Correct me if I have missed an announcement,but what is happening on the software update front?
As I understand it,a glitch,notwithstanding assurances of intensive beta testing,in the July '06 update prevented it's successful implementation,since when nothing.
When can we expect an update,particularly OTA?
My Humax 9200T,with it's periodic updates,is proving a much nicer machine than the Topfield.

I assume you have one of each? In that case in what respects is the humax (which I often recommend on the baisis of user reports although I do not have one) 'nicer' than than the Topfield?

Richard

Interesting, care to say why?

I am about to cancel Sky+ and purchase either of them, but am struggling to decide which. The Humax being cheaper has the edge up to now but I can be swayed either way!

I would disagree. I have both and, despite the updates to the Humax, the Topfield is stiil the machine of choice. With the MyStuff TAP installed it is much superior to the Humax in terms of programming timers. The Folder system makes it much easier to organise recorded programs. The range of TAPs available is very impressive. It is also available with a larger HDD than the Humax. Humax are closing the gap with the extra functionality provided by the updates but they still have a long way to go.

Personally,I am not interested in TAPs,but in the machine "as is".
My basic point is that Topfield is,in comparison to Humax,poor in providing additional functionality by way of regular software updates.Why should one,assuming one has the neccessary technical competence,have to load third party programmes?
Personally,I find the Humax's OS,and interface,more attractive,and user friendly,than the Topfield's.

Well, that's a nice myth about the lack of regular software updates, but it's just that.

I don't tend to post here with all the details of software, since there's a much more active forum elsewhere.

Since the July update, we have tested a number of beta firmwares; I don't tend to give details of those, because people get over-excited and assume everything that's in a beta will appear in the final one, which often isn't the case. And we never give dates until we're sure we can meet them, so that I don't have to waste my time listening to people saying "Oh, the update is late."

Updates are ready, when they're ready. There's been one release on the Topfield web site since July's update, plus another firmware that's been on some shipped units, and is available for download from Toppy.org.uk; meanwhile we've have a few beta softwares.

Last year the beta test team looked at around 10 different firmwares, providing feedback on them, and when we're completely happy, then there'll be a public release and an OTA; at the moment, work is being done on a number of things, inlcluding Playback compatibility.

In terms of adding functionality, there's not a huge amount that the Humax does out of the box that would need to be added to the Topfield - the title search, perhaps, and auto-padding. It wasn't lacking chase play, and similar features, needing them to be added in updates in the first place.

When there's news of an update, it will be posted in the usual place; in the meantime, just because you don't read about things here, don't assume that it means nothing is happening.

Nigel.

But when was the last OTA update?
Topfield appear to rely on users being competent/confident enough to download updates via a computer!

The last update was last December; we're working on getting another one that we're completely happy with; there were some minor issues with the July one that meant we weren't, and we're testing new firmwares as a result.

Yes, it's a longer wait that I'd have liked to see, but I'd also far rather it be completely trouble free than generate any problems for less technical users.

More technical users can update via the computer, just as Humax appears to rely on users who want the latest firmware to do the same, while they continue to broadcast an older update OTA.

Topfield has chosen not to broadcast older updates, and to wait instead until there's one that they're happy will be fine for everyone to receive OTA, regardless of their technical expertise.

Nigel.

You only have to have frequent updates if your product lacks the functionality in the first place. Even with all the Humax updates it still lacks a lot of things the Topfield has already.

Or the product is full of bugs.

Such as?

My Humax has been trouble free since I bought it.
What about the Topfield's slow refresh rate with subtitles,which apparently one can still only resolve with an update via a computer!
Last edited by Terry M : 15-01-2007 at 15:00

Well the fact that you are on this forum means you are reasonably computer literate - so why not update via your computer.

You have spent more time typing your complaints on here than it would take you to do the update - 5 mins max.

The logic of your response would appear to be that buyers who are either not computer literate,or have not discovered this,and the toppy.co.uk forums,have to be content with very infrequent(well over a year) OTA upgrades.
Reviews of the Topfield,and the Humax,have appeared in the mainstream magazines,and have thus encouraged non technically minded people to puchase either PVR to replace VCRs.
The difference in OTA support offered to them by the two brands is marked.

I would not diagree with your response and I have questioned the lack of OTA support on these threads myself.

However you were specifically complaining about having to wait for an OTA to solve some problem - when clearly you dont have to - that was my point.

You are clearly so anti Topfield, and in love with the Humax, well thats enough. There isn't a pvr made that suits all users, or they would only sell one model.!
I bought a Topfield because of the taps and I can mould it to my liking and the way I use it.
So why dont you stop your aggressive questioning just to sing the praises of the Humax.
Each to there own
Last edited by diandave : 15-01-2007 at 21:57

You are clearly so anti Topfield, and in love with the Humax, well fair enough.
There isn't a pvr made that suits all users, or they would only sell one model.!
I bought a Topfield because of the taps and I can mould it to my liking and the way I use it.
So why dont you stop your aggressive questioning just to sing the praises of the Humax.
Each to there own

These come to mind as stiil lacking:

Folders
TAPS (Control timers, variable length jumps etc.)
250 GB HDD
Upgrade firmware via USB

The Topfield has always had chase play, delete from playlist etc. which have only been added to the Humax via updates, not all of which have been OTA yet.

Previously I got on my soap Box about poor EPG and lack of OTA updates. Since the last update (December 2005) which I installed myself I've been by and large happy with the Machines performance.

I do agree with Terry M that Topfield should do OTA updates, even if these are repeats (same as other manufacturers), to get all the older boxes upto the same standard. This would help the general user who does not feel inclined, for whatever reason, to do it themselves via computer.

There appears to be two main software versions in existence, depending on your loader, it would be nice if this situation was reduced to just the one version across all machines. This would produce a common baseline for us all to comment.

I do think Topfield have had long enough to produce a new software version for an OTA (not just those that go to Toppy.org) but agree with Nigel that it must be "fit for purpose". The long a delay from Toppy suggests lack of interest. Even if those in the know know this not to be the case.

I've explained the details in greater depth on the other forum; it's certainly not a lack of interest that's accounting for the delay in an OTA.

As anothergo mentions, we're presently in the awkward position of recommending a different version depending on loaders, which is something we hope to be past asap, because it is confusing.

We certainly could do with more frequent broadcasts, but I'm not convinced of the need to repeat an older OTA as frequently as Humax does.

Nigel.

So when did a legitimate criticism become unacceptable?
For the record,my enquiry was on behalf of someone for whom updates via a computer is not an option.
Secondly,he is hard of hearing,so the correct display,and recording,of subtitles is important.
The Topfield was purchased in January 2006,so it is not unreasonable to expect that an OTA rectification of a basic facility should have taken place by now.
Yes,I do own both machines,and my questions have been raised in the hope that it might be appreciated that the Topfield is not meant solely for "techies",and that better support for the non technically minded is overdue.

If he's unable to do an update via a PC himself, and he relies upon subtitles, then I would suggest that he contacts Turbosat and asks if they might be able to do the update for him.

Nigel.

Nigel I maybe wrong but think there has only ever been one OTA update or its at least a long time since the last so I dont think it unreasonable to expect another. I dont think the last OTA covered the December 2005 software release. This would save the box being returned to Turbosat.

Theres a few things that could be improved onm the toppy update front, such as a USB lead in the box, together with a CD with some easy to use sotware that would allow the user to update the toppy with just a few on screen instructions.

such as connect toppy to P.C
Click box 'A' to connect to the internet for new software
Click box 'B' to load software to your PVR from CD, as well as other aplucations
click box 'C' for help and more instructions

Box A takes the user to a website where the latest firmware can be downloaded and transfered to the toppy in one simple click

Box B has the firmware, as well as a telephone number to order new firmware on CD, and transfer programmes such as altair, together with instructions on how to use it

Box C has some more instructions and 'how to videos.'

There is a new trial update available on the Toppy.org site. Dont know was problems it addresses. Does anybody else?