Hi there,

I’ve owned a couple of T816’s (Techwood & Digihome) for a few years & been very impressed.

I want to upgrade to something with series link & split record but don’t want to loose the Gemstar functionality.
It’s useful being able to look at the programme info’ whilst watching & it makes it so much easier if you want to record the next programme.

I realise that means second hand (eBay), but what do I look for?

Am I right in thinking all T835’s come without the Gemstar functions?

If so from what I’ve been able to gather searching here & on futuras’ very informative site. I think I need a T825 but one that hasn’t received v13 update.

Or perhaps an Alba T845R? – Does that have the Gemstar now & next programme info' & if so, is it a good machine?

I guess I’m going to have to do a lot of messaging sellers & asking but knowing what some people are like, getting an answer may not be so easy!

To help limit my search – is there any particular make/model I should be looking for. Or any I am best avoiding?

Finally, there’s also the question of HDMI output (irrelevant at the moment as I’ve got an old TV but worth bearing in mind for the future perhaps).

Any & all advice on what to go for & what not to, will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
AlexKid

Hmmm... quite a tricky question to answer. I'll start with HDMI as that's easy - only a few of the T825 models had HDMI output, more specifically the Hitachi HDR163/253, Sharp TU-R252H and some of the Wharfedale models. I'd forget about HDMI on T825 - IIRC, users reported it as being a bit glitchy anyway.

The rest is going to get complicated, but I'll try to be as concise as possible. Firstly, if you're willing/able to change the software version via RS232, your options may be greater. In particular, you may wish to try the v6.8 software for the T816 which has series link and split recording support and the Gemstar features. That is if you can live with the EPG slowdown and quirks.

You're right about the T825 losing Gemstar features in v13.0, but if you were to obtain one with an older version, or by downgrading, you may encounter the post-DSO problems that v13.0 was designed to fix. IIRC, the T835 lost Gemstar features sometime between v2.7 and v3.0. However, really the old T835 versions are not recommended for other reasons (such as failing to wake up to make recordings, duplicate recordings, etc), so v3.4 is recommended albeit without the Gemstar features. Unfortunately, I don't remember if the T845R has Gemstar features or not, but going purely on dates I'd guess v0.5 does (maybe v0.7 also). The T845R will probably be the hardest to find due it only coming in the form of an Alba ALDTR160, which incidentally looks exactly the same as the T825 version externally.

As you say, trying to find a seller who is able to properly identify their machine might be a bit tricky, certainly with refurbished sellers - users selling their own box will probably be more helpful. The best place to start is to ask about the software version - most are listed on my site, and usually the number gives the hardware version away.

So, unfortunately it is hard to offer a good recommendation, because the best options are without Gemstar support. Certainly do completely avoid the TUTV T845 model though .

The T845R with 0.7 does not have the Gemstar features.

Thank you both for taking the time to reply -
futaura, you're a star for all the knowledge I've already gained from you.
prking, I now know if I do come across an ALDTR160, I needn't bother with it if it's a v0.7

I'd already completely decided against the TUTV models but didn't know about issues with HDMI connection so as that's not important anyway I'll probably give them a miss

I did think about possible problems with earlier versions (pre v13) of the T825 but reading old posts these didn't seem to affect everyone so I'd sooner take a chance than loose the Gemstar features.

Anyone else anything to offer about particularly good or bad models?

WHat is this bizarre tripe about "Gemstar features" ?

NO OTHER Freeview box maker has any problems with "Gemstar patents" !

Well whatever the reason for the "now & next" programme info' not being available whilst viewing a channel on the newer box's...

If I couldn't have it, I would miss it

If I had to look on the "epg" each time to find out, meanwhile I'm missing what's on & especially when it comes to something like an instant record on the following programme... It makes life so much easier.

Any recommendations of one to go for or particularly avoid, on eBay at the moment most of the T825's available are Sharp models but I'm still waiting on sellers to get back to me as to what software version they're using.
If the price is right it looks like I'll be trying one of those.

Well, since I started this thread, I think it’s only fair I tell you how I got on…
I actually ended up with two Sharp models – a TU-R252H & a TU-R162H.

Unfortunately the TU-R252H is a v13.0 so the “second press” info isn’t there but at least it gives me a good chance to compare the difference & I didn’t pay too much for it.

The TU-R162H is a v9.9 26-05-2008 (no mention of this version on futauras’ site) & so far I’m reasonably happy with it.

They both perform well, recording as scheduled, on time & to a good standard.
They are both equally slow at loading up the epg, timers list or changing channels using the – or +.

I’ve deleted all unnecessary channels to try & speed things up but it doesn’t seem to make much difference (the TU-R252H although removing them from the epg still retains them when you press OK & run up & down the channel list that way?).
Overall I can’t say I can notice any improvement that v13.0 offers over the older version on the other box.

One slightly annoying thing is the way it comes to life out of “low power” & spins the hard drive every now & again (if I’m watching FSFS on my old Sky box it momentarily interrupts the TV in the same way that futaura mentions in the T835 firmware thread).

I think for now I’m going to leave the low power mode off as I’m not bothered about a few pence on the electric & I prefer a more “instant” start when I turn it on.

All in all, I like the “series record” & “split record” (no more only half a film – thank you channel 5!) but I miss the speed of my T816.

As the only significant changes on V13.0, apart from the Gemstar changes, is the cure for stuttering experienced by some but not all users post-DSO you are unlikely to see any difference unless your old version unit is one affected and you are post-DSO.
I find using LPM daily is a convenient way of limiting the interface slow down which gets progressively worse the longer you leave the unit between re-booting.

Colin

Thanks for your comment. - We've switched over here (Derby, E. Midlands) but fortunately not suffered from any stuttering on any of my box's (is it a box or broadcasting problem?)

I did wonder about a gradual slow down of things by leaving it "ON" so have tried switching LPM on before I go to bed & taking it off again in the morning but don't really want to keep "messing about" so will see how I go.
If the slow down bothers me too much I can always revert back to my T816 there's only a couple of things on series record but would like to give a newer box a chance.

I think futaura will be able to make a more specific comment but I believe it is a box software issue caused by changes (presumably legitimate) introduced by the broadcasters.
The magnitude and rate of build-up of the slow down is closely related to the number of Timer events that have been set up. It sounds like you don't have a large number of events so it may not be a problem for you. Less than about 30 events is usually not significant.

I'm afraid I couldn't contemplate going back to a T816. I have about 60 Series Record events scheduled so having to set those every week would be horrendous.

Colin

Unfortunately, I'm not privy to the technical reasons behind the "issue", but I'd tend to agree that it is probably a bit of both - a box and a transmitter/broadcaster problem. It doesn't happen in all areas and not all boxes are affected, which is why I usually recommend people not to upgrade their software to v13.0 unless they are experiencing problems, because generally there won't be any other benefit. It's a bit of a mystery.