Sky+ with only one input

[stattoma]

Hi

I'm keen for Sky+ but have just moved to a new-build flat which only has one satellite input (and no prospect of getting another). I assume that I can use Sky+ with only one input but lose the benefit of the second tuner? Sky tell me that they won't do an install on that basis. Does that mean I can buy a second-hand Sky+ box and run the cables myself? I'll obviously need the Sky+ subscription but I presume I don't need a new viewing card?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Jaffatubes]

Hi Stattoma - having just completed an upgrade from sky to sky+ by myself this weekend, I think I can add some comment.

1) Sky+ will work with just one input, but you will only be able to record/watch one (the same) channel.
2) You can buy a second hand sky+ box from ebay or new from somewhere like www.simplydigital.co.uk and just plug it in. Then ring sky with viewing card number and box details - They need to pair the card to box for it to work.
3) You still need a viewing card, whether you subscribe to sky or not. If you don't subscribe, you'll get the Free to Air channels.
4) In order to use the sky+ features you either need to subscribe to sky and depending on whether you get the premium channels or not, pay a £10/month sky+ charge. This £10/m charge still applies to use the sky+ features even if you don't subscribe to sky for their viewing packages.
5) Sky won't do an install if they cannot run both cables and give you the full functionality.

In your case, unless you can get another sky feed, I think I would forget Sky+ and get either a DVD recorder or a DVD/HDD recorder, which would be similar in cost, but much less hassle, yet give you the similar functionality.

Search these forums, there is wealth of info on this from others upgrading to SKY+ and doing DIY installs that helped me out a lot.

Cheers

[stattoma]

Many thanks mate. I already have a DVD recorder but the functionality of Sky+ is much more appealing. It might not be £10/month appealing though!

[Jaffatubes]

No problem, I can't disagree that the Sky+ functionality and the integration of the planner/tv guide and recording ability can't be beat.

I had previously bought a DVD/HDD recorder, but now I've got the sky+ box, I may sell it and stick a bigger HDD in the Sky box.

[wandersen]

I look Sky+ so much I simply wouldn't buy a flat if I couldn't use it !

[Sabre]

Originally Posted by Jaffatubes

Hi Stattoma - having just completed an upgrade from sky to sky+ by myself this weekend, I think I can add some comment.

2) You can buy a second hand sky+ box from ebay or new from somewhere like www.simplydigital.co.uk and just plug it in. Then ring sky with viewing card number and box details - They need to pair the card to box for it to work.

Hiya

I am in the same situation as the fella who started this thread. I already have a Sky+ box which I bought from John Lewis. If I ring up Sky and subscribe to Sky+ how can I connect up my Sky+ box?

[neilmcl]

Originally Posted by Sabre

Hiya

I am in the same situation as the fella who started this thread. I already have a Sky+ box which I bought from John Lewis. If I ring up Sky and subscribe to Sky+ how can I connect up my Sky+ box?

You would just connect up the single cable feed but you won't be able to use the full fucntionality of Sky+, ie, recording two programmes at the same time, recording one whilst watching another etc. You will only be able to watch the programme you are currently recording.

[Sabre]

Originally Posted by neilmcl

You would just connect up the single cable feed but you won't be able to use the full fucntionality of Sky+, ie, recording two programmes at the same time, recording one whilst watching another etc. You will only be able to watch the programme you are currently recording.

Would Sky agree to bringing round the cable and setting up the box though?

[neilmcl]

Originally Posted by Sabre

Would Sky agree to bringing round the cable and setting up the box though?

Probably not.

[Sabre]

Originally Posted by neilmcl

Probably not.

Any idea on a solution?

[neilmcl]

Do you have any Sky feed at all at the moment?

[Sabre]

Originally Posted by neilmcl

Do you have any Sky feed at all at the moment?

Nope, I'm not a Sky user at the moment. I've got the option available to me as my flat has a Sky input.

[Nick_UK]

Buy a Sky+ box and install it yourself. It won't be difficult if the satellite outlet is already there in the room.

[Sabre]

Originally Posted by Nick_UK

Buy a Sky+ box and install it yourself. It won't be difficult if the satellite outlet is already there in the room.

I have the Sky+ box. Do I just need some cable to run the signal?

[Nick_UK]

Yes, plus some connectors for the ends.