Changes to Sky in 2012

CTD101 · 18-12-2011, 17:16

Quote:

Sorry to go off topic CTD101 but can you help?

I've got a Thomson HD box and both USB ports are enabled which allows me to run a pair of USB powered speakers to listen to the radio without using my amp or having my TV on.

I bought a pair for my Father--in-Law who's got a new Amstrad HD box, but I can't get any power out of the USBs, any way of enabling them?

Just to confirm what chenks has said, there is no feature to turn the usb power on. Some sky+ boxes also have the usb's able to power devices. Unless there's something new coming that uses the usb ports I can't understand them still being there to be honest.

InsideSky · 18-12-2011, 19:23

I have seen the new EPG and can tell you it looks very good. It isn't a drastic change but is much better set out.

I was told when I joined Sky that the HD+ will not do 5.1 over HDMI as it was a hardware deficiency, but this was when the Thompson boxes were being used. Obviously we've changed to Sky made HD+ (Amstrad) so this may have been changed now, but they wouldn't turn it on until it can be shown to not be done on the previous boxes, as due to a legal act all the boxes have to have the same usability as a previous box, which is why the USB slots are still there and yet have never "officially" been used by Sky.

There has been many rumours going round about new things coming, I presume that we will be looking at a 2tb+ box to cope with the demand of recording more 3D content. The big push for 2012 will be the dedicated F1 channel (408), it is seen in Sky as being the biggest thing they have done since acquiring the rights to the Premier League!

chenks · 18-12-2011, 19:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by derek500

I was told when I joined Sky that the HD+ will not do 5.1 over HDMI as it was a hardware deficiency, but this was when the Thompson boxes were being used. Obviously we've changed to Sky made HD+ (Amstrad) so this may have been changed now, but they wouldn't turn it on until it can be shown to not be done on the previous boxes, as due to a legal act all the boxes have to have the same usability as a previous box, which is why the USB slots are still there and yet have never "officially" been used by Sky.

you're forgetting the pace and samsung boxes also, so unless they also can have this "software update" then that theory is a bit amiss.

InsideSky · 18-12-2011, 19:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by chenks

you're forgetting the pace and samsung boxes also, so unless they also can have this "software update" then that theory is a bit amiss.

We don't supply them now, only as reconditioned boxes. Which is why I said unless it can be shown that it is a hardware deficiency to whomever says the boxes must have the same usability, then the 5.1 over HDMI won't be coming anytime soon.

chenks · 18-12-2011, 19:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by InsideSky

We don't supply them now, only as reconditioned boxes.

so they are still supplied then

as i said, i'm not convinced it is a software issue anyway - in any of the boxes.

InsideSky · 18-12-2011, 19:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by chenks

so they are still supplied then

as i said, i'm not convinced it is a software issue anyway - in any of the boxes.

I see your point, can only tell you what we've been told.

I don't believe it is a software issue on the older boxes, but they are saying it may be fixed on the newer Amstrad boxes with a software update.

CTD101 · 19-12-2011, 20:48

Sky Go is launching on Android devices in January too.

Batch · 19-12-2011, 21:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTD101

Sky Go is launching on Android devices in January too.

Does this work over 3G or only wifi?

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTD101

It's not HD though. It was called the sky hd guide but wasn't in hd. The new one is in HD and is way better than the current epg with a few subtle tweaks to it too.

Hope this means its still readable via RF on my 22" bedroom set.

pkc · 19-12-2011, 22:38

I am hoping a new service would be to stop the EPG from vanishing.. and the box blue screening.

Also would be nice to see a watch and record option. - as we often record stuff for others in house to watch at a later date.. sadly with 2 streams it doesn't automatically change channel, so we have to walk down 3 flights of stairs, where as 1 stream it did

pkc · 19-12-2011, 22:40

[quote=InsideSky;55377583 The big push for 2012 will be the dedicated F1 channel (408), it is seen in Sky as being the biggest thing they have done since acquiring the rights to the Premier League![/QUOTE]

Also expected WWE network channel to launch in UK sometime next year.!

benidormgary · 19-12-2011, 22:55

All I ever wanted for Xmas from Sky for years is the radio "now and next". Is it too much to ask....?

too_fast_4_u · 20-12-2011, 00:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkc

Also expected WWE network channel to launch in UK sometime next year.!

i wish, expect 2013/2014 more realistic

ORTF · 20-12-2011, 00:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by benidormgary

All I ever wanted for Xmas from Sky for years is the radio "now and next". Is it too much to ask....?

You can have a full 7 day radio EPG on Windows Media Center with the right tweaks...

Glowball · 20-12-2011, 08:21

Would be nice if we could have (like Freesat) the EPG prompt option when recording a programme to be asked whether we would prefer to record/watch the HD version instead.

Surely this can't be too difficult to add to the software?

neon-lightning · 20-12-2011, 12:57

I like the idea of the shared planner, all you need is homeplugs to connect your sky box to your router via your mains circuit and bobs your uncle.

Sky could also update the software to enable the usb ports and get a usb dongle manufactured, like Sony and Microsoft did for their TVs/Blu-rays and Xbox.

owenmahamilton · 20-12-2011, 13:57

I'd love it if Sky Go was in HD, any chance of this?

RileyM · 21-12-2011, 16:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTD101

Sky Go is launching on Android devices in January too.

Any other moble OSs planned? I'm thinking of switching to Windows Phone in March/April. I hope so, i mean they have a Sky News app for WinPho, so Sky Go shouldnt be too hard.

CTD101 · 21-12-2011, 17:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by RileyM

Any other moble OSs planned? I'm thinking of switching to Windows Phone in March/April. I hope so, i mean they have a Sky News app for WinPho, so Sky Go shouldnt be too hard.

I haven't seen anyone ask in house but android was always going to come next due to the amount of people who have them. I would imagine so but I will ask the question for you.

houseparty · 21-12-2011, 18:52

Changes in 2012, all i want to see is one...........the low audio fixed, its been ages now, putting up with the low levels of audio on the hd boxes.

chenks · 21-12-2011, 18:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by houseparty

Changes in 2012, all i want to see is one...........the low audio fixed, its been ages now, putting up with the low levels of audio on the hd boxes.

that's not something that needs "fixed", as it's not something that is "broken".

muppetman11 · 21-12-2011, 20:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTD101

I haven't seen anyone ask in house but android was always going to come next due to the amount of people who have them. I would imagine so but I will ask the question for you.

Are some of the epg tweaks to do with the suggestions mentioned last year , I notice DirecTV in the US now have a new HD UI with suggested shows , don't they use the same development company , could be wrong though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmYCc0mpvtw

houseparty · 21-12-2011, 21:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by chenks

that's not something that needs "fixed", as it's not something that is "broken".

well what ever it is, its needs to be sorted, the volume level is terrible.

CTD101 · 21-12-2011, 21:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by muppetman11

Are some of the epg tweaks to do with the suggestions mentioned last year , I notice DirecTV in the US now have a new HD UI with suggested shows , don't they use the same development company , could be wrong though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmYCc0mpvtw

They haven't finished with the 'tweaks' and extra features, but the font and overall guide is vastly improved.

pkc · 21-12-2011, 22:44

What would be useful is an option to see what you have set to record in your box from a remote location.

Tom123 · 22-12-2011, 00:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by muppetman11

Are some of the epg tweaks to do with the suggestions mentioned last year , I notice DirecTV in the US now have a new HD UI with suggested shows , don't they use the same development company , could be wrong though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmYCc0mpvtw

Suggested shows have been around for ages on DirecTV.

18-12-2011, 17:16	#26
CTD101 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Gods country Wales Posts: 4,035	Quote: Originally Posted by derek500 Sorry to go off topic CTD101 but can you help? I've got a Thomson HD box and both USB ports are enabled which allows me to run a pair of USB powered speakers to listen to the radio without using my amp or having my TV on. I bought a pair for my Father--in-Law who's got a new Amstrad HD box, but I can't get any power out of the USBs, any way of enabling them? Just to confirm what chenks has said, there is no feature to turn the usb power on. Some sky+ boxes also have the usb's able to power devices. Unless there's something new coming that uses the usb ports I can't understand them still being there to be honest.

18-12-2011, 19:23	#27
InsideSky Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 12	I have seen the new EPG and can tell you it looks very good. It isn't a drastic change but is much better set out. I was told when I joined Sky that the HD+ will not do 5.1 over HDMI as it was a hardware deficiency, but this was when the Thompson boxes were being used. Obviously we've changed to Sky made HD+ (Amstrad) so this may have been changed now, but they wouldn't turn it on until it can be shown to not be done on the previous boxes, as due to a legal act all the boxes have to have the same usability as a previous box, which is why the USB slots are still there and yet have never "officially" been used by Sky. There has been many rumours going round about new things coming, I presume that we will be looking at a 2tb+ box to cope with the demand of recording more 3D content. The big push for 2012 will be the dedicated F1 channel (408), it is seen in Sky as being the biggest thing they have done since acquiring the rights to the Premier League!

18-12-2011, 19:26	#28
chenks Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: North Ayrshire Posts: 11,399	Quote: Originally Posted by derek500 I was told when I joined Sky that the HD+ will not do 5.1 over HDMI as it was a hardware deficiency, but this was when the Thompson boxes were being used. Obviously we've changed to Sky made HD+ (Amstrad) so this may have been changed now, but they wouldn't turn it on until it can be shown to not be done on the previous boxes, as due to a legal act all the boxes have to have the same usability as a previous box, which is why the USB slots are still there and yet have never "officially" been used by Sky. you're forgetting the pace and samsung boxes also, so unless they also can have this "software update" then that theory is a bit amiss.

18-12-2011, 19:29	#29
InsideSky Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 12	Quote: Originally Posted by chenks you're forgetting the pace and samsung boxes also, so unless they also can have this "software update" then that theory is a bit amiss. We don't supply them now, only as reconditioned boxes. Which is why I said unless it can be shown that it is a hardware deficiency to whomever says the boxes must have the same usability, then the 5.1 over HDMI won't be coming anytime soon.

18-12-2011, 19:34	#30
chenks Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: North Ayrshire Posts: 11,399	Quote: Originally Posted by InsideSky We don't supply them now, only as reconditioned boxes. so they are still supplied then as i said, i'm not convinced it is a software issue anyway - in any of the boxes.

18-12-2011, 19:36	#31
InsideSky Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 12	Quote: Originally Posted by chenks so they are still supplied then as i said, i'm not convinced it is a software issue anyway - in any of the boxes. I see your point, can only tell you what we've been told. I don't believe it is a software issue on the older boxes, but they are saying it may be fixed on the newer Amstrad boxes with a software update.

19-12-2011, 20:48	#32
CTD101 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Gods country Wales Posts: 4,035	Sky Go is launching on Android devices in January too.

19-12-2011, 21:51	#33
Batch Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Swindon Posts: 2,894	Quote: Originally Posted by CTD101 Sky Go is launching on Android devices in January too. Does this work over 3G or only wifi? Quote: Originally Posted by CTD101 It's not HD though. It was called the sky hd guide but wasn't in hd. The new one is in HD and is way better than the current epg with a few subtle tweaks to it too. Hope this means its still readable via RF on my 22" bedroom set.

19-12-2011, 22:38	#34
pkc Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Brighton Posts: 5,192	I am hoping a new service would be to stop the EPG from vanishing.. and the box blue screening. Also would be nice to see a watch and record option. - as we often record stuff for others in house to watch at a later date.. sadly with 2 streams it doesn't automatically change channel, so we have to walk down 3 flights of stairs, where as 1 stream it did

19-12-2011, 22:40	#35
pkc Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Brighton Posts: 5,192	[quote=InsideSky;55377583 The big push for 2012 will be the dedicated F1 channel (408), it is seen in Sky as being the biggest thing they have done since acquiring the rights to the Premier League![/QUOTE] Also expected WWE network channel to launch in UK sometime next year.!

19-12-2011, 22:55	#36
benidormgary Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Blackpool now! Posts: 868	All I ever wanted for Xmas from Sky for years is the radio "now and next". Is it too much to ask....?

20-12-2011, 00:02	#37
too_fast_4_u Inactive Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: inside the PS3 Posts: 1,080	Quote: Originally Posted by pkc Also expected WWE network channel to launch in UK sometime next year.! i wish, expect 2013/2014 more realistic

20-12-2011, 00:48	#38
ORTF Inactive Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 23	Quote: Originally Posted by benidormgary All I ever wanted for Xmas from Sky for years is the radio "now and next". Is it too much to ask....? You can have a full 7 day radio EPG on Windows Media Center with the right tweaks...

20-12-2011, 08:21	#39
Glowball Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 26	Would be nice if we could have (like Freesat) the EPG prompt option when recording a programme to be asked whether we would prefer to record/watch the HD version instead. Surely this can't be too difficult to add to the software?

20-12-2011, 12:57	#40
neon-lightning Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Lanarkshire, Scotland Posts: 114	I like the idea of the shared planner, all you need is homeplugs to connect your sky box to your router via your mains circuit and bobs your uncle. Sky could also update the software to enable the usb ports and get a usb dongle manufactured, like Sony and Microsoft did for their TVs/Blu-rays and Xbox.

20-12-2011, 13:57	#41
owenmahamilton Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 707	I'd love it if Sky Go was in HD, any chance of this?

21-12-2011, 16:35	#42
RileyM Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ely (CB6 - Sandy Heath TX) Posts: 1,623	Quote: Originally Posted by CTD101 Sky Go is launching on Android devices in January too. Any other moble OSs planned? I'm thinking of switching to Windows Phone in March/April. I hope so, i mean they have a Sky News app for WinPho, so Sky Go shouldnt be too hard.

21-12-2011, 17:14	#43
CTD101 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Gods country Wales Posts: 4,035	Quote: Originally Posted by RileyM Any other moble OSs planned? I'm thinking of switching to Windows Phone in March/April. I hope so, i mean they have a Sky News app for WinPho, so Sky Go shouldnt be too hard. I haven't seen anyone ask in house but android was always going to come next due to the amount of people who have them. I would imagine so but I will ask the question for you.

21-12-2011, 18:52	#44
houseparty Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 194	Changes in 2012, all i want to see is one...........the low audio fixed, its been ages now, putting up with the low levels of audio on the hd boxes.

21-12-2011, 18:55	#45
chenks Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: North Ayrshire Posts: 11,399	Quote: Originally Posted by houseparty Changes in 2012, all i want to see is one...........the low audio fixed, its been ages now, putting up with the low levels of audio on the hd boxes. that's not something that needs "fixed", as it's not something that is "broken".

21-12-2011, 20:41	#46
muppetman11 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 2,162	Quote: Originally Posted by CTD101 I haven't seen anyone ask in house but android was always going to come next due to the amount of people who have them. I would imagine so but I will ask the question for you. Are some of the epg tweaks to do with the suggestions mentioned last year , I notice DirecTV in the US now have a new HD UI with suggested shows , don't they use the same development company , could be wrong though. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmYCc0mpvtw

DS Forums

Changes to Sky in 2012

21-12-2011, 21:31	#47
houseparty Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 194	Quote: Originally Posted by chenks that's not something that needs "fixed", as it's not something that is "broken". well what ever it is, its needs to be sorted, the volume level is terrible.

21-12-2011, 21:45	#48
CTD101 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Gods country Wales Posts: 4,035	Quote: Originally Posted by muppetman11 Are some of the epg tweaks to do with the suggestions mentioned last year , I notice DirecTV in the US now have a new HD UI with suggested shows , don't they use the same development company , could be wrong though. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmYCc0mpvtw They haven't finished with the 'tweaks' and extra features, but the font and overall guide is vastly improved.

21-12-2011, 22:44	#49
pkc Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Brighton Posts: 5,192	What would be useful is an option to see what you have set to record in your box from a remote location.

22-12-2011, 00:32	#50
Tom123 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: London Posts: 1,316	Quote: Originally Posted by muppetman11 Are some of the epg tweaks to do with the suggestions mentioned last year , I notice DirecTV in the US now have a new HD UI with suggested shows , don't they use the same development company , could be wrong though. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmYCc0mpvtw Suggested shows have been around for ages on DirecTV.