Cancelling Sky Digital & using Freesat

L.T.P.

I am thinking of cancelling my Sky digital and using Freesat instead. Will the Freesat box work if I plug my existing cable that runs from my Sky dish into it and repoint the sky dish towards the Astra 2d satellite or will I have to use a different dish?

St Senan

L.T.P. wrote: »

I am thinking of cancelling my Sky digital and using Freesat instead. Will the Freesat box work if I plug my existing cable that runs from my Sky dish into it and repoint the sky dish towards the Astra 2d satellite or will I have to use a different dish?

No need to re-point your dish and there is no need for a freesat box just cancel sky and take the card out of your sky box power it off and when you switch it back on you will receive all the free channels. Channel 5 can be added manually through other channels

KELTICKNIGHTT

you dont need too reposition you sat dish,but do as other poster said to get free channel,rte digital will be live end of this month, i did the same,but got a box too receive free channels,was jsut a little better than the sky one

L.T.P.

Thanks for the replies guys, glad I asked!

laoisfan

Hi,

I was about to start a new thread on same subject but might piggy-back on this

I have a standard sky box with sky subscription (12-month contract was up in August). So all I need to do is cancel subscription, remove existing card, power down-power up box and hey presto?

Just to clarify that one does not require the viewing card? Reason I ask is this => click here

Also, KELTICKNIGHTT mentioned that RTE will be digital at end of month. I take it I will continue to receive RTE if I do the above? (perhaps some tuning required maybe?).

Thanks!

John mac

laoisfan wrote: »

Hi,

I was about to start a new thread on same subject but might piggy-back on this

I have a standard sky box with sky subscription (12-month contract was up in August). So all I need to do is cancel subscription, remove existing card, power down-power up box and hey presto?

Just to clarify that one does not require the viewing card? Reason I ask is this => click here

Also, KELTICKNIGHTT mentioned that RTE will be digital at end of month. I take it I will continue to receive RTE if I do the above? (perhaps some tuning required maybe?).

Thanks!

NO,
RTE is not and wont be available through a sky box without a sub.

Sam Russell

John mac wrote: »

NO,
RTE is not and wont be available through a sky box without a sub.

Nor will RTE be available from a Freesat box. You need an aerial for RTE if you wish to receive it without a sub. To receive it digitally, you need to be able to get DTT (95% should) and you need an MPEG4 TV, or a Set top box with MPEG4.

KELTICKNIGHTT

laoisfan wrote: »

Hi,

I was about to start a new thread on same subject but might piggy-back on this

I have a standard sky box with sky subscription (12-month contract was up in August). So all I need to do is cancel subscription, remove existing card, power down-power up box and hey presto?

Just to clarify that one does not require the viewing card? Reason I ask is this => click here

Also, KELTICKNIGHTT mentioned that RTE will be digital at end of month. I take it I will continue to receive RTE if I do the above? (perhaps some tuning required maybe?).

Thanks!

yes ,rte is going digital but you need a digital compat aerial and this digatal box too use rte digital setup,think the box is 80 or 90 euros as i was quoted 2 days ago,

The Cush

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

yes ,rte is going digital but you need a digital compat aerial and this digatal box too use rte digital setup,think the box is 80 or 90 euros as i was quoted 2 days ago,

No such thing as a digital aerial. An aerial will receive digital or analogue transmissions but you do require the correct group aerial that matches the frequency range used by your local transmitter.

KELTICKNIGHTT

The Cush wrote: »

No such thing as a digital aerial. An aerial will receive digital or analogue transmissions but you do require the correct group aerial that matches the frequency range used by your local transmitter.

ok,we play with words,but know what i mean

The Cush

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

ok,we play with words,but know what i mean

You may play with words but for people who don't understand the technical side of what's happening this adds to the confusion already out there. The words digital-aerial will be used by con-men and rogues to try and extract money from a less than knowledgeable public once the service is launched and analogue switchoff is on the horizon (together with the Sky and UPC lot no doubt).

The vast majority of viewers switching to DTT will be those that have an existing aerial for analogue TV and in most cases it will suffice.

If you understand the subject the onus is on you to give the most accurate answer possible to those that have little or no knowledge of what's happening and not play with words.

I suspect we will require a website like Bill Wright's PARAS too.

Tony

The Cush wrote: »

You may play with words but for people who don't understand the technical side of what's happening this adds to the confusion already out there. .

Edit: I fully agree with the comments expressed above.

KELTICKNIGHTT

The Cush wrote: »

You may play with words but for people who don't understand the technical side of what's happening this adds to the confusion already out there. The words digital-aerial will be used by con-men and rouges to try and extract money from a less than knowledgeable public once the service is launched and analogue switchoff is on the horizon (together with the Sky and UPC lot no doubt).

The vast majority of viewers switching to DTT will be those that have an existing aerial for analogue TV and in most cases it will suffice.

If you understand the subject the onus is on you to give the most accurate answer possible to those that have little or no knowledge of what's happening and not play with words.
then check some of ads selling these aerials and saying digital,
I suspect we will require a website like Bill Wright's PARAS too.

so i guess you might suggest these are misleading too,like sold in like of some online shops and website
where some say digital compatible without reference too the give being a certain mpeg,
we have installer contractors who do do sky and tv works,so wel aware of supplies and contractors in irelands and what they do and dont tell there customers

KELTICKNIGHTT

Tony wrote: »

+1

-1

The Cush

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

so i guess you might suggest these are misleading too,like sold in like of some online shops and website

Yes.

KELTICKNIGHTT

WE defo need a programme on tve like ROUGE TRADERS here in ireland, the ratings would be good on tve too,
put some some of these rouge traders here in public view and then but them up on a websites for all too see,get rid of a lot of scams here

Tony

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

-1

+1 means I agree with the comments expressed. If you have a different view then fire ahead but writing -1 does not exactly help the debate.

KELTICKNIGHTT

Tony wrote: »

+1 means I agree with the comments expressed. If you have a different view then fire ahead but writing -1 does not exactly help the debate.

either does plus 1,does it and i added a comment after words,like about rouge traders and people charging too much etc

Tony

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

either does plus 1,does it and i added a comment after words,like about rouge traders and people charging too much etc

Nonsense your post contained nothing but -1, but for your benefit I'll edit my post.

Lets move on

KELTICKNIGHTT

Tony wrote: »

Nonsense your post contained nothing but -1, but for your benefit I'll edit my post.

Lets move on

the post i made above yours
post 17

Tony

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

the post i made above yours
post 17

My eye were open, (good that you edited that out) I was referring to a specific post you made which said nothing more than "-1" . If it was your intention that post this in the context of another point you made then simply put both in the same post, its not difficult.
I understand your are miffed at being taken to task for using misleading terms but I would suggest that we move on and get back on topic or failing that close the thread if th OP is happy with the information received.

Cantona's Collars

Back on topic (after reading through some strange uses of the English language)
The OP's Sky box is quite sufficient for use as a fta satellite receiver.An outdoor ariel will be fine to pick up Irish DTT.Best wait until official launch to pick up a compatible receiver for DTT to avoid any confusion but the likes of Tony,Scaller and the guy's know their stuff and are willing to help anyone with questions regarding satellite and DTT.
Turning the thread into a childish argument is unhelpful and some of the posts were just causing confusion and had no relevance to the OP who unlike some of us has little knowledge of satellite tv or DTT and just wants simple answers.
However the powers that be have given out little or no info regarding digital switchover and I'm afraid that a lot of rip-off merchants will jump on the bandwagon.Along the East Coast it will be a great opportunity to replace ancient(and downright dangerous) equipment.The newer installs are fine and would probably need nothing more than to be turned to face the Irish transmitters as a lot of people will use DTT along with FTA/Freesat or Sky.

St Senan

zerks wrote: »

Back on topic (after reading through some strange uses of the English language)
The OP's Sky box is quite sufficient for use as a fta satellite receiver.An outdoor ariel will be fine to pick up Irish DTT.Best wait until official launch to pick up a compatible receiver for DTT to avoid any confusion but the likes of Tony,Scaller and the guy's know their stuff and are willing to help anyone with questions regarding satellite and DTT.
Turning the thread into a childish argument is unhelpful and some of the posts were just causing confusion and had no relevance to the OP who unlike some of us has little knowledge of satellite tv or DTT and just wants simple answers.
However the powers that be have given out little or no info regarding digital switchover and I'm afraid that a lot of rip-off merchants will jump on the bandwagon.Along the East Coast it will be a great opportunity to replace ancient(and downright dangerous) equipment.The newer installs are fine and would probably need nothing more than to be turned to face the Irish transmitters as a lot of people will use DTT along with FTA/Freesat or Sky.

+1 and 2

Apogee

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

either does plus 1,does it and i added a comment after words,like about rouge traders

They're bad enough, but you have to be really careful with the ones who wear eye liner.

Cantona's Collars

Apogee wrote: »

They're bad enough, but you have to be really careful with the ones who wear eye liner.

:D:D:D:D:D Having visions of a transvestite up a ladder doing installs,lol.

Tony

zerks wrote: »

:D:D:D:D:D Having visions of a transvestite up a ladder doing installs,lol.

up a ladder with a ladder if their legs get snagged on something.

KELTICKNIGHTT

Apogee wrote: »

They're bad enough, but you have to be really careful with the ones who wear eye liner.

be careful.might be online here

Kristopherus

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

WE defo need a programme on tve like ROUGE TRADERS here in ireland, the ratings would be good on tve too,
put some some of these rouge traders here in public view and then but them up on a websites for all too see,get rid of a lot of scams here

ROUGE = RED in French.

I suspect you mean ROGUE.

KELTICKNIGHTT

Kristopherus wrote: »

ROUGE = RED in French.

I suspect you mean ROGUE.

i stand corrected,was rushing out
but you get the drift

Cantona's Collars

Believe it or not,I have actually heard of people taking down their Sky dishes or hiding away their old boxes "so Sky won't be able to bill them after they cancelled". It takes all sorts I suppose but I still find it funny.A relation of mine cancelled Sky before 'cos she thought there was too much "filth" on it-imagine her horror when she discovered the 'slut on a sofa' channels were fta.:) I tried to explain parental controls but may as well have told the cat.

LisaO

Hi guys.

Couple of questions following on from original topic. Current Sky contract over a year now so would be OK to cancel & use box for FTA & would need to add aerial for RTE.

Have Sky HD+ & a standard Sky box on multi-room, so:

Would HD still work?

Would Multi-room still work?

Can I still use HD+ box to record programmes?

Thanks in advance & sorry if these are basic questions but not very tech-minded.

Johnmb

LisaO wrote: »

Hi guys.

Couple of questions following on from original topic. Current Sky contract over a year now so would be OK to cancel & use box for FTA & would need to add aerial for RTE.

Once the minimum contract is up, and you didn't sign up for a new one, then yes to both.

Have Sky HD+ & a standard Sky box on multi-room, so:

Would HD still work?

Yes, for the FTA HD channels (BBC HD, ITV1 HD, Luxe HD I think are the only ones atm, the first two are the only ones I watch so not sure about any others)

Would Multi-room still work?

Yes, for the FTA channels.

Can I still use HD+ box to record programmes?

No. Sky+ requires a subscription. I think you can subscribe to it on its own (i.e. without any channel packs) but it would cost €15/month, and you still wouldn't be able to record the ITV channels, nor BBC 3/4, so I don't think it is worth it. It would probably work out cheaper to buy a Freesat box with PVR capabilities.

bryaner

I'm ringing sky today to cancel, pretty pissed off that I wont be able to record anymore though..

KELTICKNIGHTT

theres freesat boxes out there that have hd and can record,mind you ,there also 300 euros:eek:

Sam Russell

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

theres freesat boxes out there that have hd and can record,mind you ,there also 300 euros:eek:

Well, if you are paying for HD and multiroom, that is about €65 a month, so only 5 months and you have paid for a much better system - for good.

KELTICKNIGHTT

Sam Russell wrote: »

Well, if you are paying for HD and multiroom, that is about €65 a month, so only 5 months and you have paid for a much better system - for good.

dont have multiroom and or hd sub ,not enough channels at the time on hd,but your correct,when i leave sky soon,would be looking at a hd freesat box with recording probably,even on a standard package over a year,would have cost of hd freesat with record,with rte digital setup,no monthly bill too in cure

LisaO

Sam Russell wrote: »

Well, if you are paying for HD and multiroom, that is about €65 a month, so only 5 months and you have paid for a much better system - for good.

Would be the way I'm thinking too And like most people we tend to record lots of stuff we never get around to watching. So may go without the recording option for a few months & see how we go. If we can't live without it then can look at getting a box with recording.

Only problem now is persuading daughter she will be able to live without Hannah Montana & Simpsons on tap.:D

Cantona's Collars

Cancel HD-that's €15 a month saved,cancel multiroom and use for fta,another €15 a month saved,drop the mixes you don't watch and save a bit more,you get to keep your recording and keep the daughter happy with Sky1 and Disney Channel.

LisaO

zerks wrote: »

Cancel HD-that's €15 a month saved,cancel multiroom and use for fta,another €15 a month saved,drop the mixes you don't watch and save a bit more,you get to keep your recording and keep the daughter happy with Sky1 and Disney Channel.

Good idea, that could be a very workable solution. (Although personally I see no harm in ditching the Disney Channel )

ugens

Just moved into rented accommodation, the previous tenants had sky but canceled their service. I was planning to get a non Sky FTA box and plug into the Satellite that's already there. Will it the FTA box receive a signal through the sky dish?

Where is the best place to buy a FTA digital box?

ActingDanClark

go to adverts.ie and search for sky digital box..you'll pick one up for €30 and the programme guide will be better than the ones for lidl etc for €60

Johnmb

ugens wrote: »

Just moved into rented accommodation, the previous tenants had sky but canceled their service. I was planning to get a non Sky FTA box and plug into the Satellite that's already there. Will it the FTA box receive a signal through the sky dish?

Where is the best place to buy a FTA digital box?

A FTA box will work fine with the dish (as long as everything is still hooked up correctly). For ease of use though, a Freesat box might be better than a FTA one. That'll have a full 7 day EPG listing, and will keep the channels up to date on the EPG, whereas a basic FTA box will only have now/next EPG listings, and you will need to rescan channels if they move transponders etc.