Ditching MySky, will a DVB-S to USB tuner be compatible with the existing Sky satellite for Freeview channels?

Forums › Freeview (DVB-T/DVB-S) › Ditching MySky, will a DVB-S to USB tuner be compatible with the existing Sky satellite for Freeview channels?

mtbkr24

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#188994 12-Dec-2015 22:40

I'm pretty new to all this, so sorry for what is likely to be a dumb question.

I want to get rid of Sky and build a HTPC. I plan on buying either the "Hauppauge WinTV NOVA-S-USB2" from Gamma Computers for $116 or a no-name "DVB-S USB Satellite TV receiver tuner box for PC" off trademe for $45, and then connecting this to the existing Sky satellite cable to get Freeview channels.

Does Sky use DVB-S or DVB-S2 and does this have any impact on compatibility with a DVB-S adapter?

Basically, will this work? Recommendations? Advice? I've only started looking into this tonight and the acronyms are getting to me.

turb

880 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 135

#1449520 13-Dec-2015 05:39

First well done for taking the plunge - you'll be saving heaps once you get your new rig sorted. And i promise you won't miss sky until the rugby comes back, and then you can be sociable and watch it in the pub! There's lots of help in the HTPC forum.
Are you in an area without terrestrial freeview (DVB-T)? Use that if you can, you get much better picture quality.
But Yes, if you connect your old sky dish to your new tuner you'll get satellite freeview.

Interests: HTPC, Web App authoring.

mtbkr24

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1449579 13-Dec-2015 10:31

Sweet, thanks for the reply! I currently have a TV with DVB-T Freeview and I can only get channels One, 2, an odd mess of bright colours for TV3, and nothing else. This seems odd, as I live in an area that should definitely have better reception. There might be something wrong with my aerial, but I'm not sure to go about fixing that.

turb

880 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 135

#1449592 13-Dec-2015 11:23

There are lots of threads on here about DVB-T reception, but here is the short version:

Your antenna needs to look like this: http://www.dicksmith.co.nz/dick-smith-hd-uhf-outdoor-antenna-pack-dsnz-l4735

The antenna can be installed so the spines along its long axis can be horizontal or vertical, it needs to be the same as your neighbours.

Check your cable and all the sockets.

While you're testing things, Remove any splitters, amplifiers or other gubbins. You want a clear run from antenna to telly.

If you can see the transmitter, you will be able to point the antenna at it, and get a decent result. If you can't, you WILL need to get a professional in.

Lots of the threads on here drag on for ages while people try one thing after another. My advice is that if you've tried the basics as above, don't waste any more time, or risk falling off your roof - get someone in. Switching to a HTPC often involves a bit of hassle for the others in the household, it'll be much worse if you're struggling with bad reception too.

It's really worth getting DVB-T working. You'll be very pleasantly surprised by quality of the HD. Much better than most of what you will have seen on Sky. (In my opinion)

Interests: HTPC, Web App authoring.

turb

880 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 135

#1449593 13-Dec-2015 11:24

What suburb of what city/town are you in?

Interests: HTPC, Web App authoring.