Free view from an aerial v Free view sat elite?

Question

Which can pick up the most free channels a frewview box from an aerial or a freeview box that works from a salelite disk.

Looking in a local supermarket they were selling a freeview box that worked with a satelite dish (cost £40 the lot seems a bargain)

This is for uk use!

Cool Dude & Jowie, you may have the wrong answer i do know you can purchase a free-view box without subscription that works from a dish (digital dish) that will pick up the free channels as would the aerial version.

Answer 1

I think someone might have been spinning you a line in the shop I'm afraid. Freeview refers specfically to the system used via an aerial (digital terrestrial). This is the ONLY system that allows you channels for free. It can be expanded using TopUpTV. This will cost an extra £8-£9 a month.

If you choose satellite, Sky is the only company (afaik) in this country. Even if you want the basic package this will cost you nearly £20. You cannot get Sky satellite for free; you will need a subscription.

The other (slightly cheaper) option is cable, such as Telewest or NTL. These systems will require a cable installed through to your house, and as with the satellite dish, you will need installation (usually free).

Channel quantities are as follows (from least to most): Freeview, Freeview inc TopUpTV, cable, satellite.

Answer 2

i think jowie has got it right,free view is via aerial,freesat via sat,
freeview is your best bet £30 for box, if your in a good reception area,if reception is a problem freesat £150 gets box,dish,install,unless you want to subscribe to sky for a year then cancel,you would be left with box & dish to use as freesat,although you may have trouble with sky as they will try and scramble your reception to get you back to them,dont get caught up thinking loads of chanels is better most of skys chanels are terrible,it only gets good if you spend £44 a month so you have everything even then you have to just love adverts.hope this helps,oh also forgot the famous sky customer service leaves you feeling like you have just been mugged by jason & ruperet in striped tee shirts,all they want is your credit card number,nothing else matters.

Answer 3

Not 100% sure on channel selection but I presume the same channels are available - the satellite won't have additional ones. However, through an ariel is prone to poor picture quality due to the weather etc.
You may want to take the satellite installation into consideration as through a ariel is just plugged into your normal socket

Answer 4

if you already have a digital areal a free view box would probably be cheaper

Answer 5

less interferance with tv aerial..(no freezing) when the weathers bad!!