Switching from Sky to Freesat

~~Diane~~

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.

[Deleted User]

~~Diane~~ wrote: »

How do I go about just having the free channel service

After you cancel, your existing Sky equipment will continue to receive the many Free-To-Air channels. So you actually need to do nothing at all.

~~Diane~~ wrote: »

I do like to record programmes and would miss the pause function.

This won't be available to you unless you continue to pay Sky around a tenner a month to keep the Sky+ facilities.

You could buy that Humax you linked to if you still want to record and pause.

~~Diane~~ wrote: »

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.

Once you have completed the minimum term of your contract you can add or subtract services as you please. There is no requirement to have broadband in order to have landline telephone.

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..

~~Diane~~

Thank you Moneyineptitude, just one more question do I replace the Sky box with the Humax or use both:o

[Deleted User]

~~Diane~~ wrote: »

Thank you Moneyineptitude, just one more question do I replace the Sky box with the Humax or use both:o

If you replace the Sky box, it will be redundant unless you want to plug it into another TV (but it will still need a connection to the satellite dish in order to work, of course).

prowla

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).

Kite2010

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.

[Deleted User]

Kite2010 wrote: »

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.

Hardly, the main difference is that the BBC and ITV channels remain linked to the customer's postcode by default. Otherwise, the Free-To-Air channels are exactly the same as they are all beamed from the same satellite. Of course, with Freesat-From-Sky all the old subscription channels remain part of the EPG, probably to "tempt" the customer to return to Sky.

~~Diane~~

Thanks everyone, I'll get it sorted tomorrow. :beer:

[Deleted User]

prowla wrote: »

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

A Sky+ decoder doesn't use appreciably more electricity than a basic box. certainly not enough to make it worthwhile purchasing a different box.

prowla

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.

The hard disk will be spinning.

I certainly wouldn't recommend buying a box, no siree!

[Deleted User]

prowla wrote: »

The hard disk will be spinning.

The extra electricity required is negligible. The OP should only change the box if the ability to record is essential and then only for a Freesat PVR which doesn't require subscription.