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.
5:01 PM
Rich: That sounds like you either have a fault with the cables or the LNB receiver on the dish. Your Sky viewing card will not work in a CA module, as there are none available that support Sky's encryption. There are only a handful of free to view (FTV) channels available with an ex-subscription card, the vast majority of non-subscription satellite channels are free to air (FTA) and will be receivable with any satellite tuner with no viewing card needed at all.
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8:04 PM
StevensOnln1:
I had similar thoughts about the LNB, or maybe it or the Dish have moved out of alignment?
Out of curiosity, are you able to list those FTV channels that aren't FTA?
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11:42 AM
Chris.SE: The FTV channels that spring to mind are 4Music, Yesterday +1, London Live, Made TV (don't think there are any other local TV stations left on satellite) as well as the East and both North regions of STV HD (West is FTA). I don't know how up to date it is, but the link below has a list.
List of channels on Sky (UK and Ireland)
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9:11 AM
If I get a dish from someone would it be possible to revieve free to air channels through a sky box providing it is tuned into the telelvision
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11:12 AM
Steve huntb: So long as the dish is pointed at the correct 28 degrees East satellite position you'll get all of the free to air channels available via the Sky EPG.
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11:17 AM
Steve huntb:
If you already had Sky services, then you already have a suitable dish but if your Sky box is a Sky Q type then it will not be useful for Free To Air channels and neither would the LNB on the arm of the dish. If you do not already have a dish then one could probably be installed and fitted with a suitable LNB. That can feed any non 'Sky Q' satellite receiver. The output of the box would normally be fed via either a SCART cable or on more modern boxes via an HDMI cable into the back of the TV. There would be no tuning of the TV to do.
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4:11 PM
Bodmin
I have noticed both on tv adverts on itv and in tv listing brouchers that there is now a ch 50. I have had Free View for a number of years with CARADON TRANSMITTER with out any problems. I have re tuned my TV's but with out success. Up to ch 49 is OK. the next one being ch 54 , nothing in between.
I was in Birmingham for a few days last week and ch 50 is obtainable there , although it does not broadcast until 10 pm .
As ch 50 is advertised why is it that I am unable to get it ?
I would appreciate an early and favourable reply
Yours Faithfully N. Hughes. Mr. 4.Launceston Close, PL31 2AN
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Norman's: mapN's Freeview map terrainN's terrain plot wavesN's frequency data N's Freeview Detailed Coverage
5:48 PM
Norman Hughes: Sony Channel and Sony Movies Classic are broadcast on the local TV multiplex, which is only available in areas where there is a local TV station on Freeview channel 7 or 8. There are no local TV stations in Devon or Cornwall, hence the local TV mux is not broadcast from Caradon Hill.
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7:40 PM
I've just moved into a property and it has a sky dish
if I got a sky box can I get the free channels !!!
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