Digibox

Digibox is a designation used by Sky for a family of digital satellite receivers used to access Sky television services in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Introduced as digital satellite broadcasting expanded in the UK, the Digibox line comprises multiple generations of set-top boxes that decode Sky's encrypted channels and deliver them to a television. The devices receive signals from geostationary satellites and rely on a Sky viewing card for conditional access, with channel listings and a program guide delivered electronically.

Over time, Digibox devices evolved to include personal video recording capabilities under the Sky+ branding, enabling pause, rewind, and time-shift viewing. Later models added high-definition support, expanding to Sky HD channels, and improved interfaces, including HDMI outputs and more capable tuners. Some versions offered USB ports or network connectivity for firmware updates or additional services.

The Digibox system played a central role in the UK’s shift to digital satellite television and the growth of subscription-based services. With the introduction of newer platforms such as Sky Q in the 2010s, the legacy Digibox lineup has been gradually phased out, though existing boxes may still operate for continued satellite access or be repurposed in some households. In common usage, Digibox is sometimes used generically to refer to Sky’s satellite receivers, even as newer hardware and service tiers have become predominant.