Sky let you record TV shows via SMS with Remote Record

Texting service allows you to set record on your set-top box

6 July 2006 11:00 GMT / By Stuart Miles

It's been rumoured for years, but today Sky has announced that Sky+ customers will now be able to text their Sky+ box to record stuff from anywhere with a mobile phone reception.

Launched today, the new service called Remote Record will mean that if you’re delayed on the way home, need to stay late at work or are just out and about with friends, you’ll be able to send a recording request there and then.

Viewers with a 2.5G, 3G or GPRS phone who have downloaded the Sky by mobile application can view Sky’s 7-day TV guide on their phone and select programmes to record on their Sky+ box.

The guide they see on their phone looks similar to Sky’s light blue on-screen guide and enables people to browse listings and view programme details on the move. There is no charge to use this part of the service other than the phone operator’s data charge for using 2.5G, 3G or GPRS services.

The new service also works via text message. Sky+ customers just send a short message with the programme details to a dedicated number.

Sky hopes to expand the service later this year by letting people access tv schedules via its online site.

The text message version works with any UK-based mobile phone, users send a short message such as The Simpsons. Sky 1. 11/06. 18:30. to the dedicated "Remote Record" number 61759. Sky then automatically searches the TV listings and if a match is found a message is sent to the customers Sky+ box.

To use Remote Record you need an active Sky+ subscription. Up to eight mobiles can be registered on one box. However mobile phones cannot be registered on multiple boxes. Texts cost 25p.