UPC Series link

Usjes

Hi,

Is there some way that one might inadvertently cancel a series link? My general impression of the UPC box is that it is an unusable ball of sh!te, with my primary criticism being that it seems to randomly stop recording episodes despite my having programmed it to record the entire series. I had assumed that the software was just inadequately tested an so prone to buggy behaviour but it has just occurred to me that maybe I am somehow inadvertently canceling them myself?
I would have thought that even if designed by someone with the IQ of an eggplant, the software would still include an unmissable warning when canceling a series link, but perhaps not? So can anyone out there think of a good explanation as to why my box is randomly stopping recording my series or should I just ditch UPC for Sky, I'm assuming their software is better, which is probably safe enough given that I can't imagine how anything could be worse that my current UPC box.

Thanks.

Saint_Mel

Actually that reminded me tyhat I was supposed to call UPC about their series link. I've found that series link settings have occassionally get wiped after a software upgrade.

Aso, if a programme is shown on several channels, series link occassionally records all episodes on all channels, not just the channel you set it on.

Can be quite annoying when I cant set a programme to record and turns out its due to a conflict with multiple episodes, on multiple channels, of some shizzle the wife set!

dave66

Saint_Mel wrote: »

Actually that reminded me tyhat I was supposed to call UPC about their series link. I've found that series link settings have occassionally get wiped after a software upgrade.

Aso, if a programme is shown on several channels, series link occassionally records all episodes on all channels, not just the channel you set it on.

Can be quite annoying when I cant set a programme to record and turns out its due to a conflict with multiple episodes, on multiple channels, of some shizzle the wife set!

I'm on my second UPC/NTL DVR box. And my problems continue as you have described with recording settings getting wiped after a "supposed" software update. This actually seems to be an inherent software issue, seems to occur most frequently (but not exclusively) when you are coming off pause of a live or recorded programme, box resets, flashes "Software update", then restarts and when after about 30s to 1 minute when it comes back the programmes set to record are all wiped.

I called UPC this week and they sent out an Engineer this morning, he told my wife that there is absolutely no point in replacing the box again as UPC are aware of the problem, it exists on all boxes but only happens on some (both older silver DVR and newer black DVR). He has visited one house 5 times to replace their box and the problem persists. We have been having this problem for the last 6-12 months, so it would appear UPC are no closer to solving it or even admitting it happens.

The other "feature" I find just doesn't work is "Protect recording", if you protect a recording, surely would this not mean that it stops you deleting the recording, at least that's what I assumed, but does it feck. Protect the recording, then select delete and it just deletes.

At this point I think I'll take a serious look at Sky, it irks me to take the money out of the country, have been a cablelink->NTL->UPC customer for 20 years now, but I don't see the point in paying (handsomely) for a service that I'm not getting. I even spoke to them about upgrading to HD as I thought that would get me a new box, but you can't have HD in Bray, nor can you have telephone or broadband.

d8player

dave66 wrote: »

The other "feature" I find just doesn't work is "Protect recording", if you protect a recording, surely would this not mean that it stops you deleting the recording, at least that's what I assumed, but does it feck. Protect the recording, then select delete and it just deletes.

Protect recording means it won't get automatically deleted if it runs out of disk space when recording.

dave66

d8player wrote: »

Protect recording means it won't get automatically deleted if it runs out of disk space when recording.

Thanks for the clarification on that.

Just spoke to UPC "Customer Care", misnomer if ever one existed. Explained for at least the 5th time about the problems I am having, mentioned that the engineer said there was no point in replacing box. They refused to admit there is a problem with the software/boxes, asked if they are willing to give me a credit until the problem is resolved. Was told they need to log a complaint, asked to speak to complaint's dept, can't do that, have to log complaint with customer care, they pass it along and supposedly within 24-48 hours I'll get a call. Not holding my breath. I at least managed to confirm that they won't charge a disconnect fee - I really don't want to go down that route, but if they can't rectify the issue don't see much point in continuing to pay €40/month. Can get same channels (possibly more) but with HD from Sky for same price.

Fresh Pots

On my second box here too, was told the same that there's no point replacing the box as its a software issue. With all the money they're spending on network upgrades you'd think they'd try and fix this.

dave66

squared wrote: »

On my second box here too, was told the same that there's no point replacing the box as its a software issue. With all the money they're spending on network upgrades you'd think they'd try and fix this.

With all the money I'm paying them I'd expect them to do more than try, I expect them to actually fix it!

I wouldn't be surprised that if I wanted them to take out the DVR and just give me a Digital decoder they would charge me a downgrade fee.

dave66

Just read throught the UPS Customer Charter and would score them as follows:

For queries in relation to the quality of service of your existing products, we will:

• Answer all sales and service-related calls in a timely fashion - FAILED, 10 minutes on hold

• Resolve any service-related call directly with you at first point of contact. Where this is not possible, investigate and resolve all reported faults within three working days - FAILED, on second box and told 3rd box won't fix problem

• Resolve any faults requiring more substantial work within five working days - FAILED, this is ongoing for 6+ months

• Agree a mutually acceptable resolution time for complex faults that will take longer than five working days - FAILED, this is ongoing for 6+ months

In the event we cannot meet the targeted service levels outlined above,
we will pro actively communicate this to you and agree a mutually acceptable way forward. - We shall see, the clock is ticking on their commitment to contact me within 24-48 hours