Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi all! We have been experiencing an issue on site where threads have been missing the latest postings. The platform host Vanilla are working on this issue. A workaround that has been used by some is to navigate back from 1 to 10+ pages to re-sync the thread and this will then show the latest posts. Thanks, Mike.
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

SERIOUS ISSUES with Triax ST-HD537 Combi - Buyer Beware

  • 03-02-2011 7:31pm
    #1
    liamtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭


    I am opening this thread to point out a number of serious issues present with this Set Top Combo Box - Triax ST-HD537 - This is the unit currently under testing as a saorview certified terrestrial combi box -

    I must immediately point out that several issues are satellite related and if the mods feel this thread should be moved - i completely understand

    I have spent 5 hours trying to work out a way to correct these issues on a friends box - I firmly believe that using this version of the box/firmware, no solution exists (Apologies for sounding arrogant but it really has been a long day!!!)

    - 1 - The unit is incapable of tuning certain stations and channels - Specifically it suffers from the same issue as the grundig/Goodmans Freesat Set top Box - It will not under any circumstances pick up STV-HD, the BBC streams, - As the interactive streams cant be accessed via the red button, no way exists of viewing these stations/streams - Also absent is the second version of ITV HD on 10936v - which is slightly better quality

    - 2 - Absolutely no way of editing or ordering the stations exists on the unit - literally what ever order they are tuned in is the way the will be displayed - 5 favourites sections exist but these do not carry over into the electronic program guide - the main EPG section is laid out starting at 10714(Astra 2D) to 12643 (Eurobird) - Therefore the first sat channel is channel 4 (All Six versions) - Although it is possible to delete channels, that is literally the extent of the customization allowed - i should also point out that the deletions must be completed ONE AT A TIME, which took what seemed like an ice age- each deletion carrys the customary warning "are you sure" blah blah blah - Just like the Goodmans Freesat box in non freesat mode i must add..... HUM

    - 3 - The signal strength indicator is completely unreliable, and seems to get stuck on certain transponders - EXAMPLE - if you look at 10936 the unit states that it is receiving 100% Strength and 100% Quality - if you then look at TV3, or PRESS TV (One terrestrial channel coming from my mates loft aerial, one satellite station which usually appears slightly weaker than the rest) it displays them both as 100% strength and quality - I would also point out that 100% quality from my mates satellite dish is a near impossibility as its a fairly standard no bells sky dish - My ross box picks up 65% quality

    - 4 - Despite them being on the same MUX, it is not possible to watch one DTT channel and record another -

    - 5 - The EPG/Guide button does not display now and next info for satellites - at first i suspected it would load them after a short while of checking each transponder - 5 cigarettes later - no NOW and Next! It is in fact only displayed when one goes to a satellite channel - ie switches to a sat channel - I know for a fact that it loads (although rather slowly) on this units predecessor - the 527! as one progresses down the 527's menu the now and next data pops up for each transponder group

    - 6 - As mentioned previously the only Freesat feature present is the BBC digital teletext - but no way exists of viewing the streams either as independent channels or via the MHEG5

    - 7 - The scheduling of recordings doesnt seem to work especially well - weve tried ot twice on terrestrial with a childrens show on RTE 2, and some random chat show on tv3 - it failed the rte 2 show despite an hour in between scheduling

    In order to rule out channel outages i brought my trusty no bells and whistles ROSS HD box, and personally connected to the spare output on my mates quad LNB - perfect on all counts - STV-HD, proper station signal metering, bbc streams right where i left them!!! lol

    I have to say that my mate apart from being totally worn out and annoyed is also gutted -its kinda up to me to express his EXTREME DISSATISFACTION with the unit!!! - I also have to say i feel slightly responsible for this as i recommended a switch to FTA sat and DTT - If i had to give one main issue which both of us found terrible its the absence of STV-HD - This completely unnecessary issue beggars belief - I remember when i had a Sat4FREE/Freesat goodmans box having exactly the same issue - CRAZY - I know too another friend who has a Goodmans HD+ 320GB Freesat box - he too cant get STV+HD - However for him it balances out with the presence of a Full Interactive service, and Full 7 DAY EPG -



    Neither of these pros are present on the Triax model - It essentially has all of the issues associated with the Goodmans Freesat box, and almost none of the benefits... oh it does have saorview though :|

    I kinda like watching STV-HD which shows different films and is really nice quality.

    anyway....

    Perhaps a firmware update or one of my fellow boarders will have a crack at this - I have brought the box back to mine tonight, to have another poke at it and see if any solutions exist but i doubt they do - i left my trusty/CHEAP ross satellite box with STV HD fully operational - not to mention a perfectly organized channel menu in my friends to prevent him taking to the drink... He is considering bringing it back to Powercity but i dont know if they will take it back... its working ... its just not very good -

    Any solutions folks - my mate will write you into his will!!!!! im personally gonna contact triax tomorrow

    Sic semper tyrannis - thus always to Tyrants



«134567…14

Comments

  • #2
    liamtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭liamtech


    Update:

    I have now caught it in the act of failing to record a scheduled show on terrestrial - at 6:45 i scheduled it to record emmerdale (before you laugh it was the first thing i seen in the EPG) -

    i then went to a sat station BBC2 NI - Low and behold at exactly 6:59 a message appears informing me that "the scheduled recording has failed because there is no signal to record"

    My god this box is turning out to be absolutely useless- im seriously considering telling my mate to go back to powercity with it - apparently this is the second 537 he got - the first one had a problem with the aerial reception despite his loft aerial supporting 2 other TV's - He got that replaced last night.

    ONE POSITIVE THOUGH - The Red Button services on the Ocean Finance Station work - -- HURRAY!!!!!!!!!! IT WAS ALL WORTH WHILE!!!!! I SHALL STAY IN ALL WEEK END READING ABOUT WONDERFUL OCEAN FINANCE DEALS!!!!!

    Sic semper tyrannis - thus always to Tyrants



  • #3
    byte
    Moderators, Regional North West Moderators Posts: 19,129 Mod ✭✭✭✭byte
    byte


    That doesn't sound good at all. I was chatting to somebody last night with one, and he's having the same problems, with regards rearranging channels. I'm still shocked that such a basic STB feature is not present.

    Work was gonna order some in for retail, but I think it's best avoided for now, until a firmware release fixes the basics.

    Seems this box was rushed to market with no thought process involved?


  • #4
    liamtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭liamtech


    byte wrote: »
    That doesn't sound good at all. I was chatting to somebody last night with one, and he's having the same problems, with regards rearranging channels. I'm still shocked that such a basic STB feature is not present.

    Work was gonna order some in for retail, but I think it's best avoided for now, until a firmware release fixes the basics.

    Seems this box was rushed to market with no thought process involved?

    my thoughts exactly - i will be contacting triax asap - very disappointed - firmware is really the only option - but how long are early adopters like my mate supposed to wait - gotta love the MHEG ocean finance interactivity though - i laughed and laughed!!!!

    Sic semper tyrannis - thus always to Tyrants



  • #5
    Paul87
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8 ✭Paul87


    I bought one of these boxes the other day, got round to setting it up tonite... my god it is brutal thus far. Like Liam said channels cannot be moved, names edited even channel numbers cannot be changed etc.

    This is now my fourth combo box and by far the worst...very underwhelming considering the price.

    Hopefully firmware will be the answer in time but for now it's going back in its box.

    Avoid!!!


  • #6
    liamtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭liamtech


    Paul87 wrote: »
    I bought one of these boxes the other day, got round to setting it up tonite... my god it is brutal thus far. Like Liam said channels cannot be moved, names edited even channel numbers cannot be changed etc.

    This is now my fourth combo box and by far the worst...very underwhelming considering the price.

    Hopefully firmware will be the answer in time but for now it's going back in its box.

    Avoid!!!

    Hi Paul -

    My condolences on your recent purchase -

    im wrecking my brain currently trying to figure this out- the scheduling of future recordings on terrestrial is terrible - and it was one of the new features I personally was interested in checking out

    Have you tried that feature yet? something quite unusual going on with it

    - my mate ran out and bought it so quickly - should have waited i suppose -

    Im ringing triax tomorrow anyway - does anyone have any other suggestions for whom we could contact - perhaps the crowd that are currently testing it for saorview - i know its not a saorview issue but maybe-

    Ive spoken to my mate and he doesnt really want to give up on it just yet - FIRMWARE must be the solution

    ALSO Paul.... dont forget to check out the ocean finance interactive red button features - It made it all worth while - LOL

    Sic semper tyrannis - thus always to Tyrants



  • Advertisement
  • #7
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,664 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    Having read the above posts I'm not surprised the certification process for the receiver has stalled even though certification only applies to the terrestrial section of the receiver.
    Tony wrote: »
    Just spoke with the guys in Armstrongs who say the Saorview certification is held up with software issues.


  • #8
    liamtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭liamtech


    The Cush wrote: »
    Having read the above posts I'm not surprised the certification process for the receiver has stalled even though certification only applies to the terrestrial section of the receiver.

    I wonder does tony know of the time line - presumably a software fix is in the working at the moment -

    It certainly needs a fix or two.... or twenty two!

    The issue with scheduling recordings on Terrestrial stations seems related to the last terrestrial station viewed - I just managed to schedule and record prime time because i watched the first five mins of the nine o clock news- then went over to sky news - forgot about the scheduled recording but when i checked it was recorded -

    Its all way to complicated - Definitely we need an update and sharpish - otherwise this box is gonna be a dead duck!

    Sic semper tyrannis - thus always to Tyrants



  • #9
    KELTICKNIGHTT
    Registered Users Posts: 3,799 ✭✭✭KELTICKNIGHTT


    glad i didnt get this combo now,wow is the Triax ST-HD527 better than Triax ST-HD537,does the Triax ST-HD527 have same issues


  • #10
    liamtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭liamtech


    KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »
    glad i didn't get this combo now,wow is the Triax ST-HD527 better than Triax ST-HD537,does the Triax ST-HD527 have same issues

    Now the box is saying it is not receiving a signal from the terrestrial aerial at all - this is curiously similar to the error reported on the first box my mate got from Power City - Can anyone confirm whether they have encountered this issue before - the terrestrial seems to have simply dropped off at some stage - i cant say when as i had switched over to my DVD player to watch a movie- its definitely not the aerial as i have another TV running off the same one - no signal issue - and when i turned off the box and then on again, low and behold the signal is back:

    Until Triax confirm they are working on these issues i wouldn't touch this Set top box with your satellite cable - let alone mine!!!!

    Seriously this is very poor from a company like triax - let alone a product that cost 230euro - Its actually outrageous - The issues with terrestrial signal vanishing are clearly software related - as are the units inability to tune STV-HD, the streams, - And i have never encountered a FTA Box that wont let you rename stations and move them around - With all due respect to Triax that is ABSOLUTELY DISGRACEFUL - This company has clearly released this box


    - ahead of schedule
    - improperly tested
    - incomplete
    - and as far as its "main features" go - with a Highly unfriendly usable Software system

    I genuinely believe Triax need to at least confirm they are aware of these issues and are working on it - otherwise come Monday i will have to advise my friend to get a refund and steer clear of Triax from now on

    Sic semper tyrannis - thus always to Tyrants



  • #11
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    Obviously the software is not finished and it's been prematurely released.

    At least when the SW is finished those pioneers with Arrows in back should be OK with an update.

    Never be an early adopter.

    Anyone that has this and doesn't want to risk waiting for a SW update should easily get full refund. It's "not fit for purpose" under Sale of Goods Act.


  • Advertisement
  • #12
    STB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    liamtech wrote:
    - 1 - The unit is incapable of tuning certain stations and channels - Specifically it suffers from the same issue as the grundig/Goodmans Freesat Set top Box - It will not under any circumstances pick up STV-HD, the BBC streams, Vox Africa - As the interactive streams cant be accessed via the red button, no way exists of viewing these stations/streams - Also absent is the second version of ITV HD on 10936v - which is slightly better quality

    You do not need a red button. Infact this is a FTA box. It does not have the functionality of a Freesat box or red button capabilties.

    The BBC Streams are up on 12441 V - this box should pick up these stations in an automatic scan - they will be labelled as such Stram 1, 2 .

    STV HD. Is it still on ? It was on Astra 2D 10936 V 22000 5/6 DVB-S2.

    Again this box should pick up this station in an automatic scan
    liamtech wrote:
    - 2 - Absolutely no way of editing or ordering the stations exists on the unit - literally what ever order they are tuned in is the way the will be displayed - 5 favourites sections exist but these do not carry over into the electronic program guide - the main EPG section is laid out starting at 10714(Astra 2D) to 12643 (Eurobird) - Therefore the first sat channel is channel 4 (All Six versions) - Although it is possible to delete channels, that is literally the extent of the customization allowed - i should also point out that the deletions must be completed ONE AT A TIME, which took what seemed like an ice age- each deletion carrys the customary warning "are you sure" blah blah blah - Just like the Goodmans Freesat box in non freesat mode i must add..... HUM

    So you cant set up a Favourites Group - say called Sat & DTT, then go into the management tools and set favourites, then add channels - on the clarketech/technomate combo boxes its a "loveheart" and that channel is then added to what you set as your favourites.

    I think you may have skipped something here.
    liamtech wrote:
    - 4 - Despite them being on the same MUX, it is not possible to watch one DTT channel and record another -

    Badly written software rather than hardware limitation. Firmware update territory.

    liamtech wrote:
    - 5 - The EPG/Guide button does not display now and next info for satellites - at first i suspected it would load them after a short while of checking each transponder - 5 cigarettes later - no NOW and Next! It is in fact only displayed when one goes to a satellite channel - ie switches to a sat channel - I know for a fact that it loads (although rather slowly) on this units predecessor - the 527! as one progresses down the 527's menu the now and next data pops up for each transponder group

    No zapping function eh ? Boxes differ. Most load the now/next per transponder. i.e. when in epg as you click on a channel once you should see the epg data update for that station and those on the same transponder.

    liamtech wrote:
    - 6 - As mentioned previously the only Freesat feature present is the BBC digital teletext - but no way exists of viewing the streams either as independent channels or via the MHEG5

    MHEG5 engine on board does not mean Freesat Functionality which is a specifcally written API, yes based on MHEG5 but with compressed Huffman tables. The streams are broadcast in the clear and have to be treated as seperate channels.

    These boxes are in no way like a Freesat Box which is plug and play. There is a bit of setting up involved for any combo box, but once its done you just copy the stb's settings to a backup USB.

    The box doesnt sound fantastic, but I wonder are you following the instructions as regards adding stations to favorites from the various sat and terrestrial sources.

    No offence.


  • #13
    Satts
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 818 ✭✭✭Satts


    liamtech wrote: »
    - 2 - Absolutely no way of editing or ordering the stations exists on the unit - literally what ever order they are tuned in is the way the will be displayed - 5 favourites sections exist but these do not carry over into the electronic program guide - the main EPG section is laid out starting at 10714(Astra 2D) to 12643 (Eurobird) - Therefore the first sat channel is channel 4 (All Six versions) - Although it is possible to delete channels, that is literally the extent of the customization allowed - i should also point out that the deletions must be completed ONE AT A TIME, which took what seemed like an ice age- each deletion carrys the customary warning "are you sure" blah blah blah - Just like the Goodmans Freesat box in non freesat mode i must add..... HUM

    I set up an ST-HD-527 for a friend of mine.

    I edited the channel list by making a favourites list, you can then transfer the favourites list to be your main list and it will stay on this list when the box is switched off/on.


  • #14
    liamtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭liamtech


    STB wrote: »
    You do not need a red button. Infact this is a FTA box. It does not have the functionality of a Freesat box or red button capabilties.

    The BBC Streams are up on 12441 V - this box should pick up these stations in an automatic scan - they will be labelled as such Stram 1, 2 .

    STV HD. Is it still on ? It was on Astra 2D 10936 V 22000 5/6 DVB-S2.

    Again this box should pick up this station in an automatic scan



    So you cant set up a Favourites Group - say called Sat & DTT, then go into the management tools and set favourites, then add channels - on the clarketech/technomate combo boxes its a "loveheart" and that channel is then added to what you set as your favourites.

    I think you may have skipped something here.


    Badly written software rather than hardware limitation. Firmware update territory.



    No zapping function eh ? Boxes differ. Most load the now/next per transponder. i.e. when in epg as you click on a channel once you should see the epg data update for that station and those on the same transponder.



    MHEG5 engine on board does not mean Freesat Functionality which is a specifcally written API, yes based on MHEG5 but with compressed Huffman tables. The streams are broadcast in the clear and have to be treated as seperate channels.

    These boxes are in no way like a Freesat Box which is plug and play. There is a bit of setting up involved for any combo box, but once its done you just copy the stb's settings to a backup USB.

    The box doesnt sound fantastic, but I wonder are you following the instructions as regards adding stations to favorites from the various sat and terrestrial sources.

    No offence.

    None taken.... However:

    - A - After three FULL rescans, and three manual scans of 12441 V - no services detected/added - No BBC Streams what so ever- I only mention this for completeness but that is exactly what a good mans receiver states when one scans that transponder. As evidence of the boxes very real issues i would state that my Skyline/Philex HDSR400 HD FTA box feeding off the same LNB picks up the BBC streams perfectly - As does it pick up STV-HD - When we scan 10936V for STV HD on the TRIAX box it states "One service found - No Services added". Again i must point out that the only box i have every encountered that would give this exact same result are certain freesat boxes from goodmans and bush - Software must be very similar - It picks up STV-HD as a service but wont display it -

    -b - As t your point about organizing favorites - You cant edit the favorites labels - Neither can you change the order in which channels move into the favorites section - an example is when i added bbc1 and BBC2 NI to a favorites menu - they arrive as the first two channels but still numbered as they were in the all channels section - If i then add channel four - it will push bbc1+2 out of the way and become the first channel in the group - why. well it seems the channels hold there allotted channel number from the full scan - and as channel four is 10714 H and bbc NI is 10818 V channel four automatically takes the first position in the line up - Any line up- This is unstoppable - i have tried everything i can think of. you just cant customize your channel line up on this box PERIOD. in either the main channel menu or favorites section. If ive not been clear il try and post pictures or a video later.

    As to my own abilities - i have set up the following Set top boxes - Silvercrest SL65, Philex HDSR400, ROSS HD FTA, Goodmans freesat and sat4free, Sagem freesat, Triax ST-HD527, comag SL40 etc etc etc - Now im not saying im an expert, but i have done this type of thing before - And i must point out that this is the worst box i have ever worked with -

    However i am not going to give up as i firmly believe that with the possibility of EPG updates via Ethernet, Fully functioning MHEG5 etc..

    This box does have potential - real potential - but early adopters are not going to wait forever - really Triax need to get cracking and at least give a timetable for fixing these issues -

    I understand too what you said about this being a FTA box and not freesat - that doesnt change the fact that it has massive similarities to a freesat box - very little customization etc etc I generally has a very freesat feel to the menu system -

    I fear for Saorview as a service if this box becomes certified - i really do - We were all looking forward to it- and it was going to help kick Sky's number down in ireland - Well not like this it aint!

    Gonna ring Triax shortly so il let everyone know

    Sic semper tyrannis - thus always to Tyrants



  • #15
    liamtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭liamtech


    Satts wrote: »
    I set up an ST-HD-527 for a friend of mine.

    I edited the channel list by making a favourites list, you can then transfer the favourites list to be your main list and it will stay on this list when the box is switched off/on.

    Completely different menu system to the 537 - again i will try and post pics

    Sic semper tyrannis - thus always to Tyrants



  • #16
    billyboy01
    Closed Accounts Posts: 270 ✭✭billyboy01


    I got the HD527 model just before Powercity removed it from there shops for the HD537. So if you can get the HD527, I'd get one as it works like a charm with no problems, the only difference is the HD527 doesnt have MHEG5 text services, which I can live without and it was 40quid cheaper!


  • #17
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    You can do without MHEG5 today, but next year you may want it.

    But currently buying as little as possible is a good strategy.


  • #18
    liamtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭liamtech


    watty wrote: »
    You can do without MHEG5 today, but next year you may want it.

    But currently buying as little as possible is a good strategy.

    I agree with you on the need for MHEG5 - at one point i didnt but when we consider the possible interactive services, it has to be worth it -

    The 537 works with both digital RTE and most of the digital BBC services which is astounding and quite unexpected - but the issues list just seems to get longer with every hour - the box im using now claims that it has no dtt signal what so ever - YET my TV which is getting its DTT UHF through the triax boxes loop through/RF out has perfect reception - That is quite unbelievable - this box is geared towards the irish market as we have stated in the past - It clearly states its designed for ireland in the brochure - i just cant believe the mountain of issues it has - ?!?!?!

    Sic semper tyrannis - thus always to Tyrants



  • #19
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    Definitely launched too soon. Some marketing guy needs to be forced to write out with crow quill pen 100 times
    "I am sorry. I must not force premature launch of products before people have finished writing and testing the software"
    He should have to make the ink from Oak galls and the paper from flax.


  • #20
    CrazyE
    Registered Users Posts: 4 ✭CrazyE


    Hi All

    I've very disappointing with this box. I bought 2 of them, one for me and one for the father. He's not good with tech at all so naturally when I started setting it up for him and it was refusing to tune in some channels and wouldn't allow me to properly set the channel order he was getting worried and stressed over the 230 odd Euro spent on it. Long story short, I took his home with me and said I'd "sort it". Lucky me :( With some searching I found this thread, thanks god its not just me seeing these problems. I under stand now that there is some kind of channel ordering trough the favorites but does not excuse the fact that I cant get all the channels. The fathers dish is unobstructed and when I bring my old box over , I can get it set up in giffy time, no problems.

    I'm away for the weekend so don't have any more time to spend on it at the moment until next week, but am very eager to see what other people think about this/what possible solutions are available. I joined boards specifically to enquirer about this device.What kind of time frame would a firmware upgrade normally take a company to produce?

    I understand this kind of thing can take time but as it appears to be a rush release according to others in this thread, is it possible that a new firmware version could be coming soon? Shurly they would have knowed that there were issues with this device when they were testing and producing it???


  • #21
    liamtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭liamtech


    UPDATED Firmware - V1.9

    I made contact with Power City today and outlined the various faults - Within 5 minutes someone called me. I have to say the level of service from power city was very good, and the staff member told me to hold for now and he would contact triax - I agreed.

    About 10 minutes later i received a phone call from Electroplus who informed me that a firmware update exists for this box and that it may solve my issues - Again the level of support from electroplus was brilliant, with the gentleman offering to perform the software update for me personally - I received the email with the firmware - Triax had apparently acknowledged that issues were present and proposed this firmware as the solution - The main issues they were concerned about were as follows:

    -No subtitles available via terrestrial

    -No program info via terrestrial

    -Scheduled recordings failures

    Slightly disappointed that no mention of the menu issues or missing sat channels was made, i never the less continued and installed the firmware:

    Subtitles and Program info appeared fine afterward -

    No change to the terrestrial signal being randomly dropped for no reason, no difference in the scheduled recordings failing - no difference in the inhability to watch a DTT station while recording another -

    SO! No change really - Electroplus and powercity were both professional and polite - Full stars ten out of ten!:)

    But in all honesty Triax still have a great deal to fix if this unit is ever to take off- I remain very confident that a solution can be found, and i will email/telephone Electroplus on monday -

    But hey, at least i have my Red button features on the ocean-finance channel - these are the things that make life worth living!!!:D:D:D

    Sic semper tyrannis - thus always to Tyrants



  • Advertisement
  • #22
    byte
    Moderators, Regional North West Moderators Posts: 19,129 Mod ✭✭✭✭byte
    byte


    Does the new firmware allow you to rearrange channels though?


  • #23
    liamtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭liamtech


    just to clarify the new firmware has no effect what so ever on any of the issues with the menu, or the terrestrial signal, or the scheduling of recordings

    Sic semper tyrannis - thus always to Tyrants



  • #24
    billyboy01
    Closed Accounts Posts: 270 ✭✭billyboy01


    Im so glad I have the HD527 model, even though it doesnt have MHEG5 its working perfect DTT and Freesat!

    I think I'll wait for the next gen model, or give Triax a few months to get there act together with a firmware fix!

    I see Powercity have taken the HD537 off there website!


  • #25
    liamtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭liamtech


    billyboy01 wrote: »
    Im so glad I have the HD527 model, even though it doesnt have MHEG5 its working perfect DTT and Freesat!

    I think I'll wait for the next gen model, or give Triax a few months to get there act together with a firmware fix!

    I see Powercity have taken the HD537 off there website!

    I genuinely dont blame them - there a great company who have embraced the concept of fta terrestrial and satellite - we have all seen their website - the only retail website to clearly spell out saorview - they are to be commended for that -

    Triax have let them down sorely here - not good enough really

    Sic semper tyrannis - thus always to Tyrants



  • #26
    applewoodgo
    Registered Users Posts: 124 ✭✭applewoodgo


    liamtech wrote: »
    None taken.... However:

    - A - After three FULL rescans, and three manual scans of 12441 V - no services detected/added - No BBC Streams what so ever- I only mention this for completeness but that is exactly what a good mans receiver states when one scans that transponder. As evidence of the boxes very real issues i would state that my Skyline/Philex HDSR400 HD FTA box feeding off the same LNB picks up the BBC streams perfectly - As does it pick up STV-HD - When we scan 10936V for STV HD on the TRIAX box it states "One service found - No Services added". Again i must point out that the only box i have every encountered that would give this exact same result are certain freesat boxes from goodmans and bush - Software must be very similar - It picks up STV-HD as a service but wont display it -

    -b - As t your point about organizing favorites - You cant edit the favorites labels - Neither can you change the order in which channels move into the favorites section - an example is when i added bbc1 and BBC2 NI to a favorites menu - they arrive as the first two channels but still numbered as they were in the all channels section - If i then add channel four - it will push bbc1+2 out of the way and become the first channel in the group - why. well it seems the channels hold there allotted channel number from the full scan - and as channel four is 10714 H and bbc NI is 10818 V channel four automatically takes the first position in the line up - Any line up- This is unstoppable - i have tried everything i can think of. you just cant customize your channel line up on this box PERIOD. in either the main channel menu or favorites section. If ive not been clear il try and post pictures or a video later.

    As to my own abilities - i have set up the following Set top boxes - Silvercrest SL65, Philex HDSR400, ROSS HD FTA, Goodmans freesat and sat4free, Sagem freesat, Triax ST-HD527, comag SL40 etc etc etc - Now im not saying im an expert, but i have done this type of thing before - And i must point out that this is the worst box i have ever worked with -

    However i am not going to give up as i firmly believe that with the possibility of EPG updates via Ethernet, Fully functioning MHEG5 etc..

    This box does have potential - real potential - but early adopters are not going to wait forever - really Triax need to get cracking and at least give a timetable for fixing these issues -

    I understand too what you said about this being a FTA box and not freesat - that doesnt change the fact that it has massive similarities to a freesat box - very little customization etc etc I generally has a very freesat feel to the menu system -

    I fear for Saorview as a service if this box becomes certified - i really do - We were all looking forward to it- and it was going to help kick Sky's number down in ireland - Well not like this it aint!

    Gonna ring Triax shortly so il let everyone know

    Well done you! I have been sitting the fence waiting for this new box to arrive and was about to jump off and buy one of these, and am I the lucky one to have boards.ie and someone as vigilant as you to save me from a disasterous purchase. I am a newbe to this and this will be my first box. I have been picking up as much knowledge as I can before making the purchase. However, I am a bit confused :( about Internet EPG and The ability to view one channel while recording another if you only have one terristrial tuner.

    1. Does the STB have to be connected to the Internet all the time to avail of EPG or is it downloaded to a USB stick and then transferred to the unit.

    2. I thought you needed two feeds from the aerial to two seperate tuners in the STB to achieve this - the sky plus box for example and also the Humax HDR PVR. If I can get my head around these two problems, then I may be able to make an informed judgement should other boxes reach the market.

    Well done again!


  • #27
    KELTICKNIGHTT
    Registered Users Posts: 3,799 ✭✭✭KELTICKNIGHTT


    applewoodgo wrote: »
    Well done you! I have been sitting the fence waiting for this new box to arrive and was about to jump off and buy one of these, and am I the lucky one to have boards.ie and someone as vigilant as you to save me from a disasterous purchase. I am a newbe to this and this will be my first box. I have been picking up as much knowledge as I can before making the purchase. However, I am a bit confused :( about Internet EPG and The ability to record one channel and recording another if you only have one terristrial tuner.

    1. Does the STB have to be connected to the Internet all the time to avail of EPG or is it downloaded to a USB stick and then transferred to the unit.

    2. I thought you needed two feeds from the aerial to two seperate tuners in the STB to achieve this - the sky plus box for example and also the Humax HDR PVR. If I can get my head around these two problems, then I may be able to make an informed judgement shoul other boxes reach the market.

    Well done again!
    epg or multi epg either is already installed on the box you buy ,like ferguson,edision or triax ,these type of boxes,other boxes that run on linux like vu-do,azbox ,qbox and few others ,you can add epg software addon through a usb stick ,so epg is not used through web,like all boxs,you need 2 tuner installed on box if you want too run both irish digital and freesat channels ,you need this too record either from irish dd or freesat, thsi is short version,im sure someone else can give a more detailed info than i can,if your first box,then and dont want too mess with linux based open sourse box,then i go for the easy option ,of edision ,ferguson or triax boxs,i wouldnt get the

    ST-HD-537 as you can see has some issues, if looking at triax,the go for ST-HD-527,the ferguson seems a good box,but i sure someone call tell you better


  • #28
    applewoodgo
    Registered Users Posts: 124 ✭✭applewoodgo


    KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »
    epg or multi epg either is already installed on the box you buy ,like ferguson,edision or triax ,these type of boxes,other boxes that run on linux like vu-do,azbox ,qbox and few others ,you can add epg software addon through a usb stick ,so epg is not used through web,like all boxs,you need 2 tuner installed on box if you want too run both irish digital and freesat channels ,you need this too record either from irish dd or freesat, thsi is short version,im sure someone else can give a more detailed info than i can,if your first box,then and dont want too mess with linux based open sourse box,then i go for the easy option ,of edision ,ferguson or triax boxs,i wouldnt get the

    ST-HD-537 as you can see has some issues, if looking at triax,the go for ST-HD-527,the ferguson seems a good box,but i sure someone call tell you better

    I just noticed a mistake in my post above. I meant to say, view one channel while recording another on the terristrial tuner. Also, according to a post elswhere on the internet (I cannot find it now) it stated that EPG would not be intigrated and suggested an internet based version instead. Watty refers to it in his Blog -http://www.techtir.ie/blog/watty - Also, it is not included in Triax's sales newsletter page 5 here -http://www.triax.co.uk/upload/triax_newsletter_dec10.pdf - Surely if the box doesn't contain an integrated EPG, which appears to me a very important part of the box, its not fit for purpose and shouldn't be released for sale until this is included.


  • #29
    Satts
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 818 ✭✭✭Satts


    liamtech wrote: »
    Completely different menu system to the 537 - again i will try and post pics

    Thanks, I didn't know that. I presumed wrongly they would be similar systems..

    Also, thanks for starting this thread.
    I was very close to recommending to someone that they should get two 537's instead of two FTA boxes. I'm glad I read this thread.


  • #30
    KELTICKNIGHTT
    Registered Users Posts: 3,799 ✭✭✭KELTICKNIGHTT


    applewoodgo wrote: »
    I just noticed a mistake in my post above. I meant to say, view one channel while recording another on the terristrial tuner. Also, according to a post elswhere on the internet (I cannot find it now) it stated that EPG would not be intigrated and suggested an internet based version instead. Watty refers to it in his Blog -http://www.techtir.ie/blog/watty - Also, it is not included in Triax's sales newsletter page 5 here -http://www.triax.co.uk/upload/triax_newsletter_dec10.pdf - Surely if the box doesn't contain an integrated EPG, which appears to me a very important part of the box, its not fit for purpose and shouldn't be released for sale until this is included.

    im useng epg and multi epg for sat and irish dd,and not connected too web,i downloaded the addons too do it from a support forum of the box im using,i will have option of wifi when i get the wifi dongle from online shop when they have in stock,the box i use like others allow me too play content i recorded too didderent external drive like movies etc outside of the external hard drive i use for PVR


  • Advertisement
  • #31
    billyboy01
    Closed Accounts Posts: 270 ✭✭billyboy01


    Powercity are selling the older Triax HD527 again for 180quid, so obviously there are major problems with the HD537!

    http://www.powercity.ie/?par=10-23-THD527


  • #32
    liamtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭liamtech


    Hiya Folks:

    I have decided to outline the issues of this unit in a series of pictures - thus allowing users to see the problems more clearly:

    ISSUE ONE - MISSING STATIONS & BBC STREAMS
    dsc03841hn.jpg

    This image shows an attempt to add STV-HD by manually scanning 10936V - As you can see it identifies one Service but does not add it - without further information one can only assume this is STV-HD-

    dsc03843n.jpg

    This image again shows an attempt to add missing channels in this case the BBC Streams - Notice in this picture they are not even detected - the only instance i have seen where this occurs is in certain freesat boxes

    ISSUE TWO - NO CUSTOMIZATION OF THE EPG WHAT SO EVER
    dsc03859o.jpg

    This is the bext possible layout achievable with the triax ST-HD537 for Satellite stations - No way exist of changing the EPG channel ordering what so ever - If one move channels into a favourites section the result is as follows:

    dsc03844x.jpg

    The channels retain their allotted EPG number and again appear entirely out of sequence - no method exist in this software revision of the 537 to change this:

    ISSUE THREE - FAILED RECORDING'S VIA SCHEDULING

    dsc03846y.jpg

    Although you can only take my word for it, i have a fit for purpose UHF aerial, that despite the very very occasional signal glitch (which we all suffer from, damned interference) works perfectly well for my Philips MPEG4 TV (32pfl5604h). IN the event of the aforementioned glitch a slight pixelization occurs for a split second but then vanishes - Therefore the 537's claim that there is no signal to record is totally impossible in my opinion - furthermore the box periodically looses the Terrestrial signal all together for no apparent reason- the signal comes back only after the box is switched off, then on again:

    vlcsnap2011020620h44m27.jpg

    And yet it should be made clear that the MHEG5 features of this unit work splendidly - there is real potential here if these issues can be sorted - in a decent time frame -

    Here are photographs of the interactive sections of the BBC, RTE and even the ocean Finance Red Button station!

    dsc03864i.jpg
    dsc03851jq.jpg
    dsc03854t.jpg

    Also this snipet from the DTT section of the menu which seems to allow you to choose DVB-T or DVB-T2 - something this box isnt ment to be compatible with - incidently i always have this set to DVB-T to rule out any link to the DTT issues
    dsc03840i.jpg

    more to come

    Sic semper tyrannis - thus always to Tyrants



  • #33
    STB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    Well it looks like serious software and hardware issues. Signal drop should not stop a recording!

    Which is a pity if some of the MHEG5 functionality (text) was working for sat. Does the BBC Sport multiscreen work on 3001 ?

    The dvb-t2 option doesnt surprise me. I wonder did they even change the dvb-t2 tuner. The software option could be just that. They are built on the Freeview HD chassis series.

    I would love to see the inside of this box but that would void your warranty as they normally have a seal.

    Give it back.


  • #34
    billyboy01
    Closed Accounts Posts: 270 ✭✭billyboy01


    Give it back and get the HD527! Its 50quid cheaper and it works!


  • #35
    liamtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭liamtech


    STB wrote: »
    Well it looks like serious software and hardware issues. Signal drop should not stop a recording!

    Which is a pity if some of the MHEG5 functionality (text) was working for sat.

    The dvb-t2 option doesnt surprise me. I wonder did they even change the dvb-t2 tuner. The software option could be just that. They are built on the Freeview HD chassis series.

    I would love to see the inside of this box but that would void your warranty as they normally have a seal.

    Give it back.

    It may come to that - but im going to inquire tomorrow about whether any fixes are in the pipeline - At least if they are aware of these issues and acknowledge their presence -

    I would say the units are not physically faulty but purely software - I would say the DTT tuner drops the signal due to some sort of minor interference that other tuners ignore - im speculating i know, but hey im in glasses half full mode!

    As to the absence of certain satellite channels - we know that official freesat boxes (and sat4free) ignore the interactive bbc streams as individual channels - as far as im aware most freesat boxes wont tune these in as separates - and at least some Freesat boxes dont tune STV-HD in either - i know the BUSH/Goodmans units fall into this category -

    There is also the fact that its not possible to change the channel numbering sequence on freesat boxes either..

    i know you might not agree but i cant help seeing these similarities as an indication of a possible freesat/sat4free firmware upgrade in the future -

    Regardless im gonna try and get answers tomorrow and if none are forthcoming, or there are no fixes in sight... i will reluctantly consider a refund.

    Sic semper tyrannis - thus always to Tyrants



  • #36
    STB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    liamtech wrote: »
    As to the absence of certain satellite channels - we know that official freesat boxes (and sat4free) ignore the interactive bbc streams as individual channels - as far as im aware most freesat boxes wont tune these in as separates - and at least some Freesat boxes dont tune STV-HD in either - i know the BUSH/Goodmans units fall into this category -

    There is also the fact that its not possible to change the channel numbering sequence on freesat boxes either..

    i know you might not agree but i cant help seeing these similarities as an indication of a possible freesat/sat4free firmware upgrade in the future -

    Regardless im gonna try and get answers tomorrow and if none are forthcoming, or there are no fixes in sight... i will reluctantly consider a refund.

    These boxes are in no way similar to freesat/sat 4 free boxes. They are meant to behave like normal combo boxes. You scan in terrestrial mode and this saves to the terrestrial tuner mode. In the Dvb-S2 Sat mode when you scan you are pulling the down all the stations broadcasting on 28.2. You then create a favorites folder and choose what you want from sat and terrestrial scans and in the order you want your stations in, creating a DTT and Sat single list effectively.

    The additional MHEG5 engine being on board for both sat and dtt will not give full freesat functionality ! I am surprised that the text is even showing.

    The EPG data for Freesat on Freesat boxes is compressed via Huffman tables and broadcast on a single transponder 11427 H, S/R 27500000 with specific PIDs. (the epg data on the triax box will pull it from the individual transponders ie now/next).

    This Triax box has an MHEG5 engine, but not the freesat software. Two very important and two very different things to remember.

    The only boxes that pull down the Freesat EPG over the air are linux boxes using Enigma2 and a specifically written epg grabber.

    Getting other Freesat functionality out of this boxes remote will require someone of David Cutts know how.

    By the way on the recording problem - I have plenty of these combo boxes and have never seen a recording stop due to signal drop! Signals dont just drop altogether anyhow.


  • Advertisement
  • #37
    liamtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭liamtech


    STB wrote: »
    These boxes are in no way similar to freesat/sat 4 free boxes. They are meant to behave like normal combo boxes. You scan in terrestrial mode and this saves to the terrestrial tuner mode. In the Dvb-S2 Sat mode when you scan you are pulling the down all the stations broadcasting on 28.2. You then create a favorites folder and choose what you want from sat and terrestrial scans and in the order you want your stations in, creating a DTT and Sat single list effectively.

    The additional MHEG5 engine being on board for both sat and dtt will not give full freesat functionality ! I am surprised that the text is even showing.

    The EPG data for Freesat on Freesat boxes is compressed via Huffman tables and broadcast on a single transponder 11427 H, S/R 27500000 with specific PIDs. (the epg data on the triax box will pull it from the individual transponders ie now/next).

    This Triax box has an MHEG5 engine, but not the freesat software. Two very important and two very different things to remember.

    The only boxes that pull down the Freesat EPG over the air are linux boxes using Enigma2 and a specifically written epg grabber.

    Getting other Freesat functionality out of this boxes remote will require someone of David Cutts know how.

    By the way on the recording problem - I have plenty of these combo boxes and have never seen a recording stop due to signal drop! Signals dont just drop altogether anyhow.

    I genuinely understand your point of view - all i can say is that as someone who has used the goodmans box, this triax seems fairly similar -

    In general it does not behave like a FTA box at all - That being said these are obviously firmware issues, and therefore your probably right - perhaps its wish full thinking -

    I suppose the absence of the bbc Streams may be an MHEG5 related issue - perhaps the fact that they obviously are related to the BBC interactive service means the box may be skipping them because it expects them to be available via a red button service

    The above speculation may fit for the BBC Streams but i cant understand why it doesnt pick up STV-HD on 10936V - This channel is FTA and should be easily viewable on any FTA HD receiver -

    Which combo boxes have you used STB, and which would you recommend to the general non tech savvy population; - I and many on this forum had high hopes for the 537 as a universal solution for UK SAT and irish DTT stations - fully MHEG5, combined menus, etc. Is there anything else out there, or even on the horizon? For the general public it would need to be:

    - Simple to use
    - A doddle to set up
    - Offer the same functionality of UPC & Sky

    Sadly this box does not tick the boxes!

    Sic semper tyrannis - thus always to Tyrants



  • #38
    STB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    liamtech wrote: »
    I genuinely understand your point of view - all i can say is that as someone who has used the goodmans box, this triax seems fairly similar -

    In general it does not behave like a FTA box at all - That being said these are obviously firmware issues, and therefore your probably right - perhaps its wish full thinking -

    I suppose the absence of the bbc Streams may be an MHEG5 related issue - perhaps the fact that they obviously are related to the BBC interactive service means the box may be skipping them because it expects them to be available via a red button service

    The above speculation may fit for the BBC Streams but i cant understand why it doesnt pick up STV-HD on 10936V - This channel is FTA and should be easily viewable on any FTA HD receiver -

    Which combo boxes have you used STB, and which would you recommend to the general non tech savvy population; - I and many on this forum had high hopes for the 537 as a universal solution for UK SAT and irish DTT stations - fully MHEG5, combined menus, etc. Is there anything else out there, or even on the horizon? For the general public it would need to be:

    - Simple to use
    - A doddle to set up
    - Offer the same functionality of UPC & Sky

    Sadly this box does not tick the boxes!

    I have used an MVision HD 200 and 300 for both DTT and Sat. I have tested a Ferguson Ariva HD Combo likewise.

    I use a Clarketech 5000c and Technomate 6900, both do sat and dtt combined. I am testing another box at the moment, its linux based.

    This Triax box would meet the spec of Saorview if they get the software right (if it is with Terracomfor compliance testing it may fail anyhow). I am a little intrigued by the MHEG5 engines use on the UK Satellite stations. It has never come up before simply because there have been no satellite boxes with MHEG5 (there are now via the Openbox S9) so there hasnt been much discussion or people attempting to mod the Freesat functionality.

    Example: You are wondering why the BBC interactive Sport Screens arent being tuned in. Are you sure ? (12441 V) I notice that when the MHEG5 function is opened on the BBC station you had above for text that 3001 is the multiscreen call function via text for the multiscreens - does this work ?

    What box would I recommend. Well for just now/next functionality on satellite and DTT stations in one list, any of the combo boxes in the sticky above. They are as low now as €150.

    The Linux combo boxes offer more options to grab the 7 day epg and wifi functionality etc, but they are about €100 more and are not for your granny's use.


  • #39
    liamtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭liamtech


    STB wrote: »
    I have used an MVision HD 200 and 300 for both DTT and Sat. I have tested a Ferguson Ariva HD Combo likewise.

    I use a Clarketech 5000c and Technomate 6900, both do sat and dtt combined. I am testing another box at the moment, its linux based.

    This Triax box would meet the spec of Saorview if they get the software right (if it is with Terracomfor compliance testing it may fail anyhow). I am a little intrigued by the MHEG5 engines use on the UK Satellite stations. It has never come up before simply because there have been no satellite boxes with MHEG5 (there are now via the Openbox S9) so there hasnt been much discussion or people attempting to mod the Freesat functionality.

    Example: You are wondering why the BBC interactive Sport Screens arent being tuned in. Are you sure ? (12441 V) I notice that when the MHEG5 function is opened on the BBC station you had above for text that 3001 is the multiscreen call function via text for the multiscreens - does this work ?

    What box would I recommend. Well for just now/next functionality on satellite and DTT stations in one list, any of the combo boxes in the sticky above. They are as low now as €150.

    The Linux combo boxes offer more options to grab the 7 day epg and wifi functionality etc, but they are about €100 more and are not for your granny's use.

    Hi STB,

    I should have stated in my original post that the Sports Multi Screen option page 3001 doesnt work at all on the 537 -i have tried this box in two houses on two seperate satellite dishes so no joy there -

    Are he openboxes fully MHEG compliant - Im very curious about these now but as you said there not for the regular user

    Sic semper tyrannis - thus always to Tyrants



  • #40
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    While MHEG5 is free to implement, the only current free "engine" to run it isn't very developed yet. That's why DVBviewer for instance licenced "ready made" MHEG5 engine used on most Freeview boxes.

    There may be a subtle issue on Freesat more to do with the non-standard EPG that Freesat uses and not really an MHEG5 issue to do with any MHEG5 application referencing streams.

    I think it's unlikely that any linux box with the "free" implementation of MHEG5 is yet very compliant or stable yet. When the free Linux engine is stable and complete I'd expect to see it ported to most boxes and most PC applications on Linux and Windows.

    Freesat compatibility is a lot more bits & pieces than MHEG5, due to having to be compatible with the same channels carried for Sky and the way Sky's proprietary EPG works, so Freesat was stuck with now & next on the DVB EPG.

    Sky & Freesat are sharing the same data for Video, Audio, "now & next DVB data", Subtitles and EBU teletext.

    A non-freesat box could as a minimum use one of the NIT on a default transponder so at least you never had to manually add a transponder change. The way list of channels vs transponders works so no manual scan is needed is different for Sky & Freesat and both are proprietary and can only be used by either Licensed Sky box or Licensed Freesat box.

    The actual MHEG5 profile needed for Saorview, Freeview and Freesat is the same.

    Sky & Freesat use different methods for full EPG, from different data, and both are proprietary and only legitimately available by either Licensed Sky box or Licensed Freesat box. Even if Saorview/Saorsat adds an MHEG5 EPG, this will likely still use the non-proprietary DVB EIT EPG available on any generic box that implements DVB fully. The reason to do so is extra features and possibly PVR control. Both Sky & Freesat have different proprietary methods for Series link. Sky PVR control is entirely proprietary. Freesat PVR scheduling apart from Series link must also be proprietary as the EPG is.

    Any non-MHEG5 pvr will use proprietary software and GUI to allow scheduling from DVB EPG or manual entry. Any MHEG5 PVR, in addition to this would allow an MHEG5 EPG application (optionally using now & next to correct schedule and also optionally DVB EIT as underlying data) to schedule recordings. Any non-Freeview, non-Freesat PVR without MHEG5 application can only "guess" at series link.

    We don't know which series link method RTE will use. But if it's a plain Saorview certified box the only way is via an MHEG5 application other than firmware updates.


  • #41
    liamtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭liamtech


    Hi Folks - Ive been on to powercity and Electroplus - Both were very polite and professional - I am expecting a telephone call from Triax today to discuss the issues - I will update as soon as i can - if anyone else has anything they would like me to ask let me know

    Sic semper tyrannis - thus always to Tyrants



  • Advertisement
  • #42
    liamtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭liamtech


    I have spoken with a representative of Triax -

    I have outlined the various issues with this set top box and have been assured that Triax are working to resolve these issues at the moment - The representative was extremely professional.

    He confirmed they are aware of the issues we have mentioned including the channel ordering. He also confirmed that they are aware the unit should technically be able to watch a DTT while recording another DTT - He confirmed there should be software updates in the pipeline -

    The video below shows an example of how the 537 seems to loose the Terrestrial signal for no apparent reason -

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0jXLMSAqts

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0jXLMSAqts

    I would really hope that the issues are solved fast so we can enjoy all the features the unit has to offer - has anyone else noticed any other issues they want to bring up - if so perhaps they could post them here - i sent a link of this thread to the engineer to assist in the fix

    Sic semper tyrannis - thus always to Tyrants



  • #43
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    I imagine Teracom has put a flea in their ear and that Triax Engineering was well aware of this. Just guessing, but I don't imagine they are great speaking terms with who ever decided to "release" the box to distribution!


  • #44
    liamtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭liamtech


    watty wrote: »
    I imagine Teracom has put a flea in their ear and that Triax Engineering was well aware of this. Just guessing, but I don't imagine they are great speaking terms with who ever decided to "release" the box to distribution!

    Id have to agree with you, its gobsmacking that anyone would release this box in its current condition - obvious issues with the epg wouldn't require detailed tests to pinpoint, and should have been clear - as to the other issues, they all should have been detected and dealt with - I didn't go into any details on the subject of questioning there decision to release the unit in my phone call today - i thought it best to keep a positive outlook - Being the only MHEG 5 Combo box being considered for certification, i think its important to get the issues sorted promptly, especially with regards to ease of use - With Power City not even listing the unit on their site, it runs the risk of being sidelined altogether

    Sic semper tyrannis - thus always to Tyrants



  • #45
    billyboy01
    Closed Accounts Posts: 270 ✭✭billyboy01


    Those HD537 boxes are terrible, a neighbour of mine got one last week and set it up today. I have to agree with Liamtech the menu system, DTT reception and lack of ability to sort the channels to suit your choice is poor show.

    Its a pity as it had potential with the MHEG5 option.

    Triax pull up your socks!:(

    The neighbour is bringing it back, and going for the working HD527!


  • #46
    KELTICKNIGHTT
    Registered Users Posts: 3,799 ✭✭✭KELTICKNIGHTT


    billyboy01 wrote: »
    Those HD537 boxes are terrible, a neighbour of mine got one last week and set it up today. I have to agree with Liamtech the menu system, DTT reception and lack of ability to sort the channels to suit your choice is poor show.

    Its a pity as it had potential with the MHEG5 option.

    Triax pull up your socks!:(

    The neighbour is bringing it back, and going for the working HD527!

    wonder is there a way too put the mheg5 on the hd527 box


  • #47
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    yes. but then again no.

    Pay Triax a lot of money to port the software engine they have probably licenced for the 537. But till Triax debug their "port", the 527 would likely be as broken as the 537 is today.

    If it was simple every cheap Linux box would have MHEG5 as there is no royalty.

    There is a free linux MHEG5 engine, but it doesn't work well yet or people would be using it.
    see this thread http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=70421638&postcount=1


    The solution is to wait for the 537 to be debugged. It's unlikely the 527 will ever have MHEG5. But sometimes I'm wrong.


  • #48
    KELTICKNIGHTT
    Registered Users Posts: 3,799 ✭✭✭KELTICKNIGHTT


    watty wrote: »
    yes. but then again no.

    Pay Triax a lot of money to port the software engine they have probably licenced for the 537. But till Triax debug their "port", the 527 would likely be as broken as the 537 is today.

    If it was simple every cheap Linux box would have MHEG5 as there is no royalty.

    There is a free linux MHEG5 engine, but it doesn't work well yet or people would be using it.
    see this thread http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=70421638&postcount=1


    The solution is to wait for the 537 to be debugged. It's unlikely the 527 will ever have MHEG5. But sometimes I'm wrong.

    can it be used on a linux box ?


  • #49
    liamtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,312 ✭✭✭liamtech


    watty wrote: »
    yes. but then again no.

    Pay Triax a lot of money to port the software engine they have probably licenced for the 537. But till Triax debug their "port", the 527 would likely be as broken as the 537 is today.

    If it was simple every cheap Linux box would have MHEG5 as there is no royalty.

    There is a free linux MHEG5 engine, but it doesn't work well yet or people would be using it.
    see this thread http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=70421638&postcount=1


    The solution is to wait for the 537 to be debugged. It's unlikely the 527 will ever have MHEG5. But sometimes I'm wrong.

    if we put aside the MHEG5 issue at the moment, i would state that the 537's basic issues are not fully functional - tonight i tried to record a terrestrial station while watching a satellite station - FAIL:

    I also tried to record the leadership debate on TV3 while watching it - the signal dropped on the 537 (as discussed earlier, the signal is not actually dropping, rather its being lost by the 537 - the TV using RF out is not loosing signal). This destroyed 1 hour of perfect recording, as once a failure occurs in any recording the 537 wont play that recording at all.

    Realistically people are not willing to wait - they want products that work now, and dont require fixing and i cant blame them - im content to give triax a little while longer, but then il be getting a refund - and certification or no certification, i wont buy another triax product ever again.

    As to the 527, i have seen it in action - if your not interested in digital teletext, interactive services, and possible backround video streams then the 527 is fit for purpose - its HD, MPEG 4 and a combi box - whats more having seen the 527 in action i can state that it doesnt have any of the issues associated with the 537 - scheduling works, it tunes all the channels, and it is analogue teletext compatible - however any upgrade for the 527 would surely effect the 537 sales - i would say the current 527 firmware is the final release -

    I emailed Triax again tonight to voice my severe frustration surrounding the 537 and essentially stating that a solution must be released ASAP - we will just have to wait and see -

    One thing i would say with 100% confidence, and im sure Watty will agree, is the following:

    A fully operating 537, with all of the bugs removed, customizable EPG, and the ability to record 1 DTT while watching another would be FAR SUPERIOR to the 527 -

    Sic semper tyrannis - thus always to Tyrants



  • #50
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »
    can it be used on a linux box ?

    Can what be used?

    There are currently only two options.
    An open source implementation of client Engine, free and legal as there is no Royalty for MHEG5. But it doesn't actually work yet.

    A commercial engine. There is one widely used by Set-box makers and is likely the one in any PC software that has MHEG5 (very few programs do). I don't know what MS are using in Windows 7. That no way simply plugs into an existing Linux box. You have to re-do the box software to suit the MHEG5 engine and also "port" the engine. Not a Home DIY activity. You also have to sign NDAs, commit to licensing etc. Not feasible for a one-off. You need to be PC application development team (like MS win7 or DVBviewer) or Set-box developer like Triax.

    Ask yourself why is the 537 software so different to the 527 even apart from the MHEG5? Because a whole frame work is needed to run the MHEG5 engine and also the GUI has to be consistent and integrate the MHEG5 engine GUI.

    Obviously either the box was rushed out or it's more work than Triax thought.


  • #51
    applewoodgo
    Registered Users Posts: 124 ✭✭applewoodgo


    KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »
    im useng epg and multi epg for sat and irish dd,and not connected too web,i downloaded the addons too do it from a support forum of the box im using,i will have option of wifi when i get the wifi dongle from online shop when they have in stock,the box i use like others allow me too play content i recorded too didderent external drive like movies etc outside of the external hard drive i use for PVR

    Many thanks for both your recent replys. Can you tell me what type of box you are using.


  • Advertisement
Advertisement