Does anyone else with a Sky+ or SkyHD box ever have trouble getting their box to work again after a power cut?
We had a power cut last night and since then the Sky+ box won't switch on. When I plug it in the red standby light comes on but I can't switch the box on and it doesn't respond to the remote control or buttons on the actual box.
Reading through a few forums I've collected a number of suggested methods to try and force it to start up again.
A, Power Reset
The first method is to try a power reset (I think everyone tries this first).
- Make sure the box is in standby(red power light)
- Wait 1 minute.
- Turn the box off at the mains and wait 1 minute.
- Turn the box back on. The power light turns red.
- Wait 30 secs, then press the power button
- The box comes out of standby and the power light turns green.
B, Forced Software Update
The next is to try a forced software update. To do this:
- Switch off the unit.
- Hold the "Back Up" button on the Box down, Then at the same time, Plug the power cable in - But don't release the "Back Up" button.
- After a short time you should get a message on the TV a screen saying that it is upgrading/updating.
- After waiting for a short while (10 min) the box should then be updated and if this has worked it you can switch it on and it will be working again.
C, Force Switch on via remote recording
Another method suggested by some for a sky + box stuck in standby mode is to try and make the box remote record.
This will only work if you have already registered your sky + box to allow you to remote record. Otherwise you will just have to wait until a scheduled recording starts that is already in your planner.
- Sign into the Sky website and go to the TV Guide and then TV Listing section.
- Select a TV program (any one on any channel you subscribe to and preferably one that is going to start in about 15 mins time) and click on the link to remote record the program.
- Go back and wait by your sky+ box and you should see the red recording light come on, even though the box is still in standby.
- When the box is recording, press sky on your remote control and the power on button and the box should come back on.
D, Reinitialize the Sky Plus box
The most drastic one and the last resort is to force a HD reinitialization.
This will format the HD and reinstall the software using a similar forced software update.
- Unplug box from the mains.
- Press and hold the two buttons either side of the select button, then plug back in while holding the two buttons in
- Wait until the lights on the front of the box begin to spin backwards, then press the select button on the box
- The record light will come on. The box will then perform the reset, and will go back into standby when finished. This procedure will wipe off all recordings.
E, Rebuild the Planner
Another useful tip if the Sky+ box is having issues but you can access it is to rebuilt the planner. TO do this:
- On your Sky+ remote press: Services -> 4 0 1 Select and then select "Planner Rebuild" from the hidden "Installers Menu".
- After a planner rebuild your box will turn off automatically. Wait a few minutes, before turning on and you are all done!