[coachtrip_fan99]

Hi

I have a PC connected to my TV, which has a freeview USB stick connected... which allows me to watch and record TV programmes through windows media center.

I believe it is also possible to add satellite channels? so could somebody please be so kind as to recommend me a "dongle" type device to achieve this? Preferably in HD?

(assume I'd get the bbc and ITV hd channels?, as on freesat? )

[Jittlov]

A DVB-S card would give you all the freesat SD channels, a DVB-S2 card would give you all the SD plus the HD channels, so it's the latter you want.

They normally come in the form of a PCI card rather than a USB dongle.

The Hauppauge WinTV NOVA-HD-S2 costs around £86, though there might be something cheaper.

[Stig]

Originally Posted by coachtrip_fan99

Hi

I have a PC connected to my TV, which has a freeview USB stick connected... which allows me to watch and record TV programmes through windows media center.

I believe it is also possible to add satellite channels? so could somebody please be so kind as to recommend me a "dongle" type device to achieve this? Preferably in HD?

(assume I'd get the bbc and ITV hd channels?, as on freesat? )

Yes you can get USB DVB-S2 tuners. There are quite a few in Amazon and eBay, but I can't give a recommendation.

Yes, you get the same HD channels on freesat: BBC One HD, BBC HD, ITV 1 HD, and Channel 4 HD.

Of course you need a dish, which I assume you already have.

[Phred]

Remember though that, out of the box, these are not Freesat (i.e. you won't get the Freesat tv guide, and you won't get the red-button services).

However, although I haven't tried it, I understand there are programs available that will allow the Freesat EPG data to be displayed (DVBGuide for example)

and the Red button services are, in fact, just separate "channels" so you will be able to see them.

[Stig]

Originally Posted by Phred

Remember though that, out of the box, these are not Freesat (i.e. you won't get the Freesat tv guide, and you won't get the red-button services).

However, although I haven't tried it, I understand there are programs available that will allow the Freesat EPG data to be displayed (DVBGuide for example)

and the Red button services are, in fact, just separate "channels" so you will be able to see them.

The OP said he is using Media Center, so he will use the Microsoft Guide as an EPG.

[c4rv]

Originally Posted by Jittlov

A DVB-S card would give you all the freesat SD channels, a DVB-S2 card would give you all the SD plus the HD channels, so it's the latter you want.

They normally come in the form of a PCI card rather than a USB dongle.

The Hauppauge WinTV NOVA-HD-S2 costs around £86, though there might be something cheaper.

I've got this card and its work fine with Win7 media centre. The only thing would say is that its pretty hot so make sure you have plenty of ventilation in your case or rig up a fan to blow on the card. You can also install two if you want dual tuner.

[coachtrip_fan99]

thanks for the advice everyone.

I do not have PCI inputs as Im using a SFF PC, so it would have to be USB - and yes I have the satellite feed already in place.

As for the tv guide, yes, I was hoping I would be able to use the microsoft guide, built into media centre?

[c4rv]

Originally Posted by coachtrip_fan99

thanks for the advice everyone.

I do not have PCI inputs as Im using a SFF PC, so it would have to be USB - and yes I have the satellite feed already in place.

As for the tv guide, yes, I was hoping I would be able to use the microsoft guide, built into media centre?

This one says is media centre compatible which means you can use media centre to view, record and EPG. However I will warn you the WMC EPG is not the best in the world, its OK for I've missed recordings or got the wrong recording on more then one occasion, mainly with the less popular channels. BBC, ITV, CH4, etc are fine.

http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/30039958/PCTV-DVB-S2-Stick-460E-USB-2-0/Product.html?_%24ja=tsid:11518|cat:30039958|prd:30039958

[Fried Kickin]

http://www.dvbshop.net/product_info....pnsCUTIA9Lvmd5
roughly £40 exc P+P

I ordered my original dvb-s cards from there,they are based in Germany but don't let that put you off they have been going years and postage isn't too too bad to the UK
You get a technotrend product too which are usually very good....Hauppauge have been known rebadge technotrend products.