Free channels on SkyBox?

Annabee

We are moving into a rental property and the landlord has supplied a TV and SkyBox. We thought we'd just have the free channels and not bother paying anything to Sky. However I checked it out today and whilst there are a lot of channels we can see on there, for some reason there is no Channel 4 or Five. Yet there is More4 and E4! There is also no SkyThree. I thought these channels were free to air?

There is no viewing card in the box and when you try to get Channel 4 it just says 'insert Sky viewing card' just like it does when you select a subscription channel. Anyone know why and what can be done?

Bob63

You need a viewing card to get all the free channels. From Sky's FAQ....

Q: I already have Sky digital satellite equipment - what else do I need?

A: All you need to gain access to the free channels available on the digital satellite platform is a Freesat from Sky viewing card, which costs just £20. If you’d like to access the interactive services available, you’ll also need a working phone line. To purchase a viewing card please phone Sky on 08448 244 400.

Annabee

Thanks - we have a skybox of our own at this house which has a viewing card. We have given notice to sky. I wonder if our own old viewing card would act as a freesat card?

Oliver27

yes it will.

Inactive

Annabee wrote: »

Thanks - we have a skybox of our own at this house which has a viewing card. We have given notice to sky. I wonder if our own old viewing card would act as a freesat card?

Yes, if it doesn't immediately open the channels that you mentioned, just leave it in the box and switched on, it will come to life after a while.;)

Lakeuk

You can also add channel4 manually to the 'other channels' section on the sky box using the details at king of sat

http://en.kingofsat.net/tp.php?tp=500

trinidadone

I have decided to leave sky after a happy five year relationship. There customer service has always been second to none for me, great people, but because of the credit crunch, I am having to cut back.

I have talk talk supplying my home phone and broadband now. I was really surprised to hear once you leave sky, your box can be used as freeview to access the free chanals. I guess this is sky's way of keping you, because at a touch of a switch, you can be back with them in seconds.

I wanted to ask, when I access the fre channels after 30 days are they like for like with all freeview boxes? Also, will sky come out if there is a problem with the dish on the roof or with the box itself?

Lastly, anyone know of a compiled list of programmes accessed?

Phantom_Flan_Flinger

Lee_Dunford wrote: »

I wanted to ask, when I access the fre channels after 30 days are they like for like with all freeview boxes? Also, will sky come out if there is a problem with the dish on the roof or with the box itself?

Lastly, anyone know of a compiled list of programmes accessed?

The channels on Sky Freesat do differ from the Freeview channels. The full Sky list is here.

I see no reason why Sky wouldn't come out to you if you have problams down the line, but they'll obviously charge you for the privilege. I couldn't tell you what their fees are though.

Inactive

Lee_Dunford wrote: »

I wanted to ask, when I access the fre channels after 30 days are they like for like with all freeview boxes? Also, will sky come out if there is a problem with the dish on the roof or with the box itself?

They are not the same as Freeview, there are more, but not so good channels IMO.

If you have a problem with your Sky Box, or dish, there are plenty of very cheap ones available on eBay.