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What do I need to watch Sky TV?

Hi Mohammed, good to hear you’re thinking of getting a digital TV package. Sky (www.sky.com) is the UK’s largest satellite TV provider and is the service of choice for over 10 million homes around the country.

It has the largest selection of TV channels in the UK, spanning from entertainment and kids to sports and films. And if you’ve got a HD ready TV, Sky offers over 50 high-definition channels, including its premium Sky Sports and Sky Movies channels, so you can watch every detail in stunning HD.

Sky TV can also be bundled with a Sky Talk phone line and Sky’s 20Mb broadband, if you’re looking to switch those services too and save some cash. Below is some more information on how to get Sky TV, what you need and what you’ll be able to watch when you sign-up.

Sky TV - what do I need?

Sky TV is available to most households in the UK, so is a great choice if you’re looking to make the switch to digital. To watch Sky TV, you will need the following:

1. To be able to receive Sky TV - use our postcode checker to see if you can get Sky (around 98% of UK homes can)
2. To get a satellite dish - get a satellite dish from Sky and get it installed. Sky can do this for a charge, or you can opt to do it yourself, or have it done by a local tradesman. Use Service Magic to find a tradesman in your area
3. To choose a set-top box - to receive Sky TV you’ll need a Sky set-top box. Choose from either a Sky+ box or a Sky+HD box when you sign-up online.

You don’t need a BT phone line or broadband to get Sky TV, as Sky’s TV service is delivered via satellite. However if you do want either a Sky broadband or home phone package, or both, you will need an active copper wire phone line.

Sky TV packages

Sky TV only		Sky TV + Broadband + Calls
More info	More info	More info	More info
£10.75* for 6 months* + Sky+ box + £25 M&S voucher	£20.75 for 6 months* + Sky+ HD box + £25 M&S voucher	£10.75 for 6 months* + £14.50 a month line rental + Sky+ Box + £100 M&S voucher	£20.75 for 6 months* + £14.50 a month line rental + Sky+ HD Box + £25 M&S voucher
Online exclusive Sky TV - Sky Entertainment pack	Online exclusive Sky TV - Sky Entertainment pack HD channels – Sky 1HD, Sky Atlantic HD, Sky Living HD and more	Online exclusive Sky TV - Sky Entertainment pack Up to 14Mb speed 2GB monthly usage Inclusive UK weekend calls	Online exclusive Sky Entertainment pack Up to 14Mb speed 2GB monthly usage Inclusive UK weekend calls
More info	More info	More info	More info
Visit Sky.com or call 0844 241 1407	Visit Sky.com or call 0844 241 1407	Visit Sky.com or call 0844 241 1407	Visit Sky.com or call 0844 241 1407

* M&S Gift Card for new customers only. Inclusive calls for 60 minutes, then charges apply (you can redial after 60 minutes to avoid charges). Introductory offer only available to new Sky customers. 12 month contract. Offer ends 27/06/2013. Other terms and conditions apply.

How to join Sky TV

Getting Sky TV is easy and you can place your order online in minutes. Simply pick one or more of Sky’s six “viewing packs”, select the Sky set-top box you want and then choose an installation date convenient for you.

Sky’s channels are grouped by genre into “viewing packs”, so you can pick and choose the channels you want to watch, without having to shell out for those you don’t. When signing up, choose one or more from the following:

• Variety pack - Includes Sky 1, Paramount Comedy, UKTV Gold
• Knowledge pack - Includes Discovery, National Geographic, The History Channel
• Music pack - Includes MTV, VH1, Kerrang
• Kids’ pack - Includes Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Discovery Kids
• Style & Culture pack - Includes Sky Travel, UKTV Bright Ideas, Artsworld
• News & Events pack - Includes Sky News, Bloomberg, British Eurosport.

Sky TV customers can also sign-up for a Sky broadband and Sky home phone package, and add Sky line rental to make even more savings. All you need is an active, BT compatible landline and to check that Sky broadband is available in your area. If you don’t currently have a BT landline Sky may be able to provide you with one when you order your TV package - visit www.sky.com to find out more.

Anything else I need to know about Sky?

Signing up for a Sky TV package won’t just give you loads of channels; you’ll also get Sky’s award-winning Sky+ set-top box, which will let you pause, rewind, and fast forward “live” TV, and record anything that you’re worried about missing. Or, if you opt for the Sky+HD box, you’ll also be able to watch over 50 high-definition channels, depending on your subscription.

And, if you sign-up for Sky broadband, you’ll have access to Sky’s fantastic new Sky Anytime+ service, letting you watch hundreds of hours of on-demand programmes and films, whenever you want.

Getting Sky TV is really easy Mohammed, and if you hurry you’ll be able to have it installed before Christmas - just sign-up to Sky online before 17 December to get a guaranteed installation date before 24 December.

Ask us a question

If you have a general switching or provider query please email us at ourexpert@digitalchoices.co.uk