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Goodmans HDR |
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#26 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,513
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Quote:
Carried out some more tests. I quite like this box for its simplicity. No Frills. No folders, but then the UX is kept straight forward and to the point.
I am glad Foxsat offers folder option but disappointed with their freeview PVRs which don't offer this option. God knows why! I am trying to watch all my recordings before I sell my Humax's latests 9300T freeview PVR, just for this reason alone, to either buy Foxsat or Topfield freeview PVR which both offer folder options. |
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#27 |
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 4,520
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Quote:
Thanks for answering my power cut question and hope you enjoy your hydro.
I'd also be fascinated to know whether ITV HD scheduled recordings are knocked out by the regular (weekly?) channel reshuffles, as per the Humax. Presumably you would only find that out when the next reshuffle happens. Still, the point of having a Freesat PVR (for me) would be the ability to set ITV HD recordings reliably for when I am away for days at a time - I already have Sky HD so can do all the other channels bar that one. If the Goodmans box passes that test too, I think I'll get it even if the PQ is, as you say, a little below par. |
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#28 |
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 4,520
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Quote:
The machine only seems to have an option for a first time installation when it comes to doing a freesat scan. I did the freesat scan using the only option I could see - first time installation - and that removes all scheduled recordings. My guess is the ITV HD timers removal on scanning/adding channels is particular to the Humax. But, when I find out how to set up an ITV HD timer I'll let you know what happens when there are Freesat channel change notifications. |
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#29 |
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 4,520
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Quote:
I just can't believe how a 320GB PVR can't offer folder options! it's a deal breaker for me. Try to go through 120 recordings to find something you are after.
I'll ask Harvard if they will be listening to feature requests/suggestions for software updates. If so I'll recommend a sort option in the library at the least, to help in this area. |
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#30 |
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Worcester
Posts: 4,185
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Quote:
I dont know how to set ITV HD timers yet. On the EPG, tomorrow on ITV1 it shows the Bill and the programme information says its also on ITV HD. When I select to record it - I get no option to record the ITV HD broadcast. I know its a series but I also get no option as to whether I am wanting the series or the single programme. I need to go back to the manual...
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#31 |
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 4,520
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Are you pressing the 'record' button or the 'ok' button? If it's anything like the Humax you need to do the later otherwise the options for HD or Series link aren't offered
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#32 |
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 4,520
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I had a failed recording when trying to record a non-freesat channel and a freesat channel. The freesat programme that was supposed to have been recorded remained in the library as a timer. I've been doing some tests to try and replicate but all recorded OK the next time.
I discovered something cool though. When both programmes were recording on the Goodmans I pressed the channel change button (you get used to being able to watch other channels when dual recording on the Foxsat-hdr). A box came up basically saying you could not change channel while dual recording. What was neat was that the box basically gives you the option to either cancel the channel change request, or it offered me to go ahead and change the channel and it will re-record the freesat programme (giving the date and time of the next showing it will record automatically for me). |
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#33 |
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 4,520
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I found out how to get series link and it is not when you are in the EPG. You have to go to the library to find the timer to set to series link.
On the subject of figuring out how to record ITV HD, I have found Menu>Settings>Freesat+>Default Recording Mode. The options for Default Recording Mode are: Always Ask, High Definition or Standard Definition. By default it is set to Always Ask. However I have not been asked by the machine whether to record the HD option when I selecting ITV1 programmes( that are also available in HD). Perhaps if I change the default recording mode option to High Defintion it will just record The Bill using the ITV HD broadcast. Unless anyone knows better I'll give that a test. In answer to other questions: no the Goodmans doesnt control the TV. The HDMI output options are 576p, 720p and 1080i |
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#34 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Cradley, Halesowen, W.Mids
Posts: 1,047
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Quote:
I just can't believe how a 320GB PVR can't offer folder options! it's a deal breaker for me. Try to go through 120 recordings to find something you are after.
EDIT: Just looked at the uploaded pictures (horrible brute) however the way they display there library looks pretty good to me - program name, date, time, channel, state of programme (assuming here it switches between recorded, watched, part watched, failed etc) all immediately visible and synopsis available as soon as you highlight the program. Can't get more user friendly than that in my opinion. |
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#35 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 198
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Quote:
Carried out some more tests. I quite like this box for its simplicity. ..
There is a non-freesat mode but I suspect most of the gen public who buy this machine won't see them. The machine won't scan them in. Instead there is a menu item for doing this with an impressively complicated looking screen asking for information like freaquncy, symbol rate and polarisation. In practice its an easy process to follow if you can find the steps (and settings/channels) on the net. That said, if you are able to set up non freesat channels, the machine very sensibly doesnt make much of a big deal out of it, unlike on the Humax (although non-freesat channels will not appear in the EPG either) and you can access non freesat channels from the channel list. No bobbing between modes. With non-freesat channels I find that you can set them to record with the manual timer function - where you set the date, time and legnth of recording - and whether you would like to repeat the timer every day, week etc. Dual recording with non-freesat channel is no bother either. I can see no multi-sat diseq capability options on this box. Its not in the manual nor can I see them in any of the settings screens unfortunately. .. Still, I think its good there is no need to shuffle (with a rather complex sequence of steps) between modes as on the Humax, but of little use without the diseq controls. The (non)ability to record with manual timers in non-freesat was one of the things that made the Humax HDR unsuitable for me. Most of our viewing is still UK freesat stuff but with a dish setup that allows other satellites to be tuned in I wanted to be able to timer record some of the european offerings. This would have tempted me into getting this product; but see above. Now, what is interesting is that the manufacturer themselves communicates so little on these subjects; either in manuals or data sheets. I had phoned the Grundig helpline a week or so ago and they had advised that indeed diseqc was "not supported" which you have found to be true. But they also said non-freesat timers were not available, which is clearly not the truth from your tests. So, we have the Humax HDR which does do diseqc but without non-freesat timers (unless the due firmware addresses that); we also have the Panasonics which like the Goodmans can timer-set in non-freesat but have no diseq controls. Finally we will one day have the Sagems; my initial enquiry to their helpline drew a "non" on both subjects but I'm not giving up just yet. PS; When I do give up I will either get a FTA twin tuner hdd recorder but then won't have the UK 7 day epg and auto retuning of transponders you get with freesat, so no perfect solution in sight as yet for me with those! Or; I have also considered the likes of TM6900 because you will get the freeview epg on its DVB-T tuner but would rather have a built in hdd which is not available; and the Lyngbox with its internet driven epg; but the hdd is too small at 160GB; Lyngbox did tell me they are considering future models with larger hdd's. |
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#36 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 660
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Quote:
Folders don't really bother me. I'd rather have a flat structure where you can order them either alphabetically or by date recorded. I find dipping in and out of the folder structure a pain in the arse to be honest (and if they were all in a flat structure you could tell at a glance which had been watched so you could have a mammoth deleting session when the HDR was not recording - bring on the firmware that allows deletion while it is recording).
But apparently the Humax does not allow you to delete recorded programmes if it is recording - what's the position on this one? |
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#37 |
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 4,520
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Quote:
Ooh, now that raises another question - sorry to keep bombarding you Marc with these!
But apparently the Humax does not allow you to delete recorded programmes if it is recording - what's the position on this one? ![]() I'm not getting much time to play with the Goodmans but I like what it is as a basic recorder (not that basic though - autopadding, seres link, ad skip, HD) and what the market could do with. Consumers may think a fairer price would be £230 though, if they compare a Foxsat-HDR can be had for just under £250. Thats assuming the recording ITV HD does work, when I work out how to do it. I do however think I have a defective machine and might need it replacing with another one. Amongst the problems I've been noticing is I seem to have lost some freesat channesl but not for the first time. I have instant recorded two freesat channels and then I notice one of them isnt recording - they look like a timer that hasnt fired in the recordings library. Trying to record a second channel doesnt happen even though it says it is. I've had trouble trying to stop a couple of programme that is stil being recorded. Before I get it replaced I might just carry out another first time installation and reformat the hard drive, and see how that goes for a while. I'll refrain from adding non-freesat channels too in order to give the box less to worry about for the time being. |
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#38 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 821
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Quote:
I just can't believe how a 320GB PVR can't offer folder options! it's a deal breaker for me. Try to go through 120 recordings to find something you are after.
... |
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#39 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,513
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Quote:
Then I guess it wont help then that the Goodmans doesnt have a scheduled timers screen. All the timers are listed in an amonst the recordings in the library.
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Folders don't really bother me. I'd rather have a flat structure where you can order them either alphabetically or by date recorded.
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I cannot see the question asked here - even if you set a series link timer no folder is created ??? If the answer is no, then I agree thats a serious shortcoming indeed.
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#40 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 4,520
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Quote:
Yes I think it is a serious shortcoming. My next PVR must offer folders option or they are not getting my money
![]() After yesturdays format, first time install and no adding of non-freesat channels I still get the problem of no picture or sound on some channels. This morning when switching the unit out of standby, no matter what channel I went to I could not get any picture or sound. Looks like its my box that is defective.
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#41 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Herts
Posts: 13
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I have been using my Goodmans DTR over the last few days, and so far so good. I was a bit dubious at first after buying one of the original STBs from Alba, but this one is certainly better.
Agree with others comments that a folder option would be nice, but other than that it's not bad and certainly has a better looking interface than others in my opinion. I haven't worked out recording of ITV HD though yet. I notice it has been mentioned before hand, but if I work it out I'll be sure to post here. |
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#42 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Herts
Posts: 13
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Just playing around with the Library and noticed that the P+ and P- buttons will scroll a page at a time which makes it a bit easier to find the programme your looking for.
Still not as easy as having a folder though like the new Sky+ HD and Humax. |
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#43 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Cradley, Halesowen, W.Mids
Posts: 1,047
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Quote:
well to start with, it didn't bother me either however when the recordings add up to 100+ I thought it would be good idea to have the option.
Folders also wouldn't be so bad if you had more control over them i.e. had the option of specifying were series linked programs were actually stored - so for instance all my comedy programmes could go in a folder called "Comedies", Documentaries in a folder called "Documentaries" etc. |
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#44 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,513
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Quote:
Watch out for the Sagem then when it is released in the next month or so. It should have folders.
I hope they can raise the bar with freesat+ Quote:
Folders also wouldn't be so bad if you had more control over them i.e. had the option of specifying were series linked programs were actually stored - so for instance all my comedy programmes could go in a folder called "Comedies", Documentaries in a folder called "Documentaries" etc.
Surely all series linked programmes should go to one folder and you should be able to create and transfer any recordings to any folders you create. What does folder option provide If you can't action those things then? |
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#45 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 2,424
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Quote:
Carried out some more tests. I quite like this box for its simplicity. No Frills. No folders, but then the UX is kept straight forward and to the point. Picture quality on Standard def and High definition wasn't impressive; it is noticably behind the Humax and Panasonic. I suspect there is a certain amount of picture setting adjustments that need to be made on TVs to bring the best out of them.
There is a non-freesat mode but I suspect most of the gen public who buy this machine won't see them. The machine won't scan them in. Instead there is a menu item for doing this with an impressively complicated looking screen asking for information like freaquncy, symbol rate and polarisation. In practice its an easy process to follow if you can find the steps (and settings/channels) on the net. That said, if you are able to set up non freesat channels, the machine very sensibly doesnt make much of a big deal out of it, unlike on the Humax (although non-freesat channels will not appear in the EPG either) and you can access non freesat channels from the channel list. No bobbing between modes. With non-freesat channels I find that you can set them to record with the manual timer function - where you set the date, time and legnth of recording - and whether you would like to repeat the timer every day, week etc. Dual recording with non-freesat channel is no bother either. I can see no multi-sat diseq capability options on this box. Its not in the manual nor can I see them in any of the settings screens unfortunately. The machine does not get stuck after a power cut so it wll carry on scheduled recordings after power is restored. This is a problem which only affects the Foxsat-HDR. I don't know of any other PVRs from Humax or other manufacturers who have a design oversight like that. I am now late for my hydro so must dash.. I personally think that all Humax boxes, whether Freeview or Freesat have a problem with their HDMI connections. I would love to try this unit out and compare with the Humax HDR and not just because of the larger hard drive. GG |
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#46 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: UK-NI
Posts: 59
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Goodman’s 320GB
I have been using the Goodman’s 320GB for a few weeks now, it is pretty good, much better than the Sagem. Pros & cons below.
+ Timer for recording non free-stat channels + Simple easy menu system + SQ & PQ is good + Remote control is user friendly + Chanel list has three tabs free-sat, favourite & non free sat + Can delete unwanted channel is non free-sat + Reasonable price £270 + 300GB is available for recording to. - The box looks horrible something from the 60s - Ch + &- and vol +&- is at the bottom of the controller instead of being up next the menu controls - No now & new information for non free-sat channels* - Have had to do the odd power reset due the picture disappearing* - No folder options in library* - Cannot use I player service yet but hopefully soon* - No way of exporting video to USB device but has a service usb port* *Could all be resolved by a right firmware update? Hope this is helpful |
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#47 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 2,424
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Quote:
I have been using the Goodman’s 320GB for a few weeks now, it is pretty good, much better than the Sagem. Pros & cons below.
+ Timer for recording non free-stat channels + Simple easy menu system + SQ & PQ is good + Remote control is user friendly + Chanel list has three tabs free-sat, favourite & non free sat + Can delete unwanted channel is non free-sat + Reasonable price £270 + 300GB is available for recording to. - The box looks horrible something from the 60s - Ch + &- and vol +&- is at the bottom of the controller instead of being up next the menu controls - No now & new information for non free-sat channels* - Have had to do the odd power reset due the picture disappearing* - No folder options in library* - Cannot use I player service yet but hopefully soon* - No way of exporting video to USB device but has a service usb port* *Could all be resolved by a right firmware update? Hope this is helpful As I am after a bigger hard drive I am considering taking the plunge and getting this. Hmm. Are folder options a bad thing do you think? Also I like the tab idea. How do you record non Freesat channels with it, and how quickly does it boot up from standby? I think the BBC iPlayer will come.... GG |
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#48 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 2,424
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Quote:
I just can't believe how a 320GB PVR can't offer folder options! it's a deal breaker for me. Try to go through 120 recordings to find something you are after.
I am glad Foxsat offers folder option but disappointed with their freeview PVRs which don't offer this option. God knows why! I am trying to watch all my recordings before I sell my Humax's latests 9300T freeview PVR, just for this reason alone, to either buy Foxsat or Topfield freeview PVR which both offer folder options. GG |
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#49 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 2,424
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Quote:
I had a failed recording when trying to record a non-freesat channel and a freesat channel. The freesat programme that was supposed to have been recorded remained in the library as a timer. I've been doing some tests to try and replicate but all recorded OK the next time.
I discovered something cool though. When both programmes were recording on the Goodmans I pressed the channel change button (you get used to being able to watch other channels when dual recording on the Foxsat-hdr). A box came up basically saying you could not change channel while dual recording. What was neat was that the box basically gives you the option to either cancel the channel change request, or it offered me to go ahead and change the channel and it will re-record the freesat programme (giving the date and time of the next showing it will record automatically for me). GG |
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#50 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,246
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The remote control certainly looks nicer than the Humax one!
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