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.
Hey Briantist,
Really appreciate your thoughts (thankyou!).
I will investigate the LNB output routes, as you suggest more recording power can only be a good thing!
Really appreciate your thoughts! Thanks,
Andy
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2:59 PM
Andy - Brian, from reading I may be picking up this wongly but were you meaning to suggest a "Freeview" box rather than a "Freesat" one here as you seem to indicate utilising the two spare LNB out connections. Thought I would mention just in case Andy, rushes out for a "Freeview" HD plux box.
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10:07 PM
Sky have n excess of 600,000 suscribers in Southern Ireland.Vat @20% paid on subscrptions in euros goes to the British Exchequer.There was public outrage a few yrars ago when the FAI did a deal with Sky to obtain the rv rights to home internationals. Many people threatened to cancel sky and boycott Lansdowne Road if Sky and FAI did not return tv rights to terrestial tv statios RTE and TV3.Sky were glad to return rightsSky take people for granted.A call out charge minimum 110 euros applies and may take up to a fortnight for service.
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10:47 AM
Hi guys
I stop subscribing to sky 4 months ago but as of yesterday my tv has totally stopped working, all I get is no satellite signal is being received. I have checked all my cables and the dish ( due to recent bad weather) and can't find where the problem is. Does anyone have any ideas?
Sam
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Sam turner
This sounds like a fault with your L.D.N. (Satellite dish) or dish angle.
But could be your cable or satellite box.
If you know someone with satellite TV take your satellite box and plug it into his dish.
If it works then you know that it's your dish or cable.
If you can't find any faults with the plugs at the end of the cable then the dish may have moved due to the wind or you may need a new LDN
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Mark's: mapM's Freeview map terrainM's terrain plot wavesM's frequency data M's Freeview Detailed Coverage
Meant L.N.B. (low-noise block converter) not L.D.N.
It's the bit on the dish.
I hate abbreviations.
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Mark's: mapM's Freeview map terrainM's terrain plot wavesM's frequency data M's Freeview Detailed Coverage
11:34 AM
I have just bought a new tv with built in freeview. I subscribe to virgin media. can I cancel my virgin media and receive freeview or will I need an ariel.
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7:02 PM
Sam ensure that scart lead is fully attached at both ends.Ensure that it is fully inserted and is horizontal,all 21 pin heads must make contact at both ends.
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