Changing from Sky to Freesat

[Geoff Harris]

Hi
My parents live in the sticks and cannot get TV through an aerial.
Therefore no freeview.

They have a Sky dish and a sky box (about ten years old)
They no longer pay a subscription.

They get excellent reception for the free channels that they watch.

Now they want to record TV programmes. (Not using their current VCR setup which is a nightmare).

The following is my plan, and was wondering if anybody could spot any flaws.


1. Buy a Freesat+ box. I am looking at the Humax freesat+ box which retails at about £250 from Richer Sounds.

2. Plug the cable running from the sky dish into the freesat+ box and tune in.

3. I understand that if I wish to use the recording facility whilst watching another freesat channel then I can run another cable from the dish to the freesat+ box, as long as the LNB can support an extra feed.


I am by no means an expert, and most of the above has been gleaned from various sources. I just need some reassurance that my plan makes sense before I shell out for the freesat box.


Thank you for reading,
Geoff.

 

[Analoguesat]

Yup thats about it. The lnb on the dish arm will probably need changing for a 4 outlet version (a quad)

Note Freesat doesnt have anywhere near the amount of free channels that Sky fta does so if they enjoy watching some of the smaller channels check your channel lists first!

 

[satelliteman]

Welcome to satsuk Geoff,

Spot on, upgrade the LNb to a quad, run an additional cable and install a Humax HDR

Edit: type too slow when A/S is on the case

 

[Geoff Harris]

Thanks for the prompt reply Analoguesat and Satelliteman.

Just a quick question.
Presumably I can upgrade the lnb myself. I am reasonably useful at diy, (and not afraid of heights).
Also where would I buy a lnb.

Thanks
Geoff

 

[PaulR]

Try the forum sponsors for the LNB ;)

If you have an oval $ly minidish make sure that you get the the correct type of quad LNB for it as they are slightly different to those for tradionally shapes dishes.