If you have a Sky receiver sitting at home and you’re wondering if you can convert Sky Box to Freesat recorder, this tutorial is just right for you!
To end the confusion, we’ll give you a complete walkthrough of whether or not you can use and convert your Sky Box to a Freesat recorder.
If you’re wondering if you can use your Sky Box to be a Freesat recorder, the answer is no, because your receiver is from Sky and it’s not the same company as Freesat. To be able to record Freesat, you’ll need a respective Freesat set-top box (STB) with a hard drive.
Before we get deeper into that, let us first try to discuss the possibility of using your Sky Box for Freesat.
Can Sky Box Be Used for Freesat?
To answer it shortly and easily, yes, you can use it for Freesat for limited channels.
Before, it was possible through Sky’s program Freesat From Sky, but earlier this year, they ceased giving out viewing cards for Freesat From Sky.
But, what if my Sky subscription ended without getting Freesat From Sky? Would it still be possible to use my Sky Box for Freesat?
Yes, you’ll still be able to watch a few channels on your telly without being bloody annoyed!
If this is the case, only free-to-air (FTA) channels would be available on your Sky Box because you do not have a viewing card.
The things you’ll need for this would be:
- A working and fully functioning Sky Box
- Satellite Dish pointing to where Sky Digital Satellites are
Take note, though, that “Freesat” is not the same as Freesat From Sky, so, you could have quite a few challenges in accessing some of Freesat’s channels with the thought that it’s the same with Freesat From Sky.
At What Coordinates Can I Get Freesat Using My Dish?
As per most recent data, the service of Freecast is broadcasted from Eurobird 1 satellites at 28°5 E (east), and Astra 2 satellites at 28°2 E (east).
If you’re knowledgeable in getting your existing dish to these coordinates, you’ll easily be able to get Freesat programmes available.
So, is it possible to use a Sky Box as a Freesat recorder?
Can I Convert Sky Box to Freesat Recorder?
As good as we want this to be, no, it’s not possible. Even if you’re still a Sky subscriber, it wouldn’t be possible to record output from a Freesat box.
To do this, you would need to have a Freesat set-top box (STB) with a recorder instead. So, whether or not you’re cancelled with Sky, it’ll be impossible to record Freesat output on your Sky Box.
If this is what the case is, how can I record Freesat? What do I need to be able to record and save your favourite Freesat programmes and channels?
How to Record on Freesat?
There are many ways for you to be able to record channels and networks on the Freesat network! And we’re glad to help you be aware of it!
Method #1: Freesat From Sky With Sky Monthly Payment For Features
For you to be able to record Freesat without needing any other box or receiver, you’ll need to purchase the £25 Freesat From Sky viewing card and pay for the Sky + monthly plan, which costs £10 per month.
To establish this, follow these steps:
- Contact Sky and tell them that you’re switching to Freesat From Sky.
- If you already have a dish and a receiver, you’ll only have to pay a one-time fee.
- Then, you’ll be given the viewing card and that’s it!
Once that’s done and established, you will no longer be paying for your monthly payments to Sky and you can enjoy Freesat From Sky with the ability to record, playback, and schedule downloads for a small fee!
Method #2: Buying a Freesat Receiver
The next step is for you to get a Freesat receiver, of course. And the receiver must have a hard drive along with it, so it’ll have storage or memory.
You’ll be able to find Freesat receivers from John Lewis, Currys, and Argos.
To do this, you can contact Freesat to ask for their help and assistance. But, if you know your ropes well enough and if you were previously a Sky subscriber, you can do it yourself!
- Ensure that you have a Freesat set-top box (STB) that is working.
- Then, plug the cables of your dish into the back of the STB (RF IN 1 & RF IN 2).
- After that, connect and plug your box into your telly.
Optional: You can connect your telly to the internet, too to make the most out of the service! This is only applicable to users who are using a smart TV.
If you are not sure of how you can do this, you can always shoot Freesat a call or a message to ask for their assistance.
So, is it possible to convert your Sky Box to a Freesat Recorder? No, it’s not. You can record Freesat using a Freesat STB only. However, you can use your Sky Box to access free-to-air (FTA) channels and networks without any problem.
Read Next: How to Fix Freesat No Signal Issue?
Bottom Line
With Freesat from Sky, it’s easy to say that you can convert Sky Box to a Freesat recorder. But, that’s not really what the case is.
Apart from the fact that Freesat from Sky has already lapsed, it is still not going to be possible, unless, of course, you agree to the monthly payments for using Sky + features.
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.