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.
12:42 PM
Andy - Yes,you simply swop over the receivers thats all their is to it. Your existing wiring and dish will be just fine.
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2:48 PM
Hi I have just purchased a sony lcd tv with the option of connecting to the internet for on demand services such as lovefilm youtube or Iplayer etc. My query is do I have to purchase a Sony dongle to access these or will any other (cheaper) option work from maplins or off ebay etc? I see one on Ebuyer on ebay for accessing tv/radio via a pc for £10 and wondered? The set I have ordered is a Sony Bravia KDL32EX403U and the Sony usb dongle is UWA-BR100. This retails about £65-70.
Thanks alot.
Many thanks for your expert advice.
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9:25 AM
I have a sky quad LNB and have used the spare connection to connect a spare sky box to. Will I still be able to view the channels such as films and cartoons that i currently pay for on it if I purchase another sky viewing card privately without having to pay for multi room?
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Stephen Abbley: No, you will only get the free-to-air channels without a Multiroom subscription.
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If we stopped our sky subscription and went for the Sky FreeSat option using our existing equipment, would our Sky+ box continue to record our free channels?
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7:42 PM
Gareth - SKY will disable your receivers recording capability on ceasing to subscribe to pay per view packages. You would need to purchase your own "Freesat" HDR recorder if you wanted to continue to have a recording facility.
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8:43 PM
Hello
We subscribe Sky+. My parents are giving up Sky HD, are we able to plug the HD box into our tele and use it like we do Sky+?
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9:47 PM
Michaela - Yes you can make use of this receiver but you would need to contact SKY to advise. Bear in mind though that HD reception will see an increase by £10 per month of your package subs. SKY will doubtless advise you of your options.
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4:19 PM
Hi there can i just confirm i have read correctly. If i cancel my sky subscription i can view all free digital channels with my sky box and dish or will i need further equipment.Many thanks and happy new year.
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6:56 PM
hi i wonder if u can help i want to buy a freesat box but have no ariel will an sky tv dishe pick up the channels ,but it has not been used in yrs or will the dishe no longer work ty
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