Cheaper alternative for basic channels

ifconfig

I've been a Sky customer for well over 10yrs and we are out of contract for ages.
The package we are on is costing 35Euro per month.
It is the basic one with RTE/entertainment channels, no sports or movies but does include kids + nature/history/documentaries.

I am looking for cut our monthly spend.
Enjoyed Sky while we had them but the kids are getting a bit older and I'd like to cut costs.
We have a satellite dish plus an attic aerial wired which picks up Saorview reception if needed.
We actually have no Saorview receivers as things stand.

The one thing we would miss if we cut the direct debit to Sky would be the record and live pause feature on our basic (non HD) Sky+ box.
What other (less expensive in long run) solutions are out there which tick the following box : receive main RTE and UK (Beeb/C4) channels and ability to schedule record or live pause ? Having the other Sky branded channels,etc is not really a hard requirement.

Bear in mind we live in a rural place and broadband coverage is poor so receiving the tv content via broadband is not really an option due to prohibitive mobile data caps and sub 3Mbps download rates.

I'd be very grateful for any advice as I am a bit behind on what is currently available.

_Kaiser_

Have a look at this thread over on Bargain Alerts

If you're out of contract with Sky you can get a far better deal from them by calling and threatening to cancel the package entirely. You may have to follow through on this (and don't accept the first offer unless it's a significant saving), but even if you do cancel they will likely be back to you soon after looking for you to resubscribe - their Android Sky Service app will also offer you something like 35-50% off as the final days of your cancellation notice approach.

I myself get the basic channels excluding kids/documentaries for €15 a month, no contract so can cancel anytime I want with 30 days notice, and have the benefits of the recording functions etc as well, and you'll see on that thread that people are doing the same or better.

If I were you I'd call them and say you're not feeling the value anymore, have an old non-HD box and want to cancel. I'd say they'll offer you a new box and a better deal if you ARE prepared to follow through with the threat of pulling the plug

ifconfig

Thanks Kaiser. Appreciated.
Certainly playing hardball with Sky looks like one strategy.

Is there anything on the market (even a box with PVR functions) which will allow us use freesat &/or saorview.

I have this memory of overhearing Conor Pope on D'Arcy's radio show talking about box with Irish & UK terrestrial stuff becoming available in near future.
The irony with Sky was to have to pay for pleasure of getting RTE (while the Beeb and C4 channels could be received without a card/subscription).

beertons

Amazon firestick?

_Kaiser_

ifconfig wrote: »

Thanks Kaiser. Appreciated.
Certainly playing hardball with Sky looks like one strategy.

Is there anything on the market (even a box with PVR functions) which will allow us use freesat &/or saorview.

I have this memory of overhearing Conor Pope on D'Arcy's radio show talking about box with Irish & UK terrestrial stuff becoming available in near future.
The irony with Sky was to have to pay for pleasure of getting RTE (while the Beeb and C4 channels could be received without a card/subscription).

The problem with the FreeSat/Saorview boxes (unless things have changed) is that the standard/common ones (I'm thinking the likes of the Walker boxes) are limited in terms of features/inputs and generally don't include a Hard disk (HDD)- but will accept an external one. You'll also need an external Saorview aerial unless you have good reception indoors now.

For significantly more money you can get Linux-based combo receivers that will do the job better but require much more setup and technical knowledge.

Option C is a Freesat HD+ box like a Humax for the satellite stuff, and a Saorview box (or if your TV supports it natively better again) for the Irish channels, but again an external HDD will be needed I'd say and then you have the non-integration angle.

Really if you want ease of use and all-in-one you should play hardball with Sky, or if you're happy with the technical end maybe look into one of the Linux receivers.

_Kaiser_

beertons wrote: »

Amazon firestick?

Probably not a runner as he has poor broadband options

beertons

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

Probably not a runner as he has poor broadband options

Didn't see that bit. Carry on.

NIMAN

Most simple and convenient way would be a Freesat branded box. Will slot straight in, and does auto updating, good EPG, etc.

Non recording boxes are cheap, and you'll pick up a recording one relatively cheap off a classifieds site.

The Cush

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

Option C is a Freesat HD+ box like a Humax for the satellite stuff, and a Saorview box (or if your TV supports it natively better again) for the Irish channels, but again an external HDD will be needed I'd say and then you have the non-integration angle.

The Humax Freesat PVRs would be highly recommended by all here, 7 day guide, series recording etc. - http://www.freesat.co.uk/get-freesat/all-boxes
List of channels on Freesat - http://www.tvchannellists.com/List_of_channels_on_Freesat_(UK)

For the Irish channels there is currently only one PVR, from Walker, 7 day guide, series recording, twin tuner (watch/record), etc. - http://www.walker.ie/product/detailedView/75
It did have it problems in the early days, no recent negative reports that I've seen, maybe they've sorted the problems.
Very good value now at Powercity for €85 considering it was initially €230.

Another possible option to consider is the planned range of Saorview Connected receivers announced by Saorview back in Jan, developed by Freesat, and will include a combination satellite (Freesat?)/Saorview box according to a tweet from them. No confirmed details yet but announcement due soon.