Can someone help me understand Sky/Freesat?

pineapple

HarriettPotter wrote: »

Thanks both. Ideally I want to spend nothing! So if I cancelled all Sky - it would go to Freesat from Sky, and I'd be able to see freeview channels and it would cost me nothing?

Correct. Be warned the subscription side of Sky will try to tempt you with temporary offers to retain you as a paying customer.They may even claim your picture quality will be affected! I recommend getting in touch first with the Freesat from Sky side and they will put your mind at rest.
I do believe Freesat from Sky now charges for replacement of the viewing card every 4 years. Touch wood I haven't heard anything yet and I can't remember when I made the switch!
At the time I stopped subscribing I was told I had to purchase a new viewing card - which I did. I've heard since it isn't necessary?? Be aware of the potential periodic replacement though. Otherwise I just kept all the equipment.
As for channels, I was only on the basic package anyway so I don't notice much difference. The only reason I had satellite in the first place is the poor aerial reception here (so Freeview not an option).

Luv2Budget

Do you need a satellite dish to watch Freesat. I have Freeview at the moment and have an outside digital aerial because I live in such a poor reception area. Is the digital aerial sufficient for Freesat. Thanks

Kurtis_Blue

Luv2Budget wrote: »

Do you need a satellite dish to watch Freesat. I have Freeview at the moment and have an outside digital aerial because I live in such a poor reception area. Is the digital aerial sufficient for Freesat. Thanks

http://www.freesat.co.uk/how-to/get-freesat/

Luv2Budget

Thanks Kurtis Blue

Sorry one more question, I can't have Sky because of the poor reception - does that mean i will be unable to have Freesat, as i need a satellite dish or is the Freesat signal stronger. Thanks

Kurtis_Blue

Why do you think you have poor sky reception?

Luv2Budget

I tried to get Sky before and they couldn't get a signal because of trees in mine and the neighbours back garden. They also tried the front of my house but there are trees opposite and neighbours house is blocking being able to get a good signal.

DebiT

HarriettPotter wrote: »

I just looked at Freesat from sky and I apparently need a Freesat from sky viewing card?! Not much about this 'free' telly stuff is actually free is it?!

Hi OP, if like me you are a former sky customer you can use your dish and box to get freesat from sky when your yearly contract is at an end. I have been using mine for a few weeks now and there are probably over 150 channels. I have put the best ones on "my favourites" so that I dont have to go through the dross, these include all the BBC, ITV, 4 and 5 channels, plus about a dozen film channels. A much better selection than when I was with Virgin and paying.

Also, dont worry about the viewing card, you dont really need it. You wont be able to record, but if thats not a biggie then its really worth the saving.

Heinz

DebiT wrote: »

Also, dont worry about the viewing card, you dont really need it.

Hmm. You do to retain regionalisation of 101 and 103 and to decrypt a handful of FTV channels (Pick TV for instance). Just leave the card in the box.

macman

Luv2Budget wrote: »

Do you need a satellite dish to watch Freesat. I have Freeview at the moment and have an outside digital aerial because I live in such a poor reception area. Is the digital aerial sufficient for Freesat. Thanks

There is no such thing as a 'digital aerial'.
Freesat is a satellite service and is not available through an aerial. If you cannot get Sky then you will be unable to get Freesat either, as the dish alignment is the same.

Luv2Budget

ok - thanks macman