HD via satellite

squonk

Is any sattelite dish capable of receiving the FTA channels like BBC's HD services? I'd assume it all depends on the box you have. I'm considering installing a sattelite system at home at the moment. It'd be nice to have that option. Even if I get an SD box for now, could someone recommend a good HD box with a nice UI that I could upgrade to later if it's possible?

Sonic_exyouth

squonk wrote: »

Is any sattelite dish capable of receiving the FTA channels like BBC's HD services? I'd assume it all depends on the box you have. I'm considering installing a sattelite system at home at the moment. It'd be nice to have that option. Even if I get an SD box for now, could someone recommend a good HD box with a nice UI that I could upgrade to later if it's possible?

Yeps, its the Box, you are right.

You can get a cheap Bush HD box up north or online for €85. It's the Argus cheap brand and it works perfectly fine for BBC and ITV HD.

squonk

Cheers Sonic! Anyone else got some boxes they'd recommend? I'll be off to the UK in July so I might look there for a good freeview one while I'm over! As long as the UI is decently usable I'd be happy.

Tony

You want a freesat box not freeview which is something else entirely. The box mentioned by my friend above will work fine on BBC/ITV HD, no real need to look beyond that unless you want one with built in recording funstion.

squonk wrote: »

Cheers Sonic! Anyone else got some boxes they'd recommend? I'll be off to the UK in July so I might look there for a good freeview one while I'm over! As long as the UI is decently usable I'd be happy.

Sonic_exyouth

squonk wrote: »

Cheers Sonic! Anyone else got some boxes they'd recommend? I'll be off to the UK in July so I might look there for a good freeview one while I'm over! As long as the UI is decently usable I'd be happy.

Well, If you've got €300, or there about to spend, the Humax Freesat PVR is the way to go.

It is like Sky +, but without the bills.
You can watch one thing and record another, or record two things at once.. Very handy (I hear)

TheDriver

or just pick up whatever freesat hd box is on offer in argos when yougo over, Humax is best one.

watty

ANY satellite receiver will do all the FTA satellite channels. A Freesat box has best Program guide.

The out of contract Sky boxes sometimes decide to show Irish instead of UK EPG and you can't delete the pay channels, though you can make an up to 50 Channel Favorites Program guide (Guide then blue button, no pay channels).


Only an HD receiver does the HD channels. The SkyHD won't record without a subscription. An external DVD or VHS recorder is useless for HD, so for Free TV + HD the Humax Freesat PVR is best solution.

No "Freeview" box does satellite or HD currently. They are for TV aerial in UK. They don't work here at all. Even on the new digital Service.

squonk

Thanks Watty! I'm getting a FreeSat box now I think of it so by the sounds of it I should be covered for HD then? I'm getting a company called FreeToAir to install it and they do 2 boxes, the guy told me that the second one they do has a better EPG and I do think he said it was a FreeSat, I'm sure it was if the FreeView boxes won't work here. Anyone else used the services of FreeToAir? www.freetoair.ie

mjsmyth

Never used them before, I generally use the services of Tony (above) over at satellite.ie

I too have the Bush Freesat HD receiver and find it to be a very good product. It should be noted that the Grundig, Goodmans and Bush HD receivers are all the same, just a different name on them.

Whilst you could go up north and buy the box yourself, unless you know what you are doing and are handy at DIY, I would suggest getting a local installer. Also, should something go wrong with the receiver, you don't have to go back up north to return it (not a hassle if you live close to the border, but if you live in Cork or Kerry it would be a major p.i.t.a!!)

Just my thoughts.
mj

Sonic_exyouth

mjsmyth wrote: »

Never used them before, I generally use the services of Tony (above) over at satellite.ie

I too have the Bush Freesat HD receiver and find it to be a very good product. It should be noted that the Grundig, Goodmans and Bush HD receivers are all the same, just a different name on them.

Whilst you could go up north and buy the box yourself, unless you know what you are doing and are handy at DIY, I would suggest getting a local installer. Also, should something go wrong with the receiver, you don't have to go back up north to return it (not a hassle if you live close to the border, but if you live in Cork or Kerry it would be a major p.i.t.a!!)

Just my thoughts.
mj

Wow.. I used satellite.ie.. didn't know that guy posted here..

Thanks Tony

DigiDec

Tony's service is excellent, pleasure to deal with.

Tony

squonk wrote: »

Anyone else used the services of FreeToAir? www.freetoair.ie

If memory serves they guy who owns this company posts on here and if i recall correctly anyone who used him was very happy with the service so dont think you have anything to worry about on that score.

Kashkai

I bought 90% of my satellite stuff (i.e. dish, quad lnb, cable, f plugs, freesat receiver) from Satellite.ie and my Humax PVR from Richersounds in Belfast. Both reputable companies with great customer service and fast delivery in my experience.

squonk

Well the guy from FreeToAire called around yesterday evening and had me up and running in about an hour or just over. No complaints so far. Got a FreeSat Grundig box that is nice to use and so far I'd recommend the FreeToAir guys to anyone. I'll have a proper chance to check it out tonight but I really have no complaints. I only ended up being envious of the guy who installed it as he was telling me about some of the kit he came across in houses owned by peopel witha lot more money to spare than myself! Must be fun doing that sort of work! I will have a look at getting one of the Humax boxes after a bit, just for the HD. Some fothe BBC content would be nice to try out.