Getting rid of Sky - Options

[psapugkid]

Getting rid of Sky.

So having the Dish and cable, what are my options.

Some say to get a Open Box, Zgemma, DreamBox or etc..

Any advice of which is the one to go for and where from.

thanks

[martin035]

Openbox = Very Basic 'plug and play' box, however, can be problematic with the EPG but does the job for a very low budget, very easy to set up but does require some regular maintenance ie new channel list to be added every couple of weeks.
Zgemma = Much better box but for inexperienced can cause problems setting the box up but once set up very little maintenance required as all EPG & Channel freq changes are done automatically.

One last thing HD channels on 28e ($ky's satellite) have now near enough disappeared never to reappear, so your left with SD channels and Free to view HD

The Bay is the best place to get these budget box from.

[grog68]

As a newbie I got an openbox a few weeks ago, it did what it said on the tin but was basic, after a few weeks we decided to upgrade to the zgemma h2s and found an image that makes it look similar to $ky +. Apart from a few problems which where down to me not following instructions to the letter I found it easy enough to set up and am really glad I made the change. So out of the two, I would say if you can go straight for the zgemma

[psapugkid]

Thanks Guys,

I'm reading the pro's and con's of each. But as a starter in this sector, I'll most likely start with a Zgemma and go from there.

So looking into where to get one and where to get/download the bits and pieces to get it up and running.

thanks

[martin035]

Thanks Guys,

I'm reading the pro's and con's of each. But as a starter in this sector, I'll most likely start with a Zgemma and go from there.

So looking into where to get one and where to get/download the bits and pieces to get it up and running.

thanks

Zgemma's you can acquire off the bay and for satellite they come in 4 flavours unless you want a cable combo zgemma.

Old Series Zgemma - does the job but slowly you will notice the lag when scrolling thru menus, epg and channel list.
Zgemma S - Single tuner
Zgemma 2s - Twin tuner

Software for old series;

http://www.digital-kaos.co.uk/forums/showthread.php/491974-Zgemma-2s-OpenAtv-5-2-Backup-Image-with-Improved-ky-Skin

New Series Zgemma - Dual threaded CPU a lot faster with no lag but costs around ?10ish more
Zgemma H.S - single tuner
Zgemma H.2s - twin tuner

Software for New series;

http://www.digital-kaos.co.uk/forums/showthread.php/523284-Zgemma-H-Series-(H-s-H-2s)-Openatv5-3-Backup-Image

One last thing certain sellers on the bay sell extra 'things' that are meant to last 12 months, buy these 'things' separate from the box or it could end in tears also don't pay extra for a preconfigured Zgemma all the info/software is freely available on this forum or via google.

[psapugkid]

Martin,

I'm finding some of the posts confusing of what I should looking for to get up and running besides the 'skins'.

What do these 'things' consist of, should I purchase one 'for a timed period or not' from whoever or can I find one elsewhere for download.

What exactly should I be looking for or am I confused and the 'image' is what I need to use the Zgemma with Astra 28.2.

thanks

[P&D]

Just guessing If this is what you mean but.....just loading the image on the box will not give you the channels on 28.2 FTA channels yes rest No

You need to load the image .....then a channel list....If not in the image
If it is then most prob's will need updating......Then there is an extra part which you need to add to the box...which gives you access to the other channels

But this part can not be talked about....To give you a clue......check the closed post's in the open box forum they will point you in the right direction & help you

Then use Google to answer the question you need answering....Its a banned subject on the forum

[martin035]

....Its a banned subject on the forum

psapugkid, exactly what P&D states, however, the firmware I've linked to in my post will give you everything that's need to view Free to Air channels on 28.2; skins, channel list and epg's the lot, what you add/do to the image post installation is up to you.

What I was trying to explain, there's lots of rip off merchants on the bay, most promise a Zgemma with 12 viewing, this viewing last 3 months if your lucky. Buy the Zgemma by itself, do your research as P&D describes and enjoy.

[staden321]

If you're inexperienced go for openbox, I wouldn't buy ***** with it they don't last long ,there fairly easy to set up and if you have latest firmware you can update channel list through network on box.good luck