New Software on UPC DVRs?

Cupart

I've noticed that my box now automatically switches between 4:3 and 16:9 which it didn't do before.

Also the recording capacity has doubled. Had 23% left yesterday and today it's 46% (and NO I did not delete any programs).

The UI also looks a bit fuzzier than it was before...

Is it only me or does anyone else have the same experience?

paulm17781

The free space can't increase from a software update.

Alun

I've just had a look and mine's gone from 3.7.something to 3.8.0.292 at some time recently. It was rebooting a few times this afternoon I noticed together with some outages. Haven't noticed anything new to be honest but I'll be on the lookout now.

Any info from any of the UPC employees here as to what the update (assuming there was one) might involve?

cormon

Was speaking to customer service in UPC at 9.00. There have rolled out a faulty software upgrade to the DVRs nationwide which is causing all sorts of issues.Mine wont even turn on. Widespread issue by the sounds of it.

UPC , they are incredible .....

gpjordanf1

cormon wrote: »

Was speaking to customer service in UPC at 9.00. There have rolled out a faulty software upgrade to the DVRs nationwide which is causing all sorts of issues.Mine wont even turn on. Widespread issue by the sounds of it.

UPC , they are incredible .....

Snap!

I cant turn mine on at all, the time is stuck at 13.04 all day, they are sending out an Engineer on Thurs? Hope it sorts it self out before that!

cormon

surely to Christ they are testing the updates on staging machines before pushing it out to the whole country. Oh hold on that would be the ight way to do it. This thread is going to be HUGE me thinks....

InisMor

Cupart wrote: »

I've noticed that my box now automatically switches between 4:3 and 16:9 which it didn't do before.

Also the recording capacity has doubled. Had 23% left yesterday and today it's 46% (and NO I did not delete any programs).

The UI also looks a bit fuzzier than it was before...

Is it only me or does anyone else have the same experience?

I had about 9% free at 7 this evening. At 8 pm it was 23% and I hadn't deleted anything. I was watching a recording during that hour.

Plus my machine shuts down for an upgrade at least once a day.

I get the same twit from customer service everytime and she keeps telling me I'm wrong and that there is a €50 charge for an engineer visit if he finds no problem. So I've been writing down every problem for the last two weeks. I'm going to request a visit next week.

Harpy

cormon wrote: »

Was speaking to customer service in UPC at 9.00. There have rolled out a faulty software upgrade to the DVRs nationwide which is causing all sorts of issues.Mine wont even turn on. Widespread issue by the sounds of it.

UPC , they are incredible .....

mines the exact same all day hasn't been turning on was going to ring them in the morning... mine has power thats it though like if i plug it out i can hear the power going off and when i plug it back in the red light comes on but then goes off and then it just nothing..

Cupart

paulm17781 wrote: »

The free space can't increase from a software update.

I'm afraid you're not quite right my friend. I have an example of my old SKY+ (PVR 2.5)

Yes 100% increase sounds a bit OTT, but my old PACE 3100 (Sky+) was delievered with a 160Gb HDD where only 80Gb were allocated for recordings. After a few software updates the remanding 80Gb was released giving me the full 160Gb... :rolleyes:

Most likely the UPC 100% jump in recording capacity is not correct. There is a 149Gb HDD installed which gives me approx 70 hours recording and on average a 60 min recording takes up 1%. I know it all depends on compression rate etc so it's not carved in stone.

I have also had my box turning on and off when not in use and the HDD spins up after a few min over the last few months. I believe I'm on Software Version 3.8.0.929

What irritates me the most is that all channels now switch automatically between 4:3 and 16:9 whereas all were displayed in 16:9 :mad: Got used to the 16:9 even though stretched...

Harpy

rang upc the woman said they were having problems with the boxes alright and they're sending someone out to me friday.

paulm17781

Cupart wrote: »

I'm afraid you're not quite right my friend. I have an example of my old SKY+ (PVR 2.5)

Yes 100% increase sounds a bit OTT, but my old PACE 3100 (Sky+) was delievered with a 160Gb HDD where only 80Gb were allocated for recordings. After a few software updates the remanding 80Gb was released giving me the full 160Gb... :rolleyes:

These aren't close to being the same thing.

UPC give you whatever size hard disk and all of it is allocated for your use. A software update can not give you more space than is physically on the disk.

abraxas01

Guys
Rang my friend in UPC to find out what's going on, as I had a similar issue. He advised that they did have a problem with some of the silver Digital+ boxes accepting a code download yesterday. He's advised that the solution is as follows:
- Plug out the Digital+ box.
- When plugging it back in, hold down the left arrow button on the front of the box and keep holding it down until the box has finished powering up e.g. when it displays the correct time and the red LED is on (you might need 2 people for that bit)
- The box should work fine now, switch on using the remote.

The version of code you should have on the box is version 3.8.0.xxx (apparently the end numbers vary, but they should all begin with 3.8). You can check the code version by pressing the menu button on the remote control, selecting the Settings button and pressing OK, selecting Diagnostics from the next menu, and when the next screen appears, you should see Software version, and then 3.8.0.xxx

If you're seeing this issue on any other box, can you drop me a PM and I'll chase up with him.

Cupart

paulm17781 wrote: »

A software update can not give you more space than is physically on the disk.

... which I never claimed either

TheFlatulator

Actually you can!!!! Shock horror...

All they need to do is instruct the recorders firmware to change the way that it stores data. If they tell it to start using a different compression format (or even go crazy and start compression of the data stream then they can start compressing by packet at an ever increasing size) then the free space you have had before will change as the percent of the recorded time not the percent of free space changes.

We know that they have 1% or 2% per program so it they tell it to start, so if the update then the remain space increases as it take less space per programme giving the illusion of more disc space.

hightower1

He's correct.... also backed up by the fact a mates dvr at startup now registers a load screen on the LED indicator which wasnt there before indicating the stb is uncompressing data and reading it then basically giving it virtual RAM for fast access of the hard drive from a new compression format allowing better use of the disk space.

Harpy

abraxas01 wrote: »

Guys
Rang my friend in UPC to find out what's going on, as I had a similar issue. He advised that they did have a problem with some of the silver Digital+ boxes accepting a code download yesterday. He's advised that the solution is as follows:
- Plug out the Digital+ box.
- When plugging it back in, hold down the left arrow button on the front of the box and keep holding it down until the box has finished powering up e.g. when it displays the correct time and the red LED is on (you might need 2 people for that bit)
- The box should work fine now, switch on using the remote.

The version of code you should have on the box is version 3.8.0.xxx (apparently the end numbers vary, but they should all begin with 3.8). You can check the code version by pressing the menu button on the remote control, selecting the Settings button and pressing OK, selecting Diagnostics from the next menu, and when the next screen appears, you should see Software version, and then 3.8.0.xxx

If you're seeing this issue on any other box, can you drop me a PM and I'll chase up with him.

nice one. my upc box is updating now sweet.

Harpy

Harpy wrote: »

nice one. my upc box is updating now sweet.

oh it just went again never mind..

Harpy

oh my box is bamboozled.. ok did what the guy said again and it came on this time tv was ok.. then i went into my harddrive and its telling me my harddrive has failed so i can't record or watch recorded things.. any one else getting that message when they go into the dvr option in menu... also mine keeps going off and on now have tv on for a second then it goes off says its doing a software update and goes off again..

bk

hightower1 wrote: »

He's correct.... also backed up by the fact a mates dvr at startup now registers a load screen on the LED indicator which wasnt there before indicating the stb is uncompressing data and reading it then basically giving it virtual RAM for fast access of the hard drive from a new compression format allowing better use of the disk space.

If true, that would explain why you have to turn off the box when recording two channels at the same time. This works quiet differently to Sky+.

With sky they simply store the raw encrypted stream on the HDD, only decrypting and decoding it when you actually go to view the stream. Therefore Sky only needs one decryption and mpeg 2/4 decoding chip.

With UPC it sounds like it receives the raw stream and then decrypts it and encodes it (suing Mpeg2/4 chip) to the HDD. The advantage of this is that it can lead to small file sizes and therefore more hours on the HDD then Sky. The disadvantage is that they have to have two decryption and MPEG 2/4 encoding and decoding chips compared to Sky's one.

That means more expensive boxes and the inability to watch a pre-recorded show or channel while recording two channels

gpjordanf1

abraxas01 wrote: »

Guys
Rang my friend in UPC to find out what's going on, as I had a similar issue. He advised that they did have a problem with some of the silver Digital+ boxes accepting a code download yesterday. He's advised that the solution is as follows:
- Plug out the Digital+ box.
- When plugging it back in, hold down the left arrow button on the front of the box and keep holding it down until the box has finished powering up e.g. when it displays the correct time and the red LED is on (you might need 2 people for that bit)
- The box should work fine now, switch on using the remote.

The version of code you should have on the box is version 3.8.0.xxx (apparently the end numbers vary, but they should all begin with 3.8). You can check the code version by pressing the menu button on the remote control, selecting the Settings button and pressing OK, selecting Diagnostics from the next menu, and when the next screen appears, you should see Software version, and then 3.8.0.xxx

If you're seeing this issue on any other box, can you drop me a PM and I'll chase up with him.

This does not work, dont waste your time!

EDT: It doesn't work for me, is what I should have said! Apologies!

Darren_C

In the same boat since yesterday evening round 10.30pm

Tried the advice suggested above, got a screen saying it was doing a software update, but after that the screen went black and the box went back to being dead. Have tried it twice with no luck.

Tried to call NTL but there's a message saying they have increased call demand this evening and wait times will be 15 minutes to talk to someone. Presume this means the world and its mother are having the same issue...

very annoying.

abraxas01

definitely worked for me. having said that, if it isn't working for you I'd say the box is fubarred. I'll chase up with my mate again in the morning and find out what's going on.

Harpy

Darren_C wrote: »

In the same boat since yesterday evening round 10.30pm

Tried the advice suggested above, got a screen saying it was doing a software update, but after that the screen went black and the box went back to being dead. Have tried it twice with no luck.

Tried to call NTL but there's a message saying they have increased call demand this evening and wait times will be 15 minutes to talk to someone. Presume this means the world and its mother are having the same issue...

very annoying.

hey i was having the same problem but mines working now, once it goes black after the software update screen press the upc button and it should come on..

Harpy

and my box is dead again.. at least someone is coming out to look at it tomorrow

Gumbo

Cupart wrote: »

I'm afraid you're not quite right my friend. I have an example of my old SKY+ (PVR 2.5)

Yes 100% increase sounds a bit OTT, but my old PACE 3100 (Sky+) was delievered with a 160Gb HDD where only 80Gb were allocated for recordings. After a few software updates the remanding 80Gb was released giving me the full 160Gb... :rolleyes:

Most likely the UPC 100% jump in recording capacity is not correct. There is a 149Gb HDD installed which gives me approx 70 hours recording and on average a 60 min recording takes up 1%. I know it all depends on compression rate etc so it's not carved in stone.

I have also had my box turning on and off when not in use and the HDD spins up after a few min over the last few months. I believe I'm on Software Version 3.8.0.929

What irritates me the most is that all channels now switch automatically between 4:3 and 16:9 whereas all were displayed in 16:9 :mad: Got used to the 16:9 even though stretched...

my box kept turning on and when i got the updating screen, it went dead everytime, so i unplugged it a few times to no avail.

tried the method above and i got the little envelope light flashing the the screen stayed in the updating mode for 5 mins and then turned off. i pressed the upc button on the remote and its now working.

thanks.

gpjordanf1

Anyone get a call from UPC regarding a fix over the phone, I did this evening but I was on my way home from work and she wouldn't give me instructions unless I was at the box, she promised to ring me back at seven, I'm still waiting?

Anyone get the same call and do you remember the instructions? If they are the same as the ones mentoned above, it didn't work for my box?

Thanks?

gpjordanf1

abraxas01 wrote: »

definitely worked for me. having said that, if it isn't working for you I'd say the box is fubarred. I'll chase up with my mate again in the morning and find out what's going on.

Ok so its looking like mine is for the scrap heap? I do remember mine was 95% full and I was thinking I should delete a few bits and pieces.

Did ya have any luck with your mate?

Harpy

gpjordanf1 wrote: »

Ok so its looking like mine is for the scrap heap? I do remember mine was 95% full and I was thinking I should delete a few bits and pieces.

Did ya have any luck with your mate?

i think im in the same boat as you although my hd was pretty empty when mine went loolaa...the fix worked but when i turn it off onto stanby likem i have to do the fix thing everytime i turn it on again.. but now the fix thing isn't even working..

i never got a phonecall from upc about a fix though..

northeast

After UPC put through the latest DVR update 3.8.0.929, the aspect ratio of channels kept changing back and forth between widescreen and 4:3 on my TV even though I have set the DVR to 'Widescreen' mode. I never had this problem before the update.

The fix I found was to change a setting on my Sony Trinitron TV.
Menu > Set Up > Detail Set Up > Auto Format > Off

Hopefully you can find a similar option on different TVs.

Ranicand

northeast wrote: »

After UPC put through the latest DVR update 3.8.0.929, the aspect ratio of channels kept changing back and forth between widescreen and 4:3 on my TV even though I have set the DVR to 'Widescreen' mode. I never had this problem before the update.

The fix I found was to change a setting on my Sony Trinitron TV.
Menu > Set Up > Detail Set Up > Auto Format > Off

Hopefully you can find a similar option on different TVs.

Duh that is meant to happen if the program is widescreen is shown in wide if not your tv is meant to switch to 4.3.

Setting to widescreen means that when a wide program is on a switching signal is sent to you tv to make it go wide.



What are you going to say in your call to UPC?

I wish to complain as my tv service is working as it should with proper 16.9 wide switching.
I like to watch 4.3 images distorted and stretched so could you please mess up my service again because I like it that way.:rolleyes:

Jesus can you explain to me how you can watch 4.3 stuff stretched across your screen?
You had a problem the update seems to have fixed it.

If a show is shot 4.3 or a channel only broadcasts 4.3 the proper way this should be displayed is with a black bar at each side of the screen.
When a 16.9 program comes on or you switch to a wide channel you tv receives a signal to go wide and display the 16.9 content in its correct aspect ratio.

Cupart

No need to get all excited now Ranicand.

I agree with northeast and I too would prefere to have the picture stretched (4:3 displayed in 16:9 mode) or at least give me the opportunity to choose myself. I guess I also got so used to it and liked it better than way.

Also, watching 4:3 on a 32" 16:9 makes the viewing area quite small...

Ranicand

Cupart wrote: »

No need to get all excited now Ranicand.

I agree with northeast and I too would prefere to have the picture stretched (4:3 displayed in 16:9 mode) or at least give me the opportunity to choose myself. I guess I also got so used to it and liked it better than way.

Also, watching 4:3 on a 32" 16:9 makes the viewing area quite small...

The best one is when people have the box in 4:3 mode and the picture stretched not too bad but then a 16:9 channel has the sides cut off and whats left is stretched across the screen.

Here what I am talking about on BBC on a Sky box does not matter if it's Sky UPC or a DVD player they all have the same basic settings.

hightower1

With UPC now working on this update to do with better compression of recordable information makes me wonder would this interest in compression have anything to do with the HD, bandwidth at a premium and none more so than for HD channels (take approx 3 time the bandwidth than SD channels) makes me wonder is this a soft run for better HD compression i.e future line up additions. Time will tell I suppose.........;)

Cupart

Ranicand wrote: »

The best one is when people have the box in 4:3 mode and the picture stretched not too bad but then a 16:9 channel has the sides cut off and whats left is stretched across the screen.

Can't seem to recall this has ever been a problem on the UPC boxes. 16:9 has always displayed correctly and 4:3 displayed stretched.

gpjordanf1

Harpy wrote: »

i think im in the same boat as you although my hd was pretty empty when mine went loolaa...the fix worked but when i turn it off onto stanby likem i have to do the fix thing everytime i turn it on again.. but now the fix thing isn't even working..

i never got a phonecall from upc about a fix though..

UPC came to house today and just swapped out my silver box for the newer black box, its software verson is 3.7.8.3 so I'm worried now that the new update will feck this box up to. Unless they have suspended the new update.

patrickmooney

Anyone else notice that 3.8 removes interactive red services on euronews (EPG203)? It's gone for me.

BendiBus

patrickmooney wrote: »

Anyone else notice that 3.8 removes interactive red services on euronews (EPG203)? It's gone for me.

Gone for me too. I suppose it would be too much of a coincidence for it not to be related to the new software.