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.

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?

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.

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.

If you want an easy setup, use the Philips, you can do it without a manual and each device take one or two mins

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


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.


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.

Ah do you mean the Logitech ones?


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

Yes, sorry, I forgot they were Logitech.

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.

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.

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%.

re: startup time, an interesting comparison might be - how long does it take the non-recording HD box to start up?

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.

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

GG

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.