New Television

LeeroyJones

Right so we're getting a new telly and looking to hook it up to an old sky box we have since we upgraded our Sky package. As far as I understand it all I need to do is hook up the old sky box to the dish and I'm away in a hack. However on looking at new TVs (which we haven't bought) I see that some come with a "Freeview TV" feature built in.

Is this a gimmick or would it mean I wouldn't need to hook up the Sky box?

Sorry for my lack of knowledge on the subject, but if anybody could advise me on what would be the most economic option regarding what service would supply the most TV channels I would greatly appreciate it!

galvo_clare

If you only have access to Irish channels, then you need to be looking for Freeview HD, which will allow you to access Irish digital channels, which will be formally launched in October, although test services are running around the country at the moment.
This will give you access to RTE1, 2 and TG4 and currently a news channel using digital transmission. TV3 is not available on this system as yet, so you will also need an analogue UHF tuner, which will almost certainly be supported.
Freesat TVs can be connected directly to your Sky dish and will pick up a greater range of channels, BBC, ITV etc.
For the greatest range of channels, you're still looking at Sky.

LeeroyJones wrote: »

Right so we're getting a new telly and looking to hook it up to an old sky box we have since we upgraded our Sky package. As far as I understand it all I need to do is hook up the old sky box to the dish and I'm away in a hack. However on looking at new TVs (which we haven't bought) I see that some come with a "Freeview TV" feature built in.

Is this a gimmick or would it mean I wouldn't need to hook up the Sky box?

Sorry for my lack of knowledge on the subject, but if anybody could advise me on what would be the most economic option regarding what service would supply the most TV channels I would greatly appreciate it!

Mr McBoatface

You'd be better off with a Freesat HD capable TV or a Freesat HD /Freeview combo TV. If you get a Freesat HD TV you get the channel listed here - www.freesat.co.uk.

If you get a Freeview HD TV you get the Irish DTT service which officially launches in October. The proposed line-up is mentioned here - http://www.techtir.ie/sites/default/files/JOCC20100714.doc . Most houses will get the channels using indoor Aerials either on top of the TV or placed in the attic.

Freesat HD /Freeview combo TV's will give you both. http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=66807075&postcount=889.

EDIT - Some more info on combo TV's - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=66844068&postcount=895

LeeroyJones

Cheers, some good food for thought there!

lucernarian

On that note, what is currently the cheapest TV on the market that can show the Irish DTT channels (Saorview) out of the box?

2 Wheels Good

I've a Philips from last October, the 32PFL7404, get great picture from a Freesat HD box and from the test Irish digital. Very happy with it. Their newer models should do the same quite well (double check the specs)