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Sky Digital Free to air...experience?

  • 21-04-2008 4:19pm
    #1
    Filan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 703 ✭✭✭


    On the verge of buying this package, satellite dish and box for E295. However I'd appreciate any experience of this. One year's guarantee dosen't appear great, and I'm concerned that some channels may become scrambled...I'd appreciate any feedback or alternatives.

    Thanks
    A


Comments

  • #2
    waster81
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 749 ✭✭✭waster81


    what package are u buying, dont see a link?
    Filan wrote: »
    On the verge of buying this package, satellite dish and box for E295. However I'd appreciate any experience of this. One year's guarantee dosen't appear great, and I'm concerned that some channels may become scrambled...I'd appreciate any feedback or alternatives.

    Thanks
    A


  • #3
    byte
    Moderators, Regional North West Moderators Posts: 19,158 Mod ✭✭✭✭byte
    byte


    I guess he's talking about a standard FTA box and dish, as opposed to Sky, who charge per month (though a Skybox without subscription will still receive FTA channels).

    Most FTA boxes seem to be pretty reliable. Do you know what brand of box is being offered?

    It is possible that some channels may scramble in time, nothing can be done about that. TCM is one which comes to mind. Also, channels with a very small budget can just close and stop broadcasting.. The likes of BBC or ITV won't be scrambling anytime soon though, and Freesat being launched in the UK in the coming weeks (UK branded FTA satellite setup with standardised EPG) may see less wanting to scramble with Sky.


  • #4
    Onikage
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,451 ✭✭✭Onikage


    byte wrote: »
    I guess he's talking about a standard FTA box and dish, as opposed to Sky, who charge per month (though a Skybox without subscription will still receive FTA channels).

    Most FTA boxes seem to be pretty reliable. Do you know what brand of box is being offered?

    It is possible that some channels may scramble in time, nothing can be done about that. TCM is one which comes to mind. Also, channels with a very small budget can just close and stop broadcasting.. The likes of BBC or ITV won't be scrambling anytime soon though, and Freesat being launched in the UK in the coming weeks (UK branded FTA satellite setup with standardised EPG) may see less wanting to scramble with Sky.
    TCM isn't scrambled? Or do you mean it is now scrambled whereas before it wasn't?


  • #5
    byte
    Moderators, Regional North West Moderators Posts: 19,158 Mod ✭✭✭✭byte
    byte


    I meant it used to be FTA but is now scrambled. A few years now, I think.


  • #6
    Onikage
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,451 ✭✭✭Onikage


    Right you are. 2006, to be precise http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=341988

    12 months sounds like the standard blurb from the FreesatFromSky website to me. If it's a genuine skybox being offered, it's an ok deal. Standard FTA boxes tend to be cheaper. The alternative is to wait a few weeks for Freesat to launch.


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  • #7
    Filan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 703 ✭✭✭Filan


    Thanks to all who replied.

    I'd appreciate it if others could tell me what they think is the best free to air package available?

    Thanks again
    Alan


  • #8
    TheDriver
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,687 ✭✭✭✭TheDriver


    Make sure you are getting decent equipment e.g. dish etc. There was an installer here in Cork who did sky etc and fta equip and installed biggest rubbish of dishes.


  • #9
    Onikage
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,451 ✭✭✭Onikage


    You could get a basic sky sub for a year then cancel. €20*12 + €40 = €280 http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=55716792&postcount=6
    Just remember to cancel at the end of the contract.

    Personally, I'm going to wait and see what the Freesat HDTV boxes are like.


  • #10
    snaps
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,138 ✭✭✭snaps


    Is that €295 installed? If not that seems a bit steep for a FTA system? You could get a reciever, dish, lnb, cable for less than €100 from german websites.


  • #11
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    Not a decent size dish inc shipping from DE.

    Professional install should cost about the same as the HW.

    Lots of people arn't able to do a DIY and many more do it poorly.


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  • #12
    snaps
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,138 ✭✭✭snaps


    watty wrote: »
    Not a decent size dish inc shipping from DE.


    I disagree there, ive brought lots of dishes from DE (2 suppliers) ranging from 60cm to 1.1m
    watty wrote: »
    Professional install should cost about the same as the HW.


    Fair point
    watty wrote: »
    Lots of people arn't able to do a DIY and many more do it poorly.

    Another fair point, but we all have to learn somewhere!!! I know a guy who couldnt even wire up a plug and he has now managed to setup a motorised system with a lot of help from myself and the boards!


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