Frequently asked questions.

We will be adding to this section all the time. If the answer your looking for isn't here please email help@simplydigital.co.uk

My Sky box keeps locking up, crashing, or is doing strange things, is there anything I can do?

Surprisingly yes, the first thing to try before taking your box to be repaired or buying a new receiver is to do a software download -

* Switch the receiver off at the mains
* Press and hold the backup button on the front of the receiver (not the remote control)
* Keep the button held and power the receiver back up
* After 5-10 seconds all the lights on the front display will come on
* You can now release the backup button
* If your receiver is connected via scart lead you will see a message on screen
* After about 10-20 mins your box will switch back into standby
* Switch your receiver back on and see if your problem still occurs

Can I watch two different Sky channels with one receiver?

No, you need to have two separate receivers and an additional viewing card (available from Sky for £10). You will also need a quad LNB, this allows up to 4 satellite receivers to be connected to the same dish.

How do I get my card married to a new Sky receiver?

Once you have swapped your receivers over and inserted your card, switch to Sky Movies a telephone number will appear on screen. Ring that number and explain that you have bought a new receiver and would like your card re-married to your new box.

Do I have to subscribe to Sky to receive BBC, ITV etc?

Not to watch BBC, but you will have to subscribe to Sky to watch ITV, CH4 & CH 5.

Can I take my Sky receiver abroad?

Yes, providing you are not still under your 12 month contract with Sky. If you got a free Sky box and only paid for the installation from Sky (or any independent retailer) then you are under contract with Sky to keep your Sky receiver connected to your telephone line for 12 months, failure to do so will result in a fee of £167.00 payable to Sky.

What size dish will I require in Europe?

There is no easy answer as dish sizes differ throughout Europe. As a rough guide you will need between an 80cm and 120cm dish, although you may not receive ITV channels as they use a much more localised satellite beam.

My Magic Eye (remote eye) isn't working, what's wrong?

There are a few thing to check - If your Magic Eye is lighting up at the remote TV, then you probably have a faulty Magic Eye.

If your Magic Eye is not lighting up -

At the sky box, press Services, then press 4, then type in 0 1 select, then press 4. Make sure the RF 2 Power is switched ON.

If that didn't work take the Magic Eye and plug it straight into the RF 2 socket on the back of the receiver, if it still doesn't light up you've probably got a faulty Magic Eye.

If it did light up, the most probable explanation is that power is not getting from the receiver to the eye. Possible causes -

If you have a wallplate between the RF 2 output and the Magic Eye, there is a possibility that the wallplate will not pass power. You will need to change it for a 'non-isolated' wallplate.

If you are using a coax connector to connect your aerial lead to the RF 2 socket, the coax connector may not pass power.

If you have any splitters or amplifiers between the RF 2 output and the magic eye, that are not specifically designed to work with Magic Eye's they won't pass power, you will need to change it for a one that does.

How much is the Sky subscription?

Package prices vary from £12 - £38

Incorrect Default Transponder?

* Using your remote Press Services
* Press 4
* Press 0 then 1 then select
* Press 2
* The settings for the UK and mainland Europe are -
* 11.778 - V - 27.50 - 2/3
* The settings for the Canaries are
* 11.718 - H - 27.50 - 2/3