Replacing Sky+ (the $64,000 question in one easy thread)

Gunther_Gloop

Before I ask... yes I have spent a lot of time reading a number of threads here on the topic. I've seen similar questions asked throughout, but none have really been answered -or answered in ambiguous ways. So...

I have Sky+ now and I'm eager to get-rid. But the wife and kids are fighting me on it, so I need "that killer replacement".

I realise Freesat has all the UK channels (and I know the channels-list is different to Sky) and can be had with a nice EPG with series record etc.

But for RTE, etc. I'd need a DTT box -and they don't come as part of Freesat systems.

The alternative seems to be Free-To-Air satellite unit with DTT built in ("combo box").

...But from my reading, it seems these can be awkward and at times limited, switching between formats gives various 'difficulties', etc.. (main problem seems to be getting a series link on both formats, preferably at the same time).

It _looks_ like Linux-based combos can often be updated with third party firmware that adds Freesat-like EPG and DTT _together_ in one table and (am I right in assuming?) series link and other user-friendly options... *This* seems to be what any sane person would be looking for -so which box should I get for that!!??

I'm unsure which units do these things and/or how to acquire the right firmware, etc. afterward. ...and would these be riddled with their own "user workarounds" that would cause my wife and baby Jesus to cry?


...Or should I be thinking of getting two boxes: One for DTT and one for Freesat, with hard disk and full-EPG w/series link on each?


Any non-vague/ non-ambiguous recommendations/ suggestions most gratefully received.

Gunther_Gloop

Responding to my own post, would this pricey triple tuner from saortv.com give what I'm looking for? (ie. full epg with series link on both formats, showing as one epg)

If not, can someone explain what's so good about it/ why it's worth 600+euros (with hdd)?

MACHEAD

It's a pricey piece of kit alright, and then add the HDD option! Though it may seem a lot of lolly to dole out on a 'box for the corner', if you're in an area serviced by a DTT transmitter, giving you the irish channels in digital widescreen format, it's worth looking at. If you have a sky premium service (sport/movies), you'll easily spend more than that in a 12 month sub. Of course you also need to take into account that DTT is still only on a test basis, and the final codec for Irish DTT hasn't been finalised yet. So any advice you're likely to get on this issue will by definition be somewhat ambiguous, at least until we see what way things pan out on the terrestrial side.

nikon1000

Gunther_Gloop wrote: »

Responding to my own post, would this pricey triple tuner from saortv.com give what I'm looking for? (ie. full epg with series link on both formats, showing as one epg)

If not, can someone explain what's so good about it/ why it's worth 600+euros (with hdd)?

I don't think this receiver has the 7 day Freesat EPG, can somebody correct me on this??

Gunther_Gloop

nikon1000 wrote: »

I don't think this receiver has the 7 day Freesat EPG, can somebody correct me on this??

Yes you're right. That was pointed out to me in another thread. No series link either (they're probably related to each other anyway I know).

Instead I've decided to go for a Freesat+ box and stick an aerial on my roof for decent Irish channels. I'll get a DTT box at a later date.