No HDMI out on UPC box

Zipppy

Got a super de duper Sony TV today....but can only connect to UPC box via scart as no HDMI out, despite currys charging 50 quid for a 'smart' hdmi cable.
Picture quality could be better.
Will UPC upgrade our box for free and how long will it take....anyone know?

Fresh Pots

Zipppy wrote: »

Got a super de duper Sony TV today....but can only connect to UPC box via scart as no HDMI out, despite currys charging 50 quid for a 'smart' hdmi cable.
Picture quality could be better.
Will UPC upgrade our box for free and how long will it take....anyone know?

Go back and get a refund on that cable. Its no better than one you'll get in dealz for €1.49. You my friend were had today.

EB_2013

I think you have to opt for the HD upgrade package to avail of this. That's the answer they gave me a few months back when I enquired about a HDMI connection.

Does anyone know if the Horizon box comes with HDMI connections?

Fresh Pots

EB_2013 wrote: »

Does anyone know if the Horizon box comes with HDMI connections?

Most definitely.

Bacchus

First off, you were totally had with the "smart" HDMI cable. Return it and buy a cheapo one, they're just as good. Second, your UPC box has no HDMI, I think there is a basic misunderstanding here. It doesn't matter what cable Currys sold you, it was never going to work. Not Currys fault there, though they did rip you off on the cable they sold you. I reckon you'll have to upgrade with UPC to get a box with HDMI.

Also, just to save you any future misunderstanding, just because a UPC box has a HDMI connection, it doesn't mean all the channels will be suddenly be in HD. Most UPC channels are standard definition. The basic packages will only have about 5-7 HD channels. Everything else will be the same as you get now. You'll have to pay for their more expensive Horizon package to get a nice selection of HD channels.

former legend

Zipppy wrote: »

Got a super de duper Sony TV today....but can only connect to UPC box via scart as no HDMI out, despite currys charging 50 quid for a 'smart' hdmi cable.
Picture quality could be better.
Will UPC upgrade our box for free and how long will it take....anyone know?

Yeah, you need to upgrade your box to get the most out of that TV. UPC upgrades are usually only free for new customers I'm afraid, but give them a ring, threaten to leave and see what they can do for you.

I have the Horizon box and the picture quality is much better even on the SD channels so it's definitely worth thinking about.

Currys are ridiculously expensive for cables etc. Even if you want something jazzier than a bog-standard HDMI cable, get it on Amazon.

VikingG

Perhaps a "dumb" question...but do you need to use HDMI to get HD... ie is it impossible to get HD over SCART?

Gotham Knight

VikingG wrote: »

Perhaps a "dumb" question...but do you need to use HDMI to get HD... ie is it impossible to get HD over SCART?

You need a HDMI cable to get your HD channels. Scart won't carry HD.

maximoose

Impossible with SCART. Need HDMI or an HD component cable.

Ring UPC and see if you can get a new box. Is it the bog standard old silver box you have?

As others said, go get your money back from Currys.

Zipppy

maximoose wrote: »

Impossible with SCART. Need HDMI or an HD component cable.

Ring UPC and see if you can get a new box. Is it the bog standard old silver box you have?

As others said, go get your money back from Currys.

thanks all for the replies...

Ringing UPC later and see what happens....sure we might even change to Sky

As for Currys .. yeah they put me on the spot ..dont normally get caught out there ..unfortunately have open cable etc now so its staying

I'll update here once we've contacted UPC

Zip

Bacchus

If your box is quite old (given it has no HDMI port, I assume it is) they will probably see you as a loyal "low maintenance" customer and you should be able to get them to upgrade your box in order to keep you from moving to Sky. I little hint that you're considering a move to Sky is all that is needed I think

Be aware of whatever package it is they sign you up for though. Take a look at their deals on their website prior to calling them. Find a package that suits you so you don't get put on the spot during a phone call and wind up on a premium package that you don't need. Also, they will try bundle a phone line in with broadband and TV. If you don't need the phone line, just get the TV/broadband package and save yourself a few €€€

SteM

Zipppy wrote: »

Ringing UPC later and see what happens....sure we might even change to Sky

If you're thinking of going the Sat route you could consider Freesat or a combination FTV sat box with Saorview depending on the channels you watch.

sweetie

Try currys anyhow, tell them you explained the type of UPC box you had at the time and they shouldn't have sold you the cable. Keep the packaging and explain keep calm but firm. Might work. Otherwise call their helpline and explain same.

Bacchus

sweetie wrote: »

Try currys anyhow, tell them you explained the type of UPC box you had at the time and they shouldn't have sold you the cable. Keep the packaging and explain keep calm but firm. Might work. Otherwise call their helpline and explain same.

Doubt that would work. The OP bought a HD capable TV that has at least 1 HDMI port. That's what the cable is for. Any number of devices can be connected via HDMI.

Any chance you can put it back in the packaging neatly? They may not look twice and just accept it or give you store credit?

Actually, you could be honest(ish) and say you do not find the quality to be any improvement over your existing cable and therefore does not meet it's advertised promise of superior image/audio quality. Worth a shot

icdg

Bacchus wrote: »

Also, just to save you any future misunderstanding, just because a UPC box has a HDMI connection, it doesn't mean all the channels will be suddenly be in HD. Most UPC channels are standard definition. The basic packages will only have about 5-7 HD channels. Everything else will be the same as you get now. You'll have to pay for their more expensive Horizon package to get a nice selection of HD channels.

Interestingly, I'm noticing UPC's website no longer seems to promote the "old" HD package and makes it look like you have to take Horizon to get HD. Which certainly used not to be the case - the HD pack was an extra €5 over the basic (more for Sky Sports).

UPC might give a HD box without the HD pack if you agree to pay the self-install charge, particularly if your old box is an old NTL or Chorus one that can't access On-Demand.

For customers with a UPC Mediabox HD (not Horizon) but no HD pack, the channels available in HD are RTÉ One, RTÉ Two, TG4, BBC One NI, BBC Two, and UTV.

wolfman123

You can get a free upgrade to horizon or a hd+ box but does renew contract for 12 months hope this helps ...free upgrade to march I think