Freesat HD close shave

[RGDave]

OK, so I spent the last of my bonus on a freesat HD box.
Plugged it in to the cable from the dish (pro installed, unused by previous house owners). Turned it on, got 80%+ signal and waited for over-the-air download.
Box sorts itself out, re-starts, get 100 channels (beautiful clear picture) and select bbc hd channel.
Drum roll......expect to get HD picture, but NO SIGNAL.
Messed about for a day or two, went on Sat/Freesat forums and got nowhere.

Found this on t'internet.

As a result of a recent over-the-air download to Goodmans, Grundig and Bush Freesat HD digital boxes, some boxes have experienced problems. Whilst the number affected is limited, the cause of this problem is nevertheless under urgent and active investigation by Harvard International in conjunction with its suppliers. Meanwhile, Freesat viewers who reported this problem were each being contacted and arrangements were made to ensure they can continue to enjoy the full Freesat service. This process was completed by Sunday 25th October. This issue concerns Goodmans, Grundig and Bush Freesat HD Digital Boxes only. Freesat viewers and owners of these boxes who are experiencing this problem, and who have not already provided their details, should contact the Harvard Helpline T: 0871 230 1777. We can assure all affected customers that they will receive a satisfactory resolution based on their specific requirements. Harvard International wishes to apologise sincerely to the Freesat viewers and users of its Bush, Goodmans and Grundig Digital Boxes who have experienced this problem, and who have been inconvenienced by not being able to access the Freesat service.

OK, fair enough, the makers will help....but at a PREMIUM RATE phone number.

Boxed it up, took it back, got heavy with the shop, yada, yada, money back.

BEWARE. Clearly there are issues????

I'm going to wait for HD freeview and get a box in the Spring (comes here in March 2010)

Just in case you've got a dish and fancied investing £60-160 on a freesat box.

 

[Andy]

Use this search engine to find geographic land line numbers.

http://www.saynoto0870.com/

Andy

 

[RGDave]

Use this search engine to find geographic land line numbers.

http://www.saynoto0870.com/

Andy

Andy, that is ACE.....you clever chap.
I put in the number for this company, and got an alternative
020 8238 7650
a bit late now, but what a site!!!

 

[Andy]

Numbers are updated all the time Dave, been around for a while.

Andy

 

[SharkAttack]

SayNoTo0870- You really should use www.MoneySavingExpert.com website it is full of great advice like this

 

[Smiffy]

The download "glitch" only affected a few users.
I have a FreeSat PVR and have had no such issues. It was the download that was "iffy" not the box.
With all new technology there is bound to be a hiccup or two along the way.
Smiffy (enjoying BBC HD )

 

[RGDave]

The download "glitch" only affected a few users.
I have a FreeSat PVR and have had no such issues. It was the download that was "iffy" not the box.
With all new technology there is bound to be a hiccup or two along the way.
Smiffy (enjoying BBC HD )

I read only good things about the boxes prior to purchase, just a shame I got unlucky.

What FreeSat PVR (HD) to you have?

 

[Smiffy]

What FreeSat PVR (HD) to you have?

Humax FoxSat.
Had it about 8 months now, purchased it when I ditched Sky+
Works brilliantly.
Just wish there was more HD content though.
BBC HD repeat after repeat, ITV HD once every pancake day

 

[RGDave]

What FreeSat PVR (HD) to you have?

Humax FoxSat.
Had it about 8 months now, purchased it when I ditched Sky+
Works brilliantly.

No surprise there really. I have a PVR9200T (freeview) and it's been unstoppable.
The first one I bought was a Sony model. It worked great for a month then the EPG disappeared for good. I phoned Sony and they were remarkably unhelpful, actually to the state of total incompetence. I then researched t'internet and discovered it was just a re badged model originally made by some 3rd division company. The company engaged by Sony to "air" the EPG had "issues" (unknown) and I think then went bust.
I took it back to the shop, and returned it as "unfit for purpose". They wouldn't take it back until I started to make serious comments about legal implications.
Humax are currently hoping to be one of the first to release a freeview hd box, which will be the one for me.

I've told my story to a few folk, and I must say I'm surprised how many folk still pay sky for the minimal service.

Sounds like the FoxSat by Humax is the way to go.

 

[mikevet]

I have a Humax Foxsat too - brilliant and never been any trouble. Chose it because of great reviews and they weren't wrong. Save a fortune by not subscribing to Sky.

 

[RGDave]

I have a Humax Foxsat too - brilliant and never been any trouble. Chose it because of great reviews and they weren't wrong. Save a fortune by not subscribing to Sky.

Good man!

 

[AuburnWarrior]

These freeview boxes, etc - I have two questions - what kind of aerial do you need and can you get Sky Sports on them (obviously paying some form of premium for the channels)?

 

[Andy]

http://www.freeview.co.uk/freeview/Help/Aerials-and-Reception/Aerials-and-reception-explained

http://www.freeview.co.uk/freeview/Channels

Andy

 

[RGDave]

These freeview boxes, etc - I have two questions - what kind of aerial do you need and can you get Sky Sports on them (obviously paying some form of premium for the channels)?

It's important to clarify the difference between freeSAT and freeVIEW.

Freesat comes down through a dish and the box replaces a sky box.
Freeview comes down a regular aerial, you need a box if your TV doesn't have one inbuilt. Or you can buy a box with a built in hard drive (like a PC) to record freeview TV. In fact, some new TVs also include this.

When freeview boxes came out, most simply offered all the channels. I'd imagine a large % of the population have a freeview box or tv with in-built freeview. Some boxes came with card slots to allow access to Setanta/Top-up TV etc. I don't believe sky sports has ever been available by buying a card and paying the money.

None of the freesat boxes I have seen have card slots (smiffy will know) but if you can 'phone sky and get sports channels, I'm not sure, unlikely

http://www.ukfree.tv/helpme.php?faqid=8

It's a bit of a minefield really.

I have often wondered whether "one" can subscribe to sky for a year, quit the contract and then subscribe periodically to sky sports?

Maybe?

http://www.radioandtelly.co.uk/cgi-bin/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1239632976