Non $ky receiver for reception of FTA channels?

I have a requirement for a simple satellite box to be able to get the
FTV channels that are up for grabs normally via $ky/Astra - the Freesat
stuff - BBC channels, ITV stuff, etc. I want to buy new, rather than
secondhand, and I don't want a $ky box, partly because the box will be
powered off for extended periods, but mainly because I don't want
anything to do with $ky.

I want something simple - a single tuner model will suffice, with the
ability to set-up my own set of favourites - more than the 20 that a $ky
box will allow. Text support would be nice, but not essential. Co-ax
digital audio out would be welcome, and output via RGB scart OK for picture.

Anyone got any kit recommendations, along with any suggestions for a
good 'Net-based or shop retailer? I don't want to spend silly money -
£100 is the maximum, I suppose.

TIA


Clem

Thus spaketh Clem Dye:
I have a requirement for a simple satellite box to be able to get the
FTV channels that are up for grabs normally via $ky/Astra - the
Freesat stuff - BBC channels, ITV stuff, etc. I want to buy new,
rather than secondhand, and I don't want a $ky box, partly because
the box will be powered off for extended periods, but mainly because
I don't want anything to do with $ky.

I want something simple - a single tuner model will suffice, with the
ability to set-up my own set of favourites - more than the 20 that a
$ky box will allow. Text support would be nice, but not essential.
Co-ax digital audio out would be welcome, and output via RGB scart OK
for picture.
Anyone got any kit recommendations, along with any suggestions for a
good 'Net-based or shop retailer? I don't want to spend silly money -
£100 is the maximum, I suppose.

TIA


Clem

You won't be able to get the only three FTV channels Ch4, Five and Sky Three,
you will however obviously get all the FTA channels. The FTV channels require
the £20 FTV (FreeSatFrom Sky) card.

Clem Dye wrote:

I want to buy new, rather than
secondhand, and I don't want a $ky box, partly because the box will be
powered off for extended periods, but mainly because I don't want
anything to do with $ky.

You can't beat a Sky box for UK TV reception. They are totally
automatic and have the full EPG that you will get from no other box.
They are also the only boxes that can reliably receive the 3 FTV
channels.

There is no real issue with switching them off for long periods and
apart from the initial activation of an FTV card (assuming that you
don't just acquire a box with a card) you need have nothing to do with
Sky at all.

The only valid reason I could see for getting a non-Sky box would be
for connectivity that is not included in the Sky box (digital audio
outputs) and/or recording/extraction potential, and for those you
would end up paying far more than you would for a new Sky box.

--
Digibox problem? : A reboot solves 90% of these.
The Sky Digital FAQ: http://tinyurl.com/8vef5
UK TV overseas: http://tinyurl.com/6p73
BBC reception questions? ; http://www.astra2d.com/
Fed up with on-screen logos? : http://logofreetv.org/
----
Only the truth as I see it.
No monies return'd. ;-)