Full Freeview on the Waltham (Leicestershire, England) transmitter

_{sentiment_very_satisfied}Platinum

3:09 PM

jb38: When I found it working a few hours ago it was after I'd found a use for an old VHS recorder. I set the modulator to and fed the through it and then into the Sony. This successfully prevented it from tuning in COM5 on .

However, on noting that the colour scheme had changed back I wondered if the issue had been resolved and so turned off the video and tuned in C52 to find it working OK.

Re: The Humaxs: Does this mean that if the broadcast schedule changes that they might not become 'aware' until it's too late (where a programme is brought forward)?

Dominic Payer
3:49 PM

Sony UK acknowledge a problem with HXD units updated to firmware 1.70 on Friday.

See BBC News - Freeview failure hits Sony recorder owners

Dominic Payer's 20 posts GB flag

Mike Kearey
4:39 PM

Dominic Payer:
The "hidden software" update 1.70 only applies to certain models and was done by disc in 2010 for those that chose to do it and no later versions have been issued.
The "hidden software" update number for other models was different but the date and method was the same.
I think that people are posting and reading a version of chinese whispers and the BBC picked up on it without being able to have the full facts. The updated recorders have been running without problems until ~18:00 Friday 19th.
I have seen on the Sony information that Arqiva made some changes to the EPG at that time which is the reason for the problems.
Why the changes conflicted with the software is unknown but all is back to normal for the time being. I'm sure we will find out the reason and the action eventually.
Mike

Mike Kearey's 3 posts GB flag

BEJ Smith
6:06 PM

I haven't read all the postings but my problem is with the epg of my SONY RDR-HXD895 failing on 19 July 2013. Is it a sony software problem, or wha....?

BEJ Smith's 1 post GB flag

_{sentiment_very_satisfied}Platinum

6:18 PM

BEJ Smith: I don't believe so.

It is more likely that the issue was one of what was transmitted contained error(s). It just so happened that these devices were "choked" on being fed this bad information. The point is that they (and all other devices) shouldn't have been given it in the first place.

_{sentiment_very_satisfied}Platinum

6:21 PM

BEJ Smith: What is the problem with the EPG?

jb38

_{sentiment_very_satisfied}Platinum

6:31 PM

Dave Lindsay: Well, that certainly put the old recorder to good use! and indeed quite a good way of getting over the problem caused by the Sony's uncontrollable updating procedure being carried every few hours, but though was a typo for ? or did you find that the swamping effect of the VCR's modulator on C53 took the edge off Emley's COM5 whereby it wasn't recorded? e.g: the 4G effect!

As far as the Humax is concerned, yes! that can be a problem with these models if constantly kept in standby until actually required such as applies in the case of my two models, although I do have to say that on taking the device out of standby the channel required plus the one following it is nearly always seen in the guide, the problem mostly arises when you want to record a programme that's a few hours away or even on the next day, as this is when real patience is required as sometimes the remaining part of the guide can take at least 3 or 4 minutes to populate, of course this is a known problem with these type of Humax boxes, slow processors!

That said though, I generally do not miss the start of anything as I have both models adjusted to start 3 minutes in advance of the programme start time, this taking the recorder out of the mode whereby its being controlled by a broadcast , however should a programme be cancelled altogether then this cannot be catered for and usually resulting in me landing up recording some unwanted programme.

jb38's 7,179 posts GB flag

Briantist

_{sentiment_very_satisfied}Owner

7:19 PM

Mike Kearey: Sorry to take issue, but the D-Book is quite clear about the EPG

"22.1.3.5.2 EPG Updating
When the user accesses the EPG, it shall be displayed regardless of the state of the ;s schedule database (for example, database is partially populated in the minutes after -on). In normal operation, the receiver shall maintain the full EPG up to date and be able to display the full EPG within 10 seconds of selection. The receiver shall display EPG information as soon as it is received without requiring user interaction to update the display."

I also take issue with the suggestion that "Arqiva made some changes to the EPG" because it is UK (who merged with DMOL) that operates the EPG.

They have very clear rules that changes happen on Wednesday, so that full support can be offered.

The fault is very clearly with a single manufacturer who wrote some code incorrectly. Sounds like a classic "time bomb" to me (and my decades of relevant experience).

Briantist's 38,915 posts GB flag

_{sentiment_very_satisfied}Platinum

7:53 PM

jb38: No, was intentional, this being because COM4 is on and having the modulator on prevented of it.

Whilst I'm not a fan of it (and in particular its fan) running every few hours I can see that this has the advantage of keeping the EPG populated up-to-date. It is a pity that these devices don't let the user decide which approach to take.

vic
9:00 PM

: we have tried to re set our sony dvd as you have suggested but still cannot down load any do you have any suggestions we live in staffs