Archive for the ‘Entertainment’ Category

How can I protect my satellite viewing from breakdown?

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008

Most people enjoy an uninterrupted viewing service from their Sky satellite digital service and equipment.

A Sky service will work best when:

  • The digital box and the satellite dish have been correctly installed by a qualified engineer.
  • The Satellite dish is not blocked by large obstructions such as trees or structural extensions.
  • The Sky digital system is not subject to misuse, neglect or accidental damage.
  • The remote buttons have correctly installed batteries and have not been damaged either through a heavy fall or from spillage of liquids which can cause corrosion of batteries and connectors.
  • There is no technical error outside of your control caused by the receiver.
  • That multi room boxes have no more that four televisions connected to the service.
  • That if you live in an area already converted to digital switchover – your television set is combatable. See (http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/)

Unfortunately, problems can arise that will need technical support from trained engineers and parts of the digital equipment may need fixed or replaced. If the problem is technical you may still be covered within your warranty period and there is unlikely to be a charge for fixing the problem.

If the problem is to do with the receiver a quick call to Sky might be all that is needed.

However, if you are unsure of the problem and you are outside of your warranty period it is likely that you will incur charges for parts and labour. If they cannot fix the problem over the phone they will need to recommend an engineer to call out. The cost of this will be a min. of £65 for labour with parts in addition.

If you feel that the fault has happened whilst the equipment is still relatively new but outside the warranty period you could try to negotiate a non fee service. This is not part of the normal sky service offering and is on a case to case basis.

Another option is to call a local engineer in your area by searching trade directories. Look for those that are Sky approved engineers and can provide peace of mind by showing you a security card on arrival.

It is worth getting more than one quote on price and also on earliest response call out time. With this option the engineer may not have the correct parts with him if the problem has not been diagnosed and he may have to return to fix the equipment.

A third option is to check with your household insurance to see if you are covered and phone their claims line for advice.

A fourth option is to take out an extended Sky warranty with breakdown cover which for an annual one-off payment (can be broken into monthly instalments) you have:

  1. one number to phone and they take care of arrangements
  2. some problems can be solved over the phone
  3. response time for an engineer call out to repair or replace within 48 hours
  4. unlimited call outs
  5. no hidden extras

It is important to remember that your Sky digital television package does not include extended Satellite warranty cover nor any form of breakdown or emergency repair cover. You have to source this yourself from independent providers. You can ask Sky for recommendations or check on-line for providers. It’s worth shopping round as it is a highly competitive market and there are many promotional offers available to you. Promotional offers such as 3 months free if you take out a 1 year extended warranty. Taking a two year plan or more can also save you money.

Above all you want to have the right kind of service when you need it so that you have your problem solved quickly and efficiently. Before taking out an extended Sky warranty on your sky satellite TV equipment check with the provider what they are offering for the price quoted. Here are some key questions to ask:

  1. What is the call out response time?
  2. Do they provide a service in your area?
  3. Are the engineers Sky approved?
  4. How many call outs can you have within your warranty period
  5. Is there any other costs or charges that could affect you outside of the warranty premium you have paid?

Many viewing difficulties experienced can be solved quickly over the phone with either Sky or an extended warranty provider. Your system may just need re booted or it may be that it is a faulty remote control or your outside dish has been moved and the signal is being blocked. In other words it may not be anything too serious with your digital box and it is always worth checking your equipment manual or calling your extended warranty provider. If you have misplaced your manual and don’t have an extended warranty provider then try phoning Sky direct if they are your service provider for support.

A Sony Bravia 46″ Digital television – delivered just in time for Christmas

Wednesday, November 19th, 2008

Satellite Assured Ltd is delighted to announce that after a very exciting couple of months with over 19,000 entries they now have a winner for the Sony Bravia HD 46″ Digital television that was offered in their promotional competition online and via TV & Satellite Week magazine.

Shaun Choosing Winner

Shaun Choosing Winner

The winning name was selected by Shaun Matthews of Satellite Assured Ltd and the winner was called immediately from their offices in Chichester with all the team looking on excitedly. “I was so nervous” said Shaun; this was such a big thing with everyone in the office listening to the call. I was so pleased that the winner was in when I called; it was really a fantastic experience telling someone they had won such an amazing prize

Shaun Calling Winner

Shaun Calling Winner

Satellite Assured Ltd will have Mrs Brookshaw’s new television delivered and installed in time for the festive season’s selection of television programmes.

Satellite Assured Ltd would like to thank everyone who took part in the competition both online and via TV & Satellite Week magazine and are pleased to announce that after such an overwhelming response they will launch another competition later this week.

If you would like to be alerted to when the new competition comes live online then please send us an email to: competitions@satassured.co.uk

Satellite Assured Ltd is a satellite TV system warranty and repair company with nationwide coverage. With a dedicated call and assistance centre based in the UK and technical support teams throughout the UK, customers are assured of a first class service safeguarding their satellite viewing. For further information on how you can protect your Sky viewing please call 0845 4600038.

Can you trust an external Sky warranty company?

Tuesday, October 21st, 2008

On the UK domestic market most extended sky warranty plans are provided by independent companies to that of the product manufacturer or service provider.

An extended Sky warranty is if you like a service plan. It is sold to the consumer on the basis that if anything goes wrong with your product within the extended warranty period it will be repaired or replaced no matter how old the equipment is. You should expect to have unlimited engineer call outs during your warranty period and telephone support whenever you need it. The extended warranty covers accidental damage as well as technical faults to either your dish; digital box; cables or remote control.

An extended warranty must not be confused with what is known as a manufacturers warranty. A warranty is freely given by the manufacturer whilst an extended warranty is something you pay for.

A warranty is a form of guarantee from a manufacturer to the consumer that if a product manufactured by them does not live up to the product promise function or breaks down within a specified period of time they will repair or replace the item subject to terms of the guarantee. For example, accidental damage is not covered.

Extended warranties are popular with people who wish to have cover beyond the manufacturers warranty for peace of mind. Mostly people take out an extended warranty after the manufacturers warranty runs out.

Retailers try to encourage consumers to purchase extended warranties at the time of purchase. Before agreeing remember to check what is covered under the manufacturers warranty and compare the extended Sky warranty terms against other extended warranty providers as you may get a better deal elsewhere.

Remember – you do not have to buy the extended warranty from the seller of the product you purchased. There are many extended warranty providers to choose from and it is worth shopping around for the best deal.

Get a recommendation from family and friends who are happy with their provider. Compare prices and value for money within the service provided. Check if any of the providers have any cost saving promotions for you to consider.

It is a highly competitive market and if you are considering an extended Sky satellite warranty breakdown cover for your sky satellite TV system here are some questions you might find useful to ask providers:

  1. What is the call out response time (up to 48 hours is preferable)
  2. Do they provide a service in your area?
  3. How qualified are the engineers?
  4. How many call outs can you have within your warranty period?
  5. Is there any other costs or charges that could affect you outside of the warranty premium you have paid?
  6. How secure are my personal details with you?
  7. Is it likely that your details will be sold to any other company selling services or products?

Get a recommendation from family and friends who are happy with their provider. Compare prices and value for money within the service provided. Check if any of the providers have any cost saving promotions for you to consider.

If you are in any doubt about the company you are dealing with there are other steps to take for peace of mind:

  • Get a recommendation from family and friends who are happy with their provider
  • Check that the company is Ltd and registered with companies house.
  • Look to see if they have a website or literature with information for you to read.
  • See if they are registered with the FSA (applies if they are an insurance broker).
  • Read the agreement carefully before signing and if sold to by phone make sure you respond with your queries or cancellation within the cooling off period (normally 7 – 14 working days).
  • Check if any of the directors have been disqualified by checking the information provided by Companies House www.companieshouse.gov.uk/ddir.

Take note of the person you are corresponding with or if by phone the person you are speaking with and the time and date of your telephone call.

If in any doubt, check with the Office of Fair Trading. The OFT investigates complaints about unfair trading practises, misleading advertising, breaches in the consumer credit provisions and unfair competition www.oft.gov.uk. You can also try contacting Consumers Direct an online and telephone advice and information service for consumers in Great Britain, supported by the Office of Fair Trading www.consumersdirect.gov.uk.