Firstly, thanks to everyone for your help.

To be honest, what I really want is to get more english language channels, with more of the typical North America programs. Sitcoms, weekly dramas, etc, etc.

We have Bluwin TV now. It is OK, but the channels we watch are ITV 1 through4, BBC 1 through 4, and Film4. That's about it (except news), and there really isn't that many typical N.America shows on those. I have been told (correctly, or incorrectly?) that if I get Sky (from the UK), I will get many more English speaking channels (from the UK), that broadcast many more of the typical weekly shows one would see in N.America (ie. Grey's Anatomy, ER, NCIS, etc, etc.) We can get some German or Italian channels that sometimes have these shows with the seperate English language track, but we find this is hit or miss. So, my assumption was that my only real option to get more of these programs, was to go with Sky.

So, this whole Free To Air thing is quite interesting. I really didn't realize how many channels there are. Seems like quite a lot...

So, the real priority is:
- as many english language channels with the typical weekly N.American shows as possible
- needs to have the recorder function.
- the tv guide/onscreen program is a definite plus, if possible.
- Needs to be able to recieve the appropriate signal in Lugano (someone posted this awesome site http://www.satbeams.com/footprints?beam=5223 in another thread, and my concern is that Lugano is outside the range shown on the map for Astra 2D. Most of the Northern and Western parts of Switzerland are within the beam, but Lugano is just outside... so I don't know how to interpret this....and whether or not a 90cm dish will be enough)
- The movie channels and other things (sports) are not as critical at this moment. If we can just get the regular weekly TV shows, I think we'll be in good shape.
- HD not a big priority (not even sure if my TV can really show HD or not... I'm a bit dumb about those things, and I know there is some technicalities with that.... It does have an HDMI connecter at the back, if that makes a diff...)


Do they sell decoder boxes at MediaMarkt that have recorders and can display the program guide?
Is it possible to have the program guide if you're just watching Free to Air channels?
IF I buy an FTA setup, and decide later to go with Sky, do I have to buy a seperate/special decoder box from them? Or just the subscription/card?

Sorry again for the dumb questions... I'm willing to try the FTA option, but would appreciate your thoughts/comments whether or not I am going to get the types of shows/programs I'm looking for.


Murray