In case you’re wondering how to make Sky Box record without subscription, we got you! Although it’s an unspoken language that all features of the Sky Box are subscription-based, we got the workaround that you need!
In this guide, we’ll show you the different ways on how you can record programmes and channels on your Sky Box even if you don’t have a subscription!
There’s no way on how to make your Sky Box record without being under a Sky program. The least would be to pay £10 per month to continue getting the features of Sky +. But you can use external devices such as DVD recorders and PVRs!
So, in starting to solve it, is it possible to record on your Sky Box without having a subscription?
Can I Make My Sky Box Record Without Subscription?
You’ll be able to find a lot of forums online saying that they were able to keep the recording even after they’ve ceased their services with Sky.
But, that’s only a select group of people – they’re special cases. More often than not, these people have under-the-table agreements with Sky, which allowed them to keep the recording capability.
In a general sense, though, the pause/play and recording capability of the Sky Box is reliant on the monthly subscription you’re paying for. Without any monthly subscription, it’ll not be possible to make your Sky Box record.
Is there a workaround to making your Sky Box record without any subscriptions?
How to Make Sky Box Record Without Subscription?
If we are to factor out the monthly payments of more than £100 from the equation, you can pay £10 per month to be able to keep the pause/play and recording functionality of your box.
This is possible even if you are not subscribed to a Sky television package. But, what if paying £10 is out of the question? What are your other options to be able to record?
With the technology handed down to us, we have a handful of ways on how you can record the programmes from your Sky Box even if you are not subscribed.
Method #1: Using a DVR
A DVR or a Digital Video Recorder is one of the classic ways of recording LIVE TV. They usually come with a clicker, for easier and simpler navigation through the DVR!
Here are the steps of initiating the recording on your DVR.
- Plug your DVR into the port at the back of the telly.
- On the DVR clicker, hit the Record button.
- Wait for the DVR to recognize this action and it’ll record instantly.
NOTE: If you want to record from the start time of a specific programme, go to the GUIDE LISTINGS of the network/channel and record it from there.
Method #2: Using a PVR
The next method is by using a PVR or a Personal Video Recorder. These are straightforward instruments you can use to be able to record programmes that are being shown on the telly.
The best part about using a PVR is that you can do it in two (2) ways!
Using an External PVR
Using an external PVR is somewhat similar to using a DVR. You simply have to plug the device into the telly, and then you have to wait for the system to recognize the device.
After that, press the [MENU] on your clicker, then choose the PVR option. From there, you’ll be able to pause/play, fast-forward, rewind, and record the programme that you’re currently on!
Using a Built-In PVR
Most of the smart TVs today have built-in PVR functionalities, which will make it easier for you to record without purchasing anything extra!
To start recording using your built-in PVR:
- Plug a flash or a hard drive into the port at the back of your TV.
- A prompt asking to open the device will appear, click [OK] on the clicker.
- Check the storage and the name of your drive, then click [EXIT/BACK].
- From there, press the record button on the remote and select the drive.
- After that, the system will do a test to see if the drive is enough to be a PVR.
- If it is, the window will close and you’ll be able to continue watching.
From there, you can pause/play and rewind. When you pause, you’ll see a buffer that tells you how long the programme has been paused and how big the recording is.
The only drawback to using the built-in PVR is that it will record from broadcasts received locally. Meaning, you wouldn’t be able to record programmes from external devices like a Sky Box.
Method #3: Using a Flash or Hard Drive
And the last, but most definitely not least is by using a flash drive or a hard drive. For this, though, you need to ensure that your telly is programmed to be capable of recording.
You’ll usually see this capability on the user manual, but if you don’t have it with you, you can check the clicker if there’s a record option.
To record programmes using your drive, follow these steps:
- Insert the flash drive or hard drive into one of the USB ports of the telly.
- On your clicker, hit the Record button.
- Your telly should run a quick speed test of the storage device.
- Then, it should proceed to record the programme you initiated to record.
When done, you can check the recording by going to Input/Source > Flash/Hard Drive. From there, you can access the content you’ve recorded!
You will be able to find many types of these devices in the market today, so, take your pick!
With these three (3) methods, you wouldn’t mind being under a Sky subscription or not because you will be able to record programmes, shows, and movies from your telly without any problem!
While there’s no way to make your Sky Box record without having a subscription, these methods should be able to help you with your dilemma! Use a DVR, a PVR, or even a flash or hard drive to record programmes from your telly!
Read Next: Why is Sky Box Not Responding to Remote?
Final Verdict
So, how do you make your Sky Box record without a subscription? By using other external devices!
You can say goodbye to your woes of not being able to record so long as you have the right technology to get past it!
The best part about this is you don’t need an expert to help you with it! We’ve outlined and structured the guide to be as easy as it can for the benefit of everyone, including those who aren’t tech-savvy!
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.