TBox - Should I wait a little longer?

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818 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 476054 31-May-2011 06:45
We have been using our T-Box for just over two months now and we have had no issues except for the occasional very minor glitch with the EPG. Some points I think folks ned to remember when coming from a standard Digital Set-top box. T-Box is more than just a Receiver it is in fact a computer and needs to be treated as one, and with that being said here is some tips I have used and help two friends that were having some issues. 1. Just like your Home PC it will not run smoothly forever with out a reboot. Reboot once a week when you have no recording scheduled, it only takes a few minutes, turn off turn on , have diner all done. This resets the OS and memory etc. 2. I set the padding to 2 minutes and have no issues. 3. Clean up the Hard drive on a regular basis. 4. Do not place objects on top od the box, ensures the cables are neatly managed.Ensure the unit is clear of of other device power supply bricks.Also position the unit so that it has adequate air flow clear of heat sources and direct sunlight. 5. Do not click rapidly through the menu items etc on your remote, allow time for the unit to respond just as you would with your computer. With these simple tips I have avoided and eliminated others issues. KiwiNZ Whāia te iti kahurangi Ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei Pursue excellence – should you stumble, let it be to a lofty mountain

BarTender

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Reply # 476061 31-May-2011 07:57
KiwiNZ: We have been using our T-Box for just over two months now and we have had no issues except for the occasional very minor glitch with the EPG. Some points I think folks ned to remember when coming from a standard Digital Set-top box. T-Box is more than just a Receiver it is in fact a computer and needs to be treated as one, and with that being said here is some tips I have used and help two friends that were having some issues. 1. Just like your Home PC it will not run smoothly forever with out a reboot. Reboot once a week when you have no recording scheduled, it only takes a few minutes, turn off turn on , have diner all done. This resets the OS and memory etc. 2. I set the padding to 2 minutes and have no issues. 3. Clean up the Hard drive on a regular basis. 4. Do not place objects on top od the box, ensures the cables are neatly managed.Ensure the unit is clear of of other device power supply bricks.Also position the unit so that it has adequate air flow clear of heat sources and direct sunlight. 5. Do not click rapidly through the menu items etc on your remote, allow time for the unit to respond just as you would with your computer. With these simple tips I have avoided and eliminated others issues. I respectfully disagree that a T-Box isn't a Set-top box. It is a vendor supplied box from TelstraClear which YOU’RE PAYING THEM FOR. It's not a PC, since a PC you have access to your media depending on your own choice if you are constrained by DRM or not. A T-Box is EXACTLY like a MySky IMHO. They are both supplied by the service provider and runs in a subscription model where you are able to watch whatever services you subscribe to. A service provider box shouldn't crash, the only time it should reboot is when its firmware upgraded, which normally happens at 3am anyway so you don't notice. One of the main differences is between the T-Box and MySky, is that a MySky doesn't crash. My mother in law has had MySky for over a year, and hasn't rebooted it once. If you were talking about a HTPC or similar home PVR option then sure reboots is to some degree expected since you're meddling with the OS. But a T-Box is a closed black box (you can't put your own media in, you can't upgrade the HDD, you can extract out recorded shows) so therefore I would it to perform like any other "black box" device. T-Box has been out for at least 6 months, they had a lot of issues when it first came out after at least 1 year of delay. Now they are still having issues. To me that indicates they chose a lemon of a platform. Also note that I dislike Sky with a passion but to give Sky their dues; Their PVR is very stable and easily used device by any non-techno person. Check out my Mobile Cell Site Google Maps KML Files in my blog. Now using Google Fusion Tables or Address Lookup or GPS using Smartphone I update it on a monthly basis automatically from RSM.

KiwiNZ

818 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 476069 31-May-2011 08:46
BarTender: KiwiNZ: We have been using our T-Box for just over two months now and we have had no issues except for the occasional very minor glitch with the EPG. Some points I think folks ned to remember when coming from a standard Digital Set-top box. T-Box is more than just a Receiver it is in fact a computer and needs to be treated as one, and with that being said here is some tips I have used and help two friends that were having some issues. 1. Just like your Home PC it will not run smoothly forever with out a reboot. Reboot once a week when you have no recording scheduled, it only takes a few minutes, turn off turn on , have diner all done. This resets the OS and memory etc. 2. I set the padding to 2 minutes and have no issues. 3. Clean up the Hard drive on a regular basis. 4. Do not place objects on top od the box, ensures the cables are neatly managed.Ensure the unit is clear of of other device power supply bricks.Also position the unit so that it has adequate air flow clear of heat sources and direct sunlight. 5. Do not click rapidly through the menu items etc on your remote, allow time for the unit to respond just as you would with your computer. With these simple tips I have avoided and eliminated others issues. I respectfully disagree that a T-Box isn't a Set-top box. It is a vendor supplied box from TelstraClear which YOU’RE PAYING THEM FOR. It's not a PC, since a PC you have access to your media depending on your own choice if you are constrained by DRM or not. A T-Box is EXACTLY like a MySky IMHO. They are both supplied by the service provider and runs in a subscription model where you are able to watch whatever services you subscribe to. A service provider box shouldn't crash, the only time it should reboot is when its firmware upgraded, which normally happens at 3am anyway so you don't notice. One of the main differences is between the T-Box and MySky, is that a MySky doesn't crash. My mother in law has had MySky for over a year, and hasn't rebooted it once. If you were talking about a HTPC or similar home PVR option then sure reboots is to some degree expected since you're meddling with the OS. But a T-Box is a closed black box (you can't put your own media in, you can't upgrade the HDD, you can extract out recorded shows) so therefore I would it to perform like any other "black box" device. T-Box has been out for at least 6 months, they had a lot of issues when it first came out after at least 1 year of delay. Now they are still having issues. To me that indicates they chose a lemon of a platform. Also note that I dislike Sky with a passion but to give Sky their dues; Their PVR is very stable and easily used device by any non-techno person. I was referring to being a PC in as much as how it works not any perceived DRM restrictions. KiwiNZ Whāia te iti kahurangi Ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei Pursue excellence – should you stumble, let it be to a lofty mountain

BarTender

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Reply # 476113 31-May-2011 10:18
KiwiNZ: I was referring to being a PC in as much as how it works not any perceived DRM restrictions. Well if that is the case how come the MySky is rock solid platform performing exactly the same functions on different hardware? Sky did have some stability issues when it first launched, but they resolved those within the first few months. Granted Sky does have deeper pockets, and has the backing of News Corp intl and the existing NDS CA and relationships leveraged with Pace for their PVR STBs. However TCL has Telstra AU who also market a T-Box, but that's just a FTA Freeview HD style box and streaming media over the internet connection. From the looks of it completely different hardware and platform. The other area which TCL have it tough is that there is very little margin in TV, most of the sub goes directly to Sky so it's hard to spend money on a quality box or back-end infrastructure with the head-end and CA when the margin is so tight. The ADB boxes were ok, but I just think the T-Box platform just isn't mature enough. Anyone who has asked me I have always said to either get a Freeview HD box and a quality UHF aerial, or go for MySky. Check out my Mobile Cell Site Google Maps KML Files in my blog. Now using Google Fusion Tables or Address Lookup or GPS using Smartphone I update it on a monthly basis automatically from RSM.

KiwiNZ

818 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 476117 31-May-2011 10:31
BarTender: KiwiNZ: I was referring to being a PC in as much as how it works not any perceived DRM restrictions. Well if that is the case how come the MySky is rock solid platform performing exactly the same functions on different hardware? Sky did have some stability issues when it first launched, but they resolved those within the first few months. Granted Sky does have deeper pockets, and has the backing of News Corp intl and the existing NDS CA and relationships leveraged with Pace for their PVR STBs. However TCL has Telstra AU who also market a T-Box, but that's just a FTA Freeview HD style box and streaming media over the internet connection. From the looks of it completely different hardware and platform. The other area which TCL have it tough is that there is very little margin in TV, most of the sub goes directly to Sky so it's hard to spend money on a quality box or back-end infrastructure with the head-end and CA when the margin is so tight. The ADB boxes were ok, but I just think the T-Box platform just isn't mature enough. Anyone who has asked me I have always said to either get a Freeview HD box and a quality UHF aerial, or go for MySky. You do realize T-Box is still relatively new in market. SkyHDI has been around a lot longer. I had SkyHDI when it was first released and gave up on it due to problems. T-Box and SkyHDI ,TIVO are all computers, you can get differing results running Windows 7 on an HP machine compared to a Dell machine, that is a fact of life for computers . KiwiNZ Whāia te iti kahurangi Ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei Pursue excellence – should you stumble, let it be to a lofty mountain

Fog

161 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 476170 31-May-2011 12:26
angienz22: Can you please tell me is this the Telstra T Box you are talking of? My Post is in reference to the T-Box.

LookingUp

288 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 476175 31-May-2011 12:34
If you're looking for the best device, the Vu+Duo wins hands down. Not cheap, but very flexible. Things are LookingUp.... A photo from my back yard :-) http://www.astrophotogallery.org/u141-rodm.html

zaptor

318 posts

Ultimate Geek

Subscriber

Reply # 476604 1-Jun-2011 10:37
LookingUp: If you're looking for the best device, the Vu+Duo wins hands down. Not cheap, but very flexible. Nice - thanks. Should've checked something like that out before I got our AC.Ryan Mini2. Hmmm... if our MySkyHDi card works in the Duo it would be nice not to have delete recordings due to the 180GB limit.

BarTender

1309 posts

Uber Geek

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Reply # 476844 1-Jun-2011 20:51
zaptor: LookingUp: If you're looking for the best device, the Vu+Duo wins hands down. Not cheap, but very flexible. Nice - thanks. Should've checked something like that out before I got our AC.Ryan Mini2. Hmmm... if our MySkyHDi card works in the Duo it would be nice not to have delete recordings due to the 180GB limit. Don't go telling anyone or the secret will get out. You may need a Smargo, or not. Austech is your friend. Check out my Mobile Cell Site Google Maps KML Files in my blog. Now using Google Fusion Tables or Address Lookup or GPS using Smartphone I update it on a monthly basis automatically from RSM.

quickymart

975 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 476886 1-Jun-2011 23:28
KiwiNZ: We have been using our T-Box for just over two months now and we have had no issues except for the occasional very minor glitch with the EPG. Some points I think folks ned to remember when coming from a standard Digital Set-top box. T-Box is more than just a Receiver it is in fact a computer and needs to be treated as one, and with that being said here is some tips I have used and help two friends that were having some issues. 1. Just like your Home PC it will not run smoothly forever with out a reboot. Reboot once a week when you have no recording scheduled, it only takes a few minutes, turn off turn on , have diner all done. This resets the OS and memory etc. 2. I set the padding to 2 minutes and have no issues. 3. Clean up the Hard drive on a regular basis. 4. Do not place objects on top od the box, ensures the cables are neatly managed.Ensure the unit is clear of of other device power supply bricks.Also position the unit so that it has adequate air flow clear of heat sources and direct sunlight. 5. Do not click rapidly through the menu items etc on your remote, allow time for the unit to respond just as you would with your computer. With these simple tips I have avoided and eliminated others issues. So you've had to do a whole lot of workarounds (especially point 5!) to try and avoid all the problems with the T-Box, and yet you still pay good money for it, and you think that's perfectly fine? I wouldn't. The people with MySky don't seem to have the same problems. It sounds like the T-Box - while a good idea - has a long, long way to go. I've had Saturn cable TV before (way before the T-Box was even thought of) and I have to say the old set-top boxes - while analogue - performed very well indeed. I would guess you can't get them anymore though :(

KiwiNZ

818 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 476903 2-Jun-2011 07:08
quickymart: KiwiNZ: We have been using our T-Box for just over two months now and we have had no issues except for the occasional very minor glitch with the EPG. Some points I think folks ned to remember when coming from a standard Digital Set-top box. T-Box is more than just a Receiver it is in fact a computer and needs to be treated as one, and with that being said here is some tips I have used and help two friends that were having some issues. 1. Just like your Home PC it will not run smoothly forever with out a reboot. Reboot once a week when you have no recording scheduled, it only takes a few minutes, turn off turn on , have diner all done. This resets the OS and memory etc. 2. I set the padding to 2 minutes and have no issues. 3. Clean up the Hard drive on a regular basis. 4. Do not place objects on top od the box, ensures the cables are neatly managed.Ensure the unit is clear of of other device power supply bricks.Also position the unit so that it has adequate air flow clear of heat sources and direct sunlight. 5. Do not click rapidly through the menu items etc on your remote, allow time for the unit to respond just as you would with your computer. With these simple tips I have avoided and eliminated others issues. So you've had to do a whole lot of workarounds (especially point 5!) to try and avoid all the problems with the T-Box, and yet you still pay good money for it, and you think that's perfectly fine? I wouldn't. The people with MySky don't seem to have the same problems. It sounds like the T-Box - while a good idea - has a long, long way to go. I've had Saturn cable TV before (way before the T-Box was even thought of) and I have to say the old set-top boxes - while analogue - performed very well indeed. I would guess you can't get them anymore though :( My points 1,2,3,+4 are just common sense and good house keeping. Point 5 is just a tip, we have become a click happy society that expects responses from devices in milliseconds. The T-Box does a lot more in the back ground than a standard Set top box and has to process a lot of data with each click. Is your life so busy that you cannot pause for less than a couple of seconds between clicks ? There is still some bugs in T-Box that is true but at the same time in it's life cycle so did MySky. KiwiNZ Whāia te iti kahurangi Ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei Pursue excellence – should you stumble, let it be to a lofty mountain

BarTender

1309 posts

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Reply # 476914 2-Jun-2011 07:52
KiwiNZ: Point 5 is just a tip, we have become a click happy society that expects responses from devices in milliseconds. The T-Box does a lot more in the back ground than a standard Set top box and has to process a lot of data with each click. Is your life so busy that you cannot pause for less than a couple of seconds between clicks ? There is still some bugs in T-Box that is true but at the same time in it's life cycle so did MySky. My dreambox changes channels within .6 seconds on non-encrypted channels and .8 on encrypted ones. The MySky seems to unblock channels in a bit over a second. But it doesn't mind if you hold down keys or press them quickly. It's never crashed for me. And yes I agree MySky did have problems when it first launched. But those issues were resolved from memory after reading the sky forum (since I didn't have mysky at the time) in about 4 months. TBox has been launched now for over a year, and was delayed by 18+ months to 2 years from when it was first supposed to launch to when it did (the joke on this forum was HD TV From TCL.. Yeah Right for a VERY long time). So I would have expected once TCL finally launched the platform would be rock solid due to the lengthy delays. Which certainly isn't the case. Weekly reboots.. You gotta be kidding me. Check out my Mobile Cell Site Google Maps KML Files in my blog. Now using Google Fusion Tables or Address Lookup or GPS using Smartphone I update it on a monthly basis automatically from RSM.

KiwiNZ

818 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 476923 2-Jun-2011 08:21
BarTender: KiwiNZ: Point 5 is just a tip, we have become a click happy society that expects responses from devices in milliseconds. The T-Box does a lot more in the back ground than a standard Set top box and has to process a lot of data with each click. Is your life so busy that you cannot pause for less than a couple of seconds between clicks ? There is still some bugs in T-Box that is true but at the same time in it's life cycle so did MySky. My dreambox changes channels within .6 seconds on non-encrypted channels and .8 on encrypted ones. The MySky seems to unblock channels in a bit over a second. But it doesn't mind if you hold down keys or press them quickly. It's never crashed for me. And yes I agree MySky did have problems when it first launched. But those issues were resolved from memory after reading the sky forum (since I didn't have mysky at the time) in about 4 months. TBox has been launched now for over a year, and was delayed by 18+ months to 2 years from when it was first supposed to launch to when it did (the joke on this forum was HD TV From TCL.. Yeah Right for a VERY long time). So I would have expected once TCL finally launched the platform would be rock solid due to the lengthy delays. Which certainly isn't the case. Weekly reboots.. You gotta be kidding me. Why are people so anti reboots ? Do you reboot your Computers? It takes from memory approx 2 - 5 minutes mainly due to the EPG update and load, have a cup of coffee or walk in the fresh air while it does this and guess what the T-Box will love you for it. KiwiNZ Whāia te iti kahurangi Ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei Pursue excellence – should you stumble, let it be to a lofty mountain

BarTender

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Reply # 476944 2-Jun-2011 09:19
KiwiNZ: Why are people so anti reboots ? Do you reboot your Computers? It takes from memory approx 2 - 5 minutes mainly due to the EPG update and load, have a cup of coffee or walk in the fresh air while it does this and guess what the T-Box will love you for it. Me, I don't reboot my computer. My Linux workstation at work has had 500+ days of uptime, our Windows 2003 Terminal Server averages 60 days of uptime before it gets patched and needs to be rebooted. My Dreambox which ran our home PVR when I was with TCL which also runs Linux had at least 1 1/2 years of continual use, apart from when we go on holiday or there was a power cut it never needed being touched. These are all boxes I manage and maintain and have root / admin access to so I can do what I want. Whereas a TBox is a provider box, since you are "paying" for "service" I would expect you shouldn't need to reboot it yourself. Much like a Cable Modem, or Router, or any other embedded device I would expect to only need a reboot when the supplier upgrades the firmware. A reboot more frequent than every 2-3 months just speaks volumes to me about the quality of the box/platform. Check out my Mobile Cell Site Google Maps KML Files in my blog. Now using Google Fusion Tables or Address Lookup or GPS using Smartphone I update it on a monthly basis automatically from RSM.

KiwiNZ

818 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 476948 2-Jun-2011 09:39
BarTender: KiwiNZ: Why are people so anti reboots ? Do you reboot your Computers? It takes from memory approx 2 - 5 minutes mainly due to the EPG update and load, have a cup of coffee or walk in the fresh air while it does this and guess what the T-Box will love you for it. Me, I don't reboot my computer. My Linux workstation at work has had 500+ days of uptime, our Windows 2003 Terminal Server averages 60 days of uptime before it gets patched and needs to be rebooted. My Dreambox which ran our home PVR when I was with TCL which also runs Linux had at least 1 1/2 years of continual use, apart from when we go on holiday or there was a power cut it never needed being touched. These are all boxes I manage and maintain and have root / admin access to so I can do what I want. Whereas a TBox is a provider box, since you are "paying" for "service" I would expect you shouldn't need to reboot it yourself. Much like a Cable Modem, or Router, or any other embedded device I would expect to only need a reboot when the supplier upgrades the firmware. A reboot more frequent than every 2-3 months just speaks volumes to me about the quality of the box/platform. Routers need reboots or you end up with collisions and other network issues. Hmmm 500+ days on a Linux Desktop??? I helped start and Administered the Ubuntu Support Forum that claim pushes credibility a Tad. KiwiNZ Whāia te iti kahurangi Ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei Pursue excellence – should you stumble, let it be to a lofty mountain

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