[ohms08]

Hey guys, I've been enjoying Freesat and I'm considering upgrading to Freesat+ when I move house in a couple of weeks but I cant decide whether I should or just go out and buy myself a good HDD recorder.

I'm aware of the pros and cons of both i.e with freesat+ I get series link and can watch something else while recording but with HDD recorder it'll be cheaper and I can copy onto DVD.

I'm swaying towards the HDD recorder as my tele has built in freeview so if I'm recording something on Freesat I'll be able to watch something else on freeview or vice versa. Can anyone tell me if the series link option is any good with Freesat+ as this seems to be the attraction for me.

Thanks in advance folks

[grahamlthompson]

Originally Posted by ohms08

Hey guys, I've been enjoying Freesat and I'm considering upgrading to Freesat+ when I move house in a couple of weeks but I cant decide whether I should or just go out and buy myself a good HDD recorder.

I'm aware of the pros and cons of both i.e with freesat+ I get series link and can watch something else while recording but with HDD recorder it'll be cheaper and I can copy onto DVD.

I'm swaying towards the HDD recorder as my tele has built in freeview so if I'm recording something on Freesat I'll be able to watch something else on freeview or vice versa. Can anyone tell me if the series link option is any good with Freesat+ as this seems to be the attraction for me.

Thanks in advance folks

You also get HD with the only freesat-pvr (Foxsat-hdr). As with freeview series link relies on the broadcasters getting the codeing right. They sometimes screw up the codes resulting in missed or truncated recordings. Wish I could say it's 100% reliable but sadly it's not. Sd pictures on Freesat don't look as good as freeview and there are some channels missing that are on freeview. As a result if you can get a decent freeview signal and don't want HD then a twin tuner freeview pvr might be a better buy. You can buy two freeview pvrs for the cost of a freesat pvr.

[Andy98765]

Freesat+ series link on the Humax is excellent also when you go to record something from say BBC1 if it is on offer on BBC HD it automatically gives you the choice, same with ITVHD so you do not even have to check if a program you want on BBC1 is available on BBCHD.
Also if you try to record three programs and it is aware of a repeat showing it will offer you that alternative.
To say I have been just pleased with the Humax is an understatement, it is excellent and I am so glad I dumped SKYHD (WAY too expensive) and made this choice.
More info from here Join Freesat

[mikezoe]

I agree with that. I find the whole High Def experience is a bit like I remember when colour tv arrived. Consequently I tend to record a good percentage of BBCHD and all ITVHD programmes just to see them in HD! I archive the very best (a CLASSICS folder with the New Wallace & Grommit, last year's Wimbledon final and Northern Lights) to show visiting friends. The ability to play back in HD is the icing on the cake.

[ohms08]

Hey guys, thanks for the replies and suggestions. Sounds like if I invested in the Freesat+ I wouldn't be disappointed with the series link option. I'm definitely installing a sat dish at the new place when I move as I have loved the fact that Freesat doesn't get intereference when the weather's crap and I have enjoyed watching hustle and heroes and stuff on BBC HD.

Still not sure what I'm gonna do though. What's putting me off is the cost of the Humax box. I know I could probably sell my current Humax box on ebay but I'm thinking that for £300 I could buy a decent HDD recorder and still have money left over to spoil myself on something else

Decisions, decisions

[Andycole1970]

If you can afford the Freesat HDR, then it's a no brainer. The ability to watch and record hi-def is worth the price in my opinion!

As and when Freeview eventually goes hi-def, you'll need to replace any existing freeview box to get it, so you'll end up spending the same amount of money in the long term, and you will have missed out on 3+years of HD programmes!

Andy

[ohms08]

Originally Posted by Andycole1970

If you can afford the Freesat HDR, then it's a no brainer. The ability to watch and record hi-def is worth the price in my opinion!

As and when Freeview eventually goes hi-def, you'll need to replace any existing freeview box to get it, so you'll end up spending the same amount of money in the long term, and you will have missed out on 3+years of HD programmes!

Andy

I'm thinking I'll invest in a HDD recorder instead of the Freesat+. At the moment there's only 2 HD channels available on freesat and, to be honest, I've never seen ITV's HD channel. For that reason I just cant justify spending £300 on a box when its main selling point for me is the a series link option, which is available with some HDD recorders.

I'm gonna keep my Foxsat box and have both Freeview and Freesat at the new place and will wait to see how Freesat develops its channels. If more HD channels appear then I might upgrade my Foxsat box but I'm quite happy to record programmes on Freeview.

Cheers for all your help folks