I have an intermittent problem with my skybox. The main symptom is that it "freezes", and it remains inaccessible to the remote and anything else. The only cure is to switch off at the mains, then switch on again after a few seconds. Sky is then fine after a re-initialisation process. Other than a new box, I wondered if there were any other suggestions, or similar experience elsewhere.

Thanks,

Steve D

Would a discretely placed cooling fan help?

If it is a Sky+ box it is the first sign that the hard drive is going to give up the ghost. As bob said a small computer fan inside can prevent this problem as the hard drive over heats during normal use, but it will be to late now for yours I am afraid. Watch or save any important programs as it will only be a matter of time before error messages appear on the screen. Then it is fit a new drive time. A simple and fairly cheap task but very inconvenient if you miss a vital episode of your favorite soap. Plenty of info on how to do this on other forums.

Trevor

SKY do a call out and repair/replace service for about £69, they replace what needs replacing with refurbished gear (for boxes) and install new LNBs etc and check the wires and give you a 3 month guarantee. I think that this service can avoid you doing a lot of messing around and perhaps buying possibly unneeded components - however YMMV

Thanks for your prompt replies.
In response to Trevor's reply, it is not a sky+ box, just the bog-standard version about 6 years old. I probably need to decide whether to go for Derek's repair solution, or bite the bullet and upgrade to HD.

Steve D

there are alot of people who would have been happy with 6 year's from a digi box, sky+ can be had on an upgrade for around £49, but it may be defunkt already with HD about, you can buy a HD box from an internet auction site for £164.

Having been in exactly the same situation about 2 months ago. I'd suggest deciding what you want.

Then call up Sky. I spent about 20minutes on the phone to them and finally suggested that I just needed the Freeview channels.

Guy came out for free in the week. Replaced LNB and Sky box.

Roy.

quote:

Originally posted by Roy Donaldson:
Having been in exactly the same situation about 2 months ago. I'd suggest deciding what you want.

Then call up Sky. I spent about 20minutes on the phone to them and finally suggested that I just needed the Freeview channels.

Guy came out for free in the week. Replaced LNB and Sky box.

Roy.

'tis a game of chance, people ring up to try that and do indeed end up with the freesat channels.