Upgrading from Sky to Freesat
Brian Butterworth published on UK Free TV 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)
3:10 PM
darren
I've found sometimes with freesat if the dish is not set spot on accurately with a meter they don't work properly and miss some channels.
Tom Fletcher Alpha Aerials Sheffield.
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9:11 PM
I have just cancelled my Sky+HD subscription and am considering getting a Humax Foxsat HDR. Can i just unplug the Sky box and plug in the Freesat box? Also, should i consider a different box or is the Humax the front runner?
Thanks!
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JoJo: Yes you can just replace the box, see Upgrading from Sky+HD to Freesat+HD | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice .
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12:55 PM
I am leaving Sky due to their useless admin system where you are left hanging onto the phone whilst the charge for 0844 numbers goes wild. my problem now is I have a Humax twin recorder receiver box I used at my old address. My current home has a communal sky ariel. Will i be able to receive Freesat programmes via the existing cables from the communal ariel. Any advise please
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7:10 PM
Richard: A Freesat box is a drop-in replacement for a Sky box. Just connect up the cables.
However, it's possible that your old Humax box is a FreeVIEW rather than a FreeSAT box, and it would need to connect to an aerial rather than a dish. The aerial input connectors on Freeview equipment simply push in, while the dish connections on Freesat equipment have a screw thread.
There may well be an aerial point next to the satellite point. Do check with the building management that they have planned for Freeview - there are some locations in the country where Freeview just isn't possible.
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8:26 PM
hi.
I have a basic sky plus package. I would like to cancel sky and buy a freesat hd recorder box. Can i get the hd channels through my sky dish? and do i have to pay sky at all. My 12 month membership is up, i have just read something about a 20pounbd charge thank you paul.
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8:34 PM
sorry also was wondering if i bought a second hand sky plus hd box and then cancelled sky could i recieve the freesat hd channels through the sky hd box? it just seemed a more cost efficient way, thank you paul
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6:14 PM
I have got a Skyplus box (not HD) and I am finishing my Sky account. If I fitted a Freesat plus HD box to the Sky disc would it pick up some of the HD programmes.
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