Looks like my trusty 160 (SW = 12.8) is on the way out. When I press the 2 minute FF button the whole box goes into a freeze which can only be escaped from by pulling the plug. (The 30 sec. FF facility is still working.) Any ideas for a fix, please.

If it can't be fixed, any recommendations for a Vestel replacement? I would be looking for something at least as good as the ALDTR160 which in terms of picture quality, features and value for money has been fantastic.

Thanks.
Last edited by Prestonian : 10-11-2012 at 10:21

How about the 2 minute RW button? It's odd that the 30 sec FF works, but the 2 minute FF doesn't. Does it happen on all recordings (e.g. on old ones where it used to work fine)?

Perhaps it could be the HDD or the remote control (have you tried new batteries?). It would possibly be worth trying a first time installation to see if that helps.

As for a replacement, the T835 models are a good match - basically a more compact version of your ALDTR160, but only have one SCART socket if that's a problem. You may be able to pick these up cheap in Comet liquidation sales - Hitachi, Digihome and Ferguson branded models. Amazon will soon be the only place to buy one new - they have a Digihome 500Gb model for £99.99. Alternatively, you can find "refurbished" T835 boxes on ebay for around £40 - e.g. Agora. If you would like a Freeview+ HD box, then the T7650 box is the one to go for, currently only available from Argos (Bush branded) at £149.99 for 320Gb or £199.99 for 1Tb.

Many thanks for quick response and solution. Followed your advice re an older recording and it works fine. There must have been a rogue recording I was using.

Your suggestions for replacement will be very helpful for future reference. Many thanks.

last time i looked Argos still had t835s under hitachi brandname. personally i find the single scart awkward. but at least the remote control is compatible so u have a spare.

my remote failed but box freezing does suggest the firmware. u can reload the firmware via futaura's website but it needs an rs232 to usb converter lead tween the 825 and your computer. and problem might not be firmware of course.

my alba 825 still going strong thanks. when it eventually dies ill probably get a humax. at least they do web downloadable updates for the endless bodges freeview suffers from.

ok sorry i should have read more carefully! sorry. still sound advice though.

yes. due to vestel having no buffering the recordings occasionally glitch slightly. usually noticable but doesnt matter. sometimes the file structure gets corrupted then the box will freeze on a particular recording.

another known thing is a glitch will put sound out of snych. for that one you just stop and restart recording to resynch.

Yes, you're right - I'd completely forgotten Argos still sell the Hitachi T835s (after dropping the Bush T835s), although at the price I don't think they are good value for money.