How to switch between sky box and Freesat from a single sky feed?

suman_das

I have a quad-LNB from sky dish feeding into 2 Sky+ digiboxes. I would like to be able to switch between Freesat TV and Sky box with signal from one of the coaxial Sky+ feeds. I am particularly interested in Freesat-HD to watch an occasional BBC programme.
I know that I can get an octo-LNB and feed my Freesat signal sepeately. But I may get a Sky+HD sometime soon, and do not want to invest much on Freesat at this moment.
I understand that a signal from Sky feed cannot be simply split, unlike Freeview signal.
I found something like this:
Aerial Switch : Aerial Splitters : Maplin
Would this work, or is there something simpler/ better/cheaper?
Thanks for your help

Bikertov

I'm not quite a satellite exert, so someone may correct me ...

Depending on how much you want to spend, an option is to get a QUATTRO LNB (not quad) and an 8 output multi switch.

Triax do good equipment, as do some others.

This allows all 4 dish feeds (high, low, horizontal and vertical) to be available to each output. It can also carry your aerial, FM and DAB signals.

Blackjack_Davy

I use something similar to that aerial splitter, and yes, it works.

"Officially" you're not supposed to use one, but I live in flats with a communal dish with only one LNB feed per flat and no chance of any more being fitted so it's my only option.

Bikertov

Blackjack_Davy wrote: »

I use something similar to that aerial splitter, and yes, it works.

"Officially" you're not supposed to use one, but I live in flats with a communal dish with only one LNB feed per flat and no chance of any more being fitted so it's my only option.

The aerial switch WON'T work properly ...

Satellite systems need to access the LNB, to select which of the 4 type of feed they want, in order to tune to the correct channel - ie high, low, horizontal and vertical.

That is why Sky+ needs a twin LNB - so that each tuner in the box can access the LNB. And if you have 2 Sky+ boexes you need a quad LNB.

If you use the switch shown, you are DISCONNECTING the Sky+ box, so it won't access the LNB, so won't be able to record anything while you are watching Freesat.

That is why you need a multi switch. It has the 4 feeds permanently (hence the Quattro, not Quad LNB) and then can feed any of these to any output. This is what a block of flats would have.

suman_das

Thanks to you all. I understand now that Quattro-LNB with multiswitch is the best option. But as this is just interim measure, I shall try out the Maplin switch first. I do not mind an occasional loss of Sky+ service while I am watching Freesat.

suman_das

A quick update. I have bought the Maplin 'aerial switch' for £6.99 (needs some coaxial cable and few F-plugs). It works a treat, with the limitation of Sky+ box being not able to record while on Freesat. I can live with that with my occasional Freesat-HD watching, mainly BBC-HD. No suggestion of signal degradation whatsoever.

Bikertov

susman_das -

Great to hear it has worked for you. Do re-post if you ever go for the multiswitch option, so we all know how that goes.

B.

Blackjack_Davy

Bikertov wrote: »

The aerial switch WON'T work properly ...

Satellite systems need to access the LNB, to select which of the 4 type of feed they want, in order to tune to the correct channel - ie high, low, horizontal and vertical.

That is why Sky+ needs a twin LNB - so that each tuner in the box can access the LNB. And if you have 2 Sky+ boexes you need a quad LNB.

If you use the switch shown, you are DISCONNECTING the Sky+ box, so it won't access the LNB, so won't be able to record anything while you are watching Freesat.

That is why you need a multi switch. It has the 4 feeds permanently (hence the Quattro, not Quad LNB) and then can feed any of these to any output. This is what a block of flats would have.

I'm well aware of LNB feed setups.

I never stated that you could watch Freesat and record Sky simultaneously, and the OP didn't ask for that either. He was simply asking to connect a Freesat box occasionally to watch extra programmes. And the aerial switch WILL work as such.

Also, as I stated, there is only ONE feed per flat here. Or are you calling me a liar? :rolleyes:

Bikertov

Blackjack_Davy wrote: »

I'm well aware of LNB feed setups.

I never stated that you could watch Freesat and record Sky simultaneously, and the OP didn't ask for that either. He was simply asking to connect a Freesat box occasionally to watch extra programmes. And the aerial switch WILL work as such.

Also, as I stated, there is only ONE feed per flat here. Or are you calling me a liar? :rolleyes:

Me, call anyone a liar ...

Just pointing out to the OP the downside of the aerial switch ... and I did say it won't work PROPERLY, rather than not at all. Or are you now calling me a liar !

Not everyone would think or realise about Sky + not being connected when the switch is on Freesat. It might seem obvious, but only after you missed recording that match you were waiting all week for :eek:

And of course, it there is only one feed, you can't magic one out of thin air. Unless you know otherwise ?