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)
bob mathew: Yes, you need a box in each room, yes they work independently.
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Julie: You are not in a Freeview reception area until switchover next year, so any DTT receivers will not provide channels until then.
Freesat works anywhere in the UK, you can just switch to Freesat as per the instructions at the top of the page.
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9:33 PM
Wareham
Thanks Briantist
We'll either stick with Sky or check out some Freesat boxes.
Thanks again for your quick reply.
Julie
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Julie's: mapJ's Freeview map terrainJ's terrain plot wavesJ's frequency data J's Freeview Detailed Coverage
10:26 AM
Hi, need to cancel my sky contract.
Current set up as follows;
Sky plus box in lounge, Sky plus box in upstairs bedroom. Basic package and sky movies.
Got rid of Sky sports some months ago.
New TV in lounge (HD ready and freeview on board) Upstairs just standard TV set.
I would like to go freesat.
Can I just replace the sky boxes with freesat boxes?
Will there still be a charge for multi room?
Do the freesat boxes have the same functions as Sky + ie record / freeze / record 2 channels at once etc.
Should I get an HD box for the lounge?
Thank You.
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Keith A: Yes, just replace the Sky+ boxes with Freesat+HD boxes.
There is no charge for any Freesat service, you just buy the box.
Yes, Freesat+ boxes do all the same things as Sky+ boxes, plus you can record radio programmes too.
See Upgrading from Sky+HD to Freesat+HD | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice .
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2:20 PM
Mark Aberfan Aerials: I had sky (not HD) but cancelled it around 2 years ago if I got a freesat or other HD Satellite Receiver box would I need to upgrade the dish to recieve HD programs.
Thanks
Ian
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3:25 PM
Ian: No, the dish remains the same whichever UK satellite service you use. The only reason to change it is if you want to get non-UK services broadcast from different satellites.
A freesat-branded box will automatically find all the services for you and provide a full electronic programme guide. Other free-to-air boxes are available, but you have to manually tune in every service that you want to watch. Some may support automatic scanning but won't necessarily put the channels in a consistent order in the channel list.
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9:16 AM
I have recently installed a FREESAT PVR. It does everything you need and the picture is excellent. However when I use the pause button and then press it again to carry on viewing,almost immediately I get subtitles on the screen. Am I doing something wrong?
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10:20 PM
I subscribe to Sky and just bought a Freesat box for the kitchen, but first installation says Freeze and does not do te initial search? Any ideas?
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6:44 AM
KT I assume there is feed from the SKY LNB on the dish to the kitchen? Check your connections here and try again. To check the receiver out and to see it's working OK connect to your SKY box feed and this will confirm it's operation or otherwise. If you still have a problem then return to where you purchased the box from and have it swopped over.
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