Freesat?

Gwenrose

We want to give up Sky and after advice from various friends and neighbours, start using Freesat.
As we already have a satalite dish we only need a box and I don't think we will be able to use the Sky box.
Could any one please advice what is the best, but not to expensive one to buy, we have a very tight budget so costs are important?

kenr

You CAN just use your Sky box, I have one on FREESAT that I got from freceycle. You will just need to re-set the chanel list, removing the sky only programs.
I don't use it very often but it can be done

macman

As advised by kenr, your existing Sky box will work fine for the FTA channels, however the Sky+ functions will not once you end your sub. If you want PVR functions (and HD channels) then buy a Humax Foxsat HDR box (Richer Sounds generally have the best deals).
This is a straight box swap assuming that you already have a twin feed from your existing LNB.

MsAnderson

I am a bit fed up of sky, so if I cancel the subscription, what channels will be left available via my "sky" box.

If that's not how it works, then forgive me. I am defo not technically minded! I need it explained.

macman

MsAnderson wrote: »

I am a bit fed up of sky, so if I cancel the subscription, what channels will be left available via my "sky" box.

If that's not how it works, then forgive me. I am defo not technically minded! I need it explained.

All the FTA (non subscription) channels will remain. Without a valid viewing card you will lose Fiver, Five US and Sky Three.
You can purchase a viewing card from Sky for a one-off £20 if you really need any of these channels.

pimento

We're another family who told Rupert we no longer required his services and use the same satellite dish and Sky boxes we had before. We had to pay for a new card (£20 I think from memory) and it all works just fine. No fees to pay.

Do we miss the 98 channels of crap? Not at all, it was the best £15.99 a month saving I ever made.

Inactive

MsAnderson wrote: »

I am a bit fed up of sky, so if I cancel the subscription, what channels will be left available via my "sky" box.

If that's not how it works, then forgive me. I am defo not technically minded! I need it explained.

Just pull your card out to find out what you will get for " Free "..;)

Waterlily24

One channel that I found you can't get using the old Sky box was Sky Sports News, apparently you can get it on Freeview. We didn't have to pay for a new card but it's over a year since we used it as we are living in a moblile home while our extension and renovations are being done.

I could never understand why we couldn't get Sky Sports News, I used to enjoy watching it on a Saturday afternoon. lol

Inactive

Waterlily24 wrote: »

One channel that I found you can't get using the old Sky box was Sky Sports News, apparently you can get it on Freeview. We didn't have to pay for a new card but it's over a year since we used it as we are living in a moblile home while our extension and renovations are being done.

I could never understand why we couldn't get Sky Sports News, I used to enjoy watching it on a Saturday afternoon. lol

Sky Sports News will soon, or has been removed from the Freeview listings.

almillar

pimento, you shouldn't have had to pay that £20, your old card should have just continued to work as a 'freesatfromsy' card.
Please note everyone that a sky box without a subscription, with or without a card in it, is NOT FreeSat.
FreeSat can be used in place of a Sky box but has its own EPG etc.

lucylucky

almillar wrote: »

pimento, you shouldn't have had to pay that £20, your old card should have just continued to work as a 'freesatfromsy' card.
Please note everyone that a sky box without a subscription, with or without a card in it, is NOT FreeSat.
FreeSat can be used in place of a Sky box but has its own EPG etc.

If you cancel your subscription it does not turn your box into the equivalent of a freesatfromsky box.