Sky

“It Just Works”

| Richard

Yesterday, I was reminded about just how good technology can be when it all works together. This can, of course, be a rare thing and nothing is more frustrating than kit that doesn’t work as it should.

But two things – OK, three – reminded me of how lucky we are these days.

It started with iTunes Match: I updated the iTunes software on my work laptop and then enabled iTunes Match and watched as it increased the number of songs from simply those I’d previously purchased from the iTunes Store (available since a previous release of iTunes) to all of my music collection currently stored on my iMac back at home but now backed up to iCloud.

I was then able to download a track I wanted on my laptop from my music store back home.

I’m working away from home at the moment and saw that there was nothing much worth watching on the telly. So I fired up my iPad, tethered it to my iPhone – thanks to 3’s All You Can Eat data plan – and did a bit of social networking before starting up Sky Go.

I then watched a couple of films from Sky’s Anytime+ feature: new or classic films that are available to you, depending upon your Sky TV package. Streamed over 3’s network at no additional cost to me.

“It Just Works”…

Google and Sky: Left Hand Meet Right Hand

| Richard

Google is currently throwing lots of money at Sky to show big banner ads on Sky’s website for Google’s excellent Chrome browser.

Does Google not know that Sky’s interactive listings guide doesn’t work with Chrome?

“We have detected that you are using Chrome. You need Internet Explorer, Safari 3 or Firefox to view the latest version of the TV Listings”

Doh!

Sky and Domestic & General Services Ltd

| Richard

I’m getting more than a little bit pissed off with unsolicited, nuisance telephone calls on a daily basis from a company called Domestic & General Services Limited who claim to call on behalf of Sky TV. Their number for those of you doing a Google search is 0800 1218143.

Contrary to what you may read elsewhere on the Internet, these jokers are indeed calling with Sky TV’s collusion and permission but not mine: they’re trying to sell you a £100 a year warranty for your TV and Sky box. See http://www.skyprotect.com for proof:

“Sky Protect HD is the only extended warranty scheme for Sky HD boxes that is approved and operated under the Sky brand name. Sky Protect HD is provided by Domestic & General Services Ltd.

Independent companies can legitimately offer extended warranties on digital satellite equipment, but these companies and their products are not connected to Sky or in any way endorsed by Sky. It is illegal for companies other than Domestic & General Services Ltd to state or imply that they are approved by Sky to sell extended warranty products.”

What happens is that Sky give your details to Domestic & General who then call you every single day trying to sell you this warranty, whether or not you are registered with the TPS not to receive such calls and whether or not Sky have obtained your permission to give/sell your details to them.

I rang Sky to complain – at 5p a minute too – and when I was finally put through to a Customer Complaints droid, she started looking up my details and then cut me off. And despite having my details to had, she’s not tried telephoning me back.

Appalling lack of customer service.