Sky Q is auto deleting my recordings – And a Downgrade from Sky+HD

[enterprise+2]

After many pestering’s from Sky to “upgrade” free to Sky Q - I did eventually give in only for the ability to have the occasional convenience of being able to record more than one program at a time.

I was made aware that I would be unable to back up my few hundred hours of recordings but most would be available for download and record onto the new Sky Q box so went ahead with the install.

As my wife is away abroad for 2 – 3 months at a time now being back in mid-December I recoded her favourite latest Made in Chelsea, Made in Bondi and Towie and various other favourite shows for watching when back some which she had already stated to see when home and all recordings appeared OK – as a review yesterday I did a check of the recordings and noticed “Made in Bondi” has disappeared !! – then had a look at Towie that was still there but stated that it expires on 3rd December !!!!???? Noticed some settings alongside for “Keep and “Lock” – was used to the “keep” setting on the Sky+HD box used for info – so the point here is what is the use of the Sky Q box if your recordings are automatically deleted before being watched and authorized by the user or account holder??? Particularly when paying such a high subscription charge to Sky particularly when these shows and deleted recordings are available free through the internet or be it not as convenient – We after all are paying Sky for a one stop solution to our viewing needs including convenience and ease of use which is sadly lacking as expected in this modern age when compared to alternative options.

[PandJ2020]

As per Sky+, if you 'record' the programme from a live channel then you can 'keep' it and 'lock' it from deletion.

However, some downloads do have an expiry and will be deleted automatically.

Remember, the hard drive was never intended for long term storage nor do you 'own' the rights to the programme so have no legal right to keep it.  Indeed, the days of recording are numbered with streaming looking to become the norm at some time very soon...  (where the broadcaster can fully control subs and access)

[Chodley]

They have limited time license rights on the downloads. They'll probably show up again soon enough on some other streaming service.

[TimmyBGood]

@enterprise+2 

Recording was never intended to mean permanent retention: it's just that the earlier platform didn't have an effective mechanism through which rights owners could enforce their rights.  The next generation of hardware has no local storage at all.

[xenon81]

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@enterprise+2 wrote:

Noticed some settings alongside for “Keep and “Lock” – was used to the “keep” setting on the Sky+HD box used for info – so the point here is what is the use of the Sky Q box if your recordings are automatically deleted before being watched and authorized by the user or account holder??? 

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Recordings are only deleted if the box is running low on storage. Downloads however do expire, often after 30 days, and this is exactly the same as Sky+HD. 

[enterprise+2]

Thanks to all those who have responded to my recording issue which is understood – seemingly I may have misunderstood advice given by Sky that I could replace most if not all of the recordings lost from my Sky+HD box for viewing at a later date following the upgrade to Sky Q – I would also add that there was no expiry dates shown with any of my Sky+HD recordings some being up to 6 months old for viewing when time allowed.

Currently my view of Sky Q is a downgrade is it worthwhile or even needed – my TV has more functionality and apps than the Sky Q box and it records – even the Sky Q Alexa app is a dumb version which I tried yesterday while reading – So said Alexa play radio xxxx – instead of playing the radio station that I requested I was presented with numerous ambiguous results on screen instead of playing the station I requested this being an app which responds correctly as it should on my phone, tablet, PC and bedroom clock, also have other issues with this regrettable so called upgrade which I will post when time allows – apologies for the rant but this will be ongoing I expect better from Sky and its “Sky High” subscription costs considering I do not require or subscribe sky sports or sky cinema.

[PandJ2020]

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@enterprise+2 wrote:

even the Sky Q Alexa app is a dumb version 

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There is no official Sky Q Alexa app.  (Anything you find will be not be by Sky)

[TimmyBGood]

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@enterprise+2 wrote:

my TV has more functionality and apps than the Sky Q box 

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Q was released in February 2016: its fundamental design specification is now a decade old.  Any reasonably recent television set will undoubtedly be more versatile: Q only hosts apps from owners with which Sky has a commercial relationship because they all require Sky support, including expensive call centre staffing.

Comcast/Sky moved on to online-only delivery through Glass/Stream three years ago: Q will not evolve any further (except presumably to cease to exist before 2030 when satellite television broadcasting to the UK is likely to end)