Ah - thanks folks for the replies! I got the difference between the "freesat from sky" and freeview and all that... I think! And Abu you're 100% spot on - I am wondering if I can get the FTV and not FTA channels.

I do have a white old Sly card at the moment... aww.

If I got a freesat box (half my family and friends live in the uk - so sourcing one is not a problem) and a genuine "freesat from sly" card - would that work in my third party box? Again - apologies for the questions - but while I can figure out the basics I'm not up to speed on what the different cards are capable of etc..

Thanks!