Uk Tv

[Angela]

In the simplest terms possible, please tell me what I need to do to get ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 on my Sky digibox. I'm in Laois and can't get cable, but I have a full subscription to Sky. I would be grateful for any advice.

I have browsed another forum with a thread supposedly dedicated to this topic but came out of it more confused than when I went in! I would join and ask this there but i notice new members being given a hard time when they do because they say they've already answered.

[Anorak]

It is quite straightforward really:

You need to have an address in the UK, a relative, friend whoever, it doesn't matter as long as they pay a tv license.

They need to ring the free-to-view telephone number http://www.freetoview.co.uk/ (or ringing Sky will put them through).

They request a card. If they already subscribe to Sky, they will already have all the channels on their card, so if asked they'll need to say they're getting a second receiver (for the kids or another room or whatever). If they don't have a Sky receiver, they need to say they're getting one for just the FTV channels.

This bit is important. Cards are 'tied' to receivers, so once they receive the card, they need to send it to you before activation. When you get it, put it in your machine, disconnect the telephone line if you have it hooked up, and get your friend to ring the activation number. You would probably get away with ringing it yourself, but better to be careful. They should have the card number and your receiver's serial number ready.

It is okay for them to give the number of your receiver - if asked. There is never a check done on the serial number.

You'll need to leave your machine on for up to 48 hours. It'll take just 2 hours for ITV, Ch4 & Ch5 but BBC takes a little longer.

If you don't have an address in the UK, there's a thriving trade on ebay in used receivers with activated cards.

Simple enough?

[Angela]

Thanks for that. My preferred option is to get a second Sky digibox for the Uk card, but I have seen the prices of a new one. Is there any way I could get a second one for free from Sky?

[Brian O'D]

Is there any way I could get a second one for free from Sky?

There is but it's a little complicated. If you have someone else living with you, with a different name and a different bank account, all you need to do is convince an installer that your house is in a "flat" style arrangement. You may need a second phone-line though.
It can be difficult, depending on the installer, but at the end of the day Sky will see another subscription and will probably go for it. You will need to subscribe though.
Of course, you'll have two dishes on your house, and Sky have made it deliberately awkward, but not impossible for a savvy techie, to add a second lnb to their dish, which would allow you to take down the second one.

If you don't have all the above, a second-hand box would be cheaper, and less hassle, than the installation of a second phone-line and a monthly sub at the cheapest rate!

[Mike]

Wouldnt it be sinmpler to use an old analouge dish bung on a dual output universal LNB onto it and just feed a second reciever off it

[Brian O'D]

Wouldnt it be sinmpler to use an old analouge dish bung on a dual output universal LNB onto it and just feed a second reciever off it

Starting from scratch that would be the ideal solution but in this case there is already a minidish on the wall and some installers will insist on putting a second one up, even if they know the "score".

[Anorak]

I live in a genuine flats situation where we share an exact address. There was no problem with Sky or the installer because of the different names and separate phone numbers.
But, there are two minidishes on the back of our house!
The others are moving soon otherwise I'd definitely go for the single-dish option.