Sky+ review

Frances Edwards

We review Sky+, an app that lets you control your Sky box remotely, within limitations

Published on Sep 4, 2009

When Apple brought out 'Remote', which allowed users to navigate and control their computer-based iTunes library directly from their phone, everyone was blown away. Well we quickly moved on from there.

Following a number of unofficial alternatives, Sky has stepped up to offer an app that controls Sky+ and Sky+HD boxes remotely. Unlike the Remote app however, you can programme the boxes from any location and it works even when the boxes are in standby. In theory you never need miss a programme again.

For such a cool system, using it is remarkably simple: you just setup your own Sky Remote account via sky.com/remoterecord then follow the walkthrough instructions (little more than entering your Remote Record username and password in the Sky+ app). Multi-room subscribers will need to nominate one specific Sky box.

Once this is done everything will seem very familiar. The Sky+ app uses a menu virtually identical to the one found on Sky+ boxes (but dissimilar to the new Sky+HD UI) and allows you to surf channels by category, select favourite channels or even search all listings for specific programmes (a system which works far better than using the remote control with an actual Sky box).

Like the Sky menu, information can be called up on programmes you're interested in, along with ratings - and you're also given the option to record them. You will then be sent a confirmation message in the app if the recording request was sent successfully.

Limitations do exist, however. Namely there is no series link option and recordings can only be scheduled a minimum of 30 minutes before they broadcast. The latter is a particular pain since half a recording is generally preferable to no recording at all and in the case of sport, for example, a football match which starts at 4pm if coverage of that match typically begins at 3pm you've only got until 2.30pm to remotely record it. Daft.

There is also a credible alternative out there in the form of 'TV Plus' which does still have the same recording limitations - they are inherent in the Sky Remote Record functionality - and provides additional features such as a handy now and next channel view. Unlike the Sky+ app, which is free, TV Plus will set you back £1.19.

Overall the Sky+ app offers superb functionality completely free but it is debatable if it is actually the best example available.