Pace TDS 866 Sky + in test

The receiver is the successor of the Pace TDS 865. From the outside, the new with the designation TDS 866 is hardly distinguishable from its predecessor. A USB and an eSATA interface have been added to the rear panel only.


External hard drive for Sky Anytime


He also needs it to drive the associated external hard drive with a capacity of two Terabytes. Like a double-decker, the unit comes because the receiver is located on the hard drive. To ensure that the whole thing fits correctly and does not slip, there are corresponding recesses on the top of the housing, into which the feet of the receiver are let in.


Programming via Sky Go


The memory of the hard drive is more than sufficient. Half, one terabyte, is free, while the other half is reserved for Sky Anytime. Over night, editorally selected program highlights are loaded onto the hard disk.


Tuner and connections


The Sky receiver does not have a web portal and can therefore not be described as a pure-hybrid receiver. However, thanks to its Ethernet socket, it can still be connected to the Internet, although it is only limited. This is where Sky's own Sky Go app comes into play, which is currently only available for iOS devices.


Conclusion


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Sky's new interactive program guide on Sky Go allows Sky customers to receive Sky + receivers from anywhere on computers, iPads, iPhones, or iPod touch, via Sky, via satellite. The whole thing worked perfectly in our test, the desired transmission was programmed quickly and safely and recorded for sure.


Like the previous model, the new one has a double tuner. This means that you can see one program while another is recorded. During the switching times, the Pace receiver landed in the upper third and can still be described as fast. The tuner sensitivity could be better and thus offer more reserves. In terms of connections, the Pace receiver offers nothing special. There is no YUV output. For this, analogue video reaches the terminal via Scart as a composite, S-video or RGB signal.


The screen menus are tidy and appealing. The electronic program guide (EPG) offers many possibilities to find his favorite broadcast. There is a good way to search for many categories.


With its 2 terabyte external hard drive, the Sky + receiver is ideally suited for HD footage.