Sky HD woe

[punio75]

The bloody box has packed in! Red power light is on but no action for 2 days now.

Recorded all of 'this is england 86' as well! + ryder cup is on. At least we have standard sky in the bedroom.

Is it cheaper to buy an new box than bother with Sky? It will be out of warranty for sure.

[charlesr]

I presume you have turned the power off for half a minute at the wall and then tried again? Red light means fully off, rather than standby in case that wasn't obvious, but it should still respond to remote commands.

[punio75]

yeah, tried that.

What an arse this really is. Sooooo frustrating.

[Neil]

I'm on my 4th box now.

The last one was out of warranty but I kicked up a fuss and ended up paying about ?50-60 I think.

The last time the engineer came he told me not to leave large amounts of stuff recorded for long periods of time, like less then 20% hd space remaining. This ones lasted ok so far....

[Neil]

Have you tried making the box search for a software update?

Google it, I think you unplug then hold a couple of buttons on the front and it should force an update.

[Neil]

Sky Receiver - How to force a software update.?

Customers often contact us when their Sky Receivers behave erratically.

Forcing an update of the system software will often clear a multitude of problems. Here's how:

1) Locate the button on the front of the Receiver, named "Back Up".

2) Press and hold down the "Back Up" button...

3) WHILE HOLDING IT DOWN, disconnect then reconnect the power to the receiver (do not release the back-up button yet).

4) About 20 seconds after reconnecting power, all four coloured lights will illuminate on the front of the receiver.
If the TV is switched to Sky a message will also appear on screen.. "Updating System Software".

5) Only after the four lights illuminate and the message appears should you release the back-up button.


6) After about 10 minutes the reciever will return to "standby" (ie. red LED only).

7. Leave the receiver in standby for 1 minute as it carries out a self check.

8). Switch receiver out of standby (green LED illuminates).

9) The receiver will take a few minutes "Searching For Listings".

10) Enjoy.

[Lyris]

Does anyone know who manufactures the decoders for Sky? Is it still Thomson?

[Oldgamingfart]

I think Amstrad, Pace and Samsung do (or did).

[punio75]

No joy I'm afraid!

Thanks for the suggestions tho

[charlesr]

software updates? Do these normally happen automatically? if so, why would you need to force them?

[Neil]

The engineers use it when they install boxes to make sure it has the correct software.

[punio75]

Rang Sky, can come round next Saturday!

A full week, rubbish!

[Jebus]

I hope you aren't letting them charge you the full price for that month AND £60 for a callout without a fight mate...

[punio75]

No, they have halted payment for the duration its off.
Actually thats not strictly true, you have to call back when its working again, and they give you that 'credit' off your next monthly bill.