Sky+ Once Again

Evening all.

I've been considering upgrading to Sky+ for some time now, but really want to know if it's worth it!

I mean the whole watch what* you want when* you want it thing sounds great, as does the ad skippy thing. But just how flexible is it? Just how reliable is it? Just how infuriating is it? And is it worth the extra subscription fee per month?

* shows that have already been broadcast

I think it's awesome. I'm always forgetting that something's on, and I work unusual hours, so I just set the series link for my fave shows like Buzzcocks, 24 and Mitchell and Webb. I don't think I watch anything "live" these days!

It's also good if something starting and you're watching the end of something else first... you can set it to record the other show, and watch it 5 minutes later so you're watching it whilst it's still recording.

The pause function is pretty good too.

It is very good ... if you've never experienced what TiVo can do. Sadly that system is now effectively dead in the UK, although it continues to be supported.

The main issue with Sky+ is that it does have a tendancy to "forget" to record series links from time, which can be incredibly irritating. However I would say that it's certainly better to have it than not.

If you subscribe to the full Sky package (or even the Movies or Sports packages) you do not need to pay any extra.

I don't know if it's just mine but for the past month or two it's in the habit of recording a handful of set programmes and the playback jumps. The screen would freeze, slow, or speed.

Apart from that, I'm pleased i've got it.

Personally, I think it is great and well worth the money. We set all our favourite programmes to record and series link them so subsequent epsiodes/programmes record automatically. We then watch them back at our convenience, usually when our 2yr daughter has gone to bed. A colleague of mine who also has Sky+ says he watches more TV in less time!

The instant rewind is a good feature. Being able to rewind up to one hour of the current channel you are watching.
Dual record - record two channels at the same time. You can also record two programmes and watch a previously recorded back from your planner all at the same time.
Live pause - pause live tv and the box buffers the programme.
Start watching a programme back whilst you are still recording it!

It's very easy to use - find the programme in the planner and press the record button. - It's that easy.

I already subscribe to Sky's top package so we don't pay the subscription so I can't comment whether you feel it is worth the subscription. It may be worth considering upgrading to two premier channels and then getting Sky+ for free.

My Sky+ box has been reliable so far, but I know that there are people who do have problems. You have to bear in mind that people usually post problems on forums and rarely post how good something is. 10 people could buy the best tv in the country and at least a couple will probably have problems. You pays your money and take you chance.

Personally, I can fully recommend it.

totally changes the way you watch tv, it's that simple. whether it's worth 40 odd quid a month i guess depends your view.

if there is one thing which does annoy me is that the new boxes (and it isn't just mine) have a hard disk which is much louder than the first generation boxes. it's strange, you can hear them clatter and spin up/down like a pc much more than the first generation where the drive was on all the time.

I can't recommend it enough. As they (used to) say 'It's like having your own TV channel'.

They still say that.

Agree with all the previous posts - it is amazing and WILL change the way you watch TV forever.

I can't imagine not having mine now, but, as with all technology, sometimes it can cock up. Quite rare these days though..

I pay the charge for Sky+ and yes it is worth it.
Like many posts above I could not imagine not having it.

I've had Sky+ since May 2005 and it certainly does change the way you watch TV. I rarely watch anything "live" unless it's on BBC or Sky Movies, because I have got so used to skipping the adverts. On the odd ocassion there has been something on "live" and adverts appear I find myself reaching for the fast-forward button as a matter of course

The "Series link record" function has been known to fail once or twice, mainly when ITV1 change the schedule and lump 2 Corries or Emmerdales together at short notice (they are not very good at updating their EPG info - unlike BBC). But that's not Sky's fault.

Also, if you record a programme on Five (which I rarely do) you have to remember to include all the segments, as the EPG shows the news headlines every hour during the evening (so you only get the bit you asked it to record).

I've become so used to being able to pause something to put the kettle on or answer the phone it would be difficult to adjust to life without it (as I notice when staying at my Sister's house )

It's also nice now having the ability to select a programme from a trailer on some Sky channels (press Green - then change it to record in the planner without having to hunt through the EPG to find it).

I would certainly recommend it!
(PS thanks for the cheque Rupert! )

Does it work like PDC and records the actual programme, or does it just record the aloted time slot - and if so, can you add those couple of minutes before and after.


I was looking into the Freeview PVRs a few days ago and none of them have any PDC like features - which seems a bit of a step back in some ways actually!