[aide199]

Can anyone please tell me when us Amstrad owners will get the new EPG?? its now August and still no sign of it!

[Masteriser]

You should read this before you rant any further.

You have the old EPG, you are lucky.

Now please stop wasting everybody's time and go away and watch some actual programming and not the software. The new EPG won't affect what the broadcasters decide to show on thier channels.

Actually, I will correct that, the new EPG has an adverse effect on the picture quality. So not only will it make your box unstable, anything you can watch is not quite as good as it used to be.

[Analogue110]

You will never receive the new EPG, all Amstrad HD boxes are to be withdrawn as there is a security issue which allows veiwing of ESPN without subscription. They are to be replaced by new boxes from Techwood, using the new, greener, cable remote, no batterys.

[charmed1987]

Originally Posted by Analogue110

You will never receive the new EPG, all Amstrad HD boxes are to be withdrawn as there is a security issue which allows veiwing of ESPN without subscription. They are to be replaced by new boxes from Techwood, using the new, greener, cable remote, no batterys.

sarcasim I LIke it i wish about Espn

[AwesomeJJ]

Originally Posted by Masteriser

You should read this before you rant any further.

You have the old EPG, you are lucky.

Now please stop wasting everybody's time and go away and watch some actual programming and not the software. The new EPG won't affect what the broadcasters decide to show on thier channels.

Actually, I will correct that, the new EPG has an adverse effect on the picture quality. So not only will it make your box unstable, anything you can watch is not quite as good as it used to be.

how can you say that? the new EPG is so much better. the text is clearer, smaller and smoother which is what high definition is all about. there's up to 10% more space in the TV Guide so you can see properly what's on. furthermore, there's no anti-aliasing with the text.

The Sky+ buttons on screen looks much more clearer as well instead of being stretched. there's a mini-TV in the top right so you can watch and use the new Sky Guide.

In addition, with Amstrad boxes, we have a problem of "searching for listings" a lot, in which we have to disconnect the box from the plug and then plug it back in so we can see the next week's listings. with the new Guide, the listings are cached which will eliminate the problem. THAT is the main reason I want it.

there are also other small reasons why we want the new Guide; ITV HD, better software, it's in native HD and not up-scaled like the current ugly EPG and for the better overall experience.

Amstrad boxes are extremely reliable and well built, we will withstand the EPG

you guys should be much much more grateful of the new Guide, some people would kill for it.

[Ewaawoowaa]

Originally Posted by Masteriser

You should read this before you rant any further.

You have the old EPG, you are lucky.

Now please stop wasting everybody's time and go away and watch some actual programming and not the software. The new EPG won't affect what the broadcasters decide to show on thier channels.

Actually, I will correct that, the new EPG has an adverse effect on the picture quality. So not only will it make your box unstable, anything you can watch is not quite as good as it used to be.

Erm, the new EPG will have quite a good effect on all ITV's football output next season.....it will make it HD

The new EPG is important to me. I want to watch ITV HD football on my sky box.

Anyway, the epg hasn't arrived on amstrad boxes yet so you have no idea how it will affect it.

[Masteriser]

Originally Posted by AwesomeJJ

In addition, with Amstrad boxes, we have a problem of "searching for listings" a lot, in which we have to disconnect the box from the plug and then plug it back in so we can see the next week's listings. with the new Guide, the listings are cached which will eliminate the problem. THAT is the main reason I want it.

Your problem is software related, that would be Sky software. They have a long history of releasing clunky bug-ridden software and relying on feedback from us as to what to fix (this has occurred ever since Sky+ was launched, just do a search in that forum if you don't believe me, it was a long time before Sky+ became as stable as it is now).

Are you seriously telling me that want to replace the software you have with a newer version that has not been properly tested and that is well known to make previously stable boxes unrelaible? What would you rather have loads of "No Signal" problems and failed recordings or "Searching for listings" problems.

Originally Posted by AwesomeJJ

there are also other small reasons why we want the new Guide; ITV HD, better software, it's in native HD and not up-scaled like the current ugly EPG and for the better overall experience.

Let me address those points in order.

There are all of two programmes on ITV HD this week, they often have playout problems with recorded shows and sound dropouts on live football (causing them to abandon HD and go for upscaled SD). ITV are a joke, you are missing nothing.

The software is not better, it is way worse. Just ask felow poster ProDave who has two boxes that were rendered useless by it. Even Buncecount who works for Sky and also posts here tell us to turn off the Mini TV as it caused all manner of problems.Also, in certain situations the new guide is not HD but drops down to SD. Yes the old EPG is looking its' age, but generally, it works.

Originally Posted by AwesomeJJ

Amstrad boxes are extremely reliable and well built, we will withstand the EPG .

Yeah, right, Amstrad have a long record of making top class comsumer electronics. Their stuff never ever fails. Even if they have defied their own history by making a decent HD box, the software on which it will run comes from Sky (it is the Sky software that has your contrast level stuck on high, this problem is not the fault of the box). If the software is crap, even a box hand made by God would become crap.

You cannot say the Amstrad box is relaible, it is way too new. You could well be right, but come back here in eighteen months and we will see.

The Pace box is probably better built than the Amstrad (cable ties excepted) and scores of these have taken a big turn for the worse since acquiring the new EPG.

I personally have a Thomson which are well known for having absolutely awful power supplies and cheap, rubbish, only just good enough hard drives in them. However, if, like me, you upgrade these two items, they are solid, well made boxes. I had 14 months of total reliability after I upgraded mine in March 2008. Once the new EPG arrived, it started being flaky.

Originally Posted by AwesomeJJ

you guys should be much much more grateful of the new Guide, some people would kill for it.

Then you are sad people, the programmes will not change with the new EPG except that the picture quality will not be quite as crisp as it used to be.

[timey]

I would still like to be able to do things like get info on future programmes, via the search and scan banner, whilst still watching the current one, and series stacking to save space on the main planner screen, and maximising the amount of text shown for programmes (current font is too big and blocky). ITV in HD would be a bonus on top of these, even if not essential.

[seancanderson]

I like the new EPG and I don't think there is any difference in picture quality on my Pace box.

Also, Masteriser is being foolish for telling other people that their opinions are wrong.

[alien2k]

Originally Posted by seancanderson

I like the new EPG and I don't think there is any difference in picture quality on my Pace box.

Also, Masteriser is being foolish for telling other people that their opinions are wrong.

Indeed. I've got someone coming round tomorrow to hopefully replace my Amstrad - ostensibly due to reliability issues but primarily because I want the new Guide - and have requested a Pace. In fact, I won't be accepting anything other than a Pace, and am prepared to wait a bit to get one. I've been browsing for a while, and the Paces seem to be fairly reliable.

I've blathered on before about how annoying the old Guide is, coming from a Virgin Media V+, so I won't go into it again - suffice to say that, for me, it's an inferior experience (A-Z notwithstanding) and I can't wait to be rid of it. Especially as when I signed up Sky were still saying late Spring for the new Guide, and I knew I wouldn't get on with the old one.

Sam

[Masteriser]

Originally Posted by seancanderson

I like the new EPG and I don't think there is any difference in picture quality on my Pace box .

Believe me, the picture quality is slightly worse than with the old EPG, it is a very subtle difference, but it is there and I am not the only one to notice it.

I am very pleased for you that there seem to be no reliability issues for you and the new EPG, but there are countless others who have had real problems, some boxes have been rendered useless (and I do not just mean those old Thomsons with their rubbish failing power supplies) good, solid boxes that worked well on the old EPG. No-one has an explanation as to why some boxes are perfectly fine and others fall over. There is obviously a serious problem hence the stall in the roll out of this new EPG by Sky.

Originally Posted by seancanderson

Also, Masteriser is being foolish for telling other people that their opinions are wrong.

That is a bit strong, I am not sure I told anyone their opinion is wrong. I did challenge the point of view that the new EPG is an absolute must. I do agree the search function is excellent and the information bar being able to "look" at information for programming other than the one currently being watched is far better than it was, but these gains are outweighed by the bugs introduced IMHO. Feel free to do a search on here and over on AVF there are hundreds or posts and countless threads about all the grief it is causing.

Getting the new EPG is a bit like a game of Russian roulette, except there seems to be a 50/50 chance of getting a bullit.

[Ewaawoowaa]

I think my point was missed earlier so I will repeat it here:

How does anyone know that the new EPG will make amstrad boxes have worse picture quality when it hasn't been put on any amstrad boxes yet?

[wallace howitt]

I got my HD install today
pace box and no new epg

[wiggis]

Originally Posted by Masteriser

Now please stop wasting everybody's time and go away and watch some actual programming and not the software.

Actually, what I'd really like, is the old EPG, but with the ability to create user named folders, and put my recorded programs into those folders ..... I have a keyboard on my remote control, so it should be a piece of cake for Sky to cobble it together. Instead I will be getting an unreliable piece of bloatware with mini TV's and the like .........

[wallace howitt]

Does anyone know when i might get the new epg?

[timey]

Originally Posted by wallace howitt

Does anyone know when i might get the new epg?

If you read all the threads then you will see that the answer is 'no'. If you mean will someone at Sky tell us, I seriously doubt it.

[snaithg]

Originally Posted by wallace howitt

I got my HD install today
pace box and no new epg

Originally Posted by wallace howitt

Does anyone know when i might get the new epg?

Since you have a Pace box, a forced update should get you the new EPG as follows:

Unpower the box.
Press and hold the "Backup" button (on the box).
Repower the box.
Release the backup button once all 4 Leds light up.
If your TV is switched on you should see a warning message.
After a few minutes a reboot will occur, a couple of minutes later you should have the new EPG.



Graham.

[timey]

Originally Posted by snaithg

Since you have a Pace box,

Ah well spotted.

[wallace howitt]

Originally Posted by snaithg

Since you have a Pace box, a forced update should get you the new EPG as follows:

Unpower the box.
Press and hold the "Backup" button (on the box).
Repower the box.
Release the backup button once all 4 Leds light up.
If your TV is switched on you should see a warning message.
After a few minutes a reboot will occur, a couple of minutes later you should have the new EPG.



Graham.

Cheers worked great
wallyboy

[snaithg]

Originally Posted by wallace howitt

Cheers worked great
wallyboy

Glad I could help!


Graham.

[flemmingsjordan]

Is it me or do some people posting in this forum have a serious attitude problem? People are merely posting questions - politely. Many of the responses are just plain rude.

Please - please stop being so ignorant.

[timey]

Originally Posted by flemmingsjordan

Is it me or do some people posting in this forum have a serious attitude problem? People are merely posting questions - politely. Many of the responses are just plain rude.

Please - please stop being so ignorant.

It does get a bit wearing though when people ask questions that have been answered time and again in other threads.

[richest]

Originally Posted by flemmingsjordan

Is it me or do some people posting in this forum have a serious attitude problem? People are merely posting questions - politely. Many of the responses are just plain rude.

Please - please stop being so ignorant.

I agree this does happen at times. I think the 'old timers' on the forum think they rule with an iron fist.

[michael37]

Originally Posted by flemmingsjordan

Is it me or do some people posting in this forum have a serious attitude problem? People are merely posting questions - politely. Many of the responses are just plain rude.

Please - please stop being so ignorant.

It is because they are asking the same question ("when do I get the new EPG") again and again and again.

On internet forums it is considered good manners to do a search before asking a question. A complete newbie on their first post may well get a polite response but when the questioner has been a forum member for more than 2 years they should really know better, and some impatient replies are to be expected.

[flemmingsjordan]

Well then I would suggest not saying anything.

You know the way...

"If you've nothing nice to say..."