Outputs on Sky+ box

[pd.ryder]

I'm going to take the plunge and opt for a Sky+ upgrade with multiroom. Whether this is a good idea or not remains to be seen after reading some of the horror stories about Sky+ boxes

I've never actually had any 'hands-on' with Sky+ and I'm wondering what outputs the new box will have:

1. I guess there's SCARTTV & SCARTREC
2. There'll be RF2 to pipe recorded stuff upstairs
3. Is there any digital out for sending recorded programmes to DVDR (or another hard drive) or does that have to go via the second SCART? What video format does Sky+ use?
4. Can the Sky+ programming/recording features be accessed via RF2 and a second Sky+ remote?
5. Anything else of any use?

Also, does the multiroom standard box need a phone line? I've not long ripped out the old extension whilst decorating since it was obsolete (thanks to DECT cordless handsets) and I could do without the hassle of putting one back in. Will the Sky guy refuse to install it if I don't have a phone line available?

Thanks in advance...

Paul

[penrhyn]

The input and output connectors on a Sky + box are the same as for a standard box. The only difference being an additional LNB input for the second tuner.
There are no digital outputs for connection to DVD recorders, you simply use the scart connection.
All functions can be controlled via the RF2 output, as long as you use a Sky + remote control.
I think you need the multiroom box connected to you phone line, but probably only while the Sky man is there.

O yes there are a couple of USB ports on the Skly + box but they have no function at present.

[terrorvis]

I think you need the multiroom box connected to you phone line, but probably only while the Sky man is there.

A multi room subscription requires both boxes to be connected to the phone line all the time. This is a contractual obligation to ensure both boxes are in the same building.

[Spongebob]

i have two stb's upstairs as well as SKY+ downstairs and RF2 for the kitchen. The two upstairs boxes have never been connected to the phone line. The sky guy wasnt concerned at all. Having said that the two upstairs are only Freeview from Sky.

Once the 4 output LNB (or 8 out put if your lucky) is put in, you can access the out puts your self at any time if you dont wanna go multiroom yet.

I got my extra stb off the sky guy. its like aladdins cave in his van.

Rob

[Nigelh]

All functions can be controlled via the RF2 output, as long as you use a Sky + remote control.
.

I am thinking of getting Sky + as well, I assume that you need a TV Link/Magic eye set up, how well do these work? Any recommendations. I have a starnge wiring set up, with a split feed from my sky box, and a freeview recorder going from the lounge up to a powered splitter in the loft, and then fed to other rooms. Will TV Link work on this type of set up?

Nigel

[penrhyn]

In order for the TV Link to work it has to have a DC feed from the Sky box, If you have an amplifier in the feed its possible that this will block the DC and the link wont work.
However Global who make thes things do have suitable amplifiers and DC pass through devices that you can use.
I suggest you have a look at there website, I've got one and it works fine.

tvLINK - The complete In-home Distribution Solution

[terrorvis]

i have two stb's upstairs as well as SKY+ downstairs and RF2 for the kitchen. The two upstairs boxes have never been connected to the phone line. The sky guy wasnt concerned at all. Having said that the two upstairs are only Freeview from Sky.

Thats exactly why... you are not paying for a multiroom subscription. The subscription has the contract attached. They write to you within a couple of weeks if your multiroom box doesn't phone home, from the same telephone number as your main box.

[Nigelh]

In order for the TV Link to work it has to have a DC feed from the Sky box, If you have an amplifier in the feed its possible that this will block the DC and the link wont work.
However Global who make thes things do have suitable amplifiers and DC pass through devices that you can use.
I suggest you have a look at there website, I've got one and it works fine.

tvLINK - The complete In-home Distribution Solution

Thanks very much, I had looked at ther site, and a similar site on e-bay, and I thought that might be the case, it adds to the cost, but if I can access sky + on all TV's it will be worth it. If it's as good as my Freeview PVR, then we'll never use video again.

[pd.ryder]

i have two stb's upstairs as well as SKY+ downstairs and RF2 for the kitchen. The two upstairs boxes have never been connected to the phone line. The sky guy wasnt concerned at all. Having said that the two upstairs are only Freeview from Sky.

Once the 4 output LNB (or 8 out put if your lucky) is put in, you can access the out puts your self at any time if you dont wanna go multiroom yet.

I got my extra stb off the sky guy. its like aladdins cave in his van.

Rob

Thanks for the replies guys I had hoped for better news re the phone line because it only adds to the hassle of getting the whole idea 'approved' by the missus

Sorry to be thick - but stb's??

[Nigelh]

I've got the same problem, I'm intending to wire the phone point myself, to take it outside the house from an extension point upstairs. I'm going to work on my missus using the line, that an extension can be used to plug an old style phone into, in case of power cuts.

STB = Set top boxes.