Freesat installation moving from Sky HD+ Magic Eyes

[KatMids]

Please forgive cross forum posting. I am seeking advice.
Hi. I plan to move from Sky HD+ and 2 Magic Eyes to Freesat and TB Freesat recorder box. I guess I will need new cabling to be installed from the Freesat recorder box to be located in the lounge.

The reasons for the move is that I have bought 2 x 24 inch Panasonic to replace old TVs, but they no longer have an Analogue channel to support the Magic Eyes, despite the fact the Tech Spec stated there was.

Freeview reception is very poor and limited.

I do not want to pay Sky Multichannel monthly charge and 2 more mini boxes.

Neither do I want to be pushed down the Q or Glass streaming routes.

I would rather invest in cabling to Freesat.

I am seeking advice on 2 things: Is it feasible to have a single Freesat recorder box, yes I still like recording stuff, and connect 2 remote, something like Magic Eyes, to nearby kitchen and bedroom new TVs, with further cabling, and no additional mini boxes, which I really do not want?

Secondly, what type of experienced Installer do I need? What should I look for, please? The several I’ve approached so far, sort of franchised ones, hadn’t a clue what I’m asking, another one who replaced my old splitter was a complete cowboy. Appreciate any advice. Thanks.

 

[ozumo]

You could use an HDMI modulator like this one with your existing wiring, it creates a channel that the Freeview tuner in the secondary televisions can scan in.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Technomate-TM-RF-HD-IR-Loopthrough/dp/B0789H7JVD/

However that only comes with one remote IR 'eye', it may be possible to add a second one but I don't know. The cost is also quite high.

Your new televisions may have a built-in Freesat tuner. Alternatively if the TVs were advertised as having an analogue tuner then you should be able to return them as they were effectively mis-sold.

 

[KatMids]

Thanks, I'll give that some thought. Tho it is Freesat rather than Freeview that I'm planning for, and yes I understand Freesat is not a cheap option but I'm looking longer term so think it is worth the investment.

 

[ozumo]

How long is longterm as the current situation with the age of the satellites means Freesat may not be around past the end of the decade unless they are replaced. Then you have the broadcasters who'd much rather you used streaming so they can monitor everything you watch as well as reducing the cost of running multiple forms of broadcasting.

If you have a look at the back of your new televisions you may find a satellite input. The 24" Panasonics I looked at all had one. They may not have the full Freesat TV guide but if they don't they should still be able to tune all the satellite channels that are on Freesat plus some which aren't.

 

[Channel Hopper]

The original 'Magic Eye' system was integrated into the Sky +/HD boxes having been a standalone item for years previously.
I have a couple of boxed units here made by Global Communications which run off a separate power supply, yours for the cost of postage.

I might even have the predecessor system lying around (Powermid ?) though that would have different connections for the IR blasters

 

[KatMids]

Thanks I'll check it out. Tho I'm still looking into running 3 TVs from one Freesat recorder box so recordings can be accessed from one source rather than separately to each TV.
And yes, I'm persevering into changing my setup sooner rather than later in anticipation of less future flexibility, that is, avoiding the streaming route that companies are forcing on us!

 

[KatMids]

The original 'Magic Eye' system was integrated into the Sky +/HD boxes having been a standalone item for years previously.
I have a couple of boxed units here made by Global Communications which run off a separate power supply, yours for the cost of postage.

I might even have the predecessor system lying around (Powermid ?) though that would have different connections for the IR blasters

Well thanks for the kind offer but my 2 Magic Eyes to Sky+ HD currently work fine with my 2 old TVs. I'm looking ahead before the Sky+ box packs up and rather than be forced down the Q or Glass routes instead investigating an alternative recorder box setup like Freesat.

 

[rolfw]

If you are looking to run from one Freesat box, most COFDM modulators will work with the old sky magic eye system from memory, but the majority require the receiving TV to have an HD terrestrial/freeview tuner, not just HD ready for connection to devices. There are some on the market for standard definition, but they are more expensive and you can of course buy a £30 Freeview HD box to serve that single HD channel on your old TVs. You can probably still buy one of the magic eye compatible analogue modulators to work with your old TVs.

 

[KatMids]

If you are looking to run from one Freesat box, most COFDM modulators will work with the old sky magic eye system from memory, but the majority require the receiving TV to have an HD terrestrial/freeview tuner, not just HD ready for connection to devices. There are some on the market for standard definition, but they are more expensive and you can of course buy a £30 Freeview HD box to serve that single HD channel on your old TVs. You can probably still buy one of the magic eye compatible analogue modulators to work with your old TVs.

Thanks for that. But I'm wanting to move away from the old Analogue Magic Eye system on 2 of my old TVs which can't handle Netflix either. And upgrade them to the new 24 inch Panasonics. I think I'll consult a Freesat specialist and see what can be done.

@ozumo , @Channel Hopper , @rolfw Thanks a lot for your patience guys and your advice.

 

[rolfw]

Thanks for that. But I'm wanting to move away from the old Analogue Magic Eye system on 2 of my old TVs which can't handle Netflix either. And upgrade them to the new 24 inch Panasonics. I think I'll consult a Freesat specialist and see what can be done.

@ozumo , @Channel Hopper , @rolfw Thanks a lot for your patience guys and your advice.

So if you upgrading the TVs' you can use an HD modulator, keep the same cable runs and you can tune the TV to the Freesat box as a Freeview channel.

 

[Channel Hopper]

A FreeSat specialist ?

 

[KatMids]

So if you upgrading the TVs' you can use an HD modulator, keep the same cable runs and you can tune the TV to the Freesat box as a Freeview channel.

Ok, thanks Rolfw, this is in terms I'm understanding. So I could use the same cable runs for the new Panasonics.
Right, so I could buy an HDMI Modulator, I see Amazon has an Edison one for 400 quid that supports up to 1080 resolution and would cover all 3 TVs. So. from the Freesat Box or even the current Sky+ HD Box, I connect the Box -> to HDMI Modulator -> to RF Output -> to 3way Splitter -> to current cables to each TV. Then tune in TVs. Tune in Freesat Box as if it were a Freeview channel.

I'll have to do some more research and reading to best understand before I tackle this. But thanks, I think you've given me a proper working option to explore!

 

[rolfw]

This is better value. Technomate TM-RF ULTRA HD IR 4K HDMI RF Modulator IR DVB-T SKY Q CCTV UHD | eBay

 

[KatMids]

This is better value. Technomate TM-RF ULTRA HD IR 4K HDMI RF Modulator IR DVB-T SKY Q CCTV UHD | eBay

@rolfw Thanks for all your advice Rolfw, and yes, l'll take a look.