Buying from an independent dealer ?

NMR · 05-12-2006, 9:19 AM

I currently have Sky + and am looking to upgrade to Sky HD. I will most likely be buying the box as standalone from an independent retailer and swapping it over. I understand you can then call sky and get your existing card paired up.

....... however ....

I currently don't have a landline phone therefore the Sky+ isnt connected. I am on VoIP. I have had SKY+ for 2 years nearly now.

My question is ... does the SKY HD box HAVE to be connected to a BT landline in order for the guys at SKY to pair my card or do what they need to do?

Badger0-0 · 05-12-2006, 9:29 AM

I'm fairly sure that when you take HD, you have to sign a new contract, which states that you must keep it connected to the phone line.

NMR · 05-12-2006, 9:31 AM

I was under the impression this was only when you get it through SKY direct

An independent purchase does not require a contract or a phone line?

Badger0-0 · 05-12-2006, 9:38 AM

Maybe you're right, I'll be interested to see.
I thought you had to sign for the HD sub though.

I think installers have phoned off their mobiles to do the pairing, so that wouldn't be a problem.
No doubt one of the lads will let us know

NMR · 05-12-2006, 10:51 AM

So, my next question would be ...

What are my options due to the fact I am on Voip and do not have a landline

MisterEz · 05-12-2006, 11:11 AM

If you buy a non-subsidised box (ie from a third party, not direct from Sky) you do not have to sign up to a new 12 month contract, and you do not have to agree to have a phone line connected to the box.

All you need to do to set up the new box is phone Sky to have your card paired to the box, and then ask them to activate the HD subscription on your account. You're free to then cancel this anytime you want after the first month.

Badger0-0 · 05-12-2006, 11:15 AM

And then here's a (very, er, lively

) thread that says different.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/s...d.php?t=475360

NMR · 05-12-2006, 11:16 AM

Is this 100% MisterEz? I would hate to go and get my box this afternoon, and then be faced with a load of hassle from the Sky people.

I take it all the updates/pairing etc is done through the LNB, and the phone line is only used for callbacks, PPV, Interactive (Which I dont use). It will not affect the EPG or the SKY+ capability?

Like I say, have had Sky+ for nearly 2 years now with no phone line attached and never had a problem?

Should I go get the box this aft then and take the plunge?

NMR · 05-12-2006, 11:20 AM

Quote from other website :-

" Ok let me put this simply and in answer to the orig question

Unless you have a multiroom sub you DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE YOUR HD PURCHASED EBAY BOX CONNECTED TO YOUR PHONE LINE IF YOUR SUB IS 12MTHS OR MORE OLD (as in my case)

YOU CAN !!!! RING AND GET YOUR CARD RE-PAIRED WITHOUT HAVING TO DO A CALLBACK (as in my case)
"

The plot thickens

as I have already done 2 years on my subscription

Badger0-0 · 05-12-2006, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NMR

Quote from other website :-

" Ok let me put this simply and in answer to the orig question

Unless you have a multiroom sub you DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE YOUR HD PURCHASED EBAY BOX CONNECTED TO YOUR PHONE LINE IF YOUR SUB IS 12MTHS OR MORE OLD (as in my case)

YOU CAN !!!! RING AND GET YOUR CARD RE-PAIRED WITHOUT HAVING TO DO A CALLBACK (as in my case)
"

The plot thickens

as I have already done 2 years on my subscription

But 3 installers are telling him you do, now that Sky have sorted the callback system.
Why not ask the shop you are going to use?

nictry · 05-12-2006, 11:30 AM

I have just decided to cancel my HD box install from a local retailer as there is one thing you need to be aware of! If the box fails (as 6 of my sky+ boxes have) you will have no right of redress against sky, the warranty on the box is with the retailer so if he decides to mess you about, say it needs repairing etc. you are stuffed! You are however commited to the HD subscription for 12 months as that is the 'contract' you are taking out with Sky so beware of doing this through a local installer.

I have just spent 20 mins on the phone to Sky discsussing this and they will hold firm on this one so I am not prepared to take the risk with such an unreliable piece of equipment at this stage

MisterEz · 05-12-2006, 11:39 AM

I'm only going by what I've picked up on here and other sites...

Have bought an HD box myself from Ebay, but going to give it a try first before I call Sky to get the HD subs added.

The way I see it though -
If you're getting Sky to supply and install your box then they are able to impose certain conditions on you - for buying a subsidised box from them, in return, you will have to agree to a new contract & connecting your phone line to the box.

If you're buying a third party box (ebay, independent installer) you should be able to pair your existing account with this box and activate any extra features without having to modify your contract. If your still within the first 12months of your contract, you will still have to abide by the original terms & conditions

If have a standard Sky box and then buy your own Sky+ box independently, you can add the Sky+ subs to your account without starting a new contract - shouldn't this be the same for SkyHD??

If in doubt though NMR, phone Sky before buying your new box and check it out...

NMR · 05-12-2006, 11:39 AM

OK. Well ..

My other option is the Currys £149.00 + £60 installation but i dont want to pay that as I just got rid of multiroom and have no need for it, but at the same time, I dont warrant a £60.00 charge just to swap SKY+ Box for SKYHD?

Nevertheless, if I do go for this, I STILL wont have a phone line to cal back to if an engineer comes out!!

I may just ring Sky this aft to see what they say, and see if they could waiver the £60 installation fee when booked. What is the best number to ring?

nictry · 05-12-2006, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterEz

I'm only going by what I've picked up on here and other sites...

Have bought an HD box myself from Ebay, but going to give it a try first before I call Sky to get the HD subs added.

The way I see it though -
If you're getting Sky to supply and install your box then they are able to impose certain conditions on you - for buying a subsidised box from them, in return, you will have to agree to a new contract & connecting your phone line to the box.

If you're buying a third party box (ebay, independent installer) you should be able to pair your existing account with this box and activate any extra features without having to modify your contract. If your still within the first 12months of your contract, you will still have to abide by the original terms & conditions

If have a standard Sky box and then buy your own Sky+ box independently, you can add the Sky+ subs to your account without starting a new contract - shouldn't this be the same for SkyHD??

If in doubt though NMR, phone Sky before buying your new box and check it out...

You are signing an HD contract with Sky though, for them to provide you with the programming, that is the £10 per month and this is contractual

There is no way around it unless you choos not to take an HD subs with your ebay box which would sort of defeat the object of buying it!!!!!

NMR · 05-12-2006, 11:47 AM

Im happy to pay the £10 a month subs and sign the contact. Just not happy having to pay £60 installation to change over SKY+ and unable to connect to a phone line.

'Unless' I plug it in to my mum and dads phone line to activate it and then take it back to my house? Going back to the post which says no phone line required for 1 box and/or if you have had sky for over 12 months?

Badger0-0 · 05-12-2006, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NMR

Im happy to pay the £10 a month subs and sign the contact. Just not happy having to pay £60 installation to change over SKY+ and unable to connect to a phone line.

'Unless' I plug it in to my mum and dads phone line to activate it and then take it back to my house? Going back to the post which says no phone line required for 1 box and/or if you have had sky for over 12 months?

You could take it to your parents house, np.
But it appears that Sky are enforcing the monthly callback, which means you're stuffed unless you take it to their house for a few days every month

NMR · 05-12-2006, 11:53 AM

I may be best off being honest and telling SKY I am on Voip and what they can suggest. Being a long time customer.

*Tony Hoyle* · 05-12-2006, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badger0-0

You could take it to your parents house, np.
But it appears that Sky are enforcing the monthly callback, which means you're stuffed unless you take it to their house for a few days every month

Not unless you have multiroom. I haven't had mine connected to the phone line since I got it last May.