is it worthwhile upgrading to Sky Q?

jasonb

Hi there,

We currently use Sky, we've a HD Box/TV and we use their Fibre Broadband too. We have Sky Movies but not Sports. We only have one TV, but have a tablet and an iPhone too.

So, basic question, is it worthwhile upgrading to Sky Q, or is that only really advantageous if we have a second TV, and a 4K TV etc?

Also, exactly how much would it cost us to upgrade, both in once-off costs (installation etc.) and extra per month. I've read several things online, and they just confused me!

Thanks...

J.

dubmick

I would have been very interested to upgrade myself but from playing around with it my Mother's I am not sure if I will bother. Not blown away with it. Might be worth it for the multi-room. No wiring is a big advantage.

rushfan

We got Sky Q installed last Aug, because of the disaster that Virgin Media is , regarding the BT Sports package. Apart from a couple of minor issues, it's been fine. No regrets.

Gonzo

without a 4k tv I don't see much point in upgrading, will continue to use the Sky+HD box till it breaks.

digiman

I think it's a much better user experience than Sky HD. The menus are laid out much better and the new voice search is just brilliant, much better than SIRI or any other one I've used as it's excellent at understanding what I say.

I really like the ability to continue a recording on another box in the house, the app for the Iphone and Ipad is also really handy, overall I think its much much better. I do have to reset my box about twice a month though but doesn't bother me too much in the grand scheme of things.

4K looks stunning, only problem is there isn't a huge amount of it there but this will improve over time. The F1 in 4K this weekend did look pretty amazing too.

An Tarbh

Been quite disappointed with it to be honest, the mini box is causing no end of bother, constantly needing to be reset, several times a week, even the main box has been quite glitchy, simple things like not being able to change the channels and having to reset the box

Accessing the other channels is now far more of a chore than it was on the Sky HD+ box, even more annoying that the default settings require a pin to watch them, granted that can be switched off but when your're constantly having to reset the box, it does grate.

In general the shortcuts to access things on the Sky HD+ box are far better than Sky Q, especially with the TV Guide not being accessible by simply pressing a button on the remote.

I prefered also with the Sky HD+ box that when recording something it would give you the prompt for the series link, now with Sky Q it does it by default unless you press record twice, quite annoying when you just want to record 1 programme and you end up with half a series on your box when you come to watch it.

I just think that overall it has complicated things unnecesarily

jasonb

Thanks for all the feedback, I appreciate it. I'm wondering if not have a second TV and not having a 4K TV might remove a lot of the advantages?

Does anyone have any idea of costs?

Finally, if I don't go with Sky Q, what's the easiest way of getting my Sky HD box replaced? It's acting up a bit (needs to be rebooted etc.) and also it's an earlier one so it doesn't qualify for the latest software firmware that's going out.

Thanks...

J.

icdg

If you don't have a 4K TV or multi screen, there is really only one other reason to bother and that is if you are getting seriously annoyed with recording conflicts. Otherwise what are you paying for? A fancier interface, essentially?

jasonb

icdg wrote: »

If you don't have a 4K TV or multi screen, there is really only one other reason to bother and that is if you are getting seriously annoyed with recording conflicts. Otherwise what are you paying for? A fancier interface, essentially?

Yeah, that's what I'm wondering. Am I right that Q also gives you the option of watching recorded TV on Tablets/Smartphones as well, even if you're not at home?

J.

galtee boy

jasonb wrote: »

Yeah, that's what I'm wondering. Am I right that Q also gives you the option of watching recorded TV on Tablets/Smartphones as well, even if you're not at home?

J.

Yes, that's correct and you can watch offline, as in bring your recordings with you on hols if you want ! They are offering some very good deals on SkyQ to new subscribers, so don't know how you would fare out, but if you got a very good deal for 12 months, minimum being no more than what you are paying now, why not give it a shot ?

Johnboy1951

jasonb wrote: »

Yeah, that's what I'm wondering. Am I right that Q also gives you the option of watching recorded TV on Tablets/Smartphones as well, even if you're not at home?

J.

Yes, as do several Free To Air systems, except they do not record the few exclusive Sky Channels.

Depending on what it is you watch & record an alternative might suit without the high cost.

Only throwing that in there in case you were not aware of alternatives.

jasonb

Thanks everyone, I do appreciate this advice.

My wife does watch quite a few of the exclusive Sky channels (Sky Atlantic for example) do that might be a bit too much of a change!

Need to find out the cost, can't find anything on Sky's website, no-online chat and if I select 'upgrade' online it says there's an error. So I guess I have to ring them...

J.

jasonb

Just a quick update. I was talking to Sky and it would cost me €20 for the 1TB non-4k box and €80 TB for the 2TB 4K box, and then €16 extra a month for the service.

J.

vienne86

jasonb wrote: »

Just a quick update. I was talking to Sky and it would cost me €20 for the 1TB non-4k box and €80 TB for the 2TB 4K box, and then €16 extra a month for the service.

J.

Out of interest, if you don't want Sky Q but you want to replace your Sky+ HD box, can you do this?

jasonb

Yeah, I asked that too. Seems I have a few options:

1. Buy a new HD Box, which they sell and it costs €250!
2. Get an engineer to come out to fix my current one. He may replace it with a refurbished one, but there's no guarantee that the replacement one will be a newer model (and get the latest EPG for example) and there's always a 'risk' that he won't replace it, and just fix it instead.
3. Find someone who has a spare (maybe they've upgraded to Sky Q). Once again, it's second hand and no guarantee of it being a later version.

J.

vienne86

jasonb wrote: »

Yeah, I asked that too. Seems I have a few options:

1. Buy a new HD Box, which they sell and it costs €250!
2. Get an engineer to come out to fix my current one. He may replace it with a refurbished one, but there's no guarantee that the replacement one will be a newer model (and get the latest EPG for example) and there's always a 'risk' that he won't replace it, and just fix it instead.
3. Find someone who has a spare (maybe they've upgraded to Sky Q). Once again, it's second hand and no guarantee of it being a later version.

J.

Great info - thanks. Thankfully my Amstrad box works fine, and has done for years. I would hate to change right now as I hang a Slingbox out of it, and while people have got a Slingbox working with Sky Q, it seems to be a bit of a hassle.

noel100

We have the sky q box 2 weeks .. already looking to get rid of it. The touch remote is a nuisance very hard to control. The other is ok .. don't like the menu.. kids programs take a couple of seconds to download then play..
The rte player is great built in but the menu system is not easy to navigate .

I would love if you could delete channels and organise the menu to suit yourself. Delete all the crap channels..

Will keep going with it but the sky Installer did tell me they are taking more sky q boxes out than putting them in.

ThisRegard

You can't remove or reorganise channels on any of the Sky platforms so that's not​ a Sky Q issue. The download time is also not peculiar to Sky Q.

The control is hardly a deal breaker as there's a traditional one. I prefer the touch control now and find myself swiping with every other control I have. It does take a bit of getting used to and I still manage to inadvertently hit a button.

vienne86

noel100 wrote: »

We have the sky q box 2 weeks .. already looking to get rid of it. The touch remote is a nuisance very hard to control. The other is ok .. don't like the menu.. kids programs take a couple of seconds to download then play..
The rte player is great built in but the menu system is not easy to navigate .

I would love if you could delete channels and organise the menu to suit yourself. Delete all the crap channels..

Will keep going with it but the sky Installer did tell me they are taking more sky q boxes out than putting them in.

Well that says a lot!

twinklerunner

digiman wrote: »

4K looks stunning, only problem is there isn't a huge amount of it there but this will improve over time. The F1 in 4K this weekend did look pretty amazing too.

What do SD channels look like on a 4K tv?

reboot

If given a Sky Q box, will sky upgrade me as an existing customer, would I be saving anything by having a box, or would they send me one anyway? Apart from having to fork out for a 4 k TV, with almost no broadband speed is it worth it for just the nice pics, and does the Sky Q 4k signal arrive via the dish or internet? Thanks, sorry if already discussed.

jasonb

I believe Sky will send an existing customer a box if you upgrade to their Sky Q service, but they'll charge you (either €20 for the standard 1TB box or €80 for the 2TB 4K box is what I was quoted). And the upgrade will involve an additional monthly charge (€16 is what I was quoted).

I'm almost certain that the Sky Q still uses the Satellite Dish for live TV, including 4K, but I think Sky use the Internet for On Demand/Catch Up TV?

J.

Gerry Wicklow

reboot wrote: »

If given a Sky Q box, will sky upgrade me as an existing customer, would I be saving anything by having a box, or would they send me one anyway? Apart from having to fork out for a 4 k TV, with almost no broadband speed is it worth it for just the nice pics, and does the Sky Q 4k signal arrive via the dish or internet? Thanks, sorry if already discussed.

I was under the impression, unlike previous setups, that Sky only rent you a Q box. It remains their property so I'd be dubious of being 'given' a box. How would you pair it to your sub?

jasonb

Actually, I think you're right Gerry, I think you basically rent the Q Box...

Aquos76

The lnb on your existing dish will need to be changed also so it requires a installation call out if you want to switch to Sky Q

digiman

twinklerunner wrote: »

What do SD channels look like on a 4K tv?

Looks ok, depends more on your TV and screen size than anything else. To be honest I can't think of one channel that actually watch in SD.

keith_d99

jasonb wrote: »

I believe Sky will send an existing customer a box if you upgrade to their Sky Q service, but they'll charge you (either €20 for the standard 1TB box or €80 for the 2TB 4K box is what I was quoted). And the upgrade will involve an additional monthly charge (€16 is what I was quoted).

I'm almost certain that the Sky Q still uses the Satellite Dish for live TV, including 4K, but I think Sky use the Internet for On Demand/Catch Up TV?

J.

Purchasing a new 4K tv .... so took a look!

I have Variety and Multiroom at the moment.

To upgrade to Q (with multiroom) and 4k box (according to site):
Sub = €55 (no change there)
Equipment: Sky Q 2TB box Install Fee: €120
: Additional TV fee - Sky Q Mini : €120

So that's €240 to upgrade?!? How did you get quoted less Jason?

Is Sky HD included as standard with Q?

Neighsayer

HD is not standard with Q. You have to pay €17 extra per month. Crazy stuff.

crossmolinalad

Aquos76 wrote: »

The lnb on your existing dish will need to be changed also so it requires a installation call out if you want to switch to Sky Q

Got it a couple of weeks ago and they did changed nothing on the disk or did not change the disc at all even its not a sky disc
Its my own disk with a triple LMB on it from a dutch tv provider Canaal digitaal
The sky guy connected the Q box on it and it works

Aquos76

crossmolinalad wrote: »

Got it a couple of weeks ago and they did changed nothing on the disk or did not change the disc at all even its not a sky disc
Its my own disk with a triple LMB on it from a dutch tv provider Canaal digitaal
The sky guy connected the Q box on it and it works

Thats strange, Im not familiar with the types of lnb used by Canaal digital, however I can only tell you that a standard Sky lnb will not work for a Sky Q systems. Sky have to replace people's current lnb with a new Sky Q one which is a two way one, or a hybrid LNB which is a six way one.

crossmolinalad

Aquos76 wrote: »

Thats strange, Im not familiar with the types of lnb used by Canaal digital, however I can only tell you that a standard Sky lnb will not work for a Sky Q systems. Sky have to replace people's current lnb with a new Sky Q one which is a two way one, or a hybrid LNB which is a six way one.

Don't know eighter
Disk is on the top of the roof and guy didn't look at it
Walked in and took away old hd box put in the Q box and it works

That's what I have on my disc
Its for three sattelites
https://www.canaldigitaal.nl/apparatuur/satellietschotels/triple-lnb-quad/

Donal55

Have SkyQ a number of months now and getting sick and tired of its 'broadband connectivity issues' problem.
I don't have Sky broadband, however the above warning comes up very often now, at least once a month and results in all of the tiles disappearing off the screen.
The only fix that restores this is a reset, which then results in all of the recordings and personal preferences disappearing.
Sky Q have known about this issue for the past number of years and when I first encountered this problem and googled it there was dozens of pages relating to this both from the UK & Ireland.
Does it effect the overall programming, NO, but like a new car with a small scratch on it, its so fcuking annoying.

reboot

Thanks for the info, very interesting.
Take the point on Lnb change, and notice the supplied HDMI lead, with two ferrite bumps was HDCP, copy write protect, although a normal lead brought menu up ok, although "no sat SIG indicates wrong LNB"Jason b saying only 2Tb box is 4k?
Am told cash/pawn shops sell these boxes, don't understand, if they can't be used?

crossmolinalad

reboot wrote: »

Thanks for the info, very interesting.
Take the point on Lnb change, and notice the supplied HDMI lead, with two ferrite bumps was HDCP, copy write protect, although a normal lead brought menu up ok, although "no sat SIG indicates wrong LNB"Jason b saying only 2Tb box is 4k?
Am told cash/pawn shops sell these boxes, don't understand, if they can't be used?

They cant be used because you rent them so theyre useles when you buy them online or in a pawn shop
The guy who installed the Qbox told me you have to bring/give them back to sky and if u don't pay up they can switch them off completely what they do
Other thing he told me :when they ask you to return the box and you wont do that you keep getting bills until u have returned the Qbox

reboot

Scarry, thanks, will return box to the guy who thought he was being helpful, pity, Sky won't be getting any increased business from this quarter, or Sony Bravia!

reboot

Scarry, thanks, will return box to the guy who thought he was being helpful, pity, Sky won't be getting Having tablet problems, just got back from Mod Rehab😎

reboot

Sky literature in post, confirming 4k only on 2tb box. Just read a glowing report of Sky Q in what mag, no mention of this fact. I wouldn't fork out for an updated box with no 4 k. Sorry if you already know all this.

keith_d99

reboot wrote: »

Sky literature in post, confirming 4k only on 2tb box. Just read a glowing report of Sky Q in what mag, no mention of this fact. I wouldn't fork out for an updated box with no 4 k. Sorry if you already know all this.

And don't forget the €15 per month HD sub to View the 4K content

muffler

keith_d99 wrote: »

And don't forget the €15 per month HD sub to View the 4K content

I think that may have went up to €17

Neighsayer

Sky are shysters. They cream you for every last cent. Imagine HD not included when you buy the sports package and you have to pay €17 a month for it.

jimbob_t1

Just been talking to an online rep who has offered me the following:
1x Sky Q box & 1x Sky Q mini box
4k content (I have a 58" 4k Panasonic)
Variety & Sports Packages & HD Box Sets
€80 set up and €64pcm for 12 months
opinions??

Aquos76

jimbob_t1 wrote: »

Just been talking to an online rep who has offered me the following:
1x Sky Q box & 1x Sky Q mini box
4k content (I have a 58" 4k Panasonic)
Variety & Sports Packages & HD Box Sets
€80 set up and €64pcm for 12 months
opinions??

Just be careful of that offer, a friend of mine signed up last week, he went for variety pack with Sports, 2TB box 4K content and €120 installation for €68 pm only to be informed that the €16 euro 4K wasn't included in that, he got them to check back the recording of the call and he did specify that he wanted 4K content. The got back to him today and confirmed that it was an error on their part ok, however they would only forgo the extra €16 for first 3 months is all.

Also the half price Sports is only available for 6 months. Here's the exact package you are being offered for €64 p/m so I'd double check before signing up to be honest



So according to that you should be paying €80 for six months and €95 for remaining 6 months.

Neighsayer

Good advice to be careful. Sky are like 3 card trick hustlers and there's invariably a catch they gloss over.

swoofer

The big snag is when you get Sky Q they change the LNB and this new LNB wont work with old sky boxes. You have to specfically request a hybrid LNB. I am going to wait until SKY make HD as bad as SD and UHD will in effect be the new HD and then I'll cancel for good.

reboot

I guess the time we might think about moving up to Sky Q is when the TV needs replacing, and it makes sense to buy 4k.
Judging by the various comments above, Sky marketing have someway to go to convince some of us.