Sky HD+ Box USB

David_Atherton · 26-08-2014, 11:41

The old Sky boxes with RS232 had a control protocol which performed the handset function, ideal where the boxes are in system rooms (like mine). It can be found here

http://www.heenan.me.uk/control-sky-...-protocol.html

My question is does the USB socket on modern boxes like the Amstrad DRX890 perform the same function.

I have a distributed system, installed 7 years ago, and the 4 boxes are dying. However, the remote functions are performed by a Crestron system, using their handsets, which feed back to the boxes via Ethernet and ultimately RS232.

I know I can convert RS232 signals to USB, but if the protocols are not supported, it's not worth doing.

Alternatively, does anyone have any of the old (RS232 + YPbPr) boxes for sale?

mac2708 · 26-08-2014, 12:29

Found this:

Q. Can I use the USB slot to copy files from my Sky+ box?

A. No. not supported.

Q. Can I use the USB slot to play back files from a USB stick or connected drive?

A. No. Not supported

Q. Can I connect a webcam or printer to my Sky+ box via USB?

A. No. Not supported

Q. So what can I do with the USB socket?

A. At this time, nothing. Sky tell us that the USB socket is “Reserved for Future Use”. Sky may have plans for the USB socket, but as yet, there appears to be nothing that can be done with the USB socket,

There is one exception – Apparently, as the socket is powered, you could possibly use the socket to charge up a device that’s charged via a USB socket. Not supported by Sky, and nothing we’d like to recommend, but it may possible! You do so at your own risk, and we can’t see the point.

Nigel Goodwin · 26-08-2014, 12:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by David_Atherton

My question is does the USB socket on modern boxes like the Amstrad DRX890 perform the same function.

No, it doesn't currently do anything (and never has) - it was intended for use with a Sky Portable Media Player (way back in the early Sky+ days), but copyright problems led to it been scrapped without ever launching.

The USB ports have been left on though, but never had any software to use them - though obviously worth leaving there for potential future use.

26-08-2014, 11:41	#1
David_Atherton Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 1	Sky HD+ Box USB The old Sky boxes with RS232 had a control protocol which performed the handset function, ideal where the boxes are in system rooms (like mine). It can be found here http://www.heenan.me.uk/control-sky-...-protocol.html My question is does the USB socket on modern boxes like the Amstrad DRX890 perform the same function. I have a distributed system, installed 7 years ago, and the 4 boxes are dying. However, the remote functions are performed by a Crestron system, using their handsets, which feed back to the boxes via Ethernet and ultimately RS232. I know I can convert RS232 signals to USB, but if the protocols are not supported, it's not worth doing. Alternatively, does anyone have any of the old (RS232 + YPbPr) boxes for sale?

26-08-2014, 12:29	#2
mac2708 Forum Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 3,196	Found this: Q. Can I use the USB slot to copy files from my Sky+ box? A. No. not supported. Q. Can I use the USB slot to play back files from a USB stick or connected drive? A. No. Not supported Q. Can I connect a webcam or printer to my Sky+ box via USB? A. No. Not supported Q. So what can I do with the USB socket? A. At this time, nothing. Sky tell us that the USB socket is “Reserved for Future Use”. Sky may have plans for the USB socket, but as yet, there appears to be nothing that can be done with the USB socket, There is one exception – Apparently, as the socket is powered, you could possibly use the socket to charge up a device that’s charged via a USB socket. Not supported by Sky, and nothing we’d like to recommend, but it may possible! You do so at your own risk, and we can’t see the point.

26-08-2014, 12:39	#3
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	Quote: Originally Posted by David_Atherton My question is does the USB socket on modern boxes like the Amstrad DRX890 perform the same function. No, it doesn't currently do anything (and never has) - it was intended for use with a Sky Portable Media Player (way back in the early Sky+ days), but copyright problems led to it been scrapped without ever launching. The USB ports have been left on though, but never had any software to use them - though obviously worth leaving there for potential future use.

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Sky HD+ Box USB