Sky+ and phone lines

MarVeL

I am looking at getting in Sky in a new house in Carlow. Herself wants Sky+ but I have been told that this isn't suitable for sites with no land line. Due to my distaste at having any more to do with Eircom (especially with yet another line rental increase on the way) we are getting in Digiweb metro rather than a standard phone line.

Is there any way around this using the Metro VOIP or even a separate HDD recorder?

Mossy Monk

you can use Sky+ without a phone line

i think it will cost you a further €35 if you do it through Sky. you should contact Sky for details

Mr E

There is a €37.50 waiver fee to install regular Sky without a phoneline.

I wanted Sky+ (and I ordered Sky+), but the installer wouldn't do it without a phone line - Sky Policy.

I had to get regular Sky instead (free installation + €37.50 waiver).
This was 4 weeks ago. If things have changed since then, I'll be happy to upgrade!

watty

Told to me by a 3rd party:

The Sky digibox modem does work via the Metro phone socket. Really. So does OUTGOING fax.

This may be in error. I will do some tests.

MarVeL

Does that mean that the sky+ will work through the Digiweb phone watty? If so maybe I'll get the digiweb in 1st and plead ignorance

watty

I was told it works.

I havn't tested it myself.


I have since received info that indeed *CURRENTLY* it may not work.

MarVeL

Cool. Anything special need doing or did it just work?

Local Sky installation co said they'd tried this and it didn't work at all Couldn't see why myself but there you go

Red Devil

Excuse my ignorance but leading on from this......

If I want to connect to SKY+, I need to be connected to a fixed phone line. However, can I connect via a wireless phone line extender like the one available below

http://www.maplin.co.uk/free_uk_delivery/Wireless_Telephone_Line_EXtender_34889/Wireless_Telephone_Line_EXtender_34889.htm

Looking like we will have to go with Smart telecom based on location, but the phone line is at the opposite side of the room from the location of the TV and I would prefer not to run cables all over the room.

Any advice appreciated

MarVeL

Sorry to drag the thread up again but I just got off the phone with Digiweb and they say that the Sky box will not work. Very odd.

Was there anything unusual in your setup Watty or did it all just work out of the box as such? I suppose I could just order it and see what happens

watty

However I have not yet personally tried it. (I will).

[stuff snipped]

Whatever it does today may be better in the future as Digiweb tend to be continiously upgrading.



[Edited post due to inaccurate 3rd party info supplied]

watty

Red Devil wrote:

Excuse my ignorance but leading on from this......

If I want to connect to SKY+, I need to be connected to a fixed phone line. However, can I connect via a wireless phone line extender like the one available below

http://www.maplin.co.uk/free_uk_delivery/Wireless_Telephone_Line_EXtender_34889/Wireless_Telephone_Line_EXtender_34889.htm

Looking like we will have to go with Smart telecom based on location, but the phone line is at the opposite side of the room from the location of the TV and I would prefer not to run cables all over the room.

Any advice appreciated

Wireless phone adaptors can be dodgy. Some of the DECT based ones work.

Smart Telecom now only do broadband. If somehow you get their LLU broadband any phone service you might get would be VOIP based and may not work with modems/Sky/Phonewatch/Fax. Then again it might.

MarVeL

Thanks for that Watty. I'll hold off and see what modem digiweb drop out and then chance my arm if it's the same one.

watty

The Sky digibox modem may not work at present on Metro. However it may work in future. Direct Metro to Metro modem/fax will/should work.

It usually takes Sky a few months to complain on a Mirror sub. On a Sky+ or SkyHD only sub they may not ever complain, once you get it installed.

If they insist on a working phone line today, maybe you could run an extension to a friendly neighbour just for install phone check and then connect it to your Metro.

OutlawPete

Hi,

I have Sky+ with no phoneline. It works fine but you need to phone them when you want to order PayPerView.

On the day of instaltion just bul**** that you've just moved in an Eircom are due to switch you on or install a socket but haven't arrived. They won't argue about it as you will have paid for the Sky+ box.

I also bul**** when ordering Pay Per View as they will wonder why you can't order with your remote - they will get you to go into services and click on Setup Status or something and you must then tell them that it says "Telephone Line Busy" .. as you will be on the phone to them of course

If you tell them what it really says "Line Not Connected" ..they will know you have no land line connected to the box.

Another option a friend of mine used was to buy a Sky+ box online and then just phone them and tell them you'd like to subscribe. He told them he had a phone line but didn't and they just sent the card and switched him on. There are no special offers .. but after he got his first bill he phoned up and said he was promised it at 15 a month for three months and why was he billed the full 66 euros .. the guy never spotted that he didn't purchase a Sky+ box from them and apologised and gave him the full package at 15 euros a month for six months.

Not that I would approve of such things you understand. Anyway, that's two ways of getting Sky+ without a phoneline.

Good luck,

Nathan

LFCFan

and for anyone trying to get SKY HD and are told you don't need a phoneline, tell him/her they are a lying bastard/bitch. I'm still fuming about being sold Sky HD with false information and then having the installer snatch the box from under my nose.

EdgarAllenPoo

Excuse my ignorance but currently I have Sky and it's not connected to a phoneline. I want Sky+ and my main phoneline is nowhere near my tv( I'm sure this will sound thick) but in order to have Sky+ connected to my phonline would a have to have a ton of wires going all over the shop?

kbell

Just one, from + box to nearest available point, clipped to skirting. door frame etc..
Most good installers (a lot dont) will supply you with a double plug-in adaptor, so you can keep your phone connected too.

byte

You could get the DECT-based wireless phone extender.

I have used ones by One For All and they seem to work OK. Bit pricey though.

towger

Do you need the phone line just for Sky + , not regular Sky ?

watty

You pay extra once off to not have phone for regular Sky.
Only mirror sub absolutely needs phone. You may need phone to get Sky+ or SkyHD installed at all.. but it will work without it. Mirror sub won't.