Am I right in thinking that you cannot record from Sky to a Panasonic HD recorder?

The sky box is old and they don't want to pay for Sky+ (Or rather the monthly HD sub!), the skybox has scart and the HD recorder just 1 x HDMI.

It really depends what you mean by an 'HD' recorder? - if it's a PVR than no, you can't record from external sources (it only records the direct digital signal from the aerial/satellite input).

If it's a DVD/HDD recorder then probably, as these are analogue recorders and not PVR's.

However, if the recorder only has 1xHDMI and nothing else, then it's got to be a PVR and the HDMI is an output only (no need or reason for an input).

If they get Sky then Sky+ is usually a no brainer - what package are they on? If not on Sky either a Freesat PVR or a Freeview PVR would make most sense.

No HD sub required you do need two feeds from the LNB though.

You can have single feed mode. Not as good but still better than a plain vanilla STB.

Unless you are in certain flats or similar Sky will do the upgrade anyway and probably for free (I haven't checked the latest terms but threaten to cancel and they will), the box is free.

Thanks for the replies, they have sky for the sport (they have had this sub for years and years) and don't want to pay more than they are at the moment. I am sure they could wangle a free Sky + box though. I just don't want them to try, and then end up caught in a more expensive contract.

We were looking at a Panasonic DMR-PWT635 Blu-ray Player & HDD Recorder

There's no more to pay, Sky+ is included free with any subscription - easiest option is to buy a modern Sky+HD box from CashConverters (about £30), re-pair the card with that box, and ring Sky to add Sky+ to your account (which costs nothing).

Even assuming the Panasonic would work (which it won't) it's a thousand times easier and better to use Sky+ (I know, I did exactly that - with a Panasonic DVD/HDD recorder - whilst waiting for Sky+ to become free ).

I would have thought the easiest was to phone Sky up and ask for a free Sky+ box. They have been loyal customers for years with Sports so Sky won't want to lose them and may let them off installation charges but will certainly install the extra cable as part of the package if possible.

Thanks again, I will try and get them to give Sky a call.....and I will have to think up another Christmas present!!