GigaBlue UHD: Satellite TV Done Right (Mostly)
Unicable II, Freesat, and why IPTV on this box is just okay.
After years of subscription TV services, I wanted something simpler: a satellite receiver that could handle Freesat, work with my existing Sky dish, and maybe do some IPTV on the side. The GigaBlue UHD ticked most of those boxes.
The Setup
- Receiver: GigaBlue UHD with Unicable II support
- Dish: Old Sky dish (already on the house)
- LNB: New Unicable II LNB (replaced the Sky one)
- Use case: Freesat live TV, recordings, and occasional IPTV
The Sky dish was already pointing at Astra 28.2°E, so I just needed to swap the LNB for a Unicable II compatible unit. The GigaBlue picked up all the Freesat channels without drama.
Why Unicable II?
Traditional satellite setups need one cable per tuner. Want to record one channel while watching another? Two cables from dish to box.
Unicable II lets multiple tuners share a single cable. My installation only has one cable run from the dish, but the GigaBlue can still handle multiple streams. It’s clever technology that solves a genuine problem.
Satellite Performance
This is where the GigaBlue shines.
Live TV: Channel switching is fast, picture quality is excellent (Freesat HD channels look great), and the EPG is functional if not beautiful.
Recording: Flawless. Set a recording, it records. Series link works. Recordings play back perfectly. This sounds like basic functionality, but after experiences with other boxes that struggled with simple DVR tasks, “it just works” is high praise.
Channel management: You can hide channels you don’t want, create favourites lists, and generally organise things how you like. The interface is Linux-based (Enigma2), so it’s powerful but not pretty.
IPTV Performance
Here’s where I’m less enthusiastic.
The GigaBlue can do IPTV. It handles m3u playlists and has various plugins for streaming services. But compared to dedicated IPTV solutions, it’s… fine. Just fine.
The comparison: Running Tivimate on a Fire TV Stick is a noticeably better IPTV experience. The interface is slicker, EPG integration is better, and everything just feels more responsive.
If IPTV is your primary use case, get a Fire Stick and Tivimate. If satellite is your primary use case and you want occasional IPTV as a bonus feature, the GigaBlue handles it acceptably.
The Enigma2 Factor
The GigaBlue runs Enigma2, which is an open-source Linux-based platform. This means:
Pros:
- Highly customisable
- Lots of plugins and skins available
- Active community
- No subscription fees or ongoing costs
Cons:
- Interface looks dated
- Learning curve for configuration
- Some plugins are abandonware
- You’ll be reading forums
If you’re comfortable tinkering with settings and don’t mind an interface that prioritises function over form, Enigma2 is powerful. If you want something you can hand to a non-technical family member, look elsewhere.
Day-to-Day Use
For watching Freesat channels and recording programmes, the GigaBlue is reliable and capable. I’ve had it running for months without issues. Recordings happen, playback works, channels tune in quickly.
The remote is functional but not great. I’ve programmed my Harmony remote to handle it instead.
The Verdict
The GigaBlue UHD is an excellent satellite receiver that does IPTV on the side. If you’re coming from a Sky box and want to switch to Freesat with recording capability, it’s a solid choice.
Just don’t expect the IPTV experience to match dedicated streaming devices. Use it for what it’s good at: satellite TV done properly.
Would I buy it again? For satellite, yes. For IPTV, I’d stick with Tivimate on a Fire Stick.