SKY user...

justmyself

Hi. I’m living in Belgium and would like to get RTE1, RTE2, TV3, TG4 etc…

I have FTA already: so I have 60 cm dish, wiring etc…

I have 5 questions:

What’s the cheapest/ best way to get these Irish TV stations?

1. Buy digibox + prescription from SKY direct or buy box on ebay and simply contact sky for the package.

2. If I was to buy on eBAY an AMSTRAD DRX 550 – would this do the job?

3. What do I tell the sky agent? That I already have a box etc… just need the viewing card?

4. I’m guessing I’ll get UTV + BBC + C4 etc…?

5. Anything else I should know or be aware off?

Sorry for the stupid questions – novice user and would really appreciate some help – thanks!

Jenny

watty

1) Sky will only sell to UK or Irish Address. A UK mainland sub will not give any Irish Channels. A N.I. Sub gives TG4, RTe1, RTE2 with a few programs blocked.

2) Yes but not good value. A Pace under 3 years old is better. Avoid ANY box over 3 years old. An eBay box may have a failing tuner or Power supply and work OK till warmed up for a few days!

3) Only if you can convince them you have an Irish (ROI or NI) address, which is where they send the card.

4) Sort of. On Irish (ROI) sub most BBC and all ITV are "hidden" and must be added manually. Many C4 programs blocked and no Five on Irish Sub, but OK on N.I. sub.

5)On an N.I. UK sub (other bit of Ireland), UTV, all BBC /ITV, C4. Five are on the guide and C4 & Five work on the card even if you cancel (RTE/TG4 stop though). If you cancel the Irish (ROI) Sub you lose all the Irish channels.

6) You need variety Mix pack and one other mix pack (Knowledge recommended) Minimum to have the Irish channels.

7) You may need 80cm dish as the Astra 2D used by RTE/BBC/ITV etc has a narrow beam. If UTV/BBC works on your current system (they are free) when it is raining then your dish is big enough.

I'd recommend using an N.I. Address.

8) You have to pay extra to NOT use a phone connected (which you must do in Belgium), unless you only apply for subscription card and supply the Sky Receiver yourself.

9) The card remains Sky's property. But even if you get a "free" or "subsidised" install at an N.I. Address, all the equipment is yours. The Sky LNB & Dish is different, but the Sky receiver will work with any LNB & Dish as long as the signal is OK.

Skyuser

Here was me thinking this thread was all about me.