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.
6:43 PM
p.s You will need to acquire if you don't have - screw on connectors for shotgun cable and some self amalgamating tape to seal after you've made good the cable connections to the LNB. You may have the LNB type that has a sliding weather cover in which case push up to expose the connectors being carefull not to stress your dish knocking it off it's current configuration. That's all there is to it.
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8:58 PM
Many Many Thanks, you have been more than helpful and saved me paying sky a small fortune. now looking forward to a new house and HD tv. Thanks again
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9:22 PM
Jonny5 - If you log onto the Satcure online site, if you browse you will see an illustration of how to properly fit these screw on Shotgun cable terminations to the cable for a secure connection. I would have advised a local reputable rigger rather than SKY particularly as you plan on getting a "Freesat" receiver. Good luck with your installation- Pleased to help and hope you manage OK.
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8:12 PM
Every time Canal + is advertised on French and Spanish tv channels I realise the big ripoff and overpricing of tv packages offered by Sky.Modern films,documentaries,sport and family entertainment offered for the price of a Sky basaic package.Also factor in the added cost of dubbing or subtitling some programmes.What a great product at a reasonable price on offer in these tv markets.It must be the overpaid and underperforming football players that suscribers are asked to support their blifestyle.
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1:52 PM
Hi,
I moved into a new house in Ireland. This house has a rooftop aerial as well as a SKY dish. Is there a way that I can buy a box and connect the wires from aerial and SKY dish and avoid SKY subscription? Please let me know.
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Gsoyu: Yes, you can use a Freesat box with the dish and pay nothing at all. See above.
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4:12 PM
Thanks for the prompt reply Briantist. Which freesat box would you recommend? WOuld the setup be just plugging the cables from the sky dish?
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GSoyu: As I don't have the ability to test all of the set-top boxes, I don't recommend any particular models.
Yes, it is as simple as swapping the cables - see the Upgrading from Sky to Freesat
| ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice page.
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10:07 AM
If i cancel my sky can i record and watch the FTA channels?
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Fin.
There is a list of the free channels at All free-to-watch channels | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice .
Then look at the Freesat from Sky list.
If you but a Freesat satellite receiver, then see the Freesat. (RH163LB)
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