topic Re: Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note in Sky Q

Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note

nigea99 — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 14:37:34 GMT

I am posting some general notes for people considering switching from SKY + or SKY HD to SKY Q

Like many, many users, I am glad I upgraded over 6 years ago now, but I think there are some points that existing SKY + / SKY HD users should note:

Installation & Free Installation offers
When SKY do offer free (or cheap) installation for existing customers they don't always mention which SKY Q box may be included in that offer.

So make sure you get them to state exactly which box you are being offered as sometimes they are only offering the older 1TB non UHD box that can only support one active mini box & record a max of 3 channels in addition to not being UHD capable - you may be happy with such a box but if you want to upgrade to the latest UHD / HDR box at a later date it will cost extra.

Personally, nowadays, I would insist on getting a UHD/HDR box but I know many existing users may not be bothered

Alternatively, ‘Free’ installation may depend on taking out some package options such as Multiscreen - so again fully check what your new subscription will be.

N.B. All SKY Q boxes are 'loaned' & must be returned when you stop subscribing - even if you pay up front Admin / Installation fees

Existing Recordings

Please be aware you cannot transfer recordings between boxes, although any bought content can be downloaded onto the new box and some programmes/films may be available to download from Catch Up or On demand

Dish/Cabling

If you own your dish then the engineer must be able to access it.

SKY Q uses a different LNB (the electronic bit on the dish) to SKY +/HD and this will be changed by the engineer - they will also replace the dish and cabling if they are not good enough - although often they are good enough (more so the cabling) and do not need replacing.

BTW SKY Q uses twin cables from the dish – so if you only have a single cable SKY will replace it

For Communal Systems, SKY may need to install an adapter to enable it to work with SKY Q (using a single cable in what is called dSCR mode)

Note for Freesat Users:

If you have a Freesat box or use a TV for Freesat you must make sure you tell SKY when arranging the switch so they know & agree to install what is called a Hybrid LNB that allows both SKY Q and Freesat to work

SKY Q versus Sky +/HD

SKY Q has quite a different interface to SKY +/HD and unfortunatley, some people cannot get on with it.

There are a few features not implemented on SKY Q - the regulars here will kill me for mentioning one of these - which is Reminders, others include Recording bookmarks & slow motion in recordings, mainly only the red button on the remote is used - I can't remember what the coloured buttons on SKY HD were but I know some people miss these 'shortcuts' - and a few others I can't remember off the top of my head)

You cannot set recordings manually or adjust the recording time on SKY Q - it records only what the TV Guide sets for the programme.

RF/Magic eye
SKY Q does not have any RF inputs/outputs to allow watching in another room

New Features on Q :

Bluetooth Voice Remote - One very useful feature on SKY Q is voice control

I find the bluetooth connection of the remote far superior & can be used over quite a distance - my box is out of line of sight

The most recent SKY Q main boxes (but not the minis or the old 1TB non UHD box I mentioned ) support 4K/UHD & also Dolby Atmos surround sound - the latest 1TB UHD box & V2, V3 2TB boxes also support HDR (High Dynamic Range)

BTW SKY uses a specific version of HDR (called HLG) that most modern UHD TVs now support - although be aware that some lower end TVs may appear too dark with this version of HDR

Apps:

There are now quite a few apps on SKY Q & many people like the convenience of the apps on SKY Q

Apps on SKY Q are a benefit for those who don't have Smart TVs etc. or just want the convenience of them being in on place but the apps on a smart TV are likely to be better as they are usually tailored to the TV & likely to give the benefits of Dolby Vision for UHD/HDR content

Personally I use the apps on my Smart TV or Firestick - it depends on what TV you have etc and how you watch .

Reverting Back:

Once you migrate to SKY Q - SKY do not allow reverting back to SKY +/HD except for a very few specific reasons (mainly technical).

Mutiroom on SKY HD / Multiscreen on Q

If you are considering Multiscreen then a few points:

There is, usually, an up front, admin charge for each mini although this is often free for the 1^st mini.

Even though the 1^st mini may not incur an admin charge one is not always sent by default so make sure you get this confirmed.

You can only use a maximum of 2 minis at the same time (only one if you have the non UHD box I mention) although you can have up to 4 on the account

As mentioned above SKY Minis do not support 4K.

SKY Minis get their content from the Main Box and connect to it via wifi or ethernet – they do not connect directly to the Dish

Recordings

Sky Minis do not store the recordings on the mini box – all recordings are stored on the main box & there is no user profile system to separate recordings made from a mini from those made on the main box or by a different user.

Thus, anyone migrating from the old multiscreen with separate boxes may have issues that all the recordings are only stored on the main box and available to all (which can be an advantage)

Some people do get connectivity issues between the main box & minis, although most don't – members here & SKY Technical support can usually help to get these resolved

Finally

As mentioned many of us are very happy with SKY Q - but I thought I should mention the above to help you make an informed decision

Re: Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note

Daniel0210 — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 14:12:46 GMT

This advice is all the more relevant with the increased number of posts we're seeing from Sky+ customers having received letters from Sky about a free upgrade and helps them to make an informed decision.

Re: Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note

nigea99 — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 14:16:36 GMT

@Daniel0210 wrote:

This advice is all the more relevant with the increased number of posts we're seeing from Sky+ customers having received letters from Sky about a free upgrade and helps them to make an informed decision.

Yes , I thought I would tweak it & make it slightly more easier to read due to these letters being sent

Hopefully I didn't loose anything in the revamp

Re: Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note

AM9 — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 06:32:17 GMT

Can you view you're recordings in a list format instead of thumbnails like the sky+ ?

Re: Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note

nigea99 — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 06:54:12 GMT

@AM9 wrote:

Can you view you're recordings in a list format instead of thumbnails like the sky+ ?

Hi @AM9

Sorry but no, nothing like SKY +

The closest option is to view Sort by - A-Z which lists titles - as it says by A-Z (rather than a defult thumbnail view by Most recent) - but when you select a Title you are then presented with a thumbnail view for the individual programme / film , if just one, or thumbnail menu listing the episodes when there are more episodes and /or series

THe UI is quite different and probably nowhere has the simplistic text, space saving, views that SKY +/HD have. Although the list of scheduled recordings is a scrollable list

Re: Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note

AM9 — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 22:22:38 GMT

Ok thank you for the reply much appreciated.

Re: Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note

Bigred100 — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 15:40:58 GMT

are the subcriptions increased on sky q when you upgrade from sky +?

Re: Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note

nigea99 — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 15:56:23 GMT

@Bigred100 wrote:

are the subcriptions increased on sky q when you upgrade from sky +?

Hi @Bigred100

Not generally and sometimes, if not many, subscriptions can be cheaper or may remain the same.

It all depends on whether the same packages are available and what offers are available when switching..

These are all personal so yould need to discuss when arranging a switch

Re: Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note

TimmyBGood — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 16:03:08 GMT

@Bigred100 wrote:

are the subcriptions increased on sky q when you upgrade from sky +?

It's obviously in the commercial interest of Sky to attempt to 'upsell' the subscription bundle as part of the move.

Re: Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note

Bigred100 — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 23:28:52 GMT

any idea of the increase?

Re: Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note

Daniel0210 — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 05:11:32 GMT

@Bigred100 wrote:

any idea of the increase?

@Bigred100

Already answered in post 8 above.

Re: Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note

Bigred100 — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 10:26:22 GMT

thanks for all your help and advice but i,m still undecided at this time

Re: Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note

Chodley — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 11:12:02 GMT

@Bigred100 wrote:
thanks for all your help and advice but i,m still undecided at this time

That's no skin off nigea's nose (haven't had an excuse to write that phrase before in 30 years of using the internet 😁).

He, like most of us on here, doesn't work for Sky.

Re: Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note

G81LLS — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 19:12:28 GMT

Has anyone manage to get the upgrade link in the letter to work, I keep getting a "bad request" error. It's the upgrade online hyperlink at the bottom of the page at sky.com/BBC/upgrade

Re: Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note

caesarome — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 19:27:59 GMT

For the Bad Request error try clearing the browser cache and cookies then close it down before trying again.

Re: Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note

Steve+Grother — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 13:36:44 GMT

Hi, hope you can assist. I phoned today to upgrade to Sky Q. However, I am starting to have some regrets. I told them that I didnt want Netflix but in teh e mail they sent me they have included "Ultimate TV add on" for £6 which I believe is Netflix.

More importantly, I am concerned about HD pricing. I do not currentley pay for HD but seem to be able to view all HD chanells. In the upgrade I was told that I can get HD free for 2 months and then it will be £9 unless I cancel. If I cancel I understand I will not be able to view ceratain HD chanels at all. (which I can now without a HD subs). It seems odd that I can view HD channels (albeit probably in SD) now with my Sky * box but will have to pay for HD if I wish to view such channels under the upgraded setup? Is that right? If so, how do I cancel this arrangement and stay as I am?

Re: Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note

Anonymous — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 13:49:17 GMT

I'm currently using a SkyHD+ box with the rf output sending the picture to other TVs. I know the Q box doesn't have rf output so how can I achieve this if I go to Q? All I want to do is occasionally watch whatever is on the main box on another tv at the same time, whether it be live tv or a recording. Sky told me I can only do this with multiple Mini boxes but this seems daft to have to pay for and switch on more boxes just to do what I can already do! Any suggestions gratefully received, thanks.

Re: Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note

Chodley — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 14:01:53 GMT

HDMI splitter. Note - long HDMI runs are not easy and you need a way to carry the remote IR signal back to the main room.

Re: Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note

nigea99 — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 14:18:46 GMT

@Steve+Grother wrote:

Hi, hope you can assist. I phoned today to upgrade to Sky Q. However, I am starting to have some regrets. I told them that I didnt want Netflix but in teh e mail they sent me they have included "Ultimate TV add on" for £6 which I believe is Netflix.

More importantly, I am concerned about HD pricing. I do not currentley pay for HD but seem to be able to view all HD chanells. In the upgrade I was told that I can get HD free for 2 months and then it will be £9 unless I cancel. If I cancel I understand I will not be able to view ceratain HD chanels at all. (which I can now without a HD subs). It seems odd that I can view HD channels (albeit probably in SD) now with my Sky * box but will have to pay for HD if I wish to view such channels under the upgraded setup? Is that right? If so, how do I cancel this arrangement and stay as I am?

hi @Steve+Grother

Ultimate TV add on is indeed Netflix - often it is included as part of an overall bundle price but will appear separately in any bills. Sometimes it is effectively at no extra cost as the overall 'bundle' is the same price as it would be for just Signature on it's own

You will thus need to check all detail & maybe discuss further with them

I can't remember all the variants of the base Entertainment packs - I have been on the later packs for too long now - I guess it is possible that if you had a very old base pack (Variety ?) you may have had HD included as standard.

Unfortunately HD has been a separate add on for many years now (certainly with 'Signature' and I think with 'Entertainment' but I could be wrong) .

You thus do now need the HD pack to watch any of the non Free To AIr channels (FTA channels being the likes of BBC, ITV, C4) in HD so need it for SKY Mix. Atlantic etc and indeed many other non SKY channels

(N.B SKY Sports has it's own HD add on but note SKY Sports News is not part of SKY Sports but part of SKY Signature so needs the standard HD add on)

There is also a quirk that you can watch C4 & C5 in HD without the HD add on but need the HD add on to download in HD

Another thing you need to be aware of is that anything added with a free trial period automatically start charging at the end and need to be cancelled with 31 days notice (so for a 2 month free trial, you must cancel after 1 month or earlier)..

You might not be able to revert to your previous packages but I don't know

The only way to check & change if possible is to call

Re: Switching from SKY + / SKY HD to SKY Q - some points to note

nigea99 — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 14:15:39 GMT

@Chodley wrote:

HDMI splitter. Note - long HDMI runs are not easy and you need a way to carry the remote IR signal back to the main room.

@Anonymous some people have had success with HDMI Splitters and even with HDMI to RF converters but note it may need some research - may I suggest your search the SKY Q & possibly SKY HD groups & possibly elsehwere.

There was an old post, now no longer available (archived) from a friend of mine who succesfully used a splitter to watch in his Kichen & bedroom

Note : Splitters are rarely successfull if you want to use with a 4K TV as well

Edit: Yes SKY Q is designed around the use of Mini boxes (with a mutiroom subscription) for secondary TVs which is what SKY will advise - even though that is an expensive set up for casual viewing in one other room

BTW Regarding @Chodley 's note re remote - you may find that may not be relevant as I have found the SKY Q bluetooth remotes to have a very good range. As a test I have used my remote from my back garden & upstairs bedrooms with my SKY Q box in an alcove at the front of my lounge at the front of the house