Please feel free to write any issues you are experiencing? Problems ongoing? Ask yourself, Why did i actually get this pile of poo? What is really p'ing me off about Homechoice?

What is p'ing me off with Homechoice?

IP Timeout
No integrated PVR functionality
No Sky Sports News (although the Mrs. does see this as a plus)
Too few channels
No audio outs on the box
Unlikely to see HD anytime this decade
Sky by Wire is far too expensive
Missing Sky Movie channels
Lack of Replay content
No Red Button

Although fast the internet service is not 100%.

Routing issues mean that some sites like eBay are dreadfully slow and other drop off for periods.

My only complaint is that the channel line-up needs expanding - although they seem to be aware of this and are claiming to be launching 'exciting new channels' in September... with a bit of luck it's not another batch of UKTV HomeStyleGardenIdeas channels!

M_at - eBay is always dreadfully slow, HomeChoice or not.

Not enough stuff on replay.
Faulty STBs.
V difficult to video programs.

The only gripe I have is the STB sometimes going wrong(I've had problems with mine over the last 2 weeks, it was replaced as part of this Power supply issue HC were dealing with)

The other con is the lack of channels, which I really hope HC improves with the new packages they are bringing in

Don' think you can reasonably complain about the lack of PVR - its not sold as a PVR and its not like all NTL, Telewest, Freeview, etc boxes are PVR's.

Just interested, do you have an HDTV?

Agree about the lack of audio outs - ridiculous! The lack of red button stuff is also baffling. And for a service sold on its replay content it is far too limited.

I accept they don't sell it as a PVR solution, but I think it's reasonable for me to put it as a negative point against the competition, when they all do offer the functionality. Even if the box didn't time off would be an improvement, at least then using an alternate PVR would at least be a reasonable proposition. As it stands I don' t see a lot of point in trying to record anything I'm not watching as the box may turn off (I know I could get a TiVo to keep it active, but I don't want something that is no longer offered in this country first hand.)

I've not bothered buying a HDTV yet (waiting for something to watch on it) although I have researched them thoroughly and if you're looking I am quite simply amazed by the quality of the Panasonic range (TX26LXD500 is the model I am planning on getting). The difference to the picture made by keeping the signal from the freeview tuner to the screen in the digitial realm makes is enourmous.

DrinkingBuddy: Re PVRs you state that "I think it's reasonable for me to put it as a negative point against the competition, when they all do offer the functionality"

However Telewest and NTL do not have a PVR. Telewest are touting one but it's not released. NTL have not released details.

So far only Sky have a branded PVR in Sky+ and soo Sky+HD.

It would be relatively easy for Homechoice to offer PVR style service since they re-package everything on their own network anyway - with enough intelligence in the network and the box even glitches in broadcast could be recovered after the event!

I agree entirely with the timeout issue. To destroy functionality in that way WITHOUT offering an alternative (such as more extensive reply) just to minimise their bandwidth seems pretty shan.

Regarding the HDTV I was just being difficult really. Only Sky have announed any concrete HD plans at an unspecified point and currently only on about 4 different channels. People are barely digital let alone HD. And I know a number of people who have bought nice TV's recently and I am not sure I would trust their HDTV ready moniker, since they are only 720p. In fact I believe Sky are only planning 720p, so is that REALLY HD? Hopefully the PS3 will mean that HD DVD (blu-ray) will wake people up but I have no idea whether that is 720p, 1080i or 1080p. And when you come to buy an HD DVD will you have a choice of HD resolutions??? The upshot being I don't think you can regard lack of HD as an HC con. In fact, without a change in network I am not sure ADSL CAN in fact carry an HD signal???

>No audio outs on the box
But they are available via the scart connector arn't they?

Not such good quality as dedicated phonos, let alone digital coax or optical cables. It's not a biggie for regular tv watching, but HC will never get dedicated movie fans without decent dedicated audio connectors.