Satellite virgin! Please help me......

[Clydesdalestu]

Hi,

I've recently moved into a flat that seems to only have satellite TV connections. I've tried plugging my freeview box into the TV arial socket, but can't get any reception.

When I moved in, there was a Sky+ HD box in a cupboard (plus a load of cables). However I loathe Sky, so would rather do anything other than pay a subscription to them. I have an old Humax freesat box that belonged to my (now) wife, and having screwed the connection into the threaded stub marked SAT it gets some channels. However, it's so old (2006 we think), it doesn't record and can't broadcast HD channels.

I purchased a new Freesat hd+ Manhatten box, having read some reviews, but was then told that to record one programme and watch another I'd need two feeds (I'm totally getting out of my depth now....). Apparently the Manhatten doesn't allow this (even though it is one of the latest on the market).

I can't believe that nobody in my block (which is 11 flats in a poncy warehouse conversion, done in 2006) has a decent TV set up, so I'm obviously doing something wrong. I have a steel cabinet in a cupboard in the hall with a multitude of LAN cables and terminations in it, but the agent didn't know how any of it works!

Can anyone shed any light please? Photos of the connection in the wall, plus the cabinet in the cupboard are attached

Many thanks in advance,

Stu.

[FlossyThePig]

Clydesdalestu said:

Hi,

I've recently moved into a flat that seems to only have satellite TV connections. I've tried plugging my freeview box into the TV arial socket, but can't get any reception.

When I moved in, there was a Sky+ HD box in a cupboard (plus a load of cables). However I loathe Sky, so would rather do anything other than pay a subscription to them. I have an old Humax freesat box that belonged to my (now) wife, and having screwed the connection into the threaded stub marked SAT it gets some channels. However, it's so old (2006 we think), it doesn't record and can't broadcast HD channels.

I purchased a new Freesat hd+ Manhatten box, having read some reviews, but was then told that to record one programme and watch another I'd need two feeds (I'm totally getting out of my depth now....). Apparently the Manhatten doesn't allow this (even though it is one of the latest on the market).

I can't believe that nobody in my block (which is 11 flats in a poncy warehouse conversion, done in 2006) has a decent TV set up, so I'm obviously doing something wrong. I have a steel cabinet in a cupboard in the hall with a multitude of LAN cables and terminations in it, but the agent didn't know how any of it works!

Can anyone shed any light please? Photos of the connection in the wall, plus the cabinet in the cupboard are attached

Many thanks in advance,

Stu.

1. Have you connected anything to the other threaded connector? it may be the second satellite feed you need.
2. Maybe the neighbours can help, or do you want to live in splendid isolation?

[T1547]

Clydesdalestu said:

Hi,

I've recently moved into a flat that seems to only have satellite TV connections. I've tried plugging my freeview box into the TV arial socket, but can't get any reception.

When I moved in, there was a Sky+ HD box in a cupboard (plus a load of cables). However I loathe Sky, so would rather do anything other than pay a subscription to them. I have an old Humax freesat box that belonged to my (now) wife, and having screwed the connection into the threaded stub marked SAT it gets some channels. However, it's so old (2006 we think), it doesn't record and can't broadcast HD channels.

I purchased a new Freesat hd+ Manhatten box, having read some reviews, but was then told that to record one programme and watch another I'd need two feeds (I'm totally getting out of my depth now....). Apparently the Manhatten doesn't allow this (even though it is one of the latest on the market).

I can't believe that nobody in my block (which is 11 flats in a poncy warehouse conversion, done in 2006) has a decent TV set up, so I'm obviously doing something wrong. I have a steel cabinet in a cupboard in the hall with a multitude of LAN cables and terminations in it, but the agent didn't know how any of it works!

Can anyone shed any light please? Photos of the connection in the wall, plus the cabinet in the cupboard are attached

Many thanks in advance,

Stu.

Some communal TV systems (known as IRS Integrated Reception Systems) in blocks of flats were installed pre-Sky+ era and so weren't installed with the DUal satellite feed to each flat needed for multi-channel recording i.e. ability to record one channel whilst watching another. This single cable system is what you may have installed in your block although as above it would definitely be worth plugging in the second feed of your Freesat box to the other screw connection on the wall plate to see if it works. Presuming your box has this multi-channel recording functionality - seems from your post perhaps not?

If it is only the one feed that is active you should find that with a suitable Sky Plus box or PVR Freesat receiver that you are able to record one channel at a time, although this may need to be the channel you are 'watching' (so works ok if you are out and need to record).

If you wanted to have the multi-channel recording facility then sometimes it is possible to get the 2nd satellite feed installed to your flat, depending on if there is IRS switch capacity at the system head end and if there are any free ports. Costs tend to be from £250 upwards. Can usually be arranged through your block Managing Agent.

Re TV socket isn't working for Freeview - sometimes connections get switched around in the riser cupboards and it's possible your flat could have been disconnected. Unusual for an IRS not to have Digital Terrestrial as an option, unless wasn't upgraded at digital switchover. Ideally Managing Agent should contact the TV system installation company to do a service call / advise on the system capabilities.

Sorry for the long post, hope it's some help.


ETA: Had a look for the Freesat Manhatten model online. Is it this one? http://www.trustedreviews.com/manhattan-plaza-hd-s...

If so it's not a PVR Freesat box and so won't record anything. Good news is if so you don't need to worry if you have one or two satellite feeds or not

Do you want to be able to record things?

Edited by T1547 on Monday 25th August 21:20