Moving to PlusNet

Adam_T

Good morning!  I was wondering if anyone here has any experience of the following scenario and what happened...

I am currently on a Youview retail recorder box with a broadband provider who dont provide YV.
I am moving to Plusnet and want their tv service but from what I've read here, I can keep my existing box and receive their boost channels as there will be a software update overnight to get the Plusnet stuff? 
Essentially I dont want or need a new recording box so hoping if i get a zapper from them and simply dont use it, I can use my current one with the new service?
I went from BT to TalkTalk with said box with no issues a couple of years ago so fingers crossed!

Thanking you in advance!

John L

Hi Adam_t,
Welcome to the forum. If Plusnet provide you with a Zapper box (non recording box) you won't be able to record anymore. You are basically "downgrading" just to get subscription channels for an extra cost per month. If it was me, I would never get rid of a pvr, unless you never record anything? You can either use in another room for recordings if you do opt for Zapper box. The only problem I can see is that the remote will interfere with each other. I don't think you can change remote settings. I know you can on Humax/Freesat pvrs. With reagrds Plusnet software update, you will need to ask them more questions before deciding.

If you already have a retail pvr, which should hopefully have the full software suit with Discover, do you really need all the extra channels? If you do, why not keep the Youview retail box in another room (often programmes clash & you have extra box + hard drive space) & request a Youview model with recording (not a Zapper). The choice is yours. Let us know what you think. Be interested. Hope I have given you some thought. John L

jimb

Hi @Adam_T,
I'm not at all sure that John L's advice is correct.

If you sign up with Plusnet just for broadband you will still be able to use your current YouView box.
The question is if you then wish to opt in to their subscription channels is there an additional monthly charge just to allow you to do this?
I can't find that out from their website. 

Maybe others here can clarify this.

John L

Hi jimb, 
I was mentioning about the Zapper, which is non recordable. Hence why I mentioned regarding more info, contact Plusnet for more details regarding the software update. I'm sure you can keep same box or they will supply another one, but not recordable, unless opted for. John L

jimb

@Adam_T I just tried to get some info with their online chat.
They just keep saying "You can only get our tv service with our youview box".
But obviously they're trying to get you to opt for that when you move to their broadband.

If you don't get any more advice here maybe you should ask about this in the Plusnet forum (it looks like this is possible without being one of their customers).

jimb

@John L ...

John L said:

 You can either use in another room for recordings if you do opt for Zapper box.
[What does this mean?]
The only problem I can see is that the remote will interfere with each other.
[How is this relevant?]
With reagrds Plusnet software update, you will need to ask them more questions before deciding.
[This isn't a question about software updates, it's about what package should be chosen.]

If you already have a retail pvr, which should hopefully have the full software suit with Discover, do you really need all the extra channels?
[Clearly @Adam_T does want the option of these - he's said so.]

John L

Hi Jimb, I think you are just writing to have an argument? I simply was trying to help Adam_T. I look at the forum in between my work from time to time (I work from home) & try to answer questions if I am able. The question I thought was about upgrading to Zapper box, Plusnet subscription etc etc. I use loads of pvrs in same room, different brands etc, & I know that having 2 Youviews in same room can interfere with remote, UNLESS you are able to change remote settings on remote? Hence the reason I mentioned this. "I think ahead", that's how my brain works!  So what is your point? I sincerely hope Adam_T has been helped & not confused even more. I wish I hadn't bothered answering the question now . . . .  Back to my work.
John L

Adam_T

Plenty to go on here so will digest it all and report back!  thankyou for your help

John L

Glad to "try" & help you Adam_T. I apologise in advance for the confusion or "interference" (in Freeview terms). Not always like this! Hopefully my first answers have pointed you in right direction + as mentioned earlier ref Remote control issues (thinking in advance) I don't know all the answers, there are many others who have more knowledge in different areas. Let us know how you get on. Good luck. John L

jonesh

Adam_T said:

Good morning!  I was wondering if anyone here has any experience of the following scenario and what happened...

I am currently on a Youview retail recorder box with a broadband provider who dont provide YV.
I am moving to Plusnet and want their tv service but from what I've read here, I can keep my existing box and receive their boost channels as there will be a software update overnight to get the Plusnet stuff? 
Essentially I dont want or need a new recording box so hoping if i get a zapper from them and simply dont use it, I can use my current one with the new service?
I went from BT to TalkTalk with said box with no issues a couple of years ago so fingers crossed!

Thanking you in advance!

I have experience of the scenario that you describe @Adam_T.

If you subscribe to the basic Plusnet TV service you will be able to use your existing box to receive and record their boost channels. They will send you a zapper box, but the ability to record is determined by the box, not the subscription.

In addition you will be able to use your zapper box to watch Freeview channels, but not the boost channels if you are receiving them on your recording box.

When I subscribed to the boost channels I was able to watch and record them on my existing box within a few hours. The zapper box arived a couple of days later.

@jimb

The information that you were given in your online chat with a Plusnet person that "You can only get our tv service with our youview box" is incorrect. Any Youview box can be used for that purpose.