Sky systemsThree ways to get a system from Sky. Many other ways as well! |
Sky or Non-Sky?How do you decide? Check out our comparison chart! |
This page index
• Introducing Non-Sky systems
• Christian TV systems
• Christian-Sat systems
• a system from a local installer.
Non-Sky systems
Introducing Non-Sky systems
Non-Sky systems can access a range of Christian TV and Radio channels and many International channels you won't get on Sky. The two main satellites are Astra (as used by Sky), and Hotbird (which covers Europe). They are at different points in the sky, so a fixed dish with one LNB can't pick up both.
The Christian satellite suppliers we look at here offer systems for either Astra or Hotbird.
Tuning
A non-Sky receiver requires manual retuning if a channel you watch is moved to a new frequency.
These receivers also require tuning in to any further channels you may want.
You can increase or decrease the number of channels by following on-screen instructions on a TV.
Christian TV provides up to date details of frequencies and polarisation for all Sky Christian channels
on their website at www.christiantv.org.uk/html/channels.html.
They also provide them for all Hotbird Christian channels at http://www.christiantv.org.uk/html/hotbird.html.
Christian TV systems
Christian TV sell an Astra system for £275, or a Hotbird system for £388. They will supply and fit anywhere in the UK or, if you wish, send you a receiver only by mail order.
Christian TV receivers are pre-tuned to only ‘wholesome’ channels giving over 100 TV and over 50 Radio channels which includes all the Christian stations, all the BBC and ITV 1,2,3 & 4.
If a channel frequency is changed, the box can be sent to Christian TV to be re-tuned, or you can re-tune yourself.
Here are links to their Astra system channels list, and their Hotbird system channel list.
More details from: Christian TV, Virtual Business Centre, Buxhall, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 3DX Web: www.christiantv.org.uk or FREEPHONE 0500 618180 or Tel. 01449 737377.
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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No contract.
One-off cost or rental. Offer Christian only or Christian and News systems. Or a system with only 'wholesome' channels (over 100 TV and over 50 Radio) including all the Christian stations, pre-tuned on the receiver by CTV before installation (or mail order). Can have a 'locked' receiver to prevent unwanted channels. They sell pre-tuned receivers by mail order (£139.90) |
With some receivers you'll need to know the channel frequency, polarisation etc. to tune in any further channels
or to re-tune channels when frequencies are changed.
No Ch4 or Ch5, but you can still receive these using your existing aerial (or Freeview). A Hotbird system cannot receive the main BBC or ITV channels. Without the convenience of Sky's EPG. |
Christian-Sat systems
Christian-Sat Satellite Systems (Christian-Sat.co.uk) is a Christian Company based in London and is not connected to us (ChristianSat Guide) in any way.
Christian-Sat offers a range of systems for either the Astra satellite (from £220 + VAT) or Hotbird satellite (from £220 + VAT). It is well worth checking out their website to see what they offer. They will supply and fit a system anywhere in the UK. They also sell a range of receivers by mail order (from £80 + VAT).
All of their systems are available for 'Self Installation' (DIY) at a reduced price, delivered free to anywhere in the UK.
Christian-Sat receivers are pre-tuned leaving out most 'adult' channels, giving over 140 TV and over 90 Radio channels which includes all the Christian stations, all the BBC and ITV 1,2,3 & 4.
Here are links to their Astra system channels list, and their Hotbird system channel list.
More details from: Christian-Sat Satellite Systems, Albert Road, Middlesex, TW3 3RW. Web: www.christian-sat.co.uk or Tel: 0845 257 0566. Fax: 020 8569 5939. Email: info@christian-sat.co.uk
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|
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No contract.
One-off cost. Receivers pre-tuned leaving out most 'adult' channels (over 140 TV and over 90 Radio) including all the Christian stations, Offer all systems at a reduced price for 'Self Install' (DIY) delivered anywhere in the UK. They sell pre-tuned receivers by mail order (from £70). Offer a combined receiver for both satellite and Freeview. |
No Rental options With some receivers you'll need to know the frequency, polarisation etc. to tune in any further channels or to re-tune channels when frequencies are changed. No Ch4 or Ch5, but you can still receive these using your existing aerial (or Freeview). A Hotbird system cannot receive the main BBC or ITV channels. Without the convenience of Sky's EPG. |
A non-Sky system from a local installer
If you see anything on this site that's incorrect or unclear,
please contact us and we'll put it right!
Thanks, Steve Lee.
For this you ask a satellite supplier or a local installer, to supply and fit a system. See the Find an installer page for a list of ways to find an installer where you live.
You may still want to choose your receiver (or buy a receiver by mail order), even though you are asking a local installer to supply and fit the dish and cable.
There is a vast range of satellite receivers and systems. For details on choosing and buying a non-Sky receiver see the Buying a receiver page.
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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No Sky contract.
One-off cost from about £220 with a new receiver. Includes all the Christian, BBC and ITV channels. You can choose your own receiver. Some systems come with a pre-tuned receiver. Some of the new satellite receivers will tune themselves to all available Free-to-Air channels. |
With some receivers, you will need to tune in all channels yourself which requires becoming familiar
with GHz, polarisation etc.
No Ch4 or Ch5, but you can still receive these using your existing aerial. Without the convenience of the Sky EPG. |