Archive: Comments on various Freeview Set-top boxes
 Basic, easy-to-use, low-priced Freeview box with 2 SCARTs, the Matsui DTR3. Currys £24.99 |
 Freeview, digital recorder & on demand shows. Free to BT Broadband customers.More info: with BT? or not with BT? |
 The Humax PVR-9200TS box includes a hard-disk recorder that hold 160 hours of TV. Martin Dawes & Dixons £155 |
This page contains a selection of older comments made by site visitors before 2004: |
Make and model: Netgem i-Player
Features: Why the i-player is better than Nokia 221T
Comments: I have both the nokia 221T & the Netgem. If I was buying another one, I would opt for a Netgem.
The Netgem seems to cope much better with low strength or low quality signals - eg on my Nokia, the UK History channel is un-watchable, whereas the Netgem copes quite well with the same signal.
PQ and sound on the two is much of a much-ness - probably more dependent on the quality of the signal than differences between the two boxes.
Also, the Netgem has a much better user interface. Its so much easier to switch between radio & TV channels on the Netgem.
The Netgem has MUCH better diagnostics than the Nokia. The Netgem will provide you with much better information about the quality of the signal you are getting (strength, quality, signal / noise ratio, Bit Error rate)
The Netgem also has digital out, two scarts, widescreen switching.
And finally, there is more scope for Netgem to provide updates due to the built-in modem.
The only area where I think the Nokia is better is in build quality. The Nokia feels substantial, whereas the Netgem definitely feels a little flimsy.
And, No, I do not work for Netgem - but I have just spent 120 smackers on buying one, and the Nokia has been relegated to the bedroom.
Submitted by: TheSeer ()
Received on: Wed Jun 25 23:57:31 2003 from IP address: 82.64.66.236
Make and model: Pace Twin Digital TV Recorder
Features: This device comprises a receiver and hard drive recorder.
Comments: This machine has one big fault: its inability to play back an apparently successful recording of a TV programme. This fault is intermittent but crippling to the reliable use of the machine as a recording device. You simply do not know when a recording will fail. Promises from the company to fix this fault have not been realised. There are also numerous minor glitches.
Submitted by: Doug Payne (grumpage@btinternet.com)
Received on: Sun Jun 22 11:42:17 2003 from IP address: 217.39.14.26
Make and model: Samsung SIRU200i
Features: Twin Scart, RF, etc
Comments: Re-launched early June with latest features and updates. Great looking box, small and stylish. Easy set-up. Picture and sound excellent. Quick channel switching. A bit mean that no SCART lead was included but competitively priced. Worth putting on anyone's shortlist.
Submitted by: chris k ()
Received on: Thu Jun 12 09:33:38 2003 from IP address: 212.219.94.67
Make and model: NetGem i-Player Interactive
Features: Nothing is as good as an iPlayer
Comments: Which one is the best box ?
I took time to read many threads.
For absolutely only one box I found expressions like this:
- i-player The best box by a mile!
- Why is this box working so perfectly?
- Nobody else currently offers such a quality product
- Now Leaves Others Standing ...
- Nothing is as good as an iPlayer
The common point of all these appreciations it is that each time the i-player leaves gaining after a comparison test with the best boxes existing. (Nokia 221T, GDT 2, Labgear ...)
Moreover i-player + broadband + HDD makes it possible to do so many things....
Submitted by: Lucien ()
Received on: Thu Jun 12 09:11:25 2003 from IP address: 212.234.203.198
Make and model: Goodmansgdb2
Comments: Got two of these.
one seems to have upgraded. Other one suddenly stopped working. It was being used 10 mins before (watching lunchtime 'neighbours' 9.6.03, Sad!) was turned off when prog finished but ten mins later son tried to use it for video channels and has not worked since connections etc been checked. reset button pressed, changed to another room but still cannot turn on to even manually update software. Seems strange this happened a few hrs after one of them updated! Both on same aerial so surely both should have updated simultaneously.
Submitted by: Susan (Armstrong)
Received on: Tue Jun 10 21:51:48 2003 from IP address: 81.131.39.152
Make and model: Pace DTVA
Features: Freeview decoder box
Comments: Excellent way to get digital TV without paying monthly or having a dish attached to the premises! Unit has worked totally problem free though ITV programme listings are often not updated. Pity about the choice of channels, some of them are dire, and others are only on for a short time daily. With a better choice of channels FreeView would be even better.
Submitted by: Colin (review@coldal.com)
Received on: Mon Jun 9 14:01:09 2003 from IP address: 212.137.57.25
Make and model: GRUNDIG GDT2000
Features: TWO SCARTS
Comments: I have had this box for six days now, I was initially impressed by the easy installation, not having an external antenna. Then as so many before me it froze. It could only be reset by turning it OFF at the wall, even the button on the box wouldn't work. It freezes regularly when using the search functions in the 'guide' feature. I have contacted Currys who say a small number have be returned with this fault and other faults, which they didn't tell me. I will be able to receive a 'free' replacement, however after reading the comments about this box will ask for an alternative. Free to air is well worth the money for the box, just not this box.
Submitted by: N Farnworth (husky_joe@hotmail.com)
Received on: Fri Jun 6 20:30:27 2003 from IP address: 80.46.147.238
Make and model: Netgem i-Player
Features: Best box for weak signal area- iPlayer's the best box by a mile!
Comments: To be fair though, the new generation of non-Setpal boxes are alot better than the On/ITV Digital generation too though! I've got really crap reception and tried out the Phillips On digital box and it sort of worked but the picture did break up alot. I bought a netgem iPlayer and I don't have any of the problems I had with the old gen box - perfectly watchable now.
Can't comment on Setpal boxes versus the iPlayer, but out of all the rest, the iPlayer's the best box by a mile!
Submitted by: wurlycorner ()
Received on: Fri Jun 6 14:28:08 2003 from IP address: 82.65.247.53
Make and model: AverMedia DVB-T
Features: Digital PCI card with remote
Comments: Bought 2 cards for my PCs as I've just installed a Televes DAT75 aerial mounted in the loft with head amplifier and LabGear 4 way distributor. A Goodmans digi-box is connected on one line and works pretty well (My analogue signal was always and still is crap)).
The PCI cards, however, do not pick up any signals whatsoever. Have spoken to AverMedia UK tech support who have been very polite but I don't think they know what the problem is or how to tackle this. Surely the sensitivities of the card and Goodmans box are not THAT different?
Considering returning to Maplin Online and buying Hauppauge - prefer to stick with AverMedia given the better spec - if only it would work!!!
Submitted by: Arif (aj_rahman@hotmail.com)
Received on: Thu Jun 5 16:40:39 2003 from IP address: 193.129.0.129
Make and model: Thomson DTI1000
Features: Two Scart sockets, RF Loop Through, RF Modulator
Comments: Connected up the receiver to a One For All SV-9010 indoor aerial in my first floor flat in TW13 fully expecting to have problems and bugger me if it didn't work first time. The automatic search facility did report that one or two channels had a bad signal, but that didn't actually seem to stop it from finding and setting up all the Freeview channels that I was expecting.
The receiver came with Elgist 2.1.0, which I believe resolves the lock-up problems that earlier purchasers were experiencing and I've certainly only had anything like that happen once, when I lost Digital Teletext and Interactive services and had to power-cycle the receiver in order to get them back.
Minor irritations are that the remote control's television functions only work with a Thomson television, so I have to keep my Sony remote control handy as well. Also, I don't find the Services or Favourites menu facilities at all useful, as they don't contain any program information. The Guide, however, seems quite good for checking what's on, although I have little experience of similar facilities on cable or satellite to compare it to. It would be useful if it were possible to alter the channel order in the Guide though.
Submitted by: Pagan (pagan@ukonline.co.uk)
Received on: Thu Jun 5 11:52:06 2003 from IP address: 139.143.5.160
Make and model: Goodsmans GDB2
Features: OAD
Comments: For your information at the moment the Goodmans OAD is the only file to be downloaded during the week beginning 09/06/03. This means that the OAD should carry on from 10am on the morning of Monday the 9th until 9am on the following Monday, 16th June."
Plenty of time to get it
Submitted by: Goodmans ()
Received on: Wed Jun 4 12:32:08 2003 from IP address: 217.237.188.125
Make and model: Goodmans GDB2
Comments: In response to DR Feltman,
I have had a GDB2 since Christmas. With a small amount of research (i.e reading Digital Spy Forum and this forum) I have updated the firmware on the GDB2 several times (easy to do if you have any common sense!). The latest firmware has really improved the box. If anyone wants the latest update (even from V1.0.0) it is just a case of putting the box into standby on the 9th June. It has been mentioned several times on this forum already.
PS I also work as a designer in the electronics industry (and also have the boring qualifications). In my experience qualifications can be a handicap to common sense.
I have just purchased a Goodmans GDB2. It exhibited all of the faults described by other users here, such as switching itself off uncommanded, then not switch on again when commanded; text and control functions hardly ever work and then often only after 30 or more attempts, lock-up and general instability. I returned it to the store (Argos) and they replaced it. The next was the same, except also the buttons on the remote control stuck as well. The next and the next replacements were identical.
The Goodman's Helpline rings and rings and is never answered. All of these items sold by Argos have SW version 1.0.0. So beware; do not buy from Argos. They are still trying to dump their old stock on the unsuspecting public.
I am now returning the last replacement for a full refund. I have never seen such a load of rubbish! How they ever released this to the market like this I just cannot believe. It is completely unprofessional. The people who did this are real cowboys.
How the government believe they will be able to turn off the analogue transmissions with rubbish like this being sold apparently in all seriousness defies all credibility!
Submitted by: Dr. R. D. Feltham ()
Received on: Thu May 29 17:49:25 2003 from IP address: 81.7.57.80
Submitted by: M ()
Received on: Tue Jun 3 14:40:26 2003 from IP address: 213.123.250.133
Make and model: Nokia 221T vs Netgem iPlayer
Features: Which do you think is better? Nokia 221T or Netgem iPlayer
Comments: Before I bought my iPlayer I spent ages looking round trying out various different boxes and reading whatever I could about them (there weren't many reviews at that time, unfortunately). The Nokia and the iPlayer were the only ones in the running after about a day!
I tried them both out back-back in the shop and decided the extra dosh for the iPlayer (at the time) was well worth it - much easier to use, more features, easier to up-date etc. and although there were a few problems with it at first, they're sorted now. No questions asked, get the iPlayer, I say (make sure you up-date the software to the latest version when you get it home though, if it doesn't come with it from new!)
View thread
Submitted by: wurlycorner ()
Received on: Mon Jun 2 21:09:59 2003 from IP address: 213.228.44.224
Make and model: Labgear DDT100
Features: Auto Updates on Standby. RF loop through.
Comments: Good value at £79.50 from John Lewis at end of April. No problems at first, simple setup, excellent sound and picture and all available channels tuned in. From then on every time the unit was switched on from standby it locked up for one minute (green screen) reset and then worked fine. Labgear helpdesk told me the latest software would sort this but not available until the end of June. After three weeks the unit then required running the setup program every time it had reset (No channels found) Labgear helpdesk baffled. Returned the unit for full refund... Should have looked at this website first. Netgem i Player now looks the best bet!
Submitted by: Martin Huggett (martin.huggett@saint-gobain.com)
Received on: Mon Jun 2 09:31:55 2003 from IP address: 194.250.6.42
Make and model: Goodmans GDB2
Comments: To answer the question below the software update is still scheduled to broadcast on 7-10 June. Between these dates to get it go to menu, then configuration, then search for the software (sorry I can't more precise as this feature is a bit different in the software I am using), I think the box may also be able to auto-update overnight.
The new software is already available from http://gdb.freddys-utilities.co.uk/ but as please also look at then information in the GDB2 discussion thread on the http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ forums. The new (ver. 3) software is excellent: no crashes, all text channels e.g. free2play and interactive services such as Murder Game work correctly, text is fast, EPG works perfectly, BBC Parliament works, onscreen graphics are improved. It is easy to update the box yourself using a male-female serial cable (£5 from Maplin), I would recommend you do this before taking your box back to the shop.
Submitted by: ()
Received on: Fri May 30 16:23:22 2003 from IP address: 195.93.34.7
Make and model: Thomson DT1000
Features: twin scart, phono sockets, rf loop through
Comments: What can i say, it does exactly what it says on the tin.
Setup a piece of cake, one button does the lot!!!! Even my wife could do it.
Reception good, picture quality is as good as DVD. Moves through channels and menus smoothly and quickly.
Has a tendency to lock up occasionally, but its no big problem, just remove lead from back and put it back in or try the remote battery trick. For the price this is selling at its worth it!
Submitted by: Matt Robertson (mjicorobertson@hotmail.com)
Received on: Fri May 30 09:18:11 2003 from IP address: 212.240.148.90
Make and model: Netgem i-Player
Features: Nobody else currently offers such a quality product
Comments: I have no problems at all with the latest software, it seems very stable and bug free, and has countless features that other set top boxes lack - have you actually tried other set top boxes, especially the cheap ones - theyre riddled with bugs and what i'd consider to be major problems. At least Netgem have the decency to correct problems in a timely manner, thats more than I can say for most STB manufacurers who still havn't got it right.
Nobody else currently offers such a quality product, and a few quid more to have all those extra features and a top quality picture is worth it IMHO. Yes somone else could copy the box (Sony is reportedly going to be using the same IBM chip in new STBs), but it would take them a long time to get the software to the same level of features and relyability that netgem have.
Submitted by: cybersoga ()
Received on: Fri May 30 00:23:13 2003 from IP address: 81.56.117.241
Make and model: Goodmans GDB2
Features: Total instability and unpredictability
Comments: [I would mention first that I am an indentured Apprenticeship-served Electronic Engineer and am also formally qualified to PhD level in Electronic Engineering.]
I have just purchased a Goodmans GDB2. It exhibited all of the faults described by other users here, such as switching itself off uncommanded, then not switch on again when commanded; text and control functions hardly ever work and then often only after 30 or more attempts, lock-up and general instability. I returned it to the store (Argos) and they replaced it. The next was the same, except also the buttons on the remote control stuck as well. The next and the next replacements were identical.
The Goodman's Helpline rings and rings and is never answered. All of these items sold by Argos have SW version 1.0.0. So beware; do not buy from Argos. They are still trying to dump their old stock on the unsuspecting public.
I am now returning the last replacement for a full refund. I have never seen such a load of rubbish! How they ever released this to the market like this I just cannot believe. It is completely unprofessional. The people who did this are real cowboys.
How the government believe they will be able to turn off the analogue transmissions with rubbish like this being sold apparently in all seriousness defies all credibility!
Submitted by: Dr. R. D. Feltham ()
Received on: Thu May 29 17:49:25 2003 from IP address: 81.7.57.80
Make and model: goodmans gbd2
Features: not a lot
Comments: Well We are nearing june WILL WE GET OUR UPGRADE GOODMANS?? I issue you a public challenge! It would be oh so nice! to actually get the long awaited software, will I be proved right or wrong only time will tell, Frankly I doubt it!
Submitted by: Nigel Keating (nigeljkuk@yahoo.co.uk)
Received on: Thu May 29 15:43:06 2003 from IP address: 195.8.175.27
Make and model: GRUNDIG 1500
Features: IT WORKS
Comments: There are two different digital boxes in my house and this box is the best. No problems apart from the RC freezing up but this will get sorted out by the new firmware coming soon. The thing i want to know is how many empty channel slots are there. I have Ch14. and Ch15. but are these the only empty ones, what about the Ch24. to Ch29. or are these non-existant (Blank spaces). The Reason i asked is because its a right bummer if the only new channels will be in the empty channels not filling the non-existant channels.
Submitted by: PM5K (cyberjake5000@hotmail.com)
Received on: Wed May 28 00:25:35 2003 from IP address: 195.92.67.69
Make and model: Pace Twin
Features: Twin tuner, HDD-based PVR
Comments: I've only had the unit a couple of days but I'm *very* pleased with it. It replaces a Pioneer (ex ON Digital) box and so it's intersting to see the improvements in a 'next generation' unit. The UI is clear and easy and commands are carried out much quicker. The Pace Twin seems more sensitive than the Pioneer, and handles interruptions to the data stream much better. (i.e.no horrible noises just a split second loss of audio, and/or very brief pixellation.) If I was being very critical I'd say the video is slightly 'soft' compared with analogue, but then again there's no visible noise on the picture, no horrible dot crawl or any of the other 'delights' of analogue. Overall, great - and what's more SWBO approves. She's moaned for ages about the irritations of using a VCR and never being in the right place on the tape - or even having the right tape! - but she's taken to the Twin like a duck to water. Well done Pace.
Submitted by: Dr Rob (arm610@liverpool.ac.uk)
Received on: Tue May 27 11:59:55 2003 from IP address: 138.253.119.101
Make and model: ThomssonL1000
Comments: Not sure what to buy so went to Argos so I can take advantage of returns policy and cos they have the Thomson for £71.They said no refunds/returns on set top boxes! Several previous people (eg Andrew ) said they managed to return theirs. Intersted to hear about which dealers.
Anyone know of any recent reviews/comparison articles-Its v difficult to decide what to get.
Submitted by: John (janakasiri@hotmail.com)
Received on: Tue May 27 11:20:21 2003 from IP address: 158.94.164.31
Make and model: Pace Twin Digital Recorder
Features: 20 gb hard drive, twin skarts, two digital decoders (watch one chanel/record another), rf loopthrough, optical out etc
Comments: Grate box, I have been unable to fault the box since purchase, the only small problem is the remote is perhaps a little too long. Currently there is no digital text on it, but it is possible to update over the air to firmware which will work with digital text. Quality of recordings are grate, the hard drive is virtually silent (unless you put your ear to the box). UI similar to that of the TV adaptor from same manufacturer. Well worth the money.
Submitted by: Andrew Hodgson (andrew@nospam.hodgsonfamily.org)
Received on: Mon May 26 16:45:04 2003 from IP address: 195.166.147.102
Make and model: Netgem i-Player
Features: Nouveau Netgem Now Leaves Others Standing
Comments: The latest software and firmware update (4,2,2) is an amazing and profound leap forward in major directions - leaving the Netgem many streets ahead of all set box makers.
New:
Broadband facility
Your own ISP and email
Hookups for HD and other accessories now onboard
Freeze Picture
Improved EPG with larger writing and instant option boxes
Automatic and Manual Software Update options
Transparancy and background adjustments on menus
SPIF/5.1 switching
Favourites and channel numbering options
Options on picture in picture during now-next scrolling
Instant video timer and reminder icons
New channel identifiers and internet channel screens
Pay to view card options list
Customer feedback links and mention of new three year warranty if left connected.
All this and a host of other refinements make this French smoothie incomparably the best. The new firmware makes this seemingly faster than ever. You name a feature and the Netgem now has it.
The only losses appear to be a largely hidden internet channel list and fixed output levels on audio outputs (pity if you have amplified speakers - better if you connect to an amp).
For current owners, this is not just an update - it's an almost total revamp of most functions and is almost too good to be true.
http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/t/62764/ds.html
Submitted by: Alasn ()
Received on: Mon May 26 09:28:30 2003 from IP address: 212.234.203.198
Make and model: Goodmans/GDB2
Features: Five event timer
Comments: Although the set top box works well the only problem i find is that having a Philips television and a orian vcr, The GDB2 remote is also tends to operate the television and the vcr bit of a problem that has to be solved.
Submitted by: Mr A S Brown (allan.brown560)
Received on: Sun May 25 12:40:51 2003 from IP address: 62.254.0.40
Make and model: Thomson DT1000
Comments: Bought a Thomson DT1000 to replace Nokia and Philips Ondigital boxes. The Thomson will not display a program in widescreen unless originally made in the format. Most of Freeview is not. Went through every adjustment possible with no effect. Returned for a refund. Picked up a Panasonic CT20 as replacement and thought picture dire. Returned also for refund
Submitted by: GeoffA (g.andrews@tiscali.co.uk)
Received on: Sat May 24 23:19:32 2003 from IP address: 80.225.220.146
Make and model: PIONEER T210GB
Comments:Could anyone with the PIONEER T210GB please give me the ir(infared) code for a philips tv.i recently got one and it did not come with a separate sheet containing the ir codes but it says in the manual that there is a separate sheet to refer to,to get the codes and the pioneer web-site doesn't have the manuals anymore. please could you e-mail me at gavinski101@yahoo.co.uk Many Thanks
Submitted by: Gavin M (gavinski101@yahoo.co.uk)
Received on: Sat May 24 23:18:52 2003 from IP address: 195.92.168.176
Make and model: Goodmans GDB2
Features: Two scarts, v2.1.5 software, currently £63.99 from Argos
Comments: Just got this box and am very pleased with it. All working flawlessly for hours now without problems, installed all channels instantly. Goodmans have updated the software so all lock-ups reported elsewhere on this page have been cured. EPG updates well, box also handles the signal through our set-top aerial perfectly at 75% strength.
Another software update is due in early June that will fix all remaining (minor) problems. See the forums at digitalspy.co.uk for dates - it will only be broadcast for one weekend, although a manual update is possible too.
Hope this is good news for the disgruntled GDB2 owners - couldn't be happier with mine.
Submitted by: Ant (n.a)
Received on: Fri May 23 01:05:02 2003 from IP address: 81.86.80.186
Make and model: Pace DTR 730 (More on Pace range)
Comments: I have lost the handset setup code, can any one help. Very pleased with the box, good picture and easy to set up.
Submitted by: Andrew (teambutlers@fsmail.net)
Received on: Thu May 22 22:33:11 2003 from IP address: 195.92.168.171
Make and model: Thomson TDI 1500
Features: One Scart , RF loop through, scart lead,remote
Comments: Happy with box, works well with scart through a Thomson VCR to a Thomson TV no problems TV turns on when box is turned on. Also works well with JVC TV with poor set top aerial. However (yes there is one) with a 5-year-old Sony 22” vary bad flicker, change Aerial and Leads no better could be a fault with the Sony but its DVD and VCR work fine through the scart. Some freezing and mains reset is required but well worth the price £80 macro. area London w5, w7.
Submitted by: nickm (nickmaddison@hotmail.com)
Received on: Mon May 19 22:56:27 2003 from IP address: 62.64.217.246
Make and model: Panasonic TUCT20
Features: Digital and analogue signals?
Comments: I have been looking to get digital tv freeview for some time as I live in wales and can barely get the normal 4 channels (s4C and bbc wales are truly dreadful). My question really is about operability with the Panasonic TCT20.
I would like to be able to retain my analogue signals thru my arial whilst having digital thru the same arial. this is so that I can watch an analogue channel and record a digital based digital channel at the same time. This is important as I work long hours and often the family has different viewing tastes when I'm not at home. I have no interest in digital radio, audio or internet services and wish to keep my current internet setup untouched. I also at this time only want the free to air channels such as channel 5.
My TV has one SCART socket, one composite port and one RF port. I have a VCR - Sharp VC-MH711and a DVD Player. is it possible for me to keep my existing channels (and record them if required) whilst having digital channels (recordable if required) with my current setup?
Is it possible to have the following set up?
TUCT20 connected to SCART IN on the VCR - to enable digital channel recording via the VCR
Arial RF IN to the VCR - to enable analogue recording via the VCR
Arial RF OUT from the VCR to the Television - to enable analogue viewing on the television whilst retaining the capability to record a digital channel at the same time
SCART OUT from the VCR to Composite In on the Television - to enable the viewing of digital channels on the television whilst retaining the capability to record an analogue channel at the same time
SCART OUT from the DVD Player to SCART IN on the Television - to enable the viewing of DVDs
or have I got this completely wrong? Can I use the RF loopthru to do this instead? I'm afraid I'm a little technically in the daark on this one! Any help anyone could give me would be much appreciated.
Submitted by: Raj(chandr@coleggwent.ac.uk)
Received on: Sun May 18 15:48:25 2003 from IP address: 81.131.85.11
Make and model: Hauppauge DEC2000t
Features: Freeview standalone or PC controlled. mpeg2 recording.
Comments: Startup as standalone receiver is straightforward. Slow to respond to remote.
Very flaky installation of software. Updating s/w from Hauppauge web site means a laborious deinstallation, reboot, re-install, reboot. Dear oh dear. THis is 2003, XP.
Good user interface on screen, smooth playback even at fullscreen on Sony Viao 600MHz laptop. USB IS fast enough.. The key to smooth playing is stop all other applications, especially network. Plenty of diskspace. Also the manual tells all the control panel settings needed to improve playback.
Recording was straightforward. It produces a file whose name is the progarmme channel plus time of recording. Playback with WinDVD is good - indistinguishable from live stream as it should. But then it gets murky with these files. Quicktime with mpeg2 decoder on PC will not play them. PowerDVD will not play them. TMPGenc will not recognise them. Shipped the mpeg2 file over to G4 Titanium Mac. Cleaner 6 wil not read them, says header is wrong. Quicktime 6 plus mpeg2 plug-in plays them, wow, and more to the point, allows them to be saved as new mpeg2 file. Now Cleaner and TMPGenc will read this file. The manual says NOTHING about burning the files to DVD. Why do Hauppauge think we bought the damned thing?! Nero also complained about the files so I am sure they cannot be burnt straight to DVD. After the laborious Mac loop I think they probably will. But my Sony DVD+/-R/W doesnt arrive till next week so I cant tell. Stay in touch, I'll report back when Ive got my first DVD with a closest copy of the transmitted mpeg2 stream on disk.
Value for money? Haggle the price down to about £120 as I did and then you are paying about £20 or £30 extra for the PC part PLUS an mpeg2 recording facility. Compared to a visit to a London theatre or a footie match, that's not bad for a few nights entertainment (or frustration) and it does look as if this will produce (eventually) DVD compliant files.
It is slightly less ugly than the DEC1000 (ugh) and you probably wont want to hide it. It looks different and visotors will ask what it is.
I'll give it 4 stars out 5. It would be 4.5* at £100 and only 3* at £140 which some shops charge.
Submitted by: Robin(robin_ryder*hotmail.com)
Received on: Fri May 16 14:06:26 2003 from IP address: 194.36.2.72
Make and model: NetGem i-Player Interactive (More on Netgem)
Features: The box is now very attractive
Comments: Netgem have fixed all the bugs.
So the box is now very attractive compared with others and i'd say it was the best one to buy even if you'r not interested in surfing the net with it!
Netgem I-Player £129 with 4.2.2b4 firmware
----------------------
Pros:-
* Excellent picture quality, very sharp (tested via RGB scart)
* S-Video or RGB + Composite via Scart
* On screen text and graphics are anti-aliased (smooth)
* Surf the web broadband (USB ethernet adapter required) or dial up
* MHEG (digital text) is fast
* Second scart in/out with RGB passthrough
* Optical SPDIF output
* USB Socket can connect to many different devices
* Video Timers can start video recorder recording automaticly via scart pin 8.
* Firmware updatable over the internet
Cons:-
* None
Submitted by: cybersoga ()
Received on: Fri May 16 11:19:03 2003 from IP address: 212.234.203.198
Make and model: Grundig GT1500 (More on Grundig range)
Features: Amazing ability to crash and mute itself
Comments: Well this box has been a bit of a pain from the start. the RF loop through seems to make our analogue signal rather foggy (not sure if the box is interfering with it or not....). The most annoying traits are it's insistance on locking up and, more annoyingly, not outputting any sound - hence hours of silent films when recorded!!!! if any one else has experienced this or has a remedy to this problem i would love to hear about it.
Also, the timer program menu is annoying to say the least. you select the start time, but then have to put the duration of the programme in hours:minutes, resulting in some brief mental arithemtic - why not just have a finish time!!! Additionally, it then displays the duration of the programme in minutes on the timer list view; talk about inconsistent.
this box gives terrible signals (we are in a high signal strength area), but someone did suggest that because we have a very strong analogue signal it may be crossing over and corrupting the digital one, and the signal drop outs are all the more noticeable for the incredibly loud CLICK and POP and FRAZZZLE.
In summary, this piece of junk is for the chop this weekend and is being returned to Dixons from whence it came...
Submitted by: James Laidler (newsmonkey@gmx.co.uk)
Received on: Thu May 15 17:46:42 2003 from IP address: 213.122.45.1
Make and model: Panasonic TU-CT20
Comments: I took tthe plunge (finally) and got two of these boxes. No problems with the boxes overheating, just great sharp pictures. Sound is nice and clear as well. Only gripe is that they don't transmit the right "aspect" to my Widescreen TV - possibly due to the SCART supplied.
Submitted by: Gary Walker (defeat2002@hotmail.com)
Received on: Thu May 15 17:21:14 2003 from IP address: 62.189.101.227
Make and model: Netgem i-Player (More on Netgem)
Features: RF loop through picture quality
Comments: Having substituted the i-Player for my VCR utilising the existing cables,the RF loopthrough picture quality showed a severe degradation compared to that provided by the VCR.
Netgem advised that it is important to use the cables provided with the i-Player.
Having substituted the Netgem supplied aerial lead the problem appears to be eliminated.
The digital picture quality is superb,and a software update should be due shortly.
Submitted by: Terry Maurice ()
Received on: Thu May 15 16:19:01 2003 from IP address: 195.92.67.75
Make and model: Grundig GDT2000 (More on Grundig range)
Features: easy set up, two scart connections (TV and vid), parent lock etc
Comments: Initially impressed... Good reception even though we don't use an external or roof top aerial. Sometimes get interference but not too bad so far. However, have now experienced the freezes or locking up of the technology that other users have experienced. The remote control goes first, and you are unable to change any channel or even turn the box on/off from standby. You have to use the buttons on the actual receiver box itself, and then they stop working as well and you are unable to do anything. The remote control looks very cheap so we just thought it was that at first. This problem happens about twice a day and mostly when it hasn't been used for a couple of hours. Very interesting to read other peoples experiences. I can't believe STBs cost near on £100 when there are still so many technological glitches.
Submitted by: Dawn ()
Received on: Wed May 14 09:38:11 2003 from IP address: 195.92.67.209
Make and model: Hauppauge DEC2000t
Features: Set-top-box with USB PC connection
Comments: Absolutely terrible! I've just sold it on eBay after only 5 days with it. Locks up too often and can't even receive teletext or interactive channels when used as a stand alone unit (can on PC). Nice idea having a PC connection etc, but the software is terrible, requires a very fast PC (ideally with USB2) and is very slow to operate. Please avoid these Hauppauge products like the plague!!!! I'm off to buy a regular box (non-PC) - probably a Panasonic.
Submitted by: David ()
Received on: Tue May 13 20:32:48 2003 from IP address: 81.86.150.133
Make and model: Goodmans GBD2 (More on Goodmans range)
Comments: Hi, I have been reading this forum(s) and have found that alot of you have ot questions to give to goodmans!. There is a website ( actually its a forum ) where goodmans repsonds to the users questions, hes helped me alot!, and a new OAD ( Over the air download ) will be coming in 7-10 Jun 2003!. The address is : - www.digitalspy.co.uk and click on terristrial TV fourm and you can go down to Goodmans GBD2 Campain, whi9ch is 27 pages long as he has givem us 57 replys!
Submitted by: Thanh Nguyen (thanhnguyen@beeb.net)
Received on: Sun May 11 14:52:45 2003 from IP address: 81.131.57.50
Make and model: Goodmans GDB2
Comments: If i have no tv/av connection(i lost my original remote control,i am using 4 in 1) how do i tune digi-box into my t.v. its very frustrating,been trying all day,if anyone knows could you please email me at tracey@lydon6826.freeserve.co.uk. thankyou.
Submitted by: Tracey Lydon (tracey@lydon6826.freeserve.co.uk)
Received on: Sat May 10 16:15:19 2003 from IP address: 195.92.194.15
Make and model: Goodmans GDB2
Features: V2.1.5 F/Ware
Comments: The aeriels should not be a problem, except they are both located in the loft (there is no way they are going outside, particularly as my place is a 3 story town house).
Mine is a high gain aeriel (about 6ft long) as I altered it a while back to improve channel 5, and as it's from Crystal Palace I believe it is the same band (A) as the analogue was.
My Parents get a slightly better signal with their smaller aeriel, again supposedly the correct band (A).
Does anyone have an email address for Goodmans technical ? Don't think I have.
Peter.
Submitted by: PeterB ()
Received on: Fri May 9 08:45:18 2003 from IP address: 62.173.97.50
Make and model: Goodmans GDB2
Features: V2.1.5 F/Ware
Comments: Not quite.
Firstly, if the video is not in standby, the control signal between it and the GDB2 seems to lock the GDB2 in the mode it is in (either standby or on). The GDB2 absolutely refuses to respond to the hand control standby/on button whilst the video is on. The only way one can re-gain control the GDB2 is to Standby the video recorder first(Both video recorders tried are Toshiba models, one an mono version and the other a Nicam stereo model).
Secondly, the GDB2 switches on and off not only the TV output with the DTV/TV button on the hand control, but also the I/O to the VTR. So if one wants to watch a normal analogue channel on the TV, and record DTV from the GDB2 (as the manual says one can), one has to get the TV to display Analogue even with the GDB2 set to DTV to allow the recording. My Hitachi set is not capable of displaying Analogue TV whilst being fed a DTV into scart1, and using scart2 does then not auto-switch the TV from the GDB2 - A no-win situation. The GDB2 should do what the button says, switch the TV output without switching the audio/video scart at the same time.
Submitted by: PeterB ()
Received on: Thu May 8 13:23:20 2003 from IP address: 62.173.97.50
Make and model: Goodmans GDB2 (More on Goodmans range)
Comments: how the hell do u work this thing, i have no manual with it, do i need scart connection? i dont even get a menu screen when i search to install on my tv. can i download a manual anywhere?
Submitted by: rob (robjaguar222@aol.com)
Received on: Thu May 8 11:06:13 2003 from IP address: 195.93.48.9
Make and model: Goodmans GDB2
Comments: No, James, you can't. Not with GDB2 and not with most/all boxes.
Mat, you have had a few bad boxes - ours works fine now (apart from switching itself off occasionally).
PeterB, can you explain your problem more clearly? I think you are saying that the problem is that if you switch on the GDB2, it auto-switches channels on the TV to the GDB2 SCART input, if the GDB2 is in DTV mode. And if you switch on the video, it auto-switches channels on the TV to the video SCART input.
If I understand that correctly, then why are you blaming the GDB2? My videos only auto-switch the TV if you press "play" or programme them - not if the video is just sitting there switched on, minding its own business. UNLESS I have the videos set to VCR mode (using the TV/VCR button). But then that would be a mistake because there's no point using that VCR mode.
Tell me I'm misunderstanding and I'll reconsider!
Cheers
Mark.
Submitted by: Mark (MarkyMarkD@dsl.pipex.com)
Received on: Wed May 7 22:05:03 2003 from IP address: 81.86.146.176
Make and model: Goodmans GDB2
Features: V2.1.5 F/Ware
Comments: Just bought two Goodmans GDB2s, one for my Parents' and one for myself.
Overall they seem good (but I do find on both the signal strength only seems about 1/3 up the white bar, and signal quality about 2/3 up the green bar - is this correct ?).
BUT - GOODMANS TECHNICAL - PLEASE READ
There are two bad bugs:
1/ When connected to the video recorder, it is not possible to switch in and out of standby. So if one's video is on (not standby) and the GDB2 in standby, one cannot use the terrestrial until one standbys the video - ridiculous. Also if the GDB2 is on, one cannot standby it unless one puts the video into standby first. --- This is completely confusing my Parents who are around 80, even I find it aggrivating, originally thinking the box kept locking up.
2/ When one pushes the TV/DTV button it turns off the output to the video recorder aswell as to the TV. I therefore cannot record terrestrial and watch analogue (my Hitachi TV decides to take the syncs from the scart even when overriden to an analogue channel if the GDB2 is set to DTV, and the VCR has nothing fed to it if I select TV). The GDB2 should really only switch it's TV output on and off with the TV/DTV button, and leave the signals on to (or from) the video.
Submitted by: PeterB (sdcpuk@yahoo.com)
Received on: Wed May 7 13:28:42 2003 from IP address: 62.173.97.50
Make and model: Goodmans GDB2
Comments: Recently bought this box, what a mistake. Came with v2.1.5 and locked up every 10 minutes. I returned it (presuming it was faulty?!!) and the replacement now locks up every 2 minutes and only a reset fixes it. It has almost gone through the window a few times. Don't waste your time buying this. The support from Goodmans is a joke too.
Submitted by: Mat ()
Received on: Wed May 7 11:31:22 2003 from IP address: 172.185.167.35
Make and model: Nokia Mediamaster DVB9850T (More on Nokia range)
Features: Original onDigital box
Comments: Probably the worst product that Nokia have ever made, probably because of the flakey software supplied by onDigital. Crashes regularly, especially when trying to access text pages. Slow to respond to the remote.
Remote is uncomfortable to hold and has no Subtitles button as my Philips STB remote has.
Submitted by: Phil Rogers ()
Received on: Tue May 6 22:00:31 2003 from IP address: 81.5.166.183
Make and model: Philips DTX6370
Features: Original onDigital box
Comments: Have had this box since the days of onDigital. Generally works very well, but is sometimes slow to respond to the remote. Crashes occasionally - perhaps once every couple of months. the software in the onDigital boxes was provided by onDigital and the box manufacturers had to make their hardware work with it.
As I understand it, most of the problems with these boxes are due to the flakey software. Pity we can't get upgrades for them.
Submitted by: Phil (phil@dryicecomputing.com)
Received on: Tue May 6 21:56:24 2003 from IP address: 81.5.166.183
Make and model: Nokia 221T (More on Nokia range)
Comments: I too am experiencing lock-up problems with this product.
Examples of lockups:
1) used remote control to put decoder into standy mode, the decoder then refused to come out of standy. Had to cycle power.
2) some channels only showed for a minute or so then dissapeared. Re-appeared only by choosing the channel again via the navi bar.
3) lockup can occur when increasing adjusting volume using remote control. Seems to occur on some channels only.
I gather from reading other comments that the decoder is sensitive to internal temperature. If this is true then shame on Nokia. (One key engineering activity when designing a product is thermal management.) The Nokia 221T SHOULD be capable of operating ok at all typical room temperature, in winter and summer.
If the lock-up problem is with poor signal strength on one or any of the six tranmsitted multiplexers then the Nokia box should report something like " problem with reception on channel ..." rather than just sit there. Having said all this and on balance, I'll probably keep it. Good quality sound and the in/out video AUX SCART socket is useful for connecting the Video player (note only need two SCART cables).
Anthony.
Submitted by: Anthony ()
Received on: Tue May 6 14:27:13 2003 from IP address: 144.32.41.13
Make and model: Goodmans GDB2 (More on Goodmans range)
Comments: The GDB2 OAD update is due between 7th and 10th June (nt the first of may). The new software will probably be obtained before that date but you will need a PC and a 9 pin RS232 extension. Further details will be released on the Digital Spy Forum (Goodmans GDB2 Update Campaign Thread)
Submitted by: MArtin ()
Received on: Mon May 5 15:48:25 2003 from IP address: 213.123.250.133
Make and model: Sony VTX-D500U
Comments: Hi can any one help.
I picked up one of these great boxes from Makro. I am really pleased with it I have it linked via an optical cable to a Sony amp, and the sound is brilliant.
The only problem is that none of the interactive features work on the box. Is there any way to correct this? I have been told it is down to the manufactures settings in the box, but these can not be changed without what I assume is an engineers Smart Card.
Can anyone help
Submitted by: Andy Macfarlane (email@andymacfarlane.co.uk)
Received on: Sun May 4 15:18:17 2003 from IP address: 81.96.19.161
Make and model: Grundig GDT 1500
Features: Software Updates
Comments: Support for their Freeview boxes must be problematic,especially since I understand Grundig sold their U.K. set top box manufacturing facility to Thomson.
The performance of Thomson's box is superior to that of Grundig's,according to a recent comparative test of most of the available boxes.
Submitted by: Terry Maurice ()
Received on: Sat May 3 23:01:38 2003 from IP address: 195.92.67.209
Make and model: Grundig GDT1500 (More on Grundig range)
Comments: Considering purchasing this model. However I understand that Grundig are in Administration.Many Grundig products are currently being sold reduced at major outlets. Will this affect this box receiving future downloads, new channels etc ?
Submitted by: David (davidrowe@coulston65.freeserve.co.uk)
Received on: Sat May 3 14:59:09 2003 from IP address: 195.92.67.65
Make and model: goodmans GDB2
Features: MACRO £71 INCL VAT
Comments: I BOUGHT THE BOX FROM MACRO £71 VERY CHEAP WORKS A TREAT BUT SEE WHAT YOU ALL MEAN ABOUT THE REMOTE BUT NOT A BIG PROBLEM READ ALL THE COMMENTS ABOUT THE SOFTWARE BUT MINE HAS THE NEW 2.1.5V ON IT BUT HAVE JUST LOST THE SOUND TO CBEEBIES CHANNEL PHONED GOODMANS AND GOT THROUGH QUITE QUICK 15MIS AND WAS TOLD TO PRESS THE RESET BUTTON ON THE BACK AND FIRST TIME INSTALL AGAIN.HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM.AND HOW DO I FIND OUT WHEN THEY SEND NEWS SOFTWARE THROUGH
Submitted by: GARY (biggaza1@yahoo.co.uk)
Received on: Thu May 1 11:51:44 2003 from IP address: 192.18.1.9
Make and model: Daewoo DS608P
Comments: Bought two of these, both to work with an indoor aerial in the CF5 (Cardiff) area, Upstairs one which has the April software is perfect, but downstairs whic has the December software does lock up, pixellates and has green screens occasionally. Also the remote on/off locks up sometimes. Not another update until 19th May so will wait to see if there is an improvement, Brilliant picture otherwise and now have Sky Sports News. I was with ntl before but getting too expensive.
Submitted by: Ed Salamon (ed.salamon@ntlworld.com)
Received on: Wed Apr 30 19:36:00 2003 from IP address: 62.252.32.6
Make and model: panasonic tuct-20
Comments: Good display and no problems with freezing. Am buying another for a relative - has anyone seen it less than £99?
Only problem seems to be an on screen message nearly every day to say that a new channel has been detected, but when I go through process for auto-update, I don't have anything new added. Any ideas?
Submitted by: K Warren (kennywarren@blue yonder.co.uk)
Received on: Mon Apr 28 18:16:16 2003 from IP address: 80.194.140.147
Make and model: hauppauge 1000t
Comments: After help from a very nice man at QVC who did his best, he suggested that I should try and get hold of their(hauppauges) help line and check that it would send analogue and digital through the loopthrough, I had tried two emails but they only responded after the second, ironically after I had rang them-probably a coincidence
the box suggested it would the manual made no mention, and he confirmed you have to split the feed before it goes through the box, so sadly back it went, apart from low sound was very happy with it.
Submitted by: jocose ()
Received on: Mon Apr 28 15:48:26 2003 from IP address: 62.30.24.222
Make and model: Netgem i-Player
Features: Picture/Sound quality;Software updates
Comments: Despite official advices that we are not in a reception area,I have just purchased the Netgem i-Player. Set-up was easy,and fast,and all available channels have been received. The picture,and sound quality is excellent- even on the ITV,and Channel 5,stations. I agree with Someone's comments that the RF loop through seriously degrades the analogue picture quality. Netgem assure me that the software upgrades will take place this week,and that the problems with RF loop through picture quality,and absence of a timer facility will be rectified.Time will tell! It is early days with the Netgem,but so far I am very impressed with the quality of the results,and also with the customer advice line.
In passing,the promotion from John Lewis no longer appears to be available.In fact they deny all knowledge of it having existed.So Someone,you were very lucky.
Submitted by: Terry Maurice ()
Received on: Mon Apr 28 13:21:29 2003 from IP address: 195.92.67.65
Make and model: Daewoo Setpal DS608P
Features: setpal, autotune, screen saver, easy to use, full easy to follow manual.
Comments: Got the box few months ago from T.J. Hughes £79.00, setup ok, picked up all channels from the winter hill transmiter, good strong signal from my large aerial on roof. worked ok for few weeks, then started to get pixelisation & sound loss etc, checked all conections and found all to be ok, tested other 6 different digiboxes i had, all worked ok, the auto update did not fix the problem, as the weeks went on, it got worst, contacted daewoo who said may have fault in box. took it back and got a replacement. set it up ok, auto updated ok, found i had to tune RF 4x to find clear channel, unlike first box! which found the channel first time, then tested the scart worked ok, in all 4 scart sockets on tv, picture and sound good, not a good screen saver, can not turn channels line up off, selection from menu unlike other boxes unless you restart box, also no volume control on remote this is a let down.
good points: easy to use, easy to set up about 2-3mins, auto update, tells you if new channels are coming on, easy to use remote, all cables with it, easy to follow handbook, easy to follow menu system, screen saver on music or non moving tv channels, good sound via RF, better via Scart, same with picture.
bad points: no volume control on remote, no channel line up changer in menu, one scart socket.
Great for persons who are not tech minded and, want easy use, would recommend it to anyone.
Submitted by: gordon (gordonmarchant@netscape.net)
Received on: Sun Apr 27 16:14:44 2003 from IP address: 217.44.27.180
Make and model: GOODMANS GDB2
Features: NONE ( BECAUSE IT DOES NOT WORK)
Comments: I Bought a Goodmans GDB2 from macro today it took me only 2 minutes to set up.
Only to find it would not come off standby, i went throu all the technical hazzle after 1 hour to find it was nothing but faulty. My request to any one who is thinking about purchasing one of these useless items is basically dont waste your time. I can honestly say i will never again purchase any goodmans products. P.S THANK YOU GOODMANS FOR NOTHING!
Submitted by: bal (bal.kandola1@btinternet.com)
Received on: Fri Apr 25 20:04:44 2003 from IP address: 81.135.103.204
Make and model: Netgem i-Player
Features: Lack of timer and USB support
Comments: Yeah, but the date keeps slipping - from March (if not earlier) to May so far. Some users have been waiting on this software update since the end of last year, as features that were advertised as being there at launch (USB support for ADSL, ethernet, etc.) still aren't. See the thread at http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/t/47189/ds.html
However, I have managed to get a better analogue picture now - and ITV and ITV2 have reappeared. So *if* this software update does appear, I'll be completely satisfied.
Submitted by: Someone (somebody@somewhere)
Received on: Fri Apr 25 15:12:47 2003 from IP address: 81.86.191.187
Make and model: Netgem i-Player
Features: lack of Timer
Comments: Re Someone's comments of 22/04/03. I have contacted Netgem who have advised that a software update,to be released in about 2 weeks,will contain a Timer facility.
Submitted by: Terry Maurice ()
Received on: Fri Apr 25 13:16:23 2003 from IP address: 195.92.67.66
Make and model: GDB2
Features: GDB2 v Panasonic
Comments: I think you need to decide what's more important to you:-
2 Scarts (GDB2) which mean you can fully scart your video as well as your TV (provided your video has two scarts)
OR
Modulated output through coaxial cable (Panasonic), which you'll need if you ever want to use the box with a no-scart TV in the future.
Very few boxes (just Nokia, Grundig and Netgem, so far as I know) offer both.
I bought the GDB2 3 weeks ago, having looked at several boxes in John Lewis, and wouldn't swap it for any of the others despite its occasional sulks (which should be resolved in the forthcoming software update anyway.
In my opinion, the Panasonic box itself looks nice, but the remote is extremely small and fiddly and personally I'm not keen on the appearance of its menus etc.
And on top of all this, the Goodmans box is cheaper!
Submitted by: Barb (barbara@polydorou.plus.com)
Received on: Thu Apr 24 13:33:15 2003 from IP address: 62.173.115.130
Make and model: Goodmans GDB2
Comments: I'm looking at getting a couple of STBs this weekend. I'm looking at the Goodmans GDB" and Panasonic TUCT20. Can any one advise on what one is best - I'm concerned about the heat generated by the Panasonic - has anyone had any experience of this (or otherwise)?
Submitted by: Gary Walker (defeat2002@hotmail.com)
Received on: Thu Apr 24 13:12:57 2003 from IP address: 62.189.101.227
Make and model: Goodmans GD2
Comments: Unfortunately before I could get round to upgrading the OS from v1.0.0 (bought from John Lewis) it stopped working completely. Just sat there on standby ignoring the remote control. I'm going to wait a few months and see how the GDB3 turns out I think.
Submitted by: Stew (Stochasticus@hotmail.com)
Received on: Wed Apr 23 17:21:50 2003 from IP address: 129.215.34.86
Make and model: Goodmans GBD2
Comments: I too have bought this box - the GBD2; I had one from John Lewis with the v1.0.0 software installed. I was experiencing ALL of the symptons mentioned here by other users - the EPG showing incorrect now + next, the intermittant power-offs, fast channel hopping lock-ups etc etc... After reading the really useful information provided on this site and the Digital Spy discussion forum I downloaded the GBD2 v2.1.5 software and then uploaded it onto my GBD2 box via the RS232 port.
I FULLY RECOMMEND UPGRADING THIS VERSION !! :0) ALL OF THE ABOVE BUGS HAVE DISAPPEARED! Totally happy with my purchase now ;o).......good luck....
Submitted by: Bertieslk ()
Received on: Wed Apr 23 16:37:53 2003 from IP address: 217.40.234.2
Make and model: Netgem i-Player
Features: 2 SCARTs, RF loop, digital & analogue audio, internet access, USB
Comments: Very, very unhappy. No timer. OK I should have checked, but for a box at this price not to include a timer is unbelievable... no, make that criminal. RF loop massively degrades analogue picture quality too. Also lost ITV1 and ITV2 signals after originally finding them (though that could be ITV's problem). It's probably going back to the shop...
Should have got a Thomson (tried my parents' one which worked fine on my aerial - including ITV1 and ITV2).
Submitted by: Someone (somebody@somewhere)
Received on: Tue Apr 22 14:05:16 2003 from IP address: 81.86.191.187
Make and model: Sony On Digital
Features: ...Needs a can of heiniken
Comments: Please can somebody help me out.I have been using a Ex Ondigital Sony DVB reciever for a while now..While watching over 1/2 an hour of TV the lip sync seams to go out. The longer the unit is left the worse the problem gets. I think the box is great especially the sound but it drives me mad when I have to change the channel up and the down to re-align the sync. Any suggestions.!!please help me by emailing me if there is a fix...thanks!
Submitted by: James Baker (jamesbaker470@msn.com)
Received on: Mon Apr 21 23:01:44 2003 from IP address: 80.40.36.1
Make and model: DAEWOO DS608P
Features: SETPAL tuning, Single SCART and RF feed-through re-modulator
Comments: Excellent box, and good value at £80 Currys/Dixons. I'm in S.E. Northumberland and Channel 5 is naff without a large external antenna and a good rf booster. This sorts the problem and provides all the other Freeview channels as well for about the same cost as the antenna I would have needed to get analogue channel five. Tuning is a piece of cake with the fully automated SETPAL and good instruction book. Crisp, punchy picture quality and fast response.
As widely reported on this page, out of the box the decoder is loaded with December 2002 software and does give unreliable performance. (Check version by pressing 'Status' then 'Info' on remote). Problems I experienced were spontaneous dropping of channel causing picture freeze and pixelation or green-screen, then no response to remote. Otherwise the box would insist on rescanning all channels at initial turn on before it would fly. Some of these events coincided with other electrical activity in the house, like central heating switching on/off or the refrigerator causing mains glitches.
However all problems were sorted when the box downloaded updated software dated March 2003. All functions are now totally reliable and bug-free so far as I can tell. The software downloads only appear to be transmitted at the weekend (Saturday I think) do don't panic if your box does not find new software the first time you switch it on - it will eventually, you need take no action yourself. Stick with it - this box knocks the spots off most others in this entry level price and Daewoo customer service are quite helpful as well, something you don't see very often these days.
Submitted by: M Newton ()
Received on: Mon Apr 21 18:46:51 2003 from IP address: 80.40.66.12
Make and model: Aver DVB-T PCI Card
Features: Digital Terrestrial Receiver PCI Card
Comments: This may be of interest to readers here. Maplins currently have an introductory offer saving £20 on a new Aver PC TV card similar to the Hauppauge Win TV Nova-t.
For £79.99 you get the following:
Aver DVB-T Digital Terrestrial Receiver PCI Card -
· Watch digital terrestrial TV and listen to digital radio on your PC!
· Fully Resizeable TV (Up to Full Screen)
· Auto channel scan and name recognition
· 16 Channel Preview
· Digital VCR(PVR)
· Time Shift allows you to continue from where you pause the live show
· Record/ playback live TV programs and video
· Record video in MPEG 2
· Schedule recording
· Additional AV/S Input, connect other video sources (DVD/VCD/VHS/Camcorder)
· MP3 Radio Recording Function
· Single and multiple still image capture
· Supports Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP
· Fully Functional Infrared Remote Control
For info go to: www.maplin.co.uk/
With economical price, you can enjoy the same functions as Set-Top-Box. In addition, you can even do what STB can't do：
video capture (DVD/VCD/VHS); time-shifting; recording and so on.
The AVerTV DVB-T also includes a fully featured Infrared Remote Control that lets you access every feature with a simple press of a button
Submitted by: John (jhdalton@lineone.net)
Received on: Mon Apr 21 18:01:11 2003 from IP address: 80.4.79.22
Make and model: Daewoo Setpal DS608P
Comments: After favourable comments here, bought one from T J Hughes for £79 and have had the box a few weeks now. Generally easy to set-up but as I was splitting my signal to a PC I was not getting full aerial strength and only 30 channels.
So I re-arranged the system with a 2gang Maxview aerial amplifier (£10 from a local TV specialist so half the price of a similar one from Currys) and a couple of new aerial leads costing a £3. It is set up with a splitter from the aerial feed taking a feed straight to the box, which is then connected to the TV (or video) by scart. The aerial input to the TV via video remains unchanged (coming from the other splitter feed).
Now get 45 channels in an area not supposed to be able to receive Freeview (surprising as I live in the centre of England near Coventry). Have had no problems with lock-up, green screening, need to reset, interference from other remotes/appliances etc. And I appreciate the ability to resize my picture to suit my wisescreen set.
My neighbours were so impressed that they bought one too and that was set up in-line and got all channels out of the box (its why I rejigged my system). The only problem they had was forgetting to keep the box switched on when using the VCR when out of the house.
Also tried the box at my parents near Manchester in an area with poor C5 reception. Again it worked fine giving a full complement of channels and overcoming the poor C5 reception problem.
Submitted by: John (jhdalton@lineone.net)
Received on: Mon Apr 21 17:46:49 2003 from IP address: 80.4.79.22
Make and model: PACE DTVA
Comments: THIS MODEL WAS OK WHILE WORKING WITH A QUITE OLD FERGUSON TV.
HOWEVER WHEN I GOT A NEW SONY WIDE SCREEN TV I FOUND I COULD NOT ADJUST THE COLOUR ON THE TV, NO MATTER WHAT I DID THE COLOUR REMAINED THE SAME(I LIKE THE COLOUR TURNED DOWN A BIT).
I HAVE NOW DISCONNECTED IT.
Submitted by: brian jones (broyaluk_aol.com)
Received on: Mon Apr 21 13:59:34 2003 from IP address: 172.189.149.13
Make and model: hauppauge 1000t
Comments: Have this box from QVC, all features seem good, like the remote, has crashed on ceefax once after trying to go too fast, but after that everything ok, only problem seems to be I cant swap between analogue and digital, on the channels 1-5 for analogue just blank black screen, told could be conflict with cable box so remove it, still same problem, any ideas? am seriously thinking of having to return as we want to be able to use both analogue and digital.Can you usually get both on these boxes? I thought you could but am I mistaken? Any advice appreciated
Submitted by: jocose ()
Received on: Sun Apr 20 17:15:32 2003 from IP address: 213.48.235.62
Make and model: DAEWOO DS608P
Features: Query
Comments: My Friend has just purchased a DS608P STB. It works perfect on his Television & installed very well.
However I am also considering buying one, so he tried it on my TV (Hitachi C2558TN).
It scanned in lovely 46 channels & there was good reception stats from the set from the Crystal Palace transmitter.
But when we tried watching a channel we got no sound or picture. My Friend had downloaded the latest download.
We tried with different cables to no avail. The TV has only one scart socket & the AV kicked in ok.
Initially BBC 1 worked but then a red message appeared warning a poor signal was being received when we know the Stats are ok.
Any ideas please ?
(Tonypayne1234@hotmail.com)
Submitted by: Tony Payne (Tonypayne1234@hotmail.com)
Received on: Sun Apr 20 11:33:31 2003 from IP address: 195.92.168.165
Make and model: Goodmans GBD2
Comments: I got mine from Makro for £71.00 including VAT. If you know some one with a Makro card it's hard to beat.
Submitted by: PeteH (PeteHeyes@AOL.co.uk)
Received on: Sun Apr 20 04:05:42 2003 from IP address: 62.60.13.247
Make and model: Pace (More on Pace range)
Comments: I have installed this for my father at a PO7 location. He has had an upgraded arial (installed last year) but we cannot recieve any ITV channels - he especially wants ITV2 for the Tour de France in July. I have also got hom a sattelite dish (no subscription) and he is unable to get ITV2 on this although he does recieve lots of other channels. Any ideas would be helpful. I would also like to know if anyone has any idea how to get Engilsh standard programmes ITV1, BBC1. in France and how much etc. My mother had a house in Brittany which we visit twice a year so we don't want to pay out too much. Help would be appreciated. Ginette
Submitted by: Ginette (ginette@onetel.net.uk)
Received on: Sun Apr 20 00:55:54 2003 from IP address: 212.67.97.79
Make and model: Goodmans GDB2
Comments: Purchased 5 months ago. Good picture. Good sound. All the usual problems as experienced by other users. Strangely the picture on RGB setting is inferior to CVBS even though my TV is a new model Panasonic.
Submitted by: D.Fletcher (douglas@fulltilt.fsnet.co.uk)
Received on: Wed Apr 16 11:32:19 2003 from IP address: 195.92.67.208
Make and model: Netgem's i-player
Features: A useful device with loads of potential.
Comments: Netgem's i-player is a DTTV adaptor with a twist. As well as giving you all Freeview's TV channels it provides access to the net and email, making it a real all-rounder. This extra functionality is reflected in the price - £20-40 higher than most Freeview receivers.
On the side of the unit is a USB port for connection to USB devices and PCs – though this requires further software and drivers, which aren't yet available. Other connections include two Scart sockets, an optical digital audio out and an analogue stereo out.
The i-Player is configured quickly and easily. It makes a local-rate phone call, which downloads the logos for the EPG and details of interactive servics, then it auto tune all the channels. Internet sites are also listed as channels.
This gizmo is a superb performer. Web browsing is a cinch, though slower than on a PC. DTV pictures and sound are very strong, and the power under the bonnet ensures that interactive services are speedily accessed.
A useful device with loads of potential.
OVERALL *****
What Video Widescreen Entertainment, April 2003
Submitted by: What Video Widescreen Entertainment ()
Received on: Wed Apr 16 10:09:08 2003 from IP address: 212.234.203.198
Make and model: Pioneer DBR210GBS
Features: It is totally reliable and trouble free, unlike many other STBs - see below
Comments: Over the years I have run the following STBs
Pioneer DBR210GBS ( 2 still in use ) - Overall the best of the old ITV boxes, quick and stable and judging by the comments on your web site, more than a match for many of the new boxes- but also see below on the Sony model.
Pace - Ok 'middle of the road' performance - until it broke down !!!
Nokia - Pretty poor in every respect.
Philips - Not bad picture or sound quality, but slow and poor tuner sensitivity - needed more signal than the others to stop picture freezing -
had to use an aerial amplifier, which none of the other STBs have required.
Sony - Very stable and good sound/picture quality - BUT no text/interactive capability (1 still in use)
Like others on your web site, I find that overall the Pioneer is one of the best of either the old ITV or new boxes, but the Sony is just as quick, stable and has superior sound quality, but with no text or interactive facilities.
As the Sony has no text or interactive facilities and because of its superior sound quality, I use this mainly as a
Radio Tuner plugged straight into the Hi Fi - although I sometimes use it to record a digital channel to VCR, if this
clashes with the other digital channel that I want to watch on the lounge TV (via my Pioneer box) at the same time.
The other Pioneer box is used in the bedroom - also totally trouble free!
In view of the above, I have not considered buying a new Freeview box yet, as my Pioneers/Sony are working fine and unlike many of the newer STBs
at least these are stable and have 2 scarts and full timer facilities for use with a VCR - I cannot understand this omission on some of the new STBs,
- surely as the number of channels increases there is more need to do time shifting recording!!!
Submitted by: Trevor Williams (trevor.h.williams@btinternet.com)
Received on: Tue Apr 15 17:01:41 2003 from IP address: 62.3.68.120
Make and model: Goodmans GDB2
Features: 2xScart , Digital text, Widescreen
Comments: This is a good value box (£79.99 argos). There are problems with the now/next programme guide and when you change channels the box can just blank, a software update is due to be transmitted this month (april) which may fix these problems.
But day-to-day for 4 months I'm very pleased. Excellent picture quality, saw 'the conversation' on bbc4 on sunday night, brilliant film. 3 24hr news channels has been a bonus during the last few weeks.
Submitted by: James Gallagher (iceblink1@hotmail.com)
Received on: Tue Apr 15 16:14:26 2003 from IP address: 195.92.67.70
Make and model: Grundig GDT1000
Features: 2 scart RF loopthrough
Comments: I bought it for Dad who living in Lee-on-Solent couldnt get Channel 5 on analogue.
Working well, with RF loopback into VCR can record analogue channels with videoplus,(still not channel 5) record digital from AV. 43 channels very clear since installing loft aeriel (from Argus £39-99) As shipped didnt work well, then downloaded (painfully) software update and tuned itself to the new aeriel. Beautiful.
Only problem is need to reload services weekly/fortnightly.
Will get one for myself now.
Submitted by: Teri ()
Received on: Tue Apr 15 00:39:22 2003 from IP address: 213.48.202.105
Make and model: goodmans GDB2
Comments: hi there, just about to buy a goodmans gdb2 , how good are they, looking at the comments, i'm not really sure about buying now, what's the programs like, ? any good ? i live in the sunderland area, tyne & wear, any comments, thanks julie
Submitted by: julie newport (julie.newport@ntlworld.com)
Received on: Mon Apr 14 19:16:08 2003 from IP address: 62.254.64.6
Make and model: GRUNDIG GDT 1500T (More on Grundig range)
Features: Quite Good
Comments: I have bought this box about christmas time and hasn't been much of a problem. The think i want to know is, is there anyway of getting other channels (Apart from the usual 30). Is there anyway of 'Unlocking' frequencies to receive more. "External circuits are also welcome (Need the Scheme though)"
Submitted by: PM5K (cyberjake5000@hotmail.com)
Received on: Mon Apr 14 18:38:19 2003 from IP address: 195.92.67.209
Make and model: Goodmans GDB2
Features: One scart, no RF out (loop through video) power downs, crashes, does not store all channels even with an upgrade aerial.
Comments: Just about to return my second box back to Index (first box would not detect upgrade aerial).Beware buying from catalogue stores as their models are sometimes way out of date with their software. Both my boxes had software version 1.0.0 which considering Goodmans have highlighted a problem with their 2.1.5 software and are about (May) to do a 95% upgrade what chance have us mere mortals with an original software of 1.0.0. Beware box also gets hot if you do not give it enough room to breath!
Happy hunting.
Submitted by: Jeff Cave (jacave@globalnet.co.uk)
Received on: Mon Apr 14 09:00:37 2003 from IP address: 80.189.24.144
Make and model: sony vtx-d500u
Features: on the blink
Comments: I now have a similar story to James Dean note(April 6th). The Sony worked fine for about 4 months but has ow developed a worrying "freezing" syndrome. No response to remote/stb controls. If the unit is turned off, and on again after about 15 minutes, it might work, for another 10 minutes or so. Is something going on out there in the ether ?
Submitted by: kevinD (Kevduggan@lineone.net)
Received on: Sat Apr 12 21:32:42 2003 from IP address: 80.40.93.11
Make and model: Thompson DTI1000
Features: Twin Scart, can switch on VCR with TV link (pin 8) enabled
Comments: How often are software downloads broadcast? My box is at version 1.5.
Submitted by: Mike Sapsard (msapsard@nldram.co.uk)
Received on: Sat Apr 12 11:47:02 2003 from IP address: 81.6.247.1
Make and model: Grundig GDT1500
Features: No ITV or C4 services from SO45
Comments: Bought this box from Dixons for £79.99 and was pleased with all the additional services and functions however although I can receive 46 channels there are no ITV or C4 services at all (missing all 6). Was told to keep selecting add new services button but nothing. When I selected replace exisiting channels the 6 missing ones appeared but were really bad quality. Why is this since I can receive all other services fine? Does it mean I need an aerial upgrade just to get ITV and C4 services. Any help would be appreciated.
Submitted by: Paul ()
Received on: Thu Apr 10 12:42:49 2003 from IP address: 81.135.121.95
Make and model: Pioneer DBR-T210GB
Features: Loads
Comments: I bought my Pioneer box second-hand on e-bay, and although I didn't get the scart and Rf lead it seems pretty good. Intially it wouldn't pick up ITV based stations, and Ch5 was ok sometimes and broken others, so I bought a new wide-band aerial and now I can get every channel 'loud and clear' I am quite impressed by it, and the remote has some control over my Panasonic Vcr and my Sony TV.
I definitly recommend a set, like this, that has 2 scart sockets.
Submitted by: Malcolm Derrick (mjderrick@ntlworld.com)
Received on: Tue Apr 8 17:02:27 2003 from IP address: 62.253.128.6
Make and model: Goodmans GDB2
Comments: All the people who are having trouble iwith their GDB boxes should take a look at the following thread on the Digital Spy forum: http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/t/53291/ds.html As some people have pointed out new boxes now feature the v.2.1.5 software which is much more stable than v.1.0.0 software. It is possible to download the update to your PC and load it with an RS232 cable onto the box. Having done this myself I am much more satisfied with the box (no more random turning itself off :¬)) ). The update is available at http://www.marksmith.dsl.pipex.com/receivers/gdb2.html and http://gdb.freddys-utilities.co.uk/, but please, please, please read the digitalspy thread first, (there is also looks of other info on here about software updates to Goodmans boxes if you can't or you don't want to do the software update yourself).
Submitted by: Kew ()
Received on: Mon Apr 7 21:48:22 2003 from IP address: 195.93.48.9
Make and model: Nokia MediaMaster 9850T (onDigital) (More on Nokia range)
Comments: Superb box with which i've had little problems. Never crashes (as some have reported), and the software seems to work fine. It is a little slugish to respond to button presses from the remote, and the buttons on the box itself seem not to work!?
Also it doesn't work with Teletext or NTL Text, but seems to work fine with BBCi Text. With Teletext and NTL Text the images are missing and it often stops responding requiring a channel change to 'unstick' it.
But apart from that its a good little runner :)
Submitted by: Mike (webmaster@pandasurf.com)
Received on: Mon Apr 7 04:46:24 2003 from IP address: 80.1.5.56
Make and model: Goodmans gbd2
Features: Sound no Pictures!
Comments: I now joined the club :(
Bought this box in February. It worked great with the usual lockups now and then, until 2 days where I could get nothing but the sound. All the screen goes black with random green flicking square here and there.I unplugged everything left it for half an hour and it was back to normal. But tonight, it would not budge!!!! How sad! I changed the Scart cable to no avail. I change channels to only get their sound. I am back to my the basic 5 channels thru my TV. So much for the Freeview. real aggro, that is. ditto for the customer service. - the typical essex boy message as highlighted by someone else.
Submitted by: James Dean (Jamesd@aol.com)
Received on: Sun Apr 6 22:25:25 2003 from IP address: 81.77.123.42
Make and model: Panasonic TU-CT20
Features: Problems seem to be associated with inadequate cooling
Comments: Having seen good reviews of this model I decided ,despite using a communal aerial to take advantage of one of Argos Managers Special Offers.I positioned the box on the set top with open access to free ventilation all round,limited only underneath by the depth of the stubby feet fitted to this unit.I got moderate reception on some channels.However in general reception seemed fragile and prone to freezeups and occasional picture breakups.Even more annoying the box locked up on power standbye and could only be persuaded back to life by unplugging and reconnecting its power supply. A replacemnt box behaved in exactly the same way. A call to Panasonics help line was not helpful.I then noticed that for such a low powered unit the box was running suprisingly hot.I repositioned the unit to allow at least 2 clear inches of clear space under it.Loh and behold everything began to operate normally with reliable stable reception of enuogh useful stations to please me and no problems responding to the remote.The ventilation holes in the case look rather inadequte to me,perhaps Panasonic should look into this apparent cooling poblem
Submitted by: Ben Goodman (bengood@tiscali.co.uk)
Received on: Sun Apr 6 16:54:51 2003 from IP address: 80.40.36.30
Make and model: goodmans gbd2
Comments: Having tried gbd1 and phillips and pannasonic boxes, plugged and unplugged tvs videos etc eventually settled for goodmans GBD2 box, Discovered the faults like everyone else has, remote intereferes with tv etc,tells you there are no channels reinstall, which then fails, most annoying that the manual fails to tell anyone to press the LITTLE BLACK BUTTON! near the mains lead which when it does crash restores everything!Spoke to goodmans re software upgrade, promise march, then april, now promise may! WE SHALL SEE!!! Wouldnt it be nice if just for once manufacturers put their customers first and gave definate dates and more importantly kept their word about software upgrades, please feel free to e mail me with your experiences.
Submitted by: nigel keating (nigeljkuk@yahoo.co.uk)
Received on: Fri Apr 4 15:37:47 2003 from IP address: 195.8.175.27
Make and model: Grundig GDT2000
Comments: I have experienced similar 'lock-out' problems as others have. I too have swapped out to a new box. However I have been told (by a reliable source) that the lock out is caused while 'skipping' through the channels, the machine gets stuck in a loop as it tries to receive each channel as you skip through to the next. This can happen from within the 'Guide' but this problem is fixed in software release 2.1. The problem can however still happen by skipping through on the P+/P- buttons. The safest way is to select your new channel from within the 'Info' menu, therefore you are moving directly to the new channel selected. Hope this helps. Good luck and happy viewing.
Submitted by: Help (f2v@hotmail.com)
Received on: Fri Apr 4 13:57:18 2003 from IP address: 194.205.173.98
Make and model: NETGEM i-player
Features: Slinky, fast, good for internet, well integrated, picture-in-picture, reliable.
Comments: Having tried most of the Freeview boxes, this NETGEM i-player is my favourite. It tends to be robust and virtually lock-up free (unlike the Nokia 221T and many others). Intuitive in use with excellent quality and as much future proofing as is available at the moment on any model.
The remote has a wonderful action and it is easy to enter long channel numbers etc. The whats on section is joint best (along with the Thomson).
All in all, this box is pretty, slim, efficient with seemingly very high quality and reliability. The only criticisms are: PIP too small, no favourites, and no evident software update menu. Apart from this, the Netgem is outstanding (and represents particularly wonderful value for those without an internet/email facility).
Facilities are numerous and include twin scarts, audio outputs, optical output, card inputs for future possibilities in pay per view, online interactivity, games, rf throughput, volume control and one of the best EPGs available. Very useful diagnostic menu - particularly for signal strength.
Highly recommended as a well featured and reliable unit with all round good design and performance (unlike most of its rivals).
Submitted by: Alasn ()
Received on: Fri Apr 4 13:07:16 2003 from IP address: 81.56.12.148
Make and model: Goodmans GBD2
Features: Random Powerdown and Intermittent Lock-Up
Comments: We are using this box in Romsey (postcode SO51 5SJ) and receiving all the multiplexes from the Rowridge (Isle of Wight) transmitter using a high-gain wideband aerial. This random power-down business is a right pain. We returned from an evening out to find that a 90 minute broadcast we had been recording was blank for the first hour due to the box's annoying habit. Does anyone know if this problem is hardware or software related? If it's software, then maybe the forthcoming upgrade will fix it. If it's hardware, then what are Goodmans going to do about all these disatisfied customers ?
Submitted by: The Romsey Massive (romsey@fsmail.net)
Received on: Thu Apr 3 12:36:48 2003 from IP address: 194.201.166.113
Make and model: Goodmans GDB2
Features: One scart, no RF out (only loop through) crashes,
Comments: Just wanted to let people know this box uses the same Infra-red codes as many Arcam products (amp, cd player) so when you flick up a channel on the Goodmans remote it changes the input on many Arcam amp. The number '5' on the Goodman remote also skips forward a track on my CD player. Obviously in a home-cinema setup this is bad.. I managed to get a full refund at John Lewis but it took a while, they wanted 15% for the open box. Man what is the world coming to when electronic returns are hard even at John Lewis.
All the freeview boxes i've tried seem like poor attempts. A sales person even had the nerve to say all the boxes crash so its not a fault.
Submitted by: TomJ ()
Received on: Thu Apr 3 10:46:32 2003 from IP address: 195.92.67.75
Make and model: Panasonic TUCT20
Comments: I exchanged a thompson box, on which the remote locked up periodically, for this one which I thought might be an improvement, as it is the same manufacturer as my TV. However the Panasonic TUCT20 remote/box locks up even more than the Thompson - it is going back! I have a good signal, showing 10 and when the boxes work they are very good, but the lockups are so regular that they make me think that I may have connections/tuning incorrect somehow. In both cases the connection and general information provided is inadequate.
Submitted by: C. Harrison (christoph.harrison@btinternet.com)
Received on: Wed Apr 2 21:34:00 2003 from IP address: 81.135.96.155
Make and model: Panasonic TU-CT20
Features: Oven like heat emanating from the top
Comments: Initially I was very pleased with this box, easy to tune etc. I can't get SDN Mux, but this is probably down to weak signal, as I'm far away from Isle of Wight where the signal comes from round here. But after having for 5 days, locked up and wouldn't respond to remote several times. But the real worry is how hot the box gets after a couple of hours, even on standby. And this is with a mains plug based transformer. I don't really want to leave it on over night now to record from. I don't know if this is just a fault with this single box, or a 'feature' of the model.
Submitted by: Stuart Porter (s.m.porter@talk21.com)
Received on: Wed Apr 2 19:37:37 2003 from IP address: 193.113.57.165
Make and model:Goodmans GDB2
Features: It has failed after 6 hours!
Comments: Well! what can I say about this amazing piece of, well, junk now.
Installed as per the instructions, all ok.
The scenario follows:
The box loaded all of the available stations and continued to work for the evening of the purchase.
The next day was like a tale from the TV rouge traders programme. For a start, the so called technical help line was unavailable during the hours that it states it should be, I was constantly listening to a monotonous Essex man's voice recording.
The fault is that the standby light constantly blinks and appears to disable functionality. The fault section in the glossy does not mention it, and is probably only useful top complete idiots or at best, the uninitiated. The design seems to be somewhat limited, no power switch, and very vunerable to catastrophic failure (like it has.)I am wondering if this box was knocked up on a Friday and not tested at all, seems to me that it is not fit for purpose under the Sale of Goods Act, I will persue that one, in the absence of any help from the manufacturers. And judging from the complains that I have read and heard about so far, might very well contact that famour TV programme for a remedy and public exposure. If anyone has a printing business how about making some flyers to put through peoples doors saying how the machine is fairing?
Yours sincerely,
Proud owner of a £100 free to view box that is useless.
Submitted by: chris langham (chrislangham@oldtown126.freeserve.co.uk)
Received on: Wed Apr 2 19:17:13 2003 from IP address: 195.92.168.176
Make and model:Hauppauge DEC 1000-t
Features: No RF loop-through
Comments: This unit is advertised as having a RF loop-through, however as I have now discovered that isn't true at all. As this unit was for my parents, both in their seventies, the ability to continue to watch and record analogue TV in the normal way was very important. The intention was that the digital channels would appear on the TV as another channel, so 1 - 5 continue to be the terrestrial channels with 6 as the video and 7 as the DEC box. I am trying to return the unit as "unfit for purpose" but the supplier is refusing to refund me. I would strongly advise anyone NOT TO BUY this unit. Hauppauge haven't been very helpful either, they have not replied to my e-mails to their Support department, apart from their e-mail response after I complained about not receiving a reply that said I should expect to wait for at least TWO DAYS to get a reply! I won't be buying any Hauppauge products again.
Submitted by: Mike (Mike.Barnes@azlan.com)
Received on: Wed Apr 2 14:12:45 2003 from IP address: 193.129.67.110
Make and model:Goodmans GDB2
Comments: Bought the box, installed it in minutes with no problems with a clear picture. However we should have read some of the comments on this page, the box appears to lock up.We have found turning off at the wall socket and switching back on clears this but annoying when half way through a programme. Probably most annoying problem is the loss of channel settings resulting in having to go through the automatic tuning setup when you switch the box on. May have overlooked it but was unaware that you have to leave the box in standby mode for updates is this correct? thought this was restricted to Sky only. Would be helpful if Goodmans either through the press or email via their guarantee card system would let customers know when upgrading was going to take place. Tried the Goodmans tech help line, after ringing for a while you get an automatic message that all the lines are busy,not yet managed to speak to a "real person".
Submitted by: hughes (tommy1244@aol.com)
Received on: Wed Apr 2 13:17:50 2003 from IP address: 195.93.48.9
Make and model:Goodmans GDB2
Comments: The current interactive "murder game" operates fine on the