Freesat vs Freeview

[htid]

I currently have freeview and want some HD channels but can't afford Sky, so it's either freesat HD or freeview HD. Having read around on here it looks like I'll theoretically be able to get freeview HD from tomorrow, but of course will have to wait until DVB-T2 tuners start coming out and when the do, they'll likely be expensive to start with I guess. The previous occupants of our flat had sky so we already have a dish and it seems freesat HD boxes aren't too expensive, so is there any reason to wait for freeview HD as opposed to getting freesat HD now?

[shaithis]

Not that I know of.

You will probably get better reception from satellite anyway. Lots of motorcycles can cause freeview interference.

[GheeTsar]

I personally prefer the EPG of Freeview than Freesat, but that's being pretty picky!

You can also can get a lot of really, really awful soft pr0n channels via free-to-air satelite!

[cdm391]

Having got both, I would vote for Satelite

[Barrichello]

Was looking forward to Freeview HD, it went live at Crystal Palace on Dec 2nd, only problem is no receivers until 2010 dohhhh

[schmunk]

Lots of motorcycles can cause freeview interference.

Better not move to the Isle of Man, then. *




* not the only reason...

[finlay666]

Having had both I prefer freesat, you lose out on a couple of channels, but signal quality is more consistent for me, I have no problem getting the HD channels (BBC and ITV, others to follow)

Other than that it's 6 of one half a dozen of the other really.

[htid]

Having had both I prefer freesat, you lose out on a couple of channels, but signal quality is more consistent for me, I have no problem getting the HD channels (BBC and ITV, others to follow)

Other than that it's 6 of one half a dozen of the other really.

Ok great, well, we have freeview too and I'm sure (fingers crossed) there won't be that many channels in HD on freeview that aren't on freesat.

Having looked at freesat HD receivers though, I can't really find one that gets a great rating...will have to look further into it.

[Funkstar]

Ok great, well, we have freeview too and I'm sure (fingers crossed) there won't be that many channels in HD on freeview that aren't on freesat.

I would say that there will eventually be more HD channels on Freesat than Freeview.

Freeview will be limited to four HD channels as far as I can tell. One for each of the national broadcasters (BBC, ITV, C4 and 5). Freesat can handle much more possible channels, and I wouldn't be surprised to see one or more of the UKTV channels (like Yesterday, or Dave) appearing in HD once there is a decent back catalogue of HD content.

[dangel]

Got both - both work well - never had moped interference though as i've got properly shielded cable to the mast. Can't really tell much difference between them when it comes to SD content though.

[htid]

Great, looks like it will be freesat then!

Any recommendations for freesat receiver then? All I want is an HD one, which does what it says on the tin..or box as it were.

[nightkhaos]

WinTV-Nova-S2... unless you meant an actual box.

[htid]

WinTV-Nova-S2... unless you meant an actual box.

I did Is the box not called a receiver then? Showing my lack of knowledge here aren't I...

[nightkhaos]

I did Is the box not called a receiver then? Showing my lack of knowledge here aren't I...

Well the reciever/tuner can be a lot of things, a box, a card, a TV with built in capablities.

So what you want is a FreeSat Box.

I do recommend an HTPC with a FreeSat Card, but they can be expensive to get a decent one.

If you'd like I can try and spec together one with a reasonable budget, but considering you can get a dedicated FreeSat box with modest recording abilities for under £300, and you likely have all the other required HiFi equipment (DVD, etc)... then that might be a wee bit of overkill.

Of the top of my head an ITX form factor with Twin USB recievers, Blu-Ray, and 1.5TBs of storage, WiFi and a DiNovo mini would cost you around £700. Closer to £800 if you don't have a dedicated amplifier for your sound and speakers. I have a similar setup, and it sits quite nicely under your TV and does well... everything. Send me a PM if you want more information on this particular option.

[htid]

Well the reciever/tuner can be a lot of things, a box, a card, a TV with built in capablities.

So what you want is a FreeSat Box.

I do recommend an HTPC with a FreeSat Card, but they can be expensive to get a decent one.

If you'd like I can try and spec together one with a reasonable budget, but considering you can get a dedicated FreeSat box with modest recording abilities for under £300, and you likely have all the other required HiFi equipment (DVD, etc)... then that might be a wee bit of overkill.

Of the top of my head an ITX form factor with Twin USB recievers, Blu-Ray, and 1.5TBs of storage, WiFi and a DiNovo mini would cost you around £700. Closer to £800 if you don't have a dedicated amplifier for your sound and speakers. I have a similar setup, and it sits quite nicely under your TV and does well... everything. Send me a PM if you want more information on this particular option.

Thanks for the info...but that's a LOT more than I want to spend...£150 is really the maximum! I don't need any recording facilities or anything fancy, I just want a freesat HD box which does exactly what it's meant to and nothing more

[Skinleech]

Even though you've made your decision, it seems that freeview HD will all be 1280x720 so I reckon you;re better off with Freesat also. This had made me think about going the Freesat route, and getting a tuner for the HTPC. And the dish for outside the flat...