Freesat channels availability and numbering

[Spunglefoop]

I'm still deciding whether my 83 year old father should keep his Sky Q box and haggle Sky down to the most basic package because he's really not using the subscribed channels and services, not to mention money is really tight for him unfortunately.

Instead, I've obtained a Sky+HD box for him to use to just watch Freesat channels, after replacing the LNB.

I've noticed that the channel numbers on Freesat don't correspond with Sky's TV Guide, which I guess is expected.

Is there a way to reset the box to have Freesat's channel numbers or doesn't it work that way?

In fact, is it possible to edit the guide manually by removing channels and renumbering them so that all that he sees is all that he can get?

Additionally, I've noticed Sky News isn't showing. Should it still be available on Freesat?

Does he need a viewing card inserted to receive certain channels?

Thanks very much and hope you can help.

[Mark39 · Accepted solution]

Answer so far as I can provide them below. Others may be able to add more.

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@Spunglefoop wrote:

Is there a way to reset the box to have Freesat's channel numbers or doesn't it work that way?

In fact, is it possible to edit the guide manually by removing channels and renumbering them so that all that he sees is all that he can get?

No, you can't renumber the channels. But you can set up a list of favourites in any order you choose

Additionally, I've noticed Sky News isn't showing. Should it still be available on Freesat?

Yes, it's available on Freesat channel 202 (503 on Sky?)

Does he need a viewing card inserted to receive certain channels?

Not to my knowledge

Thanks very much and hope you can help.

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[oj01]

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@Mark39 wrote:

Answer so far as I can provide them below. Others may be able to add more.

---

@Spunglefoop wrote:

Is there a way to reset the box to have Freesat's channel numbers or doesn't it work that way?

In fact, is it possible to edit the guide manually by removing channels and renumbering them so that all that he sees is all that he can get?

No, you can't renumber the channels. But you can set up a list of favourites in any order you choose

Additionally, I've noticed Sky News isn't showing. Should it still be available on Freesat?

Yes, it's available on Freesat channel 202 (503 on Sky?)

Does he need a viewing card inserted to receive certain channels?

Not to my knowledge

Thanks very much and hope you can help.

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Sky News is 501 in HD or 881 in SD

[Mark39]

Thanks, @oj01 

[Exiled-in-HH]

@Spunglefoop Freesat is a specific epg service only available on Freesat boxes ... it can not be accessed on Sky boxes.

A Sky boxes without access to subscription gives access to FTA DSat channels using the Sky epg service and channel numbering!

If you want the  Freesat epg the cheapest option is a Manhattan Freesat box😉

[robsie]

I have a Sky plus hd box with full chanel listing, you need a viewing card so you will have full line up and ability to record otherwise you will only have access to free to air programme's