Sky OnDemand, new set top box

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#1438841 1-Dec-2015 20:13

pctek: So I have Basic Sky, no fancy boxes or anything.
What is the big deal about the new box? What do I get that I didn't before?

As far as I can tell exactly the same content will be available, the difference being I can download it and watch it at a time other than their broadcast times - using my ISP data and connection.

Is that right? If so, why the hell would I want it?

That's a really good question

JimmyH

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#1439471 2-Dec-2015 19:36

A slightly different question.

Can anyone tell me whether the new STBs copy-protect their analog output?

I will connect to the TV with HDMI. But I would ideally like to have no copy protection on the analog output (yes, I know it's only standard definition. This is for two reasons:

(1) a non-macrovisioned feed is needed for recording onto my Panny, which is networked and has a DLNA server; and

(2) a non-macrovisioned feed is needed to be compatible with how my video distribution system works, for watching the live Sky feed over the network on my bedroom Telly, or on the tablet over WiFi in the kitchen etc.

MySkys do copy protect, and the current non-MySky STBs don't, which is a key reason I never went with a MySky.

And, yes, I know I can get a box to go between the STB and the rest of my equipment and supress the Macrovision & CGMA/A nonsense. I even have one somewhere from when I digitised my purchased VHS tapes a few years ago. But integrating it into my system is one more set of cables, power adapter, and layer of hassle I can ideally do without.

pctek

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#1439666 3-Dec-2015 07:12

I have Basic Sky - no movies, no sports.
Not really interested in movies......so what extra content will there be?

No idea about Lightbox or anything.

Jase2985

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#1439671 3-Dec-2015 07:18

pctek: I have Basic Sky - no movies, no sports.
Not really interested in movies......so what extra content will there be? No idea about Lightbox or anything.

no extra content, just the ability to watch the current content on demand

ockel

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#1439679 3-Dec-2015 07:36

Jase2985:
pctek: I have Basic Sky - no movies, no sports.
Not really interested in movies......so what extra content will there be? No idea about Lightbox or anything.

no extra content, just the ability to watch the current content on demand

Not quite true. For example Person of Interest has never been aired on Sky. Season 1 and 2 are available on demand.
BBC's drama Atlantis is similar - only previously available as a box set on DVD or on Neon. Available on demand for Sky Basic subscribers.
In true Sky form though you have to hunt for this stuff yourself, its never marketed, the box doesnt suggest things you might light to watch etc. I'd suggest using Lemontv to see what Neon has to offer as a starting point to what you might find if you dont want to use the clunky Sky search engine. But not everything on Neon is available on demand.... or so it seems.

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Rikkitic

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#1439919 3-Dec-2015 14:24

JimmyH: A slightly different question.

Can anyone tell me whether the new STBs copy-protect their analog output?

I will connect to the TV with HDMI. But I would ideally like to have no copy protection on the analog output (yes, I know it's only standard definition. This is for two reasons:

(1) a non-macrovisioned feed is needed for recording onto my Panny, which is networked and has a DLNA server; and

(2) a non-macrovisioned feed is needed to be compatible with how my video distribution system works, for watching the live Sky feed over the network on my bedroom Telly, or on the tablet over WiFi in the kitchen etc.

MySkys do copy protect, and the current non-MySky STBs don't, which is a key reason I never went with a MySky.

And, yes, I know I can get a box to go between the STB and the rest of my equipment and supress the Macrovision & CGMA/A nonsense. I even have one somewhere from when I digitised my purchased VHS tapes a few years ago. But integrating it into my system is one more set of cables, power adapter, and layer of hassle I can ideally do without.

Does anyone have an answer to this? I would also like to know.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

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theoldfarter

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#1440010 3-Dec-2015 17:05

I hooked up an older Panasonic DVD Recorder with an internal HDD and twin Analogue tuners, from the composite RCA output on the new Sky box, to an AV in RCA terminal on the Panasonic. I recorded a couple of minutes of BBC News and can report that it plays back with no problem.

Was this what you wanted to know?

Rikkitic

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#1440082 3-Dec-2015 18:48

Partly. Does the box have any higher quality analogue outputs, like component or s-video?

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

wingbat45

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#1440113 3-Dec-2015 19:25

Rikkitic: Partly. Does the box have any higher quality analogue outputs, like component or s-video?

No just HDMI and composite. has optical out

theoldfarter

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#1440119 3-Dec-2015 19:34

The rear has 1 x HDMI, 1 x USB, 1 x Optical, 1x Composite RCA for video and 1 x L/R audio, 1 x Ethernet and two tuner inputs. Nothing else.
There is 1 x USB port and a WPS button behind the front flap, which houses the card.

Rikkitic

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#1440128 3-Dec-2015 19:54

OK thanks for the info.

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old3eyes

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#1440129 3-Dec-2015 19:55

wingbat45:
Rikkitic: Partly. Does the box have any higher quality analogue outputs, like component or s-video?

No just HDMI and composite. has optical out

Would be very unlikely in this day to find S-Video or Component on a new devise..

Regards,

Old3eyes

eXDee

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#1440210 3-Dec-2015 23:23

Just fiddled with the new software.

Curious for the on demand feature they are choosing to treat the downloads like recordings. I expected it to be a streaming only service. Initially i thought i had to wait for the download - which was very slow at 1-2MB/s on a 200 megabit UFB connection, but then I saw that i could press watch. The UI made me think that button wasn't enabled yet.

Seems the files are around 2Mbit ish by my estimations, for a Prime on demand show anyway.

JimmyH

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#1440665 4-Dec-2015 17:48

theoldfarter: I hooked up an older Panasonic DVD Recorder with an internal HDD and twin Analogue tuners, from the composite RCA output on the new Sky box, to an AV in RCA terminal on the Panasonic. I recorded a couple of minutes of BBC News and can report that it plays back with no problem.

Was this what you wanted to know?

Pretty much.

Dou you also have the movies package. If so, I would greatly appreciate it if you could try recording something off channel 30.

Many thanks.

theoldfarter

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#1440708 4-Dec-2015 19:58

I just have the Basic package, so cannot help.

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