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.
4:22 PM
Briantist
Many Thanks for your answer ,i just connected my inside aerial to my tv,pressed a couple of buttons on the remote and Freeview was back on within seconds and now i can receive YESTERDAY channels once again..
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Mick Cade: That's good to hear. You have the widest selection of channels with both Freeview and Freesat.
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5:56 PM
I have a sky + hd package on my main tv. I also have a used sky + hd box with no card in another room that I currently recieve a few channels on. If I subcribe to a multiroom package and then cancel at the earliest opportunity will I then be able to recieve the full fsfs channels ?
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jimbob: You could do, but it would be cheaper to order a Freesat From Sky card. The only extra channels provided are Fiver, Five USA and Sky3.
The channels are listed on the All free-to-watch channels | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice page.
Call Sky on 08442 411 602.
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7:20 PM
Thanks for your speedy reply. I will take your advice.
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8:38 PM
If I stop subscribing to Sky is there any way I can receive French language channels? (There are only 2 on Sky TV5 and Euronews in French.).
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Mandy: You would need to have the dish moved to point at a different satellite, and to buy a new receiver capable of detecting the channels.
To be honest, you might as well get another dish installed and another receiver and keep your Sky equipment anyway.
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10:30 AM
hi, ive currenty got the full sky package and a multiroom, ie 2 sky + boxes. when my current deal expires im thinking of calling it a day with the sky. can i use both sky + boxes to watch and record those channels available as free to air?many thanks
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william forster: No, the Sky+ boxes will not play/record/pause without a subscription.
You can, however, swap them out for Freesat+ or Freesat+HD boxes using the dish and cables. These boxes require no subscription.
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1:59 PM
My tv with built in freeview works great with roof aerial ,can I fit a dish on the roof and buy afree to air box so that I can watch freeview and free to air as required
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