Best TV option

lordFSA

I have just upgraded to a samsung 40" LED telly (bought used off eBay, the moneysaver way)...so I was wondering how I can get the most HD channels for the cheapest/free way. (I'm not being super scrimpy, I just don't watch enough TV to justify paying for a subscription...but when I do get a chance to watch some, it would be nice to have a few HD channels).

I have a freeview aerial and a Sky satellite outside, and the built in freeview tuner on the TV managed to pick up the FTA ones. I currently have the white skybox as well for the FTA international channels. The telly also has an ethernet port, but it isn't classified as smart (I think that's to play any media on the local network).

So, my question: what do you moneysavers do to maximise your HD viewing experience without paying for a subscription?

penrhyn

You should have bought a TV with a Freeview HD tuner.
A second hand Youview, Freeview or Freesat HD PVR.

almillar

Agree with Penrhyn.
Since you have an aerial and a dish, you can choose between a YouView (aerial) or FreeTime (satellite) box, or if you don't want catch up services, a Freeview HD recorder (aerial) or FreeSat HD recorder (satellite).
Humax is the place to go for either of these things IMO.
Slightly different channel line up on both platforms (FreeSat/Freeview) so do check.

macman

Your Freeview tuner won't be picking up any FTA channels. Your Sky box will be doing that-it'll continue to receive all the non-subscription channels,

lordFSA

I connected the aerial to the back of the TV and it did pick up some HD channels though....BBC HD and ITV HD, so it is a freeview HD tuner? Sorry I didn't explain thoroughly earlier.

My SkyBox isn't picking up any HD channels though...I thought the white one could So I need a Humax to do that?

Kurtis_Blue

lordFSA wrote: »

I connected the aerial to the back of the TV and it did pick up some HD channels though....BBC HD and ITV HD, so it is a freeview HD tuner? Sorry I didn't explain thoroughly earlier.

My SkyBox isn't picking up any HD channels though...I thought the white one could So I need a Humax to do that?

If the TV can pickup freeview HD then its a freeviewHD TV, different transmitters transmit a differing amount of HD channels goto:
http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/
and enter your postcode to see what is available to you.

The White sky boxes are not HD, hence no HDMI socket.
You can buy 2nd hand Sky+ HD boxes on eBay. Black Sky HD "multiroom" boxes may be cheaper as they have no harddrive.

almillar

Kurtis_Blue is spot on. You're going to have to buy a recorder of some sort, unless you're happy just viewing live using your TV's FreeviewHD tuner.

cajef

lordFSA wrote: »

My SkyBox isn't picking up any HD channels though...I thought the white one could So I need a Humax to do that?

Even if it could you will only get the same HD channels as Freeview unless you increase your Sky subscription to receive all the HD channels they transmit.

lordFSA

thanks guys. I thought freesat from sky may have had more HD channels than freeview HD. Ill stick with the set up I have currently....and possibly get a Roku or Chromecast.

Many thanks, once again.

almillar

FreesatFromSky is just what you get when you cancel your subscription, and leave your card in. No recording.