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Val IrelandThursday 19 April 2012 3:56PM
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mr t howesSunday 29 April 2012 10:00AM
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mr t howesSunday 29 April 2012 10:01AM
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BrainsurgeonMonday 7 May 2012 6:03PM
Val Ireland: No, they are different. Thus the "Freesat" and "fSfS" buttons above!!! A
alan bettsSaturday 9 June 2012 12:49PM
alan betts: It seems that most film channels are subscription, so I don't think there will be any more channels soon... but you never know. V
Vin RobertsWednesday 15 August 2012 5:26PM
Stoke-on-trentJ
jb38Wednesday 15 August 2012 5:43PM
The only option you then have "if" you want to be able to record programme is to purchase a Freesat twin tuner PVR as Freesat devices are 100% compatible with Sky dishes, and with the PVR referred to requiring twin input feeds such as you will already have "if" you are referring to a Sky+ box when you mention recording.
If you do not wish the record anything then a standard Freesat box only requires one feed from the dish. J
jb38Wednesday 15 August 2012 5:58PM
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Vin RobertsThursday 16 August 2012 12:47PM
Stoke-on-trentJ
jb38Thursday 16 August 2012 5:26PM
Of course I only say this on the assumption that you are indeed using a Sky+ box by you having referred to a recorder, but I fully appreciate that you could simply be referring to an external recorder coupled to the Sky box via a scart lead, and should that be the case then obviously if you purchased a much less costly standard Freesat (non recordable) box then your recorder could still be used with that in exactly the same way as is presently done with your Sky box.
I will say though, that the twin tuner Freesat PVR gives you the maximum flexibility of all by enabling you to record a programme on one channel whilst you are viewing a different programme on a second channel, or alternatively record two different channels at the same time plus on occasions (as exclusions apply) view a different programme from either being recorded. (i.e: programme would have to be on the same transponder / polarity as one being recorded)
As far as Freeview is concerned, Sutton Coldfield is indicated as providing good reception, and of course with that system you can also have twin tuner Freeview PVR which operates in a similar fashion to the Freesat types described, but though if you are the type that demands glitch free reception 24/7 all the year round then only Freesat can guarantee that for virtually 99.9% of the time.
Just a little point to note though, if you are using a normal Sky box and NOT a Sky+ type than your dishes LNB might only be a single output type, and so if a twin tuner Freesat PVR was used the LNB would require to be changed to a dual or quad type and an additional cable run from it as twin tuner Freesat devices require twin inputs, the blocks costing around £10.00 or so from numerous e-bay outlets.
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Vin RobertsFriday 17 August 2012 11:34AM
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jb38Friday 17 August 2012 9:16PM
As far as glitch free reception is concerned, nothing can really beat reception via satellite as its about on par with the best of cable TV, because as you will no doubt already know (by having been a Sky user) that about the only time a problem is ever experienced is usually during a very heavy thundery down pour, ironically Freeview being relatively unaffected by this type of situation, one of the few it isn't though!
I would think along the lines of having a look at the Humax range of Freesat PVR's, as although admittedly they are slightly more expensive you basically get what you pay for, plus they have excellent back up facilities via the web.V
Vin RobertsSaturday 18 August 2012 9:11PM
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jb38Monday 20 August 2012 12:08AM
As far as a redundant+ Sky box is concerned, it can always be used as a standard Sky box as it in effect reverts to just that without a subscription being in force, although "if" you wanted to use it in another room then it would require its own feed (single) from the dish, and so if your LNB is only of the two outlet port type then the LNB would require to be changed to a Quad block and this would leave one outlet spare in case of emergencies like for instance one of the outlets failing, as all outputs are independent of each other and so the "F" connector would only require to be swapped over to the spare port.
Of course that is only if its a twin output block in the first place, as many Sky engineers fitted quad blocks as standard as the price difference is minimal between the two types. (complete LNB kit obtainable for around £10.00 or so from a number of e-bay outlets)
Have a look up at where the coax cables enter the LNB, as you "might" see two outlet ports unused. V
vin robertsTuesday 21 August 2012 11:56AM
Indeed , I seem to have learned quite a lot in a fairly short time , thanks to your tutoring. Have never looked, or needed, to examine the dish and LNB's, but understand the need for a quad as opposed to the twin block (must take a 'peep') if I require an extra in a spare room.. Finally, may I once more offer my sincere thanks for your great help in 'putting me wise' to the ways of 'feed' etc,The Humax will certainly be the way to. Best wishes .Vin Roberts J
jb38Tuesday 21 August 2012 5:05PM
By the way, one of my own three Humax devices is a Foxsat HDR (320Gb) and which has been in constant use for nearly three years now, and with the only problem that's ever experienced with it now and again being the well known one of the remote control (actual control not the box) locking up, cured by simply lifting the end of one of the batteries, pressing any button on the remote to discharge the offending component, then pushing the battery down again.
All equipment can suffer from the odd problem now and again, but with Humax devices its far less frequent than with most others, plus there is always plenty of assistance around from various sources including the excellent Humax forum, and where obviously advice / assistance is dedicated purely to Humax devices.
Best Regards / jb.
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vin robertsTuesday 21 August 2012 7:11PM
If indeed I require further help, at least (with your indulgence) I will know where to come ! Again, many thanks ,and best wishes
Vin Roberts J
jasMonday 29 October 2012 2:52PM
any advise most welcome..D
David Noble-NesbittThursday 6 December 2012 2:11PM
I have two standard sky boxes (Not Sky +) upstairs in the bedrooms. I purchased the Sky viewing cards and get the standard programmes.
If I leave Sky and take up the Talk Talk offer of a freeview HD box (which will have to be connected to my aerial), will I still be able to use my Sky boxes as they are connected up to the satellite dish. J
jb38Thursday 6 December 2012 2:38PM
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shamaMonday 21 January 2013 6:00AM
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GemqueenWednesday 20 March 2013 4:17PM
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GemqueenThursday 21 March 2013 7:08PM
Thank you very much for your reply. Most appreciated.. Obviously I won't get sky1, sky atlantic etc or my beloved CI channels.. but.. it's not life threatening! Thanks again Briantist. Now off the give Sky the good news! ;)H
HazelwoodMonday 8 April 2013 6:44PM
I don't want to upgrade to Sky +.
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