Cancelled Sky - Don't have an Ariel.....do we need one? Confused

zippybungle

Hello,

Just after a bit of advice please, might be obvious to some people, but here goes......

We have cancelled our Sky+ (gets switched off next month), we do not have an aerial at our house. The TV has 'free sat' built into it.

So, when the Sky gets turned off, will we need an aerial? or can we just watch the free channels using the Sky Box (I know we won't be able to record things).

The only thing we will miss from Sky, is the recording facility, but I have seen that you can now buy Freeview+ boxes, so will most likely buy one of those, if anyone knows of any decent ones can you let me know.

Thank you for taking the time to read!
Zippy x

Saver-Rob

I didnt look back after buying this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Humax-PVR9300T-320GB-Twin-Tuner/dp/B00272N9PC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1297632867&sr=8-2

macman

No, you don't need an aerial unless you want Freeview. You can either use your old Sky box to get the Freesat from Sky platform, or the TV's built in tuner for 'normal' Freesat (which will also give you the HD channels as well). Or both if you wish, since you already have a twin feed from your LNB.
If you want the Sky+ functions, then a better choice would be a Freesat PVR (Humax Foxsat HDR recommended) which will just plug into your existing dish set up-no need for an aerial.
Go for the Humax PVR 9300T if you want a Freeview PVR.

Torry_Quine

Saver-Rob wrote: »

I didnt look back after buying this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Humax-PVR9300T-320GB-Twin-Tuner/dp/B00272N9PC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1297632867&sr=8-2

Have to agree, it really is a good piece of kit.

zippybungle

Thanks for your replies

I think the penny is starting to drop

So, from what I understand there is a difference between 'Freeview' and 'Freesat'. The difference being that, if I want Freeview, I would need an aerial and a Freeview+ box if I wanted to record things. Whereas, if I go for 'Freesat' I will only need to swap the Sky+ box for the 'Humax' box as mentioned on the link above. Is that correct?

Zippy x

macman

Freeview is a terrestial service via an aerial. Freesat and Freesat from Sky are both satellite services via a dish. Completely different platforms.
Either service offers you PVR functions with the appropriate box (and with a £10 a month fee for Sky+ on !!!!!!).
If you want 'plain' Freesat, it's already built into your TV. If you want Freesat PVR functions, you'll need a Freesat PVR box, such as the Humax Foxsat HDR.

zippybungle

Can I also ask about HD? Personally I can't tell the difference between HD and normal TV, but my OH says he can!

Can you get HD TV using the Humax box?

Zippy x

penrhyn

Humax make HD versions of their Freeview and Freesat PVRs.

With HD you need to sit closer to the TV to get the benefit, or buy a larger one.

macman

penrhyn wrote: »

Humax make HD versions of their Freeview and Freesat PVRs.

With HD you need to sit closer to the TV to get the benefit, or buy a larger one.

Firstly you will need an HD Ready or Full HD TV, which I presume you already have.
All the Foxsat Freesat boxes give you HD as standard.
The Humax 9300T is Freeview SD only.
As penryhn says, Freeview HD boxes are also available from Humax-if you can receive Freeview HD.

davemurgatroyd

If you already have a freesat TV then you are already able to receive the free HD channels on that (BBC 1HD, BBC HD, ITV 1HD with channel 4 HD coming in April). If your present Sky box is an HD one then you will also be able to get all the free HD channels on that including Channel 5HD (which is not available on Freeview or freesat. The Sky box (HD or SD) will give you an extra 8 channels not available on freesat (inc Fiver, Five USA and Sky 3). Fitting an aerial will give you several more channels on Freeview that are subscription on satellite such as Dave and Challenge.

To get the best of free UK TV I would suggest you use a combination of your TV, your Sky box (with cancelled subscription card giving you FreesatFromSky) and a new Freeview PVR (Freeview+) if you are in an area of good Freeview reception. All three formats have different channle lineups.

davemurgatroyd

macman wrote: »

Firstly you will need an HD Ready or Full HD TV, which I presume you already have.

Definitely as they have a freesat TV and they don't make SD freesat TVs.