What box do I need? Information overload!

hairyprincess

Sorry I know this as been done numerous times, but I'm drowning in information that is going right over my head.

Basically I have Sky, but I want to get rid of it. However I like the style of the Sky pages, the 7 day guide and the ability to record. Obviously I have a satellite dish, and there is an aerial in the attic which I have no clue of it's working ability. This is the tv I have http://www.sony.co.uk/product/tv-80-32-lcd/kdl-32s5500

So in simple terms, without getting technical what do I need? Point me in the direction of suitable boxes please! And when do I need to cancel my Sky subscription, the next payment due date is 20/03? I'm happy to spend around the €100 mark.

I also want a basic box for this tv in the kids room http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9126923.htm

Thank you

The Cush

hairyprincess wrote: »

Basically I have Sky, but I want to get rid of it. However I like the style of the Sky pages, the 7 day guide and the ability to record. Obviously I have a satellite dish, and there is an aerial in the attic which I have no clue of it's working ability. This is the tv I have http://www.sony.co.uk/product/tv-80-32-lcd/kdl-32s5500

So in simple terms, without getting technical what do I need? Point me in the direction of suitable boxes please! And when do I need to cancel my Sky subscription, the next payment due date is 20/03? I'm happy to spend around the €100 mark.

A direct replacement for a Sky+ box will be a Freesat+ box with 7 day guide, auto updates, recording etc. but it'll set you back a bit more than €100 - http://www.tvtrade.ie/humax-hdr-1000s-freesat.html. This will not receive or record the Irish channels as they are only available from satellite with a Sky receiver and subscription.

Your Sony 32S5500 doesn't have the correct tuner for the Irish channels so a separate Saorview box will be required costing in the region of €50-€60. A recording version is available for €180.

Regarding Sky cancellation you'll have to give 30 days notice I believe from the date of your call to them

hairyprincess wrote: »

I also want a basic box for this tv in the kids room http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9126923.htm

That TV is from the Argos UK site and doesn't appear to be available here and may not have the correct Saorview tuner. Be sure that any TV you buy from Argos has the correct Saorview tuner. Check the TV range on their .ie website and catalogue.

hairyprincess

Thanks for the reply Cush, what about this box for the Sony: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-DMR-HW120EBK-Recorder-Freeview-Tuners/dp/B007YXUBSW/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1364408800&sr=8-8
or this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Humax-HDR-FOX-T2-Freeview-Recorder/dp/B004BMB2XC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364409987&sr=8-1

The one you suggested is just a wee bit too steep at the moment.

The other tv was a gift for by daughter so there's not much I can do about it!

swoofer

those 2 boxes are for digital terrestial only and are very good but you will still need a satellite box for those freesat channels, unless you are near the border.

gbc

The Cush

hairyprincess wrote: »

what about this box for the Sony: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-DMR-HW120EBK-Recorder-Freeview-Tuners/dp/B007YXUBSW/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1364408800&sr=8-8
or this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Humax-HDR-FOX-T2-Freeview-Recorder/dp/B004BMB2XC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364409987&sr=8-1

Those 2 terrestrial recorders should work OK with the Saorview channels but not the UK satellite channels as GBCULLEN posted above. They aren't Saorview approved and may not work 100% with all aspects of Saorview. The only Saorview approved recorder is the Walker at the moment at €180, might be cheaper than the other 2 after currency conversion and delivery. Have one myself, good box.

hairyprincess wrote: »

The one you suggested is just a wee bit too steep at the moment.

The expensive box I suggested above was a Freesat+ satellite receiver, it will not receive the Irish channels. There are other Freesat+ receivers on the market, see this range from Currys and here (RH column).

hairyprincess wrote: »

The other tv was a gift for by daughter so there's not much I can do about it!

It won't receive the Saorview channels unfortunately.