Upgrading from Sky to Freesat
Brian Butterworth published on UK Free TV If you have an existing Sky or fSfS (Freesat from Sky) installation and want to go to upgrade to Freesat, it is a simple process.
First, buy the Freesat box from a Argos, Curry.digital, Comet, John Lewes or your local independent shop:
In the box you will find the Freesat box:
Also included will be a remote control, and this model also comes with a SCART cable, a HDMI cable and a stereo-with-composite cable. Unpack the ones you need:
You old Sky box looks like this:
Unplug the mains first from the Sky box, then pull out the SCART (or SCARTs) and then unscrew the connection to the satellite dish.
Remove the Sky box and fit the Freesat box. Reconnect the satellite cable (take care as to not damage the connection) and then the SCART and finally connect the mains power:
The box will look like this:
The box also contains the manual, which has full installation instructions. Finally fit the batteries into the remote control.
The TV screen first displays the box's logo
The first set-up screen allows you to select the TV type, widescreen mode and resolution:
Next the box checks for the satellite signal:
Then there is a check for updated software:
Then you enter your postcode and the box checks it:
The next step is a scan for channels. This takes about 30 seconds:
And that's it. You can now view channels, like 108 for BBC HD:
Or press the GUIDE button for the EPG:
(Apologies for the photos not being of the top quality)
4:23 PM
ROY TAYNTON:
Yes to all of those. You need a Freesat PVR to do it, connected to a suitably aimed dish and LNB. The LNB must not be a SkyQ type as they do not work with a Freesat unit.
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1:43 PM
HI
Is it possible to record programmes with the box you recommend?
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11:42 PM
Karen:
PVR means Programmable Video Recorder, so it can record programmes. There are many satellite receivers that also have a recording feature.
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1:33 PM
we are pensioners struggling with finance like everyone else. we want to cancel sky as we find it hard to find the subscription monthly what is our best option
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1:37 PM
is it easy to get rid of sky subscription and find an alternative i.e. freevies
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9:04 PM
rosi morris:
Hello rosi. HopefullY StevensOnln1 will be able to offer some further information as well.
We're going to need a little bit more information to enable us to give you some constructive advice.
As far as cancelling your Sky subscription, it will depend on whether you are still in some sort of minimum term contract with them as to how easy this is. If you aren't, it should be quite easy.
The next question is what sort of Sky box is it? If it's a more recent SkyQ box, things get more tricky and probably a bit ,more expensive because the LNB (the sort of aerial part) on the satellite dish isn't compatible with most standard satellite receivers as I understand it.
If it's an older Sky box, how long have you had it? Depending on the contract, some Sky boxes would have to be returned, if not, some of them allow you to watch the "free-to-air" channels, others will require a viewing card which may come with a small cost, BUT I'm not the expert of those.
Some modern TVs have in-built satellite tuners so you wouldn't need a box, roughly how old is yours? As long as the dish and LNB are standard, you can connect it direct to the TV.
Do you know if your TV has an in-built satellite tuner? Is there an F-connector socket on the back of the set (similar to the one of the back of the Sky box) which will be in addition to the standard socket for a TV aerial? Do you have a TV aerial at all,?
If you don't know about these things, tell us the make and model of the TV - there'll be a label on the back of the set with such information.
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10:07 PM
StevensOnln1:
Whilst it's a shame that so many posters don't come back to say how they got on, or provide extra info, perhaps you could still add some info about sky boxes and free-to-air viewing for my edification if for no-one else"!
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10:29 PM
Chris.SE: Sky+/HD boxes will continue to receive the free to air channels if the subscription is cancelled (viewing cards are only required for a handful of free to view encrypted channels). Sky Q boxes are rented and must be returned to Sky when the subscription ends (with a hefty penalty for non return) so aren't suitable for FTA reception. The Freesat 4K boxes currently on sale are able to work with either the wideband LNBs used with Sky Q boxes or the older LNBs used by Sky+/HD boxes. Older 1st or 2nd generation Freesat boxes (made by Humax, Panasonic, Manhattan and others) will only work with the older LNBs used by Sky+/HD boxes. I've never used any generic FTA satellite receivers so have no idea if there are any out there which are compatible with wideband LNBs.
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10:38 PM
StevensOnln1: Thanks for that.
Can you list the encrypted free to view channels for future reference?
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2:09 PM
Chris.SE: I don't think there are many, just London Live and any other local TV stations still broadcasting on satellite, the STV HD North and Central East regions (STV Central West HD is FTA) and maybe a +1 channel or 2. I don't think there's anything else of any significance.
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