Looking into alternatives to Sky+HD

Hi folks,

I currently have a Sky+HD (1TB not Q, Quad LNB AFAIK); I'm wanting to cancel and looking into alternatives.

I was initially looking at the Arris Freesat box, however after reading about issues with that box, and also additional flexibility available with alternatives I'm interested in recommendations (I seem to be going round in circles looking at different boxes, tech specs etc.).

So, requirements/desirables are:-

• Ability to record from satellite (minimum 2 HD feeds, possibly 4K for future-proofing but not crucial)
• Channel availability (at least same as available on FreeSat)
• Series Links (preferably including next series but not show-stopper if not)
• "Family friendly" (I don't mind some complexity however needs to be usable by my OH; similar level of simplicity/reliability to Sky+ is desirable)
• LAN or WiFi (have 100Mb LAN available behind TV, could upgrade to Gb if worthwhile)
• Internal HDD (either preinstalled or room to install)
• Ability to view/watch/control from another TV (currently use SCART Video Sender from Sky box, however my other TVs have Roku & Fire TV - would prefer to be able to transmit/view in HD)
• Optional: Terrestrial (FreeView) recording? (if it's worthwhile, not something I have at the min)
• Optional: Ability to offload recordings to external HDD or NAS
• Optional: Catch-up TV (can rely on Fire TV/Roku if not built in)

For price: ideally something similar to FreeSat box (so ~£270 including 2TB HDD), however will consider going above if worthwhile.

Grateful for any thoughts/recommendations/other things I may not have considered.

Quote from master G

Gigablue UHD Quad 4k seems to tick the boxes for you.

Thanks for the comprehensive reply; that was one of the boxes I had been considering :thumbup:

Some others were Zgemma H7S 4K UHD 2x DVB-S2X + 1x DVB-C/T2, Technomate TM-Twin 4K Enigma 2 Linux UHD PVR Twin Tuner Satellite Receiver, VU+ Duo 4K SE (SELECT YOUR TUNERS) UHD 4K & also OCTAGON SF8008 S2X TWIN 4K UHD 2x DVB-S2X (obviously quite a range of prices & facilities); do you have any personal experience with any of these (if so any thoughts/preferences/gotchas)?

Quote from master G

The VU+ DUO 4K SE is way over your budget, but it is the ultimate box that ticks all your requirements and would be my personal choice.

With the optional DVB-T tuner it will price at £410.

Thanks so much, I think you've helped me narrow my choice down to 2 (Gigablue & Vu+); I appreciate the personal recommendation - so in your opinion the extra cost of the Vu+ is worthwhile/justified? I don't want to make a purchase then regret it later (or need to upgrade sooner etc)?

Quote from urie

The Gigablue UHD Quad 4k does have internal sata III port, I have 1 TB hard drive fitted in mines.

Thanks, that's really good to know too :thumbup:

How have you found the Gigablue - generally happy or any issues/gotchas to be aware of?

Quote from master G

I own a six year old VU+ solo 4k, which has similar specification to the Gigablue Quad 4K. I`ve owned many test receivers since and always go back to the solo 4k as my main box. It handles everything i can throw at it and doesn`t need to be upgraded yet. So for me the DUO 4k SE is an investment that should last many years without worrying about upgrades.

I`ll point out the main comparisons that should help you make your decision:

Excellent - if you've been using your box for 6+ years, and still happy with it (even after sampling many others don't feel an urge to upgrade) - that is very reassuring (and also gives an indication of ongoing support etc.).

Thanks again for your time/giving the benefit of your knowledge; I think I'm now definitely leaning towards the Vu+ :thumbup: