Alternative to Humax box ??

betterbargains4u

My Humax box has suddenly died. We;ve had problems with it for a while now, but it has completely frozen now...and I am totally fed up with it.
Can anyone suggest a good alternative to it.
Don't want to pay subscription costs..so obviously don't want sky or tivo.

scotsbob

For Freeview the Digital Stream model DHR8203U. 320 GB, HD, twin tuners, with CI slot and 3 USB slots. Quiet, reliable and the manufacturers put out regular software updates.

Panasonic, Samsung and Sony also do excellent models but are higher priced.

For Freesat the Samsung SMT 7800 has always had excellent reviews, although I have never personally used it

Most models have user forums associated with them. It's always an idea to have a look because if a model has any particular niggles or problems it will be discussed there and you will be aware of the plus and minus points before you buy.

mikey_v

Good news, there are problems with many humax boxes at the moment.

You probably need to force a software update.

I just did my 9300t model which kept freezing, now working fine.

Check avforum for more info.

The problem seems to me to be that automatic software updates only happen if you leave the machine on standby overnight, rather than leaving it fully switched on like I have.

molly_mandy_2

mikey_v wrote: »

Good news, there are problems with many humax boxes at the moment.

You probably need to force a software update.

I just did my 9300t model which kept freezing, now working fine.

Check avforum for more info.

The problem seems to me to be that automatic software updates only happen if you leave the machine on standby overnight, rather than leaving it fully switched on like I have.

Hi mikey_v

I have a JVC tv with integrated humax recorder & in the last week it has been freezing when I go into the guide. If I do manage to get a programme in the schedule, then it never records it.

I've looked all over the net for simple help on this so I'm glad you've posted humax are having problems.

If I leave it on standby, will software updates solve this or must I do the update myself? If so, how do I do this?? I'm not very good at tech stuff:eek:

I love this tv as it is so easy to use & would hate to have to give up on it if the recorder goes wrong.

Any help (in simple terms) would be so appreciated. Thanks.:)

timbo58

My 9200t would freeze all the time so I bought a 9300t and now have the foxsat box too: both work brilliantly.

mikey_v

molly_mandy wrote: »

Hi mikey_v

I have a JVC tv with integrated humax recorder & in the last week it has been freezing when I go into the guide. If I do manage to get a programme in the schedule, then it never records it.

I've looked all over the net for simple help on this so I'm glad you've posted humax are having problems.

If I leave it on standby, will software updates solve this or must I do the update myself? If so, how do I do this?? I'm not very good at tech stuff:eek:

I love this tv as it is so easy to use & would hate to have to give up on it if the recorder goes wrong.

Any help (in simple terms) would be so appreciated. Thanks.:)

Hi molly_mandy, hopefully your problem is the same as mine.

The trick is to get the update started asap after unplugging and plugging the recorder/tv, before the dreaded freeze stops all activity again - in my case I had little more than a minute - enough once you know what to do.

The procedure for mine was, menu - installation - enter password - 0000 is the default if you haven't set your own - software update - automatic update, at this point it should search for and find a newer version of software - follow the instructions to install.

If it freezes before you get done, just unplug and replug to retry from the start, hope that helps and works for you.

There is an update section on humax website, and searching on avforums.com will show a couple of current threads on this issue.

molly_mandy_2

mikey_v wrote: »

Hi molly_mandy, hopefully your problem is the same as mine.

The trick is to get the update started asap after unplugging and plugging the recorder/tv, before the dreaded freeze stops all activity again - in my case I had little more than a minute - enough once you know what to do.

The procedure for mine was, menu - installation - enter password - 0000 is the default if you haven't set your own - software update - automatic update, at this point it should search for and find a newer version of software - follow the instructions to install.

If it freezes before you get done, just unplug and replug to retry from the start, hope that helps and works for you.

There is an update section on humax website, and searching on avforums.com will show a couple of current threads on this issue.

:j:j:j:j:j Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou mikey_v for pointing me in the right direction.

I managed to install the new software, following your directions and then managed to get the guide to work. Scheduled a recording and it actually worked & sent it to my playlist.

Feel so chuffed I managed it without paying out for a tv repair man - all thanks to you!

Hopefully OP, you can try and de freeze your humax in the same way.

:T:T:T:T:T

vale46_2

humax have reported there are recent problems

https://www.facebook.com/HumaxUK
Locking up issues on PVR-9150, 9300 & 9200
Some broadcast changes were made on the UK DTT platform yesterday and this has caused the above models to lock on one channel after being on for 35-45 seconds. Products affected are those on old software (manufactured before June 2010) that have not received any Over Air downloads. Unfortunately this means the remote control will not operate until the product is switched off at the mains and back on again, but the problem will continue to happen. The solution is to carry out a software update via the menu, either using the Automatic or Manual update procedure. Products that are left in standby overnight during the model’s Over Air Download broadcast, will update automatically. The schedule is available on the DTG Engineering website: http://www.dtg.org.uk/industry/download_schedule.php

Over the air update slots for PVRs
We have booked the following Over the Air Downloads to fix the locking up issue. After the update is received and installed there should be no further issues:

PVR-9300T - On Air now to 15/12/2011 @ 9am
PVR-9150T - 15/12/2011 @ 10am to 17/12/2011 @ 9am
PVR-9300T - 17/12/2011 @ 10am to 18/12/2011 @ 9am
PVR-9150T - 18/12/2011 @ 10am to 19/12/2011 @ 9am
PVR-9200T - 19/12/2011 @ 10am to 20/12/2011 @ 9am
PVR-9300T - 20/12/2011 @ 10am to 21/12/2011 @ 9am
PVR-9150T - 21/12/2011 @ 10am to 22/12/2011 @ 9am

Instructions for an automatic update for the PVRs, to fix the locking issue:
1) press MENU
2) Select installation
3) Press OK
4) Enter your password (default is 0000)
5) Select software update and press OK
6) Select automatic update and press OK
The searching will begin and you will receive a message confirming the new software version. Select Yes to confirm and press OK. The box will restart and the software will install (do not switch the box off)

betterbargains4u

I am so glad that I posted my problem now :j I was about to bin the bl**dy thing !
I always used to turn the power off completely every night..as my Humax is in the bedroom, and it would wake me up when it was updating !
I am so glad that someone knows what to do..and also that I am not the only one to have problems with it.
I absolutely love it...when it's working.
Will go and try to fix it now. Hubby will be sooooo impressed with me :A

betterbargains4u

A VERY big kiss to you mikey_v :kisses:
I have just tried your fix...and it worked. YAY. You have just saved us a ton of money...as we were going to go and buy a replacement.
MANY MANY thanks.
:iloveyou:

mikey_v

You're welcome Molly_mandy.

The frightening thing is, I was one google click away from binning mine and buying a new one.

As it was I had deleted all my recordings, reformatted the hard drive and reset to default settings before googling "humax pvr freezing up" followed by a feeling of relief that I was not alone.

Can't help wondering how many Humax pvrs will end up in a skip for the sake of a simple software upgrade.

edit - You're also welcome betterbargains4u.