Sky boxes in Tesco!

[Analoguesat]

Sky are now selling standard definition Amstrad (550?) boxes in bigger Tescos for 75 quid. They are the "Pay Once Watch Forever" deal, but might be ideal for anyone wanting a second or replacement box.

First reported on the DS forum a couple of days ago and to be honest I was dubious, but Ive seen half a dozen for myself this evening in the Galashiels store.

There are conflicting reports as to whether the cards are included at the moment.

 

[Turok]

you mean the channel 5 card is included?
last week channel 4 was fta,yesterday,it was encrypted again?
so what happens now with this 2 channels,in the future?

 

[Analoguesat]

I dont know for certain Turok - one chap says the POWF card is included, another one says it isnt...

 

[irart]

From what I can gather from the Tesco web site, and the user opinions, this Sky offer is for "new customers only" - where have I heard that before? It has to be installed by a Sky fitter, and requires a telephone line connected. It comes with a Sky subscription at £20 a month, which is free for the first four months (you have to give your card details at the outset). If you decide you do not want to continue with the Sky programmes, you have to cancel after two months, or you are stuck with it for year.
Doesn't sound such an attractive deal now eh!

 

[Analoguesat]

I'll have another look ext time Im in - I was rushed for time last night, but the digibox was in the box from the weight and it was security protected, so as far as I can telltheres noithing stopping you from taking it home and connecting it up yourself as a second box. Up to six mix on the packages will work without the card and box being paired no problem

 

[irart]

When I read your post Analoguesat, I looked on their online website for the info I gave. If they have the actual boxes that you can take away in store, it certainly would be a good buy. I shall be interested to hear back from you. Thanks in advance!

 

[pgh13]

Tesco I was in today also had Sky+ HD for £199.....presumably if you downgrade before the 2 months the record function would still work with the FTV card

 

[rolfw]

Not as far as I know, still requires a sub at the moment.

 

[Cupart]

Are these boxes "take-away" or do you have to have an installer come by?

 

[Topper]

Are these boxes "take-away" or do you have to have an installer come by?

See post 4

 

[Analoguesat]

Had another look at the boxes last night. The contents list on the side of the box states one digibox, remote, rf cable, and a "documentation pack" whatever that might be

Theoretically you have to ring Sky to get the installer round, and they "are not suitable for home installation" but I really cant see any problem in us experts installing them (I wouldnt let a sky fitter anywhere near my cabling anyway )

Im thinking of buying one as an ftv box for the bedroom so if I go ahead I'll take some pics and give you some further info.

The subs deal is for new customers only, but again if you just want a second fta/v box Id say they are ideal.

 

[irart]

I had a look the other day in our local Tesco Extra which had these boxes and they were just as you said, but not sure if the warranty would be valid if you bought one and installed it yourself. If you want a spare Sky box, why not have a look in your local paper. Our's normally has at least dozen or more advertised for about £10 - £30, usually by people getting rid of one to replace it with Sky+, a cheaper option than the Tesco offer. That's how I got my equipment!

 

[UK Sat Online]

as they are still subserdised then any warrenty would br void if you didnt get a sky installer (not an engineer at most a technician) to fit it.

i asked at the desk about these a couple of weeks ago she didnt know much but said she thinks you dont need to call sky. and as they are on the shelf to take home i cant see any reason for just binning the card and keeping the box or keep the card as a freesat card and dont bother telling sky

the also do the same in hd box's now at £199 not much point if your buying it to sell on or replace a box as sky will give you a second hd box for the same and they will install it for you as well

 

[Tembo11]

I've just rejoined so excuse the possibly silly questions
I may well be in need of a replacement "basic" sky box so this would seem to fit the bill however if you then have to change the box that is matched to your viewing card and inform Sky are they going to be awkward about it?

 

[Analoguesat]

Just tell them you bought it secondhand