Sky HD most unreliable out there - Techwatch Support Forums: Digital & Satellite TV, FTA, Cable, Computers, Mobile Phones, Apple and General Tech Forums

serge08 · 13-07-08, 12:36 PM

I have had Sky HD since Mar 07. Within a month the box began to turn itself off and each time I reported it. Programmes also failed to record for no valid reason. It got that bad an engineer came out and replaced my box with what I thought was a new one. I later found out Sky only offer reconditioned ones as a replacement and not brand new boxs. I've had this reconditioned box for four months and its broke again, permanantly stuck on stand by. Sky now insist on charging me sixty five quid for someone to come out and fix the faulty equipment they supply in the first place! When I speak to the members of staff at their call centre they even agree the Sky HD box is prodominantly faulty. Sky know the equipment isnt right, yet supply it and charge you for it to be fixed. On my last call I was promised a call back from a manager. I'm still waiting 24 hours later. Has anyone had similair problems? If I can give anyone advice, dont buy Sky.

Billet · 13-07-08, 03:01 PM

Welcome,

That is a really sad story, I've had my hd box for over 12 months and not had a single problem, maybe luck of the draw. I'm sure there are many stories like yours out there, what make is your box?

regards

serge08 · 13-07-08, 07:17 PM

Hi there

The make is a Thompson. I know this isnt the worst problem in the world but when you pay so much money, Sky supply shoddy equipment and its my money they want to repair it, it leaves a horrible taste in your mouth. I've just got off the phone to them in to be fair two members of staff appear to be on my side so hopefully I'll get somewhere. I would still be cautious about any Sky HD box and if you have any problems with one, ring them otherwise they will charge you and it will cause a load of hassle.

lincsat · 13-07-08, 10:14 PM

To be fair, they have honoured your initial 12 Month warranty and if you've only had the "reconditioned" box for 4 Months, that would make your initial box nearly 12 Months old when it was exchanged. They would have been within their rights to take your box away, have it fixed then returned to you - no-one wants to be without their Sky box for a couple of weeks.

You could try forcing a software update or a re-format of the HDD. You force a software update by removing the power, press & hold the backup button on the box, then re-insert the power whilst keeping the backup button pressed until all the LED's come on.

IIRC, you force a HDD format by using a similar procedure but holding the left/right buttons on the box until the centre LED comes on, then press the centre/OK button on the box.

Analoguesat · 13-07-08, 10:31 PM

Thompson HD boxes are suffering the same sorts of problems that the Grundig boxes had a few years back - the capacitors are going in them - especially in the psu's.

13-07-08, 12:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
serge08 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Sky HD most unreliable out there I have had Sky HD since Mar 07. Within a month the box began to turn itself off and each time I reported it. Programmes also failed to record for no valid reason. It got that bad an engineer came out and replaced my box with what I thought was a new one. I later found out Sky only offer reconditioned ones as a replacement and not brand new boxs. I've had this reconditioned box for four months and its broke again, permanantly stuck on stand by. Sky now insist on charging me sixty five quid for someone to come out and fix the faulty equipment they supply in the first place! When I speak to the members of staff at their call centre they even agree the Sky HD box is prodominantly faulty. Sky know the equipment isnt right, yet supply it and charge you for it to be fixed. On my last call I was promised a call back from a manager. I'm still waiting 24 hours later. Has anyone had similair problems? If I can give anyone advice, dont buy Sky.

13-07-08, 03:01 PM	#2 (permalink)
Billet Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Herefordshire Posts: 345 Thanks: 84 Thanked 19 Times in 19 Posts	Re: Sky HD most unreliable out there Welcome, That is a really sad story, I've had my hd box for over 12 months and not had a single problem, maybe luck of the draw. I'm sure there are many stories like yours out there, what make is your box? regards __________________ Dreambox 8000HD, Dreambox 7025+(x2), Dreambox 500S, DM7020i (x2),Fibo 1.2Mtr,fixed at 7°W + 90cm motorised system, Sky HD 3D (only kidding)

13-07-08, 07:17 PM	#3 (permalink)
serge08 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Sky HD most unreliable out there Hi there The make is a Thompson. I know this isnt the worst problem in the world but when you pay so much money, Sky supply shoddy equipment and its my money they want to repair it, it leaves a horrible taste in your mouth. I've just got off the phone to them in to be fair two members of staff appear to be on my side so hopefully I'll get somewhere. I would still be cautious about any Sky HD box and if you have any problems with one, ring them otherwise they will charge you and it will cause a load of hassle.

13-07-08, 10:14 PM	#4 (permalink)
lincsat Super-Dooper Moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: In front of the PC Posts: 6,003 Thanks: 8 Thanked 2,580 Times in 667 Posts	Re: Sky HD most unreliable out there To be fair, they have honoured your initial 12 Month warranty and if you've only had the "reconditioned" box for 4 Months, that would make your initial box nearly 12 Months old when it was exchanged. They would have been within their rights to take your box away, have it fixed then returned to you - no-one wants to be without their Sky box for a couple of weeks. You could try forcing a software update or a re-format of the HDD. You force a software update by removing the power, press & hold the backup button on the box, then re-insert the power whilst keeping the backup button pressed until all the LED's come on. IIRC, you force a HDD format by using a similar procedure but holding the left/right buttons on the box until the centre LED comes on, then press the centre/OK button on the box. __________________ Blade7000 & DM800Pro/SE in Stock, Linux Sat boxes from £52.25, SkyboxF3 under £60. Kryptview £123.50 & SV6 under £72 with Members Discount - Lincsat's Nick-Nacks (Shop) Drivers Protest Union

13-07-08, 10:31 PM	#5 (permalink)
Analoguesat manic midlander retired mod Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Scottish Borders Posts: 11,668 Thanks: 21 Thanked 1,339 Times in 990 Posts	Re: Sky HD most unreliable out there Thompson HD boxes are suffering the same sorts of problems that the Grundig boxes had a few years back - the capacitors are going in them - especially in the psu's. __________________ Basic forum rules for both satellite & cable: no keys no patches no offering or asking for card shares Anyone pm'ing me for details of card sharing or anything to do with hacking cable will be banned immediately Analogue forever!!