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)
9:22 PM
Hi & thanks for that
Freeview vs freesat has had my head spinning.
Dave G
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12:37 PM
DAVE: No problem! but just to clarify / emphasise that when I mentioned each of the two leads being used for a receiver I was referring to a "Freesat" receiver, as these leads from the dish cannot be used for Freeview (terrestrial) reception.
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5:44 PM
Mark Aberfan Aerials: Is it right that I can cancel my Sky tv and get a freeview card from sky?
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Iris: You just cancel you Sky contract, that is all you have to do.
You can either remove the card, or leave it in your machine if you wish to keep the correct regional news on BBC One and ITV.
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2:46 PM
Mark Aberfan Aerials:
Hi, I need advice on what type of satellite
receiver to buy, here in Germany.
I have been told that a Humax HD receiver is one of the best, is this true or can I just buy any one?.
I would also like to know how I can receive the American Sports channel ESPN America, is that also available on FreeSat?.
Please Help. I would prefer an email answer if possible.
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7:51 PM
I have read in one of the TV magazines that ALIBI is avaiable on 118. Not on my Freesat box
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8:37 AM
Bill Fairley - Just in case Mark doesn't pick your post up - The Humax receiver is probably the best to go for in a "Freesat" box. You won't however get ESPN America, which is a subscription channel. As far as reception in Germany is concerned you will need to check the size of dish required as Satellites now employ spot beam transmissions focused on the UK - meaning that you may, dependent on where you are in Germay, see the reuirment for a 90cm or 1 meter dish.
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2:23 PM
Hello guys
I have a sky dish which feeds a downstairs TV and a bedroom TV. We cancelled the subscription some time ago so we just get the normal channels. The LNB on the dish has 4 ports, 2 of which are being used. The 3 kids have TVs for Xbox etc but they are not connected to the dish. In order to get them TV channel access, do I change the LNB for an 8 port one and then just run a wire to each bedroom? And what sort of box would I need to buy? Are all LNBs the same. Maplin sell one for £55. Good or bad? Many thanks for your advice
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3:06 PM
Will : You already have 2 ports spare - so use one of those for each extra TV (although they will need a Sky/Freesat box as well).
I'd go to Satcure SatCure UK satellite and Freeview information - Maplin are not cheap anyway, but I dont think you'll need the 8 LNB. BTW - Your Sky isn't going to record without a subscription - so the second LNB connected to it is functionally useless - if you want to record, swap it out for a Freesat PVR.
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3:31 PM
Bushey
Many thanks Mike. Much appreciated. We have a 4 LNB. One TV connected in the bedroom already and one TV downstairs. We need 3 more hence me thinking I need an 8 LNB. Is the LNB easy to fit?
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Will's: mapW's Freeview map terrainW's terrain plot wavesW's frequency data W's Freeview Detailed Coverage