Sky Box Not Working Properly

[felly]

I recently had a new central heating system installed which necessitated moving my TV to get under the floorboards. Unfortunately the plumber just pulled out the cables without unscrewing them which I didn't realise at the time. My Sky Box has been upset since then. I have spent hours fiddling with the cables but to no avail. When I first switch on I get a message saying no listings are available and that just stays there so I then have to switch the power off. When I switch it back on I have to keep pressing the Sky button and the on and off button repeatedly until it finally decides to spring into action. However then I get a message telling me to wait and then again get the no listings available message again but this time the listings eventually appear. In addition some of the channels refuse to be selected with a message that no satellite signal is being received in spite of others being perfectly OK. This means some of my recordings fail. Can anyone help me or shall I just give in and call in an engineer?

[Zacs-Master]

I'd call in an engineer (well, i wouldn't actually as I have a one living 3 doors away, but hey). One question - have you paid the plumber in full? If not I would be using the retained money to sort it out.

[felly]

No I haven't paid anything yet so maybe that's the way to go. I'm not looking forward to a confrontation with him as he was a funny bloke who I didn't like very much. He's actually employed by quite a big local company so maybe should talk to them about it. Thanks Zacs-Master.

[Zacs-Master]

Yes, I'd write a letter to the company (send it via the 'Signed For' service) rather than confronting the individual stating something like:
Upon trying to reconnect my Sky box, i realised that your engineer had 'damaged' (insert correct description) the connections. I would like to give you the opportunity to rectify this within the next 14 days, otherwise I will be employing a specialist and any subsequent cost will be deducted from monies owed to your company.

[felly]

Yes. Good idea. That's what I'll do. Thanks for the advice.

[Yorky Lass]

To be honest I think the company will tell you that you should have disconnected the box yourself and that their plumber is a plumber not a TV engineer.
It's still worth a try though.

[cleggie]

should have disconnected it

[Nottm_George]

I moved my sky box the other day by unscrewing the double cable from the back plus also disconnecting the other plugs which are colour coded and the HDMI and the SCART lead, when I came to put them back I noticed that on one cable one of the centre bits of the core of had broke off, so I unscrewed the metal connections stripped back the cable and screwed back the plugs ( might need a pair of pillars to grip the metal plugs ) and it seems to work ok, sorry for the long winded reply.

[felly]

Thank you all for your answers. I would have disconnected it myself given the chance but the plumber just ripped them out without warning - one of the reasons I didn't like him very much. Nottm_George - not sure whether I'm capable of doing what you suggest but will give it a go.

[Yorky Lass]

In that case I think you have a claim. It's a long time since we had Sky but the cable I believe you are talking about is a screw connection. The plumber has most probably loosened it all. I have reconnected this cable to its end it is quite easy. Have a go, what have you to loose. Cheaper than calling an engineer out if it works. Just take a good look as you dismantle the current end.

[felly]

Thanks Yorkylass. Have been out all day today but am going to have a good try tomorrow. I can't understand why he just pulled the cables out when it's obvious they are screwed in. As I say I have had a fiddle with them already but will try again.

[nungate]

Sometimes I get the message about no signal etc. I switch off the whole thing and remove the card and wipe it gently with a clean tissue and return it and switch the whole thing back on again. It might be an idea to check all the plugs in at the back of the box. You can also call Sky and they will try an help you get your signal back before you have call out an engineer to fix it.

[felly]

Thanks nungate - will try that too.