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The Cons of the Foxsat HDR
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Tern
23-01-2009
Originally Posted by Flyer 10:
“Humax
CPU STi5518
Flash 4 MB
SDRAM 24 MB
EEPROM 8 KByte

You are seriously comparing that to a machine with dual cores and machines that have 100 times that memory?”

LOL - You've actually proved my point with that data.

The Humax only needs to load at a very maximum 24 MB of memory. Even with a slow HD that's a 2-3 second task. That leaves it around 40 seconds playing around with itself before it deigns to allow access to its functions. All those of us who find this odd are saying is that it should be able to do it a bit more quickly (and without grabbing and releasing output). It's not a killer problem, just something, like a lot of the other problems, that makes the box feel 'unfinished'. It will be interesting to see what they can achieve with their first real firmware update.
Tern
23-01-2009
Originally Posted by hopeandfaith06:
“I don't have freesat yet but we are getting it soon as Sky HD is just costing too much at the minute and we are not using it enough to get our moneys worth.

One thing i have noticed after looking at pictures of the remote for the Foxsat HDR is the play/pause/record etc buttons all look a little small and cramped compared to the Sky HD controller. I know this won't be a problem, but that is one feature i use a lot which is why i like the sky remote as every button is so easy to find, and i know the whole remote without even having to look at it.

I heard that when they made the HDR they just used the old remote and changed it slightly, not sure if that is true, but if it is it seems a shame they couldn't make it completely new and different, but like i said i don't think it will be a problem, i will just have to get used to it”

The remote control is definitely a weakness with the Humax and, unfortunately, one that can never be improved with an OTA update. It really is a pity the most manufacturers have a distinct 'Not Invented Here' attitude that stops them sitting down with the very best of the competition before designing their own products.

Using a 'Harmony' or something similar makes the product dramatically more pleasant to use but it is still not ideal. It's a pity someone does not bring out a little zapper that is specifically designed for PVR playback with just the buttons usually needed for that function arranged in a way that is easy to use 'blind'.
hopeandfaith06
23-01-2009
Originally Posted by Tern:
“The remote control is definitely a weakness with the Humax and, unfortunately, one that can never be improved with an OTA update. It really is a pity the most manufacturers have a distinct 'Not Invented Here' attitude that stops them sitting down with the very best of the competition before designing their own products.

Using a 'Harmony' or something similar makes the product dramatically more pleasant to use but it is still not ideal. It's a pity someone does not bring out a little zapper that is specifically designed for PVR playback with just the buttons usually needed for that function arranged in a way that is easy to use 'blind'.”

What is a Harmony? I read another post that mentioned that?
Tern
23-01-2009
Originally Posted by hopeandfaith06:
“What is a Harmony? I read another post that mentioned that?”

There are several models. They are very programmable replacement remotes. They are not that straightforward to set up, usually taking quite a few itterations connected to your PC, but people who have them seem to like them a lot. They are also quite expensive.

I set one up for the Humax and my TV and it made the entire experience of watching more pleasant because all the PVR buttons fall easily to hand (thumb) without looking at the remote. This is a big improvement on the Humax one.
Flyer 10
23-01-2009
Originally Posted by Tern:
“LOL - You've actually proved my point with that data.

The Humax only needs to load at a very maximum 24 MB of memory. Even with a slow HD that's a 2-3 second task. That leaves it around 40 seconds playing around with itself before it deigns to allow access to its functions. All those of us who find this odd are saying is that it should be able to do it a bit more quickly (and without grabbing and releasing output). It's not a killer problem, just something, like a lot of the other problems, that makes the box feel 'unfinished'. It will be interesting to see what they can achieve with their first real firmware update.”

Not really, if that was the case, older computers would have booted almost instantly.

Its not just down to the memory, its down to the CPU as well. Sure they could put in a better CPU but it would need a bigger fan to cool it.

Ill take a 30 sec boot up once or twice a day instead of it booting up in 10 secs and whining away like a computer.
Flyer 10
23-01-2009
Originally Posted by Tern:
“There are several models. They are very programmable replacement remotes. They are not that straightforward to set up, usually taking quite a few itterations connected to your PC, but people who have them seem to like them a lot. They are also quite expensive.”

If you want an easy setup, use the Philips, you can do it without a manual and each device take one or two mins
Tern
23-01-2009
Originally Posted by Flyer 10:
“Not really, if that was the case, older computers would have booted almost instantly.”

Erm, yes, that's exactly what they did!

Quote:
“Its not just down to the memory, its down to the CPU as well. Sure they could put in a better CPU but it would need a bigger fan to cool it.”

Unless you are part of the development team you can have no idea what the problem is. It could be something intractable or it could be a matter of someone identifying an unnecessary bottle neck and clearing it.

Quote:
“Ill take a 30 sec boot up once or twice a day instead of it booting up in 10 secs and whining away like a computer.”

It may be that Humax can get it to boot up in 10 (or 15 or 20) seconds in near perfect silence.

I'd agree though that I would not want to increase the (mains) power used just to shave a few seconds off the boot.
hopeandfaith06
23-01-2009
Originally Posted by Tern:
“There are several models. They are very programmable replacement remotes. They are not that straightforward to set up, usually taking quite a few itterations connected to your PC, but people who have them seem to like them a lot. They are also quite expensive.

I set one up for the Humax and my TV and it made the entire experience of watching more pleasant because all the PVR buttons fall easily to hand (thumb) without looking at the remote. This is a big improvement on the Humax one.”

Ah do you mean the Logitech ones?

Originally Posted by Flyer 10:
“If you want an easy setup, use the Philips, you can do it without a manual and each device take one or two mins”

Do you have any links to any? I like Philips so would consider one.
Tern
23-01-2009
Originally Posted by hopeandfaith06:
“Ah do you mean the Logitech ones?”

Yes, sorry, I forgot they were Logitech.
Flyer 10
23-01-2009
Originally Posted by Tern:
“Erm, yes, that's exactly what they did!

I'd agree though that I would not want to increase the (mains) power used just to shave a few seconds off the boot.”

My Amiga took a long time to boot up.

They might be able to shave a few seconds off but I doubt they ever get it to under 10 secs.
Flyer 10
23-01-2009
Originally Posted by hopeandfaith06:
“Ah do you mean the Logitech ones?



Do you have any links to any? I like Philips so would consider one.”

I have this one.

http://www.consumer.philips.com/cons...rol+SRU8008-10

No problems at all with it, I wouldnt go for the touch screen ones. i got mine for under £50. That does 8 functions and is even wife proof while still doing everything you want.

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/9856...te.html#m16575
swedish cook
24-01-2009
Originally Posted by Flyer 10:
“I have this one.

http://www.consumer.philips.com/cons...rol+SRU8008-10

No problems at all with it, I wouldnt go for the touch screen ones. i got mine for under £50. That does 8 functions and is even wife proof while still doing everything you want.

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/9856...te.html#m16575”

Thats a bit minimalist for me, but each to his own, where do you program the guide, media, bookmarks buttons ?

Very happy with Harmony 525 here, enough physical buttons plus an LCD area where you can scroll through all the obscure functions if you need them.
Flyer 10
24-01-2009
It has a guide button, I dont use bookmarks much so I put them on the LCD just as on the Logitech.

I only reprogrammed the Last key to opt+ and the * - Enter keys to exit - media. I also put them on the LCD as well in case anyone else needs to use it.

I didnt want loads of keys that are re programmed but arent labelled correctly. I wanted something thats simple but works 100%.
emdee
24-01-2009
re: startup time, an interesting comparison might be - how long does it take the non-recording HD box to start up?
dsdjm
25-01-2009
As a result of taking the best part of a minute to come out of "standby" (can't really call it standby, it's OFF to be honest) mine just stays ON all day; the law of unitended consequences meaning that an attempt to lower power consumption has the opposite effect.

I do turn it to "standby" last thing at night; and then back on when I come down in the morning before going to make a cuppa. I can pretty much make a cup of tea in the time it takes to boot.
Flyer 10
25-01-2009
Originally Posted by dsdjm:
“As a result of taking the best part of a minute to come out of "standby" (can't really call it standby, it's OFF to be honest) mine just stays ON all day; the law of unitended consequences meaning that an attempt to lower power consumption has the opposite effect.

I do turn it to "standby" last thing at night; and then back on when I come down in the morning before going to make a cuppa. I can pretty much make a cup of tea in the time it takes to boot.”

Not really for one lazy person, theres hundreds of normal people who are benefiting from lower power bills.

Even so, you run yours 12 hours a day, the sky box of everyone is effectively on 24/7. Theres still massive savings overall.
Grannygrunt
26-01-2009
Originally Posted by Flyer 10:
“If you want an easy setup, use the Philips, you can do it without a manual and each device take one or two mins”

Which Philips Flyer 10? (Oops! Haden't read down the page, sorry! )

GG
eric23
26-01-2009
Originally Posted by hopeandfaith06:
“One thing i have noticed after looking at pictures of the remote for the Foxsat HDR is the play/pause/record etc buttons all look a little small and cramped compared to the Sky HD controller.”

The Sky remote control is considered by many to be one of the best component remote controls ever designed, along with the TiVo "peanut". Everything is just laid out perfectly. So you will unfortunately be taking a step back with remote usability. I am literally just about to unbox my Humax HDR, which arrived this morning, and I already know that people think the remote is pretty crap.

However, I can also chime in and STRONGLY recommend the Logitech Harmony remotes. I have a couple of Harmony 895 remotes and they are excellent. I would recommend the 885 (they are the same as the 895, just without the IR/RF extender) - you can pick them up for around £85.
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