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Satellite Radio
on this page...
• Release Satellite Radio from the confines of your TV!
• Satellite Radio without a TV
• Tips for getting a Sky system for Radio only
• The fight for Christian Radio in the UK
Release Satellite Radio from the confines of your TV!
Stereo Phono lead
(or stereo RCA lead)
- just connect your Sky box to a hi-fi system
If you listen to satellite radio stations through your TV, you'll miss out on the best sound quality. Instead, listen through a hi-fi or Home Cinema system, which gives you a far clearer sound and a totally different experience. In fact, we are sure you will be impressed by the breathtaking quality of the digital broadcast.
Just connect a stereo Phono lead from the audio output on the rear of the digibox to a hi-fi system. The hi-fi must have an input marked tuner, auxiliary, AUX, audio in or external. Then you can leave the TV turned off all day when listening to radio. Bliss!
Do the same with a 'Freeview' or Cable receiver - if they have an audio output, but many don't have one.
What is Satellite Radio?
It's the audio only channels on satellite. They can be heard through your TV or a stereo system. They can't be heard on a 'regular' radio.
Satellite Radio without a TV
Working as volunteers on the Premier Radio stand, we found that many Christians do not have a TV. Others do have a TV but use it solely for watching videos or DVDs. If you are in either of these categories, why not get a satellite system for all the wonderful Christian Radio that's now available? For four years now, we have been using a Sky digibox without a TV and can highly recommend it.
Get a Sky box if you want satellite radio without a TV, because it will automatically tune-in all channels. A non-sky box will need re-tuning when frequencies are changed - and re-tuning requires a TV. (See more below about getting a Sky system for Radio only).
The digibox is treated just like a hi-fi radio tuner and controlled with a Sky remote control. There's no display to show which radio channel is tuned in, but this is no problem. If you lose track when changing channels, press + or - on the channel change button, and then the four digits of your desired channel. Easy!
If you decide to get a Sky box solely for radio, you don't need a TV Licence. TV Licensing have agreed that the use of a Sky box for radio channels only does not require a TV licence. But we recommend writing to TV Licensing first, asking for written confirmation that your situation is okay. See our TV Licensing issues page for advice on what to say in your letter.
Do you want a TV-Free lifestyle? For inspiration check out the Trash your TV website!!
Pace have developed a receiver just for satellite radio but we won't see it unless a satellite operator (such as Sky) makes use of it, which is unlikely.
Tips for getting a Sky system for Radio only
TIP 1. Difficulties when ordering from Sky or Freesat-from-Sky
Sky is under a regulatory obligation to offer the digibox free to non-subscribers. This regulatory obligation is mentioned in 'Progress towards achieving digital switchover: a BBC report to the Government' Paragraph 24. To see it click Here. I don't know who enforces this regulation. From my enquiries it is not Ofcom, who were unable to help me when I wrote to them about this matter.
Don't be surprised if Sky say you can't have a system if you tell them you have no TV. You may well be told "a TV is needed by the installer to set up the dish correctly"! There is absolutely no technical reason for this. Ask any satellite installer! A signal strength meter is used to aim the dish and, once on target, a Sky box will work just fine when it's connected up, TV or no TV.
It seems that Sky are reluctant to sell to non-TV owners who, understandably, are unlikely to opt for a Sky Pay-TV deal in the near future! The cost of the digibox is subsidised by Sky under a regulatory obligation requiring them to offer the box free to non-subscribers. See side box for more details. But I cannot see anything in Sky's Terms & Conditions that says there must be a TV at the installation address.
TIP 2. Go to a local installer for a Sky system for radio
Because of the problems with Sky, I suggest you ask a local installer for a Sky system.
This is perfectly OK. Anyone can buy their own Sky system.
Take a look at the Other ways to get Sky section on the Sky systems page.
Alternatively, find an installer by going to our Find an Installer page,
preferably one recommended by Christian TV or Christian-Sat.
Then get some quotes for the cost of a Sky box and for installation.
If the cost of the box is more than £110, you'll get better value if you buy a new one yourself online. You won't need a viewing card for radio, just a Phono lead to connect the Sky box to a Hi-Fi. Your installer will connect up your box for you.
Keep the digibox on 'standby' when not in use
With or without a TV, it is an advantage (but not essential) to leave a Sky digibox always connected to the mains and only turn it off by using the remote control, which leaves it on 'standby'. Otherwise, when first turned on, it takes some time to restart and then you'll have to select a station before you can see or hear anything.
Find out more about the fight for Christian Broadcasting in the UK
The CHRISTIAN BROADCASTING COUNCIL is working to make sure that the independent Christian broadcasting sector get a fair slice of the broadcasting cake. They are involved with Ofcom and have been responding to many of Ofcom's consultations as well as having meetings with them.
Here are details of CBC's excellent and informative responses to Ofcom.
Many Christians are unaware of the struggle we have for broadcasting freedom. On the Cross Rhythms website there is a great article entitled Why Christian Broadcasting is Difficult in This Country explaining the situation.