Sky+
 

Right then. Can anyone tell me if I can buy a Sky + box from Ebay (for example) and just start using it? Do I need to tell Sky about it or register it or anything like that and does it need to be connected to anything other than the mains electric, the satellite feed and the TV?


Thanking you in advance.

Nick.

Re: Sky+
 

Sky+ box has two sat inputs, so you can watch one thing and record another. If you're not bothered about this its just plug and play. If your dish is easy to get to have a look on the end of the sticky out bit (technical term), it might already have somewhere to attach a second coax cable (mine has four sockets). If it has this then you just need another lead and you're good to go.

Re: Sky+
 

You'll need to ask Sky to activate the Sky+ functionality on your card, and tie the card to your new box, I believe, which may be interesting.

A Sky+ HD box is only £49 at the moment, just buy a new one and get the warranty and Sky+ features.

Re: Sky+
 

I didn't think this was the case? I could be wrong though.

Re: Sky+
 

It will work without a Sky card, but it won't record without a Sky+ account.

I got a Sky+ box on Freecycle, but got a FREESAT card from SKY (£20). When I phoned to activate the Freesat card, the lady said 'You know that's a Sky+ box, but it won't record'.

When you activate any Sky card you have to give the serial number of the box when you register. They know ALL the serial numbers of their boxes and what type :(

Without the card you don't get as many channels, nor do you get your regional BBC channels either.

Re: Sky+
 

Yeah, but the standard installation fee for a kosher box is £60.

Blatant rip-off.

Re: Sky+
 

£30 if you're an existing customer, I believe.

And it's well worth every penny. Sky+ is great, and Sky+ HD even greater.

Re: Sky+
 

It is

I just had quick look its cheaper to upgrade to a HD+ box, the box is £49 but the setup / admin fee is £30...

Re: Sky+
 

If you have a dish already, then all you need to do is hook it up.

Even if you don't have a dish, then tuning into Sky isn't that difficult. All boxes have signal strength meter built in. Point it in the right direction & get the angle near enough and check the signal strength.

This takes two people, one shouting good, bad, left a bit, up a bit - perfect :-D

Re: Sky+
 

yep, but the boxes were £200 last year, plus fitting, plus admin

Re: Sky+
 

Thanks folks. I'll mull it over for a bit then have a chat with the wife and see what she thinks. Then do the opposite!!!!!

Re: Sky+
 

Debating wether to upgrade myself too. Sky+HD box price is good, but extra monthly fee for Sky+HD is a bind.

Plus I'll need a new TV.

So got to add it up.

Re: Sky+
 

Worth it.

'nuff said. (provided you have a decent sized TV - under 37" and I don't think HD's that worth it).

Re: Sky+
 

Yep, was thinking about a 42" LG, so mucho wonga to dosh out.

Re: Sky+
 

Your missus will love the + box... mine can't live with it!

Re: Sky+
 

As I understand it the unoffical Sky+ and V+ boxes offer the chance to get access to a lot of channels, but Sky / Virgin change the scrambling every so often and you have to search for a software download to programme your Sky+ / V+ box so you can unscramble it again.

Re: Sky+
 

sky+ is ace :takeabow:

Re: Sky+
 

best invention since the V twin imho....

nah, better than even that

Re: Sky+
 

This is very true. In days gone by, they used to send out new decoder cards (the Sky card in the front of the box) whenever the encryption changed.

These days they do it by updating the box via the phone line overnight. But the encryption hasn't changed in a long time now (at least 18months).

There was a roaring trade in forged Sky cards back when they were the only encryption key. To combat this, as others have said, the Sky+ box will not record unless the Sky card is registered to your box, and connected to a phone line.

There are ways around this system, but to be frank, it's really not worth it.

Bellerophon, I got a card through the post the other day saying "free Sky+ box if you recommend a friend to get Sky+." I'll PM you with more details now. It'll shave a little of the cost off if nothing else.

Re: Sky+
 

The alternative is to ditch the SKY+ idea and wire the HUMAX FOXSATHD PVR up to your satellite dish.
http://www.freesat.co.uk/index.php?p...ucts&type_id=3

Initial outlay is about £290 but you get all the benefits - record, pause, rewind,a couple of HD channels and best of all - no monthly payments.

I ditched SKY HD back in November and now have this box.

Saving £70 a month now. :)

Re: Sky+
 

My sky+ box isn't connected to a phone line and hasnt been for months, we've had no problems at all. If you can get it working its definately worth it, makes things very easy.

Re: Sky+
 

I have a sky+ box going spare.
But as above don't think you'll get it to record w/out paying monthly