Freesat vs Satellite

[dalelad]

Hi all. I'm new to this forum, but not new to CVO. Wondered if anyone could help.
We had a satellite system fitted at our apt in 2006 but have recently started experiencing the channels breaking up in the evenings, which I believe is quite common now. We have a 1.3m dish which we're told now needs upgrading to a bigger dish in order to improve reception. We've been quoted around €400, but I wondered if changing to Freesat whilst keeping the existing dish would improve the quality of the evening reception. The freesat boxes start at around £50 at Argos so obviously it will be a far cheaper option. Has anyone tried this or am I barking up the wrong tree? Any other suggestions as to how I can sort out our viewing problems? Thanks.

[carvoeiro1]

Sorry to say that you have been correctly informed we have had the same problem with our sky plus , weakends in the evenings and have had to upgrade the dish to a 1.80m. but it shouldnt cost more then 200.00€
Try Sat Jorge on 965772592

[dalelad]

I'll give Sat Jorge a try, thanks very much.

[maccasa]

has Sat Jorge got an e mail address? Im back in uk for 4 weeks and would like to arrange a sat system for when I am out end aug. I note that Richer sounds in UK are offering 50% discount on SD freesat boxes!

[Algarve Eagle]

We went the freesat route and are totally satisfied with the result. We got RJ Technica in when we could no longer tolerate the break-up of reception in the evening. They checked the size and orientation of our dish, whether a replacement LNB would improve the signal, and whether a more modern sky box would bring any improvement. None of these potential solutions worked, so we went for freesat. However, needless to say, the freesat boxes are much cheaper in the UK compared to RJ Technica's price.

[Farol]

We went the freesat route and are totally satisfied with the result.

Out of interest Algarve Eagle what size dish have you got?

[Bruce Wallis]

You really need a 1.4M dish

[Algarve Eagle]

Farol,

From memory, 1.2 or 1.3 - am in the UK at the moment but will check it out when I get back this week-end. Pretty sure it is not as big as 1.4.

[maccasa]

Sat Jorge and RJ Technica say 1.3 m is ok for freesat - by the way, anyone know Sat Jorge e mail address? something like teledar@aeiou.pt but cant get him on that

[maccasa]

Had my freesat installed by RJtechnica 2 weeks ago - 1.35 m dish + grundig box and twin LNB with two outputs to lounge and main bedroom - €485 - 60+ useful channels and excellent picture quality. Sat Jorge was a lot more expensive - didnt try anyone else.

[simmo2]

Any problems try Skyrealm, they supply retail and trade. Tel: 918887775 or email skyrealm@hotmail.co.uk

[snowytheboy]

We have an apartment in Carvoeiro which has a TV aerial socket. When I plug a TV in and tune it it I get two channels so I assume it is connected to an aerial somewhere on the roof of the block. Is it possible to get a Portuguese freeview box that I can attach that will have some English language programmes (very occasionally on the two channels we currently get there are English language programmes with Portuguese subtitles).

[maccasa]

My understanding is that there arent any freeview channels in Portugal - only freesat is available

[EMM]

If you have cable, cabo etc then you can get a number of English speaking channels ( some with Portuguese sub titles.

As a package you also get phone and Internet access.

[snowytheboy]

Just done an internet search and it seems that a roll out of Digital Terrestrial TV started on April 29th this year with 40% coverage - 80% is planned by the end of this year and complete coverage by end of 2010. Next time out I will bring a freeview box, connect it up, and see if anything happens.

P.S. - they are claiming 60% coverage now.