Best freesat+ replacement for my set up.

macjohn

After nearly 20 years with sky taking a break from them.

This is my current set up:
sky+ via hdmi cable on main tv (tv1)
rf2 on sky box to distribution amplifier and on to two other tvs (tv2 & tv3) for sky channels on those tvs

saorview from aerial cable to rf1 on sky box distributed via rf2 to distribution amplifier and then to main tv and one other tv - these two tvs (tv1 & tv2) are obviously saorview compatible the third is not.


If I pop out the sky box is there a freesat+ box that can slot in and feed the others via rf2 set up and keep sending the saorview signal?

The main tv is a samsung saorview compatible so I think I can record saorview from this is if I attach a hard drive or memory stick but dont know if I can series link.
So I am thinking thats why a freesat box might suit me as I can have saorview on the two tvs without a box.

What are the essentials I would like to keep?
- ability to pause
- ability to series link Irish and UK stations.

So main question - given my set up what would people replace my sky box with?



Edit - also have the broadband router connected to the sky box if this helps with ideas

The Cush

macjohn wrote: »

If I pop out the sky box is there a freesat+ box that can slot in and feed the others via rf2 set up and keep sending the saorview signal?

Freesat+ is the most user friendly replacement for a Sky+ box but without the Irish channels and RF out. It does series link, 7 day epg etc.

A Triax Tri-Link kit will be required to feed the other TVs around the house - http://www.triax.co.uk/upload/tri-link_aug_2010.pdf, http://www.tvtrade.ie/index.php?dispatch=attachments.getfile&attachment_id=74

Only a Saorview PVR will do series link, with the Samsung TV you may only be able to record the channel you're watching. A cheap Saorview STB can be used with tv3.

macjohn

The Cush wrote: »

Freesat+ is the most user friendly replacement for a Sky+ box but without the Irish channels and RF out. It does series link, 7 day epg etc.

A Triax Tri-Link kit will be required to feed the other TVs around the house - http://www.triax.co.uk/upload/tri-link_aug_2010.pdf, http://www.tvtrade.ie/index.php?dispatch=attachments.getfile&attachment_id=74

Only a Saorview PVR will do series link, with the Samsung TV you may only be able to record the channel you're watching. A cheap Saorview STB can be used with tv3.

Thanks for that - any recommendations for a good box?

When you say " most user friendly replacement for a Sky+ box" is there a better option thats not as user friendly?

Ya I am grand on not have sarview on my tv no.3.


With a combi box or freeview box do I lose the option to series link as well? Can you set up recordings in advance?

The Cush wrote: »

Only a Saorview PVR will do series link, with the Samsung TV you may only be able to record the channel you're watching. .

Ok, so even though its a saorview tv it still cant do all the functions of saorview! Pity.

The Cush

macjohn wrote: »

any recommendations for a good box?

When you say " most user friendly replacement for a Sky+ box" is there a better option thats not as user friendly?

With a combi box or freeview box do I lose the option to series link as well? Can you set up recordings in advance?

Humax Freesat boxes would be the most highly recommended, Manhattan also but with less HDD storage.

There are other enthusiast linux and combi receivers available such as the Amiko or Ariva, I don't own one but there are threads in the terrestrial forum discussing them.

Only certified Freesat and Saorview PVRs have access to series link but other receivers will have a timer option.