[humblestum]

Since (almost) time immemorial, we have received German TV channels (ZDF, WDR etc etc) via an old Sky dish and analogue box (Fidelity SR950+). As we were going to be out of the country for two months, I turned everything off completely. Now we are back and the box only picks up two channels and I cannot for the life of me remember how to tune the thing. There again, it may just finally have turned it's toes up.

So, is it still possible to buy an analogue receiver? I have tried EBay but could not find anything.

On the other hand, should I buy an new digital receiver and get someone to fit a suitable LNB to the existing dish?

Suggestions/advice welcomed

[Masteriser]

You will probably be able to pick up an old analogue receiver at a car boot sale for £1.00. No-one makes new ones these days.

I would suggest you purchase a new digital receiver and get an installer to attach a new universal LNB to your dish, it would be a good idea to replace the feed cable as well. Get him to check the alignment while he is there. Make sure you tell him you want Astra 1 @ 19.2º East and not Astra 2 (where Sky UK comes from).

[fernandez]

Yes, a cheap FTA digital box is the best solution.
Here's a list of FTA German channels including those at 19E

FlySat Germany TV Channels

The analogue sat transmissions will be switched off by 2012
Astra’s German analogue switch off - Satellite TV support forum & Digital TV support forum.

[humblestum]

Thanks for the prompt responses, guys

We have managed now to retune it to a limited extent but clearly we will need to go digital at some point, so it might as well be now. Therefore all I have to do now is research what digital receiver (nothing fancy) would be good value! Suggestions welcomed.

[fernandez]

Originally Posted by humblestum

Therefore all I have to do now is research what digital receiver (nothing fancy) would be good value! Suggestions welcomed.

These may be of some help and as examples

Creative Satellite UK - International - Digital Receivers, Technomate, SKY Digital, Starview, The Box, SKY Italia, LCD Wall brackets , Plasma brackets

and keep an eye on ebay for bargains- this just lists Technomate

technomate, Satellite Cable Freeview, TV Accessories, Home Audio Hi Fi items at low prices on eBay.co.uk

[humblestum]

Thanks for the further info .

As something of an ignoramus when it comes to satellite TV etc, if I buy something such as the Technomate TM 5600 and a suitable LNB, would I be able to receive Freesat as well as German channels or would I need two LNB's pointing at different satellites? If so, can one dish be used?

[fernandez]

Originally Posted by humblestum

... if I buy something such as the Technomate TM 5600 and a suitable LNB, would I be able to receive Freesat as well as German channels or would I need two LNB's pointing at different satellites? If so, can one dish be used?

The receiver will receive both 19E and 28E (as well as many other satellites).
So, yes you'll be able to receive all the Freesat channels from 28E and the German channels from 19E.
Two separate LNBs will be required on a fixed dish but this is easily achieved with a suitably sizes dish (60cm will be fine) and an LNB bracket to take the two LNBs
Example (many more available)
Televes Extra LNB Bracket German Astra 19.2 and 28.2 from Aerial Shack

Just to add:
By using a DiSEqC unit at the dish end there would only be one lead to the receiver and by by configuring the DiSEqC switch on the receiver there would be instant switching between satellites