What's the best value Freeview PVR?

espresso

macman wrote: »

The one silly flaw in the Hummy is that you can't control the TV volume via the remote if using the HDMI input. Works OK on the SCART though. Hopefully that can be fixed on a software upgrade at some point. So on that basis I'd give it 9 out of 10. Everything else just works.

It won't be fixed by a future firmware upgrade, as it is working correctly. You have it set-up incorrectly.

macman

espresso wrote: »

It won't be fixed by a future firmware upgrade, as it is working correctly. You have it set-up incorrectly.

Then two other people I know have also set it up incorrectly. And so must have Computer Shopper when they tested it. Perhaps you would be kind enough to tell me how I should set it up correctly?

espresso

macman wrote: »

Then two other people I know have also set it up incorrectly. And so must have Computer Shopper when they tested it. Perhaps you would be kind enough to tell me how I should set it up correctly?

Does your TV support compressed audio via HDMI input?
If it does have you configured the TV HDMI sound settings correctly?
You can see from the previous post that "Ours works fine via the remote, connected through the HDMI"

macman

I can't find anything in the tech data to confirm or deny your first query. It's a Panasonic TX-32LXD85. When configuring the sound settings, the manual says that there is an option for selecting HDMI1/3 input. However when I try this, that menu does not exist (it's not greyed out, it's just not there).
I also emailed Humax tech support and they confirmed that the remote will only control the volume via SCART, not HDMI.
mean momma is using a suround sound system, so it's not quite the same-though I don't see why it should make a difference?

espresso

macman wrote: »

I also emailed Humax tech support and they confirmed that the remote will only control the volume via SCART, not HDMI.
mean momma is using a suround sound system, so it's not quite the same-though I don't see why it should make a difference?

Strange!

From the 9300 manual.....

Note: If your receiver is connected to a TV that does not support compressed audio using a HDMI cable, the audio may not function. Press the SOUNDTRACK button and select another audio option other than compressed audio.

SmilingPete

This lack of volume control issue is not actually a fault, It is a design characteristic of the system. I believe it will not be "fixed" by a future sw update.

The hummy volume control can only vary the analogue processed outputs ie Scart and phono line sockets. The HDMI output comprises video and audio packet data streams which are output pretty much just as they are received from the DVB system i.e. unprocessed.

To be able to vary the audio volume via HDMI would mean separating and decoding the audio bit stream. Modifying it for variable amplitude and re-encoding it again. This would require considerable additional DSP systems which I suspect are not, and never will be available in this product design.

I believe if it is so important to anyone to have the volume feature working, they must find a way of using the analogue audio output, as opposed to the HDMI one. The easiest way is to simply use scart instead of HDMI to the TV. However, this will result in reduced picture quality (maybe inferior sound too) even if RGB mode is used.

I agree it would have been handy to be able to vary the sound via the hummy handset. Sky handsets can control the volume but they do it in an entirely different way. The Sky handset volume control will control the actual TV's own built in volume control system. This is providing the Sky handset has been correctly programmed with the appropriate TV unique handset IR codes number.


Regards

Peter

macman

espresso wrote: »

Strange!

From the 9300 manual.....

The only option I have under the Soundtrack menu is 'English'. No option for compressed audio or anything else.

Fat_Cat

can i just check if i can use the pvr with my virgin media? the Humax looks great, just can't decide what size hd i need.....

gm_xone

macman wrote: »

It's a Panasonic TX-32LXD85. When configuring the sound settings, the manual says that there is an option for selecting HDMI1/3 input. However when I try this, that menu does not exist (it's not greyed out, it's just not there)

Is what you are reading, on page 24 of the manual? (I've only looked at an online copy - I don't have this tv, but did have a Panny before!)

If so, I understand that to see this setting, you must first select either HDMI1 or HDMI3 (as appropriate) using the AV button. Then if press 'menu' followed by 'sound', the HDMI Input option should be available: Auto, Digital, Analogue.

Not sure if that helps you or not, though :undecided

malky39

i would say go for a humax i have had the 9200t for a year now got it from argos for £99 as the 9300 was just released and i have had no problems with it. Wish i had the new version with hdmi nowthat i have a hd tv. On the other hand my parents have had a thomson topup tv pvr for a bout a year and a half now and its been replaced twice due to it freezing up and it still does it not on regular occasions. Spend the extra and get a humax you wont regret it