Sky Q Hybrid LNB no longer available from Sky?

kmurph · 04-12-2020 7:52pm #1

Hi

Does anyone know for certain if Sky no longer supply Hybrid LNB's as part of a Sky Q upgrade if you have existing free to air boxes connected to your existing setup?

I've booked a Sky Q upgrade for the end of the month and rang to request a hybrid lnb be supplied but they stated in no uncertain terms that they don't supply them and any existing free to air boxes will no longer work.

I've no problem buying one to have when the installer comes, but just wondering if this is the policy now.

swoofer · 06-12-2020 12:32pm

Sky wont supply, get one on ebay and have it ready for installer.

lawred2 · 06-12-2020 12:34pm

kmurph wrote: »

Hi

Does anyone know for certain if Sky no longer supply Hybrid LNB's as part of a Sky Q upgrade if you have existing free to air boxes connected to your existing setup?

I've booked a Sky Q upgrade for the end of the month and rang to request a hybrid lnb be supplied but they stated in no uncertain terms that they don't supply them and any existing free to air boxes will no longer work.

I've no problem buying one to have when the installer comes, but just wondering if this is the policy now.

That's a customer unfriendly policy anyway

Gerry Wicklow · 06-12-2020 1:48pm

Surely you are entitled to maintain existing FTA services. To my mind that is the equivalent of your mobile provider saying they will disconnect your landline.

swoofer · 06-12-2020 3:10pm

Sky want to move everyone to sky q and the new Lnb is another wheeze ie when you cancel, you lose kit but keep a duff lnb. The hybrid is fairly cheap now and its worth it knowing you can cancel q and retain viewing.

Ten Pin · 06-12-2020 4:30pm

Possible options depending on how you want to negotiate...

- tell Sky that you'll cancel not only the upgrade but also your current sub unless they allow use of existing FTA equipment via hybrid LNB.

- insist on a new separate dish and cables for the Q LNB.

- persuade the installer to put in a hybrid LNB that he probably has in his van

- buy a hybrid LNB separately

thebrush · 07-12-2020 7:20am

I had an installer out, he told me they do not supply them ( lucky the LNB was ok ) he advised me to get one on Amazon ( or wherever you shop ) and keep it incase it goes as the FTA won't work. In fairness he couldn't understand the move as it creates more hassle and confrontation for them. As stated here it's not like they are very expensive.

Johnboy1951 · 07-12-2020 12:57pm

Ten Pin wrote: »

Possible options depending on how you want to negotiate...

- tell Sky that you'll cancel not only the upgrade but also your current sub unless they allow use of existing FTA equipment via hybrid LNB.

- insist on a new separate dish and cables for the Q LNB.

- persuade the installer to put in a hybrid LNB that he probably has in his van

- buy a hybrid LNB separately

That would be my preference.

I would not allow them to interfere with my reception of FTA ....... but of course I won't have to do that as I will not be getting Sky Q

lawred2 · 07-12-2020 1:07pm

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

That would be my preference.

I would not allow them to interfere with my reception of FTA ....... but of course I won't have to do that as I will not be getting Sky Q

I'd imagine most wouldn't want two dishes on their house

And Sky are no doubt banking on that

Johnboy1951 · 07-12-2020 1:10pm

lawred2 wrote: »

I'd imagine most wouldn't want two dishes on their house

And Sky are no doubt banking on that

I guess there is no accounting for peoples' decisions ........ being prepared to have functions stripped out just to accomodate Sky's preference.

I would definitely prefer 2 dishes rather than lose functions!

lawred2 · 07-12-2020 1:12pm

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

I guess there is no accounting for peoples' decisions ........ being prepared to have functions stripped out just to accomodate Sky's preference.

I would definitely prefer 2 dishes rather than lose functions!

that's your call and I made no comment on it

but I would expect that in the main - two dishes wouldn't be a popular choice.. Hence the desire for hybrid lnbs

lertsnim · 07-12-2020 3:56pm

thebrush wrote: »

In fairness he couldn't understand the move as it creates more hassle and confrontation for them.

Sky want that lnb to be useless if a customer cancels. Its a real scumbag move by them.

Americanisms · 10-12-2020 2:36pm

I also have a question on this, having undergone the Sky Q switch uniformed and now wanting to get back Standard Definiton Freesat in another room, whilst retaining Sky Q over Sky+.

As the engineer both installed a new dish and a Sky branded hybrid lnb to replace the old system, could I simply replace the current lnb with a non-Sky branded hybrid lnb to keep Sky Q and SD Freesat (my preferred option) or should I keep the current Sky branded hybrid lnb but get a new dish?

Or do I have to both get a non-Sky branded hybrid lnb and a new dish to get both Sky Q and SD Freesat in the same home on one dish?

swoofer · 10-12-2020 3:16pm

A sky branded hybrid lnb is what it says a Hybrid you don't need to replace it. A hybrid usally has 6 outputs and all will work for freesat. A q lnb will only have 2 outputs. And you keep the same dish!!

And a lot of FREESAT is now HD so don't miss out.

Americanisms · 10-12-2020 3:18pm

decor58 wrote: »

The dish is fine, just change the lnb.

Ok thanks that agrees with all the research I've put into the issue, don't know why the original engineer said to replace the dish to get back SD Freesat.

Should be straightforward to communicate this to an independent engineer (I'm sure their used to this kind of issue by now!) and would imagine they would have the LNB replacement done in a few minutes with the right cables in the right slots

swoofer · 10-12-2020 3:30pm

You have me confused this is what you said "Sky branded hybrid lnb " That lnb will work with your Freesat boxes!! Can you look and see if it has more than 2 outputs. If it only has 2 then it is not a hybrid lnb. I am trying to save you money.

Americanisms · 10-12-2020 3:43pm

swoofer wrote: »

You have me confused this is what you said "Sky branded hybrid lnb " That lnb will work with your Freesat boxes!! Can you look and see if it has more than 2 outputs. If it only has 2 then it is not a hybrid lnb. I am trying to save you money.

Sorry, I'm confused here too.

The Sky branded lnb I currently have, has 6 outputs with 3 cables currently in them (I'm assuming that's the perfectly working Sky Q in the 2 Wideband output ports and then Freesat SD in a legacy port) and Freesat SD is still not working!

swoofer · 10-12-2020 5:26pm

OK is it possible the connector for FRESSAT SD is not done correctly and there are 3 other outlets.

When you say freesat SD what box are you using and what channels do you need? Some of the hybrid lnb did not matter which was used for sky q but yours may be clearly marked.

And did FREESAT work before and I'll go back and read you first post!!

Ok I had a read back and if Freesat sd worked initially and sky q is still working I would try the other outputs or look at back of freesat box and check cables. I'd be surprised if lnb was duff.

Americanisms · 10-12-2020 5:36pm

Ok man, I'll do a factory reset on my Goodman's Freesat SD Box and try to check it's satellite connectivity (maybe the dish is ok, but needs to be realigned), or maybe the box just needs to be reset following the LNB switch.

Otherwise, I'll use a ladder (when the weather improves) to move the Freesat SD cable around the different slots

shanec1928 · 10-12-2020 5:40pm

Signed up for sky last month and the installer installed a new hybrid lnb as the house previously had a sky dish with it.

The Dark Knight · 14-12-2020 12:26am

I'm getting sky installed next week and have a few related questions.

I currently have two sets of twin cables running to both my front room and kitchen, both linked to freesat TV's.
Q1 - Do new cables need to be run for Sky Q (extra bandwidth, etc.)?
Q2 - If I want to swap Sky Q box location in the future, is it just a case of swapping inputs on the hybrid LNB?
(I bought a hybrid one from amazon incase sky technician doesn't have one)

Thanks in advance!

swoofer · 14-12-2020 12:44pm

Q1 = no

Q2 = look closely at the outputs on the lnb and 2 may be coloured differently, if so these are known as wideband and can only be used for Sky Q. However, I seem to recall that with earlier hybrid LNB's the box did the switching so you could use any output. I have a hybrid lying about but cant access until later. I'll look on amazon as well.

The Dark Knight · 14-12-2020 10:10pm

swoofer wrote: »

Q1 = no

Q2 = look closely at the outputs on the lnb and 2 may be coloured differently, if so these are known as wideband and can only be used for Sky Q. However, I seem to recall that with earlier hybrid LNB's the box did the switching so you could use any output. I have a hybrid lying about but cant access until later. I'll look on amazon as well.

Thanks a million.
Any recommendation would be appreciated.

peking97 · 21-12-2020 3:55pm

The Dark Knight wrote: »

I'm getting sky installed next week and have a few related questions...
<snipped>

May I ask how the install went? I'm in a similar situation, getting Sky Q installed early January, and just this afternoon when I contacted Sky to ensure they would fit a hybrid LNB the CS rep advised that they no longer supply these.

swoofer · 23-12-2020 8:43pm

I had a look at the spare Hybrid, it has 4outputs in a line and 2 outputs on there own, Its possible the 2 are for sky q but no indicators, Its made by sky.

The Dark Knight · 31-12-2020 2:50am

peking97 wrote: »

May I ask how the install went? I'm in a similar situation, getting Sky Q installed early January, and just this afternoon when I contacted Sky to ensure they would fit a hybrid LNB the CS rep advised that they no longer supply these.

Sorry for delay in replying, just seeing your question now.
The install guy had a hybrid LNB with him, so was no issue in the end. Maybe I just got lucky.

MrTrebus · 31-12-2020 3:04am

Ive also spoken to Sky about getting a Hybrid LNB and have been told that they WILL supply one.!
The chap I spoke to has to contact Arvato (the installers) the day before (when they actually are made aware of the install for the first time) and remind the installer to bring a Hybrid with them.
Ive pointed out to them that they refused to supply either a dish or box 8 years ago when I signed up so they werent going to be allowed screw up my existing set up ! (i have a toridal dish with 9 sats include sly on it ! )
Worst case scenario is , as soon as the installer is gone, Ill buy my own hybrid and install it myself
Have to say though, I thought it was going to be a major issue with them, and it didnt seem to be.
Having said that, the install hasnt happened yet lol
mine is due 7th jan

kmurph · 03-01-2021 12:13am

Well, got my install done today. I had bought a hybrid lnb but the installer had one himself and had no problem using it. The one I had got from amazon ended up being the wrong type anyway for some reason.

Only issue now is that I still haven't received my new viewing card so don't yet have netflix or any of the other online services available as of yet. The installer said there's some huge backlog with getting them out and he isn't even getting them himself from Sky.

Other than that, the guy was fantastic, in and out in about 45 minutes including having to replace the dish. Now just to wait on my viewing card.

The Cush · 03-01-2021 12:40am

kmurph wrote: »

Well, got my install done today. I had bought a hybrid lnb but the installer had one himself and had no problem using it. The one I had got from amazon ended up being the wrong type anyway for some reason.

Can you post a link to the one you got from Amazon, interested to understand the reason it wasn't suitable.

kmurph · 03-01-2021 1:10am

Here you go Cush

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07GS1Z2YP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think he said it was an older type or something like that. He did have to replace the dish as well, so maybe it was something to do with that.

The Cush · 03-01-2021 1:19am

kmurph wrote: »

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07GS1Z2YP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think he said it was an older type or something like that. He did have to replace the dish as well, so maybe it was something to do with that.

Perfectly ok, comes with Sky dish attachment also.

Did he fit a 4 output hybrid or a 6 output hybrid?

greasepalm · 03-01-2021 1:38am

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/SKY-Q-Hybrid-LNB-6-WAY-for-Q-HD-Free-To-Air-FREESAT-Astra-28-/274553510989

This is what my sat installer showed me in this new one been a hybrid and it knows what box is connected be it freesat or Q and possibly for mk 4 dish?
Its a very long item :eek::D

The Cush · 03-01-2021 2:11am

greasepalm wrote: »

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/SKY-Q-Hybrid-LNB-6-WAY-for-Q-HD-Free-To-Air-FREESAT-Astra-28-/274553510989

This is what my sat installer showed me in this new one been a hybrid and it knows what box is connected be it freesat or Q and possibly for mk 4 dish?
Its a very long item :eek::D

That was the smart hybrid (EL010), I believe it hasn't been supplied by Sky since early 2019.

The model nos. now are EL027 and EL028, 4 output and 6 output respectively.

greasepalm · 03-01-2021 11:29am

He said he only picked it up and have asked for a model number to check .Cheers.

Confirmed ELO10

peking97 · 05-01-2021 10:57pm

Just a quick update for anyone interested.
Installation carried out this afternoon. All very quick and efficient.
Hybrid LNB plus new dish and bracket fitted.
All up and running in about an hour!

Kurn · 15-01-2021 6:43pm

The sky q was free on their website last month gone up to 155 now to install. Is it worth calling them to see if they will do it for free?

icdg · 15-01-2021 6:59pm

They will do it for €30 if you take multiroom.

Installation: Engineer set-up required. Standard installation: New Sky TV customers: Sky Q 1TB box: €30 with or without a Sky Q Multiscreen subscription; Sky Q 2TB box: €120 or €60 if you also take a Sky Q Multiscreen subscription. Existing customers when taking a Sky Q Multiscreen subscription: Sky Q 1TB box: up to €30; Sky Q 2TB box: up to €60. Prices discounted to €30 for Sky Q 1TB box or €60 for Sky Q 2TB for existing customers with a current Sky Multiscreen subscription. Existing customers not taking a Sky Q Multiscreen subscription pay €155. Further terms apply.

Kurn · 15-01-2021 7:02pm

icdg wrote: »

They will do it for €30 if you take multiroom.

I'll call them to see if they have any deals.

bkehoe · 16-01-2021 8:40pm

peking97 wrote: »

Just a quick update for anyone interested.
Installation carried out this afternoon. All very quick and efficient.
Hybrid LNB plus new dish and bracket fitted.
All up and running in about an hour!

Parents had a 6 output Hybrid LNB supplied recently by just asking engineer on the day of install without any issue as well.

Americanisms · 17-01-2021 5:32pm

Just to update on my Freesat issue and it's been resolved.

I first tried setting up a new LNB hybrid by myself and when that didn't work, I tried inputting both of the spare satellite cables hanging out of the setup and one of them got Freesat working again.

It must have been that when the Sky Q engineer was setting up his LNB that he forgot which spare cable belonged to Freesat and probably stuck in one for the old Sky+box by mistake.

In any case, my problem has been resolved free of charge and it's great to have Freesat working again in the kitchen as I haven't heard some great stories about Sky Q mini boxes

roadmaster · 18-01-2021 5:18pm

Hopefully i am explaining this correctly. am getting rid of sky shortly I have two cables coming from the attic which are Currently coming from the sky dish down to the comms room. We have three rooms which are connected back to the comms room for TV service. One cable i plan to use a 3 way spltter to bring saorview channels but I am wondering can I do the same with a 3 Way TV Link Splitter for the satellite using the one cable that I have left? Or do I need to have 3 separate cables from the satellite going to each room

The Cush · 18-01-2021 5:27pm

roadmaster wrote: »

One cable i plan to use a 3 way spltter to bring saorview channels but I am wondering can I do the same with a 3 Way TV Link Splitter for the satellite using the one cable that I have left? Or do I need to have 3 separate cables from the satellite going to each room

Each satellite tuner requires a separate connection to the LNB on the dish or an output on a multiswitch.

Terpsichorean Master · 18-01-2021 9:32pm

I have a Sky engineer coming this week to install Sky Q in my parents' house and I was wondering what's the situation wrt Hybrid LNBs etc?

I'm reasonably tech savvy, but I'm not sure as to the specifics of this, and my parents aren't at all - and I've been seeing a lot of chat about it on another/related thread that I follow and which brought me here; so would like to know more if I can.

They have the same ancient, original SD box since the initial installation twenty-odd years ago, so will that still work - or does it make a difference?
And will it work with other/different/non-sky boxes, should one be purchased subsequently?

I know they certainly don't want to be in a situation where they can't watch any FTA TV, should they cancel their contract with Sky - and I find the fact that that's even possible, to be a really snide move by Sky tbh. It's underhanded and manipulative, to say the least!

Thanks.

Gerry Wicklow · 18-01-2021 10:18pm

Terpsichorean Master wrote: »

I have a Sky engineer coming this week to install Sky Q in my parents' house and I was wondering what's the situation wrt Hybrid LNBs etc?

I'm reasonably tech savvy, but I'm not sure as to the specifics of this, and my parents aren't at all - and I've been seeing a lot of chat about it on another/related thread that I follow and which brought me here; so would like to know more if I can.

They have the same ancient, original SD box since the initial installation twenty-odd years ago, so will that still work - or does it make a difference?
And will it work with other/different/non-sky boxes, should one be purchased subsequently?

I know they certainly don't want to be in a situation where they can't watch any FTA TV, should they cancel their contract with Sky - and I find the fact that that's even possible, to be a really snide move by Sky tbh. It's underhanded and manipulative, to say the least!

Thanks.

Insist on a hybrid LNB. Older boxes (Sky or FTA) will not work with the standard Q LNB. Sky will happily rent extra Q compatible boxes for other rooms. Don'f fall for that one

Terpsichorean Master · 18-01-2021 11:33pm

Gerry Wicklow wrote: »

Insist on a hybrid LNB. Older boxes (Sky or FTA) will not work with the standard Q LNB. Sky will happily rent extra Q compatible boxes for other rooms. Don'f fall for that one

Ya, I was thinking that it would be necessary to get one regardless of what's ostensibly going to be offered/installed, cheers.

And what are the differences between the hybrid LNB and the regular/Q one?
Can you tell by looking at them?

Also, what specifically do you mean 'rent' extra Q-compatible boxes, like the multiroom boxes? Or do you mean something else?

The Cush · 19-01-2021 12:13am

Terpsichorean Master wrote: »

And what are the differences between the hybrid LNB and the regular/Q one?
Can you tell by looking at them?

The SkyQ LNB is a twin output wideband LNB, while the hybrid combines the twin output wideband and twin/quad output legacy LNB into a single unit, lots of pics and info out there, Google is your friend.

The Cush · 19-01-2021 12:20am

Terpsichorean Master wrote: »

Also, what specifically do you mean 'rent' extra Q-compatible boxes, like the multiroom boxes? Or do you mean something else?

SkyQ mini-boxes, multiroom. Connects to the main SkyQ wirelessly, no direct connection to the dish.

Wideband LNBs allow the SkyQ main box to use 8/12 tuners simultaneously including up to 2 mini-boxes with the 2Tb SkyQ box.

Johnboy1951 · 19-01-2021 2:02am

Terpsichorean Master wrote: »

....

Also, what specifically do you mean 'rent' extra Q-compatible boxes, like the multiroom boxes? Or do you mean something else?

'rent' as in Sky retains ownership of the devices and they must be returned to Sky if the subscriptions ('rent' payments) cease.

Ten Pin · 19-01-2021 12:29pm

Insist on a hybrid LNB

This is the main point.

Get the installer to show you the hybrid LNB (6 ports) and ensure that any FTA and legacy Sky boxes work with it, also keep the LNB currently on the dish for future use.

If you can't be there then you'll have to make your parents aware of what to ask for.

loyatemu · 19-01-2021 12:30pm

had SkyQ installed last week. Told the engineer I had a non-subscribed HD box in the other room and he installed a hybrid LNB without quibble.

swoofer · 19-01-2021 3:23pm

To help you here are 2 pics of a sky hybrid, this one is about 3years old but may not have changed much. Note the 6 outputs, 2 for sky q and 4 for Freesat.

Print them off.

Sky Q Hybrid LNB no longer available from Sky?

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