Running a Freesat box alongside Sky?

STG.Otaku

Hi all. What kind of setup would be required to add a Freesat STB alongside my existing Sky+ HD STB?

I don't know what kind of LNB I have, though I think it's just one cable being run down in to the house. Would I need a LNB with 4 cables running from it (for PVR purposes)?

kooga

first question how many cables going into your sky box?

i would assume two.

If you opt for a freesat PVR you will need two cables.

So in summary 4 cables required for full PVR capability on the two boxes.

STG.Otaku

Ah OK, so a new 4 port LNB and two extra cables run down to the house should do the trick?

kooga

STG.Otaku wrote: »

Ah OK, so a new 4 port LNB and two extra cables run down to the house should do the trick?

yes if you want full PVR functionality

Dave..M

STG.Otaku wrote: »

Ah OK, so a new 4 port LNB and two extra cables run down to the house should do the trick?

If you have a SKY+ box then you probably already have the quad LNB so you just need the cable.

STG.Otaku

Dave..M wrote: »

If you have a SKY+ box then you probably already have the quad LNB so you just need the cable.

Cheers Dave M and Kooga. I'll have a look at the LNB over the weekend, see what the story is with it. I think it would be handy to have as adding Other Channels with Sky can be tiresome. The ITV/UTV/STV HD debacle too is annoying. Especially with something like the World Cup and setting items to record.

Out of interest, are there any Freesat boxes available with Internet connectivity and an app in order to facilitate something like Sky+ for PVR functionality? That would be super handy.

kooga

I'm guessing here but i would check out the HUMAX range of freesat boxes.

http://www.richersounds.com/products/home-cinema/home-cinema-separates/digital-set-top-boxes#2

There is a method you can use if you dont want to run extra cables from the LNB.

You can use a Philex Satellite A/B LNB Switch, this allows you to connect one of your sky cables to the box and then you run two cables out to the Sky Box and your Freesat box.

You simply flix a switch when you want to watch freesat, and then flix the switch back when you want to continue watching sky.

I picked one up on Amazon for about 10 euro.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B009T1X8M8/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

STG.Otaku

That looks to be fairly handy, thanks! Might not be any use for PVR functionality though?

The Cush

STG.Otaku wrote: »

That looks to be fairly handy, thanks! Might not be any use for PVR functionality though?

Better to run 2 new cables if possible, allows each tuner to operate independently and without the hassle of manual switching.

STG.Otaku

STG.Otaku wrote: »

That looks to be fairly handy, thanks! Might not be any use for PVR functionality though?

Depends TBH, You can run a Sky box with one LNB input, A simple change in settings.

I simply use mine to operate the Freesat in my TV, and when im finished with Freesat I switch it back so both LNB`s operate the Sky Box again.