total beginner

[dbherron01]

HI All,

I am totally new to the whole satellite thing (I do have UK sky+ but I only know how to switch it on a change channel) and what I wanting to do is to have a new system installed that will allow me to watch not only UK 3pm football but also footbal from around europe.

I see people talking about hotbird and atlantic bird etc but what is confusing me is what equipment to I need to pick up these signals, and where can I get it? I have a machine that locates UK Sky signals (aquired it from work when I move sat dishes from wall to scaffolds) but will this work to locate other signals?

If you can, I would really appreciate your time and help
Cheers

[Analoguesat]

The first question you need to answer is "how much do you want to spend?"

The best 3pm football cards cost near enough a thousand quid a year. If you want HD on those then its half as much again! (Assuming you use a UK based reseller - its far cheaper if you have contacts abroad)

You can go cheaper, but then that starts to restrict your choice.

Only once you have decided which card you are likely to be interested in can we start to suggest relevant equipment.

[Analoguesat]

Go and have a look at forum advertiser southernsat's website - www.southernsat.co.uk

Ian sells some foreign subs cards - will give you an idea of whats available.

[dbherron01]

Hi! Thanks for the quick reply.

Didn't really want to spend £1000 as the plan was to get rid of my season ticket and get the satelittle installed, that said, if a grand is what it costs then it may well have to be done. Ideally, i'd like to spend around £500-600 but am flexable (ish)

Thanks
db

[Analoguesat]

Have a look at the sort of stuff thats available.

southernsat.co.uk
marconidigital.com

Both sell foreign sports subs.

Avoid DigitAlb - they used to be good and cheap but they lost their UK 3pm coverages a couple of years ago although certain quarters would have you believe the return of the 3pm's is imminent.

[radtv]

Be careful when looking at cards as not all of them will show 3pm, such as DigitALB, ART or Al Jazerra. The ones that do are Max TV, Diema at £350 ish, Sky Germany at around £900 and Sky Italia cica £1200

[dbherron01]

Thanks, really appreicate your time!

If I were to buy both German and italian would the equipment accept both (obviously not at the same time) cards or would the dish need to be re-aligned and would a seperate set top box be needed?
Cheers

[radtv]

No as the German card uses a mix of NDS and N3 encryption so you would need both boxes

[Analoguesat]

You would need to realign hthe dish AND get new equipment - you get the boxes supplied with some deals - Ian at southern can tell you more if you give him a ring tomorrow

[dbherron01]

Thank you both! Will give Southern a bell tomorrow!
Cheers!!!