FAQs Cumulative 3rd Edition. Contents on first post,1-20 on 2nd, 21-40 on 3rd , 41-52 on 4th

(To jump quickly to this page remember it is at the top of page 5 of the thread.)

FAQ’s …some of them. Third edition including all previous FAQs and corrections, so you don’t need to further back…only perhaps further forward.
I would like others to keep use of this thread to a minimum so that the FAQs are easier to find.
However I would also like constructive comments on the FAQs and pointers to suitable posts that might be added.
See Q0038 for best threads for new questions.

“I only see so far because I stand on the shoulders of giants”-Isaac Newton

I will try to acknowledge source of the answers. I will also try to minimize editing of the original posts to reduce the risk that I ruin them.

See also Humax UK’s own FAQs at http://www.humaxdigital.com/uk/ Click on support, then FAQ. (No specific group FAQs on 9200T as at 8NOV2005)
See also Humax Global Web Site: http://www.humaxdigital.com/global/

The questions are listed first on their own to speed your search, then repeated with the answers.

Contents
Q0001: How do I record a series on weekdays only?

Q0002. How do I get the buttons on the navigation bar to work as per GB36?

Q0003: How to I quickly get to the start of a recording?

Q0004: How to I workaround the limit of 20 timers?

Q0005: The machine takes a long time to come out of standby and sometimes has problems when it does.

Q0006: How do I record the program I have already been watching up to 2 hours as long as no more than 2 programs will be recorded simultaneously as a result?/ Instant Recording Page GB31 of User Manual.

Q0007: How do I get it working when it is locked up with a frozen picture?

Q0008: How do I get information about the next programme quickly?

Q0009: The ‘Edit’ function (User Manual GB36 & 7) can split a recorded programme. Why would I want to do that?

Q0010: What is the best way to select and playback a recorded programme?

Q0011: The cover over the lower buttons of the remote control gets in the way sometimes?

Q0012: Why does the spec suggest that the VCR/DVD Player Scart is not a means of input?

Q0013: What does the ‘Source’ button do?

Q0014: How can I make it easier to read the Program Names on the ‘recorded programmes list?

Q0015: How can I see what programs are being recorded while watching a live program?

Q0016: All my TV or all my Radio recordings are missing when I …Menu>Recordings>Recorded Programmes?

Q0017:For quite a few channels ( mostly bbc) there are two channels in the program list, not that it is a problem, the only niggle is that the weaker of the two has took up residence in the place where I would of expected the stronger of the two to be EG BBC1 is on 800 and 1 I live in Yorkshire and the main transmitter is Emley Moor yet it is the Bilsdale tx that occupiesa channel 1 and this channel is totally un-viewable!!!

Q0018:New box switches itself off at midnight.

Q0019: I've got the aerial cable looped through, so out of the wall socket, into the 9200T and then out of there into the TV.
Now I noticed that when I'm watching via the Scart on AV1 on my TV that I see what's going on on another terrestrial channel. If I unplug the RF loop then it goes away.

Q0020: Where does it get its software updates and EPG info from? Is it another 4tv based machine?

Q0021: Which channel is my Humax picking its signal up from for example BBC1?

Q0022: Transfer of recorded programmes to the PC via USB does not seem to work properly.

Q0023: How to start watching, from the beginning, a program that is being recorded...as long as it is the only one being recorded at that time.

Q0024: What is the point in contacting Humax when many other people have the same problem?

Q0025: The only missed recordings I have had (2 of them)…

Q0026: Fitting a bigger Hard Drive/Problems transferring to /from a PC.
See: http://www.pvruk.com/2004/04/humax_pvr8000t_.html

Q0027: I set timers for two consecutive programmes on the same channel and padded them. The second did not record.

Q0028: One way to play a recording transferred from Humax to PC.

Q0029: A recorded tv programme file transferred from the Humax to a PC has no file type. What suffix should I add?

Q0030: Strange icon. This particular icon is more misunderstood than most.
In the date box on the RECORDED PROGRAMME screen for one recording there is an unusual icon for which I can find no reference in the manual. It is a yellow box, overlaid at the bottom left hand side with a green oval. Inside the oval is a white rectangle (landscape orientation)

Q0031: Some options are greyed out on menus.

Q0032: What all-in-one remotes work with the 9200T

Q0033: Help with all-in-one learning function.

Q0034: The 9200 fails to record scheduled radio programmes if the unit is left in standby.

Q0035: No sound on some recordings

Q0036: How do I know if I am running out of disk space?

Q0037: When will Humax release an update to the software?

Q0038: Where is the the best place for new questions?

Q0039: "channel viewing restricted by recording" message
If you can record two channels and watch another; why is it that sometimes when I'm recording two channels I can't watch certain other channels. Eg I was recording ITV1 and BBC2 last night at the same time and could watch BBCs1,2,3 ITV1,2 C4 but not BBC4, ITVs3,4 and C5 - for those channels an on screen message said or something like that.(Source:Post 40 by jonjoe to FAQ thread.)


Q0040: When I prss Playlist it only shows Video recordings.

Q0041: Recording stops halfway through the programme.

Q0042: How do I get rid of wavy lines on analogue Channel 5?

Q0043: Effect of lost aerial signal on recording.

Q0044: Instant Recording Problems

Q0045: Recorded programmes with dates in the future (Posted by South.)

Q0046: My Media E Linker software is not 2.1

Q0047 : How do I transfer a file to my PC?
The questions are repeated below with the answers.

Q0048 : Problem when recording channels from Multiplex 2(Post 261 to this thread by Taralabradog.)
(Problems with sound have been posted to two other threads in particular ‘Replicable No Sound..’ and ‘ No sound on recordings’)

Q0049: Upload of MP3s crashes.
After many attempts at uploading MP3's to my PVR and it always crashing when it got to about record 900 out of 1100 tracks (total size only 2.8gb) and with a lot of assistance from Humax support (including a PVR swap out which still failed), Humax have today confirmed the bug - see email below:

Q0050: ‘Time Bar’ Two functions for faster navigation. (Not mentioned in User Manual.)

Q0051: Clock/Time

Q0052: Wrong sound or No sound.
I recorded the second episode of Rome last Wednesday on the 9200T, and we got sound, but instead of the actors' voices, it was a plot summary read by an actor. Was this part of the original broadcast or did the Humax pick up another signal for the soundtrack?
________________________________________
Last edited by brian9200T : 16-11-2005 at 16:22

Q0001: How do I record a series on weekdays only?
A0001: Just record daily and workaround the side effects. Probably no recordings will in fact be made at the weekend as the Humax seems to check the programme name before going ahead with the recording each day. Delete unwanted Sat & Sun recordings. You will have to delete the timer if you want to record two other programs that clash at the weekend and reinstate the timer afterwards.

Q0002. How do I get the buttons on the navigation bar to work as per GB36?
A0002: You probably forgot to press the PAUSE button first.

Q0003: How to I quickly get to the start of a recording?
A0003: Press play twice.

Q0004: How to I workaround the limit of 20 timers?
A0004: Schedule programs for daily or weekly recording if their time slot is the same.

Q0005: The machine takes a long time to come out of standby and sometimes has problems when it does.
(One of the problems is that if the clock has been set wrongly by the last channel accessed before standby then it stays wrong while in standby.(Post 78 by Marcdavis to givemestella’s PVR9200T won’t record radio….thread 2NOV2005)


A0005: Leave it on all the time.

Couldn't the auto power-on and power-off be set so it wakes up just for the time of the recording +/- 5 mins? OK, it'll wake up EVERY day while you're away but it's a short-term workaround.

On the other hand the difference between standby and on is 17W. While I can understand folks not wanting to leave it on for months/years on end cos of the cost of electricity (about £20 for the year). For a week it's what, 168 hours. So it'l consume an additional 17W * 168h = 2,856 = 2.856KWh. So about 3 units of electricity - at 10p/unit that's 30p
(Post 29 to FAQ thread by CJL.)

Q0006: How do I record the program I have already been watching up to 2 hours as long as no more than 2 programs will be recorded simultaneously as a result?/ Instant Recording Page GB31 of User Manual.
A0006 Part 1: The answer in previous editions was wrong.
I (Brian9200T) did a trial and found as follows:-
Rewind to the start of the program within the 2 hour buffer using the rewind key.
Press the Record button.
You can now fast forward to where you were and continue watching if you wish.
You must leave the box tuned to that channel till the program is finished.
(This seems to contradict the manual Page GB31 which says “….the recorder will not save what you are currently watching”.)

A0006 Part 2: (Source: Post 2136 by clanchief to Barry’s ‘Freeview PVR…’ thread.)
I think that I understand your problem in that you are possibly thinking that the Humax is like a VCR and you can start an instant or manual recording of a program just before it starts or immediately it starts and leave it to record while you watch or record something else on an other channel.

I learned, I think on this forum, that it is not like that. If you start a program recording before the scheduled (not the actual) start time of a program, the Humax will think that you are recording the end of the previous program and stop at the scheduled finish time (not actual finish time) of that program. This means that if a program starts say 30 secs early, as sometimes happens, any instant recording started at that point will stop after 30 seconds and will not even appear in the list of recordings, as recordings of less than a minute seem to be automatically deleted. To be sure that you will record the correct program in an instant recording you need to press the i button before the record button to see what the Humax thinks is being broadcast at that point in time, which may be different from what is actually being broadcast, very close to program start or end times.

In terms of your point about losing the end of programs, whether a program is recorded instantly from the record button or scheduled for later recording from the EPG, the recording will always finish at the scheduled end time of the program not the actual end time of the program. There is no signal sent by DTT broadcast programs to PVRs to indicate when a program is starting or ending. This is why many people on this forum want a " time padding feature" to allow the user to specify how many minutes should be automatically added to the end and/or start of each recording.

If a program is likely to run over time, if you are setting up a recording from the EPG it is fairly simple to add a few minutes onto the end time by pressing the yellow button after selecting a program to be recorded and editing the end time (see page GB51 of the user manual). A simpler alternative is to also record the following program, then if the program runs over time the ending will be recorded at the start of the next program.

If you are making an instant or manual recording the procedure to add extra time does not seem to appear in the user manual. I initially thought that an instant recording would continue, like a VCR, recording until stopped by the user, or disk space ran out. I learned, I think again on this forum, that it is not like that. It stops at the scheduled end time of the current program being recorded. If you wish to add extra time, in case the program runs over, you have to press the record button again and add extra minutes, by pressing the arrow to the right of the OK button.

A0006: Part 3: (Source: Post 2138 by tonycollinet to Barry’s ‘Freeview PVR…’ thread.)
Your program is due to start at 7:30, so you press record at 7:28 (don't want to miss the start, right?)
Humax thinks you are recording the program before the one you want, and stops at the end of that program (ie at 7:29)
Use the I button to ensure that the humax has recognised the program you want has started, or if you want to set it before the start, use a scheduled recording from the epg.

Q0007: How do I get it working when it is locked up with a frozen picture?
A0007: Switch off mains using switch on back of box. Wait one minute and switch on again. If it happens too often within the first two years then get the box swapped by the warranty service as per warranty booklet.

Q0008: How do I get information about the next programme quickly?
A0008Wrong in my first and second editions,)
Correction to Answer Q0008.
As per Page GB21 of User Manual though not obvious.

Press the 'I' button(The General Information Bar will be displayed giving information on current program. If there is a next program you will see an icon for a right cursor, Number 7 in the illustration)

Press the Right Cursor (The information will now relate to the next program.)
Press 'I' again and you will see details of the next program.

Q0009: The ‘Edit’ function (User Manual GB36 & 7) can split a recorded programme. Why would I want to do that?
A0009 a) You might have recorded consecutive programmes using a single timer and now want to split them. (Source: Schnauser Bites-Digital Spy)
b) The recording might be too big for a single DVD.
c) To split a musical program into individual pieces.(Source: Sdesign-Digital Spy)

Q0010: What is the best way to select and playback a recorded programme?
A0010: Press ‘Playlist’ button (Button ‘i’ on pages GB11 and 12). Select recording with cursors).Press OK button. (Source:Redrob2 Digspy). (It does say this on Page GB34 but emphasises a slower way.

Q0011: The cover over the lower buttons of the remote control gets in the way sometimes?
A0011: Remove it easily by sliding it down a bit then prizing up the LH side. It clips back easily afterwards. You can make it even easier by running a finger along the inside edge thus lubricating the groove.

Q0012: Why does the spec suggest that the VCR/DVD Player Scart is not a means of input?
A0012: It is a pass-through socket but cannot input for recording purposes.

Q0013: What does the ‘Source’ button do?
A0013 1: If your DVD Player is switched off it will toggle your TV between the HUMAX and its aerial signal (which may include an RF Humax channel). However if the TV has been set to AV with its own controls then the TV will stay on AV and thus not change.

2. If your DVD Player is switched on it will toggle the picture between DVD Player and Humax.(Remember to pause the DVD to avoid missing a bit.)
Sources: Self/Creddish,Post1909 on Digspy/ Schnauzer Bites,1921 on Digspy forum,/CJL,1917 on DIGSPY Forum.

Q0014: How can I make it easier to read the Program Names on the ‘recorded programmes list?
A0014: Set the transparency to ‘Disabled’ thus giving a steady background.
Menu>Preferences>Miscellaneous>Transparency>Disabled.

Q0015: How can I see what programs are being recorded while watching a live program?
A0015: Press the STOP button.(Source:Spoon261,Post 427 30OCT2005.)

Q0016: All my TV or all my Radio recordings are missing when I …Menu>Recordings>Recorded Programmes?
A0016: You have just displayed one of the groups of recordings:- TV,Radio.
Check at the top of the screen that it is ‘TV’ being displayed. If not, then select the TV Group as per top of page GB34.

Q0017: For quite a few channels ( mostly bbc) there are two channels in the program list, not that it is a problem, the only niggle is that the weaker of the two has took up residence in the place where I would of expected the stronger of the two to be EG BBC1 is on 800 and 1 I live in Yorkshire and the main transmitter is Emley moor yet it is the Bilsdale tx that occupys channel 1 and this channel is totally unviewable!!!

A0017: Hi there, I checked which channel the duplicated bbc channels were on (21-69) in my case 52 and deleted all of them ( both strong and weak) , i then did a manual scan for channel 52 without network( because that fetches radio and interactive channels in as well) I then selected the channels I required and saved them, when I went into the program list there they were, BBC1 at channel 1 where it rightfully belongs and all the other BBC channels were in the correct order too.

Thanks. I think I have sorted it. What was confusing me was when I went to do a manual tune it only had channels 40-50 (ish), and I knew that the channels I wanted were on 800 (I think ). But with the help of the transmitter info on the dtg site, I selected the channel numbers listed there and seem to have picked up good signals for bbc ones. So perhaps someone can enlighten me on the difference between the channels listed in the Channel list and the Channel number selected when doing a manual search.(Posts by E-man)

Q0018:New box switches itself off at midnight.

A0018: A couple of nights ago I had the weird turning off at midnight thing while watching a recording, so I've set the auto off to 0300 and then disabled it again. That seems to have worked.(David March Post 1990 to Barry’forum.)
Since advised that this does not work by (Source: Post 7 by sdesign on Sdesign’s forum.)

Q0019: I've got the aerial cable looped through, so out of the wall socket, into the 9200T and then out of there into the TV.
Now I noticed that when I'm watching via the scart on AV1 on my TV that I see what's going on on another terrestrial channel. If I unplug the RF loop then it goes away.

A0019:I’ve had this, and it is not pick up from the RF cable. What you are getting is crosstalk inside your scart lead. The video OUTPUT From the TV (tuned from an analogue channel) is coupling across onto the input signal from the Humax. When you unplug the RF, the TV has no signal to output, so there is nothing to couple. You can solve this by:
1 - buying a fully screened Scart lead (£10+)
2 - disconnecting the composite video output from the TV at the TV end of the cable (I did it just by breaking the pin 19 out of the connector)
Source: Post2040 by TonyCollinet to Barry’s forum.

Q0020: Where does it get its software updates and EPG info from? Is it another 4tv based machine?
A0020: it is a DTG OTA machine, not a 4TV which means Humax have to battle with 50 other boxes to get a slot to braodcast an OTA and could only do so once every few months - unlike 4TV where you're never more than 4 days from the latest software.

For this reason the 9200, like most other DTG boxes, has an RS232 port and Humax publish binaries on their web site so you just need terminal software and a cable to update the box. Source: Post 2046 by CJL to Barry’s forum.

and on you having a serial port on your PC/notebook.
Source: Post 2049 to Barry’s forum by Gadgetmind

Q0021: Which channel is my Humax picking its signal up from for example BBC1?
A0021: Go to: Menu - System - Signal detection
The OSD will now show you both the name of the transmitter and the frequency you're receiving the channel you're currently tuned to on.
Source : Post 8 on mid999’s forum by Barry.

Q0022: Transfer of recorded programmes to the PC via USB does not seem to work properly.
A0022: I (Crowsmiling) just had this reply from Humax tech support regarding the USB file transfer problem:

“We have had some issues with the software, and are currently
investigating all of the issues so that we can include fixes and also
some of the changes that have been suggested in a software update. Due
to the nature of some of the issues and the testing time require to
investigate and resolve we may not release a complete fix until early
next year, however we may releases fixes quicker on our website.”

Updates will be on the Humax Global site and not the UK one.
(Source: Post 226 by Crowsmiling on Crowsmiling’s forum.)

A0022 part2 not from Humax: The hard disk drives used in this and other brands has some error checking disabled. (See Q0026). This makes sense as it can’t ask the broadcaster to re-transmit. However the recording on the hard disk is not then perfect. When transferred to the PC again the error checking is not perfect so further errors are introduced, These are aggravated by USB lead quality or length and the amount of simultaneous activity in the Humax. Don’t use a lead longer than 5 metres. Don’t extend USB leads without a booster. Do the transfer while no program recordings are in progress and the live channel tuned to a Data Channel or an unused one. Consult the PC thread for more information.
(Part of this info came from Post 300 to crowsmilings PC thread by JRECAMPBELL.)

If you just want to archive the occasional recording then connect to a DVD recorder using Scart to Scart.

Q0023: How to start watching, from the beginning, a program that is being recorded...as long as it is the only one being recorded at that time, and is the channel the box is currently tuned to.
A0023: Test Report:
At about 14:45 I set timer to record Boot Sale on ITV1 at 15:00.
I set Humax to watch ITV1 and switched off TV.
About 15:05 I switched on TV.
It was showing Boot Sale from the Humax.
I used the rewind button to rewind to the start of Boot Sale.
(The info bar was displayed and confirmed that ITV1 was being recorded.)
So you you can set several recordings in the morning.
Leave the Humax on the same channel as the first recording.
Now when you get home in the middle of the first recording you can switch on the TV and rewind it to the start.
If the first recording is ended when you get home then you can watch it from the list.
The only reservation is that there must not be another recording set at the same time as the first.

Q0024: What is the point in contacting Humax when many other people have the same problem?
A0024: The more people reporting a problem the more important to them to fix it to maintain their reputation.

Q0025: The only missed recordings I have had (2 of them)…
A0025: …. have been when I have recorded consecutive programmes on the same channel and padded the end of the first one.(Post 2069 to Barry’s forum by Redrob2.)

Q0026: Fitting a bigger Hard Drive/Problems transferring to /from a PC.
See: http://www.pvruk.com/2004/04/humax_pvr8000t_.html
A0026: I work in IT for a company who sell thousands of hard disk drives every month from Maxtor & Seagate and I thought I'd just give my input based on experience and information from the actual manufacturers...
If you open the Humax you will see that the HDD is a Seagate with a model number ending in ACE. (Seagate ST316 0022 ACE (160G) HD ). Normally Seagate HDD model numbers end in A or AS (for SATA). The reason the model number is different is because ACE stands for 'Consumer Electronics' version. The main difference between an ACE drive and a standard PC drive ('A') which everyone on here is using to upgrade is the way it handles error correction and checking (ECC).
Simplistically...with a normal PC drive when you write data to the HDD the drive will 'double-check' with the PC that the data it has received is accurate (check for errors) and if it is correct will write it and if not will try again. This process (ECC) takes milliseconds and you do not notice it when you use your PC.
However, the ACE drives have this function removed..
Why? because if you put a standard HDD in a consumer electronics product which relies on streaming video (such as a PVR) you are more likely to get stuttering images and/or frozen screens as the HDD continually tries to double check the data which has been written.
In summary normal drives do work but be aware that they will a. run hotter because they are not designed to be put in such a small space b. potentially give stuttering images/freezing.
You cannot buy ACE drives from the open market normally - they are sold directly by the manufacturers to the PVR companies.
For reference Maxtor's equivalent drives are called 'Quickview'
(Copy of Post by Darrow to PVRUK forum on 8000T in Feb 2005)


Q0027: I set timers for two consecutive programmes on the same channel and padded them. The second did not record.
A0027: Don’t pad the end of the first or the start of the second in this ‘case’. It is safer possibly to set one timer to cover both and pad it at the beginning and end.

Q0028: One way to play a recording transferred from Humax to PC.
A0028: Use the VLC Player http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ (Free) to watch recordings on your PC.
(Source: Post 240 by mbailey to crowsmiling’s forum.)

Q0029: A recorded tv programme file transferred from the Humax to a PC has no file type. What suffix should I add?
A0029: .mpeg-ts
(Source: Post 242 by jjn to crowsmiling’s forum.)
(Although this seems to be the technically correct file type other people have used .mpg instead.)
Q0030: Strange icon. This particular icon is more misunderstood than most.
In the date box on the RECORDED PROGRAMME screen for one recording there is an unusual icon for which I can find no reference in the manual. It is a yellow box, overlaid at the bottom left hand side with a green oval. Inside the oval is a white rectangle (landscape orientation)
A0030: Page GB 35 of User Manual says near the top that it means
"Displayed when the recording is stopped because of an unexpected error,"
Originally Posted by davhardy

Q0031: Some options are greyed out on menus.
A0031: The options are not available because they would clash with something else.
In the case of ‘Installation’ sdesign said:-

“It's obviously greyed out to prevent you messing with settings during recording (maybe to avoid losing recordings) but in case anyone wanted to bypass this I thought I'd post a workaround that I accidently stumbled across. Not sure if there's any reason why you'd want to do it though but here it is anyway.

You will notice that during recording the installation menu is greyed out. If you want to access this menu during recording you can still do so by pressing the number 4.”

Q0032: What all-in-one remotes work with the 9200T
A0032:Consider a One for All Kameleon 6 in 1 second generation
Originally Posted by ukrad

Hi. I have one of these, and although there are no specific downloads for the 9200 from One for All yet the learning function works fine, and I use my Kameleon to control the 9200 without ant problems.
Post 9 on ‘multiply’s thread on remotes by roycymru.

Q0033: Help with all-in-one learning function.
A0033: The OFA remotes are JP1 upgradeable, ie you can program the remote from your PC via an interface. see http://www.hifi-remote.com/ofa/. That's the only way I could get my OFA6 to control my Digital cable box and DVD and AV amp as well as TV and VCR.
Post 12 on ‘multiply’s thread on remotes by aldaweb on roycymru’s thread

Q0034: The 9200 fails to record scheduled radio programmes if the unit is left in standby.
A0034: My biggest concern is that The 'REC' icon appears and disappears on the display at the scheduled times, but the recording does not then appear in the radio recordings playlist. Since the 9200 records scheduled TV programmes quite happily when left in standby but records scheduled radio programmes only if the unit is left fully powered up I can only assume it is an unintentional outcome on the part of your system designers. From my point of view it is a serious loss of functionality which should be addressed as a matter of urgency - no-one wants to leave the unit fully powered up for days when going away in order to successfully schedule a recording.
Post 4 by youngbaz to ‘Any response from Humax’ thread.(Extract from email to Humax)
A0034 Part 2
If you manually enter the desired Radio programme in the record schedule (rather than the guide) it works without a problem even from standby, a bit longer to set up but at least it works.
(Source Post 33 by Givemestella to PVR9200T will nott record radio…..)

Q0035: No sound on some recordings
A0035: Seems to be a bug affecting all 9200T. Usually arises when channels E4, more4, Quizcall, or Channel 4 are set to record with tuner2.
(Post 1 by clanchief on ‘Replicable no-sound fault’ thread.)
A0035 Part 2. E4 channel seems to suffer more than other channels. Where practical record from channel E4+1.
(ITV1,2,3,4, E4, More 4 are on Multiplex 2.
But E4+1 is on Multiplex C which uses a different compression system and it has a much higher bit rate and resolution than E4 on Multiplex 2.
As a result you will notice the picture quality is much better on E4+1 than E4.
(Source:Post 52 by spoon261 to clanchiefs ‘Replicable No Sound’ thread on 10NOV2005)

Q0036: How do I know if I am running out of disk space?
A0036: Menu>Record>HDD Control tells you how much space is free. (Be careful to use the EXIT key to exit as the OK key will format your disk! Although the average programme uses about 1.5gbytes per hour it varies so aim for 3 gigabytes per hour of transmission time to be on the safe side.

Q0037: When will Humax release an update to the software?
A0037: HUMAX: We do not have a release date for any software at the current time.
(Source: Post 2474 by Videoditcher to MS98’s ‘Dual Tuner…’ thread.9NOV2005)

Q0038: Where is the the best place for new questions?
A0038:
- Existing closely related thread if there is one.
- Purchasing non-technical questions>MS98's 'Humax Dual Tuner....' thread.
- PC related questions >Crowsmiling’s 'Using....with a PC' PC thread
- Non-PC questions >Barry's Freeview PVR...' thread
- or if you think it will trigger a debate, start a new thread.

Q0039: "channel viewing restricted by recording" message
If you can record two channels and watch another; why is it that sometimes when I'm recording two channels I can't watch certain other channels. Eg I was recording ITV1 and BBC2 last night at the same time and could watch BBCs1,2,3 ITV1,2 C4 but not BBC4, ITVs3,4 and C5 - for those channels an on screen message said or something like that.(Source:Post 40 by jonjoe to FAQ thread.)

A0039: You can record 2 programmes and watch a third programme ONLY when at least 2 of the programmes are on the same MUX. In that case the Humax only needs to utilise one of it's two tuners for these two programmes allowing the other tuner to be used on any other MUX to view/record the third programme. If you are recording two programmes on differrent MUX's then you can only watch programmes on the same two MUX's. That is why you will get different programmes greyed out depending on the recordings you have set. Appologies if you don't understand what MUX's are. If so then that is another question for you to ask (Source :Post 41 by Creddish to FAQ thread.)

Q0040: When I prss Playlist it only shows Video recordings.
A0040: On the playlist you have to use the left / right buttons to toggle between audio and video recordings
(Post 62 by taralabradog to givemestella’s PVR9200T won’t record radio….thread 2NOV2005)

Q0041: Recording stops halfway through the programme.
A0041: On the guide many programmes span more than block, perhaps because of a news break in the middle. Make sure you click all of them
(Captain Code Post 65 to givemestella’s PVR9200T won’t record radio….thread 2NOV2005)

Q0042: How do I get rid of wavy lines on analogue Channel 5?
A0042: My 9200T on initial setup chose channel 36 in UHF Tuning (under preferences). When Channel 5 first came online, engineers around the country retuned VCR's away from this channel because of it's close proximity to C5.
I would suggest setting the 9200T to a different free channel, try to pick one 4 or 5 channels away from any used channel. This will depend on transmitters in your area.
(Post 70 by jtk174 to givemestella’s PVR9200T won’t record radio….thread 2NOV2005)

Q0043: Effect of lost aerial signal on recording.
A0043: After losing half of a recording I did a test to see if there was no signal, whether recording would continue or stop.
I found that the recording does continue but on playing back instead of having a blank screen it joins together what recording there is before and after the signal was lost. Doesn't explain why my recording stopped half way through the program though!
Originally Posted by brittonc to Barry’s ‘Freeview PVR…’ thread

Q0044: Instant Recording Problems
A0044: When you first press Instant Record the on-screen i-bar indicates the starting time and ending time of the recording. If the i-bar isn't on screen for long enough for you to catch this you can adjust the time it stays visible (in preferences I think) - I've lengthened mine to 10secs. Whilst the i-bar is visible it's fairly intuitive to add mins to its scheduled end time.(Source Youngbaz post 2141 to Barry’s ‘Freeview PVR thread 10NOV2005)
It is important to check what the bar says immediately as there are many ways to get it wrong and you can then correct it.

Q0045: Recorded programmes with dates in the future (Posted by South.)
A0045: It is a known problem. Humax are aware, and will be addressed in a future update.(Posted by Barry)

Q0046: My Media E Linker software is not 2.1
A0046: There are two 'setup.exe' programs on the CD that I got with the 9200t.

'setup.exe' & 'Media eLinker Setup.exe'

If you installed using 'Media eLinker Setup.exe' you will end up with version 1.00

Using 'Setup.exe' you'll have version 2.1

If you have v 1.00 installed (Click on the ‘About’ drop-down menu at top of window.) I would recommend that you uninstall that before trying to install 2.1:
Go to C:\Program Files\Humax Digital\Media eLinker and double-click on 'uninstall'.
This will remove the .Dll & .Sys files installed by the 1.00 version.
Now run 'Setup' from the CD (NOT 'Media eLinker Setup.exe')

(Post 341 by Phew to Crowsmilings Using with…a PC thread.)

Q0047 : How do I transfer a file to my PC?
A0047 : (It is known that errors will be present in the output which won’t normally affect playback.)

Preparation
-------------
Install Humax Media Elinker (MEL) software and USB driver from CD supplied by Humax. (See instructions in cover insert.)
( When you first run it click on the ‘About’ dropdown menu at the top to check the version. If it is not 2.1 then see FAQ Q0046.

Install codec (Free of charge) to allow Windows Media Player to play ‘MPEG Transport Stream’ type files (File type ‘.TS’):-
- Go to web site:- http://www.dvbportal.de/projects/hdtvpump/
- Add it to your favourites in case you need it again.
- Download ‘hdtvpump’ and a folder will appear on your desktop. (hdtvpump-setup-1.0.7.zip)
- Open the folder and you will find that the files are in fact unzipped).
- Read the readme.txt.
- Double click on the .exe file and it will install codec required. (Windows Media Player should now be able to play .TS files ( and .tp files). The first time it will ask you to confirm that you want it to try. You can set a flag in the message box to stop it asking you again.)

Transfer
---------
- Connect 9200T to PC using a USB lead. (PC recognises new hardware.)
- Run Media Elinker from Start Program list or shortcut. (Window will appear with PC folder structure on left and Humax Folder on right. Can be navigated much same as a PC directory. The Humax folder will not show the contents till you have made the USB connection in the next step.)
- Click on the dropdown menu ‘About’. (The version number should be shown and should be at least 2.1. Acknowledgments to windsurf123.)
- Click on ‘Connect’ button in top LH corner. (PC is now connected to 9200T. Icon on connect button now has a big X meaning that if pressed now it will disconnect 9200T from PC. Right hand side of window now shows contents of 9200T’s D1 folder
- Click on the dropdown box and select D2. (Now lists the TV programs you have recorded.)
- In LH side of window navigate to the folder on the PC to which you wish to transfer the file. I went to ‘Desktop’ via ‘C:>Documents and settings>Brian>Desktop.
- In right hand window click on the file you wish to transfer. (It becomes highlighted.)
- Click on the button in the centre labelled ‘<<’. (A box will appear showing progress then the File name appears in list on LH side of window. A log at bottom of window records actions you have taken.)

- Shut down Media Elinker by clicking on X in top rh corner of window. (Window closes.)

- The transferred file should now be on your desktop. The name is not user-friendly and has no file type. Rename it with a user-friendly name and give it a suffix ‘.ts’. The file is technically an mpeg transport stream. For example if it was a countdown TV programme you could rename it countdown.ts

- Right-click on the countdown.ts file and say you want to open it with Windows Media Player. Also click the box to say you want all .ts files opened with Windows media Player. The first time WMP will ask you in a message box to confirm that you want it to try to read the file which it says it does not recognise. Say yes. You can set a flag in the message box to stop it asking you again. (WMP plays the TV Program!)

- If you want to put the TV program on DVD as a .ts file then you only have to burn it to DVD as with any other PC file. However though you can now play that DVD on your PC like any PC video file, it will not play on most DVD players. That hopefully will be the subject of another FAQ.

Q0048 : Problem when recording channels from Multiplex 2(Post 261 to this thread by Taralabradog.)
(Problems with sound have been posted to two other threads in particular ‘Replicable No Sound..’ and ‘ No sound on recordings’)

A0048 :I received this reply from Humax today.

Dear Customer,

Thank you for your email and I apologise for the delay.

We have found there is a problem when recording channels from Multiplex 2, we are currently investigating this issue and do intend to release a software fix.

If you require any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best Regards

Michael Caughey

Note: Channels on Multiplex 2 as posted by Spoon261

Multiplex 2

ITV1 3
Channel 4 4
ITV2 6
ITV3 10
More 4 13
E4 14
UKTV Food 29
ITV4 30
British Eurosport 33
Quiz Call 37
ITV News Channel 81
Bloomberg 84
Teletext 100
Teletext TV Guide 101
Teletext Cars 103
Teletext on 4 104

Q0049: Upload of MP3s crashes.
After many attempts at uploading MP3's to my PVR and it always crashing when it got to about record 900 out of 1100 tracks (total size only 2.8gb) and with a lot of assistance from Humax support (including a PVR swap out which still failed), Humax have today confirmed the bug - see email below:

A0049:

"Thank you for your email; we have since discovered that due to a software issue once you reach 900 in a transfer of MP3’s the unit crashes, Our developers are rectifying this among other identified issues in the next software update which should be pretty soon as we are keen to keep our customers."
Post 358 by alanhaymes to ‘Using with a PC thread.12NOV2005’

Q0050: ‘Time Bar’ Two functions for faster navigation. (Not mentioned in User Manual.)
A0050:

Arrow keys.
…………. when playing the buffer I pressed the PLAY button. I then pressed the arrow button to the left of the OK button to see if this did anything. This brought up a small window just above the ‘Time Bar’ on the right. The arrows to the left and right of the OK button can then be used to move to any point in the buffer without the need to fast rewind or fast forward. When you press OK the buffer jumps straight to that point. I have since discovered that this can also be used in exactly the same way when playing back recordings.
(Source: Post 17 by Clanchief to ‘Buffer Lost……..’ thread 13NOV2005)

Number keys.
When watching TV (buffered or live) if you press 'play' then type in the time that you want to go back to using the number keys it will automatically bring up the ‘Time Bar’ and enter the time that you entered in the little box (the one that usually appears if you press play followed by the left or right arrows). Then press okay and it will take you straight to the timepoint you wanted.

So, if it's 19:26 and you want to rewind back to a program that started at 18:00, press 'Play' then type 1800 in with the number keys and hitting okay will take you directly to 18:00 hours.

Same thing with recordings except you type in the number of minutes that you want, so if you are at 18 mins and want to rewind to 15 mins just type in 0015 and hot okay.

This must be the fastest way to navigate the buffer or a recording, rather than using fast forward/rewind or the arrow keys.
(Source: Sdesign’s post number 1 to ‘Tip: Navigation using numbers’ thread on 16NOV2005).

Now includes comment
Source:Post 6 by tonycollinetto 'Tip:Navigation...' thread. 16NOV2005

Q0051: Clock/Time
A0051:
my box seems to lose time when in standby.. i have compared it to another freeview box in the same room. it changes between 5-15 secs later than the standard freeview box. i have had it a full ten minutes out before (after an hour of standby.) the box corrects itself once the box is brought out of standby.
(Post 3 by givemestella to ‘PVR-9200T Losing time’ thread.)

According to the FAQ on the Humax website: The time used in the Humax clock is the time sent down in the stream of the current channel in accordance to the DVB specifications. If the broadcasters are sending the time incorrectly by 5 minutes, then this is what will be displayed by the receiver. If you change to a different channel then the time on the clock may change, you must take this into account when using the timers.
(Post 4 by sdesign to ‘PVR-9200T Losing time’ thread.)

Current conclusion: - If your box steadily loses time or loses it completely then ring Humax support. They can probably fix it.
If the time sometimes is incorrect by a fixed amount while on a particular channel then it seems an inherent problem. If it means that for you the box it is unsuitable then ask for a refund.
I will revise this faq in light of further posts to the ‘PVR-9200T Losing time’ thread.)

Q0052: Wrong sound or No sound.
I recorded the second episode of Rome last Wednesday on the 9200T, and we got sound, but instead of the actors' voices, it was a plot summary read by an actor. Was this part of the original broadcast or did the Humax pick up another signal for the soundtrack?

A0052: I can select between the two soundtracks on this recording using the 'soundtrack' button (Button K on page GB11) under the flap.
Post 9 by Barry to ‘Rome 2nd Episode’ thread.16NOV2005)

I just skipped through a few channels and checked for alternate soundtracks. Some had one, some didn’t. It may depend on the program. On Sky News which had an alternate sound track I selected it and got ….’No Sound’.
Not a panacea for ‘No Sound’ but at least try pressing button K and selecting the other soundtrack. If you still have a recording you gave up on it may still have the sound on the alternate sound track

New FAQ

Q0053: Box won’t boot/ Micom Software Explained.
A0053: To all PVR-9200T (DuoVisio) users,

Please see below some information to clear up any questions you have with the MICOM software.
Currently units are shipped stating that they have either MICOM 2.02 or MICOM 2.03.
However due to a display problem in the menu some units may state 2.02 but actually have 2.03.

The MICOM problem is simple to explain, if you have a fault with the MICOM version your receiver will not boot up, so you cannot use it at all. Not all units with MICOM 2.02 will have this problem only a small percentage.

The best way to check your MICOM version is as follows:

Power off the unit from the rear
Power on again and look for the following on the display
You will see 4 digits flashing round:

MICOM 2.02 = //\\ - 2 go to the right and 2 go to the left

MICOM 2.03 = ///\ - 3 go to the right and 1 goes to the left

It is not essential to have the MICOM software upgraded, unless your PVR is not booting up, if you experience this problem then the unit would need to be returned to us to be upgraded (it cannot be down via the RS232 port) as it needs to be upgrade via the Mainboard.

Thanks

HumaxSupport
(Source: Post 1 by Humax Support to ‘Humax Support Thread’ 16NOV2005)

I don't know if the OP was referring to today's EPG or all 7 days' data. I get today fairly quickly but it seems to take more like 12 minutes to get (most of but not all) 7 days EPG loaded after powering on. I tried an experiment of running PIP immediately after powering on today (with BBC in one picture and ITV in the other) and this cut the time to 5 minutes which suggests that the EPG data is somehow tied to the channel group that you happen to be watching with "other" channels' data coming along infrequently.

Does anyone know how this data is transmitted and is there any strategy for reducing load-up time that anyone has tried and knows that it works.

Incidentally it occurs to me that if Humax used both tuners to scan for data across the MUXes at start up that would speed things up. Based on my experiment perhaps they should add this to their list of fixes?

New FAQ
Q0054: How can you simply make a separate recording containing a clip from an existing one. (Not in User Manual)
A0054: Play back the existing recording.>Go to the start of the bit to be clipped.>Press the Record button.>Watch to the end of the bit to be clipped.>Press the ‘Stop’ button. >Exit.
There is now a new recording at the end of the list. It has the same name as the original recording except that (New) has been added. For example a clip from ‘BBC News’ becomes ‘BBC News(New).
(Source: Post 1 by treboryoh to ‘Tip:Re-record your favourite bit’ thread. 16NOV2005)

Great stuff Brian.

Although this thread is very unwieldy to read, I've come to treat it as a daily news update.

Thanks. Thanks. (I have to repeat it to exceed 10 characters!)

New FAQ

Q0055: Lockups
A0055: (Post 243 by Humax Support to Lockups thread 17NOV2005)
Hi Stoker,

We have had a lot of confusion regarding this issue on our side so some of the information released regarding the differences in the MICOM software and that models had to be returned to be upgraded was incorrect.

I had thought originally that there were minor H/W change and did state this to Turbosat; but this was until I got the full info. There has not been a H/W change.

Originally we were told that it was a hangup issue with the MICOM 2.02 version (information from our factory); however after speaking to my colleagues in Korea I have got a clear understanding that this is not the case; instead it is as I have described (not booting up).

We do have software at the moment that is being tested and release notes are being translated, we hope to have the software on our HCSA www.humaxdigital.com/hcsa in the coming days; Turbosat will also post the software on their site with the full release notes.

The software is not available for the release at the current time (so no need to ask to be beta testers, we will have it released soon).

Sorry for all the confusion, I hope this and my previous post have cleared up the issue.

Thanks

HumaxSupport

OK, I know this is making a rod for my own back but:

Entire FAQ reformatted here

(complete with clickable contents list)

Cliff

Congrats........................................

New FAQ

Q0056: How can I play back on my PC a file downloaded from the Humax.
(See also Q0047)
A0056:
I tried IPOP GOM player which is from a Korean firm. It plays MPEG files transferred from the 9200t even without having to first add .mpg to the end of the file name. I installed it and it immediately asked to check back to its web site for the codec. Once grabbed and codec installed, works a treat.……………………….. This player was suggested by someone at Humax to someone who enquired about a player …………………..
(Source:Post 2263 by marcdavis to ‘Freeview PVR,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,’ thread 16NOV2005)

Link is:
http://gom.ipop.co.kr/release/down.html?intSeq=156
I've installed this player and, whilst I haven't yet attempted to upload stuff from the Humax to my PC, it's worth the download anyway - play quality is brill and the player has loads more functionality than WMP etc. I shall probably use it as my default player from now.
(Source: Post 2266 by youngbaz to ‘Freeview PVR,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,’ thread 16NOV2005)

Hey hey ...nice work Gromitt! I'll make sure AS sends you to Austin first class next time, not just business class. I just luv those clicky links. I know I said in an earlier post that it was style over content every time, but you just proved you can enhance content by means of style!

I take back what I said about the Amstrad badges.

Barry

OK, small changes to HTML'ed FAQ to give it a

Digital Spy stylee

Cliff
(and 0056 added)

New FAQ


Q0057: Does Archiving a 9200T recording to a VCR work?
A0057: Yes. Tested as follows:-

- VCR Scart connected to lower Humax Scart (No other connections to VCR except power).
- Humax other scart connected to TV to monitor progress.)
- Put VCR in standby so it does not control humax.
- Start playback of a recording on Humax.
- Take VCR out of standby.
- Set VCR input channel to Scart (L1 in my case).
- Press Record on VCR.
- Stop VCR after few minutes.
- Stop playback on Humax. (You may have to put VCR into standby to do this to make it release control of Humax.)
- Rewind VCR.
- Playback VCR.

New FAQ

Q0058: How can I speed up the loading of EPG when I come out of standby?
A0058: That's interesting. I'm on Crystal Palace too, I've been complaining elsewhere about the time it takes to get a fully loaded EPG - I sat and timed it and it took over 12 minutes irrespective of whether I was tuned to BBC or ITV. However, when I tuned into both BBC and ITV using PIP the time was reduced to about 5 minutes so one other thing that Humax might want to consider is setting up the EPG scan to use both tuners at switch on perhaps.
(Post 5 by michaelporter to ‘EPG Problem Thread. 19NOV2005)

Q0057 and Q0058 now added to the HTML FAQ too.

Cliff

Ref FAQ 0057. "You may have to put VCR into standby to do this to make it release control of Humax"

I suspect that the Humax SOURCE button can be used to toggle between the VCR and Humax signal. i.e. no need to put VCR in standby to release it's control.

Colin

Thanks. My VCR is in a seperate room again so I can't do a quick confirmation but I will add your comment to the FAQ as it seems pretty certain to be right.

Amended FAQ to mention possible use of source button. ( Post 119 by Creddish to this thread.)

Q0057: Does Archiving a 9200T recording to a VCR work?
A0057: Yes. Tested as follows:-

- VCR Scart connected to lower Humax Scart (No other connections to VCR except power).
- Humax other scart connected to TV to monitor progress.)
- Put VCR in standby or use SOURCE button so it does not control humax.
- Start playback of a recording on Humax.
- Take VCR out of standby.
- Set VCR input channel to Scart (L1 in my case).
- Press Record on VCR.
- Stop VCR after few minutes.
- Stop playback on Humax. (You may have to use SOURCE button or put VCR into standby to do this to make it release control of Humax.)
- Rewind VCR.
- Playback VCR.

New FAQ

Q0059: How do I update the software?

A0059: See instructions on Page GB70 of the User Manual and the instructions accompanying the download tool.
….plus:-
Edit: As per Barry's post below, at this time.......make a note of timers because you will have to input again.)

Having got to the page
http://www.humaxdigital.com/hcsa
then :-

- Register or Log-in

- Click on 'Software Upgrade'.
- Click on 'Download'.
- Click on the dropdown box 'Terrestial set-top box'
- Click on 'PVR9200-T'
(Post 31 by Brian9200T to ‘New Software thread.’)

To be honest I have done this so many times now it is second nature, however the instructions on the Humax site are fine, but:
- It is advisable to reset to default after the update.
.....make a note of timers because you will have to input again.

Humax system, status software version changes to:
PGXTF 1.00.01
(Post 67 by Barry to ‘New Software thread.)

How do you manage to register, as the 9200T is not down in the list when you re asked to state which PVR you have?

Well I haven't got a Humax at all but registered a while back before the 9200 was released. Just lie about what you've got!!

Cliff

I knew that you would have the answer Cliff, of course, why didn't I think of that! And Cliff, didn't I wonder a while back if the lock ups and problems with mux 2 were somehow being caused by the text service? You told me that it couldn't be because they were sent down in a seperate PID stream or some such, well, it's because I have grown so used to lock ups,etc over the years since ONDigital always being caused in some way by Teletext et al, that's why I was sure it was somehow a problem with that on that mux (just glad that they have pulled that pop up.) Thanks for help in registering.
GG