On p50 of the manual, in the section on programming the HXD860 from the EPG, there is a notes section which states:

* This recorder is featured with an EPG timer auto extend functionality that allows EPG timer recordings to be made in case of any early start (before the scheduled start time) or late finish (after the scheduled end time)
* The EPG programme start and end time are determined by the broadcaster.

Does this broken English mean that the recorder will support the new PDC-style functionality to be introduced into the EPG that mirrors that used by Sky+ (namely that the recorder will start recording as soon as the programme title you want is selected as "NOW" in the EPG and continue recording until it is "NOW" no longer?)

I suppose it could instead be a reference to the Guide Timer Extend (p100) where the user can add 0, 1, 2, 5, or 10 minutes to extend the timer recording length for all recordings. But I thought this only applied to the end of recordings, which would not cater for programme that start early.

Certainly the recorder supports another Freeview Playback feature - series link. So it's feasible that "PDC" will also be included.

Has anyone noticed whether the BBC has yet begun matching the EPG "NOW" with the actual programme duration on Freeview (as it does with SKY)?
Last edited by 625 : 12-12-2006 at 01:24

See this thread below.

Snail

I thats your autopadding options there.

Sony will have a freeview playback dvd recorder in Sony Centres very soon.

The manual is a bit misleading, then, since as I understood it, the autopadding only adds time to the end of a recording whereas this note in the manual says the deck copes with programmes starting early as well as late

FWIW I looked at the EPG on my iDtv set last night and noticed that on BBC Two and BBC Four (and presumably the others), the EPG <Now> information was linked to the actual start of the programme rather than the billed start time of the programme. (I also noticed that on ITV, the EPG <Now> information is still tied in to the expected start time.)

Do we think it likely that a future firmware update for the 860 might include the PDC-style functionality?


Oh no! Another reason for me to delay purchasing a DVD Recorder

Interesting to see that Freeview Playback will apply to DVD Recorders, then, and not just PVRs.

Sad to note that Panasonic haven't been mentioned as Freeview Playback partners. Sony need to have some competition

Why specify "in Sony Centres"?, what about the rest of the dealer network?.

It would have been slightly inaccurate of me to say the rest of the dealer network at xmas when I am not aware of that being the case.

Oh I think they will all get in on the act at some stage. I dont think there is any particular reason for a manufacturer like Panasonic not to take things forward at some stage - whether it is all in development now or during next year. Its early days yet anyway, as only BBC are transmitting some accurate recording and series link info as they have updated all their systems to be geared up for it. The other broadcasters - hopefully at least all the other public service broadcasters will do too during 2007. If that happens then I'd expect to see a lot more of Freeview Playback branding/stickers and promotion during the autumn of next year on the run up to xmas
Last edited by marcdavis : 14-12-2006 at 19:33

Did any one manage to answer the question about PDC functionality on the HXD 860?

Sorry if this has already been done but I've just joined the forum and I'm trying to work out wheter or not the deck will record and finish when the programme actually starts/ends rather than when it is scheduled to.

Thanks

Yes it will - dependent on the accuracy of the broadcaster's data. BBC are already transmitting accurate signals, others will follow soon.

Interesting - AIUI the earlier poster was saying it didn't. Can anyone do a quick test to verify? BBC Two Newsnight is probably a good example of a programme to try it with - that never starts on time!

Hi there Regarding the Series Timers on the RDR-HXD560 - yes I know its a different model but has anyone had much luck with this feature? When I set it up by selecting Series Timer from the EPG on a BBC channel it records the series for a week then stops. When looking at the Timer list it reports the timer entry as Unresolved.

I've modiftied that timer and switched the Update function to "Yes" but it still seems to only record series link style for a week.

Am I doing anything wrong? I phoned Sony who were as useful as a paper bag!
Last edited by amtrakuk : 16-01-2007 at 21:20

You don't want to use the Update function - that just records the latest instance of any programme in the series (ideal for news perhaps, but not Eastenders!).

I've also seen the unresolved issue - still seems to be unresolved !

From the www.freeview.co.uk DTR section

"There are also Freeview Playback digital TV recorders with a built in DVD-R like the Sony RDR-HXD560 and Sony RDR-HXD860. So you can store your favourite programmes to a DVD to share with your family and friends. Just pop into your nearest Argos and Sony Centres and get set for a better TV future."

It's official.

Please excuse me if I start talking complete rubbish but why do I keep seeing threads in here (specifically about the HXD860 which has only a digital tuner) about PDC when this is a service that rides on the back of analogue Teletext transmissions?? (and is not available on any kind of digital transmission that I am aware of...)

Thanks CPN that would explain a lot.

You're excused The BBC has started (test?) transmissions of additional metadata on DTT, which has a similar purpose to that of PDC on analogue with additional benefits such as a type of Series Link and the ability to set a recording from a trailer.

Other broadcasters are expected to follow suit in the coming months, though how reliable it will be is anyone's guess given the overall state of analogue PDC over the years.

Snail

Not seen that yet, how does it work?

Ye'see, that's what I'm having a problem with above...

Here's a cut'n'paste from www.pvruk.co.uk.... (dated 13/12/06)

"The BBC is currently supplying metadata to support series recording, alternate instance and split instance. ITV and Channel 4 will start supplying series recording information and accurate triggers in Q1 2007 when their infrastructure upgrades are complete, and other broadcasters are expected to follow. The BBC has been working with its metadata supplier to ensure the data is correct. If there are any inconsistencies the BBC would like to know."

None of those functions underlined above are anything like or even related to the functionality of PDC...

I agree it would be nice if it was available but I think some people have been guilty of misinterpreting what's currently available within the metadata streams.... (but I am, of course, happy to be corrected if anyone can show different...)

Colin
Last edited by CPN : 23-01-2007 at 18:42

Granted there is a lot of fact avoidance in all the posts and links I've been following over the last few months, and after doing another quick search now I can still not find anything conclusive. However, in the section you quote, mention is made of 'accurate triggers', and further on in same article similar references are made, I interpret this to mean a trigger at the start and end of a programme to ensure correct timing, like analogue PDC.

My understanding is that there are 2 main components to the Freeview Playback certification, one is the broadcasters transmitting the necessary metadata and the other is the software on the recorder to make full use of it. Maybe the Sony's S/W can not yet make use of the PDC features, though it clearly is able to work with the Series Link, and there seems to some postings here which indicate that setting a recording from a trailer is also working after a fashion.

Snail

If you look at most channels on Freeview, the NOW/NEXT data is tied in to the clock. Hence if, say, "The Bill" is scheduled to begin at 8pm, then as soon as the EPG clock shows 8pm, the "NOW" information will show "The Bill". Even if The Bill hasn't started yet because ITV1 is still stuffing viewers with trailers for programmes they have no interest in.

Now observe the BBC channels on Freeview. Here, the "NOW" information will change shortly before the programme actually begins - it is no longer tied into the clock. This trick is also used on the Sky NOW/NEXT banner and is used to provide a PDC-like service for Sky+.

As I mentioned earlier, the easiest way to see if the Sonys provide PDC-like functionality is to make a recording from a BBC channel (after turning off any padding) using the EPG for a programme, such as Newsnight, which rarely runs on time. If the recording starts at 10.30 (or just before - some video decks automatically start 30s before the programmed time) then PDC isn't working. If however the deck waits until say 10.32 then it looks like PDC is working on Freeview!

My only concern is that with analogue PDC you could always choose to have the system turned off for your recordings. With Sky+ and perhaps Freeview, your stuck with it. And if something goes wrong on the EPG then so will your recording.

Trailer booking isn't supported yet.. ask again in a few months time

Can sombody using a Sony PVR and the Freeview Playback "Accurtate Recording" feature set the Daina Concert to record tomorrow so we can compare results.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/s...d.php?t=606216

Start Time, End Time, Recording Duration.

Cheers


Phil

Tried that...............


1) Checked before the start and the EPG had split the program as 15:30 to 20:30 and 20:30 to 22:00. However the 2nd part was highlighted as a "repeat".

2) Recording started 15secs before the program started.

3) about a minute before 20:30 got the "writing" message.

4) I had to go in a erase the "series" link to the 2nd part and record that as anormal recording.

5) 21:59 recording stopped and "writing" message appeared - even though the program was overrunning.

Seems like the BBC has "cocked up" on this one.