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
Brian - Re- Joyce Carter's post I directed her towards "Freesat" as an option so that she would continue to have record pause play features which without a SKY subs package she won't get. Like you state they do play games when it comes to retaining their customer base.
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Les Nicol: Yes, I was just adding to that. I wasn't sure if joyce carter meant Freesat or fSfS.
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10:26 AM
i contacted sky about freesat and they said if i cancel my account with them i will be able to get freesat with sky and all the channels you get with freesat. and can use existing boxes.but i have to get a new card for each box at £25 each. should i go ahead.
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joyce carter: Your existing card will do the same as a £25 card, there is no need to order a new one.
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4:52 PM
i have just had Freesat installed / dish etc but i really miss UK HISTORY on Freeview so i was wondering if i disconnect my Freesat hd box and use an inside aerial could i watch this channel and then simple connect the hd box again afterwards ? ,my tv has Freeview built in so basically all i need to do is connect my aerial but would there be ANY problems when i want to watch Freesat again such as retuning etc ?,Mick
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Mick Cade: "Yesterday" as it is called now, is a pay satellite channel.
You don't need to disconnect anything, just switch between Freeview and Freesat using your remote control.
You will need a rooftop aerial pointing at a Freeview transmitter for reliable reception.
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5:37 PM
I am about to stop paying my sky subscription and buy a freesat plus box.
Is there ANY way I can still get Sky sport?
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parsnip: No, you must subscribe to Sky's basic package first via their system before you can do that via satellite.
You can also get Sky Sports 1 and 2 though digital terrestrial - either Top Up TV, BT Vision, and also Virgin Media.
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8:21 PM
i have a standard sky box a hd ready tv with built in free sat i have the chance to get a sky hd box will this work on my set up i only need it for recording will i have to pay extra to use it
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ian james: If you use a SKY+HD box, you must pay Sky a subscription to use it. If you have a Freesat+HD box, you can use it for free.
You will also need to have a quad-LNB fitted to your dish to provide the extra outputs, and suitable cable run in.
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