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.
Neil: Maplins told you utter rubbish. Freesat and Sky are the same transmissions on the same satellites.
Just grab a box and plug it in and go.
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Thanks @Briantist !
Freesat here I come...
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Neil's: mapN's Freeview map terrainN's terrain plot wavesN's frequency data N's Freeview Detailed Coverage
... http://www.maplin.co.uk/m….pdf
Just found the manual for the freesat box - and it does mention making sure the dish is oriented to ASTRA 2 28.2 degrees east.
Is this the same as sky? I'm concerned that I won't get all the channels if the dish is oriented to Sky satellites? (WS28DE)
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Hi Neil,
It is the same satellite & the same transmissions so you will be fine.
Btw A humax is a better rated box & is available from argos & from richer sounds where you will get much better advice than you did at the previous shop, they dont deserve your custom after advice like that !
Mark Aberfan Aerials
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Hi Neil,
You will a satellite patch lead like this, 1 M F PLUG SATELLITE EXTENSION CABLE PATCH/FLY LEAD 1M on eBay (end time 06-Mar-11 21:26:57 GMT) x1 if you have freesat / freesat hd
x2 if you go for freesat+
Mark Aberfan Aerials
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11:00 PM
I am looking for a Freesat + HD box.
Argos charge approx £250 for a Humax. Is that an average price?
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11:44 PM
My Sky contract ended yesterday and with it has gone non-freeview channels, sky 1, Living etc. But my recordings remain on the sky+ box and it has even recorded things today. I can still pause and rewind live tv also. Will the sky+ box continue to do these features or will this somehow stop and act as just a receiver and nothing more?
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Chris: Yes, unless you pay a minimum of £10 a month to Sky the box will revert to a normal receiver.
If you want to play/pause/record you will need to replace the box with a Freesat+HD box.
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parsnip: The price depends on the recording capacity of the hard drive on the whole, you can see a range of prices here - Google .
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9:13 PM
Thanks! Still not reverted but I will buy a box and replace it, ready for the inevitable it would appear!
Thanks again!
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