107 replies to this topic

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

RENAME RECORDING File Name
(PVR-(move to file)-RED button(operation)-Rename) No need to select file with YELLOW button.
Using the TIMER to record instead of the EPG, results in name as channel-date-start time but easy to rename.

EDITING
You need to move the cursor to the file name to edit (Text bar at top of screen turns Green).
You can move cursor (navigation keys around OK on remote) within File name – better than many PVRs!
(eg add symbol '*' before name so file is easy to find, or add program detail in brackets after file name)
UPPER/lower case characters: P+/P- or PageUp/Down (buttons on remote to right of SUB & PVR)

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

Hope this is a reasonable summary of major features & issues users have discovered.
(From a Whirlpool Forum - my review of the Bauhn AS-PVR500R, comparing it with a cheap Topfield at twice the price.)

It is a rebadged PVR from Aldi - so lacks features, quality, and support. (Released 18 Aug 2011 $179 - sold out within hours)
It is unlikely there will be Firmware upgrades, and the few faults could be fixed in Firmware. (We will see.)

Buying a (cheaper) PVR means a few compromises, and less support.
At least this PVR has a no questions asked 60 day return policy, and 2 year warranty - including a refund in some cases.
(My first PVR was an Aldi over 5 years ago, which had a fault only when the HDD was full. Did not discover that for almost 1 year, and got a full refund.)

There is no networking or quad record (record 2 channels from a network per tuner) like on the Topfield TRF-7160 ($376), but you can view other channels on networks being recorded. Has 2 USB ports for 2 external storage devices. I have a $98 2TB NTFS external Hard Drive plugged in straight out of the box, and it could take another HDD. With 2 2TB HDD, this PVR could store 1600Hrs of SD programs for less that the price of the TRF-7160, with double the USB ports and better HDD formatting.

You can record to or copy to/from external storage. (USB file transfer is VERY SLOW! 1.7MBps in my tests. You can still use the PVR as normal (press EXIT twice), or put in STANDBY (say NO to message) while copying. Much better to have Ethernet networking.) Files can be viewed & edited on a PC with appropriate software. (New Aldi PVR File Format & Software) Media player plays a lot of formats, but users have reported problems with some formats. (New Aldi PVR as Media Player & later) Always put PVR into STANDBY to connect/disconnect USB devices!

I would not recommend for use with a CRT TV. (On a 4:3 CRT TV, changes Aspect Ratio every time you change channels; will not show 4:3 Letterbox after watching a recording - you need to reset the unit by putting the PVR into STANDBY until the blue light shows; recordings always play in 16:9 - but can be changed via the menu, but not the Aspect button to 4:3 PanScan, but not 4:3 Letterbox!) My guess is a lot will be returned due to that, and sold at a lower price. (See New Aldi PVR Forum & Old & New Aldi PVR Forum (after Aug18))

Apart from that, it is slow to boot, has the annoyingly bright blue light in STANDBY like on the Topfield. More of a problem - you can not remove/skip unwanted channels, lacks a favourites menu which would help with that issue, and you can not set up bookmarks to find a place in the recording. There is no (30second etc) Skip button, but holding down the Right Navigation button (beside the OK key) will rapidly move through recordings easily.

But it does give a choice to resume watching a recording from either where you stopped watching, or the beginning - a vital feature lacking on some PVRs. Pressing RECORD gives the option to set recording time, stopping at the end of the program, or at the end of the next program. Chase-play of recordings (playing a program currently being recorded from the beginning via the PVR button) & Time-Shift (Pause/Rewind live TV) is easy.

EPG is basic, and viewing program details is even more limited than on most PVRs or STBs. EPG recording is good, with an option to add padding for recordings running late/early, and Daily/ Weekday/ Weekend/ Weekly/ Once record options. Scheduled recording times can be edited via the TIMER button. These recordings are stored by program name. Adding a recording via Timer does not show the program name in the file name, but file names can be easily edited.

And something 1 user forgot - plug in the short black antenna cable linking the two tuners at the rear, or you will only have a single tuner PVR! It is about time this ancient issue disappeared!

Not a bad unit for the price, unless you want to watch on a CRT TV. (Mind you, the TRF-7160 had a problem with CRT TVs.)
I am warming to this unit. If only the couple of bugs could be fixed in Firmware.

Edited by BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA, 31 August 2011 - 03:55 PM.

[magnetguy]

There is no (30second etc) Skip button, but holding down the Right Navigation button (beside the OK key) will rapidly move through recordings easily.

Hi Bruce,

  I have noticed that if you double press the Right or Left keys that you jump forward or back by 1% of the file.
This means that for a one hour recording the jump size is 36 seconds.  I find this useful for skipping ads but recorded a 4 hour football game and found the skips were 2 minutes and 26 seconds.  It would have been better if there was an option to set this to a particular interval rather than a percentage of the file, but I suppose it is better than nothing.

Cheers
Magnetguy

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

magnetguy, on Sep 5 2011, 06:09 PM, said:

I have noticed that if you double press the Right or Left keys that you jump forward or back by 1% of the file.

Yes, I posted about that on Whirlpool Forums yesterday (reproduced below)
http://forums.whirlp...i...63&p=6#r118

More on Fast Forwarding using the Right navigation arrow (beside OK) as described in http://forums.whirlp...i...563&p=2#r36 (an undocumented feature)

Pressing Right navigation arrow once brings up position in recording bar.
Pressing Right navigation arrow again with slight pause between each press (1 or more times) advances the program 1% of program.
So pressing Right navigation arrow twice (not too quick) advances program 1% - 36 seconds in 1 hr (3600 second) program.
Similarly for Left navigation arrow.

FF & Rew buttons do not seem to work in Media files. You can use the above technique to move through those files.

Edited by BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA, 05 September 2011 - 11:00 PM.

[pmo]

There is a fault with the FF function. If you press it repeatedly to try to get to 64 times speed the machine freezes. You have to press it slowly and wait a few seconds between each press then you can eventually get to 64 times speed.

Does anyone know where to find Bauhn firmware upgrades please?

[DM Dave]

Ring them on 1300766659,give them your email and they will send the link.

Good luck,as you will probably be wasting your time.

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

pmo, on Sep 8 2011, 07:28 AM, said:

There is a fault with the FF function. If you press it repeatedly to try to get to 64 times speed the machine freezes. You have to press it slowly and wait a few seconds between each press then you can eventually get to 64 times speed.
Does anyone know where to find Bauhn firmware upgrades please?

I and others have posted about this issue on Whirpool Forums - sometimes happens when on 8XFF and press FF again many seconds later - it freezes. Can stop it by putting briefly into Standby if Stop fails. This is an intermittent fault. Maybe it happens when recording another program???

Also found when playing a recording, PAUSE does not work sometimes - after changing Aspect ratio via MENU, etc.

Bauhn is Aldi - so is a rebadged PVR. Ring Support - they must be getting used to Firmware faults with this PVR - like the aspect changes every time you change channels if using a 4:3 CRT TV!! But as Dave says - you will probably waste your time.
The correct phone number is 1300 886 649 - on the front of the manual.
The one Dave gave was for the older model - they change support numbers with different PVRs & manufacturers.

[DM Dave]

Thanks Bruce,I do have three of last Novembers model.

Been waiting several weeks for a pickup and repair/refund purportedly arranged by the Colac area Supervisor.

The TV and Bluray player,along with an Espresso maker which never worked at all,are "in the same boat".

Looks like it's time to alert the ACCC.Trust Aldi get a similar outcome to MSY.

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

DM Dave, on Sep 9 2011, 10:22 AM, said:

Thanks Bruce, I do have three of last Novembers model.
Been waiting several weeks for a pickup and repair/refund purportedly arranged by the Colac area Supervisor. Looks like it's time to alert the ACCC.

Hey Dave - this is Bruce,
best of luck with the refunds! The latest Aldi PVR is way better (different manufacturer) - but is no good for a 4:3 CRT TV!

[DM Dave]

Aldi's policy was "If your Special Buy is faulty,return it with your receipt (or other proof of purchase) within 12 months of purchase and we will gladly exchange it or give you a refund.This is in addition to your statutory rights."

Does not always work that way.

Aldi seems to think they can retrospectively change at will.

I am having considerable difficulty obtaining my statutory rights.

[prl]

DM Dave, on Sep 10 2011, 10:59 AM, said:

...
I am having considerable difficulty obtaining my statutory rights.

Then talk to the ACCC. They have a brochure that explains statutory warranties and also lays out what you should have done before you contact the ACCC, and has some suggestions about how to write a letter of complaint to the retailer.

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA, on Sep 9 2011, 10:06 AM, said:

I and others have posted about this issue on Whirpool Forums - sometimes happens when on 8XFF and press FF again many seconds later - it freezes.

So everyone – start phoning support!  1300 886 649 (expect a wait on hold - 10 minutes in my case)
They have said they do not know about this FF fault & to send the PVR to them.
It is a Firmware fault, so it would be useless sending the unit.
Also complain about the other Firware issues when using this PVR with a CRT TV (aspect changes every time you change channels, won't show TV in 4:3 Letterbox after playing a recording, and can not change aspect to 4:3 Letterbox when viewing a recording), and not being able to delete unwanted channels. They should be able to replicate the fault on a unit they have there!

Edited by BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA, 13 September 2011 - 12:47 PM.

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA, on Sep 13 2011, 12:46 PM, said:

So everyone – start phoning support!  1300 886 649

Regarding the new Aldi PVR AS-PVR500R Firmware faults...
Rang Support, Ryan from Tempo rang back. I was impressed.
He took 25 minutes listening to our list of Firmware faults, took notes, checked sequence that causes fault, and said:

• Apect Ratio when watching live TV on a 4:3 TV is being worked on by their engineers
  
• He was not sure if Aspect ratio when playing a recording on 4:3 TV would be fixed in next Firmware update
  
• They have not replicated FF issues, so are not sure about that
  
• Pause failing to respond when playing a recording was unknown to them (has occurred on my 2 PVR)
  
• I discussed deletion of unwanted channels, but he did not give a response

When the firmware is developed, Tempo will notify on Whirpool Forums http://forums.whirlp...s.cfm?t=1755563, and supply a link to the upgrade on their site. Upgrade is downloaded to USB memory & then inserted into PVR USB, & upgraded via MENU-SETTINGS-FIRMWARE UPGRADE.

If you ring with your problems, your will be notified when the upgrade is available. The more who raise issues, the more likely the issue will be dealt with.
So everyone – start phoning! 1300 886 649

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA, on Sep 13 2011, 06:54 PM, said:

Regarding the new Aldi PVR AS-PVR500R Firmware faults...
Rang Support, Ryan from Tempo rang back. I was impressed.

Firmware v5.9.0 released for AS-PVR500R

Copied from Ryan1 on Whirlpool Forums today 12:33 pm

This firmware is to resolve the following issues some customers may be experiencing with their AS-PVR500R.

    Time zone setting reverting to 'NSW/ACT'.
    No sound on channel 'GEM' in NSW Hunter & Central Coast regions.
    Screen ratio of 4:3 not persistent when changing channels.

Please visit the following link to obtain the Firmware update and instructions.
http://www.tempoaust...r500rupdate.htm
(Link is case sensitive)


Please Note;
    This firmware update is only to resolve the issues stated above. It does not provide new functions.
    This firmware is designed solely for model number AS-PVR500R.
    Please contact our Help Centre via the phone number printed on your instruction manual should you experience any issues.

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA, on Sep 23 2011, 03:42 PM, said:

Firmware v5.9.0 released for AS-PVR500R

Thanks Ryan for a prompt solution.
The instructions are clear (with photos – what a bonus!). An easy upgrade!

Upgrade solved in my case:

• Time zone setting reverting to 'NSW/ACT' (now works as my region)
  
• No sound on channel 'GEM' in NSW Hunter & Central Coast regions. (no issue in my case)
  
• Screen ratio of 4:3 not persistent when changing channels (on 4:3 CRT TV) (keeps aspect between channel changes & after booting from STANDBY)

BONUS!!!

• ASPECT of Recordings played on 4:3 CRT TV is controlled by the ASPECT button!! Keeps same aspect as live TV. (Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy!) So only need to change ASPECT if want to watch old 4:3 broadcast on 4:3 CRT TV.

Tips:
To start the UPGRADE – press the STANDBY on the PVR front panel – not the one on the remote (as I first did).

As all timer recording settings will be lost (I have 46) I took photos of the TIMER screens to help set up the TIMERs after the upgrade.

Luckily, my 68 recordings were not affected.

Edited by BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA, 23 September 2011 - 03:59 PM.

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA, on Sep 13 2011, 06:54 PM, said:

Regarding the new Aldi PVR AS-PVR500R Firmware faults...
    Pause failing to respond when playing a recording was unknown to them (has occurred on my 2 PVR)

Pause failing to respond when playing a recording - a non-issue!
Worked out what caused this issue – I deleted a recording while playing another recording! I don't think that counts as normal operation. No wonder I was the only one with this issue

Have PVR set to automatically play next recording. I deleted the one I had just viewed, while watching the next one (by pressing PVR, deleting it, and MENU to go back to watching the recorded program). No wonder it was confused and would not respond to PAUSE. I can do this OK on my 4 year old PVR, so assumed I could do the same with this one. I can, but PAUSE no longer works.

Edited by BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA, 23 September 2011 - 04:20 PM.

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA, on Sep 13 2011, 06:54 PM, said:

Regarding the new Aldi PVR AS-PVR500R Firmware faults...
TEMPO have not replicated FF issues, so are not sure about that

If you ring with your problems, your will be notified when the upgrade is available. The more who raise issues, the more likely the issue will be dealt with. So everyone – start phoning! 1300 886 649

What I found is that if you press FF repeatedly and quickly to try to get to 64 times speed, it locks up.
If you hold down the FF button – it will go straight into 64XFF etc – depending on how long you hold it down.
Has not frozen so far using this mothod.

Have earlier explained 2 methods of how to move through recording using the Right Navigation button (right of OK)

Edited by BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA, 23 September 2011 - 04:21 PM.

[BRUCEfromAUSTRALIA]

Latest 1TB $199 model released this morning.
New PVR is identical to previous AS-PVR500R – now AS-PVR1000R – just a bigger HDD!

Specs are same as previous PVR: eg Front & rear USB to connect external HDD (at least up to 2TB in my tests) or USB stick.

Same manfacturer (CHINA) & support (who provided quick Firmware update to fix problems with last model)

Operation:
same 35sec boot time
menus & operation are the same
Aspect button works with 4:3 CRT TV (needed upgrade last time)
No issues (so far) with freezing when you increase speed of FF/REW as in previous model. Need to make a few long recordings to test.

System Info:
AS-PVR500R V5.9.0 29/9/11
(mine was upgraded on 29/9)
AS-PVR1000R V5.9.0 28/9/11 ie same
[edited: OOPS! posted wrong dates before]
So Firmware has been upgraded to latest version.

Well thats about it. Can't see any difference except larger HDD & model number for $20 more.
Reasonably good unit for price.

[Scott C]

I've grabbed a 1TB version for my parents for Christmas, I have it set up to test it, as I didn't want to give them a dud.  My folks live a few hours drive away and I know I will be installing, but didn't want to be cursing on Christmas day
I must say, I prefer my Topfield for features, but the Bauhn is pretty incredible for the price.
Quality of picture is great, ability to record 2 shows and watch another is unbelievable in this price range and all round I think they'll be pretty happy.

However....
I have pretty good reception where I am and pick up stations from Melbourne and Bendigo as well as at least half of the Gippsland ones.
My folks live close to the NSW/Vic border and I know they pick up channels from 2 areas also and prefer the Vic ones as the news is more local.

So... how on earth do you delete channels or set up a favourites list?
Surely it is possible and someone has worked out a way by now.  Have 3 of every channel and then the standard SBS/ABC duplicates, HD/SD versions of the same channels, etc. It's not overly user friendly to have to type the numbers of each channel you want or to scroll through the channel list.

Have already emailed support, but no response yet (it's only been a few days).  Will call this week, but hoping someone has found some method that I am missing.

Cheers
Scott

[superbunny]

Well I've had mine working overtime with SWMBO and I can tell you this is a credable PVR. I have had the HomeCast HD Twin tuner for the last couple of years with no complaints. It works just as well including recording two channels and watching a recorded channel at the same time. It has not missed a single recording to date. I wish I had purchased two of these now. Just shows you that the other brands are over priced IMHO. My dad got one too and he is just as pleased with his.

SB

[Scott C]

For the record, I gave up trying to work out a way to remove the excess channels. The phone support line said it wasn't possible to remove the channels, nor add a favourites list. They did take down the request for change, but hey... I want to give the PVR to my folks this Christmas, not in a year or two.
I did work out how to limit the channels to at least the metro ones, so am sharing that info here for anyone that needs to know.
Instead of using the autosearch, run a manual search on each LCN for your area. (after clearing out the existing channels through a factory reset)
If you don't know all the LCNs (channels/frequencies)... and it's a bit sad if you do, you can look them up at http://www.acma.gov....DARD/pc=PC_9150, in the lists with both analog and digital, the digital channels are shaded a greyish purple.

I also tried a Grundig PVR and found it to be even worse.  Yes, it supported favourites, but not a proper list of them that you can scroll through nor switch into only displaying the current favorites, but a button that jumped to the next favorite with each press.  A circular, ascending list of channels with no going back.  There's also no manual tune, so you get stuck with channels from many regions.

Finally I grabbed a Topfield TRF7160 as I know they are rock solid and as I have one, at least it will make any phone support from my folks easier Managed to get one for just under $300 (new), so worth the extra for proper* functionality and now they can record up to 4 shows... can't see that ever happening.   *by proper I mean, you can delete channels, use favourites, intelligent record a TV series, install Topfield applications, etc.

[superbunny]

superbunny, on 13 December 2011 - 10:25 AM, said:

Well I've had mine working overtime with SWMBO and I can tell you this is a credable PVR. I have had the HomeCast HD Twin tuner for the last couple of years with no complaints. It works just as well including recording two channels and watching a recorded channel at the same time. It has not missed a single recording to date. I wish I had purchased two of these now. Just shows you that the other brands are over priced IMHO. My dad got one too and he is just as pleased with his.

SB

Well I got another one they had still left in the store about two weeks ago and I'm still happy with both of them. These just have to be the best value in Aust. Scott C, I don't know why you would want to remove the other channels, just don't use them. I've got all the extra one also so I just don't use them. They are not a problem being there just use the channel numbers as usual. A favourites list? I have never found any reason to have one and my Homecast has favourits but I don't see the point, I just press the channel button I want.

[prl]

superbunny, on 20 February 2012 - 09:22 PM, said:

... These just have to be the best value in Aust. Scott C, I don't know why you would want to remove the other channels, just don't use them. I've got all the extra one also so I just don't use them. They are not a problem being there just use the channel numbers as usual. A favourites list? I have never found any reason to have one and my Homecast has favourits but I don't see the point, I just press the channel button I want.

Favourites lists are most commonly used for exactly this purpose. On my Beyonwiz, using a favourites list allows me to avoid the clutter of the duplicated services, and also control the order in which the CH+/- buttons operate (they follow the order in the favorites list, whereas if favourites are not used, the order is simply the LCN (Logical Channel Number) order. Only the services in the favourites lists are shown when selecting services when a timer is added manually, and only the favourites are shown in the EPG.

I almost never change services by using the LCN. But then, I almost never watch live TV, almost only recorded except for sport, so the whole issue of changing services is moot for me.

I agree, though, that using favourites to achieve these sorts of ends is better than removing duplicated or unwanted services.

[Scott C]

When you receive channels from 2 areas and 1 is much is stronger than the other, then it doesn't make sense to keep them both.  I'm not just talking about my parents getting Prime on 6, 60 & 61 (or whatever the numbers are), I'm talking about getting Prime from Bendigo and from some other transmitter, I think Mildura. So each number (well most of them) is doubled, there are 2x6, 2x60, 2x61, 2x62, etc, etc... Good luck guessing which channel will be selected when the number is typed in, it won't necessarily be the stronger signal. One of the drawbacks of good reception is channels from 2 regions.
So, for me it is essential to be able to remove channels or at least have a workable favourites list.
As for typing in the channel number, come on... there's how many channels now, do you really hop through channels by typing in the numbers?

[prl]

Scott C, on 25 February 2012 - 10:13 PM, said:

When you receive channels from 2 areas and 1 is much is stronger than the other, then it doesn't make sense to keep them both. I'm not just talking about my parents getting Prime on 6, 60 & 61 (or whatever the numbers are), I'm talking about getting Prime from Bendigo and from some other transmitter, I think Mildura. So each number (well most of them) is doubled, there are 2x6, 2x60, 2x61, 2x62, etc, etc... Good luck guessing which channel will be selected when the number is typed in, it won't necessarily be the stronger signal. One of the drawbacks of good reception is channels from 2 regions. So, for me it is essential to be able to remove channels or at least have a workable favourites list. As for typing in the channel number, come on... there's how many channels now, do you really hop through channels by typing in the numbers?

IMO, the best solution to this problem is neither deleting the channels, nor using favourites, but using partial scans to only scan the services from the stronger transmitter. Then use favourites to hide redundant copies of the same services (e.g. 2 & 21 for ABC1).

You can find which broadcast channels to scan from the ACMA Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations Book. Chapter 9, Television by Area Served is probably the most useful to you for doing this.

However, seeing that the Bendigo and Mildura transmitters are about 380km apart, it seems unlikely that you're getting signals from both of them. If you can post your approximate location (don't post your address, town or suburb is good enough) I can probably tell you which are the most likely transmitters you're seeing. If you just want to scan for the Bendigo transmitters, they're on broadcast channels (not LCNs) 28, 31, 48, 51 & 54). It's hard to advise on the best partial scan range, though, without knowing what the other transmitter actually is.