How can I protect my satellite viewing from breakdown?
Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008Most 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:
- one number to phone and they take care of arrangements
- some problems can be solved over the phone
- response time for an engineer call out to repair or replace within 48 hours
- unlimited call outs
- 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:
- What is the call out response time?
- Do they provide a service in your area?
- Are the engineers Sky approved?
- How many call outs can you have within your warranty period
- 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.


