Freesat and RTE on non sky box?

Phibsboro

Hi,

There are two elements to my question, one of which may not be allowed (although it doesn't involve any service theft), though that element is related to the other element so... here goes...

The first element is simple enough - if I have a decent non official freesat receiver can I set up FTA channels organised in the way I want - i.e. can I set BBC1 are first channel, BBC2 as second etc, ignoring any non english channels. I think its called boutique lists?

Second element relates to why I would want to do that, rather than popping up the Argos in Newry for an official one that will give me the full 7 day epg and allow for playback etc. in the future. I am trying to spec a system for a holiday home abroad for a friend. He has a full sky sub and is hoping to get the main channels (RTE/BBC/ITV etc) by bring his card with him on holiday. A second sky box is the easiest option but it has two main disadvantages as I see it - the main one is the hassle of getting the "other channels" up on screen (as I understand you have to go through some hoops each time you want to get an FTA channel on a digibox?). Secondly it would mean he wouldn't be able to use the premium stuff on his sub cos the second digibox wouldn't be paired (tho I suppose he could cart the actual digibox over with him!). So the question - anyone have experience of one of the various methods of getting a sky card to work in a non sky box? Further to the point above, I assume that such a box can set up a channel list that is a mix of FTA/Freesat channels and Sky channels? With my own channel positioning?

Apologies in advance if that second point is beyond the pale...

Cheers,
C

Phibsboro

As I read that back to myself, I think it might be worth clarifying exactly what I'm after. As I read it I was thinking to myself that a second dgibox is really exactly what he needs - he gets the main channels with the standard Sky Ireland positioning. He loses the premiums but he's only there for a week or two during summer, no footie on the box and he can do without the movies I guess. The key reason I am thinking of a non sky box is to allow ease of use for any of his family/friends who visit without a sky card. If he has a digibox, they'll be faced with a convoluted process every time they want to watch the normal FTA channels (having to tune via "Other Channels"). Am I correct in thinking that watching the FTA channels on a basic no card digibox is a pain? So the ideal solution is a decent FTA box (that would allow user postioning of channels etc) for his visitors but that would also take a sky card for when he was there. Is that possible?

C

bk

You have pretty much answered your own question. Yes it sounds like two boxes are best and I would get one of the new BBC Freesat boxes for the best channel lineup including EPG.

Note if you do this he is going to need a sat dish with at least a dual lnb and two cable drops, one for each box.

An alternative to all this would be for him to get a Freesat from Sky card, leave that in the Sky box for the visitors, so they can get the FTA channels in an easy manner and just bring his own Sky card when visiting.

One thing he needs to check is if he can actually receive Sky in the holiday home, it might be outside the coverage area, or he might need a bigger dish.

IT Loser

bk wrote: »

You have pretty much answered your own question. Yes it sounds like two boxes are best and I would get one of the new BBC Freesat boxes for the best channel lineup including EPG.

Note if you do this he is going to need a sat dish with at least a dual lnb and two cable drops, one for each box.

An alternative to all this would be for him to get a Freesat from Sky card, leave that in the Sky box for the visitors, so they can get the FTA channels in an easy manner and just bring his own Sky card when visiting.

One thing he needs to check is if he can actually receive Sky in the holiday home, it might be outside the coverage area, or he might need a bigger dish.

Just exactly what does this new BBC Freesat box offer? I see it is being heavily touted but of course isn't due for a while yet.

givecredit

IT Loser wrote: »

Just exactly what does this new BBC Freesat box offer? I see it is being heavily touted but of course isn't due for a while yet.

BBC Freesat boxes are available now. Presently can only be bought in UK or on internet from Uk.

What does it offer:

http://www.freesat.co.uk/

givecredit

Phibsboro wrote: »

Hi,

So the question - anyone have experience of one of the various methods of getting a sky card to work in a non sky box? Further to the point above, I assume that such a box can set up a channel list that is a mix of FTA/Freesat channels and Sky channels? With my own channel positioning?

Apologies in advance if that second point is beyond the pale...

Cheers,
C

This is possible. You can have one box with All FREESAT channels and All Irish Sky Subscription channels. All in the order that you want them in. I currently have such a system, Mainly use it for free channels, but when i want to move my Sky Sub Channels including Prem Channels i just insert my Sky viewing card. I can even transfer my subscription HI DEF channels and enjoy the Free BBC HD, CH4 HD and Now ITV HD channels. My Equipment is Humax 2000 hd receiver and Dragon Cam. Main Draw back is there is only now and next epg and Sky card needs to be left in Sky box at least once a month. This is not a problem for me as sky card is in Sky box 90% of time. As would be the case of your friend too.

Phibsboro

The freesat box is out now - available in Argos apparently. It is really just the current FTA channels (BBC's and ITV's) with quite an advanced EPG and interactive.

Thanks for the post BK... Sky can defintely be received in the area, there are a few local installers putting 1.2/1.3 dishes in. Re the dual cale drop, its actually going into a prewired communal building that will feed to a patch panel and then to an existing satellite connection in the apartment so prolly only one drop is feasible - I assume the visitors who don't have a sky card could merely disconnect the digibox and connect the freesat box? There is no difference from the satellite feed/lnb poliarity etc point of view?

C

IT Loser

givecredit wrote: »

BBC Freesat boxes are available now. Presently can only be bought in UK or on internet from Uk.

What does it offer:

http://www.freesat.co.uk/

This is it, right?

Its only £70stg:mad:

And I can't get Sky3 or Channel 5 for that.

Surely I would be as well off with a redundant SKY box and a card bought off Ebay for similar money.....

Phibsboro

Bush one is £50... http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/catalogId/1500001001/partNumber/5321557.htm

I think the point is the whole EPG experience is better organsied than trying to get the FTA channels via an unsubscribed sky box or a vanilla FTA box. Adding a UK "Freesat from Sky" aka free to view card to a digibox would presumably get a similar experience?

C

IT Loser

Phibsboro wrote: »

Bush one is £50... http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/catalogId/1500001001/partNumber/5321557.htm

I think the point is the whole EPG experience is better organsied than trying to get the FTA channels via an unsubscribed sky box or a vanilla FTA box. Adding a UK "Freesat from Sky" aka free to view card to a digibox would presumably get a similar experience?

C

Thanks for that buddy!:eek::cool:

stanley1

Humax if you want HD


http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/catalogId/1500001001/partNumber/5321595.htm

Phibsboro

stanley1 wrote: »

Humax if you want HD


http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/catalogId/1500001001/partNumber/5321595.htm

The HD ones are like hen's teeth at the moment apparently...