View Full Version : Modem with a twist
Does anybody know of an adapter or modem that works like a cordless phone. Ie you have receiver/ transmitter that plugs into the socket on the wall and other bits that plug into the (analog) modem on your PC or Sky box?
Trouble is I don't have any phone sockets near my Sky boxes and Sky keeping sending me threatening letters as they should be plugged in.
FunkyMunky
16th Feb 2005, 23:51
This (http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=34889&TabID=1&source=14&doy=23m1) might be helpful. It's not truly wireless because it uses your existing mains wiring, and it is a little pricey for just set top box use. Do Sky honestly *need* the boxes plugged in for some reason? I'd always thought it had just been for pay per view/Box Office events, but someone told me the boxes like to "phone home" every so often, a sort of anti-piracy thing. It is in the terms of the Sky contract, but I know plenty of people who leave them unplugged and just ignore the letters. (Not saying you should, just saying it's never hurt anyone I know ;) )
It is part of the Terms with Sky as I have 2 boxes at a reduced rate.
Devlin Carnet
17th Feb 2005, 09:48
Only for 12 months though, when your 12 month contract is up you can disconnect.
I din't think that is the case for the deal that I have. Basically they are not charging me for the second box for as long as I have the full package and Sky + on the other box.
Memetic
17th Feb 2005, 11:39
If what you wanted to do was get a PC to talk to a remote phone socket what you would need is something like a DECT Modem.
However I'd not rush out an buy one as I do not believe it is the solution for a Sky to socket link as the sky box has a built in modem, so what it needs to see is a line and a dial tone, not a modem serial port.
There may be some sort of DECT line extender you could get.
This might shed some light on why they are so keen (after the required 12 months) to keep you connected to a phone line: http://www.e-repair.co.uk/story146.htm
And this one, where having 2 boxes is mentioned as being a special case needing a connection all the time: http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=192359
Looking at the two above links it seems that if you plug each box it into the phone line once in a while Sky will stop hassling you as they can download the data they want.
The phone home function is one of the reasons I have not bought Sky.