Freeview or Freesat

montrose5

Thinking of giving Sky the hoof and want to convert to HD. Would quite like peoples opinions. Which is better Freeview or Freesat (and which is the best box)

leveller2911

We have a new Panasonic HD tv with both and TBH we prefer freeview because we like channels like Quest ,dave and yesterday, which we can't get on Freesat..Both have a lot of tat channels ......

scotsbob

You may want to compare the Freeview list of channels here http://www.freeview.co.uk/Channels

To the Freesat list of channels here http://www.freesat.co.uk/what-you-get/our-channels/ (before some pedant comes along to say there is also Freesat from Sky which is similar but not the same, I am noting the OP saying he wishes to give Sky the hoof)

Assuming you will probably want to record channels then you can compare the features odf all the Freeview and Freesat recorders on this page (both SD and HD models)

http://www.pvrjunction.co.uk/resources/compare-freeview-pvrs/

Inactive

montrose5 wrote: »

Thinking of giving Sky the hoof and want to convert to HD. Would quite like peoples opinions. Which is better Freeview or Freesat (and which is the best box)

If you buy a new TV it will have Freeview built in, so no need for any " box ".

macman

Neither is 'better'. It depends which channel line up you want-they are similar, but not identical.
If you want HD now, then Freesat will give you this as standard, Freeview HD will require an HD box or TV (assuming you are in an existing Freeview HD area).
The other advantage of Freesat is that you can use your existing dish and LNB. Freeview will require an external aerial (if not already installed).

almillar

Macman is correct - it's a matter of opinion. Depends on what channels you want. I have both, and almost always watch Freesat. It's in HD NOW (and the last year+ that I've been using it), whereas I can't have Freeview HD until 2012. The hardware is also cheaper, and you've already got the dish etc. Do you know whether you need a new aerial for decent Freeview reception?
Freesat also has more potential as a platform. Channels are already squeezed and swapped too much to fit a couple of HD channels onto Freeview, the analogue switchoff will allow a couple more, then that's it. Freesat has stacks of bandwidth (if it's paid for) for stacks of HD channels. Also iPlayer connectivity, and ITV player soon.

Inactive

almillar wrote: »

Macman is correct - it's a matter of opinion. Depends on what channels you want. I have both, and almost always watch Freesat. It's in HD NOW (and the last year+ that I've been using it), whereas I can't have Freeview HD until 2012. The hardware is also cheaper, and you've already got the dish etc. Do you know whether you need a new aerial for decent Freeview reception?

I also have both Freesat and Freeview, I far prefer the Freeview channel line up, I hardly ever use the Freesat Receiver.


So .. horses for courses.;) as you say, it is all down to personal preference.

davemurgatroyd

Although freesat has more potential room for HD channels at present Freeview has more and that is most probably not going to change over the next year or two with the present economic climate.

The channel lineups are vastly different between freesat and Freeview so to get the most from free UK TV a combination of both is the best option.

ncfc1902

montrose5 wrote: »

Thinking of giving Sky the hoof and want to convert to HD. Would quite like peoples opinions. Which is better Freeview or Freesat (and which is the best box)

If you give sky the hoof you will still get all the freesat channels through your Sky Box, although not in HD without a Sky HD Box!
See here for what your get.........
http://www.sky.com/shop/freesat/home/what-can-i-watch/

montrose5

Thanks for all the replies.ncfc would my Sky + record still work on freesat channels

Inactive

montrose5 wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies.ncfc would my Sky + record still work on freesat channels

No, you would have to pay Sky £10 a month to use the record facility.