Beginner's question - Techwatch Support Forums: Digital & Satellite TV, FTA, Cable, Computers, Mobile Phones, Apple and General Tech Forums

jimsplatt · 06-10-09, 06:58 PM

Hi,

Sorry, this is probably a pretty basic question... I've moved temporarily to a new flat with a satellite dish, and was hoping to pick up a few channels. I will obviously need a box, but I'm not sure of the difference between using a basic sky box and a freesat box? I've seen an Amstrad DRX400 going fairly cheap, which claims to be a freesat box. Do I also need a freesat card if I get this, or does it receive freesat automatically? If I opt for a basic box, do I get the free to air but not free to view channels? Apologies for my ignorance...

Thanks,

Jim

Mickha · 06-10-09, 07:05 PM

You can't get FTV (Free to View) channels without a card, but you can get the FTA (Free to Air) channels with most receivers.
You don't need to subscribe to Sky but you do need an activated card.
If you only plan to view the FTA, FTV channels then you should be able to pick up an old Sky receiver very cheaply.
Check the link for a full list of FTA channels:
_http://www.lyngsat.com/28east.html

jimsplatt · 06-10-09, 07:18 PM

Thanks Mickha, I'll have a look for one.

Best,

Jim

06-10-09, 06:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
jimsplatt Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Beginner's question Hi, Sorry, this is probably a pretty basic question... I've moved temporarily to a new flat with a satellite dish, and was hoping to pick up a few channels. I will obviously need a box, but I'm not sure of the difference between using a basic sky box and a freesat box? I've seen an Amstrad DRX400 going fairly cheap, which claims to be a freesat box. Do I also need a freesat card if I get this, or does it receive freesat automatically? If I opt for a basic box, do I get the free to air but not free to view channels? Apologies for my ignorance... Thanks, Jim

06-10-09, 07:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mickha Super Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 5,004 Thanks: 44 Thanked 1,215 Times in 862 Posts	Re: Beginner's question You can't get FTV (Free to View) channels without a card, but you can get the FTA (Free to Air) channels with most receivers. You don't need to subscribe to Sky but you do need an activated card. If you only plan to view the FTA, FTV channels then you should be able to pick up an old Sky receiver very cheaply. Check the link for a full list of FTA channels: _http://www.lyngsat.com/28east.html

06-10-09, 07:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
jimsplatt Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Beginner's question Thanks Mickha, I'll have a look for one. Best, Jim

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Have a Sky Box... not subscribed... have a question!	onebeat	Satellite Help	7	23-05-09 08:43 AM
staview pvr question	tomboy1	Starview	11	04-09-08 05:04 PM
A question or two	timetrex	Cable on PC	4	22-07-08 07:09 PM
newbie with dumb question or dumb newbie with question?	Buffalo Bill	Satellite Help	9	12-05-07 12:51 AM