Found this on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RECORD-2-FREEV...QQcmdZViewItem

Look at the photo - it says "Dual Channel Recording" on the front of the unit. Plus its described as having a "full 2 day EPG".....
Last edited by fishears : 05-02-2007 at 21:43

Over £200 inc. p&p?
The Humax 9200T would be a much better, and cheaper buy. It seems the manufacturers have found out what we have found out, if you want dual record, you have to sacrifice some EPG content.

It would be interesting to know what the software version is.

John.

Being the cynic that I am I doubt this is an official product. I'd bet someone has got hold of a load of the Digihomes or maybe some refurbished units and updated them themselves.

That picture also looks doctored.

That was my first thoughts, but why state 2 days EPG?
It it had just been a DIY updated box, then it would have probably stated up to 7 days EPG.

I think they are being conservative. If they convert normal boxes to dual-record and sell them with a '7 day EPG', they'd end up with loads of complaints as it simply won't do it.

Just got this response back from the seller on ebay:

Hi, and thank you for your enquiry. I can confirm that the unit will simultaneously record two different Freeview channels, in other words you can record two different channels at the same time. The software version is 1.0(UK).

Please do not confuse this unit with the PVR160 and PVR80 currently being sold by Argos and alike as those PVRs will only record one channel at a time. The "Dual Channel Recording" label on the unit in the picture is only there for illustration. The units we are currently shipping do not have "Dual Channel Recording" on them.

Thank you for your enquiry.

So it looks like he's basically done a firmware update and hiked up the price A LOT for doing it....
Last edited by fishears : 06-02-2007 at 12:27

I hope no one buys any of them. They will have been ripped off if they do.

Darn, wish I'd thought of that!

Seriously though, how can he sell it with "* BRAND NEW & TESTED WITH 1 YEAR RETURN TO BASE WARRANTY * " - if the box has been opened and a different software image installed then doesn't that invalidate the warranty?

Hmm, I notice the image has been updated to remove the "Dual Channel Recording" badge.

Wonder what happens at the next official OTA update!

Definitely one to miss !

John.

Sounds very fishy to me...................

My understanding is that "Digihome" is exclusive to Argos. I wonder how they'll deal with Helpline calls when the next software update reverts the boxes to single record!

John.

In all likelihood this a fly-by-night dealer on ebay. Once they are sold users will probably leave positive feedback and be reasonably happy with the units they get (provided they aren't dodgy refurbished ones). But as soon as any issues arise like a new OTA update they will deny all knowledge the users will end up calling Argos and find they have no warranty at all.....

Indeed - not only will there be no warranty, I also doubt the legality of what that seller is doing. If these units were bought from Argos, then probably Argos may have something to say about it, and failing that Vestel probably will.

Seeing as the 1.0 twin record software is not an official release, and does not work "properly" (EPG, text problems and lack of freeview playback support from most broadcasters at present, etc) on the current generation 32Mb Digihome boxes, it could be argued that the seller should not be advertising these as Digihome, since the use of the unofficial software could be seen to damage Vestel/Digihome's reputation when not used by somebody who understands it is not an official release. It is my understanding that there may never be an official twin record release for the current Digihome boxes.

Also, imagine all the phonecalls the Argos support number will get from users who cannot figure things out because the manual corresponds to the old software

Seems the originally mentioned auction has been pulled, and replaced with http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DIGIHOME-PVR80...QQcmdZViewItem - selling software, without the legal right to do so, for £15 - very naughty. I guess you get a serial cable too, but still a rip-off.

Maybe the "DUAL CHANNEL RECORDING" sticker for the front of your PVR is included too?

As the advert for the dual-record stb was recently dropped I'm guessing that str8trader is reading this forum, if so good luck to you mate!

Putting aside any legal or moral issues, if str8trader wasn't the author of twin_record, I think it's a safe bet that there'll be no more such freebies appearing on the 'net.

"Good luck to him" ?? No way.

John.

Anyone looked at his/her feedback?
Nothing! for like 18 Months until January 07!
Strange?

Odd, he's now saying an internet connection is required:

" Only a Windows PC with CDROM, 9 pin serial port and Internet Connection required."
eBay Link

John.

It's probably because they are trying to get around ebay rules against selling beta software and copyright infringement. I bet they'll provide a link to the .bin files instead of putting them on a CD like the previous listing said.

Seems like someone probably reported him for it. I can't see why else the listing would have changed.
Last edited by Johneboy : 07-02-2007 at 19:58