Upgrading from Sky+HD to Freesat+HD
You might get a glossy magazine every month, but what do Sky really think of your custom?
"Give me a f**king name on a direct debit and it's mine for life,"
- Sam Chisholm, former boss of BSkyB.
Perhaps you responded to an offer like the one blow that promised a gratis Sky+HD box (for new customers taking their first Sky+HD package) with free standard set-up
But you were so excited with the thought of a £50 M&S voucher that you didn't think to follow each of the little daggers and little stars to quite read all the terms and conditions:
So, your twelve months of commitment are over and, for reasons of budget (or politics) you have decided you want to keep all the features of Sky+ - live pause, high definition, extended electronic programme guide, series record, and recording two programmes at once whilst you watch another - but don't want to fork out every month on top of your TV Licence - and you still get hundreds of free TV channels
Here's what you can do.
First you need to buy a Freesat+HD box. There are many on the market, and can be bought from Argos, Currys DIGITAL, John Lewis, Comet and online at Amazon, as well as other stores.
When you use a Freesat+HD box NO SUBSCRIPTION HAS TO BE PAID. NONE. NOT A PENNY TO ANYONE.
Installing
This will take no more than ten minutes. First you will need to disconnect the Sky+HD box mains from the wall socket.Then you will need to disconnect the cables from the back of the Sky+HD box.
Pull out the mains power connection (1), carefully unscrew the satellite dish links (2) and (3), and then take out the HDMI lead (4) to your HDTV. If you have an "surround sound" amplifier, you may also have a digital audio connection (5).
Remove the Sky+HD box and put the Freesat+HD box back in the same position.
Then reconnect the cables: the mains power cable (1) - but not to the wall just yet, screw the two satellite dish links (2) and (3) and connect the HDMI cable (4) to your HDTV. If you had one, reconnect the digital audio connection (5).
If you have an Ethernet router, you can connect it to the Freesat+HD box at this point (5).
With everything in place, turn on the mains power and power up the Freesat+HD box.
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:
And that's it.
9:34 AM
I currently have SKY +HD in the living room and am looking to install a freesat HD recorder box in the kids bedroom, can the two new satellite cables be fed from the existing quad lnb without affecting the SKY HD recording? Thanks
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10:18 AM
Dave - Yes is the answer to query each of the LNB' ports can feed up to two DTR receivers or e.g - one DTR and two Non DTR's Or four non DTR's
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4:08 PM
I have a Sky+HD box but find I only watch BBC channels so am thinking of cancelling my 3 year old Sky subscription.
I do, however, like and use the functionality of the Sky+HD box; Pause, Record etc. Will I loose that if I cancel my subscription and use the box for fSfS?
Is the only way forward to buy a new Freesat HD box if I want to Pause, Record etc.? Thanks
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7:59 AM
Dave - I think you can retain the functionality but have to pay for this I believe this is £10.00 per month. but I am not sure whether a basic subscription is also required. There are new "Freesat" DIR releases due and with prices coming down this might be a better option financially. Freesat gives you an iPlayer and ITV player option where you can catch up on programs missed. - you will never have the functionality of your "Freesat" receiver downgraded either.
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12:24 PM
Thanks for your answer Les, but I was hoping that someone would know, definitely, whether I need a £10 subscription, a "basic" subscription or what. If I need a new Freesat HD box to get the pause and record functionality, then that is what I shall do. But I thought I would try to get some basic solid facts first from someone who has been down this route before.
Thanks again Les; by the way, what is Freesat DIR?
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Dave: You need EITHER a basic subscription OR to pay £10 a month to have the PVR functions working on a Sky+ or Sky+HD box.
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1:26 PM
Dave - My apologies - should be DTR short for Digital Television Recorder. I see that Brian has confirmed the Sky requirements to retain the functionality of the recording capability of your receiver.
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2:57 PM
IS it posable to get sports channals on fereesat ie cricket moto gp
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David Lloyd: Freesat only as the channels that are free-to-air, so only sport on these channels can be watched.
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12:31 PM
Hi Briantist,
Forgive me if this has been asked elsewhere, but dont see just what Im looking for,
Currently I have the Sky HD+ package and due to rising costs giving it up.
I understand I can purchase a Sky free view card, to replace the existing card will this give me HD if so what channels?
What it the cost and is it a one off purchase?
Presumably I will loos the ability to record these programs on the Hard Drive?
Thanking you in anticipation
Pete
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