Satellite dish systems

[grober]

I foolishly volunteered to set up a satellite dish system for a friend i.e. --- dish--- LNB---Cabling ---receiver etc. He mainly wants to receive the free to air BBC and ITV channels from 28E ASTRA 2 since he cant get terrestrial freeview like lots of other folk in Scotland ( too many hills ) He's not interested in doing satellite searches or in any Sky packages, just the basic free to air. Once I started to look into this I realised I was pretty behind the times with the technology. He's prepared to spend a bit to get a decent dish/LNB combination say an 80cm dish, but would be quite happy with pretty standard preprogrammed receiver box for now. I see lots of companies offering components and ready assembled "KITS" on the net but would like to hear any recommendations for suppliers of DIY kits and components from anyone who has set up a system. The component manufacturers names I have come across are TRIAX, FUNKE, HUMAX MANHATTAN, TITANIUM and these companies web sites:-
http://www.satellitesuperstore.com/bbc.htm
http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/dishes.htm
http://www.brymar.co.uk/
http://www.astra2d.com/index.htm
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Sub_Category.aspx?Menu=-9&doy=9m5
Anyone got any experience of these or have other recommendations --maybe some company who trades on EBAY for example. thanks.

 

[BonzoDog]

I was completely ignorant on this but bought dish, LNB's and cable from an electronic store and a secondhand Panasonic Sky Receiver on E bay (without card.
The dish was fixed to teh side of the house and with compass I pointed it in teh appropriate direction and at the appropriate angle.
I connected everything together and the Receiver told me that it could not receive a signal. A friend came round with a satellite signal detector (cheap on Ebay) and we located the signal.
The Receiver displayed the channels and that was it, other than selecting favourites.

 

[agatward]

I have always used Humax boxes and they're good - very reliable, great software and support. However note that these will only work for FTA channels or those for which you can buy a CAM (Conditional Access Module - a small card that plugs into a slot on the receiver).

Unfortunately Mr.Murdoch doesn't allow CAMs for VideoGuard (the Sky encryption mechanism) to be released to the public, so you won't be able to receive any sky channels on it.

As for setting it up, it's pretty damn easy nowadays.

Hope this helps,

Andy.

 

[merc-c]

I have used Hisat in the past.
great service ,and i can just go their to check it out first.
They are only about 4 miles from me.

http://www.hisat.com/

 

[television]

Any old Sky box and Dish, plus a card for Ch4 etc and your correct area region news, the card cost £20 for life.

I could find you one and a dish,biggest problem is the shipping for me