Sky+HD FAQs

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  Sky+HD lets you enjoy the widest range of high definition channels in Ireland, with access to a choice of 51‡ HD channels and counting.
  
  Your Sky+HD box can store up to 60 hours of high definition TV, or up to 185 hours of standard definition TV. It has all the Sky+ features built in, allowing you to record selected series at the touch of a button, record two programmes at once and even set your Sky+HD box to record from your mobile or via sky.com with Remote Record.

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• Sky+HD

  • What is Sky+HD

    With Sky+HD you can experience television like never before with sharper detail, more vibrant colours and superb quality sound. Plus you get all the flexibility of Sky+ such as record, pause, rewind and series link, a hand-picked collection of the week's unmissable TV in HD with Sky Anytime.

  • What do I need to get Sky+HD?

    All you need to enjoy Sky+HD is an HD ready TV (make sure it has the 'HD ready' logo), a Sky+HD box and the HD Pack. Then, to watch programmes in stunning high definition, you'll need to select one of your available HD channels.

  • Why should I choose Sky+HD as my HD provider?

    With Sky+HD you can enjoy the widest choice of high definition channels in Ireland, with access to 51‡ HD channels, in line with your Sky TV subscription - more than any other UK provider. What to know more? Take a look at some HD programme highlights on Sky.

  • What format will Sky's HD channels broadcast in?

    The highest format of high definition TV broadcast in the UK is 1080i, with Sky+HD supporting both this and the 720p HD format. Each HD channel chooses which format is best for their programmes.

  • How can I get Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound with HD?

    Many HD programmes are broadcast in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, delivering top quality audio to accompany your HD picture. In order to immerse yourself in surround sound, you'll need a compatible home cinema system. Don't worry if you don't have one – you'll still experience the same amazing picture quality of high definition and stereo sound.

• Sky+HD box

  • What is a Sky+HD box?

    The Sky+HD box is a digital video recorder and receiver in one. Once connected to your HD ready TV it will allow you to watch standard definition and high definition programmes. Without an HD source, like the Sky+HD box, you will not be able to watch high definition pictures or channels on your HD ready TV.

  • What does a Sky+HD box give me?

    What does a Sky+HD box give me?
    With high definition, you get extra detail that means TV not only looks amazing, it feels amazing too. Whether you're watching movies, drama, sports, arts or wildlife shows, you'll feel like you're right at the centre of the action with:
    • Up to five times more picture detail and incredibly vibrant colour
    • Superb quality sound
    • Access to 51‡ HD channels, in line with your Sky TV susbcription - more than anyone else in Ireland
    • All the features of Sky+ with even more storage space
    • Remote Record from your mobile or online
    • A hand-picked collection of the week's TV, ready to watch when you are with Sky Anytime

  • I already have a Sky+ box. Will I need to buy a Sky+HD box?

    To watch programmes in high definition you will need a Sky+HD box, which comes with all the flexibility of Sky+ in stunning high definition. If you want to enjoy HD entertainment in one room and your existing Sky TV in another, simply add a Sky+HD box and Sky Multiroom.

  • Will I be able to record programmes in HD?

    Yes - you can record up to 60 hours of high definition shows, or up to 185 hours of standard definition programmes. The Sky+HD box has all the Sky+ features built in, so you can pause and rewind live TV, record selected series at the touch of a button, record two programmes at once and even set your Sky+HD box to record shows from your mobile or via sky.com with Remote Record.

  • What are the features of the Sky+HD TV guide?

    • The Now, Next and Later banner shows you information for all programmes on all channels, up to 12 hours ahead
    • The Mini TV allows you to search the TV listings without having to miss a moment of the programme you're watching
    • Record and Series Link straight from the TV listings without having to go back to your Planner
    • The Series Stack feature makes it even easier to manage the recordings in your Planner
    • The Search function allows you to search by programme title, genre or sub-genre

• Sky+HD channels and programmes

  • How many channels can I watch in high definition?

    The HD Pack (€15 extra a month on top of your Sky TV Packs) gives you access to 51‡ HD channels, in line with your Sky TV susbcription - that's more than any other provider in Ireland. Experience everything from sports and movies to arts, drama and documentaries, all in stunning high definition. The HD channels you receive depend on your Sky TV package. For example, if you have the standard definition Sky Sports, Sky Movies or Disney Cinemagic channel in your package you will receive the high definition version of that channel if available in the HD Pack.

    With over 600 different films shown every month on twelve dedicated high definition movie channels and more sports in HD than ever before, you can now catch even more of the action and drama in stunning high definition. Plus, HD customers with Sky Sports can add ESPN for €12 extra a month (otherwise €16) and enjoy extra Barclays Premier League matches.

  • Will all the programmes on Sky's HD channels be in high definition?

    Some channels, such as Sky Movies Showcase HD, show all films in high definition. You can check if a particular programme is available in HD by checking the programme information using your on-screen Sky TV guide.

  • How do I know which channels broadcast programmes in HD?

    All channels broadcasting in high definition have 'HD' at the end of their name. Once you've got your Sky+HD box, press 2 in your on-screen Sky TV guide to see all the HD channels grouped together.

  • Can I watch TV shows on demand?

    Yes. Once you have Sky+HD you can watch a collection of the week’s unmissable TV with Sky Anytime, at no extra cost. Discover the latest movies, exclusive new shows and more, ready to watch when you are. The programmes you can watch will depend on your Sky TV package.

  • Can I record Sky Box Office movies?

    You can use Sky+HD to record movies on Sky Box Office and store them for up to seven days. You'll only be charged once you start to watch the film and you'll have 24 hours to finish watching before the film is automatically deleted from your Sky+HD box. During this 24 hour period, you can watch the movie as many times as you like.

• HDTV basics

  • How does HD TV work?

    HD or high definition is a development in digital television which provides a higher resolution than standard broadcast pictures. HD broadcasts give very clear, vibrant colours with up to five times the detail of normal TV. To experience the ultimate viewing experience on your HD ready LCD or plasma screen you will also require an HD source, such as the Sky+HD box.

    When looking at a colour TV screen closely through a strong magnifier, it can be seen to be made up of groups of tiny red, green and blue dots called sub pixels. It's the difference in the number of pixels that makes the contrast in clarity.

    Standard definition digital TV displays a picture consisting of 720 by 576 pixels. This means the screen is made up of slightly less than half a million points of light.

    High definition can display a picture of 1920 by 1080 pixels - well over 2 million - which adds clarity to scenes never before possible with either the old analogue system or standard definition digital.

  • What does 'HD ready' mean?

    The 'HD ready' logo was created to help consumers quickly and easily identify that a television is capable of processing and displaying high definition signals, and are based on a set of minimum European functionality standards. A Sky+HD box is designed to work with compatible HD ready TVs. There are other logos that you can find on some HD televisions, however only the official 'HD ready' logos are based on clear, well defined criteria.

  • How do I know if my TV is HD ready?

    Look for the 'HD ready' logo on your television, or check your TV's instructions for the HD ready logo in its specifications.

  • I have an HD ready TV. Will I automatically be able to watch HD programmes?

    No. In order to watch programmes in high definition on your HD ready TV, you will also need an HD source, like the Sky+HD box.

  • I've heard there are different HD formats. What's the difference between them?

    HD signals come in three main formats: 720p, 1080i and 1080p. The number refers to the number of horizontal lines displayed on the TV screen and the letter to how these lines are broadcast and decoded on to your TV.

• Installation and set-up

  • I am new to Sky. How will my Sky+HD box be installed?

    When you order Sky TV, you'll be asked to choose a date for a professional Sky engineer to come and install your Sky+HD box. On your chosen installation day, the Sky engineer will discuss where to put a minidish on the outside of your home, connect your equipment and show you how to use Sky TV and your Sky+HD box.

  • Will I need a special dish to watch TV in high definition?

    Sky TV customers receive digital quality pictures and sound through their mini-dish so, once your dish and Sky+HD box have been set-up, you won't need an aerial or any additional equipment installed. When you order your Sky+HD box, you'll be asked to select a convenient date for an engineer to install any cabling and set-up your box so you can experience TV in high definition.

  • I am already a Sky TV customer. How will my Sky+HD box be installed?

    Replacing your old box with a Sky+HD box couldn't be easier. We'll arrange for a Sky engineer to set-up your new Sky+HD box. If you have a standard Sky box, you'll also need to have some extra cabling installed, which we'll take care of for you.

  • Will I need to have a new minidish set-up?

    Only if you're new to Sky. If you're a new customer you'll need to have a minidish fitted, which we'll do for you when you join us. Existing customers upgrading to Sky+HD can continue using their current minidish. If you live in a flat with a communal dish, you’ll need to check you have dual satellite feeds to support the Sky+ functionality.

  • How will the Sky+HD box connect to my TV?

    Your Sky+HD box comes with an HDMI cable, which delivers the best possible picture quality by maintaining a digital connection. Most new HD ready TVs come with HDMI connectors.

  • What is an HDMI cable?

    HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) dramatically simplifies cabling and helps provide the highest-quality home entertainment experience by delivering crystal-clear, all-digital audio and video via a single cable. It's the best way to connect your Sky+HD box to an HD ready TV.

  • Does Sky+HD box have one or two HDMI connectors?

    The Sky+HD box has one HDMI connector.

• 1. ‡HD channels received depend on your Sky TV package.

  2. Some HD channels are available without subscription.