Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: STMO123 on 27 October 2011, 20:48:13
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I have been thinking about getting sky multi-room in my lads bedroom, so when I saw an ad earlier on for free digibox, free installation and £10.25 a month I gave them a ring. After the nice young man had tried to sell me HD and various other 'upgrades', he realised I wanted just the basic deal.
After a while on the phone, and without any asking from me, I am getting a HD+ box for the living room (to replace my ancient digibox), a HD box for the lads room, free installation and still only £10.25 amonth.
I realise that I'm getting the HD boxes in the hope that I'll upgrade at a later date, but still well pleased. I'll be able to watch the free-to-air HD channels which will give me a taste of what I'm missing (or not).
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Is it the new 1TB HD box? Added benefit is extra storage on HD boxes :)
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Is it the new 1TB HD box? Added benefit is extra storage on HD boxes :)
So TB comes with it and you see that as a benefit :D :D ;D
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Sounds like a good deal indeed Steve. :-* :-* :y
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Sky are piss poor at billing customers.... ::) ::) ::)....For £10.25 read £35.99. ;D ;D ;)
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Is it the new 1TB HD box? Added benefit is extra storage on HD boxes :)
So TB comes with it and you see that as a benefit :D :D ;D
Is TB aware of this ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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I think Sky Broadband just lost my custom >:(
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I think Sky Broadband just lost my custom >:(
Those fools still owe me £70 from last year, they seemed to think it was perfectly acceptable to re-run the same crap every 3 months or so for the £50 a month we were paying just for the TV.
One or two of the answers I received as the reason for the re-runs were real belters, and some of the reasons given for why I couldn't "leave" Sky were even better.
Their incompetence seems to know no bounds, and while VM are just as incompetent at least it only costs half what Sky charge and you get more for your buck in to the bargain.
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At least you have the benefit of having cable! Living in Bromsgrove we don't have that luxury. You'd think we were living out in the middle of no-where to not have it, yet we are just outside of Brummie and Worcester a stone throw South >:(
We are unbelieveably stupid in this country and so far behind other Western countries in regard to tech. Paying £20 p/mth for "upto" 10mb, when they already know I'll be lucky to get 2mb. It's a bloody joke with the 'net.
Sorry, rant over ::)
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Is it the new 1TB HD box? Added benefit is extra storage on HD boxes :)
No, Mark, it's just a standard HD box. I have a toshiba PVR with 250Gb, never put more than 2 hours on it ;D and I can use that to make a DVD copy, so I doubt the storage on the sky box will get much use.
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I think Sky Broadband just lost my custom >:(
Yes I ditched them some monhs ago - sadly their technology platform and ease of use is very good but the customer service, programme range etc is dire particularly notcieable as ITV and BBC had much improved.
On Freesat once you get used to the Humax box and its sometimes clunky performance everything is fine - at least you can live with it for a saving of £40/50 a month. If I want to watch footie (which these days is not so often) I now have an excuse to combine with a couple of pints in a bar which is more fun than sat at home with people whinging and wanting to watch drivel soaps
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I think Sky Broadband just lost my custom >:(
Yes I ditched them some monhs ago - sadly their technology platform and ease of use is very good but the customer service, programme range etc is dire particularly notcieable as ITV and BBC had much improved.
On Freesat once you get used to the Humax box and its sometimes clunky performance everything is fine - at least you can live with it for a saving of £40/50 a month. If I want to watch footie (which these days is not so often) I now have an excuse to combine with a couple of pints in a bar which is more fun than sat at home with people whinging and wanting to watch drivel soaps
That's as cogent an argument I've heard in a long time for ditching Sky. :y
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thanks - all my arguments are cogent ;D
never knowingly not cogent
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I think Sky Broadband just lost my custom >:(
Those fools still owe me £70 from last year, they seemed to think it was perfectly acceptable to re-run the same crap every 3 months or so for the £50 a month we were paying just for the TV.
One or two of the answers I received as the reason for the re-runs were real belters, and some of the reasons given for why I couldn't "leave" Sky were even better.
Their incompetence seems to know no bounds, and while VM are just as incompetent at least it only costs half what Sky charge and you get more for your buck in to the bargain.
I have been trying to get to the bottom of why inside Aldershot military town boundary you can get a misely 0.5-3mbs whereas once you step outside the boundaries you have access to much better speeds. I think there may be a little bit of under investment in the technology that delivered within mil town as part of what I hope is just an over sight. So when I called sky about it they said I had to complain to BT spoke to BT and they sent me back to my ISP. After going around in circles for a long time I have bow written to MPs and military magazines to get this more in the spotlight.
I.called Sky again and despite being told previously that I was getting the max at 1.5mb I was food by someone else that my line was capable of 3, configured for 2.5 yet only getting 1.5. I got a little bit upset with the operator but I ran out of time. She said she would call me back during my lunch break the next day. At 3pm I get the call. Can you press the reset button on the router for me plewse, she asked. No I said and then pointed about that I was last at home 90mins previously. Ok, I will definitely call you back at 1245 tomorrow. That was supposed to be yesterday but so far no call.
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I think Sky Broadband just lost my custom >:(
Those fools still owe me £70 from last year, they seemed to think it was perfectly acceptable to re-run the same crap every 3 months or so for the £50 a month we were paying just for the TV.
One or two of the answers I received as the reason for the re-runs were real belters, and some of the reasons given for why I couldn't "leave" Sky were even better.
Their incompetence seems to know no bounds, and while VM are just as incompetent at least it only costs half what Sky charge and you get more for your buck in to the bargain.
I have been trying to get to the bottom of why inside Aldershot military town boundary you can get a misely 0.5-3mbs whereas once you step outside the boundaries you have access to much better speeds. I think there may be a little bit of under investment in the technology that delivered within mil town as part of what I hope is just an over sight. So when I called sky about it they said I had to complain to BT spoke to BT and they sent me back to my ISP. After going around in circles for a long time I have bow written to MPs and military magazines to get this more in the spotlight.
I.called Sky again and despite being told previously that I was getting the max at 1.5mb I was food by someone else that my line was capable of 3, configured for 2.5 yet only getting 1.5. I got a little bit upset with the operator but I ran out of time. She said she would call me back during my lunch break the next day. At 3pm I get the call. Can you press the reset button on the router for me plewse, she asked. No I said and then pointed about that I was last at home 90mins previously. Ok, I will definitely call you back at 1245 tomorrow. That was supposed to be yesterday but so far no call.
Guffer - we have probably all been through this - I cancelled Sky because they misrepresented the broadband performance they were able to deliver. They then tried to hold me to the contract - I got stroppy and started to make waves - I was then warned about defaming the business - but of course if what you are complaining about is true then that is a defence. Sky asked me to submit evidence which I did and they agreed to cancel immediately - they had been let down by their own staff - as per my earleir post on this. I then went to BT Infinity which is more expensive but actually works with no down time either (although to be fair Sky was solid at low speeds - I think they call it throttling - reducing speed to a sustainable service delivery). I am getting 27 mbps with BT and it is fine - also delivers good service to Humax for Iplayer ITVplayer etc which is all free of charge of course
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So when I called sky about it they said I had to complain to BT spoke to BT and they sent me back to my ISP. After going around in circles for a long time I have bow written to MPs and military magazines to get this more in the spotlight.
It's the same with any broadband issue IME. A total disgrace. Broadband provider blames BT, BT refuses to talk to you because you didn't sign up to their retail product (because it isn't suitable).(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/26795734/Smilies/bangshead.gif)
This is why I'm with Zen, and paying over the odds. If there's a problem, they take ownership of it and go and beat up BT on your behalf if required... Not that I've had a single issue since moving house 7 years ago, when BT managed to connect and then subsequently disconnect my line again a week later, because they processed the previous residents' disconnection of the phone line after the processed my connection of the same line.(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/26795734/Smilies/doh.gif)
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Thinking back I also had this with Orange - Orange blamed BT Wholesale and BT wholsale will not talk to the Orange customers so you end up with a massive problem if there is some line/exchange fault which is not immediately obvious to the ISP. At that time we also had to deal with the useless Indian call centre which was then relocated back to UK I think.
On the question of call centres for my company - Chesterfield is now the new Kuala Lumpur!!!
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i've had no problems, when I got my company account I had a line installed in my bedroom at my parents, got 8mb, only get 2mb on the downstairs bt line.
Customer service is great, but then again I get a staff VIP line which is answered in under 5 seconds :D
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Yes - makles a big difference if you are on VIP service - I now have Orange Premier and little waiting time but my mobile bills are quite big
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Contemplating Zen, yes it seems more expensive than most but not overly so [scratches chin]
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Contemplating Zen, yes it seems more expensive than most but not overly so [scratches chin]
Indeed... Their prices are more competitive now. I wish I'd gone with them instead of BT >:( >:(
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I have been trying to get to the bottom of why inside Aldershot military town boundary you can get a misely 0.5-3mbs whereas once you step outside the boundaries you have access to much better speeds.
I know that your exchange is LLU enabled as it is the same exchange I was on when I had ADSL (ADSL2 actually).
BT didn't offer an ADSL2 service at the time, so they "guesstimated" me at 6mbps on the standard ADSL (which is bang on the money for my line stats).
ADSL2 is slightly different though, and on ADSL2 I had a solid 15mbps downstream on the same line (the "guesstimation" was 14mbps).
Post your router stats up so we can see what's going on, because I'd expect you to get more than what you are getting as well if you are on Sky's LLU service (which you should be).
I think there may be a little bit of under investment in the technology that delivered within mil town as part of what I hope is just an over sight. So when I called sky about it they said I had to complain to BT spoke to BT and they sent me back to my ISP. After going around in circles for a long time I have bow written to MPs and military magazines to get this more in the spotlight.
I.called Sky again and despite being told previously that I was getting the max at 1.5mb I was food by someone else that my line was capable of 3, configured for 2.5 yet only getting 1.5. I got a little bit upset with the operator but I ran out of time. She said she would call me back during my lunch break the next day. At 3pm I get the call. Can you press the reset button on the router for me plewse, she asked. No I said and then pointed about that I was last at home 90mins previously. Ok, I will definitely call you back at 1245 tomorrow. That was supposed to be yesterday but so far no call.
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(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll138/mrgaffney/speedtest3.jpg)
(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll138/mrgaffney/speedtest2.jpg)
(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll138/mrgaffney/speedtest1.jpg)
I dont use speedtest.net as Sky seems to notice this and in the last seconds opens up the flood gates so whereas everyone else is showing the reality, 1.7 meg, speedtest.net shows 2.3 meg which is not accurate.
If you look at the speed maps where people have shared their results it shows a definite downward bias within Military Town >:(
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Can you post the line stats form the router? Up and down sync. rates, SNR margin, Loop att, etc?
Some routers can syslog this information, so you can enable that and gather a log over a period of time. This'll tell you if the line is marginal, or suffering interference during certain times, or whether the line is actually fine and your ISP are just rubbish.
I think there's also a raw speed test you can do direct to a BT piece of infrastructure somewhere (I was advised by BT to do this once) so that would also eliminate the ISP. Can't remember the details, and they probably aren't for public consumption, TBH. :-X
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ping is tad high, but otherwise my 8Mb Sky line is not far off:
(http://www.speedtest.net/result/1561664952.png)
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This problem will drive you mad if you let it.
When I had the issue with Orange in 2008 I had to focus on them as ISP as the terms of their use of BT lines in that they are the one's responsible. I had to escalate to Exec level with Orange but luckily I had a second BT line into the house and found out that Blackwater Exchange was LLU for o2. Ordered o2 for this second line who gave fantastic service and line went to 3.5mbps from less than 1mbps with Orange on the other BT line I had and Orange agreed to cancel. Once Orange had eventually removed or done whatever they have to do to free up line after losing customer - the line speed test improved.
I went to SKY becuase of other services and they said that line spped wpuld be 3 mbps - it proved to be 1.5mbps and they quoted some small print at me. However, as I had been told by SKY that needed at least 2 mbps for Anytime Plus to work properly they had to concede. This was not until they threatened to relay voice messages etc. Not sure what they did but got a call to say they agreed. Now very happy with BT Infinity as one stop shop.
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This is from the router:
(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll138/mrgaffney/stats1.jpg)
Is this what you need?
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Photobucket resized it >:(
Take 2:
(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll138/mrgaffney/stats2.jpg)
(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll138/mrgaffney/stats1-1.jpg)
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Photobucket resized it >:(
Take 2:
Hmm. Line doesn't look great, TBH. :(
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Whats annoying is that the exchange is less than 3km away
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what is your internal wiring set up - can you simplify eveything and just connect direct to main incoming line box. Have you changed any filters/ tried a new filter?
As KW says though if line is not looking good suggests infrastructure issue outside of house
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what is your internal wiring set up - can you simplify eveything and just connect direct to main incoming line box. Have you changed any filters/ tried a new filter?
As KW says though if line is not looking good suggests infrastructure issue outside of house
Yep, good point. Make sure the problem isn't in your property.
Most builders haven't got a clue how to wire phone extensions properly, so the best thing to do, IMHO, is fit a filtered faceplate to your master socket and separate the ADSL off there, so the extension wiring is isolated from it.
But, before you do that, remove the faceplate, check that all extension wiring is connected to the removable part of the faceplate and plug your microfilter and router directly into the test socket that is revealed by removing the faceplate. See if that helps matters. If not, it's your line, unfortunately, but if there is a difference then you can improve matters yourself.
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The router is connected to the main socket and uses the filter that came with it. The computer connects to Tue router by Ethernet. The other phone sockets in the house aren't connected, obviously a job Tue builders forgot >:( and I haven't got round to doing it myself so there is very little internally that can be affecting it.
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you have to get this escalated with Sky - how long is contract for - trouble is with one line in house you cannot just cancel direct debit as Sky will still hold all cards as to release to another ISP - they tried that with me but as said before I had another line into the house so told them to shove it without consequence as to internet access.
Sounds like I need to buy you a pint in the Squirrel
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Been with them for over the minimum period so I can leave at any time. I am getting the speed I was uoted by Sky, I am just annoyed that there seems to be a bias against those who live in Military town. They are going to build some 5000 homes here over the next 5 years for civilians but I bet they get BT Infinity >:(
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u will find u wont get any HD channels not even the free ones i had hd for a year and stoped it dont get any now not even bbc ones
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Crikey Guffer - 63.5dB downstream attenuation? Be thankful you get anything down that wet piece of string! :o I used to think it was bad in Slough with 61dB at ~3.2Km from the exchange.
Of course if that really is the state of your line you are, unfortunately, boned - BT only have an obligation to provide some pitiful data speed (last time I checked, admittedly several years ago.. or was it that they're only obligated to provide a voice line, no data at all? I can't recall now) :( They have you over a barrel unless there's Virgin in the area.. even an LLU provider is unlikely to run fresh copper to your house - well, not unless you pay them several thousands or you're lucky and there are no free pairs available between you and the exchange currently..
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Last time I checked, admittedly several years ago.. or was it that they're only obligated to provide a voice line, no data at all? I can't recall now.
That's the line the trotted out to me a year ago when the ADSL line at work died. It's a total farce brought about by the fact that we have a privatised company running the national infrastructure and a regulator who makes a chocolate kettle look like a handy bit of kit to have about the place. ::)
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Last time I checked, admittedly several years ago.. or was it that they're only obligated to provide a voice line, no data at all? I can't recall now.
That's the line the trotted out to me a year ago when the ADSL line at work died. It's a total farce brought about by the fact that we have a privatised company running the national infrastructure and a regulator who makes a chocolate kettle look like a handy bit of kit to have about the place. ::)
Indeed - although we should be thankful we don't live in Hull, I suppose. There they don't (and never will) even have the choice of LLU or Cable, because Kingston have a guaranteed monopoly..
A friend of mine works for BT and deals a lot with their wholesale stuff; the stories he has make you wonder how they manage to dress themselves in a morning, let alone run our telco infrastructure.
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Well some good news on the horizon. I checked with Zen over the weekend and I have just called them as their website says "Fibre Broadband available from 18/12/2011". Must be a mistake as when I checked BT a couple of months ago there were no plans for Infinity in the area. Zen said that their info came from BT so I went and checked again and sure enough Infinity available from Mid december!
Now considering that there were no plans a couple of months ago and that I have been applying pressure through the MP, local Media, etc I wonder if this is a kneejerk U-turn from BT or something else less suspicious?
Either way, I cant wait :D
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any time you ever think you've got a good deal from Sky, count your fingers after shaking hands.....
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Well some good news on the horizon. I checked with Zen over the weekend and I have just called them as their website says "Fibre Broadband available from 18/12/2011". Must be a mistake as when I checked BT a couple of months ago there were no plans for Infinity in the area. Zen said that their info came from BT so I went and checked again and sure enough Infinity available from Mid december!
Now considering that there were no plans a couple of months ago and that I have been applying pressure through the MP, local Media, etc I wonder if this is a kneejerk U-turn from BT or something else less suspicious?
Either way, I cant wait :D
If they haven't started digging up the pavements and installing cabinets yet, I wouldn't hold your breath, TBH. :-\
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BT Infinity was spot on in every respect when installed a few months ago - when the engineer assigned to us went to hook up at the cabinet there were 3 other Outreach people all doing the same thing - connecting Infinity - so there was a massive push.
My son lives 2 miles from me and went for Infinity as well a couple of months later - this time different story - they postponed at last minute twice and then when he kicked off they sent a subcontractor. Everything was ok but the quality of install not quite as good.
You really need to check the small print for their right to defer install - having said that if it becomes available get your name down as soon as possible - for our local cabinet I was told that the number of lines available would soon get used up and then you have even more delays
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u will find u wont get any HD channels not even the free ones i had hd for a year and stoped it dont get any now not even bbc ones
I can get all of the free HD channels perfectly...thank you. :)
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that is good news - is it just BBC HD and ITV HD or can you access others? - seems you have done a good deal
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IIRC you can get the 4 free HD channels (2 BBC, ITV1HD and 4HD) without even having a Sky card in the box as they are free to air.
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that is good news - is it just BBC1 HD and ITV HD or can you access others? - seems you have done a good deal
Those two, channel 4 and channel 5, plus BBC HD, which just has random stuff on. Now I need a proper 1080 telly, rather than my 'HD ready' one ;D
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As I said in the OP, I got it mainly for multi room so my lad could watch it upstairs. I spent all day moving stuff and keeping the dog in check, just so the little bugger could come home from school and say 'Great, I'll have a look later. Can you put your phone on so I can go on the internet with my DS.'
Kids :(