Recording options for UE43TU8500

[Gbs101]

I’m getting rid of sky this week. My tv has a freesat tuner.  Sky Q has two lnb connectors and I am advised that I will need a new lnb on my dish for the tv to work. This would cost about £60.  I could get a freesat 4k box  which is compatible with the lnbs of sky q. However I don’t want to pay £240 for a freesat tuner I don’t need.  Alternatively I could buy a usb 3.0 stick.  Would the usb option give the same flexibility as a freesat recorder box. Any recommendations on which usb stick and what size.  Appreciate ideas on what folk do when they get rid of sky. Thanks.

[JAMES4578]

Hi @Gbs101  it would not give you the same Flexibility as  the Freesat Box.  There are 2 tuners on the TV so should be able to record 2 overlapping programs or 1 if watching another.  However you can record 4 programs at once with the Freesat 4k Box  https://www.freesat.co.uk/get-freesat 

As far as USB drives go Samsung tend to recommend hard drives with an external power supply and a maximum capacity of 2 TB and 5400 rpm, however USB powered devices should be fine. certainly can record Freesat https://www.samsung.com/hk_en/support/tv-audio-video/how-do-i-record-freesat-hd-on-my-samsung-tv/  Some more information here https://www.whatsthebest.co.uk/tech/televisions/best-usb-stick-for-smart-tv/ 

Personally I use Skyq and whilst will not suit everyone a number without Sky/Virgin  find Catch Up services sufficient.

[Gbs101]

Hi James, many thanks for the comprehensive answer. Will try a usb 3.0 stick and see how it goes.