Hi there

I've cancelled my Sky+ Subcription and have been told that I won't be able to record on it anymore, so I've thought about getting a Humax PVR - I noticed that on the list of supported PVRs there is a Humax PVR 81something but the one I've seen is a 91omething in Tesco - has anyone bought one recently and can confirm if it will work with the Avant. If not I'll borrow one and test it before buying or does anyone know if there is a way of using the Sky+ box to record without a subscription?

ajames:

Hi there

I've cancelled my Sky+ Subcription and have been told that I won't be able to record on it anymore, so I've thought about getting a Humax PVR - I noticed that on the list of supported PVRs there is a Humax PVR 81something but the one I've seen is a 91omething in Tesco - has anyone bought one recently and can confirm if it will work with the Avant. If not I'll borrow one and test it before buying or does anyone know if there is a way of using the Sky+ box to record without a subscription?

If you dig around on the Lintronic.dk website you can get a good idea about whether current models of Humax etc retain the same codes as earlier models shown on your Avant STB-C. (Pick the models you want to compare and then look at the codesets to look for matching numbers and button controls.)

I'm not aware of how you can use Sky+ recording without a subscription: I am running an HDR1 with Freeview.

Graham

Thanks Graham - what type of Freeview box are using - I have a spare Sony one and wondered of HDR1 could control that?

ajames:

 does anyone know if there is a way of using the Sky+ box to record without a subscription?

Just cancelled mine, and was told the same. Also you cannot watch what you have saved on there either. Might be worth seeing what the latest Avant STB list contains. Changing the SW chip is a fairly easy job. Managed to do mine in about 15 mins.

Craig

ajames:

Thanks Graham - what type of Freeview box are using - I have a spare Sony one and wondered of HDR1 could control that?

I'm using a Panasonic TU20/30 type Freeview boxes (one on Avant, one on BV5). I took a chance purchasing an HDR1 and found that it was in the STB list. If I'm not mistaken someone else has reported that the HDR1 PUC list can be updated easily by a B&O dealer (take the box in rather than call the dealer out. )

Graham

I've e-mailed Humax as could only find one box on the Lintronic site. Failing that I'll test it at the weekend with a friends box - if it doesn't work I guess I'll upgrade the chip in the STB-C as the latest one seems to support it. The problem I've had in teh past with getting the upgrade is that the dealers want to install it and seem reluctant to just sell me the chip.

ajames:

I've e-mailed Humax as could only find one box on the Lintronic site. Failing that I'll test it at the weekend with a friends box - if it doesn't work I guess I'll upgrade the chip in the STB-C as the latest one seems to support it. The problem I've had in teh past with getting the upgrade is that the dealers want to install it and seem reluctant to just sell me the chip.

Where are you? Might know a dealer that can help. Some seem fine to order spare parts and others just do not want to know.

Craig

Don't know if it's an urban myth or not, but I've read that if you cancel your Sky+ subscription then immediately remove the viewing card, Sky are unable to access the card and deny it recording capabilities for the box. Seems that you have to keep the card out of the box for a period of about 3 months after which time Sky stop sending 'switch off' signal and you can replace the card and it behaves as it was before.

As I said, this may be somewhat of a myth as I dont know anyone who has tried it!

Hi there, I'm based in London, so if you know of a london dealer that is happy to just provide the upgrade chip that would be great - I've changed one before and its relatively straightforward.

Regarding the sky subscription, i found a site that said a few people have had their cards carry on working but not for long. It's quite annoying as I paid around £300 for the box a few years ago and now find out that you have to have a sky subscription in place to be able to record. Will switch to a freeview or freesat box that is supported by the STB-C. There doesn't appear to be a hack as the recording part of it is completely controlled by the card and having a valid subscription in place.

ajames:

Hi there, I'm based in London, so if you know of a london dealer that is happy to just provide the upgrade chip that would be great - I've changed one before and its relatively straightforward.

Try B&O Watford, I have just moved. Spoke to them the other day as they are now my nearest dealer. They said there would not be a problem to order me any spare parts I require. All they said is if they order anything. It cannot be returned. Which is fair enough I suppose.

Craig