Problem With Sky Box

[rsvp]

Just lately each time I switch on my TV I have to 'initialise' the skybox - I know how to do this (switch off power, unplug, hold backup button down then plug in and wait for the lights on the front, release button - after this it takes about 10 minutes to sort. I don't lose any recoreded programmes.
What I'd like to know is .....why is this happening and is it a job for an engineer?
Have wifi and am using four TV's and maybe three/four computors, other tv's don't have this problem
Am not technically minded so please keep it simple - many thanks.

[Tuvok]

What message do you get - is it "Your box is still initialising"?

I get that if I try the Sky Guide before its fully loaded - what you are describing is a forced software update/load.

[rsvp]

Tuvok when I first switch on everything goes well until I get to where I scroll down to select a channel - nothing responds and the mini screen on the top r/hand says there is a technical fault - try later. This is when I do the press back up thingie on the sky box and wait for ten minutesor so - after this all is well for the evening -
maybe I should just leave te wretched thing on all night and turn the sound down!

[Tuvok]

Sounds like you either have a fault box or faulty lnb (the bit on the dish)

Is it a Sky+/Sky+HD box?

Do you have 2 inputs from the dish to the box?

Could be that 1 input is faulty.

Try this as a test. With the box switched OFF at the wall otherwise you will damage the lnb. Disconnect the 2 inputs from the dish, and reconnect the one that was on lnb2 to lnb1. Leave the other disconnected for now.

What you have done is take the cable that was the second feed and make it the first feed.

If the box works fine like this, then could be the lnb. Now again with the power OFF reconnect the unconnected cable to the lnb2 input.

Now try the box, record something and try watchng something else - if you get the technical fault then you definately have a fault.

A neighbour had problems with her Sky box - which only had one feed connected, so when I swapped them over the box worked again. She had booked an engineer from Sky, when he came he replaced her dish and lnb.

[rsvp]

Thank you Tuvok - that's a bit complicated for me (very old person with little or no technical savvy!) - as all other TV's are fine think it best I don't fiddle around - I'll wait until family gets back.
Very grateful for yor help, thank you

[Tuvok]

Ok, but show them this, but remember power must be off at the wall before playing with the cables.

[rsvp]

Oh I will show them your comments and we'll be sure to switch off at the wall - thank you.

[PankySmooch]

I had a similar problem and at first they said it was a problem with the viewing card, after sending me a new card and it still happening they replaced the sky box, apparently the card reader had gone.

I also got an M&S voucher from Sky for the inconvenience

[rsvp]

PankySmooch I don't have a viewing card and suspect the box is the problem but had a new one not too long ago - anyway, will certainly express my frustration at the inconvenience I've had and am now going to check out the M&S sales just in case!