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.
1:16 PM
Oswestry
Thank you again. Right. I shall definitely consider. And may return for more advice if I get stuck trying to sort it out!
| link to this comment |
Moco's: mapM's Freeview map terrainM's terrain plot wavesM's frequency data M's Freeview Detailed Coverage
4:06 PM
Oswestry
Will do. Don't hold your breath, though. This may take me a while!
| link to this comment |
Moco's: mapM's Freeview map terrainM's terrain plot wavesM's frequency data M's Freeview Detailed Coverage
11:33 PM
Newtown
Ok thanks for reply, we do have two sky boxes, so there are two cables connected to the dish,can you only have two? also would there be a logical reason for my high grade loft aerial connected to a bedroom freeviw tele to only get BBC?
| link to this comment |
Jen's: mapJ's Freeview map terrainJ's terrain plot wavesJ's frequency data J's Freeview Detailed Coverage
Jen Bolter: You will have two spare outputs, so you can attach two normal Freesat/Freesat HD boxes or one Freesat+HD box.
Yes, loft aerials are unsuitable for digital TV reception. If you want it to work reliably, move it to the roof.
| link to this comment |
3:11 PM
Newtown
Hi just bought a Grundig GUFSAT01HD freesat box, given up on loft aerial..... just to confirm I am already using three cables from my sky dish to boxes for sky+ and sky will one cable be enough for Grundig as one outlet left on dish, or will I need a new freesat dish, sorry to be so dense, I have learned so much in the last few days it's mind boggling, I am doing it myself to keep cost down, thanks for your invaluable help.....
| link to this comment |
JENNIFER's: mapJ's Freeview map terrainJ's terrain plot wavesJ's frequency data J's Freeview Detailed Coverage
8:08 PM
Jennifer
Just order an octo lnb for the dish plenty of feeds for you're needs.
Good luck
Ian 123 aerials oxford
| link to this comment |
12:52 AM
Newtown
Thanks for advice Ian did not know what an octo lnb was, so googled it, thank goodness for the internet,so much info at your finger tips,really glad I found this site well done to all of you.........
| link to this comment |
JENNIFER's: mapJ's Freeview map terrainJ's terrain plot wavesJ's frequency data J's Freeview Detailed Coverage
I live in a new apartment block with shared sky dish and a twin sky connection behind the tv. I don't currently have sky, but was wondering if I bought a freesat HD+ box, would I be able to plug this into the existing sky dish that serves the apartment block? and would I receive all the channels through the sky dish. I asked at Maplin's for advice, and they said sky dish is positioned differently to an astra dish which they freesat box uses - so I might not receive all channels. Can anyone help before I buy a freesat box? Thanks
| link to this comment |