Dear Zall,
Stzarted zelebrating alriddy, hup. Just joking, albeit, I might crack open the whisky for a quick one: bugger it I am - where's that cola ?
I had started to formulate a definitive answer at about 10:00hrs this morning and then gave in - partly because I was rambling, but, mostly because I believe there is more to the eye than is first seen ;-) Read then I will explain.
Snipped in from this morning >
The definitive answer is: NO. Mostly due to the prefix dial of the box. If the box dials has to dial that exsisting prefix and THEN a number (believed to be held on your card) - the answer is NO it is simply not possible. Additionally, physical aspects of the phone network where you live may differ to that of the UK.
I tried making my normal digibox dial out on a number of ocassions, here in Berlin - when the software allowed for the longer prefix. Nup !
The box continually told me 'MODEM not connected'. And thus I conclude - that when a digibox is installed by an engineer, he/she phones SKY who then send a sat signal to the box to activate the MODEM, allowing it to dial out. I have no other reference/homework on this point, though.
All I know so far, is this (based on one SKY+ Box):
./ Sufficient Dial Prefix not possible in order to reach the UK (unless the prefix string in a SKY+ Box can accomodate a longer entry);
./ With subscription - the SKY+ Box must be connected to a phone line for 12 months (as quoted from the terms and conditions);
./ No subscription (incl. FTV card holders especially) - hard-drive disabled, expensive Digibox (known fact).
./ Telephone connection for SKY+ allows for sending of extended EPG data to box (up to 3 months) As explained to me just now by Parabolic Sat Comms, Finchley Road, London. 020 7431 4322. Panasonic TUDS30/31 299.00 and a Pace SKY+ 299.00 - reasonable :-)
Finish Snip >
I'll be honest, I can explain anymore. It really does seem to be terribly complicated. The bit about a user having two boxes (doubly-up subscription thing) must have BOTH Boxes connected to a phone line - makes my head spin.
Please go to http://www1.sky.com/skyplus if you haven't already and read the terms and conditions in the pop-up window.
Beyond that, come back and tell us how much of a doddle it all was :-)
Have Fun, but not toooo much tonight,
Mark.