Sky+ upgrade

[Halohodge]

I am a Sky unlimited user with just with a standard Sky box, what I want to know is can I get a sky+ box so that I can record sky channels. I know that I have only one lead from the dish so I assume that I cant watch and record at the same time but that wont be a problem, also will there be problem with the tv card accepting the new box.

[Alan b]

If you only have a standard box then you need a HD+ box to be able to record. You might be able to get a free one if you haven't had one before and as long as you take the HD pack for 12 months. If you login to your account online and select the upgrade option you should see any offers available to you. You could also phone up and see what the offer you. You don't actually need a HD subscription to record anything, you just need an active TV subscription which you have.

[Scubbie]

Taking the path that Alan B has suggested may be the most beneficial. Your LNB may need to be changed to one with multiple ports to allow a 2nd feed from the dish.

Sky may offer you a good deal and make this all worth while for you.

When installing the new Sky+ HD STB, the engineer can change the LNB & fit a twin coax lead from the dish.

The alternative way is to search somewhere like eBay and purchase a 2nd hand STB. You would then be free to install it for yourself and call Sky to pair your viewing card with the new STB.

Should you decide later to install a 2nd feed from the dish, you may need to change the LNB as well.

[Halohodge]

I obviously did not make myself clear,what I was trying to say is to just use the box to record only, no live viewing to avoid extra cabling from dish just so I can record a specific programme to watch later. You also say that I might have compatabilty issue with the viewing card and the new Sky+ box, is that so? and can that be overcome without extra expense.

[Scubbie]

I this case, a PVR or DVD recorder would probably be sufficient to do what you are asking.

[Barny Mike]

You can use a 2nd Hand Sky+ Box to record using 1 feed.

You set up a dummy 'record event' that will record during your normal viewing hours. I usedto record QVC form 6:0AM to Midnight.
The box will then try and record on the unused feed and fail.
But it will tie up that feed allowing you to use the other connected feed to watch and single record programmes.

I used this method for about 6 months after a friend of mine donated his unused white Sky+ box. I eventually got my local sat installer to pop round install the multi LMB and second feed for around £60.

Certainly cheaper that subscribing to the £10 HD pack when you don't have an HD tele!!!

Google "Sky + With Only One Feed" for the full details.

I hope this all make sense

Mike

It also helps having a Freeview Box as a secondary viewing facility. I would recommend a refurbished Digihome recorder, £40 from Bigpockets a few years ago.

[Kenedin]

.......Google "Sky + With Only One Feed" for the full details......

Here you go: Sky+ With a Single Input.

[Isitme]

It is still possible to get a Sky+ box free if you have not had one before. In all likelihood it will be an HD box, with the Sky HD channels disabled. This would probably be the OP's cheapest way of getting a recording function. All he would be required to do is sign up for a further 12 months Sky TV.

[MartinP]

Don't mess about. Get a Sky+HD Digibox. Set it for single input operation. Phone Sky and ask them to activate your card in it. Easy.

[mcphailan]

Don't mess about. Get a Sky+HD Digibox. Set it for single input operation. Phone Sky and ask them to activate your card in it. Easy.

Yes and I believe (correct me if wrong) that the install - i.e. in OP's case, introduction of 2nd coax line from dish - is free at the mo, with 3 months of the 12-month hd sub free too ?