Taking the Jump... Sky TV

[Deleted User]

Hi..
I'm seriously thinking of cutting out my Sky TV package and just having broadband and line rental, at the moment).

I haven't yet looked around for a cheaper broadband packages.
The question I'd like to ask to those who have done this is what channels are you left with that you can still watch?
Is there a lost of them somewhere?  And
I understand that I can't record and I don't watch or record much anyway. But before I take the leap to get rid of my TV package I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing. I have an outdoor Ariel but it's not a great signal.

Are there any cheaper solutions?

Cornucopia

It's easier to start from the position of what channels/services do you want to be able to access.   Is your Broadband fast enough for reliable streaming?

There are loads of different options available now, that go right down to entirely free options (ad-funded) that don't even require a TV Licence.

flashg67

If your aerial is not good and you don't want to replace it and so stick with a dish, then these are the channels you'll likely be left with - https://www.freesat.co.uk/channels

NOW Tv Entertainent package is an option if you still want some of the sky channels - it's online only but only 30 days commitment - Watch TV, Movies & Live Sports Online - NOW - Join in (nowtv.com)

If you need to record, freesat recorders are available which will replace your sky box entirely - eg Recordable 4K TV Box | Freesat

[Deleted User]

Thank you. I'll look into them all. Although freesat and now TV seem to be what I'm looking for.
My broadband isn't that great.
I haven't got a smart TV either but it's something I'm thinking of getting but wanted to know other options as I've always had sky TV. I'd rather go down the route of not having a TV licence as well but not sure how that works if you have live TV.
It's all a bit confusing and I've been with sky for years but it's getting too expensive with everything else going up now.

[Deleted User]

You can not watch live tv or catch-up via bbc iPlayer without a license. 

You can watch commercial catchup and paid for streaming like Netflix without a license. 

You will need decent broadband. Buy a cheap fire stick to test it out. You do not need a smart tv as the fire stick will be better. 

How is streaming on your phone or laptop? Does it buffer?

Cornucopia

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/broadband-and-tv/tv-licence/

[Deleted User]

The streaming is good.
And thanks for cornucopia I thought I'd still need to pay for that.
Now I just need to know what channels I'm going to loose and going to still get by cancelling the TV package.

JSmithy45AD

[Deleted User] said:

The streaming is good.
And thanks for cornucopia I thought I'd still need to pay for that.
Now I just need to know what channels I'm going to loose and going to still get by cancelling the TV package.

I'm presuming you don't have a Q system? If you do they ask for that back (they'll charge you if you don't), also the LNB would need changing for a Freesat box if it's a Q LNB.

[Deleted User]

No I've just got sky + box which is mine anyway as is the sky dish. 

Eventually most of its going anyway when I buy an up to date TV with apps so I can stream. It's just a bit of an upheaval to do at the moment as I want rid of the fireplace where the TV is above it and to have it all built in which means a false wall will be built. I still have a surround sound system so that all needs to come out too. A big job but I luckily my boyfriend's a carpenter.

Neil_Jones

[Deleted User] said:

No I've just got sky + box which is mine anyway as is the sky dish. 

Eventually most of its going anyway when I buy an up to date TV with apps so I can stream. It's just a bit of an upheaval to do at the moment as I want rid of the fireplace where the TV is above it and to have it all built in which means a false wall will be built. I still have a surround sound system so that all needs to come out too. A big job but I luckily my boyfriend's a carpenter.

You don't need a new TV with apps to be able to stream.

Two words:  Fire Stick.  All the functionality of smart TVs and apps without the need to buy a new telly.

[Deleted User]

Thanks. My TV is so old it hadn't even got a usb port. It's a plasma too which I've been told is expensive to run.
Everything I have is outdated. So I'm saving to buy all new next year, which is why I'm not too fussed about a TV package yet.