ExpressVu 6141 plus External HDD = Instant PVR

[Angelfish]

I was reading a reply yesterday about a new version of software for this unit. I checked mine (I have the newest vesion of software)but I did not "see" any new options available.

[spun14]

As per rep today it's still in the works but not optomistic about it being released anytime in the near future if at all due to issues with the 9242. Which doesn't surprise me with keeping up with the 9242 threads...

[57]

hmm, perhaps BTV did intend to have it operational before now, but couldn't get it to work properly. Given the issues with the EHD on the 92XX series, at least there you can still record without the EHD. If the EHD on the 6141 doesn't work, then you can't record at all.

Does Dish have this (6141 equivalent) working?

[scrooloose]

Does Dish have this (6141 equivalent) working?

Dish hasn't made the feature available yet, but beyond that I don't now where it's at.

-Mike

[hugh]

hmm, perhaps BTV did intend to have it operational before now, but couldn't get it to work properly.

I have spoken to three different senior Bell people over the last 10 months and there is no question they wanted this for the 6141. Based on the last discussion, I expected this to be rolled out on the 6141 last month.

That's what I know and the following is pure speculation on my part.

My suspicion is that the problems with the 9242 are very deep in the code and that we won't see this on the 6141 until the 9242 problems are sorted out.

[junkmale]

After all the frustration of waiting for a firmware upgrade that would completely fix the audio-sync problems of the 6141 and a firmware that would turn the 6141 in to a PVR I called Bell for the millionth time to demand either a free upgrade to a 9242 (to solve the PVR issue) or some sort of credit to my account.

On my first call believe it or not the technical rep told me that with the current v164 firmware version DOES support the PVR function by adding a hard drive. I said are you 100% sure and they said YES! (Note: I made sure to get the rep to note on my account that they told me that it IS PVR compatible in case I had to call back). Well...after a few days went by instead of going to buy a hard drive and try it I checked the 6141 main menu and there is no function to use a PVR , so I knew the technical rep gave me false info.

I called back yesterday and demanded to speak to a supervisor who can make decisions. Once I got a supervisor on the phone I explained my past history issues with the 6141. The supervisor amazingly didn't know the 6141 would eventually become a PVR so I gave them this link to prove it... http://www.marketnews.ca/news_detail.asp?nid=3379 . After proving my point and telling the supervisor how I was basically lied to on the phone by the last rep I asked to have a free upgrade to the 9242. She flat out refused. I then said you better do something as this is terrible customer and service. I also said that if I hadn't spent so much money on Bell hardware and signed a 2-year contract I would have dropped them a long time ago. She put me oh hold for a long time came back and said she would give me 50% off my next 6-months bills which basically equals for me about $201. This is basically the same $$$ difference between the cost of the 6141 and a 9242, so I agreed and that was that.

In the end I finally got some payback for the troubles, but I tell you Bell has the worst customer service department on the face of the earth. Most reps are uninformed of their own products issues and are also unwilling to do anything for you unless you complain to the tenth degree.


(Note: I was told by the supervisor that they are aware that the PVR function was supposed to be available by now, but she GAURANTEED after speaking to the technical department that the PVR function WILL be available in January 2009. I wouldn't hold my breath on that one.)

[Angelfish]

(Note: I was told by the supervisor that they are aware that the PVR function was supposed to be available by now, but she GAURANTEED after speaking to the technical department that the PVR function WILL be available in January 2009. I wouldn't hold my breath on that one.)

Lets hope this happens. (fingers crossed)

[gubby]

junkmale, you referred to some audio/synch problems. I have experienced those regularly as well. Is this a general 6141 device problem, or is it specific to only certain units? What is the fix? The problem is almost as annoying as not having the PVR feature that was promised.

Thanks.

[57]

If you search for sync* on this forum, you'll find lots of discussion in various threads, especially with BTV. Here's a post on the topic of sync.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/show...26&postcount=2

Please do not take this thread off topic (HDD). If you wish to discuss sync, please do so in one of the existing BTV threads.

[pmcd]

Originally Posted by spun14

As per rep today it's still in the works but not optomistic about it being released anytime in the near future if at all due to issues with the 9242. Which doesn't surprise me with keeping up with the 9242 threads...

For what it is worth the latest 9242 upgrade (v183) seems to have fixed the EHD problem so hopefully the 6141 EHD functionality will come to pass.

philip

[scrooloose]

Dish has just announced they are releasing software to turn their VIP211 receiver into a DVR in the next week, so there is hope the 6141 will see the same update soon!

-Mike

[Angelfish]

Hopefully.

[md_hd]

The DISH press release for adding the DVR feature to their ViP211 receiver mentions a $39.99 activation fee.

http://dish.client.shareholder.com/r...leaseID=346991

[Angelfish]

This feature has been enabled and is now working on Dish Network recievers (211) similar to the BTV 6140
http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-net...st1596453.html

[spun14]

Definatly good news. Just seems that they implementation of the phone in and have it activated portion of the software is buggy sofar. The screen shots provided tho look promising. Hopefully BTV can get this implemented soon.