Freesat - access to other uncrypted channels on same satellite not part of freesat?

*wjharing* · 16-05-2008, 2:55 PM

Hi, for those who already have a freesat box, is it possible to add (watch) other unencrypted channels that are on the same satellite, but not yet (officially) part of the Freesat package?

Cheers,
Wouter.

Bachstrad · 16-05-2008, 3:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wjharing

Hi, for those who already have a freesat box, is it possible to add (watch) other unencrypted channels that are on the same satellite, but not yet (officially) part of the Freesat package?

Cheers,
Wouter.

Yes, providing the box you buy has the facility for a manual search, not all do.

It's the only way to get many of the regional ITV & BBC channels at the moment. Obviously these channels won't appear in the EPG and it can lead to disaray in your channel line up. But yes, you can do it.

ATB

Max

BrianMc · 16-05-2008, 3:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bachstrad

Yes, providing the box you buy has the facility for a manual search, not all do.

In fact only the Humax does!

*wjharing* · 16-05-2008, 3:36 PM

thanks.

I wrote to Topfield, and they confirmed that a FreeSat approved box will be made available 'soon' (next iteration of new STBs). Their regular HD-recorder does have this functionality as well, so hopefully won't be lost on the new FreeSat version.

nwhitfield · 16-05-2008, 4:33 PM

Soon? From Topfield? Very first I've heard of it... I'd be extremely surprised to see anything this year.

BrianMc · 16-05-2008, 5:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nwhitfield

Soon? From Topfield? Very first I've heard of it... I'd be extremely surprised to see anything this year.

Humax (and the other "Launch" manufacturers) have a 6 month exclusive "window" - so you won't!

davemurgatroyd2 · 16-05-2008, 5:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianMc

Humax (and the other "Launch" manufacturers) have a 6 month exclusive "window" - so you won't!

6 months runs out in November, just in time for Xmas sales.

BrianMc · 16-05-2008, 6:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davemurgatroyd2

6 months runs out in November, just in time for Xmas sales.

Depends crucially on what is meant by this surely! If it means that Freesat won't sign an agreement with any manufacturers before then (which is most likely) then all the development time needs to be added on!

*wjharing* · 17-05-2008, 10:10 AM

I made sure to put 'soon' in brackets

But they were indeed talking about the second wave, so if the exclusivity window is 6 months, the TopField might find itself on the shelf by Christmas. (as I assume they would do all development and testing now, and not wait for 6 more months)

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianMc

Humax (and the other "Launch" manufacturers) have a 6 month exclusive "window" - so you won't!

dan1979 · 17-05-2008, 11:22 AM

I did a manual search on the humax and found all the expected channels.

Is there any way I can switch between freesat and all my FTA channels without re-scanning for channels?

At the moment it sticks me in either category depending on which set I've most recently scanned (even when I stop the scan immediately).

WibXL · 17-05-2008, 7:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan1979

I did a manual search on the humax and found all the expected channels.

Is there any way I can switch between freesat and all my FTA channels without re-scanning for channels?

At the moment it sticks me in either category depending on which set I've most recently scanned (even when I stop the scan immediately).

Press menu and then select which mode you want using stb mode.