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.
8:48 PM
If you cancel sky can you still watch the programmes you have recorded.
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1:43 PM
Bob: I believe the answer is no, you can't play back programmes previously recorded. This applies to all programmes, even if transmitted by a free-to-air or free-to-view channel.
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8:50 PM
Channel 5 is now a default channel 105 in ROI SKY boxes.It was available only in other channels menu until recently.
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8:21 PM
A friend gave me a sky+hd box and i hav a satalite dish in my house ive connected it up but there is no signal...i thought i could get freeview...or do i need a card or something? is there any way i can get it to work?????
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1:43 PM
charlene: Its not actual Freeview you get but Sky's "free to view" satellite channels which have similarities to Freesat, and you dont require a card installed to receive them. (except for Pick TV)
If you cannot receive anything then a fault exists with either the Sky boxes "F" connector plug, possibly by it having an internal short circuit so unscrew same and check that the braiding isnt touching the middle core, or the other possible reason is that the dish has been knocked out of alignment.
The only other things that can be responsible is a fault in the dishes LNB (on the end of the arm) or even the box itself is faulty.
Remember though, that if you do get it working again you will not be able to use anything connected to the recorder, as Sky retains permanent control of that and access is only given if a subscription (believe £10.00) is taken out.
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4:12 PM
Kidderminster
We currently have freeview using a loft aerial pointing at the Bromsgrove transmitter.
I can see sky sports channels 40 and 41 with message telling me they are encripted. If I chose to go down the BT Vision route and pay for the sky option will I actually be able to receive the sports channels?
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Graham's: mapG's Freeview map terrainG's terrain plot wavesG's frequency data G's Freeview Detailed Coverage
4:28 PM
I have just cancelled sky and I am currently viewing the free sat channels via my old sky card, is their a way to adjust the tv guide to only show the channels you get free or will I need to call up sky and get a free sat card (I believe they are £20) it would be a lot easier to view only the channels I can watch.
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Graham: Providing you can receive ArqB multiplex, then you are able to "receive" Sky Sports 1 and 2 because they are carried on that multiplex.
There are five standard definition multiplexes and on HD one. Each multiplex carries a number of services (programme channels). Yesterday is also carried on ArqB, so if you have it, then you can watch Sky Sports, providing you have an appropriate subscription.
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8:28 PM
Nic: You cannot alter anything on a Sky box concerning the EPG listings, plus the card you mention isnt really required so much now unless you wish the local news bulletins to be dedicated to your particular area, as the coding for that is entered into the "free to view" card by Sky on purchasing same.
Apart from that the only other channel it enables you to view is Pick TV.
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4:08 PM
Nic - If you only want to see the free channels, all you need to do is set them up as your Favourites. Then, when you want to see what is on, first press "TV Guide" and then the Blue button to bring up your Favourites list. Simples!! lol
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