JC Matthew DVB-TB01 - any feedback on its use, esp. PVR function?

Forums › Freeview (DVB-T/DVB-S) › JC Matthew DVB-TB01 - any feedback on its use, esp. PVR function?

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457 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#233601 10-Jul-2009 11:55

Just got an email from www.1-day.co.nz and they're selling the JC Matthew box for $199 from 12noon for 24hrs or untill stock runs out.

NickiB

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#233624 10-Jul-2009 12:24

Just bought one, been waiting for firstin after seeing a message on their site saying STBs were coming up, but nothing ever happened so pleased to see 1-day come to the party instead. Seems on the whole people are happy with JCMatthews, so went with it, hope I'm not disappointed!

nOOb alert

bigballs

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#233751 10-Jul-2009 16:06

Might have missed something but does this update mean that recordings can now be made via the EPG???

NickiB

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#233985 11-Jul-2009 10:00

Ok, so I got the box this morning (exceptionally speedy delivery!). Had to reload the firmware again as something screwed up the first time and the screen kept flashing on and off. Have tuned in all the channels, which seemed to work just fine, EPG is working BUT... Channels 1, 2 6 and 7 are severely pixelated, as in completely unwatchable. Anyone got any ideas about why this is?? It's all the TVNZ channels, so something specific to them? 3, C4 and others are great.

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richms

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#233997 11-Jul-2009 11:13

That would be your reception. Make sure you have the antenna straight into the box rather then putting it after other things like dvd recorders and VHS players and stuff.

Also if you are in an apartment or somewhere with a antenna distribution system then chances are they are not passing the digital signals still...

Richard rich.ms

NickiB

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#234001 11-Jul-2009 11:26

Thanks, I don't think either of those particular issues are the problem though. The antenna is going straight into the box. I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think the antenna is shared. I live in a top flat with someone underneath, but I've talked to her before about tv reception and she uses bunny ears because she doesn't have access to any antenna (as far as she, and her ex who used to live there, can tell).

Interestingly, while I was in the shower, the previous problem has come back, where the picture is flashing on and off, which I would assume is then a problem with the box itself. Might have to call the manufacturers on Monday, only problem is waiting till Monday and then I'm also at work during business hours so I can't play with the TV at the same time as talking to them! Tempted to go DSE and grab one of theirs to try it out, with the intention of returning it within their 14 day policy.

nOOb alert

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SuperT

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#234005 11-Jul-2009 11:40

Why not try reloading the firmware but follow the instructions carefully. I had a few problems when I first updated but clearing out and re-doing the firmware fixed most problems. Only problems that I have now is if you go 1,2,3 on channels and them 2,1 then 1 is either not there or no sound. If you go down to 1 from 3 using channel minus then all is OK. This is a common problem with Diginet decoders. JCMathew box comes from the same source as Diginet.

PVR won't use a memory stick to record but works OK on usb Hard Drive.

Johnk

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#234006 11-Jul-2009 11:44

i like your sneaky DSE idea. i have an ET box and kinda want to buy this box because well we all know the ET isnt a great unit.
does it give you signal strength anywhere?

NickiB

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#234092 11-Jul-2009 14:50

Okie dokie, problem diagnosed. STB works just fine through the AV input, picture doesn't flash anymore and pixelation has gone on all TVNZ channels.

The issue is somewhere within the HDMI part, which means it's either the HDMI input on the tv (never used any other HDMI equip on it), the cable (came with the STB) or the HDMI components of the STB itself. Now I just have to work out which it is!

Edit: After watching TV1 for a while the pixelation is definitely an issue, though not as bad as before.

nOOb alert

ahmad

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#234201 11-Jul-2009 20:07

I did not come across this thread until today and having read through it I have got to say that while the price tag of $199 is great, it sounds like my unit holds the adVantange (sorry!)

my experience with the Vantage has been fantastic with very few recording problems despite using an iPod HDD to record (4200rpm I believe).

I am only posting this for the benefit of those comparing units as I was recently. The Vantage has some clear advantages as far as I can tell from reading this thread:

Somewhat more mature PVR software
Can record 2 channels and watch 3rd on same MUX (earlier post says you can only record 1 on JCM - I cannot verify)
Component video output NOT limited to 576i (for the person that asked earlier, Freeview approved STBs like JCM are all like this)
Front USB port on JCM just seems messy
Front display panl on Vantage is relatively gorgeous (small but important consideration)

On the down sid he Vantage has no full EPG yet but from reports here timer recording on JCM can't be done via EPG anyway.

Find a friend and go halves on the "2 for $498" offer!

ahmad

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#234202 11-Jul-2009 20:08

Apologies for typos. Seems mobile geekzone doesn't allow post editing yet.

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Oblivian

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#235976 16-Jul-2009 09:35

Heres a question... it has a SPDIF. But nowhere does it mention AC3 decoding or 5.1 output.

Anyone able to confirm if its using TV3s AAC track or the digital one? It doesn't effect me directly with my Vantage box but the parental units and a workmate got one (as ya do) cheap from 1-day.

bigballs

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#236546 17-Jul-2009 20:15

Just bought one of these. having issues with pixalation on all channels. Tried a new UHF aerial, slight improvement. I am in direct line of sight of Waiatarua (Auckland). When I look at the Strength/Quality display it shows 88% and 99% respectively. Anyone have any suggestions on what I could try. New cabling, inseries amp????

dave2208

1 post

Wannabe Geek

#236860 19-Jul-2009 12:59

Have successfully recorded to both USB Hard Drive (500G SATA drive in a Philips Case) and Memory Sticks (8G Toshiba and 4G Imation). Have to format the memory sticks using the PVR though.

How does the timeshift function work ?

xplorer

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#237148 20-Jul-2009 12:35

I got one of these on 1-day also. Pretty good. After firmware upgrade to 0609 PVR works. Most of my flash drives produced an error that they were too slow (including Kingston datatraveller) but a 50X SD card (in a usb reader) was fine. SATA disk also works now.

Have had to reboot a few times to get drives recognised and a few OSD messages made little sense (maturity of solution).

PVR button on remote is the key to the pvr.
I have been able to schedule record a few shows (had to be on the correct channel when creating them) and use it to record a show (just press the red record button) while watching (to then skip ads).

Picture quality has been ok on all channels, does seem to go black for a few seconds during a show this may be when signal is lost (weather etc).

Also takes a few seconds for any playback to run properly.

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