We are unable to get a digital TV signal where we are, so have installed Sky Freeview (no subscription). Is it possible to buy a DVD player that will enable us to record Sky Freeview. When we approached Sky, they told us we had to subscribe to them and buy a Sky Plus box?

Jenny Edmonds, March 2008

For Sky+ you pay £10 a month fo rthe privilege of using their Electronic Programme Guide, instead of free via teletext or for a quid a week with the Radion Times.

For free recording of Sky you could use a Phantom PVR This handy little device plugs into the SCART output on the Sky digibox and drives a small infra red dongle which you sit near your VCR/DVD-Recorder to turn it into a PVR (Personal Video Recorder) just like Sky +. Simply fit it onto the VCR scart socket of your sky digibox and program the control to match your VCR.

Then the phantom will record any sky programs you set in your personal planner on your sky digibox, you don't even have to set the timer on your VCR: the Phantom uses data on the Sky signal and takes control of the VCR itself - It couldn't be easier. Full fitting instructions included.

Price is about £30.

Do a Google search for Phantom PVR.

ALTERNATIVELY: Freesat (No, NOT Freesat-from-Sky) is launching right now. This is the BBC's answer to Sky's Freesat-from-Sky. No viewing card needed, no subscription.

When complete, the line up looks like it'll be similar to Freeview.

Check out www.freesat.co.uk

There are plain set-top boxes in the shops now and in a few months and there will be nice twin-tuner PVR freesat boxes in the stores.

Re-use your old Sky dish and LNB into a new box.

John, April 2008

no thats wrong you dont need to subscrible its like recoreding off the tv but if you want 2 usee advd player to rcored then you will need a recoerdable dvd player however sky plus is faster easier and better

sonni, April 2008