Sky+ to Sky Q when using an HDMI matrix
Discussion
I have two Sky+ HD boxes that feed screens in various (7) rooms around my house over Cat6 using an HDMI matrix. The Sky boxes and the matrix are housed in a rack in my tech/server room.
One of the Sky+ boxes is becoming temperamental. I know that they are both going to have be replaced soon.
Is there any reason that I can’t simply substitute SkyQ boxes for the Sky+ boxes whilst still using the HDMI matrix to distribute the signal?
To do this will I need two of the “main” SkyQ boxes, or will one of the main and one of the mini boxes suffice? I want to be able to watch and control either box from any of the screens around my house. Are the SkyQ boxes controlled by IR?
I have tried asking Sky, but I think my setup is technically beyond what their contact centre is used to answering questions on. And I suspect they’d prefer you to have to buy a box for every screen... I thought I’d try asking here as I know there are many resident experts.
Thank you in advance.
One of the Sky+ boxes is becoming temperamental. I know that they are both going to have be replaced soon.
Is there any reason that I can’t simply substitute SkyQ boxes for the Sky+ boxes whilst still using the HDMI matrix to distribute the signal?
To do this will I need two of the “main” SkyQ boxes, or will one of the main and one of the mini boxes suffice? I want to be able to watch and control either box from any of the screens around my house. Are the SkyQ boxes controlled by IR?
I have tried asking Sky, but I think my setup is technically beyond what their contact centre is used to answering questions on. And I suspect they’d prefer you to have to buy a box for every screen... I thought I’d try asking here as I know there are many resident experts.
Thank you in advance.
The sky q boxes are Bluetooth and IR controlled.
http://helpforum.sky.com/t5/Sky-Q/Sky-Q-Remote/td-...
Can’t help on the rest but would be interested to see if it does work.
http://helpforum.sky.com/t5/Sky-Q/Sky-Q-Remote/td-...
Can’t help on the rest but would be interested to see if it does work.
Holy thread resurrection....
A belated "thank you all" for your input on this. I finally managed to speak with an unscripted / knowledgeable Sky person today, and have placed an order for a 2TB box and a Mini box.
Some snippets from the conversation that may be of interest:
- The IR control units "should" enable me to operate the Sky Q setup from each of my (matrixed) screen locations. There are some features e.g. scrolling through recorded programmes and voice control that only work with the Bluetooth remote. I couldn't get an unequivocal "yes" to whether I could operate SkyQ properly without using the bluetooth remote though.
- The 2TB and Mini boxes can be connected using an ethernet cable rather than by wifi. This will work better for me as they'll be adjacent in my rack. I'm hoping that the wifi stuff can be fully turned off as I have a few interference issues already...
- I was told minimum 2Mb internet access for SD content, and 6Mb for HD. We'll see...
- The LNB on the dish does need to be replaced, so an install visit is absolutely necessary. I've had to book the "Special Heights" team for this.
- Whilst they (I think fairly) can't give guarantees that the setup will work with a particular HDMI Matrix, they are aware of a reasonable number of such installations working successfully
Install is booked for Jan 19th. I will update the thread after this, whether it works or not.
A belated "thank you all" for your input on this. I finally managed to speak with an unscripted / knowledgeable Sky person today, and have placed an order for a 2TB box and a Mini box.
Some snippets from the conversation that may be of interest:
- The IR control units "should" enable me to operate the Sky Q setup from each of my (matrixed) screen locations. There are some features e.g. scrolling through recorded programmes and voice control that only work with the Bluetooth remote. I couldn't get an unequivocal "yes" to whether I could operate SkyQ properly without using the bluetooth remote though.
- The 2TB and Mini boxes can be connected using an ethernet cable rather than by wifi. This will work better for me as they'll be adjacent in my rack. I'm hoping that the wifi stuff can be fully turned off as I have a few interference issues already...
- I was told minimum 2Mb internet access for SD content, and 6Mb for HD. We'll see...
- The LNB on the dish does need to be replaced, so an install visit is absolutely necessary. I've had to book the "Special Heights" team for this.
- Whilst they (I think fairly) can't give guarantees that the setup will work with a particular HDMI Matrix, they are aware of a reasonable number of such installations working successfully
Install is booked for Jan 19th. I will update the thread after this, whether it works or not.
I can confirm that we have a number of installations with Sky Q working with IR over point to point links and hidden IR blasters (no Bluetooth reach) without issue.
So no reason for the matrix to be any different. The only issue could be if you have learning / intelligent / programmes remotes the old Sky + remote signals are not the same as the Q ones, so they will need reprogramming.
V.
So no reason for the matrix to be any different. The only issue could be if you have learning / intelligent / programmes remotes the old Sky + remote signals are not the same as the Q ones, so they will need reprogramming.
V.
WindyCommon said:
Holy thread resurrection....
A belated "thank you all" for your input on this. I finally managed to speak with an unscripted / knowledgeable Sky person today, and have placed an order for a 2TB box and a Mini box.
Some snippets from the conversation that may be of interest:
- The IR control units "should" enable me to operate the Sky Q setup from each of my (matrixed) screen locations. There are some features e.g. scrolling through recorded programmes and voice control that only work with the Bluetooth remote. I couldn't get an unequivocal "yes" to whether I could operate SkyQ properly without using the bluetooth remote though.
- The 2TB and Mini boxes can be connected using an ethernet cable rather than by wifi. This will work better for me as they'll be adjacent in my rack. I'm hoping that the wifi stuff can be fully turned off as I have a few interference issues already...
- I was told minimum 2Mb internet access for SD content, and 6Mb for HD. We'll see...
- The LNB on the dish does need to be replaced, so an install visit is absolutely necessary. I've had to book the "Special Heights" team for this.
- Whilst they (I think fairly) can't give guarantees that the setup will work with a particular HDMI Matrix, they are aware of a reasonable number of such installations working successfully
Install is booked for Jan 19th. I will update the thread after this, whether it works or not.
Coincidentally, I’m in the process of having a similar set up installed - SkyQ plus 2 mini-boxes in a rack, distributed via a Matrix set-up.A belated "thank you all" for your input on this. I finally managed to speak with an unscripted / knowledgeable Sky person today, and have placed an order for a 2TB box and a Mini box.
Some snippets from the conversation that may be of interest:
- The IR control units "should" enable me to operate the Sky Q setup from each of my (matrixed) screen locations. There are some features e.g. scrolling through recorded programmes and voice control that only work with the Bluetooth remote. I couldn't get an unequivocal "yes" to whether I could operate SkyQ properly without using the bluetooth remote though.
- The 2TB and Mini boxes can be connected using an ethernet cable rather than by wifi. This will work better for me as they'll be adjacent in my rack. I'm hoping that the wifi stuff can be fully turned off as I have a few interference issues already...
- I was told minimum 2Mb internet access for SD content, and 6Mb for HD. We'll see...
- The LNB on the dish does need to be replaced, so an install visit is absolutely necessary. I've had to book the "Special Heights" team for this.
- Whilst they (I think fairly) can't give guarantees that the setup will work with a particular HDMI Matrix, they are aware of a reasonable number of such installations working successfully
Install is booked for Jan 19th. I will update the thread after this, whether it works or not.
I’ll let you know if there were any issues / work arounds required!
WindyCommon said:
Holy thread resurrection....
A belated "thank you all" for your input on this. I finally managed to speak with an unscripted / knowledgeable Sky person today, and have placed an order for a 2TB box and a Mini box.
Some snippets from the conversation that may be of interest:
- The IR control units "should" enable me to operate the Sky Q setup from each of my (matrixed) screen locations. There are some features e.g. scrolling through recorded programmes and voice control that only work with the Bluetooth remote. I couldn't get an unequivocal "yes" to whether I could operate SkyQ properly without using the bluetooth remote though.
- The 2TB and Mini boxes can be connected using an ethernet cable rather than by wifi. This will work better for me as they'll be adjacent in my rack. I'm hoping that the wifi stuff can be fully turned off as I have a few interference issues already...
- I was told minimum 2Mb internet access for SD content, and 6Mb for HD. We'll see...
- The LNB on the dish does need to be replaced, so an install visit is absolutely necessary. I've had to book the "Special Heights" team for this.
- Whilst they (I think fairly) can't give guarantees that the setup will work with a particular HDMI Matrix, they are aware of a reasonable number of such installations working successfully
Install is booked for Jan 19th. I will update the thread after this, whether it works or not.
A belated "thank you all" for your input on this. I finally managed to speak with an unscripted / knowledgeable Sky person today, and have placed an order for a 2TB box and a Mini box.
Some snippets from the conversation that may be of interest:
- The IR control units "should" enable me to operate the Sky Q setup from each of my (matrixed) screen locations. There are some features e.g. scrolling through recorded programmes and voice control that only work with the Bluetooth remote. I couldn't get an unequivocal "yes" to whether I could operate SkyQ properly without using the bluetooth remote though.
- The 2TB and Mini boxes can be connected using an ethernet cable rather than by wifi. This will work better for me as they'll be adjacent in my rack. I'm hoping that the wifi stuff can be fully turned off as I have a few interference issues already...
- I was told minimum 2Mb internet access for SD content, and 6Mb for HD. We'll see...
- The LNB on the dish does need to be replaced, so an install visit is absolutely necessary. I've had to book the "Special Heights" team for this.
- Whilst they (I think fairly) can't give guarantees that the setup will work with a particular HDMI Matrix, they are aware of a reasonable number of such installations working successfully
Install is booked for Jan 19th. I will update the thread after this, whether it works or not.
sidicks said:
Coincidentally, I’m in the process of having a similar set up installed - SkyQ plus 2 mini-boxes in a rack, distributed via a Matrix set-up.
I’ll let you know if there were any issues / work arounds required!
Hello both,I’ll let you know if there were any issues / work arounds required!
I am very interested to know your feedback/review since you have done this, as I am similar (minus the desire to use sky minis) boat:
Current situation:
- SkyHD
- 2 Televisions
- Sky Magic Eye currently being used over 35 meter distance
Desired situation:
- Sky Q
- 3 Televisions
- HDMI over IP to connect to the 2 furthest TV's (1 is 35 meters away, the other 20 meters away), using this
- The main difference though is I want to avoid the necessity of using Sky Mini, as its a £12 cost I don't need or want to spend each month.
Questions
1. Broadly, does a 3'rd party IR receiver/emitter work with SkyQ?
2. Do you think this device (in the hyperlink) would work with SkyQ?
Many thanks,
JC
Edited by jcrider1 on Friday 19th July 16:07
Interestingly I had to revisit a 4k matrix and SkyQ/Mini set up last week, all based in the same rack.
Sky was having an issue with the Cricket, Ultra Sports News and F1 only, with picture break up appearing 3 -5 days after a re-boot.
Research on the internet points to a common interferance problem when based close to wifi access points and routers.
Turned wifi off on local BT Router (using other AP's) and Wifi off on Sky Q and mini's as they are hardwired, Havent heard back from client yet if it has solved the issue or not.
May chase him up tomorrow and report back.
V.
Sky was having an issue with the Cricket, Ultra Sports News and F1 only, with picture break up appearing 3 -5 days after a re-boot.
Research on the internet points to a common interferance problem when based close to wifi access points and routers.
Turned wifi off on local BT Router (using other AP's) and Wifi off on Sky Q and mini's as they are hardwired, Havent heard back from client yet if it has solved the issue or not.
May chase him up tomorrow and report back.
V.
jcrider1 said:
I am very interested to know your feedback/review since you have done this, as I am similar (minus the desire to use sky minis) boat:
Sorry - missed this previously.My setup, with two SkyQ boxes and an HDMI matrix feeding various screens in different locations around my house via Cat6 works perfectly in terms of both control and picture/sound quality. The furthest screen is probably 50m away from where the kit sits; outside the stated max distance but works flawlessly. Best of all is that we now have only one (SkyQ non-Bluetooth) remote in each location, programmed to turn the local screen on/off and for volume control etc. Even my mother-in-law can watch tv when she visits...
The tech for this seems to have reached a degree of maturity. Go for it!
Edited by WindyCommon on Tuesday 30th July 12:33
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