Software Version E661 for ExpressVu 5100 / 5800 / 5900 Discussion

[natluc]

I was having some timer issues on my 5100 (as many here have reported). The schedule screen was still showing shows to record from one month ago and many of my timers were failing. I deleted all my timers and rebooted the unit but when I tried to create new timers nothing would happen. I figured the guide had a problem so I removed and re-inserted the smart card to force another reboot. This caused the guide data to download and I was able to create timers. Unfortunately, all my recorded programs were deleted! Just wanted to give this warning to others.

[smfaint]

I've been trying to program the new tv season, and aside from all the problems already mentioned in thi thread, I've come across a new one - I keep reaching the maximum event timer limit. While this would normally just be irritating, the problem is that the number keeps changing. At one point, 45 was the limit, so I changed a couple of duplicate single channel ones into VuPasses, at which point it wouldn't let me make more than 42. And then last night the storm took out all my programming, so I had to start over. Not the first time. But this time, it wouldn't let me make more than 25 timers.

So my questions is, does anybody know the max number of event timers, and if that number is dependent on the type of timer (ie do VuPass timers take up more slots)? Or, is this some sort of random bug that I should be able to cure by resetting and starting over? Again.

Thanks.

[JohnAllan]

Originally Posted by smfaint

I've been trying to program the new tv season, and aside from all the problems already mentioned in thi thread, I've come across a new one - I keep reaching the maximum event timer limit. While this would normally just be irritating, the problem is that the number keeps changing. At one point, 45 was the limit, so I changed a couple of duplicate single channel ones into VuPasses, at which point it wouldn't let me make more than 42. And then last night the storm took out all my programming, so I had to start over. Not the first time. But this time, it wouldn't let me make more than 25 timers.

So my questions is, does anybody know the max number of event timers, and if that number is dependent on the type of timer (ie do VuPass timers take up more slots)? Or, is this some sort of random bug that I should be able to cure by resetting and starting over? Again.

Thanks.

Two responses:

First, I had the experience of having all of my timers disappear but actually remain in the background, invisible to me. They then started to reappear as time went on. I then had duplicate timers. If this were to be the case, you may have double the number of timers you think you have.

Second, perhaps you can have more timers which are manual timers than timers set from the Electronic Program Guide.

Finally, I don't know how many timers are permitted. Perhaps you could call BEV and insist on speaking to Level Three Tech Support and they may either know the answer or agree to find it out for you.

Here is a link to the number of timers discussion re DISH in the U.S. I don't think any numbers there apply to our PVR's though. [link deleted]

If you do find out, please post.

Thanks.

[Checker320]

Hi again guys,

My 5900 has another issue. It started about 2 months ago, and I am not sure if it has to do with the E661 Firmware update or not.

BEV techs have not been any help, and I have been passed back and forth between BEV and Bell Canada to try and solve it. I have had bell techs out to the house to check the lines, etc... All is well there.

I used to see incoming phone calls/numbers on my TV. I had caller ID enabled and still do. About 2 months ago, my caller ID failed, but still shows enabled. When I try to do a dial out test, I get a failure.

This verifies that my caller ID does not work, and annoyingly, I am unable to order PPV via the remote.

On my system Info screen , I have a red phone symbol with an X through it.

I have tried different phone wires, unplugged the wire from the jack on the back of the PVR and plugged it in a normal phone. It works.

I took the PVR in another room and exchanged it with a 3100. The 3100 dials out and tests OK in both rooms, and the PVR doesn't work in either room.

Obviously a 5900 unit problem.

Is the phone jack on the back of the PVR pooched, or is there a reset for this kind of fault?

Thanks gurus...

Checker320

[Pinza]

It is a simple modem failure within the 5900.

If the receiver is under warranty, call Bell, if not then I guess it is something you will have to live with.

For PPV Movies, I hear that if you order via the Internet, the program appears on ALL receivers on the account, not just the one you ordered it on. I am sure someone will confirm or denythis point....

[barter]

What pinza said is correct

[dosborne]

Originally Posted by Checker320

When I try to do a dial out test, I get a failure.

I have a similar issue with a 5900 and a 3100. I went so far as to connect a Bell Phone test set (linesman phone) to the motherboard to verify I could get a dialtone, which I could so I know the infrastructure and phone jack work and that it is something in the unit itself. (but can't say if it is hardware or firmware)

Unfortunately, there have been numerous power outages and a lot of lightning this year so I can't say it is a firmware issue.

However, since I don't order PPV, I don't really care.

[spun14]

Was having similar issues with the not being able to connect and turns out it was something conflicting with my DSL modem. If i turn it off then and check the caller id or try and order PPV i have no issues. if i leave the modem on then i get problems with static. Could be just the way it works or could be lines and conflicts or whatever. But i normally don't bother with the caller id option anyways. Have you checked that tho if you have a dsl modem hooked up through bell?

[JohnAllan]

I don't know if this is a software issue, or a satellite issue, or what, but for the last few days I have had to crank up the sound almost to the maximum on my TV in order to hear programs which would normally be audible at half that level.

Does anyone know what causes the sound levels to vary so widely? In the past this varied with the program I was watching and I assumed it might be the feed from the network in question. Now all the channels I watch have a volume level which is significantly lower than normal.

My TV on cable has a volume level on all channels which is at mid level and "normal" compared to what I get on BEV now. I have more than one PVR and it is the same on all of them.

If it is a satellite issue, does anyone know what causes the volume to vary significantly for no apparent reason?

Thanks.

[dosborne]

Originally Posted by spun14

Was having similar issues with the not being able to connect and turns out it was something conflicting with my DSL modem. If i turn it off then and check the caller id or try and order PPV i have no issues. if i leave the modem on then i get problems with static. Could be just the way it works or could be lines and conflicts or whatever. But i normally don't bother with the caller id option anyways. Have you checked that tho if you have a dsl modem hooked up through bell?

Sounds like you need to install a line filter for your DSL.

At my demarcation point I installed 2 jacks. One has a filter and that feeds teh rest of the jacks in my house. The other, without the filter, feeds wherever I want my DSL modem.

The alternative is to install a filter along with every phone and/or receiver or other device plugged into your phone line.

[dosborne]

Originally Posted by JohnAllan

I don't know if this is a software issue, or a satellite issue, or what, but for the last few days I have had to crank up the sound almost to the maximum on my TV in order to hear programs which would normally be audible at half that level.

I get a minor variation by channel but have not noticed any major swing. As there is no way to set the output level on this unit I can only suspect hardware failure. I assume you have tried the usual hard reset and possibly other output connections? Are you running straight to your TV or do you have an AMP in the there? Another thing to check is that maybe it is the input on your TV that requires adjustment. Try swapping inputs or checking for volume by input source.

[rlongfield]

I've seen a lot of problem with the 5xxx "update" from Bell.

We currently have a few issues,
first off when we set a schedule for a program we default it to start a minute early. If the show is on a canadian channel we get a program recording that lasts 1 min. So basically we get the one minute early bit and then it stops recording missing the show.
This generally only happens on Canadian channels.
Secondly our PVR now skips show completely for no reason. When we check it says Skipped as the reason, most of our recording are done when we are out of the house or asleep.
Third problem is one that just appeared tonight. We deleted all the timers on the PVR for the third time this TV season as it skipped all the programs from yesterday! My wife created a Grey's Anatomy timer for 10 and it automatically altered the time to 12 and now we can't change it!

Has anyone had any success getting these types of problems resolved?

[beatbox99]

I've been an ExpressVu subscriber for about 10 years and had my 5100 for about 6. This just started happening a few days ago. At first, I blamed my daughter, but after seeing it happen first hand, I'm now on the brink of WW3 with the wife.
We record a ton of shows (in the neighbourhood of 20+ hours a week) which of course we watch at our convenience. We sat down this weekend to 'catch up' and things started out normally. We watched a couple of shows then took a break, when we came back to the TV, several shows that were there earlier in the day were now missing. We watched all but 3 shows and when I went back after dinner to watch 'one of mine', one of the 3 shows that was left was now missing.
Any ideas what is happening???

I called Bell today and although new customers can get a 5900 for $150, it's $300 for existing customers, so I inquired about renting one, and they'd be happy to rent me one, as long as I'm willing to wait a week (or 2) for a technician to show up and charge me $75 to install it. This is what we get for being loyal customers....Cogeco is actually starting to look attractive at the moment.....

Does anyone know where I can get a used/refurb 5900 cheap?

[JohnAllan]

This is a new one for me and I've been using the 5xxx series for several years.

One of my 5900's lost all of its timer events (I last checked them last evening and they were all there). Nothing recorded. There was one timer event left and it was for a program I do not record and at the wrong time. The second timer there said "news" and it was a timer I never created and it made no sense.

The timers themselves are all still there. The other 5900's are fine. I did a hard boot and tried to reprogram the timers. The reprogramming would not take. That is the problem that is new to me. I have reprogrammed before when timers were lost. This time I cannot even program from the Guide.

I have unplugged the unit and will repost when I try again to program once the PVR is plugged back in.

In the meantime if anyone has a solution for this problem, please post.

Thanks.

[Blackloz]

I would suggest adding Dish Care to your account for only $6 a month it covers everything and after 2 weeks call and get a FREE replacement 5100 from Bell under Dish Care then after it has arrived either cancel or keep it.