A few things to try: First, go into your Sky picture settings and make sure you've set the output to RGB and not PAL. Set Contrast to medium. Second, make sure the Input channel on your Sony is also set to RGB. Third, Scour the internet forums for recommended SD Sky/Freeview picture settings for the Sony V3000. I'm sure someone out there must've played around for long enough to get the best settings. Also, you could try a better quality SCART cable, such as a Philex Thor or one of the QED ones. As the signal is analog, the quality of the cable can make a difference. If none of this helps then try the S-Video or component route and borrow cables first if you can. No point spending money if it's not going to have any effect.