View Full Version : [Sky] Things you would like to see updated or improved?
SOUNDSTYLE
23-08-2006, 13:12
I currently have two:
Hardware.
1. In this day and age, surely they could make a dish that doesn't lose signal every time there is a heavy shower. It's really quite annoying especially living in the South-West where it is more problematic.
Software.
2. I'm surprised they still haven't incorporated a 7 day search facility via the EPG.
I have seen this in action on some freeview boxes and it's very handy if you didn't realise a particular programme was on, and then want to find out if it is repeated in the next 7 days.
Any more?
Applicable to Sky+: Losing Series Links whenever there's a gap in the series, ie: if MOTD is not on one week, you have to remember to record the next programme and set up the Series Link again.
Sky+ should be more like Tivo generally. It can be done...
Similarly, you should be able to type in a programme name (letter by letter) to check when it is next on and on which channel. Again, Tivo-like. You can order all programmes by A-Z and shortcut to the first letter but it's laborious.
Dave h-j
23-08-2006, 13:42
I think Tivo own patents on certain bits of technology, which is why some manufactures are poor relations in comparision (software wise)..
There is no point compiling a wishlist of sky+ features becuase you'll never get them..
wrt weather - sky uses radio waves to send it's signal and radio is affected by rain, trees, etc. Using digital means that some of these can be reduced and corrected, but it's always a possible problem. Perhaps you should get a bigger dish.
pompeyfan
23-08-2006, 14:45
The main change I'd like to see is to give a choice of subs and no ads or no subs but have ads - having both subs and ads is just greedy imo and pay channels should broadcast shows ad free.
On the subject of Sky+ v Tivo - I thought Sky had bought the Tivo software functionality but just don't use it all - knowing sky they'll probably had it later but with an additinal monthly cost for extra features that should be included (you buy a freeview pvr and don't have to pay extra to use it, but Sky expect you to unless you cough up extra for premium channels).
The main change I'd like to see is to give a choice of subs and no ads or no subs but have ads - having both subs and ads is just greedy imo and pay channels should broadcast shows ad free.
The problem is most pay tv broadcasters need both sources of income to survive.
1. In this day and age, surely they could make a dish that doesn't lose signal every time there is a heavy shower. It's really quite annoying especially living in the South-West where it is more problematic.
I don't live in the South West but it is a problem for me, a soon as it starts chucking it down you can bet that the signal will go and sometimes it takes a while to come back even if it has stopped raining.
I currently have two:
Hardware.
1. In this day and age, surely they could make a dish that doesn't lose signal every time there is a heavy shower. It's really quite annoying especially living in the South-West where it is more problematic.
Software.
2. I'm surprised they still haven't incorporated a 7 day search facility via the EPG.
I have seen this in action on some freeview boxes and it's very handy if you didn't realise a particular programme was on, and then want to find out if it is repeated in the next 7 days.
Any more?
Number 1 can be solved somewhat by swapping the default minidish for something bigger.
Number 2 I believe is caused by a lack of memory in some digiboxes. Unfortunately this is caused by having the same software across all the different boxes so they have to cater for the lowest common denominator.
Definitely a 14-day minimum EPG, and variable text sizing to enable viewers to see more of the EPG on screen at any one time. Better search facility a-la Tivo. Display on the boxes to give some basic info, e.g. channel no. like the old analogue satellite boxes did. More use of extra features on the boxes, e.g. the USB ports, SATA port, etc.
Jedibitch
23-08-2006, 21:01
it stuns me that they still haven't worked out a way to get rid of the dish full stop. Bar the price it's still the main reason people don't subscribe. i mean if itv digital could do it why can't sky? :shrug:
"Further schedule Information is not available" - I'm sure we have all seen this from time to time and it is bloody annoying when all you want to do is have a quick flick through to see what is on at the present time and wants on next. Prior to this week I have not seen this for quite a while but it has returned with a vengeance this week so it is about time Sky fixed this so it is never seen again.
Yep, that's annoying. Thing is, basically a week's worth of telly is available via the main programme guide (ie: TV Guide button, etc), but only a few hours worth via the 'blue box' on screen.
Seems there's a few 'key' points each day. If you check in the morning, it only goes up to about 6pm. After that, you get the rest of the night, up to about 5/6am.
luner_orbit
23-08-2006, 22:33
The ability to keep pressing the record button (sky+) and increase recording time by 30mins. My old vcr did this and it was a usefull feature.
Boozyuzi
23-08-2006, 23:02
HELLO ! 5.1 sound on every program it's available.
it stuns me that they still haven't worked out a way to get rid of the dish full stop. Bar the price it's still the main reason people don't subscribe. i mean if itv digital could do it why can't sky? :shrug:
Eh? Are you serious?
HELLO ! 5.1 sound on every program it's available.
5.1 sound uses 3-4 times the bandwidth of stereo sound. This means the broadcaster has to pay more to the Astra satellite providers. Not really a sky issue (apart from on their own channels).
The ability to keep pressing the record button (sky+) and increase recording time by 30mins. My old vcr did this and it was a usefull feature.
But the whole recording paradigm is different? You don't record from a set time to a set time, you record a program. If you want to record the next program then set that to record as well. If you want to record a little longer, set the padding time to a larger setting. If you miss the end of programs, thats the broadcasters fault for not reprogramming their EPG data to reflect that they are running over.
dnaddison
24-08-2006, 08:15
I've always wanted a "flick between the last two channels I was watching button" eg football on SS1 and Grand prix on ITV
*runs off to hide in case this feature is already there.
Mr Flibble
24-08-2006, 08:37
I'd give anything for that feature! I've seen it on NTL, it can't be that difficult to do, surely!
Applicable to Sky+: Losing Series Links whenever there's a gap in the series, ie: if MOTD is not on one week, you have to remember to record the next programme and set up the Series Link again.
order all programmes by A-Z and shortcut to the first letter but it's laborious.
Amazingly the box can already do this. I had Law & Order on Hallmark series linked. They finished the run of Season 12 a couple of weeks ago and are starting a run of Season 11 on Sunday. It reappeared in my planner automatically a couple of days ago.
Having said that I wouldn;t want to trust that to work every time
luner_orbit
24-08-2006, 13:19
But the whole recording paradigm is different? You don't record from a set time to a set time, you record a program. If you want to record the next program then set that to record as well. If you want to record a little longer, set the padding time to a larger setting. If you miss the end of programs, thats the broadcasters fault for not reprogramming their EPG data to reflect that they are running over.
Yes, i understand all that. What if during say a cricket match, which looks like its almost finished, I have to go out. I want to record the last few overs but when i press record it tells me I dont have enough space available. This is because i have about an hour recording time available but the epg lists the cricket as going on for another 3hours. Why cant i then just press the record button a couple of times and record the hour I want?
Yes, i understand all that. What if during say a cricket match, which looks like its almost finished, I have to go out. I want to record the last few overs but when i press record it tells me I dont have enough space available. This is because i have about an hour recording time available but the epg lists the cricket as going on for another 3hours. Why cant i then just press the record button a couple of times and record the hour I want?
You can do a manual recording you know, from a given time until a given time?
I wish they would make the Sky HD remote more responsive.
Edit: Also, a feature to show if a programme is repeated would be good if your reading Mr Murdoch.
luner_orbit
24-08-2006, 13:33
You can do a manual recording you know, from a given time until a given time?
Yep, I know and I do use it from time to time. I just think the feature I'm on about would be a really useful addition.
SOUNDSTYLE
24-08-2006, 15:25
"Further schedule Information is not available" - I'm sure we have all seen this from time to time and it is bloody annoying when all you want to do is have a quick flick through to see what is on at the present time and wants on next. Prior to this week I have not seen this for quite a while but it has returned with a vengeance this week so it is about time Sky fixed this so it is never seen again.
Yeah, I've noticed this too.
Have you also noticed that the Schedule Info stops at around 6pm if you view it in the morning?
Also after 6pm, the Schedule Info only goes up to 12.30am which can be annoying if there's a programme on after 12.30am and you want to record it via Sky+.
A sky box with HD & 5.1 digital output with NO hard drive :wave:
Art Vanderlay
24-08-2006, 18:36
Sky+ should be more like Tivo generally. It can be done...
Just that :)
It amazes me how the template for how to do it is already there with Tivo, yet other companies cannot get near to it. Even if Tivo do own the patents on certain functionality, why don't Sky just sub contract the Sky+ software out to the Tivo bods.
I fear the day I finally bite the bullet and ditch my Tivo - probably for the sake of HD, I suspect
Goooner1
24-08-2006, 20:35
Yep, Sky HD with the TiVo software, couldn't get much better than that :)
I've got Sky HD now, bu still can't bear to part with my TiVo.
I could be missing a trick here but can you get programme information from the blue box guide (the one that appears when you press the info button whilst watching a channel)? I find that I can get info for the programme that's currently on but not for anything in the future as I scroll down to later programmes. Instead I have to go into the planner, which is a right hassle.
Also, a PIP screen of what's on the current channel when you're in the programme guide/planner would be nice, eg there's a footie match on and you want to set the box to record something - you have to miss the action. Even the option to keep the sound would at least be useful.
Recording interactivity functions from a channel would be nice, although I guess it would eat up HDD space like anything!
Another vote for the ability to search for when a programme is on across the current EPG.
Some intelligence from the season link function so that it doesn't record a repeat of a programme it's already recorded for you.
The ability to flick between current and previous channels (as someone else already suggested). Most useful when the Chanmps League is on and you want to flick between ITV1 and ITV2, for example.
Actually, I wish there was the facility to reorder the channels so that all the BBC ones are together, all the ITV ones are together, all the channel 4 ones are together, and so on.
I could be missing a trick here but can you get programme information from the blue box guide (the one that appears when you press the info button whilst watching a channel)?
If you press any of the directional buttons you get a little box the appears with the start time of the program you are watching and the time the next one starts.
SOUNDSTYLE
25-08-2006, 17:24
I could be missing a trick here but can you get programme information from the blue box guide (the one that appears when you press the info button whilst watching a channel)? I find that I can get info for the programme that's currently on but not for anything in the future as I scroll down to later programmes. Instead I have to go into the planner, which is a right hassle.
You're right, you can only get programme info (by pressing the info button on the remote) only for the programme you're currently watching.
That's the one!! I knew there was something else that annoyed me but I couldn't remember what it was! (you might say that it couldn't have been that annoying then!).
Anyway, yes, scanning through the night's teev, using the blue box (whether later on the same channel or on another channel), I really want to be able to press the info button to call up the detail on the programme that is in the blue box at the time - ie: the future programme/channel, etc.
That way, you can keep one eye on what you're watching but also check what episode of a programme is on later, if you need to record it, etc.
Shaun666
25-08-2006, 18:27
Get rid of on-screen logos !!!
pompeyfan
25-08-2006, 18:58
Thought of another - sort their bloody series links out on Sky+ so they're reliable - been recording Dr Who on BBC3 - had them all except tonights, which Sky+ very kindly cancelled for me:mad:
Ridcully
26-08-2006, 14:15
ITV 2-4 to sort out their series links so when they mess around with the schedule, programs get picked up again
BBC to sort out their time / epg scheduling. Have numerous recordings where the end has been clipped and its only the BBC so its not the SKy + padding being wrong
Ch5 to automatically series link films split by the news rather than having to set series link manually
One touch subtitles to work correctly and promptly, neither of which theya pepar to do at the moment
AdamBrunt
29-08-2006, 12:29
BBC to sort out their time / epg scheduling. Have numerous recordings where the end has been clipped and its only the BBC so its not the SKy + padding being wrong
It's not just BBC ... it's ITV as well, as my wife would quite happily tell you - using some very rude words - as she missed the ending of Jane Hall for the last two weeks.
HenryKrinkle
29-08-2006, 13:05
The A-Z programme listings is rubbish, I've used it about 5 times since I've had Sky and it's never found the programme I've been looking for despite it being on within a couple of days...totally useless!!!
Another thing - small, and probably explainable, but y'know...
When you flick through the programme guide (the big one, via the menus) and select a programme to record, it's irritating when you hit info and it hangs for a bit and then says 'programme synopsis not available' or (Sky+ only) when you try to set up a series link and it does the same haning then says 'series link option not available. please try later'.
It is admittedly when you're dealing with programmes a few days away but it's not rocket science surely.
Mr Flibble
29-08-2006, 14:26
yep - and if you try to series link it again straightaway, it'll usually work
SOUNDSTYLE
29-08-2006, 14:33
Another thing - small, and probably explainable, but y'know...
When you flick through the programme guide (the big one, via the menus) and select a programme to record, it's irritating when you hit info and it hangs for a bit and then says 'programme synopsis not available' or (Sky+ only) when you try to set up a series link and it does the same haning then says 'series link option not available. please try later'.
It is admittedly when you're dealing with programmes a few days away but it's not rocket science surely.
Yeah it's quite annoying when the series link doesn't work for a particular programme you want to record using Sky+.
However, I have found a way so that this never happens:
I always find that when I try to record something well into the future (two or three days or more into the future) then try to create a series link based on that programme, the link is not usally available.
I therefore come out of the EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) by pressing back up on the remote, therefore making sure the EPG data goes back to current day.
I then go back into the planner by pressing the green button and hey presto; by pressing the green again to create that illusive series link (on that same programme) it comes up without any problems.
By doing it this way, I've had no other problems with series link.
Ridcully
30-08-2006, 10:26
another one.
Get Sky + to be able to work with only one feed. OK I know this would remove record 1 watch another function but its still a useful HDD with 5.1 and many people in flats can't get 2 feeds installed
another one.
Get Sky + to be able to work with only one feed. OK I know this would remove record 1 watch another function but its still a useful HDD with 5.1 and many people in flats can't get 2 feeds installed
Are you sure that it doesn't? I thought it did...
Ridcully
30-08-2006, 15:20
Are you sure that it doesn't? I thought it did...
I think you can get live pause but that is all, IIRC its related to the recoding defaulting to feed 2 and only taking over feed 1 for dual record. If there is no signal on feed 2 it does not recognise this so gives record failed. Happy to be corrected on this if I'm wrong
I think you can get live pause but that is all, IIRC its related to the recoding defaulting to feed 2 and only taking over feed 1 for dual record. If there is no signal on feed 2 it does not recognise this so gives record failed. Happy to be corrected on this if I'm wrong
Yep, you're wrong. I've got Sky Plus upstairs with only a single feed into it, and I can pause, and record to hard disk, the channel that I'm watching. What it won't do though, which is really annoying, is switch to another channel automatically prior to starting the recording. So if you've got two stuff set up to record, one after the other on different channels, you've got to manually switch from one channel to the other between recordings.
Big moan about Sky from me - stop issuing updates that make the box work worse than it did before. All the updates about forcing you to input the PIN if you wanted to watch a 15-movie before 8pm, or an 18-movie before 10pm, whether you had parental controls set or not was a right pain-in-the-arse. I think they've got it sorted now, but there's no guarantee. And they still haven't corrected the problem created by an upgrade last November, that stopped the Dolby Digital 5.1 output working on certain brands of amplifiers where it had worked quite happily before the upgrade, particularly Denons and Kenwoods. Cos I've got a Kenwood. Grrr.
Another one for me would be partial delete. A sporting event off Sky Sports ususally uses a ton of space so the ability to delete anything you'd already seen would be great.
It would also really help when copying down on to a DVD .
steven.brown487
02-09-2006, 11:17
As has already been mentioned by a few others, being able to press a button that will let you flick between the current channel and the previous one, for watching sports on multi channels it's the best. I used to have NTL and the "back up" button did this.
The NTL box also let you re-order your channels under their "favourites" option.
e.g. You'd get them ordered BBC1, BBC2, BBC3, BBC4, ITV1, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, CH4, E4, More4, CH5, SKY1, SKY2 etc,etc.
The channel numbers would stay the same but you could easily flick around the most common (imo) channels keeping all your favourites together instead of having to remember where all the other channels were.
I was a bit miffed when I got my Sky+ box to find they'd missed the boat with these options.
Might not be a bad idea to post a thread like this on one of the Sky forums. I'm sure there are a few out there.
pompeyfan
04-09-2006, 00:22
It's not just BBC ... it's ITV as well, as my wife would quite happily tell you - using some very rude words - as she missed the ending of Jane Hall for the last two weeks.
...and Paramount - I'm fed up with getting the last 5 minutes of the previous show and losing the end of the one I want.
I'd like to be able to rename my recordings. You can't do that, can you?
This might have been posted already but on the search banner when viewing a program I would like the ability to bring up information about the program I am searching for and not just the one I am watching, currently the only way you can do this is via the TV guide.
PDC style recording. If I lose the end of Time Trumpet again I'll scream! I know there is the option to add to the start/end of recordings but I was told I should leave that on auto by Sky Tech support (HA) and sometimes if a sporting event over runs the channel sorts the EPG to correct this but that is VERY rare and it doesn't help when BBC2 over runs 2-3 mins.
PDC is the Concorde of video recording, unsurpassed and lost. :oh-hum:
AND ANOTHER THING. I want Sky+ controls, pause rewind etc for radio, I have to manual record Chris Moyles every morning so I can wind through the music.
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