Flats, Apartments and New Build Homes - Free Shared Dish
What is the new product?
Free Shared Dish (FSD) is a communal TV system that has been specifically designed for apartment blocks and flatted properties. It gives every resident access to digital satellite services from Sky in the same way as an individual homeowner but without the need for each flat to put up their own dish – an option often not allowed under building covenants and planning regulations.
Developed by Sky, FSD is a low-cost, hassle free system. The equipment and installation are completely free for buildings containing more than four flats and with at least four subscribing to Sky digital.
Is it a new version of an existing product?
FSD is a totally new concept ideally suited to both private landlords and management companies alike. The system has a single small satellite dish, usually fixed on the roof and out of site, signals are distributed by special head-end equipment that requires no mains power supply of its own, and can be located near the dish without need for extra electrical works. Cabling is routed to individual apartments externally, so there is minimum upheaval for residents, and this allows additional connections to be made easily at a future date.
It is the only product currently available which allows complete flexibility at minimum cost. It supplies Sky digital to only those residents that request it but allows additional connections, up to a maximum of 48 flats, as and when required. For blocks with more than 48 flats, Sky are available to advise of more appropriate products.
In addition it is the installer that organises not only the entire installation but also the sign-up and subscriptions, so there is no hassle for the managing agent in knocking on doors or filling out forms.
Is it part of a range of products?
There are other ways of installing Sky TV, including IRS (Integrated Reception System), however these tend to be more expensive, in the region of £200 per flat, and more complicated to install as every leaseholder needs to agree to it.
Is it available trade and/or retail?
By its nature, FSD is a product for the trade, specifically landlords and managing agents of flatted properties.
What kind of specialist does it need for installing? Do you install?
A Sky approved installer will fit the FSD system. There is no charge to the managing agent for this, apart from the earth bonding, as long as the basic criteria are met.
Does it need any pre site work before installation?
A survey of the site is carried out prior to installation to ensure the building is suitable for FSD. In addition to this, the only other requirement is that a qualified electrician undertakes or qualifies the electrical earth bonding, a process required by law and which normally costs in the region of £150-£200 – this is the only charge incurred by qualifying managing agents.
