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.
11:07 AM
I have been given a sky + box, can I use it to watch freeview/freesat?
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12:38 PM
Jill: You can watch "Free to view" channels on Sky if you have a dish installed, which by the way can be any type as Sky and Freesat reception uses exactly the same dish.
The only thing is that you will not be able to use the recorder side of your box as Sky in effect never gives up control of access, and will only allow it for a subscription fee of £10.00 per month.
I dont now if you were given the box with a expired card but you dont require it anyway.
If you click on the link and scroll down that
will give an idea of what "Free to view" offers.
All free-to-watch channels | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
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2:25 PM
Ihave DAEWOO DR-2100P dvd recorder Panasonic TU-DSB30 digibox, tv has one scart.I have tried to connect simple? way with flyleads The sky works not dvdr,Ihave tried to check rf settings in digibox,but am not sure if i can.Irealise equipment is old but in theory it works,it will be great for grandchildre if it would only work properly.Any help will be much appreciated.
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maureen williams: Connect the DVD recorder to the digibox using a SCART lead - put the lead into the digibox's SCART socket marked "VCR".
Then use another SCART from the port marked "TV" to the TV.
Put the Sky box into stand-by mode to watch the DVD recorder.
You are not using RF (aerial lead), the settings are not required.
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4:48 PM
hi im here in ireland i have a sky HD box ive taken out the sky card but i still have to go to other channels to veiw them is there anyway to get them in the main tv guide thanks for any help
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4:51 PM
Sorry i should have said i have to use other channels to view the ITVS thanks
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6:59 PM
mr.moe: Unfortunately no! as the card is programmed by Sky to in effect instruct the box to tune and store the programme channel(s) associated with the subscribers location and placing them into the EPG listings, but when the card is removed the Sky box reverts back to its default settings of London news etc as it loses the personalised aspect.
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7:25 PM
so if i get an older box it sloves this as my mate has two old boxs and in and have them in the tv guide thanks for your helf
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8:36 PM
mr.moe: Not really, as you cannot get away from having to use the "other channels" facility to view programmes other than the boxes default ones mentioned, as when you go into the other channels menu and enter the frequencies etc of any hitherto local channel that was previously received, you are in effect just simulating what the Sky card was programmed to do, albeit a lot more conveniently. (with the card)
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3:39 PM
hi can anyone tell me can is it possible to get a freeview viewing card which gives me free channels? as i know you use to get them ages ago & not sure if you can get them any more. thanks
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