Query using another box

[Sue-gal]

Because of the cost of living crisis I am seriously considering ended my Sky subscription in a couple of weeks as my fixed price deal will be coming to an end.  Don't know which box I have. A black one.

sky said I would need to send this box. Would any sky box work if I was to get one. Or does it need to be the same box.
Do I need the card that will be in my current box or does that have to be sent back also.  
Any help would be grand. 

[Daniel0210]

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@Sue-gal wrote:

Because of the cost of living crisis I am seriously considering ended my Sky subscription in a couple of weeks as my fixed price deal will be coming to an end.  Don't know which box I have. A black one.

sky said I would need to send this box. Would any sky box work if I was to get one. Or does it need to be the same box.

Sounds like you have Sky if they're saying they want it back. Sky Q boxes are only loaned to you and must be returned on cancellation. Sky send packaging out to do this at the end of your 31 day notice period. That will be the end of your subscription so Sky would no longer work.

Do I need the card that will be in my current box or does that have to be sent back also.  

I would recommend keeping the viewing card because if you rejoin Sky (Q), they will presume you've kept the card and not send another one out.

Any help would be grand. 

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[TimmyBGood]

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@Sue-gal wrote:

sky said I would need to send this box. Would any sky box work if I was to get one. Or does it need to be the same box.

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'Work' for what purpose?  

A Sky Q box has zero functionality without a subscription.  A second-hand Sky+ HD box can in theory be used for free to air satellite reception, but not through a dish set up for Q.

The direct replacement for a main Q box is a Freesat 4K receiver or recorder.

[Sue-gal]

My brother has done this and he can view basic channels but he has kept a his box and paid the charge. I don't want to pay the charge so if I get a 2nd hand box will it have to be a sky Q box or would any box work (let me view basic channels 1-4 etc) 

would I use my viewing card in the 2nd box ? Will this allow me to watch basic channels. 

[PandJ2020]

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@TimmyBGood wrote:

The direct replacement for a main Q box is a Freesat 4K receiver or recorder.

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^ This is the correct answer.  (They start at £150)

All Q boxes are owned by Sky and cannot (legally) be purchased.  Paying the non-return charge does not transfer ownership.

Sky offer an 'essentials' service for around £15pm that allows you to keep the Q box.

[TimmyBGood · Accepted solution]

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@Sue-gal wrote:

I don't want to pay the charge so if I get a 2nd hand box will it have to be a sky Q box or would any box work (let me view basic channels 1-4 etc) 

would I use my viewing card in the 2nd box ? Will this allow me to watch basic channels. 

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No, no, no and indeed no.

A Q box is not legitimate to possess without a subscription.  A Sky+ HD box will work, but only if the dish gets a compatible LNB fitted and that would cost a substantial proportion of the price of a Freesat 4K receiver.

[Sue-gal]

Ok. So confusing. I am had just assumed the had box would act without any further work. 
mid I got a free sat box. Will that run of the already isnstalled sky wires. 
I do t have an outside Ariel which I'll need for free sat. Sorry for all the questions. 

[PandJ2020]

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@Sue-gal wrote:

Ok. So confusing. I am had just assumed the had box would act without any further work. 
mid I got a free sat box. Will that run of the already isnstalled sky wires. 
I do t have an outside Ariel which I'll need for free sat. Sorry for all the questions. 

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FreeSat is delivered by a dish.

FreeView is delivered by an aerial.  (Not the mermaid)

A lot depends on your current LNB and requirements.

If you don't want to record then simply use your tuner in your TV from the aerial.

Alternatively, use the FreeSat 4K box with the existing dish.

[Sue-gal]

😂😂. Sorry aerial. Thanks. 
thanka for the info. I'll have to have another thing on my options. 

[TimmyBGood]

@Sue-gal 

Depending on the location, Freesat may have fewer channels but better reception than Freeview.

[PandJ2020]

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@Sue-gal wrote:

😂😂. Sorry aerial. Thanks. 

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😁

[Mister_Dalek]

@Sue-gal 

If money is tight and you already have a smart TV with apps on it and fairly good broadband, then you can stream live TV and on demand via various free apps. iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 & My5 will all stream live channels without the need to subscribe or pay for any boxes, aerials or dishes. 

If your TV is not smart then you could purchase a cheap Amazon Firestick for around £30 which allows you to install and use all these apps. 

[Sue-gal]

Yeah it's not a smart tv but that is an option. Thank u 

[TimmyBGood]

@Sue-gal 

Or consider investing in a television set which has the new Freely service on board: that's ultimately going to be the replacement for both Freesat and Freeview.