I am fairly new to the 530, can someone please explain the difference between these......I had my first "freeze" last night.
-front panel reboot
-soft reboot
-factory reset

Thanks

Front panel reboot and Soft reset are the same thing. Press the Power button on the 530 for approx 10-15 seconds.

Factory reset should be done with care....Options 6-4-9-8-8

A fatory reset will require a call to SC tech support to get the unit going again.

So I would avoid unless instructed by SC.

I hate to be Danny Downer ...
Oh sure you do, it's about the last simple pleasure you have.

Dual recording was working on my machine when I first got it with some N0 code. Granted, that code was their first stab at it.

You've clearly lost it on this one. The code versions are Hexadecimal and jump by 0x4. They started at 0x00, we are now at 0xCC.
"N" is NOT part of the hex number system.
As someone involved in s/w development as you've claimed, you should know this.
Yes, I worked in software development from 1979 until 1997. http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showpost.php?p=446718&postcount=539

Keep in mind that even the most basic features (rewind and F-Forward) are working properly.

First you say they are working properly and just a few days ago they weren't?
There hasn't been any new code, so I don't quite know what to make of your nonsense.

Just once try using the FF and Rewind and look at the mess. These simple features never did work properly on the DSR530. Furthermore, the skip forward and skip backward functions are out to lunch too. http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showpost.php?p=480451&postcount=621


If you're going to be successful in your 1 man crusade to crusify the DSR530 because you can't admit you're not happy with it and aren't willing to do something about it, then you might want to think about posting stuff with even a modicum of credability or just stop posting completely.

If case you didn't notice, you really are embarrasing yourself.

...about 2006 being an exciting year - and it wasn't...I'm not feeling too optimistic that they are going to deliver all of these bells and whistles...the hype surrounding new code is one big dose of wishful thinking

And as for 2006 not being very exciting, I beg to differ that tens of thousands of DSR530 subs think otherwise having endured using the unit PRIOR to the CC code that DID launch in 2006

Lets both wait and see what happens when they deliver the new IPG in coming weeks and wait in anticipation of several concerns addressed by members here in the forum.

Thank you for your roadmap of future features. If all of that comes out in 2007, I will be very happy (assuming stability does not suffer).

I really wish Star Choice would publish a formal roadmap for their customers. Keeping us in the dark does nothing to build customer loyalty.

From *C.com:
"As the needs of our customers change, so do we. We're always on the lookout for cost-effective Internet solutions, such as satellite Internet links, for our customers. We'll keep you posted on future changes that help make Star Choice your first choice."

We are lucky to have ARR's ears here, but even he admits to being out of the loop. I think *C can only go so far ahead in its planning, since the technology and marketplace change constantly.

I'm actually flattered ARR that you have taken the time to dig up things that I don't even remember saying, such as the rewind and fast forward are working properly. If it was working properly, it must have been several generations of firmwares ago. It certainly is not working properly now!

The DSR530 was never a good working machine, and there are plenty of others on this forum who were kind enough to share their true stories about how lousy the 530 is. People who have just purchased the machine for Christmas are quickly realizing this too.

People, there are PVRs out there that are much more stable than the DSR530. The fact is, ARR has been working for StarChoice and has been involved in the development of the software. It's quite difficult if not impossible for him to have any sort of an unbiased opinion of this unit. I am in no way affiliated with StarChoice or any satellite/cable company out there. Nor am I affiliated with any sort of broadcasting company. My comments have been derived strictly from my experiences with the 530 and the nightmare that this machine has been to my family. Keep in mind that this is my 2nd machine, and it works no differently from the first one. This unit was exchanged 6 months after my original purchase. I was told by StarChoice that it "must" be my machine causing the problems. All of the machines are working poorly, regardless of what some might have you believe.

I'm actually flattered ARR that you have taken the time to dig up things that I don't even remember saying, such as the rewind and fast forward are working properly.

Just go back 8 posts.

My fast forward and rewind work like a precision instrument. I'm not sure what there is to gain by re-hashing problems with Kevin270's machine and painting all machines with the same brush. This reminds me of those people who have bashed car manufacturers because they got stuck with a lemon.

I was looking at some big-screen TVs tonight at Best Buy here in Ottawa. I was marveling to my wife at how the prices have really come down. A sales person asked us if we needed anything. I mentioned that the DSR530 units were not on display, and asked him why they had none setup on demo. Guess what folks, he replied, "The machine has been nothing but problems since day 1. I would not recommend that you buy this particular model."

Music to my ears.

You know, these companies that release shabby equipment and then steal (that's right STEAL) customers money away are not going to get the free ride that they may have gotten years ago. Now word of mouth travels faster than ever, and thanks to the many websites/forums/blogs like this, it's much easier these days to inform others of what's what.

If the DSR530 taught me anything, it did teach me to investigate not just what one or two people are saying, but what many people are saying from all over. When buying anything new, I always do search and searches, and I read anything I can about a particular product that I'm interested in buying. How about you folks?

..plenty of others on this forum who were kind enough to share their true stories...
And the sensible folks that they are have found a resolution and moved on.

I've always been willing to admit a mistake of my own.
And while there is obviously some bias, there is also some unique insight into the workings and how it rises into peoples problems, hence my undaunting assistance, even when I have no official responsibility to the company or product.

I hardly consider *c stealing peoples money, in fact their VP's proudly indicate on their web site that they earn your business everyday rather than lock you into 2 year contracts like other providers.
At least you are free to leave without major penalty.

Perhaps when you buy your big screen, you'll find a deal on one of those 'stable' PVR's out there.

A quick glance at the 3 Bell 9200 threads show ~ 3000 posts.
While it seems only about a 5th of that on the 530, the others have been retired.
Which is valid, since it's important for current and potential buyers to have a timely and accurate view of TODAY's DVR530 and not some dated and tainted view that some offer as 'helpful' advice.

Without reading them all and knowing that the demographics of the posts are primarily complaints/request for help, one can easily deduce that either they have as many or even more 'issues' as the 530, so the grass may not always be greener on the other side of the fence, just a different shade.

I'm sure we could unarchive all the 530 code release posts and quickly observe that the posting rate has dropped dramatically.
What do you think that means?

There are less problems? or everybody but you gave up and went elsewhere? or the vast majority are happily enjoying their set, finally!?

I think people like Kevin need to keep their $400 and not try the latest piece of hardware.
I remember my first VCR was $800 so for $400 net , I think most people can live with a few headaches and software glitches. It is worth the price just not to have to watch anymore commercials to me.:D
But obviously some have zero tolerance in this regard.

In hindsight, I agree, he should not be a user of this type of technology until it is quite idiot proof, which it currently isn't. (<- Negative remark about the unit again)

In the other thread, he remarks about his spouse pressing the keys too many times, well beat me with a stick!,
it's been well established that's that will most certainly kill the box,
how ridiculous can people be,
especially with the internet and this forum to guide them through certain pitfals.

His only valid remark IMHO is that is shouldn't do that and I agree, (<- Postive supporting remark) but some will never learn to adapt.

Thank goodness for Darwin.

I guess we are not all as brilliant as you ARR. Gee I weesh I had yer brains.

Kevin270 - I present you with the following challenge.

Using the Ask Jim link on www.starchoice.com, send off an articulate, polite letter indicating that after 5 months with the new CC code, you are still completely unsatisfied with your 530 and want a refund. Flat out. Outline the issues you are still having.

I would like to know what the response is.

Maybe we should all beg Jim to buy him out.:rolleyes:

Why is it almost every forum has to have that one person...

I was looking at some big-screen TVs tonight at Best Buy here in Ottawa.... A sales person asked us if we needed anything. I mentioned that the DSR530 units were not on display, and asked him why they had none setup on demo.

BB & F.Shop are poor sources of info about StarChoice.

-Outdated info about StarChoice on their websites
-Staff's "deer in headlights" approach to questions about StarChoice
-Pro ExpressVu in-store displays

As an example, check out F.Shop's "HDTV Centre" listing of available HD channels www.futureshop.ca/marketing/hdtv/EN/channel_guide.asp?menu_level=choose_source&logon=&langid=EN

StarChoice gets no credit for carrying Nat Geographic HD, Showcase HD, A&E HD & Discovery HD

I received a brand new 530. Installed it and still get the occasional dropouts on two or three channels that I have recorded. Have not noticed any on the live broadcast this time around. It is fairly obvious at this point that the problem is not the receiver. The wiring is new so that cannot be the problem either. Things are pointing towards the LNB although one would think that if that was the source of the problem I would get droputs on all channels. Wonder if there could be some external problem such as radio interference or some other such phenominon. As you can see I am grasping at straws. Anyone have any more ideas?
lester

Kevin720,

I feel a bit sorry for you that you bought a dsr530. You seem very unhappy with your unit(s), *C and the all situation.

I have to admit that i never use your problematic option FFWD/FRWD so i don't have any issue about it.

Since CC code, i use the time JUMP instead which is fantastic. It never failed on me and i can skip the commercials.

If renting was an option, i would have probably gone with it instead of buying the first dsr530 generation which is always risky (this is true for most products).

Anyways, i know the dsr530 is not a perfect machine but it is better than nothing. I did not want to wait any longer.

I kind made up my mind that this unit has probably a short life expectency (less than 5 years).

What *C should do is to include the DSR530 under their simple satellite plan like the 300* and 400* series.

Best wishes for 2007 to you and everyone.

Now you know they will not do that. If I won money back from StarChoice, everyone else would also expect the same thing from them. I've complained to them lots in the past. Not recently because I figured why bother. They don't do anything. I spoke with Jim Cummins who just passed me off to someone else. We've tried all sorts of things already, I have even written complaints stating that I only kept the machine because of the empty promises that StarChoice made that they would have a working version of their software. At that point, they start with "Our next release is going to fix every problem that you mentioned up." I've given up fighting with them. All I can do now is try my best to ensure others don't fall victim to this same bottomless pit.

Anyways, i know the dsr530 is not a perfect machine but it is better than nothing. I did not want to wait any longer.I have not used a VCR since 2000. I bought my first PVR back then, but it was not a high def PVR. It was one of the Rogers cable PVRs. The only problem I recall with that machine was with the timers - you could set it to record all episodes of a program (as it had record by name). Sometimes when setting it to record only the first program, it would record all programs for the same day. IE: It would record the first airing of Will & Grace, and 2 other episodes that were repeats of the first. I had dual recording, rewind worked, FF worked, jump keys worked. It was an amazing machine, but it was not high def and we just bought a high def TV in 2005. So part of the problem for us is that we switched to a machine that is severely handicapped when it comes to doing these basic things. Had the DSR530 been my very first PVR, I may not have noticed these problems. This is what I suspect is happening to most people who own the 530. They are not noticing anything is wrong because they never had a machine that worked properly in the first place. I did some research before buying the 530, but my mistake was getting feedback from the wrong people, and not doing a thorough investigation before buying. Big mistake!!

Anyhow, glad you are happy with it across the river from me in Gatineau.

You have a Happy New Year too.