Sky cuts setup price on HD package
By Richard Lawler 
posted Mar 7th 2008 7:38AM
posted Mar 7th 2008 7:38AM
One of those European HDTV owners that doesn't actually watch HD? That survey may hold some weight, as Sky is cutting prices on its Sky+ and Sky HD services. The Sky HD box now costs £249, or £199 bundled with internet and phone, although the monthly HD charge is still £10. With the entry costs lowered a bit and a few new channels, we'll see if that is enough to get people upgrading to HD.[Via HDTV UK]
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The cost of HD should be in the cost of the box, not a premium on the sub as well. Either that, or the box should be free and the premium is extra. Having an expensive box and an expensive sub is pure greed by Sky. Especially considering the meagre number of HD channels that Sky even offers. It's no wonder HD isn't taking off in the UK.
There was talk at one point of a proper free satellite service, i.e. something like freeview with EPG but on satellite. Lets hope that goes through and we see some HD boxes that support it. Cut Sky and their stupid service out of the loop entirely.
I think you are you referring to FreeSat? www.freesat.co.uk. I totally agree, Sky needs some competition to bring down its monopoly on HD in the UK.
Aye, freesat. I didn't want to say freesat in case it was confused for Sky's £150 card thing that let you watch some channels. I didn't realise it was that far along. The sooner it launches the better.
I'm a Sky tv viewer with an HDTV, but refuse to pay the extra hardware cost and £10 per month for the few extra channels you get. When they eventually drop either charges then I might reconsider.
I was with SkyHD for a year since day 1 and was very happy to get away from Sky altogether when my contract expired.
The premium of £10 is not justified due to very, very low HD content. Add to that the expensive box and a 12 month contract and it turns out to be an expensive deal.
Freesat (www.freesat.co.uk) is coming and it is promising HD as well. I wouldn't be surprised if this creates competition to Sky and we'll see prices coming down even further!
Just be patient & keep your eyes and ears open on the Sky offers & deals if you think they are still bad value or too expensive.
I got my Sky HD box last June for £149
(and there was no installation fee or multi-room subscrption required).
Mind you, I think they were trying to tempt those of us with the older PVR1 & 2 Sky+ (ie non anytime capable) satellite box owning people, that had also been long standing good customers (in my case well over 10yrs) & on their full channel package, to move on with a good deal.
It worked for me too. ;)
But it - or something very much like it - is bound to happen again.
Prices for HD from Sky are far too high.
There should be no monthly fee as with Sky+.
Would have it to-morrow if it was,nt for the monthly fee.
DROP THE MONTHLY FEE SKY AND DONT BE GREEDY>
FREESAT IS ON ITS WAY
I just looked and 6 months ago for me it would have been cheaper than it is now! they had a deal going for long standing sky customers (i have had sky since the begining when it started 1989) i wanted to change to HD box 6 months ago but i felt that at the time £199 for the box and £10 a month extra was a bit high so i did not get it.It is now £249 and still £10 a month extra and they reckon they have lowered prices? sorry sky but thats a lie and there is no way i am getting it now you are just too greedy and i cant wait for freesat to start as thats where me and i should think 70% of sky customers will go.Its a shame as i have been with them from the start but enough is enough now.
Hi
your lucky you ever got offered at that price! i have allways had the whole package for nearly 20 years back to the analogue days and they did not offer much at all! so i think its time we all ditched them,then they would have to sort out thete rip off policy.I have a friend who works for sky installations and he reckons they are losing loads of customers daily and they cant understand why.