Sky+ box Copy Button

[podger123]

In August, the copy button on my sky+ box ,overnight, decided to change the format of recorded progs to letterbox which is really annoying. I can still view the programmes filling the screen but must copy each item seperately todvd or vid insted of selecting 8 hours at a time. (for posting abroad to daughter) This is time consuming.
Sky say that is THEIR software prob but they're only interested in new customers. They exchanged the box for a later version but the problem is still the same.
Has any one got an answer.

[Whiskery Ron]

A quick non-technical answer I have found for this problem. unplug Digibox from the wall socket wait a couple of minutes,then re-connect to wall socket & switch on & wait for digibox to re-boot.it has worked for me. Ron.

[podger123]

Thanks Ron,
This does NOT work for me although it cures a lot of other probs.
The red copy button will copy all the progs I select but not in the format that fills my tv screen which isn't much good.
The copy button also changes the tv screen format even though in the 'set up' it remains unchanged at 4.3.
I have to scroll down and select changes although I didn't alter anything. Then it's back to normal. Grrrr.

[Whiskery Ron]

Probably a stupid question,have you spoken to sky?Ron.

[podger123]

Yep, Just a bit stupid!!!
5 long phone calls, first it was MY fault and sent out to buy all new scarts and the round type of connectors. �20 down the drain. 2 calls later it was THEIR software prob and would be resolved soon. NOT. 2 more calls and the man in India not Scotland sent an engineer with an upgraded box which he said I could have for free.
Then I wrote 2 sides of foolscap asking for 2 more sky+ boxes to replace the 2 ordinary boxes in other rooms. No reply.
Next letter I told them I had no reply. Last week letter from Director to say He hoped the problem was resolved. I quickly checked. Not.
Rang Sky and the girl said my letter was on the computer screen and that I should complain and beg via the website which I haven't done yet as have to think of right words.
At least I can copy programmes singly.
So I think they'll now make boxes without the copy button and that will be that! Or phase them out for HD.
Thanks for replying.
Podge

[Whiskery Ron]

Sorry Podge. In your 1st posting you say you can still view the progs filling the screen, what method are you using to do this?Ron.

[Whiskery Ron]

Podge.I have thought long & hard about this situation & cannot see a solution,I think the only way to go (if you are not doing this already) is to ignore the Sky+ box (having paid for the extras) & go direct to your DVD recorder, that way you will be getting full screen recordings & afterall it will be the same as programming the Sky+ box but without the hassle.Hope you achieve your object.Ron.

[podger123]

Yes, Ron, I see what you mean but often the necessary programmes are on too late and it's more convenient to use the sky + and copy when I've got 6 hours.
When I get the hang of the dvd recorder technology I will record direct where I can.
Thanks for your concern.
Happy Christmas.
Podge

[Whiskery Ron]

Hi podge.I have recently upgraded to Sky HD & you will be interested to know the following:- I have been recording to the HD Box, Oliver Twist (x 5). When I copied them from the HD Box to my DVD Recorder I used the copy button for all 5 episodes & they all reproduced in Letterbox format (as you have mentioned). I then went further & played the 1st episode directly from the Sky Box to TV Screen. it showed in Letterbox, I then played a live programme from Sky & lo & behold it played in Letterbox Format,Every prog was the same.I removed the Sky Box from the wall socket & then re-placed it (thereby rebooting the Digibox) everything now back to normal. The conclusion I have reached(like you) is that the copy button on these boxes when used, re programmes the box to a different format every time & there is no way I can see to overcome this. Ron.

[podger123]

You don't have to unplug at the wall to reboot to get back your preferred format.. Press Services on handset, select images, you'll see that the format is still what you selected, scroll down and press select for changes even though you haven't changed anything, and your picture on the tv will be back to normal and you can watch your recorded in the format you recorded it. It only took me 5 mins back in August to discover that.
The girl at Sky suggested the best way to complain is via the web site which I will do.
I've just paid to have a dvd recorder tuned in which relieves my problem a bit!
DO contact Sky and complain. We're wasting good money.
Happy New Year.
Podge

[Whiskery Ron]

Hi again podge. As you suggested I have been in touch with Sky yet again,I have sent 2 emails and have again been given a phone number to contact the technical team. I had a long phone conversation this morning which got me nowhere, I had the usual going through the motions of checking everything & in the end the lady went away to get further advice & returned to say that they were getting a lot of this problem reported & were trying to sort it out, so meanwhile only click play to copy to DVD & not copy button, so back to square one. If you should hear anything, please email me :- [email protected]. Regards Ron.

[podger123]

I will let you know if there's an update. I tried to be put straight through to 'subscriptions' but the girl said she couldn't do that.
Keep trying!
Happy New Year.