New Freeview HD hardware: eXtra Terrestrial Freeview HD tuner

Forums › Freeview (DVB-T/DVB-S) › New Freeview HD hardware: eXtra Terrestrial Freeview HD tuner

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176 posts

Master Geek

#198240 26-Feb-2009 16:58

Hinko: That $50.00 joke is bad taste.....

UPDATE - OPTICAL AUDIO DROPOUTS

My retailer tells me they have had only two reliable reports of digital audio dropouts - on named model and brand equipment. Mine is a Sony AV receiver STR-DB1080, apparently the Chinese manufacturers cannot cause the dropouts to debug and fix, they need brand and model names of gear that the dropouts occur on.

People with dropouts, please publish the kit details here so they can source and test gear with the faults....and fix it.... For me it seems to mostly happen on the lower definition channels such as C4.

On this basis I have given them a month to source faulting gear and fix the firmware. I think that is very fair and reasonable.

Anyone else with the issue please let us know here and let Lars at the Freeviewshop also know please, as he talks direct with the Chinese people.

"My retailer tells me they have had only two reliable reports of digital audio dropouts "

This annoys me, people here have been telling them for months about this audio problem, "its not the ET box but its your setup" is what we were told.
Perhaps in time The clock fix that didnt work & the freezing/pixaltion problem might be confirmed by "reliable reports" and finally fixed.

BadMac

69 posts

Master Geek

#198243 26-Feb-2009 17:13

I spent some time this morning reading back through this thread. Makes interesting reading, but the Audio problem was first reported on Page 5 by user "BigTed" in mid August 2008. At that time the firmware was 1.3 and you could choose either 5.1 or AAC but not "auto". Over the next month a new firmware which became the September 1.4 release was tested and released which surposedly FIXED the audio problems. In fact, as many of Jaxon's posts from the time show, it did fix the loss of audio when going between 5.1 programs and AAC ones (ie some 5.1 programs had silent Advertisments/automute! as the adds were AAC and the program was 5.1). BUT it made no difference to the dropouts over optical/coax which are much more common on AAC coded programs (ie C4). In fact at that stage the firmware introduced distortionon the HDMI which was fixed witht the final 1.4 release. So this problem has been around for a long time and HAS NOT been addressed.---------------------------------

Now to the solutions: I have a Sony STR-K840P, it drops the audio (note when ever it does the front display changes to show it has detected something else in the audio stream, so the problem is something (corruption?) in the audio stream and it causes the HT to try and reinterpt the stream which can remain "corrupted" and hence the HT produces silance as it cannot decode anything on the audio). I am willing to lend my HT to anybody associated with Pete who can seriously track and fix this bug. I come to Auck occasionaly so can bring it with me one time if it helps. Hell I may even be willing to let it get shipped to China if it helps FIX the bug.----------------------------------

In my case though the big bug is the Pixelation problem. Yes there is pixelation caused by the transmission system and yes you can see this on the ET (and all other DVBT's), however the ET has another problem whereby it degrades until its unwatchable, this may be caused by a singal problem, but the ET does not recover from it, which is a hardware/software problem!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! not signal problem.

Buttonmash

361 posts

Ultimate Geek

#200558 11-Mar-2009 10:28

/dust off thread

I'm starting to think when he was saying December, January etc. He didn't mean "this year".

MrWestie

116 posts

Master Geek

Trusted

#200562 11-Mar-2009 10:45

Nope, still soon. :)
I am sure the listings breach some of TM's terms.
Offering something that does not exist.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/TVs/Other/auction-206700466.htm
Hi, do you have any update regarding the release date on the firmware that support pvr? Thanks. posted by: dluk (85 ) 8:49 pm, Mon 9 Mar
factory engineer coming to N.Z soon ...s/ware soon 8:55 pm, Mon 9 Mar

mort

29 posts

Geek

#200572 11-Mar-2009 11:16

A final Update on my ET experience via Freeviewshop.

After a long thread of emails where I had to hold my ground on demanding a refund, I finally got a full refund. I'll spare you all the details but it was an ugly struggle and I don't want to have to go through that again. In the end I was genuinely trying to give constructive feedback so Lars could improve his customer service, but he was more inclined to continue to defend the product and push blame back to the customer.

Since replacing the ET with the Vantage 6000T I’ve noticed that the signal and quality meters are lower than indicated on the ET. I do get the odd pixilation (nowhere near as many as with the ET) but the Vantage deals with them more elegantly and recovers quickly, so it doesn’t interrupt your viewing experience like they do on the ET. Similar with digital audio dropouts – I haven’t noticed any but they probably still exist, it’s just that Vantage deals with them without impacting the overall experience.

Reading through people’s experiences ~~I would only recommend~~ the ET box <seems to be ok> for those with a very strong signal and that don’t need to make use of the bottom RCA audio outputs. Comparing the two boxes is like night and day – the lasting impression was that the ET is cheap and problematic where as the Vantage has the look, feel and performance of a quality product. It sits proudly alongside other quality kit I enjoy.

Good luck to you who persevere with the ET.
JS

Ps. Yes the Vantage lacks the 8 day EPG. But if/when it comes I’m sure it will be well tested and will work.

Sharp 32” HDTV
NMT-100 500GB HD Media Tank
Vantage6000T PVR with 500GB FreeAgent
Denon 2308 AVR
Misson 753 Freedom Speakers
Polk Audio DSW PRO 400 SUB
Naim Nait 3 AMP
Arcam Alpha 7SE CD
Rega Planar 3 Turntable

InspectorGadget

208 posts

Master Geek

#200730 11-Mar-2009 21:46

MrWestie: Nope, still soon. :)
I am sure the listings breach some of TM's terms.
Offering something that does not exist.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/TVs/Other/auction-206700466.htm
Hi, do you have any update regarding the release date on the firmware that support pvr? Thanks. posted by: dluk (85 ) 8:49 pm, Mon 9 Mar
factory engineer coming to N.Z soon ...s/ware soon 8:55 pm, Mon 9 Mar

You'll notice that he's removed any reference to a timeframe from his websites now . . . . . so I'm guessing Mid March as was the last promise is out the window, especially if an NZ based engineer is required.

Jaxson

8041 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#200770 12-Mar-2009 09:03

Either way I personally would prefer the signal error tolerances looked at in the current software first. My unit still requires a reboot to clear the compounding issues, clock slip, menu's not clearing, pixellation etc. It may be signal related, but doesn't affect other brands performance. Yes the PVR would be nice, but I can't see this being reliable unless you reboot prior to what you want to record.

Personally I aim to junk a lot of gear when/if that PlayTV for PS3 arrives, will be twin tuner and bluray/dvd all in one. The ET was meant to fill the gap for me until PlayTV got here, but now neither are coming!

Equinox IT

Cloud spending continues to surge globally, but most organisations haven’t made the changes necessary to maximise the value and cost-efficiency benefits of their cloud investments. Download the whitepaper From Overspend to Advantage now.

Kiwi Pete

48 posts

Geek

#200775 12-Mar-2009 09:59

Somehow looks like the ET is the Ford Edsel of 2008

robjg63

4096 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#200778 12-Mar-2009 10:13

MrWestie: Nope, still soon. :)
I am sure the listings breach some of TM's terms.
Offering something that does not exist.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/TVs/Other/auction-206700466.htm
Hi, do you have any update regarding the release date on the firmware that support pvr? Thanks. posted by: dluk (85 ) 8:49 pm, Mon 9 Mar
factory engineer coming to N.Z soon ...s/ware soon 8:55 pm, Mon 9 Mar

Factory Engineer? Well maybe that is some progress....

It would be nice to think they may be investigating some of the often reported issues - Terrible pixelation,Reboots, Sound issues etc. Would be nice to think they might check a couple of situations where people have reported the ET goes nuts and other brands work fine. I dare say there would be several volunteers on this forum willing to make the engineer a cup of tea and scones if he/she was to come around and investigate.

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

kiwisat

147 posts

Master Geek

#203118 24-Mar-2009 20:54

Auction Number: 209593060 currently running on TM. Q and A would suggest that the PVR was never going to fly.

Spong

1005 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#203123 24-Mar-2009 21:11

kiwisat: Auction Number: 209593060 currently running on TM. Q and A would suggest that the PVR was never going to fly.

I don't know whether I'd take much notice of that. That seller is not the official importer who is our "mate" Peter Escher of Satlink. Peter still states it's coming, but I've asked him several times whether it will be a free download, or a $50 charge. He refuses to answer me and ignores all requests for an answer. See Trademe auction no: 208063469. If there is a charge, I feel he's been very dishonest and won't win any friends over this.

Tivo upgrades to operate with the new OzTivo EPG, support and service. Over 400 performed here so far. See: www.hillcrest.net.nz

InspectorGadget

208 posts

Master Geek

#203125 24-Mar-2009 21:12

kiwisat: Auction Number: 209593060 currently running on TM. Q and A would suggest that the PVR was never going to fly.

Interesting . . . . as it is contrary to all the information from three seperate sources we have had contact with so far.

Who is this retailer anyway?

Spong

1005 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#203128 24-Mar-2009 21:24

Some more recent news from "Pete" below dated 18/3/09. The idea of excessive VHF signal input causing pixelation sounds an interesting theory.

Technical points;
PVR been promised to us this mth, and engineer coming to N.Z to finalise s/ware forPVR

1/
Pixelation problem;
Possible causes, are unit has tuned to a low level signal, bad antenna sig levels...or latest thought..
Dual band antennas(gizmo)...putting too high a level of VHF into tuner input...Cure= diplexer= $6.00 aprox
2/
Lazy remote?
remove plastic decal...front window on Receiver, with some sticky tape...
Then check that IR sensor is not set up inside case.

Tivo upgrades to operate with the new OzTivo EPG, support and service. Over 400 performed here so far. See: www.hillcrest.net.nz

dodgemnz

51 posts

Master Geek

#203133 24-Mar-2009 21:41

Regarding
"2/ Lazy remote?
remove plastic decal...front window on Receiver, with some sticky tape...
Then check that IR sensor is not set up inside case."

I tried this tape method it didnt remove the lens but it did lift out ok. I had a look at the reciever and it sits vertical and there is no way it will bend down or anyhting else as there is no room if you wish to put the front lens back in!
In my opinion mine was sitting as the manufacturer intended and even with New batteries fitted it still has times it just wont operate so im certain it is a problem in the box and not the reciever.
The other problem i have noticed is that some times it will turn on with the remote then immeditaly turn itself back off and it can take several frustrating attempts to get it to stay on. Other times it just wont turn on at all.

Im waiting for the software update to see if any of these problems gets addressed properly if there is no success its going back for a refund.

My clock issue is still there on standby no matter what it looses time somitimes its out by nearly 24 hours if i havent had it on for a day or two. I cant figure that at all ....im sure they have been making accurate silicon/quartz didgital clocks since i was a kid!!

robjg63

4096 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#203140 24-Mar-2009 22:07

Hmm - That Trademe post had this exchange posted on it a little while ago....
Q How can it be that these will not have PVR capability with a software upgrade, when the official importer (Satlink) state there will be soon via their website? Do you know something Peter Escher doesn't? posted by: dbursell (417 ) 9:15 pm, Tue 24 Mar

A Yes, I was talking to the senior software engineer who in charge and he assured it needs some changes in the hardware much more in the software to have a stable PVR and you need to have the right remote control for all PVR options.However you could update this set to PVR function as Peter claimed but it will not be stable enough to handle all functions. Cheers 9:38 pm, Tue 24 Mar

Doesnt look promising does it?

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

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