Leaving SKy and going Freeview..................

[newbie]

Sky have yet again put up our subscription and we also need to look at our pennies now that I am about to lose my job. So can anyone recommend a free to view system. I would like to be able to be able to record like Sky+ and also would like HD. Would also need for me son to be able to ciew in his room - so does that mean 2 boxes? Any advice would be welcome.

[VHG]

First, if you phone Sky and tell them you lost your job and are leaving they MAY offer you deal to pay less each month, it has been known (and they dont like losing customers).

Your only three "free" options are Freeview (via an aerial), Freesat (via a dish like a Sky dish), or to keep your Sky box but pay no money to Sky and just watch their "free" channels. They call this Freesat from Sky and you get 6 HD channels. I think you lose the "record" facility on your Sky box though. More here:

http://www.sky.com/shop/freesat/home/

Both freeview and freesat have some HD channels though not many, so you need to buy a box capable of watching HD.

There are boxes, normally called PVR (Personal Video Recoder) that include a hard disk and allow you to record programs like you can with a Sky box.

Probably best if you have two boxes so you and your son can watch and record what you like. He will of couse need a link to the Sky dish if he wants freesat.

Humax make good PVRs.

[quizzywig]

We gave up sky years ago and don't regret it at all. Far too much money for what you get. We have freview and freesat - some rubbish channels but never mind that, once you get the box (or boxes) it's free! and think of the money you'll be saving in the long run.

[Tizzi24]

I also gave up Sky years ago with no regrets. I think they have priced themselves out of the market, but I suppose there will always be people who can't live without their Sky! I don't miss it at all and have switched to Freeview.

[Paul22118]

We left Sky as it was costing too much for what we got - our opinion but there you go. Bought a new flatscreen tv, so the 'box' is now integral and all one needed to do was plug it in to the mains, connect the roof aerial and tune in. Job done. We don't bother with recording but our daughter does with a PVR. Brilliant. No fees, no hassle and she can record and play back at will. We gave our digibox to Salvation Army hostels along with the tele.

[newbie]

Thank you so much everybody for your answers. They have really helped to make my mind up. Sky are offering me all sorts of deals so I am thinking of which is best. Once again thanks.

[chi-chi66]

I did read somewhere, maybe on this site, that if you give up your subscription
you can still get 'freeview' on your same box....I could be wrong.