We currently have Freeview and Humax PVR and are totally happy with this set up, actually we think it's great.

In March we are moving and are devasted to find there is no Freeview cover. We'd like a similar service but don't want to pay an arm and a leg. The current owners already have a Sky dish. Choices seem to be the basic Sky package with Sky+ - £150.00 + £30.00 installation + £16.00 per month or Tiscali with Tiscali+ - £50.00 + £30.00 installation + £24.99 per month (including broadband and talk package). We have had Tiscali broadband for sometime and think it's good value (admittedly until something goes wrong) so the TV element is only going to cost us £5.00 per month more. But downside of Tiscali is that we can't watch one program and record another or record 2 programs at once.

Is this right and have you got any other recommendations?

You do not have to pay for Sky per month if you are looking for a service similar to Freeview. Only ever pay for this if you are wanting specific pay channels (such as Sky Sports, Living, MTV).

Satellite has many free TV and radio channels (ie: no subscription at all) like BBC1, ITV3, Sky News and so on. Unfortunately some people are likely subscribing when they shouldn't really be at all. The complete list of the channels you will get on satellite for free are here >

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/satellite/freesatepg/

If that is of interest then you need something like this. Pay once at £75 installed for "Freesat From Sky". >

http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/editorial/Sky%20Offer

[edit] I see you mentioned someone already had a Sky dish. Things may be even cheaper! Does it look OK (working) and is there a Sky Digibox also?

Are you sure you can't get a Freeview Signal? Perhaps if you bought an aerial booster this could make a difference - in short try before you give up.

With regards to your main question I am a former Homechoice user who took up Sky on moving home. I can say there are more channels on the Sky (if you subscribe) but I do sometimes miss being able to pull up a show from the VOD.

But again, I'd double-check your Freeview options first.