Where do I start?

[Longpause]

Hi folks brand new to the forum and very interested in getting a dreambox type setup and really dont know where to start.

I'm looking to replace my 'proprietary satellite based service' and was hoping for some suggestions as to which box to start with. I'm not looking for a fancy motorised system or anything like that just a replacement for what I'm getting now at a more reasonable monthly price.

Budget isn't a huge issue but the cheaper the better really.

I'd like something that allows me to watch one thing and record another but willing to consider single input too. Also looking for something relatively easy to set up, I'm pretty IT savvy but some of the stuff I've been reading has me very confudlled.

I'm also curious as to what's the difference between cheap and expensive systems, do they have better picture quality, easier to use, better EPG, in other words what makes one system worth ?200 and another ?50.

Also any recommendations for buying them in the UK? I notice many people talk about buying direct from China but unless it's going to be a huge saving I'd rather buy from somewhere in the UK.

I was also hoping for some recommendations for 'premium service providers', I know that's not something that can be discussed on the boards but welcome any PMs of advice.

Think that's all for the time being, thanks for taking the time to read this and look forward to some words of wisdom from this much smarter and more switched on than me

[Elric]

have a search thru the sat section as this has been answered many and many times before

[Longpause]

Thanks Elric, I know I'm not the first to ask and sure it must be a pain in the ass to answers all the noobs questions but I have been looking.

Not only does it feel like looking for a needle in haystack but feels like looking for the right needle, hidden in a pile of needles inside a haystack in a whole field full of haystacks!

Thanks again though

[ramjet]

the point here is you want a sly plus replacement, which doesnt really exist, but as for your requirements you will be led towards a twin tuner pvr like the vu+ duo and so its a more complicated machine to setup than a ?50 to ?100 openbox or eagle or similar

the cheaper end boxes are bespoke boxes and use patches that are closed source, so are simpler to patch and use but are not twin tuner

in your case you need a twin tuner open source box, and you need a service such as cannot be discussed too

yes its complicated, but so is buying a house/bungalow/flat/terraced,barge , or a ford.vauxhall/mazda/nissan/toyota/chevy/daewoo car as well. too many choices and requirements causes this confusion

and then of course you have original boxes and fake boxes (clones). you may save money with a clone but have to watch the files you place onto it as original softwares may have clone killer software within them

so for single tuner boxes I would recommend the blade bm7000s, or the tm5402s which is similar, or a spiderbox 7000 or 9000, or maybe an eagle800 to start with

pay more money and you are looking at the dreambox and vu range, either originals or cheaper clones, more brain power in setting them up but all round better boxes, and single or twin tuner will come into the equation and price too

ideally a twin tuner linux box will be best, will serve your needs for several years and will have good support

or get a cheap bespoke box to get started and then spend more when you have learned the basics

[drunklama]

I would like to add that all new things we try can be difficult at first but onced mastered we will never look back.. Vu+ duo would be excellent and other receiver mentioned in the post above.

I must say having a motorised system would changed the way you view your television now... Dont be stuck to 1 satellite.. Explore your horizon and engage warp drive.. go motorised.. Good guides on here on how to install and very simples!

And cheeeeeeaaaapppppp!

and tbh m8 i dont really watch alot of 28.2e

[Longpause]

Thanks for your help ramjet and drunk lama.

Would love a motorised system but it's a communal dish so that's a bit of a non starter.

Have decide to go for a Vu+ Duo, now just need a decent supplier that will set it up 'ready to go'! A place called Satstore.tv have them but they seem suspiciously cheap?!

[ramjet]

Thanks for your help ramjet and drunk lama.

Would love a motorised system but it's a communal dish so that's a bit of a non starter.

Have decide to go for a Vu+ Duo, now just need a decent supplier that will set it up 'ready to go'! A place called Satstore.tv have them but they seem suspiciously cheap?!

2 things to mention

1) I hope you have a twin feed from that communal sat system if you wish to use the facilities of a dual tuner

2) it is illegal to set up a box "ready to go" so all buyers and owners are expected to do the "donkey work" themselves, which is also a good thing as you learn how to maintain it

anyone not prepared to get their hands dirty and pitch in should stay with the legal proprietary sat system as they do the work for you

[Longpause]

Once more thanks Ramjet, makes sens!

[thebeecharmer]

Longpause

Did you finally get off the ground? Can you PM me as I'm a new joiner and want some help in getting started too.

Thanks