Satellite - subscription free???

ashby

Live in a black-hole for freeview.
I've received a leaflet from Sky offering a new Freesat service. Costs a one off £150 to install/equip with no continuing subscription.
I would be interested in this but have heard rumours that BBC & ITV may together set up something similar in 2006. Presumably prices might then fall due to competition?
Does anyone have any useful info.
Many thanks, Ashby

Magentasue

Freeview and Freesat have different channels - check that it has what you want. For example, E4 isn't on Freesat but is on Freeview.

mike_paterson

You could also buy secondhand equipment and use that too.

ashby

Thanks Magentasue but Freeview not an option where I live. Freesat currently only no-subscription option.

tigermatt

Just had a look at the Sky site that is dedicated to this: http://www.freesatfromsky.co.uk/?pID=2. Looks like the FreeSat service is more channels than Freeview, more radio channels and you get a professional setup. In fact, it is just like having Sky except no monthly subscription fee! They give you a mini dish and satellite box and professional setup - that is what the £150 is for.

See here for all the channels FreeSat has got: http://www.freesatfromsky.co.uk/?pID=3

It has your regular BBC 1, 2, 3 and 4; ITV 1, 2, 3 and 4; Channel 4; five; Extreme Sports; The Vault (music); Channels such as price-drop.tv; Thomas Cook; Thomson; and it has BBC News 24 Sky News and ITV news; plus CBBC Channel and Cbeebies for the kids It also has Radio Channels such as BBC Radio 1, 2, 3, 4 FM & 4 LW, 5 Live, BBC World Service, BBC Radio Wales + Scotland plus others...

I remember reading in the times one day that BT have started a digital TV service, but can't remember the site.

I would go for FreeSat personally because their is no subscription charge and you get it over a satellite dish rather than terrestrial, which I find is much better.

adr0ck

just a thought

what if u subscribed to sky....cheapest package which is i think £15/month...and plenty of offers for 3 month half price.... = £157.50 for year then just cancel.....package after 12 months and you have freesat.......only £7.50 for the year and a couple of extra channels

paul_h

They are currently advertising Sky for £149 for a year, cheapest package - 2 channel mixes, then cancel after 12 months if you want, or you can buy a secondhand setup like Mike says, and get the freesat card from Sky for £20.

Don't forget that BBC and ITV are already free-to-air, any digital receiver will pick these up without a card. The CH4 and CH5 channels are still encrypted for freesat, there are hopes that they will join the BBC/ITV venture too and go FTA.

Note that you currently need a Sky monthly subscription to view E4/More4 on satellite.