These are very good questions and ones I haven't seen any reliable answers to. It seems like this would be a good question to take to sky if you're interested in doing so. People seem to get good results from emailing James Murdoch...

It certainly is a concern, and with the update to version 4.00o apparently being on the forced download stream already it does make you wonder if this new version is essential for the continued function of your receiver, considering that it took quite a while before the last few versions of software were available on the forced download stream.

However, thinking logically about it, Sky cannot simply drop support for the iDTV, not just yet anyway. The DTS3 is a 2002 model, making your set 4 years old maximum. As far as I remember it, under European law, a product such as a TV set cannot be forced into obsolescence for at least 7 years after its final release.

You can probably take a slight amount of comfort in the fact that there were a couple of Amstrad Sky boxes that never received the last software update and still have the old style dark blue EPG backgrounds, but they are about to get the latest version, so don't give up hope yet.

Do you know when? Communication trails seem to have broken down for me; updates not coming when promised etc.

I can promise you that Sky will update ALL boxes with version 4 software. The software will be compatable, and if it doesn't arrive, phone Sky threatening to quit, (but It will).

Although I trust you as a source, why has Sky stopped sending out updates for some boxes in recent times? I see many people saying that their Panasonic Sky IDTV haven't got the 3.3x.5 updates (a or b). Is this a sign that Sky has abandoned development for older models - or that they can't cope with them.

Haven't you tried to force an update. You should be able to bring it up to 3.3b.5 by doing this. Power off at the mains, then press and hold backup on front panel controls and power up keeping backup depressed. This should ensure that it recieves V4 when it is released.

I think it's more the case that Sky hasn't made 3.3b.5 for some boxes yet.

I can assure you they have. I have seen one in the last month at a service call (LNB fault).

They will definately bring such major software like this, I believe all boxes recieve 2.7a5 (Personal Planner), and all recieved 3.3a6, both of which are MAJOR pieces of software. They have spent almost a year developing, so highly unlikely that you will not get the software, but if you don't, ring Sky!

Just reading back over the thread, and noticed this post from Woolfy...

Er, hang on a moment... if you have SKY, Woolfy, and not SKY+, then you haven't HAD an update at this point! The scheduled date for you is mid-Feb. Only SKY+ boxes have had updates thus far.

Therefore, if you're having problems accessing channels, it is most-likely NOT anything to do with the update. Simply put, there hasn't been an update within a million miles of your box (not since 3.3b.5, anyway).

Certainly, it is to be hoped that the update that's coming soon WILL address your problems... but I can't be sure that's the case. The problems you describe appear, yes, to have affected a few SKY+ users, but frankly, those symptoms can appear through any number of other issues, some of which are dish-alignment and 'box-knackered' related, rather than anything to do with updates.

I think probably you're experiencing something that LOOKS similar, and have leapt to the conclusion that it must be the update's fault. No point hassling sky about it, demanding compensation (as you did in your later posts) - they will simply smile sweetly, knowing that your box has not yet done a THING which would cause it to have that update, nor any problems arising from it, and they'll probably tell you to do something evil involving pencils and ears.

Hang tight, see if the next couple of weeks resolves it. If it does, great. If not (and I suspect that it won't, if your box is randomly misbehaving every 60 minutes, which sounds more like a heat-related problem or a dying component), then you'll probably need a repair or a check at least.

I have tried a forced update several times and the software has not been updated.

Current Versions are:

Operating System : 1.2S4F3
EPG Software : iDTV 3.2.11

So obviously not ALL boxes have received the 3.3x update. If anyone has an iDTV with software later than mine (especially if you have a Panasonic iDTV) I would be grateful if you would let me know.

I don't actually subscribe to SKY and only get the FTA channels so phoning them to complain might be a bit of a problem

Andy

The latest list from sky shows that you have the most recent currently-available software for the Panasonic iDTVs.

Is this list publicly available and does it list 'future' software? i.e. is EPG 4 coming to the Panasonic iDTVs?

Andy

I don't know if it's freely available, sorry, never having had cause to try to find out.

The list of Current STBs in the Field shows the current status of all sky-approved STBs rather than future plans. sky only update broadcasters a very short while before specific updates are planned and they can reschedule updates at any time with no notice.

As mentioned earlier, I have seen no reliable information either way about whether the iDTVs will be updated, although lovejoy makes a convincing case for the theory that they will be.

Post deleted, see below!

What transponder is used for software updates? Being outside the U.K. (watching FTA only), I'm a bit worried about a forced update failing.
I changed the default transponder - signal strength is 80%, quality 90%, to the one for ITV1 Scottish TV W, which seems to be one of the weaker channels. It has typically 60% strength, 50% quality, and sometimes there's no signal.

Does the digibox wait until the signal is reasonable before accepting a scheduled update? Or can it choose the strongest transponder? Various websites warn about the risks involved in forced updates - is it riskier than waiting for a scheduled update? At least with a forced update you can choose to wait for a good signal.

I have a Pace 2500, with s/w versions 3.1a.5 and 1.2S4Bq

Their sent out from 11778V, 27.5.

EDIT: What on earth! I posted this to answer your question, but your post seems to have moved down. How strange.

My box has fianly been updated! EPG is now version 3.4.4b and ive got all the new menu items

My Panasonic was updated today (8/2/06) and was working well.

Could I point out that the ability to knock out the red button after 30 seconds was available from the last software upgrade == only some people never found out about it!

System Setup --- Picture Settings -- On-Screen Icon Timeout (ON).

We know about that. It was just that some boxes did not get the update that lets you do that.

Me too. Panasonic Silver box here, Model number reported now as 2.1P.

But err... Is this version 4 of the EPG or a mid upgrade? Why 3.4.4b? Have I missed something? Seems like a "minor" update rather than a major one that has been suggested?

Am I missing something? I thought people were talking about 4.0.0o?

Cheers
Simon

nope you haven't missed anything, the update to standard digiboxes for the new EPG is minor which is why they didn't change the version number to 4.0 for it, you still have all the new features and functions that you're supposed to have on par with the sky+ boxes so don't worry.

Ive got a Panasonic Box which when I returned home was in standby. Upon switching on - im now on 3.4.4b but if you select all channels in the EPG - there are blank lines inbetween certain channels - is this normal. An example is below

130 SciFi
(blank line)
133 Discovery Real Time
--- new page---
135 Discovery Real Time Extra
(blank line)
136 Men & Motors
(blank line)
139 Sky Travel

This only seems to be in the "entertainment section "on the all channels option - the first 2-3 pages are fine - then we have these gaps - then it goes normal from sky movies onwards

Is this the same on others - or is it just mine

Steve
Last edited by midlandsfirst : 08-02-2006 at 15:41

Still Nowt for my Pace 430 never mind it will be here soon and then it will be well what was all the fuss about, then on to lookingforward to version 5 you know the one with lime green and yellow spots all over the epg LOL

From what I can tell this is because the channels 'in between' the gaps are in a different category to the ones before and after the gaps. IE if you're looking at all channels, there's a gap around 147 UKTV Drama. If you go out of all channels and into Entertainment, you see that 147 is surrounded by 136 and 151, whereas 146 and 148 reside in the Lifestyle and Culture category.