BTW,
how you we to an automatic retune of these boxes? I could not find the option in the menus.
Also is there an option to only scan for new channels?

Adding in non-freesat mode by doing scans of the individual frequencies is slow

While I'm as annoyed as anyone else with the fact that my HDS-600RS has stopped handling series recording I'm amazed at the naivety of some people who think that just because there is a standard/specification that it must be Echostar's fault for not adhering to that specification.
I have never, ever come across a specification that does not leave some things open to interpretation and Humax have previously indicated that there are many bits of the Freesat specification that are a little vague.
(Another good example is HDMI, a much simpler specification than Freesat but even so there are often problems with connectivity between different manufacturers.)
Things are always changing on the broadcast platforms, new kit being installed, software being updated, new specifications being tested. So let's wait till we know more before slinging mud.

No way, disagree. Humax and Echostar are historically the two worst offenders for their software not handling changes in the broadcast data because they did not read and implement the standard, or at the very least have their software coded well enough to ignore stuff it does not understand. They have both in the past released, at best, beta grade software then moaned about changes as if they are the fault of the broadcaster, and seriously dragged their heels in releasing updates (particularly Humax) as if they are hard done by for having to update their software to accommodate.

I agree with you that standards are often a little vague and open to interpretation but in this instance I'm not willing to accept that this is likely to be what's happened. The HDS-600RS software is immature to say the least, particularly in the way it deals with scheduling and presentstion of the recordings library, and I don't see owners of any other freesat boxes suddenly having a problem. I might be reckoning 2+2 equals 5 but I'm willing to bet that's not the case.

There is a standard released that their software must adhere to to be able to wear the freesat or freeview logo. If it does not comply that is their problem and their problem alone.

That said, I don't even believe there has been a change in the data, I'm relatively sure the software update broke the series link functions - although willing to be corrected on that one!

Update on the website now. Looks like a fix should be here within a few days.
Link

well spotted - lets hope they sort out manual record at the same time as I really do miss it.

Weasel words from Echostar.



I'd like to see some evidence and an explanation of how come other manufacturers boxes are still ok. Perhaps maybe there was a change - i still doubt- but how the box handles the change, particularly if the information is still within the spec, is NOT outside of Echostar's control.

welcome news, was extremely close to sending it back to amazon , its a decent box, all i want is series link , not bothered about sling malarkey

Yes I completely agree with those that are saying that this poor form from EchoStar for 2 reasons:

1) It appears that only Echostar are affected
2) Unlike HDMI standards this is only a software standard so more is in within your control, Unless you are show that Freesat broke their own EPG, then the blame rests with EchoStar. HDMI includes physical properties that does complicate matters with an extra dimension.

So which freesat+ box is the most reliable then?

I don't know alot about the different boxes. Looking at reviews Humax would seem be the most popular. I went for Echostar cause it was cheaper, got some good reviews and (other than the series link problem) I have found the box pretty good to use.

So if I had to change, which box would be the best alternative?

i had the humax for 2 years, was great, but slow, the echostar is faster, menus better , they just need to sort the series link out.

I did not care about the cost, they are almost the same if you don't mind non new Humax. And the Humax is customisable.

However Balb0wa and others have said that this box is faster, which for me is a winner.
I hope that they bring back manual record. The only thing that would be of benefit is fewer button presses to non freesat list.
(and a tiny improvement would be the up down arrows should only change channel after pressing the OK, otherwise they should just tell the programme name)

Wow, the echostar is faster? Scary because I think it's painfully slow!

Sadly it looks like Humax/echostar are the best for freesat, but that doesnt necessarily mean either are actually very good, just that the rest are worse.

I'm sure if someone brought out a box that worked, it would sell a ton.

Wait a month and it may be so.

I think if you press info first you can then go up and down without changing channel (Until you press OK )

Cmon you got to tell us a bit more about what you know

Just speculation based upon G2 and YouView timescales. The fact that freesat now appears to have added G2 info (perhaps that is wjhat upset series recording on some sets) and http://www.humaxdigital.com/global/n...ews_120612.asp

Echostar have now posted a message on the website, stating they are currently testing a fix.

its clear you did not read the rest of this page as GARYM was first to spot it two days ago { 08:25 22-06-2012 }

Actually I did read it, I just thought the message had been emailed out.

What message ?

if you read http://www.myechostar.com/News/Serie...HDS-600RS.aspx

it states ' As soon as the new software is available for download we will email all product registrants '

which is the exact same words they used a few days ago

nothing had changed at http://www.myechostar.com/Products/C...Downloads.aspx

so are you claiming you have received a e-mail from Echostar giving the location of the bug fix ?

Just that I scanned through the thread and saw references to people emailing Echostar and the email messages that they received back, nothing more than this.

I know!
I am quite tempted to return mine if this is wrong.
I was using a Humax FreeviewHD PVR (which is newer than their foxsat) but that was INSTANT and their menus really well laid out.
I would love to know how "slow" the humax foxsat hdr is, as their freeview box is great!


yeah I know that, that is a) one extra button and b) the info button and the arrow keys could be closer

Current job advert...

They are not wrong!

LOL!

Might be time to take it back to the shop.. will I ever buy a PVR that I keep?!

I expect the shop treats you as an old friend.