Receive Digital Terrestrial...

[Prodigy81]

Hello all,

Is it possible to receive digital terrestrial channels and convert them so they can be viewable on a FTA digital receiver (see My System on the left).
I am really pleased with my setup, but one channel I enjoy and miss is Dave. This is available either on Freeview (which is free) or Sky, which would involve me paying about £20 a month which is just silly.

On a seperate note, I'm often confused how Sky's business model will last and let me explain my theory Many channels rely on advertising to operate and generally speaking advertising rates on based on the number of viewers (which would make sense). Free to Air or Freesat viewing is increasing everyday so from an advertising/funding point of view being available on Sky and Freesat would surely benefit everyone? The public get to see more and channel ratings/viewings go up so more can be charged for advertising. Many thanks.

 

[rolfw]

To answer your question simply, no it isn't, but why would you want to?

 

[PaulR]

Well, just about anything is possible ifyou're prepared to throw enough money at the problem but realistically, the answer is no.

Why do you want to use the satellite receiver to view the terrestrial channel? Is it because it has a recording function? Or is to view it about the house?

I can't really think of any reason that can't be got around some other way.


With regards to $ly's policy, in the end it all comes down to money. While you might think that there isn't enough money from the subscription fees you're obviously wrong as I don't notice $ly passing round the begging bowl!

In fact the current financial situation has actually made $ly's position stronger as channels find their advertising revenue going down and having to rely more and more on a slice of the subscription. Things are so bad, in fact, that reportedly some channels which have been FTA are thinking of joining the $ly brigade!

 

[PaulR]

For more about the channels possibly going encrypted see http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/freesat/151827-rumour-some-itv-c4-channels-encrypted.html

 

[Prodigy81]

To answer your question simply, no it isn't, but why would you want to?

Well in the example of Dave, it's available on Freeview and Sky. You cannot get it on Freesat. There are some satellite receivers which have dual tuners (digital terrestrial and digital satellite) so clearly there is a demand. It's also useful, especially as people are in a digital transition period for years to come. Only newer screens have Freeview/Freesat built in.

It's interesting that Sky themselves are paying channels. Firstly to help them financially but also to keep them exclusive to Sky. They may be able to do this for a while, but surely they'll come a time when even Sky's financial resources are exhausted.
You could debate that Sky are selling Sky HD at cost price (£50) or possibly even at a loss. I don't know what the statistics are in terms of customers and the number of packages they subscribe to, but not everyone will subscribe to the more profitable sports channels. I think profit margins are going to be much tighter than people think. I also wonder how many people have cancelled subscriptions due to losing jobs or other financial commitments.

 

[Prodigy81]

On the subject of digital terrestrial and digital satellite, other than the main differences (an aerial and a dish) and the connections being different (although coax to f-plug adapters do exist).

This leaves primarily the difference in signal or frequency (if any). Surely a converter would be possible and could output the channels in a traditional fashion to a satellite receiver. Either directly or through a DiSEqC switch.

 

[HB13DISH]

On the subject of digital terrestrial and digital satellite, other than the main differences (an aerial and a dish) and the connections being different (although coax to f-plug adapters do exist).

This leaves primarily the difference in signal or frequency (if any). Surely a converter would be possible and could output the channels in a traditional fashion to a satellite receiver. Either directly or through a DiSEqC switch.

The tuners have different design.
You would need to convert the terrestrial signal DVB-T to a satellite signal conforming to DVB-S and then feed it into the LNB input of the sat receiver.
If you are prepared to pay for the design of such a converter, then go ahead.
It will be cheaper to pay the £20/mo to Sky.