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.
Christo: I would advise against using a "generic" type satellite receive from B&Q or Lidl as they are not very user friendly.
A much better option is a "branded" Freesat, Freesat+ or Freesat+HD box, as they have a proper Electronic Programme Guide.
If you use Sky-branded boxes, you need the card only if you want to watch Sky3, Fiver and Five USA - and the public service Irish channels.
| link to this comment |
1:36 PM
Briantist,
Thanks for the info.
Basically if I get a Freesat box it will do the job once the new LNB and feeds have been done.
Just a question will the Freesat box work in Irish Republic or are they geographically ID'd to the UK.
What Digibox would you suggest.
Sorry if I sound a bit dim but I just want to get it right.
| link to this comment |
Christo: The boxes have no restrictions where they can be used. They will ask your postcode when you set them up, you can enter anything you like, it just chooses the correct ITV and BBC regions for 101, 102, 103.
| link to this comment |
6:54 PM
Christo, I have used mostly German freesat receivers.It is possible to choose any regions of your choice for BBC,ITV,(except 3or 4 ITV regions which are encrypted)I have BBC London set as 001 bbc2 England as 002.All channels may be arranged in any order that you wish.Radio stations may arranged in a similoar manner.Several regions of Channel 4 are available,advertising differs.All +1 channels are available.
| link to this comment |
7:16 PM
I will re-phrase my question.
I understand that with Freesat I may not get all the channels, depending on where I live. Is it possible to know in advance which channels I will or won't get, or at least what percentage of channels I will be able to receive?
| link to this comment |
parsnip: Freesat provides the same channels wherever in the UK (or indeed most of Western Europe).
| link to this comment |
12:14 PM
Hi.My brother is a current sky subscriber but recently switched to the sky + HD box. He had been with his old sky box for more than two years. I recently collected and connected his old box with the viewing card at my home only to be told that there was no satellite signal despite the fact that the property shares a communual sky dish.
I would like to know if this is because his still subscribing or is it just a fault from my end.
| link to this comment |
Richard: True, but not as straightforwardly as you can on a Freesat receiver - you just enter the postcode.
| link to this comment |
thomas: You need to do "Method (3)" on What can my do when my Sky Digibox says 'No Signal' or 'Technical fault'? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice .
| link to this comment |
1:01 PM
I have two screwable wires leading into my house from the sky dish. My sky box has just one inlet for a wire to be screwed on. I have screwed one of the wires in but i keep getting a no satellite signal info. i ve tried the other without success. Waht can i do to fix this.
| link to this comment |