@Flo29 wrote:
hi all just after some information i forgot to ask sky early we currently have sky+ hd wifi box a sky hd digi box with sky+ multiscreen box the second box is in my daughters room as we both like to watch different things we have been offered the upgrade for free to sky q and my package won't change so does this mean they would remove one box and replace it with the q box and said i would get a mini box for free as the first one is free i would put that in my dining room so my question is would my daughters box stay in her room i wouldn't need to pay for a extra multi room subscription thanks in advance
hi @Flo29
No you can't have SKY Q and SKY HD boxes at the same time - they would switch out the 2nd box for a SKY Mini box - which works differently - it relies on the main box for it's content & uses either wifi or ethernet to connect to the main box (no direct Satellite connections on the mini).
All recordings are stored on the SKY Main box & there are no user profiles.
BTW You do need an ongoing Multiscreen subscription to use the SKY Mini - although one sub covers any more minis if you get them
Here are some notes I have put together for people considering upgrade from SKY HD to SKy Q - Sorry some is a repeat of the above & it is a bit long but you may find some sections relevant but others not quite - any questions just ask:
SKy HD to SKY Q Notes:
I am glad upgraded over 6 years ago but there are definitely things to note:
When SKY do offer of 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
SKY Q has quite a different interface to SKY +/HD and 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, 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 poeple 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
SKY Q does not have any RF inputs/outputs to allow watching in another room
Once you migrate to SKY Q - SKY do not allow reverting back to SKY +/HD except for a very few specific reasons (mainly technical).
Some people like the convenience of the apps on SKY Q but personally I use apps on my Smart TV or Firestick - it depends on what TV you have etc and how you watch - Apps are a benefit for those who don't have Smart TVs etc. or just want the convenience of them being in on place
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.
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
I migrated to SKY Q several years ago and don't regret it.
One very useful feature is voice control & I find the bluetooth connection of the remote far superior - my box is out of line of sight
I do , however, have a 4K HDR capable TV & separate AV Amplifier & gain by the ability to watch in the enhanced formats with Surround sound including Dolby Atmos
I can now watch full HD in my bedroom - something I couldn't using the RF feed from my old SKY + box
If you are considering Multiscreen (with a SKY Q mini -- I have one as mentioned) then a couple of points:
SKY Minis do not support 4K.
Some people do get connectivity issues although many (if not most) don't
Anyone migrating from the old multiscreen with separate boxes may have issues that all recordings are only stored on the main box and available to all (which can be an advantage) but there is no user profile system
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 more on the account
Many of us are very happy with SKY Q - but I thought I should mention the above to help you make an informed decision
P.S. 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
