Sky+ copy function

[robbo20]

I've just had sky+ installed last week and bought a Panasonic ES10 to archive stuff off it. (chosen after reading lots of threads on this site.)

I've got 2 questions that I've searched for but can't find an answer

1. What is the use of the copy function on sky+ over normal play? Is it just that you can chain programmes together for copying?

2. Can you still record a programme (or 2) while you are using the copy function?

[wicket]

Basically with the copy function, you are just setting Sky+ to play a set number of programmes or just one for recording. Sky+ will stop at the end of the recordings. If you use just play, Sky+ doesn't stop, it will revert back to whatever you were last watching and that will get recorded.

You cannot use Sky+ when you are using the copy function other than to watch the programmes you are copying.

[Knyght_byte]

aye, if you want to tag a bunch of stuff on to one disc (say 6 episodes of the simpsons) then use copy......

if you just want one film then its up to you, use copy or just record while playing......makes no real difference........if you dont stop the disc you'll just get a blue screen after the show you've been recording......

doing either means you have to watch what your recording, cant watch anything else unless you use a separate freewview or terrestrial tuner....

[robbo20]

Thanks for the replies but can you just clarify - I know I can't watch anything when I'm copying but can I still record? I am recording Catherine Cookson for the wife tonight but want to know can I copy some of the previously recorded stuff while I'm doing this?

[wicket]

Yes, I think it should still record all right, you just cannot view anything other than what you are copying.

[mh123]

Yep - no probs.

[Nick_UK]

To clarify - Sky boxes only have one decoder, so you can only watch or play back only one thing at a time. The copy function allows you to stack programmes for dumping over to DVDR or VCR, but to all intents and purposes otherwise it's just like normal playback, so you can record one or more programmes whilst copying.

[robbo20]

Thanks for the replies. Didn't want to do anything that would jeopardise the recording of Catherine Cookson and incur the wrath of the wife!

[Knyght_byte]

lol, my mums been getting me to check their box downstairs every night Bleak House has been on to make sure dads recordings dont make her miss one and if it is conflicting to cancel one of his....lol