[smp01]

New Features ?

I had BC code - had to reboot last night - I now have CC.

Since this will be the new hot thread, can someone summarize some of the new features available.

I know that in BC (not A8), while watching a recorded show, I could punch 4-5-SkipFwd and it would jump ahead 45 minutes. 1-0-SkipBack would take you back 10 mins.

And a confirmation screen before you deleted a show from the DVR list.

Anything new I can show my wife, or better yet, show my my kids before they show me. Or are they just going to forget how to reset the machine.

 

[smp01]

Found New feature

Haven't fully tested but it looks like parental locks will now hide locked out channels from the general guide, just like in the days of the 400 series.

So channels you do not subscribe to you can lock out and they won't appear. I was using the work around by setting up a favourite list. But this is simpler.

I think you must provide a password, however. Before you could set parental controls with a blank password.

 

[smp01]

DVI

I have been using DVI ever since BC came out on a front projector. The HDMI cable is 35ft long. I cannot remember the last time I saw a video drop. The only thing I have to do is turn on the project before the 530. I watched almost all of the NHL playoffs without issue.

Maybe it's your DVI cable, or the TV, or some kind of combination.

Now, under A8, I had to use component.

 

[smp01]

Same with me, execpt without the storm. Went to bed last night with the unit off and Target Version was CC. This morning, A8 with Target Version 00.

I wonder if they have pulled CC. With BC only a few got it on a slow roll out. This time around, it seemed everyone got it - except for the few cases now popping up. Both cases were targeted for CC, then un-targeted. I've not heard of that before.

Any new activations out there?


I have also noticed that skip-fwd is slower. But cleaner jumps.

 

[smp01]

All other major software downloads have been on a Tues or Wednesday. If problems arise, they want the support calls on a weekday, Thurs or Friday.

 

[smp01]

Well, I've had my 530 for a year - almost to the week. Started with A8, then BC and CC since July. I've had very few problems. CC is stable for us. The entire family can use it. Is it rock solid? no. I have not told my family about any of the problems that others here have talked about. I just told them that this unit is very similar to a home PC and it requires a reboot once in a while. I've done only a handful since July.

We watch most programs via recorded, and we use the pause/replay live TV often. We delete shows once we don't need them, we usually have the disk under 50% used if the yellow bar is accurate.

My only concern is this was how ARR's machine worked until it died a quick death. And from what I could tell his machine died from software failure, not hardware.

Would I give it up? No
Would I recommend it to friends? yes
Would I recommend it over xpressvu? That question goes beyond PVR.

 

[smp01]

I have a 35foot HDMI-HDMI cable and a HDMI-DVI adaptor sitting on the back of the 530. (www.totalsignal.com) Wouldn't work with A8 but was fine with BC and CC. The adaptor was about $6.00

Any new products will have HDMI and not DVI, which means a HDMI-DVI cable probably won't work with new equipment beyong the 530. But my cable will be fine.

DVI is older technology. Don't buy a cable that will keep you tied to DVI.

 

[smp01]

530 Put through the paces

Well last night was one should probabley chime in on.

My wife was away last night so I had record-timers set on shows she and/or my kids would want to see set from 8-1am on a host of different channels. I was watching a combination of live and recorded shows. Around 9:30 I put the live feed on pause (HD channel) while I went out to pick up my daughter from work and didn't get back until after 10:30. Finished watching that program.

Everything worked fine.

 

[smp01]

I've been using the 3+Jump function more now.

I was watching a recorded movie on CityTV recently. Buy fluke, they had all of their commercial breaks set to 3mins.

Commerical starts
3+jump
"Parental Discression advised"
Every time - it was nice.

 

[smp01]

keep it

 

[smp01]

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.

 

[smp01]

Watch Dell for UPS units. During the Dell Days of Deals and sometimes on their Tuesday Deals they will put these on for a big discount.

 

[smp01]

SC will take it back and give you a fresh one for nothing except shipping. They have unoffically given everyone a 1 year warranty from the release date of stable code - "Jim Cummins Guarranty" - or words to that effect.

Not too sure if they consider CC stable, but July 18 2006 is the date of CC.

Officially, a fried 530 can be replaced for $99 from SC, which is only paid when/if you need it and is pretty close to the exented warranty that FS or BB will cost.

Other SC receivers are covered by the monthly multi-receiver fee.

 

[smp01]

Sorry - it was late - my bad

 

[smp01]

I had that happen to me on an episode of ER last week or 2 weeks ago. I don't remember if it was NBC, CTV, HD, SD or what, but it wasn't FOX. I think it was just a glitch for that recording.

I couldn't do anything but delete it.

 

[smp01]

Well, I have CC code with no new target.

I did have a power outage 2 days ago and the unit returned to normal when power was restored. I have it plugged in to a fairly decent surge protector.

I also had a freeze up last night while watching a recording. A single front panel reset fixed it.

What is this new CE code supposed to do? If we manage to get CE code before the unit dies does this mean the Flash problem is supposed to go away?

 

[smp01]

Same for me.

530 working well - except last few weeks. Lockups every other day, a couple of lost recordings - no change in viewing habits.

I hoping either that things get better with a bug fix, or things get worse and I get another machine. The Jim Cummins 1yr warranty is coming up quicker than I would like.

 

[smp01]

Well things are getting worse. Multiple freeze ups most nights. 3 or 4 last night. Many broken recordings.

I have buddy with a 530 and he is going through pretty much the same thing. He thought it was just his unit, until I told him it was common and widespread. I don't know what the multitude of people who are not aware of this forum are thinking.

As a company I do like SC but this cannot be good for SC image.

 

[smp01]

10-14 days? I wonder why so long. I remember getting a replacement 401 unit over night. Are they out of stock?

I had a factory reset done a few days ago. So far so good, but based on previous history from others here, I expect it to be short lived.

I just hate having to always put my hope in the next software release. But that's what keeping me hanging on.

 

[smp01]

Same here, 2 factory resets yesterday, freezing up within 10 mins. But it was only freezing up on HD channels. Now this morning I'm staying away from Hd and every has been fine so far.

A NEW unit, I asked if it was new or refurb and he said he always request new in the work order. We'll see. I asked about charges he said it wouldn't cost me anything, no mention of a shipping charges, nothing, but I won't put up a stink if the $13.99 appears on my bill.

This was a 2nd level tech person. He said that new code was coming in 2 weeks but it would come in waves and depending on your status in the que, it could be the middle of June by the time it got you. He suggested that the code probably will fix the issues I was having however, he couldn't guarantee not having the unit in his hands. And given it could be up to 45 more days for the new code, he suggested a replacement. He seemed pretty matter of fact about the dates. The CSR I initially spoke to had no idea when the code was coming.

In passing I asked about the new guide. he said it is more functional, longer guide, named searches, etc, but he doesn't like the colour scheme or some of the graphics. "It works, I just like the look of the old one." I thought that was a little funny.

As an aside, my wife was watching one of her soaps. She couldn't figure out why the "skip fwd" wasn't working to skip over the commercials. Then she realized she was watching the show live. "Screw that", started recording, and went on to do something else.