Freesat VS Sky

RandomName2

Details about Sky seem pretty simple and straight-forward...

But what exactly is the deal with Freesat, and how does it compare (other than being Free to Air).

I imagine you would have to be east-coast to make good use of it....

Is it reliable - are boxes for Freesat readily available - presumably it doesn't include Sky's dedicated stations (Sky 1, Sky News, Sky Movies, etc.)

Does anybody have any information on this?

Thanks in advance.

John mac

a satellite is 20,000 km above you (ish) you can get the signals from anywhere in the country.
have a look at the stickies for info on channels available.

BeerNut

RandomName2 wrote: »

what exactly is the deal with Freesat, and how does it compare (other than being Free to Air).

Search the forum: there's loads of information about it here. Or see Join Freesat.

RandomName2 wrote: »

I imagine you would have to be east-coast to make good use of it....

Nope. They've put the satellite high enough for everyone in Ireland to use it.

watty

You're think of "freeview" (TV aerial)

Freesat uses the SAME signals as Sky. Many of the Satellite channels and all the basic UK channels are free to air. Mainly you need Sky for pay TV such as Sky Sports, Nat Geo, Discovery group Disney and niche repeat channels (Mostly UKTV/Flextech group, Paramount ) and Sky1..3 TV,

Never mind the smart alecs.

i.e. BBC1, CNN, Sky news are on both and it's the same signal.

Freesat boxes have a complete Program Guide, cheaper FTA generic satellite TV boxes have only now/next info and don't automatically retune if a station changes frequency.

RandomName2

Sky provide a good service of installing dishes (and providing boxes).

I have heard the suggestion that you can pay Sky for this installation, and later cancel subscription (and just get the Freesat channels).

This is a bit messy (as its hard to actually cancel a subscription).

Are there any good satellite suppliers and fitters in Ireland?

Edit: Just saw the sticky. Any ideas which of the companies listed tends to be most reliable?

John mac

you could get sky to install for you.

I think in t&c you have to have it for a year (but open to correction)

you can then cancel and keep all the equipment ,(you own it from day 1 anyway.)
and use it for the free stations.