Freesat - Newbie questions...

r3nu4l

The Irish television scene has moved on a lot since I moved to England 10 years ago.

Now that I'm back in Ireland I need some help navigating the myriad of options available to me. Apologies in advance for how simple these questions may be...

I know for sure I want Freesat but have questions around this:

Can anyone link me to a reliable website detailing the channels available on Freesat?

Can I receive RTÉ on Freesat or will I need a Saorview aerial to get it?

I'd like recommendations for a freesat box with the following features...

Multi room viewing
Dual tuners so I can record one thing and watch another at the same time
Series link (or whatever the freesat equivalent is called)
A decent EPG interface (I like the Sky interface but hate the UPC one)

Do I need a dish with multiple ports?

As I said, newbie questions but I'd appreciate any help you can give me. I'll be reading this forum over the next few days and will probably have more questions later in the week.

Sam Russell

Freesat.co.uk

That should tell you all you need to know about Freesat.

RTE radio is available on Freesat, but no TV. Saorview is available nearly everywhere (98%) coverage with an external rooftop aerial.

The arrangement I would recommend is to get a sat dish installed, using a quad port LNB, and get this LNB or one like it.
http://www.satworld.ie/inverto-pro-quad-terrestrial-lnb.html and connect the Saorview aerial to the fifth connection.

This will allow each down lead to carry sat and Saorview signal to be split at the TV/STB.

You can get TVs that can get Saorview and Freesat.

A recorder will normally require two down leads.

This setup will feed 3 TVs, one of which can record one thing and watch another. No recording of Saorview unless you make other arrangements.

The Cush

r3nu4l wrote: »

Can anyone link me to a reliable website detailing the channels available on Freesat?

http://www.tvchannellists.com/List_of_channels_on_Freesat_(UK)

The Cush

r3nu4l wrote: »

I'd like recommendations for a freesat box with the following features...

Multi room viewing
Dual tuners so I can record one thing and watch another at the same time
Series link (or whatever the freesat equivalent is called)
A decent EPG interface (I like the Sky interface but hate the UPC one)

The MANHATTAN PLAZA HDR-S is the cheapest of the recommended Freesat+ receivers, the Humax receivers are highly recommended but more expensive.

None of the Freesat receivers have multiroom viewing like the Sky RF2 output.

The only Saorview approved PVR on the market with series link is the Walker WP6500TTR.

r3nu4l wrote: »

Can I receive RTÉ on Freesat or will I need a Saorview aerial to get it?

http://www.saorview.ie/get-saorview/make-the-switch/step-2-check-aerial/
http://www.rtenl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Saorview-DTT-October2010.pdf

Atlantic Dawn

I'd recommend this Humax box, it has Free Time where you can look back over TV previously on (some is subject to UK only viewing).

http://www.amazon.co.uk/HDR-1000S-Freesat-Recorder-requires-Satellite-Black/dp/B009P2H3NQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1421099018&sr=8-2&keywords=humax+freesat

winston_1

Sam Russell wrote: »

The arrangement I would recommend is to get a sat dish installed, using a quad port LNB, and get this LNB or one like it.
http://www.satworld.ie/inverto-pro-quad-terrestrial-lnb.html and connect the Saorview aerial to the fifth connection.

That LNB should NOT be used with a sky dish even with that adapter. Sky dishes need a special LNB designed to work with dishes wider than tall.
That LNB should only be used with standard dishes slightly taller than wide.

Sam Russell

If you are buying an LNB like I suggested, then I would expect that you get the dish from the same supplier but if there is a sky dish installed already, then there are other equivalent solutions, but point taken.

For a new installation, it does make the installation easier and neater. Locate the aerial close to the dish (if you can) then the cables are going to be easier to install.

The Cush

The terrestrial loss can be quiet high through that LNB, might be a problem if feeding a number of TV points.

r3nu4l

The Cush wrote: »

The MANHATTAN PLAZA HDR-S is the cheapest of the recommended Freesat+ receivers, the Humax receivers are highly recommended but more expensive.

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

I'd recommend this Humax box, it has Free Time where you can look back over TV previously on (some is subject to UK only viewing).

Resurrecting this thread...
Okay, so two people recommend the Humax over the Manhattan. Can you let me know why? Is the EPG better? Something else?

The reason I'm asking is because I'm thinking of going for this package but it only comes with the Manhattan box...

EDIT: also, if anyone can point me in the direction of good reviews on this particular box and the alternative Humax box, I'd appreciate it. I've seen a couple of vids on YouTube but I'm not sure if these are about this box or an older version...

obezyana

The Humax is a far superior box and the UI is very crisp and responsive. I would go for the Humax all day long. I have a Humax box for Saorview and I think its great.

r3nu4l

obezyana wrote: »

The Humax is a far superior box and the UI is very crisp and responsive. I would go for the Humax all day long. I have a Humax box for Saorview and I think its great.

Thanks, I appreciate the response Do you also have personal experience with the latest Manhattan box?

obezyana

Yes and personally I feel the UI on the Humax is nicer and more responsive. The Manhattan is a good box but again id personally choose the Humax.