Re Digital Video Recorder/ Electronic Programme Guide

lizzie_souter

I have a Digifusion Video Recoder, FVRT 145 which I bought specifically because of the EPG, (electronic programme guide). This provided advance information about forthcoming programmes and the ability to record these programmes up to 2 weeks ahead.

The unit works perfectly but EPG is no longer available. When I contacted the company they said it was a third party company who provided this service and they have stopped doing so from July 1st. When I said the DVR isn't performing the function I bought it for and was therefore no use to me, they said to take it up with the retailer. I contacted the shop and they have offered me a third of the cost I originally paid as compensation. I will now have to fork out to buy a new recoder.

Anyone else had this experience? Any advice/comments welcome.

Lizziesouter

scotsbob

The EPG was provided by 4TV and as you have found out they are no longer supplying it as from this week.

Four makes of PVR are affected. Inverto, Thomson DHD4000, various Digifusions and a Sony.

You are lucky to get some sort of recompense, many people who bought over a year ago are stuck with no EPG, or at the best a "now and next"

The issue is being discussed on many forums at the moment here is just one http://www.invertoforum.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2057.0

lizzie_souter

Thanks for letting me know, had not heard anything until now. I went on to the forum you listed and from reading the comments seems like I was lucky to be offered some compensation, especially considering the recorder was almost 4 years old.

I have accepted Argos's compensation offer and bought a new recorder. I am still unhappy though at having to lay out more money because of this.

davehills

I have a DHD4000 which I bought from Argos in 2006. The listings have vanished.

Would I have any comeback under the SOGA that the unit is no longer fit for purpose?

(I believe there is a limit of 6 years on claims?)

scotsbob

davehills wrote: »

I have a DHD4000 which I bought from Argos in 2006. The listings have vanished.

Would I have any comeback under the SOGA that the unit is no longer fit for purpose?

(I believe there is a limit of 6 years on claims?)

No harm in trying. However you should still be able to get "Now and Next" on the EPG

winalot

my digifusion (from argos) has lost it too. did you have to bring it back in with the receipt to get your (partial) refund?

there's a link to a petition here about it. http://stuckinstandby.co.cc/digifusion-inverto-epg-updates

lizzie_souter

Yes I had to take in my receipt, (luckily I still had it) and I returned the unit.

Good luck.

candyapple_2

Thanks for this thread, I have the same Digifusion box and thought that it was faulty or that I wasn't putting it to standby correctly every night. I bought mine a few years ago now and the receipt is probably long gone, but well done for getting something back. I think this box may have to be relegated to the bedroom now, just need to find a replacement which has a decent EPG.

lizzie_souter

Why don't you try going back to Argos and see what they say. If you don't have a receipt, maybe a bank statement or credit card statement to show a purchase. The manager in my local store was very helpful and quite surprised about the whole situation. The store had not heard anything about the EPG service being discontinued.

My Trading Standards office advised that by losing this service it renders the recorders 'as not fit for purpose', I also hadn't realised until I read it here that the sale of goods act limit is 6 years. Maybe if pressure gets placed on all the retailers some action might be taken.


If it's any help I have bought an Hitachi, HDR 165, reduced price in Argos £79.99. Taken a bit of getting used to, but it seems good and a few more functions than the Digifusion box. Reviews seem to point toward it being a good machine.

Let me know how you get on.

Andreg

lizzie thanks for telling us about this. How much refund did you actually get from Argos?

I have a Digifusion FVRT150 affected by the same problem. Its such a pity the EPG service has stopped as the PVR was still working perfectly. Digifusion did previously provide a good customer service and replaced the weak power supply after I'd had the box for quite a while. So I have contacted Beko (the company that took over Digifusion) and they said "There is a Digifusion specialist team who can be contacted on 08453101185". Will phone tomorrow...

I remember that the FVRT150 model was exclusively sold by Argos so I'm hoping that it won't matter if I can't find the box and receipt. Unfortunately though I can't remember what I paid for the thing - I have a feeling it was £199. Can anyone else remember as far back as 2005?

lizzie_souter

I received just under £40, which was approximately a third of the original cost of the unit 4 years ago.