Next SKY decoder wishlist?

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manaia

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#68855 29-Sep-2010 14:59

Would anyone care to post about what they would like to see in a new SKY decoder? I can promise that someone from SKY will read it, and I will respond as appropriate.

Cheers,
M

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#385892 29-Sep-2010 15:04

4 TB Hard drive (2x 2tb).

HD world needs lots of space.

But there are greater problems than the decoder. Content is main issue.

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magu

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BitSignal

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#385896 29-Sep-2010 15:08

One that doesn't randomly turn itself on and screws up my Harmony remote's 'current device state' memory.

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graemeh

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#385901 29-Sep-2010 15:23

- ability to connect over the internet so you don't need a PSTN phone
- more storage space on mysky

scorpiworld

192 posts

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#385914 29-Sep-2010 16:01

Don't need a new decoder, just make better use of the existing MySkyHDi box!

Dreaming list would start with:
- Enable the USB / eSATA port - To allow for more storage space (Don't care if content is encrypted initially and cant be shared on other devices, just allow more content to be saved in HD)
- Enable the Ethernet port - Allow On Demand internet TV (variant of iSky!?) and expand the current On Demand content
- Stream stored content on other devices around the home WiFi (laptop / iPad etc) and via online to mobiles etc (PS3 / PSP & SE Phone type functionality)
- Agreement with Telecom for Sky customers to get unmetered BB usage!

LookingUp

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#385947 29-Sep-2010 17:01

Such a device exists - Vu+Duo

It does all of the above and more.

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hairy1

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#385966 29-Sep-2010 17:47

I was going to write a list but realised that scorpiworld had done it!
+1 for what Scorpio said. I can't believe sky are seriously considering a new box when there is so much unlocked potential in the existing box.

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vinnieg

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#385967 29-Sep-2010 17:50

One that doesn't repeat the same movies and programs every 6 hours

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DjShadow

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#385970 29-Sep-2010 17:57

I'm assuming these ideas (hardware related) will have to go to Pace also?

would like:

* Bigger Hard Drive and the option to plug in an external HDD
* Ability to connect box to a Wireless-N network and be able to watch recordings off it
* Being able to manage planner over the internet (instead of just remote signaling "record me")
* Being able to name search in the EPG when looking for a certain program and being able to record it

Niel

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#385972 29-Sep-2010 17:59

Don't know if MySky gets this right, the SD boxes definitely do not. The programme guide is only an approximate time. Works fine for movie and documentary channels which start on half hour intervals, but normal channels do not. Perhaps the programme guide can be dynamically corrected/adjusted.

MPEG4, or at least implement a decent de-blocking filter for MPEG2 (the standard requires it for MPEG4, but optional for MPEG2).

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Lias

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#385987 29-Sep-2010 18:30

Some's already been covered but my 2 cents:

More built in storage, and the ability to easily add our own storage (Not some overpriced "special" storage upgrade like tivo, let us buy commodity SATA drives and plug them in ourselves)
Networked, with the ability stream HD content on any TV or PC in the house on demand.
Open source firmware/software/interface, that can be hacked, skinned, or modded any way the geek community wants. Think OpenWRT, DD-WRT, RockBox, etc)
No DRM (IE store all content in standard, unencrypted formats like MKV)
USB3 & E-SATA connectivity for external drives
Wireless connectivity
Full internet connectivity, remote control, and remote viewing
Full text search of EPG with logical operators (+"Doctor"+"Who" or "Doctor Who" -repeat) you get the idea.
Now that the HDCP has been released, how about just dumping it all together.

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TwoSeven

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#385990 29-Sep-2010 18:42

I would like to see some digital convergence happening. If I had a set top box I would like to be able to access it with Windows Media Center (a plugin?) over wifi or via cat-5. I think this has been mentioned above already.

And since I dont really know anything about the current box, I would also like it to have UHF passthrough.

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allstarnz

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#386087 29-Sep-2010 22:21

the rest has already been said. I can't believe they went with such a tiny HDD!!

smarter series linking especially when it comes to sports (may even be possible with a bit of nous already)

e.g I may want to only record all Wellington ITM Cup games, only Wellington Phoenix A-League games, and only EPL featuring Manchester Utd.

I'm relatively happy with the box, like has been said, it's CONTENT.

stuzzo

534 posts

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#386090 29-Sep-2010 22:28

Better standby power performance ie better power efficiency.

manaia

272 posts

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#386249 30-Sep-2010 11:02

Thanks for answering. I see three themes:

1) Provide better content, e.g. less obvious repeat cycles. Sync EPG to actual programme broadcasts, not their planned time. More flexible series link.
2) Use the capability of the current box better (e.g. ethernet port for callbacks or content downloads, USB/eSata for external storage)
3) Develop a better box (like the Vu+Duo)

General:

- loads of storage space (e.g. 4TB). use the eSata & USB to attach external HDDs
- more predictable when working with 3rd party devices (e.g. Harmony remote remembering state)
- IP callbacks instead of PSTN
- more 'ip-native' in that you can stream content around the house to other devices and acquire it from the net without breaking bandwidth caps
- direct access to planner in decoder from web
- either use a de-blocking filter in MPEG-2 or move to MPEG-4 where it is mandatory, to improve picture quality
- better search & metadata
- more open software platform: allows subscriber skinning & modification
- no DRM on content
- UHF pass-through
- better power-saving modes

manta

249 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user

#386413 30-Sep-2010 17:46

scorpiworld: Don't need a new decoder, just make better use of the existing MySkyHDi box!

Dreaming list would start with:
- Enable the USB / eSATA port - To allow for more storage space (Don't care if content is encrypted initially and cant be shared on other devices, just allow more content to be saved in HD)
- Enable the Ethernet port - Allow On Demand internet TV (variant of iSky!?) and expand the current On Demand content
- Stream stored content on other devices around the home WiFi (laptop / iPad etc) and via online to mobiles etc (PS3 / PSP & SE Phone type functionality)
- Agreement with Telecom for Sky customers to get unmetered BB usage!

+1 to all the above

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