90,000 Sky+ HD boxes to be replaced

BSkyB is taking the unusual step of replacing 90,000 Sky+ HD boxes after an assembly flaw was identified in a “small minority” of units manufactured by Pace.

A spokesman for BSkyB told Broadband TV News that although the flaw was only thought to have affected a small proportion of boxes, released into the market since last August, the broadcaster thought it prudent to replace all 90,000 in the batch. Customers will receive a replacement box, either from Pace or from the two other manufacturers Amstrad and Thomson, as well as a three-month credit of £29.25 to the satcaster’s HD pack.

The fault itself concerns the internal cabling used within the receivers. Sky has stressed that it does not relate to a faulty component, such as a hard drive, and says it has been assured by Pace there are no safety issues involved.