Sky+ Box Problems

Ettenna

Please move this if it is in the wrong place.

We are having problems with our Sky+ box. It was replaced with a new one (or maybe a reconditioned one) about 4 months ago.

When we have recorded something and are playing it back it keeps on jumping and losing sound. Last night it froze completely and we couldn't watch the end of a film. It is getting really frustrating.

Any ideas apart from replacing the box. Is there an option to reformat or defrag the box - like you do with a computer?

yellowlawn

You can do what is called a full system reset. I must warn you though you will LOOSE all recorded programmes on the Hard Drive.

If you have the slightest doubt contact Sky's support service first of all before carrying out the below.

*** YOU DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK ***

The technically-minded out there may be interested in the hidden "installer" menu, that can be accessed by pressing 'Services 4 0 1 Select'. The July 2004 software upgrade (to Sky+ version 1.28.d), saw the addition of a hidden feature to allow the (advanced) user to perform a tidy on the Sky+ hard disk. Many users have found that this has recovered valuable disk space.

If you want to give it a try, you need to go into the Installer menu and select the new "Sky+ Planner rebuild" option. This carries out a disk defrag.

And again if you have the slightest doubt contact Sky's support service first of all before carrying it out.

Moneymaker

If BskyB replaced it they would have given you a "refurbished" unit with a 3 month warranty (or the end of your initial 12 month contract period). If it's still in warranty, call them to get it replaced again.

Otherwise try the advice above. (He meant "lose" not "loose").

Cheapest option might be to send the Digibox for repair. See list here:
http://sam-radford.me.uk/repairers.htm

ukbill69

Sounds like u have a crappy box, I got a brand new one and its been fine over a year now. Ring sky and see what they say, just say you going to cancel sky if they dont do anything for you, that might get you somewhere lol.

nads

Hi,

you not the only one. It has been featured on Watchdog about 3 weeks ago. Some people have had 8 replacments and some have had 2.. on the same day

http://www.bbc.co.uk/consumer/tv_and_radio/watchdog/reports/services/services_20061114.shtml

computerwoman

you proform a housekeeping which wont lose any data you've recorded just free's up space defragment your box, but if it's under 12 months then ring sky and tell them they have'nt kept to there part of the bargain and you'd like to be reinbursted you'll get 3 months free try saying you want your money back and tell them to come and collect your box to get 6 months free my friend did this

mickmg

yellowlawn wrote:

You can do what is called a full system reset. I must warn you though you will LOOSE all recorded programmes on the Hard Drive.

If you have the slightest doubt contact Sky's support service first of all before carrying out the below.

*** YOU DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK ***

The technically-minded out there may be interested in the hidden "installer" menu, that can be accessed by pressing 'Services 4 0 1 Select'. The July 2004 software upgrade (to Sky+ version 1.28.d), saw the addition of a hidden feature to allow the (advanced) user to perform a tidy on the Sky+ hard disk. Many users have found that this has recovered valuable disk space.

If you want to give it a try, you need to go into the Installer menu and select the new "Sky+ Planner rebuild" option. This carries out a disk defrag.

And again if you have the slightest doubt contact Sky's support service first of all before carrying it out.

The 'full system reset' and the 'Sky+ Planner rebuild' are 2 separate options. The 'Sky+ Planner rebuild' is option 7 and does some internal housekeeping which they say won't lose any date or saved programmes. I chose this option as my box was constantly freezing on playback. I didn't lose any programmes and my problem hasn't reappeared as yet so I would recommend choosing that option first. After choosing that option I left my box 'off' and unplugged all night, don't know if that did anything to help but i'm now happy with my box again.
The 'full system reset' is option 8 and i'm guessing if it does as the name suggests you will lose all data and settings so for me this would be a last resort option.

moneyuser

Ettenna wrote:

Any ideas apart from replacing the box. Is there an option to reformat or defrag the box - like you do with a computer?

As others have said you can do a full system reset (FSR) but you will lose your recordings (not that they are much use anyway ). However, the point I want to make is this will not do any good anyway and you will still have the problem.

The only solution is to get another box or wait until sky fix it. This problem has been going on for about 6mths now so who knows when sky will fix it

So either buy a new Pace from simplydigital or ring sky and get an engineer to come out, don't give in to their demands for a £65 call out charge :rolleyes:

Could I also ask you to please post your details on this thread at Digital Spy.

catz747

I am also getting annoyed with sky - recording programmes that I can't playback because of the sound problems , thanks for the hidden menu info, I am doing a "housekeeping" now & if neccessary will try a full reset