ex-webby

OK, the font of all knowledge!!...

I have Sky +.. and want Sky HD - but don't want to wait days for it to be installed.

If I get hold of a Sky HD box

a) will a HD box just plug straight in?
b) can I then just phone up sky and activate it?

c) What's the quickest way for me to get hold of one - ideally tomorrow!

Cheers

Simon

mickywrx

iTrader: (29)

Smash n grab at Curry's?

Think if you just plug it in it might not work. Well it'll turn on but you get what I'm saying.

Sky always tend to come up with some crap, just so you have to get it installed by them.

Jamo

iTrader: (23)

should be set to nearest first for you. if not change it

eBay.co.uk - sky hd, sky hd Satellite Boxes Receivers, sky, sky high definition, sky plus items at low prices

james

miff13

I installed mine and it was a doddle, it's a straight swap for your sky+ box, then just call sky to pair the card and box, and upgrade your subscription to HD.

Before you call, you'll need to get into the installers menu, press "services" "4" "0" "1" and then "select" and press "6" which leads to a "request callback" function, it's best to do this before calling as they can occasionally be a bit funny if this hasn't been done.

When you ring sky it's best to speak to the scottish call centre as the others don't seem to have a clue, just keep dialing until you hear a scottish accent.

oobster

I used Sky High Deffinition Receivers from Simply Digital - they sent me a brand-new Sky+ box next-day delivery, which I fitted myself.

They are wanting £299 for the Sky HD box though, I don't how that compares with other vendors.

TopBanana

I bought mine for about £200ish on ebay. I just had to phone Sky asking them to enable Sky HD on my acccount, as I'd bought a box from an independant retailer. Exactly the same connections as Sky+. Only took 30 mins or so to activate.

You might want to phone around your local satellite installers, to see if any have one in stock, for you to self-install.

ex-webby

Guys

Thanks a lot for all your help.

I'm going to phone round in the morning, then if all else fails go for Simply Digital.

Thanks again

Simon

Brendan Hughes

Can't you just find a friend with Sky HD to record the programme for you?


(no jokes about webbie's friends here please )

ex-webby

What programme?

I just want Sky HD, but don't like waiting for things!

It really is that simple (like me!)

Sonic'

Does that make you Simple Simon then

<i'll get me coat>

rkbycrof

Another question on this topic then. I would also like to replace my Sky+ box with the new Sky HD box, one reason is for the larger capacity hard drive (I work away from home for weeks on end) and to have the potential to switch to HD at some point in the near future when I'll be home more often! If I was to buy one independantly and get it paired as you have suggested, would I still be able to receive all the SD channels on my current subscription without having to subscribe to the HD service?

TopBanana

Yes I believe so. Getting them paired and enabling HD are two separate things.

ex-webby

Right..

Thanks guys.

Got it. Called them, all appears to be running, although I haven't worked out how to do the "over air software download" thingy.

If anyone has any ideas that would be great!

logiclee

Can't help with the download but when you have it sorted have a play with the resolution settings.

You can force SD channels to be upscaled to 720p or 1080i and it does make a noticable difference on SD channels.

It depends on the TV which is best but most on AV Forum agree that 1080i gives the best results.

The HDMi output does give a better picture than the component analouge output.

Cheers
Lee

ex-webby

Thanks Lee

hectic

over air d/load

as follows

Depress 'back up' button..
take power lead from box (whilst still depressing button) , re power and continue holing back up buton ( untill you think your fiinger will swell and fall off) m/c will then go to a black screen displaying its doing download and do not touch for up to ten mins (at this point youll also notice all the lights are lit on the front of the unit..
let it do its 'thaang' then it switches off to standby once done.. then takes about a min or so to reboot,
and there you have it

ex-webby

Thanks hectic

I've tried that. The following happens :

Sky Box on, showing TV.
I press and hold back up button (the one on top of the box, not on the remote) - it shows a blue screen.
I pull out the power lead - tv switches to freeview as its lost signal.
I put the lead back in, and the red standby light comes on (still holding button), but nothing seems to happen.
I actually held the button for a good 3 minutes or so.

What am I doing wrong?

Cheers

Simon

logiclee

Seems the general info available is.

To force a software download.

1- Switch the box off at the mains.
2- Press and hold down the 'backup' button on the front panel of the box (not the remote button)
3 - while holding down backup switch the box on at the mains.
4 - keep the backup button down until all of the lights come on the front panel of the box then let it go.
5 - there should be a message on screen saying that it will take 10 minutes.... so just wait then your done.


Cheers
Lee

ex-webby

Aha!

Sorted.. Had to switch it back on with the remote!

Thanks again

hectic

lol
well done webby .



*can master(term used very loosely) a web but cant switch a fekkin sky box on .. i 'dunno **