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Have SKYQ .. not using it much at the moment. Freesat/Free to Air alternatives, gear?

  • 26-02-2025 06:37PM
    #1
    aidanodr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,083 ✭✭✭


    Hi Guys

    My Wife ( early 50s ) sadly passed 5 months ago ( Cancer ). So I am reviewing costs inc TV options here, just me now ( Im in IT ). In the front room I have a 42-inch Panasonic TX-P42GT50B Plasma TV where the SkyQ box is. Still going very well and no problems, still a great TV, great picture.

    Currently have SKY Q @ €47pm at the moment. To be honest, since my wife passed, I am not using the SKY channels much bar the odd time RTE/VIRGIN for rugger, soccer + News Channels. Other than that I am using YOUTUBE a fair bit at the moment. Galvanised proper dish outside ( not Sky crap dish ), 4 port LNB .. Samsung Smart TV in Kitchen also with a plane Manhattan Freesat box

    I dumped all the streamers we had ( Netflix, paramount, Prime ) because again not using them - more scrolling than using TBH ( at the moment, not saying I wont get back to them at some stage )

    SO - what do you guys reckon? Am I a candidate for a Free to air / Freesat ANDROID Satellite box where I can add streamers like Netflix if I wish at some point but has Youtube app anyway?

    I note Harveys have a Ferguson Ariva ATV TT box for €149. Worth a look? Maybe / Maybe not

    https://www.harveynorman.ie/tvs-headphones/tv-and-audio-accessories/set-top-boxes-en/ferguson-ariva-atv-tt-4k-uhd-dvb-s2-twin-tuner.html

    The cheapest SKY will go for SKY Q, even after insisting I want to cancel, is €31pm for 12 months ( Signature Package, everything except sports, movies ). Is it still worth sticking with that at that price? 

    I also looked at SKY STREAM but it seems quite messy with optional no ADVERT Packages and all sorts of "costs" that you may need to add and so on.

    Solid Vodafone 1Gigabit Broadband here ..



Comments

  • #2
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,126 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    Condolences on your loss.

    The quickest and easiest would be to swap out the SkyQ receiver for a Freesat 4k receiver.

    The same wideband LNB and cables will work with the Freesat box, allowing 4 active tuners for watching/recording.

    The Saorview channels are not available with this option, and a separate aerial will be required.

    Post edited by The Cush on


  • #3
    aidanodr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,083 ✭✭✭aidanodr


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123212548#Comment_123212548

    Thanks @The Cush … As i am researching more - I think I am looking for an Android component along with the Freesat Satellite option. I was watching a good round up of Android boxes like the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM99rUvgSRg

    That ferguson box above in the OP has both satellite and android box in one box. Of course the NVIDIA box ( no sat ) is interesting for the gaming also, not a deal breaker for me tbh, but nice addition.

    So - either a combo satellite / android box OR two seperate maybe.

    Re Saorview - yip, I get that .. not too worried there either. Roof aerial gone about 2 storms ago. Worse case i can use players?



  • #4
    Lorddrakul
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,948 ✭✭✭Lorddrakul


    Sorry for your loss, Aidan.

    I have a similar set up to what you are contemplating. I have a4 year old Samsung with an in door Saorview aerial near a window. Cost less than €30, if memory serves. That gives me all the Saorview stuff direct tot he TV> I then have an old Skydish with the HD+ style LNB. I have an ancient Vu+ Duo dual tuner satellite receiver with a 1TB laptop HDD in it. It acts as tuner and personal video recorder (PVR).

    The whole set up costs nothing in terms of subs and does me for almost all the entertainment I need outside of the streaming services.

    Save the Sky Sub and spend it on getting out and about. Try some activities outside the home and don't fall inward. It's all too easy in a situation like yours.

    Wishing you all the best.



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