Can I stop paying Sky and use my satellite receiver to get Freeview ?
Brian Butterworth published on UK Free TV Yes, but only "sort of".
Freeview is the name of the (BBC-backed) digital TV system that uses hilltop transmitters to rooftop aerials. It is run separately from the "Sky" satellite-to-dish service.
free-to-VIEW is a term for satellite channels that need a viewing card to watch, but not to collect a subscription. free-to-AIR channels are ones that can be received without needing a viewing card or subscription.
The free-to-AIR satelite service backed by the BBC and ITV is called Freesat. The free-to-VIEW service operated by Sky is called fSfS or Freesat from Sky.
As long as you have finished your first year, you can leave Sky when you want.
To do this just give Sky a call and tell them you don't want to subscribe any more.
If you stop subscribing you will be able to watch the hundred or so free-to-air channels listed on free channels list. This service is called Freesat from Sky (fSfS).
Some of the channels on the Freeview service are subscription only on satellite, specifically: 4Music, Challenge, Dave, Dave ja vu, Quest, VIVA and Yesterday . See these links to compare the TV channels on Freesat-from-Sky and Freeview, and to compare radio stations on Freeview and fSfS. Many homes have free satellite and Freeview to get the full range of channels.
You will still need to keep your Sky viewing card. If you stop subscribing on a Sky contract, you can keep using that card to watch 5USA, 5* and PICK TV, the so-called "free-to-view" channels. (All ITV channels are free-to-air).
It is not possible to plug an aerial into a Sky Digibox to receive Freeview channels because the boxes have not been designed this way.
You will continue to get the full Sky EPG listings; you just will not be able to watch subscription channels.
If you want to go for High Definition, HD, you can swap out your Sky box for a Freesat one very easily.
A card is not needed to watch BBC services, but it is needed to get the correct BBC ONE and BBC TWO regions on 101 and 102.
Another option is to disconnect your Sky Digibox altogether and Upgrade from Sky to Freesat - ukfree.tv. If you have an HD-Ready TV and a standard Sky box, this is a good option.
11:08 AM
Hi. If I want to just use an old sky box to watch free view but have moved the tv down the end of the garden, do I just need to buy new cable and run from the dish to the box? Thank you
Graham
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10:29 PM
Hello can you please tell hme if you can get extra channels on freesat manually? And if possible how? And do you know anyone who has done this? Also is there any update on the real digital service launch/prices?
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steven lloyd: It depends on the box, but you use the "Non-Freesat channels" option.
The list of channels you can add is here - Eutelsat 28A & Astra 1N/2A/2F at 28.2°E - LyngSat - but most of them are already in you guide.
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9:05 PM
stevaen lloyd: hello thanks for your answer. Could you. Please tell me what freesat recorders can do this manual scan,or can they all do this. Thanks
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2:41 PM
I have a subscription with Sky for my main television. I also have an extra subscription box for my television in the bedroom. Both are fed independantly from the satelite dish. I am cancelling my subscription for the extra box but keeping my subscription for the main television. My question is what stations if any will I be able to receive on my extra box following cancellation of my subscription.
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Mike: see the list on the All free TV channels | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice page.
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3:00 PM
Mike:
Briantist thanks for your quick reply.
So once my subscription ends will I receive all the stations under the Sky no card listings. Sorry if I sound a bit of a numpty but its all a bit confusing all the different options.
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8:45 PM
After cancelling Sky subscription, is it possible to record the freesat channels by connecting a DVD / digital recorder to the sky + box?
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12:09 AM
Terry: Basically yes! as cancelling a subscription only has the effect of stopping you from accessing channels that are dedicated to a Sky package, plus killing your access to the recording / playback side of the box.
If you havent as yet cancelled the contract? then if you remove your Sky card and run through the programmes in the guide list that will be exactly (or very near) an example of what you will be able to view once that you do cancel the contract.
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