Sky +

So my Girlfriend and I have been with Sky for about 18 months now with no issues and up until the last couple of days we were happy customers.

All of a sudden our Sky + box has developed a technical fault where it is only part recording programmes and displaying 'Technical fault 7'. Have googled this and it seems to be a long running issue with Sky boxes, however it also seems that Sky themselves are unwilling (or unable) to rectify the problem. Have considered complaining to Sky and trying for a replacement box, however ours is out of warranty so I don't hold out much hope. Failing that there are various 'fixes' online, however they have mixed reviews on whether they work or not.

So, before shelling out for another Sky box (not ideal), I was wondering if anyone on here has had any similar issues with their Sky + box and managed to get them resolved? Bit of a long shot, but you never know...

[Paul the 6th]

How long have you got left on your contract? If you're on a rolling contract at the minute then you could mention that you're thinking of leaving to coerce them into sorting the problem.

When I've had problems with my virgin media box (twice in 5 years) they've been round to fit a new box, once the same day as the fault was reported and the 2nd time was the day after I called. All free of charge. If sky try charging you, you could mention this about virgin, and then also ask them how you go about cancelling your service with them - should get them to rectify it I'd have thought? good luck

May well be worth a try. The initial contract was for 12 months, but after that I'm guessing it's rolling from month to month. Will ring them and see how I get on. Thanks

[NTECUK]

When I left sky they oferd a cheap upgradefor 6 months and a free HD box.
worth a ring

[Mr Speirs]

Yeah just phone up and cancel. They'll ring you up and ask if theres anything they can do to keep you as a customer.

They give you a new sky box no problem.

We just did a house move and they were only willing to give us a service of the box. When the sky man came round he just gave us a new box as he said it was easier than servicing one. I did threaten to cancel but changed my mind when I realised I would lose the Formula 1 channel if I did cancel and take out a new contract.

Originally Posted by Paul the 6th

How long have you got left on your contract? If you're on a rolling contract at the minute then you could mention that you're thinking of leaving to coerce them into sorting the problem.

When I've had problems with my virgin media box (twice in 5 years) they've been round to fit a new box, once the same day as the fault was reported and the 2nd time was the day after I called. All free of charge. If sky try charging you, you could mention this about virgin, and then also ask them how you go about cancelling your service with them - should get them to rectify it I'd have thought? good luck

The difference between virgin and sky is that with sky - the customer owns the box, so when they cancel sky the customer can sell the box. However with virgin, virgin own the box, so as part of the contract will replace it for free.

With sky is like having a freeview HD box, if it goes faulty, you buy a new box!

Personally I'd tell them you're considering cancelling your sky service, they might offer you a new box. Alternatively phone virgin, see what deal they can give you (especially when you tell them you're considering leaving sky).

[Sir Trev]

Originally Posted by a_monkey_hint

Alternatively phone virgin, see what deal they can give you (especially when you tell them you're considering leaving sky).

This does assume that Cardiff is cabled... I am stuffed as only half of High Wycombe is cabled and it's not my half. Sky or internet-based for me.

Originally Posted by Sir Trev

This does assume that Cardiff is cabled... I am stuffed as only half of High Wycombe is cabled and it's not my half. Sky or internet-based for me.

Cardiff is, but I live just outside in the valleys which isn't

Originally Posted by Pricey12

Cardiff is, but I live just outside in the valleys which isn't

Ah you're a bit stuck. Although saying that I've recently cancelled my virgin TV for a freeview HD (recorder) and a box running xbmc, not looked back since (and loving the extra £35 in my pocket a month). Freeview might not work in the valley, but have you considered freeSAT?

Originally Posted by a_monkey_hint

Ah you're a bit stuck. Although saying that I've recently cancelled my virgin TV for a freeview HD (recorder) and a box running xbmc, not looked back since (and loving the extra £35 in my pocket a month). Freeview might not work in the valley, but have you considered freeSAT?

Did have a think about Freesat, but the lack of premium channels (particularly movies) is a bit of a put off. Having said that it is free, which is always good

Will try the "We're thinking of leaving" technique with Sky to see if they will replace the box. If that fails there are some reasonable deals on ebay for the 500gb box that we currently have (around £60 with a decent looking warranty).