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Switching from Sky to Freesat
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~~Diane~~
Posts: 770 Forumite

At the moment I have a full HD+ package from Sky (won in a comp). It is due to end the middle of February.
How do I go about just having the free channel service, just read an older thread and confussed the hell out of me.
Can I still use the box I have or do I need to replace with another. I do like to record programmes and would miss the pause function.
I've just looked on Amazon at this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Humax-Freesat-Receiver-Free-Time/dp/B00EZ40A9I/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1388400327&sr=8-15&keywords=freesat+pvr+recorder would this be of any use, or am I totally off track?
Also do I have to keep the broadband to keep the landline, I was told by a neighbour I have to have broadband to keep the landline, I stopped actually using the broadband and unplugged it some months ago and switched to Virgin 60meg, Sky couldn't handle all the computers xbox's and tablets.
Any help would be appreciated before I phone Sky.
How do I go about just having the free channel service, just read an older thread and confussed the hell out of me.

I've just looked on Amazon at this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Humax-Freesat-Receiver-Free-Time/dp/B00EZ40A9I/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1388400327&sr=8-15&keywords=freesat+pvr+recorder would this be of any use, or am I totally off track?
Also do I have to keep the broadband to keep the landline, I was told by a neighbour I have to have broadband to keep the landline, I stopped actually using the broadband and unplugged it some months ago and switched to Virgin 60meg, Sky couldn't handle all the computers xbox's and tablets.
Any help would be appreciated before I phone Sky.
2011 Sealed Pot Challenge #1238 hoping for £250 ~ saved £743.32
2012 Sealed Pot Challenge #1238 hoping for £250 ~ saved £435.75
2013 Sealed Pot Challenge #1238 hoping for £300 ~ saved £521
2014 Sealed Pot Challenge #1238 hoping for £400 ~ saved
2012 Sealed Pot Challenge #1238 hoping for £250 ~ saved £435.75
2013 Sealed Pot Challenge #1238 hoping for £300 ~ saved £521
2014 Sealed Pot Challenge #1238 hoping for £400 ~ saved
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Comments
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How do I go about just having the free channel serviceI do like to record programmes and would miss the pause function.
You could buy that Humax you linked to if you still want to record and pause.do I have to keep the broadband to keep the landline, I was told by a neighbour I have to have broadband to keep the landline.
However, as you've moved your broadband to Virgin already, it might be wise to switch your 'phone to Virgin as well. The cost of your overall package will be reduced if you combine the two with one provider.
Hope that helps..0 -
Thank you Moneyineptitude, just one more question do I replace the Sky box with the Humax or use both:o2011 Sealed Pot Challenge #1238 hoping for £250 ~ saved £743.32
2012 Sealed Pot Challenge #1238 hoping for £250 ~ saved £435.75
2013 Sealed Pot Challenge #1238 hoping for £300 ~ saved £521
2014 Sealed Pot Challenge #1238 hoping for £400 ~ saved0 -
Thank you Moneyineptitude, just one more question do I replace the Sky box with the Humax or use both:o0
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Without a Sky subscription you will just be able to receive "live" broadcasts of the free-to-air channels.
If you want to see what you'll get, just take the viewing card out of your Sky box (probably power it off first).
You won't be able to record and won't be able to access saved recordings.
I've got a Sky box in another room with no viewing card in it, and I receive the free channels. I also have a friend who had an unknown cable into their rented accomodation; I gave them an old Sky box and they plugged it in and it works!
As mentioned above, you can pay Sky a fee to allow you to record.
But without that, the recording facility of your box is wasted and you're just using electricity powering it, so you may as well get a standalone non-recording box (you can get HD ones as well as standard - they often come as a 2nd box in a multi-room setup; that's what I've got in my 2nd room).0 -
The sky box will turn into a 'freesat by Sky' box, which is a different service from freesat (which is what you get with the humax). I believe the channels are pretty much the same, just you get more rubbish channels with the !!!!!! service.0
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The sky box will turn into a 'freesat by Sky' box, which is a different service from freesat (which is what you get with the humax). I believe the channels are pretty much the same, just you get more rubbish channels with the !!!!!! service.0
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Thanks everyone, I'll get it sorted tomorrow. :beer:2011 Sealed Pot Challenge #1238 hoping for £250 ~ saved £743.32
2012 Sealed Pot Challenge #1238 hoping for £250 ~ saved £435.75
2013 Sealed Pot Challenge #1238 hoping for £300 ~ saved £521
2014 Sealed Pot Challenge #1238 hoping for £400 ~ saved0 -
As mentioned above, you can pay Sky a fee to allow you to record.
But without that, the recording facility of your box is wasted and you're just using electricity powering it, so you may as well get a standalone non-recording box0 -
Moneyineptitude wrote: »A Sky+ decoder doesn't use appreciably more electricity than a basic box. certainly not enough to make it worthwhile purchasing a different box.
I certainly wouldn't recommend buying a box, no siree!0 -
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