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Looking for opinions on UPC

  • 10-01-2011 10:33am
    #1
    Swashbuckler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,583 ✭✭✭


    Hi,
    I am thinking about signing up to UPC. I'm just looking for some basic information. I don't necessarily care about recording/rewinding live TV etc. I only want the basic channels. I have seen various opinions on boards regarding what type of box to get and various issues with each.
    Can anyone tell me what is the best option if I want basic TV channels, good EPG, good responsive remote control, low cost?


Comments

  • #2
    SteM
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,184 ✭✭✭SteM


    If you just want the basic channels why not steer clear of UPC and go for a combination of Freesat and Saorview?

    After the installation there are no monthly fees.


  • #3
    forzacalcio
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,442 ✭✭✭forzacalcio


    I signed up 3 weeks ago and while the customer service stinks Im happy with it. I use it mainly for sports so ESPN HD and Eurosport HD si impressive. Basic channels at 27 odd euro you cant go wrong. Especially if you live in an apartment block. Just make sure you order online and try self install as they waive all pre costs then.


  • #4
    SteM
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,184 ✭✭✭SteM


    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055831222

    Check out this thread if you do decide to sign up to UPC.


  • #5
    icdg
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 12,249 Mod ✭✭✭✭icdg


    OP it depends on how basic you want to go.

    If you are just looking for free to air stations like RTÉ, BBC, ITV, and Channel 4, you could go for a combination of Saorview (digital terrestrial) and Freesat (free to air digital satellite). The thing is you will not find an "official" reciever that will do both, although there are combo boxes that have both DVB-S and DVB-T tuners. You'll be paying an initial set up cost (for equipment and installation) of €500 or more, so beware of that as it may be cheaper in the short term to go for UPC.

    As for UPC - their most basic package is the Basic Service, which is analogue TV - I wouldn't recommend going for this alone as their bottom digital package is actually €3 cheaper and comes with the analogue service anyway. Their basic digital package is Digital Value, which comes with 90 channels including the Irish terrestrials, all the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 channels, Sky One, News, and Living, among others. EPG and remote control wise it is a bit of a postcode lottery. If you living in an ex-Chorus MMDS area you will be getting a Chorus STB. In other areas you might end up with either an NTL STB (if you are unlucky) or a UPC STB (if you're lucky). The UPC box is the best, it has a full 7 day EPG, including a grid view (although that has usability issues) and a quite good remote control. If you get an NTL STB, its not so bad - it had the advantage of displaying programmes up to midnight on its Browse function whereas the equivalent UPC mini-guide could only do Now and Next (some people have had an update that gives them up to midnight, but I haven't got this). The NTL small boxes came with a small remote that is no match for the UPC remote though. The Chorus boxes aren't great. Unfortunately you don't get to choose the STB you get.


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