My Sony RDR-GXD500 DVD recorder hasn't updated the daylight saving time now that the clocks have gone back an hour. I can't change the clock settings because the option is greyed-out. I've also tried several times via the Easy Setup to no avail. Any ideas?

unplug it and start again?

Hi, I have the Sony RDR-HXD710 and I have exactly the same problem.

When you look at the EPG, etc, you will find that the unit does seem to "know" the right time, because it displays the programme detail that is currently showing.

For example, now it is 10.13 and pressing "OK" to show the current programme will show "10.00-11.00 - Dr Who" or whatever it is.

BUT - the system clock time, as displayed in the top right of the screen on the EPG, or on the unit when switched off, is still at the old time. This is a problem because if you try to set a manual timer recording, it automatically shows you the system clock time to begin with. And heaven knows what it will record!

Like you, when I go to the manual method for setting the clock, it is "greyed out". I have done the auto-set-up business all over again, and even done a complete system reset, but nothing works.

I thought my unit being quite new may mean Sony had an error with the machine - ie this was the first "BST/GMT Time Change" since the unit has been available for sale and it's only now that we find out the bug.

But, surely the GXD and similar models have been around for a year or more, so has anyone had this sort of problem before?

With the GXD in question here, what happened in March when you had to go from GMT to BST?

Any clues anyone??

I think it is a problem with Ceefax. I suspect that the GXD500 - like many VCRs/PVRs/DVDRs - use Ceefax to check the time & date. Currently Ceefax is still on BST hence the incorrect time on the Sony.

There are a couple of theads on the other forums and the BBC are aware but as of 10.24 (GMT) it is still uncorrected.

It was fine back in March. I bought my GXD500 not long after they first came out, I think it was delivered just before Christmas (maybe a week before, don't remember). I'm pretty sure the release date was mid-end November, which would mean this is the first BST->GMT change out "in the field"

However, there seem to be some techy problems across the network, so it may not be a Sony problem. See these two threads in the terrestreial forum:
http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/...d.php?t=296837
http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/...d.php?t=296608

It may be worth giving Sony a call if it persists.

Chris

Brilliant spot Hardeep, maybe we should keep an eye on the Ceefax time and see the effect on the unit after it has updated on there.

Still it is interesting why the unit does not let you change it manually as per the user manual.

I will write back once Ceefax has updated chaps.

Ceefax is now showing the correct time but the Sony is still on yesterday's time.

Maybe it will catch up later?

Looking at those other threads, I can't believe there would be a problem with everyone's DVD units.

The time on Ceefax does not necessarily correspond to that broadcast in the digital signal (the GXD500 does not have an analogue tuner, as I'm sure you're aware). In theory you would expect the two to be in sync, but according to Richard Taylor the time changes are handled separately on the two systems.

Chris

I can reset the clock if I unplug the aerial but the clock reverts to BST when I plug in the aerial. It's getting the BST signal from somewhere (not ceefax) and I would guess the clock will right itself as soon as that somewhere transmits the correct time.

I've been fiddling with my 710 all morning before calling upon my virtual friends here in cyberspace

I was going to try the unplug aerial thing but guessed it would change back. Seems we will juts have to wait until somebody remembers to change a clock somewhere else!

The problem has fixed itself. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Great, I am pleased your GXD has rectified itself. I have just checked the HXD and it also has been remedied at some point during the day!

Thanks all for your help

Mr RDRHXD710 hasn't yet - just turned it on and off again but still showing... no, wait - that's done the trick after a few seconds in standby.

Phew!

My clock didn't change this morning thus missed the BBC farmers weather report for the week ahead. I checked the BBC teletext service and that was still on BST this afternoon. Have now got the correct(GMT) time on both......I expect the Sony was dependant on the BBC.

BTW I heard a rumour that firmware updates come over the air from BBC is that true anyone? If so is it only the digital service?

Might ask this question in the Sony PVR sub forum. Think the sub forums are going to be useful and have already requested for Sony to be added.

O/T slightly I hate changing the clocks if only we could stay on say BST all year..... Or better still align with Europe (OK I know the clocks still change)....Think of those long hot (well warm) summer evenings sitting outside a pub at 10:30 and the sun is just setting. It's about 9:40 pm and seems to have been dark for hours ugh roll on summer. Think I have a case of SAD coming on already.
Must go and lie under a very bright light and take my Sony with me to watch!!

PC

That's true but only for the digital tuner models. OAD Update Schedule

Chris

Thanks for your reply.

I new I should have got the 710. Just remembered why I didn't........ You'd think I live in a deserted ( hardly any houses around to bother with digital transmission) part of England. Prescot must think so..... lets put thousands of more houses in SOUTH EAST England then maybe my post code will be served with digital properly!!!!

Although My post code in Sussex comes up as "no digital service" Because of my houses location I have put up a massive 32 element Wideband aerial on the very top of the mast and I only get signal strength in the orange band (red useless, orange just ok, green for go). The picture break up and sound crackles when certain cars /motor bikes go by is terrible. Perfect picture on analogue though.

I am wondering why I brought Precot into this digital problem, it's bound to pxxx off people. But its late perhaps no one will notice.....

BTW Anyone know how the 510 "Analogue tuner" get updates... IT DOESN'T was the stern reply from Prescott maybe.

PC

Probably the only way is to write (or otherwise obtain) a firmware update CD, shove it in the drive and it will update. At least this is the method some DVD players use. Most manufacturers won't give you the information or update without a very good reason though.

(btw the GXD500 has had only one update since launch)

Chris

Chris,
Do you know if there has ever been an update to add a padding feature to EPG timer recording on the 500?

No, there hasn't. The only update fixed some minor problems with MHEG. There may be another update within the next few months for MHEG-5 profile 1.06, if the GXD500 doesn't support it already.

I know some people on this forum have been hassling Sony for the padding feature and for PDC type functionality, but I don't think they got anywhere.

Chris