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.
8:31 PM
Briantist,entering post codes is not possible in Southern Ireland as our postal system does not have same.Thank for comment.
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Richard: Just enter any old postcode like "BT2 8HQ" or "W1A 1AA". Anything you like.
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Penny: See thinkbroadband :: Search 500+ UK broadband packages to find the best broadband provider for broadband providers.
If you switch the Freesat there are several children's channels.
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9:27 AM
Is it possible to purchase a Freest card in a store like Comet, Dixons etc? I have a Sky receiver but need a card for local ITV, ITV3 etc or do I have to get the card from Sky (yuk)?
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David Hill: You have to get the card from Sky. It provides access to Sky3, Fiver and Five USA.
You can always get a Freesat receiver from Comet other stores, where no card is required.
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5:21 PM
Thank you for info but I must use sky as the freeview reception in my area, Snettisham,Anglia, does not provide me with ITV Anglia. Guess I'll have to phone Sky.
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2:14 PM
I have recently upgraded to a SKY+HD box and have 3 packages with SKY. On on package the programmes can be viewed/paused/recorded on the other two I can view the channel but not record. Everytime I try the recording fails and the reason given is a subscription is needed - confused as I have a supscription to these channels have you ever come across this problem?
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