Analoguesat said:
Sky are NOT sending out replacement ftv cards automatically.
You need to apply for them - and from their website it looks like they will expire around the end of September.
Info here
_http://www.sky.com/replacecard/index.jsp
The wording is poor: What do they mean by "bought a Sky Box" - do they mean an FSFS Package of some sort eg FSFS itself or the later Pay once, View Forever package?
In any event it seems to me that they are going against the original FSFS Terms & Conditions which clearly stated (at the time) that the Card is guaranteed for free replacement within FIVE years if it came with a Box as part of an FSFS Package, but THREE years for Card only: The date given is the retrospective THREE YEAR point.
Also, it's a bit naughty making people "apply" for their guarantee to be upheld. That said, the process looks painless.
Edit: I note that the current FSFS Terms and Conditions no longer guarantee Cards at all. That's a bit sneaky - I wonder when they slipped that somewhat significant change in?
"2. How long is the Card valid for?
(a) For security reasons Viewing Cards may be inactivated from time to time. In this situation, if you wish to continue to receive all the encrypted Free to View channels, you will have to purchase a new viewing card at our then applicable standard charge. If possible, viewing card inactivations will be advertised on your television screen.
(b) We may make the Viewing Card invalid if it is necessary to protect the security of our conditional access system or, if we believe you are using the Viewing Card in ways which are not authorised, or where it is otherwise reasonable for us to do so (such as fraud)."
_http://www.freesatfromsky.co.uk/terms-freesat.aspx
AND
"(b) We cannot change or add to any other Conditions unless it is reasonable to do so."
Discuss "reasonable" ...............
