Sky NowTV box

[jacton]

What does this box actually do?

I already have a smart TV but cannot connect it to the Internet as I need some sort of special cable for my Panasonic Smart VIERA TX-P42ST30B, but I can connect to the Internet via my sky box, but as I only have one single feed I do not know what is the advantage in being connected to my broadband via the Skybox.

So wondered what the Sky NowTV box would offer me.

I was thinking of getting a Chromecast box for the same reasons but again don't really understand what these boxes would actually give me over what I already have.

Can you give me some advice please?

[satandpcguy]

Do you have a Sky digibox, or a Skybox?
They are two different types of receiver (one from the official broadcasters Sky which if a Sky+HD box will offer you the online catch up content as long as you have a UK IP address, and the other (Skybox) for illegal cardsharing - which is why your Skybox will be connected to the internet - to get the "unlock" codes from your cardsharing service).
A single feed will make no difference with regards to internet content.

The Skybox will not offer any catch up services, but a Sky+HD digibox will...if using a UK VPN or smart DNS system.

A Sky+HD digibox works fine with one cable, but if you want to watch one channel and record another at the same time, that is when two cable feeds are required from the dish

For NOW TV you will need:
internet
a Sky account (but no monthly payments to sky required for the bbc itv catch u services on there!)
a UK VPN before you can access anything on the Sky Now tv system.
With little live TV available....

Chromecast will allow you to "cast" things from a device (eg tablet) to the TV...

Don't think any Smart TVs require any sort of "special cable", usually just a normal Ethernet cable from the router to the TV, or in some cases via WIFI

[jacton]

As usual many thanks for your help. According to my TV handbook I need a Wireless LAN Adaptor•DY-WL10E-K to be able to connect via wireless as opposed to wired to use the smartTV stuff like iplayer, however I looked on amazon and these cables are around £60.

My TV is HDMI connected to my Sky+HD box, but I only have one feed. I have connected the Sky+HD box to my Broadband via wireless, but was not sure what I actually get for it, as i still have not been able to record and then playback a program, so not sure what I am doing wrong, however I have a UK VPN which i use through my laptop and often connect the laptop to the TV via HDMI and watch BBC iPlayer etc.

Most of this stuff is way above my knowledge base, thankfully there are people like you around to help us.
Thanks again

[satandpcguy]

To record and playback on a Sky+HD box, you need a sky+ subscription, and ensure the card is paired to that sky box.
(to check if it is paired go to Sky Sports 1 - 402 - and if you get the wrong card message, it is not paired. If you get a "please upgrade" message, your card is paired)
Otherwise record features (on satellite and via catchup) will not work.