My Sky+HD box switched itself off yesterday at some point and I lost 2 recordings

[Fyfe1]

I think my box is on its last legs but I cannot change to Sky Q despite them offering it to me for free because the internet in my postcode is dreadful and I could not bear to get TV from internet (my connection drops nearly every day - BT Open Reach never got round to our street). Grateful for any advice as to best options. Thanks.

[caesarome]

You don't need the internet with Sky Q to watch live TV or make and watch recordings but you will need it to view catchup, boxsets, Netflix and all that other available apps.

[TimmyBGood]

@Fyfe1 

Q is still a satellite system for all 'live' television: it's the on-demand, catch-up and app functionality which uses broadband.

Sky won't replace a failing Sky+ HD box with another one, as it's no longer a product for them and hardware was last manufactured in 2015.  You could obtain a late model (895/890) unit for about £30 on eBay.

[oj01 · Accepted solution]

@Fyfe1 Live TV and recording works exactly the same on Sky Q as it does on Sky+, through the satellite dish.

However, used Sky+HD boxes can be easily picked up on ebay for around £25-£30. Make sure to get a DRX890 or DRX895 model as these are the most up to date boxes, albeit several years old. 

[TimmyBGood]

@Fyfe1 

Perhaps also note that Sky on-demand works on Q even over slow broadband because content spools to disk, and so a download can be left running overnight, potentially making even UHD access viable.  This isn't the case for any of the streaming apps though, or 'watch from start' functionality.