Switching from Sky+ to Freeview

STNMike

Hi,

Would love some advice on this. I have been doing quite a bit of research online but I am still confused.

I have Sky+ installed at home but find it very expensive. I want to switch to freeview and Saorview. Could anyone tell me, if i buy two HD, recordable freeview\saorview boxes, can i simply replace my Sky+ boxes with them or do i need an expert installer?

I am just looking for the basic channels but in high def and with pause rewind etc.

Thanks in advance,

Michael

The Cush

STNMike wrote: »

I have Sky+ installed at home but find it very expensive. I want to switch to freeview and Saorview. Could anyone tell me, if i buy two HD, recordable freeview\saorview boxes, can i simply replace my Sky+ boxes with them or do i need an expert installer?

I am just looking for the basic channels but in high def and with pause rewind etc.

When you say Freeview are you referring to the UK terrestrial service using an aerial pointing at a transmitter in NI or Freesat using a satellite dish? Posters regularly confuse the two names.

Freesat+ can use your existing Sky dish, basically plug and play, no Irish channels on Freesat. http://www.joinfreesat.co.uk/ (rh column)

For Saorview you'll require a Saorview PVR, only one on the market at the moment - Walker WP6500TTR Saorview+ PVR . This requires an aerial pointing at your nearest Saorview transmitter.
http://www.saorview.ie/what-is-saorview/make-the-switch/

STNMike

Sorry you are right, it is Freesat+ I want, not Freeview. Thanks for the reply.

Is there a plug and play box that can do both Saorview and Freesat+? I have seen a couple on e-bay that look quite smart. Humax HDR 1000s? I really do not want the hassle of an aerial.

greendom

STNMike wrote: »

Sorry you are right, it is Freesat+ I want, not Freeview. Thanks for the reply.

Is there a plug and play box that can do both Saorview and Freesat+? I have seen a couple on e-bay that look quite smart. Humax HDR 1000s? I really do not want the hassle of an aerial.

You can get the one box, but it will need to be connected to both an aerial and a dish.

STNMike

Thanks for the feedback, appreciate it.

Looks like a couple of Freesat boxes, an aerial installed and i will have both Saorview and Freesat+.

Cheers.

The Cush

STNMike wrote: »

Looks like a couple of Freesat boxes, an aerial installed and i will have both Saorview and Freesat+.

A Freesat+ box won't receive/record the Saorview channels, you'll require the Saorview PVR for this.

There are combi Saorview/FTA satellite (free-to-air) receivers out there but won't give you 7 day guide for the sat channels, digital text/red button on the sat channels, no built-in HDD, no series link, no auto ordering/updating of sat channels etc. etc.

For the full range of services/options of both services 2 separate receivers will be required Freesat+/Saorview+.

There is no combi approved Saorview+/Freesat+ receiver on the market and unlikely to ever be.

List of Saorview approved combi receivers here, the satellite part of these combis are basic FTA satellite receivers, not Freesat, so no sat digital text, 7 day guide, external HDD required, no series link etc.

eggy81

The Cush wrote: »

A Freesat+ box won't receive/record the Saorview channels, you'll require the Saorview PVR for this.

There are combi Saorview/FTA satellite (free-to-air) receivers out there but won't give you 7 day guide for the sat channels, digital text/red button on the sat channels, no built-in HDD, no series link, no auto ordering/updating of sat channels etc. etc.

For the full range of services/options of both services 2 separate receivers will be required Freesat+/Saorview+.

There is no combi approved Saorview+/Freesat+ receiver on the market and unlikely to ever be.

List of Saorview approved combi receivers here, the satellite part of these combis are basic FTA satellite receivers, not Freesat, so no sat digital text, 7 day guide, external HDD required, no series link etc.

Is there a box on the horizon that will allow all this functionality in Ireland?

The Cush

eggy81 wrote: »

Is there a box on the horizon that will allow all this functionality in Ireland?

No, being discussed here - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056928889

seanyleary

You should have the Sat feed at the back of your sky box (screw type fitting) and a aerial feed ( old style push in connector) if so a combo box is plug, scan and play. The ariva 250 is a good box at about 110 Euro. Ariva 150 little cheaper but imo the 250 worth the extra. Not sure the electronic program guide on it though. The amiko alien 2 triple tunner can be set up with the program guide and portable hard drive for recording but you do need 2 sat feeds which you should have already.