Cancelling Sky-Best Alternative

greyc

Just a few questions I'm sure someone can help me with.

1. Have been with Sky for over 10 years, last renewal was Oct 2012, they wanted to up our sub to €96 per month but after some discussion reduced it back to our previous sub of €82. (multi room with Sky Sports). Does this mean that I can't cancel until next Oct without incurring a penalty? I know I have to give 31 days notice anyway.

2. If we do cancel, what's the best alternative? We tend to watch more downloaded stuff but we'd definitely like to be able to get a decent selection of channels and also have the facility to record programmes preferably with a series link. I know there are companies providing this service but has anyone got recommendations as we don't want to get stung by some cowboys.

Kristopherus

I can only answer question 1. You have a contract with Sky till next October. That will have to be paid for,whether you cancel tomorrow or go the full length. You could cancel Sports for June & July & half of August. That is unless you are into Cricket and Formula 1.

muffler

Kristopherus wrote: »

I can only answer question 1. You have a contract with Sky till next October. That will have to be paid for,whether you cancel tomorrow or go the full length. You could cancel Sports for June & July & half of August. That is unless you are into Cricket and Formula 1.

I would doubt very much if the OP has a year long contract. After the first year discounts to packages are applied without the need to agree any form of contract other than the standard 1 month cancellation notice.

Peter Rhea

greyc wrote: »

2. If we do cancel, what's the best alternative? We tend to watch more downloaded stuff but we'd definitely like to be able to get a decent selection of channels and also have the facility to record programmes preferably with a series link. I know there are companies providing this service but has anyone got recommendations as we don't want to get stung by some cowboys.

By 'service' do you mean something IP based, or a free-to-air (FTA) replacement for Sky?

If you just mean off-air reception of satellite tv, the Sky receivers can simply be replaced with something else. You can actually still watch the FTA channels on the Sky boxes, but recording ability will be lost once you stop paying your sub.

Mr Simpson

muffler wrote: »

I would doubt very much if the OP has a year long contract. After the first year discounts to packages are applied without the need to agree any form of contract other than the standard 1 month cancellation notice.

Not always the case

muffler

Mr Simpson wrote: »

Not always the case

Can you elaborate?

Over the last few years I have had various discounts applied to my package and never once had to agree on any contract period other than the standard 1 month.

Mr Simpson

muffler wrote: »

Can you elaborate?

Over the last few years I have had various discounts applied to my package and never once had to agree on any contract period other than the standard 1 month.

Not really, but you will always be told if you are being recontracted

greyc

Peter Rhea wrote: »

By 'service' do you mean something IP based, or a free-to-air (FTA) replacement for Sky?

If you just mean off-air reception of satellite tv, the Sky receivers can simply be replaced with something else. You can actually still watch the FTA channels on the Sky boxes, but recording ability will be lost once you stop paying your sub.

The recording facility is important so we'd definitely need that. I know you can get combi boxes which I think give you FTA and Saorview, am I right in thinking that FTA are just UK channels and you need Saorview for RTE? Both TVs are quite new and so they're set up for Saorview but I assume I'd need an aerial.

I wasn't aware that we could still use the Sky boxes for FTA, but if there's no recording facility it wouldn't really be great.

Peter Rhea

Saorview needs an aerial: http://rtenl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Saorview-DTT-October2010.pdf

There are no off-the-shelf combi receivers with anything like the EPG & recording options offered by Sky. The best you'll get is an upgrade to one of the Saorview approved combis, calls itself 'satfree' & offers a 7 day epg on the satellite channels, where most only have now & next programme info.

This shouldn't be confused with proper Freesat branded receivers, that offer Sky-type functionality for the free to air satellite channels, but don't do combis.

The other combi option is a linux based machine & these can offer a lot if the effort is made to set them up. See this thread.

The Cush

greyc wrote: »

2. If we do cancel, what's the best alternative? We tend to watch more downloaded stuff but we'd definitely like to be able to get a decent selection of channels and also have the facility to record programmes preferably with a series link.

In my opinion the best FTA replacement for Sky are separate Saorview+ and Freesat+ PVRs.

They will provide you with 7 day guide, series link, built-in HDD, auto tuning and channel updates, text and red button services. Both have twin-tuners which allow you to record two programmes/playback one programme or record one programme/watch one programme.

Saorview PVR - http://www.walker.ie/products/WP6500TTR-HD.html
Freesat PVR range (rh column) - http://www.joinfreesat.co.uk/

greyc wrote: »

I know you can get combi boxes which I think give you FTA and Saorview, am I right in thinking that FTA are just UK channels and you need Saorview for RTE? Both TVs are quite new and so they're set up for Saorview but I assume I'd need an aerial.

List of FTA channels that can be received with a FTA sat receiver and dish pointing at 28 degs. east - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_free-to-air_channels_at_28%C2%B0E. No 7 day guide, just now & next programme info. Also no series link for recording.

Switch to SAORVIEW info - http://www.saorview.ie/what-is-saorview/make-the-switch/