I recently made the leap and decided to pay for my TV for the first time ever (well, excluding the licence of course!) I've had freeview since it was introduced and felt like that offered plenty of choice and channels and there was usually something half decent to watch when I felt like it.

However, a new job involves working shifts, and I kept missing my favourite programmes or getting involved in a new series only to miss half the episodes. Something had to be done and VCR video recorders aren't quite up to the job anymore!

I've had my sky plus box installed for just a week so far but I'm very very happy with it. I got a great introductory deal online (including £25 of M&S vouchers) and installation was quick and easy. The engineer came out on a Sunday as that was the only day I was available and even called ahead to let me know what time he'd arrive. I'm used to having to wait in from 8-6 for a delivery or visit usually so I thought this was great customer service!

The box itself is very easy to operate and user friendly, the engineer gave me a quick tour and explanation but really it couldn't be simpler. There are several clear menus for TV guide, planner, settings etc. and you can even carry on watching your programme in a little box in the corner while you navigate. The TV guide offers information on all the programmes and stretches at least a week into the future, possibly much further but I haven't checked!

The selection of channels is great, I just have the basic variety package but its still a big improvement from freeview, also the signal I receive is soooo much better. No interference and jumpy picture when it rains heavily or I move the furniture around! Extra packs such as knowledge, movies, childrens and sport are available for a range of prices starting at just a pound extra a month.

The best thing about Sky Plus though, is the ability to record TV. The box has 250gb of storage, which according to the engineer is about 120 hours of TV. So far I've only used up 5% of the memory and it seems as though it will actually hold a fair bit more than that. You can record up to two programmes at once, but you can'y watch a third at the same time which is a shame if its a particularly good TV night and you just can't make up your mind! You can also set the box to record a whole series so you don't have to remember each week.

Overall, I'm very very pleased with my Sky Plus box, the only problem might be developing square eyes and gaining a few pounds due to a new found love of my TV!