Alas, the .bin file is deleted during the upgrade process. Otherwise, every time you turned the unit on, it would re-flash the firmware.



That's looking like our best bet. Thanks!

Danny

I had a quick look to see what is new with the new firmware...

Didn't find much...

On the EPG, if you select the 2nd program and hit the timer button, a timer entry is made for that program. I don't know if that was available before...

Filenames are the same - ie ch - date - time... still in no particular order. When I tried recording from the EPG it still uses the ch - date - time.

Other than that, I couldn't find anything.... I'm sure I must be missing the changes....

I'm still trying to hook it up to the PC... See if the IceTV thingo works....

You could do that with the original retail firmware.


I wish they had a changelog.

I hadn't found that, Kestral, thanks!

Changelog would be good...

One thing I found... don't know if its a bug or just happend by accident...

I renamed a file but didn't enter a name - it got named "no name"... when I tried to play it it "end"ed at 20 odd minutes.... and caused date/times to be changed and text to be corrupted.... It refused to play the file again and I kept having to turn off then on again to do anything...

Then, I tried changing the filename again to something else, and all was OK.... something to be aware off....

Ok, no luck after emailing DGTEC - all they sent my was a 060120A
firmware which I already (and most of you should) have. I even
mentioned I thought the "newest" firmware would 060615 or something
like that.

So if anyone else has any luck getting a copy of the "latest" firmware,
even though Dillster reckons there are no major changes, please
share it around.

This is the only issue I have found with my DG-SD80PVR unit also.

In my case the audio is also badly affected for a second or two - sometimes just at the wrong time - but I am sure it's the air con. system switching on & off as the problem has not been there when I have recorded material when not using that piece of heavy current equipment.

Probably the power supply in the DGTEC is not "big" enough (compared with a desktop PC) to cope with these glitches in supply and the HDD spins slower at that critical time??

What does a UPS cost? Any other ideas!!

a small 350va UPS will only cost $70 or so, for a small APC unit.

but I would suggest quad shielded antenna fly lead from wall to the pvr before that, they are quite good at reducing EMF interference from aircon/fridges etc.

I also have this problem - especially from fluorescent and other light switches. Could you explain the above solutions?

My other problem is that recordings set to occur weekly disappear. Anyone else have this problem or know what to do about it? Cheers.

I believe the situation is: The arial cable from wall to PVR is like an antena... it can pick up signals. The motors and transformers in some appliences can put out a strong enough signal to be picked up by the cable and added to the signal from the rooftop arial thereby ruining your reception (even if only momentarily as motors switch on etc). Quad shielded cable stops these signals getting into the central conductors of the arial cable which is where your rooftop signal is traveling. Therefore a new quad shielded 'fly' lead from wall to box may solve your problem. However it may not make much difference if the rest of your cabling is not up to scratch and the 'signals' from the appliances can be picked up on the way to your wall socket. Even the socket itself can act as a reciever of these bad signals if it is not of a high enough quality.

Thats as I understand it anyway.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I thought the whole idea of "Digital" broadcasts was to eliminate these problems!!

I don't experience these drop outs while watching live DTV broadcasts - only when they are saved to the PVR (same antenna - same cable). That's why I think it's more to do with the spikes in the power supply to the PVR not being smoothed out so to speak.

can anyone run me thru how to watch the 1 analogue channel? funnily enough the manual doesn't help. also what is the "powerful trick mode"?

I believe the analogue channel is just a bypass. It uses the same antenna.
I imagine you would connect the PVR via the composite cable to either
your video or tv and have either of those set to AV to watch digital tv.
Then you can connect the PVR to your tv with a standard coax lead and
watch analogue tv (tuned with your tv tuner).

And I think the "powerful trick mode" is a feature not yet defined.

Great, thanks. Can I get shielded cable from Dick Smiths, etc? Is it expensive? Cheers.

Not sure if this helps but notice that "hiccups" occur in recorded programs if you do the following whilst recording is in progress:

- Open the 'Files" menu;
- Use the "My Video" to preview or delete another recorded program;
- Use "Rec pause" during commercials - when playing back there is a slight hiccup whilst sound catches up to the picture.

Suggest these causes or something similar seem more likely than spikes given that only happens when in playback mode.

Has anyone tried upgrading the HDD? If so, How?

why would the PVR need an analogue antenna in and out if there is no tuner in there to do anything with the signal?

does anyone know if the factory that makes them has a website?

That's right, it doesn't have an analog tuner so the input socket is useless.

But it does have a RF-modulator for televisions that only have an antenna socket and no composite or component sockets. That's what the RF modulator Output is for.

The manual states on page 15:
"RF-Modulator allows you to scan and lock an analogue channel such as channel 31 or a local analogue channel not available on the digital spectrum. You can do this by entering the channel number into the field provided in the RF-Modulator sub-menu and press ENTER"

This is incorrect, the sub-menu is actually for setting the channel used by the RF-modulator Output which the TV tuner picks up. Perhaps at some stage DGTEC intended to include an analog tuner which would explain the useless input socket and the manual error.

DGTEC's website: www.dgtec.com.au

It's straight forward, but you must realize that doing so will void any warantee(s).

Obviously, if you want to keep recordings you've already made on the original hard drive you'll have to transfer them to the new hard drive.

You'll need to buy a standard Western Digital hard drive with PARALLEL connection (NOT serial) from a computer store that sells parts to the general public.

320Gigs is about $160.

Installation is then no different from installing a computer hard drive. If you don't know how to do this there are many web sites that will guide you through the process step by step if you do a Google search.

Thanks for that, Kestrel.

BTW, I think I may have found something about the new firmware... If you set a timer and turn the machine off, after the timer recording is finished it goes back into sleep mode... I don't believe it did that before...

I assume you are referring to the one dated 060615A.

My unit which runs the January firmware (060120A) turns itself off after the timer-recording process so long as it was in the "off" mode when the timer kicked in

What I haven't worked out is why on the remote contol the number pad is alpha-numeric (like mobile phones). I can't see what the benefit of the A-Z is there as you use the UP/DOWN keys when renaming the programs/files.

This was one of the things I found frustrating too - so I seldom rename recordings. It'd be so easy if the entry was like typing an sms!

hi all, yeah, I looked forward to using that function to edit filenames to.

thanks for all the posts on this pvr. Just read from start to finish 'cause I couldn't get the answers from manual or 1800 number. I got a 200gb one from Myers for $445. Did the upgrade thing and though different (like with radio channels etc) it seems friendly enough. I like the mp3 music output also. (disco with the daughter with footy vision)

Is it possible to play video files (of home movies) from the hard drive? I transferred .mpg2 files but they don't play.

I read how some guys use software to convert from .MTS into format suitable for dvd burning etc... can do back other way?

Welcome Gold Coast Al

Good question.

Not sure if you would expect a better result than just burning the home movie mpeg2s to a DVD (Nero etc) for playing through the TV .

Do you think the PQ would be better as .mts or just more convenient? Maybe the viewing time would be longer!

Good price for the PVR also!!!!

I finally got mine connected to my PC - got the files off no probs, used VideoReDo to edit the files (including joining the files) and convert to mpg OK. All ready to burn a DVD now... Woohoo!

Only problem I had was that I had to select an audio stream as the recoding seemed to have two and the default didn't seem to play, but when I changed it to the mpeg audio - Hey Presto!

As for putting stuff back onto the pvr... I tried putting one of the edited mpgs back onto the pvr and tried to play it - no good... I tried to view it from the filemanager and it refused to look at it.

I'd say if you want to do it you need to put it back in the same format as the pvr records it... ie .mts or .001 files etc as well as the .txt file and probably in a folder as per the normal recordings.... I may give this another go when time permits.

Now, off to burn a DVD of Pink Floyd clips from Rage....

Thanks for the welcome Maurie,

Yeah, I don't expect the result would be any better, just more convenient. I got about 30 short movies so would be good for organising them and making them easy for the family to access. I didn't buy the machine thinking I would be able to do it, so it would just be a bonus.

Dillster, would love to know if you work out "going back the other way".

Does anyone know if it is possble to get rid of the 'boot' screen upon launch, it tricks my loewe tv into a "cinema" resize from 16:9 setting? Maybe on the telly turn the auto screen thingy off? Probably could, 'cause I think I mainly left that on for the 4:3 video that got marched with the PVR's arrival...

Just out of interest, I backloaded a video file in the format that you find on a DVD (.vob format) and renamed it .mts as I thought there could be some similarities.

Sorry but that did not work - got a black screen - no audio - but at least the timer ticked away in the top right corner!!!

Over to the experts now!!

I have pretty good new DSE cable from my wall to my PVR, still I notice a "spike" in my speakers more than the PVR, I am thinking of getting a UPS to see if this helps, I understand it is more a power spike than an RF interference, some electronics stores will tell you to get an arrester on all devices (fridge, washing machine etc) that interfere with your AV equipment. Sounds complicated costly and annoying... how can I get a UPS to try?

If anyone has tried UPS please let us know! Or do I go for 3 phase power!!??

Murray

Presuming your signal strength is fine UPS is the way to go. 3 phase power would be over kill! But some STBs & PVRs emit nastly gunshots (while the picture remains OK) when the digital reception falters so double check that is not your problem.

John

Not sure if this works - but have you tried pressing the blue button at the top right of the remote control to get the correct aspect ratio setting?

thank u all for your comments, I just hang up with DGtec support, those guys are good, i did email them first and because they thought i might have hardware problem they were ready to take whole box back for service. anyhow, it was not actual harware problem, just stuff what i already learned from here.

1. that 20 mintes and stop replay...DO NOT USE SPACE WHEN RENAMING FILES use underscore or what ever, other wise it does not understand to play next file.

2. Dont rush with your remote control,,,eg quick changin of ff and rewinding or files,,,it will freeze,,it is not quick as computer. (what was memoryamont for these players?)

3. I didnt get my mp3 to show up, i got adviced to remember to place them to my music folder,,,i will need to try that...

I wonder if Dr Divx understands these files...(mts and 001) and other way,,how could i trick it to play divx or xvid,,,we need someone smart to write codec for this, would that be nice to stream them to this box and watch
is there any other forums for info,,,

cheers

I haven't seen the DG PVR in the shops lately. If it's discontinued does that mean there will be no more upgrades?

Eek.

I saw a 200 GB one in David Jones, Macarthur Square over the weekend.
Still had it's full RRP of $899.

Howdy all

Been watching and picking up all the fantastic advise on the forum and
now I'm ready to comment!

Well after our VCR died we were in the position to go "mainstream"
and finally purchase either a DVD recorder or a PVR.

Imediately saw the benefits of a PVR as we are in the record/watch/delete catagory.

Read all the info on "buy the topfield or humax" and how crap the dgtec was.

Interesting note, whilst we were looking at the stores.
Hardly Normal had the latest deck from Dgtec.
A twin tuner STB with built in DVD disk burner I think it was 200gb too all up $799
he would drop it down to $749. Just in he says and selling like hot cake!
Came very very very close to buying it!!!!!

Anyway, ended up going to Myers in town (Perth) for the sales last weekend.
Tucked away under a clearance table was a...........
DgtecSD80PVR with a tag down from $599 to $359! Bargain
Went to the counter to ask about the 1,2,3 warranty.
He scans it and says..."It's actually reduced down to $295"
Out came the credit card. Done deal.

Now I am usually one that would spend the extra to get quality etc etc etc.
But I figure in this day and age of technology changing/upgrading month by month.
Why spend $700-$800 on something that does basically the same job.
I know that my expected shelf life for these units are ~ 2-3 years then I wanna upgrade
to the "Multi 12 channel HD 2000gb DVD-R HDD" or whatever is out

Back on track...
Got the Dgtec home, pluged it in, set it up.
Had all the glitches that have been mentioned by others.
Thought what a piece of crap!
Hooked up the STB via usb to the keyboard on my "MAC"
transfered the Jan firmware over as mine still had 050701B.

Now she is running smooth.
Still got 3 weeks to bet money back but even with the few prob's it still has
and the price I reakon I'm on a good thing!

I am a very happy chap now.
Saved myself $400, have a fantastic widescreen picture on my 12 year old
68cm CRT Panasonic flat screen, can record two channels and watch a third,
live pause is great. watched the Tas rally on Saturday. Hit live pause and watched
in slow motion replay. Awesome.
And I can hook it up to the Mac...yeeehaaa! settle!

Look forward to another firmware upgrade

Anyone got any tricks/shortcuts to share?


cheers
cactus

Hi all

I bought a 200gb model in a weak moment at the local footy club's fund raising auction. I have been using a Wintel for over a year now and the family have settled in well with it, however the absence of a second tuner has been a problem. Hopefully this unit will survive and enhance their TV viewing experience. A few questions, if you don't mind:

A number of people have asked in this thread whether the HDD can be upgraded. Not that I intend to do so for a while, but I can't see that anyone has answered this question. Any information on this point?

One thing the Wintal does really well is record a program, and allow you to go back to the same program, while still recording, and replay it. So, you can do chase play and record at the same time. Can the Dgtec do this? I guess the twin tuners make this redundant, as if you want a copy and to chase play at the same time, you could just dedicate both tuners to the same channel.

What is the fix to avoid replay problems - numerous mentions of play stalling after the first file has been read but I am unclear on how this has been solved.

Any other hints on set up and use would be welcome.

Thanks

I picked up a brand new DG-SD80PVR from Dick Smith Superstore last week for $191. That was the listed ticket price. By way of comparison Harvey Norman were selling the 200GB model for $799 !!

I then upgraded the firmware to latest (Jan 2006) version. I also replaced the 80 GB IDE Hard Disk with a Western Digital 320GB Hard Disk drive (IDE). Formatted it and so far all is working well.

I now have a DG-SD320PVR which cost me $191 + $147 (for HDD) = $338 and as a bonus I have a spare 80 GB Hard Disk. Not bad

I also heard that there will be new firmware available on the DGTEC website within the next week or two.

Yes, you can chase play - but there's a problem I've found. The programs are stored as 1 GB
sized files which is about 20 mins of recorded footage. If you begin watching within one of
these 20 minute periods then, when you get to the end of the file (even though a new file
has started recording) it will stop as if it's the end of the program. You then have to "stop"
playback and start again, then use the "GoTo" button to get to the same point again.
I believe this is just a software issue and could be fixed if DGTEC so wished.

The other thing to do is just use the "pause" button to time-shift - but you won't be getting
the program recorded to the HDD for watching later.

Firstly make sure you have the firmware upgraded as mentioned numerous times - 060120A

Secondly do NOT rename recorded program files with any spaces between words as the PVR software seems to have problems playing back when you do this.

Since using the above firmware upgrade and avoiding the spaces in renaming, my unit has not given me any such problems.

Hope that helps.

I am sure it will - thanks all for your help

Hi all have just joined been reading for the last few days have a 80gig pvr since january with 06012a firmware was talking dgtec last friday and told me new firmware would be on site tuesday still not there anyone else hear this, also anyone else have trouble with recorded programs and timeslip audio not matching up have to pause and restart playing to fix it or the fact that audio ouput is much lower than other machines eg dvd player or analouge tv .

Cheers

Great news - I've noticed that ABC (in Sydney) now have a full
electronic guide available. Now, as learned only a month or so ago,
I can hit the "GUIDE" button on the bottom left of the remote, select
my program and hit the "TIMER" button. The great thing about the
ABC is their programs pretty much run exactly to schedule.
Hopefully the other stations will follow soon - in providing a full
electronic guide that is - I don't hold out any hope of the commercial
stations ever running to schedule...

Hi guys. I'm having problems trying to edit the channel name or the channel number setting. The instructions in the menu don't seem to work. Has anyone done this? If so can you please advise the steps to do it.

Thanks in advance.

Bradman hi,

I've tried but failed at the same thing.
Don't think this feature to customise has been done by DGTEC as yet, maybe the next upgrade!

Would be nice to customise the numbering at least for each channel.

If you haven't already done so, upgrade the firmware then when you power up after upgrade
you'll need to do a auto retune of the channels.

This alone will repeat the channels on diff numbers....
before, channel 10 was only on 01
now it's on 01 as well as 10. So then all you do is delete the extra channels you don't want
and keep the ones with the coresponding number that you prefer.
hope this makes sense!

cheers
cactus

Thanks for your help Cactus. The other thing I was comtemplating was manually tuning the stations but I can't find a list of the frequencies in the Toowoomba area. Would this help though? Can you set different channels on different numbers if you tune them manually?

So, does anyone have any news on the proposed software upgrade that was due last month?

Nup!
actually emailed them last week asking when it will be released.
haven't heard back yet.

Still happy with our unit though, no problems AT ALL!

cactus

This one looks good too
http://www.topcrown.cn/D500.htm

I have just received a NEW firmware version by email, 060908ASUPA (previous one was 060120A).

The DGTEC website has been given a complete facelift and now has a European section but I can't find a download link for the new firmware so I'm hosting it at:

http://www.users.on.net/~clockwks/DGTEC/060908ASUPA.zip

They claim "the entire menu system has changed."

Trying it now.

Thanks to Kestrel
I’ve just upgraded to the new 060908ASUPA firmware and have a noticeable
distortion at the top of the screen, especially when viewing menu’s also noticeable when
viewing normal TV but not as pronounced.
Definitely changed from the previous 060120A firmware.

Any ideas for a fix to this?

haven't noticed anything new as far as features go just some colour change to menus
and the list for recordings is a bit longer.

Kestrel. howd you go, notice anything?

have emailed Dgtec about the distortion.

cheers

No distortion for me.

Recordings are automatically named with the program's name in the EPG! THANK GOD!

There are now 10 more program slots taking the total number of slots to 30. Handy.

The list of recordings appears to be ordered now with most recent recordings at the top. The font is also smaller and the text box larger so that more of the program's name can be seen.

The annoying REC logo automatically disappears with the rest of the On Screen Display. No need to keep pressing the Exit button after changing channels to get rid of it.

Fast-forward & rewind seem smoother and more responsive.