bobbi2

Hi again, sorry so much to ask before the move! What do most people do re satellite TV in France? We are looking at trying to take a Sky box down, but have heard of a company in France that supply them? Also I understand a larger satellite dish is needed, compared to the ones used in the UK. I assume these are available from DIY stores?
I want to try and keep hold of our regular UK channels where possible and a sky box is the answer?

Peabrain

Hello again,
Over here the easiest solution is Freesat. Get yourself a Humax foxsat box or similar, any aerial installer can put up a satellite dish (yes, slightly bigger but that depends if you're in Normandy or the deep south as the signal weakens the further south you go. You won't need more than 80, and 60 cms should suffice) and Bob's your uncle. The major snags are extortionate cost of the Radio Times, and the crap programmes. Don't bother with Sky unless you've already got a box, since Freesat is just that, FREE, and you get all of the channels you would in the UK, since it's destined for the UK, not your Continental scruffs.
If you're in the south west, there's an excellent firm called Bigdish. Otherwise Amazon is your best bet for a cheap box. Don't give Murdoch any money. anyway, so-called Sky providers on the Continent are all illicit, since Sky refuses to sell subscriptions over here, because of transmission rights.

Peabrain

PS
If you're in the Chambery area probably a 60 or 70 dish would suffice, although I'd be tempted by an 80, based on the 'one never knows' philosophy. I live in Lyon and have a place in the Loire and I think both dishes are 60. Reception is fine.

cyrian

Why dont you do a forum search re Sky.
I am sure that the topic will have been well covered esp in Spain & Portugal forums.
You need to keep an address registered with Sky in the UK which will receive replacement cards etc - otherwise you will be cut off because Sky do not broadcast to users outside the UK.
If your dish is on the smaller side then you run the risk of picture breakup in adverse weather conditions. An installer should check for signal strength for you.

You can buy satellite stuff from the supermarkets

dennerlymum

you can just change your sky account to a free one (ie freesat with a sky box)
We have this and it works really well

cjm

Peeps here offer sound advice. My situation, I use a Humax with twin coax to make full use; it's focused on Freesat. You want Sky full bore you can have it with UK address. Dish here needs to be larger, you can erect DIY, if roof not too difficult.
Also have French TV via antennae, different TV.

cuthbert

I'm an hour north of Chambery a 60cm dish is fine in all but the big storms we get round here. Go for an 80 dish if you get the chance, if you're putting the dish up yourself, this site is very good http://www.dishpointer.com/ and don't forget to rotate the head, most people installing their dishes never rotate the head and it makes a huge difference to signal quality etc.

Chapelgirl

We just use the Radio Times website for programme information. http://www.radiotimes.com/

If you need any technical help you could try these people: http://www.satcure.co.uk/ I have found their forum very helpful, and they will also ship bits & bobs to France, though if you are wanting anything big or heavy like a dish or cable you are better to get them in France. I have used these people before: http://www.2galli.fr/boutique/liste_rayons.cfm

cjm

Thanks Chapelgirl - also try Zingzing, unlike the RT, hovering over the item gives you a synopsis, but it doesn't tell you if it's a repeat (issue with old US series).
Mine sorted now. 100/80 strength quality, but sound does fluctuate from time to time, but not an issue.

Im_and_Er

Can't do much about the programmes but there are free alternatives to the Radio TV

e.g. http://digiguide.tv

cjm

Pretty site Im_n_Er. Put it on faves.

johnwarner75

Just use your Sky subscription. That’s easiest....

loy loy

I am having serious problems if someone can help.

I have a sat finder that I'm using, and the box is looking for a signal. But the thing is so sensitive that the miniscule amount of movement. Even a wire moving completely bombs it out. I can go from 100 strength and 85 quality to 0 in the drop of a gnats.

Is this becasue I only have a 60cm dish? I did manage to stop the humax search while it had some signal but it wouldn't recognise a post code. I assume I lost connection.

loy loy

I've done a manual search and I'm getting what looks like german channels. Its says 28.2 east

dennerlymum

sorry I cant help; i have alwys got someone else to do the tuning!
However I am sure Kiaora will be along soon and he should be able to help