RTE and TV3 and SKY for free?

jasonc5432

Hi
I currently have 4 sky boxes (3 standard boxes and 1 sky plus). They are all connected to the same dish in the same house. I had it installed almost one year ago. Obviously when the first 12 months ends (next month) I will face much higher bills. But, of course, I can disconnect and carry on with just the 'free' channels through these 4 boxes. Is this correct?

Also, if I do disconnect (from the subscription payment) all 4 boxes, will I have RTE 1 and 2, TG4, and TV3? If not, what is the best way to get them?

I have read extensively on this forum and I am still honestly confused, so if someone could help clarify things to get it right in my head before I make a decision of what to do, I would be grateful

Cheers
Jason

scottyboy

As far as I am aware, you need a valid Irish Sky viewing card to view RTE1/2, TV3 and TG4 using a Sky box or any satellite box for that matter. You will have to use terrestrial aerial or UPC cable connection to view them.

Also, as Sky boxes are designed for Sky broadcasts, they do not lend themselves well to viewing free to air satellite broadcasts without a viewing card. If you wish to use them for normal TV like BBC, C4, C5 etc then you need to obtain a viewing card from the UK from http://www.freesatfromsky.co.uk/ but you will need a UK address to obtain the card.

Otherwise, you can buy a decoder from Maplin or B&Q or Power City or the like to replace your Sky branded boxes and view free to air.

Dempo1

Jason,If you allow the subscription to end you will loose the Irish channels. My situation is i canceled sky subscription about four years ago but retained the box and dish. Eventually and for whatever reason i can not explain my system reverted to free sat. My box which is an old one does nor register the original card i have in it, basically it reads no card on the menu. I have all the main British channels, most news channels and film 4, not bad considering it costs me nothing. Irish channels for some unknown reason are not available on sky without a subscription and these channels don't show up on my system, this said i can get them separately on a standard aerial. I am assuming your sky box is a newer version than mine but i guess the same thing should happen as did mine. Finally and despite having no account or subscription my box still allows me to use the interactive functions.

VERYinterested

Take your Sky card out of your decoder and then you will see what channels you will be able to receive when your Sub is cancelled, RTE and TV3 will disappear. Generally BBC becomes channel 101. Scottyboy, Sky boxes can be used as free to air boxes.

jasonc5432

So you guys are saying I do not need a new card for the boxes. But, that the card that is in it will not allow me to view RTE1,2,TG4, or TV3, without a subscription?

Is this for definite? I heard someone saying before that it was possible to retain the Irish channels without a subscription.

What is the best/recommended route of getting these channels without a subscription to sky, if it is the case that they are not available?

Dempo1

Yes indeed, without subscription the Irish channels will be lost, unfortunately you have only two options, either go with a Cable company (large towns and city locations) or use an indoor (With amplifier) or outdoor (best) to receive the Irish channels, unfortunately if you go the cable route there will be a monthly cost. Previous poster correct, remove the sky card and this will give you an immediate indication of what channels you will be able to access.

VERYinterested

Once your sub runs out, or you remove the card, you will lose all the aforementioned channels, as stated, just take the card out of the box and you'll see what you're left with. You will be able to retain the Irish channels free by using an aerial. You will NOT be able to get them on your Sky box without a sub, end of.

GerardKeating

jasonc5432 wrote: »

So you guys are saying I do not need a new card for the boxes. But, that the card that is in it will not allow me to view RTE1,2,TG4, or TV3, without a subscription?

Is this for definite? I heard someone saying before that it was possible to retain the Irish channels without a subscription.

What is the best/recommended route of getting these channels without a subscription to sky, if it is the case that they are not available?

There is no legal means of getting RTÉ on satellite for free, it requires a subscription.

Dempo1

Agreed Gerald, Besides who would want TV3 anyway! LOL:D

jasonc5432

Ok, thanks, so I cannot retain the Irish channels on the sky box without the subscription

Alternatively, you are saying I should get an outdoor aerial?
Would you recommend a particular type of aerial?
I am based in the midlands, east of Athlone, if that is any use

Does it matter that I would be connecting it up to 4 televisions? There is wiring on the house from a previous analogue installation. Could I just connect the new aerial up to this, as it runs to the 4 points I am looking to reconnect now? The wiring is 20+ years old. There is an outdoor splitter. So I guess I could just connect the new chimney aerial to this splitter and use the old wire?

Will this job be pointless if it all goes digital soon? It is probably a days work to get it done right and cleanly, so Id prefer to get it done now for the long-term if that is possible

scottyboy

VERYinterested wrote: »

Take your Sky card out of your decoder and then you will see what channels you will be able to receive when your Sub is cancelled, RTE and TV3 will disappear. Generally BBC becomes channel 101. Scottyboy, Sky boxes can be used as free to air boxes.

To clarify, I know Sky boxes can be used for FTA but they "don't lend themselves well" to it, aka they are not the best option for FTA broadcasts from the UK unless you get hold of a viewing card from freesatfromsky.

Randyleprechaun

To clarify a few points

1. All your sky boxes will work as free to air receivers.
2. You may need a freesat card to view channel 4 and some others.(Cant remeber them all, channel 4, channel 5, FIVE I think)
3. There is no way to get RTE/TV3/TG4 on satellite only through SKY subscription.
4. Your only option for these is an aerial.(if you live out in the country that is, and assuming you dont want to subscribe to any other "service")
5. The aerial you buy now will most probably do digital also.
6. You won't be able to get the digital signal however if your TV is not compatible. this will require a further set top box of which there are many different types.

If I were you I'd replace the external splitter for a new inetrnal one that suits digital and sky etc in case you ever subscribe to sky again.

You will probably require a UHF Group B (Yellow) aerial for your area. Not exactly sure. See what your neighbours have and if they have a good picture just copy it exactly!!!!!!

jasonc5432

So, Randyleprechaun and Scottyboy, you are both saying I cannot get 'Five' or Channel 4 without a special freesat card? How do I get this?

And, Randyleprechaun, on the issue of the splitter: I currently have 'skys' wiring from their dish to the 4 boxes/tvs. I also have wiring running from an old (very old) aerial point on the chimney, via a splitter, through separate wires from the sky wires, to these same 4 tvs. Do you mean that I should abandon that splitter in favour of a new one? Why? Is there any technical info anywhere online about installing an outdoor aerial like this that is specific (or at least relevant) to Ireland?

Does the age of the old wiring matter?

Randyleprechaun

You can try using the old splitter. It may very well work. If you have seperate cabling to the points you have a good job that you can adapt any way you like in the future.

Look at this site and you will see explanatios about putting up aerials etc etc.

www.tvtrade.ie

It shouldn't cost alot to get someone to supply & fit the gear you need.

sesswhat

scottyboy wrote: »

To clarify, I know Sky boxes can be used for FTA but they "don't lend themselves well" to it, aka they are not the best option for FTA broadcasts from the UK unless you get hold of a viewing card from freesatfromsky.

This is an old argument that often seems to come up but in practice once you set up a favourites list it's straightforward enough. I certainly wouldn't be getting rid of a year old Sky box just to replace it with a cheapo FTA box.

scottyboy

No, you should be able to get these channels but through the Add Channels option most probably. Here is a list of channels that are available free to air: www.freesat.co.uk

NB: You can get all these really easily using a freesat box costing about €50 or you can get them via the sky box using the Add Channels option or using the viewing card discussed before. Add Channels is a pain though!

sesswhat

jasonc5432 wrote: »

So, Randyleprechaun and Scottyboy, you are both saying I cannot get 'Five' or Channel 4 without a special freesat card? How do I get this?

Yes you can. See the sticky on the subject.

patwicklow

jasonc5432 wrote: »

So, Randyleprechaun and Scottyboy, you are both saying I cannot get 'Five' or Channel 4 without a special freesat card? How do I get this?

And, Randyleprechaun, on the issue of the splitter: I currently have 'skys' wiring from their dish to the 4 boxes/tvs. I also have wiring running from an old (very old) aerial point on the chimney, via a splitter, through separate wires from the sky wires, to these same 4 tvs. Do you mean that I should abandon that splitter in favour of a new one? Why? Is there any technical info anywhere online about installing an outdoor aerial like this that is specific (or at least relevant) to Ireland?

Does the age of the old wiring matter?

jason you dont need a special freesat card to veiw c4 or c5 il look for the codes and pass them on to you. my storey bit like yours i had multi room also
and found it a ripp off watching repeats and mostly ad on there channels so i cancelled it. i have tv in 3 rooms i get c4/c4+ more4/+ itv1234 film4 bbc1 2 3 4 channel5 e4/e4+ i programmed them into the add channels on the sky box i get rte with a coat hanger no prob so iv saved a bomb over the year paying a uk company to watch our own tv channel never again....

scottyboy

sesswhat wrote: »

This is an old argument that often seems to come up but in practice once you set up a favourites list it's straightforward enough. I certainly wouldn't be getting rid of a year old Sky box just to replace it with a cheapo FTA box.

Cool! I'll leave you to explain how to set this up and the fun of how limited the EPG functions are! The Sat4Free boxes or a good Humax unit would do the job with little pain to the kids/wife unlike explaining that you have to press the green button to find their channels but with no recording functions or limited EPG etc etc....

Thanks!!!

Rem: You get a maximum of 50 channels in Add Channels and Favourites including Radio

Randyleprechaun

Apologies, I thought you needed a card to receive some of the channels. Does channel 4 not disappear when you remove the card/unsubscribe?

Randyleprechaun

The long and short anyway Jason is

1. You need an aerial to get the Irish channels without sky subscription.
2. The old wiring you have may work but there's a good chance that it might not.

Is it fairly easy for you to get anaerial on your house?
Do you have anyone living near you with an aerial up currently.

If you answer yes to these then you can probably do the job your self. Try it using the old cabling first and if signal not great renew some of it and see if it's better.

The aerial itself sdhould be easy enough, a few basic tools is all you'll need

PogMoThoin

A sky box is a FTA box, You just dont get the option to rearrange the channels and the other channels have to be programmed in as added channels with codes

exaisle

If your TV does not support MPEG4 then your best bet is a set-top box that will give you freesat channels via your satellite dish and DTT channels from a standard TV antenna.
I didnt notice where you're located, but many areas of the country can now receive DTT transmissions (although they are still in "test" mode).
I have an MVision HD300 which does the trick for me....I'm sure you'll find sellers for this and other similar units if you google...

E.

STB

exaisle wrote: »

If your TV does not support MPEG4 then your best bet is a set-top box that will give you freesat channels via your satellite dish and DTT channels from a standard TV antenna.
I didnt notice where you're located, but many areas of the country can now receive DTT transmissions (although they are still in "test" mode).
I have an MVision HD300 which does the trick for me....I'm sure you'll find sellers for this and other similar units if you google...

E.

Finally someone gives the guy some good advice.

Pull out sky box throw it into another room.

For your main room get a combo HD box. They are €150 cheapest - Edison from SAORTV. They do Irish DTT (RTE1 2 TV3 TG4 RTE News Now) and all the freesat/free to air channels without any subscription. All on one box one remote. You can plug in your existing sat cables to them and then an aerial for the DTT. You can also order the channels as you wish.

Channel 4 and Five are free to air and receivable. You can also record through the USB port.

A Mvision HD300 does the same but also plays DIVX files through the USB but they are €50 dearer.

jasonc5432

Randyleprechaun, thanks for the link, its helpful

Sesswhat, I intend to hang onto the sky boxes alright
Sesswhat, Scottyboy, Pogmothoin, and Patwicklow, cheers, I am gonna use the 'Favourites' and Add Channels to make things easiest alright. Anyone who can use the boxes can easily learn these new menus. Its not worth buying 4 new boxes. If money was no object though, I would do that, but given the tight budget, Ill stick with the Sky boxes for the free to air channels. Thanks for the sticky with channel info

Randyleprechaun, given that ill be splitting from one aerial to 4 tvs, an analogue signal, is their a recommended splitter/booster I should get? Preferably one for outdoors. Should the current one be fine? I am guessing there is no easy way to test it out without simply going to the bother of putting up the aerial and connecting up one tv to check? I know neighbours have aerials, but I am guessing they all had a guy paid to do it and wont know a whole lot about it, but I could be wrong

Exaisle, and STB, cheers, but given that I need to connect up 4 tvs, and will need to put up an aerial anyway (I think), I dont know if I can afford the extra expense of 4 new set top boxes. But, what does bug me is whether or not an analogue job will last long enough to be justifiable given the famous 'digital changeover'. Does anyone have definite information on this?

doney84

jasonc5432 wrote: »

Randyleprechaun, thanks for the link, its helpful

Sesswhat, I intend to hang onto the sky boxes alright
Sesswhat, Scottyboy, Pogmothoin, and Patwicklow, cheers, I am gonna use the 'Favourites' and Add Channels to make things easiest alright. Anyone who can use the boxes can easily learn these new menus. Its not worth buying 4 new boxes. If money was no object though, I would do that, but given the tight budget, Ill stick with the Sky boxes for the free to air channels. Thanks for the sticky with channel info

Randyleprechaun, given that ill be splitting from one aerial to 4 tvs, an analogue signal, is their a recommended splitter/booster I should get? Preferably one for outdoors. Should the current one be fine? I am guessing there is no easy way to test it out without simply going to the bother of putting up the aerial and connecting up one tv to check? I know neighbours have aerials, but I am guessing they all had a guy paid to do it and wont know a whole lot about it, but I could be wrong

Exaisle, and STB, cheers, but given that I need to connect up 4 tvs, and will need to put up an aerial anyway (I think), I dont know if I can afford the extra expense of 4 new set top boxes. But, what does bug me is whether or not an analogue job will last long enough to be justifiable given the famous 'digital changeover'. Does anyone have definite information on this?

Jason to keep it cheap, stick with your 4 sky boxes, turn the the viewing cards upside down in them and they will revert to the english EPG which basically has all free to air channels on the tv guide so there will be no need to mess about with the "add other channels" ...

As for the "digital changeover" if you do get a new aerial it will be ready for digital. They are on sale in Maplins pretty cheap but i'm no expert in this area so i could'nt advise which one is right for you given your location. But there are plenty of people on boards which should be able to help you out ...

Dempo1

Just curious, following this thread, I can receive channel 4 no problem on my old sky box, along with the main British channels including film 4, i can't however receive channel 5? are my missing something, it does not show up on the channel menus or the add channels feature. I ended my subscription years ago (work abroad a lot) and its an old box but working perfectly. Any advise appreciated.

Randyleprechaun

Jason,

Here is my final advice for you Jason.

1. Your sky boxes will work perfectly as FTA receivers. Tried mine last night with out the card and it does allow channel 4 etc. All the BBC's and ITV's etc etc show up on the EPG and full listings are given. If you store all the free channels as favourites it will make them easy to find. I assume that they can all be recorded on a sky+ box.
2. You will need an aerial or two to receive RTE and TV3 and TG4. I say you may need 2 as in some areas(like mine) a second aerial is required for TV3 to get a better picture. I would get your local TV guy out to look at it and give you a price. he will advise on the old cable and splitter. You could try doing the job yourself. The site link I gave you gives some good advice on the whole thing. However, it may save you alot of hassle by getting someone to do it for you. we can advise you on here about the price and what the guy offers you.
3. You don't need any combo box or DTT(digital terrestrial receiver) yet as the aerial you put up will give you analogue pictures on your 4 TV's via the splitter/booster(new or old). These analogue signals will be switched off in a couple of years time and then you can go and buy either a combo(terrestrial & sat) or a DTT box. By this time they will have newer and better technology in them, there will be more of a choice and most importantly they will be cheaper. Why buy something now that you won't need yet.

I think that's the best advice I can give you, getting advise from your local TV guy is best as he knows what signals are like in your area etc.

I hope this helps, let me know what you think.

sesswhat

Jason

Have a look through this thread for some Athlone experiences.

If you get set up for analogue from Cairn Hill transmitter from the start, you will then be able to switch to DTT at any time with the same aerial equipment.

Dempo1

FIVE can be watched through Services > Other Channels. Tune it in by using the info in the sticky here.

Dempo1

sesswhat wrote: »

Jason

Have a look through this thread for some Athlone experiences.

If you get set up for analogue from Cairn Hill transmitter from the start, you will then be able to switch to DTT at any time with the same aerial equipment.

Dempo1

FIVE can be watched through Services > Other Channels. Tune it in by using the info in the sticky here.

Thanks for that, i have quite an old Box but will certainly give this a try and revert back! Appreciated!:)

Dempo1

Worked brilliantly, was able to load Channel 5, thanks again, very useful and appreciated:D

STB

Randyleprechaun wrote: »

You don't need any combo box or DTT(digital terrestrial receiver) yet as the aerial you put up will give you analogue pictures on your 4 TV's via the splitter/booster(new or old). These analogue signals will be switched off in a couple of years time and then you can go and buy either a combo(terrestrial & sat) or a DTT box. By this time they will have newer and better technology in them, there will be more of a choice and most importantly they will be cheaper. Why buy something now that you won't need yet.I think that's the best advice I can give you, getting advise from your local TV guy is best as he knows what signals are like in your area etc.

I hope this helps, let me know what you think.

DTT is ON and has been for the last year and a half. He most certainly does not need to install 2 or three aerials for DTT. One will do, a wide band UHF more than likely.

I have a HD combo box or two and have used them for the last 2 years to watch a combination of Irish DTT and free sat stations. It is most certainly NOT 2 years down the line.

Newer technology on the market in a few years - of course, but it can only do what the spec allows it to, and that is well defined. Any extras are extra tuners and they are already on the market.

Combo boxes sourced on this site range from €150 to €1000, all of whic are HD boxes but with different functionality, the common basics being that they facilitate both FREE HD Sat and DTT (SEE STICKY ON COMBO BOXES). They are not manufactured with Ireland in mind. We do not drive markets and could never control product pricing for this type technology. We can and do however benefit from our European counterparts who have adopted similar technology and we can and some people actually have hopped on the economic marvel that is suppply and demand.

AND you local TV guy may not be the best person in the world to ask advice off.

Randyleprechaun

STB wrote: »

DTT is ON and has been for the last year and a half. He most certainly does not need to install 2 or three aerials for DTT. One will do, a wide band UHF more than likely.

I have a HD combo box or two and have used them for the last 2 years to watch a combination of Irish DTT and free sat stations. It is most certainly NOT 2 years down the line.

Newer technology on the market in a few years - of course, but it can only do what the spec allows it to, and that is well defined. Any extras are extra tuners and they are already on the market.

Combo boxes sourced on this site range from €150 to €1000, all of whic are HD boxes but with different functionality, the common basics being that they facilitate both FREE HD Sat and DTT (SEE STICKY ON COMBO BOXES). They are not manufactured with Ireland in mind. We do not drive markets and could never control product pricing for this type technology. We can and do however benefit from our European counterparts who have adopted similar technology and we can and some people actually have hopped on the economic marvel that is suppply and demand.

AND you local TV guy may not be the best person in the world to ask advice off.

I didn't suggest that DTT was two years down the line, nor did I suggets that three aerials would be required.

What I did say was, that, he wont need to view RTE/TV3/TG4 DTT signals yet as he can view the analogue signals for another couple of years, therefore he won't need to purchase a box at the minute.

Also the need for a second aerial is required in some locations to optimise viewing of TV3. The wideband aerial will also be dearer than a grouped aerial.

jasonc5432

Randyleprechaun, it is my understanding the my 'record' feature on the sky plus box will become reduntant when I switch to subscription free viewing. Is this true? Also, I will consider getting a TV installer out to see what he makes of the job needing to be done. STB, Why should I not consider getting advice from a local TV guy? Is it because he may try to come with something that better suits him, than me?

Sesswhat, thanks for the sticky about Athlone. But, I live about 10 miles east of Athlone and I wonder if that affects the relevance? If not, great

STB, I have heard about tests on the DTT irish signals alright, but wonder if they are covering my area? Also, will these tests finish up with there then being a 'gap' before the official signal, so messing things up if I went that route?

sesswhat

jasonc5432 wrote: »

Sesswhat, thanks for the sticky about Athlone. But, I live about 10 miles east of Athlone and I wonder if that affects the relevance? If not, great

STB, I have heard about tests on the DTT irish signals alright, but wonder if they are covering my area? Also, will these tests finish up with there then being a 'gap' before the official signal, so messing things up if I went that route?

Jason, A lot depends on local conditions so if you can, find out where your neighbours get RTE from. You 'should' be able to get Cairn Hill near Longford. This is one of the main transmitters which broadcasts both analogue and the DTT tests, and both are widely available in the Athlone area.

Both analogue and DTT use UHF signals in the same aerial group. If you get your aerial, cables and any distribution system set up so that you get good pictures on your anologue TVs, then the exact same aerial set-up will work if/when you decide to change to DTT.

Randyleprechaun

Good advice sesswhat, then get a DTT box or Tv when you are ready.

jasonc5432

Sesswhat, thanks. I will try to get chatting to a neighbour asap about the rte aerial set ups

What exactly is currently available on the DTT test transmission?

I am fairly confident I will go with the outdoor aerial. Is there a specific aerial type that anyone could recommend? Do's and dont's?

Is there a specific type of distribution system that 'works best', given that Im going to 4 tvs? My plan was to try using the existing wiring. Should I consider alternatives?

jasonc5432

On the topic DTT, seeing as I am going to be setting up an analogue system anyway, and you guys are saying this will do the job for the Digital too, I would consider buying one 'DTT box', to try it out in the meantime before the full changeover. If things worked out that way, I could extend it to one or more of the the other tvs in time when I had spare cash

What should I look for in a box? Would anyone recommend boxes? I will not be able to spend 150 euro per box or anything like that. So, something that is affordable but is also fit for purpose?

STB

jasonc5432 wrote: »

On the topic DTT, seeing as I am going to be setting up an analogue system anyway, and you guys are saying this will do the job for the Digital too, I would consider buying one 'DTT box', to try it out in the meantime before the full changeover. If things worked out that way, I could extend it to one or more of the the other tvs in time when I had spare cash

What should I look for in a box? Would anyone recommend boxes? I will not be able to spend 150 euro per box or anything like that. So, something that is affordable but is also fit for purpose?

Where are you? What TVs do you have at present ?

Have you tried picking up anything with a small indoor aerial on them ? What frequencies are you picking up if so.

Answering these questions will establish whether a Wideband UHF/Group aerial will facilitate both analogue and DTT.

I wouldnt recommend to anyone that they should be investing in aerials for analogue TV setup now, given that DTT is on and is ten times better quality than analogue and analogue life is coming to an end. However I do understand the predicement as you are trying to serve 4 rooms and wish to compliment your 4 $ky boxes.

ASO is earmarked for 2012.

I suggest you get a Mini Edison Argus Combo box from SAOR TV for your main room and see what you think. They are €150. You might be pleasantly surprised.

jasonc5432

STB, thanks
I have previously tried an indoor 'small' set top analog aerial and it was very poor reception

I see what you mean about investing in analog being a potential waste of money if digital changeover is soon, but thats why I would like to get a system installed that will cover both. As I have the sky dish and 4 boxes, it is only the irish channels that I need to get sorted now

If it was the case that I could get something sorted now for the current DTT tests that would be great. But, in doing that, and not installing an analog system, am I not leaving myself open to lack of irish channels if the tests are discontinued at some point?

For everybody, if I do go ahead and install an aerial covering both the analog and digital irish channels (the current DTT tests and also the eventual digital changeover), should I consider 'sending' the signal down the same wires as the sky wires? Seeing as those wires are only 11 months old? They are obviously providing perfect sky reception. Is there a possibility to send an analog aerial down these 4 wires also? If so, is it desirable? Are there drawbacks?

stewarty1

[/QUOTE]
can anyone tell me can i get the codes for rte and tv3 for sky box i have all the others and channel 5 just want to know if there are codes out there for rte and tv3?

The Cush

stewarty1 wrote: »

can anyone tell me can i get the codes for rte and tv3 for sky box i have all the others and channel 5 just want to know if there are codes out there for rte and tv3?

Sky subscription required.

Only available free (TV licence required) with an aerial.