free 240 channels

sansnom

sansnom

sansnom

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Guys, really confused!

Can someone please explain to me the free alternative channels to Sky?

I have decided not to go with Sky or Virgin and instead pay the $$ i would've paid each month for a TV subscription, for a top notch internet provider such as Zen Internet.

With regards to TV channels, I know when you sign up to Sky and Virgin the packages say includes "240 free to view channels".

What exactly do I need, step by step, to get these channels?

I assume a dish of some sort on the roof (where do i get this, who installs it?)
I assume coax cable to a receiver? or directly into a TV?
How do i get access to all 240 channels and anything else which is free?

Thank you very much!
 
Freeview - Comes down a normal TV aerial (as the old TV used to) and connects to either a TV with built in Freeview or a Freeview box. If you wish to record I would recommend a dedicated box.

Freesat - Requires a satellite dish (setup exactly the same as for Sky) and then is either connected to a dedicated Freesat box or to a TV with a freesat tuner included (these are much more rare than freeview capable tvs).

In my house I have a DVB-S2 dual tuner in my HTPC with the cables that used to connect to my sky box connected to it. This allows me to watch and record TV using WMC on my HTPC.
 
Hi,

For Freeview this comes through a TV Aerial, which will need a cable going to the receiver which is usually a Freebox box, or some TV's have this built in so you can just plug it straight in to the TV.

For Freesat, you will need a Satellite Dish and the cable running to a Freesat, or like above some TVs come with Freesat built in so you may not need a box.

Both Freeview and Freesat have differentiating channels, so I would take a look on their official websites as they both also come with a coverage map if you put your postcode in, so you can see which channels are available in your area.

In regards to installation, you can either install the Dish/Aerial yourself and run the cable - or if you just use Google and find a TV Aerial Installer (they usually cover both TV Aerials and Satellite Dishes) you should get one installed. Installations vary in cost depending on the strength of the aerial needed, but good installers will always advise before installing.

Any other questions let me know!
 
pepp77 said:
Freeview - Comes down a normal TV aerial (as the old TV used to) and connects to either a TV with built in Freeview or a Freeview box. If you wish to record I would recommend a dedicated box.

Freesat - Requires a satellite dish (setup exactly the same as for Sky) and then is either connected to a dedicated Freesat box or to a TV with a freesat tuner included (these are much more rare than freeview capable tvs).

In my house I have a DVB-S2 dual tuner in my HTPC with the cables that used to connect to my sky box connected to it. This allows me to watch and record TV using WMC on my HTPC.
Click to expand...

Interesting, so it looks like the way to do it is to get a Freesat Dish, and a Freesat tuner/receiver as it has all the channels of freeview and more. There's a little tool on the freeview website that shows you what channels you can get specifically at your address, mine only shows 20 channels.

So how does one get a Freesat dish and install it?
 
joemc said:
Hi,

For Freeview this comes through a TV Aerial, which will need a cable going to the receiver which is usually a Freebox box, or some TV's have this built in so you can just plug it straight in to the TV.

For Freesat, you will need a Satellite Dish and the cable running to a Freesat, or like above some TVs come with Freesat built in so you may not need a box.

Both Freeview and Freesat have differentiating channels, so I would take a look on their official websites as they both also come with a coverage map if you put your postcode in, so you can see which channels are available in your area.

In regards to installation, you can either install the Dish/Aerial yourself and run the cable - or if you just use Google and find a TV Aerial Installer (they usually cover both TV Aerials and Satellite Dishes) you should get one installed. Installations vary in cost depending on the strength of the aerial needed, but good installers will always advise before installing.

Any other questions let me know!
Click to expand...

Many thanks, very helpful!
 
Guys - thinking of getting this kit. Would it be the right one/any issues with it?

Freesat Kit

I think the only thing I'll need in addition will be a Freesat tuner/receiver or a TV with freesat tuner/receiver - any particularly good receivers/tuners I should look to get?
 
sansnom said:
Guys - thinking of getting this kit. Would it be the right one/any issues with it?

Freesat Kit

I think the only thing I'll need in addition will be a Freesat tuner/receiver or a TV with freesat tuner/receiver - any particularly good receivers/tuners I should look to get?
Click to expand...

That's exactly what you need, just pay a sat installer to do professionally (being a roof and all)...

Next thing you need is either a freesat tuner to amplify the signal and send it over to your TV. Anything from humax should be fine, go for an HD dual input version so you can record and still watch live tv

Also, you could consider a freesat tuner plugged into your PC if you're planning to have an.HTPC? Might be cash better spent
 
If you're in a strong signal area another option is to put the aerial in the loft. Lot less hassle and obviously no visual impact.

I'm in a 'medium' signal area and a £20 aerial in the loft with no power/boosters did the job fine.
 
You need a viewing card to make the box functional. That is what they charge £25 for so if you have one alreqdy then it should be plug and play.
 
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