Thomson Sky+ box freezing 3 times in a week.

[Morn]

Hi people,

Having finally convinced my parents to get Sky+ and finding they can actually use the thing in less than a week, there is only one thing that is stopping them fully enjoying it.

The box keeps on freezing and becoming stuck on Sky Guide page. They are doing nothing out of the ordinary and the only way to resolve the freeze is to turn the thing off at the mains.

The Box details are:

Model: 127b146
Version: 4E2138
OS Version: 1.31B02
EPG Version: sky+4.20.9

Anyone got any ideas on how to resolve this?

Thanks

[Sam Radford]

It may be the usual power supply capacitor failure. Check for bulging capacitors. (Even if they aren't bulging, they might still be faulty).

[big bob]

Your post suggest they haven't had the box very long.

If this is the case, contact Sky as it will be under warranty.

[Morn]

They have had the thing for less than one week. I have only had mine a little longer than they have and have not experienced the same issues.

If they contact Sky will they be offered a replacement and could they potentially request a Pace box?

[NewsreadeR]

I would have thought if the installer comes out and he has a Pace box, if asked would swap it for them.

The installer does not get paid until 30 days of non call out have elapsed, so its in his interests to make sure everything works, to their satisfaction.

Although the Thomson does have issues with the PSU mine has been faultless for 14 months or so, they may have just received a Friday one.

[Morn]

Ok, thanks for the comments so far on this. I have re-arranged the box so that it has the most air flow possible in its location, I am hoping that this may help matters if it is a PSU problem.

If it continues any longer however I will call sky and ask them to swap it out for them, I am guessing that the Thomson boxes are no better than the Pace and visa versa so as long as the box is faultless they/I do not care on brand.

Finally, does anyone have a land based number list for Sky and Sky Broadband? I get incredibly grumpy when I need to call 0870 numbers!

Will let you know the outcome.

[Sam Radford]

SAYNOTO0870.COM - Non-Geographical Alternative Telephone Numbers

[Harp]

It may be the usual power supply capacitor failure. Check for bulging capacitors. (Even if they aren't bulging, they might still be faulty).

That sounds like it's a common problem, and ti sounds just like what's happened to my box.

So ... is there a way to test the capacitor? I have a meter.

[Smithy99]

If they are faulting they will be bulging, just looking usually is enough.

[Harp]

If they are faulting they will be bulging, just looking usually is enough.

Just a thought, but is it obvious which is the capacitor?

Is there a diagram to help one find it?