Hi

I have £50 worth of gift voucher that I am thinking of using towards the new limited edition of Topfield 5800PVRT

But I remember reading somewhere that the new model has a different ID or software that is not reliable?

Is this the case?

Would you buy this model if you had a choice?

Thanks

It has a different system ID, which means that the official Topfield tools will load only the more recent firmwares onto it. However, in every other respect, it's identical to the older versions of the 5800, and just as reliable, as long as it's got a reasonable firmware.

You can use tools other than the official Topfield updater to load different firmwares, including the version recommended by Toppy.org.uk

Nigel.

Thanks for your reply Nigel but I am a bit confused about;


How would I know if it comes with a reasonable firmware or not? also;


Where can I find those tools other than the official Topfield updater? That all sounds a bit confusing.

Do you think I should consider the version that comes with HDMI?

Is the ID & firmware on HDMI versions more reliable?

Thanks

You are purchasing the hardware. Choose a 5810 if you need an HDMI connection. Choose a 5800 if you need an RF modulator. Choose a 5800t if you like the big blue light on the front.

Once you have the hardware, you can change the firmware yourself by using the internet, a personal computer and a USB cable to the Toppy. Changing the firmware will improve the behaviour of the Toppy by adding more functionality and fixing any bugs.

The whole fun of having a Toppy is that you can fiddle with and fix it, and occasionally watch recorded TV on it.

You'll find all the various tools at www.toppy.org.uk - the main site for users. And over there, we simply don't recommend the currently shipping Topfield firmwares on any models.

Updating firmware takes a couple of minutes via USB; it's pretty easy.

Thanks for your help guys, nice to know that I can update the firmware if need to be.