Freeview TV

[TrciaT]

My son has cancelled his Sky tv subscription as he is working abroad for 12 months.When we go to his house will we be able to watch Freeview using his Sky+ box or will we need a different Freeview box?Thank you

[Postdog]

sky is satellite not freeview

[Buenchico]

Nobody can watch Freeview via satellite. It's a strictly terrestrial service.

However, there are (confusingly) two separate 'FreeSat' services (which are similar to, but not the same as Freeview). It might be possible to receive the new BBC FreeSat service using Sky equipment but this is not guaranteed (Most people need separate equipment). . However, you can certainly get 'FreeSat from Sky', as long as you fork out �20 for a viewing card. (It's a one-off payment. No subscription is required).

For a list of available channels on FreeSat from Sky, see here:
http://www.freesatfromsky.co.uk/freesat-tv-cho ice-all.aspx
(If you explore that site you'll find references to paying either �75 or �150 to get the service. You should ignore these since they only apply to people without an existing Sky installation. As stated, the price of a viewing card is just �20).

That list includes both 'free to view' services (which are encrypted and require the viewing card) and 'free to air' services (which are unencrypted and you could get even without the card).

If you use the box without a valid viewing card, you'll be restricted to the 'free to air' channels, which are listed here:
http://www.thecaretakers.net/forum/viewtopic.p hp?p=100202

Chris

[Cockney_si]

You should still be able to get the terrestrial channels, the bbc three and four and ITV 2 and stuff like that.

Also some music channels and some film channels like Zone horror, thriller, movies for men.

[TrciaT]

Thank you for your help.We are not wanting to watch lots of different channels,but since his house is in the Peak District reception is not always good using an ordinary aerial.That is why I wanted to know about watching via the satellite dish. Thanks .