Advice Please: Combined FTA and Freeview Receiver

Cyberdine

I've recently been considering a combined FTA and Freeveiw receiver - the Fortec Star and Technomate seem to get pretty good reviews, but was wondering what other people's experiences were and if there are other receivers that should be considered.

Any views and opinions appreciated...

spiney

No, don't !

In theory, a good idea, as some electronics is common to both systems.

In practise, usually, a very bad idea.

As far as I know, the Fortec doesn't have mheg, so there's no freeview text services at all! Probably no epg, either, but not sure.

Also, non compatability works both ways! A non Sky sat receiver won't get the interactive services from that, either (including no epg!).

So, for just Sky alone, get a digibox (reconditioned Pace 2200s are cheap), and a Freeview receiver doesn't cost much from Argos!
(Then, with both, you've also got some "channels overlap", so during programme clashes you can usually watch one programme and record the other).

Presumably, the Techy is the TM4200 receiver. Others will correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that's also "general purpose", so has same functional limitations as the above Fortec.