome. MaigeTV seems to try to maintain a consistent bit rate, where iHome will drop the quality down to ensure smooth playback. Even if when I use the 7 day playback at times the picture and sound will freeze and for a few seconds.

The picture looks better on MaigeTV, especially during action scenes. Watching action on iHome shows a lot of artifacting, especially with outside shots with foliage. I haven't been able to see action shots much out MaigeTV yet with the exception of Japanese music videos. The music videos on MaigeTV look good, so I suspect that MaigeTV will have significant less issues with outside action scene than iHome.

The UI for iHome is easier to navigate than MaigeTV. The small box of video playing the selected video is very cool, but I have had one occasion that it seem to cause none of the videos to load. I kept seeing MaigeTV buffering at the black screen no matter if I selected a new live show or different playback day. I ended up reseting the box and that appeared to help. I like iHome shows the connection speed as it loads, so I can determine how good the picture quality will be.

While you can change the language to English or Japanese, there are still many areas of the UI that show Chinese. This morning there was text scrolling in the top of the home screen in Chinese, and unfortunately I didn't know if it was announcement of maintenance or not.

The Japanese wife test: My wife makes me hook back up the Home to watch Japanese TV. She mentioned the picture quality on MaigeTV looks better that iHome, but she prefers using Home.

I want to spend more time with MaigeTV so that I can do a more in depth comparison between the 2 services. I like MaigeTV and enjoy the additional Japanese TV that it provides. I thought it would it may be superior to iHome because of the subscription cost and number of channels, but my initial observation is that there are some areas where iHome is far superior especially when it comes to buffering issues and UI navigation.

[koonchu]

supabakakun: Thank you for your excellent review of the MaigeTV 3! Does the unit have all of the same channels that iHome offers?

Thanks to k1m1hr, I took the risk and opened my iHome







As k1m1hr told me, I found an SD card installed inside.



I checked the card and it was a no-brand 4GB "CLASS 4" SD card. On the card were 3 files:

1) ihome_recorder.xml (39 bytes)
2) SwapFile (500MB)
3) vodcache.data (1.99GB)

So I bought a Toshiba 8GB "CLASS 10" SD card for $6 USD



I copied over the three files, then I replaced the 1.99GB "vodcache.data" file with a bigger size:

1) ihome_recorder.xml (39 bytes)
2) SwapFile (500MB)
3) vodcache.data (4GB)



I started up the iHome and my buffer issues were gone. The freezing is almost all gone too. I can rewind and forward without crashing the system.

Hopes this helps someone else!

[supabakakun]

That is great that it looks like we can self-repair iHome! Thank you for the information and the screenshots. I don't think MaigeTV carries the Osaka channels, Star HD, and a few others. MaigeTV carries way more BS and cable channels, though. I want to write a better compasion of the 2 later. I am finding it impossible to watch live Japanese TV on MaigeTV with the video needing to stop for about 10 seconds or so to buffer, which is disappointing. We are finding iHome does way better for live broadcasting.

[ec0198]

Can someone please explain what the various buttons/icons in NIJI are used for? I know the X will close the program and the button on the middle line is like 'log-in' but that's about all I know. Thanks!

[Keiko1981]

Can someone please explain what the various buttons/icons in NIJI are used for? I know the X will close the program and the button on the middle line is like 'log-in' but that's about all I know. Thanks!

I don't know much Japanese but this is what I could figure out.

Top left (not sure of this): Not logged in (log out?)
At the top right: ログイン Login
Bottom left: タイプ type, sort, typewriting, typing
Drop down menu: Not sure, choose what you want to sort.
Middle blue button: Don't know
Bottom right (only know first word): まもなく (mamonaku) soon;  before long;  in a short time

[GGib]

ログイングしていません - you're not logged in
ログイン - log in
タイプ - type
全部 - all
放送中 - middle of broadcasting
まもなく放送します - broadcasting will start shortly

This should be it. "送" -kanji is written strangely on there though.

[shkendan]

Can someone please explain what the various buttons/icons in NIJI are used for? I know the X will close the program and the button on the middle line is like 'log-in' but that's about all I know. Thanks!

I only know a little japanese and my english is not so good. But I hope the following translations will help you.
Rule：from top to bottom and left to right.
ログインしていまさん：not log in now.
ログイン： log in
タイプ：type (sort function)
全部：all (maybe you can choose what type of video you like by this button)
放送中：video playing now
まもなく放送します：video will play soon (buffering? Or waiting for new episode?)

[Fujiwara596]

Hi, Is anybody subscribing a TVEE Linker? I have J6903.
On 1/10, I did notice that the TV Station lineups were changed since then English Language channels are receive OK, but the rest of all Japanese channels are unable to access, just dot spinning wheals on a screen.
Need a new upgraded APP file?, or what will happen if I press the J6903 reset button?
Sent e-mail to seller but no response.

I use TVEE LINKER and have same problem. I wrote 3 time Laura from Aliexpress - she told to wait, like they're fixing it.
Its been around 10 days no Japanese channels available, only few English channels. I am thinking about picking different tv box.

[ec0198]

Keiko1981, GGib and shkendan, thanks for all of your responses - they were really helpful.

I was able to figure out what some of the icons on the top line does but am still clueless about the 1st (document with up arrow), 4th (4 squares) and 6th (horizontal pushpin). May I bother you for some more translations? Below are the three icons I mentioned with the Japanese labels that appear while hovering.



And below is the screen that appeared when I clicked on the 1st icon.