Buying a Sky+ HD box

[JLD_89]

Hello all,

I have a new 3D TV arriving tomorrow and am looking to replace the Sky+ SD box with a Sky+ HD one. I already have a Samsung HD box for the bedroom TV - it was free with an HD upgrade a couple of years back.

I've looked on ebay at a range of used boxes with prices starting from about £30. Is this the best value way to get a 2nd box? Are there any models I should steer clear of? I've read the original boxes don't support Anytime+, how do I indentify them?

Many thanks if you can help,

James

[Scubbie]

The Thomson model is the one to avoid if you desire Anytime+.

IMHO the Amstrad DRX890 or DRX 895 are probably the better choices to consider. If you are prepared to install you own hard drive, then consider the DRX890.

All the STBs have a particular weak point. For these their weak point is the HDMI port. It can fail if you frequently change the HDMI cable .

Sent from my Galaxy SII using Forum Runner

[JLD_89]

Thanks Scubbie. Thomson aside, do all boxes support 3D?

Turns out I actually have an Amstrad, not a Samsung & haven't had any HDMI problems.

Sky offered us a 2nd box @ £65 w/12 month contract, think I'll stick with ebay / Amazon.

[jayhab]

Also worth checking out Gumtree - it's where I managed to pick up an 890 for £25 when I was upgrading from a Samsung.

[Scubbie]

All the Sky+ HD STBs and the SkyHD STB will correctly show the Sky 3D channel if you subscribe to it. Currently you will need to subscribe to all the main Sky packages and then select sky 3D as well.

Obviously you will need a suitable 3D TV as well, but to the best of my knowledge all the 3D TVs that are currently on the market will work.

[dms05]

Currently you will need to subscribe to all the main Sky packages and then select sky 3D as well.

Sky 3D is 'free'. However you need to be subscribing to Sky's very top priced package to be eligible for the 'free' offer.

[Isitme]

Sky offered us a 2nd box @ £65 w/12 month contract, think I'll stick with ebay / Amazon.

I think I would jump at a £65 box with a 12 month warranty, rather than take a chance with eBay,