Users of the Sky Q box, it appears, are facing an issue with the box again. Many users have taken to social media platforms and product forums to complain that their Sky Q is not working.
Sky Q blank screen issue – what to do?
Users are specifically complaining of getting no signal or a blank screen, notes tech site PiunikaWeb. “oh GREAT! Once again we have some snow and rain and @SkyUK goes off again with no signal! We actually have to pay for this service!” one user affected by the Sky Q blank screen issue tweeted.
The support team is aware of the issue, and is in touch with the affected users. Further, the team says that they are working on a fix, which would be rolled out soon. The team has also offered a workaround until the permanent fix is rolled out.
Good evening folks, we’re aware of an issue with our Sky Q system where customers are just getting a blank screen. If you reset your box (plug it out and then back in again) this should fix the issue. We’re working towards getting this fixed as soon as possible ? Thanks ^Sarah
— Sky Help Ireland (@SkyHelpIreland) January 29, 2019
The support team says that the Sky Q blank screen issue can be fixed by resetting the box. Users are also being asked to visit a link, which guides how to reset their Sky Q box. To reset the box, first switch off from the mains, and ensure that both ends of the cables are well connected. Now, switch on the box from the mains and wait for the screen instructions to disappear, and then press the Home button on the Sky Q remote.
Also, the company has put a statement on its forum page regarding the issue, saying users may face such an issue and affected users must restart the device to fix the problem.
Though the reset seemingly resolves the Sky Q blank screen issue, users need more of a permanent solution. Some users say that the issue is a common problem that they face almost every morning.
“Every morning I go to switch my tv on and nothing, reset box and then it will work all day. Switch it off at night and then in the morning nothing again,” one affected user said on the Sky product forum.
A similar issue was raised by another user, who claims to have been facing the issue over the last week or so. The user says that the “box (like most peoples) is left on overnight and throughout the night, it turns itself onto standby mode.” But, the next morning it remains in the standby mode, until it is restarted. The same problem resurfaces again the next morning.
Moreover, the same user reports another issue that the box is “freezing and sticking way too much.” The user notes that sometimes it takes about 15 seconds to switch the channel. It remains to be seen if more users are facing the “freezing and sticking” issue with the Sky Q.
New features expected this year
Leaving aside the issues, Sky has promised a blockbuster year ahead for the users. The company plans to add plenty of new features to make the viewing experience even better, including improved voice search. Users already have the facility of voice-powered search, which the company claims handles over 10 million requests a month.
Going forward, the company is planning to offer a totally hands-free experience. The company also teased the feature in an advert showing a woman searching for the remote under the sofa. The tagline of the advert says: “You can’t lose your voice under the sofa.”
As of now, it is not known what features will be added to the voice-powered search. The company, however, has hinted that users will be able to “beg for Benedict, summon Discovery of Witches, or simply ask it to record your favourite shows.”
Apart from the better voice feature, the Sky broadband service may also get a boost in speed. The company plans to launch a next-gen router with better WiFi capabilities. Not many details are available, but it is believed that the new router will offer a better network throughout the home.
The most significant addition that many are expecting this year is getting the service directly in their living room without the need for a dish. Such an upgrade has been expected for the past couple of years. Sky’s chief executive, Jeremy Darroch, notes that such an arrangement would allow the company to target two million households in the UK and six million across Europe who don’t want a dish.
Though there is still no confirmed launch date for the service, many expect such a service to arrive sometime this year.
