Just been looking through the STB list on my Avant, I cannot see a SKY box listed. Are updates still available for older Avants, Mine is a type 8103, which I believe is a MK3 or MK4 50HZ.

 

Craig

It won't be called a 'Sky' box, it'll be the brand/model number of your Sky box. For example, the Pace 3100 (don't know if this one is actually on the list though, it's just an example).

Alex, I never thought of that. On my BV3-32 it is listed as SKY Digital though.

 

Craig

I believe it is usually labelled Sky somewhere in the name - I think you need a software update.

Peter :

I believe it is usually labelled Sky somewhere in the name - I think you need a software update.

Are the still available, and any idea of the price?

 

Craig 

There is an update available which has both Sky digital and Sky HD in the list.

You need to change the STB-C chip rather than simply upgrade the software. In the UK the latest chip is 4.01. 

 Its pretty easy to do but you will have to take the back of the Avant off and expose all the gubbins inside. It then just a case of carefully pulling the old chip off and pushing the new one in.

You are correct - software updates for this range of sets involves changing the chip and they are available. The latest flat screensets can be flashed with the service tool.

What STB should I be using for a SKY+ box?

Sky Digital doesn't seem to work, do I need the SKY HD one?

Cheers

GUY

k984942:

There is an update available which has both Sky digital and Sky HD in the list.

You need to change the STB-C chip rather than simply upgrade the software. In the UK the latest chip is 4.01. 

 Its pretty easy to do but you will have to take the back of the Avant off and expose all the gubbins inside. It then just a case of carefully pulling the old chip off and pushing the new one in.

 

Great, I could do that no problem. Time to talk to my dealer I think then, need to order an I.R. blaster lead aswell. We are just about to have SKY Multiroom installed and I don't want to have two remotes.

 

Craig

PACE SKY+ is the option you need.

A £15 chip and then £60 upwards to do a 5 minute job.

The chips available for each region are:-

North Europe     version 4.00 part number 8344784
West Europe     version 4.01 part number 8344785
Central Europe  version 4.06  part number 8344786
South Europe    version 4.03  part number 8344787
Asia                 version 4.04 part number 8344788

The task of fitting the new chip takes a little longer than 5 minutes because it first has to be removed from the reverse side of the main board and is held on with four (4) star type screws.

Below is a picture of the STB-C module taken from the set and the screen cap removed.

How do you order the chip? - is it direct from the dealer - mine didn't seem interested in me ordering it and kept referring to an angineer call out - all in all they wanted about £150 - if the chip is only £15 I can install it myself.

ajames,

My local dealer was the same. In fact, he told me that no more chips were being made for the Avant. Actually, let me name and shame him....Kingston Upon Thames store!

I just contacted another dealer in a different area and they were more than happy to supply the chip. In fact, they even suggested I do it myself since its such a simple job to do it yourself.

On the downside, the other dealer did tell me that it would support Virgin V+ (which it doesnt). I suppose this is part of the problem for B&O, the dealers are just not up to scratch.

 

Hi Keith - I am unsure if you have ever changed an STB-C chip, because there are no screws to remove at all.  On the right hand side of the board is a clip which holds the PCB in place, apply pressure to that and the board in its entirety comes away.  5 mins is generous from start to finish (including taking the back of the Avant off) - be sure to wear an earthing strap.   

KingOfSnake:

Hi Keith - I am unsure if you have ever changed an STB-C chip, because there are no screws to remove at all.  On the right hand side of the board is a clip which holds the PCB in place, apply pressure to that and the board in its entirety comes away.  5 mins is generous from start to finish (including taking the back of the Avant off) - be sure to wear an earthing strap.   

 

Wish I had read this post first, I ended up removing the 4 screws and the frame that holds the PCB. All in all I would say it took me about 20 mins. Works perfectly now, quite plesed with myself. Last time I tried anything like this I blew the power supply in my MX5500.

 

 

Craig

KingOfSnake:

Hi Keith - I am unsure if you have ever changed an STB-C chip, because there are no screws to remove at all.  On the right hand side of the board is a clip which holds the PCB in place, apply pressure to that and the board in its entirety comes away.  5 mins is generous from start to finish (including taking the back of the Avant off) - be sure to wear an earthing strap.   

I have indeed changed the chip. I think you will find that is not true on all AVANT versions.