Sky gears up to launch SkyQ

[rasp54]

4k will not be available until middle next year.

[seawright]

surely in this day and age, the SkyQ would authorise via the sky hub (for Sky BB customers) and remove the need for a card, or at least require you to 'sign in' to the box just like sky go?

I would expect it to remain as it would be irresponsible for Sky to rely on anything less than hardware for controlling the security of their core business.

[Scubbie]

Whilst the Sky Viewing card is a strong part of Sky's current security, it has been broken.

Last year Watchdog or Panorama, I think, did a feature on a pirate STB that could decrypt Sky's broadcasts. Apparently there are quite a few in the London area.

The viewing card offers a relatively quick method to swap over STBs should one fail. So long as electromechanical components fail, this will always be important. It also is a great watch for Sky to ensure that a specific customer gets what they want, even when Internet access is limited.

[marjohn56]

Yes, they are available on eBay.

[Scubbie]

Of course I wouldn't recommend that anyone buy one. Seriously I wouldn't.

If people want to complain about Sky and their high prices, then that's one thing. From memory you still need to pay a monthly subscription to these rogue STB suppliers. sure it's less, but technically its going straight into the pockets of real criminals.

[marjohn56]

I'm told the guide is a flakey too, also, no record, at least not one the one I was told about.

Real criminals? Rupert Murdoch... Say no more...

[Scubbie]

Well the EPG that it has, not matter how flaky it may or may not be, will look pretty dated compared to the new Sky Q box.

Whilst Sky Q is being pushed as a premium product, with lots of potential for bolt on extras, the hack job just won't be able to compare without some serious money to develop it which I think isn't going to happen some how.

[snooker147]

SkyQ Monthly Subscription would be £100 a month! No thanks Sky!

Sky's SkyQ set-top box likely to lift subscription prices, analysts say | Business | London Evening Standard

[marjohn56]

Yes, that's comparing the maximum package now at £87 to over £100, so shall we say an extra £15 per month on top of whatever TV package you currently have.

[snooker147]

No one will not paying for premium skyq £100 a month is just pure madness!