FreeSat and Sky

[Alan F]

Hi:-)

Apologies if this question has been asked already but I still wasn't quite clear in my head having read the FAQs.

I am considering getting an HDTV to replace my ageing CRT. I live in an area with an appalling conventional analog signal, and from what I hear things are not going to improve with the digital rollout. Therefore I currently subscribe to Sky, and find their prices excessive, particularly as I am a cricket fan and most mainstream cricket is now only on Sky (despite the government's promise that mainstream sports would remain on terrestrial TV!).

I refuse to pay Sky a further £10 a month for their HD package.

I would certainly be interested in getting HD via the FreeSat system, and don't object to paying their installation feel, providing there is no long-term rip-off for monthly payments. My question is

Can I receive HD with FreeSat and still keep my Sky package and my Sky Plus box? If so, would I receive it via my Sky minidish, or am I going to need a complicated set up with 2 satellite dishes, 2 set top boxes, and difficulty setting all this up so that all systems work through the same TV?

Thanks

Alan

 

[satelliteman]

Alan,

One mini-dish and a Quad LNb (this LNb has four indepenantly switched outlets in one housing). Two cable runs for sky plus and other two for freesat HDR (pvr version) or one feed for freesat HD.

SM

 

[Robbo]

Connection to the TV would be very easy as well. Just use an HDMI cable for the HD Freesat box, and whatever you use now for the Sky+ box.

 

[Alan F]

Thanks - sounds complicated. So I would need more drilling through walls over and above the 2 cables I already have for my Sky Plus?

 

[CROSSBONES]

There`s not that much HD content on freesat realy, but BBC HD channel has great picture quality, Itv HD is good, when they broadcastU-zzz

Luxe tv HD is also stunning but show`s crap

Yes you would need one more cable for a single tuner freesat box, but if your going to install a quad lnb, then you might as well add the two extra cable runs.;)

 

[satelliteman]

You'll need another hole to accept either one or two other cables, yes.

edit: posted same time, lol

 

[Alan F]

Thanks! I might wait and see if Sky end up providing the subscription free over the next few years! Really don't want any more drilling of holes and disruption (1820 house with 30 inch thick walls!).

Alan

 

[Robbo]

You need a 1m long SDS drill then. It will get through eventually.

 

[developers]

Robbo
Wouldn't one box like your TM6800 +a HDD do the job apart frm the EPG? - I thought I read the latest patches keep the Sky card updated.

Jem