Hi.

The spec for the Digihome DTR80 on Argos here: link, lists this version as being capable of recording 2 channels at the same time. Does anyone know if this is correct or is it an error?

Andy

Yes it is true? Why do you doubt the statement? Maybe you have seen or heard about an earlier version of this PVR which was called Digihome PVR80 which uses the Vestel T810 hardware and is only single record. The Digihome DTR80 uses the later Vestel T816 harware which has the dual record capability.

Colin

It's Argos.

But this time they've got it just about right.

Fair comment. They did get this aspect wrong on a few of their PVR specs previously.

Colin

Hi

Thanks for the reply. I want to recommend this box to a non-techie friend who will have to travel a distance to get to an Argos. He's seen my old ASDA-Dual T810 based single record box and was very impressed. I'm aware that Argos sometimes get things wrong and I didn't want him to go to the trouble of getting one and then finding out (possibly some time later) that it isn't dual record.

Is it safe to assume that the T816 boxes are at least as good as the T810 based boxes? (I will have a look around the forum for info on the T816 based boxes as well.)

Thanks again for your help.

Andy

Wouldn't he be as well saving up an extra £15 to get the 160gb version from asda???

Hi

Seems like a good idea. Can you tell me what the Brand/Model is for the ASDA machine? I'll have a look tomorrow.

One other question: Having read through the forum there seems to be problems with timing accuracy with the Freeview Playback firmware. Can you opt to use normal padding instead on the T816. I find padding pretty reliable with my T810 machine.

Andy

Its asdas Onn brand. Should be £99.97. No autopadding available. You can extend the time but the program name will not appear, only the channel number. Accurate recording has nothing to do with the FP software, its down to the broadcasters!

Thanks.


That could possibly be a show stopper.


Yep, I'm aware of that. I've been looking at other dual record PVRs for myself and the poor operation of the FP system is a common theme.

Thanks for your help.

Andy

The T816 dual record and Freeview Playback features are an obvious improvement IMO. However, I get the impression from this forum that the although both units are well liked by most owners the T810 was generally more reliable than the T816. The T810 received several software updates to improve it whereas the T816 has received none. The main problems with the T816 seem to be freezing of the picture and sound when watching Live TV and occasional gaps in recordings.

Colin

Hi. Thanks for that. Given the lack of padding and the above comments I think I give it a miss for now. I'll probably continue looking for a dual record box for myself and let him have my old T810 box when I find something. Dual record for him is not essential but would have been a 'nice to have' if it was available at <£100.

Thanks again to all for your help.

I'll be off to have a look around Hummy & Toppy land for a box for myself later.

Andy

I have to say I have had very few problems with a T816. It seems to me that many of the reported problems may be more to do with poor signal as PVRs seem to need quite a good signal.

Do you use the search function very much?

I may have given a wrong impression in my post above. I don't think the T816 is an un-reliable PVR. I get relatively few problems and what I do get are minor. It is by far the most reliable PVR I have had. It is just that it's predecessor, the T810 was more reliable.

Colin

My first DTR80 had a habit of starting late and finishing early, I took it back to Argos who replaced it with another box and since then it has been perfect, not a single problem at all. So maybe there are some duff ones out there which are ascribed to poor signal strength when perhaps the tuners aren't as adept at handling the signals?
BTW I've just found out another function on this box - you can move the PIP box around the screen using the arrows! It's taken me 4 months to find this....

Occasionally, I have noticed the sound warbles when it is searching. I don't consider that a major problem. I have never had a missed recording and never missed the end of a programme. Something that can't be said of other PVRs I have tried.
My only cause for complaint is that I can't find a universal remote that will control it.

Just remember not to do a search while a recording is in progress because the "warbles" will end up as permanent little warbles/jitters/jumps/gaps in your recording too .

Argos must know they are selling T825 models now as they are listing series link on the product page here

purchased one tonight v3.7 firmware on it cant find series link ?

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produc...Brecorders.htm
If you have Version 3.7 software then you have a T816 model and not the required T825 model. Did you buy the Digihome DTR80 from Argos? If so then you have older stock. As they now quote "Series link" on their website description you would have a good case for getting it exchanged for the latest model.

Colin

yeh just purchased it how will i know if the newer firmware model will have series link on it ? does it say on packging ? thx

There will be a label on the underside of the PVR (and usually the packaging too) with serial number and model numbers, etc. Somewhere on there you will no doubt see T816, which is the older model that you have. The newer model will say T825 and the latest software version for that is v2.7, which is how we know that you have a T816 .