BBC HD and FTA.

Dman001

Is there a FTA way of getting BBC HD that will work in Ireland? I don't want to get Sky HD. Thanks.

givecredit

Yes, Buy a FTA HD Satellite receiver, something like the humax hdci-2000.
Topfield and pace also make HD FTA Satellite receivers.

You will need a sat dish pointing at 28deg east

Edit: You could also get a SkyHD box and UK Free to View card and use the one box for watching all UK Free channels including BBC hd with 7 day epg. But no recording features. A Sky HD box can now be bought for Eur 275 on Ebay.

Dman001

I don't know much about Freeview but is it only in England you don't need a dish and just a box?

givecredit

Dman001 wrote:

I don't know much about Freeview but is it only in England you don't need a dish and just a box?

Freeview uses a TV Aerial. Not possible to receiver in 90% of Eire, unless you live close to border regions. BBC HD not on Freeview. Its only available free on Satellite. No Dish no Free BBCHD.

Dman001

givecredit wrote:

Yes, Buy a FTA HD Satellite receiver, something like the humax hdci-2000.
Topfield and pace also make HD FTA Satellite receivers.

You will need a sat dish pointing at 28deg east

Edit: You could also get a SkyHD box and UK Free to View card and use the one box for watching all UK Free channels including BBC hd with 7 day epg. But no recording features. A Sky HD box can now be bought for Eur 275 on Ebay.

Would I not need a Sky HD subscription to do that though. I already have Sky, if I was to buy a HD box would it just be a matter of taking out a few cables from the old sky box and putting them in the HD box?

givecredit

Dman001 wrote:

Would I not need a Sky HD subscription to do that though. I already have Sky, if I was to buy a HD box would it just be a matter of taking out a few cables from the old sky box and putting them in the HD box?

No need for subscription to watch BBCHD on skyhd box. You say you already have SKY, if this is an Irish Subscription sky, Then you are better Keeping your current sky box and adding second box for BBCHD and UK FTV Channels. If you have FREEsatfrom sky, Then yes just swap boxes over.

If two boxes are required, you will need to install quad lnb and run econd cable to your tv.

Dman001

givecredit wrote:

If two boxes are required, you will need to install quad lnb and run econd cable to your tv.

Okay so one more problem. I am planning to get a HDTV for my room and the Sky box is in the sitting room. I want to keep the Sky box in the sitting room but I want the HD box in my room. I am guessing I have to install the quad lnb and run a cable to my room. It sounds like alot of hassle. Is it hard to install the quad lnb? This will most likely cost over 300 euro and I don't think it is worth it for one HD channel. Thanks givecredit.

givecredit

Dman001 wrote:

Okay so one more problem. I am planning to get a HDTV for my room and the Sky box is in the sitting room. I want to keep the Sky box in the sitting room but I want the HD box in my room. I am guessing I have to install the quad lnb and run a cable to my room. It sounds like alot of hassle. Is it hard to install the quad lnb? This will most likely cost over 300 euro and I don't think it is worth it for one HD channel. Thanks givecredit.

Yes, you would have to run a cable from your Quad lnb on your dish to your room.
Not hard to install QUAD. Matter of pulling of existing and sliping on new one.
Sky quad available on ebay for circa 15euro.

Yes, it will cost you E300 and that excludes FTV card if you wanted CH4 CH5 ETC. Thats EURO70 extra.
Edit:You are probably better off waiting for a "Freesat HD PVR" WHEN it reaches the market sometime next year.

Zaphod

Dman001 wrote:

This will most likely cost over 300 euro and I don't think it is worth it for one HD channel.

You can get a Fortec Passion HD receiver for €240 via mail order/ebay + delivery. A quad LNBF can be got for about €20.