UPC Horizon Set Top Box trial

spannerism · 02-05-2013 11:57AM

The UPC Reps cleared up a lot of my doubts. Thanks for this :-)

I got in contact with sales after seeing the UPC Reps posts and signed up for the following horizon pack...(it's a mirror image to what I have already)

-> Digital Select Plus Extra
-> Digital HD
-> 50mb broadband (not capped)

The above came in at 68.50 and I get to keep my loyalty discounts which brings it down to 58.50.

Note: he did mention it's not a 12 month contract and only a trial.

The installation is booked for Saturday 11th.

02-05-2013 12:08PM

Am still waiting on email to call etc.

Can anyone who has the horizon box setup tell me if you can put it into bridge mode like the EPC3925 and use your ownrouter.
I need to be able to do this to maintain open NAT for my 3 xboxs.

SoundWave · 02-05-2013 12:31PM

gave up waiting and rang them there, scheduled install for next Wednesday, no contract, 90 euro credit and 12 euro for OnDemand movies. increase of 2fiddy on monthly bill.

cjlawlor · 02-05-2013 12:33PM

Can UPC (or anyone with an energy monitor) confirm that the box uses 34.5W when in use and when in low energy mode (0.8W), users cannot access the internet or use their phone?

The energy consumption report here is a bit worrying. At least with my current set-up I can power off the set top box when it's not in use and still use the internet and make calls.

MrVestek · 02-05-2013 12:56PM

Wait I thought that the Horizon box was a separate unit to the modem, is it all one unit now?

If that's the case that might actually kinda screw up my entire internal home network layout. :_-(

ted1 · 02-05-2013 12:57PM

cjlawlor wrote: »

Can UPC (or anyone with an energy monitor) confirm that the box uses 34.5W when in use and when in low energy mode (0.8W), users cannot access the internet or use their phone?

The energy consumption report here is a bit worrying. At least with my current set-up I can power off the set top box when it's not in use and still use the internet and make calls.

It works out at just under 60 euro for the year it's running 30.5w 24 7 365 which isn't to bad.
What dies the current box and modem use?

patrickmooney · 02-05-2013 12:59PM

spannerism wrote: »

The UPC Reps cleared up a lot of my doubts. Thanks for this :-)

I got in contact with sales after seeing the UPC Reps posts and signed up for the following horizon pack...(it's a mirror image to what I have already)

-> Digital Select Plus Extra
-> Digital HD
-> 50mb broadband (not capped)

The above came in at 68.50 and I get to keep my loyalty discounts which brings it down to 58.50.

Note: he did mention it's not a 12 month contract and only a trial.

The installation is booked for Saturday 11th.

Why UPC couldn't offer me this yesterday is a mystery. I might chance ringing them again tomorrow to see if I can get through to a less sales sales person.

GRRRR

Paulw · 02-05-2013 01:00PM

Achilles wrote: »

Wait I thought that the Horizon box was a separate unit to the modem, is it all one unit now?

If that's the case that might actually kinda screw up my entire internal home network layout. :_-(

Yeah, it's an all in one unit now.

I too will have to redesign my whole network. I have wired and wireless, and other bits to consider. It may take a day or so, to get the configuration to the way I need.

MrVestek · 02-05-2013 01:02PM

****e, I hope that I have the option to keep my current modem (I only use it as a gateway anyway) aswell as having this new horizon box, otherwise I might just ask them to leave it.

My home network looks like this at the minute:

UPC Modem acting as DHCP server and gateway (wireless turned off because the range is horrible) -> 16port gigabit switch -> Seperate Wireless N access point.

My current digibox thingy is also connected to a killswitch so that I can use it to cut the power to most of my devices except the networking equipment when not in use. If I can't switch off the TV portion of the box when not in use I'll obviously not be able to connect to the Internet or anything like that.

That... kinda sucks actually. I also have no idea how hot or how much power it will use when acting as a DHCP server and router to 8 or 9 devices or so.

MrVestek · 02-05-2013 01:03PM

Paulw · 02-05-2013 01:12PM

User guide has plenty to read - http://www.upc-cablecom.ch/content/dam/www-upc-cablecom-ch/Support/manuals/en/hrz/upc-horizon-user-manual.pdf

MrVestek · 02-05-2013 01:12PM

Actually now that I think about it the current box that I have has a build in modem for the Cable TV service that UPC just aren't using in Ireland and have opted to instead use a seperate cable modem.

I might ask them if they can just do the same thing for my new horizon box and just have it connected to the network as a client rather than acting as an Internet gateway. We'll see...

ozmo · 02-05-2013 01:16PM

spannerism wrote: »

... and I get to keep my loyalty discounts which brings it down to 58.50.

can you let me know about this Loyalty discount? what do you need to do to avail of it? ta.

Paulw · 02-05-2013 01:21PM

cjlawlor wrote: »

Can UPC (or anyone with an energy monitor) confirm that the box uses 34.5W when in use and when in low energy mode (0.8W), users cannot access the internet or use their phone?

The energy consumption report here is a bit worrying. At least with my current set-up I can power off the set top box when it's not in use and still use the internet and make calls.

From the manual -

Please note that when the power usage
is set to LOW, your Phone and Internet
connection will be deactivated.

Ouch. But, the power settings are High, Medium or Low. I guess I will not be selecting low.

There are also "Auto Standby" options.

cjlawlor · 02-05-2013 01:32PM

Not too bad when you put it like that... The EPC3925 uses about 17W . I'm not sure about the current Cisco set top box to be honest. I'll have to check later on.

dunworth1 · 02-05-2013 01:55PM

Achilles wrote: »

Actually now that I think about it the current box that I have has a build in modem for the Cable TV service that UPC just aren't using in Ireland and have opted to instead use a seperate cable modem.

I might ask them if they can just do the same thing for my new horizon box and just have it connected to the network as a client rather than acting as an Internet gateway. We'll see...

i kept my existing modem.

ring them and let them know otherwise they will automatically activate the one in the horizon box and deactivate your existing modem
and will take a day to be re activated.

happened to me

MrVestek · 02-05-2013 02:12PM

dunworth1 wrote: »

i kept my existing modem.

ring them and let them know otherwise they will automatically activate the one in the horizon box and deactivate your existing modem
and will take a day to be re activated.

happened to me

Thanks for the head's up in that case, will I just call the sales rep again or do I need to talk to the techie types for this, or do I just talk to the engineer about it when he's there?

In work at the minute so can't really be seen to be calling them again about this.

Cheers.

dunworth1 · 02-05-2013 02:15PM

Achilles wrote: »

Thanks for the head's up in that case, will I just call the sales rep again or do I need to talk to the techie types for this, or do I just talk to the engineer about it when he's there?

In work at the minute so can't really be seen to be calling them again about this.

Cheers.

it didnt seem to make any difference to me what i did

i was one of the first peopel to get the box so things may have changed now

i told them when i was offered the box that i would like to keep my existing setup

i told the guys when they came to install and they said fine
but somehow it still managed to be cut off.

but a quick call are they sorted it out the next morning

MrVestek · 02-05-2013 02:20PM

dunworth1 wrote: »

it didnt seem to make any difference to me what i did

i was one of the first peopel to get the box so things may have changed now

i told them when i was offered the box that i would like to keep my existing setup

i told the guys when they came to install and they said fine
but somehow it still managed to be cut off.

but a quick call are they sorted it out the next morning

Alright so I'll give that a go!

dunworth1 · 02-05-2013 02:21PM

just make sure you check everything before the installers leave

Eamo71 · 02-05-2013 02:25PM

Any clarification on retention of the existing box for the trial?

MrVestek · 02-05-2013 02:27PM

dunworth1 wrote: »

just make sure you check everything before the installers leave

Experience has taught me to do that as a rule of thumb anyway. ;-)

Kildare Red · 02-05-2013 02:40PM

Will the TV menus look the exact same as the Netherlands ones from the day of installation or will they differ over here. (Obviously the channels listed will be different)

MrVestek · 02-05-2013 02:49PM

Kildare Red wrote: »

Will the TV menus look the exact same as the Netherlands ones from the day of installation or will they differ over here. (Obviously the channels listed will be different)

Nah I think we're all expected to learn Dutch. :-)

dunworth1 · 02-05-2013 02:49PM

Eamo71 wrote: »

Any clarification on retention of the existing box for the trial?

i was told that i could keep it but i would have to pay extra (aka multiroom box fee)

Kildare Red · 02-05-2013 02:52PM

Achilles wrote: »

Nah I think we're all expected to learn Dutch. :-)

Obviously I meant they would be in english! But will the layout be the same?

MrVestek · 02-05-2013 02:54PM

dunworth1 wrote: »

i was told that i could keep it but i would have to pay extra (aka multiroom box fee)

They probably misunderstood you as keeping the current box you view the TV with aswel as the Horizon box, what we're talking about is keeping the cable modem and having the horizon box aswel.

I don't particularly want the horizon box acting as my internet gateway for reasons mentioned above, however it should still have the capability of being added to your existing wired network as a client without having to also act as the main gateway for the internet.

Mcgree · 02-05-2013 03:23PM

Didn't go for it in the end have had the same IP for 2years with UPC ideal for outside network connection. However told the Horizon box will keep recycling the IP codes so would render cams etc useless, nor is there port forward more would mean more boxes and cables!

Evilbart · 02-05-2013 03:46PM

UPC: Reps wrote: »

Hi folks,

We just want to clarify a few things regarding the Horizon TV trial currently being discussed:

On Wednesday morning we sent the first batch of invitations to those who successfully registered for our trial. The remaining invitations will be sent early next week. So if you haven’t had the invitation yet don’t worry, you will soon.

This trial is to get feedback on Horizon TV from our customers and to test all of our processes. Some participants will be asked to call us to sign up and others will be directed to our website. We’ll also offer some participants a technician installation (for free) and others will be able to install the new box themselves. The feedback you provide not only on Horizon TV itself but also your journey in signing up and receiving the new service is invaluable in ensuring all teething issues are ironed out before we officially launch.

As a result of comments posted here we’d like to clarify the following:

- Everyone who was accepted onto the trial will be invited to participate.
- You will not be required to sign up to a new 12 month contract when you participate in this trial.
- We have a range of bundles available which our Horizon agents will be happy to discuss with you to find the best option for your needs and your budget.
- Any loyalty offers that were applied to your account before you subscribed to Horizon TV will be continued.
- If you were told yesterday that you weren’t able to get Horizon TV, we are working on this and we will be calling you back shortly to process your order.
- To thank participants for their support we’re giving them a credit of €102. We’re also providing the Horizon box for free and waiving the activation fee, all of which will be explained in the invitation.
- We cannot confirm yet how long the trial will last. But rest assured that you will be able to continue enjoying great entertainment in your home from UPC throughout the trial and after we launch.

We hope this clears up any confusion regarding the Horizon TV trials.

We are extremely excited about Horizon TV and believe you will be too when you have it installed in your home.

If anyone who has already signed up has any questions please feel free to PM UPC: Reps with your account details, and we will be happy to discuss further.

Thanks.

Was really hoping someone from UPC would clarify the basic points to stop all the confusion and misinformation

Thanks for clearing it up and I am now looking forward to trying out horizon with the knowledge I am not tied to another 12 month contract

r0qi4162fux9kg · 02-05-2013 03:55PM

Mcgree wrote: »

Didn't go for it in the end have had the same IP for 2years with UPC ideal for outside network connection. However told the Horizon box will keep recycling the IP codes so would render cams etc useless, nor is there port forward more would mean more boxes and cables!

Where did you hear this?

Thats ridicluous! No port forwarding and no more static IP's?

UPC Horizon Set Top Box trial

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