Sky+ box broken - cheapest replacement?

FrankGrimes

My mate's Sky+ box is on the blink (he said the box is still working but the HDD is not working) and they've quoted him 200 euro for a new one. Is there any way of getting a replacement for cheaper, and if so, what am I looking for exactly (I said I'd check it out for him but I know feck all about Sky+ to be honest)? Thanks

_Kaiser_

FrankGrimes wrote:

My mate's Sky+ box is on the blink (he said the box is still working but the HDD is not working) and they've quoted him 200 euro for a new one. Is there any way of getting a replacement for cheaper, and if so, what am I looking for exactly (I said I'd check it out for him but I know feck all about Sky+ to be honest)? Thanks

If the box is ok otherwise (and out of warranty) then I'd just buy a new (and probably larger) HDD myself and install it. There's guides with pictures available online. If you've ever done the same thing with a PC it'll take you 10 minutes tops.

FrankGrimes

Wow, thanks for that - didn't know you could do that.

What type of HDD does it take (3.5" I'm guessing, but is it IDE/SATA etc.) and is it just as simple as fitting one on a PC (I've built a couple of PCs so should be able to manage it if so)?

_Kaiser_

It's a standard IDE drive it takes. You'll need a T10 security screwdriver too.

Check out: http://www.morlocks.co.uk/disc-change-v2.htm

byte

Just ensure the HDD you choose won't have compatibility issues. I'm not sure how fussy PVR2's are, but I know the PVR3 is very fussy on the HDD it'll accept.

FrankGrimes

That's great info there lads, nice one.

Is there any easy way I can get him to determine what version his Sky+ box is (I'd say he has it 2 years) so that I can then figure out the right HDD to buy?

Popeleo

Try the FAQ at digitalspy for identifying your box type:

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=156344

Upgrading is handy enough to do and well worth the effort.

joe25

Try Phoning sky and cancel and tell them that your sky+ box is not working.
When i did this they replaced it for free.

norbert64

would I be right in thinking the PACE 80 GB Sky + box is the PVR3 thingy, or are there various other models?

would it be the best of all the 80 GB boxes?

byte

The 80GB is PVR3 yes.

Check out http://www.astra2d.com/sky+2.htm which mentions the differences. It also goes into how to change HDD.

As for the best PVR3, I dunno. I'm only familiar with Pace.

norbert64

sweet, now to get the other pieces of the puzzle, lol.