Manchester United fans watching the Premier League clash against Arsenal on Sky Sports may notice a nine-digit code in the corner of their screen
Sky broadcast of the World Grand Prix of Darts.
The nine-digit number does have a purpose(Image: Sky)
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Sky Sports viewers might spot a nine-digit number appearing on screen during Sunday afternoon's Arsenal vs Manchester United clash.
However, there's no cause for alarm as this number is security-related and is known to vanish. League leaders Arsenalface a buoyant United at 4.30pm on Sunday following their 3-1 away victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League.
Michael Carrick's side are also riding high after claiming a rare derby day success at Old Trafford, defeating Manchester City 2-0. As Premier League supporters settle down for the afternoon's entertainment, they may notice a nine-digit number appearing in the top-right-hand corner of their screens.
This number has previously appeared on numerous football broadcasts, as well as other live sporting events. Sky have clarified the purpose of this number on their help page, emphasising it holds no significance for viewers and is simply part of a security protocol.
The broadcasters said: "As part of our Domestic Broadcast Security arrangements, a nine digit number may appear in the corner of the screen periodically for up to five minutes during live football broadcasts or sporting events."
"This is not related to your individual subscription and is generated automatically as part of the broadcast. It will not affect your viewing experience in any way. The nine-digit number appears on other channels."
The security measure exists to prevent illegal use of residential Sky accounts in commercial environments, such as pubs or other paid establishments. Commercial venues shouldn't display this nine-digit code; instead, a pint glass symbol should appear on screen to indicate a business subscription.
Sky employs this system to distinguish lawful broadcasts and to identify businesses that are wrongly using domestic subscriptions for commercial gain.
Pint glass icon and nine-digit number on Sky.
There are reasons for these two symbols(Image: Sky)
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Sky has also issued guidance for Sky Q customers if this code remains visible during the broadcast, as they'll need to carry out a "box restart to remove it."
First, press standby on your Sky Q remote, then turn off the box at the mains socket. Alternatively, you can disconnect it entirely.
Next, ensure there are no illuminated lights on the front of your Sky Q box and verify all cables are properly secured. After completing this, reconnect or turn your Sky Q box back on at the main power source.
Lastly, wait until on-screen prompts vanish, then press home on your remote. The code should have gone, leaving your viewing experience clear for the remainder of the match.
Sky noted that "some features may take up to five minutes to return," though the box should operate normally following a hard reset.