Amstrad DRX280 Sky+ box

devils_vixen

Hi all,

I had sky+ installed yesterday and have the Amstrad DRX280 box.

I have now read some posts on here about Amstrad boxes and their never ending problems so I am more or less looking for some info if anyone has experienced problems with the model I have and what were they?

I have also read that some people whom had these Amstrad boxes installed phoned sky within 2days and had them replaced with a Pace box?

I don't have the insurance that sky provide so if my box was to die in next 6 months would I have to pay for a replacement?

Many Thanks

D_V

Iconic

I got the Amstrad DRX280 installed a couple of weeks ago.

I have had a few intermittant problems with it but not enough to get it replaced......yet!

The two main problems are a 'sluggish remote' and 'getting stuck in standby'
Both are quite easy to retify by switching the box off or following the links below.

http://www.sky.com/portal/site/skycom/skyhelpcentre/producthelp?nodeId=a18bb219-5076-43c0-990f-d7d97acaca2d&articleId=5329610

http://www.skyuser.co.uk/forum/sky/21701-sky-box-responds-sluggishly-remote.html

Aren't Sky responsible for repair/replacement FOC for up to a year?

damo24

Since Sky bought out Amstrad I think the only box you can get now is an Amstrad one. My old Pace one died after 4 years and was replaced with an Amstrad one which does suffer from sluggish remote etc but nothing major.

The standard Sky warranty will last for 12 months. Sky don't advertise it but if something happens after that, they will come out and replace ANYTHING for about £65. They re-cabled my dish after the dog chewed through the cable and replaced the box too all included in the price.

devils_vixen

Thanks for this. I am a little concerned now after reading how to fix the problem if it gets stuck on stand by that anything that is recorded will be lost!
Kind of defeats the purpose of recodring anything if the boxes are useless:rolleyes:

Which brings me to my next question. I noticed a USB socket on the front of the box - is it possible to buy a usb to usb lead ind if yes is this how I take recorded programmes from sky box and add them to computer ready to burn to disc?

uberalles

Not 100% sure what box I have and cannot currently get to it to look.

However, had mine for less than 2 months and have called Sky three times now.

Not only do I suffer with sluggish remote, sometimes it can take over 10 minutes before the box reacts to a command, but also programme deletions.

If I am in the Planner and viewing programmes I have recorded, on at least four occasions pressing the up arrow about 4 times has meant the programme it is currently highlighting gets deleted.

I have a pending visit when I am ready for it but it is not ideal.

I have updated the software.

devils_vixen

How did you manage to update the software? I kept being asked for a pin when I went onto the health check screen?? Is this the last four digits of viewing card or something else?
I know what you mean about the slowness of it - I just wish I had my proper channels - only had this since Thursday and already had to phone sky twice as the box just won't regionalise!! Beginning to question if the hassle is worth it?

uberalles

devils_vixen wrote: »

How did you manage to update the software? I kept being asked for a pin when I went onto the health check screen?? Is this the last four digits of viewing card or something else?
I know what you mean about the slowness of it - I just wish I had my proper channels - only had this since Thursday and already had to phone sky twice as the box just won't regionalise!! Beginning to question if the hassle is worth it?

Hello devils_vixen,

I followed this thread to deal with the software upload although you will see there is a little bit of debate into the validity of it all. But I think it is valid.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=19694999#post19694999

I think you are right about the PIN number too. You might also find you need that PIN for watching some films.

Good luck.

Moneymaker

"Sluggish remote" can be caused by interference from a TV. Try switching the TV OFF (not standby).

CarolynGrundy

:mad:Has anyone had problems with Amstrad DRX 280. Mine willnot record from channel 5 and anytime, the picture is distorted and the sound is intermittent does anyone know how to fix problem ?