107 replies to this topic

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

DM Dave, on Jun 30 2011, 09:09 AM, said:

Good luck with "support",you're gonna need it.
These machines are slow with annoying remote control receivers.
I have a special spot for Aldi dockets.

Thanks for the feedback, Dave.
I doubt many people are using the TIMER to schedule recordings - that is why I posted my issues with it.
PVR works great if you only want to press RECORD button or use the EPG. I like to use all the features.
The remote has narrowly missed being thrown at the wall many times - the PVR is so slow to respond to it@!

EPG fails to display any programs or only NOW/NEXT most of time. I need to reset the PVR by unplugged unit from mains, for EPG to work for a while! Otherwise I can not reliably schedule any recording. (Signal quality registers about 99 on ABC, SBS and 9 channels and 87-91 on others. Signal is lower due to terrain, so masthead amplifier is fitted.)

PVR refused to do 2nd recording while I was chase-playing other recording (watching current program being recorded from beginning) - displayed message all tuners were in use, when this was not so.
As the calender ticked over to a new month today, ALL WEEKLY recordings changed to 1 JULY!

No response in days to my email to SUPPORT (provided by DGTec!).
My experience with DGTec PVRs is the User Interface is very poor and buggy. So suspect this PVR is same quality as a DGTec - unbelievably poor.
The Firmware upgrade emailed by support was the one already installed - v1.3. Very easy to install via USB. But the instructions were for a different PVR using a serial cable to the PC! Surely they could have emailed the simple instructions for using a USB for upgrades - the wrong instructions just made the process confusing.

I pin up my Aldi receipts and mark the 60day return date. So far I have needed to return all items over $20! My first PVR was an Aldi 1.5 tuner (watch second tuner but not record on 2) - when the Hard Drive became full, it would not play recordings, re-format, or record new recordings!!! It became a disposable PVR! In those days (nearly 5 years ago) I could return it nearly 1 year later for refund - not the 60days. I will return the PVR unless SUPPORT can fix its issues. I was giving Aldi 1 last chance - but it is not worth the hassle to buy electronics from Aldi.

Edited by Green1, 01 July 2011 - 10:38 AM.

[DM Dave]

I've got a 19" CRT monitor that works well.And a re badged TEAC HiFi VCR,ditto.
I like the 47" TV.Using it as a PC monitor now.OK as a TV.Needs a software upgrade.
Cordless KB and mouse was junk.
Blood glucose monitor.......nobody could figure out how to use it,including long term diabetics.I'm just borderline.Still have it......the Rubik's Cube of blood sugar monitors.Baffles experts!
A binocular/camera was borderline,decided to keep it.OK for kids.
Everything over $20 has gone back without a problem.Coffee machine pending next visit.

I agree,buying electronics from Aldi is a lottery and quite often a waste of time.There is the odd win.
Being chronically ill and unable to work for over 20 years,I stretch my budget by buying food at Aldi.Buying by the carton is great, as I have to live in the bush.
I view their electronics as a bit of an add on sale.Bit like JB HiFi and their HDMI cables.Except you can change your mind within 60 days.(Oddly JB used to be great for cables,etc....once upon a time).

I do however harbor a pathological dislike for crooks who do not honor their obligations under law.
Further disgust is reserved for their fanboys.

Green1,may be worth winding your mast head amplifier back a smidge if it is within safe reach of a ladder.
Aldi still honor 364 day returns if faulty.

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

On Sale again on Aug 18 - in new case (but probably same problems) $179.
http://aldi.com.au/a.../2827_18781.htm
(Old stock has been selling here for $149.)

Also Harmony 300 Universal Remote is ½ RRP at $19.99.
http://aldi.com.au/a.../2827_18783.htm
http://www.logitech....es/devices/6670
My old Harmony 670 easily downloaded the Bauhn TV6600 controls, so should work with this remote. Keys on Harmony 670 seem more responsive than on Bauhn remote. Harmony 300 controls up to 4 devices (eg Turn TV, amp, & PVR on, and change settings with 1 press of button.) Should be able to program a single key to access things like TIMER LIST (EPG+FAV+OK). Great price for basic unit in Harmony range (no display)! JB sells for $37. At $20 it is well worth it.

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

HOW TO DO SUCCESSFUL TIMER RECORDINGS: (to avoid TIMER FIRMWARE fault I found on all 3 PVRs I tried)
(Timer is useful as you can set DAILY & WEEKLY recordings of favourite programs.)
(Recording via EPG only records the program once – best to use for 1 time events instead of setting a recording each day/week.)

Leave the first few (I use 10) of the 40 TIMER positions vacant, so you can add DAILY recordings in first positions – they MUST be entered here! If entered AFTER a WEEKLY, date will change if a TIMER is set for a date other than today, and date then can't be changed easily. You could add WEEKLY recordings from 40 back, which can make adding TIMERs easier than moving to after position 10. I leave position 1 unused so I can go left for WEEKLY and right for DAILY after pressing TIMER button.

ONLY add TIMER recordings for current day!!!!
(That causes no dates to change. Over a week, each day add DAILY/WEEKLY programs to record for that day. Your regular programs are then set to record until you delete or change the setting.)

LAST, add DAILY recordings to first TIMER positions.

If you change a DAILY TIMER to begin at a later date – it will affect ALL DAILY (& possibly WEEKLY) TIMER dates!

As there are only WEEKLY, DAILY & ONCE options, recording Mon-Fri means 5 WEEKLY or 1 DAILY TIMER (and either delete unwanted recordings for Sat & Sun, or change ANY TIMER date to the next Mon at the end of the weekday recordings – which changes ALL DAILY timer dates to Mon (handy if all are Mon-Fri recordings! Be careful if any DAILY record on Sat & Sun as these will not record.))!

(If you must add/edit programs other than for current day, add WEEKLY recordings from most in future to most recent if entering more than 1 day. THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED, except maybe when first setting up TIMER.
Otherwise other TIMER dates will change. If dates are changed, change them back from most in future to today, leaving DAILY to be changed last, which MUST be changed from first DAILY to last.)

A COMPLEX solution – but has worked so far.  Aldi needs to fix the FIRMWARE fault.

Edited by Green1, 11 August 2011 - 08:56 PM.

[prl]

Green1, on Aug 11 2011, 08:38 PM, said:

... Aldi needs to fix the FIRMWARE fault.

I'm not so sure that would be a good idea. The manufacturers, perhaps?

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

prl, on Aug 11 2011, 08:48 PM, said:

QUOTE (Green1 @ Aug 11 2011, 08:38 PM)
... Aldi needs to fix the FIRMWARE fault.
I'm not so sure that would be a good idea. The manufacturers, perhaps?

LOL - Yes - Aldi writing Firmware would be a disaster. (Fault is: when a TIMER recording date later than today is entered, all DAILY and WEEKLY TIMER recording dates change. Very annoying and ridiculous in a PVR.)
But Support (DgTec) does not want to know about Firmware fault. Aldi do not want to know. Unless people send these PVRs back for repair, they both say there is NO problem. Since it is easier to return for refund than pay for postage to do a repair Support can't do (Firmware fault), I doubt any go for repair. If they do, the fault can't be fixed, so they would most likely offer a refund. It is Aldi's responsibility as the marketer (Bauhn seems to be Aldi) and retailer. Who knows who the manufacturer is? DgTec support the unit but they are re-badgers anyway. So Aldi needs to have Firmware fault fixed.

Edited by BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA, 11 August 2011 - 09:33 PM.

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

Green1, on Aug 11 2011, 08:30 PM, said:

On Sale on Aug 18 $179.
http://aldi.com.au/a.../2827_18781.htm

Details from manufacturer on http://forums.whirlp...i...=-1
We (Tempo Australia) are the manufacturers of this particular unit.
This is the AS-PVR500R – 500GB HD Twin Tuner coming out at Aldi Stores this week for $179.00
Recordings stored as: LCN – Program_Name*, Start_Time, Duration, Mode, Switch, Type
*Program name is only displayed for timers set using the EPG. Program name display limited to 13 characters including LCN detail.
PVR will stay on once a scheduled recording has finished..IF unit was already on at recording start time.
PVR provides future date recordings can be set by browsing EPG and selecting a program, or manually set via the Timer window.

Once, Daily, Weekly, Weekday, Weekend recording settings
and ability to copy files to USB.

Connections:
2x USB (For transfer of Files, or recording to external USB Storage Device)
1x HDMI – Out
1x Y/Pb/Pr (Component) Video – Out
1x AV (Composite/CVBS) Video – Out
1x Left/Right Stereo Audio – Out
1x SPDIF Coaxial Digital Audio -Out
1x Antenna IN (Comes with 'loop' cable to loop through to second tuner)
1x Antenna Out

Sounds like a much better machine – different manufacturer and different Firmware.
But "limited quantities" as usual at Aldi!!!

[pgdownload]

Quote

Sounds like a much better machine – different manufacturer and different Firmware.

Sounds like a different machine, however I'd hesitate to say any better. Even taking the specs listed at face value, they suggest this PVR has had minimal effort into developing its firmware. Interestingly enough the Aldi model means considered evaluation is impossible. Waiting for feedback means they're sold out. Buying early exposes you to potential lemons.

I'd be interested in what the breakdown of responses might be to a dodgy PVR like the one list above. My guess would be:

30% of people just wouldn't know or be bold enough to ask for a refund/
30% of people would probably just toss the unit in the cupboard and forget about it (too hard to sort).
30% of people would persevere despite the faults
Maybe 10% would return the unit to the store (esp. Given Aldi's excellent return policy)

IMO, PVRs sub $250 are just asking for trouble. If I was in the market there are several great models between $300 and $350 that are fully featured and have a standing reputation for reliability. Save your money for a bit longer (after all a good PVR lasts 5+ years)

Regards

Peter Gillespie

PS By the way what's with Green1 editing Bruces posts? Some sort of glitch or is he an admin?

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

pgdownload, on Aug 15 2011, 02:42 PM, said:

PS By the way what's with Green1 editing Bruces posts? Some sort of glitch or is he an admin?

(After a few years use, I just changed my user name from Green1 to same as other Forums - well spotted.)

Interesting thoughts - probably depends on where you live and who are buying them. I don't think Aldi would want anyone to know. I'd say a lot of users would have returned Aldi PVRs - I think 2 out of 3 I bought were returns. (1 had recordings from 1 month before I bought it on HDD)
Most buyers from Aldi would possibly be upgrading from VCR, so not have high expectations. Talking to fellow customers in Brissie, that is what I heard. So a lot of people would not know their PVR is faulty, as they have not used or given up using some features. Even I thought I was the one making mistakes in programming the PVR - and I have lectured in programming! It turned out to be weirdly faulty Firmware.

Have tested many PVRs up to $600 and found minor to major faults in all. (Limited to stores with easy refunds policy - so no top level Topfields, Beyonwiz, etc.) One of the worst was the most expensive - a Panasonic. I still use a SD dual tuner DS6200PVR (rebadged Homecast) which cost under $200 4 years ago. Basic unit with a few faults and limitations, but was good value at the time. (Looks good on CRT but crap on big screen.) Thought I would now find a sub $200 replacement, but none have been suitable. (Got a full refund on Extended Warranty after 3 years use of DSE PVR.) Am tempted to up my budget, but can't justify that much just to watch TV. (We have our priorities, and I prefer travel & food.) The new (rebadged) Aldi PVR sounds promising with USB for (slow) transfer of recordings and better Timer options. I am unlikely to use some features on more expensive units. Am waiting for more media player/smart TV to be integrated with PVRs.

As you say, by the time a review is available, the unit is sold out. That is why it is interesting the manufacturers rep has posted information. Aldi do not supply enough stock - part of their strategy. But, if I take the chance on an Aldi product, I buy 2 to get one that is OK & return other. It really is a risk, but I have the time and am curious. Tempo Australia rep would/could not give any hint about number to be sold in over 220 Aldi stores. According to posts, there seemed to be about 8 per store at the last sale. Local Aldi had more than that 2 weeks ago (9 months after sale) - probably returns for $149.

Buying early is the only way with Aldi. As there is usually only 1 batch purchased, it is unlikely lemons would be due to purchasing early. But the whole batch could be lemons, like the current PVR. That is where the returns policy is handy. The first of these PVR I bought (7 months after sale) was a lemon - crashed every day. The next 2 worked much better (faulty Firmware), but would have been from same batch. The next time Aldi offer a PVR, it is badged with the same 'Bauhn' brand, but is often a very different unit from a different manufacturer.

What are your suggestions for $300-350 PVR? Thanks.

Edited by BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA, 15 August 2011 - 07:03 PM.

[GOBMax]

[quote name='BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA' date='Aug 15 2011, 05:06 PM' post='1730816']

I buy 2 to get one that is OK & return other. It really is a risk, but I have the time and am curious. Tempo Australia rep would/could not give any hint about number to be sold in over 220 Aldi stores. According to posts, there seemed to be about 8 per store at the last sale. Local Aldi had more than that 2 weeks ago (9 months after sale) - probably returns for $149.[b] What are your suggestions for $300-350 PVR? Thanks.[b]

My Aunt is 85 years old, She is a member of a Stroke Club.(Her Husband had his 10 years ago- She's Primary Support).
Have found with her Friends, that Beyonwiz, Now $499 +
                                                  Panasonic, With Blu-Ray Player around $600+  (Recorder stay away if possible unless it is a requirement)
if you can educate them to Grasp the Basis (Not as hard as it seems-but requires perseverance),
and understanding of there Basis Requirements.
(Cheap Strong/Nextwave, (Reliable HD Set Top),  for OLD TV'S provided the have AV/HDMI import)

BASICALLY  ITS WHAT YOU WANT TO DO, (HOW MUCH YOU CAN AFFORD IS+++ HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO YOU++++)
Every situation and Degree of , +or- , to achieve the required result.

MOST FORUM SITES ASK THIS AND THAT (I've taught 85 how to Skype/Talk with there Overseas/Interstate Children/Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.)
Most people over 50 are not Stupid,Dumb,unable to Learn. (Don't know how). Just haven't had the exposure to Technology.
Sorry about Rant which became OFF Topic (Learned a Long Time ago, you  only need to ask/and be willing to Learn)

Friend who was Aboriginal in Dirranbandi, Qld.  (40 Years ago , Who said have you tasted Emu/Kangaroo, is said NO, He said lets go Camping.
The most satisfying/fulfilling experience if had until, One Woman's experience at seeing her Great Grandchildren for the First time. in 12 years.

Edited by GOBMax, 15 August 2011 - 08:25 PM.

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

GOBMax, on Aug 15 2011, 08:22 PM, said:

BASICALLY  ITS WHAT YOU WANT TO DO, (HOW MUCH YOU CAN AFFORD IS+++ HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO YOU++++)
Every situation and Degree of , +or- , to achieve the required result.

Good on you GOBMax - many people just need a little help and life becomes so much better.

I need little, having travelled the world most of the last 6 years. Just in from Tokyo ($20 room!). Back to look after my Father. He is 90, and set him up with Plasmas in lounge (50") and bedroom (42"). He has never used a VCR or DVD. Says it is of no interest. Needed to consider how he uses remotes, TV viewing etc and get best bang for buck. Both TVs use same remote, so no need to learn buttons for each TV. For me, I want a bit of TV to relax. But would rather buy a plane ticket. So a PVR is low on my priorities and budget. To each their own.  

[pgdownload]

Quote

I buy 2 to get one that is OK & return other.

That should cover the chances of buying a broken unit, however its of no help where the problems affect all of the machines (i.e. poor firmwire or reliability etc.)

I agree that for many people, financial limits and (perhaps more importantly) a low interest in TV means that just getting the most basic and cheapest option is all they require. But IMO in this area its usually a false economy with ultra cheap PVR usually having all sorts of issues that just make for an unpleasant experience.

As for suggestions, at the moment the Magic TV is being well recieved for $300. For a bit more the BeyonWiz Lite is also good value.

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

Bought 2 at opening time. Plenty in store. Just installing now.
Seems MUCH better than old model.
NOT FOR CRT TVS!!! (see post below)

USB front & back, Coax + SPPDIF audio out - I like that.

2 EPG views: (with small view of live TV in corner.
Vertical (by channel, then time)
Horizontal (by time, then channel)
Schedule Once, Daily, Weekly, Weekend via EPG
PLUS Advance start & Delay end (padding for programs starting early/running late)
Pressing EPG button changes EPG view - nice
Highlights current programs on Horizontal view
Current Live TV show in small window, and stays on current channel as you look at other programs in EPG
Displays program info

Time shift duration can be set from off. 30-120 minutes.
(Just press rewind, and play LIVE TV - so much better)

Can choose storage (Internal 500GB/USB1/USB2)!!!!!
Choose where to play recorded program from - beginning or where you stopped watching!!!! - I like that.
Select to play next recording after current program ends. (watch next movie after this one, etc)

Media Browser (play from USB) - crashed PVR once with video recorded on Cannon camera.
Can choose screen resolution
Software version V5.2 26/7/2011

Simpler smaller remote
PVR List (list of recorded programs via 1 button) - last PVR was so bad.
TIMER (list of scheduled recordings via 1 button)

Displays REC on display when recording.
Info displays Channel info + Recording in OSD as Channel, % recorded, hr:min recorded so far, hr:min recording set)
easy to change recordings (daily, time, etc) set via Timer List button
Pressing REC button records for 2 hours
press REC again can set length, or to record until next program starts or finishes - handy feature.

Aspect & Display Format buttons - for screen
* Aspect is faulty when using CRT TV!!! Often will not show 4:3 letterbox on a CRT TV unless turn off & on. See post below.

Info & EPG buttons
Recall (previous channel), Audio (change audio output format, L/R/L+R, Language)
Channel list via OK button
Subtitle button


Can watch channel from same network as two being recorded.
(Other Aldi PVR - if you changed up/down to another network - it would stop changing channels - this one changes channels to those available)

Case is almost same size, with curved 'corners' on front - looks a bit classier
Includes Composite and Component cables.

Edited by BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA, 18 August 2011 - 05:26 PM.

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

I would DEFINITELY NOT recommend this PVR for use with a CRT TV!!!! (It will drive you mad and recordings will look strange.)

* Aspect problems with a  4:3 ratio CRT TV:
Annoyingly, Aspect ratio changes from 4:3 Letterbox or PanScan (for CRT) to 16:9 each time you change channel!!!
Had to turn PVR off for a while each time I wanted to watch in 4:3 Letterbox, as it won't display in this ratio after watching a recording, going into the menu, etc. I am getting tired of seeing tall thin people already! CRAZY!
Recordings ONLY show in 16:9 - can not change aspect (even though recorded while viewing in 4:3 Letterbox)!!!

* Can't delete/skip channels.
* There is NO FAVOURITES menu, like on most PVRs.
So you need to change channels by number, or slowly flick through all those repeated channels (7=70=71, SBS2,3,4 etc)

* PVR froze while playing a video via USB (recorded on my Cannon camera). Had to unplug power to reset.

(A lot of the controls are the same as on my old Homecast/DS6200PVR - including the remote control codes, so that is annoying for me. Strangely the DS6200PVR remote controls the Bauhn, but not the other way.)

I like this PVR, but its annoying idiosyncrasies are not helping. Unless I only use it on the plasma (works well), it will be going back to Aldi.

[WantToFixThis]

Hello there,
I've picked up the 500GB Bauhn Aldi PVR. It's been quite a step back from my Beyonwiz PV-L1!
No matter what I do, I can't get the Bauhn to record 2 channels at once.
Also, as soon as one channel starts to record, I can't watch any other channels (I get a "No or bad signal!" message). If I stop the recording, then I can watch all channels again.
I don't know much about this stuff, but it's as though it doesn't have a twin tuner.
Anyone got any neat tricks on how I can make this thing work???
Thanks so much in advance ...

Edited by WantToFixThis, 20 August 2011 - 01:58 PM.

[prl]

WantToFixThis, on Aug 20 2011, 01:57 PM, said:

Hello there,
I've picked up the 500GB Bauhn Aldi PVR. It's been quite a step back from my Beyonwiz PV-L1!
No matter what I do, I can't get the Bauhn to record 2 channels at once.
Also, as soon as one channel starts to record, I can't watch any other channels (I get a "No or bad signal!" message). If I stop the recording, then I can watch all channels again.
I don't know much about this stuff, but it's as though it doesn't have a twin tuner.
Anyone got any neat tricks on how I can make this thing work???
Thanks so much in advance ...

With a reasonable single-tuner PVR (like the Beyonwiz DP-H1 with an added USB recording HDD), the PVR should be able to let you view any service from the broadcaster you're recording: for example, record Nine Digital and watch Gem. The DP-H1 can even record two services and let you view a third live provided they're all from the same broadcaster: e.g. record ABC1 & ABC2 and view ABC3.

[WantToFixThis]

prl, on Aug 20 2011, 02:18 PM, said:

With a reasonable single-tuner PVR (like the Beyonwiz DP-H1 with an added USB recording HDD), the PVR should be able to let you view any service from the broadcaster you're recording: for example, record Nine Digital and watch Gem. The DP-H1 can even record two services and let you view a third live provided they're all from the same broadcaster: e.g. record ABC1 & ABC2 and view ABC3.

I was able to do all this with my Beyonwiz.

My issue with the Bauhn is it will not let me record 2 channels at once. If I get it to record 1 channel, it will not even allow me to watch another channel. I'm hoping there's some simple firmware upgrade out there to fix up this frustrating situation. So as not to stress the machine (!), I programmed it to record 2 channels in the middle of the night. As usual, it recorded one channel and had an empty file for the other program. The signal is strong so I don't think it's anything to do with that.

I'm hoping someone else out there has had this issue and has some idea how to fix it.....

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

WantToFixThis, on Aug 20 2011, 02:26 PM, said:

I'm hoping someone else out there has had this issue and has some idea how to fix it.....

Just edited this - go to end for solution - hopefully!!!

Sorry to tell you this, sounds like you bought a lemon!  

I bought 2, and have had no problems recording 2 programs while watching a recorded show, or other channels from those 2 networks. (First thing I do when I buy a PVR is try that - it pushes the processor to its limits.) It is not perfect, but good value.

Am on Whirlpool Forums - lots of discussion of this PVR, but no problem of recording 2 programs.

Aldi in the past have palmed off older stock in sales (I witnessed this and complained). There were a lot of old model being sold about 3 weeks ago. Some were faulty, some returned stock. (Of 3 I bought, 1 was so bad, 1 had someones recordings on it, and 1 was just right - no it wasn't - it had faulty Timer firmware, unresponsive remote and other issues. This is Ald - not a fairy tale.)

Is yours the latest model? Previous model DID have a problem when recording 2 shows on occasions - froze. (The new model AS-PVR500R has the front rounded as it meets the sides, has front & rear USB, & BAUHN on left. Old model has flat front & BAUHN on the right above front USB - TV6600.)

Check under menu that you are recording to HDD. Remove any USB drives. Try disabling Time Shift.
We will see if the problem can be fixed.

JUST HAD A LIGHT BULB MOMENT   
- have you plugged the 'supplied loop cable' between LOOP IN and LOOP OUT???
(the supplied loop cable should be a short black antenna cable with male/female connectors - in the plastic bag of cables.)

Was able to replicate your fault by unplugging loop cable
- could still view channels in same Network as recording (same tuner)
- second recording was blank
- gave 'Bad or No Signal' message on black screen for other networks
Sounds like your problem (or a faulty tuner).

Manual
p7 - Rear Panel - 1. LOOP IN
p11, or 12, or 13 - Connections to a TV (stated 4 times)
1. Connect the loop cable to LOOP IN and to LOOP OUT...

Older style twin tuners still have this crazy set up between 2 single tuners, Tuner1 & Tuner2.
Otherwise you do have a single tuner PVR!
Hope that solves your problem. It is not as if I have not made mistakes!!!

Edited by BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA, 20 August 2011 - 06:08 PM.

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

Bought a 2TB WD (1.8TB actually) formatted in NTFS.
Plugged it into PVR expecting it would not like it.
(most cheaper PVRs require a FAT format which I am told limits the capacity to 32GB. They also don't like very big HDD like this.)

Showed as (USB1) 1.8GB in Menu/PVR/Storage.

Copied a file across from internal HDD – slowly (it is a USB device & these PVRs only seem to transfer 1-2MBps in my experience – networks are nicer!).
So no need to buy a USB3 HDD – it won't make it faster!!
File showed up on USB1 on File List & played
Changed PVR Settings to record TV to USB1 – recording successfully

So a large NTFS powered USB Hard Drive is ideal for storing lots of programs – straight out of the box.
(Plug USB into Hard Drive & rear USB on PVR while PVR is in standby, plug in power pack – that is it!)
Could then easily plug HDD into PC to watch recorded movies.

1.8GB stores about 700 hours of SD, or 350 hours of HD content!
And you can store other video files transfered from the PC to play on PVR if in correct format.
Why not add 2 HDD! (A total of 1600 hours of TV - sounds like torture to me.)
Cost $98 at Officeworks, but lots of places have similar units.

Edited by BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA, 20 August 2011 - 05:19 PM.

[prl]

WantToFixThis, on Aug 20 2011, 02:26 PM, said:

I was able to do all this with my Beyonwiz.
...

I was responding to your comment about whether the Aldi unit possibly being single tuner, with information about the single tuner DP-H1. What the dual-tuner FV-L1 can do isn't all that relevant to the capabilities and limitations of single-tuner PVRs.

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

pgdownload, on Aug 16 2011, 08:47 AM, said:

That should cover the chances of buying a broken unit, however its of no help where the problems affect all of the machines (i.e. poor firmwire or reliability etc.)
But IMO in this area its usually a false economy with ultra cheap PVR usually having all sorts of issues that just make for an unpleasant experience.

I buy 2 - if there is a problem with both - it is likely to be a fault with all units, so back they go. Finding a fault with 1 is frustrating - you never know if other units have same issues. Do you send it for repairs, replace it, ... just to find the replacement is same.

Last Aldi PVR - contacted 'Support' (DgTec - say no more!) who knew nothing about model, sent wrong instructions with 'updated' firmware which was same version as in PVR. Only other solution was to send it to them at my expense. But they could not fix a Firmware fault - so would have been a waste of time. (Latest model is from different supplier, who will talk about their product on Whirlpool Forums.)

Thanks - I have never had the chance to try a BeyonWiz - I hear they are good.
Am curious about Magic TV - but I like to try before I buy (good refunds policy) as a PVR is a personal choice - different people want them for different reasons. Many people have never tried other brands or features, and may think what they are used to is great. (I thought my VCR was great only 5 years ago!) It takes some time to know all the features, and discover what really suits me. (It has taken days to discover features & faults in current Aldi PVR. A few days ago, I bought a $14.50 mobile phone with a $50 backpack free - for the backpack. Expected nothing from the phone, but am delighted each day so far - discovering new features I love! It had no real manual.) It is easier to know what not to buy with forums stating problems with units. Menu systems and features are hard to imagine if you have not used them.

The current Aldi PVR is far from perfect, but good value at the low price. 2 USB - supporting at least 2TB (NTFS formatted) per USB from my tests (1600 hours of SD content or video transferred from PC); good scheduling - weekly, weekend, weekday, daily, once; easy padding of recordings; 2 year warranty including refund; etc.

Edited by BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA, 21 August 2011 - 09:50 AM.

[WantToFixThis]

BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA, on Aug 20 2011, 03:48 PM, said:

JUST HAD A LIGHT BULB MOMENT   
- have you plugged the 'supplied loop cable' between LOOP IN and LOOP OUT???
(see p7 of manual - Rear Panel - 1. LOOP IN
the supplied cable should be a short black coax cable with male/female connectors - in the plastic bag of cables.)
(see p11, or 12, or 13 of manual - Connections to a TV - stated 4 times:
1. Connect the loop cable to LOOP IN and to LOOP OUT...)
Older style twin tuners still have this crazy set up between 2 single tuners, Tuner1 & Tuner2.
Otherwise you do have a single tuner PVR!
Hope that solves your problem. It is not as if I have not made mistakes!!!

BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA ...I could kiss you!!!
I'm not at home at the moment so can't try your fix, but it makes perfect sense. And ... I didn't use the little loop in loop out cable!!!!
Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[prl]

WantToFixThis, on Aug 20 2011, 06:01 PM, said:

BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA ...I could kiss you!!!
I'm not at home at the moment so can't try your fix, but it makes perfect sense. And ... I didn't use the little loop in loop out cable!!!!
Thank you thank you thank you!!!

Yep, that would cause the problems you described.

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

WantToFixThis, on Aug 20 2011, 06:01 PM, said:

BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA ...I could kiss you!!!
I'm not at home at the moment so can't try your fix, but it makes perfect sense. And ... I didn't use the little loop in loop out cable!!!!
Thank you thank you thank you!!!

See - these Forums are helpful.  

The solution is obvious - afterwards! With PVR faults, it is often a difficult to solve Firmware issue. So I am glad that solved the problem. Having used a PVR before, it was likely you installed it without reading all those things about put the bloody cable in! After all, you were not new to PVRs. But it is a very easy mistake - I did not think of it until I re-read you had been using a single tuner, so had no experience with loop cables!! I replicated your symptoms by pulling out the loop cable - making the PVR a single tuner - showing the problem was a tuner issue.

For me, it was satisfying to solve the problem. I lost my memory 15 years ago after a virus. I lectured at Uni in IT, ran my own business finding solutions for very successful people, hypnotised groups of people to develop their thinking & creativity skills... and then nothing! Lost my past, remembered almost no one. Most of what I had become an 'expert' at - I learnt through making mistakes. I had been very good at problem solving and thinking. These forums are a little rehabilitation for me.

   So thanks for the feedback - it helps in my recovery!

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA, on Aug 20 2011, 04:27 PM, said:

Bought a 2TB WD (1.8TB actually) formatted in NTFS.
Copied a file across from internal HDD – slowly

COPYING many recordings at once to HDD on USB1 – BE CAREFUL!
(PVR-RED button-Select All etc-RED button-Copy-OK)
Said it was copying – BUT it was SO SLOW! (1.7MBps in my test on a 850MB file)
(The only way to stop the copy was to put it into standby and say YES to Do you want to stop all system tasks?)
I Tried again, and again just adding the files that had not yet copied.
I plugged the 2TB HDD into my PC – Only 3 files were copied in 2 Days???
Then I remembered a message had said Do you want to overwrite file? (when Copying large amount)
instead of the usual... Your Selected media will copy, in addition to x%
I had been overwriting (DELETING) my copied files each time – it pays to read & understand the on-screen messages!