Changing from Sky to Freesat/Saorview

maximus02

Hi

After over 20 years of subscribing to Sky TV the time has come, in these financially tough days, to switch to Freesat/Saorview TV. 20 years ago I was well up on the then current TV and satellite technology but in recent years I have lost touch with what is going on in this area and so need some advice.

I wish to purchase a combined Freesat/Saorview box which is as near as possible to a current Sky HD box. I understand I will only obtain the free channels. I would like a HD box with twin tuners for freesat and preferabbly a hard disc or at least a USB connection for hard disc or USB stick.

An ethernet connection and facility for BBC Iplayer would also be desirable.

Living in Drogheda, would an indoor aerial be sufficient to recieve a good Saorview signal and if so what kind of aerial would be suitable?

Thanks for any advice.

Max

Newonhere

Hi, I live in Clogherhead and an aerial in the loft provides a perfect signal for Saorview.
I don't know about combined boxes, I have saorview on the tv tuner and I have a Humax Freesat box which provides all the same functionality as the SKY HD+ box that I used to have (albeit with only the free to air channels) I find that I prefer the Humax box to my old SKY box (I used to have to reboot the SKY box on a regular basis but have not had to reboot the Humax box in the 9 months that I have been using it, also I have not had a failed recording with the Humax box, this used to be a quite regular occurrence with the SKY box). I would certainly recommend the Humax box, it has an ethernet connection or you can use a dongle for wifi connection. I really don't miss any of the SKY channels and I certainly don't miss the monthly subscription :-)

maximus02

Thanks Newonhere for quick reply.

I remember the Humax being among the best receivers in years gone by. Obviously they still are.

Can you tell me which Saorview receiver you have and which aerial?

Thanks again.

Max

Newonhere

Hi Max
I don't have a separate Saorview box I have the aerial plugged straight into the TV tuner (the TV is Saorview approved) in terms of which aerial I have to be honest I don't have a clue, I just arranged for Smiths Satellite Services in Drogheda to install an aerial in the loft for me as far as I'm aware it was just a standard aerial??
Sorry to be of little help there :-(
John.

The Cush

There is no easy one box solution to replace the convenience of Sky.

A 2 box solution, Saorview+ (Irish channels) and Freesat+ (UK channels) PVRs get closest with series link, 7 day programme guide, built in HDD, digital text, watch one/record one or record two/playback one etc.

There are combi receivers out there but can be lacking in certain areas such as no digital text, no 7 day guide for satellite channels, no built-in HDD, no series link.

Saorview+ PVR (only 1 official Saorview PVR on the market)
http://www.powercity.ie/?par=10-23-WP6500&pages=1&prod=WP6500&brands=WALKER&image=
http://www.tvtrade.ie/saorview-pvr.html

Freesat+ PVR
http://www.joinfreesat.co.uk/ (rh column) - the Manhattan Plaza HDR-S and other Freesat+ PVRs start about £150

I don't think BBC iPlayer will work with an Irish IP address but I believe ITV/CH 4 does. The Humax HDR-1000S freesat+ with <free time> / HDR-1010S freesat+ with <free time> comes with an ethernet connection and players on board.

Switching to Saorview information here - http://www.saorview.ie/what-is-saorview/make-the-switch/

As you live in Drogheda I'm wondering if a single roof mounted wideband aerial would receive both Saorview and Freeview DTT there, someone here on boards familiar with the area may be able to advise. It would be convenient to have all the channels on a single epg on the TV or PVR e.g. http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=86060959#post86060959.

maximus02

Newonhere Sorry didn't read your post fully. Missed that you have Saorview on your TV.

Thanks for tips 'Cush'. Lots of info there to read up on. I guess 2 seperate boxes would be the way to go.