If you have a problem with your Sky+ box it helps to know what the make and model number is. They all look fairly similar, presumably design criteria laid down by Sky, but there are 3 different manufacturers, 4 different specifications - around 9 different models.

There should be a sticker on the under-side of the box identifying the make and model, if you have access. If not there are other ways to identify your box.

To get the version number of your box access the following menu:
  Services >> System Setup >> System Details
Version numbers are given in brackets below.

The different specifications are commonly referred to as PVR1, PVR2, PVR2.5 and PVR3.

PVR1 - first generation, 40GB, no Sky Anytime
- Pace BSKYB3000 (9F20xx) - silver and black

PVR2 - 2nd generation, 40GB, no Sky Anytime
- Pace BSKYB3100 (9F21xx) - white, card flap left, no air vents on top
- Amstrad DRX180 (4F20xx) - white, card flap right, top covered in air vents

PVR2.5 - 160GB, no Sky Anytime
- Thomson DSI6210 (4E20xX) - white with "160" design on front panel

PVR3 - 3rd generation 160GB (80GB personal storage), Sky Anytime
- Pace TDS470N (9F22xx) - white, card flap left, air vents on top in two blocks
- Amstrad DRX280 (4F21xx) - white, card flap right, top covered in air vents
- Thomson DSI8210 (4E21xX) - white, card flap right, no air vents in top

I'll expand on this later and add some pictures and further info. For now, this site has some good details: sam-radford.me.uk/skyplus.htm

Official demo of the new Sky+HD EPG (7 minutes)...

Credit to sionmowb for uploading to youtube: link

Further info: sky.com/HDGuide

The ITV HD channel is not yet available with Sky+ HD. However, if you have the new Sky+HD EPG, it's possible to add the channel. Here's how:

1. Press the TV Guide button on your remote.
2. In the top menu, Scroll along to Options.
3. From the middle menu scroll to Add Channels and hit Select.
4. Enter the following information and press the yellow button:

     Frequency:    11.427
     Polarisation:   H
     Symbol Rate:  27.5
     FEC:           2/3

5. You should be presented with list of channels found. The channel called 10510 is the ITV HD channel. Press the yellow button to select the channel and Select to store.
6. The channel will now be available via the Other Channels menu.

Note: the channel is not broadcasting all the time. It will display an ident when it's not broadcasting. Also, there's no program information and you can't pause or record.

Here's a short clip showing how to do all that...

Credit to mike1lon for posting on youtube: link

This blog is dedicated to all things Sky Digital. It's intended to be a repository for all the useful info I come across about Sky TV. The focus will generally be on the hardware: the set top boxes, remotes, dishes, cabling, etc.

If anyone finds it useful then that's a bonus.

Future topics:

• A guide to Sky Boxes: makes & models
• Upgrading the hard disk (Sky+ & Sky+HD)
• Common faults & repair tips