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.
Chris: I would use the "over" time you have to copy any recordings from it.
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8:39 PM
Maldon
I have a Skye already installed is it possible to have the single LNB changed for a 4 Port one.Will this then enable 1 feed to the Tv and one to the DVD recorder.I would have this in set up in two seperate rooms.
Thus would this allow us to watch one channel and record another one at the same time.
All sets are Digital DV3
Thank You for any help you can offer
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Rex's: mapR's Freeview map terrainR's terrain plot wavesR's frequency data R's Freeview Detailed Coverage
Rex: Yes, you just change them over, such as Buy Quad Output Universal LNB at Argos.co.uk - Your Online Shop for Free to air satellite.
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You will also need a Freesat or Sky satellite receiver box for each device.
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5:05 PM
hi i have a skyplus box but would like to get freesat for the bedroom ,the only problem i have is that my housing assocation has made our sky dishes no operational and have put a commual ariel for the whole street . My sky tv ariel is connected to that ariel we have a ariel connection in the hose which sky is plugged into i was wondering if i could connect freesat without a dish. hope you can help
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8:18 PM
hi
I recently purchased a sky box (not +) with a viewing card in it. I plugged it into my dish and it has worked normally with all free channels (gold, watch and history channel etc.). I turned it on this evening and now i only seem to receive terrestrial channels on it. I can't even get dave! Is there something wrong with it? Can anyone help?
thanks
Gav
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gavid hicks: Dave is only on Freeview, not on Freesat or fSfS. Watch and The History Channel are subscription channels.
You will need to subscribe to Sky to get those channels.
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jane: No, you can't have Freesat without a dish.
However, you should be able to ask the housing assocation to fit you another satellite point. They will charge for this.
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5:57 AM
Newport Pagnell
Hi
This site seems the most helpful that I have come across so hopefully you may be able to help me too!
I currently have freesat running through my sky dish and old sky box with viewing card still in (no subscription to sky anymore). This is great and works fine, however, upstairs I have terrestrial running from one of the little inside ariels that you put on top of the telly (or end up holding while standing on one leg with your finger in your ear to watch some programs).
I realise that this will no longer work after the digital switchover and am wondering how to solve this. it needs to be the cheapest way really but I don't know what options I have. I do have a spare old sky box with the viewing card still in but don't have a second link from the dish. . Is this even an option or will I need a roof tip arial and freeview box?
My postcode is MK16 0AY
Many thanks
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Victoria's: mapV's Freeview map terrainV's terrain plot wavesV's frequency data V's Freeview Detailed Coverage
6:18 AM
Newport Pagnell
I forgot to add that I was given a freeview box readt for the changeover by a family member but this doesn't work at present as I have no roop top ariel.
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Victoria's: mapV's Freeview map terrainV's terrain plot wavesV's frequency data V's Freeview Detailed Coverage
8:32 AM
Victoria - The LNB on the end of the dish boom arm can be upgraded to provide more capacity and give additional feeds which will allow other cable run(s) to either have you utilize your spare SKY box or another SD Freesat receiver. an FSFS SKY card £25 - Freesat SD receiver from Argos £29.99 To upgrade the dish LNB and single cable in around £30/£40 This would be the most cost effective way given you already have a satellite dish. A rooftop aerial installation would be around £150.
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