Vodafone TV from Trademe - should this work or have I been ripped off?

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deadlyllama

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#264325 16-Jan-2020 13:23

I've just been sold a "new" Vodafone TV STB on Trademe. On the bottom it says it's made by Sagecom and the hardware version is NZ-81.

The packaging looks pretty old (the STB still has the protective plastic wrap) and when I plug it into the TV it says, after some startup screens, "SA005: Sorry, we were unable to complete the set up. Please call Customer Service for assistance."

Is this supposed to work on non-VFNZ connections like the STBs currently in the shops? Can it be made to do so or should I be asking for my money back?

sbiddle

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#2399017 16-Jan-2020 13:42

I think that error is a result of it already being linked to somebody's account.

Oblivian

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#2399033 16-Jan-2020 13:57

I was just about to comment similar..

https://community.vodafone.co.nz/t5/Vodafone-TV-SKY/Vodafone-TV-Gen1-upgrade/m-p/227066/highlight/true#M6190 Gen1 appears to be bound to account and paid for on a VF plan. Can only be used if still being paid for

Yabanize

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#2399034 16-Jan-2020 13:57

This model of Vodafone TV is the one given as part of a Vodafone Broadband plan as opposed to the new standalone units sold in shops

esawers

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#2399059 16-Jan-2020 14:27

There was a rumour on here a few months back that Vodafone were going to put the Gen 1's on the same software as Gen 2.

freitasm

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Geekzone

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#2399062 16-Jan-2020 14:33

Until that happen, this box is pretty much of no value.

gzt

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#2399064 16-Jan-2020 14:42

Vodafone TV from Trademe - should this work or have I been ripped off?

Sellers are frequently clueless. Request refund if it can't reset. Most sellers will comply. Hanlon's applies.

cyril7

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#2399069 16-Jan-2020 14:45

Technically the box belongs to Voda and cannot be onsold, I think is called "receiving stolen goods"?

http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1961/0043/latest/DLM330408.html

Cyril

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Yabanize

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#2399126 16-Jan-2020 16:23

esawers:

There was a rumour on here a few months back that Vodafone were going to put the Gen 1's on the same software as Gen 2.

freitasm:

Until that happen, this box is pretty much of no value.

Even then, It doesn't necessarily mean it will be able to be standalone

deadlyllama

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#2400293 16-Jan-2020 22:37

gzt:
Vodafone TV from Trademe - should this work or have I been ripped off?

Sellers are frequently clueless. Request refund if it can't reset. Most sellers will comply. Hanlon's applies.

They're claiming ignorance and that I should have done my research... have left bad feedback and opened a dispute. They were selling multiple Vodafone TV boxes, I find it hard to believe that they didn't try plugging one in and found it didn't go.

In the meantime I've bought an old dreambox DVB-S decoder from the tip shop for $8, that'll have to do. Unfortunately I can't get drivers for my fifteen year old DSE USB serial cable :-(

deadlyllama

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#2400294 16-Jan-2020 22:37

cyril7:

Technically the box belongs to Voda and cannot be onsold, I think is called "receiving stolen goods"?

http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1961/0043/latest/DLM330408.html

Cyril

Have you got a evidence (link/ToS/etc) that the boxes belong to VFNZ, if so I would love to include that in my Trademe dispute!

Apsattv

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#2400301 16-Jan-2020 23:09

I dont think an inactive Gen 1 box can be firmware updated? as you can't get into the menus?

If units are supplied as part of contract with Voda and can work on other isps. I expect what would happen is people will sell them off. Despite not actually "owning" them

Unless its stated that after the contract ends, you own the device? same as ownership of the router?

Oblivian

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#2400304 16-Jan-2020 23:13

12.4 The VodafoneTV Service requires a VodafoneTV set top box (Box), internet connection and TV with HDMI input.
12.5 We remain the owner of the Box. If the Box is not returned within 4 weeks following disconnection of the VodafoneTV Service or is damaged beyond reuse, a charge will be applied to your account.
12.6 You must not remove the Box from the premises once installed, without our prior consent.

12.5 relevant

https://www.vodafone.co.nz/legal/terms-conditions/residential-fixed/

The last comment on my earlier link confirms this.

Stand-alone has it's own terms

deadlyllama

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#2400307 17-Jan-2020 00:03

Apsattv:

I dont think an inactive Gen 1 box can be firmware updated? as you can't get into the menus?

If units are supplied as part of contract with Voda and can work on other isps. I expect what would happen is people will sell them off. Despite not actually "owning" them

Unless its stated that after the contract ends, you own the device? same as ownership of the router?

If you hold down the service button on the side while turning the device on, it updates its firmware.