Sky+

[Woo Elephant Yeah]

I'm thinking of getting this, as Abigail seems to enjoy waking up and screaming the house down whenever there's somethign on TV that I actually "want" to watch.

I currently just have integrated digital with this


http://www.panasonic.co.uk/plasma-tv/th ... /index.htm

I'm thinking of going Sky+ as the recording features are just so simple, quick, and easy to use.

The "Record a series" feature is the main selling point for me narf, as well as the fact I'll finally get a chance to watch all the big budget sci-fi/action TV series that don't get released here, and if they do, it's years down the line.

The box costs £89, and it's a free install, and they've waved the additional £10 charge they used to sting you for, as long as you have their movie or sport package.

Now what I need to know from you lot is, have you used Sky+, was it any good, and whether there are better recording/viewing options for me to look at, seeing as we already have blueyonder phone/internet?

Are TiVo's any good, would I be better off spending money on a Panasonic DVD recorder/Hard Disk that can integrate with my telly, allthough I'm not sure how TV through cable would work with this?

[Jinxx]

As far as I'm aware, if you're willing to pay Sky the money, then it's a good option if you need the functionality.

Nothing else on the market ('cept maybe that pace freeview box with the dual tuners) really comes close the Sky+'s functionality.

[Joose]

this

my parents have it, and as far as its ease of use and functionality goes, it kicks ass.

Im particualrly impressed with the ability to record pay-per-view type stuff (mainly movies, as far as i know), but only actually pay for them if you get around to watching them. Its a very cool system.

The only downside (apart from the cost) is the music on the menu screens. I think it may be intended to turn your brain into cheese.

[Jinxx]

The only downside (apart from the cost) is the music on the menu screens. I think it may be intended to turn your brain into cheese.

Menu music can be turned off.

[Joose]

Really? I must inform my parents before they die in a brain-cheese incident.

[FatherJack]

It used to be horrifically unreliable and crash all the time, but it has improved. I assume the £89 is for the smaller hard disk version. I went for a DVD recorder instead, as the regular Sky box performs most of the "series" functions and (assuming I keep buying blanks) I have unlimited storage space - I would probably fill the Sky+ up before I had time to watch stuff.

[cashy]

my parents have had it for about a month, but ive barely used it once. what would suit you fine is the way you can just press pause on the remote, and the box will record from that point, seemingly pausing live tv. this amused me greatly, as you can 'scratch' songs in a way.
constipation? no adverts soon? no wories.

[FatherJack]

constipation? no adverts soon? no wories.

just shit yourself.

Actually that pause live tv is about the only thing I can't do with my setup - DVD recorders with disks in *should* be able to do it, but don't - perhaps it's the unique way the Sky+ box is a tuner/decoder as well as a recorder that makes it possible.

As it goes my dumps usually take at least 30 minutes, so I press record and watch the rest of the program later on.

I will probably end up getting it anyway - the DVD recorder isn't 100% reliable: the odd dodgy disk, plus the cd tray being a little bit "eccentric" after an early morning "stumble".

Or a commode.