How did I cope without it? (Sky Plus (Sky+))

Member Name: NinkyNonk

Product:	Sky Plus (Sky+)
Date:	09/11/09 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Ease of use, storage space

Disadvantages: Cost if not on promotion

As sad as it sounds, Sky+ changed my life!

I rememeber when Sky first brought out this digital recorder and sky receiver in one, my husband and I talked for ages about upgrading our current Sky package, however with me pregnant and due to take maternity leave, it was an expense we couldn't justify at that moment in time. I think it was £99 for the new box, £49 for installation and an extra £10 a month on top of the current sky package price.

A few months down the line, we had a promotional call from Sky, offering us a package at a (very) reduced rate, we paid £49 for the Sky plus box with free installation and no additional charge on our monthly premium, bargain or what?! How could we refuse?

I found it very easy to get to grips with, the buttons on the new remote and clear and self-explanatory; press TV Guide and guess where it takes you? Then you navigate though the different channels using the up/down buttons and you have the option of checking what's on for the upcoming week by using the coloured buttons to skip forwards and backwards 24 hours. Then with a simple touch on the R button, they're added to your planner to be recorded!

I also really like the direct link to the Box Office listings. We don't have the movies plan but every 4-6 weeks we'll treat ourselves to a film (£3.95 added to your monthly bill.) I often check the listings and if something takes my eye before we are ready to watch, I order it and record it and you don't pay until you view!

The series link button is also very useful, especially for me whose memory has been addled since childbirth! This way, I never forget to record my favourite programme. At the moment I have Gossip Girl and Peter Andre on series link, oh the shame!

There are 40 hours worth of storage space on the hard drive however, I have never had less than 50% space available, perhaps that's because I regularly watch what's been recorded and delete straight away to save it getting clogged up.

Since having my son, I used Sky Plus frequently to record his favourite programmes, sometimes only Peppa Pig will do and at the moment there are 10 episodes stored on there. Perfect when I want a cuppa in peace (bad mummy!)

As I said at the beginning, I can't imagine not having Sky Plus now. It's just become a part of life. I guess if it weren't there, I might get a bit more housework done, but there's no fun in that, is there? ;-)

Summary: Try and get a reduced deal and this fab product is a wonderful addition to any telly lover's life!