Upgrade of standard Multiroom Sky box to HD to receive BBC local programmes without moving to SKY Q

[The+Flange]

I have a Sky HD unit in my living room which I have been advised cannot be upgraded to Sky Q as my wifi signal isn't strong enough. In the kitchen I have a standard Sky box (AMSTRAD model 550.060 Version 4F0807) which was installed as a 'multiroom' unit at the same time I started subscribing to Sky in 2008. On the kitchen standard Sky unit I am now seeing the message regarding upgrading to HD so that I can receive local BBC TV. I have followed the upgrade instructions on the Sky website mentioned in the display screen, but find that the upgrade is to Sky Q.  As my wifi signal isn't good, what other options are on offer?

[Annie+UK · Accepted solution]

Purchase a secondhand DRX890 or the bigger storage version (DRX895) from the likes of Ebay etc... and pair your viewing card to the replacement Sky box

[The+Flange]

Hi Annie

Many thanks for the suggestion.  I've found a source where I can purchase a refurbished DRX890 unit with a 5-year guarantee, so I've ordered it.  

One supplementary question: do you know if the viewing card I use with my current Standard unit will work with the DRX890, or do I have to get that upgraded?

Regards

John Gale

[Annie+UK]

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@The+Flange wrote:

Hi Annie

Many thanks for the suggestion.  I've found a source where I can purchase a refurbished DRX890 unit with a 5-year guarantee, so I've ordered it.  

One supplementary question: do you know if the viewing card I use with my current Standard unit will work with the DRX890, or do I have to get that upgraded?

Regards

John Gale

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It will, check out my FAQ for "New Install"

[The+Flange]

Despite your response, it seems that my existing viewing card does work with the DRX890 unit.  Plugged everything in, switched on and all is as before but with an improved quality picture!  Sorted!  Not bad for £30!

[Mark39]

Can you watch Sky One?

[The+Flange]

Yes, I seem to able to view 106 and other Sky channels, but Sky Sports channels advise that I need to pair my card, so perhaps I was a little previous in saying that all was well!

I've submitted the required data and will hope to see the required result sometime in the next four hours as promised!

[Annie+UK]

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@The+Flange wrote:

Yes, I seem to able to view 106 and other Sky channels, but Sky Sports channels advise that I need to pair my card, so perhaps I was a little previous in saying that all was well!

I've submitted the required data and will hope to see the required result sometime in the next four hours as promised!

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Try performing a New Install it should pair your card instantly if your box is connected to the Internet or phoneline

See question Q21 in my Sky Plus F⋅A⋅Q

Additional help with your viewing card can be found here

[The+Flange]

Pairing my viewing card completed very quickly and all channels now available to me.  

Many thanks to all those who assisted in this task.