frugal telly and broadband

Amista

We are with up c currently, any more frugal alternatives?

Dr Bolouswki

Freeview (uk) and saorview (irish) would cost you about 200 euro to set up, and then your tv is free forever

broadband, most providers provide a basic service for 25 euro or so a month.

I'm not affiliated to these guys, but www.tvtrade.ie have lots of great videos that show how to install their products for freeview/saorview.

JuliusCaesar

Dr Bolouswki wrote: »

Freeview (uk) and saorview (irish) would cost you about 200 euro to set up, and then your tv is free forever.

Is there anyone reliable you know who could install the satellite for me?



At present I have a phone/TV/broadband package. The prices everywhere seem much the same.

tbh, the reason for the phone is so that people with landlines can phone me. It's a pain to remember that I really can only use the phone after 6pm or whatever and don't make any international calls and certainly never call a mobile on it etc etc etc. A few of my friends are out and out technophobes and so don't use Skype or Facebook or whatever :-(

So if anyone knows of a good phone and/or broadband package too I'd be delighted.

L1011

JuliusCaesar wrote: »

Is there anyone reliable you know who could install the satellite for me?

Where are you? Generally installers won't go more than 20 mile radius or so.

JuliusCaesar wrote: »

tbh, the reason for the phone is so that people with landlines can phone me. It's a pain to remember that I really can only use the phone after 6pm or whatever and don't make any international calls and certainly never call a mobile on it etc etc etc. A few of my friends are out and out technophobes and so don't use Skype or Facebook or whatever :-(

So if anyone knows of a good phone and/or broadband package too I'd be delighted.

You can get a phone number on a VOIP provider like Blueface or even Skype once you've working internet from someone/anyone. UPC also do their damndest to ensure you get a phone number off them if they can - it can be cheaper than take broadband/phone than BB + the "single service fee" for instance; and the line (no calls) comes free with even the lowest Horizon TV+BB package.

Porting a number can be bloody awkward the smaller the VOIP provider is, but it does work.

In terms of the channels I want on TV and the utterly unmatchable broadband speed, I'm staying with UPC - the quoted price for the package I'm on is too high but when I asked to drop down they offered me the existing one for 2.50 more than what I wanted (~12 cheaper than what I was on) presumably just to protect customer numbers. This (phoning up and threatening to leave / drop down service) is only an option after your first year but you can usually get three months half price and a fairly hefty cashback on signup. Realistically its something you need to do annually with any service provider - TV, BB, phone, mobile, power - even if you fully intend to stay with them.

Amista

Anyone know if I have a flat screen will it automatically have saorview? Was thinking of getting a combi box to get UK channels too. The other option is Apple tv or Google chrome tv haha too many options and not sure how to practically put any of them into place! Can anyone give me a dumbed down solution pls? Think of it as a mother's day gift to a very sleep deprived wanna be frugal mammy

MYOB wrote: »

Where are you? Generally installers won't go more than 20 mile radius or so.



You can get a phone number on a VOIP provider like Blueface or even Skype once you've working internet from someone/anyone. UPC also do their damndest to ensure you get a phone number off them if they can - it can be cheaper than take broadband/phone than BB + the "single service fee" for instance; and the line (no calls) comes free with even the lowest Horizon TV+BB package.

Porting a number can be bloody awkward the smaller the VOIP provider is, but it does work.

In terms of the channels I want on TV and the utterly unmatchable broadband speed, I'm staying with UPC - the quoted price for the package I'm on is too high but when I asked to drop down they offered me the existing one for 2.50 more than what I wanted (~12 cheaper than what I was on) presumably just to protect customer numbers. This (phoning up and threatening to leave / drop down service) is only an option after your first year but you can usually get three months half price and a fairly hefty cashback on signup. Realistically its something you need to do annually with any service provider - TV, BB, phone, mobile, power - even if you fully intend to stay with them.

L1011

Amista wrote: »

Anyone know if I have a flat screen will it automatically have saorview?

Nope, if its fairly new its likely but not guaranteed. If it predates Saorview, having the French TNTHD means it'll mostly work for starters though.

If you get a combo box it doesn't matter though.

cruhoortwunk

If you live in a town or city, and have a tv with a saorview tuner built in, you can pick up Saorview with a rabbits ears basic aerial. Worth a try before bothering with all the receiver box and dish setup

Cantona's Collars

Have a look at this box,look up xbmc online & check out the youtube vids of what it can do - it's brilliant.

http://www.satworld.ie/evo-xfinity.html

Regarding the broadband,keep UPC,it's the best out there plus if you keep the phone option then you get a couple of quid off the bill.

The best place on boards for info is the satellite forums.

Amista

Cheers all, so great to get some info in laymans

Scottie99

There is a box called a vu+solo2. Don't think I'm allowed to to describe it here

rubadub

What is the story with sky? I heard some tale that you could sign up to them for 1 year, the minimum, they would install all the kit professionally and then you cancel after a year and they just leave the dish behind, then you were able to connect your own box to the dish.

I think it was all legal, it was just not worth their while removing the dish or something, or on the basis that you might sign up again.

I have only got UPC basic tv package, no broadband with them. I was hearing I could cancel the TV and get broadband instead and then be watching TV via internet (I know it will not be the same channels but I am not particular). In this case I also heard UPC are likely to leave all the TV cabelling in my house going into all the rooms, so I could possibly get a dish and connect them using those same cables.

L1011

You own the Sky dish and box after a year - its not a case of them not being bothered; they no longer own the kit. You get a decent enough selection of channels albeit its best if you can force the box back to a UK listing - as you get Channel 5, the extra ITV and 5 channels and less inaccessible channels.

If you drop UPC TV and keep broadband/phone, the analogue channels (17 or so) still work fine; but they clearly don't tell you that... some areas, e.g. Cork, don't have the analogue though. They'll leave the internal cabling as that's also not theirs but if, like my house, your multiple points are actually connected to different taps (terraced house with under-eave cabling on both sides) its completely useless once disconnected from the tap. If its a bit older its not suitable for satellite signals either.

The Vu box used as implied there is both completely illegal and an utter hassle.

Monotype

How much are you paying with UPC? - For what?

You can usually negotiate a bette deal if you've been with them a while.

Millem

MYOB wrote: »

You own the Sky dish and box after a year - its not a case of them not being bothered; they no longer own the kit. You get a decent enough selection of channels albeit its best if you can force the box back to a UK listing - as you get Channel 5, the extra ITV and 5 channels and less inaccessible channels.

If you drop UPC TV and keep broadband/phone, the analogue channels (17 or so) still work fine; but they clearly don't tell you that... some areas, e.g. Cork, don't have the analogue though. They'll leave the internal cabling as that's also not theirs but if, like my house, your multiple points are actually connected to different taps (terraced house with under-eave cabling on both sides) its completely useless once disconnected from the tap. If its a bit older its not suitable for satellite signals either.

The Vu box used as implied there is both completely illegal and an utter hassle.

I just have the skybox for free view and the upc analogue channels and it's grand! I only have one upc point so I have to use a splitter. I think I pay €37 per month for phone and broadband. The last time I checked they were charging €60 ish for TV, phone and broadband, pretty much the same as I have except the box to pause, record etc

beauf

If the box is horizon it will also have digital HD channels, and 4 channel recording. You're meant to pay an additional fee if using the analogue.

L1011

beauf wrote: »

If the box is horizon it will also have digital HD channels, and 4 channel recording. You're meant to pay an additional fee if using the analogue.

The normal HD box also has the HD channels and twin recording; but its well out of the realms of 'frugal' (says me who has Horizon, and an SD DVR in another room...)

You're meant to pay for the analogue but they won't actually let you subscribe to it without going digital.

beauf

I should have clarified. HD is included on the Horizon box but an extra cost on the old HD box. AFAIK at least.

The basic UPC net connection is 37 or so. Getting Horizon on top i(incl phone) s another 20 or so. Depending on the deal you, get, the weather, the phase of the moon and the UPC person you get. Even then its a lottery what will appear on the bill.

The digital was cheaper, than analogue (by about €3) when it was an option. IMO getting a decent UPC net connection, then a saorview box, and a sub to netflix, nowTV or similar is probably the best bang for buck.

It kinda depends on what you watch though, is it movies, series, sport, Irish TV, UK TV etc.

brian_gall85

MYOB wrote: »

The Vu box used as implied there is both completely illegal and an utter hassle.

Completely illegal yes, an utter hassle, no.

Capt'n Midnight

MYOB wrote: »

You own the Sky dish and box after a year - its not a case of them not being bothered; they no longer own the kit. You get a decent enough selection of channels albeit its best if you can force the box back to a UK listing - as you get Channel 5, the extra ITV and 5 channels and less inaccessible channels.

Actually it's more that since you have the dish you can sign up again for a month at a time. Handy for christmas films.


UPC BB only is as little as €25 a month for first 6 month and then more afterwards, but you can haggle on renewal

if you only need lite access to interweb and you can get hold of a dongle for a tenner a month http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057209015

if you live very close to the border you might get UK freeview TV ,ask the neighbours


A freeview HD TV may pick up saorview , but all new TV sold down here must receive saorview or it's straight back quoting the Sale of goods and services act.

Jesus Wept

Do you need a sat dish to get freeview/saorview? In an apartment so it's not really an option.

Capt'n Midnight

Our Year wrote: »

Do you need a sat dish to get freeview/saorview? In an apartment so it's not really an option.

Saorview just needs a TV aerial. depending on where you are an indoor one would do.

freeview is only avaliable near the border and uses a tv aerial

freesat needs a satellite dish

if you have a south facing balcony you could set it back or hide it below the edge so it's not visible , it's tricky but possible to mount the dish nearly horizontal too


or you could hide it under a tarp




or get a better 0.3dB LNB and use a smaller dish - like the camping ones, but expect problems/interference during heavy rain

Thargor

Keep an eye on Aldi and Lidl for small portable camping dishes, they usually come with clamp mountings aswell so no drilling the plaster.

_Whimsical_

The eircom friends and family deal is offering an 18 month contract of efibre 100mb,off peak calls and their tv service for 30 euro a month. Not bad!

comongethappy

- We are currently using a family members Sky subscription via Xbox (incl sports & movies)
- The sky box is now just used for UK FTA channels.
- And Netflix via Chromecast.
(€7 per month)

Sky broadband (€40 per month)

2 x '48 months' subscriptions (€20 per month).



€800 per year for all telecoms.

Vote 4 Pedro

We just have the old Sky plus box from when we canceled our sky package over a year ago,
it's basically a UK freeview box now and that doesn't cost anything and the TV has Saorview built in.
Then we download anything extra we want to watch via the internet, never missed any programs we wanted to watch.
The only inconvenience is if it's on TV tonight we have to download it in the morning and watch it tomorrow so your one day behind, no big deal.
No land line anymore, we were a little nervous about losing it but in well over a year we have not missed the Phone line or the subscription TV either.
There is no way i would want to pay for those services again.

Total cost €300 per year for the Internet, 2 teenagers in the house so we couldn't really lose that.

stoneill

I got that crowd "no more TV bills" and have saorview and all freesat channels.
All the BBC's 1-4 and BBC red button. All the ITV's and their plus ones., all the channel4's and their derivatives, film 4, channel 5, usa, 5 star.
Music, horror, true drama, CBS, and lately community channel whch has been showing some good stuff.
Load of good channels, load of rubbish ones too, but just delete them. To record you need a usb stick, for smart TV stuff, the DVD player does that for us, wifi connection to internet, logon using google account and you can watch online content.

silly

does anyone have experience with a dream box - 150 to install - free sky channels incl movies and sports?

Capt'n Midnight

silly wrote: »

does anyone have experience with a dream box - 150 to install - free sky channels incl movies and sports?

there's two types

there was the dodgy box that used to break UPC encryption illegally but they haven't worked for years because the encryption is better now

yes you can also get linux powered dream box satellite viewers for free to air satellite channels


Bottom line , breaking encryption for pay channels is illegal here so don't ask.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=295325

For the avoidance of doubt: DON'T Discuss any methods that allow access to a pay-television service, other than taking out a legitimate, paid, subscription to the provider of that service.

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1990/en/act/pub/0024/sec0009.html#zza24y1990s9

Capt'n Midnight

Tuning instructions for free to air channels on satellite
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055520627

silly

Capt'n Midnight wrote: »

Tuning instructions for free to air channels on satellite
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055520627

wait a minute now....so if I cancel my sky subscription - I can just follow the instructions on that post and get all those channels for free....sorry I am a complete dunce when it comes to this..

Vote 4 Pedro

silly wrote: »

wait a minute now....so if I cancel my sky subscription - I can just follow the instructions on that post and get all those channels for free....sorry I am a complete dunce when it comes to this..

Yes you can...
When you cancel your sky subscription it's your sky box to keep.
just power the box off for a few minuets, then take out the sky viewing card from the slot in the box, and then power back on without the card in and all those channels are available for free. you wont be able to record them but it won't be costing anything so it's still better than paying a subscription fee each month.
I did it over a year ago and it's been great, saved a small fortune.

comongethappy

My sky box wouldn't show the FTA channels without the card inserted.

So I purchased a card on Adverts, to allow this.

Example:
http://touch.adverts.ie/satellite/sky-uk-white-freesat-viewing-card-hd/4867776

deelite

I have an old UPC box could I get FTA on that?

L1011

deelite wrote: »

I have an old UPC box could I get FTA on that?

No.

Spike78

I would appreciate some advise. I returned to ireland from the uk last year, I have been using my uk sky card which I have continued to pay my subscription on. I now want to cancel the subscription however this will mean loosing rte as it is not fta in uk. The tv I have has built in freeview from the uk.
What is my best option to get rte ie. can I get a saor view box and connect to tv along with the fta uk from sky using a splitter of some sort.

Capt'n Midnight

Spike78 wrote: »

I would appreciate some advise. I returned to ireland from the uk last year, I have been using my uk sky card which I have continued to pay my subscription on. I now want to cancel the subscription however this will mean loosing rte as it is not fta in uk. The tv I have has built in freeview from the uk.
What is my best option to get rte ie. can I get a saor view box and connect to tv along with the fta uk from sky using a splitter of some sort.

RTE is not FTA in GB, it is free to air in Northern Ireland.

It's down to the cost of rights issues. For BBC/C4/ITN the extra costs of paying for the overspill for the 15% that don't pay already pay for UK TV is less than the encryption. There's no way RTE couldn't pay the right holders going the other way.

If you are on the west coast of Wales you might get some overspill , if you have a big enough TV aerial , high enough.


RTE also broadcast by satellite - SaorSat.
BUT it's KA band where they reuse frequencies in small spot beams. The one that covers the Island of Ireland means you will get perfect reception in parts of West Wales and 5 miles down the road you will get nothing. It's great example of the digital cliff.

Spike78

Thanks for reply.
In essence my problem is I have fta from uk already, what is the most frugal system to add the rte stations. I want to keep the fta from the uk as my wife watches some of the regional stations.

Cantona's Collars

Spike78 wrote: »

Thanks for reply.
In essence my problem is I have fta from uk already, what is the most frugal system to add the rte stations. I want to keep the fta from the uk as my wife watches some of the regional stations.

Pick up a cheap saorview box for RTE unless your tv can already pick up saorview.The best option is a combo box which has both satellite & terrestrial channels and negates the need for 2 boxes and extra remotes.

dwasol

if I get a saorview television which allows me to watch the Irish channels & I plug the Sky FTA box into the back of the television I then have all irish & UK terrestrial channels?

L1011

Basically yeah - you'll have the 4 Irish channels + 3E and a FTA box will get you the main UK channels. There's a small number they get on DTT that aren't free on satellite but nothing worth worrying over.

green123

dwasol wrote: »

if I get a saorview television which allows me to watch the Irish channels & I plug the Sky FTA box into the back of the television I then have all irish & UK terrestrial channels?

you will still need either an indoor or an outdoor aerial to pick up saorview.
and a satellite dish to pick up fta channels