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.
3:23 PM
Hi,
Now I have got another problem with my Sky+ box, its standby light (red) is continuously red and I have tried all the methods to get it in working order. I ve done following
1. remove the mains, press backup button supply the power but no luck.
2. Same thing this time with two buttons left & right of the select on the box, and again there were no sign of blinking any light.
Please advise is there any other method to get it working.
Thanks & Regards
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Shax: This usually means that the box isn't working. I would call Sky.
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5:22 PM
sky is asking for me to insert new viewing card is there any way around getting a new card it's an old box that I'm trying to reuse
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Stewart: Yes, press the BACKUP key and don't insert the card.
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1:36 PM
Briantist,
Thanks for your previous help.
My Dad ran the cable himself in advance, and got his local Aerial supplier to change the LNB and connect up.He also supplied a box (No idea of cost as he wont tell me) Knowing him he got a good rate.
He also ran from the spare outlet to another TV Set.
Anyway I have ordered a card from Sky £20.00 and am waiting for delivery to myself in the UK.
I intend to send it to Ireland so they can insert and get Sky 3, Fiver and the like.
I have been given the Serial Number along with all the other info for when they insert the new card.
Is there anything else I should be aware of when asking Sky to activate the New card.
Ideally I do not want to let it be known that I have sent the card to Ireland.
Once again thanks for your previous help.
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5:44 PM
Hi i recently retired and i am looking for an ecconomical way to view television. at the moment i am with virgin. would you recommend getting a satilite dish.
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9:28 PM
Pat Bell - Either "Freeview" which is terrestrial analogue or digital dependeing on the area you are currently residing in. Alternatively "Freesat" a digital satellite service covering the UK both of which will give you subscription Free TV. For Freeview an external aerial - Freeview receiver or television set that has an onboard freeview tuner is required. - (Your current TV may have this) - With Freesat a receiver and Satellite dish installation are required. If you are an owner or tenant in a flat it's possible that there will be a communal tv system amd you would need to check this out locally. If it's a house and your own property then it's down to persona choice in
what you go for - If a rented property you would need to check out with the factor before installing a satellite dish. - The terrestrial TV service delivered from area transmitters is in the process of switchover from an anologue to digital service and there may be issues for you in the level of reception and channel choice offered dependent on where you live and unless you can check this out locally and have assurance of a reasonsble service your best option may be to opt for "Freesat". You will have some inital outlay either way but your only ongoing cost will be your TV Licnec which of course we are all required to pay for unless qualifying for age reduction or excemption.
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9:55 PM
Ely
Hi, currently I subscribe to sky sd. I am awaiting delivery of a new Hd tv but reluctant to pay extra subscription to sky for hd. Is it possible to purchase a freesat hd box (some of which seem fairly cheap) and run the cable from the dish into a suitable switchable splitter (is there such a thing?) and then to both the sky and freesat box?
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Bill's: mapB's Freeview map terrainB's terrain plot wavesB's frequency data B's Freeview Detailed Coverage
Bill: If you attempt to "split" a satellite link, it won't work.
If you have Sky+ or Sky+HD you will have four outputs from the dish (a "quad LNB") You can make four attachments to this, including Freesat HD boxes.
You must use a satellite-grade coaxial cable for each. If Sky are doing an install for you, they charge about £20 to run in each extra cable, if you ask.
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9:05 AM
Bill - The LNB on the dish may require changing from a single output feed currently going to your SKY box. LNB's are available that have twin quad and octo output connectors. I would suggest a Quad LNB which will give you that extra feed for your Freesat receiver and still give you two spares if you need to add anything later. You will of course need an extra cable run from the dish LNB. If your dish isn't easily accessible then best to arrange for a local installer to do this for you. shouldn't be that costly to do. Some satellite receivers have a loop out that allows taking a signal to another receiver you could check this out first, but your best option is the former.
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