Freesat 4K

[Anorak]

Is Freesat relying on people who have just dropped Sky-Q to build their audience for the new 4K offering? From what I can see they are relying on using the Sky Wideband LNB. This could turn out to be a problem because Sky now lease all of the equipment to receive their broadcasts and when you end your subscription in theory they want it back.

 

[Adam792]

Sky take the boxes back but not the dish/wideband LNB.

The new Freesat 4k box supports both Sky Q Wideband and standard Universal LNBs anyway to cater for both as far as I’m aware.

 

[ozumo]

Sky leave the dish & LNB in the assumption that the ex-customer will return after a period of withdrawal. Isn't the dish the customer's property anyway, that way they can charge for re-alignments etc.

 

[Anorak]

Adam792 and Ozumo, I think you are right but I have two comments:
- The full functionality of the 4K receiver requires a Wideband LNB, with a Universal you cannot use the full record and view simultaneously options
- Freesat are building their platform based on another broadcaster leaving their stuff behind - surely they need to develop their own solution?

One more thing, the latest Sky agreement leases ALL the equipment to the subscriber, dish and LNB included. They don't remove these but they do own them which is why people get into trouble selling them on the internet.

 

[ozumo]

It's not like the only way to obtain a wideband LNB is via a lapsed Sky subscription. Inverto sell a 40mm version and Sky branded LNBs for Sky dishes are available from many sources.

 

[Channel Hopper]

Freesat will be interested in the indoor equipment sales only (Arris receivers ?), if the dish and cables are already in place right up to the television then why not ?

Arris also makes PCMCIA modules (or at least copartners with Neotion, that manufactures them) so I would assume one will be available that would convert a 4K Freeview set to cope with Freesat.