Connecting Sky Anytime + (for numpties)

We have the full Sky package and might as well take advantage of the fact that their Anytime + service is now available for all users, not just those with Sky broadband.

The thing is my router is upstairs and the Sky box is downstairs, so I'd have to trail a bloody long cable around the house to connect via cable. The alternative is a wireless setup, as shown in the second video down:

Connect to TV on demand - Sky VOD

The thing is that costs £60 for the Sky Wireless Connector. Is that just a fancy name for something bog standard, i.e. could I buy some generic product for cheaper or would it have to be that specific product? I know nothing about these things; I like the idea of having an option that just lets you plug in and go, but if there is a cheaper option I'd like to know.

Been looking on various Sky forums and they start talking about setting up various things and veer off into language I dont understand.

TIA

Originally Posted by Bonners

We have the full Sky package and might as well take advantage of the fact that their Anytime + service is now available for all users, not just those with Sky broadband.

The thing is my router is upstairs and the Sky box is downstairs, so I'd have to trail a bloody long cable around the house to connect via cable. The alternative is a wireless setup, as shown in the second video down:

Connect to TV on demand - Sky VOD

The thing is that costs £60 for the Sky Wireless Connector. Is that just a fancy name for something bog standard, i.e. could I buy some generic product for cheaper or would it have to be that specific product? I know nothing about these things; I like the idea of having an option that just lets you plug in and go, but if there is a cheaper option I'd like to know.

Been looking on various Sky forums and they start talking about setting up various things and veer off into language I dont understand.

TIA

Google: homeplugs

Thought would be more useful...

7dayshop 200Mbps Mini 360 HomePlug: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

Plug one into electric socket near router ... plug other into socket near sky box ... and away you go ...

That^

I've done just that for Anytime + and it was as easy as pie. £35 for a TP-Link 200Mbps starter pair on Amazon. Plug in, off you go.

I get anytime now by pressing the red button, what changes with connecting it then?

Originally Posted by Taipan

I get anytime now by pressing the red button, what changes with connecting it then?

Anytime is limited to what your box can store, Anytime + is limited by what you pay for, so you can download loads more films, series, sports events etc..

Originally Posted by Mr OCD

Google: homeplugs

Thought would be more useful...

7dayshop 200Mbps Mini 360 HomePlug: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

Plug one into electric socket near router ... plug other into socket near sky box ... and away you go ...

Just trying to understand how they work, do I just get an Ethernet cable to connect them to the Sky box/router at either end and they do the rest? I take it it is better than having a wireless connection then?

EDIT: Just realised the cable comes with it.

Reading about these they seem really useful if my numpty understanding is correct. Could I also use this if I wanted to cable one into the TV as well for stuff like the BBC Iplayer, or have I totally misunderstood?

Originally Posted by Bonners

Just trying to understand how they work, do I just get an Ethernet cable to connect them to the Sky box/router at either end and they do the rest? I take it it is better than having a wireless connection then?

EDIT: Just realised the cable comes with it.

They come with the ethernet cable (at least all the ones I've ordered in past have!) ... and yes once plugged in the Sky box will auto sense the broadband connection - it will tell you on the TV via prompt.

Much better than wireless IMHO ... I see 160-170mbps constant with homeplugs ... good enough to stream HD content from my media centre.

Originally Posted by Bonners

Reading about these they seem really useful if my numpty understanding is correct. Could I also use this if I wanted to cable one into the TV as well for stuff like the BBC Iplayer, or have I totally misunderstood?

Nope you can ...

Can have as many as you like round the house.

I imagine wireless would be massively shit for this application.

I bought a repeater recently in an attempt to extend my wireless range. Awful. Went back to the shop.

Originally Posted by Mr OCD

Nope you can ...

Can have as many as you like round the house.

Brilliant.

Thanks for the speedy responses chaps and a solution for numpties like me I'll get them ordered as soon as I get paid.

Ta muchely

Just beware that you don't get the speed they advertise guaranteed. It will depend on various factors. I get 130Mbps via a 802.11n adapter, but only 100Mbps using homeplugs but that's mainly due the Victorian wiring and multiple fuse boards in my house. But if its for anytime, that's more than enough.

Its pretty clever stuff.

Awesome thanks! I was never gonna pay £60 for the sky one, £20 for one of those is ace.

Originally Posted by Londongal76

Awesome thanks! I was never gonna pay £60 for the sky one, £20 for one of those is ace.

You need at least a pair.

And decide now if you need the more expensive HD ones, they won't talk to the slower ones, meaning you could end up with two discrete networks.

Consider where you buy from too, my first pair (Solwise) died in just 2 years, had I bought from the company directly they may have replaced them.

Why do i need a pair?