Loading ...Humax FOXSAT-HDR
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Humax Freesat+ HD PVR Digital Box (FOXSAT-HDR)
Released: 21st November 2008
Best Price: £223.60 (500GB)
Humax FOXSAT-HDR ** Price Comparison (buy online now)
| STORE | PRICE | P+P | DISCOUNT CODE | TOTAL | SHOP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Satbuyer | £215.00 | £5.00 | 320GB Version 2 year warranty |
£220.00 |  |
| Amazon | £223.60 | FREE | - | £223.60 | |
| Dixons | £223.60 | FREE | - | £223.60 | |
| Laskys | £223.60 | FREE | - | £223.60 | |
| Satbuyer | £235.00 | £5.00 | 2 year warranty | £240.00 | |
| Comet | £249.99 | FREE | - | £249.99 | |
| Currys | £249.99 | FREE | - | £249.99 | |
| John Lewis | £259.95 | FREE | 2 year warranty | £259.95 | |
| Satbuyer | £275.00 | £5.00 | 1000GB Version 2 year warranty |
£280.00 | |
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About the Humax FOXSAT-HDR Freesat+ PVR Digital Receiver
The Humax FOXSAT-HDR Freesat+ High Definition Receiver is the first Freesat PVR twin tuner 320GB/500GB hard drive receiver from Humax, for use on the Freesat satellite television platform.
The sleek black unit with its tinted perspex front panel (slight blue tint), discretely hiding the navigation buttons will suit most modern television set-ups and conceals within the very latest PVR technology with 320GB hard drive, allowing for approx 160 hours of standard-definition recordings; 80 hours in high-definition (or the 500GB version suitable for 300 hours of SD; 125 hours of HD).
Dual tuners will allow for very similar functionality as Sky+, minus the subscription costs. You will be able to record one channel whilst watching/recording another, or even record two channels whilst playing back a previously recorded programme. Couple this with the Freesat EPG, setting up to record couldn’t be easier.
Note – Don’t forget that you’ll need a twin/quad LNB and two cables from your satellite dish to make full use of the twin tuners; with just a single cable from your satellite dish, you can still use but with limitations on recording, see our article on operating a PVR with one input.
Humax FOXSATHDR Specification
- Freesat HD and SD channel recording
- Simultaneous viewing of one channel and recording another channel
- Receive HDTV signals (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 and MPEG-2)
- Under 1W power consumption in standby
- HDMI – digital interface for perfect transmission of picture and sound
- Simultaneous playing of transmissions over HDMI, composite and Scart
- Easy installation and operation
- Resolution format: 1080i, 720p, 576p, 576i
- DVB-S2 and DVB-S compatible
- Ethernet support
- Full colour, high resolution electronic program guide
- Dolby digital audio output (S/PDIF)
- Automatic software upgrade via satellite
- Upscaling of SDTV to HD
- Audio description / One touch subtitle
- Massive 320GB HDD (500GB also available)
- Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth): 380 x 55 x 252 mm
- Weight: 3.1 kg
Humax FOXSAT-HDR hidden menu
Menu > System > Diagnostics > Red > Green > Yellow > Blue > Green > Yellow > Blue >
Includes:
- Set EEPROM Version
- Status
- Password Reset
- HDD Security Reset
- Default Setting / HDD Format (WARNING – selecting this will wipe all recordings without further prompt!)
- Format HDD
- CRID Test
- MHEG Test
Humax FOXSATHDR Reviews
TechRadar (4.5/5)
TrustedReviews (9/10)
Personal Computer World (4/5)
What Hi-fi Sound and Vision (5/5)
RegHardware (80%)
Humax FOXSATHDR official website
http://www.humaxdigital.com/freesat/
Humax FOXSATHDR manuals
User Manual
Hardware & Technical Specification
Humax FOXSAT-HDR images
(humax pvr, freesat pvr, humax dtr, freesat dtr, foxsat-hdr, foxsathdr, humax hdr receiver, humax hdr digital box, humax hdr digital unit, humax hdr digibox, freesat hdr box)
November 24th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Do you own or have owned this product? Then why not give us your opinion to help assist potential customers in deciding which Freesat product is right for them. Please stick to opinions/reviews of the specific product on this page. Also, don’t forget to give this product a rating, using the stars at the top!
adminQuote
November 24th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Mine too arrived today. Quite easy to set up BUT…
1. When trying to upgrade to the latest software version I am getting an Error Message and it won’t upgrade.
2. When recording a programme, there are major, major restrictions on what is available to watch elsewhere.
3. Cannot get ITV Text
I am still familiarising myself with it but am a bit disappointed so far. Probably just hickups.
Watch this space…
Andrew MorrisQuote
November 24th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Hi Andrew, sounds as if you only have a single cable from your satellite dish? Software updates aren’t currently working via a single cable, and you will have limitations on what you can watch as two cables means two signals so you can record a channel whilst watching/recording another.
adminQuote
November 24th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
I do have two antenna feeds and everything seems to work ok although still playing and trying to work through the rule book
Box seems well made and fittings are decent ones unlike some .
Not to keen on the bit of blue plastic in front or of the rather indistinct display But not complaining at all as it does all it should do here . Recored two programs whilst I was out tonight and the other half changed channels a few times but all worked just fine.
So in my opinion it was a good job from Bob_Cats gang and Ta Muchly Humax.
I always found the original box worked pretty well after a few teething troubles at first sorted now though . So far this one seems to have been pretty well sorted which is great isn’t it ?
Doug WhittakerQuote
November 24th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Good to hear it works, given up trying to get one this year. Got up early on saturday went to of the alleged shops but none have got any nor can give a firm date when they will. Usual crap story from freesat, good idea delivery of the concept stinks
supermartQuote
November 25th, 2008 at 12:31 am
Thanks Admin.This is true. I just have one cable to connect. I inherited this system when I moved into this house. What do you suggest?
Andrew MorrisQuote
November 25th, 2008 at 8:13 am
I can get text only on BBC channels, is this the norm?
Humax are going to need a setting to dim the box display. Get rid of that genre in EPG setting, then the EPG jumps straight to the channel you are watching (like the 9200 did). Seems several button pushes are needed to play anything from library.
Glyn SmithQuote
November 25th, 2008 at 8:23 am
I think the genre setting before the guide is a freesat specification – i.e. freesat specify that you need to request a genre first
ianQuote
November 25th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Arrived yesterday and fired it up as soon as I got home.
2 antenna feeds in and I was up and running in 10 mins, software updated and channels saved.
Picture quality on my Sony W Series is superior to the Amstrad Sky box I replaced and HD is of course fantastic.
EPG / menus etc seem to be good and load reasonably quickly, a little getting used to I guess and the remote is not laid out in the most obvious way (numbers too far above the jog wheel) and why oh why does the volume control the humax box and not my TV ? it takes several button presses to change the volume. These are of course minor issues and overall cannot complain, fantastic piece of kit and this from a long time Sky man.
Not quite sure what all the info on the right hand side of the navigation bar is mind you ?
Love the feature of being able to copy pictures etc straight off a usb stick onto the box and review all those holiday snaps in 37″ of HD pleasure ! Recording the radio is another interesting nice to have.
Only issue I have to date is the nasty digital display at the front of the box. What / Why ? Surely all this info is on screen and the red light tells me i’m recording. Hope Humax show me a way of getting rid of this, or at least dimming it – its ruins the generally good looks of the box (quite Sony / Blue Ray in appearance to match other kit) and at this brightness it is may just put me off my movies, now in HD.
Sam PQuote
November 25th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Ian – you can get rid of the genre page which comes up every time you enter the guide (like Sky epg).
Just get rid of it in settings and you never have to see it again! Straight to the EPG for the current channel. The search facility seems poor though. Saves your last several searches as keywords – OOPS! Not as good as the 9200 in that respect. Button press reactions seem slower too, by comparison.
Glyn SmithQuote
November 25th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I plugged my NTFS formatted USB external HDD into the USB port with a view to copy recorded programmes to it. The Humax displayed a message that only EXT2/3 or FAT16/32 file systems are supported. But there is a 4GB maximum file size with FAT32, and High Definition files from BBC HD are approx. 7.5 GB per hour. Are we going to be limited to only copying up to half hour programmes? Surely not. What a disappointment.
David HQuote
November 25th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
David H:
I think the maximum file size for ext3 it 2 terrabytes; now maybe the time for that Linux install you’ve always promised yourself.
Alternatively, there maybe some utilities to let you access ext2/3 under windoze; a quick google threw up this: http://fs-driver.org/. Good luck!
Gavin PQuote
November 25th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Am a bit confused. Does the unit run on one or two satelite feeds. If it is one only what are the limitations and more importantly is a software update going to fix. Need to know before making the purchase.
RobQuote
November 25th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
It uses two satellite feed, one for each tuner, this is to allow each tuner to select Vertical or Horizontal polarization on a per channel basis. Thus allowing you to record two channels simultaneously
DaveCQuote
November 25th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
As an interested purchaser, does this device have a pause function (and for how long)?
Mr SnnibsQuote
November 25th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
I am all ready to buy this new box although there are few HD channels to pick at the moment. I understand that this box upscales SD channels. Has anyone tried this and how good is it. Can you set it to upscale every channel and just switch on to upscaled HD every time?
Keith PQuote
November 25th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Has anyone tried the output from the Humax PVR? I think it is labelled LNB output?
I have Sky+ which has an RF output and I currently cable this into a splitter which in turn is connected to other TV’s in my home so you can watch whatever programme (live or recorded) that is selected on the Sky+ receiver.
I would like to maintain this system when I switch – assuming I get a box sometime soon!
Thanks
MarkQuote
November 26th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Review:
Installation: Straight forward and had I started with 2 x cables would have been flawless. With only a single cable attached, the HDR is unable to update to the latest software and will cause an E-OS error when you try, however upon connection of a second cable this is fully resolved.
First Thoughts: A highly intuitive UI makes the HDR a joy to use. The programme guide was easy to follow and best of all responsive. Live services are also easy to use and once again intuitive. Basic recording and playback functions are simply and effectiveto use.
Remote: Lovely touch including a universal remote that really works. Very easily setup to control our TV and DVD.
PVR: The programmable PVR is the first area that could do with improvements via software updates. It is quite easy to set a programme to record by using the guide and simply pressing record to schedule it. However the ‘one-touch’ series recording promised is not quite as obvious to achieve and could do with improvements. Currently you only have access to this choice when using the schedule and not when choosing to record from the guide. Additionally the only options are ‘once, daily, weekly, weekday’ which doesn’t seem quite right.
Glitches: The biggest problem the PVR has is when it is recording 2 channels at once. Although the manual shows you can record two and watch another, strange things occur when you are doing this. Quite simply while recording some combinations of two channels the choice of watchable channels is limited to: BBC2, Five, BBC3, BBC4 and CBBC. Other combinations increase the viewable channel numbers and some, for example recording CBBC and CBeebies at the same time seem to allow you to watch any additional channel you wish. I would guess this is some form of software problem that can be resolved with a new release.
Final Thoughts: I’m very pleased with the HDR. As with any new hardware it will require software updates to fix or improve some of the issues seen. Compared to Sky+ it is in some ways easier and more intuitive to use, in others, especially regarding series recording is not at the same level (yet). Would I recommend the HDR, definately!
Richard HayesQuote
November 26th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Gavin P
Thanks for the URL re Linux style filing system. Using a Ext3 format, I managed to get the HDR to see the USB drive. However, although I can copy SD programmes, HD ones will not copy. The HD files are flagged with ‘Enc’ in the File Manager. Can’t see any reference in the manual to this. I’m beginning to think archiving HD material is not possible.
David HQuote
November 26th, 2008 at 10:33 am
First problem for me – auto recording the footy in HD last night failed. Don’t know why! Stored all those non-freesat channels too. A couple that can now be accessed (and are of worth) Sky News and the Travel Channel.
Glyn SmithQuote
November 26th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Glyn Smith
I expected the Man U game to be in HD, and was waiting to be told to press the red button; but it never happened, so I assume the HD broadcast did not materialise.
David HQuote
November 26th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Looking to get the BOX asap
Reviews you guys have put only makes me cry that I have not got it yet!
Has anyone tested the network port yet? if so can you connect it up to a home network to transfer files etc?
cheers
Larry SQuote
November 26th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Some advice please.
I already have Sky+. Is it just a case of swapping out the Sky + box for the Humax box? Also, can I continue to use a separate sky box in another room for Sky Freeview?
Thanks.
Andy HQuote
November 26th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
To Richard Hayes. This is not a fault you can record two channels watch a third depending which programs you are watching same as freeview EG record both on BBC Channels you can watch any other
Alan MQuote
November 26th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Andrew Morris, you need to replace the existing LNB on your satellite dish the a dual output LNB. This will enable each tuner in your Humax box to work independently. It’s a DIY job if you can get at the dish and you will need to run a second cable into the house. You can buy a dual output LNB for about twenty quid on line.
Robert BaconQuote
November 26th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Andrew Morris. It should say “with a dual output LNB”
Robert BaconQuote
November 26th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Alan M,
I’ve gone through lots of various combinations of recording two channels while watching a third and sometimes I can be recording two BBC channels and watch any other, other times it can be a BBC and a non-BBC and still watch any other and of course two non-BBC channels and watch any other.
Yet also for some combinations of the above you have limited third channel access. For example record BBC1 and BBC2 and you have some of the most limited access. There doesn’t appear to be an abvious reason for this and given how streams are transmitted I cant see a logical reason why the third channel choice is sometimes restricted and then variable. However I would love to be given an explanation.
Richard HayesQuote
November 26th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
hi guys can any one enlighten on the use of the common interface slot and what cards do what
mickQuote
November 26th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Re: 3rd channel choice – I’m no expert but is it because there are only 2 feeds – so the first 2 selected are polarized as needed – so the 3rd is limited to channels with the same polarization? .. so if both horizontal will preclude any channels that need vertical? Just a guess!
DaveQuote
November 27th, 2008 at 12:35 am
One question about PVRs dealing with subtitles.
Can they record them?If so, can you later switch subtittles on and off when watching the recorded show?
Thanks.
Also I would like to hear about the use for the ethernet port. Like can you connect it up to a home network to transfer files etc?
Juan PabloQuote
November 27th, 2008 at 1:04 am
Another question:
I have an IPTV (Panasonic with Freesat tuner).With a single cable can I feed the PVR and also the TV (through the passthrough on the box).
If so why can’t you feed the second tuner on the Humax using the passthrough? What is the technical reason?
Thanks.
Juan PabloQuote
November 27th, 2008 at 10:34 am
@Dave, you are right. If both channels you are recording are the same polarization then third channel must have the same polarization.
@Pable satellite receivers with hard disks don”t record as such, the simply copy the incoming data stream onto the hard disk. This means that all extra material such as subtitles and extra sound tracks are also stored.
cjgallQuote
November 27th, 2008 at 10:37 am
I’m confused – the illustration of the rear connections shows only one sattelite feed input, so how do you get 2 feeds in, in order to use the twin tuners and get software updates?
MikeQuote
November 27th, 2008 at 10:40 am
??? It shows two in and one out?
adminQuote
November 27th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Has anyone managed to get to the front USB port? The manual says “Open right hand flap on the front panel”, but I can’t figure out where it is or how you open it.
Gavin PQuote
November 27th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Gavin, the front panel opens from the top, just gently push the top edge of the blue panel and you will have access to the front slots etc.
Mike, the illustration in the manual clearly shows 2 input and one output.
Juan, now I understand about polarisation of the signal, I’m guessing this is the reason a passthrough only results in limited functionality, and hence you require two input signals for full PVR functionality. Regarding the ethernet port I will connect mine up later if I get time and have a play to find out what happens, although my guess is that it’s primarily there for internet services that are likely to be added to Freesat, for example iPlayer, which I guess will require the internet connection.
Richard HayesQuote
November 27th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Richard Hayes,
Freesat aims to hide complexity and make things easy. Unfortunately some things are inherently complex and can become intransparent with that approach. Here is the technical background which makes it easy to explain the problems you have described so far:
The Humax FOXSAT-HDR has got two tuners with which it can receive 2 transponders at a time. Via each transponder several channels are transmitted. On http://www.lyngsat.com/astra2d.html you will find the description of the transponders (tp xx) for ASTRA 2D, which beam is focused on the UK and is most important for Freesat. Links to the other relevant satellites are on the same page.
So if you for example record BBC One London and ITV 1 London the only available additional channels for viewing should be the channels which are transmitted on tp 45 and tp 44. But if you record BBC One London and BBC Two England at the same time you should be able to view any other channel because both recorded channels are transmitted on tp 45. However if you record BBC One South and BBC Two England you will be limited to the channels which are transmitted via tp 48 and tp 45.
When you record an HD channel like BBC HD on tp 50, choice will be even more limited because an HD channel takes the capacity of 4 – 5 SD channels on his transponder.
The explanation above is based on the case that you use two independ feeds from your satellite equipment. If you use only one feed and a loop through cable, choices are further limited as already partially discussed.
To receive a specific transponder the tuner has to select one of four sections through two choices: vertical or horizontal polarization and lower or upper band. If the first tuner chooses for example vertical polarisation and lower band then the second tuner can (in case of loop through) only receive a transponder which is also vertically polarized and in the lower band. Fortunately all transponders of ASTRA 2D are lower band, but some of the other transponders on other satellites of the Astra 2 / Eurobird position which is relevant for UK viewers are on upper band.
KarlaQuote
November 27th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
So, what is the signal coming out of the pass through? Is it locked to a transponder depending on what is selected on the PVR? And which of the 2 inputs relates to the pass through? What if the box is switched off?
Not clear yet, sorry. If I have just one feed into the PVR and a cable connecting the output of the box feeding my TV with internal freesat tuner. Can I watch any channel on the TV independent of what is selected on the PVR?
Thanks.
Juan PabloQuote
November 27th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
http://www.joinfreesat.co.uk/index.php/how-to/operating-a-pvr-with-one-input
adminQuote
November 27th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Ok, I got it now with this excellent explanation by Nigel Whitfield:
http://www.nigelwhitfield.com/v2/article.php?id=50
admin: You were fast! Have to read that now too. Thanks.
Juan PabloQuote
November 27th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Foxsat HDR Review
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/custo…x?pageID=72109
BrianQuote
November 27th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
I was fortunate enough to get one of the first ones through Argos, i.e. just in time to miss out on the VAT cut, and it arrived Monday afternoon. First impressions were mostly very favourable.
It immediately downloaded the latest software and found all the channels. The only trouble I had setting up was texting in the postcode and not realizing that the 1 button brings up almost invisible punctuation characters before the numeral 1. But with that senior moment out of the way, all was well.
The box is quite a bit smaller than the Humax Freeview PVR. The alphanumeric display is ugly, and much too bright – it needs to be programmable. A paper warning label at the back of the top turned out to be very firmly stuck down, and I had to use white spirit to get rid of the remnants, which fortunately did not damage the box. An afterthought? The unit is gratifyingly quiet.
By default it goes into standby after a period of inactivity, and the boot operation when you switch on again takes long enough to be annoying.
I am surprised at how variable the picture quality is in the different BBC HD demos – which is not down to the Humax of course. Superb on the proms and tennis, garish on the football and popular entertainment, but some dramas seem to be done in soft focus pastels – the high spatial frequencies are there if you look, but at first glance it’s sub-DVD quality (on my modest 50-inch Pioneer Kuro plasma anyway).
I’m not sure I like the style of the recording/playback arrangements. There’s a hint of computerese about “Media List”, which turns out to be the way in, and I’m sure it takes more button depressions to do things than it does on the Freeview PVR. And can someone tell me (the manual doesn’t) why the names of recorded programmes are followed by a (1) and deleted programmes by a (0), and why the latter don’t simply go away once you’ve deleted them? I don’t want the display to be cluttered with history.
I have carefully compared picture quality on non-HD (e.g. BBC1) between my two generations of Humax PVR. There are subtle differences. Some of it may be because my terrestrial PVR is connected via SCART (RGB) and the new Freesat one by HMDI, and some of it may be the processing, but the Freesat version looks a little softer than the terrestrial version though perhaps cleaner and less fakey.
Overall the HD performance is excellent, so much so that it has made non-HD look unwatchably naff. Not quite the effect I wanted, but predictable.
Patrick WQuote
November 27th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Thanks to feedback on a previous thread and to downloading the manual we now know that the Humax Foxsat HDR is shown with the required versions of Diseqc for operating multiple LNB’s. There is also wikispaces link to the HD version which is very helpful on setting up non freesat viewing via other satellites.
http://foxsat.wikispaces.com/Non-Freesat+channels
Amazingly the manual does not tell you you have to access the advanced menu which the wikispaces does do, as follows! I assume it will be the same on the HDR version.
To access the Advanced menu (hidden):
- Go to Menu> SETUP
[- Move cursor onto an item]
- Press RED, GREEN, YELLOW, BLUE, GREEN, YELLOW, BLUE
- 2 options appear: Antenna Setting & Manual Tune
Question:
I am still unclear whether using a multi lnb dish will enable different locations to be received via both of the two LNB inputs on the back of the box? Specifically, I want to install two cables down to the box for the Freesat locations at 28 degrees and add LNBs to receive 13, 19 and 23 degree locations. Has anyone yet been able to work out whether the extra LNBs need to all be added onto one of the main cables via a Diseqc 4 way switch and fed in to LNB1 input or is there another combination that would work better? I would appreciate your advice and whether anyone has news on how much extra installers are charging on top of the twin installation fee for this type of additional work.
BTW, I also agree with the wiki wishes list that the switching method between freesat mode and non-freesat mode seems very cumbersome, if that is indeed the way to do so during viewing use, and would also like to see Humax upgrade the software to an easier method; e.g. one of the coloured remote buttons plus OK, or just the ability to type in the channel number from 5000 up would have seemed logical.
RozQuote
November 27th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Addendum to #43:
Not only do the deleted programmes remain in the list of TV recordings, marked (0), they also appear spuriously in the list of Radio recordings.
Patrick WQuote
November 27th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Patrick W : It seems that series linked recordings are automatically stored in their own folder with same name as the recording. The number in brackets is the number of discrete recordings within the folder. When yoiu delete a recording from a folder the count goes to (0). Names without numbers are either non series linked programs recorded directly to the root of the HDD or names of the actual recordings within their relevant folder. There is no explanation in the manual and it took me a while to get the hang of moving in and out of the directory structure. I found it very clumsy for a day or two but now have no problem.
The only criticisms that I have are :
1. the remote is very directional compared to all the others that I use.
2. the EPG is much less responsive than the Foxsat HD.
3. The layout of the EPG is better than $ky’s but not as good as some that I have used. The list format displays only 7 programs with the current timed program at postion 4. The three slots above the current timed program are either empty or display programs that have already ended.
These issues combine in such a way as to make it easy to overshoot a list item because you cannot always be sure if the response is just slow or if you have not pointed directly at the receiver, resulting in an extra press of the button.
Apart from these minor gripes I am very very satisfied. Well done Humax
Nik CarterQuote
November 28th, 2008 at 8:56 am
November 28th, 2008 at 9:14 am
The search function is overly complex. The box lists results from every region (BBC) I got 60 results looking for Survivors. Not much info is shown either in the search result ie.chanel name. it was much simpler on the freeview PVR.
Glyn SmithQuote
November 28th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Additional review for ‘One-Touch’ series recording:
Ok, call me stupid, but I figured pressing the record button in the guide or list was the way to program the PVR.
It is, but differently to the one-touch which I will get to below. Using the record button to program gives the options: once, daily, weekly, weekdays.
One-touch however is operated using the ‘ok’ button to select a program due to be aired and this gives you the options to record the entire series. When I posted my initial review I had not yet spotted this operation.
Richard HayesQuote
November 28th, 2008 at 11:05 am
I’m trying to put some music on the PVR with not much success. I bunged a few MP3s on a USB stick and put it in the front slot. It ackowledges that the USB is in there but when I go in the file manager the USB stick is listed but appears empty. The instuctions are very vague when it comes to this department. Any ideas. Also I’ve managed to create a folder with my daughter’s name on the HDD but can’t figure out how to put her programmes in it, ‘move’ is greyed out. Is this possible and if so how?
SiQuote
November 28th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Si, Once you have accessed the USB device, you need to press the yellow button to select Music. If you get a folder e.g. sda1(n) where n=the number of tracks on the USB device press OK to open the folder. Then press opt+ to get to the file manager. The left window will be the HDD and the right side will be the USB device. Move the cursor to the right side and select a file to be copied. Press green and that file will be copied to the HDD.
What I cannot get to work yet is using the Blue function button to select all files. Has anyone managed to work this one out?
Nik CarterQuote
November 28th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Thanks that worked. Like you I can’t figure out how to select all, had to do them one at a time. Thanks again.
SiQuote
November 28th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Has anyone looked into / tested the ethernet port yet?
Larry SQuote
November 28th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
I’ve had a quick look above but can’t see it….
…so does anyone know where ITV Text is on the new box?
Andrew MorrisQuote
November 28th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Hi Guys, can anyone help me. I have today set up my HDR and I have two issues.
1) I have tried recording ITV and Channel 4 at the same time and that works fine but I am unable to view BBC1 or BBC2 plus some other channels whilst these are recording at the same time? Any ideas please?
Also, I ahve tried programing the remote control for my TV a Panasonic Viera TH37PX60B but cannot get any of the Humax codes to work. Thanks
PullyQuote
November 28th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Pully, it only has 2 tuners, you can record 2 things and watch a 3rd. You can record 2 things and watch something previously recorded.
flufQuote
November 28th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
ok, I have a question….
Earlier i recorder 1 minute of LUXE HD in non freesat mode
I am currently recording Grand Designs on More 4 in freesat mode
I am trying to delete the 1 min recording of LUXE but I don’t seem to have this option. Can you not delete stuff while recording?
flufQuote
November 28th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
cheers Fluff, I was recording two channels, but it would not let me watch bbc1 & bbc2 whilst recording if that makes sense?
PullyQuote
November 28th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
@Pully: Go to the link in comment 41
Juan PabloQuote
November 28th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Answered my own question. When the recording stopped, I was able to delete other recordings. Bit of a pain that.
flufQuote
November 28th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
I recieved it on the 24th and had it up and running in no time. The Humax HDR is not as easy to use as Sky+, but some of it’s features such as series recordings going in to their own folders is far better. Contrary to what Pully has experienced I was amazed to find that I was watching BBC2 whilst I was recording BBC4 & Chanel 4. I did read somewhere that this could happen if the chanels were on the same transponder, but would be implemented at a later date. Can anyone expand on this.
ChasQuote
November 28th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Oh where oh where has my ITV text gone?…….
Is there no one out there in the ether who knows….?
I know you don’t really exist but…………..just in case you do…. I watch Survivors!
Andrew MorrisQuote
November 29th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Hi I have a sky + box and want to add this new Humax box in another room. I believe I can just run 2 cables from the sky dish I have now and the Humax box will work – does anyone know if this is true? also if it is does the Humax box have the same connectors as the sky+ box? thanks
DavidQuote
November 29th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Got one at last!
The bad bits first, If you have $ky+ at the moment your going to notice the remote control range/angle is rubbish! I can’t belive it’s as bad as it is! I even removed the protective film from the front of the receiver.
Also the Epg navigation is sooo slooooow it’s painful!! you end up pressing the button again and missing the selection you wanted.
Having said that some of the EPG features are great such as asking if you want to record the HD version if you are looking at a SD channel and how it handles series link. The file system is also much neater as series linked channels are put into folders.
The Picture is much better than my $ky+ was even on the kids channels.
It will take a while to get used to the different functions but overall am pleased with it, looking forward to calling $ky to cancel my account !
I did try inserting a CAM capable of NDS with my $ky card in non freesat mode and it worked fine on encypted premium channels. Plenty more to test yet but looking good
Goodbye $ky
NigeldQuote
November 29th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
HELLO… Is there anybody there….?
Is there anybody actually reading what is being posted…?
There is no ITV Text.
Why?
Andrew MorrisQuote
November 30th, 2008 at 12:01 am
perhaps nobody knows!
NigeldQuote
November 30th, 2008 at 12:06 am
Andrew, this section is ideally for product reviews, not questions, which is why you may not be getting the response you require. Clearly people are here as there has been 66 posts. You may want to ask this question of Freesat or ITV directly, or alternatively on a forum such as digitalspy or avforums.
adminQuote
November 30th, 2008 at 1:06 am
Andrew
See Glyn Smith’s Comments at
http://www.joinfreesat.co.uk/index.php/humax-foxsat-hdr-available-at-comet
No 182
DVineyQuote
November 30th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Sorry. Just a bit of fun.
I thought it pertinent to this product though.
Andrew MorrisQuote
November 30th, 2008 at 10:12 am
A number of people in reviews have said this box is “quiet” – can someone clarify please. Is it silent ( ie, no fan at all ) or quiet ( ie has a fan but it runs very quietly) ?
I am aware, obviously, that there will be HDD accessing noise at times.
Mike BQuote
November 30th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Mike, I think the best way to explain it is that you would need to put your ear right next to the unit to actually hear anything. It’s very quiet!
adminQuote
November 30th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Many thanks, DViney. Much appreciated.
Andrew MorrisQuote
November 30th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
@ Admin
Thanks very much. Does the box not have a fan then?
Mike BQuote
November 30th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Can someone who already has one of these help me please? I am expecting delivery tomorrow. We have recently bought a house where the previous owners had Sky+ so I am planning to use their dish. There are two cables from the dish. One is routed inside the house and terminates at what I would call a normal tv socket on the wall (ie a standard tv coax plug will connect to it). The other cable is routed round the outside of the house, comes through a hole in the wall and has a different plug on the end of it. The plug has a collar on it which obviously screwed into the connection on the sky box. Presumably the previous owners originally had a single cable/lnb, and the second cable was added when they got Sky+ later. Presumably the original cable goes to the LNB1 input and the second cable goes to the LNB2? Also what connection type are on the box please, std TV type or screw type? I can’t tell from looking at the manual. Thanks in advance for any help.
PeteQuote
November 30th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
What you surmise is right. I did this a couple of months ago and it works fine, with no need to adjust the dish. It’s a screw type connector on the box, as with a Sky box, and one of the others goes into your aerial socket.
GrahamQuote
November 30th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Hi
can anyone tell me why the box only outputs 1080i and not 1080p ?
Is 1080i better than 760p ?
tom.hQuote
November 30th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
@ Admin – again !
I just downloaded the User Manual, (thanks for posting the link above) and it answers my question – yes, there is a fan.
Mike BQuote
November 30th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Thanks Graham. I’ll need to source a bit of cable with a screw connector on one end & a regular tv connector on the other end.
PeteQuote
December 1st, 2008 at 8:00 am
have you seen the price of these units in comet £349 talk about taking the p***
GarybQuote
December 1st, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Hi guys,
Here’s a new review of the Foxsat-HDR
http://www.resolvesolutions.co.uk/article/humax_foxsat_hdr_-_review
Hope that people find it helpful.
PeterQuote
December 1st, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Yes seen comets price,
also queried guarantee from Laskys customer support who replied ;-Thank you for your email.
All of our appliances come with a 1 year guarantee only.
And charge for extra years at
+ 3 Year Warrantydetails£69.99
+ 5 Year Warrantydetails£94.99
Terry JQuote
December 1st, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Have now read all the above comments but am still unable to obtain a humax HDR, when I phone or try to contact suppliers on line, I seem to get nowhere,
however I still live in hope.
Terry JQuote
December 2nd, 2008 at 12:13 pm
My review of the PVR can be found on my site here:
http://www.petecullen.net/?p=1646
Pete CullenQuote
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Pete – nice review – maybe I DO need to buy one before Christmas after all…!
Al CatrazQuote
December 2nd, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Back in stock at Argos 3.00 2nd December
You have to ring up and order
Paul
Paul BricknellQuote
December 2nd, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Also available for purchase online:
http://www.joinfreesat.co.uk/link.php?product=argoshumaxhdr
Don’t forget code AFD10 for free delivery!
adminQuote
December 2nd, 2008 at 5:38 pm
at Argos still in stock as of 17.30 for Oldham/Manchester region. I ordered one earlier with code EFD10 for the free delivery and got a £10 voucher code as well.
BrianQuote
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Argos just accepted online order (even though showing out of stock for home delivery on main page) for delivery on Thursday.
Used free delivery code (thanks for the tip!) and qualified for 10 pound voucher – bonus!
MartinQuote
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:07 pm
is there any wat a sky plus set up can be re-tuned (or what ever it’s called) to receive free sat ? all regards
jim tavenderQuote
December 3rd, 2008 at 3:11 pm
12 David H:
Whilst I agree with Gavin P about changing to Linux, I am also aware that it is not an option for many people.
The Windows limit on formatting FAT32 does not have to be a problem though.
Simply download a copy of fat32format.exe from http://www.ridgecrop.demon.co.uk/download/fat32format.zip
and you will now be able to format to your hearts delight up to at least 2TB.
I myself have used this several times on 500GB hard disks to put into USB enclosures to use as external disks on laptops – it worked fine for me each time.
Good luck
Peter McCQuote
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I have a Linux machine so formatted a external hard drive to ext2 but the HDR would not recognise it so I used fat32format and it worked fine. More details are here: http://www.ridgecrop.demon.co.uk/index.htm?fat32format.htm
Barry PQuote
December 3rd, 2008 at 5:29 pm
90 Peter McC
Thanks for the information, however, I really want to archive High Definition files, most of which are in excess of the 4GB limit imposed on FAT32. It’s all irrelevant anyway, as the HDR is flagging HD content with ‘Enc’ which I assume stands for ‘encrypted’, & prevents these files from being copied. A pity as the 320GB drive will soon fill up.
David HQuote
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:12 pm
@ Pete Cullen
Thanks for the review.
It’s not very reassuring to find that the screen shots show the usual low level of inaccurate English – “You can record alternative programme by HD or SD” and “Select programme what you want”.
You would think any decent company with a bit of self respect would insist that somewhere in the software engineering process a person who speaks English as a first language and has a reasonable level of education might be involved in correcting this kind of drivel, which is far from funny or winsome and sometimes makes instructions impossible to understand.
Mike BQuote
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:57 pm
As a tecnologically challenged OAP can anyone please advise if the Humax allows the user to pause live Tv whilst answering the phone etc in the same way that Sky claims? (I am still in the dark ages but contemplating new purchase) many thanks
Pat HargreaveQuote
December 4th, 2008 at 7:57 am
@ Mike B
Yes there are some real clangers in there! Hopefully a firmware update might inject some quality control.
Pete CullenQuote
December 4th, 2008 at 8:52 am
94 Pat
Yes it can pause live TV. Have a look at http://www.pvrjunction.co.uk/a-closer-look-at-humax-foxsat-hdr-and-freesat-features/ for more info.
David HQuote
December 4th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Hi
Can anyone tell me if the HDMI cable which is supposed to come with the box is dual cable or does that have to be purchased seperately?
Thanks
JenQuote
December 4th, 2008 at 10:31 am
I ordered my HDR from Argos last Thursday, and it arrived Monday PM. Argos has beaten two other companies where I’ve put my name down (Superfi reserved early Nov, and a local TV shop).
So far I’m very pleased – the picture and sound quality are excellent, and the recording functions all work as expected. I would agree with other posters about the directional remote, and also a tendency to get double responses, where the cursor jumps on further than intended. I am pleased with the remote facility to control other devices: I’m using it with a Toshiba LCD TV, a Tevion DVD player, and a Yamaha AV amp without any problems.
I do have one small gripe about the remote – the record button is missing its red dot. All the other transport buttons have their white logos, but the record button is blank. Has anyone else found this problem? I’ve emailed Humax Support about this on Tuesday, but so far had no reply…
All in all an excellent product, and highly recommended. I’m not usually a fan or Argos, but in this case they delivered (pun intended).
Roy W.Quote
December 4th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
There’s a red dot on my record button not that I use it much as I have a Harmony one remote. The Humax remote will not control my Teac receiver.
Barry PQuote
December 4th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Still get Humax HD PVR from Argos on the telephone Telephone 0845 640 2020.
Price £299.99 free deliverly and get a £5 pound back there payment still not up to date with new VAT 15%.Should get it Monday morning.
Eric P.Quote
December 4th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Ordered a unit from Superfi last night and received this e mail from them today:
Humax Foxsat-HDR update
Stock of the Humax Foxst-HDR is very slowly beginning to arrive in the UK. As and when it arrives it is being allocated out to all channels. We have been advised that Humax had one lorry load stolen last week while the stock was in-transit to the UK. This has caused a major problem with availability.
Customers should understand that Christmas delivery is unlikely at this point, although I cannot rule it out.
Could I please ask that Customers do not call us regarding this model. As soon as we have further information, we will contact you.
However I have just ordered one from Argos using the number from Eric P above and it is being delivered on Tuesday.
Craig BentonQuote
December 4th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Craig, I phoned Argos 2 hours ago and was told its out of stock so how did you manage to get one?
sidneyQuote
December 5th, 2008 at 6:59 am
I am still not clear how to archive recordings from the unit to my USB Stick, does the stick need formatting in a different way. When I set it up currently the copy facility is greyed out.
Roger SmithQuote
December 5th, 2008 at 7:14 am
Sidney, I just called the number and told the guy I wanted to place an order. I gave him the item number and that was it. He told me it was £299 and that they would give me free delivery as their system was not set up for the vat reduction. I did not want to push for any further reduction (the free delivery code above) I just wanted to order a unit.
He did not say at any stage that the item was out of stock, in fact he told me that ‘this product is excluded from our 30 Day Money Back Guarantee’. I was surprised that it was in stock. I just hope it is delivered on Tuesday as promised.
Craig BentonQuote
December 5th, 2008 at 8:30 am
@103 Roger Smith
I had this same problem over coping to usb stick. I phoned Humax and they could not help to start with but did come back to me later, but in the mean time I had worked out how to do it.
Providing the HDR sees the usb stick you must FIRST select on the usb stick were you want to copy the file to. Then when you go back the the file to be copied the copy button should now be green.
As far as formatting I have found that it only recognises FAT16/32 I have tried ext2 formatted on a Linux machine but it did not work.
Barry PQuote
December 5th, 2008 at 8:57 am
Full review of The Humax DTR in “What Satellite” January issue out 17th December.
Les NicolQuote
December 5th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Have set up box through my Sony AV and Bravia TV but system won’t automatically choose correct AV input or switch between different aspect ratio pictures when using the HDMI connection.
Mark FQuote
December 5th, 2008 at 9:56 am
A number of posters have found that sometimes when you ring Argos they have the Humax in stock, and others ringing at the same time are told they do not.
This is all to do with the way the Argos distribution network is organised. Argos have a number of regional distribution centres, and the product must show as in stock at your local distribution centre before you can order it.
When I rang to order last week, I was asked for my post code (to establish which was my local distribution centre) before they asked me what I wanted to order.
Roy W.Quote
December 5th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Seems to be more easily available on phone orders.Despite being shown as out of stock for delivery & collection on their website (CM postal code). Called Argos 9:30am today on 0845 640 2020 (thanks Eric P). Delivery due on Monday 8th am. Item no. is 532/1832 – £299.99 all in.
GmanQuote
December 5th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Thanks Craig, It does seem to be a bit hit and miss. I just hope they get some more stock soon as I was looking forward to watching a bit of hd this christmas!
sidneyQuote
December 5th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Over the years I have had countless satellite receivers,the only exception a Sky+ box.
This wonderful piece of kit is so easy to use, the picture quality is exemplary both on SD and HD . The CAM slot makes watching CH4 HD easy too. Well done Humax, the wait was well worth it.
Russ DringQuote
December 5th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
I was planning to buy the Humax pvr and a Panasonic tv (without freesat). In view of the distribution difficulties of the Humax pvr, if I bought a tv, with built-in freesat, and then bought the Humax pvr later, would this simply be a waste of money, or are there any advantages to having both tv with freesat and Humax pvr?
Kevin CQuote
December 5th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Russ what cam are you using i am wanting to use my sky card in my foxsat hdr to use my setanta subscription anyone know how i can do this.
also can you slave a sky box using the lnb out
JAMESQuote
December 5th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Kevin, I take it you are looking at the pz81, If you plan to buy the humax box then get a pz80 or pz85 instead and save your money. Both have built in freeview and give a great picture; or pay the extra and get the pz800 which has a few more features over the 80/85.
I can’t see the point in buying a freesat tv if you plan to buy the box as well.
I was in the same position as you and decided to buy the pz800 (great tv btw), I just need the humax box and I will be well happy this christmas!
sidneyQuote
December 5th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Can someone PLEASE tell me how to get Sky News with this system?
(Sorry if the question has already been answered, but from their comments, someone above I’m sure has managed it!!
Thanks
Richard AhlQuote
December 5th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Hi,
Just ordered one from Argos on 0845 640 2020. Seems like the best bet as it is always showing out of stock online!
RogsQuote
December 5th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Hi,
I have just done exactly the same and one is being delivered on monday 8th
had to pay a fiver delivery though, but whoo cares!
johnQuote
December 5th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Thanks to anyone who was about to tell me how to find Sky News – I have just found it myself!!
Thanks anyway
Richard AhlQuote
December 5th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Still can’t get one ordered via Argos as a phone order. Is it down to location in the country? John, where abouts are you in the country. I am ordering from Bath but once I give my postcode they always say out of stock, call back in three days!
PeelarQuote
December 5th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Richard Ahl – take a look at this link:
http://foxsat.wikispaces.com/Non-Freesat+channels
should answer your question.
Al CatrazQuote
December 5th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Hi Peelar,
I guess it must be down to location then, I’m in Essex!
I had no problem and was able to use the code ADF10 to get free delivery. I was told that free delivery would make up for the fact that phone orders do not reflect the new VAT rate yet, ie. it’s still £299.99!!
Keep trying & Good Luck
RogsQuote
December 5th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Received my box on Monday.
Wow this box is fantastic,excellent picture,HD is amazing.
Just programmed the control to work my TV and DVD player,finally a control that has every button I nead for all of my controls.
IanQuote
December 5th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Wow! Was I lucky to get one! ‘Let the minnies moan! Let the cynics chant! Thank you guys’ at Humax – you’ve made my day!’
Those technically interested – I’m running a new quad LNB into my old dish! Two cables feeding the Humax Freesat twin PVR. Another cable from the LNB leads to a spltter feeding two Foxsat single tuner units for other tv’s around the house. They are all working superbly off the one dish! At first I tried a single LNB – not a cat in hell’s chance! This baby needs two cable inputs to savour its hidden delights! Yes I know! I still have a spare output on the LNB! I just love gizmos – don’t you? Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2008 to you all!
Al RanceQuote
December 6th, 2008 at 12:22 am
Peelar,
i’m in Leicester area and I got it by phone 0845 640 2020, can’t wait, puting my dish up tommorow with quad LNB ready for monday delivery.
John
JohnQuote
December 6th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Thanks guys, your right. The website for Argos has been showing Out of Stock every day. Just given them a call and I’ve got free delivery in two working days! Also got the VAT reduction. Let hope this kits as good as it sounds!
Will be interested in adding Sky News when I get the box, I see someone else asked this question but sorted it out before it was answered… Can I ask again as I’d also like to do this.
Thanks,
AndyQuote
December 6th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Ordered one this morning of argos as well. 293 and got shipping for Tue 9th dec for free. I live in stansted area.
AlexQuote
December 6th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Just one major gripe which is spoiling a great product!
The response from the EPG when setting up recordings
is VERY SLOW and frustrating.
This is especially bad when moving horizontally through the EPG.
It is SO SLOW that it can take several seconds to respond and sometimes
I think nothing is going to happen.
Can’t make my mind up if it is a fault with the box or the remote
control is broken.
I have emailed Humax support but no response as yet
EdwardQuote
December 6th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Help, pensioner trying to set upHDR, keep getting message invalid post code, Try to manually tune and have strength 80 to 90 % but quality is 0%
Terry JQuote
December 6th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
@edward
I have exactly the same problem with a recently purchased Humax PVR 9300T. Basically a Freeview box with Hard disk recording.
Operation and quality is very good. However when I bring the box out of standby there is only about one or two items on the EPG, so I can’t use it to set recordings. It takes between three to five minutes for the EPG to become fully populated – no good at all. I have other digital receivers (Philips and Sony) which show their full EPG immediately.
Also, I emailed Humax a week ago now – no response. Not good enough for this type of problem.
Looks as though they have a basic problem with this equipment type.
peterhbQuote
December 6th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Sorry just been told aerial needs attention, please cancel above request.
Terry JQuote
December 6th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
@Edward & @peterhb
I’m not convinced Humax are monitoring their email!
I sent them an email on Tuesday 02/12 about the Record button on my remote not having the red dot legend, then followed up with a copy of the same email to both their support and sales email address on Friday 05/12.
So far, no response to either emails. Not good enough Humax!
Roy W.Quote
December 7th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Mine arrived friday…first impressions very good..to get the latest software update and to record two channels at the same time you have to have both tuners cabled up/twin lnb.Box response is much better after the latest update .One thing i did notice regarding “signal” is if you go into freesat tune it shows your current signal,mine is 85% strength 70% quality. In the twin tuner diagnostic menu it shows individual signal for both tuners,they are both showing 95% on strength and quality(which one should i believe.?).still noticing minor transmission glitches on phantom menace,the odd blocking now and again,thought it was signal but maybe its itvhd. To get my box i had argos email me when it was in stock in my area for delivery..i responded within minutes to there email and luckily i got one.As i write this comment at approx 16.52 pm Sunday i notice ItvHD has gone off air,right slap bang in the middle of star wars…they really need to sort out these Major glitches, Come on ITV,get your act together.
paul.jQuote
December 7th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Turns out it was the Itv News that cut out the HD feed to Star wars,thought my recording was going to be totally ruined.
paul.jQuote
December 7th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Ordered from Argos online. Delivered two days later. 15 minutes and it is up and running.
itvHD for Star Wars today very glitchy. I see above it might be itv problem, not Freesat.
One Problem. Having recorded programs and then watched them – Deleting seems a mess! Could not find a way, then realised might be that another program recording. Later found that have to use several buttons, losing focus on target, before RED available to delete. This could be improved, guys at Humax!
Martin ANDREWSQuote
December 8th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Just got my HDR from Comet the other day (ordered before their weird price hike).
Question: What disk format does the external USB-connected HDD need? There seems to be no utility for formatting the external device (though I can see the device via the Humax – and I can see its Volume Name in File Explorer)
ABC
aybeeseaQuote
December 8th, 2008 at 8:15 am
@134 Martin
I agree deleting programmes should be much easier. You can’t delete while another programme is being recorded and you can’t delete the programme during playback, it has to be stopped first. The Freeview PVR 9200T was much better. So why does Humax not use the same logic as on previous models.
Barry PQuote
December 8th, 2008 at 8:27 am
135 aybeesea
See my entry at message 12
David HQuote
December 8th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Well parcel this morning but to my shock I got the wrong item a sleeping bag of all things hopefully they get right tommorrow.
Eric PQuote
December 8th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Got mine on Friday and I am extremely pleased with it.
I would agree that the navigation (or remote response) on EPG is a bit slow and jumpy, but that’s my only gripe so far. It’s a small price to pay for all the benefits. Love the sorted folders of series recordings. And the photo slideshow facility. MP3 playback is a great bonus as well. Bit of a shame you can’t browse and play the MP3′s without turning on the TV, but that’s just being wishful!
Star wars was a bit blocky, and the PQ was extremely poor, hardly seemed HD at all. Compare it with Britannia high that immediately followed and there was no comparison. It’ll be interesting to see what happened in the middle of the recording where the news was inserted. I’m hoping that the recording was paused
comment @ Roy W. Mailing Humax to demand a red dot on a button?? Get a life!
ACQuote
December 8th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
David H @ 137 thanks for the Headsup. I am still bemused as to why there is no utility (within the Humax) for formatting external drives to a compatible format.
Is it too early to find a DIY internal disk capacity upgrade procedure (yes, I know about warranty etc…)…??
ABC
aybeeseaQuote
December 8th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Can anyone tell me how, once I’ve created a search, get rid of it!!!!
Read the manual, tried the Opt+ button etc etc…
ABC
aybeeseaQuote
December 8th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
It may be a silly question but when recording can you record subtitles?
AlanQuote
December 8th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Anyone tell me if there’s a facility for recording the buffer. Preferably from “Programme Start”…???
Something I happen to have become used to with my Topfield….
ABC
aybeeseaQuote
December 8th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Re 105 BarryP
I plugged in an old 160GB WD external drive and it said something like ‘Not recognised. Can only recognise FAT 16/32 or EXT2/3′
My first thought was ‘Wow, Ext 2 and 3, that’s handy’ Then I thought ‘What on earth did I format this drive as? I must check that…one day’
Then I plugged a USB stick into the external drive’s USB socket and it was recognised, with MP3s and JPEGs opening fine (though not .jpg files).
SimonQuote
December 8th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
I am beginning to wonder if it is all worth the effort but I have only got to 98 and still reading. Incidentally forget Linux it is just as overrated as Sky.
DavidQuote
December 8th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
A format utility on the Humax might help, no?
ABC
aybeeseaQuote
December 8th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
“Incidentally forget Linux it is just as overrated as Sky.”…
Off topic but Linux is free, and can do everything that Windows can … Sky is not free…
JohnQuote
December 8th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Thanks for the replies all. Still can’t get one ordered from Argos by phone order in the South West. Cheers.
PeelarQuote
December 8th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
You might be able to format a disc using Puppy Linux run from a CD. This is quite a useful system to have handy when Linux files need editing, and it does not affect your PC at all..
RichardQuote
December 8th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
i do find the whole shebang abit more of a faff on than sky+ in regards to menus, epgs, recording, playback etc, but i’ll get it sorted in time.
What i’m totally gutted about is the fact that my hdtv, three years old, no hdmi input in the back cannot playback or display the hd channels when in freesat mode..because i’ver had to connect from hdmi > dvi.
HDCP, apparently, causes the picture to display for twenty seconds then go black, while the sound continues. HOWEVER, when i re-tune in non-freesat mode bbc hd displays no probs, BUT there is no epg and therefore i can’t set timer to record programs, also no red button on itv hd programs in non-freesat mode!!! it’s sooo annoying!
apparently you can get hdmi > hd analogue component converters which strip out the hdcp, but they cost a further £150-200!
any of you boffins know a cheaper way to do it?
cheers
jon coleQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Argos has stock for home delivery. Right now.
ABC
aybeeseaQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 8:49 am
I have had a Argos Home Delivery Dec1 Up and running A1 what a brilliant box of High Tec. Now for the people with a single cable feed, IT IS NO PLOBLEM PURCHASE A CABLE SPLITTER WHICH WILL DEVIDE THE SIGNAL
THE ONE I AM USING IS A LOBGEAR CABLEVISION REF CM 5114 QUITE CHEAP, I LIVE IN A FLAT AND USING THE CABLE SUNK IN THE WALL THE LOW LOSS WHICH AS BEEN IN USE FOR MANY YEARS IT IS WORKING JUST FINE I CAN NOT FIND WORDS TO PRAISE THE HUMAX HDR IT IS A WONDERFUL THING TO HAVE. HOPE THIS WILL HELP A FEW FOLKS IN TIME CHRISTMAS
Bert AllsopQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Recieved my HDR from comet yesterday. what a super piece of kit this is, picture is far better than my sky HD box,( and that is good. ) Just one question how do you access the controls, USB port and module slot, on the front of the unit. thanks .
DaveQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Had mine for over a week now with one problem had set it to record Spooks on Saturday night on BBC Scotland, with record set for “auto start end” it actually stopped recording 3 minutes before end of the recording and I had to watch the ending via my computer as it was being shown on the English BBC regions on Monday night. Has anyone else experienced this problem?
JimQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 11:07 am
@AC post 139
“comment @ Roy W. Mailing Humax to demand a red dot on a button?? Get a life!”
Thanks for that. It’s easy to be flippant, but without the red dot there is no indication that this is the record button. I know it is, but my wife has already asked where the record button is…
Perhaps you’d like to swap remotes with me…?
Roy W.Quote
December 9th, 2008 at 11:36 am
@Jim 154. Yes, I recorded Heroes on BBC HD and had the start and end times set to AUTO. The recording ended 3 or 4 minutes early! How annoying! Luckily I had recorded it on my separate freeview PVR already.
Looks like I’ll have to add 5 minutes padding as I’m used to, but according to the manual, the auto start and end is best if the programmers change the schedule. So bang goes that advantage.
I’m guessing that the problem was due to the programming signal from the channel dropping too early, as the ‘auto mode’ switches on and off according to that signal. It could be the box, though, but either way, I hope it will be fixed!
@Jon 150. If your TV was badged as HD ready, it should come with all the necessary reatures to work properly with this device. Specifically, it must have a HDMI or DVI connector, and be able to handle HDCP.
AndyQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Dave…Just go to either end of the front panel and flick it down. It is quite firmly stuck there but will come down. You’ll get used to the amount of pressure needed.
GrubbyQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 11:41 am
@Roy 155
So, are you saying that your record button is just plain grey with no red dot?
If so, then I retract my flippant comment! I didn’t realise that you are actually referring to a fault on the remote, rather than just a personal preference.
As there is no other text explaining what that button is, I can see how a missing dot could be a problem until you get used to it!!
ACQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Little Frustrating!
I have a Hummy 9300T that I use too and this allows you to trim the recorded programs. The HDR does not. Hopefully Humax will come out with a software upgrade to fix this soon!
GrubbyQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Thanks for that info Grubby.
DaveQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Hi guys, I wonder if anyone can help me out on this, I have a pre HD, SD plasma and am currently watching BBC HD on a Topfield sat box outputing 576i via component. The HD picture even downconverted at 576i looks stunning. I’m wanting to upgrade to a PVR but it looks like 720p and 1080i are encrypted on freesat. So my question is Freesat HD encrypted 576i/576p on the analogue component outputs?
markbigearsQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
@ Bert 152
Does that mean I can run the PVR from a sinle lnb by using a cable splitter and get all the functions?
AlanQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Well got my Humax HDR this morning along with all the other posters I got to argee this is a great piece of kit very please with it.The remote response is quick and the EPG is much quicker then sky’s.The picture is top quality both in HD and SD.Setup was very easy only took 15mins.The remote is a bit fiddly but not to bad.There more channels line up on freesat then freeview which was a good surpise.
9.5 out of 10 if it was not for the remote be 10 out of 10 for me.
Eric PQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Hi . I have had my Humax pvr now for four weeks. Can anyone please help me with a big problem, I have tried for hours trying to read the manual on how to sourt out how to get the Tv guide to show more than two hours of programs. thanks.
KenQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Hi
Could any one please tell me if I should be able to record a single programe and watch any other channel, I have two feeds in from my LNB.
If I am recording a channel lets say bbc then I seem to be very restricted as to what other channels I can watch. If this is not the case any ides as to the problem.
Both the feeds are working ok to the LNB
John
johnQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
@AC 158
Cheers AC, misunderstanding sorted!
I’m not losing sleep over the missing red dot, but I do find it a bit disturbing that Humax appear not to be replying to any emails. Either that, or they are so busy it’s taking them a very long time. I’ll give them another day or two, then try ringing them.
Roy W.Quote
December 9th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Nice to know people are actually getting them. When I placed my order the supplier suggested stock was due 26th Nov 08 yet I haven’t heard anything from them yet. By the sounds of it, I wish I’d taken the Argos route…
Mike WQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
John @ 164
Go to the ‘How To’ here is something there that will help you out
http://www.joinfreesat.co.uk/index.php/how-to
GrubbyQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
@ John 164
You certainly should be able to record one programme and view any other channel, or record two programmes and be able to view a restricted selection (from the same transponder).
It sounds to me like your Humax thinks it’s only got one LNB feed. I suggest you run through the setup wizard again, and make sure you select the option for a twin LNB feed, and see if this makes any difference.
Roy W.Quote
December 9th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Does anyone else find the remote control range is completely hopeless? And also when navigating the EPG it is sluggish and non responsive? This combined with the remote controls lack of range makes for a frustrating and painful experience. Not what I was expecting to be honest for the price.
Another example is when you go to delete a file, a pop up appears asking if you are sure you want to delete and the icon defaults to NO. When I press the left key once it bounces across to the Yes Icon and then back to the No Icon. Arrrggghhh!!!!!!
Apart form this the picture is great but so was my freeview.
I was told by ARGOS that this product was excluded from the 30 day money back deal so where do I stand in getting a refund as it’s hardly fit for purpose with the above faults.
DomQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Dom@170
Not to be condescending. Have you removed both film protectors from the box? There is the obvious 1 on the front and another 1 when you flip the flap down inside there!!
GrubbyQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Failing that…….Stick it on ebay!
GrubbyQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Thanks Roy W,
I have done a factory reset, then a freesat tune and it picked up two cables all working ok.
PS, is Setanta available through the CAM slot, if not does anyone know if it will be. or what can be used in the CAM slot?
How can anyone even think of putting this macine on Ebay or sending it back so early, wel done grubby just removed film off the inside and the remote does work better.
John
johnQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Yep pealed it of both the flap and the actual LCD. Still rubbish. After speaking to a colleague about this we think it could be the box CPU that is busy doing something else and not giving the IR enough priority.
This could also explain the general CLUNKY feel to the EPG etc.
He reckons the EPG becomes smoother if you leave it on the screen for a while and wait for the picture to re appear in the background. No idea why when viewing the EPG the current channel stops then eventually appears again. Just weird and maybe suggest the CPU is not man enough.
DomQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
@Mark 161:
As far as I’m aware, only HDMI can carry any encryption information. Outputting via component should provide a decrypted signal, compatible with any equipment capable of the connection. Someone may correct me if I’m wrong. Do a google search for component and encryption or something.
Andy
AndyQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Hi Andy, seen a few posts saying 720p and 1080i are encrypted (ie: you can’t see a HD picture) via component so you can’t record analogue output. Just not sure if it’s the same on 576i? Did a google but can’t find the answer, cheers
markbigearsQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
can you reset the configuration to receive Gold Sat signals (400++ channels). If so how
stuartQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
I abandoned my old TV and VCR 6 months ago. Bought a SONY Bravia 32” with built in Freeview which gave good results despite my ageing aerial. Since then I have been waiting impatiently for the HUMAX “Freesat +” which arrived from ARGOS a few days ago. It cost me £415 including delivery and fitting but I am happy with the value as there is no monthly subscription and I think the HUMAX will serve my needs for same time to come. I would recommend it to anyone.
As more technically able people have already given feed back I will simply say that it does everything it says on the tin – and very well too. I read concerns about noise from the fan – there is none that I can detect. The display on the front of the box is bright, but not enough to distract me, at least, from enjoying the new (to me) functionality of the HUMAX, combined with an excellent picture on my SONY. Diagnostics show Signal Strength 100% and Quality 90% on both Tuners
I have yet to discover any disappointment except difficulty with the “universal” remote control. I am still juggling 2 remotes despite following carefully the info in the User Manuals and websites. I think the problem lies with the SONY not recognising that the HUMAX is attached to the HDMI cable. If anybody can offer any advice on this irritation I should be very grateful.
WayneQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
@Wayne
I have similar experience with HDMI not being recognised. MY Humav is hooked up to a philips 32″ HD which doesn’t recognise the connection. I have to go into the TV input options and manually select the appropriate HDMI input socket.
Is this a problem with the Humax box or is to do with the HDMI protocol ?
peterhbQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
HDMI inputs do not support auto switching like SCART
Barry PQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Does anyone know if the Foxsat HD PVR supports Unicable LNBs (sometimes called Single Cable Routing (SCR) LNBs? For example, the Inverto SCR LNB should allow simultaneous viewing/recording of 4 channels on any transponder/either polarisation. This would support 1 dual tuner PVR plus 2 other satellite STBs all on one cable.
Peter BQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
JL says “stock due soon” but when I popped in to oxford st branch in London the assistant got it up on their system and there are 2000 outstanding orders to be filled so you cannot even place an order…………..this amount of outstanding orders will probably see off any stock till a while after xmas won’t it?
KdburQuote
December 9th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
@DOM 174
DOM your friend is perfectly correct re the EPG and REMOTE CONTROL.
If you let the picture come back behind the EPG then the Remote Control
works perfectly.
You have to wait a while but it is worth it for ease of use.
Conclusion – A GREAT BIT of KIT!
EdwardQuote
December 10th, 2008 at 1:14 am
Reply to JAMES a “Dragon” sorry for the delay!
Russ DringQuote
December 10th, 2008 at 6:31 am
Hi Can anyone tell me how i can get one full days programs on the tv guide i have tried for a month thanks.
KenQuote
December 10th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Has anyone had problems booting the unit up? I have about a 20% success rate in getting the unit to come out of standby. More often than not the LCD backlight will come on and the HD will spin up but the word ‘BOOT’ does not appear, and the unit doesn’t properly come on. I’ve tried switching off at the back and back on, and the same thing happens. I’ve used the front button and the remote button. Eventually. after trying all 3 a few times, it eventually boots.
It might be worth mentioning that I haven’t received the first OTA update yet, I received an error, I think it’s because I only have a single LNB at the moment.
Ordinarily I’d not hesitate to request a replacement, but with the stock situation, I’d rather look for a fix!
Ken 185, I’m pretty sure you can’t get more than 2 different views on the EPG. Press Guide to toggle between the 2 views available.
Andy
AndyQuote
December 10th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Re @144
Checked the formatting of my external HD and it’s NTFS and therefore not recognised, as the box rightly says. EXT2 will do nicely for it now as I think there may be limits on file size with FAT.
So, thanks for the advice, Dave (@145) but, overrated or not, Linux will continue to do nicely for me at home as it has for the last nine years or so.
Don’t know much about Sky, but freesatfromsky has served me well for a few years. Anyone want an old Pace box going cheap?
Simon FraserQuote
December 10th, 2008 at 10:08 am
@183
Noticing a lot of people have slow EPG response I wondered why mine was fast and responsive. Then I realised I only have about 20 channels in my EPG as I have deleted all the channels I don’t use from the channel listing, Could the number of channels in the EPG be proportional to the response time.
Barry PQuote
December 10th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Can the single feed into your house be split into 2 using a spliter
martQuote
December 10th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Got mine yesterday and spent evening playing with it!!! 10 Mins to setup, downloaded new software and installed it within 3 mins. Its brilliant don’t have to pay stupid $ky £10 per month to record just freeview channels anymore.
oh yeah – i got my box from Argos £299.41 inc del +£10 voucher.
One question:
How do you quickly flick through your favorite channels? i.e. the sky blue button feature.
thanks
Del
Del BoyQuote
December 10th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Have got my Humax FOXSAT-HDR and am loving it. But have some questions which may have been answers already but is proving differcult to get answers using this forum. My question:
I have just the one feed from my Satelite which goes to Humax FOXSAT-HDR. I am able to record a channel and watch a sub set of channels. Using just the one feed am I not able to get latest software upgrade? Is there a way of getting software upgrade and full feature set when recording? i.e. single feed to behaviour like dual feed? I hear connecting out to in does not do the job from help line?
geoQuote
December 10th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
geo – The software updates are not available via one cable at the moment, Humax are said to be working on this.
With just a single feed you are limited, the only way around this is two cables in, or the limited accessibility as discussed here, http://www.joinfreesat.co.uk/index.php/how-to/operating-a-pvr-with-one-input.
adminQuote
December 10th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
@183 + 188
Hope for a fix for the EPG, or it will end up in the argos returns bin! We think the box is downloading synopsis info and thats whats causing the IR and EPG problems. Don’t think the SKY + system did this until the info was requested. I don’t really want to delete a load of channels but will check if this helps. A PC based settings editor would be nice like on my HDCI2000 the option to add Chan4 HD without switching box mode would be nice. Still impressed with picture quality though better than $ky
NigelDQuote
December 10th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Thanks for answers admin. I guess it would be good to have the software update feature via the one cable, will look out for when feature is in. I can live with the limited sub set when recording.
P.S. Am loving the Humax FOXSAT-HDR. BBC HD is fab! Champion league looking great on ITV HD.
geoQuote
December 10th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Hi
Thinking of buying But can you TIME RECORD ITV as unlike the BBC they use a Red Button to access ITV HD
Chris
ChrisQuote
December 10th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Sorry to be a dur brain with all this 2 feed stuff but I have 2 satellite cables which used to go into my ordinary sky box is this the 2 cables needed for the pvr?………(which I cannot seem to buy at present!!!) At the moment I only have one of the sat cables in my freesat hd box.
KdburQuote
December 10th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Yes ! LNB in1 and LNB in 2 it’ll be obvious how it works when you see the quick set up instructions when you do finally get your hands on the new box.
Steve.BQuote
December 10th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Dom, If you bought it online or buy phone you have 7 days to reject it under the distance selling regulations.
flufQuote
December 10th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Yes Alan the signal Splitter will work fine, look on the Humax web site they are selling a few twin turners PVRS on the Freeveiw platform which operate from the arials FTA which have been in use for many years, these had only one cable feed why all the fuss about twin cable Yes the Humax HDR is a gem well worth the money, BBC & ITV have been busy doing some work regarding the ITV HD introduction to the Freesat platform, but working well now, the cable Splitter made by LOBGEAR CABLEVISION devides the signal and gives two feeds from a single DISH CABLE the splitter box ref number is CM5114 two short cables are required about 8″ long between DVR and the SPLITTER BOX
Bert AllsopQuote
December 11th, 2008 at 9:53 am
Thanks to the earlier post about removing the protective film from the flap and over the sensor and internal display / buttons. I did not realise about the film over the sensor and even when I looked again I did not think it was fitted. I have now removed the second protective film and the remote does work much better. It is still very directional but a lot better.
David MilneQuote
December 11th, 2008 at 10:23 am
@199
Sorry, but you can’t simply use a signal splitter with satellite to give you the full functions of two LNB feeds. When you do this with Freeview, the aerial signal is passive – the signal is coming in one direction down the cable to the receiver.
With satellite reception, the receiver needs to control two settings on the LNB in order to tune the correct channel, these being the band and the polarisation. Different channels use different settings for band and polarisation, and these are changed by the receiver by sending a signal up the cable to the LNB.
The only way you can use a single cable and get full features is if you change your LNB for a unicable type, which are very expensive. You then also need the technical know-how to set this up on the receiver.
All in all, it is much easier to get two feeds from your dish. In my view, unless you are going to set up the PVR with twin feeds from the LNB, then it’s really not worth buying the twin-tuner PVR.
Roy W.Quote
December 11th, 2008 at 11:11 am
@201
The Inverto Unicable LNB is UKP39.00 from Intellect Systems – see http://www.intellectsystems.co.uk/. For many people it may be easier to change the LNB than running a second cable. In addition to feeding a twin tuner PVR the same single cable can be split/looped through to feed up to 2 other single tuner STBs. All 4 tuners would have full independent access to any transponder on the satellite with either polarisation.
However, as per my last post #181, I am trying to find out if the Foxsat PVR fully supports the Unicable Standard.
Peter BQuote
December 11th, 2008 at 11:54 am
@180
re HDMI Switching.
Very strange. HDMI outputs directly connected to my TV plus those connected to my TV through my Denon AV amp all auto switch flawlessly from “TV” (which might be Freeseat, DVB or analogue) to “AV”.
ABC
aybeeseaQuote
December 11th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Has anybody had trouble with the EPG?. Ive had my pvr for a month, and i can only get two programs on the tv guide i want to get one days programs so i can record from them . Greatfull for somebodys help.
KenQuote
December 11th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Got the new Humax HD-R on monday. First experience of sat TV. Very pleased with the box with the exception of 2 things. 1. Why cant I get the time to show on the boxes display during normal use? 2. The general volume level through the box is a lot lower than previously experienced, I have connected to a seperate amplifyer for surround sound via optical cable and the volume is almost set at twice the previous level.
martynQuote
December 11th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Looking on the Humax site, the rear of the panel is lacking component inputs, looks like a version 2 box?
markbigearsQuote
December 11th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Switching channel interference?
Got one at last – v pleased with it but do have one query.
When switching channels I am getting a brief ‘buzz,crackle’ sound (hard to describe) through the TV speakers. This happens what ever route /technique is used to change channel.
Is anyone else getting this or have any ideas on how to eliminate?
Not major but would be nice to get rid of it.
Thanks.
Mark LQuote
December 11th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
14 months after hearing about Freesat and a possible PVR, I have one . Delayed another week because of the gits that stole that lorry load. Had it over a day now and no problems at all. My EPG works fine .Picture is better through the HDMI. HD is amazing .
Pity you can’t record from the live buffer and you have to have the TV on to see what mp3 you are selecting . (got to use that 20 Plus Gb’s for something )
But the best thing is the remote will not work from where my girlfriends sits. Not that she will ever understand how to use it.
MattQuote
December 11th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
@ 208 Matt
The first comment to make me laugh.
Thanks
Roger
RogerQuote
December 11th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Am I the only one who thinks it looks a bit like Kitt from Night Rider, when its in standby mode ? Pity you can’t get the red LED to move from side to side.
MattQuote
December 12th, 2008 at 9:09 am
@178 – wayne
I too have experianced promlems getting the Humax remote to work on my Panasonic Viera TH37PX60B. I spoke to Humax support over two weeks ago and they gave me a ticket number saying they would look into it. When I phoned back I was told that there was nothing they could do regarding this issue. Its a shame because I absolutely love this piece of kit. Worth every penny!
PullyQuote
December 12th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Reading the above I’m extremely jealous of those who managed to get their Humax delivered. I thought I’d got my hands on one when I placed my order with Argos on 3rd Dec, telling me it would arrive on Friday 5th. Well the time came and went, no communication from Argos other than taking £293 out my bank account(!), so I emailed their customer support, at which point I realised what a shambles Argos online is! Check out the reply I received:
Argos: “I am very sorry you have not received your order. Unfortunately this can sometimes happen when an item has recently sold out and our online ordering system has not updated. This can be due to large volumes of people visiting our website at one time. However I do understand the frustration and inconvenience this may cause.
I am pleased to confirm we will keep your order on hold for you until you advise further. However we do require you to check stock and once this is showing in stock to contact us and we will then re-arrange another suitable delivery date.
Please accept my sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused here.”
So, no online order tracking, no idea when they’ll get it in and they won’t let me know when it comes in anyway, instead I have to check the site for availability myself! In the meantime, they keep my money. I won’t be using them again!
Anyone else had a similar experience?
NickQuote
December 12th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Thanks Roger@208 just trying to turn a negative in to a positive, silver linings and all that.
Two Odd things I’ve noticed about my HDR, when your recording, the EPG comes up with the sound & TV picture straight away. No Receiving Programme Information in the top right of the screen, it still works fine if not better ?
Also I only get Thumb Nail Pictures on recordings if the Box has been turned off for a while. ?
MattQuote
December 12th, 2008 at 10:43 am
ALAN@162 Take my word for the Homax DTR working with a cable splitter, I have quite a lot of series loaded which are working ok for me, don’t forget is has only two turners, it is possible to view a recorded program, while recording two other programmes, it is a wonderful box of tec; it will not let one do any operations which are not possible. If only more of these Humax PVRS were available, I know many are waiting for supplies at the shops, I will say again a wonderful bit of kit, worth waiting for. I am still figureing out how to get the remote to work the TV got a good excuse I am 83 years old and still learning to do things.
Bert AllsopQuote
December 12th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Nick, use the Argos option for having an email alert sent to you when new stock is available….you have to be quick to respond though ! You can find it when you click onto “check local stores” Its what I did and I had mine delivered last week.
If its of use to anyone ? Currys told me that they are not expecting any units in stock until after Christmas.
Steve.BQuote
December 12th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
You’re quite right Steve.B. I’d already “signed up” with Argos to get the e-mail notification and one popped in to my in-box at 11.30am today telling me that they had more in stock. By the time I phoned them at 11.39am they’d sold out!
I’m desperate to get one of these Humax HDR’s as my $ky+ box is playing up big time and as I’d already planned to dump $ky there’s no way I’m paying them 65 quid to come out and probably give me some second hand refurbished rubbish (they did that once before and I’ve had nothing but trouble since…)
If you’re one of those people who have already received their new Humax recorder, count yourself very lucky – there’s plenty of us who would happily cut limbs off to have one of our own (preferably off other people, though).
Andy ClaytonQuote
December 12th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Andy @ 216
There are some on ebay at a premium though! Couple of buy it nows for £355-£360 inc postage.
If you’re that desperate???
GrubbyQuote
December 12th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Forgot to say.
1 of them is Turbosat.
GrubbyQuote
December 12th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
well had mine fitted yesterday and i must say that i am glad i did it is well made and the picture is great i got mine from local retail shop he was very good and i am pleased with what he did for me thanks humax and to dss ltd for a great job
andrew wrightQuote
December 12th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
no way to update software if you only have one LNB great idea humax NOT
Dave KQuote
December 12th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Why so bitter Dave K ? Sky+HD uses twin LNB feed. So it shouldn’t come as a suprise that this new Humax HDR with twin tuners likewise needs two ?
Steve.BQuote
December 12th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
I also got the email from Argos, but no stock left by the time I called up. Humax really have dropped the ball on this in my opinion. Is there any word on when the next shipment is being delivered to the UK? I’m wondering whether or not to give up and just get a regular HD Freesat tuner; the chance of getting one before christmas seems to be getting lower and lower…
LaurenceQuote
December 12th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Grubby@217/8
Thanks for the info. No, I don’t think I’m quite that desperate, but thanks for the thought! I just hope my $ky+ survives over Christmas as I think Laurence@222 isn’t far wrong about the chances of any of us getting one before. I tried several retailers today and none were even taking back orders.
It’ll be worth the wait!
Andy ClaytonQuote
December 13th, 2008 at 12:36 am
I am disillusioned almost totally. Despite knowing I have a good signal, at least up to 10 am this morning with my old set up with Sky Freesat, I just cannot set the wretched Freesat box up. It couldn’t find the satellite, and then took me to postcode.No postcode I know to be valid in BH** is accepted with out without spaces. Then another OK takes me to scanning for channels. Even that is fraught: when I give the OK with the remote there is zilch response no matter how close the remote is to the box. Net result is I’m stuck and angry. I have never had such a rotten experience, so far, as with the Foxsat HDR.
I am wondering how to start the installation from scratch, but puzzled how to do that if the remote refuses to communicate with the box for whatever reason.
Unless I succeed by Monday the wretched thing is going back to JL, where I bought it.
GordonQuote
December 13th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Admin
I have read the blog with interest. While I think it time that a knowledge centre, where people can checkout issues concerning freesat and the various boxes, is developed and it would be good if you could help facilitate this.
RogerQuote
December 13th, 2008 at 10:16 am
To all those out three still trying to get a HDR this e-mail might be of interest.
I asked why it seemed that so many were going to Argos & not the Independent Retailers. ( I hate Argos ) Dec 5th
All channels are receiving the same % allocation against their back orders as each other. Sadly due to the theft this week that has been smaller than anticipated. We are attempting to pick up the slack on this product in the next two weeks, but anticipate stock being painfully short until mid January .
Customer Services.
So I take it if an Independent ordered 1000 & Argos ordered 50,000 . Argos would receive 50 boxes for every one that the Independent got . FAIR ???
MattQuote
December 13th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Gordon to start again do a factory reset, have you took the plastic film of the front and from the inside of the pull down flap which covers the display this will help the remote .
Not 100% on sattelite instalation but are you picking up Astra 2, when I installed mine I was only a few degrees out and I picked up the wrong sattelite I used a sattleite finder and found Astra 2 and hey presto.
I made the mistake of not going completly through the installation process so it did not enable me to watch and record all channels, I did a factory reset and started the instalation process again, made sure it fully went through the process until it said finish and away it went.
Hope this helps
John
johnQuote
December 13th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Has anyone else had recordings stop prematurely? A couple of my BBC HD recordings have stopped early, by which I don’t mean a minute or two. For example The Merchant of Venice a few days ago stopped after 33 minutes.
Patrick WallaceQuote
December 13th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Mine keeps losing the signal, but I have 100% on each. Still a great box!
RonnieQuote
December 14th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Patrick Wallace @ 228
Unfortunately, The Merchant of Venice was mistakenly only set for 33 minutes in the EPG for BBCHD, When I realised this, I modified the scheduled entry for the full length of the programme. Other than that, I have had a couple of programmes stop slightly early. I presume this is because the BBC have sent the ‘end of programme’ trigger early. Hopefully, this will improve as the broadcasters realise the importance of getting it right.
David HQuote
December 14th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
I’m thinking of buying the HUMAX PVR but I only have one feed into my living room the other feeds are already in other rooms can i add anymore feeds to my satellite without actually changing it? also I was thinking of buying the panasonic freesat tv i take it there is no point when buying this PVR?
CarlQuote
December 14th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I’ve had mine for a couple of days now. First impression is that it works well, but operation is far more complicated than it needs to be, even allowing for it having more facilities than Freeview equivalents. Sky are definitely superior in this respect. I am never going to be able to operate this Humax remote handset in the dark.
The remote control is useless unless the front flap is left down (yes, I have removed both protective films), and the volume control would be better if it worked the TV in PVR mode.
RichardQuote
December 14th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Hi , Quite pleased with the HDR unit, but seem to have a glitch.
While recording X-factor last night on ITV, i could not access BBC1
or BBC-HD . When i stopped recording it was ok. I have twin feeds.
Anybody with the the same problem or advice to fix –thanks–Ian.
IanQuote
December 14th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Ian,
Do a complete factory reset and then run the set up wizard to the end.
see no 169
John
JohnQuote
December 15th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Argos delivered as promised and this is an impressive and powerful device that delivers a great picture in SD and mind-bogglingly good in HD (can’t wait for more channels).
Occasionally there are conflicts when recording/viewing – I’m hoping it’s just the way I set it up that has caused this. As some others have posted along these lines I guess someone else must be in the same position as me. I’m fairly clueless about all things electrical, but with help from places such as this, am learning all the time.
I previously had Sky+ that was upgraded from standard Sky. I have 2 cables coming through the wall from the dish and connected as described to LN1 in & LN2 in. Both cables appear to go all the way up to the dish but I can’t see exactly how they connect (If that is relevant).
On the set up I recall the display showing “one cable”. Now at the time I assumed that it knew what I had and continued – is there an option to change this to “2 cables” and would it make a difference? (I don’t know how to find this out wihout re-installing).
I ran the set up wizard to the end as far as I’m aware ie I didn’t stop it from completing and pressed the appropriate selection at the end.
So my only problem is that when recording one channel, I am limited in choice as to what I can view live. I assumed it would record/view in the same way as Sky+ regardless of channel, but am thinking that’s not quite the case. Or do I need a bit of tinkering to be done with the cables before it is?
And if I did have to re-install, would it wipe any recorded material?
Any advice gratefully received. Thanks!
GmanQuote
December 15th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Gman you need to make sure it is set up knowing it has 2 cables going to it. This probable means a factory reset re-install and you might lose recordings .
Mine is working fine apart from getting the Thumb Nails up straight away .It likes to work on that while I’m sleeping.
MattQuote
December 15th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
IN STOCK @ DIXONS
Just had an email to say Dixons have stock
http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/808073?camp_id=wk33_08_freesatHumax
Pic is wrong but description is correct, 5% discount code FSPLUS5
Barry PQuote
December 15th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
with reference to 237 use code 10digi to get 10% off then 5xmas to 5% more off got one for under £263 yipee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
garybQuote
December 15th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Ok, got mine from Argos. Requested an email when stock in. Ordered straight away and then they went out of stock almost immediately. Act quickly.
Pretty straight forward to set up and watching HD for free is a dream. Goodnight Sky +. Below are some of my initial gripes and solutions.
Slow Remote Response
I too had the slow remote problems but resolved this by reading this forum. That other blue strip on the inside of the machine is a killer. Remote response is much much quicker now.
Problems Recording / Watching Multiple Channels
Sometimes I could watch one and then not another when recording, or there were some channels ‘greyed’ out. Since carrying out a Factory Reset and ensuring it showed the 2nd Cable active this seems to be working almost fine (I did get some bad signal errors but a click backward and forward seems to get it working). Also I only lost my settings / schedules but not my recordings.
Recording Limits Options
I don’t seem to be able to Manage Files or some other options whilst a recording is in progress. Be nice to get this sorted in an update.
Favourite Channels
To flick through, you need to go into your Lists and select Green then keep pressing until your Favourites list is displayed. You then need to press OK a couple of times until you return to TV i.e. no menus. You then Press the i (info) button and then you can browse your favourites without the channel changing.
EPG
Often cuts the transmission for around 45 seconds so you browse in silence until the signal catches up.
Workings
I have to say, some of the features are really good but not so good for my wife. Generally you have to click 2 or 3 times more to get the same result as you would on Sky with 1 click. Look at the favourites which is probably 6 / 7 clicks before you start. (There might be a shorter route but I haven’t found it yet)
Overall this is an expensive bit of kit which at the moment only gives you a few hours of extra benefit (HD material) a day. With this in mind I’m not sure I would feel that left out if I didn’t own one yet.
Glad I have one and looking forward to when the HD service is more supported.
The HD picture is fantastic and subscription free is a notable reward.
Paul HDRQuote
December 15th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Hello, Can you record on freesat and switch to and watch a freeview channel at the same time?………………great forum by the way!!
sandyQuote
December 16th, 2008 at 7:06 am
Got mine from John Lewis yesterday – on a pre-order. Although I don’t have an HD TV I wanted it to replace the Grundig SD unit so I could record (and replace an aging VCR). First impressions are very good – easy to set up and use (as long as you don’t make basic mistakes). Picture quality on SD is, in my opinion, better than the Grundig on my Phillips 23″ CRT.
I have considerd getting an HD TV byut now I am unsure and somewhat confused. Looking at the displays in John Lewis, none of the LCD HD units had a picture on SD that was anything like the quality of my current set up. Given that there is very little HD at the moment, it would seem a bad move to buy a new set.
Someone has, however, advised that I should get a picture through the Foxsat on an LCD at SD as good as I am getting with the CRT and to ignore the shop displays. Others have agreed but advised to go for no bigger than a 26″ LCD (our viewing distances are between 1.5 and 2 metres) as we will see defects in SD. Yet others have advised that I need at least a 32″ to get the benefit of HD at our viewing distances.
I am confused. Any tech wizards out there who can advise please.
Rod LQuote
December 16th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Thanks Matt, held my nose, jumped in and did a factory reset and it picked up two cables automatically this time – did a software upgrade at some point without me noticing too. As Paul HDR says @ 239, the recorded material isn’t deleted but all series links are – and I agree completely with your summary. I guess we’re all testing this to some extent.
Btw Matt re your post @208, unfortunately, I have the opposite situation with regard to the remote and where my wife sits and have found that a strategically placed object to one side of the unit enables me to bounce the signal off it fairly successfully – a bit like snooker, but more fun.
GmanQuote
December 16th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Paul HDR @239 Big thank you for explaining how to flick through your favourite channels. Any thing else you find out please post.
Paul as I said @ 213 why does the EPG come up with the sound & picture straight away when its busy recording & work fine ?
To anyone managing to get one this week, let the box warm up a bit before you plug it in and use it,as condensation forming on the HDD can cause damage.
MattQuote
December 16th, 2008 at 11:23 am
11:15 a.m. Just successfully placed an order with Comet, delivery 29th December at the earliest. Get in there quick.
NickQuote
December 16th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Managed to order one from Dixons this morning for £256.49… what a price!
Just called them (early afternoon) and they confirm the order is good so hoping to receive this before Christmas.
Need to find a way to tell the wife now… a few bottles of wine should do it !!!
ClydeDQuote
December 16th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
If I set the Humax resolution to “original” so that the TV does any required rescaling, and then turn off, when the box reboots the resolution is set not to “original” but to “1080i”. This is annoying, and I would like to know if the problem can be got round.
BTW TV is 32LXD85 HD Ready 1366×768
GordonQuote
December 16th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Thanks John@ 234, factory reset seems to have done the trick.
H D plcture is superb, remote menue’s a bit over complicated.
Couple of times have put on standby, and in the morning has switched
itself back on. But it’s mine & i love it.
IanQuote
December 16th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I need some really good technically advice here. I know what I am asking for is Highly Illegal and I know that if I am caught I will be cast into the deepest dungeons, probably have my entrails ripped out and roast over hot coals – BUT I AM PREPARED TO TAKE THAT RISK. I spend a lot of time in a Sunny southern European country where it is difficult to get British TV. I can get one of the locals to erect a dish capable of receiving FreeSat (They’ll do anything for money out here). My question is – Will this Humax PVR work there. I have read all the postings here and what stands out is the need to input a Post Code on setup. Has this been included to thwart the likes of myself and countless other expats out here in the Sun, or does this simple act as a guide as to what regional channels are received. It really doesn’t matter whether I get Southern or Northern ITV or whatever – just as long it’s in English and gets Corry etc. I don’t mind.
There is no need to reply telling me that FreeSat is only for use in UK – I KNOW THAT. Just tell me – please – pretty please then – if it’s “theoretically” and TECHNICALLY possible to use this box abroad. You may assume that Yes I can get the correct signal.
JimTedQuote
December 16th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Jim Ted if you can get a good enough signal from Astra 2D.( Very big dish ) then you can use it on the Moon for all the box cares . Any post code you want …
MattQuote
December 16th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Just a suggestion to those that wish to turn off the front display;
I do not yet own one so cannot try for myself – but can a dark sticker not just be placed on the inside of the flap to drown out the light escaping, then replace the flap?
I have a techie question if anyone is able to answer;
I wish to connect this box to a motorised system so I can watch channels on Hispasat, the Astras and Hotbird. Sandy @240 poses an interesting question regarding the concurrent use of Freesat and non-Freesat modes. Having a motor will complicate this yet further – does anybody know of a good source of information so I can configure my setup correctly?
A good example is what happens when a scheduled recording tries to operate and the dish has been left at 30W.
westieQuote
December 16th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
So I have used the PVR for about a week now, love the PVR but a few negatives here:
1) Remote range < v.poor (need a remote extender) my pvr is about 3 meters away
2) Remote response sometimes registers as two presses specially the ‘i’ button
3) When switching channels the picture appear instantly but sound lags behind by about a second – beginning to find it annoying when channel hopping.
come on Humax guys, need another software update!!!
Del BoyQuote
December 16th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
December 17th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
I’ve got an Arcam DVD player, does anyone know the correct code to get it working with the Humax remote control?
Other than that the unit works well, although the auto-pad mode does cut programs off at the moment (I’ve changed to using hard-coded padding).
FreeSatQuote
December 17th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Why do executed schedule items not get deleted automatically, but only sometimes?
Martin ANDREWSQuote
December 17th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Managed to get mine from Dixons online ordered Tuesday 16th dec received today – nice and easy to set up – managed to get it for £261.44 (found a few codes to tap in) A friend wanted 1 but have checked there site tonight and out of stock
only had it on for a few hours but would definatly recommend this
only gripe – it would be nice if you could get freesat and non-freesat to tune together without having to swap over each time
Jon ElsworthQuote
December 17th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
forgot to tag these – try them they worked for me – mind you i forgot to add the free delivery – could have saved an extra £5
Humax FOXSAT-HDR Freesat+ Box. Its available for £299.99 with £4.95 delivery, but if you use discount code FSPLUS5 youll receive a 5% discount.
Once added the discount code, follow up with discount code 10DIGI for a further 10% offand then use discount code FREEDEL49 for free delivery too!!!
Jon ElsworthQuote
December 17th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
So as instructed by us 2 days ago
http://www.joinfreesat.co.uk/index.php/humax-pvr-now-available-at-dixons
adminQuote
December 17th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Can the screensaver on pause be turned off, please?
grahamdeepwellQuote
December 18th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Had my unit for 2 weeks now-Comet website pre-order. Having been a $ky man since their launch and having one of the first sky+ boxes I finally got sick of the subscription and the ripoff price to upgrade to HD. So far so good in the freesat world-my experience to date:
-Installation really simple. Unplug sky+ cables, plug into freesat unit and connect the included HDMI. Then turn on the unit and the on screen instructions were fine. Others have said how within 15 minutes its all done-I can vouch for that.
-Picture quality is excellent in SD and HD.
-Menu’s not as simple or intuitive as $ky+, but certainly not bad. Also some parts better like offering series link whenever available as part of the record selection process.
-Frustrated by the lack of range on the remote. I have removed the 2 films on the Humax unit, installed new batteries but I still have to get close to use it. It works from a long distance to control TV (and DVD-another advantage over the sky rc) so I hope that a future firmware should be able to resolve this.
-Thought unit was faulty when I couldnt delete recorded programs-thanks to this forum for clarifying that you cant delete while recording. Now I know its not a problem.
-Fantastic new feature to skip forward a number of minutes-set mine to 2 and a couple of clicks gets us through the adverts-$ky missed a trick with that one.
Cancelled with $ky yesterday, I think they are getting worried about Freesat+ as when I told them this was the reason I was offered a great deal to stay-told I could still return the Humax and stay with them-even offered a 3 month deal for sky+HD. I am happy enough with my choice though and went through with the cancellation.
ThephilcornishQuote
December 18th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Just received my unit from Dixons. All seems to be working although the fan does not run when you turn the unit on. Is the fan temperature controlled or is it supposed to run all teh time?
RobertQuote
December 18th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Hi. I’m not sure if this has been answered but I *have* looked.
Can someone please tell me an easy way to view Freesat and NON-Freesat (manually tuned) channels? I have come up with a workaround but its not very consistent.
TIA
ABC
aybeeseaQuote
December 18th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
ref 261
Don’t know any workarounds just the menu settings etc method. Humax should be aware by now people are unhappy there is no more direct way of switching between freesat and nonfreesat modes! They haven’t bothered answering my email request. What’s your workaround?
RozQuote
December 18th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
ref 248
I believe any UK postcode would work. The box has no connection for it to send data to broadcasters / operators. Well it has the ethernet but that’s not enabled yet. Didn’t think it was still considered illegal to receive UK broadcasts abroad and thought the copyright nonsense had been lifted when the various public channels became fee to air even before freesat came along.
RozQuote
December 18th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
ref updating my own question in post 44
I was and am still unclear whether using a multi lnb dish will enable different locations to be received via both of the two LNB inputs on the back of the box? Has anyone tried anything more complex than the following?
I have now bought and installed the box with two cables down to the box for the Freesat locations at 28 degrees and added LNBs to receive 13, 19 and 23 degree locations. I decided LNBs needed to all be added onto one of the main cables via a Diseqc 4 way switch and fed in to LNB1 input.
Programming the extra LNBs in non-freesat mode took some hit and miss, the link in my post 44 helped as did downloading the Humax i-cord manual where the process is explained at least in part. I avoided doing general scans of each satellite to keep the number of channels down and worked my way through the transponders that contained channels I wanted. I referred to lyngsat (kingofsat also good) for the detailed listings.
Now that I can receive the channel range I wanted I have to wait for HUMAX to upgrade the software when they realise people want to switch between freesat and non-freesat modes more easily and to programme recordings in non-freesat mode! Please HUMAX, please are you getting on with this??? Let us know somehow!
RozQuote
December 18th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
got mine today from Dixons 10 minute set up so far so good,picture quality good,very pleased,message to admin ,could you compile the hints and tips into one area only this share and enjoy section is great but getting a bit long to scan for info
GarybQuote
December 19th, 2008 at 9:01 am
ClydeD@245. I’ve got a similar matrimonial problem. Not with the purchase of the Freesat+ box (mine arrived yesterday evening and I’m very very pleased with it. Have cancelled $ky already). My issue is convincing the trouble-and-strife that now that we’ve got an HD decoder we should buy an HD telly to plug it into!
For those who haven’t got one of these Humax babies yet: go get one – you won’t be disappointed! See the separate topic about Humax at Dixons for some useful tips on where to buy…
Andy ClaytonQuote
December 19th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Now I’m P’d off! My faulty unit was collected by Argos but they haven’t delivered a replacement because they are out of stock until after Xmas!!
And of course, nobody else has any! So all of that lovely HD programming over Xmas I’m going to miss! 
Boo hoo!
Andy
AndyQuote
December 19th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Andy Clayton:
See my post at 241 above. We seem to be in a similar position. She Who Must Be Obeyed would be very resistant to anything above 26″ (the TV that is!) and the advice seems to be that 26″ is too small to appreciate HD. Yet I am also told that 32″ will show defects on SD. What to do?
Rod LQuote
December 19th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I think this site is terrific, thanks guys for all the helpful info.
query?
I’m waiting delivery for the freesat pvr, I have a hd/ready kuro plasma, is the hdmi cable supplied with the freesat good enough? or should I upgrade ?
dave edwardsQuote
December 19th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Dave, don’t waste your time upgrading, a digital signal is a digital signal, the one supplied is fine.
adminQuote
December 19th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Having a problem with Foxsat-HD when trying to view subtitles on BBC HD. System crashes after a few seconds. OK when subtitles switched off but very frustrating as me and spouse both hard of hearing and rely a great deal on subtitles. Is this a common problem??
AlanQuote
December 19th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Back in stock at Argos RIGHT NOW!
andyQuote
December 19th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I have just set my unit up and all is well, but I have no ITV HD only BBC HD. Is this a setup, dish alignment issue? or are they not transmitting today?
RobertQuote
December 19th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Ref hdmi query earlier, thanks for the advice admin that’s fifty quid saved.
One more query, is this site adictive? i keep visiting everyday, perhaps when the pvr is delivered after Christmas I won’t need my fix so often.
dave edwardsQuote
December 19th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Just ordered from Argos with
AFD10 (Free delivery)
& XMASDISCOUNT (£10 off)
Will be delivered on Monday.
KeithQuote
December 19th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
got unit set up fine but have found on a few channels i get “no or bad signal” channels affected are the pop chanels and true movies ,any ideas
thanks
Gary
GarybQuote
December 19th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
sorry forgot to mention above thati have got 90% strength but zero quality when i look in the diagnostics
GarybQuote
December 19th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Andy Clayton @266 – Good luck… I refurbed the living room in May/June this year so got the HD telly then, 42″ Panasonic, and I’ve been waiting for this box ever since.
Its arrived today so will be setting it up in the morning… although the big cheese wants to go and deliver Christmas presents… yeah right !!!
Will comment further when setup and running.
Oh yes… just to add my ‘thumbs up’ to the forum… some great comments.
ClydeDQuote
December 19th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
@GaryB
Looks like you may be pointing at the wrong satellite.
digitalQuote
December 19th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
ref to digital @279 how can i check which satellite i am on?
thanks
Gary
GarybQuote
December 20th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Robert @ 273
ITV HD is a red button service. Tune to channel 103 & if the programme is available in HD, you will be invited to press the red button to receive it. You can also set up to record an ITV HD programme via the guide without the ‘red button’ nonsense.
David HQuote
December 20th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Sat 20th 4:20pm: Just placed order with Argos for delivery before Christmas, stock still available in Midlands region. Looking at the schedules there’s a lot on BBC HD on Christmas & Boxing day and not a lot after that, so I’m pretty keen to get it set up before then. I’m keeping my fingers crossed Argos will deliver this time, you never can tell…
NixQuote
December 20th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
solved missing channel problem ,dish alignment perfect but lnb skew not right.markins on the side of lnb allowing twist was set on 4 twisted to 3 then 2 then 1 got more channels on each move ,have all now ,may be off use to anyone with the same problem
GarybQuote
December 20th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Had mine for about a week now from Maplin…Fitted my own dish and luckily got a good signal after a little tweeking…Great picture in both normal and HD…How do you pre-program to record a future prog.?
I can see that pressing the record button will record what you are watching,been into menu,but not very clear or it could be an age thing!!
Many thanks…great forum
HughQuote
December 20th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Hugh
Go to Guide, select your program and press OK. You will get the options to record.
grahamdeepwellQuote
December 21st, 2008 at 9:23 am
Thanks Graham…will try that next time….Recorded “Strickly”last night,at least I thought I had,it was showing :record:on the front panel but did not appear on the list of recorded progs.Strange!Also second half was not HD which did record ok……
HughQuote
December 21st, 2008 at 3:42 pm
just quick question is it ok to connect my network to ethernet connection at the back of the machine thanks
andrew wrightQuote
December 21st, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Hi. Benn to Comet today who had a Humax Foxsat HDR in stock. However I am a current subscriber to Sky+ with an LNB with 8 outputs. Looking to run two extra cables from the existing LNB to the Humax PVR but before I bought the helpful chap at Comet said that there may be a conflict if I take the Sky+ and Freesat feeds from the same LNB. Is this trueand thus will I need a separate LNB for the new Freesat box? Help please …………………
Ian WardQuote
December 21st, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Set my box up today, picture much better than my grundig freesat hd box but dissapointed to find the second cable presumably coming from my dish ( way up high on top of chimney) was an ariel lead which plugged into my old sky box in the arial socket so I am running on 1 LNB…..the cable looks identical to the LNB one ( except for the bit on the end) and I already have an ariel lead going into my TV so it is just doing nothing. Can I convert it by fitting a different end on it so it can fit into LNB2?…apologies if I am being a dum dum by thinking I could do this.
kdburQuote
December 22nd, 2008 at 9:15 am
Ian Ward – there won’t be any conflicts, run those cables.
kdbur – you could try fitting an F-type male plug, but if it doesn’t work someone will have to go on the roof.
grahamdeepwellQuote
December 22nd, 2008 at 9:18 am
Ian @288
As is often the case, the helpful assistant in Comet was talking rubbish!
Your new Foxsat will need two feeds from the LNB. If you have Sky+. this will be using two feeds itself. So, if you’ve got either a quad or an octo LNB, you’ll have the required two spare feeds.
It’s impossible for the two to interfere at the LNB. A quad or octo LNB actually has 4 or 8 totally seperate LNBs built into the one casing. With an octo you could run 4 Foxsats or Sky+ receivers, or any combination totalling 4.
Roy W.Quote
December 22nd, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Ian @288
As Roy W says @291, Comet are talking a load of rubbish. I have an octo LNB with 6 feeds active from the 1 dish and all working. It does help to have the best shielded cable though so don’t buy the cheap stuff.
My first weekend with the Humax beauty and to say I’m impressed is an understatement. Up and running in 10 mins with 100% signal and 100% quality on both feeds. Still working my way through all the features but only gripe so far is the reaction speed of the epg but this may improve with the next update.
Anyone know when and how the network port is going to be utilized?
ClydeDQuote
December 22nd, 2008 at 2:08 pm
The Remote needs a re-design. It says something that I find a £4.99 Universal Remote from Lidl easier to use.
grahamdeepwellQuote
December 22nd, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Further to my earlier comment on Dec 19 that my Freesat pvr was assured to be delivered after Christmas, it arrived today. But guess what? I had told dish installer not to come till after Christmas, so I have to sit here and admire a bloody cardboard box.
dave edwardsQuote
December 22nd, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Sorry to be a pain and thanks to grahamdeepwell for suggesting the male F type plug to try to connect the second LNB from an arial lead coming off my dish….I have done that but just wanted to know if I have to re-do the set up from ‘factory settings’ to find out if the diy job I did works or does the fact I still can’t view other channels whilst recording mean it hasn’t worked?…………many thanks
kdburQuote
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:02 am
Does anyone know if there is a way to delete the empty folders in media view?
Alan KQuote
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:14 am
My question to you all is, I have sky in my lounge which through RF2, I am able to send the signal to all the other TV’s in the house via the splitter box in the loft I am also able to control sky from any room using the magic eye, I know some of you have had this for a short while now so can this happen with the humax ? or can I at least be able to get the picture to the rest of the house ?
BryanQuote
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:02 am
Attention all you single dish cable feeds, my Humax HDR is working just fine one my single cable with splitter fitted. No faults noticed, I like the way this DVR offers other channels when there is conflict when recording two channels,this is a wonderful box of high tec, I would reccomend it, I give it full marks,
Bert AllsopQuote
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:49 am
@296 Alan K
You can delete empty folders by selecting OPT+ and then file manager delete is then an option on the red button
Barry PQuote
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Does anybody know any information about setting up uni cable for this box?
marcQuote
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:42 pm
@kdbur 295. Yes, you have to run the wizard again by doing factory reset, in order for it to check your connections. If your DIY job is OK, it should recognise 2 separate inputs and give you more functionality.
@graham 293. What’s wrong with the remote? I find it quite logical and easy to use.
andyQuote
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:56 pm
andy@301, the buttons I use most, the Play/Pause section, are hard to find in a darkened room.
grahamdeepwellQuote
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:01 pm
kdbur I’m new to all this but is it posible that the second cable is just a normal arial lead and not sat. Certainly the sky boxes have normal arial conections and it seems very strange that the end conector would be different if it was sat feed.
marcQuote
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Managed to get my box from Currys at Lakeside and have spent some time playing with the features. All in all its very impressive and the SD picture definitely improved when using the ‘Original’ setting via V+ button. This may be because my Sony TV is also trying to do upscaling and its better to leave just one box doing that.
One issue I have is that when I play any MP3 files that I have copied to the HDD, the first second or two of each track is missing. The files all play fine from the USB key that I copied from and I can’t work out whats going on. Anyone else found this ? (for info I route the Humax HDMI to an AV receiver then HDMI on to the TV).
cjlQuote
December 24th, 2008 at 12:04 am
@299 Barry
Many thanks – some would say I should have RTFM but the the manual is somewhat enigmatic and probably needs the da Vinci code to unravel it
Alan KQuote
December 24th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Marc…..yes it was just an arial feed and obviously it didn’t work unfortunatley so I will be looking for someone to get up on my roof to fit a dual feed on my dish on the chimney. I had a lot of problems getting the dish fitted as the sky blokes wouldn’t go up there…..too high so I hope I can find a company who will do it. I am London so if anybody knows a good contractor in the area I would be grateful for the info…….thanks to all who contributed to this forum as I ended up with the cheapest box (Dixons) and lots of good info..merry xmas!!
kdburQuote
December 24th, 2008 at 11:04 am
thank you all for the invaluable information that has been posted over the last few months. I have the HDR and am v happy with it but now am looking for a bigger LCD tv, 37 to 42 inch, what a minefield! anybody have any advice as to which direction I should go regarding spec, brand etc. Happy Christmas.
SterQuote
December 24th, 2008 at 11:36 am
here’s a question for any body that can help. All my units
are HDMI and connected to a samsung 6 series tv with HDMI leads. I.E. Foxsat hdr, Sony media center and a PS3 for blueray. If I connect the tv to my sound system using an optical lead will it output sound in the same format as the inputs to save me having to have differant optical leads for each bit . having to change the source on the sound system every time I change the unit I’m using. I guess what I asking is do the HDMI leads carry the 5.1 dolby signal and will that output via the tv optical lead.
Happy Xmas
marcQuote
December 24th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Ster: Have a look at the Samsung 40 inch 6 series. Can’t get better for the money and on the hd it is brilliant.
marcQuote
December 24th, 2008 at 11:52 am
@307 Ster
Also have a look at Sony 40 inch KDL40W4000U around £680 now and best buy on the Gadget Show
Barry PQuote
December 24th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Thanks Barry & Marc will check them out
SterQuote
December 24th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I walked away from JL Bluewater with their one and only HDR in stock yesterday afternoon. Couldn’t believe my luck – I’d just popped in on the off-chance whilst doing some last minute shopping but didn’t expect them to have any, & had resigned myself to waiting until the New Year. Up and running in no time, & in time to record some decent HD content over the next few days! Big grin!
Ben HQuote
December 24th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
I currently have a sky box (non +) with a standard sky satellite dish. there is only one cable coming from the dish into the sky box. Does anyone know if this satellite will be sufficient for the humax?
Alex HQuote
December 24th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
@313 Yes 1 cable is fine, only thing you can not do is watch and record a different program at the same time (although you can still watch some) and software updates is not available for now. I have only 1 cable and came from Sky myself, its a straight swap over from the Sky box to the Humax. I was unable to update the software, but my Humax is running fine without it. Hope this helps.
Kimmy
KimmyQuote
December 25th, 2008 at 12:37 am
Looked for this problem on the site but can’t find it:
When simply watching a program, I know the time from the last channel change is buffered for up to two hours or until the program ends, whichever comes first.
So if I’m watching a bit time slipped, and the Humax box jumps to “Live TV”,
I understand that the live program has ended.
My problem is that I can’t now find the program I was watching in time slipped mode. Also, if I haven’t pressed the record button at the beginning, I can’t save the whole program now,even though at the moment the whole thing is being buffered in memory.
Have I got this right, or are there settings I need to adjust.
BTW, Merry Christmas everyone!
Dave
Dave PiercyQuote
December 27th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
I have a Humax HDR freesat and I have problems booting once booted its OK until the next morning then the unit is in standby and wont boot up , I have to try
a few turns to turn off and on or even leave unpluged,
Is they any reported problems like this
MaQuote
December 29th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
The pvr works ok, but have a few gripes!
1. Will skip tp live when watching in pause, seems to be when programme has finished in real time.
2. Several times programme recording has ended early!
Can we use Setanta on Freesat?
Thanks
Paul BQuote
December 29th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
I hope somebody can help me I have been trying for some time to put the travel channels on which i think is on frequancy 12560 v 27500 2/3 I,ve been trying by going to manual tune and entering this frequancy in but by doing this it mixes all freesat channel up including my local channels what am i doing wrong, I then have to do a factory reset i then loose the extra channels,thankyou for the exellent and interesting coments, ,
embo 1Quote
December 30th, 2008 at 8:42 am
The bits that work, work.
a) As has been well documented you can’t delete from the HDD while a recording is active Errr why? My current PVR has no problem in this area.
b) The bigger the file (recording size) the longer a file takes to delete. Why? Surely all that needs to be done is change the file’s red tape/header info.
c) Clunky way of locating recordings. It’s a good job the disk is no bigger than 320GB!
d) ……and the biggest bugbear….. why on earth can’t you record the buffer contents or the current programme if it’s within the contents of the buffer… basic facilities that work on my current PVR
Shoddy software with little understanding of users’ needs.
As I said what works works well. But a few areas for improvement.
ABC
aybeeseaQuote
December 30th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Hi,
It sounds like your a intelligent person Aybeesea so if your so dissapointed by your purchase then instead of moaning about it on a site that has been designed to help people get to know their PVR and to overcome any difficulties, why on earth don’t you put it on Ebay and revert back to your current PVR.
Most off us know what this machine can’t do, so please tell us something it can do! and lets try to be a little positive about it because after all it’s a great machine and deserves a little respect because whats the alternative. Since my purchase I no longer have to climb on my roof to repair stupid digital aeirials that blow down in the wind, I can add other freesat box’s to other rooms in my house with very little effort, I can watch free HD tv and get the most out of my HD tv that cost me an arm and a leg, I can get amazing sound from my Bosse surround sound system and best of all my wife can operate the record facility with ease to record Emerdale and corrie. And this machine looks so good with it’s little blue light on the front panel, and for the first time ever I have managed to get all my electrical appliance’s (barring the washer ha ha) working from one remote control.
HAPPY DAYS
JOHNQuote
December 30th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Could sombody please tell me were i can get a humax foxsat hdr 360gb box from thanks.
derek cQuote
December 30th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
321 Derek.
Ebay best bet at present time.
GrubbyQuote
December 30th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
John,
Re your post 320 and mine 315. Have I got it right that if I’m watching a programme in time slip mode I must expect to not ever see the end of the programme once the transmission ends? If that’s so, it looks like time slip mode shouldn’t be used – but isn’t that the biggest selling feature – “pause live TV”? I’m very confused!
Dave
Dave PiercyQuote
December 31st, 2008 at 10:38 am
@320 “JOHN”
a) Most of “us” *DON’T* know what the HDR *CAN’T* do, as evidenced by the contributions above.
b) By making these few shortcomings visible on such a “high profile” site as this, perhaps Humax, by monitoring comments, can play catchup with “real world” user needs rather than those imposed by Humax itself
c) Sorry about the way your aerial was initially installed
d) Unfortunately my current PVR doesn’t have the little blue light but my cat can programme it (sorry to be cattist)
e) Glad you can now at last fully exploit your Bosse (sic) sound system
f) Welcome to the world of PVRs and universal remote controls
g) Thank you for you comment regarding my intellingence. It was neither called for, nor warranted.
Kind Regards,
ABC
aybeeseaQuote
December 31st, 2008 at 11:06 am
Very pleased with the PVR indeed. The only small gripe, being so used to Sky, is when viewing a channel you can use the info button and navigate forward/backwards on the same channel that you are currently viewing, but you can’t view a different channel using this method when on this screen, or jump to the new channel – you have to be on the actual channel that you want to navigate through? unless I have missed something? which is perfectly possible given I’ve only used it for 2 days. I know you can by using the guide function but this isn’t the best method.
scoobyQuote
December 31st, 2008 at 3:31 pm
oops, this actually works ok ! if you select the info x2 to see info re: programme, then you can’t scroll to different channels, if you simply use info x1 then you can scroll/jump to alternate channel. Same as Sky. My fault…….
scoobyQuote
December 31st, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Hi guys. Anyone tell me whether or not I can play DVD’s on the PVR ? May sound like a silly question but I am new to all this technical stuff. I currently have a Sony digital recorder which is super but now wish to upgrade to Freesat
by way of the HD PVR. Any guidance anywhere please ?
Great 2009 to everyone.
Ed BroughtonQuote
December 31st, 2008 at 6:33 pm
@321 (@322) ring a John Lewis store and get you name added to their list. They will want your credit card details etc, but then will ring or write to you when in stock and hold the box in your name for 14 days. I put my name down on 24th Dec, received letter today dated 29th Dec, rang, confirmed & paid for order today, delivery promised in 5 working days. All for £292. There you go.
RichardQuote
December 31st, 2008 at 7:34 pm
My long-awaited Humax HDR arrived from Comet the other day, so I set to, got the ladder out and changed the single LNB on the dish for a quad one (£8.50 from eBay) without too much trouble, although it was minus 0.5C, and fitted two more cables (drum of satellite cable £31 from Wickes + packet of 10 F-type connectors about £1 from eBay). (Left the original cable for the Sky box, put in another room).
A few tips: 1. When entering the postcode, leave the cursor on the last letter, otherwise you will get, ‘postcode not found, take it all to pieces and start again’.
2. Like other people in previous messages, I was a bit put out not to be able to find the ITV HD channel. I have just found that there isn’t one. From the ITV website:
“ITV HD is a red-button service available exclusively to freesat customers, and select sporting events, movies and dramas are available in HD.
So whenever you’re watching ITV1 and an ITV HD logo pops up at the top of your screen, just press the red button on your remote control to watch it in glorious High Definition.” I see that there is only about one ITV programme a day in HD.
Advice in a message much earlier on to put in a London postcode, e.g. WC1A 1AA, to ‘fool it’ into get the ITV HD channel in range is incorrect. All that does is put ITV London as 103 instead of your local one. In any case you can move channels later if you want to.
John SQuote
January 1st, 2009 at 7:30 pm
in non freesat mode i’ve scanned and found the channels on astra at 28.2E but i’m sure there is other free channels on astra at 28.5E does anybody have any idea’s how to change which satellite your scanning.
sootyQuote
January 2nd, 2009 at 3:36 am
@329
re: ITV HD
When you select a programme to record; if it is being sent out in HD, you will be given the choice to record either SD or HD. Unfortunately the Humax Programme Guide does not indicate HD programmes. You have to scan the paper guides for that.
Alan KQuote
January 2nd, 2009 at 9:06 pm
If you press the ‘list’ button and then the ‘yellow’ button, it will show what HD is on.
Am very impressed with the PVR which I’ve had for about 2 weeks now. I agree with previous comments re lack of HD content, but these are early days I’m sure that one day nearly all mainstream prog’s will be in HD. My main gripe at the moment is with the remote. Despite trying new batteries, one has to point it directly at the box from almost in front. Also, there is a time delay from pressing a button to the required command taking effect, about 1 to 2 seconds, very annoying!
Am looking forward to seeing footy on ITV HD tomorrow.
Terry CQuote
January 2nd, 2009 at 9:53 pm
anyone know if i can get Bravo in non freesat mode or is it scrambled
thanks gary
GarybQuote
January 2nd, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Having received my box on 28th December (ordered on 24th Nov) and having set the system up I am not sure that I am able to get HD. I also have a Sky+ box and the picture in SD on Sky is far better than the BBC HD channel using the Humax (based on a comparison of BBC 2 being shown on Sky and also on the Humax BBC HD channel). I have checked the signal and quality on the diagnostics and all four are at 100%. I have scrolled through the different resolutions using the V-format button and cannot see any difference. I’m hoping that its a problem on my part with the setup. Can someone please advise.
Roy DQuote
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:50 am
Roy, I think you have the output set up incorrectly since the HD vs SD on Sky should be worlds apart. Are you connecting through an HDMI and do you have 1080i or more available through the TV set ?
———
PS. – STILL not happy with the remote response. You have to press a few more buttons than on Sky to get the same features and it’s just too slow. I wouldn’t mind the increase in steps if it was quick. I also imagine that this is unlikely to be fixed in an update as I would expect this is a hardware issue ;-( It feels a bit like trying to swim through treacle.
Paul HDRQuote
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:59 am
Paul,
Ref 334/335. Thanks for response. My knowledge in this field is very limited so forgive me if I am doing something stupid. My TV is a new Sony W series(1080p capable) and is providing excellent pictures using Sony Blu-ray connected with HDMI to my Sony AV Rec. which in turn is connected to the TV with HDMI. My Humax is connected directly to the TV using HDMI, with a digital optical connecting to the AV Rec. I tried to set up with the Humax connected to the AV Rec. using HDMI but had no success. It would only access the set up Wizard when connected directly to the TV. The Sky+ box is connected using scart and digital optical.
Roy DQuote
January 3rd, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Ed @327
You wont be able to play DVDs on this PVR.You might want to wait till the spring when panasonic are suposed to be releasing a freesat HD PVR with a built in blue ray recorder
IanQuote
January 3rd, 2009 at 1:47 pm
derek ecnam
i have standard sky dish and lmb. i wish to errect a new dish for freesat question. if i buy a bigger dish and better lmb will i get a better picture quality if so any sugestions
derick manceQuote
January 3rd, 2009 at 2:48 pm
…but be aware that Panasonic have not confirmed they are making said receiver, nor that it will be available in the Spring…we can hope though!
adminQuote
January 4th, 2009 at 12:55 am
Derek. 338. On eBay there are Zone2 60cm Dish, Quad (4 Output) LNB & Complete Twin Cable Installation Kits for £39.99 + postage. A map on the advert shows that 60cm dishes are suitable for all of UK and most of Europe.
John SQuote
January 5th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
I too now have one. HD upscaling is fantastic with my Samsung 6 series.
Getting used to where everything is in comparrison to Sky+ but so far so good except for…the remote!
It is shockingly bad. Approx. 9 feet range and it has to be pointed well at the box.
Does anyone know if this is the remote of is it the box?
The Duke Of HunsletQuote
January 5th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Firstly let me say that this is a wonderful product.
I was sky box on the dish since I cancelled my subscription, but this has made such a difference to the picture quality even on non HD channels, I presume the HDMI connection is a superior even to gold scart leads.
My problem however is my inability to connect a hard drive to the usb port without the “Can’t recognise” notice that others have mentioned. The drive is a 60GB set in a IDE exterior case and was originally formatted in NTFS which I understand this system does not recognise and so I have re-formatted it to FAT 32 and I still get the same message.
Can anyone help please?
Keith StevensonQuote
January 5th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
I had a Topfield Freeview PVR Box. Very good, but no HD. So when I upgraded my TV, DVD. Surround sound to the latest Sony Model, I was a little surprised to see that FreeSat has some channels that Freeview doesn’t and vise versa. So I took the best of both worlds. I tuned the Freeview on my Television giving me the same channels as my Topfield Box, connected to the Terrestrial Aerial and the HUMAX Foxsat HDR to my Sky Dish, which has two leads as it was originally a Sky+ installation. Great solution, love the HD, HUMAX UI is great and simple to use, 25 minutes and I was up and running. Got the HUMAX from Horizon Aerial & Satelite Services for £288. I prefer to use a conventional supplier, for the aftersales service.
Robert AQuote
January 5th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Very good box. Software does need to be tweaked. Not as easy as Sky+ to use. But has much better features. A good buy!
RonnieQuote
January 5th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Anyone know how you can tell what you’ve watched?
Say my wife has recorded 2 or 3 episodes of eastenders and watched 1 or 2 but couldn’t delete them (because it was recording something else….very annoying!). There is no obivous way that I can see to tell you what you’ve watched and what you haven’t. With Sky + it said ‘Recorded’ for unwatched and ‘Viewed’ for watched.
Am I missing something?
Thanks
WoodyQuote
January 5th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
I’ll rephrase my question slightly. I have noticed that when you switch to ‘Normal’ mode in media view you get a little blue ‘new’ next to new recordings but no such indication when in ‘Simple’ mode. I prefer the little thumbnails of normal mode.
I assume there is no indication i’m missing for new or view programs when in normal mode?
WoodyQuote
January 6th, 2009 at 12:00 am
Watched Above Suspicion, ITV-HD tonight, had to revert to SD as could’nt
stand the annoying over-bright logo. Who at ITV thought that was a good
idea, it’s far too bright, PLEASE turn it down.With a dark background it is
very distracting. the BBC logo is less annoying. To be honest the SD picture
not that bad. Had recorded 3 men in yet another boat, in HD, stunning picture.
IanQuote
January 6th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Help – I set this box up the other day and everything was fine. I have now lost BBC2/ BBC3/ BBC4 and C5, all the other channels are okay, with the signal quality around 60%. I have retuned the box several times, it picks up the the channels but displays ‘bad signal’ when you select the channel? I could understand it if it were the ‘lesser’ channels, as my freeview box struggled with those, but the BBC channels have never been a problem.
Also, is it possible to add the channels which appear under the ‘non freesat’ tune mode to freesat list?
Paul SQuote
January 6th, 2009 at 10:27 am
#341 Duke of Hunslet – I believe it’s the box due to the fact that when the remote is used in other modes – e.g. for TV or Audio I have no problem.
Totally FreesatQuote
January 6th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Paul S. 348. Maybe you need to have your dish checked for signal and direction? You seem to have covered everything else.
Robert AQuote
January 6th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Sorry to ask the general question on this HUMAX specific Blog, but is there any news of other providers broadcasting on FreeSat HD? I heard Channel 5 were thinking of it, and one other.
Robert AQuote
January 6th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Box delivered from JL 22Dec, dish finally installed 5thJan. Reception reads 100% all round and picture fab. The BBC HD demo is fantastic so waiting for more stuff to view. Can’t stop playing with the damn thing, so much so that the remote froze on me and had to go to standby and start again, otherwise well pleased and looking forward to happy viewing.
Ps, dish engineer told me Four HD is coming over soon, is this info accurate?
dave edwardsQuote
January 7th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Anybody experienced the phantom voiceovers telling you what is going on in the films in between the actors dialogue on Freesat?
Or is this a facility for the blind that can be switched off.? Its driving us nuts
MikeQuote
January 7th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Mike @ 353
You have ‘Audio Described’ switched on. Check the audio section of the manual to see how to regain your sanity.
David HQuote
January 7th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
David H At 354
Many thanks for that, you just saved us a visit to a psychiatrist
MikeQuote
January 7th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Sorry if this has been answered before…Watching a recorded prog.how do you exit and get back to current programmes without having to re-boot.I tried most buttons but not the correct ones?? Thanks
HughQuote
January 7th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Russ, you said you got CH4 HD working using the cam slot? What cam and which card do I need? Help!
Thanks in advance..
Andy
Russ Dring Says:
December 5th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Over the years I have had countless satellite receivers,the only exception a Sky+ box.
This wonderful piece of kit is so easy to use, the picture quality is exemplary both on SD and HD . The CAM slot makes watching CH4 HD easy too. Well done Humax, the wait was well worth it.
AndyQuote
January 7th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Hugh @ 356
Have you tried the ‘stop’ button… I think its just left of the record button.
ClydeDQuote
January 7th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Thanks ClydeD will try that.I’am slowly getting my head round all these different combination of buttons to press.
HughQuote
January 8th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Anybody agree with me that the highlighted programme in the EPG should be in the centre so you can see the programmes above and below instead of scrolling up to see the “hidden” channels.
Also what’s the point of displaying programs to the left on the EPG that have been & gone. They cannot be recorded or viewed so should disappear automatically as in Freeview.
This may have been mentioned already but I discovered something yesterday. You can disable the “Genre” menu in settings so when you press the Guide button it goes straight to the EPG, then if you press OPT+ the “Genre” menu pops up. Less button pushing.
MikeQuote
January 8th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Has anyone found the Humax FOXSAT-HDR in stock recently?
Ive been trying to find one with no luck at all.
Thanks
MariaQuote
January 8th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Again this may have been mentioned before.
After a factory reset I lost the STB Mode in Settings.
The answer is rescan Manual Tune and hey presto STB Mode reappears
MikeQuote
January 8th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Currys in Milton Keynes had lots in stock, about 10, when I purchased mine over xmas/new year. Very good service too, they had a full working set up with hands on demo etc. 5 or 6 boxes on the shelf with more out back apparently.
SimbaQuote
January 8th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Maria@361
I phoned up John Lewis in Cheadle at the beginning of December to pre order, they then gave me a confirmation number and then phoned me on Christmas Eve saying it was in stock. Their web site says out of stock but if you order you get priority. £292 inc 2 year free guarantee
MikeQuote
January 8th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I have read many comments about the range of the remote. Mine works fine from the far side of the through dining room, 13 metres or so, is it possible people are not removing both protective films as advised by previous tips which helped me, proving what a good friendly site this is.
dave edwardsQuote
January 8th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Keith Stevenson
If you have formatted a 60GB drive under Fat32, I assume that you had to partition it? (A limitation of Windows). I had a 40GB done the same way (for connecting to other devices like my Sony portable DVD). I connected it to the Humax and couldn’t get anything (I’d already used an old 5GB laptop drive with success). I deleted the two partitions and created just a single partition (sacrificing 8GB). I then formatted the partition and the drive now works (transferring lots of mp3s to the Humax).
I’d hoped that a program called fat32format (downloaded from the web) might format the whole 40GB but it didn’t seem to.
I know that you probably don’t want to scarifice half of your drive but maybe you could do it temporarily?
GeoffQuote
January 8th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Help anyone please?
Which card and cam are required for Ch4 HD as per 111 post
“This wonderful piece of kit is so easy to use, the picture quality is exemplary both on SD and HD . The CAM slot makes watching CH4 HD easy too”
Thank you
JeffQuote
January 8th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Accessing Sky’s encryption for C4 HD via a CAM might not be strictly legal, so whilst we are happy for someone to suggest a CAM that might work, we won’t allow anyone to discuss in detail or provide instructions on how to operate.
adminQuote
January 8th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
I agree it’s a wonderful piece of kit. Started off with just one cable from the dish, but now have two. Presumably I have to go through set-up again? (Losing all the recordings in ‘Media’?).
I do have a problem with the remote – I’m on my third set of batteries in one week! Put in a new set today- after eight hours the voltage from each had dropped to 1.411 volts after starting off at 1.607 volts. The remote has not been used. Any ideas anyone?
LeighQuote
January 8th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
I had hoped to backup films I had recorded on the BBC HD channel, however it appears they are encrypted so cannot be moved to an external device. Such a shame. If anyone knows if I am perhaps just missing something please let me know, but at this stage it certainly seems to simply be impossible. Films recorded on other channels are able to be backed up to an external HDD without any trouble (formatted in EXT2).
Richard HayesQuote
January 8th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Hi to Richard Hayes!
I have backed up my HD recordings (and SD) to DVD by connecting the Humax to my LG HDD/DVD recorder by a SCART cable. I used to do this with my (now defunct) Sky box. I play the recording and record onto the HDD first (a ‘belt and braces’ man!), then transfer to DVD. The quality is very good. I could also do this ‘live’ but wouldn’t benefit from the guide.
PS. I only have one cable into the Humax just now – looking forward to when I can get the second cable in for more flexibility of recording. I hope that the setup doesn’t wipe the media – I’ve already transferred a lot of mp3s to the Humax!
GeoffQuote
January 9th, 2009 at 1:31 am
Hi Geoff
The only problem with that is it won’t be in hi def, as there are no recorders at present with an hdmi input.
@ Dave Piercy (323) – I’m completely bemused aswell, it’s a huge oversite if true, what’s the point if it cuts the end off the programme??!
I’m waiting to buy mine (well forced to anyway), is anyone hoping the price may fall? Wishful thinking as they are scarcer than a wii fit at the mo!
Prob wait til March when Sky are putting prices up!
Tom
TomQuote
January 9th, 2009 at 8:36 am
@Dave Piercy (323) – I’ll test this as well, but I’m guessing this should be considered a glitch that will be fixed in a future software update. I seem to remember one of the Topfield Freeview PVR’s did a similar thing that was fixed a couple of months after launch with a new update. With any new hardware there are almost always some annoying little things at first, always one of the issues with early adoption, however at least these days software patches will normally solve every problem in the end.
Richard HayesQuote
January 9th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Re my 323 and replies 372 and 373 above.
Unfortunately cutting off the end of the programme in time-slipped live TV is confirmed – at least by me. Anyone??
There is a workaround, press the record button and you are now putting the programme into the permanent buffer, so you can see it later. Don’t know yet whether end padding is necessary. Unfortunately, if you do this, you now can’t rewind live tv to before the point at which you pressed the record button, so I guess the better option is always to go to instant record whenever you’re watching TV. Doen’t make much sense though!
Dave
Dave PiercyQuote
January 9th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Dave I gave up on the Buffer a long time ago. I now record all the programs I want to watch, as mine cuts to live TV when ever a recording stops or starts, even if its on the same channel . If nothing is set to record it works OK. But this works fine for me.
A few weeks back I recorded BBC HD and BBC 2 I think while watching and buffering through Miami on CH 5 . just had to make sure I was live before the others ended . So not complaining to much, hopefully they will fix it.
MattQuote
January 9th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Hi Tom,
Yes, it won’t be in HD (of course), I didn’t expect it to be but it was a way of archiving to DVD. Believe me, the quality is VERY good but what do people want, Blu-Ray recording facility? ( To come of course).
GeoffQuote
January 9th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Re 375 Thanks Matt
Dave
Dave PiercyQuote
January 10th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Hi, just a quick bit of info that I thought might be of interest.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/satellite/a141215/freesat-sales-top-200000.html
Great forum by the way. We got our lovely Humax Foxsat just before Christmas. Since then we have got a new surround amp, and then new speakers!! Time to stop and enjoy we thinks! (getting expensive!!). Thanks to everyone for the great heads up and info/tricks/work arounds.
Dan & JimQuote
January 10th, 2009 at 11:35 am
or here where we actually mentioned the news on the day of release, not a day later
http://www.joinfreesat.co.uk/index.php/freesat-sales-double
adminQuote
January 11th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
I have just installed a new dish and set up the Humax HDR. Like many people on this site, I’m very impressed with it and being in a non-Freeview area receiving just 4 terrestial channels, to get so many channels via Freesat is quite a novelty. One problem: I’ve notice several references here to software update when setting up. Mine didn’t appear to do this during setup. I have two feeds from the LNB. If I go into Setup and click on Software update Auto, it comes up with “No new software found” (or similar words), but the system info gives an Application Version of 1.00.01 and Loader Version of U7.51 and 28 October Update. The Humax website shows latest versions as 1.00.02 and U7.52. and gives the facility to down load the latest to a USB stick and then transfer this to the PVR. Is that what I need to do, and if so why doesn’t it update via the satellite feed? Any help much appreciated.
Kevin CQuote
January 12th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Kevin try doing a factory reset ( see 235 & 242 ) it might update the software after it. If not try the manual update . Do you have both Tuners showing on the Diagnostics ? . I have 10002 & U 7.51 .
MattQuote
January 12th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Hi everybody – anybody got any current info on which retailers might have the little beauty in stock at the moment? I live near Skipton in N. Yorks
JOHN SELLERSQuote
January 12th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Hi John, no online retailers seem to have stock at the moment, but try visiting a Currys store, they’ve been selling in-store the last few weeks, but often not advertising nor putting the PVR’s out on the shelf! Alternatively, keep an eye on this site as we’ll be sure to let everyone know when one of the major online retailers has stock available again…possibly later this week if Humax’ distribution schedule is on track.
adminQuote
January 12th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Freesat on my Humax PVR just gets better all the time, I am very impressed with the Guiide list, which makes it so easy to find what you would like to tune too The News & Sport is very good, press the Red button and it opens up the Muti Screen and WOO even the world weather, also the pictures can be seen full screen full marks BBC the future is going to be great for TV. Now the things not quite right the volume balance from the Four Channels on the FTA feed is ok, but the volume sound from the SAT is very low, needs much higher settings on the TV & PVR remotes. Unable to use one Remote for all yet Tevion have failed to supply correct code
Bert AllsopQuote
January 12th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Did anyone else try to record ‘The World Is Not Enough’, ITV Saturday evening? This film was split across the news, something the Humax HDR, I thought, was programmed to handle. But, my machine only recorded the first part.
When I set up the recording, both parts of the film in the guide had the record icon attached.
David HQuote
January 12th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Re. 380 I think I may have solved my own problem! Found a Humax Freesat Forum where a similar problem was covered. According to someone with inside knowledge the software update is not currently being transmitted, but should be back on 16 January. I’m hoping that when I check on 16/17th I will have the latest software. The same forum noted that downloading the software from humax website onto a USB stick does not work. After downloading to USB stick the download stops after 50%. Several people reported the same problem.
The forum is:
http://www.hummy.org.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=74
Kevin CQuote
January 15th, 2009 at 10:03 am
I’ve only got one gripe with this unit. The mains lead should be detachable so I can thread it through the cable management system on my stand.
Yes I know I could cut the plug off thread the cable through and fit a new plug, but this would probably invalidate the warranty.
All my other units have detachable mains cables
MikeQuote
January 16th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Hi all – finally got my box, droppped into Currys in Keighley on the offchance, they didn’t have, but very helpful manager phoned round, they had some at Bradford, result! I’d got a reservation in at a specific JL as well, seems that would have worked as well – no money upfront, you get an order number and then wait for them to get the box in. They were very helpful when I phoned to cancel, appreciated the delivery problems.
So… well impressed with the kit, easy to get a stunning HD BBC picture (but why oh why do the BBC spoil the window-like image clarity with an irritating logo?). Manual not very good, didn’t include stuff that would have been really useful.
What I want to do is transfer/ archive HD programs from the Humax, sfter recording, to a large external HDD.
What seems to be the case after some research is 1) The external HDD needs to be formatted in Linux EXT 3 – available from where? will this work with XP?
2) You can’t do this with BBC content and retain HD – is this true? Do we need to wait for cheaper BluRay recorders and use those?
Anybody got any ideas, my brain hurts….
JOHN SELLERSQuote
January 17th, 2009 at 8:00 am
@388
First you cannot transfer any HD file. You can format your external drive to FAT32 and both HDR and XP will read it but you need a program to format any drive over 32gb I use EASEUS Partition it’s free and a very useful program available from http://www.partition-tool.com/personal.htm
Barry PQuote
January 17th, 2009 at 8:52 am
JOHN SELLERS @ 388
The Humax forum for the Foxsat HDR has a lot of useful information about your problems. See URL in message 386.
David HQuote
January 17th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
The universal remote does work for recent Panasonic TVs (re Pully posts 55/211) – try code 0650 and ignore step 4 of the instructions.
Go down the Humax forums (see post 386) to page 9 to find a brief post.
The problem is really with the user manual, because step 4 of the set-up for the remote control says:
“4. If a valid 4-digit code is entered, the product will power off”.
However most recent Panasonic TVs (and maybe other makes) require the standby button on their own remote to be held down for over a second for the TV to respond, and I think ‘step 4’ doesn’t trigger a long enough ‘power-off’ instruction.
So when doing the set up of the remote, just ignore step 4 and go to step 5 (ie press OK) and then see if you are happy.
Step 6 would be better if it said: “try operating the volume control and if the TV volume doesn’t change, repeat steps 2, 3, 5.
I’ve found code 0650 works all the main Panasonic TV functions except for the ‘guide’ button. Use the ‘source’ button for switching the TV’s AV mode, and always remember to press ‘pvr’ at top when you want to go back and operate the Humax PVR….
Admin – do you have a way of passing this info to Pully?
Chris BrennanQuote
January 19th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Any idea anyone when these will be on shelves again?
ngbQuote
January 19th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Hi can anyone help. When I am watching TV using the free view tuner built into the Panasonic TV and the Humax comes out of standby to record something I have programmed it interrupts what I am watching till it is booted up. This can be a real pain if it is at an important part of the program. I do not get the same problem when using my Panasonic freeview recorder. Any ideas to stop this happening.
Colin CQuote
January 19th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
January 19th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Humax foxsat hdr @ Co-op online say they have them if your interested in getting one now £284.99 & free delivery , im still waiting for mine from maplins (2 weeks now)
ellQuote
January 19th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Thanks for the heads up Ell, just ordered mine.
Should be coming on Wednesday (fingers crossed)
TomQuote
January 19th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Hi just wondering does the box have a card slot? and if so where is it located? cant seem to see it on the pictures
Thanks
Andy JQuote
January 19th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Another big thanks to ell. Just logged on and spotted the post about the Co-op and placed an order. Not sure whether to believe it or not but the confirmation says delivery Wednesday. Fingers, toes and legs crossed.
Philip JonesQuote
January 19th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
When maplins do get stock sign up for Maplins Newsletter email and you’ll get £25 off woucher if you spend £300. You’ll need to spend 11p on a capacitor to take the £299.99 over £300.
KeithQuote
January 20th, 2009 at 12:05 am
To Colin C.
Do you have your Humax connected to the TV by SCART? This would make it switch the TV. HDMI doesn’t seem to have this facility?
If this is the case, tryt swapping SCART leads round or get one that doesn’t have the ‘auto switch’ pin (van’t remember which pin – anyone help?)..
GeoffQuote
January 20th, 2009 at 12:06 am
Oops, “can’t”, not “vant” !! (and “try” not “tryt”)
GeoffQuote
January 20th, 2009 at 8:57 am
Thanks for the idea Geoff but I am using the HDMI lead to connect to the TV. Have you any other thoughts.
Colin CQuote
January 20th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Whats the website for the co-op i can’t seem to find any mention of the hdr anywhere
sorethumbsQuote
January 20th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
It’s out of stock! I phoned them but not expecting stock for a couple of weeks. Also tried Comet which have stock but have raised their price from £292 to £299! John Lewis still out of stock. Argos have stock for home delivery but again more expensive than John Lewis’s listed £292.
Frustrated!Quote
January 20th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Sorry, Colin, no other suggestion. A mate of mine has a Humax HD Freesat box (not HDR) and he gets quite annoyed that it doesn’t switch automatically! Always have to go through the TV’s AV menu (just like me). Not sure what happens at boot though – must ask him. Mine switches the TV at boot but I put it down to the SCART connection (I have that in via an LG recorder so that I can record the HD content – not in HD, of course, but very good quality).
Another friend has just got the Humax HDR – I must ask him – his TV is a Samsung, mine is a Toshiba.
GeoffQuote
January 21st, 2009 at 9:12 am
Hi. Anyone know how to switch to Freeview on the HDR box,as I’am unable to get my local channel on freesat? Always picks up the local channel further along the coast from here,which of course is not for my area. Thanks….
HughQuote
January 21st, 2009 at 9:27 am
I got my box a little over two weeks ago and thought that some feedback may be helpful if anyone wants to receive multiple satellites:
Configuration is 4 x quatro LNBs pointing at 13e, 19.2e, 23.5e and 28.5e. I used a 90cm dish to enable all 4 sats to be accessed. I am using a Diseqc 17 x 6 multiswitch with both Sky HD and Humax HDR attached.
Using hidden menu under Menu, Setup, highlight manual and press red, green, yellow, blue, green, yellow. blue shows Antenna and Satellite. By selecting Antenna you can then access three options: Antenna (I selected Fixed), Cables (2 same) and Satellites.
Under Satellites I selected the Satellite first – they are all there – great job Humax – set LNB to Universal and Diseqc to required input – e.g. A, B, C and D. I read that Sky HD box (28.2) should be on A because if power to the Diseqc is lost it will still work with the Sky HD box.
I have set A = 28.2 – B= 23.5 – C= 19.2 and D= 13.
For each satellite you will have to go through the same procedure. After selecting Satellite and Diseqc settings press save. This takes you back to the previous screen with Antenna etc. In the footer select search and the Humax will start to search for all channels (Make sure that the satellite you want is being searched by selecting the correct one) – note that you can select individual channels through the Vertical/Horizontal settings but I selected all and will remove the 10,000 that I do not need.
Once programmed, to select each satellite for programmes you will need to ensure that you are in Non-freesat mode otherwise the “List” button shows the wrong selections.
Selecting “List” and the yellow button (satellite) then gives you a default satellite. By pressing the Yellow button multiple times it will move through each satellite for easy selection.
Just on one point about the hand control – I also found that it was not as responsive as my sky one – but it did improve a little when I removed the film on the front of the box
.
I have an excellent Logitech Harmony 1000 universal remote and the guys in Logitech have already put the Humax HDR codes into their selections. Makes switching between the sky HD and Humax a doddle as Amp, TV, and PVRs are all controlled with the push of a button.
I hope that this helps other multi-sat people out there.
Bob350zQuote
January 21st, 2009 at 9:32 am
Hi Hugh.
If I understand the question correctly you are in non-freesat mode so will have to go to menu, settings and set the STB mode to Freesat.
If you are already in Freesat mode then I would suggest that you tweak your postcode to get the right area recognised.
Bob350zQuote
January 21st, 2009 at 9:40 am
Hugh, the HDR doesn’t have Freeview, so presumably you have a seperate box or television with Freeview built in? If that’s the case, then you just need to change channel on your television to the appropriate input.
adminQuote
January 21st, 2009 at 10:41 am
Hi.
i’m impressed by the reviews here about the HDR. Just about to order one, but i’ve got a couple of questions that i don’t think have been answered in the above 400+ posts (perhaps someone with time on their hands could do a neat summary of the questions/answers).
Can you you do a series link type of recording? (even if it is awkward to setup)
Is their a secondary output for tvs in other rooms? (doesn’t matter if its HD or SD)
RossQuote
January 21st, 2009 at 10:53 am
Ross, I think it’s gone beyond the point of being able to tidy up
Regarding your questions, series link is possible and very easy, just select a programme of choice, and if it’s a series, it will ask whether you want to record once, or record the entire series. Easy as that.
There is no ability to link to another television, you’ll need another receiver and cable from your satellite dish LNB for this. That’s one down side of the Freesat receivers to date, no ability to link up, even via RF (ignoring the LNB out option on the Alba boxes!)
adminQuote
January 21st, 2009 at 11:28 am
Hi Ross, you do not say if you have aerial leads already in the other rooms. There are a few work arounds for you that I can think of:
1. If you do have multiple aerial sockets and no longer need an aerial on the roof take the one from your main room, and make that the input to the distribution box (it would have been an output in the first instance) Now you could attach a video player or similar to the scart of the HDR and use it’s aerial out to your internal distribution network.
2. If you do not have a aerial distribution network you could just run an aerial cable from one room to another but use the output of the video box in the same way
3. There are now adaptors to convert HDMI to ethernet (I have not used one yet) so you could run ethernet through the house and use HDMI to Ethernet adaptors at each end. This is meant to overcome some of the distance shortfalls of HDMI
In all cases you would be watching the same channel in both (all) rooms but if you want say lounge and bedroom the only other device you need is a remote multiroom extender to change channels from another room.
I am sure that ther are many other work-arounds but might help?
Bob350zQuote
January 21st, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Hi Bob350z, using 2 from #411 do you think i could utilise my $ky+ box to do the same job as the video?
RossQuote
January 21st, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Thanks Bob350z and Admin….Yes I have free view built in,so I will have to re-connect the aerial and just use that for the local news,etc.Then switch back to the dish for most other progs..Many thanks..Hugh
HughQuote
January 21st, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Hi,
Great forum.
I will try to be brief. To purchase a Panasonic 37 TV. With or without freesat. £100 difference.
Options
1 – Foxsat connected with 2x LNB in with a loop out to the Freesat TV, Humax connected HDMI..
2 – Foxsat connected with the 2x LNB with HDMI output to Normal TV.
Key queries.
If I get the TV without the Freesat. can I still watch HD via HDMI and also record a different HD on the Humax? Thus saving the £100.
Or do I need the separate HD tuner on the TV to watch while I record HD on the Humax.
Also I assume that the loop out passes the full signal to the Freesat TV?
Many thanks in advance, might be able to save £100, I hope others are asking the same.
Adrian RowleyQuote
January 21st, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Hi Adrian, to be honest, if you are just looking to purchase a unit whereby you can watch or record a second channel whilst another is being recorded, you just need a Humax PVR with two cable feeds from your satellite dish, you won’t need the IDTV also. You can indeed watch one HD channel whilst recording another HD channel. Using the piggy-back facility of the LNB out is not recommended by the manufacturers, if you want a seperate receiver, or in-built receiver (IDTV) then it would be a good idea to run a third cable from your satellite dish LNB.
adminQuote
January 21st, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Admin.
Thanks for the very prompt reply.
So I only need to get a standard TV but must make sure that I run two aerial cables so the Humax can record one HD to the hardrive whilst I watch another HD via the HDMI on the TV.
Great, Sound and Vision are doing the Panny 37 LDZ80 1080p with free 3 years warranty with 10 month interest free. (Hope the deal is ok mods ) for £618.
Adrian RowleyQuote
January 21st, 2009 at 4:12 pm
That’s right, the HDR is connected via HDMI and you can watch a channel whilst recording another…providing you have the two satellite cables connected of course.
adminQuote
January 21st, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Hi Ross, I just tried it as I had some spare equipment here. Unfortunately whilst the Sky plus box will pass through an Aerial signal from a VCR and add it’s own (RF in and RF out) it will not add a VCR or TV scart connected Humax to the aerial signal. So the answer is no.
I like your thinking however would have been great if it had worked
Bob350zQuote
January 21st, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Hi Admin, you did not post my multi-sat info from this morning – was it inappropriate? I thought that it would be a good update for #43 and #263.
Bob350zQuote
January 21st, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Sorry Bob, we had a number of comments in the spam folder for some reason. Should now be available.
adminQuote
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:37 am
Given that you cannot export HD recordings to an external device (presumably a copyright issue – which makes no sense since the recordings are of the feed and not the program) does anyone know if it is possible to upgrade the Hard Disc within the box itself? This was always a popular trick with $ky+ boxes.
I know its 320gb and that’s big but if you’ve got a collection of HD material it isn’t going to last long. Single cased discs of 1.5 TB are appearing already and that would solve an archiving problem if they could swap over…
The Duke Of HunsletQuote
January 23rd, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Argos just emailed me to confirm they have stock – not sure how much, or how long it will last though….
Rob EllidQuote
January 23rd, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Topfield HD Digital Satellite Twin Tuner 320GB PVR (Available at Maplin)
Has anybody got a review of the Topfield?
I would have posted it elsewhere, but it doesn’t seem to have its own post.
RossQuote
January 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Ross, the Topfield is not an official Freesat digital box, which is why there is no page for it. It’s a generic receiver able to pick up the same channels (with the exception of ITV HD), but only offers now/next programme data, as it doesn’t have the official Freesat EPG (tv guide)
adminQuote
January 23rd, 2009 at 1:33 pm
@421
I have changed my hard drive to a Western Digital Caviar GP WD10EACS 1TB. Easy to change as the hard drive is located in a separate caddie. On switch on the HDR formats the drive and off you go. Note the recording schedule is stored on the hard disk so that will need repeating.
Barry PQuote
January 23rd, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Re Chris @ 390. Thank you for explaining how to get my panasonic TV to work with the universal PVR remote control, I can now get rid of the TV remote control. I like this PVR even more now! many thanks.
pullyQuote
January 23rd, 2009 at 5:27 pm
To Colin 392
Sorry for delay only just read your query, I have simular setup but with Pioneer Kuro, no problems like yours at all. When I watch freeview via television the Freesat switches on a good 5 minutes before any preset recording and when it starts to actually record a small icon and message shows briefly in top left corner but with no interruptions to freeview.
I have connected Freesat to tele with HDMI and a normal arial lead into tele for freeview and nothing else. But you must tell the tele to use the input you have dedicated for Hdmi Freesat(mine is input 1) and it should be okay then.
Hope this helps.
dave edwardsQuote
January 24th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
hi, just purchased my humax hdr from argos, delivery mon 26 jan, i had an e mail from argos stating new stock in,it said to go to the link below to order, wast 0f time as this takes you to their website, with nil in stock,
but if you phone their customer service number, you can purchase direct from them, total cost £299 this includes £5 odd for postage.
phone no—08456402020 cat no 532/1832 if you wan’t one get phoning
roll on monday, waited long enough GOODBYE SKY
dave evansQuote
January 25th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
How are empty Folders removed? I have tried the red delete button on File Manager but this just deletes the files but not the Folder itself.
I also do not understand the double screen on File Manager with both sides stating HDD/Video and manual does not discuss it.
Generally impressed with box (4/5) but user manual leaves a lot to be desired and needs a good technical knowledge to understand
Willaim SymingtonQuote
January 25th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Empty folders have been known to stay on the HDR, must be a bug. If you have more than one folder, try highlighting them all and pressing red to delete, might have more luck than individually.
adminQuote
January 25th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
To Bob350z
Thanks for updating your experience of setting up multisat setups. Very similar to my experience except I only had one quad lnb on 28.2 and singles on 23 19 and 13.
I am still waiting and hoping Humax will create the abilities for timer recording on non-freesat mode. I had heard a firmware update had been due 16/1 but this does not appear to have happened and no news as to what it would have contained.
RozQuote
January 26th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
BTW, I noticed that the JL reference for the HDR is now missing. JL seem to have changed the link, but it’s still there:
http://www.johnlewis.com/230556784/Product.aspx
Regards,
Toonie.
ToonieQuote
January 27th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Anyone know how to delete empty folders?
kdburQuote
January 27th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Yes to kdbur 433. Whilst in ‘Media’ list press ‘OPT+’ select ‘File Manager’ from the menu and press OK. Two lists will appear side by side – the left side being the active one. This shows all the files/ programs recorded. Select the file you wish to delete. Press the red button and you are given the option of ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. (default). Press ‘Yes’ and its gone!
LeighQuote
January 27th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Thanks Leigh. I was having the same problems as #433 ~ now sorted.
ScoobyQuote
January 27th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
I’m using a 720P LG PG6010 with the Humax. Whilst HD is simply sublime via Humax, the SD is rather dissapointing. In fact, the LG freeview SD picture is producing a much better picture quality than the Humax SD? I’ve tweaked all the picture settings etc etc but to no avail. I’m using the standard HDMI cable supplied with the Humax between the Humax and LG. Should I be upgrading the HDMI cable? does this make a difference for SD picture quality if using a 720P TV and SD?
ScoobyQuote
January 27th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
they have one available at Horsham (sussex)argos available to reserve,if anyone desperate
garybQuote
January 27th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
iam interested been looking and waiting for stock to come in live in reigate
marksQuote
January 27th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
@Scooby
An HDMI cable is an HDMI cable. It passes a digital cable so it either works or it doesn’t. Upgrade by all means: the retailer will be grateful but you’ll see no difference!
Press V-format and set to ‘Original’. You may get a better picture at significantly less cost!
digitalQuote
January 28th, 2009 at 1:04 am
Should have said ‘It passes a digital signal’.
digitalQuote
January 28th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
At first, the only way I could delete empty folders was to record a short segment of a program and move that into the empty folder using the file manager. The folder would then delete within the file manager. Strangely, empty folders now seem to be deleteable without any such messing about. I have made it a standard practice to always delete the folder if there is only one watched recorded item left inside, to be on the safe side.
MartinQuote
January 28th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Thx Digital – that seems to be the answer ~ V-Format change #439.
ScoobyQuote
January 29th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Just received the HDR and installed the dish myself – and it works (with the help of http://www.dishpointer.com). My only feedback is that with my existing Topfield PVR (scart) the SD picture look a bit sharper when comparing channels with the Humax (hdmi) on my Panasonic Viera, but maybe it’s early days. I’m not sure if the v-format button makes all that much difference to SD picture quality but have set it to 576i as in the info bar.
But how do I upgrade the unit? It is currently on version HPRSFCI 1.00.02 – are there any software upgrades for the unit and if so, can I download them or does it happen automatically?
PNHEQuote
January 29th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Mine arrived from Comet on Tuesday. Everything great although restricted to single LNB for the moment. HD on my Sony 32V2000 is great. A bit too startling at first until I realised the TV was set to “vivid” colour.
Tried most things including photo slide-show from a USB stick.
One minor problem: recording an episode of Morse from ITV2 (I think) finished before the end – the recording was the right length from the schedule but it must have started late and overran. Have added 5 minutes padding to the end of recordings now.
Box came already loaded with latest release of software according to Humax web-site.
Shame not enough HD being broadcast!
TonyQuote
January 29th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
PNHE You have the latest software, don’t try down loading any from the Humax website as this has caused a few people problems. It is done automatically via sat.
MattQuote
January 30th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
January 31st, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Can anyone tell me how to view photos on my USB stick on Humax FOXSAT-HDR. Connecting it I get a message telling me to format stick to FAT32, which I did, but it still does not work.
Thanks
Barbara