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 1st mini.
Even though the 1st 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
