Need Sky - Anyone know of independents providers/installers?

deboyfusco

I have just had Finlay's out to intall sky+ after ordering direct from sky but have been told they cannot install the dish/cabling due to 'heath&Safety' and that I will have to go to an independent installer/provider

This is a bit of a joke as the problem was that in order to put the dish on the property the Finlay's engineer would have to get onto a flat roof to install the dish, hence the problem. The engineer himself said it would be a simple job but due to the flat roof he can't be seen to be doing it (property is on the High St in Holywood, Co.Down)

I am now left looking at other options (Virgin can't provide a TV service) so I am wondering if anyone out there has had similar problems with installation.

I have been quoted over the phone by Blackwood Electrics who can offer a Sky+ box and standard installation for £79-£99, but would charge £30 for a call out to inspect property first (this would be refunded if I go ahead with install) BUT they may have to charge more if it's a 'difficult install'.

Is this the best I am likely to get or can people recommend any other options/providers? Has anyone used Blackwood Electrics before? Can they be relied upon?

Sky had been offering free sky+ box, with free installation and £30 M&S vouchers (I was looking forward to a steak and bottle of red wine with that!!).... am I likely to find any similar deals/offers through an independent sky provider?

suki1964

I went to my local Euronics store when Sky refused to install on my roof. Got a better package deal and they had a list of independent installers they gave me to ring around. Perhaps you have an Euronics near you?

BigAl94

http://www.euronics.co.uk/locator-1.aspx?psr=LK||TA-31448&pc=holywood&ft= for local list

Artytarty

I had Blackwoods install a new tv aerial on a chimney a few years ago. Bad job, poorly done and yes, it was a "difficult install" plus call out. Not pleasant to deal with either. Unless you are really really stuck I'd give them a miss.
Arty.

deboyfusco

Thanks to all for the replies so far!

GIves me something to go on.

Milko

Euronics for Holywood would be S&R (Sams yer man)
Reputable independant installer, try Davy Black (think he trades under DB Satellite Services or similar, Bangor based & ex. Finlay Senior installer.)

WeeMo_3

Artytarty wrote: »

I had Blackwoods install a new tv aerial on a chimney ............ I'd give them a miss.Arty.

I was going to say use them:rotfl:. Finlays came out to me and said -oh- have to go up ladder-too risky ...go independent. Blackwoods came out within 2days no bother+ did a great job .

Euronics recommendation seems to be a good bet though

deboyfusco

how much were people charged for using Blackwoods? Wereyou able to get sky packages off them as well?

So far S&R have directed me to a independent in Bangor who can't install the dish/cables and any companies that I have asked about install only are quoting in excess of £140 (without sky box and internal cabling)

Blackwoods is looking the only viable option at the moment but it would need to be in and around the £79-£99 fee

WeeMo_3

Ask them if they would come out and give you a quote. You can always say no if its too dear. I cant remember -it might have been as much as that but it was a tricky job so I didnt argue (esp when Finlays just said no):rolleyes:

Willyk

Blackwoods do sell SKY packages.

http://www.blackwoodelectrics.co.uk/

and have an dedicated aerial / installation team. Haven't used them myself for sky / aerials but have bought a few things of them and found them reasonable enough.

deboyfusco

WeeMo wrote: »

Ask them if they would come out and give you a quote. You can always say no if its too dear. I cant remember -it might have been as much as that but it was a tricky job so I didnt argue (esp when Finlays just said no):rolleyes:

They have told me on the phone that they used to do free quotes but have now had to start charging £30 for call out to assess. This is refundable if I choose to go with Blackwoods but my worry is that at that point they can up the price from £79 to anything over £150

I'm getting mixed reviews of Blackwoods, are they likely to take the p#ss and up the price or have people been able to get installation, sky box and set up for in and around the £79 -£99 mark??