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.
12:43 PM
Trowbridge
Moira:
You can use your Sky box to get the 'Freesat from Sky' service which is basically the free to air non-subscription services, such as BBC and ITV, but it is best to leave your 'old' viewing card in the slot so you get a selection of the more local sevices (the card provides information to the box about your location). The box has to still be connected to your dish of course.
To supply programmes from the box to another room, such as a bedroom, depends on what type of box you have and/or whether that other room has an output from your dish. If the box has an RF Out socket you can run a coaxial lead from that to the other TV set. If it does not have such an RF Out, then you may be able to add an external device (a modulator) such as one sold through Amazon - Global I/O Link RF Output for Sky HD Box: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics - there are other makes and suppliers available. This will provide RF signals that can be fed via coaxial cable to other TV sets. Note that the output will only be in Standard Definition and a Sky HD box can provide HD signals but not froom the RF Out systems. Note also that the programmes displayed are determined by what the Sky box is set to show and the same will appear on all TV sets connected via the coaxial leads.
Hope that helps?
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MikeP's: mapM's Freeview map terrainM's terrain plot wavesM's frequency data M's Freeview Detailed Coverage
2:13 PM
I have a Sky multi room box for which I have stopped the subscription. I have still the card in the multi box. Which input channel should I choose to receive free view. When I go to dtv or tv it says not programmed and when I choose auto programming it does not connect to any channels. Any advise how to proceed?
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8:42 PM
can i still record on my old sky box when i go to freesat
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10:04 PM
graham: Yes, provided that you don't cancel your Sky subscription, as Sky will disable your ability to access the recording / playback side of the box if you do.
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11:53 AM
Trowbridge
John Orr:
A Sky box of any sort cannot receive Freeview, but it should receive Freesat from Sky.
Please see Freesat from Sky - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and/or FREESAT from Sky - Call now to order
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MikeP's: mapM's Freeview map terrainM's terrain plot wavesM's frequency data M's Freeview Detailed Coverage
5:34 AM
Hi,
I have a very old Sky box, and an equally old(big, clunky, old fashioned) tv. Im considering a new tv with freeview built in, but in the mean time, can I stop my a Sky subscription, and still receive viewing?
Im paying 55 a month for a Lott of stuff I seldom watch, and need to get a newer set, I know; this old one doesn't gave a wee "set top box" for freeview.....purely through the Sky box.
Im really not tech savvy, kind of old(ish) and would be very grateful for any help.
Thanks
Alex
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7:46 AM
Alex: Sky boxes (all) receive satellite television irrespective of whether a person pays a subscription or not, the latter only enabling you to view programme channels dedicated to the level of subscription you happen to pay.
The only other qualification being, that if the box referred to is of the Sky+ recording variety?, then you can only use this side (recording "and" playback of the box by having subscription, otherwise it performs as a standard device.
You can easily find out what you will, or will not be able to view by running through the programme channels "after" having removed your viewing card, any that requires same triggering a "please insert card" message.
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11:45 AM
Oh, many thanks, for the help, and such a swift response! Really appreciated that. Will have a try and see how it goes
Alex
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11:26 PM
Alex: Just on buying a new TV, measure the distance where you sit from your current TV, and add a foot or two. Which has a vague but sort of useful guide to what size you should get, but if your 8-11ft away, go for a 40-43in.
Freeview HD is a must, the more HDMI's the better, and you paying for the panel. The better it is, the higher the cost. A decent 2D 40in would be under 400 quid, and a very decent mid range TV (better panel and 4 HDMI's) would be 499 or less. Sony, Samsun and LG all have decent sets out, and I've been recommending the Samsung H6400 for ages - last years model (so about the price of this years entry model), but ticks all my boxes. At 399 for the 40in, its an excellent baseline.
Try to go to a decent store (not a catalogue shop or supermarket) and ask questions. You just need a decent remote, lots of connections, and the best black/whites and best movement you can for your money.
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11:36 PM
Alex: In addition to that said. I also meant to mention, that the other purpose served by the viewing card is to ensure that the local news seen on the box is applicable to the area you reside in, this achieved by Sky having programmed data associated with your post code into the viewing card when you first joined Sky, otherwise the local news service on a Sky box minus the card is that of the default region of London.
However, nothing to worry about there, as Sky subscription viewing cards automatically revert into being a standard viewing card when the subscription is cancelled, the card obviously remaining in the box.
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