Wanted - Skybox

MargaretR · 03-03-2009, 10:07

My Skybox has begun to malfunction after 13+ yrs use.
I thought it was the remote, but new batteries and a new remote haven't cured it.
It does not respond to the remote and the response to the front buttons on the box itself is erratic -sometimes works, most times doesn't = knackered.

I don't want to subscribe to any package, and even though there is a cut price offer at the moment I don't want it.

I paid for my own ariel install when I moved here 6yrs ago and brought the box with me.

My favourite programme is NCIS which is on 5, and reception of 5 on the (communal) terrestrial ariel is unwatchable. I rarely need sky for anything else.

So - if anyone has an old bogstandard Skybox doing nowt, I will give a tenner for it

MargaretR · 03-03-2009, 10:36

I have been offered one already - isn't Accy Web wonderful

MargaretR · 03-03-2009, 11:12

Free....and delivered .. all within an hour of asking

entwisi · 03-03-2009, 11:21

you also have the option of FreeSat now which would get you C5 with no subsciption. from about 80 quid for Standard def or 150 ish for High Def.

There are even PVR systems although as quite new they are a little expensive ( 250 quid ish but they are HD)

MargaretR · 03-03-2009, 11:30

Thanks for the info - will consider getting one for next hibernation. My tele is almost new and has built in Freeview and is 'HD ready'
I have just connected up this replacement Skybox and see that Sky now need me to subscribe to get 5 - that must have just happened when I was without a Skybox for a few days.

MargaretR · 03-03-2009, 12:03

HOORAY - now found channel5 renamed as 'Fiver'
lovely jubbly - will get NCIS again

emamum · 03-03-2009, 12:06

fiver and five are different channels

MargaretR · 03-03-2009, 12:10

You have me baffled now - I am tuned to Fiver and watching the Wright Stuff -That was on channel 5 last time I watched it

I will have to search the tv listings to see which has NCIS

emamum · 03-03-2009, 12:14

they are both owned by channel five but are diiferent

channel 5 is on 105 on sky and fiver is 176

heres more info. http://www2.five.tv/fiver/

MargaretR · 03-03-2009, 12:24

Thanks Em- I have checked the listings and NCIS is on ch 5

- so I will either have to get Freesat or pay to view via 'Five on Demand' on my PC
thinking about it

Neil · 03-03-2009, 12:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by MargaretR

Thanks for the info - will consider getting one for next hibernation. My tele is almost new and has built in Freeview and is 'HD ready'
I have just connected up this replacement Skybox and see that Sky now need me to subscribe to get 5 - that must have just happened when I was without a Skybox for a few days.

So why do you not watch using the freeview in your TV?

BERNADETTE · 03-03-2009, 12:27

You shouldn't have to pay for channel 5

MargaretR · 03-03-2009, 12:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

So why do you not watch using the freeview in your TV?

The Freeview is only 'watchable' via the terrestrial ariel which is communal and situated many yards away half way down the hill - ch5 reception is rubbish - can listen to 5 but not watch
Hyndburn Homes are charging me 37p a week extra (compulsory charge) for that rubbish ariel

entwisi · 03-03-2009, 12:39

Margeret, what you need to do is ring up and get your sky card (which was probably converted to a free to air card when you cancelled any subscription) 'paired' with the new box. They made so you can't just take any Sky card and put it in any box a number of years ago.

You will be getting a very basic free to view selection currently.

MargaretR · 03-03-2009, 12:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by entwisi

Margeret, what you need to do is ring up and get your sky card (which was probably converted to a free to air card when you cancelled any subscription) 'paired' with the new box. They made so you can't just take any Sky card and put it in any box a number of years ago.

You will be getting a very basic free to view selection currently.

The replacement box I was given today was accompanied by its own card.
I am a bit baffled because I can't get Fiver with that card,

but can with the card I used in my old Skybox.

PS - all this is giving me a dizzy do - going to lie down - I will think clearer after that