Freeview box in the UK?

Question

Hiya all

What Freeview box do you use to receive the free channels, and how much did it cost? Are the cheap and cheerful ones for about 30 ok ish? All I need is CBeebies, and a 7 day programme guide to keep me, and my 2 year old daughter happy!

Yes, I would like one with a built in hard drive, but unless I sell all of Laurens toys this just isnt going to happen, so, suggestions for a usable, reliable set top box is appreciated.

Cheers ears
Tone

Answer 1

I had a Matsui box for about 2 years that I only bought to view the Proms on BBC4 - No new arial just plugged it in and very happy with it. I upgraded to a Hard Disk twin Freeview box and am happy with that as well. My old box I gave to a neighbour and he is trilled to bits with it - again no new arial.

http://www.freeview.co.uk/home

The thing to do is have a look around and check which boxes you think are suitable. Then buy your choice and try it out with your existing Arial set up. If it works then you are in business – if not you need to identify what the problem is. Don’t get caught on:- “The you need a new Arial @ £145” as it may not be required in your case.
http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.100-5118/btnResultSort.x%3d32/btnResultSort.y%3d10.aspx
£24.95
Keep all the packaging & receipts then you can take it back if it does not suit you.
Tesco’s
“If you change your mind within 28 days, we are happy to refund or exchange the product provided it is returned, as sold, with all the original packaging, tags, labels and accessories. Please have your invoice with you to do this.”
They also have an Electrical Help line 0845 456 6767
http://direct.tesco.com/help/returns.aspx
Most stores now give a no quibble guarantee.
I used this with ASDA recently when I bought a DVD recorder – I changed the 1st one, then the 2nd one I returned as I was not happy with it and got my money back – no fuss & I did not buy from them in the end

Answer 2

My dad has had a freeview box but we had nothing but problems with it. The channels stick & won't change over, the picture is funny, the sound disappears on its own accord & even though we had an extra aerial installed we still only got less than half the channels that appear on the menu.

Our box cost £90.00 but we replaced it twice because they just kept breaking, I don't understand why, the repair man always seemed to use such elaborate technical jargon, but he said it wasn't our fault, he had seen a lot of problems with these boxes.

The repair man advised us to get Sky Digital as customers rarely had complaints about it. We took his advice & never looked back. With Sky we get the channels we want & only pay for a set package that we made up ourselves of movie channels, music channels & documentary channels & sports for my dad!

Sky has CBeebies for the kids, you'd just have to sign up for the children's channels package which also has things like Disney channels, great for two year olds & adults alike!

I know on the whole the Sky deal is a bit more expensive but my dad & I definitely think its worth it because we have less hassle with it. As someone who's experienced freeview & another brand I wouldn't recommend the freeview box.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

Yes they are all good. I bought one about a year ago for about £50 and another for a friend recently for almost half the price and it does the same thing exactly. If you might want to upgrade to Top-Up TV later make sure you get one with a card slot that takes this. That will give you a few more channels for about £8 per month. Good luck

Answer 4

my friend recently bought a freeview box for £22 in argos , but it does depend on your aerial but my friend bought an amplified aerial and her box works brilliant ( the aerial was £15 ) hope that helps

Answer 5

My Daughter gave me my set top digital box all I had to do was acquire a GOOD AERIAL, that`s most important, they do`nt cost too much.

Answer 6

We've got the Wharfdale one from Argos (£30) its great, get loads of new channels and our reception that was rubbish before is great now. i don't think you need to spend loads! as everyone has said though you need to check if it available in your area and make sure your aerial is up to it !

Answer 7

cheap ones are fine - they all receive the same channels

its the quality of your aerial that will effect which channels you receive.

its best to get a quote to see if your aerial is up to the job.

Answer 8

Yes, got a cheap one from ASDA £25.00 it works fine, you might need a new aerial though.

Answer 9

for a free view box it costs about £100.00 iv got one but that's with hard drive system as well

Answer 10

It depends how good an electronic programme guide you want.