Q0034: The 9200 fails to record scheduled radio programmes if the unit is left in standby.
A0034: My biggest concern is that The 'REC' icon appears and disappears on the display at the scheduled times, but the recording does not then appear in the radio recordings playlist. Since the 9200 records scheduled TV programmes quite happily when left in standby but records scheduled radio programmes only if the unit is left fully powered up I can only assume it is an unintentional outcome on the part of your system designers. From my point of view it is a serious loss of functionality which should be addressed as a matter of urgency - no-one wants to leave the unit fully powered up for days when going away in order to successfully schedule a recording.
Post 4 by youngbaz to ‘Any response from Humax’ thread.(Extract from email to Humax)
no-one wants to leave the unit fully powered up for days when going away in order to successfully schedule a recording.
Couldn't the auto power-on and power-off be set so it wakes up just for the time of the recording +/- 5 mins? OK, it'll wake up EVERY day while you're away but it's a short-term workaround.
On the other hand the difference between standby and on is 17W. While I can understand folks not wanting to leave it on for months/years on end cos of the cost of electricity (about £20 for the year). For a week it's what, 168 hours. So it'l consume an additional 17W * 168h = 2,856 = 2.856KWh. So about 3 units of electricity - at 10p/unit that's 30p
Couldn't the auto power-on and power-off be set so it wakes up just for the time of the recording +/- 5 mins? OK, it'll wake up EVERY day while you're away but it's a short-term workaround.
On the other hand the difference between standby and on is 17W. While I can understand folks not wanting to leave it on for months/years on end cos of the cost of electricity (about £20 for the year). For a week it's what, 168 hours. So it'l consume an additional 17W * 168h = 2,856 = 2.856KWh. So about 3 units of electricity - at 10p/unit that's 30p
Cliff
I leave my box on all the time so I find it hard to believe the quote comes from a post by me. Was it me quoting someone else when replying to them?
Thanks for the price info I will add it to FAQ Q0005.
Update to
Q0005: The machine takes a long time to come out of standby and sometimes has problems when it does.
A0005: Leave it on all the time.
Couldn't the auto power-on and power-off be set so it wakes up just for the time of the recording +/- 5 mins? OK, it'll wake up EVERY day while you're away but it's a short-term workaround.
On the other hand the difference between standby and on is 17W. While I can understand folks not wanting to leave it on for months/years on end cos of the cost of electricity (about £20 for the year). For a week it's what, 168 hours. So it'l consume an additional 17W * 168h = 2,856 = 2.856KWh. So about 3 units of electricity - at 10p/unit that's 30p
(Post 29 to FAQ thread by CJL.)
Q0022: Transfer of recorded programmes to the PC via USB does not seem to work properly.
A0022: I (Crowsmiling) just had this reply from Humax tech support regarding the USB file transfer problem:
“We have had some issues with the software, and are currently
investigating all of the issues so that we can include fixes and also
some of the changes that have been suggested in a software update. Due
to the nature of some of the issues and the testing time require to
investigate and resolve we may not release a complete fix until early
next year, however we may releases fixes quicker on our website.”
Updates will be on the Humax Global site and not the UK one.
(Source: Post 226 by Crowsmiling on Crowsmiling’s forum.)
A0022 part2 not from Humax: The hard disk drives used in this and other brands has some error checking disabled. (See Q0026). This makes sense as it can’t ask the broadcaster to re-transmit. However the recording on the hard disk is not then perfect. When transferred to the PC again the error checking is not perfect so further errors are introduced, These are aggravated by USB lead quality or length and the amount of simultaneous activity in the Humax. Don’t use a lead longer than 5 metres. Don’t extend USB leads without a booster. Do the transfer while no program recordings are in progress and the live channel tuned to a Data Channel or an unused one. Consult the PC thread for more information.
(Part of this info came from Post 300 to crowsmilings PC thread by JRECAMPBELL. )
If you just want to archive the occasional recording then connect to a DVD recorder using Scart to Scart.
Addition to FAQs
Q0035: No sound on some recordings
A0035: Seems to be a bug affecting all 9200T. Usually arises when channel E4 or channel more4 is set to record with tuner2.
(Post 1 by clanchief on ‘Replicable no-sound fault’ thread.)
Couldn't the auto power-on and power-off be set so it wakes up just for the time of the recording +/- 5 mins? OK, it'll wake up EVERY day while you're away but it's a short-term workaround.
(Post 29 to FAQ thread by CJL.)
THis would only work if what you wanted to record was on at the same time each day. If you had a number of recordings set up over the space of say 8 hours, you may as well leave the unit on all the time. The radio recording issue needs to be addressed properly as the major functionality of the unit is supposed to be a one-click recording set-up, not one-click then faff about setting on/off timers.
Not having a go at you (Brian9200T) as your workaround would do the trick, but this is a major flaw for those people who what to record radio on a regular basis.
THis would only work if what you wanted to record was on at the same time each day. If you had a number of recordings set up over the space of say 8 hours, you may as well leave the unit on all the time. The radio recording issue needs to be addressed properly as the major functionality of the unit is supposed to be a one-click recording set-up, not one-click then faff about setting on/off timers.
Not having a go at you (Brian9200T) as your workaround would do the trick, but this is a major flaw for those people who what to record radio on a regular basis.
Thanks. The point quoted is part of the original post. I prefer to minimize editing them as I risk losing the originator's point. I am with you about the flaw but leave it to others to chase up. Meanwhile I use this thread to help people use the box as it is. Hopefully Humax will read between the lines.
Added FAQ
Q0036: How do I know if I am running out of disk space?
A0036: Menu>Record>HDD Control tells you how much space is free. (Be careful to use the EXIT key to exit as the OK key will format your disk! Although the average programme uses about 1.5gbytes per hour it varies so aim for 3 gigabytes per hour of transmission time to be on the safe side.
Added FAQ
Q0036: How do I know if I am running out of disk space?
A0036: Menu>Record>HDD Control tells you how much space is free. (Be careful to use the EXIT key to exit as the OK key will format your disk!
If you press OK by mistake do you not get a second cahnce to cancel the error as you do when deleting programmes?
As I have a number of recordings not yet watched, I cannot test this out, and am always wary when checking the amount left on the HDD.
I have a couple of questions that I can't find answers to. Sorry if they're there, I've read the vast majority of posts, but there are so many of them.
Q1 - if you can record two channels and watch another; why is it that sometimes when I'm recording two channels I can't watch certain other channels. Eg I was recording ITV1 and BBC2 last night at the same time and could watch BBCs1,2,3 ITV1,2 C4 but not BBC4, ITVs3,4 and C5 - for those channels an on screen message said "channel viewing restricted by recording" or something like that.
Q2 - has anyone spotted that if you search by genre (eg Films) there is no indication whether a particular film is already scheduled to record. I thought I'd lost my scheduled recordings of some films until I realised that I'd set two scheduled recordings. Shouldn't the EPG show you that something's already set to record?
I have a couple of questions that I can't find answers to. Sorry if they're there, I've read the vast majority of posts, but there are so many of them.
Q1 - if you can record two channels and watch another; why is it that sometimes when I'm recording two channels I can't watch certain other channels. Eg I was recording ITV1 and BBC2 last night at the same time and could watch BBCs1,2,3 ITV1,2 C4 but not BBC4, ITVs3,4 and C5 - for those channels an on screen message said "channel viewing restricted by recording" or something like that.
You can record 2 programmes and watch a third programme ONLY when at least 2 of the programmes are on the same MUX. In that case the Humax only needs to utilise one of it's two tuners for these two programmes allowing the other tuner to be used on any other MUX to view/record the third programme. If you are recording two programmes on differrent MUX's then you can only watch programmes on the same two MUX's. That is why you will get different programmes greyed out depending on the recordings you have set. Appologies if you don't understand what MUX's are. If so then that is another question for you to ask
I have a couple of questions that I can't find answers to. Sorry if they're there, I've read the vast majority of posts, but there are so many of them.
Q1 - if you can record two channels and watch another; why is it that sometimes when I'm recording two channels I can't watch certain other channels. Eg I was recording ITV1 and BBC2 last night at the same time and could watch BBCs1,2,3 ITV1,2 C4 but not BBC4, ITVs3,4 and C5 - for those channels an on screen message said "channel viewing restricted by recording" or something like that.
Q2 - has anyone spotted that if you search by genre (eg Films) there is no indication whether a particular film is already scheduled to record. I thought I'd lost my scheduled recordings of some films until I realised that I'd set two scheduled recordings. Shouldn't the EPG show you that something's already set to record?
I don't know the answers to these questions and it suggests a new FAQ:-
Q0038: Where is the the best place for new questions?
A0038:
- Existing closely related thread if there is one.
- Purchasing non-technical questions>MS98's 'Humax Dual Tuner....' thread.
- PC related questions >Crowsmilings 'Using....with a PC' PC thread
- Non-PC questions >Barry's Freeview PVR...' thread
- or if you think it will trigger a debate> start a new thread.
(If I spot a question on other threads and think it is covered by an FAQ I will reply to that effect giving the FAQ number.)
Can the first post containing the FAQ be updated to take replies into account (and maybe mods could zap replies). FAQs only useful if not polluted with "dross" (yes, like this also!)
Can the first post containing the FAQ be updated to take replies into account (and maybe mods could zap replies). FAQs only useful if not polluted with "dross" (yes, like this also!)
Your needs should be met by my posting a full cumulative and edited list at intervals. Reading the latest list should make it unnecessary to read earlier posts.
What it really needs (as happens on a lot of other fora) is for you to be able to edit post #1 and just keep that up to date so that the latest FAQ is always in the same place. I'm not sure if this is technically possible the way the mods. have DS set up as post editing seems to have a time limit on it. Maybe they could give you moderator rights if you promised to "be good"?
An alternative would be for post #1 to have a URL in it and then that web site copy of the FAQ is maintained.
What it really needs (as happens on a lot of other fora) is for you to be able to edit post #1 and just keep that up to date so that the latest FAQ is always in the same place. I'm not sure if this is technically possible the way the mods. have DS set up as post editing seems to have a time limit on it. Maybe they could give you moderator rights if you promised to "be good"?
An alternative would be for post #1 to have a URL in it and then that web site copy of the FAQ is maintained.
Cliff
I am a beginner with forums and don't want to get too deep in the technicalities of forums.
Hopefully the list will not get too big so that re-posting the whole lot at intervals will serve the purpose. If the list gets too big then I will probably dump my own 9200T though at present this is unlikely.
Humax should publish their own FAQs for the 9200T and I could drop the duplicates.
Update to FAQ recommending use of E4+1 instead of E4
Q0035: No sound on some recordings
A0035: Seems to be a bug affecting all 9200T. Usually arises when channels E4, more4, Quizcall, or Channel 4 are set to record with tuner2.
(Post 1 by clanchief on ‘Replicable no-sound fault’ thread.)
A0035 Part 2. E4 channel seems to suffer more than other channels. Where practical record from channel E4+1.
(ITV1,2,3,4, E4, More 4 are on Multiplex 2.
But E4+1 is on Multiplex C which uses a different compression system and it has a much higher bit rate and resolution than E4 on Multiplex 2.
As a result you will notice the picture quality is much better on E4+1 than E4.
(Source:Post 52 by spoon261 to clanchiefs ‘Replicable No Sound’ thread on 10NOV2005)
Q0034: The 9200 fails to record scheduled radio programmes if the unit is left in standby.
A0034: My biggest concern is that The 'REC' icon appears and disappears on the display at the scheduled times, but the recording does not then appear in the radio recordings playlist. Since the 9200 records scheduled TV programmes quite happily when left in standby but records scheduled radio programmes only if the unit is left fully powered up I can only assume it is an unintentional outcome on the part of your system designers. From my point of view it is a serious loss of functionality which should be addressed as a matter of urgency - no-one wants to leave the unit fully powered up for days when going away in order to successfully schedule a recording.
Post 4 by youngbaz to ‘Any response from Humax’ thread.(Extract from email to Humax)
A0034 Part 2
If you manually enter the desired Radio programme in the record schedule (rather than the guide) it works without a problem even from standby, a bit longer to set up but at least it works.
(Source Post 33 by Givemestella to PVR9200T will not
record radio…..)
FAQ Third Edition.
Cumulative so you don't need to look back
They are in consecutive posts because of the post size limit.
FAQ’s …some of them. Third edition including all previous FAQs and corrections, so you don’t need to further back…only perhaps further forward.
I would like others to keep use of this thread to a minimum so that the FAQs are easier to find.
However I would also like constructive comments on the FAQs and pointers to suitable posts that might be added.
See Q0038 for best threads for new questions.
“I only see so far because I stand on the shoulders of giants”-Isaac Newton
I will try to acknowledge source of the answers. I will also try to minimize editing of the original posts to reduce the risk that I ruin them.
The questions are listed first on their own to speed your search, then repeated with the answers.
Contents
Q0001: How do I record a series on weekdays only?
Q0002. How do I get the buttons on the navigation bar to work as per GB36?
Q0003: How to I quickly get to the start of a recording?
Q0004: How to I workaround the limit of 20 timers?
Q0005: The machine takes a long time to come out of standby and sometimes has problems when it does.
Q0006: How do I record the program I have already been watching up to 2 hours as long as no more than 2 programs will be recorded simultaneously as a result?/ Instant Recording Page GB31 of User Manual.
Q0007: How do I get it working when it is locked up with a frozen picture?
Q0008: How do I get information about the next programme quickly?
Q0009: The ‘Edit’ function (User Manual GB36 & 7) can split a recorded programme. Why would I want to do that?
Q0010: What is the best way to select and playback a recorded programme?
Q0011: The cover over the lower buttons of the remote control gets in the way sometimes?
Q0012: Why does the spec suggest that the VCR/DVD Player Scart is not a means of input?
Q0013: What does the ‘Source’ button do?
Q0014: How can I make it easier to read the Program Names on the ‘recorded programmes list?
Q0015: How can I see what programs are being recorded while watching a live program?
Q0016: All my TV or all my Radio recordings are missing when I …Menu>Recordings>Recorded Programmes?
Q0017:For quite a few channels ( mostly bbc) there are two channels in the program list, not that it is a problem, the only niggle is that the weaker of the two has took up residence in the place where I would of expected the stronger of the two to be EG BBC1 is on 800 and 1 I live in Yorkshire and the main transmitter is Emley Moor yet it is the Bilsdale tx that occupiesa channel 1 and this channel is totally un-viewable!!!
Q0018:New box switches itself off at midnight.
Q0019: I've got the aerial cable looped through, so out of the wall socket, into the 9200T and then out of there into the TV.
Now I noticed that when I'm watching via the Scart on AV1 on my TV that I see what's going on on another terrestrial channel. If I unplug the RF loop then it goes away.
Q0020: Where does it get its software updates and EPG info from? Is it another 4tv based machine?
Q0021: Which channel is my Humax picking its signal up from for example BBC1?
Q0022: Transfer of recorded programmes to the PC via USB does not seem to work properly.
Q0023: How to start watching, from the beginning, a program that is being recorded...as long as it is the only one being recorded at that time.
Q0024: What is the point in contacting Humax when many other people have the same problem?
Q0025: The only missed recordings I have had (2 of them)…
Q0026: Fitting a bigger Hard Drive/Problems transferring to /from a PC.
See: http://www.pvruk.com/2004/04/humax_pvr8000t_.html
Q0027: I set timers for two consecutive programmes on the same channel and padded them. The second did not record.
Q0028: One way to play a recording transferred from Humax to PC.
Q0029: A recorded tv programme file transferred from the Humax to a PC has no file type. What suffix should I add?
Q0030: Strange icon. This particular icon is more misunderstood than most.
In the date box on the RECORDED PROGRAMME screen for one recording there is an unusual icon for which I can find no reference in the manual. It is a yellow box, overlaid at the bottom left hand side with a green oval. Inside the oval is a white rectangle (landscape orientation)
Q0031: Some options are greyed out on menus.
Q0032: What all-in-one remotes work with the 9200T
Q0033: Help with all-in-one learning function.
The questions are repeated below with the answers.
________________________________________
Q0001: How do I record a series on weekdays only?
A0001: Just record daily and workaround the side effects. Probably no recordings will in fact be made at the weekend as the Humax seems to check the programme name before going ahead with the recording each day. Delete unwanted Sat & Sun recordings. You will have to delete the timer if you want to record two other programs that clash at the weekend and reinstate the timer afterwards.
Q0002. How do I get the buttons on the navigation bar to work as per GB36?
A0002: You probably forgot to press the PAUSE button first.
Q0003: How to I quickly get to the start of a recording?
A0003: Press play twice.
Q0004: How to I workaround the limit of 20 timers?
A0004: Schedule programs for daily or weekly recording if their time slot is the same.
Q0005: The machine takes a long time to come out of standby and sometimes has problems when it does.
(One of the problems is that if the clock has been set wrongly by the last channel accessed before standby then it stays wrong while in standby.(Post 78 by Marcdavis to givemestella’s PVR9200T won’t record radio….thread 2NOV2005)
A0005: Leave it on all the time.
Couldn't the auto power-on and power-off be set so it wakes up just for the time of the recording +/- 5 mins? OK, it'll wake up EVERY day while you're away but it's a short-term workaround.
On the other hand the difference between standby and on is 17W. While I can understand folks not wanting to leave it on for months/years on end cos of the cost of electricity (about £20 for the year). For a week it's what, 168 hours. So it'l consume an additional 17W * 168h = 2,856 = 2.856KWh. So about 3 units of electricity - at 10p/unit that's 30p
(Post 29 to FAQ thread by CJL.)
Q0006: How do I record the program I have already been watching up to 2 hours as long as no more than 2 programs will be recorded simultaneously as a result?/ Instant Recording Page GB31 of User Manual.
A0006 Part 1: The answer in previous editions was wrong.
I (Brian9200T) did a trial and found as follows:-
Rewind to the start of the program within the 2 hour buffer using the rewind key.
Press the Record button.
You can now fast forward to where you were and continue watching if you wish.
You must leave the box tuned to that channel till the program is finished.
(This seems to contradict the manual Page GB31 which says “….the recorder will not save what you are currently watching”.)
A0006 Part 2: (Source: Post 2136 by clanchief to Barry’s ‘Freeview PVR…’ thread.)
I think that I understand your problem in that you are possibly thinking that the Humax is like a VCR and you can start an instant or manual recording of a program just before it starts or immediately it starts and leave it to record while you watch or record something else on an other channel.
I learned, I think on this forum, that it is not like that. If you start a program recording before the scheduled (not the actual) start time of a program, the Humax will think that you are recording the end of the previous program and stop at the scheduled finish time (not actual finish time) of that program. This means that if a program starts say 30 secs early, as sometimes happens, any instant recording started at that point will stop after 30 seconds and will not even appear in the list of recordings, as recordings of less than a minute seem to be automatically deleted. To be sure that you will record the correct program in an instant recording you need to press the i button before the record button to see what the Humax thinks is being broadcast at that point in time, which may be different from what is actually being broadcast, very close to program start or end times.
In terms of your point about losing the end of programs, whether a program is recorded instantly from the record button or scheduled for later recording from the EPG, the recording will always finish at the scheduled end time of the program not the actual end time of the program. There is no signal sent by DTT broadcast programs to PVRs to indicate when a program is starting or ending. This is why many people on this forum want a " time padding feature" to allow the user to specify how many minutes should be automatically added to the end and/or start of each recording.
If a program is likely to run over time, if you are setting up a recording from the EPG it is fairly simple to add a few minutes onto the end time by pressing the yellow button after selecting a program to be recorded and editing the end time (see page GB51 of the user manual). A simpler alternative is to also record the following program, then if the program runs over time the ending will be recorded at the start of the next program.
If you are making an instant or manual recording the procedure to add extra time does not seem to appear in the user manual. I initially thought that an instant recording would continue, like a VCR, recording until stopped by the user, or disk space ran out. I learned, I think again on this forum, that it is not like that. It stops at the scheduled end time of the current program being recorded. If you wish to add extra time, in case the program runs over, you have to press the record button again and add extra minutes, by pressing the arrow to the right of the OK button.
A0006: Part 3: (Source: Post 2138 by tonycollinet to Barry’s ‘Freeview PVR…’ thread.)
Your program is due to start at 7:30, so you press record at 7:28 (don't want to miss the start, right?)
Humax thinks you are recording the program before the one you want, and stops at the end of that program (ie at 7:29)
Use the I button to ensure that the humax has recognised the program you want has started, or if you want to set it before the start, use a scheduled recording from the epg.
Q0007: How do I get it working when it is locked up with a frozen picture?
A0007: Switch off mains using switch on back of box. Wait one minute and switch on again. If it happens too often within the first two years then get the box swapped by the warranty service as per warranty booklet.
Q0008: How do I get information about the next programme quickly?
A0008:(Wrong in my first and second editions,)
Correction to Answer Q0008.
As per Page GB21 of User Manual though not obvious.
Press the 'I' button(The General Information Bar will be displayed giving information on current program. If there is a next program you will see an icon for a right cursor, Number 7 in the illustration)
Press the Right Cursor (The information will now relate to the next program.)
Press 'I' again and you will see details of the next program.
Q0009: The ‘Edit’ function (User Manual GB36 & 7) can split a recorded programme. Why would I want to do that?
A0009 a) You might have recorded consecutive programmes using a single timer and now want to split them. (Source: Schnauser Bites-Digital Spy)
b) The recording might be too big for a single DVD.
c) To split a musical program into individual pieces.(Source: Sdesign-Digital Spy)
Q0010: What is the best way to select and playback a recorded programme?
A0010: Press ‘Playlist’ button (Button ‘i’ on pages GB11 and 12). Select recording with cursors).Press OK button. (Source:Redrob2 Digspy). (It does say this on Page GB34 but emphasises a slower way.
Q0011: The cover over the lower buttons of the remote control gets in the way sometimes?
A0011: Remove it easily by sliding it down a bit then prizing up the LH side. It clips back easily afterwards. You can make it even easier by running a finger along the inside edge thus lubricating the groove.
Q0012: Why does the spec suggest that the VCR/DVD Player Scart is not a means of input?
A0012: It is a pass-through socket but cannot input for recording purposes.
Q0013: What does the ‘Source’ button do?
A0013 1: If your DVD Player is switched off it will toggle your TV between the HUMAX and its aerial signal (which may include an RF Humax channel). However if the TV has been set to AV with its own controls then the TV will stay on AV and thus not change.
2. If your DVD Player is switched on it will toggle the picture between DVD Player and Humax.(Remember to pause the DVD to avoid missing a bit.)
Sources: Self/Creddish,Post1909 on Digspy/ Schnauzer Bites,1921 on Digspy forum,/CJL,1917 on DIGSPY Forum.
Q0014: How can I make it easier to read the Program Names on the ‘recorded programmes list?
A0014: Set the transparency to ‘Disabled’ thus giving a steady background.
Menu>Preferences>Miscellaneous>Transparency>Disabled.
Q0015: How can I see what programs are being recorded while watching a live program?
A0015: Press the STOP button.(Source:Spoon261,Post 427 30OCT2005.)
Q0016: All my TV or all my Radio recordings are missing when I …Menu>Recordings>Recorded Programmes?
A0016: You have just displayed one of the groups of recordings:- TV,Radio.
Check at the top of the screen that it is ‘TV’ being displayed. If not, then select the TV Group as per top of page GB34.
Q0017: For quite a few channels ( mostly bbc) there are two channels in the program list, not that it is a problem, the only niggle is that the weaker of the two has took up residence in the place where I would of expected the stronger of the two to be EG BBC1 is on 800 and 1 I live in Yorkshire and the main transmitter is Emley moor yet it is the Bilsdale tx that occupys channel 1 and this channel is totally unviewable!!!
A0017: Hi there, I checked which channel the duplicated bbc channels were on (21-69) in my case 52 and deleted all of them ( both strong and weak) , i then did a manual scan for channel 52 without network( because that fetches radio and interactive channels in as well) I then selected the channels I required and saved them, when I went into the program list there they were, BBC1 at channel 1 where it rightfully belongs and all the other BBC channels were in the correct order too.
Thanks. I think I have sorted it. What was confusing me was when I went to do a manual tune it only had channels 40-50 (ish), and I knew that the channels I wanted were on 800 (I think ). But with the help of the transmitter info on the dtg site, I selected the channel numbers listed there and seem to have picked up good signals for bbc ones. So perhaps someone can enlighten me on the difference between the channels listed in the Channel list and the Channel number selected when doing a manual search.(Posts by E-man)
Q0018:New box switches itself off at midnight.
A0018: A couple of nights ago I had the weird turning off at midnight thing while watching a recording, so I've set the auto off to 0300 and then disabled it again. That seems to have worked.(David March Post 1990 to Barry’forum.)
Since advised that this does not work by (Source: Post 7 by sdesign on Sdesign’s forum.)
Q0019: I've got the aerial cable looped through, so out of the wall socket, into the 9200T and then out of there into the TV.
Now I noticed that when I'm watching via the scart on AV1 on my TV that I see what's going on on another terrestrial channel. If I unplug the RF loop then it goes away.
A0019:I’ve had this, and it is not pick up from the RF cable. What you are getting is crosstalk inside your scart lead. The video OUTPUT From the TV (tuned from an analogue channel) is coupling across onto the input signal from the Humax. When you unplug the RF, the TV has no signal to output, so there is nothing to couple. You can solve this by:
1 - buying a fully screened Scart lead (£10+)
2 - disconnecting the composite video output from the TV at the TV end of the cable (I did it just by breaking the pin 19 out of the connector)
Source: Post2040 by TonyCollinet to Barry’s forum.
Q0020: Where does it get its software updates and EPG info from? Is it another 4tv based machine?
A0020: it is a DTG OTA machine, not a 4TV which means Humax have to battle with 50 other boxes to get a slot to braodcast an OTA and could only do so once every few months - unlike 4TV where you're never more than 4 days from the latest software.
For this reason the 9200, like most other DTG boxes, has an RS232 port and Humax publish binaries on their web site so you just need terminal software and a cable to update the box. Source: Post 2046 by CJL to Barry’s forum.
and on you having a serial port on your PC/notebook.
Source: Post 2049 to Barry’s forum by Gadgetmind
Q0021: Which channel is my Humax picking its signal up from for example BBC1?
A0021: Go to: Menu - System - Signal detection
The OSD will now show you both the name of the transmitter and the frequency you're receiving the channel you're currently tuned to on.
Source : Post 8 on mid999’s forum by Barry.
Q0022: Transfer of recorded programmes to the PC via USB does not seem to work properly.
A0022: I (Crowsmiling) just had this reply from Humax tech support regarding the USB file transfer problem:
“We have had some issues with the software, and are currently
investigating all of the issues so that we can include fixes and also
some of the changes that have been suggested in a software update. Due
to the nature of some of the issues and the testing time require to
investigate and resolve we may not release a complete fix until early
next year, however we may releases fixes quicker on our website.”
Updates will be on the Humax Global site and not the UK one.
(Source: Post 226 by Crowsmiling on Crowsmiling’s forum.)
A0022 part2 not from Humax: The hard disk drives used in this and other brands has some error checking disabled. (See Q0026). This makes sense as it can’t ask the broadcaster to re-transmit. However the recording on the hard disk is not then perfect. When transferred to the PC again the error checking is not perfect so further errors are introduced, These are aggravated by USB lead quality or length and the amount of simultaneous activity in the Humax. Don’t use a lead longer than 5 metres. Don’t extend USB leads without a booster. Do the transfer while no program recordings are in progress and the live channel tuned to a Data Channel or an unused one. Consult the PC thread for more information.
(Part of this info came from Post 300 to crowsmilings PC thread by JRECAMPBELL.)
If you just want to archive the occasional recording then connect to a DVD recorder using Scart to Scart.
Q0023: How to start watching, from the beginning, a program that is being recorded...as long as it is the only one being recorded at that time, and is the channel the box is currently tuned to.
A0023: Test Report:
At about 14:45 I set timer to record Boot Sale on ITV1 at 15:00.
I set Humax to watch ITV1 and switched off TV.
About 15:05 I switched on TV.
It was showing Boot Sale from the Humax.
I used the rewind button to rewind to the start of Boot Sale.
(The info bar was displayed and confirmed that ITV1 was being recorded.)
So you you can set several recordings in the morning.
Leave the Humax on the same channel as the first recording.
Now when you get home in the middle of the first recording you can switch on the TV and rewind it to the start.
If the first recording is ended when you get home then you can watch it from the list.
The only reservation is that there must not be another recording set at the same time as the first.
Q0024: What is the point in contacting Humax when many other people have the same problem?
A0024: The more people reporting a problem the more important to them to fix it to maintain their reputation.
Q0025: The only missed recordings I have had (2 of them)…
A0025: …. have been when I have recorded consecutive programmes on the same channel and padded the end of the first one.(Post 2069 to Barry’s forum by Redrob2.)
Q0026: Fitting a bigger Hard Drive/Problems transferring to /from a PC.
See: http://www.pvruk.com/2004/04/humax_pvr8000t_.html
A0026: I work in IT for a company who sell thousands of hard disk drives every month from Maxtor & Seagate and I thought I'd just give my input based on experience and information from the actual manufacturers...
If you open the Humax you will see that the HDD is a Seagate with a model number ending in ACE. (Seagate ST316 0022 ACE (160G) HD ). Normally Seagate HDD model numbers end in A or AS (for SATA). The reason the model number is different is because ACE stands for 'Consumer Electronics' version. The main difference between an ACE drive and a standard PC drive ('A') which everyone on here is using to upgrade is the way it handles error correction and checking (ECC).
Simplistically...with a normal PC drive when you write data to the HDD the drive will 'double-check' with the PC that the data it has received is accurate (check for errors) and if it is correct will write it and if not will try again. This process (ECC) takes milliseconds and you do not notice it when you use your PC.
However, the ACE drives have this function removed..
Why? because if you put a standard HDD in a consumer electronics product which relies on streaming video (such as a PVR) you are more likely to get stuttering images and/or frozen screens as the HDD continually tries to double check the data which has been written.
In summary normal drives do work but be aware that they will a. run hotter because they are not designed to be put in such a small space b. potentially give stuttering images/freezing.
You cannot buy ACE drives from the open market normally - they are sold directly by the manufacturers to the PVR companies.
For reference Maxtor's equivalent drives are called 'Quickview'
(Copy of Post by Darrow to PVRUK forum on 8000T in Feb 2005)
Q0027: I set timers for two consecutive programmes on the same channel and padded them. The second did not record.
A0027: Don’t pad the end of the first or the start of the second in this ‘case’. It is safer possibly to set one timer to cover both and pad it at the beginning and end.
Q0028: One way to play a recording transferred from Humax to PC.
A0028: Use the VLC Player http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ (Free) to watch recordings on your PC.
(Source: Post 240 by mbailey to crowsmiling’s forum.)
Q0029: A recorded tv programme file transferred from the Humax to a PC has no file type. What suffix should I add?
A0029: .mpeg-ts
(Source: Post 242 by jjn to crowsmiling’s forum.)
(Although this seems to be the technically correct file type other people have used .mpg instead.)
Q0030: Strange icon. This particular icon is more misunderstood than most.
In the date box on the RECORDED PROGRAMME screen for one recording there is an unusual icon for which I can find no reference in the manual. It is a yellow box, overlaid at the bottom left hand side with a green oval. Inside the oval is a white rectangle (landscape orientation)
A0030: Page GB 35 of User Manual says near the top that it means
"Displayed when the recording is stopped because of an unexpected error,"
Originally Posted by davhardy
Q0031: Some options are greyed out on menus.
A0031: The options are not available because they would clash with something else.
In the case of ‘Installation’ sdesign said:-
“It's obviously greyed out to prevent you messing with settings during recording (maybe to avoid losing recordings) but in case anyone wanted to bypass this I thought I'd post a workaround that I accidently stumbled across. Not sure if there's any reason why you'd want to do it though but here it is anyway.
You will notice that during recording the installation menu is greyed out. If you want to access this menu during recording you can still do so by pressing the number 4.”
Q0032: What all-in-one remotes work with the 9200T
A0032:Consider a One for All Kameleon 6 in 1 second generation
Originally Posted by ukrad
Hi. I have one of these, and although there are no specific downloads for the 9200 from One for All yet the learning function works fine, and I use my Kameleon to control the 9200 without ant problems.
Post 9 on ‘multiply’s thread on remotes by roycymru.
Q0033: Help with all-in-one learning function.
A0033: The OFA remotes are JP1 upgradeable, ie you can program the remote from your PC via an interface. see http://www.hifi-remote.com/ofa/. That's the only way I could get my OFA6 to control my Digital cable box and DVD and AV amp as well as TV and VCR.
Post 12 on ‘multiply’s thread on remotes by aldaweb on roycymru’s thread
Q0034: The 9200 fails to record scheduled radio programmes if the unit is left in standby.
A0034: My biggest concern is that The 'REC' icon appears and disappears on the display at the scheduled times, but the recording does not then appear in the radio recordings playlist. Since the 9200 records scheduled TV programmes quite happily when left in standby but records scheduled radio programmes only if the unit is left fully powered up I can only assume it is an unintentional outcome on the part of your system designers. From my point of view it is a serious loss of functionality which should be addressed as a matter of urgency - no-one wants to leave the unit fully powered up for days when going away in order to successfully schedule a recording.
Post 4 by youngbaz to ‘Any response from Humax’ thread.(Extract from email to Humax)
A0034 Part 2
If you manually enter the desired Radio programme in the record schedule (rather than the guide) it works without a problem even from standby, a bit longer to set up but at least it works.
(Source Post 33 by Givemestella to PVR9200T will nott record radio…..)
Q0035: No sound on some recordings
A0035: Seems to be a bug affecting all 9200T. Usually arises when channels E4, more4, Quizcall, or Channel 4 are set to record with tuner2.
(Post 1 by clanchief on ‘Replicable no-sound fault’ thread.)
A0035 Part 2. E4 channel seems to suffer more than other channels. Where practical record from channel E4+1.
(ITV1,2,3,4, E4, More 4 are on Multiplex 2.
But E4+1 is on Multiplex C which uses a different compression system and it has a much higher bit rate and resolution than E4 on Multiplex 2.
As a result you will notice the picture quality is much better on E4+1 than E4.
(Source:Post 52 by spoon261 to clanchiefs ‘Replicable No Sound’ thread on 10NOV2005)
Q0036: How do I know if I am running out of disk space?
A0036: Menu>Record>HDD Control tells you how much space is free. (Be careful to use the EXIT key to exit as the OK key will format your disk! Although the average programme uses about 1.5gbytes per hour it varies so aim for 3 gigabytes per hour of transmission time to be on the safe side.
Q0037: When will Humax release an update to the software?
A0037: HUMAX: We do not have a release date for any software at the current time.
(Source: Post 2474 by Videoditcher to MS98’s ‘Dual Tuner…’ thread.9NOV2005)
Q0038: Where is the the best place for new questions?
A0038:
- Existing closely related thread if there is one.
- Purchasing non-technical questions>MS98's 'Humax Dual Tuner....' thread.
- PC related questions >Crowsmiling’s 'Using....with a PC' PC thread
- Non-PC questions >Barry's Freeview PVR...' thread
- or if you think it will trigger a debate, start a new thread.
Q0039: "channel viewing restricted by recording" message
If you can record two channels and watch another; why is it that sometimes when I'm recording two channels I can't watch certain other channels. Eg I was recording ITV1 and BBC2 last night at the same time and could watch BBCs1,2,3 ITV1,2 C4 but not BBC4, ITVs3,4 and C5 - for those channels an on screen message said or something like that.(Source:Post 40 by jonjoe to FAQ thread.)
A0039: You can record 2 programmes and watch a third programme ONLY when at least 2 of the programmes are on the same MUX. In that case the Humax only needs to utilise one of it's two tuners for these two programmes allowing the other tuner to be used on any other MUX to view/record the third programme. If you are recording two programmes on differrent MUX's then you can only watch programmes on the same two MUX's. That is why you will get different programmes greyed out depending on the recordings you have set. Appologies if you don't understand what MUX's are. If so then that is another question for you to ask (Source :Post 41 by Creddish to FAQ thread.)
Q0040: When I prss Playlist it only shows Video recordings.
A0040: On the playlist you have to use the left / right buttons to toggle between audio and video recordings
(Post 62 by taralabradog to givemestella’s PVR9200T won’t record radio….thread 2NOV2005)
Q0041: Recording stops halfway through the programme.
A0041: On the guide many programmes span more than block, perhaps because of a news break in the middle. Make sure you click all of them
(Captain Code Post 65 to givemestella’s PVR9200T won’t record radio….thread 2NOV2005)
Q0042: How do I get rid of wavy lines on analogue Channel 5?
A0042: My 9200T on initial setup chose channel 36 in UHF Tuning (under preferences). When Channel 5 first came online, engineers around the country retuned VCR's away from this channel because of it's close proximity to C5.
I would suggest setting the 9200T to a different free channel, try to pick one 4 or 5 channels away from any used channel. This will depend on transmitters in your area.
(Post 70 by jtk174 to givemestella’s PVR9200T won’t record radio….thread 2NOV2005)
Comments
A0034: My biggest concern is that The 'REC' icon appears and disappears on the display at the scheduled times, but the recording does not then appear in the radio recordings playlist. Since the 9200 records scheduled TV programmes quite happily when left in standby but records scheduled radio programmes only if the unit is left fully powered up I can only assume it is an unintentional outcome on the part of your system designers. From my point of view it is a serious loss of functionality which should be addressed as a matter of urgency - no-one wants to leave the unit fully powered up for days when going away in order to successfully schedule a recording.
Post 4 by youngbaz to ‘Any response from Humax’ thread.(Extract from email to Humax)
On the other hand the difference between standby and on is 17W. While I can understand folks not wanting to leave it on for months/years on end cos of the cost of electricity (about £20 for the year). For a week it's what, 168 hours. So it'l consume an additional 17W * 168h = 2,856 = 2.856KWh. So about 3 units of electricity - at 10p/unit that's 30p
Cliff
Thanks for the price info I will add it to FAQ Q0005.
Cliff
Q0005: The machine takes a long time to come out of standby and sometimes has problems when it does.
A0005: Leave it on all the time.
Couldn't the auto power-on and power-off be set so it wakes up just for the time of the recording +/- 5 mins? OK, it'll wake up EVERY day while you're away but it's a short-term workaround.
On the other hand the difference between standby and on is 17W. While I can understand folks not wanting to leave it on for months/years on end cos of the cost of electricity (about £20 for the year). For a week it's what, 168 hours. So it'l consume an additional 17W * 168h = 2,856 = 2.856KWh. So about 3 units of electricity - at 10p/unit that's 30p
(Post 29 to FAQ thread by CJL.)
Q0022: Transfer of recorded programmes to the PC via USB does not seem to work properly.
A0022: I (Crowsmiling) just had this reply from Humax tech support regarding the USB file transfer problem:
“We have had some issues with the software, and are currently
investigating all of the issues so that we can include fixes and also
some of the changes that have been suggested in a software update. Due
to the nature of some of the issues and the testing time require to
investigate and resolve we may not release a complete fix until early
next year, however we may releases fixes quicker on our website.”
Updates will be on the Humax Global site and not the UK one.
(Source: Post 226 by Crowsmiling on Crowsmiling’s forum.)
A0022 part2 not from Humax: The hard disk drives used in this and other brands has some error checking disabled. (See Q0026). This makes sense as it can’t ask the broadcaster to re-transmit. However the recording on the hard disk is not then perfect. When transferred to the PC again the error checking is not perfect so further errors are introduced, These are aggravated by USB lead quality or length and the amount of simultaneous activity in the Humax. Don’t use a lead longer than 5 metres. Don’t extend USB leads without a booster. Do the transfer while no program recordings are in progress and the live channel tuned to a Data Channel or an unused one. Consult the PC thread for more information.
(Part of this info came from Post 300 to crowsmilings PC thread by JRECAMPBELL. )
If you just want to archive the occasional recording then connect to a DVD recorder using Scart to Scart.
Q0035: No sound on some recordings
A0035: Seems to be a bug affecting all 9200T. Usually arises when channel E4 or channel more4 is set to record with tuner2.
(Post 1 by clanchief on ‘Replicable no-sound fault’ thread.)
THis would only work if what you wanted to record was on at the same time each day. If you had a number of recordings set up over the space of say 8 hours, you may as well leave the unit on all the time. The radio recording issue needs to be addressed properly as the major functionality of the unit is supposed to be a one-click recording set-up, not one-click then faff about setting on/off timers.
Not having a go at you (Brian9200T) as your workaround would do the trick, but this is a major flaw for those people who what to record radio on a regular basis.
Thanks. The point quoted is part of the original post. I prefer to minimize editing them as I risk losing the originator's point. I am with you about the flaw but leave it to others to chase up. Meanwhile I use this thread to help people use the box as it is. Hopefully Humax will read between the lines.
Q0036: How do I know if I am running out of disk space?
A0036: Menu>Record>HDD Control tells you how much space is free. (Be careful to use the EXIT key to exit as the OK key will format your disk! Although the average programme uses about 1.5gbytes per hour it varies so aim for 3 gigabytes per hour of transmission time to be on the safe side.
If you press OK by mistake do you not get a second cahnce to cancel the error as you do when deleting programmes?
As I have a number of recordings not yet watched, I cannot test this out, and am always wary when checking the amount left on the HDD.
I am frightened to find out. Has anyone taken the option to format the disk and noticed whether they got a chance to change their mind?
Q1 - if you can record two channels and watch another; why is it that sometimes when I'm recording two channels I can't watch certain other channels. Eg I was recording ITV1 and BBC2 last night at the same time and could watch BBCs1,2,3 ITV1,2 C4 but not BBC4, ITVs3,4 and C5 - for those channels an on screen message said "channel viewing restricted by recording" or something like that.
Q2 - has anyone spotted that if you search by genre (eg Films) there is no indication whether a particular film is already scheduled to record. I thought I'd lost my scheduled recordings of some films until I realised that I'd set two scheduled recordings. Shouldn't the EPG show you that something's already set to record?
You can record 2 programmes and watch a third programme ONLY when at least 2 of the programmes are on the same MUX. In that case the Humax only needs to utilise one of it's two tuners for these two programmes allowing the other tuner to be used on any other MUX to view/record the third programme. If you are recording two programmes on differrent MUX's then you can only watch programmes on the same two MUX's. That is why you will get different programmes greyed out depending on the recordings you have set. Appologies if you don't understand what MUX's are. If so then that is another question for you to ask
Colin
I don't know the answers to these questions and it suggests a new FAQ:-
Q0038: Where is the the best place for new questions?
A0038:
- Existing closely related thread if there is one.
- Purchasing non-technical questions>MS98's 'Humax Dual Tuner....' thread.
- PC related questions >Crowsmilings 'Using....with a PC' PC thread
- Non-PC questions >Barry's Freeview PVR...' thread
- or if you think it will trigger a debate> start a new thread.
(If I spot a question on other threads and think it is covered by an FAQ I will reply to that effect giving the FAQ number.)
I pretty sure that if you press OK when the FORMAT button is highlighted, it asks
you for the password (default 0000). But, I'm not going to test it!
Your needs should be met by my posting a full cumulative and edited list at intervals. Reading the latest list should make it unnecessary to read earlier posts.
What it really needs (as happens on a lot of other fora) is for you to be able to edit post #1 and just keep that up to date so that the latest FAQ is always in the same place. I'm not sure if this is technically possible the way the mods. have DS set up as post editing seems to have a time limit on it. Maybe they could give you moderator rights if you promised to "be good"?
An alternative would be for post #1 to have a URL in it and then that web site copy of the FAQ is maintained.
Cliff
Hopefully the list will not get too big so that re-posting the whole lot at intervals will serve the purpose. If the list gets too big then I will probably dump my own 9200T though at present this is unlikely.
Humax should publish their own FAQs for the 9200T and I could drop the duplicates.
Q0035: No sound on some recordings
A0035: Seems to be a bug affecting all 9200T. Usually arises when channels E4, more4, Quizcall, or Channel 4 are set to record with tuner2.
(Post 1 by clanchief on ‘Replicable no-sound fault’ thread.)
A0035 Part 2. E4 channel seems to suffer more than other channels. Where practical record from channel E4+1.
(ITV1,2,3,4, E4, More 4 are on Multiplex 2.
But E4+1 is on Multiplex C which uses a different compression system and it has a much higher bit rate and resolution than E4 on Multiplex 2.
As a result you will notice the picture quality is much better on E4+1 than E4.
(Source:Post 52 by spoon261 to clanchiefs ‘Replicable No Sound’ thread on 10NOV2005)
Q0034: The 9200 fails to record scheduled radio programmes if the unit is left in standby.
A0034: My biggest concern is that The 'REC' icon appears and disappears on the display at the scheduled times, but the recording does not then appear in the radio recordings playlist. Since the 9200 records scheduled TV programmes quite happily when left in standby but records scheduled radio programmes only if the unit is left fully powered up I can only assume it is an unintentional outcome on the part of your system designers. From my point of view it is a serious loss of functionality which should be addressed as a matter of urgency - no-one wants to leave the unit fully powered up for days when going away in order to successfully schedule a recording.
Post 4 by youngbaz to ‘Any response from Humax’ thread.(Extract from email to Humax)
A0034 Part 2
If you manually enter the desired Radio programme in the record schedule (rather than the guide) it works without a problem even from standby, a bit longer to set up but at least it works.
(Source Post 33 by Givemestella to PVR9200T will not
record radio…..)
Cumulative so you don't need to look back
They are in consecutive posts because of the post size limit.
FAQ’s …some of them. Third edition including all previous FAQs and corrections, so you don’t need to further back…only perhaps further forward.
I would like others to keep use of this thread to a minimum so that the FAQs are easier to find.
However I would also like constructive comments on the FAQs and pointers to suitable posts that might be added.
See Q0038 for best threads for new questions.
“I only see so far because I stand on the shoulders of giants”-Isaac Newton
I will try to acknowledge source of the answers. I will also try to minimize editing of the original posts to reduce the risk that I ruin them.
See also Humax UK’s own FAQs at http://www.humaxdigital.com/uk/ Click on support, then FAQ.(No specific group FAQs on 9200T as at 8NOV2005)
See also Humax Global Web Site: http://www.humaxdigital.com/global/
The questions are listed first on their own to speed your search, then repeated with the answers.
Contents
Q0001: How do I record a series on weekdays only?
Q0002. How do I get the buttons on the navigation bar to work as per GB36?
Q0003: How to I quickly get to the start of a recording?
Q0004: How to I workaround the limit of 20 timers?
Q0005: The machine takes a long time to come out of standby and sometimes has problems when it does.
Q0006: How do I record the program I have already been watching up to 2 hours as long as no more than 2 programs will be recorded simultaneously as a result?/ Instant Recording Page GB31 of User Manual.
Q0007: How do I get it working when it is locked up with a frozen picture?
Q0008: How do I get information about the next programme quickly?
Q0009: The ‘Edit’ function (User Manual GB36 & 7) can split a recorded programme. Why would I want to do that?
Q0010: What is the best way to select and playback a recorded programme?
Q0011: The cover over the lower buttons of the remote control gets in the way sometimes?
Q0012: Why does the spec suggest that the VCR/DVD Player Scart is not a means of input?
Q0013: What does the ‘Source’ button do?
Q0014: How can I make it easier to read the Program Names on the ‘recorded programmes list?
Q0015: How can I see what programs are being recorded while watching a live program?
Q0016: All my TV or all my Radio recordings are missing when I …Menu>Recordings>Recorded Programmes?
Q0017:For quite a few channels ( mostly bbc) there are two channels in the program list, not that it is a problem, the only niggle is that the weaker of the two has took up residence in the place where I would of expected the stronger of the two to be EG BBC1 is on 800 and 1 I live in Yorkshire and the main transmitter is Emley Moor yet it is the Bilsdale tx that occupiesa channel 1 and this channel is totally un-viewable!!!
Q0018:New box switches itself off at midnight.
Q0019: I've got the aerial cable looped through, so out of the wall socket, into the 9200T and then out of there into the TV.
Now I noticed that when I'm watching via the Scart on AV1 on my TV that I see what's going on on another terrestrial channel. If I unplug the RF loop then it goes away.
Q0020: Where does it get its software updates and EPG info from? Is it another 4tv based machine?
Q0021: Which channel is my Humax picking its signal up from for example BBC1?
Q0022: Transfer of recorded programmes to the PC via USB does not seem to work properly.
Q0023: How to start watching, from the beginning, a program that is being recorded...as long as it is the only one being recorded at that time.
Q0024: What is the point in contacting Humax when many other people have the same problem?
Q0025: The only missed recordings I have had (2 of them)…
Q0026: Fitting a bigger Hard Drive/Problems transferring to /from a PC.
See: http://www.pvruk.com/2004/04/humax_pvr8000t_.html
Q0027: I set timers for two consecutive programmes on the same channel and padded them. The second did not record.
Q0028: One way to play a recording transferred from Humax to PC.
Q0029: A recorded tv programme file transferred from the Humax to a PC has no file type. What suffix should I add?
Q0030: Strange icon. This particular icon is more misunderstood than most.
In the date box on the RECORDED PROGRAMME screen for one recording there is an unusual icon for which I can find no reference in the manual. It is a yellow box, overlaid at the bottom left hand side with a green oval. Inside the oval is a white rectangle (landscape orientation)
Q0031: Some options are greyed out on menus.
Q0032: What all-in-one remotes work with the 9200T
Q0033: Help with all-in-one learning function.
The questions are repeated below with the answers.
________________________________________
Q0001: How do I record a series on weekdays only?
A0001: Just record daily and workaround the side effects. Probably no recordings will in fact be made at the weekend as the Humax seems to check the programme name before going ahead with the recording each day. Delete unwanted Sat & Sun recordings. You will have to delete the timer if you want to record two other programs that clash at the weekend and reinstate the timer afterwards.
Q0002. How do I get the buttons on the navigation bar to work as per GB36?
A0002: You probably forgot to press the PAUSE button first.
Q0003: How to I quickly get to the start of a recording?
A0003: Press play twice.
Q0004: How to I workaround the limit of 20 timers?
A0004: Schedule programs for daily or weekly recording if their time slot is the same.
Q0005: The machine takes a long time to come out of standby and sometimes has problems when it does.
(One of the problems is that if the clock has been set wrongly by the last channel accessed before standby then it stays wrong while in standby.(Post 78 by Marcdavis to givemestella’s PVR9200T won’t record radio….thread 2NOV2005)
A0005: Leave it on all the time.
Couldn't the auto power-on and power-off be set so it wakes up just for the time of the recording +/- 5 mins? OK, it'll wake up EVERY day while you're away but it's a short-term workaround.
On the other hand the difference between standby and on is 17W. While I can understand folks not wanting to leave it on for months/years on end cos of the cost of electricity (about £20 for the year). For a week it's what, 168 hours. So it'l consume an additional 17W * 168h = 2,856 = 2.856KWh. So about 3 units of electricity - at 10p/unit that's 30p
(Post 29 to FAQ thread by CJL.)
Q0006: How do I record the program I have already been watching up to 2 hours as long as no more than 2 programs will be recorded simultaneously as a result?/ Instant Recording Page GB31 of User Manual.
A0006 Part 1: The answer in previous editions was wrong.
I (Brian9200T) did a trial and found as follows:-
Rewind to the start of the program within the 2 hour buffer using the rewind key.
Press the Record button.
You can now fast forward to where you were and continue watching if you wish.
You must leave the box tuned to that channel till the program is finished.
(This seems to contradict the manual Page GB31 which says “….the recorder will not save what you are currently watching”.)
A0006 Part 2: (Source: Post 2136 by clanchief to Barry’s ‘Freeview PVR…’ thread.)
I think that I understand your problem in that you are possibly thinking that the Humax is like a VCR and you can start an instant or manual recording of a program just before it starts or immediately it starts and leave it to record while you watch or record something else on an other channel.
I learned, I think on this forum, that it is not like that. If you start a program recording before the scheduled (not the actual) start time of a program, the Humax will think that you are recording the end of the previous program and stop at the scheduled finish time (not actual finish time) of that program. This means that if a program starts say 30 secs early, as sometimes happens, any instant recording started at that point will stop after 30 seconds and will not even appear in the list of recordings, as recordings of less than a minute seem to be automatically deleted. To be sure that you will record the correct program in an instant recording you need to press the i button before the record button to see what the Humax thinks is being broadcast at that point in time, which may be different from what is actually being broadcast, very close to program start or end times.
In terms of your point about losing the end of programs, whether a program is recorded instantly from the record button or scheduled for later recording from the EPG, the recording will always finish at the scheduled end time of the program not the actual end time of the program. There is no signal sent by DTT broadcast programs to PVRs to indicate when a program is starting or ending. This is why many people on this forum want a " time padding feature" to allow the user to specify how many minutes should be automatically added to the end and/or start of each recording.
If a program is likely to run over time, if you are setting up a recording from the EPG it is fairly simple to add a few minutes onto the end time by pressing the yellow button after selecting a program to be recorded and editing the end time (see page GB51 of the user manual). A simpler alternative is to also record the following program, then if the program runs over time the ending will be recorded at the start of the next program.
If you are making an instant or manual recording the procedure to add extra time does not seem to appear in the user manual. I initially thought that an instant recording would continue, like a VCR, recording until stopped by the user, or disk space ran out. I learned, I think again on this forum, that it is not like that. It stops at the scheduled end time of the current program being recorded. If you wish to add extra time, in case the program runs over, you have to press the record button again and add extra minutes, by pressing the arrow to the right of the OK button.
A0006: Part 3: (Source: Post 2138 by tonycollinet to Barry’s ‘Freeview PVR…’ thread.)
Your program is due to start at 7:30, so you press record at 7:28 (don't want to miss the start, right?)
Humax thinks you are recording the program before the one you want, and stops at the end of that program (ie at 7:29)
Use the I button to ensure that the humax has recognised the program you want has started, or if you want to set it before the start, use a scheduled recording from the epg.
Q0007: How do I get it working when it is locked up with a frozen picture?
A0007: Switch off mains using switch on back of box. Wait one minute and switch on again. If it happens too often within the first two years then get the box swapped by the warranty service as per warranty booklet.
Q0008: How do I get information about the next programme quickly?
A0008:(Wrong in my first and second editions,)
Correction to Answer Q0008.
As per Page GB21 of User Manual though not obvious.
Press the 'I' button(The General Information Bar will be displayed giving information on current program. If there is a next program you will see an icon for a right cursor, Number 7 in the illustration)
Press the Right Cursor (The information will now relate to the next program.)
Press 'I' again and you will see details of the next program.
Q0009: The ‘Edit’ function (User Manual GB36 & 7) can split a recorded programme. Why would I want to do that?
A0009 a) You might have recorded consecutive programmes using a single timer and now want to split them. (Source: Schnauser Bites-Digital Spy)
b) The recording might be too big for a single DVD.
c) To split a musical program into individual pieces.(Source: Sdesign-Digital Spy)
Q0010: What is the best way to select and playback a recorded programme?
A0010: Press ‘Playlist’ button (Button ‘i’ on pages GB11 and 12). Select recording with cursors).Press OK button. (Source:Redrob2 Digspy). (It does say this on Page GB34 but emphasises a slower way.
Q0011: The cover over the lower buttons of the remote control gets in the way sometimes?
A0011: Remove it easily by sliding it down a bit then prizing up the LH side. It clips back easily afterwards. You can make it even easier by running a finger along the inside edge thus lubricating the groove.
Q0012: Why does the spec suggest that the VCR/DVD Player Scart is not a means of input?
A0012: It is a pass-through socket but cannot input for recording purposes.
Q0013: What does the ‘Source’ button do?
A0013 1: If your DVD Player is switched off it will toggle your TV between the HUMAX and its aerial signal (which may include an RF Humax channel). However if the TV has been set to AV with its own controls then the TV will stay on AV and thus not change.
2. If your DVD Player is switched on it will toggle the picture between DVD Player and Humax.(Remember to pause the DVD to avoid missing a bit.)
Sources: Self/Creddish,Post1909 on Digspy/ Schnauzer Bites,1921 on Digspy forum,/CJL,1917 on DIGSPY Forum.
Q0014: How can I make it easier to read the Program Names on the ‘recorded programmes list?
A0014: Set the transparency to ‘Disabled’ thus giving a steady background.
Menu>Preferences>Miscellaneous>Transparency>Disabled.
Q0015: How can I see what programs are being recorded while watching a live program?
A0015: Press the STOP button.(Source:Spoon261,Post 427 30OCT2005.)
Q0016: All my TV or all my Radio recordings are missing when I …Menu>Recordings>Recorded Programmes?
A0016: You have just displayed one of the groups of recordings:- TV,Radio.
Check at the top of the screen that it is ‘TV’ being displayed. If not, then select the TV Group as per top of page GB34.
Q0017: For quite a few channels ( mostly bbc) there are two channels in the program list, not that it is a problem, the only niggle is that the weaker of the two has took up residence in the place where I would of expected the stronger of the two to be EG BBC1 is on 800 and 1 I live in Yorkshire and the main transmitter is Emley moor yet it is the Bilsdale tx that occupys channel 1 and this channel is totally unviewable!!!
A0017: Hi there, I checked which channel the duplicated bbc channels were on (21-69) in my case 52 and deleted all of them ( both strong and weak) , i then did a manual scan for channel 52 without network( because that fetches radio and interactive channels in as well) I then selected the channels I required and saved them, when I went into the program list there they were, BBC1 at channel 1 where it rightfully belongs and all the other BBC channels were in the correct order too.
Thanks. I think I have sorted it. What was confusing me was when I went to do a manual tune it only had channels 40-50 (ish), and I knew that the channels I wanted were on 800 (I think ). But with the help of the transmitter info on the dtg site, I selected the channel numbers listed there and seem to have picked up good signals for bbc ones. So perhaps someone can enlighten me on the difference between the channels listed in the Channel list and the Channel number selected when doing a manual search.(Posts by E-man)
Q0018:New box switches itself off at midnight.
A0018: A couple of nights ago I had the weird turning off at midnight thing while watching a recording, so I've set the auto off to 0300 and then disabled it again. That seems to have worked.(David March Post 1990 to Barry’forum.)
Since advised that this does not work by (Source: Post 7 by sdesign on Sdesign’s forum.)
Q0019: I've got the aerial cable looped through, so out of the wall socket, into the 9200T and then out of there into the TV.
Now I noticed that when I'm watching via the scart on AV1 on my TV that I see what's going on on another terrestrial channel. If I unplug the RF loop then it goes away.
A0019:I’ve had this, and it is not pick up from the RF cable. What you are getting is crosstalk inside your scart lead. The video OUTPUT From the TV (tuned from an analogue channel) is coupling across onto the input signal from the Humax. When you unplug the RF, the TV has no signal to output, so there is nothing to couple. You can solve this by:
1 - buying a fully screened Scart lead (£10+)
2 - disconnecting the composite video output from the TV at the TV end of the cable (I did it just by breaking the pin 19 out of the connector)
Source: Post2040 by TonyCollinet to Barry’s forum.
Q0020: Where does it get its software updates and EPG info from? Is it another 4tv based machine?
A0020: it is a DTG OTA machine, not a 4TV which means Humax have to battle with 50 other boxes to get a slot to braodcast an OTA and could only do so once every few months - unlike 4TV where you're never more than 4 days from the latest software.
For this reason the 9200, like most other DTG boxes, has an RS232 port and Humax publish binaries on their web site so you just need terminal software and a cable to update the box. Source: Post 2046 by CJL to Barry’s forum.
and on you having a serial port on your PC/notebook.
Source: Post 2049 to Barry’s forum by Gadgetmind
C O N T I N U E D in next post
A0021: Go to: Menu - System - Signal detection
The OSD will now show you both the name of the transmitter and the frequency you're receiving the channel you're currently tuned to on.
Source : Post 8 on mid999’s forum by Barry.
Q0022: Transfer of recorded programmes to the PC via USB does not seem to work properly.
A0022: I (Crowsmiling) just had this reply from Humax tech support regarding the USB file transfer problem:
“We have had some issues with the software, and are currently
investigating all of the issues so that we can include fixes and also
some of the changes that have been suggested in a software update. Due
to the nature of some of the issues and the testing time require to
investigate and resolve we may not release a complete fix until early
next year, however we may releases fixes quicker on our website.”
Updates will be on the Humax Global site and not the UK one.
(Source: Post 226 by Crowsmiling on Crowsmiling’s forum.)
A0022 part2 not from Humax: The hard disk drives used in this and other brands has some error checking disabled. (See Q0026). This makes sense as it can’t ask the broadcaster to re-transmit. However the recording on the hard disk is not then perfect. When transferred to the PC again the error checking is not perfect so further errors are introduced, These are aggravated by USB lead quality or length and the amount of simultaneous activity in the Humax. Don’t use a lead longer than 5 metres. Don’t extend USB leads without a booster. Do the transfer while no program recordings are in progress and the live channel tuned to a Data Channel or an unused one. Consult the PC thread for more information.
(Part of this info came from Post 300 to crowsmilings PC thread by JRECAMPBELL.)
If you just want to archive the occasional recording then connect to a DVD recorder using Scart to Scart.
Q0023: How to start watching, from the beginning, a program that is being recorded...as long as it is the only one being recorded at that time, and is the channel the box is currently tuned to.
A0023: Test Report:
At about 14:45 I set timer to record Boot Sale on ITV1 at 15:00.
I set Humax to watch ITV1 and switched off TV.
About 15:05 I switched on TV.
It was showing Boot Sale from the Humax.
I used the rewind button to rewind to the start of Boot Sale.
(The info bar was displayed and confirmed that ITV1 was being recorded.)
So you you can set several recordings in the morning.
Leave the Humax on the same channel as the first recording.
Now when you get home in the middle of the first recording you can switch on the TV and rewind it to the start.
If the first recording is ended when you get home then you can watch it from the list.
The only reservation is that there must not be another recording set at the same time as the first.
Q0024: What is the point in contacting Humax when many other people have the same problem?
A0024: The more people reporting a problem the more important to them to fix it to maintain their reputation.
Q0025: The only missed recordings I have had (2 of them)…
A0025: …. have been when I have recorded consecutive programmes on the same channel and padded the end of the first one.(Post 2069 to Barry’s forum by Redrob2.)
Q0026: Fitting a bigger Hard Drive/Problems transferring to /from a PC.
See: http://www.pvruk.com/2004/04/humax_pvr8000t_.html
A0026: I work in IT for a company who sell thousands of hard disk drives every month from Maxtor & Seagate and I thought I'd just give my input based on experience and information from the actual manufacturers...
If you open the Humax you will see that the HDD is a Seagate with a model number ending in ACE. (Seagate ST316 0022 ACE (160G) HD ). Normally Seagate HDD model numbers end in A or AS (for SATA). The reason the model number is different is because ACE stands for 'Consumer Electronics' version. The main difference between an ACE drive and a standard PC drive ('A') which everyone on here is using to upgrade is the way it handles error correction and checking (ECC).
Simplistically...with a normal PC drive when you write data to the HDD the drive will 'double-check' with the PC that the data it has received is accurate (check for errors) and if it is correct will write it and if not will try again. This process (ECC) takes milliseconds and you do not notice it when you use your PC.
However, the ACE drives have this function removed..
Why? because if you put a standard HDD in a consumer electronics product which relies on streaming video (such as a PVR) you are more likely to get stuttering images and/or frozen screens as the HDD continually tries to double check the data which has been written.
In summary normal drives do work but be aware that they will a. run hotter because they are not designed to be put in such a small space b. potentially give stuttering images/freezing.
You cannot buy ACE drives from the open market normally - they are sold directly by the manufacturers to the PVR companies.
For reference Maxtor's equivalent drives are called 'Quickview'
(Copy of Post by Darrow to PVRUK forum on 8000T in Feb 2005)
Q0027: I set timers for two consecutive programmes on the same channel and padded them. The second did not record.
A0027: Don’t pad the end of the first or the start of the second in this ‘case’. It is safer possibly to set one timer to cover both and pad it at the beginning and end.
Q0028: One way to play a recording transferred from Humax to PC.
A0028: Use the VLC Player http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ (Free) to watch recordings on your PC.
(Source: Post 240 by mbailey to crowsmiling’s forum.)
Q0029: A recorded tv programme file transferred from the Humax to a PC has no file type. What suffix should I add?
A0029: .mpeg-ts
(Source: Post 242 by jjn to crowsmiling’s forum.)
(Although this seems to be the technically correct file type other people have used .mpg instead.)
Q0030: Strange icon. This particular icon is more misunderstood than most.
In the date box on the RECORDED PROGRAMME screen for one recording there is an unusual icon for which I can find no reference in the manual. It is a yellow box, overlaid at the bottom left hand side with a green oval. Inside the oval is a white rectangle (landscape orientation)
A0030: Page GB 35 of User Manual says near the top that it means
"Displayed when the recording is stopped because of an unexpected error,"
Originally Posted by davhardy
Q0031: Some options are greyed out on menus.
A0031: The options are not available because they would clash with something else.
In the case of ‘Installation’ sdesign said:-
“It's obviously greyed out to prevent you messing with settings during recording (maybe to avoid losing recordings) but in case anyone wanted to bypass this I thought I'd post a workaround that I accidently stumbled across. Not sure if there's any reason why you'd want to do it though but here it is anyway.
You will notice that during recording the installation menu is greyed out. If you want to access this menu during recording you can still do so by pressing the number 4.”
Q0032: What all-in-one remotes work with the 9200T
A0032:Consider a One for All Kameleon 6 in 1 second generation
Originally Posted by ukrad
Hi. I have one of these, and although there are no specific downloads for the 9200 from One for All yet the learning function works fine, and I use my Kameleon to control the 9200 without ant problems.
Post 9 on ‘multiply’s thread on remotes by roycymru.
Q0033: Help with all-in-one learning function.
A0033: The OFA remotes are JP1 upgradeable, ie you can program the remote from your PC via an interface. see http://www.hifi-remote.com/ofa/. That's the only way I could get my OFA6 to control my Digital cable box and DVD and AV amp as well as TV and VCR.
Post 12 on ‘multiply’s thread on remotes by aldaweb on roycymru’s thread
Q0034: The 9200 fails to record scheduled radio programmes if the unit is left in standby.
A0034: My biggest concern is that The 'REC' icon appears and disappears on the display at the scheduled times, but the recording does not then appear in the radio recordings playlist. Since the 9200 records scheduled TV programmes quite happily when left in standby but records scheduled radio programmes only if the unit is left fully powered up I can only assume it is an unintentional outcome on the part of your system designers. From my point of view it is a serious loss of functionality which should be addressed as a matter of urgency - no-one wants to leave the unit fully powered up for days when going away in order to successfully schedule a recording.
Post 4 by youngbaz to ‘Any response from Humax’ thread.(Extract from email to Humax)
A0034 Part 2
If you manually enter the desired Radio programme in the record schedule (rather than the guide) it works without a problem even from standby, a bit longer to set up but at least it works.
(Source Post 33 by Givemestella to PVR9200T will nott record radio…..)
Q0035: No sound on some recordings
A0035: Seems to be a bug affecting all 9200T. Usually arises when channels E4, more4, Quizcall, or Channel 4 are set to record with tuner2.
(Post 1 by clanchief on ‘Replicable no-sound fault’ thread.)
A0035 Part 2. E4 channel seems to suffer more than other channels. Where practical record from channel E4+1.
(ITV1,2,3,4, E4, More 4 are on Multiplex 2.
But E4+1 is on Multiplex C which uses a different compression system and it has a much higher bit rate and resolution than E4 on Multiplex 2.
As a result you will notice the picture quality is much better on E4+1 than E4.
(Source:Post 52 by spoon261 to clanchiefs ‘Replicable No Sound’ thread on 10NOV2005)
Q0036: How do I know if I am running out of disk space?
A0036: Menu>Record>HDD Control tells you how much space is free. (Be careful to use the EXIT key to exit as the OK key will format your disk! Although the average programme uses about 1.5gbytes per hour it varies so aim for 3 gigabytes per hour of transmission time to be on the safe side.
Q0037: When will Humax release an update to the software?
A0037: HUMAX: We do not have a release date for any software at the current time.
(Source: Post 2474 by Videoditcher to MS98’s ‘Dual Tuner…’ thread.9NOV2005)
Q0038: Where is the the best place for new questions?
A0038:
- Existing closely related thread if there is one.
- Purchasing non-technical questions>MS98's 'Humax Dual Tuner....' thread.
- PC related questions >Crowsmiling’s 'Using....with a PC' PC thread
- Non-PC questions >Barry's Freeview PVR...' thread
- or if you think it will trigger a debate, start a new thread.
Q0039: "channel viewing restricted by recording" message
If you can record two channels and watch another; why is it that sometimes when I'm recording two channels I can't watch certain other channels. Eg I was recording ITV1 and BBC2 last night at the same time and could watch BBCs1,2,3 ITV1,2 C4 but not BBC4, ITVs3,4 and C5 - for those channels an on screen message said or something like that.(Source:Post 40 by jonjoe to FAQ thread.)
A0039: You can record 2 programmes and watch a third programme ONLY when at least 2 of the programmes are on the same MUX. In that case the Humax only needs to utilise one of it's two tuners for these two programmes allowing the other tuner to be used on any other MUX to view/record the third programme. If you are recording two programmes on differrent MUX's then you can only watch programmes on the same two MUX's. That is why you will get different programmes greyed out depending on the recordings you have set. Appologies if you don't understand what MUX's are. If so then that is another question for you to ask (Source :Post 41 by Creddish to FAQ thread.)
Q0040: When I prss Playlist it only shows Video recordings.
A0040: On the playlist you have to use the left / right buttons to toggle between audio and video recordings
(Post 62 by taralabradog to givemestella’s PVR9200T won’t record radio….thread 2NOV2005)
Q0041: Recording stops halfway through the programme.
A0041: On the guide many programmes span more than block, perhaps because of a news break in the middle. Make sure you click all of them
(Captain Code Post 65 to givemestella’s PVR9200T won’t record radio….thread 2NOV2005)
Q0042: How do I get rid of wavy lines on analogue Channel 5?
A0042: My 9200T on initial setup chose channel 36 in UHF Tuning (under preferences). When Channel 5 first came online, engineers around the country retuned VCR's away from this channel because of it's close proximity to C5.
I would suggest setting the 9200T to a different free channel, try to pick one 4 or 5 channels away from any used channel. This will depend on transmitters in your area.
(Post 70 by jtk174 to givemestella’s PVR9200T won’t record radio….thread 2NOV2005)