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Following the announcement that TechniSat would offer a PVR software update for their HDFS Freesat receiver, the software has been made available today.
This software update (version 1364 Patch 4) will allow you to change your Freesat HD receiver into a PVR recorder with the use of a USB memory stick or hard drive, the first to allow this on the Freesat platform.
The software should automatically update on your TechniSat HDFS receiver and there have been no known issues with the update as yet.
Instructions on the PVR functionality can be accessed in PDF here
So if you are interested in a single tuner PVR that records to a USB device at a fraction of the price of a Freesat+ receiver with in-built hard drive, this might be a good time to buy. See our price comparison page for the latest deals on this receiver.
November 4th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Way to go Technisat. Now, other manufacturers take note!
HUMAX – What can you do us Foxsat customers that have supported you since launch. A similar upgrade would be great in time for Christmas!!!!!!
Paul S WattsQuote
November 5th, 2009 at 1:12 am
The PVR upgrade is great so far. Very impressed!
Dan MQuote
November 5th, 2009 at 8:25 am
This is really a good quality piece of equipment and I’m really pleased that when I decided to go the Freesat route I went for this box instead of the Humax box which at the time would have cost me £40 less.
Free to Air with a dodgy Grundig Sky digital box now seems like a distant memory and there was no way that I was going to pay £20 for a new Sky viewing card.
PaulQuote
November 5th, 2009 at 11:07 am
@1.Paul.
The current Humax software download ends on the 10th Nov. You may see new software after that.
Tony HalesQuote
November 5th, 2009 at 11:21 am
I am really impressed with the PVR functionality, i recorded 4 programmes last night and now watching them back.
This really is a great bit of kit and well worth the additional cost for the PVR functionality and wireless streamimng which also works really well.
SteveQuote
November 5th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
@Steve
I agree. It is worth the extra cost for the extra functionality especially now it’s a PVR. I’m pretty sure you can plug drives into the rear USB port as well as the front ports but I haven’t tried that yet.Only thing you can’t do is watch one channel while recording another as it’s a single tuner unlike the £250 PVR’s on offer but for the money it works great for me
Divx support would be nice though.
Richard CrichtonQuote
November 5th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
@admin Why is your clock an hour fast? It’s 11.40 in the UK not 12.40
Richard CrichtonQuote
November 5th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Should be fine now
adminQuote
November 5th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
I have to say they have played a blinder with this update. For those with this box I can only imagine you think Santa has come early. The extra initial cost has now well and truly been paid for.
Ste RushQuote
November 5th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Its great! I was testing it last night and it works perfectly (although i was only using a 2gb SD card). The unit successfully switched itself on and off to record what i had programmed (about 600mb for 30mins SD). The picture quality had not degraded when played back. HD was equally good, but takes up a lot of space 523mb for 10mins.
Good for me that i have a spare 500gb 2.5″ portable drive!
Dan MQuote
November 5th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
@Dan M
Good for me that i have a spare 500gb 2.5″ portable drive!
That is a massive bonus over the Humax HDR. Being able to record straight to your designated drive of any size. Excellent coup.
Ste RushQuote
November 5th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
What are the realistic chances of humax doing this with their foxsat model?
wezoQuote
November 5th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
@wezo
We can only hope for it. Reading about the upcoming firmware release for the HDR I don’t think it makes mention of this but not 100% sure. Anybody else no for sure?
Ste RushQuote
November 5th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
I gather that you cannot record/playback HD programmes
ZubQuote
November 5th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Zub: You can record and playback HD programmes!
Dan MQuote
November 5th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Zub Says:
November 5th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
I gather that you cannot record/playback HD programmes
————————————————————————————————————
Yes you can, read the post 4 above yours
SteveQuote
November 5th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
If they can get the unit playing back MP4 and mkv video it would be another bonus as the perfect media player.
Lee BQuote
November 5th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Oh my god! i’ve just muxed…yes MUXED, (not converted!!) one of my MKV files (a hd south park episode) to a TS file and it works… sort of.
The unit is playing the video without any issues….BUT, its not playing the sound (which is in ac3 format….)
Dan MQuote
November 5th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
I’ve tried the recording facility with a cheapo 4 GB memory stick that I brought today and was very impressed. Should a couple of hours recording on SD with it.
Might now invest in a 16 or 32 GB memory stick!
PaulQuote
November 5th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Just a follow up to my last post. The unit will play mkv files muxed to .TS (use tsmuxer or something similar). But the audio has to be MP2 audio, and not AC3. Converting the audio using avidemux and muxing the mkv to a ts took about 1 minute, and the file is playing perfectly on my technisat!
Dan MQuote
November 5th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Another follow up, the unit will also play H.264 mkvs as TS files with MP3 and AAC audio.
Dan MQuote
November 6th, 2009 at 8:26 am
November 6th, 2009 at 9:47 am
@Dan M, can the unit play .mp4′s? and is it low power while playing back (unlike my PS3). I assume it’s silent i.e. no fans.
Lee BQuote
November 6th, 2009 at 10:06 am
There are no fans ,silent yes but dosen’t play mp4. Got a super tiny little Buffalo 320Gb MiniStation Lite Usb hard drive to use with the Technisat. It is bus powered and has auto power down. Much better value for money than buying 32Gb USB sticks.
Prison WardenQuote
November 6th, 2009 at 10:40 am
I like the export recordings for remote storage via LAN or WLAN facility.
Tony HalesQuote
November 6th, 2009 at 11:48 am
The export to LAN feature is so slow it’s just not practical. Has taken 48mins to export 44% of Spooks SD 1.96Gb. Shame
Richard CrichtonQuote
November 7th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Sir,
Is my Foxsat/hdr/gb 8100607 91810060703456 equiped to
copy to a panasonic dvd recorder model No dmr-eh50 ple
thank you.
david hunterQuote
November 7th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Wait for the firmware update due soon for the Humax HDR then you can output by RGB cables to the Panasonic. DRM might be a problem though as the Panasonic will detect any present and refuse to record like it does with DVD’s unless you have a macrovision free DVD player.
Richard CrichtonQuote
November 8th, 2009 at 11:20 am
Has anyone tried playing back recordings on another device, eg a PC? The upgrade manual says you can only view the recordings on the HDFS but I was wondering whether this is strictly true or is there a way around it (eg re-encoding the recording file). Cheers.
Fabio CQuote
November 8th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
@Fabio C
Like most things there is a way round it but it’s rather complicated and involves booting into a version of Linux etc etc.
Tony HalesQuote
November 8th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
@Tony Hales: do you know what file system the HDFS is using for the recordings? I know for instance that the Foxsat HDR uses ext2/ext3 which is of course the fs used by Linux. I am an advanced Linux user and am familiar with several video encoding tools. So long as the recordings are not encrypted by some proprietary Technisat code…
Fabio CQuote
November 8th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
@Fabio C
It says filesystem: TSD V2. Can’t say I’ve heard of it but I don’t know Linux.
Tony HalesQuote
November 8th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
@Tony Hales
Mmm, never heard of it either..it would be quite disappointing if this turned out to be a proprietary protocol. I should imagine that the networked multimedia files that the HDFS is able to play back would have to be on a FAT32/NTFS filesystem? Can someone confirm that?
Fabio CQuote
November 8th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
@ Fabio C
When I export a TV recording to my Windows XP PC I get 4 files a DESC file a TS file a MKS file and a REC file. I tried playing back the TS file in ArcSoft Total media theatre but it said unknown file format.What is the name of that OS player that plays almost everything?
Richard CrichtonQuote
November 8th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
@Fabio C
TSD could stand for Technisat Digital so perhaps they are using some form of encryption or their own file format.
‘This is very disappointing.’ quote from The Fifth Element.
Tony HalesQuote
November 8th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
@Richard Crichton
I use mplayer on Linux but there is also a Windows version. mplayer does generally support TS files. Any chance you can post a short recording (the TS file) onto some free server for me to download to check whether it can be played back with mplayer?
I don’t have a Technisat HDFS box but I’d like to buy one if the recordings can also be played on a PC or other device. When you say that you have exported a TV recording to your Windows XP PC, what do you exactly mean? Could you export the recording directly onto a networked drive or did you do that through a usb disk?
Thanks.
Fabio CQuote
November 8th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
@ I exported the recording directly by LAN onto a networked drive. Technisat also sell a WLAN adaptor for about £28.
i could send the file to you directly using yousendit but i would need an e mail address for that or I could put it on rapidshare perhaps.
Richard CrichtonQuote
November 8th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
@Richard Crichton
I think it would be best if you could put the short video on rapidshare and post the download link on this forum. It is quite reassuring that the recordings can be exported directly on a networked drive. Thanks.
Fabio CQuote
November 8th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
The TS files are not “normal” transport streams. I’ve tried opening them with programs on both windows and linux. I’ve also tried to demux them to get the information out of the format, but nothing will recognise the files.
If you record in HD the file format is .TS4
If anybody knows of a way to play these, then that would be great!
Dan MQuote
November 8th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Disappointing…given that the Foxsat HDR records “normal” TS files.
@Dan M: are the TS files that you have tested “exported” or are they the original ones on the USB drive?
Fabio CQuote
November 8th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
@Fabio,
Exported, i cant get the drive recognised in windows or linux with the technisat filesystem…
Dan MQuote
November 9th, 2009 at 9:05 am
@Fabio C
I tried uploading the TS file to Mediafire but it stopped at 95%.Don’t know why.
Tony HalesQuote
November 9th, 2009 at 9:27 am
@ Fabio C @Dan M
http://www.technisat.com/index6818.html?nav=LCD,en,74-15142
The Techniline 32HD plays them.Not much comfort I know but it confirms they are secure TS files.
‘ Even secure TS files from TechniSat hard drive receivers (MPEG2 and MPEG4) can be viewed on the TechniLine 32 HD when played via a USB stick – this is a real multimedia centre with a range of functions not often found even in products in much higher price ranges.’
Richard CrichtonQuote
November 9th, 2009 at 10:47 am
A guide to playing HD MKV’s as TS files on a Technisat HDFS.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=1156601
Tony HalesQuote
November 9th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
@ admin.
The download has been pulled any idea why?
Tony HalesQuote
November 9th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Gentlemen
The software has been “pulled” and will be back available within the next 7 days.
It was withdrawn for a commercial reason, there is nothing wrong with it technically. ( more hopefully will be revealed later )
I am told that the new software which is 1364 will become 1364B
SteveQuote
November 9th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
@ Steve
That’s what it says on Digital Spy but there is a question mark over the reason on AvForums.
Tony HalesQuote
November 9th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
I understand that certain functionality was included in the latest release that had to be removed by request. I believe that an official statement will be forthcoming from Technisat shortly.
SteveQuote
November 9th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
I can confirm that this information is accurate.
adminQuote
November 9th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Bummer. Is there any way I can stop my box downloading the cripped firmware when it becomes available?
Tony HalesQuote
November 9th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
@ Tony, you will get the opportunity to download any software with the option of yes, no or later when any software becomes available.
SteveQuote
November 9th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
I’ve turned updates off in the menu for now,trouble is we will need another update to get i player working so there is no way round it really.
‘Certain functionality’ could be anything from the PVR itself to exporting files to LAN.
Prison WardenQuote
November 9th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
@ Prison warden
It is NOT PVR or exporting files.
It is a certain “bit” of functionality that should not be there YET.
I cannot say anymore albeit to say that there is nothing wrong with the software other than TechniSat were asked to remove something.
I think by now some of you may have worked it out!!!
SteveQuote
November 9th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
@Steve
i player perhaps.Mmmmmmmm but I thought the upcoming Humax download had that included anyway.
Prison WardenQuote
November 9th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
haha Steve
I think that makes it clear enough without saying!
@Prison Warden
Humax software hasn’t been launched yet
adminQuote
November 9th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
@admin
Indeed it hasn’t. ;-0
Prison WardenQuote
November 9th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
@Richard Crichton @Tony Hales
Can you please retry to post a very short “exported” TS file somewhere on the net? I would like to give it a go with mplayer or other video tool.
@Dan M
You said you use Linux. Could you do a “fdisk -l” on the USB disk formatted by the HDFS and post the result here. I am very intrigued as to why the file system is not recognised at all.
I have 24 hours to decide whether or not to buy one of these boxes and the ability to play recordings on a PC is crucial to my choice!
Fabio CQuote
November 9th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
@Fabio C Try this. I’ts the TS file from 10secs of BBC London news
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?mngo2nyqdz0
Tony HalesQuote
November 10th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
I bought the HDFS knewing that there will be a new firmware which supports recording on USB devices. Well, here it is and it’s just like I hoped it would be because I already got a HD S2 from TechniSat.
But today I exported some recordings and discovered the problems you are already discussing. I’m wondering why the format is different to the HD S2 format, because the filename extensions are totally the same. That’s also the reason why I could not import an HDFS recording to the HD S2 (it imports it, but then it doesn’t appear on the recordings list). The HDFS can import recordings from the HD S2, but there are interference in the picture while playing them.
I would be very disappointed if it is the intention of TechniSat and/or Freesat that isn’t possible to edit or play recordings on the PC!!! I hope we can find a way to play the exported recordings!
If anybody needs recordings (SD/HD) from HDFS oder HD S2, don’t fear writing me.
Greetings form Bavaria and one of very less users of the HDFS in Germany (I think),
)
Andreas
(sorry if my English is not perfect
DigiAndiQuote
November 10th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Well, I spent most of last night trying to play the video that Tony posted on my PC but niet! The video file would not be recognised! I tried tsremux, tsmuxer, tsdoctor and others (all Windows tools) as well as a few Linux programs. Nothing wouldn’t even get close to recognise the file.
I am afraid this is the end of the road for me…I liked the HDFS and its networking features but I am afraid it will have to be a Foxsat-HDR instead. Surely in the future a sw tool will come up that can play HFDS recordings but it is too much hassle!
@DigiAndi: I also have a DVB-S tv card (ironically, a Technisat SkyStar2!!) on my PC and all its recordings are standard TS files that can be played by any media player tool. So it is not Freesat but it must be a Technisat HDFS issue.
Fabio CQuote
November 11th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Not sure what you guys are saying as i am not that technically minded, BUT please be aware that any recording made on the HDFS CAN ONLY BE PLAYED BACK ON THE SAME UNIT, this is because most recordings are encrypted, this is not a TechniSat fault but a mandate from Freesat.
If the recording is put into another HDFS than the record list will show but there wil only be a black screen.
SteveQuote
November 11th, 2009 at 9:51 am
@Steve
Anything that is encrypted can be unencrypted eventually.
Yes we know they are secure but we are trying to get around that after all they said Blu-ray encryption was impossible to crack
Tony HalesQuote
November 11th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
@Steve
I do not agree that most Freesat recordings are encrypted. In fact, most Freeview channels are available on Freesat free-to-air. I was able to record a SD BBC programme using a Technisat Skystar2 satellite TV card on a PC and play the file again on a different PC. Besides that, other websites show that programmes recorded with the Foxsat HDR are standard TS video files and are not encrypted in any way. Doesn’t that show that it is not a Freesat issue? Regards.
Fabio CQuote
November 12th, 2009 at 8:45 am
It is not an encryption issue ( as i stated i am not a technical person) my contact has told me that because the HDD has been formatted by the specific unit, it is therefore “paired with it”
SteveQuote
November 12th, 2009 at 10:31 am
I agree Freesat broadcasts are not encrypted. The Technisat HDFS formats any USB device before it can be used to record on.The formating puts some code on the USB device that stops it being read by any other USB reader. That is what I meant by encryption.If you could read the code you could get round it.
Richard CrichtonQuote
November 12th, 2009 at 10:38 am
@Fabio C
If Foxsat HDR recordings are standard TS files that can be played back on other device then the Foxsat should be an illegal device in the eyes of Freesat.They can’t have one rule for Humax and a different rule for Technisat can they?
Richard CrichtonQuote
November 12th, 2009 at 10:49 am
My Technisat HDR takes five minutes to turn off (standby) after I press the button.
It says ‘please wait’ on the display and the blue light stays on.
Tony HalesQuote
November 12th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
@Tony
Have you tried a factory reset? Mine did this once and once only.
SteveQuote
November 12th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
@Steve
Not yet. I’m wating for a reply from Technisat. I don’t want to loose my timers today.
I think it’s something to do with having timers set.
Richard CrichtonQuote
November 12th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
@ Tony.
Mines doing the same thing mate, it doesn’t appear to have crashed because the unit starts up properly if i switch it on while ‘please wait’ is on the screen. It takes anywhere from 5-15 mins for mine to go into proper standby mode… weird, never used to do this before the update…
Dan MQuote
November 12th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
@ Tony, dont bother with the factory reset if you dont want to lose your timings, it hasn’t fixed the problem for me.
Dan MQuote
November 12th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
@ Dan M
Ok Dan cheers.
Tony HalesQuote
November 12th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Hi – yes, having the same fun & problems as above. My box takes 10 minutes switch off which is annoying as I use a Panasonic HDD on external link to record once the stb powers up . . saves using 2 timers. However, now it’s a PVR . .just need a big enough ext stick to take the HD recordings. It would be nice to move these to a network drive & the encryption problem does limit this. The very very slow LAN transfer is just not worth it. I also can’t get my Freecom HD to work on USB . . doesn’t the HDFS like NTFS? What HDs have folk used successfully?
Steve CarterQuote
November 13th, 2009 at 9:06 am
I understand that Technisat are aware of this, they do read this forum!!
SteveQuote
November 13th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
@Steve Carter
The Buffalo MiniStation Lite 320GB works well. Its bus powered, has auto power down and looks gorgeous.
@Steve
Glad to hear it. They haven’t replied to my E mail though.
Richard CrichtonQuote
November 13th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
The problem does not exist in Technisat mode (allegedly) but I cannot confirm that at present. Can someone who does not any timers set see if the problem is present and if not set a timer and see if the problem exists then.
Tony HalesQuote
November 14th, 2009 at 9:11 am
@Tony
Timers or no timers the problem still exists for me.
Switches to standby with no ‘please wait’ message at all in technisat mode (takes about 1 sec to go to standby).
Dan MQuote
November 14th, 2009 at 10:09 am
@Dan M
Same here.
Tony HalesQuote
November 14th, 2009 at 11:23 am
@ Richard what e-mail address did you send your enquiry to?
steveQuote
November 14th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
@Steve
supportuk@technisat.co.uk
Richard CrichtonQuote
November 14th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
@ Richard Unusual for them as i know they are usually quick in answering, perhaps you could try the telephone number instead 0845 467 1935
9-5.30 Mon-Friday
steveQuote
November 15th, 2009 at 8:40 am
@steve
0845 no thanks! As long as they know there is a problem I’m not that bothered about waiting 4 or 5 minutes for the box to go into standby. It’s ok in Technisat mode, turn off almost instantly. I have every confidence that they will get it sorted.
http://www.saynoto0870.com
Richard CrichtonQuote
November 15th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Just glad I didn’t buy a Humax PVR.
Tony HalesQuote
November 15th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
I have seen on the various forums that the record option update was ‘pulled’ on the 10th of this month due to its ‘abilities.’ I’ve also read that the revised update was forwarded to the DTG for OTA updates on the 13th. Does anyone know when they will be retransmitting as mine doesn’t have the PVR functionality.
http://www.dtg.org.uk/industry/download_schedule.php
Pete WoodsQuote
November 15th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
You are correct, the revised software excluding a certain service was supplied to DTG on Friday and typically takes 7 days to release.
adminQuote
November 16th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Why was it pulled?
I also have the 10 minute standby problem.
Anyone know how to crack the encryption? Very very annoying I can’t save my recordings to a network drive for archival
Does anyone think a dedicated forum to this kind of stuff would be helpful?
zagQuote
November 16th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Had a reply from Technisat – they are quite good at responding to emails. They are aware of the delayed switch to standby. Although following on from my earlier message, the output is switched immediately – so folk who use external timers (such as a Panasonic HDD on external link setting) can switch straight away. No waurez. The encryption is a pain but if you use a big enough ext HDD there’s no real problem. HD recordings seem to take 8GB for 1’40″ – so, yes an ext drive is a better option than buying loadsa usb sticks!
What is the main diff. in running the box in Freesat to Technisat mode?
And has anyone managed to operate their TV with the HDFS remote?
Steve CarterQuote
November 16th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Freesat is in a right old mess. Harvard boxes crippled. Humax boxes crippled. Terhnisat boxes needing two updates in two weeks. Whats the next debacle I wonder?
Tony HalesQuote
November 17th, 2009 at 8:35 am
To say its a mess is harsh in my view. Take a look at the Terrestial FreeView battlefield. It’s littered with boxes that fail, multiple version updates for boxes and poor quality components that dont last. Companies don’t have the budget to get rid of the various issues that occur after a product has been released and then the scope changed. It is US that it the problem. We want and expect too much and then dissatisfied when we see the result. I bought a Topfield FreeView box when that came out as I thought it got the best reviews from it’s users on the forums.
I dont regret buying the TechniSat receiver, I actually enjoy watching it.
Pete WoodsQuote
November 17th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
@Pete Wood
The Technisat is a good box now a PVR. I am pleased to own one.
Freesat need to get a grip on the standards they require from manufacturers before they can get a licence to manufacture for the Freesat platform.
As for Freeview never had a problem with my Panasonic box or my Tevion PVR which cost me £7.99(minus hard drive) from Big Pockets.
Tony HalesQuote
November 18th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
With the technisat box now a PVR can you set timer to record a series
( Series Link)
Eddie T
Eddie TQuote
November 19th, 2009 at 10:06 am
@Eddie T
No but it can be set to record daily,weekends or weekly so if your show was on at the same time every week it would record it.
Tony HalesQuote
November 19th, 2009 at 10:10 am
If your box breaks say in five years time all your treasured recordings would be unplayable.Not the ideal situation if you want to archive old tv shows.Thats got me worried now.
Richard CrichtonQuote
November 20th, 2009 at 8:39 am
I see that there SHOULD be a Technisat HDFS patch Ver 1297 patch 2 released OTA from today!
Has anyone tried it?
Does the PVR option work?
Any other views on it?
http://www.dtg.org.uk/industry/download_schedule.php
Pete WoodsQuote
November 20th, 2009 at 9:28 am
I have just tried to update my hdfs software and it is still saying that there is no new software available.
Maybe later this morning?!
Rick.
RickQuote
November 20th, 2009 at 9:32 am
@Rick
Yes, usually the software is available from around midday, so try after that. It will include PVR functionality again, just not one other service
adminQuote
November 20th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Cheers Admin.
I’ll set my hdfs to ‘auto update’ around 2pm.
Rick.
RickQuote
November 20th, 2009 at 10:55 am
@Admin.
I have the unpatched PVR software which works perfectly apart from the fact that the box takes 5mins to go into standby. There is no sign of the other service that you keep on mentioning. Much fuss about nothing imho.ii there goes a flying pig.;-)
Tony HalesQuote
November 20th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
I’ve updated my hdfs to software version 2.41.36.2(1297) and I can’t seem to find any pvr function. I’ll keep looking though!
Rick.
RickQuote
November 20th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Reading the digital spy forum, it is being said that the current/new update is removing any trace of the last update and the next update will include the pvr function!
I’ve had a good look around the menus my updated hdfs and there is no pvr function via the special settings or on the timer record functions.
Rick.
RickQuote
November 20th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
@Rick
Try pressing the OK centre button to go to channel lists, select the blue button to go to the NAV menu and the 3rd option in the pop up window should say Movies / PVR if it has the functionality.
There is a PDF of the PVR option here …
http://www.technisat.co.uk/index5263.html?nav=Sat_DVB_S_,co,64-15041
Pete
Pete WoodsQuote
November 20th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
@Pete
thanks for your reply. I’ve just tried what you suggested and it only has movies as an option, no pvr.
I have read the PDF about the USB/pvr before is this a new version?
Rick.
RickQuote
November 20th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
D E N I E D !
Well fancy that. I was expecting it to sort out the ‘functionality’ issue and leave the PVR intact. I am only an end user so can’t shed any more light on what the new version of software gives you.
Do you have a view Admin? or has there been a press release from Technisat as to why this is there current release. I’m not sure I want to update unless I know what it does!
The PDF link I posted is the latter version (V2) of the same document but i norices the the menus were subtley different to the original.
Pete WoodsQuote
November 20th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
For what it’s worth, I have just purchased one of these and, having read this thread beforehand, contacted Technisat for clarification that it will indeed have the pvr function. They told me,yesterday, that the revised software update for this functionality would be available ‘on our website in a few weeks time’.
SimonQuote
November 20th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
I’m sure technisat will sort out the issue ‘in another 7 days’!
I was looking forward to recording some tv, but I’ll have to wait a week or two!
Rick.
RickQuote
November 20th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
The hdfs is powering down in a matter of seconds (in freesat mode) with the new update. So at least something good has come out of it!
Rick.
RickQuote
November 20th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
The software build date is dated sometime from august 2009 also. What’s the date of the ‘unofficial’ software release?
Rick.
RickQuote
November 20th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Software version 2.41.36.2(1297) is the version before the PVR update.
I understand from talking to an engineer at Technisat that the PVR software will be available from their website in a couple of weeks and then OTA with other functonalities later in the year
HarryQuote
November 20th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
freesat software updates are rediculous aren’t they. i’ve switched auto updates off on mine cause i need 2 record top gear this sunday.
Dan MQuote
November 20th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Don’t download the latest update it is the old pre PVR version back again.Turn your box off at the wall socket overnight so it dosen’t auto update at 3am.
Richard CrichtonQuote
November 20th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
The software launched today will revert your receiver back to the pre-PVR setup, so if you don’t want it, take the auto-update off. TechniSat have done this to resolve issues with the standby delay etc and have developed new software to resolve these issues etc. TechniSat have said that the new software will be available on their website in approx. 14 days, and a further 14 days by OTA download. The reason they cannot do it sooner is that OTA releases through DTG are very expensive to keep doing to meet updates and changes in service availability by Freesat.
adminQuote
November 20th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
…at least so far their updates aren’t killing boxes
adminQuote
November 21st, 2009 at 2:18 am
It would be nice to be able to record by Christmas.
I will put it at the top of my wish list!
If it’s expensive to ota the upgrade is there any way they could send the update via the web, like topfield do?
Rick.
RickQuote
November 21st, 2009 at 10:28 am
@Rick
The box can only be updated via USB port or OTA. The update will be on their website for download in two weeks (apparently). It cannot be updated via the web port so there is no way Technisat could send it via the web.
Richard CrichtonQuote
November 21st, 2009 at 11:04 am
@Rick
Yes, as per our comment (111), it will be available on their website in 14 days.
adminQuote
November 21st, 2009 at 11:22 am
Can someone explain how one would get the software from the website on to the HDFS? I assume you download the software to a USB flash drive or external HD and then connect that to a USB port on the HDFS but how do you then instal it on the HDFS? Anyone able to assist?
SimonQuote
November 21st, 2009 at 12:06 pm
@Simon
There is nothing about it in the manual but I expect the instructions will be on the website when the software is available.
At a guess you would need to format a usb stick or card then download the software onto it then navigate to it using the nav menu then highlight the file and press ok.
Richard CrichtonQuote
November 21st, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Interestingly I managed to acquire a very short recording of the news from another forum. I have tried to play it on my box and it really didn’t like it. I had read that all recorded files could only be played back by the specific machine they were recorded on. I have found the same … my box ended up going in and out of standby. I can however play ‘converted freeview movies’ as mpeg with no issues except that I had to switch to the 2nd audio channel
Pete WoodsQuote
November 21st, 2009 at 5:35 pm
@ Simon.
You would download the software from the website to a USB stick, insert to the USB port and the box will read the stick and state “New software found” in the VFD Display on the box. When the download starts you remove the USB stick, job done
HarryQuote
November 22nd, 2009 at 12:02 pm
@Peter Woods
The very short recording of the news was from this forum. See post 58.It should not be on another forum but anyone can download it from Mediafire.
Recording made on another HDFS will not play except on the HDFS that made them. This severly limits the usefulness of the HDFS as an archiver. If your box breaks and cannot be repaired your recordings cannot be played and are effectively lost. The Humax is still the PVR of choice as it does not have these limitations (apparently) for reasons unknown to me. Why all the security on the HDFS but not on the Humax?
Tony HalesQuote
November 22nd, 2009 at 12:10 pm
@Harry said( when the download starts remove the usb stick.)
Whatever you do don’t remove the usb stick until the upgrade is completed or you may brick your box.
Tony HalesQuote
November 22nd, 2009 at 12:22 pm
@111 admin
Not sure that it will revert your box to pre pvr software.
I think that if you have the PVR software the pre PVR software shouldn’t download (in theory) as it is the earlier software unless Technisat have changed the loader. Can anyone confirm or deny this.
Tony HalesQuote
November 22nd, 2009 at 1:56 pm
@ Tony
I can confirm that the HDFS doesn’t downoload the software. When checking for new software it just gets stuck at the checking stage (it would usually say ‘no new software’ or something similar after a few seconds).
Dan MQuote
November 22nd, 2009 at 10:55 pm
@Dan M
As I thought.Thanks for confirming that.
Tony HalesQuote
November 22nd, 2009 at 11:39 pm
mine has started switching to standby properly now. no new software or anything its just started working randomly
Dan MQuote
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:52 am
Thanks to Harry, Richard & Tony for your thoughts. Looking forward to trying the new functions ib the, hopefully, not too distant future.
SimonQuote
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:02 am
@Dan M
Mine dosen’t. Did you have it in Technisat mode?
It will switch to standby properly from Technisat mode.
Tony HalesQuote
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:26 am
@tony no m8 its in freesat mode. the only thing i can think of that might have fixed it is doing the auto install again.
Dan MQuote
November 23rd, 2009 at 1:04 pm
On the freesat recording issue … I wonder if it is not our boxes that are at fault … but the Humax ones that shouldn’t have an open recording option.
My orginal thought was that it wasn’t an approved ‘freesat’ receiver but a mere multi-functioning satellite receiver that isn’t signed up to the freesat regs but the foxsat hdr is recommended on their website so that blows that theory out of the water.
My second thought is I wonder if they HAVE to encrypt the recording NOW but didn’t when they first released their box eons ago. That could explain why everyone seams to be waiting for the Humax software upgrades. It will be intresting to see if any of their downloads change the functionality of the HDR unit. We will know once the ‘other services’ are released to all users, probably by Christmas I would hope.
Pete WoodsQuote
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:27 pm
@ Dan M
I might give that a go but I’m not really bothered about the standby problem for now.
I might just wait till the fixed software arrives on the Technisat website.
Tony HalesQuote
November 27th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
I have a question …
I would like to use my HDFS to record (once the update is published!) to a remote NAS (network accessible storage) drive so that my home PC on the network can use it as well. If I connect up a TV that is DLNA (digital living network alliance) compatible, I would have liked to watch programs direct from the remote drive into the TV but my understanding is that only the unit that recorded the program can re-view it … that even goes for the Technisat TV’s. Is there an issue with all Freesat units being DLNA compatible or have Freesat just said NO you CANT do it?
Pete WoodsQuote
December 7th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Have cured the long delay to power down by switching to Technisat mode and then back to Freesat mode. Seems to power down OK now. However I seem to have lost all my radio channels . . .prob a weather or Freesat problem?
Steve CarterQuote