Upgrading from Sky to Freesat
If you have an existing Sky or fSfS (Freesat from Sky) installation and want to go to upgrade to Freesat, it is a simple process.
First, buy the Freesat box from a Argos, Curry.digital, Comet, John Lewes or your local independent shop:
In the box you will find the Freesat box:
Also included will be a remote control, and this model also comes with a SCART cable, a HDMI cable and a stereo-with-composite cable. Unpack the ones you need:
You old Sky box looks like this:
Unplug the mains first from the Sky box, then pull out the SCART (or SCARTs) and then unscrew the connection to the satellite dish.
Remove the Sky box and fit the Freesat box. Reconnect the satellite cable (take care as to not damage the connection) and then the SCART and finally connect the mains power:
The box will look like this:
The box also contains the manual, which has full installation instructions. Finally fit the batteries into the remote control.
The TV screen first displays the box's logo
The first set-up screen allows you to select the TV type, widescreen mode and resolution:
Next the box checks for the satellite signal:
Then there is a check for updated software:
Then you enter your postcode and the box checks it:
The next step is a scan for channels. This takes about 30 seconds:
And that's it. You can now view channels, like 108 for BBC HD:
Or press the GUIDE button for the EPG:
(Apologies for the photos not being of the top quality)
6:27 PM
I have a sky + box, which I wish to continue using and an HD TV with built in Freesat. Can I get a switch (and two cables) so that I can watch either Freesat HD or Sky without having to unplug the cable each time from the Sky box? If so, is this expensive / problematic and where could I get a switch? The alternative would be to upgrade to Sky HD.
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NJR: Your best option is to run a satellite-grade cable from the Freesat TV to one of the spare outputs on the LNB package on the dish.
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2:22 PM
St. Albans
Hi, I have been with sky from the very start, but now find it too expensive. My main TV with sky is downstairs and I have multi room upstairs. I want to switch to Freesat in both TVs. Would it be easier to buy two freesat boxes and install them individually?
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Ann's: mapA's Freeview map terrainA's terrain plot wavesA's frequency data A's Freeview Detailed Coverage
Ann: If you stop paying Sky, the existing boxes will become "Freesat from Sky" boxes.
Otherwise, yes, you can change them for Freesat boxes - see Upgrading from Sky to Freesat
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2:53 PM
so just put the cables from my skyhd box to the sat box
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nicharm: If you have a Sky+HD box, you can diconnect this and replace it directly with a Freesat+HD box.
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nicharm: No, you can not split a satellite link. You must have a cable from each receiver (and there are two in a "+" box) to a LNB output.
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3:26 PM
what can i do i have 1 in the bedroom 1 in the kichen 1 in the conservative
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nicharm: Sorry, I'm a bit lost here. What is that you have three of?
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