Ditching UPC and getting Saorview/Sattelite Dish etc

blass

I am keen to ditch my UPC digital TV subscription (due to poor quality of programming on offer in their packages).
I would like to then use a mix of Saorview/Freeview and get a sattelite dish to receive free channels too. I would even buy a suitable harddrive to maintain the ability to record tv shows etc.
I hope to do this for a one off fee and never need to worry about recurring bills again. I am not even sure if what I want to do is possible.
Has anyone else done this successfully and can you recommend an installer that would do all this for me in one job for a reasonable price?

listermint

Well TBH if you are ditching UPC for poor quality of channels. I dont believe you will get an increase in quality from Saorview / Free to Air alone.

It may be same or more to the point less reasonable channels depending on your current package.

blass

listermint wrote: »

Well TBH if you are ditching UPC for poor quality of channels. I dont believe you will get an increase in quality from Saorview / Free to Air alone.

It may be same or more to the point less reasonable channels depending on your current package.

I would not really lose any channels that I actually watch so I see no point in paying a monthly fee for the same channels if I do not have too. If it is the same then great, I am saving a fortune over time. If it is a little bit worse then I can use some of my savings to source alternative entertainment. I am so tired of flicking through 70 stations and finding nothing worth watching whilst paying UPC through the nose for the privilige. On a side note Netflix costs EUR6.99 per month and ahs infinitley better entertainment than all of UPC channels combined.

mike65

You can buy a new Freesat PVR for about 220 euro from the UK.

The freesat EGP list http://www.freesat.co.uk/what-you-get/our-channels

Free to air channels http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_free-to-air_channels_at_28°E anything not on the Freesat EPG can be watched on the "other channels" submenu (unless you buy a Manhattan PVR which can include them on the EPG by using favourites list)

Willby

blass wrote: »

I am keen to ditch my UPC digital TV subscription (due to poor quality of programming on offer in their packages).
I would like to then use a mix of Saorview/Freeview and get a sattelite dish to receive free channels too. I would even buy a suitable harddrive to maintain the ability to record tv shows etc.
I hope to do this for a one off fee and never need to worry about recurring bills again. I am not even sure if what I want to do is possible.
Has anyone else done this successfully and can you recommend an installer that would do all this for me in one job for a reasonable price?

A Freesat recorder would give you quality channels like Bbc, Itv, Ch 4 etc and in HD for free. You would also be able to record, pause live tv and have Series Link etc. Unfortunately you would require a separate box for Saorview. I don't know where you live but there are lots of installers doing this setup for people ditching Sky, UPC etc.
Have a look at www.tvtrade.ie for some further information. Btw I have no connection to them.

blass

Thanks for info. Will the freesat box def work in South Dublin?

mike65

Yes, anywhere in UK/Ireland, with a 60 CM dish in Dublin.

cregmon

Or you can go FTA satellite only if you're willing to give up TV3 and use a Saorsat/Freesat combo. I had been using Freesat & analog terrestial for a few years and after ASO decided to go with a single box solution rather than getting separate Saorview box or new televisions.
Bought a Vu+ UNO receiver, simple Diseqc switch and a KA-band LNB for the RTE Saorsat service. Setup was about 4 hours (once the kids were out of the house). Even setting up the EPG was simple - there's plenty of tools online for Enigma based receivers.

And most importantly - it got WKT* certified!


* Wife & Kids Test