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.
12:53 PM
Horsham
when we I get the same no. of channels they get in Crawley west sussex, please.
i work there and see they get much more from treir transmiter. my post code is RH13 9SP
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bryan's: mapB's Freeview map terrainB's terrain plot wavesB's frequency data B's Freeview Detailed Coverage
bryan bufton: 25th April 2012 using the Midhurst transmitter.
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5:19 PM
I have a sky hd box and also a sky plus box installed if i cancel sky can I still receive all free channels and also record
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9:22 AM
St. Andrews
I get a lot of pixellation on some freeview channels. My aerial is tuned to Highland region, but I live in North East Fife. Could it be that I am not being served by the bset transmitter ????
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Norrie's: mapN's Freeview map terrainN's terrain plot wavesN's frequency data N's Freeview Detailed Coverage
10:26 AM
Durham
I get interference on my radio and the tv freezes. often the picture sticks but the sound continues and this then results in several channels not recieving a signal at all.
I have had my freeview box and arial checked and been told that my equipment is fine.
I know that other people in the area have the same problem including Consett which is 6 miles from me and I presume uses pontop pike.
I have retuned my box on several occassions and there is no improvement.
Is it the strength of the signal from the transmitter ?
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pete's: mapP's Freeview map terrainP's terrain plot wavesP's frequency data P's Freeview Detailed Coverage
pete wyatt: I would have a look at Freeview intermittent interference | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice .
You should be using Pontop Pike, which will provide your rooftop aerial with a full-strength signal.
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Norrie: It could be, but first check Freeview intermittent interference | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice please.
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9:19 PM
Canal+ tv in France have reduced their monthly subscription for their premium tv package from 25 to 20 Euro/month.French Match of the day is transmitted free to air on Canal+.They are in touch with the reality of hard economic times.Sky tv urges us to beleive in better, I beleive in Canal+.What a huge ripoff Sky tv is by comparasion.
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