Vodafone TV - new Gen2 box

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Smpl Mnmlst
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#2372861 12-Dec-2019 03:07

IvanPiacun:

Google Mesh uses Auto channels, and changes them, but I assume it handles the change of channels properly between the Google Mesh devices, so you may have no problems if you use ethernet to a mesh point such as a Google WiFi router or access point (except for QoS) but you would probably have problems with the VTV Gen2 STB using Wi-Fi to the Google mesh because of the reasons I gave earlier, as well as the fact that Google Mesh creates a single Network of 2.4Ghz id and 5GHz Id combined, and VTV will connect on 5GHz but not 2.4 Ghz.

You may have QoS issues if connected via Ethernet to the Netcomm Router for reasons given previously, or to the Google Mesh as the Google mesh connects via wired Ethernet to the NetCom router so you may need to get Orcon to check that QoS is set up correctly on the Ethernet port on the NetCom to which the Google router is connected.

You could try changing the SID on the 5Ghz Wi-FI, to something other than used for the mesh, on the NetCom Router and enabling it with a fixed channel setting then connecting the VTV via WiFi to it. You can still use your Mesh for other devices which will not connect via Wi-Fi to the NetCom router if you don't give them the password for that SID or connect them to it via WPS.

Ivan Piacun CITPNZ

Many people interested in this thread are grateful for the assistance attempted to be given by other people. However do you realise that, in this post, your first paragraph (which is quite long) consists of one, long, complicated sentence. Given the technical nature of the advice, IMO this sentence is extremely difficult - if not impossible - to read and to follow.

Ditto for the second sentence - although it is not quite as long. In fact the whole post comprises only four sentences.

There has been some discussion here about the unrealistically high level of tech expertise required by VF of some owners of its VTV units. Sorry but IMO posts like the above only accentuate that problem and in fact compound it - even after bearing in mind that GZ is indeed a tech site.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

MikeB4

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#2372877 12-Dec-2019 07:32

@IvanPiacun I have thought about this overnight. There is nothing wrong with my network set up. Google Wifi is design to work in the manner in which my network is configured. I have been using this way for over a year and have not had any issues with it. My devices all work as designed. My TV connects and does all the smarts without issue, connects with Netflix, Prime Video, Freeview etc etc. My Xbox one X does all this as well without issue. My Apple TV does this also without issue. I can connect either by Wifi or wired Ethernet and all works the only exception in this Vodafone TV.

Over the last month I have changed this and changed that, done this and done that all to no avail. Given this I believe there is a design flaw with the Vodafone TV something Vodafone has a very long history of and every model they have release over the last decade has had issues some of which have more or less rendered them useless.

I simply cannot see why my network configuration would stop the VTV unit from turning on/ wake up. Even pressing the power button on the VTV device does nothing it will only come to life after a doing a power cycle and even then it can take several attempts for the device to work correctly.

NH3Engineer

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#2372893 12-Dec-2019 08:03

IvanPiacun:
NH3Engineer:
MikeB4:

@IvanPiacun I have noticed that when the VTV will not start using the remote the status LED on the unit flashes when a button on the remote is pressed. To me this indicates that the VTV is communicating with the remote. Odd behaviour indeed.

This is exactly the same issue I have. I'm with trustpower on a Netcomm NF15 was going to try a NF18 tonight but it seems it probably won't make a difference. I'm running the remote via IR as BT causes issues with the bravia sync and one touch remote settings on the tv

@NH3Engineer What are the issues that BT causes with the Bravia sync and one touch remote settings? I have a similar configuration with Sony Bravia and have not noticed problems once the remote is configured correctly.

Ivan Piacun CITPNZ

I cannot access the home screen on the either the sony remote or the nfc tv remote without first pressing the channel button on the sony remotes

IvanPiacun

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#2373065 12-Dec-2019 10:03

eracode:

IvanPiacun:

Google Mesh uses Auto channels, and changes them, but I assume it handles the change of channels properly between the Google Mesh devices, so you may have no problems if you use ethernet to a mesh point such as a Google WiFi router or access point (except for QoS) but you would probably have problems with the VTV Gen2 STB using Wi-Fi to the Google mesh because of the reasons I gave earlier, as well as the fact that Google Mesh creates a single Network of 2.4Ghz id and 5GHz Id combined, and VTV will connect on 5GHz but not 2.4 Ghz.

You may have QoS issues if connected via Ethernet to the Netcomm Router for reasons given previously, or to the Google Mesh as the Google mesh connects via wired Ethernet to the NetCom router so you may need to get Orcon to check that QoS is set up correctly on the Ethernet port on the NetCom to which the Google router is connected.

You could try changing the SID on the 5Ghz Wi-FI, to something other than used for the mesh, on the NetCom Router and enabling it with a fixed channel setting then connecting the VTV via WiFi to it. You can still use your Mesh for other devices which will not connect via Wi-Fi to the NetCom router if you don't give them the password for that SID or connect them to it via WPS.

Ivan Piacun CITPNZ

Many people interested in this thread are grateful for the assistance attempted to be given by other people. However do you realise that, in this post, your first paragraph (which is quite long) consists of one, long, complicated sentence. Given the technical nature of the advice, IMO this sentence is extremely difficult - if not impossible - to read and to follow.

Ditto for the second sentence - although it is not quite as long. In fact the whole post comprises only four sentences.

There has been some discussion here about the unrealistically high level of tech expertise required by VF of some owners of its VTV units. Sorry but IMO posts like the above only accentuate that problem and in fact compound it - even after bearing in mind that GZ is indeed a tech site.

Sorry for the complexity of the above reply which relied on someone following this whole thread for my previous replies. Networking can be complex and is becoming more complex with the type of devices being released in the consumer space, and I believe that Vodafone and the ISP or supplier of your Networking equipment should help you with this.

I have tried to analyse the problems I have seen in this thread to help people to have a better experience with VTV as I needed to do so for myself to ensure I had a better experience.

Let me try to explain more clearly the two problems (and a possible third) I currently see with Vodafone TV Gen2 Set Top Box from personal experience and this thread. This explanation may be better viewed by Vodafone staff supporting the VTV Gen2 Set Top Box.

The VTV Gen2 Set Top Box would appear from this thread to have currently two problems:

1) It does not change to another 5GHz channel that a router has made a change to while VTV is in standby, and such a change may cause problems for an active VTV although this is not proven.

2) The VTV STB may not be responding to some buttons on the remote.

and possibly a third:

3) Quality of Service (QoS) settings on the home Local Area Network Router devices. Quality of Service can provide better networking for Video streams when on the same network as other devices which are in use downloading files etc. These other devices can cause pauses in the stream for VTV if QoS is not enabled correctly.

It appears that because of 1) Routers or access points cannot be used with an Auto Channel setting, on 5 GHz WiFi channel, on the router or devices that use an Auto channel setting such as Google Mesh. An Auto channel setting means that the router/Access Point/Google Mesh can change channels when it decides that a better channel exists. This means that possibly the connection is broken if the VTV is not in standby, and if the VTV is in standby the change of channel is not handled correctly via the VTV STB and the connection is not reestablished on power on. So in this case as a work around until the VTV Set Top Box has an update to fix it: A fixed chanel can be set on the 5GHz Wi-Fi on the Router. I use 36.

For those using Google Mesh it has two possible issues:

a) If you wish to use it for Wi-Fi connection for your VTV. Goggle Mesh creates a combined network using one Session ID (SID) to connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz which may cause problems for VTV because VTV (at the latest update) cannot connect to 2.4GHz. But this is only a theoretical problem for VTV as it may still be okay if it only connects via 5GHz. However other devices have encountered this problem with Goggle Mesh that cannot use both frequencies.

b) It uses Auto for Channels, so if you have a device which encounters channel changing problems it is best to connect it via ethernet to the Google mesh.

Problem 2) Occurs sometimes while viewing TV stopping FF and Rewind buttons from working correctly. This can be usually fixed by using the channel button to go up and back down channels.

However 2) can also cause the power button to stop responding and this then requires the power to be cycled on the STB to possibly fix the problem temporarily. However this problem can it appears be fixed more generally by cycling the power and then unpairing the remote for Bluetooth by holding down the green and 3 buttons until the power button flashes and then re-pairing the remote by holding down the green and 3 buttons until the power button flashes. After this the remote should be paired for Bluetooth. Note: It appears that the remote may under some circumstances be dropped back to Infra Red which does not work as well when the VTV STB believes it is paired for Bluetooth.

It is not clear if 3) is an issue for VTV but it is likely due to the posts on this thread and I use QoS in my Huawei HG659B Router. QoS usually works with Wi-Fi connections on this router. 3) is a router/mesh problem not a VTV problem.

It is unclear if the lack of QoS provided on Google Mesh by Google is an issue or whether this can be enabled on the port in the router to which the Google Mesh Router is connected for a Router in question.

Note: Google mesh's problem with supporting devices that do not support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz is not a problem with VTV but is a known problem with Google Mesh.

Ivan Piacun CITPNZ

MikeB4

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#2373077 12-Dec-2019 10:06

I wont be online much due to ill health but I am keen to keep up with developments with this

@IvanPiacun @ZollyMonsta I will PM my email address if you want to ask anything

sansom

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#2373086 12-Dec-2019 10:14

Hi,

Thanks everyone for the feedback. We have been analysing the issues identified and are about to release an update on Gen2 (release 06.jff) which we expect to resolve most of the outstanding issues that have affected some users.

Fixes include:

1. VTV ethernet driver improvement to handle specific Spark and Trustpower router ethernet chipsets

2. Fix for NZ TV makes & models that show black screen scenarios

3. Fix for EPG missing after midnight (occurs if watching during the midnight epoch)

4. General Wi-Fi improvements to fix issues that have affected some users

The update will be rolled out to Gen2 Beta users tonight. Based on the release performing well in Beta we expect to make this release generally available overnight Mon night next week. (please direct message me if you want to be added to the Beta group in advance).

Note: for Gen1 users we have just received a potentially shippable release of the same feature set as this latest Gen2 release, however we are awaiting a version which allows rollback before exposing public Beta testers to this version. As mentioned earlier, we are planning the public release of this Gen1 update early in the new year.

Hamish

IvanPiacun

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#2374136 12-Dec-2019 11:34

NH3Engineer:

I cannot access the home screen on the either the sony remote or the nfc tv remote without first pressing the channel button on the sony remotes

That sounds like the standard issue of having to be on TV as input on the Sony TV before you can access the home screen which I find with other devices as well as VTV. I don't find that as an issue because I wouldn't want to access the home screen while not on the TV as input, and find that it is far better to have the VTV Remote set to Bluetooth for better control of VTV and to avoid the problems with IR on the VTV Remote not controlling Power On/Off correctly at times. It might be possible for Vodafone to fix this with the Control for HDMI settings VTV supports.

Ivan Piacun CITPNZ

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rogercruse

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#2374209 12-Dec-2019 13:05

sansom: ... Note: for Gen1 users we have just received a potentially shippable release of the same feature set as this latest Gen2 release, however we are awaiting a version which allows rollback before exposing public Beta testers to this version. As mentioned earlier, we are planning the public release of this Gen1 update early in the new year...

On behalf of all Gen1 users: Thanks for the update.

Judging by the numerous posts from Gen2 users, either there are more issues with Gen2 devices or Gen2 users are simply noisier.

Anyway, keep up the good work and merry xmas from a happy Gen1 customer.

sansom

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#2374264 12-Dec-2019 14:29

rogercruse:

sansom: ... Note: for Gen1 users we have just received a potentially shippable release of the same feature set as this latest Gen2 release, however we are awaiting a version which allows rollback before exposing public Beta testers to this version. As mentioned earlier, we are planning the public release of this Gen1 update early in the new year...

On behalf of all Gen1 users: Thanks for the update.

Judging by the numerous posts from Gen2 users, either there are more issues with Gen2 devices or Gen2 users are simply noisier.

Anyway, keep up the good work and merry xmas from a happy Gen1 customer.

Thanks @rogercruse!

My view on the numerous posts on this forum:

1. Vodafone (myself, @olof, @zollymonsta etc) are listening and active on this forum. This is due to new leadership at Vodafone that encourages better engagement on forums like GZ. We're finding this forum very useful to supplement the extensive testing of VTV that is performed in Europe and NZ, but can't test against every NZ household setup.

2. There is also some great support for some of the more curly issues coming from other GZ members who have a similar set of AV gear.

3. Gen2 users have paid hard cash for their box, whereas Gen1 users got their box included with their broadband plan. Gen2 users therefore have a bit more skin in the game and rightly expect it to work well. (as do Gen1!)

4. Gen1 is only supplied for use on Vodafone fibre and router combinations. We have the ability to remotely trouble shoot Vodafone routers through our own diagnostics platform (Motive). Gen2 is available on any ISP with many more customer configurations and combinations of AV / networking gear which we can't easily troubleshoot.

... my view only!

Hamish

IvanPiacun

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#2374382 12-Dec-2019 17:59

IvanPiacun:

NH3Engineer:

I cannot access the home screen on the either the sony remote or the nfc tv remote without first pressing the channel button on the sony remotes

That sounds like the standard issue of having to be on TV as input on the Sony TV before you can access the home screen which I find with other devices as well as VTV. I don't find that as an issue because I wouldn't want to access the home screen while not on the TV as input, and find that it is far better to have the VTV Remote set to Bluetooth for better control of VTV and to avoid the problems with IR on the VTV Remote not controlling Power On/Off correctly at times. It might be possible for Vodafone to fix this with the Control for HDMI settings VTV supports.

Ivan Piacun CITPNZ

Note: This presupposes that you setup the VTV Remote to control the TV as well with the following instructions so that 99% of the time you don't need the Sony Bravia TV Remote or remote on a phone (setup with NFC to the Sony TV remote):

To Pair your Vodafone TV Remote with your TV after setting the VTV Remote to use Bluetooth with Vodafone TV.

1. Turn on your TV that you wish to pair with
2. Press and hold the Yellow and OK buttons on your remote until the Power button blinks green twice
3. Point the remote towards your TV
4. Press and hold the Power button on your remote until your TV turns off (this may take up to 30 seconds), then release the Power button
5. The LED will indicate its progress by a long green blinking
6. Press the Power button to turn your TV back on

To Reset your remote control back to prior to pairing with TV.

1. Press and hold the Blue and Menu buttons until the Power button blinks green twice
2. Press 9 four times, the Power button will blink green each time you press 9

After the fourth time, the Power button will blink Red four times and your remote will be back to it's original state.

@NH3Engineer if you don't mind me asking, what model of Sony Bravia TV do you have as it sounds like you may have a more recent one than I do so we may have different issues?

Ivan Piacun CITPNZ

DjShadow

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#2374399 12-Dec-2019 18:35

My unit has just picked up the new firmware upgrade

ttaotua

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#2374412 12-Dec-2019 19:20

Hey Vodafone! Use should do a demonstration video on how to set it up.

NH3Engineer

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#2374460 12-Dec-2019 21:50

IvanPiacun:
IvanPiacun:

NH3Engineer:

I cannot access the home screen on the either the sony remote or the nfc tv remote without first pressing the channel button on the sony remotes

That sounds like the standard issue of having to be on TV as input on the Sony TV before you can access the home screen which I find with other devices as well as VTV. I don't find that as an issue because I wouldn't want to access the home screen while not on the TV as input, and find that it is far better to have the VTV Remote set to Bluetooth for better control of VTV and to avoid the problems with IR on the VTV Remote not controlling Power On/Off correctly at times. It might be possible for Vodafone to fix this with the Control for HDMI settings VTV supports.

Ivan Piacun CITPNZ

Note: This presupposes that you setup the VTV Remote to control the TV as well with the following instructions so that 99% of the time you don't need the Sony Bravia TV Remote or remote on a phone (setup with NFC to the Sony TV remote):

To Pair your Vodafone TV Remote with your TV after setting the VTV Remote to use Bluetooth with Vodafone TV.

1. Turn on your TV that you wish to pair with
2. Press and hold the Yellow and OK buttons on your remote until the Power button blinks green twice
3. Point the remote towards your TV
4. Press and hold the Power button on your remote until your TV turns off (this may take up to 30 seconds), then release the Power button
5. The LED will indicate its progress by a long green blinking
6. Press the Power button to turn your TV back on

To Reset your remote control back to prior to pairing with TV.

1. Press and hold the Blue and Menu buttons until the Power button blinks green twice
2. Press 9 four times, the Power button will blink green each time you press 9

After the fourth time, the Power button will blink Red four times and your remote will be back to it's original state.

@NH3Engineer if you don't mind me asking, what model of Sony Bravia TV do you have as it sounds like you may have a more recent one than I do so we may have different issues?

Ivan Piacun CITPNZ

Its a few years old April 2013 to be exact. It is a KDL-55w800a

I will try what you have suggested anyway when I get the chance. Thanks for the info as I haven't paired the remote to the tv so that may be causing the home button problem

Yabanize

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#2374488 13-Dec-2019 00:27

ttaotua: Hey Vodafone! Use should do a demonstration video on how to set it up.

They already did!

eracode

Smpl Mnmlst
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#2374529 13-Dec-2019 08:05

@sansom Quote: “3. Gen2 users have paid hard cash for their box, whereas Gen1 users got their box included with their broadband plan. Gen2 users therefore have a bit more skin in the game and rightly expect it to work well. (as do Gen1!)”

Your participation in this thread is much appreciated - but I have to say I find this statement astounding. Regardless of how the Gen1 users came by their box, they are paying good money to use a product and a service that you provide. To relegate them to second-class customers in this way is a terrible thing to do IMO. Don’t the Gen1 users have exactly the same right to expect their units to work well as Gen2 owners do?

If I was a Gen1 user reading what you said I think I would be entitled to feel even more p*ssed off with VF.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

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