Why can't I pause any of my 'Other Channels'?
This is a software limitation. Sky, unfortunately, have never allowed for the other channels to be recorded, paused, or make use of any of the Sky+ features. it is unknown if such a feature is planned.
I cancelled my subscription to movies, for example, but Why can't I view my recorded programmes?
Sky+ encrypts the recordings you make, and basically looks at your subscription to see if you are entitled to view/record the programme. If you cancel your subscription, your recorded programmes become unviewable. The only
way to view the prorgammes again is to reinstate your subscription to the channel, for example Sky Movies or Sky
Sports. There is no way around this.
Where can I obtain a channel list for my box?
Digital Spy has a good list here.
How can I tell if my Sky+ box is new or refurbished?
The rule is that a new box comes in a white box with Sky+ branded on it, whereas a refurbished box comes in a brown box.
How can I tell what box I have?
Go to Services, choose 'System Setup' (option 4), then choose System Details (option 5), and look at your version
number, and comapre it to the table below.
Version number 9F20xx - Pace PVR1 (aka Pace BSKYB3000)
Version number 9F21xx - Pace PVR2 (aka Pace BSKYB3100)
Version number 4F20xx - Amstrad PVR2 (aka Amstrad DRX180)
Version number 9F23xx - Pace PVR2.5
Version number 9F22xx - Pace PVR3 (aka Pace TDS470N)
Version number 4F21xx - Amstrad PVR3 (aka Amstrad DRX280)
Version number 4E21xx - Thomson PVR3 (aka Thomson DSI8210)
Version number 4E20xx - Thomson Sky+ 160 (aka Thomson DSI6210)
Version number 4E30xx - Thomson Sky HD - (aka Thomson DSI8215)
How much can my box store?
The PVR1 and PVR2 boxes have a 40GB hard drive, which averagely can store around 20 hours of recordings. The PVR3 and PVR2.5 boxes, however, have a 160GB hard drive, but only 80GB is available for the user to use, the rest is for Anytime. Therfore, these boxes can store 40 hours of programmes. If you own a Sky+ 160 box, you can record approximately 80 hours of content.
Where can I get a new box from?
You have two options. You can either purchase one from Sky directly for £99 with £30 install, or buy one from an
independant supplier, for example Simply Digital, for around £140. You will also find a large selection of boxes on E-Bay.
Which box manufacturer is the best?
This varies from time to time. Overall, Pace are the trusted supplier, as people often find that Pace boxes are the
most reliable, and work the best. Thomson and Amstrad boxes can vary, and they both frequently switch between 2nd and 3rd places. If you want to be safe, get a Pace.
Sky+ has missed the start/end of the programme, what can I do?
If your box has not recorded the beginning/end of a programme, it's too late to do anything. But, to prevent this
from happening in the future, try and set something called the buffer to the end of the programme. You can do this
in Services then Sky+ Setup. The options are 'Add to start of recording' and 'Add to end of recording'.
My Sky+ box is crashing all the time, what can I do?
It is most likely the hard drive. You can either get Sky out for £65 to replace the box, or try and change the hard
drive yourself, but, it is possible that it won't be the hard drive, and could be a general box fault, or even the dish.
Can I use Sky+ features with Freesat from Sky?
Yes, but there is a charge of £10 per month for the service. You are better off getting the basic package from £15
per month, and getting the Sky+ subscription for free.
I've just had Sky+ installed, but the features aren't activated, what can I do?
Wait. The features can take up to 4 hours to appear, or, in some cases, up to a day. If you still don't have them the day after your box has been installed, give Sky a ring.
My Sky+ is stuck in standby, Help!
The hard drive has most likely gone. You will need to either replace the hard drive with a new one, or get Sky out
for a fee of £65. You can always try a full system reset to get the drive back, it sometimes helps:
Unplug box from the mains. Press and hold the two buttons either side of the select button, then plug back in while
holding the two buttons in, wait until the lights on the front of the box begin to spin backwards, then press the select button on the box, the record light will come on. The box will then perform the reset, and will go back into standby when finished. This procedure will wipe off all your recordings, but may just help to get your box working again.
I have lost quite a lot of disk space, when empty, my planner shows 85% free, when nothing's in there!
You will need to perform a planner rebuild by doing the following:
Press Services
Press 4, 0, 1 then select on the remote control, without looking at the screen.
Then, choose option 7 from this menu (Sky+ planner rebuild), and press select, then the rebuild will recover the lost space. Your box will reboot when finished.
What is 'System Health Check'?
This is a new feature implemented by Sky, which helps Customer Service reps find the problem with your box, should you call up. Your PIN will not work, Sky have to generate the code for you. There is nothing useful in there for you, so don't try and get in.
Does my box record in standby?
Yes. Just don't unplug the box, and all recordings will still be made.
When will my box receive the latest software update?
If you have just had Sky+ installed, your box will automatically update to the latest software within the next few days. If you have had it weeks, and it is definately not on the latest software, try a force download. This will not wipe your recording's:
Unplug box from mains
Plug back in, while holding BACK UP on the front of the box.
Wait until all 4 lights come on, then release back up and the software will be updated.
It usually takes around ten minutes.
If you have any other problems, please remember to search the forums first!
