It seems that our satellite TV problems may well be over, although I am firmly touching wood whilst holding everything crossed.
In retrospect it appears that we had a strange congruence of events.
The major problem was the crane, but that served to reveal two other faults. We have had the satellite dish moved for almost two weeks now and TV reception is fine, even when the crane is moving around during the day.
Indeed reception is better than it has ever been. Ever since we got the Sky+, things we recorded were subject to nano-stutters. This problem got bad after Christmas, and I found an explanation on the digital spy forum, which connected it to a download of new software coupled with an intrinsically piss-poor model of box. Sometimes this led to an entire phrase being missing from a drama.
We watched a two hour recorded drama (less ads, through which we fast forward) and it was pristine, with not even a nano-second of interruption.
Interestingly, the programmes we recorded prior to our one week outage, before the application of Joe's 'Magic Fingers', have been lost. they came up on the menu as 'Copy', and directed that the video recorder should be in record mode to play them - but that was fruitless. The programmes we recorded in between our two outages were preserved without hitch.
I cannot understand or explain the problem with the box, but I can assemble facts and draw conclusions. I suspect that the dish had gone out of alignment - apparently just a few millimetres can make a difference. To be honest, it does not surprise me that it should shift in two-and-a-half years, especially sitting in an exposed position on a chimney pot, but it's worth bearing in mind.
The Sky engineers failed to check the box, failed to check whether the dish was in perfect alignment, and failed to move the dish to a place where it would by-pass the concrete boom.
It seems that the episode might actually have ended satisfactorily. The construction company have correctly promised to pay for the costs of calling Joe out. Sky have responded positively:
Firstly may I apologise for the delay in my reply to your email, this is due to us currently experiencing a high volume of emails. As your equipment is out of warranty then the service call charge would be applicable. rs any repairs that are carried out with a 90 day warranty. Unfortunately I am able to issue copies of the programmes you have missed, I have however applied a viewing credit of 9.60 (GBP) to your account for 7 days lost viewing. I have also applied a special promotion to your account of 2 months half price subscription as a gesture of goodwill. I hope my reply clarifies matters. However, should you require any further assistance on this matter please contact the above email address and we will be happy to help.
I am due to receive a copy of the Welsh Dutchman and have no doubt that BBC4 will repeat the Folk Britannia concert. However, nothing will ever make up for missing Manchester United winning the League Cup for only the second time in history.
All I can say is that it is important to complain, important to investigate what your rights are, and most important to remain civil and constructive throughout. At the nadir of my stress I was envisaging getting my solicitor, my MP and the South London Press involved. None of this was necessary as we dealt with the companies grown-up to grown-up.
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