Help for the terrified

[fleegle]

Hi

I am new to this and have spent hours reading the messages on here but feel completely out of my depth Huh Huh

I have recently moved and the house appears to have an existing sky digital minidisk- though I cannot be sure this is functional as I have not got the kit to test it out.

First of all what I would like is:

A receiver capable of receiving fta and sky ftv as well as German channels. I understand through reading stuff on this forum that I will need to have either a further sattelite pointing in the appropriate direction or a second LNB. I also gather I will need a switch to work this all through one box.

I would if possible like to do most of the work myself- it is easy to access the present satelite by walking on a flat roof.

Extra feature (apart from being able to view these channels) are of secondary interest though it would be good if I could use the receiver as a video recorder.

I want my system to be simple- I mention this because my brother seems to have a whole array of boxes under the tele in order to receive sky and foreign television programmes and I look back nostalgicaly to the pre digital days when I could receive everything throgh the same satelite.

I live in Surrey.

I don't have a specific budget in mind but would of course like to keep the cost down as much as possible.

I have stumbled upon the idea of the dreambox but this is where the terrified bit comes in- I know nothing about Linux.

[Jimdefruit]

Hi fleegle,

There is no need to be terrified although a little nervous is ok.

The dreambox is an excellent receiver with lots of help so you dont really need to know anything about linux.

The 7000 and 7020 and 7025 receivers will allow installation of a hard drive for recording and the 500 will allow streaming to a pc for recording purposes.

It really depends on how you think your interests will develop as to whether you opt for a fixed satellite dish or a motorised dish or even a multi lnb dish (one lnb per satellite you want to look at).

If you are reasonably pc wise, then a linux box like the dreambox is certainly a good option. If you struggle with a pc then a traditional receiver like the Technomate would be good but you would need a digibox to get the ftv sky channels.

You could of course opt for a sky + box and a ftv sky card for UK transmissions but that would not get you German channels.

Lets get the discussions going and explore what you feel you would really like.

[fleegle]

Thanks for that.

I must admit that the idea of getting a sky digibox had occured to me- if only to ensure that the existing satelite is connected properly. I am not completly against the idea of having the two boxes- but I suppose in the back of my mind I am wondering if I could get to get to grips with the linux thing...then this might give me something more...what I'm not sure...

What box would you recomend on top of the sky box if I did go down that route?

Thank again.

[fleegle]

Thanks Jimdefruit

I am not sure myself how much my interest will develop... I suppose I am starting from the point of view of wanting the german and uk programmes ...but beyond that I am pretty open minded.

I am ok with working with a PC - at least with windows anyway- I am normally willing to give things a go- was brave enough at least to configure the wireless LAN in my home for example.

One question- If I did take the plunge and got a deambox could I try to get used to working with it through the existing Sky satelite before going further? I like to think of one thing at a time so am wondering if this would be a good idea- ie to worry about the second satelite dish later (I mean weeks later rather than months or years here)

[BGonaSTICK]

Fleegle-tastic!

Love that show. It still gives me nightmares ROFLMAO

OK, lots of good information there. Makes our job easier Smiley

If you want to keep it simple, I'd go for two boxes. It really will be easier to manage.

Get a second-hand Sky digibox and card off eBay. Failing that, just get the box, and then buy a £20 FTV card from Sky at http://www.freesatfromsky.co.uk.

Now you're free of any restrictions.

A second dish is usually best if you have an existing minidish. Either a 70cm dish for Astra1 or Hotbird, an 80cm or 90cm dish for use on a motor (...and a Moteck SG2100A DiSEqC motor) or a fixed 90cm dish and multiple (two, three or four LNBs) for satellites of your choice.

Let's have your feelings on that and then we'll go again with some more detail.

Don't let the Dreambox and Linux side worry you. Even if you choose to go this route the most important thing is to have some support, and we have some very good (and patient) Dreamboxers here.

Welcome to the forum. I'm sure you won't look back. We won't let you Grin

[satsid]

hi m8 welcome to sat help.just a quick thought here bear in mind HD tv is on the way.i know new receivers are comming on the market now & after xmass.not sure on linux based receivers others here would tell you better than me.but i think this is importent 2 keep in mind at this time.there are lots of new channels poping up of late & my gut feeling is there switch to HD.
sid

[BGonaSTICK]

Right, I've just merged these two topics together - but the software organises the posts into time-of-posting so it might read a little poorly. I think we'll get the gist though

I would seriously recommend a separate Sky digibox. Trying to merge FTV into another box (like the Dreambox) for a beginner isn't pretty, especially if you're thinking of motorising a single dish.

If you're not sure about Linux yet, can drive PC OK, want some flexibility and would really like to try this whole thing out before you take an expensive leap of faith, then I can also highly recommend the Skystar 2 PCI card for your PC.

It can do much the same as a Dreambox (so many similarities that it's logically the same deal) and will only cost you £45 to get involved. Many people will move onto a Dreambox from here.

STICK

[fleegle]

Thanks for all the good advice folks.

I think in the light of all that has been said here I will be doing myself a favour by going for the sky box first- adding a second box and dish for the german channels later- then perhaps re-evaluting later as newer technology comes in & I become more confident and (hopefully) know what I'm doing a bit more.

Forgot to say that I spend some of the year at my mothers house in Austria- so maybe some of the knowledge I build up here will help me to set up a system there too

I'll keep you all posted

Thanks again

[BGonaSTICK]

Don't just leave it at the Sky digibox though. That would be a crying shame!

Get a Skystar2 card to have a play with. This is absolutely the best value for money item you can buy in satellite today. It can do virtually everything and is embarrassingly cheap.

Even if you only use it on your minidish to start with. Don't miss out on this fantastic hobby!

STICK

[fleegle]

Thanks Stick

Think I've got the bug already ...so no worries ...So what exactly will the Skystar2 card do?