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Non-Freesat mode for Freesat boxes

Non-Freesat mode or manual mode is a functionality built in to Freesat receivers allowing viewers to add extra channels.

These are typically channels from a different TV region or channels that are not included on Freesat’s channel list, but are broadcast free-to-air on satellite.

For example, you would use this function to access a different ITV region, for example.

The basic rule of thumb is that the newer and more complex the receiver is, the more cumbersome it is to switch back and forward to non-Freesat mode. As a result, use of the functionality becomes more restricted to those who are more confident in making system changes. Manhattan receivers offer the simplest implementation of non-Freesat mode.

Freesat boxes from Manhattan

  1. Press Menu
  2. Select System
  3. Go to ‘add non-freesat channels‘
  4. You will now need to input the transmission parameters of the channel you want to access in non-Freesat mode.
  5. This includes frequency, polarisation, symbol rates. You can find this information on our tuning pages: BBC | ITV | Channel 4 | Channel 5.
  6. In the future, you can access non-Freesat channels in the Channel List. Go to Channel List use the left/right keys to navigate through Freesat TV, Freesat Radio and non-Freesat channels. Non-Freesat channels will be allocated a channel number above 3000, but you won’t be able to directly select this number in Freesat mode.

Freesat 2nd generation receivers (HUMAX)

  1. Press the Freesat home button.
  2. Navigate down and select ‘settings‘
  3. On the next screen, select the ‘system settings‘ box.
  4. Scroll down to STB Mode
  5. Select ‘change to non-Freesat mode’
  6. You will now need to input the transmission parameters of the channel you want to access in non-Freesat mode.
  7. This includes frequency, polarisation, symbol rates. You can find this information on our tuning pages: BBC | ITV | Channel 4 | Channel 5.
  8. Once you’ve saved the channels, you can leave non-Freesat mode through the system settings menu – again press the Freesat Home button to access the menus and navigate through to settings.
  9. In the future, you’ll need to go through these menus to access the channels you’ve stored in Manual Mode. They won’t appear on the main Freesat channel list.

Freesat 3rd generation receivers, including 4K UHD boxes (ARRIS)

  1. Press the Freesat home button
  2. Navigate to and select ‘settings‘
  3. On the next screen, navigate to ‘system settings‘
  4. Navigate down to ‘Freesat Box Mode‘
  5. Select ‘Manual Mode (not recommended)‘.
  6. Select continue
  7. You will now need to input the transmission parameters of the channel you want to access in Manual Mode.
  8. This includes frequency, polarisation, symbol rates. You can find this information on our tuning pages: BBC | ITV | Channel 4 | Channel 5.
  9. Once you’ve saved the channels, you can leave Manual Mode through the system settings menu – again press the Freesat Home button to access the menus and select ‘back to Freesat’. It will now require you to go through Freesat set-up again.
  10. In the future, you’ll need to go through these menus to access the channels you’ve stored in Manual Mode. They won’t appear on the main Freesat channel list.

If you have a Smart TV, we recommend you consult the support pages from your TV manufacturer. It may not be easily possible on your device or you may have to choose between using the Freesat EPG and completely relying on manual tuning.