Upgrading from Sky to Freesat
If you have an existing Sky or fSfS (Freesat from Sky) installation and want to go to upgrade to Freesat, it is a simple process.
First, buy the Freesat box from a Argos, Curry.digital, Comet, John Lewes or your local independent shop:
In the box you will find the Freesat box:
Also included will be a remote control, and this model also comes with a SCART cable, a HDMI cable and a stereo-with-composite cable. Unpack the ones you need:
You old Sky box looks like this:
Unplug the mains first from the Sky box, then pull out the SCART (or SCARTs) and then unscrew the connection to the satellite dish.
Remove the Sky box and fit the Freesat box. Reconnect the satellite cable (take care as to not damage the connection) and then the SCART and finally connect the mains power:
The box will look like this:
The box also contains the manual, which has full installation instructions. Finally fit the batteries into the remote control.
The TV screen first displays the box's logo
The first set-up screen allows you to select the TV type, widescreen mode and resolution:
Next the box checks for the satellite signal:
Then there is a check for updated software:
Then you enter your postcode and the box checks it:
The next step is a scan for channels. This takes about 30 seconds:
And that's it. You can now view channels, like 108 for BBC HD:
Or press the GUIDE button for the EPG:
(Apologies for the photos not being of the top quality)
5:25 PM
I currently have Sky+ installed but wish to buy a Freesat+ HD recorder and cancel my subscription with Sky. Is it as easy as just putting the satellite cable from the dish and putting into to the Freesat+ HD box? Will I be able to receive the HD channels this way and will the box be capable of recording one channel whilst I watch another, or do I need some more cabling?
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7:41 PM
Karl: I've just done exactly that: bought a Humax FoxSat HD recorder and cancelled my Sky subscription.
The box came at 1pm today. By 1:20, it was connected (so simple) set up and downloading its list of channels. Yes to HD, yes to recording while watching, and no to cabling.
Go for it - and think what you're going to spend your old Sky subscription on each month!
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1:24 PM
Hey,
I have an Sky+ box which im not using, but i am using a freeview box (via the aerial) which isnt a too sharp (keeps jumping now and again, missing rec etc.) can i just plug in my sky+ box(via the sat dish) and watch the FREESAT channels with out paying or upgrading any thing? i have the sky card. and will i it still act at a recorderable box?
thanks
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Jak: Basically no, you can't. You must use a Freeview+ box with an aerial or a Freesat+ box with a dish. Please see Upgrading from Sky+HD to Freesat+HD | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice .
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6:50 PM
my TV (Panasonic) has a freesat socket on the back. I plugged my sky dish lead (single cable) into it and tried to auto tune but it says it cant find the Astra satellite and won't do it. suggestions please
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11:48 AM
Mike
the first thing to do is to establish that there is a signal coming from from the dish,you will need to get a known working sky box to try, or contact an engineer who has a satellite meter,have a look at the connection on the end of the cable it should be a F con type screw on make sure that is OK don't use any tools to tighten it up, finger tight is good enough.
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11:16 AM
Just a message of thanks to you guys who answer all our queries etc.... im currently in contract with Sky until 21st April and as soon as it ends i have a Humax FoxSat HD box ready and waiting to go in its place (Amazon is the cheapest, i saved £100). So now i have info from yourselves on how to change it i should be ok! However, i have one small question:
I don't have a HD TV set (mine is an old Toshiba that weighs a tonne) i take it i can still connect it to this TV and i understand i won't get the HD channels, but should i be ok receiving the "normal" channels? I've bought the FreeSat box in readiness for the time my old-but-a-good-picture-Toshiba, dies, then I'm HD ready! Does this all sound good? Would appreciate a reply ASAP please!
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Paul M. Timmins.
I believe that some HD boxes will display a HD channel in standard divination using the SCART socket.
But this may vary from 'HD Freesat box' to 'HD Freesat box'.
Just plug in your box or look at the instructions and let us know.
I'm sure there are a lot of people that don't want to replace their old TV yet, but want to see some of the BBC HD channel programs in SD.
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Mark's: mapM's Freeview map terrainM's terrain plot wavesM's frequency data M's Freeview Detailed Coverage
Should be 'standard definition'
and not 'standard divination'.
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Mark's: mapM's Freeview map terrainM's terrain plot wavesM's frequency data M's Freeview Detailed Coverage