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.
parsnip: No, you can't do that. You have to subscribe to the basic package first, that's how the pricing plan works.
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5:27 PM
Bless you! Thanks for your help - and so quick, too!
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parsnip: I normally try to reply as quickly as possible. Please let me know how you get on.
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7:04 PM
Hi if i have free sat can i use fox office still anp pay for films witch box should i buy
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dave00kane: As long as you've had a subscription with Sky you can do this (as they can take the money from your account), but you can't do it with the "fSfS" option.
Also you must connect the box to the phone line.
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9:41 PM
Several itv +1 regions are named on epg of my silvercrest sat receiver.Numbers appear for Stv+1 and Utv+1.Does anyone know why these are not identified by name?
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12:10 AM
hi..i just moved in to a house that has a sky dish.and i have an old sky box without a viewing card.how can i connect the dish to my box?just to watch the free sky channels.and can i order a viewing card from sky??
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12:22 AM
Briantist
So sorry, after all that I find that Freeview is not, nor likely to be, available in my area!
Is there any other alternative which will save me money but still let me have most of what I have already with Sky Plus?
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dee: You just connect the box up, there isn't anything more complicated than attaching the satellite cable to the back of the box.
You only need a card if you want to watch Fiver, Fiver USA and Sky3. All the other channels will work.
If the box is very old, you might have to do "Method 3" on the What can my do when my Sky Digibox says 'No Signal' or 'Technical fault'? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice page.
You can get a card by calling 08442 411 602 and paying £25.
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