Humax & Sky Q dish

[Bob Williams]

After advice again!

I am considering alternatives to Sky Q, do not want TV services from one supplier again. Sky was an experience that I wanted to try, but just does not work for me in ways that justify the expense and being tied to one source.

I am looking at a Humax box and possible connection to the Sky dish, which they leave here. The original installation was made when I was out – the two cables were laid through the wall, around three inner walls and two doors. Literally around doors; they go around the door frames and along the skirting boards. It would have been simpler and much, much shorter, to run them in the loft of our small bungalow. Sky would not consider re-routing, but I will have my trusty son rectify that when I make changes.

I intend to take my previous ISP Plusnet, just for Bband, phone and calls. They have checked my line (new this year, as were both BT boxes) and say they can give me at least 15 Mbps download to my FTTC connection. Sky currently supply around 10.5, which is 3.5 down on the first 5 months of their service. My question has been asked before I think: can I connect a Humax box to the Sky dish and expect either Freesat or Freeview Play? I am aware that I will need to send back the Q box and router, but I have found the wireless to be spotty: sometimes it does not work, TV, tablet and phones go down, while the Gigabit Ethernet service to this desktop just keeps going.

All advice gratefully accepted, TY guys.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

Further to my last: acting upon information from a FB mate, I accessed the Humax site and asked them the same question. I received an automated acknowledgement email within 10 minutes and an informational response after another 35 minutes. On a Bank Holiday Monday, from an actual human being! This is one company that I am pleased to complete a Customer Survey for.

Apparently all I need is to purchase a different LNB and swap that for the one on the dish. The 2x F-Type connectors will work to give me Freesat. They even told me which box is best for the job:

https://tinyurl.com/y9nr68br

There is a professional Satellite company in the village, headed by a guy I have known for 20 years, who can fit the whole thing and lay the cables through the loft. Happy!

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[PlaneMan]

I’d call that a result!

[Bob Williams]

PlaneMan wrote:

I’d call that a result!

Certainly is Nolan, (hope it) works for me. Off to yet another hospital appointment, Satmate is calling this afternoon. Hope he remembers me handing out his cards all over the county, 20 years ago! He started as an aerial fitter, now has a business fitting audio/video/internet to commercial and Council/social housing/business premises all over the East Midlands, a workforce in double figures and his two sons.

I love it when a local guy makes it. He is heavily involved in the village community as well; one of the good guys.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[blacklion1725]

Slight diversion – is there much difference between FreeSat and Freeview? I think there’s a few extra channels on FreeSat but do the STBs offer pretty much the same in terms of recording, catch-up etc? Thinking down the line to when I will probably ditch Sky, and will happily ditch the dish if freeview can cover all the same functions. Ta.

[Bob Williams]

I think it’s a question of choice BL: yes there are more programmes on Freesat, plus there’s Netflix. Review here –

https://tinyurl.com/ybylf8bc

Freesat manual for the Humax 1100S, which is my preferred choice:

https://tinyurl.com/ydaqcrxn

There is a way to access non-Freesat channels called Freetime, but from what I have read, it isn’t very successful with the previous one-cable, non-F type connections, as used in older Freesat boxes and original Sky boxes. Might be OK with the newer boxes with 2x F-type connectors. Apparently on some setups, it knocks out programme settings and they have to be reset. There is an Android and an iOs app that can be used to control set from a device. Catch ups from loads of channels. There is only one HDMI socket, but anyone needing more could invest in one of these, or similar:

https://tinyurl.com/y7mfqknu

Had a call from another aerial company today: £100 to remove the Sky LNB, supply & fit a new Freesat LNB, remove cables from interior and lay through loftspace. Satmate has not got back to me yet, but that’s a yardstick. Might save my son from climbing through all the insulation up there.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[blacklion1725]

Thanks Bob – I actually have a BT YouView T4000 (rebadged Humax) in my kitchen and although I don’t use it much it does support Netflix, SkyGo and a few other things. AS I say I don’t use it that much and if I bin Sky would probably keep Roku/Amazon to cover apps anyway.

As it stands people (not me!) using my 4 Sky Go logins is all that is really keeping me there.

[JayCeeDee]

Bob Williams wrote:

There is a way to access non-Freesat channels called Freetime, but from what I have read, it isn’t very successful with the previous one-cable, non-F type connections, as used in older Freesat boxes and original Sky boxes. Might be OK with the newer boxes with 2x F-type connectors. Apparently on some setups, it knocks out programme settings and they have to be reset.  

I was looking at THIS comparison – good info but vague on certain specifics – it details down on usability that the new version of Freetime is :- “……super easy to use. You can scroll back in time to catch up on shows you missed, search for the right programme, and neatly organise your recordings. However, it doesn’t come as standard – make sure the box you choose supports Freetime.”

BL – it looks like you’ve already got the better solution to your future viewing needs.:)

[Bob Williams]

Thanks JCD, good spot.

I have asked the Humax site:    https://uk.humaxdigital.com/    -for info regarding the 1100S, it supports Freetime. They have a very good website, with a very responsive Online Chat service.

That’s a TV solution for me too, sorted. ?

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

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