Basic question on connectivity

[Davey]

Not knowing anything about Sky Hubs, do they put out a normal Wi-Fi
signal that a Humax Freeview would understand and connect to? As long as
one has the Password, of course. It feeds a PC, so I am hopeful.
And would this also connect and serve an Amazon Firestick on the back
of the TV set?

Trying to get some friends better connected. They also have a Sky dish
and receiver, but it is used to access Freeview channels. A standard
antenna can receive virtually nothing, the house is in a dip, butn the
dish gives them decent reception. The system is not how I would design
it, it is more of an evolution rather than a design.

They used to have a BT hub, ut changed that for the Sky. The Humax
still thinks that there is a couple of BT networks out there, one
password protected, one not. But connecting to the 'not' one fails to
connect to the Humax setup mothership.

[Davey]

On Tue, 30 May 2023 16:15:25 +0100

Post by Davey
Not knowing anything about Sky Hubs, do they put out a normal Wi-Fi
signal that a Humax Freeview would understand and connect to? As long
as one has the Password, of course. It feeds a PC, so I am hopeful.
And would this also connect and serve an Amazon Firestick on the back
of the TV set?
Trying to get some friends better connected. They also have a Sky dish
and receiver, but it is used to access Freeview channels. A standard
antenna can receive virtually nothing, the house is in a dip, butn the
dish gives them decent reception. The system is not how I would design
it, it is more of an evolution rather than a design.
They used to have a BT hub, ut changed that for the Sky. The Humax
still thinks that there is a couple of BT networks out there, one
password protected, one not. But connecting to the 'not' one fails to
connect to the Humax setup mothership.

Nobody?

[Max Demian]

Post by Davey
On Tue, 30 May 2023 16:15:25 +0100

Post by Davey
Not knowing anything about Sky Hubs, do they put out a normal Wi-Fi
signal that a Humax Freeview would understand and connect to? As long
as one has the Password, of course. It feeds a PC, so I am hopeful.
And would this also connect and serve an Amazon Firestick on the back
of the TV set?
Trying to get some friends better connected. They also have a Sky dish
and receiver, but it is used to access Freeview channels. A standard
antenna can receive virtually nothing, the house is in a dip, butn the
dish gives them decent reception. The system is not how I would design
it, it is more of an evolution rather than a design.
They used to have a BT hub, ut changed that for the Sky. The Humax
still thinks that there is a couple of BT networks out there, one
password protected, one not. But connecting to the 'not' one fails to
connect to the Humax setup mothership.

Nobody?

I don't know anything about Sky Hubs, and I'm not entirely sure what you
are trying to do. Wi-Fi on TV receivers are usually about accessing the
Internet in order to stream stuff. I'm not sure you can can connect them
together in arbitrary ways.

You say, "[Your friends] also have a Sky dish and receiver, but it is
used to access Freeview channels." I assume you mean Sky channels, as
Freeview is strictly terrestrial.

The "BT networks" you mention, must belong to neighbours.

The obvious thing to do would be to connect the Sky receiver to the TV
with HDMI. Perhaps they want to record from Sky, which would require a
Sky recorder of some kind.

[Davey]

On Wed, 31 May 2023 11:57:01 +0100

Post by Max Demian
I don't know anything about Sky Hubs, and I'm not entirely sure what
you are trying to do. Wi-Fi on TV receivers are usually about
accessing the Internet in order to stream stuff. I'm not sure you can
can connect them together in arbitrary ways.

That is what they want to do. Their internet connection is via the Sky
Hub, it talks via WiFi to their PC. The Humax can see it, but cannot as
yet connect to Humax HQ, so has limited functionality. They are going
to look out for a password in their paperwork.

Post by Max Demian
You say, "[Your friends] also have a Sky dish and receiver, but it is
used to access Freeview channels." I assume you mean Sky channels, as
Freeview is strictly terrestrial.

It receives Free channels, but yes, it must be basic Sky channels with
no frills. Freesat would have done the same job.

Post by Max Demian
The "BT networks" you mention, must belong to neighbours.

I agree, it's the only sensible answer. All on the far side of the road!

Post by Max Demian
The obvious thing to do would be to connect the Sky receiver to the
TV with HDMI.

I believe that is already an HDMI connection, although I can't swear to
it. What would that do that a non-HDMI connection would do in this
case? Does the Sky Box have anything other than HDMI?

Their wish is to get streaming working. the Humax used to do it before
Sky replaced a failing (trees blocking antenna path) installation,
they want to restore that. At the moment, there is no BBC iPlayer, ITVX,
etc. I was thinking that a Firestick on the back of the TV set or the
Humax would get its WiFi from the Sky Hub, and provide what they need,
and not require any cables.

Post by Max Demian
Perhaps they want to record from Sky, which would
require a Sky recorder of some kind.

If they want to record from Sky, then they would need to subscribe to
Sky channels first, which is not in the plan. The Sky receiver is just
a basic channels conduit.

Hope this makes some kind of sense!

[Mark Carver]

Post by Davey
On Wed, 31 May 2023 11:57:01 +0100

Post by Max Demian
I don't know anything about Sky Hubs, and I'm not entirely sure what
you are trying to do. Wi-Fi on TV receivers are usually about
accessing the Internet in order to stream stuff. I'm not sure you can
can connect them together in arbitrary ways.

That is what they want to do. Their internet connection is via the Sky
Hub, it talks via WiFi to their PC. The Humax can see it, but cannot as
yet connect to Humax HQ, so has limited functionality. They are going
to look out for a password in their paperwork.

You're talking about a Sky VDSL router ?  Nothing special, the WiFi
details may well be printed on the back on a sticker. If not the admin
u/n and password will be, and you can simply log in and see the Wifi
password in the WLAN set up page

Start here
https://www.sky.com/help/articles/set-up-hub-which-sky-hub-do-you-have

[Angus Robertson - Magenta Systems Ltd]

Post by Mark Carver
You're talking about a Sky VDSL router ?  Nothing special

The Sky Q Hub is special when used with other Sky Q boxes, they use private 5G
channels to communicate, allowing Sky Q silver and mini boxes to become wifi
repeaters around the house without using normal wifi bandwidth. Not sure if
the Sky Broadband Hub 2019 (a different product) does the same.

But I still prefer wired ethernet for most of my devices, so much more reliable
than wifi.

Angus

[Mark Carver]

Post by Angus Robertson - Magenta Systems Ltd

Post by Mark Carver
You're talking about a Sky VDSL router ?  Nothing special

The Sky Q Hub is special when used with other Sky Q boxes, they use private 5G
channels to communicate, allowing Sky Q silver and mini boxes to become wifi
repeaters around the house without using normal wifi bandwidth. Not sure if
the Sky Broadband Hub 2019 (a different product) does the same.
But I still prefer wired ethernet for most of my devices, so much more reliable
than wifi.

If you connect the Sky Q mini boxes to the Hub (aka the Router) via
ethernet cables,  and the main Sky Q box to the Hub by cable too, then
all the Sky devices form a mesh WiFi network.
That's exactly how I set them up in our son's house.

You need to enter the installer's menu on the main Q box, to enable the
feature

[David Woolley]

Post by Angus Robertson - Magenta Systems Ltd
they use private 5G
channels

Do you mean 5G mobile, which seems unlikely, or do you really mean 5GHz
band WiFi, which many routers support?

[Mark Carver]

Post by David Woolley

Post by Angus Robertson - Magenta Systems Ltd
they use private 5G
channels

Do you mean 5G mobile, which seems unlikely, or do you really mean
5GHz band WiFi, which many routers support?

 He meant 5 GHz wifi of course.

They use a proprietary WiFi network to stream video from the main box to
the mini box(es) for those unwashed people that don't have a house full
of ethernet tie lines

[Angus Robertson - Magenta Systems Ltd]

Post by Mark Carver
They use a proprietary WiFi network to stream video from the main
box to the mini box(es)

I was writing some network diagnostic tools recently and was watching packets
on my home LAN, and the Sky Q Silver box continually sends out private protocol
broadcasts (ie not TCP, UDP, ARP, ICMP) looking for other Sky devices.
Wasteful of bandwidth since I cancelled my Mini boxes due to the massive Sky
bill.

Angus

[Bob Latham]

Post by Angus Robertson - Magenta Systems Ltd

Post by Mark Carver
They use a proprietary WiFi network to stream video from the main
box to the mini box(es)

I was writing some network diagnostic tools recently and was
watching packets on my home LAN, and the Sky Q Silver box
continually sends out private protocol broadcasts (ie not TCP, UDP,
ARP, ICMP) looking for other Sky devices. Wasteful of bandwidth
since I cancelled my Mini boxes due to the massive Sky bill.

Yes, We have a 2TB SkyQ box and a Sky minibox they are connected to
each other and the internet via Ethernet and their wi-fi is turned
off. The traffic that passes between these devices never stops even
when they're apparently doing nothing.

Bob.

[Davey]

On Wed, 31 May 2023 12:37:12 +0100

Post by Mark Carver
You're talking about a Sky VDSL router ?  Nothing special, the WiFi
details may well be printed on the back on a sticker. If not the
admin u/n and password will be, and you can simply log in and see the
Wifi password in the WLAN set up page
Start here
https://www.sky.com/help/articles/set-up-hub-which-sky-hub-do-you-have

I don't think it's a VDSL unit, unless that also does ADSL. It looks
from memory like a Sky Broadband Hub. That page wants all sorts of
activation data before it will let me do much of anything. I will ask
my friends to look at the back of the Hub for a sticker with the log-in
details.
The Sky box at the TV set is a different animal entirely, of course,
but that's not where they are trying to get the internet connection
from.
Does anyone have any thoughts about the Firestick idea?

Thanks for thoughts and help.

[Mark Carver]

Post by Davey
On Wed, 31 May 2023 12:37:12 +0100

Post by Mark Carver
You're talking about a Sky VDSL router ?  Nothing special, the WiFi
details may well be printed on the back on a sticker. If not the
admin u/n and password will be, and you can simply log in and see the
Wifi password in the WLAN set up page
Start here
https://www.sky.com/help/articles/set-up-hub-which-sky-hub-do-you-have

I don't think it's a VDSL unit, unless that also does ADSL.

It will. I can't think of any VDSL router that isn't backwardly
compatible for ADSL

[Davey]

On Thu, 1 Jun 2023 08:48:48 +0100

Post by Mark Carver

Post by Davey
On Wed, 31 May 2023 12:37:12 +0100

Post by Mark Carver
You're talking about a Sky VDSL router ?  Nothing special, the WiFi
details may well be printed on the back on a sticker. If not the
admin u/n and password will be, and you can simply log in and see
the Wifi password in the WLAN set up page
Start here
https://www.sky.com/help/articles/set-up-hub-which-sky-hub-do-you-have

I don't think it's a VDSL unit, unless that also does ADSL.

It will. I can't think of any VDSL router that isn't backwardly
compatible for ADSL

But that doesn't mean that it's not an ADSL-only router.
Unlikely, nowadays, I agree, my Fritzbox does both, but still a valid
question. Or does the Sky Broadband Hub do VDSL by definition?

[Mark Carver]

Post by Davey
On Thu, 1 Jun 2023 08:48:48 +0100

Post by Mark Carver

Post by Davey
On Wed, 31 May 2023 12:37:12 +0100

Post by Mark Carver
You're talking about a Sky VDSL router ?  Nothing special, the WiFi
details may well be printed on the back on a sticker. If not the
admin u/n and password will be, and you can simply log in and see
the Wifi password in the WLAN set up page
Start here
https://www.sky.com/help/articles/set-up-hub-which-sky-hub-do-you-have

I don't think it's a VDSL unit, unless that also does ADSL.

It will. I can't think of any VDSL router that isn't backwardly
compatible for ADSL

But that doesn't mean that it's not an ADSL-only router.
Unlikely, nowadays, I agree, my Fritzbox does both, but still a valid
question. Or does the Sky Broadband Hub do VDSL by definition?

Well, the Sky Broadband hub has a *DSL connector, (an RJ-11 socket) that
connects to an 'analogue' phone line. This supports ASDL and VDSL
connections, (depending upon what package has been selected (or is
possible from Openreach)

It also has a WAN socket (an RJ-45) for punters that have FTTP (this
connects to Openreach's ONT)

None of that differs at all to any other ISP supplied router. You plug
it in to whatever connection you have available, and it self configures.

I think you're getting bogged down with it being supplied by Sky, it's
basically a device that connects to the internet, and generates a WiFi
network

[Davey]

On Thu, 1 Jun 2023 09:23:57 +0100

Post by Mark Carver
Well, the Sky Broadband hub has a *DSL connector, (an RJ-11 socket)
that connects to an 'analogue' phone line. This supports ASDL and
VDSL connections, (depending upon what package has been selected (or
is possible from Openreach)

They are only using the ADSL connection. Then it broadcasts WiFi,
presently to the PC upstairs. This does the same as the old BT Hub did.

Post by Mark Carver
It also has a WAN socket (an RJ-45) for punters that have FTTP (this
connects to Openreach's ONT)
None of that differs at all to any other ISP supplied router. You
plug it in to whatever connection you have available, and it self
configures.
I think you're getting bogged down with it being supplied by Sky,
it's basically a device that connects to the internet, and generates
a WiFi network

And that makes sense. As far as the Broadband Hub is concerned, it
talks WiFi to the PC, and hopefully it can talk WiFi to the Humax. it
tries, but needed the Password. Hopefully that is now (soon?) available.

When the old system, with roof-mounted antenna, became pretty
useless, they contacted Sky, who provided a new set of boxes to give
them a working setup, but there is no Sky subscription paid, so no
Sky-specific services. So they have two different Sky boxes, one a
broadband Hub, the other fed by a Sky Dish, that have a failure to
communicate, the major problem being lack of any Streaming ability, not
even BBC iPlayer being available.

The Sky Dish, figure-of-eight cables, and Sky Box are connected to the
TV set, (as is the Humax), but have no known connection to the Broadband
Hub.

The Sky Dish provides basic channels, such as one would get on
Freeview, but with no streaming abilities, and no Sky Channels, as
there is no subscription. It is functionally similar to a Freesat setup.

Hopefully this describes the layout and history.

[Mark Carver]

Post by Davey
On Thu, 1 Jun 2023 09:23:57 +0100

Post by Mark Carver
Well, the Sky Broadband hub has a *DSL connector, (an RJ-11 socket)
that connects to an 'analogue' phone line. This supports ASDL and
VDSL connections, (depending upon what package has been selected (or
is possible from Openreach)

They are only using the ADSL connection. Then it broadcasts WiFi,
presently to the PC upstairs. This does the same as the old BT Hub did.

Post by Mark Carver
It also has a WAN socket (an RJ-45) for punters that have FTTP (this
connects to Openreach's ONT)
None of that differs at all to any other ISP supplied router. You
plug it in to whatever connection you have available, and it self
configures.
I think you're getting bogged down with it being supplied by Sky,
it's basically a device that connects to the internet, and generates
a WiFi network

And that makes sense. As far as the Broadband Hub is concerned, it
talks WiFi to the PC, and hopefully it can talk WiFi to the Humax. it
tries, but needed the Password. Hopefully that is now (soon?) available.
When the old system, with roof-mounted antenna, became pretty
useless, they contacted Sky, who provided a new set of boxes to give
them a working setup, but there is no Sky subscription paid, so no
Sky-specific services. So they have two different Sky boxes, one a
broadband Hub, the other fed by a Sky Dish, that have a failure to
communicate, the major problem being lack of any Streaming ability, not
even BBC iPlayer being available.
The Sky Dish, figure-of-eight cables, and Sky Box are connected to the
TV set, (as is the Humax), but have no known connection to the Broadband
Hub.
The Sky Dish provides basic channels, such as one would get on
Freeview, but with no streaming abilities, and no Sky Channels, as
there is no subscription. It is functionally similar to a Freesat setup.
Hopefully this describes the layout and history.

It sounds to me that the Sky 'TV' box is the older Sky+ box, (which has
no facilities for streaming anyway) so it's of no consequence anyway in
this scenario.

What may well be a consideration is if the broadband connection is only
ADSL, then that might be limiting for any sustained use of streaming.

It depends however. ADSL maxes out at about 19 Mb/s if you are next door
to the exchange, (in which case fine) or can go as low as less than 1
Mb/s if you are 5 or 6 miles from the exchange (non starter for streaming)

[Davey]

On Thu, 1 Jun 2023 11:44:06 +0100

Post by Mark Carver

Post by Davey
On Thu, 1 Jun 2023 09:23:57 +0100

Post by Mark Carver
Well, the Sky Broadband hub has a *DSL connector, (an RJ-11 socket)
that connects to an 'analogue' phone line. This supports ASDL and
VDSL connections, (depending upon what package has been selected
(or is possible from Openreach)

They are only using the ADSL connection. Then it broadcasts WiFi,
presently to the PC upstairs. This does the same as the old BT Hub did.

Post by Mark Carver
It also has a WAN socket (an RJ-45) for punters that have FTTP
(this connects to Openreach's ONT)
None of that differs at all to any other ISP supplied router. You
plug it in to whatever connection you have available, and it self
configures.
I think you're getting bogged down with it being supplied by Sky,
it's basically a device that connects to the internet, and
generates a WiFi network

And that makes sense. As far as the Broadband Hub is concerned, it
talks WiFi to the PC, and hopefully it can talk WiFi to the Humax.
it tries, but needed the Password. Hopefully that is now (soon?)
available.
When the old system, with roof-mounted antenna, became pretty
useless, they contacted Sky, who provided a new set of boxes to give
them a working setup, but there is no Sky subscription paid, so no
Sky-specific services. So they have two different Sky boxes, one a
broadband Hub, the other fed by a Sky Dish, that have a failure to
communicate, the major problem being lack of any Streaming ability,
not even BBC iPlayer being available.
The Sky Dish, figure-of-eight cables, and Sky Box are connected to
the TV set, (as is the Humax), but have no known connection to the
Broadband Hub.
The Sky Dish provides basic channels, such as one would get on
Freeview, but with no streaming abilities, and no Sky Channels, as
there is no subscription. It is functionally similar to a Freesat setup.
Hopefully this describes the layout and history.

It sounds to me that the Sky 'TV' box is the older Sky+ box, (which
has no facilities for streaming anyway) so it's of no consequence
anyway in this scenario.

Agreed. They are not interested in going down that route.

Post by Mark Carver
What may well be a consideration is if the broadband connection is
only ADSL, then that might be limiting for any sustained use of
streaming.
It depends however. ADSL maxes out at about 19 Mb/s if you are next
door to the exchange, (in which case fine) or can go as low as less
than 1 Mb/s if you are 5 or 6 miles from the exchange (non starter
for streaming)

I am on ADSL, and I can stream TV with no problem. My friends used to,
when there was an internet connection to the Humax. They just want to
get that back. As for proximity to the exchange, they are in a town,
rather than out in the sticks, like me, but mine is still fine.

[Mark Carver]

Post by Davey
On Thu, 1 Jun 2023 11:44:06 +0100

Post by Mark Carver

Post by Davey
On Thu, 1 Jun 2023 09:23:57 +0100

Post by Mark Carver
Well, the Sky Broadband hub has a *DSL connector, (an RJ-11 socket)
that connects to an 'analogue' phone line. This supports ASDL and
VDSL connections, (depending upon what package has been selected
(or is possible from Openreach)

They are only using the ADSL connection. Then it broadcasts WiFi,
presently to the PC upstairs. This does the same as the old BT Hub did.

Post by Mark Carver
It also has a WAN socket (an RJ-45) for punters that have FTTP
(this connects to Openreach's ONT)
None of that differs at all to any other ISP supplied router. You
plug it in to whatever connection you have available, and it self
configures.
I think you're getting bogged down with it being supplied by Sky,
it's basically a device that connects to the internet, and
generates a WiFi network

And that makes sense. As far as the Broadband Hub is concerned, it
talks WiFi to the PC, and hopefully it can talk WiFi to the Humax.
it tries, but needed the Password. Hopefully that is now (soon?)
available.
When the old system, with roof-mounted antenna, became pretty
useless, they contacted Sky, who provided a new set of boxes to give
them a working setup, but there is no Sky subscription paid, so no
Sky-specific services. So they have two different Sky boxes, one a
broadband Hub, the other fed by a Sky Dish, that have a failure to
communicate, the major problem being lack of any Streaming ability,
not even BBC iPlayer being available.
The Sky Dish, figure-of-eight cables, and Sky Box are connected to
the TV set, (as is the Humax), but have no known connection to the
Broadband Hub.
The Sky Dish provides basic channels, such as one would get on
Freeview, but with no streaming abilities, and no Sky Channels, as
there is no subscription. It is functionally similar to a Freesat setup.
Hopefully this describes the layout and history.

It sounds to me that the Sky 'TV' box is the older Sky+ box, (which
has no facilities for streaming anyway) so it's of no consequence
anyway in this scenario.

Agreed. They are not interested in going down that route.

Post by Mark Carver
What may well be a consideration is if the broadband connection is
only ADSL, then that might be limiting for any sustained use of
streaming.
It depends however. ADSL maxes out at about 19 Mb/s if you are next
door to the exchange, (in which case fine) or can go as low as less
than 1 Mb/s if you are 5 or 6 miles from the exchange (non starter
for streaming)

I am on ADSL, and I can stream TV with no problem. My friends used to,
when there was an internet connection to the Humax. They just want to
get that back. As for proximity to the exchange, they are in a town,
rather than out in the sticks, like me, but mine is still fine.

Yes, you can get away with 7 or 8 Mb/s for 4K/UHD streaming (if it's
multi-pass non real time encoded) i.e. non live content, and 2-3 Mb/s for HD

[Davey]

snip

Post by Mark Carver

Post by Davey

Post by Mark Carver
What may well be a consideration is if the broadband connection is
only ADSL, then that might be limiting for any sustained use of
streaming.
It depends however. ADSL maxes out at about 19 Mb/s if you are next
door to the exchange, (in which case fine) or can go as low as less
than 1 Mb/s if you are 5 or 6 miles from the exchange (non starter
for streaming)

I am on ADSL, and I can stream TV with no problem. My friends used
to, when there was an internet connection to the Humax. They just
want to get that back. As for proximity to the exchange, they are
in a town, rather than out in the sticks, like me, but mine is
still fine.

Yes, you can get away with 7 or 8 Mb/s for 4K/UHD streaming (if it's
multi-pass non real time encoded) i.e. non live content, and 2-3 Mb/s for HD

And I do not stream anything remotely HD.

[Davey]

On Thu, 1 Jun 2023 14:31:50 +0100

Post by Mark Carver

Post by Davey
On Thu, 1 Jun 2023 11:44:06 +0100

Post by Mark Carver

Post by Davey
On Thu, 1 Jun 2023 09:23:57 +0100

Post by Mark Carver
Well, the Sky Broadband hub has a *DSL connector, (an RJ-11
socket) that connects to an 'analogue' phone line. This supports
ASDL and VDSL connections, (depending upon what package has been
selected (or is possible from Openreach)

They are only using the ADSL connection. Then it broadcasts WiFi,
presently to the PC upstairs. This does the same as the old BT Hub did.

Post by Mark Carver
It also has a WAN socket (an RJ-45) for punters that have FTTP
(this connects to Openreach's ONT)
None of that differs at all to any other ISP supplied router. You
plug it in to whatever connection you have available, and it self
configures.
I think you're getting bogged down with it being supplied by Sky,
it's basically a device that connects to the internet, and
generates a WiFi network

And that makes sense. As far as the Broadband Hub is concerned, it
talks WiFi to the PC, and hopefully it can talk WiFi to the Humax.
it tries, but needed the Password. Hopefully that is now (soon?)
available.
When the old system, with roof-mounted antenna, became pretty
useless, they contacted Sky, who provided a new set of boxes to
give them a working setup, but there is no Sky subscription paid,
so no Sky-specific services. So they have two different Sky
boxes, one a broadband Hub, the other fed by a Sky Dish, that
have a failure to communicate, the major problem being lack of
any Streaming ability, not even BBC iPlayer being available.
The Sky Dish, figure-of-eight cables, and Sky Box are connected to
the TV set, (as is the Humax), but have no known connection to the
Broadband Hub.
The Sky Dish provides basic channels, such as one would get on
Freeview, but with no streaming abilities, and no Sky Channels, as
there is no subscription. It is functionally similar to a Freesat setup.
Hopefully this describes the layout and history.

It sounds to me that the Sky 'TV' box is the older Sky+ box, (which
has no facilities for streaming anyway) so it's of no consequence
anyway in this scenario.

Agreed. They are not interested in going down that route.

Post by Mark Carver
What may well be a consideration is if the broadband connection is
only ADSL, then that might be limiting for any sustained use of
streaming.
It depends however. ADSL maxes out at about 19 Mb/s if you are next
door to the exchange, (in which case fine) or can go as low as less
than 1 Mb/s if you are 5 or 6 miles from the exchange (non starter
for streaming)

I am on ADSL, and I can stream TV with no problem. My friends used
to, when there was an internet connection to the Humax. They just
want to get that back. As for proximity to the exchange, they are
in a town, rather than out in the sticks, like me, but mine is
still fine.

Yes, you can get away with 7 or 8 Mb/s for 4K/UHD streaming (if it's
multi-pass non real time encoded) i.e. non live content, and 2-3 Mb/s for HD

Zen have just sent me a message about upgrading to fibre, and it
includes this current data:

"6 Mbps Average download speed^
0.4 Mbps Average upload speed"

[Roderick Stewart]

Post by Davey
Zen have just sent me a message about upgrading to fibre, and it
"6 Mbps Average download speed^
0.4 Mbps Average upload speed"

If those are your current speeds and you have the option of upgrading
to fibre, then go for it. You really will notice the difference.

Rod.

[Davey]

On Sat, 03 Jun 2023 09:53:27 +0100

Post by Roderick Stewart

Post by Davey
Zen have just sent me a message about upgrading to fibre, and it
"6 Mbps Average download speed^
0.4 Mbps Average upload speed"

If those are your current speeds and you have the option of upgrading
to fibre, then go for it. You really will notice the difference.
Rod.

While I don't doubt that fibre would be faster, what could be better
than streaming that never falters or shows the dreaded rotating wheel?
As I say, I don't stream anything HD.

I will take fibre when I have to, and my copper line is finally
disconnected.

[JNugent]

Post by Davey
On Wed, 31 May 2023 11:57:01 +0100

Post by Max Demian
I don't know anything about Sky Hubs, and I'm not entirely sure what
you are trying to do. Wi-Fi on TV receivers are usually about
accessing the Internet in order to stream stuff. I'm not sure you can
can connect them together in arbitrary ways.

That is what they want to do. Their internet connection is via the Sky
Hub, it talks via WiFi to their PC. The Humax can see it, but cannot as
yet connect to Humax HQ, so has limited functionality. They are going
to look out for a password in their paperwork.

Post by Max Demian
You say, "[Your friends] also have a Sky dish and receiver, but it is
used to access Freeview channels." I assume you mean Sky channels, as
Freeview is strictly terrestrial.

It receives Free channels, but yes, it must be basic Sky channels with
no frills. Freesat would have done the same job.

Post by Max Demian
The "BT networks" you mention, must belong to neighbours.

I agree, it's the only sensible answer. All on the far side of the road!

Post by Max Demian
The obvious thing to do would be to connect the Sky receiver to the
TV with HDMI.

I believe that is already an HDMI connection, although I can't swear to
it. What would that do that a non-HDMI connection would do in this
case? Does the Sky Box have anything other than HDMI?
Their wish is to get streaming working. the Humax used to do it before
Sky replaced a failing (trees blocking antenna path) installation,
they want to restore that. At the moment, there is no BBC iPlayer, ITVX,
etc. I was thinking that a Firestick on the back of the TV set or the
Humax would get its WiFi from the Sky Hub, and provide what they need,
and not require any cables.

Post by Max Demian
Perhaps they want to record from Sky, which would
require a Sky recorder of some kind.

If they want to record from Sky, then they would need to subscribe to
Sky channels first, which is not in the plan. The Sky receiver is just
a basic channels conduit.
Hope this makes some kind of sense!

ISTR that a Sky+ box (HD or otherwise) without a valid viewing card will
record "free" channels (BBC, ITV, etc) but obviously, will neither
receive nor record subscription channels.

It happened to us once. Due to some admin mix-up at Sky, we were getting
subscription channels (Sky 1, Atlantic, Gold, etc) but were unable to
record them. A telephone call to Sky sorted it out.

But we *were* able to record BBC and all non-sub channels in the interim.

[Woody]

Post by JNugent

Post by Davey
On Wed, 31 May 2023 11:57:01 +0100

Post by Max Demian
I don't know anything about Sky Hubs, and I'm not entirely sure what
you are trying to do. Wi-Fi on TV receivers are usually about
accessing the Internet in order to stream stuff. I'm not sure you can
can connect them together in arbitrary ways.

That is what they want to do. Their internet connection is via the Sky
Hub, it talks via WiFi to their PC. The Humax can see it, but cannot as
yet connect to Humax HQ, so has limited functionality. They are going
to look out for a password in their paperwork.

Post by Max Demian
You say, "[Your friends] also have a Sky dish and receiver, but it is
used to access Freeview channels." I assume you mean Sky channels, as
Freeview is strictly terrestrial.

It receives Free channels, but yes, it must be basic Sky channels with
no frills. Freesat would have done the same job.

Post by Max Demian
The "BT networks" you mention, must belong to neighbours.

I agree, it's the only sensible answer. All on the far side of the road!

Post by Max Demian
The obvious thing to do would be to connect the Sky receiver to the
TV with HDMI.

I believe that is already an HDMI connection, although I can't swear to
it. What would that do that a non-HDMI connection would do in this
case? Does the Sky Box have anything other than HDMI?
Their wish is to get streaming working. the Humax used to do it before
Sky replaced a failing (trees blocking antenna path) installation,
they want to restore that. At the moment, there is no BBC iPlayer, ITVX,
etc. I was thinking that a Firestick on the back of the TV set or the
Humax would get its WiFi from the Sky Hub, and provide what they need,
and not require any cables.

Post by Max Demian
Perhaps they want to record from Sky, which would
require a Sky recorder of some kind.

If they want to record from Sky, then they would need to subscribe to
Sky channels first, which is not in the plan. The Sky receiver is just
a basic channels conduit.
Hope this makes some kind of sense!

ISTR that a Sky+ box (HD or otherwise) without a valid viewing card will
record "free" channels (BBC, ITV, etc) but obviously, will neither
receive nor record subscription channels.
It happened to us once. Due to some admin mix-up at Sky, we were getting
subscription channels (Sky 1, Atlantic, Gold, etc) but were unable to
record them. A telephone call to Sky sorted it out.
But we *were* able to record BBC and all non-sub channels in the interim.

Slightly wrong JN.
A Sky+HD box with a Freesat-from-Sky card or an expired viewing card for
your area will show all of the FTA channels and will put the appropriate
BBC1 and ITV1 regions on 101 and 103 respectively. If the box is reset
without a card installed it will show BBC1 London and ITV Central West
(i.e. Brum.)
With a F-f-S card (once off £25) you will have to pay an additional fee
(used to be £10/month) to be able to record. I am unsure if they will
allow you to use an expired viewing card as a basis for recording - I
suspect not. Either way if you stop paying you loose access both to
making new recordings <and> to the recordings you have made previously.
How they will handle F-f-S when they change to broadband only is unclear
- I would guess they will drop it completely and anyone still needing
satellite sourced signals (i.e. no Freeview available) will have to
revert to plain vanilla Freesat.

[Roderick Stewart]

Post by Davey
Their wish is to get streaming working. the Humax used to do it before
Sky replaced a failing (trees blocking antenna path) installation,
they want to restore that. At the moment, there is no BBC iPlayer, ITVX,
etc. I was thinking that a Firestick on the back of the TV set or the
Humax would get its WiFi from the Sky Hub, and provide what they need,
and not require any cables.

That would be my suggestion if you want streaming - buy a device
that's designed for it. The Amazon Fire TV 4K Max is excellent and
currently at a reduced price which they'll probably put back to normal
after this bank holiday week, so now would be a good time to get one.

Rod.

[Brian Gaff]

Well, as I see it the dish may be merely freesat, if there is no Sky
subscription, If there is one, then I'd expect there to be a sky box in the
mix. So if we assume no Sky sub, only boadband and its at a reasonable speed
and the wifi on their hub is on, then you should be able to connect anything
that can take a wifi signal to it, or anything wired to its network outputs,
be that a free anything box or a firestick. However as you say, you have the
wifi password. Then of course you have the issue of what can you get on the
internet. Well all the various broadcasters streaming services. All, as far
as I know have to have a password and are accessed by an app or via a web
site. Thus logging in may need to be automated, certainly the firestick can
cope with this, but there could well be an issue recording content via any
tv recorder, as it can block stuff, you would need to enquire.
If this person wants the extras from Sky, then you can get boxes that also
interface to the internet, under a subscription, and as they are phasing out
dishes, you might be able to add that in if they still support more than a
basic system. Likewise with the paid for things like Netflix, which can come
with the sky bundle, along with Discovery plus, but there are now so many
paid for channels and streams it can be a real pain. I have to say that
having listened to some of these channels, I was not inspired to take out a
sub to any of them. I bet within 5 years many of them will appear on
terrestrial/freesat in any case.
Ignore the BT ones these belong to other people and it would be illegal to
use them unless its one of the ones where BT give a discount if you allow
some of your wifi to be used for the public. Something I've never been very
happy about, and in any case the speeds are very slow.
Brian
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Post by Max Demian

Post by Davey
On Tue, 30 May 2023 16:15:25 +0100

Post by Davey
Not knowing anything about Sky Hubs, do they put out a normal Wi-Fi
signal that a Humax Freeview would understand and connect to? As long
as one has the Password, of course. It feeds a PC, so I am hopeful.
And would this also connect and serve an Amazon Firestick on the back
of the TV set?
Trying to get some friends better connected. They also have a Sky dish
and receiver, but it is used to access Freeview channels. A standard
antenna can receive virtually nothing, the house is in a dip, butn the
dish gives them decent reception. The system is not how I would design
it, it is more of an evolution rather than a design.
They used to have a BT hub, ut changed that for the Sky. The Humax
still thinks that there is a couple of BT networks out there, one
password protected, one not. But connecting to the 'not' one fails to
connect to the Humax setup mothership.

Nobody?

I don't know anything about Sky Hubs, and I'm not entirely sure what you
are trying to do. Wi-Fi on TV receivers are usually about accessing the
Internet in order to stream stuff. I'm not sure you can can connect them
together in arbitrary ways.
You say, "[Your friends] also have a Sky dish and receiver, but it is used
to access Freeview channels." I assume you mean Sky channels, as Freeview
is strictly terrestrial.
The "BT networks" you mention, must belong to neighbours.
The obvious thing to do would be to connect the Sky receiver to the TV
with HDMI. Perhaps they want to record from Sky, which would require a Sky
recorder of some kind.
--
Max Demian

[JNugent]

Post by Davey
Not knowing anything about Sky Hubs, do they put out a normal Wi-Fi
signal that a Humax Freeview would understand and connect to?

Not as far as I am aware.

The new-ish Sky Q box can transmit and receive from mini-Q boxes via
wi-fi. But not from other devices.

Post by Davey
As long as
one has the Password, of course. It feeds a PC, so I am hopeful.
And would this also connect and serve an Amazon Firestick on the back
of the TV set?

Not sure what the question is there.

Post by Davey
Trying to get some friends better connected. They also have a Sky dish
and receiver, but it is used to access Freeview channels.

You mean channels that are in any case available on Freeview?

You cannot receive Freeview itself over a Sky dish. It (obviously)
requires an aerial.

Post by Davey
A standard
antenna can receive virtually nothing, the house is in a dip, butn the
dish gives them decent reception. The system is not how I would design
it, it is more of an evolution rather than a design.

That makes it clearer. They're using a Sky dish and box as a free
satellite (non-subscription) receiver.

Post by Davey
They used to have a BT hub, ut changed that for the Sky. The Humax
still thinks that there is a couple of BT networks out there, one
password protected, one not. But connecting to the 'not' one fails to
connect to the Humax setup mothership.

[Brian Gaff]

That all makes no sense to me. I'm sure supplemental questions will be
coming.
Brian
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Post by Davey
Not knowing anything about Sky Hubs, do they put out a normal Wi-Fi
signal that a Humax Freeview would understand and connect to? As long as
one has the Password, of course. It feeds a PC, so I am hopeful.
And would this also connect and serve an Amazon Firestick on the back
of the TV set?
Trying to get some friends better connected. They also have a Sky dish
and receiver, but it is used to access Freeview channels. A standard
antenna can receive virtually nothing, the house is in a dip, butn the
dish gives them decent reception. The system is not how I would design
it, it is more of an evolution rather than a design.
They used to have a BT hub, ut changed that for the Sky. The Humax
still thinks that there is a couple of BT networks out there, one
password protected, one not. But connecting to the 'not' one fails to
connect to the Humax setup mothership.
--
Davey.

[Davey]

On Thu, 1 Jun 2023 09:59:53 +0100

Post by Brian Gaff
That all makes no sense to me. I'm sure supplemental questions will
be coming.
Brian

Read on. They have indeed been asked, and I have tried to answer them.
I did not design this system as described, and I would not have done so.
As the old country saying goes, to get there, I wouldn't have started
from here.