Because it's a function of HDMI-CEC, which is how devices communicate / control each other. The Humax could (in theory) do a lot more to connected devices than just switching channels.

I disable HDMI-CEC on all devices that provide an option, as in my setup it just causes problems. In the case of a Panasonic display, you could try disabling Viera link.

Sorry White-Knight, you have rather misunderstood what I am moaning about. Scarlet has summarized it very well.

I have a Panasonic TX37LZD81, connected to the Humax via HDMI, and have not discovered any way to disable auto-switching of the inputs.

So you no longer presume that it must be a Humax fault?
You understand that it could be just the TV or a combination of Humax + your TX37LZD81 doing some handshaking and misunderstanding.

I certainly don't, it shouldn't output data on the HDMI port on a timed recording, just like the DTT PVR's shouldn't set the SCART switching pins high.

It's a basic design flaw.

Try connecting Humax to HDMI2, it worked for me with Panasonic 32LXD80. HDMI1 has automatic input switching enabled.

Yeah sorry. I think a re-read and Scarlet's explanation, explained it perfectly. I don't use the scart out on my plasma so can't tell if the Pioneers affected. Certainly I have all the TV's HDMI's available to me during recording without problem. Perhaps the Pioneers aren't susceptible to pin 8 going high on it's own, whereas the Panasonic's are. Maybe the Pioneers work via manual switching only as the input ports on the Pioneer are assigned for use with specific different types of kit rather than just as pure input. The handbook tells you what kit can be used on which input. Some do have multiple options but these are manually assigned in the set up menu. I can't remember seeing an Auto setting in the set up.

RobinB - Of course it's a Humax fault. It has no business to be grabbing the HDMI port when it boots up for a recording.

Likewise, the blank screen only occurs when the Humax is recording, so it must be a problem with the Humax, not the TV.

As far as I know only Panasonic do auto-switching via HDMI?, so it's not a problem with any other sets - but it's still a serious flaw in the Humax.

The way in which I get around the black screen at switch on of Humax when it is recording.

Is to put Humax back into standby, then bring it back out of standby again. repeat until the picture can be seen on the hdmi source.

Works for me normally after around two cycles.

Did you actually read my post!!
It DOES NOT DO IT TO MY SONY.
That does not give me the right to say that Humax is 100% right but it rather diminishes your assertion that Humax always asserts itself whenever it starts a recording. It does so *on your TV*

To be quite clear:
I can watch an off-air programme on the TV's tuner or I can watch a DVD connected on HDMI-1 and the Humax harmlessly goes about its business of going into record without interrupting my viewing by pulling over to HDMI-2.

It seems that there is a case to investigate about whether Sony is particularly compliant or Panasonic particularly non-compliant or whether there is a combination effect.

What you lack is the evidence to support (and there is some evidence to contradict) your assertion that the Foxsat "has no business to be grabbing the HDMI port when it boots up for a recording".

Now you got some polite and helpful comment before so if you feel aggrieved at my tone do try to re-read what was I took some time to write last time.... because re-typing the same thing just to bash it in when somebody's prejudice is stronger than their analysis is tiresome.

I pussy-footed around the point last time that there is the possibility of there being something wrong with Humax's implementation of the signalling, but it is a complex thing and may require differences in interpretation by both manufacturers. For me it works just fine, in exactly your given scenario - Does that evidence just slightly make you think that maybe it is your beloved Panasonic which has the fault. For just a fleeting moment would you manage that doubt.

Oh - BTW if it asserts itself on the SCART when it starts recording then I'd agree with that as a fault. SCART is simple and that is wrong.
It should probably assert itself on the SCART and HDMI if you had booked to "watch" - I've never used it.

To confirm the above, my TV does exactly the same. I have no problem with unwanted switching.

Unless it's another example of corporate left hand right hand syndrome, that'd be a bit odd
From their ad for leads

I WISH it did it (auto switch to HDMI) on my Sony, its a right royal pain having to switch inputs, scart does it right for the consumer and the loss of auto-switching to HDMI inputs is a retrograde step for me.

RobinB, I have to agree with you. I have a cheepish Hd Ready Tv, and the Humax has caused no discernible problems at all. The odd green screen when handshaking, which now disappears of its own accord, within a few seconds. This after I used to get in a tiss, needlessly switching on and off.

Maybe , just maybe Ardee's problem is his Panasonic. Otherwise we would all be affected.

To be honest, I get sick and tired of all the Humax bashing, usually aimed at the lack of firmware updates. How often do Sky, Bt, or anybody else update there boxes Not very often. I have both boxes as well as the Humax. The only update I have recieved in the past year, is one for Sky.

I would far rather Humax get it as good as possible, than give in to pointless comments on this or any other forum. Lets face it, the members on here represent a very small percentage of owners/users.

If people are disatisfied with the Humax, take it back. Their will soon be a choice as other boxes come on line. I for one will be keeping my Humax Foxsat PVR.

No, it's a problem with my Panny too (TX-37LZD85), I've reported it to Humax.

I have been reading this thread with interest as I am currently considering buying the Humax and a new TV (possibly Panasonic).

My take on the situation is that the Panasonic TV is correctly interpreting the HDMI-CEC control signals (at least much better than most TV's) and that it is clearly the Humax that is at fault for incorrectly producing "switching signals" when starting to record.

In my view Humax need to fix this since it is likely that more and more TV's will support HDMI-CEC commands in the future (I consider they should all be supporting them now).


Graham.

One thing I don't understand, why is the input switching thing such a pain? Do you guys have to go into the menus on the Panasonics to change inputs?

(I only ask because on the Pioneer there's a row of input buttons along the top of the remote so for me to switch to say Blu Ray, its just a single remote button press. Just trying to understand the full nature of the Pansonic problem)

And reported it to Panasonic Why does it all have to be Humax at fault? It may well be, but if it is only Panasonics that are affected surely thats where the fault is most likely to be.

Panasonics auto-detect a signal on the HDMI socket, there shouldn't be a signal there on a timed recording, just like pin 8 of the SCART shouldn't be high on a timed recording (but my Humax makes it so).

While Panasonics auto-detecting the HDMI is an unusual feature, it's the Humax which is at fault as it shouldn't do anything to affect the TV on a timed recording (nothing else does).

Thanks Smalley, your workaround is a good one. It seems that only HDMI1 on the Panasonic auto-switches, and this is not something that would occur to me. It looks as if the HDMI input switching is DC implemented in a similar way to SCART, and the Humax designers did not allow for this.

My Panasonic autoswitches on HDMI2 as well. So when I switch the DVD player on, the telly switches to watch the film. Very helpful. And also the player has the wit not to switch the TV if it is just being an FM radio or surround kit running off the external input.

For me its not an issue, for the family and relatives its a pain to have to switch inputs, as I said Scart introduced the excellent functionality that when you switch an input device on the TV swicthes to that source. Sure its not a BIG thing to have to manually change the input on the TV, but it is a retrograde step as far as 90+% of the population is concerned that HDMI devices haven't followed this.

According to what's been said here previously, the Panasonics merely check for any incoming signal on the HDMI port, and switch to it if there is - there's no simple DC switch line as with SCART.

IMO Humax are at fault with the HDMI.
It should not interfere with the HDMI output when Humax is in standby and a recording starts, I may have been watching the TV on its built in freeview.

Also why does the display on the front of the Humax have to be so damn bright, dim it a bit please.

Doesn't it have a dim setting on one of the menus?, or am I thinking of something else?.