Sky HD - advice please

Devin_Shockwell

scottishminnie wrote: »

Apologies if this sounds stupid but if I buy one from a decent source is it simply a case of unplugging the cables from the back of the old box and plugging the new one in.

Pretty much yes. With Sky+ you have the power connection to the box, the connection from your box to the TV and probably a phone line into your Sky+ box for the interactive features. Now the important bit and a little fiddly, you'll find 2 LNB wires that connect your Sky+ box to the dish outside. They can fall apart quite easily and need a little careful persuasion to screw them into the new box. Basically just look at your current setup and translate that to whatever Sky+ box you eventually buy!

scottishminnie wrote: »

Also when you call sky to register the new box do they ask you where you got it? They told me they were the only approved sellers and there was no warranty on boxes from elsewhere (I'm beginning to think they may have told fibs??)

They would provide a box with warranty but the simple fact is you can find a vastly cheaper box that'll probably do exactly the same job day in day out. Never fall for the old £65 engineer unless you can identify a real problem other than the Sky+ box. Once you install the new box you can find the number to call in one of the menus within the Sky+ box itself, I think it's under 'service' or something similar (been a while since I've now upgraded to Sky HD!). Then just tell them you got a new box that you need to link with your current subscription because the old box is dead. You don't have to explain yourself beyond that! Also don't forget to salvage your sky viewing card and insert it into the new Sky+ box!

scottishminnie

Thanks all - I think I'll keep an eye on ebay for a sky+ box. Had a quick look but most are £120 or more so I'll wait until mid Jan - I'm out the country from boxing day for a couple of weeks so it may be sensible to wait until I'm back and the Xmas madness has died down - there may also be a few more on ebay by then too.

Devin_Shockwell

scottishminnie wrote: »

It may be sensible to wait until I'm back and the Xmas madness has died down - there may also be a few more on ebay by then too.

More than likely with people upgrading to HD they will have surplus Sky+ boxes!

scottishminnie

good point!