Freesat?

Alibali

I currently have sky multi room but feel that its a waste of money as we barely watch it and when we do its freeview channels. My questions are - is it easy to install? I'm told its a simple as unplugging sky box and plugging in free sat box to sky dish.

And also, where's best to get a cheap free sat box?

Thanks

Alibali

Also, do I need a free sat box or would my existing sky box pick up freeview channels without a subscription?

[Deleted User]

Alibali wrote: »

would my existing sky box pick up freeview channels without a subscription?

Your Sky Box will still receive Free-To-Air channels after you cancel, but if it's a Sky+ then all it's recording functionality will be disabled and you also won't be able to view any existing recordings you have made.
However, if this is just for an extra room, then I think your old Sky box should be more than adequate for your needs.

flashg67

This link shows the difference between a sky box with no subscription and a freesat box - not sure how up to date it is. http://www.ukfree.tv/compare11.php?opt=1

It is a case of just swapping the sky box for a freesat box if that's what you choose to do.

Do you have a Richer Sounds branch near you - usually good value & service for TVs etc

macman

Alibali wrote: »

Also, do I need a free sat box or would my existing sky box pick up freeview channels without a subscription?

You can't get any Freeview channels via a Sky box. Freeview is a terrestial service via an aerial. As above, you will get the sky FTA channels.
Freesat is a straight box swap, nothing else required.

Kite2010

When you cancel your multi-room, your existing Sky box will turn into a "Freesat by Sky" box (http://www.sky.com/shop/freesat/home/) which is similar to Freesat.

Depending what you actually watch on that box might mean it is suitable for your needs without buying a new Freesat box.

pineapple

There is a lot of confusion about Freesat - there is Freesat from Sky and there is there is the other BBC/ITV Freesat. To continue watching Sky just cancel the subscription. You will lose a few channels and you won't be able to record.
If you want to record, invest in a BBC/ITV freesat box with recording capabilities. There is no monthly subscription - just the capital outlay.

[Deleted User]

pineapple wrote: »

To continue watching Sky just cancel the subscription. You will lose a few channels and you won't be able to record.

If you cancel Sky you'll cease to be able to view all Sky subscription channels, more than a few.
However, there will certainly be plenty of Free-To-Air channels which remain viewable though not (as you say) recordable.

teddysmum

I posted a link in a thread called 'Compare Freeview and Freesat ' which tells you what channels are available for various viewing methods.

Heinz

teddysmum wrote: »

I posted a link in a thread called 'Compare Freeview and Freesat ' which tells you what channels are available for various viewing methods.

See Post #4 above.

pineapple

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

If you cancel Sky you'll cease to be able to view all Sky subscription channels, more than a few.
However, there will certainly be plenty of Free-To-Air channels which remain viewable though not (as you say) recordable.

The only reason for me being on satellite in the first place was no aerial signal hereabouts so I was only on the most basic subscription. Therefore I didn't see a huge difference. When I phoned to cancel, the Sky customer services person tried all sorts of things to get me to stay.
Like offering some free months, to overstating the loss of channels and even trying to tell me the signal wouldn't be as good! Umm excuse me? Same box, same satellite....