Danny

here is the direct link for of all the current free to air channels, radio and TV http://en.kingofsat.net/freqs.php?&pos=28.2E&standard=All&ordre=freq&filtre=Clear some of which are also Freesat channels, of course. All of these are available to add to the FTA list in non freesat mode. This may be useful even for freesat channels - for example, you can record an HD channel like BBC1 HD in non freesat mode and then copy or save the file to watch elsewhere if you want. In freesat mode, most of the HD channels are encrypted and recordings can only be watched on the Humax. Danny

There is no SD slot on the humax - maybe it is possible to use a USB card reader something like this one here and put the SD card in that. At the moment, ITV player works fine here in France but the BBC Iplayer service is restricted due to the foreign IP address. Expatshield is great for use on a computer but I have not found a way to use it with the Humax. If the computer and the TV are both equipped with HDMI/DVI and the video card supports it, one can just use the TV as an extra (large) monitor. Access to BBC Iplayer is possible via a computer linked to the Humax by ethernet cable but by using a different (normally paid for*) proxy server with a UK IP address for which you have all the settings to enter into the Humax and the computer. see here Danny *unless you have access your own (or someone else's!) computer and broadband in the UK and are able to set up your own proxy.

If you want to use one decoder, there are quite a few TNTSAT HD decoders that are now diseqc compliant and therefore no problem to get FTA channels from Astra 2 sat. I am presuming that you have a diseqc switch.... The Aston Simba TNTSAT does multisat OK. The Humax 5050HD (double tuner) does other sats no problem. http://www.bctech.fr/satellite/humax-tn5050hd.html from here for example. This is like the French equivalent of the UK Humax HDR. Another possibility is to repoint your Astra 1 dish to AB3 5.0 W and get a Fransat HD decoder - none of which are limited in any way to one satellite as far as I know. I have an Aston Simba Fransat HD which does this fine for UK channels. Newer model Aston Diva premium (single tuner) here for example http://www.transplanet.fr/boutique/info_produit.asp?num=18536 Danny

[quote user="chocolatefish"]Hi all My folks have a holiday house in the south of France. It's occupied maybe 60% of the year by various family members. At present they don't have any phone connection nor internet and they just use the existing TV availability through an old set that plugs into the aerial outlet on the wall. But, as you all know, the days of digital only are on the way. My folks are stumped as to the best way to organise this. They would prefer to only pay for the time that they are resident, but I can't see how that would be possible. Also they only want a TV contract, not phone or internet. Has anyone come across anything that might be suitable? Much obliged.[/quote] as mentioned, you do not need any sort of contract to watch French TV via the aerial. A simple TNT box like this for ex. will suffice http://www.castorama.fr/store/Adaptateur-TNT-terrestre-1er-PRIX-PRDm483693.html?navCount=1&navAction=push or if you buy any new TV it will be already equipped with an internal digital tuner. Or do you mean UK TV via satellite?? You also do not need any contract. Danny

[quote user="just john "][quote user="Pickles"]   just use the digital terrestrial signal that replaces the analogue signal (through the same antenna) - either by buying a set-top box (cheap) or by buying a new TV with TNT receiver built-in? [/quote] Just what I'm after, coming up in http://www.lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/lidl_uk/hs.xsl/index_26548.htm next week . . . [/quote] that is a satellite receiver and as such will not receive anything connected up to the rooftop aerial - just in case you did not know. Of course, if you want to connect it up to a Sat dish, you will receive all Free to Air channels. Danny

You can do it only by telephone (1014) or by going in to an Orange shop. Danny

instead of using a browser, you could just access it in windows explorer. I can only assume that IE and firefox have some different behaviour with the location. It does the same here.

It does depend on what type of contract the broadband is, of course. If it is a 12 month minimum subscription, it is hardly a swindle to carry it on for at least 12 months. They do also offer broadband accounts which are possible to cancel at any time. Danny

SFR email contact form here http://assistance.sfr.fr/contacter/internet/adsl-contact-email/en-3270-72678 but it may not be straightforward, of course....they do not have an official English speaking service. Good luck, Danny

It is probably the Neufbox by SFR. If so, http://assistance.sfr.fr/internet_neufbox-de-SFR/connexion/gestion-wifi-interface/fc-473-50159 Onglet 'configuration' click on 'désactivé' and then 'valider' This is for the general wifi function and not the added wifi hotspot Clair was referring to. Hope that helps Danny

Oh dear.... There are a huge number of dodgy sellers of Windows on Ebay, Amazon and Play etc The disc may or may not install OK but the chances are that the license key is not valid and it will be recognised as not genuine before too long. http://forums.hexus.net/shopping-retail-therapy/190711-how-safe-buying-retail-windows-7-ultimate-ebay.html http://reviews.ebay.com/Windows-7-Ultimate-what-to-ask-before-you-buy-or-bid_W0QQugidZ10000000018408262 http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itproinstall/thread/3ec5bec4-570c-4529-8176-6e8930766d5f/ Personally, I would cancel the order if you still can. It may be difficult to do later on when it stops functioning. If it seems to good to be true.... Danny

The manual is found here http://www.fortecstar.com/user-manuals/fs-4200-e.pdf page 7 1.3 add channel......onwards There are many options there. TP = transponder group of channels on one frequency For BBC 4 you need to enter: Satellite - Astra 2 28.0E$ TP - 47 TP Frequency - 10803 Symbol Rate - 22000 Polarity - H Search - Free (if possible) then press OK All channels on that Transponder should now be available including BBC 4. Make sure you scan after 8 pm French time. Danny

I have Vistalizator running on one PC running Vista - French to English - and it works very well. Danny

[quote user="Rob Roy"]We've got a Free-sat box [/quote] What is the make and model number of the box? Genuine 'freesat' decoders are automatically retuned following any changes of frequency on the satellite. If you have a Free to air decoder and not an actual 'freesat' box, then you will have to manually retune. That is the most likely problem if it not a 'freesat' box. Danny

Tenniswitch (and others) It seems that the current Orange policy regarding suspension/cancellation of 'Découverte' internet is the following: It is no longer possible to suspend the internet service but (slight semantics), one can change the account into an simple dial up account called 'accès libre' from the next month on. There is then no charge if you do not use the dial up at all under this account. Then when you want to restart, you ask for your 'accès libre' service to be transformed to the 'Découverte' service. If you do not use the dial up service for six months, your account and email address will be terminated. So, if this is what you want, then make sure you ask for your account to be changed to Accès Libre. Je voudrais migrer mon offre en 'accès libre' pour le mois suivant SVP... Otherwise, one can simply cancel the service - in writing - and it will be stopped within 10 days. If you want to restart, you can start a new contract. If you use a rented livebox, you will continue to pay (3 euros p/m) for it if it is not returned properly. It may be better to use your own modem or modem/router in any case. Danny PS There may be some resistance or even denial from the 'service clients' as this does not generate any commission for them such as they may get from selling you an expensive package.

Yes Sid, the UK landlines are included but not 0845 and probably not 0870 types too although they are not specifically mentioned. all the countries included are listed on page 7 of this leaflet http://boutique.orange.fr/doc/contrat2621.pdf remember that calls to mobiles in France and elsewhere (except USA and Canada) will be charged for. Danny

It seems you are right and I misunderstood.  I was only going by the 'mes services' in the Espace client and assumed they were paid for extra as they usually are but according to the product sheet these are included, like you say http://boutique.orange.fr/doc/fis/contrat3357.pdf Danny

[quote user="oliveau"]Update: I spoke to the Orange English helpline. The guy there was busy trying to sell me a service including TV - I said I didn't want it, so he tried to sell me free internet with free phone via a phone linked to the computer. I persisted that I wanted unlimited Internet & unlimited landline calls as per the Optimale Internet described on their wesite, and he told me that as I was an existing customer he couldn't set it up. After a certain amount of choice Anglo-Saxon he suddenly discovered that he could set it all up for me - We'll see![/quote] oliveau, a word of warning... I have changed my Orange package recently to the OPTIMALE INTERNET. It has taken about 10 days so far to transfer the service and it is still not complete yet. The internet did not go off at all by the way. I am still waiting for the activation of the inclusive free calls on my fixed line. I received an email to say it would be active within 5 days. Hold off on the long calls abroad until you are sure it is active! The old VOIP call number ceased to function a week after I did the order. But..... I also just noticed that they have added lots of so called new "services" to my fixed line account by default. Things like caller display, call signal, extra message services etc. These are all paid for extras to your fixed line bill - various amounts per month. So if you don't want/need them, go to your espace client/mon compte fixe/mes services/resilier un service and click on 'resilier ce service' for each you do not want. It may take a week or two for your new 'compte fixe' to be changed over to 'Optimale Internet' from 'abonnement principal' so just keep checking every day. If you compte fixe is not showing in the Espace client, you need to add it. Ajouter un compte/ajouter un compte téléphone fixe à mon espace client, then enter your telephone number and client number on the next page and click on 'valider' Danny

Jay, I gave the link earlier but here it is again, it is not well publicised on the Orange site. OPTIMALE INTERNET If you want to keep a fixed FT line, it is the cheapest at the moment with inclusive unlimited landline phone calls. Otherwise, Livebox Zen is 28.90 (18,90 for first 6 months for new clients) +16 euros extra to keep the FT line Livebox is also obligatory +3,00 if rented. Livebox Zen is 33,90 (23.90 for first 6 months fro new clients) with no FT line at all livebox obligatory +3,00 if rented All inclusive free calls are by extra VOIP number. Current FT numbers may be transfered to new VOIP number if desired. Livebox Star is the same but 5 euros extra per month. This brings unlimited call to French mobiles and some TV advantages especially if one has Orange TV by ADSL and not by satellite. As far as packages with mobiles go, that gets more complicated. The OPEN offers (mobile and internet packages) all require that one has no fixed FT line so if that is important you may want to look at other options. Hope that helps Danny

There is obviously more commission for the sales people selling packages which include TV. I suppose Orange think that once you have the free service installed and running you will be tempted to choose extra paid for services - films on demand etc. This is why only upgrade packages including TV are available online via their 'espace client'. This forces you to call up so they can push certain more profitable packages. There are charlatan sales people in all of these companies it is the nature of the beast, unfortunately. This is a good product for those who want to keep their fixed line and get unlimited landline calls and internet. It is a 12 month minimum contract too don't forget. Danny

Oliveau, you are paying a lot each month. Assuming your line is eligible, you could save a fair amount by changing your package - with Orange or others. For example, Orange Livebox Star including livebox rental, unlimited VOIP calls to French mobiles as well as 100 other countries landlines, without any FT line rental to pay, is 42 euros TOTAL per month If you want to keep your fixed line, Orange also have a new package called Optimale Internet. This is FT fixed line rental, Internet service up to 20 Mb, unlimited calls to fixed lines of more than 100 countries. Calls are by normal fixed line and not VOIP. No TV service or calls to mobiles are included. Including livebox rental of 3 euros (not obligatory, you can use your own modem if you wish) this is 42 euros TOTAL to pay per month There are plenty other options/offers. Note that your line may not be elegible for all of them. You can also check the other offers from SFR or FREE and other companies. If you want English speaking help then stick to Orange or Teleconnect or a few others. Danny

[quote user="Louise and Gary"]We have an account with Orange for internet/phone/TV, however following an automatic software upload of the TV decoder last week, we have lost about 10 channels, including stuff like BFM news channel. We spoke to Orange helpdesk and did the usual switch on/off stuff to no avail. Orange are going to put somebody on to us to give us a quote for a satellite dish which supposidly will give us over 100 channels. Does anybody know how much we can expect to be charged / what the realistic price should be?[/quote] You will not get 100 channels from Orange TV via satellite. The amount is limited compared to orange TV via ADSL Here is the current list of available channels. It is dependent on which satellite you choose - OrangeTV is available from 3 different satellites. There are very few English language channels in case you did not know. http://media.abonnez-vous.orange.fr/medias/pdf/divers/chaines-TV-satellite.pdf Danny

If your area has changed to digital TV transmissions and your TV only has an analogue tuner then, as I said, you could argue that it is no longer equipment capable of receiving television signals under the definitions given by M les impots. Here is a discussion on the same subject. It even has a handy ready made letter to send to the the tax office and a positive reply from the tax office that the person concerned in this case is no longer liable along with a reimbursement[:)] http://www.tvnt.net/forum/fin-de-l-analogique-et-redevance-t21412.html?sid=58d286a98d19d34a91fde60c22a3584f Danny

[quote user="Gardener"]Under what circumstances is the redevance audio visuelle not applied? We have a tv that can only receive channels via a orange tv box, we don't have an aerial or satellite. If we return the Orange box, then we can't watch French TV. So no RAV would need to be paid or would it? If we used the TV as a monitor just to watch purchased DVDs, and I haven't tried setting this up yet. Would RAV be payable then?[/quote] Having an aerial or satellite dish makes no real difference. At the moment, if you have any equipment with an internal tuner - TV, video recorder etc - then you are liable to pay the fee. That is why VCRs etc are classed in the same way as TVs. If you only have a monitor or any screen - like most computer monitors - without a built in tuner and also use a DVD player (not recorder, as this normally has a built in tuner) then you are not liable. If the portable DVD player just plays DVDs and does not have a tuner then by itself, it does not count as equipment that is liable for the RA. There is an interesting issue with analogue TVs (i.e. those only equipped with an analogue tuner) as come December, they will no longer be able to receive TV with their tuners anywhere in France. I could see a reasonable and logical argument being made to the tax office that it should no longer be classed as a TV then but it is just a monitor as it would not have a functioning tuner. Danny

Yes, a basic FTA decoder will capture all UK FTA channels no problem assuming of course that the sat dish is properly aligned. If you want HD channels, make sure whatever you buy is capable of receiving DVB-S2 format to ensure you can get BBC1HD, CH4 HD and others. You may want to choose a 'freesat' decoder giving certain advantages for UK channels - 7 day guide, automatic channel search and update... Danny