Alternative to Sky+

I intend buying Sky, a DVD player and a HD recorder. I'm not impressed with Sky+ (or more accurately the tenner a month) but I would like to be able to record satalite channels. I was thinking about getting Sky installed (for £1) this month and buying a DVD/HD combi later. My worry is that I won't be able to record the sky channels because the HD recorder will not be able to change channels on the sky box.

What are my options here?

 

I don't know whether it applies to all Sky boxes, but the ones that I have used can be programed to change channels themself. You highlight the programs you want to record on the TV guide page, then press the red button to tell the box to automatically change channels. If you want to record a series you can press the series link option so that it knows to do it every day or every week.

 

a normal sky box has an autoview option

i.e. you select whatever progs you want to watch and select them as autoview progs

then sky changes itself

I would recommend sky+ it is superb

try ringing sky some forum members have said sky have offered them a sky+ deal no subscription charge

 

There are three important aspects to Sky+ that you don't get with another type of HD recorder: 1) recording quality that is literally identical to live viewing; 2) the ability to watch one program while recording or playing back another (and a software update should eventually allow us to record two programs at once while playing back a third, I think, although I'm not certain about that); 3) optical output for sound allows you to get Dolby Digital on certain movies.

 

Also recording from Sky+ removes the red dot. However I have to agree with you as it is the £10 a month that is stopping me getting Sky+

 

TiVo is always an option, provided you can find one. You can pay a lifetime sub to avoid the £10 a month. Check out the specs, but Sky+ has an edge on TiVo in picture and sound and TiVo has an edge on Sky+ with a better OS.

And the best part... your money doesn't go to Sky!

 

Ridcully, What's the red dot??

Is this something that shows up when you recors from Sky?

(I am about to purchase Sky Digital so I am curious).

 

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28991
http://www.logofreetv.org.uk/

 

what is the red dot?

those were the days - how you will come to hate the little sod

 

How much is the one off payment.

 

TiVo lifetime sub is £199. That's tied to the motherboard and is for the life of your machine.

 

Cheers Azrikam.

Have you heard anything about a lifetime sub for Sky +.

 

Thanks for all the input.

I guess if I don't go down the Sky+ route then I am forced to program the 2 boxes independently if I want to record a series.

I tried ringing Sky and getting a discount. They said no. Nice!

I undertand if I get Tivo (indeed if I can find one) then Tivo (via a plug in) will change channels but I will be restricted to viewing and recording the same channel.

I'm comming round to Sky+ but I can't justify the cost.

Todda - No lifetime Sky+, yet.

 

Yeah, TiVo can't record one channel while watching another one. But, you can watch a recorded programme whilst recording another. And, you can add your antennae as a second source to the TiVo and watch terrestrial while recording satellite or vice versa. (through the TV tuner)

With all the +1 channels, I rarely get into a position where I get a conflict that I can't handle. TiVo is also great for handling all your recordings, allowing you to creat wishlists (actor, keyword, genre, etc) as well as setting priorities for all your season passes to handle any conflicts.

 

Preston

I was a bit put off by the £10 sub at firstbut when I hd Sky + installed I realised it was worth every penny. I can't make comment on the Tivo because I have never used it but can strongly recomend Sky +.