Humax HDCI-2000T problem with new MPEG4 DVB-T trial

pipkato

My original DVB-T trial box, a Humax HDCI-2000T, finds the 4 TV channels and 4 radio channels from the current tests fine, but the TV is sound only. I'm in the Dublin 6 area and a USB stick receives the TV pictures fine on my Elgato EyeTV 3.0 software.

I've done a factory reset on the Humax twice but still no TV picture. I'm not a techie, but hope someone on the board can suggest what the problem might be. I'm using it with a HDTV through a HDMI cable and all the Humax Menus display fine. All the RTE channels show as 576i but all I get is TV sound.

Thanks.

weehamster

After the end of the trial and RTENL started their 'test' I had to reset the box twice to get the channels. First time the picture was blank with no sound.

Try again or turn off the power from the switch on the back and leave it off for a few minutes and then try to rest again.

pipkato

Thanks Weehampster.

I have tried cold reboots a few times without success. But I'll give it a go again and see what happens.

Krusty_Clown

weehamster wrote: »

After the end of the trial and RTENL started their 'test' I had to reset the box twice to get the channels. First time the picture was blank with no sound.

How do you reset the box? Do you mean plug it out and back in again, or is there another form of reset? Mine doesn't seem to be getting any channels (was fine for the original trial).

pipkato

Just tried that cold power on again a couple of times. Got the 'No or Bad Signal' before the sound comes on for channel 800 (RTE1). I've also noticed something that's happened before (though without any negative effects on reception with MPEG2 trial) - the Humax box starts without any 'Standby' or Channel display. It just seems to run the Loader program and I can see some rapidly accumulating numbers in the Humax display, and then just a blank display.

Now, after a few minutes, the 'RTE 1' info appears on the Humax box, but still sound only. Hitting 'Info' in the Humax remote brings up '800 RTE1' on my TV and shows the correct time and date. But no picture.

BowWow

I also had this problem. Delete all channels and then rescan - worked for me. Now have the 4 TV channels numbered 800-803, 4 Radio channels numbered 804 - 807.

Mayo Exile

Also deleted all "old" DTT trial channels and re-scanned. 4 TV and 4 radio stored at position 800 and up. FTA, no CAM needed. No problems as described above. Appeared first time. I notice they are very slow to appear on screen when selected, than before though.

STB

For Humax Box

Go into the menu.

reset to Default settings (thats the important part)

(password is 0000)

It will then reboot ask you simple questions like country etc and will rescan.

Thats it. You should have 4 radio 4 TV.

Note that you will have to go in to the menu to switch the antenna power on (password is 0000) if you need to power the aerial.

There is a delay in the channels displaying from channel flicking on the humax box since it has switched to 64QAM. Give it a sec it should display the picture, if it doesnt it is possible that the proper firmware isnt on that box and you will need to flash the box with a null modem cable.

Heres the firmware http://rapidshare.com/files/129839346/humax.exe.html

pipkato

Thanks STB.

I've done a few resets and still no picture. I'll give the firmware upgrade a try and see what happens.

Do you know what version of the firmware I need to receive the current trials? I know I can display the current version in the box but I'm not beside it right now. If I have the latest, then the problem must be elsewhere.

Thanks,

STB wrote: »

For Humax Box

Go into the menu.

reset to Default settings (thats the important part)

(password is 0000)

It will then reboot ask you simple questions like country etc and will rescan.

Thats it. You should have 4 radio 4 TV.

Note that you will have to go in to the menu to switch the antenna power on (password is 0000) if you need to power the aerial.

There is a delay in the channels displaying from channel flicking on the humax box since it has switched to 64QAM. Give it a sec it should display the picture, if it doesnt it is possible that the proper firmware isnt on that box and you will need to flash the box with a null modem cable.

Heres the firmware http://rapidshare.com/files/129839346/humax.exe.html

STB

That version will sort the problem for you. I've seen similar probs with that box, reflashing it sorts it out. The firmware version in that exe is the H264 fix.

Download that exe to your PC. You'll need a null modem cable. They are cheap enough - less than €3.

Connect to serial port on your PC and the other to the R232 on the back of the box. Make sure box is swiched off.

Double click the exe.

Switch on box. When connected it will display progress.

Let it do the flashing - takes about a minute and a half.

pipkato

Thanks a lot for that STB.

Does the firmware flash backup the original firmware? I'd hate to have a problem and lose everything.

From what you wrote there is a known issue with that Humax box and MPEG4/H.264?

regards.

STB

No overwrites it, which is what you want to do.

Not issues as such... fixes. That has a few fixes, the main is correcting the behaviour of Mpeg4 And it does work, so go ahead.

BowWow

STB wrote: »

For Humax Box
Note that you will have to go in to the menu to switch the antenna power on (password is 0000) if you need to power the aerial.

STB, what do you mean by that? I'm using a "One 4 All" internal aerial - it plugs in to the mains. Which is the correct setting I should use on the Humax? It doesn't seem to make any difference if I select Aerial Power On or Aerial Power Off on the box.

stanley1

stb >>>>>>>>>set top box (humax)

BowWow

stanley1 wrote: »

stb >>>>>>>>>set top box (humax)

Thanks for that. I was actually quoting and addressing the previous poster:mad:
His name is "STB" :rolleyes:

stanley1

sorry, a bit trigger happy today.:D

Hissing Sideban

I take it you took out the encryption card - the current MPEG4 tests are not encrypted.

The set in the Mount Leinster canteen was the same - see pics

John Dough

STB wrote: »

That version will sort the problem for you. I've seen similar probs with that box, reflashing it sorts it out. The firmware version in that exe is the H264 fix.

Download that exe to your PC. You'll need a null modem cable. They are cheap enough - less than €3.

Connect to serial port on your PC and the other to the R232 on the back of the box. Make sure box is swiched off.

Double click the exe.

Switch on box. When connected it will display progress.

Let it do the flashing - takes about a minute and a half.

j

OK tried this but nothing happens still on old software version 10002 , any clues m8?

Would you have a hdf file with the latest fix please.
TA

pipkato

My Humax 'trial' box can only receive sound from the new Three Rock tests. I haven't yet managed to get the null modem cable to flash my Humax with the new firmware but I'm still confused about the use of the Humax 'trial' box on the new MPEG4 transmissions.

Should the Conax card and/or its holder be left in place for tuning or when viewing the new channels ( I know the new channels are not encrypted)

Since my Humax box worked fine before with the MPEG4 HD trial, why would I need to update my firmware for the new tests? Are they different in a way that needs new firmware?

Thanks.

STB

pipkato wrote: »

My Humax 'trial' box can only receive sound from the new Three Rock tests. I haven't yet managed to get the null modem cable to flash my Humax with the new firmware but I'm still confused about the use of the Humax 'trial' box on the new MPEG4 transmissions.

Should the Conax card and/or its holder be left in place for tuning or when viewing the new channels ( I know the new channels are not encrypted)

Since my Humax box worked fine before with the MPEG4 HD trial, why would I need to update my firmware for the new tests? Are they different in a way that needs new firmware?

Thanks.

If you were on the trial, did you receive the HD Ireland Test Channel ?

If you did then there is no reason to reflash the box. The only reason you should do this is if you didnt recive the HD Ireland Channel during the trials, as that would point towards you not having the right firmware that I uploaded on rapidshare.

You should only need to

reset to Default settings (I cant stress enough that, thats the important part)

(password is 0000)

It will then reboot ask you simple questions like country etc and will rescan.

Thats it. You should have 4 radio 4 TV.

Note that you will have to go in to the menu to switch the antenna power on (password is 0000) if you need to power the aerial.

There is a delay in the channels displaying from channel flicking on the humax box since it has switched to 64QAM. Give it a sec you will hear the sound first, then the picture.

Patience.

If that doesnt work try using the scart or composite outputs as there may be an issue with your hdmi.

STB

John Dough wrote: »

j

OK tried this but nothing happens still on old software version 10002 , any clues m8?

Would you have a hdf file with the latest fix please.
TA

John,

On the Humax menu so into the first oprton and system status... under the software version, if you have flashed it right should read, should read....

HDXTC 1.00.02_1

When you restart the box it should ask you for country etc. Then you rescan and it will find 4 TV 4 radio.


Flashing instructions
That EXE has the HDF within it with a flashwriter program. You only need double click it. Have STB switched off. Connect Null modem cable. Double click file. Screen will say waiting for STB. Switch on box. On screen the firmware starts writing in reverse. Look at your set top box. When it finishes it will say end, give it another 20 seconds to update. Disconnect and go through start up process.

pipkato

Thanks again STB.

My HD worked fine so it seems my firmware is OK.

I'll have a go at the reboot again, and check out my HDMI, but I'm pretty sure the HDMI is not the issue, since the TV input and the cable were working fine before.

However, there has to be a reason, and more than likely it's something obvious like HDMI or cabling.

I should check out the Scart and see if that works.

STB

Hissing Sideban wrote: »

I take it you took out the encryption card - the current MPEG4 tests are not encrypted.

The set in the Mount Leinster canteen was the same - see pics

pipkato.... if thats the case just go to the menu and so the default settings and rescan. No reason why it shouldnt work. Do the default settings thing a few times.... guarantee you thats where its going wrong.

Hi Mr Sidebands, taking time out from Radiowaves, I see.

The Conax encryption card whether in or out will not make the slightest bit of difference. There is nothing to decrypt and even if there was it wouldnt be in Conax. The box deals with FTA channels differently anyhow.

pipkato

Thanks STB.

I've done all that you recommended again and again. I must have reset it now five or six times. It finds the eight channels every time, but when it's all over all I get is sound on the four TV channels. The original HD channel worked fine on the same box.

Is there anything else about the settings on the Humax box that could be responsible for the issue. The HDMI is cable is working fine and displays the Menu info fine. Everything seems right but still no picture from Three Rock.

BowWow

stanley1 wrote: »

sorry, a bit trigger happy today.:D

No problem;)
Just back on air after 2 days without internet:(

STB

BowWow wrote: »

STB, what do you mean by that? I'm using a "One 4 All" internal aerial - it plugs in to the mains. Which is the correct setting I should use on the Humax? It doesn't seem to make any difference if I select Aerial Power On or Aerial Power Off on the box.

If its one of these the power should be turned off (as its powered by electricIty). If its one of the one 4 alls that just plugs in the back of the humax box (and the aerial itself doesnt have a power supply) then you can turn on the aerial (password 0000). Normally produces about 10-20% extra signal strength and stability.

Hissing Sideban

STB wrote: »

The Conax encryption card whether in or out will not make the slightest bit of difference. There is nothing to decrypt and even if there was it wouldnt be in Conax. The box deals with FTA channels differently anyhow.

Well the Mt Leinster box had an card error message on screen when inserted into the CAM, it dissapeared when card removed. The card was working fine a couple of weeks before when theold trials were running.

John Dough

STB wrote: »

John,

On the Humax menu so into the first oprton and system status... under the software version, if you have flashed it right should read, should read....

HDXTC 1.00.02_1

When you restart the box it should ask you for country etc. Then you rescan and it will find 4 TV 4 radio.


Flashing instructions
That EXE has the HDF within it with a flashwriter program. You only need double click it. Have STB switched off. Connect Null modem cable. Double click file. Screen will say waiting for STB. Switch on box. On screen the firmware starts writing in reverse. Look at your set top box. When it finishes it will say end, give it another 20 seconds to update. Disconnect and go through start up process.

Thanks for your help STB but there seems to be a problem with the flashwriter program as it does not work for me ,when I double click I just get a message to run or cancel and when I click run just a momentary flash of a screen but nothing happens when I turn on box at rear.
I also tried with the box on standby but his does not work either.
I have used the wind4oak loader before and it finds the box no problem so that is why I asked for the .hdf file separately if you have it please.
Thanks for any assistance m8.
JD

Krusty_Clown

John Dough wrote: »

that is why I asked for the .hdf file separately if you have it please.

Hi JD, the humax.exe is actually just a self-extracting zip file that launches a batch file, so as long as you have winzip installed, you can right-click on the Humax.exe file, go to [Winzip] (if it's in your context menu) and select [Open with Winzip]. You will then see the three files in the zip archive:
Hdxtcixxxxx.hdf
FlashWriter.exe
test.bat

If you extract them to a local folder, you can run the batch file, or enter this from the command line: flashwriter 1 115200 HDXTCI10002_1-AVC.HDF

I suspect though, that your Humax.exe is corrupt though.

John Dough

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Hi JD, the humax.exe is actually just a self-extracting zip file that launches a batch file, so as long as you have winzip installed, you can right-click on the Humax.exe file, go to [Winzip] (if it's in your context menu) and select [Open with Winzip]. You will then see the three files in the zip archive:
Hdxtcixxxxx.hdf
FlashWriter.exe
test.bat

If you extract them to a local folder, you can run the batch file, or enter this from the command line: flashwriter 1 115200 HDXTCI10002_1-AVC.HDF

I suspect though, that your Humax.exe is corrupt though.

Hi Krusty cheers mate worked a dream loaded with Wnd4oak and all channels up and running again , much appreciated:D

Now if only there was a mpeg4 fix for a Sony dvd recorder??

BowWow

STB wrote: »

If its one of these the power should be turned off (as its powered by electricIty). If its one of the one 4 alls that just plugs in the back of the humax box (and the aerial itself doesnt have a power supply) then you can turn on the aerial (password 0000). Normally produces about 10-20% extra signal strength and stability.

Thank You.

MAJJ

I 'followed' the instructions and had the same issue as pipkato. My firmware was up to date........

Main bit I missed or misinterpreted was that 'reset to defaults' was not switch off box but instead was a setting from the menu.

All is well now.

Thanks for the advice folks.

John Dough

I am getting the "no or bad signal or channel is scrambled " dialogue box in the middle of the screen when the signal is 100% quality and 70% signal strength and the picture is perfect.

I seem to remember this happening before to some people so is there a fix guyz??:(

pipkato

I've been having the exact same problem as John Dough for the past few days.

At first I thought I'd pressed some weird button combination on my remote but despite a cold restart of the Humax box the message appears mid screen after about 10 seconds. It sits over a perfect picture and all I can do to get by at the moment is to select Teletext - I get the Teletext line, but it's smaller and at the top of the screen.

While I'm at it, a belated thanks from a Doubting Thomas to STB. I eventually downloaded the upgrade and flashed my Humax box. My 'sound only' problem disappeared and I had perfect pictures and sound ..... until this recent issue.

I'd love to hear a solution too.

scath

John Dough wrote: »

I am getting the "no or bad signal or channel is scrambled " dialogue box in the middle of the screen when the signal is 100% quality and 70% signal strength and the picture is perfect.

I seem to remember this happening before to some people so is there a fix guyz??:(

I saw this on the trial humax box I loaned my friend. I did a restore default...pin 0000 and install...seemed to resolve the issue and restore the programme info too. Auto or manual install won't resolve, have to go for restore default (option 3 under manual install). Of course time still 1 hour behind so if you change time to +1 hour yer sorted.

pipkato

Thanks Scath.

I'll give that a try later and see what happens.

pipkato

I suppose that means I'll have to reflash my Humax box again? Or does the firmware hold the new data after a 'restore default'?

STB

No you dont have to reflash the firmware.

Yes it holds the firmware you last flashed the box with. Restore default settings doesnt roll the firmware back... Dont worry about that.

You are just starting the box from scratch. By the way this will sort out these problems 9 times out of 10 when RTE make changes that the box doesnt like.

So go into the install menu and restore defaults. Pass is 0000. And go through startup English, Ireland, Next and scan. It will find the channels when it gets to 738000Khz and thats it. Sorted.

pipkato

Thanks yet again STB.

pipkato

Tried STB's suggestion and it solved the problem. The warning message disappeared. Thanks.

John Dough

Tnx scath that did the trick:D

Radio_Man

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone. Found an old Humax 2000T box but had the picture problem. Upgraded the software that STB had posted and worked well. Looking at my first great pics from RTE in limerick this evening..... of Woodcock Hill......

Thanks again.

John Dough

Yes not bad now pity they are not transmitting in HD and not 576i.:(

Peddyr

Hi Folks,

I wonder if anyone else with one of these boxes is experiencing similar problems to me? For the last few weeks it seems that RTENL have change something in the transmission of the tests perhaps...?

My boxes were working just fine but for the last few weeks have been taking what feels like an eternity to display a picture. Sound is present from start up. When the picture finally loads there are lip synch issues – the audio being well behind the video stream. In addition to this the video breaks and a bright pink background is displayed void of any audio and this is at regular intervals. I have 3 of these boxes in different rooms of the house but all display similar behaviour.

Does anyone know a solution to this problem or are these boxes no longer suitable for Irish DTT?
Any help will be greatly appreciated.

TIA.

watty

They never really were Irish DTT boxes. The BBC had used them in London for an HD trial and DCNER (Dept of Comms) thus picked them shortly later for the East Coast DTT Advertsing for Pay DTT bidder ploy... Nothing to to with real tests. RTE did real tests earlier and later. That so called "Trial" was run by BT for the Dept. Not RTE NL.


What's your quality level?

Have you upgraded firmware.

Given "suitable" firmware these should work. But Humax is unlikely to be doing much for them as they don't support DVB-t2 and UK switched from DVB-t to DVB-t2 only for HD after the BBC tested with these boxes.

STB

The firmware a few threads back, the rapidshare link upgraded problems with H264 during the Comms trial. If the link is dead let me know and I'll re-up it. If all three have been working up to now they should still be and the firmware isnt your problem.


More likely fix.

Thing with the Humax boxes is that they need to be "reset to default settings" (its an option on the menu) when RTE change stuff around. Dont just turn it off and on. That wont work You have to use that reset option in the menu. It clears all glitches. Then go through the setup again.

Peddyr

watty wrote: »

They never really were Irish DTT boxes. The BBC had used them in London for an HD trial and DCNER (Dept of Comms) thus picked them shortly later for the East Coast DTT Advertsing for Pay DTT bidder ploy... Nothing to to with real tests. RTE did real tests earlier and later. That so called "Trial" was run by BT for the Dept. Not RTE NL.


What's your quality level?

Have you upgraded firmware.

Given "suitable" firmware these should work. But Humax is unlikely to be doing much for them as they don't support DVB-t2 and UK switched fr 54om DVB-t to DVB-t2 only for HD after the BBC tested with these boxes.

Hi Watty,

Quality level now fluctuates but used to be solid as a rock (no pun intended!) when Three Rock was on 54 and Kippure on 61. Since Kippure moved to 54 also (I believe both K & 3R are SFN) the signal has dropped and is very unstable.

I haven't tried the firmware upgrade as suggested by STB as yet but do you think this will make a difference?

Peddyr

STB wrote: »

The firmware a few threads back, the rapidshare link upgraded problems with H264 during the Comms trial. If the link is dead let me know and I'll re-up it. If all three have been working up to now they should still be and the firmware isnt your problem.


More likely fix.

Thing with the Humax boxes is that they need to be "reset to default settings" (its an option on the menu) when RTE change stuff around. Dont just turn it off and on. That wont work You have to use that reset option in the menu. It clears all glitches. Then go through the setup again.

Hi STB,

I downloaded the firmware upgrade a wee while ago but as yet have not tried it. I went into a computer shop and asked for a Null-Modem cable and they looked at me as if I had two heads lol! So no joy there in getting hold of one! When I eventually acquire one of these I'll give it a go - no harm in trying!

watty

PC to PC or crossover serial cable.
A straight cable goes to a Modem.

STB

Peddyr wrote: »

Hi STB,

I downloaded the firmware upgrade a wee while ago but as yet have not tried it. I went into a computer shop and asked for a Null-Modem cable and they looked at me as if I had two heads lol! So no joy there in getting hold of one! When I eventually acquire one of these I'll give it a go - no harm in trying!

They are SFN.

You may not need that firmware or the null modem cable.

First try this.

Did you "reset to default settings" via menu options and let the box reboot and go through set up. Passwords if it prompts is 0000.

Pink screen has me thinking not enough signal. Check your aerial cables masthead amp etc. Could something has become loose or kinked.

Reflashing should be last option as I dont think its that. If it comes to that Null modem cable on ebay is 99c (check the back of your laptop to see that it has an R232 serial port now that I think of it!).

Peddyr

STB wrote: »

More likely fix.

Thing with the Humax boxes is that they need to be "reset to default settings" (its an option on the menu) when RTE change stuff around. Dont just turn it off and on. That wont work You have to use that reset option in the menu. It clears all glitches. Then go through the setup again.

Tried default reset but no change. Will have to try firmware upgrade.

Thanks for your help.