Can I use a V+ HD Box from eBay?

[Simosky]

Hi there. New to this forum, so please bear with me on any stupid questions. Apologies if this sort of question has already been asked. I did try searching the forums but couldn't find anything.

I have an existing VM feed to my house for my broadband. I have a large HD TV that looks very low-res on its current freeview terrestrial input. I was wondering if I could buy a V+ HD Box (with smartcard) that are being sold on eBay. I'm only looking at getting the basic free channels but was hoping that some of them would be in HD. I called VM and they want £40 install fees (even though the cable is already there from the splitter into the house) and then approx £6 a month just for the basic TV package, which doesn't look that much different to what I get on Freeview.

I read about talkback being an issue but I believe that this is sorted by removing a surface mount resistor (not sure which one) in the box, according to another post?

Any advice would be most appreciated.

Thanks,

[G77]

nah, dont buy one of them on ebay. you'll prob end up with nothing.

talkback was cut by removing a resistor on the board yes, but that was just part of a hack which became pointless a year or so ago.

basically, if you want hd, steer away from the cable thing and look at satellite.

how much are v+ boxes going for on ebay anyway? just out of interest?

EDIT: just looked on ebay and there going for next to nowt. can remember when the old hack was possible the v+ going for £120+ with a card

[BL4K3Y]

Originally Posted by G77

how much are v+ boxes going for on ebay anyway? just out of interest?

EDIT: just looked on ebay and there going for next to nowt. can remember when the old hack was possible the v+ going for £120+ with a card

I think I got mine for £100, the SA8300 boxes are pretty slow and I couldn't get my hands on a Samsung 3110c lol. Just as well really because it would have been more money spent only to see things go down after a few weeks.

[nibblitz]

Pay the extra 6 quid to virgin, its worth it really, check the extra channels you'll get, and factor in the box has all the Catch Up TV stuff available to you aswell, its not bad really...

You could try and haggle (argue about how come new customers get free installation) or, you could try the method of ringing up to cancel your Broadband subscription altogether saying you're going to BT, they'll then probably give you more than just free installation to stay with them..

[Simosky]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Looks like I'll probably order the box officially from VM. I was just curious if there was a cheaper route having been the owner of a starview box a few years ago.........