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.
10:30 AM
Thanks Les..doesn't quite answer my question though.
I have a basic sky package, don't have sky sports but am still able to purchse the PPV and showtime events, the one night only events..a David Haye fight for example.
My concern is I cancel my basic Sky package and then I'm not able to purchase the one off PPVs.
Thanks in advance
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11:06 AM
JP If you cancel your SKY basic package then you won't be able to purchase the one night only events as your no longer subscribing.
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12:04 PM
I bought an Amstrad 160gb Sky+ box from eBay. This box has no card (and only 1 slot, for the interactive card). I wasn't expecting the recording function to still be there, but not only is that working, the box is receiving most of the subscription channels.
I can only think this means the subscription hasn't been cancelled - so that I can expect both the extra channels and the recording function to disappear soon, if I leave it plugged in.
Grateful for any other explanation
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1:38 PM
Ron Rogerson
Lots Of people are dumping sky,think its got to costly,that card will stop on for a while, but sky will switch it off as soon as they don't get there money for the subscriptions.
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5:24 PM
But there's no card in the box. So how does the box know which channels (other than the default FTA ones) it's allowed to receive?
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Ron Rogerson: A Sky box is unable to do the things you say without a card. Are you sure it's not behind a "flap" and you are looking at the "interactive slot"?
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7:58 AM
have not got sat tv at all what is the cheapest way to get started would like sky sports for the forth coming golf us masters
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9:26 AM
tyrone - To subscribe to a SKY sports package sees you having to take on a basic subscription package first. A minimum 12months contract is required but you do get your self a receiver from SKY.supposedly free which if you un-scribe from after the initial 12 months contract is yours to keep. However if it's a SKY Plus box with recording capability then this is disabled at the point you cease your contract. If you have an HD package this adds a further £10. per month to any other packages you have contracted for.
The cheapest entry into Satellite television is to buy your own freesat or FTA (free to air receiver) but you won't get the range of Sports packages you do get with SKY who basically have a monopoly here, Protected sports packages are available via the BBC and ITV on Satellite and Terrestrial TV.
A basic SKY package (Required) with an additional Sports package and HD could be around £40 to £50 per month. "Freesat" or an FTA receiver will cost you the price of the receiver and dish indtallation but no monthly payments.
BT Vision or Cable will give you some of the basic SKY sports packages ie:- Sports 1 and 2 where their subscription prices are cheaper but are of course not a satellite service.
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7:14 PM
Alfreton
i am cancelling my sky subsciption and buying a freeview x box how do i set it up ?
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j's: mapJ's Freeview map terrainJ's terrain plot wavesJ's frequency data J's Freeview Detailed Coverage