freesat now at argos

[jondy1]

:thumbsup:http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10001&catalogId=1500001001&langId=-1&searchTerms=freesat&Submit=GO+%3E

[benraz69]

Your link's broken - try these :)

- Goodmans GFSAT200HD - £149.99 (http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?searchTerms=5321588)
- Goodmans GFSAT100SD - £69.99 (http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?searchTerms=5321571)
- Bush BFSAT01HD - £119.99 (http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?searchTerms=5321564)
- Bush BFSAT01SD - £49.99 (http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?searchTerms=5321557)

- Single Freesat Installation - £80 (http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?searchTerms=8890030)

[Andy98765]

Link works fine!

[DrPepper]

worth getting for watching Euro 08 in HD as both BBC and ITV have the rights
?

[rdmbfossa]

Looking at the links, in the feature list there is LNB in / LNB out. Does this mean that you will be able to daisychain two or more boxes and be able to watch different channels, from a single LNB? I did not think this was possible with satellite. Would be a good feature if it was possible, it would make wiring easier and neater.

[BrianMc]

Looking at the links, in the feature list there is LNB in / LNB out. Does this mean that you will be able to daisychain two or more boxes and be able to watch different channels, from a single LNB? I did not think this was possible with satellite. Would be a good feature if it was possible, it would make wiring easier and neater.

It is not possible as the LNB is switched to just one out of four possible states - and this changes depending on the channel selected. What any LNB-out might be for would seem to be a mystery!

[davemurgatroyd2]

Looking at the links, in the feature list there is LNB in / LNB out. Does this mean that you will be able to daisychain two or more boxes and be able to watch different channels, from a single LNB? I did not think this was possible with satellite. Would be a good feature if it was possible, it would make wiring easier and neater.

It really depends on the protection and circuitry built into the freesat box. With some receivers it can actually harm one or both of the receivers if both receivers have lnb power switched on at the same time. If the second box in the line has lnb power switched off you may be able to run a second box at the same time receiving roughly a quarter of the same channels (i.e. those in the same frequency band and with the same polarisation as the first box in the chain). It is NOT the same thing as RF pass through on terrestrial receivers where all the signals are passed through to further digiboxes, with satellite only one box can control the lnb at any one time so only a quarter of the available frequencies will be sent down the cable from the lnb at any one time. So don't get excited about running two boxes at the same time time from one lnb feed - see here for the limitations involved (ignore first two paragraphs about Sky+)
http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/splitters.htm

Be warned that connecting a second receiver to the lnb output risks damage to one or both boxes, depending on circuit protection built into the boxes, so is NOT really something that should be attempted by people NOT knowing what they are doing.

It is found in most receivers and is a hangover from the days of analogue and digital satellite broadcasts from the same satellites (and multiple encryption methods) and viewers could just switch off one box and switch on the other. So it could be useful in flats where there is only one feed and viewing is required in a second room BUT NOT AT THE SAME TIME subject to limitations on link above

[ian-d]

All the argos launch information is here, http://www.joinfreesat.co.uk/index.php/argos-freesat-products-go-live, just incase Argos are asked to remove them again (like happened to Comet and John Lewis!)

[davemurgatroyd2]

It is not possible as the LNB is switched to just one out of four possible states - and this changes depending on the channel selected. What any LNB-out might be for would seem to be a mystery!

It is not a mystery and is on every digital non Sky receiver I have (7 different makes) see my post above and can be used with care BUT NOT full use on both boxes at the same time.

[BrianMc]

It is not a mystery and is on every digital non Sky receiver I have (7 different makes) see my post above and can be used with care BUT NOT full use on both boxes at the same time.
Still NOT what I would have expected on consumer-grade equipment! It is likely to cause more confusion than its (limited) worth.

[davemurgatroyd2]

Still NOT what I would have expected on consumer-grade equipment! It is likely to cause more confusion than its (limited) worth.

Seeing as nobody on here has actually seen the manual that comes with it, that statement may be rather premature - all my non Sky receivers' handbooks tell customers how it can be used. It is what I would expect to find on any non crippled receiver (e.g. Sky dodgiboxes).

[Chris Muriel]

Indeed, I wouldn't buy any non $ky satellite box that didn't have LNB loopthrough.
As pointed out above, it does require some care in setup and use; one can use a DC-blocking isolator to the 2nd box to provide a measure of safety.

Chris Muriel, Manchester

[uno]

Just spoke to my brother in law who works for Argos distribution centre at a place called Magna Park and he has confirmed they recieved the freesat recievers in stock at the warehouse but the pallets have big notes on to advise not to be order picked until 25/04/08 and he has just checked the 1st pallet of 500 started going out to stores last night and there is another pallet of 500 going out tonight. He feels it is a bit strange that they have appeared on the website and they have sent them out to stores already if the launch isnt for another 10 days as some stores are very tight on space to store products he advised he would not be surprised if they are not on sale from Monday at although he has no written evidence to prove this.

[CH_Peter]

No HD PVR? No point. :-(

[ian-d]

Whilst i appreciate you are saying he has no proof, next week is highly unlikely, as Comet have been specifically told not to sell until 6th may, which would be an unfair advatange to Argos otherwise, imagine the uproar!

Also, very surprised they are getting 500 on a pallet, thats surely over the weight/height limit? No expert here though :)

[rd100]

The freesat HD & SD grundig bush and goodmans are all very small a sky digital receiver is about 3 or 4 times bigger,



Whilst i appreciate you are saying he has no proof, next week is highly unlikely, as Comet have been specifically told not to sell until 6th may, which would be an unfair advatange to Argos otherwise, imagine the uproar!

Also, very surprised they are getting 500 on a pallet, thats surely over the weight/height limit? No expert here though :)

[Stiggy]

Has anyone else noted Argos will do a Single Freesat Installation (http://http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10001&catalogId=1500001001&langId=-1&searchTerms=8890030) (dish) for £80 too?

[uno]

My brother in law has done a bit more investigation on Argos systems and it appears the boxes they have sent out last night and tonight are only going to Extra stores at present and they are generally larger retail park stores so it could be they are just getting well prepared for the launch he has also had a look at stock levels as the 1000 he described seemed very low when you consider Argos has over 500 stores plus online the original figure is just the initial delivery to that distribution centre.

Ian D - I have just queried your questions about pallets and stacking and he has advised they are on Argos pallets which is 5 normal pallets and then shrink wrapped to keep them together

[ian-d]

Ian D - I have just queried your questions about pallets and stacking and he has advised they are on Argos pallets which is 5 normal pallets and then shrink wrapped to keep them together

Nice one for checking, thought it was a little strange, but not doubting you :thumbsup:

[J L Jones]

I visited an Extra store this morning, keyed in the catalogue numbers, and got the message that they weren't yet available.
If the stores are short of storage space, I can't see that selling them on Monday will help. How many are they likely to sell before the advertsing start?

[BrianMc]

If the stores are short of storage space, I can't see that selling them on Monday will help. How many are they likely to sell before the advertsing start?
I feel that, like Comet and John Lewis before them, Argos are about to have Freesat point out that it has been agreed that they will have no web-presence and definitely no stock sold before launch day!

[J L Jones]

I feel that, like Comet and John Lewis before them, Argos are about to have Freesat point out that it has been agreed that they will have no web-presence and definitely no stock sold before launch day!
Very likely." How many would they be likely to sell before the advertsing starts?", then. If they were allowed to.

[BrianMc]

Very likely." How many would they be likely to sell before the advertsing starts?", then. If they were allowed to.
There are fair number of people both here and in the digitalspy forums who are totally desparate to get hold of a Freesat STB!

If Argos sells to them (as all Comets have been told by HO not to!) there will be full reviews of Freesat channels and STB features appearing widely before launch day - this seems to be exactly what they don't wish to happen!

[topdog555]

What advantage do these freesat boxes give over the Technomate 6900 or Vantage 7100 as these are HD receivers with added PVR capabilities, I know they're dearer but are they able to pick up the same channels as the freesat ones?

[benraz69]

What advantage do these freesat boxes give over the Technomate 6900 or Vantage 7100 as these are HD receivers with added PVR capabilities, I know they're dearer but are they able to pick up the same channels as the freesat ones?

Yes, but they don't have full interactive services or a decent EPG - which isn't ideal on a PVR :suicide:

[BrianMc]

What advantage do these freesat boxes give over the Technomate 6900 or Vantage 7100 as these are HD receivers with added PVR capabilities, I know they're dearer but are they able to pick up the same channels as the freesat ones?
Every FTA receiver can, indeed, pick up the same channels as Freesat!

Freesat brings 7-day full-EPG (pretty vital for a PVR), Digital Teletext and features like "press red for other matches" which have been copied from Sky!

[topdog555]

Ok, thanks to both of you

[Lakeuk]

In todays paper there was an Argos audio/vision pullout which has one page devoted to freesat -

Bush - SD £49.99 - HD £119.99
Goodmans - SD £69.99 - HD £149.99

optional installation available for £80

[BrianMc]

In todays paper there was an Argos audio/vision pullout which has one page devoted to freesat -

Bush - SD £49.99 - HD £119.99
Goodmans - SD £69.99 - HD £149.99

optional installation available for £80
Yes - that's correct - it's on their web-site BUT no shop (including Argos!) is supposed to be allowed to sell any before launch day on 6th May.

[alasone]

Maybe it's time Sky dropped the HD £10pm fee??

This Freesat is what I've been waiting for!
Can't wait to get it to get into HD TV programming.

I'll be waiting for a better HD Box though, can't stand Bush! BUSH!?!?! GOODMANS!? Even worse!

They both don't have exclusivety do they? :suicide:

[mike7]

The Bush and Goodmans units are featured in the Spring Argos Sound and Vision booklet that was included with my daily paper today. My guess is that both these makes have the same manufacturer. As previously mentioned they are offering installation for £80 (there is a lot of small print that indicates the actual cost might be a bit higher). The higher priced units are the HD ones. No mention of any 'launch date' or any indication as to what the HD channels might be. Presumably these units are available for purchase 'on line'.

[rodd1000]

Over on Digitalspy, a user has managed to purchase a HD Grundig Freesat box from comet, and has uploaded pics for proof. Waiting for confirmation but maybe the boxes have gone on sale...:thumbsup:

[BrianMc]

Over on Digitalspy, a user has managed to purchase a HD Grundig Freesat box from comet, and has uploaded pics for proof. Waiting for confirmation but maybe the boxes have gone on sale...:thumbsup:
More likely that a Comet Branch has failed to read instructions from HO???

[Neil Watson]

More likely that a Comet Branch has failed to read instructions from HO???

Indeed.

I have the same leaflet that was in the Sun yesterday and checking Argos website they are searchable but all 5 found have cannot be ordered or cannot be reserved for pickup.

Guess Argos are abiding by the 6th May release date but pushing the boundaries on Freesat's Zero web presence request :grin:

[Shaggybert]

I'll be waiting for a better HD Box though, can't stand Bush! BUSH!?!?! GOODMANS!? Even worse!

They both don't have exclusivety do they? :suicide:

I wholeheartedly agree. I'm not that familiar with Humax. Is their reputation any better?

You would have thought that they (freesat / BBC / ITV / whoever), would have got one of the higher end or more reputable mass producers on board from the start.

I would have though that we will get a Panasonic box in time, as a few of their 2008 TVs have Freesat built in.

I guess that I will have to wait some time before I can join the Freesat community.

[Stiggy]

You would have thought that they (freesat / BBC / ITV / whoever), would have got one of the higher end or more reputable mass producers on board from the start.
Remember that freesat is unique to the UK! It's not that big a market for the likes of Sony etc.

It took some time for Freeview PVRs to appear, and Freeview is fairly standard DVB-T technology. freesat is the very new DVB-S2 with a proprietory EPG.

[mrbleu]

Remember that freesat is unique to the UK! It's not that big a market for the likes of Sony etc.

It took some time for Freeview PVRs to appear, and Freeview is fairly standard DVB-T technology. freesat is the very new DVB-S2 with a proprietory EPG.

Freeview also has a proprietry MEHG5 EPG, and is unique to the UK.

[stuartbrown21]

I wholeheartedly agree. I'm not that familiar with Humax. Is their reputation any better?


The Humax 9200 is arguably the best Freeview PVR (alongside the Topfield).

I will be waiting for the Humax box and expect it to be very good.

[IanPtv]

Freeview also has a proprietry MEHG5 EPG, and is unique to the UK.No, the standard 8 day EPG on Freeview is normal DVB Schedule data. MHEG5 is used for interactive services some of which include EPG date/user interface. Teletext have introduced a new interactive middleware that includes an EPG on there teletext extra service that only some STBs support.

[marty2005]

Looks like the twin tuner version won't be out until July.

http://www.marty.f2s.com/images/freesat epg.jpg

[PHOTOSHOP KID]

How come this launch hasnt been advertised by the BBC, I have not seen anything about, I even requested an email from the BBC, via a mailing list, requesting launch date etc, I have had no reply, it seems to be the best kept secret of all time..............

Also, why is it we have to put up with crap hardware (Goodmans/Bush) I remember when freeserve was launched, al we had was Goodmans and Bush,
It took almost 12 mths for any decent hardware to appear.

I wonder how long it will take for this new technology to appear in tvs rather than having to have a box?

[rdmbfossa]

I would have though that we will get a Panasonic box in time, as a few of their 2008 TVs have Freesat built in.

Any model numbers please?

[scum_bag]

July should see the release of the TH-42PZ81B & August TH-46 & TH-50PZ81B with built in freesat tuner.

[woof2]

B & Q nwere selling free sat recievers this weekend. I was a guy going through checkout with one. I had a quick peak, it was a brand that i dont recognise and only offered a scart output (no hdmi or componenet).

But they were on sale and on display!!

[Adrian_F]

Looks like the twin tuner version won't be out until July.

http://www.marty.f2s.com/images/freesat epg.jpg

Check the Date on the EPG. :confused:

[fernandez]

B & Q nwere selling free sat recievers this weekend. I was a guy going through checkout with one. I had a quick peak, it was a brand that i dont recognise and only offered a scart output (no hdmi or componenet).

But they were on sale and on display!!

Or maybe not
See here

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=748164

[woof2]

opps....the sign that says freesat now available....should be taken down!!

Sorry :eek:

[dave2002]

The Humax 9200 is arguably the best Freeview PVR (alongside the Topfield).

I will be waiting for the Humax box and expect it to be very good.

Some have said that the Humax 9200 PVR is one of the best there is. This may, sadly, be true. The good things about it are that (a) it works, and (b) it's generally reliable enough, and (c) the video quality is good. The bad things about it are that the user interface is not great, and it screws up enough when more complex things, such as recording two sources and watching at the same time are attempted. Oh - it doesn't seem to notice that recording radio programmes takes up less space, so it give unnecessary warnings about running out of space when recording from radio.

It is possible to transfer files to a PC, allbeit slowly. The box doesn't generally crash too often, though it does occasionally (power off - then power on to fix). The EPG is forgotten when it goes into Standby mode, whcih is crazy, and takes seemingly forever to reload when restarted. This is really bad. Humax know about this, but don't seem able or willing to do much about it.

Recent updates have resulted in whole series being programmable - though if you extend the recording time to allow for late starts or over-runs this becomes impossible. This should be fixed, as often there's no real reason why a couple of minutes shouldn't be added on at either end.

The search feature is quite useful, and often essential as trying to program days ahead is difficult, unlike some other models. Some programs are a pain - try searching for "ER" and you'll see what I mean.

There is a Schedule mode, which should allow for programming days ahead, but it is not at all obvious/intuitive how this works, and it seems generally easier to use the search feature. Try the Schedule mode if you must, but it does seem very difficult.

The recent updates have provided fairly primitive editing features, but they're quite clunky, and if you're not careful you'll lose your original, or at least the first part of your program. You may also find that such editing as you can do can only be done in real time - i.e to extract a 15 minute section of video takes at least 15 minutes.

We had a Digifusion model which had a much better interface, but unfortunately that become very unreliable, and eventually died - fortunately in time to get a replacement - the Humax, under the one year suppliers guarantee.

The Digifusion also had quite a useful feature to record in different quality levels, or even to re-record to save space. The Humax simply seems to record the transport stream, which is OK, though sometimes this leads to too much space being used for programs which aren't too important. On the whole though the broadcasters seem to adjust the quality levels in a reasonable enough way, with programs like Life in Cold Blood having the highest quality, and thus taking much more space than other programs such as quiz shows.

If anyone hears of PVRs which are better than the Humax I'd be interested, and I hope that their Freesat PVR avoids some of the worst problems when it appears. I'd expect the technical quality to be good to very good, but the user interface to be only average.

[CH_Peter]

Long and short is that the Humax is years old. Topfield have released the 5810, which Trusted Reviews assures us usurps the Humax...

http://www.trustedreviews.com/home-cinema/review/2008/04/21/Topfield-TF5810PVRt-Personal-Video-Recorder/p1

..but again, this is all pretty old tech. (4 channels at a time on screen - puh-lease).

When it comes to a PVR though, Sky+ (HD or SD) can't be beaten for getting the very basics very right(*) - even if it looks all very Fisher Price. I'd love to see a FreeSat HD PVR that was as simple to use as Sky+. I fear though that with Sky's simplicity and marketing, they'll have the market stitched up for a while to come - and we're getting stitched up, too.

(*) Although pressing "i" when browsing the channels via the on-screen banner and getting information for the channel you're watching rather than what you've browsed to is a terrible gaffe.

[Stephen Neal]

Long and short is that the Humax is years old. Topfield have released the 5810, which Trusted Reviews assures us usurps the Humax...

http://www.trustedreviews.com/home-cinema/review/2008/04/21/Topfield-TF5810PVRt-Personal-Video-Recorder/p1

..but again, this is all pretty old tech. (4 channels at a time on screen - puh-lease).

When it comes to a PVR though, Sky+ (HD or SD) can't be beaten for getting the very basics very right(*) - even if it looks all very Fisher Price. I'd love to see a FreeSat HD PVR that was as simple to use as Sky+. I fear though that with Sky's simplicity and marketing, they'll have the market stitched up for a while to come - and we're getting stitched up, too.

(*) Although pressing "i" when browsing the channels via the on-screen banner and getting information for the channel you're watching rather than what you've browsed to is a terrible gaffe.

Suspect Sky+ is about to get a whole lot better when it introduces the new EPG with listings cached on the hard drive rather than requiring a re-tune to the EPG transponder. This finally allows access to the TV Guide whilst remaining tuned to the current channel, and removes the limitation of not being able to go to TV Guide when you are recording two programmes at the same time.

[CH_Peter]

Suspect Sky+ is about to get a whole lot better when it introduces the new EPG with listings cached on the hard drive rather than requiring a re-tune to the EPG transponder. This finally allows access to the TV Guide whilst remaining tuned to the current channel, and removes the limitation of not being able to go to TV Guide when you are recording two programmes at the same time.

Hasn't this been on the cards for ages, though?

[BrianMc]

Hasn't this been on the cards for ages, though?
It has moved out to final testing amongst Sky staff (not just the developers) - so it looks pretty imminent!

[CH_Peter]

Suspect Sky+ is about to get a whole lot better when it introduces the new EPG with listings cached on the hard drive rather than requiring a re-tune to the EPG transponder. This finally allows access to the TV Guide whilst remaining tuned to the current channel, and removes the limitation of not being able to go to TV Guide when you are recording two programmes at the same time.

Cool. You live and learn. Any news on features, screenshots and wotnot?

[menz83]

I just phoned comet to enquire if my local store has any in stock :grin:

The hopes of getting a box early were soon crushed as the guy said that they no longer sell freesat boxes :suicide:

Think I might have a trip round to my local comet to try my luck!

EDIT: Jus called my local Comet and the guy seems to think that the service launches next year! I told him that I read about a guy online who already bought a freesat box from Comet. He was then under the impression that they must only be trialling the service in England!!

[juLZ007]

I just phoned comet to enquire if my local store has any in stock :grin:

The hopes of getting a box early were soon crushed as the guy said that they no longer sell freesat boxes :suicide:

Think I might have a trip round to my local comet to try my luck!

EDIT: Jus called my local Comet and the guy seems to think that the service launches next year! I told him that I read about a guy online who already bought a freesat box from Comet. He was then under the impression that they must only be trialling the service in England!!


hahaha Comet and DSG employees are such goons xD

[Grinnders]

The Humax 9200 is arguably the best Freeview PVR (alongside the Topfield).

I will be waiting for the Humax box and expect it to be very good.

I saw this from a link elsewhere on here
http://www.freesatnews.co.uk/
I wasn't sure how accurate it was... can't trust everything on the internet but based on the Argos images for the Bush equipment the two reconcile, so perhaps this article is accurate on teh other brand developments too.

[davemurgatroyd2]

I saw this from a link elsewhere on here
http://www.freesatnews.co.uk/
I wasn't sure how accurate it was... can't trust everything on the internet but based on the Argos images for the Bush equipment the two reconcile, so perhaps this article is accurate on teh other brand developments too.

The pictures of the equipment are correct (taken from Argos, Comet and John Lewis websites when they prematurely published them.

Unfortunately the rest of the page contains so many innaccuracies as to make any info on it completely unreliable. It is yet another blog from Aberdeen Web Design aka Aberdeen Domain Holdings.

[Grinnders]

Ok.

Elsewhere on another forum (http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=786214) there seems to have been a lot of people succesfully buying Grundig HD boxes from Comet.... FYI

I'm going to take a detour home ;o)

[marty2005]

It may be a fake but thats what it is supposed to look like.

$ky have never heard of Freesat. When I got the usual phone call from $ky to offer me half price movie channels. I said I'm interested in HD but will not pay $ky £10 a month. I said that Freesat won't charge for HD channels.

Man on the phone laughed at me and said I can't see it ever happening. I said wait 'til Spring and you will. Still laughing at me like I was thick.

Consumers are more informed than people who work at $ky and Virgin.

[marty2005]

I thought there was going to be around 100 HD channels on Freesat, 4-5 ain't many.

[Beancounter]

I just phoned comet to enquire if my local store has any in stock :grin:

The hopes of getting a box early were soon crushed as the guy said that they no longer sell freesat boxes :suicide:

Think I might have a trip round to my local comet to try my luck!

EDIT: Jus called my local Comet and the guy seems to think that the service launches next year! I told him that I read about a guy online who already bought a freesat box from Comet. He was then under the impression that they must only be trialling the service in England!!



Which Aberdeen store was it? I was in the Kittybrewster store on Saturday and asked, the blank look it received back discouraged me from taking the conversation further!:rolleyes:

[menz83]

Which Aberdeen store was it? I was in the Kittybrewster store on Saturday and asked, the blank look it received back discouraged me from taking the conversation further!:rolleyes:

It was the store down the beach. I couldnt find the direct number for the Kittybrewster branch. Was thinking of heading up there tomorrow to try my luck. The guy from the beach did say to phone back tomorrow as thats when they get deliveries in.

[ian-d]

Kittybrewster - 01224 276372

Does that number help or were you after another branch?

[menz83]

Kittybrewster - 01224 276372

Does that number help or were you after another branch?

Spot on mate, will give them a ring later. Thanks

EDIT: Just gave the Kittybrewster branch a ring. I asked if they have any freesat boxes in stock and the nice lady said 'yeah, we have loads'. I asked about the HD ones and she put me on hold. After a minute she did say that they dont have any in stock but are due in at some point.

Questions I should've asked but didnt - Are you referring to freesat from sky when you say you have loads in stock? When are the HD ones due in?

Why is it always when you get off the phone you think of these questions?!

[ian-d]

hehe, would have thought she meant Sky's offer, as Comet don't have any SD receivers in yet, only HD.

The Grundig HD stock code for Comet is 444332, now get back on the phone :grin:

[menz83]

hehe, would have thought she meant Sky's offer, as Comet don't have any SD receivers in yet, only HD.

The Grundig HD stock code for Comet is 444332, now get back on the phone :grin:

Thanks mate! Stores are closed now but will get back on the phone first thing tomorrow!

[Beancounter]

I'd be more inclined to wait till Tuesday to get the spec on the Humax box, John Lewis are supposed to be getting this in for sale then, same price as the Grundig.

[menz83]

I'd be more inclined to wait till Tuesday to get the spec on the Humax box, John Lewis are supposed to be getting this in for sale then, same price as the Grundig.

Never mentioned earlier, but I also called John Lewis on George Street. I spoke to a clueless, hysteric customer service lady who had never heard of freesat. After she spoke to the guys up in the electrical dept, she said that they are expecting them in come the end of may.

[marty2005]

I personally won't get one until the twin tuners are out.

[mike7]

I would suspect that Comet and other big dealers make quite a lot of money as a 'kick back' from Sky for signing up new customers. They are not going to be too keen to lose out on that by spreading the news that there are free to air services once the right equipment is installed.

[h4rtey]

Any news on these boxes being available to joe public yet?

[2003bluecat]

The mystery continues :confused:

http://www.pcw.co.uk/personal-computer-world/news/2214796/freesat-disowns-hauppage-tv-kit

It is an extremely bizzare situation. I may just wait a few months after launch before making a decision on Freesat. Although I would love HD broadcasts a.s.a.p, despite the limited content.

Any more news on comet menz83?

[davemurgatroyd2]

The mystery continues :confused:

http://www.pcw.co.uk/personal-computer-world/news/2214796/freesat-disowns-hauppage-tv-kit

It is an extremely bizzare situation. I may just wait a few months after launch before making a decision on Freesat. Although I would love HD broadcasts a.s.a.p, despite the limited content.

Any more news on comet menz83?

All that statement means is that the hauppage devices will not receive the freesat specific services - i.e. the EPG and interactive options - they will however receive the full range of freesat channels and more (all FTA channels even those not on the freesat EPG) and you will have to tune in the in the interactive screens seperately ( as is possible on virtually any generic FTA satellite receiver)

[menz83]

Just off the phone to both Comet stores in Aberdeen.

Kittybrewster seemed a bit more clued up and was under the impression that they are out next week. Gave them the product code, and after a quick search, I was told that they have 1 in stock but its in the managers office and that the staff arent even allowed to look at it! The lady did say to phone back on Thursday as thats when they will be getting their next delivery in.

The beach store were as helpful as ever! None were available and after a product code search, I was told it would be 2-3 weeks and that they cant accept any orders on the Grundig boxes as there are some technical difficulties with them at the moment!

I wonder what that could mean? Will be phoning round on Thursday again!

[menz83]

I see the Humax box now states it can be picked up at your local store. Shame theres no stock in Aberdeen!

Anyone having any luck in their local area?

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5321595/Trail/searchtext%3EFREESAT.htm

[technogran]

I see the Humax box now states it can be picked up at your local store. Shame theres no stock in Aberdeen!

Anyone having any luck in their local area?

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5321595/Trail/searchtext%3EFREESAT.htm
It probably will say that until May 6th, that there is no stock, and then it will probably suddenly appear everywhere that there is stock!

TG

[menz83]

For those that were reading my previous posts, I have been in touch with some of my local retailers again.

Comet at Aberdeen beach said they are expecting a delivery of some Humax boxes tomorrow but not till late in the afternoon. Comet Kittybrewster said that there are still unsure of the whole freesat thing but they do have 2 boxes in the office tha cant go on display and are getting a further 2 boxes tomorrow. No brands were diclosed.

John Lewis on George Street have said that they will be going on sale tomorrow but will only be stocking the Grundig box :(

Couldnt find a telephone number for my local Argos stores but will be checking their site first thing in the morning to see if I can get a reservation!

[ozsat]

Spoken to two local Argos stores today and they have Bush in stock but unable to sell (or reserve) until tomorrow.

[menz83]

Spoken to two local Argos stores today and they have Bush in stock but unable to sell (or reserve) until tomorrow.

Any word at all on the other models?

[ozsat]

They said they could turn up any time - no date given.

[barongreenback]

Freesat has been mentioned several times this morning as launching today. Fingers crossed. Which box to choose though?

[Idioteque]

There's an article on it over on the bbc news website. Just checked argos' site and it still no reserve option.

[JonnyGoon]

Seems the reservce option now works, but my local stores dont have the Huma HD box in stock.

Deffo only want it for a short time until the PVR's get released but need HD!

[menz83]

Argos have had the reserve optionfor the last few days now but it sems all stores across the country are still showing out of stock.

[Beancounter]

Argos have had the reserve optionfor the last few days now but it sems all stores across the country are still showing out of stock.

I get the horrible feeling there will be only 1 Humax available in all the stores in Aberdeen, hands off menz83 :devil:

No word from any of the other places yet I take it ? I am just keeping an eye on the various websitesd at present, quite sad really :rotfl:

[menz83]

hands off menz83 :devil:

Hands off mate, its mine :devil:

Havent phoned round yet, Comet are sick fed up of me calling! The beach stored did say they were expecting a delivery, but not till late in the afternoon!

John Lewis will be stocking the Grundig, feel free to take that one if you want!

[topdog555]

I've just got the Bush one from Argos this morning, and I'm jsut installing it now

[dpstjp]

I've just got the Bush one from Argos this morning, and I'm jsut installing it now

...and?

dpstjp

[topdog555]

took about fifteen minutes to download the software and a few more then to scan the channels
I didn't have ITV1 103 to start off, but came up later after about 20 mins
Good EPG and easy to navigate, one nice feature is the information at the top of the screen when scrolling through the programmes that are showing later on

[menz83]

hands off menz83 :devil:

Just picked up my Humax from Comet Kittybrewster and it was the only one in stock!!!

Think they get a delivery in the afternoon though so would be worthwhile giving them a phone later. Try the beach store too.

Good luck!

[Beancounter]

Just picked up my Humax from Comet Kittybrewster and it was the only one in stock!!!

Think they get a delivery in the afternoon though so would be worthwhile giving them a phone later. Try the beach store too.

Good luck!


Swine!:devil: I was literally about to head out the door to drive into town to see if I could get one. Well done, enjoy the box :)


Have you got the store phone numbers there per chance?

[Therock500]

i tried to ring & reserve at Argos and it was saysing the box cost over £1000 lol

[JonnyGoon]

Ive done the phonecall to check whether they have the Humax HD in stock, same as the website it says there none at Leicester Fosse Park. Is there any point getting through to anyone at the actual store to see if they have it or is the main stock list current?

[menz83]

Have you got the store phone numbers there per chance?

Kittybrewster - 01224 276372

Beach - 01224 285270

444855 is the product code you need for the Humax.

Its funny as I phoned Comet whilst at work. The guy told me they had one Humax and 1 Grundig but they weren't allowed to sell the Grundig due to a technical hitch with the box (not just that 1, all of them!). After asking the manager, he was told that he could sell it and would reserve it for me. As he was doing that, another customer was trying to get the only Humax but the nice salesperson changed the stock level to 0 to ensure I got the box. I really thought it was you trying to steal my box :rotfl:

As I said earlier, Comet are expecting more deliveries today so get on the phone now and make sure you get your hands on one!

Good luck!

[Beancounter]

Kittybrewster - 01224 276372

Beach - 01224 285270

444855 is the product code you need for the Humax.

Its funny as I phoned Comet whilst at work. The guy told me they had one Humax and 1 Grundig but they weren't allowed to sell the Grundig due to a technical hitch with the box

Good luck!


Cheers for that, got one at the beach store, after the manager searched the entire store for it! Went to Kittybrewster first, he said the Grundig was in stock but still showing as £999 so they couldn't sell it. Glad to be part of an exclusive club at present, going to have my dinner then set it up :thumbsup:

[sweetierufus]

How come this launch hasnt been advertised by the BBC, I have not seen anything about, I even requested an email from the BBC, via a mailing list, requesting launch date etc, I have had no reply, it seems to be the best kept secret of all time..............



I know I've only just heard about it today. Its something I would definatly be interested in.

[museumsteve]

Can someone just confirm that I can buy a box and plug my sky mini dish straight into it (one of my SkyHD boxes died and I haven;t done anything with it (except cancel the multiroom sub of course)

[rodd1000]

Can someone just confirm that I can buy a box and plug my sky mini dish straight into it (one of my SkyHD boxes died and I haven;t done anything with it (except cancel the multiroom sub of course)

no you can't buy a box because there are none to buy.

If there were box's available, then you could. Both Sky and Freesat are on 28.2

[museumsteve]

thanks mate..I'm sure the boxes will be readily available any day soon.