In order to make use of a satellite dish you need a satellite receiver. You can pick brand new ones up quite cheaply (£40ish - brand new.) however you don't need a Sky subscription to use old Sky boxes.
BBC and ITV channels are Free to Air. That is to say any satellite receiver can pick them up and one can view them. Some channel in the UK are Free To View - Ch4 and Ch5. That is to say they may be viewed without a subscription but they are encrypted and so need a Sky box (Sky have a monopoly on this) and a Sky Viewing Card. The good news is your old Sky Viewing card will work even though your subscription has lapsed.
I suggest you try the following. With power off and Viewing card out, connect one of the boxes to the LNB cable from your dish and to your TV. Connect power and allow the box to boot. When you see the red light on, hit the on button on the remote. After a while you will see the Sky Information Channel and should be able to watch BBC and ITV. (You need some aptince here - go an have a coffee.) Next insert your old Viewing Card and leave it for up to three days. ( It needs to receive a 'Stay Alive' signal from Sky. You can leave the Sky box in standby but it has to be connected to the LNB cable.) That will enable Ch4 and Ch5.
If the first bit doesn't work (you can'tr see the Sky Information Channel) try the other box. If that doesn't work either then they are either both blown or your LNB or cable is.
Please feel free to enter a NEW QUESTION if you need clarification. (This one will look closed now.)
t, January 2008
