Looking for a second hand Freesat TV satellite box (must have 2 LNB connections)

Posted: Sun Jan 1, 2023 3:47pm

4 replies96 views4 members subscribed

Posts: 1

Joined: 1 Jan 2023

I am nursing an elderly man who has dementia, MS and now bone marrow cancer. He has problems getting around and the only entertainment he has is television. He can't get television via wifi so he has a satellite dish. His Freesat box (a Manhattan make) is 9 years old and on the blink. He can't afford a new one. So I'm wondering if anyone has a spare Freesat box, any make, (that's Freesat, NOT Sky) that is in working order that they no longer need? Essential that it has two LNB connections (usually the silver connections on the back) and is a receiver/recorder box so it will record programmes as well.

Note added 2 January 2023: thanks so much to the two people who replied to this post with very helpful information. One person suggested a Sky box could work just as well as a Freesat. Someone did actually lend a Sky box to try it out but it wouldn't work. So still looking. I have asked in the charity shops but nothing as yet. Fingers crossed someone can help. This gentleman has only his UK state pension so buying a new box is sadly out of the question.

Reply
View 4 replies

Posted: Mon Jan 2, 2023 12:15pm

Stevec2x

Super helpful member

Posts: 1861

1058 helpful points

Location: Playa Flamenca

Joined: 23 Jan 2020

Posted: Mon Jan 2, 2023 12:15pm

Hi

I can't directly help you, but it's worth noting that Sky boxes work very well as Freesat receivers - just plug it in and turn it on! You don't need a Sky subscription.

They can often be found in charity shops.

Also, sat boxes that are not branded as Sky or Freesat will also work - but they are unlikely to have a friendly program guide, and will probably need to be set up before use. There are many available on amazon.es - in fact I've just seen this one which states Freesat but I have no experience of it https://www.amazon.es/Satelite-Ricevitore-Decodificador-Receptor-Incorporado/dp/B07QPLL6VY/ref=sr_1_3?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=1CXA8VWDSU36A&keywords=Freesat&qid=1672657154&s=electronics&sprefix=freesat%2Celectronics%2C566&sr=1-3&th=1&tag=cstareg0f-21

Cheers

Steve

Reply

Posted: Mon Jan 2, 2023 2:11pm

The Sat and PC Guy

Helpful member

Posts: 342

238 helpful points

Location: Javea / Xàbia

Joined: 14 Feb 2016

Posted: Mon Jan 2, 2023 2:11pm

That is not a Freesat box (referenced via Amazon above) despite its misleading title. Although the scan will get the same (and more) channels than are on Freesat, it will not have the Freesat guide or firmware.

You can only get Freesat on Freesat branded boxes - of which only Manhattan and Freesat themselves (built by Arris / Commscope)

You cannot get Freesat on Sky boxes, as they run two different and separate firmwares from two completely different companies. Although a Sky box even without a viewing card will get more of the subscription free channels than are on Freesat.

For the OP, make sure it is a HD Freesat box. Avoid SD boxes. Simply as many channels will be switching off their SD channels in the future, with the BBC starting to migrate all its channels to HD starting later this month. - and ITV already making ITV2 3 and 4 HD only on Freesat

Reply

Posted: Wed Jan 4, 2023 4:41pm

Hew

Helpful member

Posts: 364

493 helpful points

Location: La Zenia

Joined: 13 Jul 2016

Posted: Wed Jan 4, 2023 4:41pm

The Sat and PC Guy wrote on Mon Jan 2, 2023 2:11pm:
That is not a Freesat box (referenced via Amazon above) despite its misleading title. Although the scan will get the same (and more) channels than are on Freesat, it will not have the Freesat guide or firmware.
You can only get Freesat on Freesat branded boxes - of which only Manhattan and Freesat themselves (built by Arris / Commscope) ...

Read more...

...
You cannot get Freesat on Sky boxes, as they run two different and separate firmwares from two completely different companies. Although a Sky box even without a viewing card will get more of the subscription free channels than are on Freesat.
For the OP, make sure it is a HD Freesat box. Avoid SD boxes. Simply as many channels will be switching off their SD channels in the future, with the BBC starting to migrate all its channels to HD starting later this month. - and ITV already making ITV2 3 and 4 HD only on Freesat