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General Forum - Questions about SKY as a new customer - Page 1
Elite
Ok so the Mrs keeps going on at me to get Sky and I'm tempted by the SD+ box and the variety/music channel pack for £19 a month. So far so good.
I'd prefer to get the HD box for the future but don't want to pay the extra £10 a month just now (unless anyone knows of any deals at the moment to avoid that and just pay the £19 a month as above?)
So my questions are firstly what connection outputs does the Sky+ box have?
I presume on the above package I can access sky box office? If the SD box has a HDMI/component output can I order HD programs off box office or would I need the HD box for that?
And most importantly, it states on the website a standard £30 setup fee applies. I live in appartments that has a shared dish on the roof and I just need to plug in the box into a socket in the wall that's already there - can I avoid or reduce this cost because of this or again through any offers anyone knows about?
Help as always is much appreciated, haven't had Sky since in my parents in 2000 so my knowledge of it sucks.
web design chester
Elite Donator
I don't know of any way to avoid the extra £10 a month charge for HD, but if anyone does, I'll read it with interest. I assume that in time this charge will be dropped, like they did the £10 Sky+ charge. Fingers crossed.
The Standard definition Sky+ box just has RGB SCART output, but it does have a digital optical audio output as some of the movies have 5.1 surround sound.
There's no HDMI because it isn't a high def box, so that answers your nest question - no, there aren't any high def movies available in Box Office, just standard def movies.
As for the set up fee, well, it's swings and roundabouts. They GIVE you the box (I think, last time I checked the offers), but charge £30 to connect it, so really the £30 is your initial cost of getting the box.
You can opt to buy one privately - plenty of traders selling new boxes on eBay - I bought a Pace box that way with a 350GB Hard drive. Then you connect it up yourself, and ring Sky to just get the subscription started. This costs more than the initial £30 they offer, but you do get to buy the make of box that you prefer, and of course, you can get a larger hard drive, if required.
All Sky+ boxes have an 80GB partition that is used for Sky Anytime, so when you consider the size of the hard drive, always deduct 80GB to see the useable hard drive size. A 160GB box only has 80GB that's useable. 
Hope that helps. Maybe someone else knows a bit more about the high def fees.
Elite
Not got SKY myself but work colleague is getting it. He didn't want to pay the extra £10 for the HD but wanted the HD Box. He called them up and was told that if you do it through the phone to sign up they can knock the £10 a month off and you will still receive the free to air HDTV channels - if you do it online it does not give you the option to 'untick' this charge (miss selling I think).
They also said that he if joins today (could be any day I reckon) they'll waiver the £30.00 set up costs.
In Madness You Dwell
Elite
Thanks both that's great. I'll have a word with the mrs and see (I'm sure the answer will be YES!!!) but if I can get the deal Bez mentioned that would be ideal.
Will let you know how I get on, will probably call them at the weekend.
web design chester
Elite
I heard/read the SKY+ box is on borrowed time anyway, and everyone will get HD boxes anyway.
Makes sense, given that most TV's use HDMI these days, and the SKY+ box doesn't offer that.
Giving people an HD box will cover all the bases (HDMI/Scart etc.)
Then it's just a case of switching on and off the HD package accordingly.
Elite Donator
AFAIK Sky+ boxes were superseded with the initial model HD boxes since the new Tb HD box was launched.
New customers asking for SD are receiving Sky+HD original, and new HD customers are receiving Sky+HD new.
Worth asking them as I've already tested the free to air HD content and it does work on a mate's box without his card inserted.
Music etc. broadcast in HD though that you haven't subscribed the extra tenner but have the sd channel in your line up won't though, they'll still be SD.
Jimbo : oÞ
"Making Teenagers depressed is like shooting fish inna barrel"
Elite Donator
I have noticed that recent adverts for Sky+ (without mentioning HD) have shown the Sky+HD box in the adverts, so I would guess this could well be true.
This would also suggest that the £10/month charge must be coming to an end in the not too distant future.
posted by miikeyblue82 on Thursday, 29th April 2010, 13:04
Elite
3D package now also available... might be worth looking into if your TV has the capability!
Elite
Quote:
I don't know of any way to avoid the extra £10 a month charge for HD, but if anyone does, I'll read it with interest.I referred my parents yesterday for Sky and they got free installation, a Sky HD box, no HD subscription and £50 M&S vouchers (I also received £50 M&S vouchers). Basically they are paying £18 a month for their TV subscription.
My friend from work is working on a Sky project and she's posted on Facebook that she has 3 referral offers for 12 months free HD subscription and 12 months half price line rental for new customers only!!! 4 weeks too late for me!!! 
Elite
Quote:
3D package now also available
I'm usually right into the latest technology, but 3D is just laughably ludicrous.
Anything that requires you to wear special glasses to view it is comical.
