The rat I’m smelling seems to have become somewhat chubbier.

If the original batch of DSE PVRs used the CE version of a Seagate drive, then someone (DSE or the OEM manufacturer) has really cut a corner with the latest batch. And in the process reduced the parts cost significantly – a standard WD drive is much cheaper than the snazzy Seagate CE version.

Calling up ‘Menu -> PVR -> HDD Information’ reports my drive as WD1600B. Assuming the last letter is truncated, that makes it a WD1600BB and the CE version would be reported as WD1600A. It is fairly noisy, but manageable.

The biggest problem of course is the picture freezing issue, as I’m happy to live with a bit of HDD noise and brief audio stuttering as it settles. It looks like someone has pulled a swifty by using a much cheaper drive in the current batches, but the firmware has a problem with that – the anecdotal evidence pointing to this seems pretty conclusive, anyway.

Of course the only sure way to tell is by replacing the drive, but I’m unwilling to cough up for that or invalidate the warranty by cracking the unit open.

I’ll see what DSE have to say, as they’ve been at least willing to discuss the problem. My initial contact with Topfield bore no results whatsoever. Sigh…

Interesting information on differences between Seagate ACE HDD and non-ACE HDDs in this HUMAX forum in the UK

The UK HUMAX 9200 is sold in Australia as the HUMAX SMART.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=584059

Hi all,

Quick question but firstly, FWIW, I have the freezing issue too but haven't minded so far. It will freeze for a few seconds or perform a Max Headroom-like stutter and then continue. It's rare but it does happen. It's got the WD1600B HDD.

Just wanted to ask those who have managed to get USB file transfer working whether it was fairly straightforward to get USB2 speed? This is probably a Windows issue but each time I plug the PVR in, I get told I should plug into a USB2 port to get hi-speed. I have tried all ports but it keeps telling me I am in a low speed port. I've installed the V1 driver and (not that it matters) have tried the v1.0/v1.1 and the German sourced app. I have tried uninstalling all my USB support in safe mode and re-installing the drivers (having them re-detected). I have also tried it on three machines (one a laptop), all with XPSP2 to no avail. The USB driver for the PVR also seems to regularly give a blue screen of death (two different machines with different motherboards). I know people are not getting spectacular speeds under USB2 but I can barely manage half a meg.

Any help appreciated.

My guess would be that there are still dregs of the V1.0/1.1 USB driver hanging around, because the symptoms you describe sound exactly like the troubles I had with those driver versions. Specifically, frequent blue screens, failure to recognise the PVR as a USB2 connection and super-slow data transfer.

The updated hc_xdrive_usb version sorted things, but I was pretty confident I was installing on a clean slate. You're probably already aware of this, but the 1.x driver can only be uninstalled when it's active, or in practice, when the PVR is connected (in standby mode). You then uninstall it from the Device Manager. Of course, the newer xdrive version has it's own uninstaller but I imagine it could be uninstalled the same way.

So I'd suggest uninstalling the USB driver then going on a seek and destroy for any remaining system files & configurations. I think the main ones to search for would be bulkusb.sys and bulkusb.inf, and if you're really keen, any references to the driver and files in the System Registry (perhaps back it up first…) The newer driver files are hcpvrusb.sys and hcpvrusb.inf, if you want to hunt those.

After that, reinstall the xdrive version of the driver. Can't think why it would be playing up on all three machines unless: 1. you had used the 1.x drivers at some point or 2. the PVR itself is faulty from a USB perspective.

Hi i have a DSE ds6200pvr

http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefro...duct/View/G2083

I want to transfer files from it to my pc. how do i do this. I have tried the directions in the manual but the file does nothing, is there any other ways i can get my shows off my PVR??

i have tried via USB and taking the HD out of the case and inserting it into an external HD case. xp makes a bling sound to say it's connected (butnot a readable drive like an external drive) i try the filethe manual says to run found :

http://homecast.net/eng/service/download_list.asp

it is file # 8 [Win App]PVR file manager V1.0

Can anyone help me get my data off my PVR???

-Ryan

Bit surprised the file does nothing. Assuming you mean the USB program, this should happily run on the PC in its own right, even before the PVR is connected – it just won't show any files.
If by 'does nothing' you actually mean no PVR files are shown when it's connected to the PC, then you have a software/connection problem. I'd suggest uninstalling the older 1.x versions of the software and installing the 'xdrive' version, as mentioned in other posts here. The PVR has to be on standby for the PC to see files, by the way....


You won't have any results with that approach because – as far as I can tell -- the file structure on the drive is not PC (Win/DOS) compatible. This is presumably why you need a special USB transfer program, as opposed to the PVR just appearing in Windows as a drive (like your MP3 player or external hard disk does).

Interesting - that probably explains what happened with the two recorders my Dad and I bought in May. Bought them on the same day, same store. Set them up and ours worked without any noticeable problems, but theirs was a dog - I was forever out at their place trying to fix it up. We formatted the drive a couple of times and it still kept freezing. Took it back, got another one, same issue. Took it back for a refund and he bought a Topfield 5000pvrt which has had no problems whatsoever.

My DSE one keeps ticking along 99% trouble free (aside from the odd dropped bit of a recording). Just checked the menu and the drive is ST3160212. Maybe Dad's two had WD drives.

Does anybody have a download location for the HC_XDRIVE_USB drivers?

on the Homecast site, i can only find the bulkusb.inf drivers, and i cant get the newer version.
there is version 1.1 of the Windows software. but it doesnt have the drivers included.

If someone could please provide a location for download, or if someone can email it to me, it would be greatly appreciated,

simon@ccamlr.org

Thanks
Simon

PS - mine has the WD160 HDD and it freezes on playback as well.

It's actually on the German Homecast site, in the download area:
http://www.homecast.de/sc_downloads.php

Look in the PVR section, where it's listed as 'USB Software'.
- the file is hc_xdrive_usb_101.zip
- English instructions (for what they're worth) are at the end of the Read Me PDF, which is in the ZIP. It's best to follow these.

If possible, please let DSE tech support know that you too have the same freezing problem. If they get enough calls, the groundswell may result in a firmware update or some other solution.

Brilliant, got the new one, thanks.

On the freezing issue, i have been doing some research, and i agree that its a drive issue.

the WD1600BB drive in these, is the cheapest PC drive available, and not even recommended for a PC requiring a decent HDD!!!
PC drives are designed for keep the integrity of the data intact, so if it detects even a slight error it will stop and try to fix it.
CE Compliant HDD's are designed for streaming, and so if they find a small error, they will skip over it to ensure a smooth video stream.

I firmly believe that the problem lies in the WD 160 GB drive included in the newer batches of these PVR's being not only NON CE compliant, but also about the cheapest, slowest nastiest PC drive available.

I have contacted DSE to let them know, and to request a fix for mine.
but based on the drive performance, i would be surprised if just a firmware/software fix will do anything.

Good point about the drive quality. Someone has done a pretty brutal cost-cutting exercise, and this is the result.

I wonder though… If the drive is stopping when it finds a small error, would it really stay locked up for as long as 20 or 30 seconds, as is the case with the PVR?
This seems like an awfully long time to get over it, but perhaps the firmware and formatting in a normal PC environment gets around it somehow. Since the PVR appears to talk to the drive in its own (simple non-PC) way, there may be very little error correction during the writing phase. This would result in file errors that cause trouble on play back.

Then again, any downloaded files I've played back on a PC are fine… No noticeable errors or glitches. It's these sort of clues that still make me suspect that the firmware was developed with a Seagate drive fitted, and it gets confused with the el-cheapo Western Digital one.

I've also noticed that if the freeze occurs when the saved file list is open (there's' a small preview screen there), the entire file list disappears. When the freeze ends, the file list re-appears – this sounds like firmware that can't read the drive table of contents for a short period.

Sorry, I've rambled a bit. Just thought I'd toss in a few thoughts on why a firmware update might still apply.

Hiya, I bought one of these DSE6200PVR's seems to be a good unit. I've had one lockup on it so far (1 night, - 1 lockup) and it does have the western digital HDD in it. I wrote to DSE tech support to find out what it is rebadged from and they confirmed by email that it is a Topfield 6200PVR (which isn't listed on the Topfield site).

So, if you wanted a Topfield, but couldn't afford it, you can try this unit.

Personally I bought this unit ($399 - standard price) after trying to build a PC to do the job, and then only because Harvey Norman here wanted $580 on special order to get in a Mediastar 920. I've now ordered the Arion online as the extra features are worth the extra $50 to me - particularly the faster USB transfer rate.

I found the DSE unit very easy to setup and use, the missus was easily convinced that we needed to have one after playing with the DSE. I'll play with it for another week before taking it back.

A big thankyou to all here who've given their time to share their experiences and knowledge on the forum here.

Cheers!

I thought it was a Homecast unit??

They say it's a topfield to get you interested but they are not rebadged topfield units. Topfield do service them though (how on earth did they agree to it) and it is printed out on the reciepts.
Poor topfield.

I still miss the DSE remote. Won't live without a PVR now.

Looks like DSE have pulled this unit from there website.

Now seems to be two Grundig units, one SD and one HD.

Also is what seems a bargain twin tuner 250Gb SD unit called "Bush" for $249 but today was last day for that.

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/4523/bushpvrfz5.jpg

Nup, looks like it's still there:
http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefro...duct/View/G2083
- might be just selling the returns...

Thanks but still doesn't work with x drive and now i can't open the recorded shows at all i assume because it has completely full HD.

If it can't play back any recorded programs it sounds like the HDD is scrambled. You'll need to reformat it. Can't imagine any download program would have done that, and it may have been the problem from the start.

http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefro...duct/View/G2138


Has anyone had any experience with these BUSH units? The price is hard to resist.

While I agree that being non-CE is likely to cause issues with PVRs, there is nothing else wrong with the HDD. Sure, it only has 2Mb of cache but a large cache is totally unnecessary for a PVR and it's inherent speed is totally adequate for a SD PVR.

It also has the virtue of being very quiet and cool running which is a good thing for a PVR.

So yes, the drive is basically unsuitable for a twin tuner PVR due to being non-CE but otherwise, it is perfectly reasonable. And they do work fine as HDDs for single tuner PVRs (the Wintal/Supernet/Digicrystal single tuner PVRs used them).

Yes, there's no doubt that the basic WD works – although it is a bit noisy. I think the issue here is that the PVR originally had a more exotic CE drive and this has been changed to the WD drive as a cost cutting exercise.

This doesn't matter all that much, except (and here's the important bit) that the result is regular picture freezing on playback. This doesn't happen for those machines with the original CE drive fitted, the PVR firmware was developed with the CE drives installed, so it's reasonable to conclude that there's a minor firmware issue. I guess when someone had the bright idea of switching to a lower cost drive in the PVR there wasn't much quality control checking involved.

It's all a bit frustrating because all it needs is for DSE or whoever to prompt the Asian manufacturer to create a firmware update that suits the WD drives – should be more than possible. I don't know how many of these PVRs DSE has sold, but it can't be doing their reputation any good...

Dear all

I am a new contributor but have read all the posts.

I bought a unit from DSE about 3 weeks ago and it seized up. Second one did the same. Both used the WD HDD. The third has the older software and the Seagate drive and has given me no problems.

An another poster said, I would have had trouble running this unit without your input.

The only difference I have noticed with the older s/w is that the icons are less refined on the menus. Not a major point.

But I will try upgrading to the latest version.

My question is, since this unit comes with a USB port, why all this talk about USB/serial connections and null modem cables? Why not just make the USB connections direct?

I noted a 2007 version of the s/w on the German Homecast site - has anyone tried it?

And someone referred to a UK site - but I can't find it. Does one exist?

Look forward to responses to these questions if possible.

Thanks

Granpa

The serial connection/null modem connection is for the software upgrade to the RS232 port.

The USB port is for downloading recordings.

The UK site is at http://www.homecast.net/eng/index.asp

Haven't tried the German version of the software but am curious to do so. Need to watch/download the hard drive contents before doing so.

I have the Seagate drive and have had no problems in the 4 months of constant use.

Cheers

Scott

Thanks Scott - completely forgot about downloading (haven't tried it yet).

I think your UK site is actually the English version of the parent Korean company site. It was certainly not written by a native English speaker.

My old M/B has two serial ports so I should be able to upgrade with a serial/serial cable and not have to worry about all the USB/serial stuff and appropriate, fussy, software.

Lee

Just to reiterate on the previous couple of posts:
- The serial RS232 is only for firmware upgrades.
- The USB connection is only for uploading and downloading recorded TV program files.

As far as I can tell there's no suitable firmware update for the DSE PVR, at this stage.
- The firmware update files on the Homecast websites seem to be only for Homecast machines (there's no Homecast unit that matches the DSE one)

The USB link application on the Homecast site does suit the DSE PVR.
- The one on the normal Homecast site is buggy and very basic.
- The one on the German Homecast site is far better, but you need to thoroughly uninstall the basic one (above) if you've already tried it.

Good luck!

Tandy in Adelaide St. Brisbane are selling these units for $199 while their brothers at DSE have them listed as $299.
I bought one from Tandy with a 2 year extended warranty for $235.
Have had no trouble yet but I haven't tried component output yet.

Ok, so it's possible to adjust the recording's duration when you start the recording. But is there any way to adjust the duration later on while the recording is underway? Say after 2 hours you notice that the duration you set for 2hr 10min is not going to be long enough is there a way to change the duration to say for example 2hr 20min?

Left and right arrows should still work at any time while the recording is running. I think.

Ours has been cutting recordings a bit short recently - anyone else experienced a similar phenomenon?

Is it possible for someone to put up instructions in the FAQ on how to transfer files from the PVR to a PC via RS232-->USB cable?
I'm an idiot sometimes. Please ignore above text.

I have succesfully transfered a TP0 file to my laptop using the program from the German Homecast site. Easy. But what do I do with this file now? I read on here about Project X so I downloaded it (version Project X 0.90.4.00) but have no idea how to use it. Can anyone help.

Thanks.

I have one of the DSE twin tuner pvrs... bought from tandy for $199

I ahve the New WD HDD..

and suprise suprise im having freezing on playback... which seems to get worse the more i do with the drive (as in ff rw etc)

Perhaps the buffer isnt big enough..

Where can i get these CE drives from? IM completely comfortable with ripping this sucker open and replacing the drive...

If i cant get a CE drive ill just get a 320GB Seagate 8MB buffer drive... and see how i go.. its only $93

Just a quick heads up to tell you all that DSE have this unit for only $299 at the moment.

I know because my younger brother bought one and he doesnt stop raving about it

I'm tempted myself but think I'll hold out for a high def unit when a winner emerges

I bought one of these yesterday from Tandy Adelaide Street Brisbane for $199 + $34.95 for the extra 2 years warranty. Everything looks new down to the shrink plastic on the front panel but according to the HD info from the PVR menu it has the Seagate CE drive - old stock or repair return? The firmware is 1.03.2A - should I bother upgrading to 1.04?

Interesting. The Homecast version which this DSE is a rebadge of also plays MP3 files.

I wonder if flashing the DSE unit with the Homecast firmware installs this feature?




I just asked my brother for you and he suggests you upgrade to the new firmware if you have the right cable but dont worry if you dont because 1.03.2A works fine.

Hi guys,

I think I'm about to buy one of these DSE units but the Topfield Masterpiece is still a possibility.

Considerable price difference though ($299 v $600)

But I like the look of the Toppy whereas the DSE unit looks real ugly (sorry DSE fans)

To help me in my decision, what advantages does the Topfield unit have over the DSE ?

thanks
Alex

$199 if you buy from Tandy - this is the listed price on their site www.tandy.com.au. Air Freight is $16.50 so all up $215.50 delivered to your door.

$100 cheaper? Surely it can't be the same unit

Have been playing with it all morning and I've tried a lot of different PVRs and aint a fan of his so I hate to say it but I reckon Tricky Dicky has struck gold with this unit.

This PVR is the closest thing I've found to perfection (SD anyway).

Same company, same catalogue number, same brand, same everything.

Don't know how it works, but that's the listed price on the website.

Wow, ok, I'll definately be checking this out tomorrow !

I bought mine for $199 from tandy.. and yes it is most definetly the same twin tuner from DSE

IM about to upgrade the drive to a Seagate SV35 series drive... The supplied WD is SHITE!

Somewhere it was mentioned that this is a true twin tuner (2.0) - record two programmes simultaneously via the timers.
Is this true?

It's true alright. Record two channels (manually or via the timers) + watch a third previously recorded program from the hard drive.

Cheers

Scott

Well seems it is true, the exact same DSE unit is only $199 at Tandy!

Unfortunately my local Tandy was out of stock so they're going to call me when they get stock in hopefully today or tomorrow!

My brother took back his unit yesterday but while I had it I gave it an incredible workout and summarise this unit with one word, brilliant.

I bought one of these from DSE last Tuesday, but will be taking it back because:

1. The freezing problem on playback (WD hardisk)
2. Very limited display capability. No indication of recording status, except for brief onscreen icon, no time-elapsed readout on playback of a file.

Otherwise this unit shows promise, if only they can fix the freezing problem.

Cheers,

Lionel

if you press a button the current recordings show up in red...
Time elapsed is also available while watching a recorded show

I have successfully fixed the freezing issues.. I installed a Samsung SP2154N 250GB HDD ($85) in my unit.. I am now able to record 2 shows plus watch a previous recording with no skipping or lost recordings...
Plus it's virtually silent.. And i think im officially the first person to do a HDD upgrade on the DSE unit
So to sum it all up
DSE twin tuner from Tandy $199
Samsung 250GB hdd $85
Total $284 for a perfectly working 250GB 2.0 twin tuner

plus i get to put the 160GB WD drive in my computer Bonus

If anyone wants help on doing this im more than happy to help

Can you please post exactly how to do it MotoMan?

Ok, I've finally found something less than perfect on this PVR.

In timer setup, you can setup DAILY, WEEKLY and ONCE but you cant setup recordings for M-F, SAT or SUN or specific days of the week like the Wintal/Digicrystals units allow.

You beauty! I've been procrastinating about this idea for some time, and you've done exactly what I was planning – using a larger disk from Samsung.

I heard good things about the quality and silence of the Samsung disks and figured it was a reasonable bet that it might fix the freezing issues. I paid $250 for mine so I was reluctant to sink more money into what's really a budget PVR – as much as I like it.

Thanks for posting the details and results. I'm off to my local HDD shop!
Will post any relevant experiences I have with the upgrade job.

Its pretty much identical to the other guides... remove screws from case (7 of them)
take top off..

unscrew HDD caddy (4 screws)

replace HDD and put it all back together... its really really simple..

Does this fix the problem of slight 2 second stutter after comming out of a fast forward on some channels like 7?