Switching to BT / Freeview from Sky

Kenco5

I'm planning to leave Sky and switch to BT for broadband and TV. I did an online check and it says I can receive "over 30 channels" via freeview, which doesn't sound a lot. However, BT assure me that most of their premium and Sports channels are received via my broadband, so this is ok if true.


Also my broadband speed is apparently about 7.2mbps. Is this good or bad? Is this going to be different to what I get currently with Sky or will it be the same regardless of the provider?


Anyone have difficulties switching from Sky to BT?

JJ_Egan

Freeview is free to air via an Aerial .
That depends upon your location for channels .

BT TV and BT Sport are both Internet services .

Your speed is low and its going to depend upon what you switch to . But you say BT TV that usually means you will take out BT Fibre that is much faster .

Kenco5

I think my location is not good for TV, I'm getting someone to look at my aerial to make sure it's working to the best of it's abilities.


There is a green box saying BT fibre is available and I chatted to a BT advisor who said I can get Fibre and the Total Entertainment pack at my address, so I assume that is good. Just don't want it to be slower than I get now.

JJ_Egan

Fibre is up to 38meg and 76 meg .

With a decent digital ( as it was called at the time ) Aerial i get 164 channels on a Freeview scan radio and tv .

Kenco5

I'm a bit concerned I may miss out on some freeview channels due to my poor aerial signal.


Any idea if ITVBe is on BT TV? I can't seem to see a list of all channels anywhere.

Neil_Jones

ITVBe is on Freeview.

[Deleted User]

Neil_Jones wrote: »

ITVBe is on Freeview.

Kenco5 has a poor aerial signal apparently.

JJ_Egan

BT TV channels paid and unpaid .
http://bt.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/46017/~/what-channels-are-available-on-bt-tv%3F

Kenco5

Thanks for the link - looks like I can only get 19 freeview channels at my address, which sounds a bit rubbish!


Any other way to watch these freeview channels through my TV? I guess my old Sky box will still work as a freesat box but will I be able to record on it?

[Deleted User]

Kenco5 wrote: »

Any other way to watch these freeview channels through my TV? I guess my old Sky box will still work as a freesat box but will I be able to record on it?

The Sky box will continue receiving all the Free-To-Air channels available via satellite, but if you want recording features you'll either have to continue paying Sky a Sky+ subscription or purchase your own Freesat PVR. The latter is the money-saving option in the long term.

Kenco5

How about catch-up TV? Does that work through broadband? If so, I imagine I could get programmes from channels like ITVBe via the ITV player?