Humax HDR or Panasonic

bridster007

(moved from the HE thread section)


I need to get a recorder for both Freeview and Saorview in north east.
Looking at Humax T2 Hdr and some of the Panasonic range such as PWT420 or maybe BWT720 ( if they get the Saorview sound issues sorted).

I need to be able to schedule both Freeview and Saorview recordings from the EPG but understand there are problems with similar machines from Sony whereby if there is a recording scheduled for both Saorview and Freeview, then the second recording won't happen. Seemingly it doesn't see a scheduled recording from the other system unless a channel is selected from that system. Saorview and Freeview dont carry each others listings.

I would appreciate if anyone in a Freeview spillover area who has either the Humax or a Panasonic Freeview HD recorder could test and verify if the same problem exists. "Accurate recording" is not necessary for me so it may be more likely to work without that enabled.

I have a feeling it will be ok on a Panasonic as I have a Panasonic TV and both the Freeview and Saorview channels are always present on the EPG but want to be sure before I buy. I believe they disappear on the Humax when moving from Saorview to Freeview.

zg3409

Currently Saorview is not sending series link information on most programming. Until they do it will not be possible to be sure which receivers will work.

A Saorview + box will be launched in the next year or so. From then on series link information will be available on Saorview. It is unknown which make of box will be the first approved + box and it is unknown how this will react to Freeview channels.

Safe to say it's best to only record Freeview using a freeview approved receiver and the same with Saorview. If you search the threads here some people have had sucess but series link on Saorview will not work until the required information is broadcast.

bridster007

Thanks for reply but this query is not related to series link. I don't use or need that.
I am just interested in normal recording from both systems from the one box.

I need a recording solution via tuner in October so can't wait for a Saorview box in a year or so.

tmull

The Panasonic 720 sound problem is ongoing.A superb piece of kit that initally Panasonics responce was that the machine was designed for the UK market.The Panasonicstore.ie people would not accept that as an excuse and has now contacted someone in Panasonic that has referred the problem back to the factory engineers and are hoping for a responce sooner rather than later. I have informed Panasonic of the negitive publicicty its product is receiving in Ireland. I believe sales are on hold until the problem is resolved but a firmware upgrade about two weeks ago has greatly improved the problem in that sound appears after the box is left in standby for awhile. Whilst I am on here would one of you members explain what is series link? TMULL

zg3409

Series link is mostly used on Sky+ boxes but it is now moving to all + boxes. When selecting a program to record the box asks "Would you like to record just this one episode or the entire series". If you select series it records every episode no matter what time they occur.

At the moment RTENL is with-holding sending the required information out over the airwaves, so it cannot be properly tested on half compatable boxes.

RTENL say they will start sending the information once a Saorview + box is available.

tmull

Thank you.Your reply is very much appreciated.To me that is surely not on their list of priorites.TMULL

The Cush

bridster007 wrote: »

Thanks for reply but this query is not related to series link. I don't use or need that.
I am just interested in normal recording from both systems from the one box.

I need a recording solution via tuner in October so can't wait for a Saorview box in a year or so.

A Saorview PVR could appear sooner than that, an article in the Irish Indo in early July appears to indicate that boxes were in for testing - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=79530547#post79530547

You're not the only person concerned about the lack of a proper recording solution to replace the VCR/DVD recorder, letter in today's Irish Times

Saorview turn-on a digital turn-off?

Sir, – In two months, with the help of Saorview, Ireland will complete the “giant leap forward” away from analogue TV and into digital TV. Unfortunately, this big leap forward is accompanied, in my opinion, by an even bigger leap backward.

Up to now, I have been able to watch one programme while recording another on my DVD recorder. Under the new system this will no longer be possible. My new Saorview Combi-box which cost €200 allows me to record only the programme on-screen.

A Saorview representative has advised me that “at present, there are no Saorview-approved boxes on the market with PVR functionality. However, within the coming months, this situation is likely to change as the manufacturers react to this evident demand in the marketplace. As such, for the time being there will be restrictions in terms of recording; the TV must remain set to the channel from which you are recording”. Big leap forward, how are ye! – Yours, etc,

VINCENT Mac CARTHY,

Cloncat,

Athboy PO, Co Meath.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/letters/2012/0827/1224323032118.html

bridster007

Thanks for all the replies, but even if a Saorview approved box appears, that does not solve my problem of finding a box that can handle timer recordings from both systems automatically. The Humax will work fine for Saorview as it is, I just need confirmation if it can manage Freeview at the same time.
I recall a thread about the Sony HD PVR which can't handle both systems.

The Cush

bridster007 wrote: »

The Humax will work fine for Saorview as it is, I just need confirmation if it can manage Freeview at the same time.
I recall a thread about the Sony HD PVR which can't handle both systems.

Digifriendly, IIRC, posted about the Sony PVR and the problem of recording both Saorview and Freeview channels. I don't recall any posts about similar problems with the Humax, that's not saying there isn't.

excollier

Aah...the woes of wanting to watch two countries' broadcasts....
By the way, if you go for the Humax recorder, you will be able to set it up to stream your recordings around the house through your home network and router, a media server. I have just set up my Humax freesat+ pvr in the same way, and the software (free) is based on the Humax HDR T2 recorder. Works beautifully
I have a steadily growing heap of remote controls and a nest of interconnecting cables behind the tv, I'm sure there is something living in there, the dog can hear it moving about.....