Humax DVD Sluggish Remote [Text View]

NorCalTivo

11-27-2005, 12:12 PM

I have a friend who had exactly this problem. She got a 40-hr Humax w/ DVD recorder. I helped her set it up.

When we were setting it up, the remote control worked just fine. However, somewhere after that point, it started showing the same behavior as the original post listed here. It would at times feel sluggish, and other times do a "double click".

For anyone unfamiliar, a double-click here means when you want to go up, it goes up twice, etc., not the PC kind of double-click. It's intermittent. Sometimes you get one click, sometimes two. It makes really simple things like selecting a show really bearish, and using the A-Z panel practically unusable.

The guys at the store said she couldn't just get a new remote, so she had to get a whole new box. Grrr... So she returned it in exchange for a different one.

She got the replacement and set it up. Now it's showing the same behavior. She's ready to throw it across the room (and I think "it" means both the box and the remote control). I'm afraid she's going to stick to it despite its annoying behavior when really someone ought to help her out.

I have a Humax 80-hr w/DVD and it's working fine.

We sort of suspect that the latest O/S download did something to the box. Before we go there, I'm going to see if my remote (since it's also Humax branded) will make the system behave any differently, thereby isolating whether the problem's in the remote or in the box.

Would love to hear if anyone else is having this problem and what can be done about it.

dylanemcgregor

11-27-2005, 12:54 PM

I've had this problem intermittenly on my DRT800, but it seems to only occur when I'm in the HME apps. It happened a few weeks ago, I replaced the batteries and the problem went away. It happened again today while I was playing Same Game, but seems to work fine in all the regular menus.

funtoupgrade

11-27-2005, 03:21 PM

Another possibility is to get a Universal Remote. The One For All 6131 seems to quite popular with Tivo owners and it relatively inexpensive especially if you can find one on sale or with a rebate.

theGUYman

11-27-2005, 03:38 PM

I have noticed this too; it seems that a reboot every now and then helps speed things up on the DRT-400.

Grek

12-05-2005, 01:42 AM

Any luck with trying the other remote?

I have exactly the same symptoms with the DRT800 I just bought.
- responded to the remote nicely during setup
- the next day, after overnight config...

Now the base unit responds very *intermittently* to remote commands

The difference was so dramatic, I thought my daughter had borrowed the batteries for her CD player, but she had not

I tried:
- new batteries, Duracell; no better
- remove the clear plastic protection on base unit;) no better
- restart; no better
- unplug and plug back in; no better

also:
- the red light on remote emmitter responds perfectly to button presses
- the base unit responds fine to display panel knob movement and selection
- they just don't work well together after the overnight config

Any Ideas?

- base unit s/w version is: 7.2.1-elm-01-2-595

Mr. Coffee

12-05-2005, 11:26 AM

Count me in with the same problems..

We just bought a Humax 80 hour right before Thanksgiving.. Worked fine. We did the update to 7.2.1 right before Thanksgiving, and when we got back a few days later is when we noticed the 'sluggishness' and multiple buttons pushes, so I think it's definitely related to the update.

We tried:

Using a Harmony remote that worked with our old Philips TiVo. Same Results.
Using the Philips TiVo remote. Same results.
Replacing the batteries in the Humax TiVo remote. Same Results.
Rebooting the Humax TiVo. Same Results.

My wife is very upset by this, that our Philips TiVo in the bedroom now is working great after 5 years, and this thing is having issues. Getting ready to take advantage of Costco's return policy and get my money backk.

NorCalTivo

12-05-2005, 01:51 PM

Hello everyone on this thread. I'm back again.

We're still having problems. Recap: my friend has the DRT400 (a replacement for the one's she first purchased that showed this problem), and shortly after initial setup, the system didn't respond immediately to remote control commands, often resulting in a "double" click, and more often not responding at all.

I lent my remote control to my friend. That is, she used the remote control that works just fine against my DRT800. She tried it out, and it made no difference.

I then went to her place, tried restarting, and it still made no difference. I did this twice.

I then switched the batteries in the remote, and still no difference.

So...

- It's not the remote
- It's not the batteries
- Restarting does not help
- It seems likely that a later O/S version did something bad
- IT'S REALLY ANNOYING and makes the system practically unusable.

Sorry, couldn't help the all caps. It's that bad.

Please someone help!!! (Is anyone from Tivo looking at this thread?? hope hope hope)

Grek

12-05-2005, 04:13 PM

try this - it seems to work

Summary:
-----------------
System restarts (warm boot) do not seem to help.

Unplugging the unit, and plugging back in a few minutes later, did not solve the problem (tried that twice, on seperate days)

Leaving the DRT800 *unplugged overnight* and plugging back in the next day seems to have resolved the problem.
-----------------

The longer story
------------------
Last night I wanted to move the DRT800 from the family room to the bedroom for some unrelated multimedia testing. So I unplugged the Tivo, carried it to the bedroom and plugged it back in. Later that evening, as I tried out the Tivo, the responsiveness of the base unit was still sluggish.

As I poked around in the Setup menu, looking for something to try, I noticed the Tivo remote setup for controlling the TV. So I did the TV setup (code 1008) and found that the Humax Tivo remote could control the TV with no hesitation, but still no luck controlling the DRT800 base unit.

As I was going to sleep, I decided that the HDD spin noise from the Tivo would take some getting used to, but decided to wait for the the scheduled update to go through at 1:06am before unplugging the base unit for the night, which I did. The scheduled update went through, it did not change the s/w version, and after the update, the base unit was still sluggish in responding to remote commands. So no luck there. Now I unplug the Tivo for the night.

FF to this morning. I plug the DRT800 back into wall, wait for it to warm up and then hit the Tivo button. I try a few more things from the remote (channel changing, menu nav, etc.) and the base unit is now responding much better to commands from the remote.

For example
- changing channels with num pad is now possible (it was impossible before)
- changing channels with +/- button works now (it is slow , but it works on each click)
- menu nav (Tivo central) is much easier.
- no missed clicks as long as I slow down and wait for the
base unit light to go out before sending the next button click

I'd love to know if this helps someone with their Humax Tivo (DRT800 or other model)

Thank you, Greg

Mr. Coffee

12-05-2005, 06:51 PM

Grek

12-05-2005, 08:42 PM

I agree that, for a s/w problem, any shutdown time over 1 minute should be equivalent. Still, that's what happened.

There is the outside chance that it is a hardware problem, where booting the system cold has a different behavior than booting the system warm

I'm sure overnight is overkill. Maybe just unplug it long enough for the internal temp to go down to room temp. I know it's a stretch, but if someone currently having this problem could try unplugging for at least an hour or more, and share the results, we could try and eliminate the internal temp during reboot as a cause. I will probably unplug mine and move it again soon, and the problem may come back, but for tonight I'm enjoying having my DRT800 actually respond to the remote.

Grek

12-05-2005, 09:49 PM

Looks like it is a h/w problem.

I just found a thread about this issue on Tivo.com's Support forum:

... http://69.28.82.116/pe/action/forums/displaypost?postID=10199925

<sigh>

randygood

12-06-2005, 06:21 AM

I called Huamx last night with same problem and the customer service rep authorized a replacement unit without any major diagnosing. I don't even think she was a tech support person.

HIHZia

12-06-2005, 09:20 AM

This doesn't sound good. I finally got a new 80hr DVD Humax to replace one that had been stolen and it is showing the sluggish remote problem. Since they don't make the 80hr I don't think I be able to get a replacement and I really don't want to have to send it back for repairs. I'm trying the unplugging the box for a day and I'll plug it back in when I get home tonight.

I'm not seeing any double click though, just have to press the button several times to get the unit to respond. Also it won't hold the dim setting for the clock display, when I reboot it is bright and as it boots at some point it goes to dim, but when it finishes booting it is back to bright. Anyone else see this issue?

I was hoping that getting the software upgrade might help since this box is on 5.4, but from what I've read that doesn't sound likely.

I'll keep my fingers crossed.

HIHZia

12-06-2005, 01:04 PM

Did the cold boot and it does seem to make a difference. I forced a connection and am waiting to see if I get a SW update and to see if things really are better.:)

Grek

12-06-2005, 06:11 PM

Called Humax and was told they will replace it under warranty, with 2 options:

1. they put a $499 hold on my credit card and pay shipping in both direction
2. Or, I pay to ship the defective DRT800 to them and they ship me a replacement.

Replacement is either new or refurbished, their choice from whatever stock they have on hand. I'm thinking a new one would be nice, but they likely have loads of refurbished units where hopefully they have isolated and fixed the problem.

HIHZia

12-06-2005, 07:49 PM

I gave up after the problem continued. I called Humax and opted for them to send me a replacement with the CC hold. It's a pain but I figured it's not worth messing with if they can just send me one that works.

Mr. Coffee

12-06-2005, 08:59 PM

Grrr. Slightly annoying, especially since I just bought my Humax new from Costco less than a month ago.

I think I'd rather deal with returning/exchanging it at Costco than getting a refurb at Humax.

Grek

12-08-2005, 05:31 PM

agreed - the problem started coming back on my DRT800 after being plugged in for 4 - 5 hours. I called Humax back and set up the exchange for replacement with the CC hold.

I asked about moving my Lifetime account to the replacement machine and the Humax tech on the phone didn't know anything about how to do that.

From what I read on Tivo.com, it looks like we need to go to:

Manage My Account -> Change Service Number

To move the Lifetime to the replacement machine. As long as the replacement is the same make and model of DVR. Here's the support link:
http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv090701.htm?

wrhahn

12-08-2005, 07:30 PM

I was experiencing the same issues with my remote - the remote was sluggish, or hyper-responsive; typing '72' and I would get channel 22, or 77... I called Humax and went through their troubleshooting, and 3 new remotes from Humax later, ended up doing the Advance Exchange (where they put a 'hold' on your credit card until you send them the defective unit.

Once I got the new unit set up everthing was working pretty well - no signs of the problem. There was a challenge in getting the service transferred - the model number was slightly different - a DRT800F so I had to call TiVo instead of doing it online.

A few days later, the problem reappeared. So I jumped through all of the troubleshooting hoops once more, and wound up with a second Advance Exchange, and a repeat of the events described above.

I am wondering if it is in fact the software update -- everything works fine and then all of a sudden, this problem reappears. In all honesty, I can't remember exactly when it occured on the original unit, but it was certainly after the upgrade.

Mr. Coffee

12-09-2005, 11:28 AM

I am wondering if it is in fact the software update -- everything works fine and then all of a sudden, this problem reappears. In all honesty, I can't remember exactly when it occured on the original unit, but it was certainly after the upgrade.

I fully agree with this.. Our TiVo was perfectly fine for a few days until we got the update, and then all of a sudden, the remote has issues.. I find it hard to believe it's hardware gone bad. The IR sensor is a pretty simple piece of equipment.

Grek

12-09-2005, 06:09 PM

I would love for it to be an easily patchable s/w problem, but Humax has already admitted it's a problem on their hardware.

http://69.28.82.116/pe/action/forums/displaypost?postID=10199925

But I am courious. Does the same software run on all Tivo Series 2 that have the latest update? Anyone know? Does anyone have a non-Humax DVR with the sluggish remote issue?

I would love to find out what the actual issue really is. I'll bet someone at Humax knows the answer to this. If you work at Humax, and you're reading this, can you share?

Greg in Puyallup

jedinc

12-10-2005, 06:50 AM

It is a Humax Hardware problem.

I had to go through the swap out unit - got a different DRT800 - kept the remote - works fine.

Humax personnel were very nice and helpful.

ww73

12-11-2005, 01:48 AM

Same thing here. HW problem. Just configured the new DRT today and so far so good. Ironically, our "refurbished" unit looks newer than out "new" unit. Things that make you go hmmmm......

On the plus side, humax and tivo were both very helpful at getting all of this done. A+ for customer service. F for engineering.

Praedicator

12-14-2005, 05:17 PM

I too am impacted by the Humax "double-click" issue with the remote and have jumped through all of the usual hoops (call Humax support, etc...) and the only solution available is to do a hardware unit swap.

It seems that no one is really looking into why this issue occurs, and since swapping the unit fixes the problem than that's the only solution.

After looking at this issue I've come up with a couple of theories that other people on the forums have mentioned:

• The Humax remote issues multiple IRtx signals when pushing buttons
• The Humax IR receiver with pre-7.2.x SW would filter out any extra IRtx signals
• The Humax IR receiver with post-7.2.x SW will not filter out the extra signals

The test I did to semi-examine this was to use a digital camcorder that supports infrared shooting (ex. Sony NightShot). When you fire the remote into the camera you can see that multiple signals are being emitted from a single button push.

For regression I tried using the remote from a Pioneer DVR-810H and did not see multiple IR signals being emitted. The video was blurry so I can't really tell, but it looks like a single beam.

Replacing the unit is not a viable solution for an issue that did not occur until the latest software update. If you've upgraded the hard drive in your Humax than they will not honor any warranty services. Additionally customers will have to repeat guided setup and setup all of their recording options again, my parents would FREAK if they had to do that all over again.

Does anyone have any successful solutions that do not involve doing a refurb-swap with Humax?

mrkokomo

12-15-2005, 11:49 AM

funtoupgrade

12-15-2005, 03:24 PM

Praedicator: Did you try any other brand TiVo remotes to see if they send out more than one signal? On my sluggish Humax I have a pile of different remotes and none of them seem to make any difference.

Praedicator

12-15-2005, 06:14 PM

funtoupgrade

12-15-2005, 06:56 PM

My sluggish Humax has stock 40GB hard drive but I had to reimage it on arrival because the image on there would not show the TV signal properly on arrival here (bought on eBay). It still has 5.4 on it and is unsubbed.

HIHZia

12-15-2005, 07:02 PM

Mine was two days old and had the problem from the start. The refurb Humax sent seems to work fine even after updating to 7.2.1.

wrhahn

12-15-2005, 07:26 PM

None of the remotes I've tried make a difference, regardless of how many IR beams appear to be sent.

One thing that seems to be a common thread amongst people having Humax problems is upgraded hard drives.

Does anyone who is experiencing these problems NOT have an upgraded hard drive?

I have not upgraded the hard drive, or made any modifications to any of the units with which I've had the probem.

It's almost unusable.

Praedicator

12-15-2005, 07:38 PM

wrhahn

12-16-2005, 12:46 AM

It's good to know that this issue occurs on Humax's regardless of having the original hard drive or an upgraded one.

The reason I asked about the hard drive was I remember a while back that people were seeing weird remote issues and freezes when the swap file was not properly initialized and that using tpip to reinitialize the swap file fixed many of the issues.

This issue is pretty clear and Humax is offering refurb-swaps, but for anyone who has an out-of-warranty TiVo (which includes anyone who upgraded their hard drive) than Humax is refusing the do a refurb-swap.

If anyone has an alternative solution to fixing this issue I'm sure many people on the board would love to know about it!

What about other commonalities? Does everyone have their units inside an entertainment center/cabinet? During one round of troubleshooting, one rep suggested that it may be overheating (despite the fact that the System Information indicated a "Normal" temp).

I expect my next replacement sometime next week -- would it be worth it to prevent the software upgrade (disconnecting from network) for awhile to verify that it is in fact at that point the problems begin? If somebody could tell me what the timeline is including the guided setup and the first connection to the service, so I know when to "pull the plug" (ideally, I'd get at least a few day's worth of channels), I'd be happy to document/share the results. If it isn't worth it, I'll just hope this is the last unit I have to configure...

funtoupgrade

12-16-2005, 10:54 AM

Definitely not overheating issue. Mine has top removed and is sitting out in open.

Praedicator

12-16-2005, 01:39 PM

Does anyone who has done the refurb-swap have an upgraded hard drive?

When I called Humax customer service they nearly hung up the phone when I mentioned that the hard drive had been upgraded. If anyone has an upgraded hard drive and has already completed the refurb-swap many people would be interested to know how it went.

wrhahn

12-21-2005, 09:01 PM

I received my next replacement and am in the process of setting it up. I am having difficulty getting the service transferred. The person I spoke to suggested that I should not have even been able to get the service transferred the first two times (Lifetime Service tied to the first unit). Once escalated, the next person didn't seem to think there should be a problem, but still was unable to transfer the service -- the "new" unit appears to already have been activated -- Has anyone else had this kind of trouble? They're telling me that they are looking into it, but it could take 7 days...Luckily, we're in the re-run time of year but still....

Anyhow, I've got it plugged in, it's got the 5.4 software, a manufacture date of 12/05 (China) and there are no remote issues at this point. I have it disconected from the network for now.

refried

12-21-2005, 10:13 PM

I too am having issues with sluggish response to the remote. I'm pretty sure I noticed this as soon as I received my DRT800. I had a Series 1 unit before with an upgraded hard drive. I noticed the 7200rpm drive really improved response times in my Series 1. I'm pretty sure the remote was sluggish with the 5.x software. I'm currently running 7.2.1-elm-01-2-595.

I really don't want to send my unit back since I've upgraded it with a 300GB drive. I don't find the text entry unusable, but I do have to be patient with it.

calitivo

12-21-2005, 10:56 PM

Count me in as another with the double click issue. Thought I was going crazy until I read this site. Called Humax, but they didn't offer a replacement although I am within the warranty period. They said they are working with Tivo on the fix and the customer support rep basically said that this is a major issue for them that is effecting tons of people. Will call back before my warranty expires to make sure I get a new unit if not fixed by then. What they had told me was that this would be a problem on all 7.2's, so getting a replacement wouldn't fix it, but it seems like this has fixed some of your problems.

Praedicator

12-22-2005, 03:32 PM

calitivo - So is Humax now saying that there's a software update coming to fix this issue? This is what most people are looking for, but you're the first person to mention that Humax actually said that. I hope it's true!

netserf57

12-22-2005, 05:55 PM

I called Humax today before finding this thread. They indicated they are aware of the problem and it is tied to the 7.2 s/w version. They are working on it and when the s/w gets posted it should fix the problem.

I wish Humax would post something here.

D

buddhawood

12-22-2005, 08:05 PM

I have two running 7.2 one works great without any problems and the other is having the sluggish remote problem. I don't know if the software is the issue.

DavidSTiVo

12-27-2005, 08:47 AM

netserf57

12-27-2005, 09:34 AM

Followed the instructions to call Humax with the problem. They knew of the HARDWARE issue and volunteered to send me a refurbished unit (which turned out to be a NEW unit manufactured 12/05). They just put a hold on my CC for $499 and will only charge it if I dont return my original box in 60 days. The new box has been set up for a couple of days already and it's flawless! :-D

David - are you saying you called today or you already received the replacement Humax? I called again today and was told it is a S/W issue and that TiVo is working it now however TiVo Phone Support was unaware of anything concerning this problem (in fairness they only support their own boxes - but I bought the Humax from TiVo) which concerns me somewhat -- I sure wish someone from TiVo or Humax would chime in instead of letting all of us guess when and how this might be resolved. This is my 1st TiVo and it is far from usable :( .

DavidSTiVo

12-27-2005, 10:26 AM

These post from the DVD TiVo forum should answer all your questions. If you have a problem, PM me and I'll give you my RMA # for them to reference. Otherwise, hang up and call back for another Humax operator.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After reading that Humax admitted to a hardware problem on the DRT800 units on the TiVo.com help forums, I called Sunday for the swap. The operator knew about the problem, she asked me when I bought the unit, I innocently said "not sure, I think a couple months ago." She said they'd send me a new or referb unit after putting a $499 hold on my CC as collateral. I agreed, so hopefully it'll be here in a few days.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm surprised there isn't more chatter in this forum about this problem and the Humax fix. Has anyone else done this? I read on TiVo's forum that most people are getting NEW units with a manufactured date of 11/05 or 12/05 - that'd sure be nice! Any other surprises or comments from DRT800's received recently from Humax?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quoted from the thread I found from doing a search in the help forum here:

"I just got off the phone with Humax today (1-866-486-2987) and they admitted that the remote ‘double-clicking’ issue is with their own Humax hardware! This is a big discovery for me as I surely thought that the problem originated with the new TiVo 7.2 software. The representative at Humax said that they are seeing this problem quite frequently....."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Guess not many of you were interested in this. But if anyone is...

I got my replacement box from Humax today, the sticker on the back of the unit says DRT800F and it was manufactured 12/05 It's fully installed running 7.2.1-elm01-2-595 and I do NOT have the remote trouble I did before (I'm using my OLD remote too!)

FREE new unit for me!

mrkokomo

12-27-2005, 11:52 PM

I called Humax 12/19 and they sent a replacement remote. When I called back on 12/22 and told them it didn't fix the problem they informed me that they just became aware that it is indeed a software problem with 7.2.

This doesn't explain the numerous people who report getting new units that fix the problem. My guess is that the new units can handle the new software, while the old hardware can't. TiVo needs to come up with a software fix or they're going to have to replace all the old units. It's going to be much cheaper for them to fix the software than to fix all the old hardware. And so we wait........

wrhahn

12-29-2005, 10:25 PM

I finally got the service transferred on the replacement unit. The software update happened and I have not seen one problem - no more sticky remote. Again, the manufacture date was 12/05 in China...

sagamore

12-30-2005, 12:08 PM

I installed a Humax 40/DVD that came with software version 5.4 and the remote worked just fine -- until the software was updated to 7.2. Then the remote became sluggish.

I called Humax today to inquire about swapping out the unit (since that seemed to be the solution that worked, according to this thread). The Humax customer support person said that it is indeed a software problem with 7.2 and that a software update that fixes it has been prepared (she did not know the number of the update). She said that Tivo would be distributing the update "soon" (she could not give me a timeframe).

She said that in some cases, the remote is not working, and this can be tested by viewing its output through a digital camera. That's not the problem for me, since the remote worked fine. So I guess I'll have to wait for this software update.

I asked about some customers getting their units swapped for new/refurb ones, and she said that that was done "for an earlier problem" but I have a feeling that it was a remedy that Humax was using until the software was updated. Now we seem to be in between the two remedies. Humax must have stopped the (very expensive) remedy of swapping units. I hope the software remedy comes soon.

netserf57

12-30-2005, 12:16 PM

I finally got the service transferred on the replacement unit. The software update happened and I have not seen one problem - no more sticky remote. Again, the manufacture date was 12/05 in China...

where did you find manufacture information?

DavidSTiVo

12-30-2005, 01:52 PM

where did you find manufacture information?

It's on a black and white sticker on the back of the unit on the top left of where the power cord plugs into.

richof

01-06-2006, 06:47 AM

I have a DRT800 that has the sluggish remote from day one. I did a replacement thru Humax and got a refurbed DRT800F with 12/05 made in China mark. It has the same issues. Spoke with Humax several times after receiving second unit. They were polite and courteous on all occasions. On one call, they preached the software solution is coming so be patient, but still offered to replace the unit again, stating that it would not fix the problem. This forum indicates that many of you have had good luck with replacements. As I wait for yet another replacement, and have the lenghty guided setup to do again, I hope this one does the trick. The forum on the Tivo site about this topic has some people that have had up 6 replacements before getting a "good"one. Without a functioning remote, the unit is useless.

For the record I have a DRT800F with original harddrive connected to wirelsss network with Tivo supplied Netgear adapter.

rickyjames

01-06-2006, 01:53 PM

I got the same problem starting mid-Dec which was about the time I got the 7.2 upload put on my DVR by TiVo uplink. I did my internet homework today and its cold comfort to realize its a common problem. I've called Humax and they say no swap until TiVo fixes 7.2 software. TiVo says they're unaware of any software bug and that its a Humax hardware problem. Grrr. These are toll free receptionists I'm talking to so who knows what the truth is. I tried calling TiVo HQ and poke around to talk to some of their tech staff to see what the truth is behind the scenes but they're all in Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show until Mon. I'll call them back and keep poking til I get an answer, namely, somebody with a tech degree in TiVo HQ saying yes or no that its a software bug.

Sure wish TiVo would post that confirmation or denial here to save me the trouble of digging it out o them - but dig I shall.

Grek

01-07-2006, 02:38 AM

I took pictures of IR sensor inside

For this discussion, let's say that responding to the remote correctly is _good_, not responding correctly is _bad_.

Had refurb_1 (good) and refurb_2 (bad) in my house at the same time, So I decided to open them up and see if there were any visual hardware differences, date stamps, etc. that might explain the difference in response to the remote. Here's what I found:

1. Visual inspection of chassis reveals all parts appear same (HDD, DVD-R, circuit boards) with the only exception of the rear 80mm fan. Chassis date stamps: 9/2004 and 10/2004

2. Took the head unit off of refurb_2 (bad), put it on the chassis of refurb_1 (good), power up and now refurb_1 starts exhibiting the bad remote behavior that refurb_2 had.

3. Narrowed the problem down to the circuit board that contains: The IR sensor, sensor circuit and the circuit for the navigation dongle on the front panel. Put the bad circuit board in either chassis and the remote problem follows it. Put the good IR sensor circuit board in either chassis and the remote response problem goes away.

4. Closer inspection of IR sensor circuit showed one visual difference, the IR sensor itself. The bad IR sensor is about 3/8" tall and has a hump that runs the full height of the front of the sensor. The sensor eye is on the upper half of this hump. ---- The good IR sensor is about 1/4" tall and the sensor eye sits in a hemisphere shaped bump.

5. I have digital pictures that show the 2 different IR sensors side-by-side, but I'm not sure if I should post them.

Conclusion:
I learned a few things while looking inside the 2 refurb DRT800's, but keeping the discussion to the sluggish remote problem, and whether it is h/w or s/w related. My findings show:

1. The bad remote behavior repro's on any of the 3 versions of Tivo S/W (5.4, 7.2.0, 7.2.1)
2. The good remote behavior repro's on any of the 3 versions of Tivo S/W as well
3. The problem can be isolated to the IR sensor circuit board.

=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8=8

Additional info: I've had 3 DRT800 units

* new from tivo.com ------ sluggish remote after 5 hours operation (consistent repro)

* refurb replacement #1 -
-------------------------------- no remote problem, at all, for any sw ver. (5.4, 7.2.0, 7.2.1)
-------------------------------- but ....
-------------------------------- clock and lcd panel did not light up
-------------------------------- front navigation dongle switch was sloppy loose

refurb replacement #2 -
------------------------------- sluggish remote 10 sec. after bootup (consistent repro) (sw 5.4)
------------------------------- front panel looks great, lcd's light up
------------------------------- but chassis crushed - left, rear, lower corner

Grek

01-07-2006, 05:10 PM

Just tell Humax Support...

- you've read about the problem on both Tivo.com support site and TivoCommunity and you know it is a documented hardware problem.

- you've programmed the peanut remote to also work the TV (power and volume) and that the remote works flawlessly for controlling the TV

If you have done the 2 things listed above, the service rep should be able to help you. Two service reps I spoke with (different calls) were very well aware of the hardware issue. I only had one service rep that was newer and unaware of the problem, but she was very helpful and asked me to wait for 1 minute while she checked on the problem. When she got back on the phone she was still friendly and promptly started the hardware exchange.

I hope that is of some help and that you get an excellent working DRT800. WE all deserve at least that. I think.

-Greg

littlecat24

01-08-2006, 02:16 AM

Grek

01-08-2006, 03:35 AM

I will soon receive my third Humax 80 hour DVR. This remote problem is so frustrating! I love Tivo and have received nothing but good responses from Tivo and Humax, but this really needs to be figured out. Sort of glad to know that it's not just my own bad luck.

It has to be the software...

Littlecat, I'm sorry to hear you are another victim, but did you miss the previous post :confused: right above yours?

I can see where it might seem like a s/w upgrade problem. I thought it was the software upgrade at first too, but it was just coincidental that the machine was on for several hours while the software upgrade occurred. On that particular machine the problem would take 5 hours to reproduce. (the run-time it takes to repro the sluggish remote varies from machine to machine)

:rolleyes: If there is a problem with the software, it's that it can't overcome a bad IR sensor that isn't correctly delivering the the signals from the remote.

NorCalTivo

01-09-2006, 02:05 PM

I'm back after a long hiatus on this thread. My friend who experienced this problem did end up calling Humax and they agred to the refurb. recently got a refurb. It'll be interesting to see if it solves the problem. Grek, thanks for the post of 12-09-2005, 04:09 PM -- that's encouraging.

rickyjames

01-10-2006, 05:21 PM

Crossposted from the TiVo user forum:

AW, MAN, I HAVE BAD NEWS...

I talked to TiVo support just like bradleycj did to try and get them to credit / refund so I can get a TiVo or Toshiba just like he did. The front line phone call answering girl took my complaint data, issued a ticket number of 3969314 and eventually bumped me up to somebody named Jonathan. He said that anybody at TiVo who said that TiVo would refund money on a humax unit was quote "lying" unquote. He also made the following points, which get worse as they go but shed some light on this mess: (a) he as a customer service rep can't post anything to this forum even tho (b) Tivo customer service dept monitors it to see "trends" but (c) TiVo corporate who CAN authorize a forum response isn't monitoring it. Ole Jonathan said he'd email corporate but said they're not very responsive and could be weeks if ever about any official word.

Here comes the BAD NEWS and its something new - according to ole Jonathan, there isn't just ONE version of 7.2 software - instead, EVERY MANUFACTURER is responsible for writing THEIR OWN version of the TiVo core upgrade and TiVo justs acts as a conduit to make sure the right software upgrade gets to the right user boxes. In other words, they know to send the Humax code to Humax boxes and Toshiba code to Toshiba boxes, etc. So according to ole Jonathan, it IS a software problem - but HUMAX WROTE THE SOFTWARE and TiVo has nothing to do with that version of the 7.2 upgrade code code.

Bottom line, TiVo ain't gonna do squat about this. So back to Humax customer support for confirmation about this...

Grek

01-10-2006, 11:12 PM

Sounds like Jonathon was blowing smoke up your ^v^v^

The sad thing about customer support is that they are usually struggling to get information, and the good support engineers always move on to bigger and better assignments.

If anyone wants to still believe it is software, whatever. Good luck with that. The problem repro's on three different versions of Tivo software that contain Humax branding (5.4, 7.2.0 and 7.2.1) so pick anyone of them and try and get a fix.

Sorry if I sound jaded, I guess I am.

I kinda believe that Humax would not be spending the large money it takes to keep shipping hardware back and forth and taking losses on good hardware units if they could simply post a fix to the software up on Tivo's servers. It's not like it's that hard to troubleshoot this problem. Especially if you built it.

If anyone is curious enough to help investigate the problem, could someone to get out a #10 torx driver, pop-off the head unit and look and see if their IRrx matches the description of either of the IRrx parts that I described on 1-07-2006?

Humbly yours

Arrivederci, Greg

terrio00@hotmail

01-11-2006, 02:00 PM

I agree with you grek. My first unit had the problem and my second is running fine after 10 days. Can you post the pics and I will let you know which I have. I think this is the solution and I also think humax knows it. Admitting it could mean big bucks for them depending on how many discount sensors they bought and put in machines. Probably better for them to deal with the problem on a person by person basis. Look at the lesson learned with the Pioneer model, this problem will never truly be addressed unless a class action lawsuit is brought against Humax. If this was software people, how come the joystick on the front of the unit works fine? I think if Grek posts these pictures, he may be able to arm a lot of people with the ammo they need to light a fire under Humax and get them to ship out working units. You can probably tell which sensor you have by shining a flashlight on the front of the unit, without even taking the unit apart.

FRUSTRATEDJOHN

01-11-2006, 05:05 PM

I’m not here to argue the software vs. hardware debate; I just want the damn thing to work.

Here is my story:

I’ve found that customer service at both Tivo and Humax are trying to be helpful but sadly most of them are not very well informed.

My first Humax unit purchased in late October froze up from day one. My second unit (new) from Tivo was received in mid December and came with the remote control issue. After several frustrating calls to both Tivo and Humax I realized that the front line phone staff does not know what is going on with their DVR’s. A tech support guy at Tivo finally took the time to “Google” the problem and turned me on to this forum. After reading all the posts I called Humax “24 Hour Technical Support” again, the gal was clueless so I asked for someone with technical knowledge and I was told that all the “Level 2” technicians were gone for the day, it was 2:05 PM PST (5:05 PM EST).

THE GOOD NEWS: (maybe)
Yesterday I called Humax and requested a “Level 2” technician and I spoke to Sean. He stated, more than once, that the issue was software related. He stated that they were working on a fix, and that their tech department was going to e-mail the corporate office yesterday to determine the status of the fix. Again I asked if this would fix my current unit or should I just have Humax send a replacement refurbished unit out to me. He claimed that when the fix came out my machine would operate correctly. He asked for the service number off the machine as they were creating a data base of problem units and he noted my phone number and said he would call me when he had a response from their corporate office. I asked if I should expect a call within a week’s time and he said he believed he would have some information before then. I encourage anyone else to call Humax Tech Support at 1-866-486-2987 and see if you get the same information. Ask for a “Level 2” Tech person or ask for Sean, he is the only Sean there he said. He’s a real nice and helpful guy; I hope his information is correct. If you get anything different, info wise, please post it here. Sean, sorry if your phone rings off the hook but I needed to tell all these frustrated people what you told me.

So maybe it is the software or maybe not. Whatever happens I hope a fix comes through before my wife throws the machine and me off the balcony.

Grek

01-13-2006, 01:47 AM

Here they are

Image 1 (side by side compare):
- The upper IRrx has the sluggish remote behavior :down:
- The lower IRrx has perfect response to Tivo remote :up:

http://images.snapfish.com/345%3A37376%7Ffp337%3Enu%3D3259%3E%3B87%3E7%3A4%3EWSNRCG%3D3 2334633%3A6%3B4%3Cnu0mrj

Both boards appear to have the same circuit, with the exception of the IRrx.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Image 2 (facing opposite direction):
- The larger IRrx in the foreground is the bad one
- The smaller IRrx in the background is the good one

http://images.snapfish.com/345%3A37376%7Ffp338%3Enu%3D3259%3E%3B87%3E7%3A4%3EWSNRCG%3D3 2334633%3A9%3A8%3Anu0mrj

Pay no attention to the hand, this photo shows the side profile of the 2 IRrx.
The larger IRrx is el sluggo. You can also see the assembly rev.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

This is my first photo post here. I compressed the JPGs to one tenth size for quick loads, I hope these are acceptable. If you get a chance, please post your feedback - hopefully your findings will shine more light on solving this problem.

Cheers , Greg

<for how these photos came about, see my post on 01-07-2006>

richof

01-13-2006, 11:36 AM

Received my 2nd Refurb unit yesterday. Throughout all of the guided setup and initial use, the remote worked flawlessly. Not a single double entry, not a single missed button puch. Yeah! However, after the software upgrade to 7.2.1-elm-01-2-595 the multiple button push syndrome returned. It is not as bad as the previous unit, but still not as it should be.
I was convinced after someones previous post either here or in the Tivo Commmunity forums that it was definitely a hardware issue. Someone had done some extensive testing with switching IR sensors between units and the issue followed the "bad" sensor. Now, after my experience, I am wondering if it is truely software compatibility with this particular IR sensor, or if it is an issue that occurs after a burn in period, about the amount of time it takes for the upgrades to take place.

I am frustrated with all of this. I don't think its too much to ask, to get a piece of equipment that works as advertised. Obviously, some people are having success with the refurb units. Should I go for number 3?

terrio00@hotmail

01-13-2006, 04:14 PM

My new (working) unit has the smaller IR. I think this just may be the solution. My friend received a refurb drt800 today and the front face plate is odd. We opened it up and: it connects to the unit differently, has an entirely different power supply with different connectors going to the front face plate, and the joystick on the front is very wobly. It does however contain the larger ir sensor but no problems yet. Perhaps it was the ir sensor AND the connectors to the power supply?

sagamore

01-15-2006, 03:10 PM

Yesterday I received a Humax 80hr DVD Refurb. It came with Tivo v. 5.4... software and overnight was upgraded to Tivo v. 7.2.1... software. This unit has the larger-sized Irx component (as described in the posts with photos above), so I thought the remote would become sluggish after the upgrade, based on what I've read in this thread.

But all is well. The remote is fine. I'm wondering if Humax or Tivo has done something with the Ir firmware to fix the problem. When I look at System Information on this unit, I see these entries....

Ir Controller Version TiVo!
Ir Database Version 211

Are these the same entries that others have on Humax DRT800s, whether sluggish or not?

exbrooklyn

01-15-2006, 04:10 PM

Greg:

I have one stupid question ....if the problem is really hardware related and it is the IRrx then why did my problem not start until almost a year after the machine was running perfectly?

Granted, I have had Humax send me two replacements - both refurbished - since the problem started six weeks ago. Both worked perfectly at first but started getting sluggish to the remote within about 4 - 5 hours after they were set up.

I'm going to check the Ir on my original machine and I'll let you know which I have. If it is the larger (bad) one, then please explain why it would take a year to go screwy on me.

Thanx-
Cel

Tallykeeper

01-15-2006, 06:51 PM

Frustrated John,

You stated....

"He stated that they were working on a fix, and that their tech department was going to e-mail the corporate office yesterday to determine the status of the fix.... and he noted my phone number and said he would call me when he had a response from their corporate office. I asked if I should expect a call within a week’s time and he said he believed he would have some information before then."

Did you ever hear anything from them?

I've called Humax support multiple times and gotten essentially the same story but no date. I got my Humax for Christmas (it has the large IRrx) and thought it was the remote. They sent me a new remote and it didn't solve the problem (I now see this was obvioulsy a waste of time). I called back yesterday and used the information in this forum to request a replacement unit. I was told by support (including a manager) that Humax is no longer sending replacement units. I've got 30 days to send this unit back to Tivo for a full refund, but I would keep it if I had any confidence Humax was going to have a fix soon.

Does anyone have a "real" date when or if this problem is going to be fixed?

p.s. I'm running V7.2.1, the Ir Controller Version = TiVo!, Ir Database Version = 211

exbrooklyn

01-15-2006, 08:09 PM

I'm still not convinced this is a hardware issue. I understand what Greg is saying, but if it was really the IR receiver, then why would both of the refurbished machines that Humax sent me work perfectly until four or five hours after the setup? And why would the remote on my original machine work perfectly for almost a year?

To everyone else who's been told Humax is not sending out replacement units - they just sent me a new one last week and my warranty ran out in mid December. But the replacement won't help. As I said, I'm on my second one - both replacements were refurbished. And again, remotes on both units worked perfectly for the first few hours. Even before the system information showed I was updated to v 7.2.1 I was already having problems with the remote (in version 5.4). Replacement remote hasn't worked either. After the first replacement I hooked the original machine up again after a few days and again it worked perfectly - but only for a few hours.

Just seems to me that if this was a hardware problem, it should be a hardware problem ALL the time, not just after the update.

My system info also says the Ir Controller Version = TiVo!, Ir Database Version = 211.

There HAS to be an answer to this. And maybe a class action suit is the only answer.

exbrooklyn

01-15-2006, 10:46 PM

Perhaps a class action suit is the only way to get this resolved.

call-in

01-16-2006, 12:02 AM

Perhaps a class action suit is the only way to get this resolved.
So, are there any lawyers out there that can explain how class action lawsuits work?
Forgive me if I'm using the wrong terms but as you can see, I am no lawyer. I don't care for monetary damages although one can be filed into the suit so that good lawyers would be interested. If we do file a class action and if it can be proven that it is in fact a hardware issue, what I would like to happen is for Humax to issue a recall of all affected models. Off course the suit will only fly if it won't cost us, the consumers, anything.

exbrooklyn

01-16-2006, 10:19 AM

I've already begun to contact attorneys on this issue. I have a submission in to one website for a free consult on the possibility on a class action and I'm waiting to hear back. The bad news is I also contacted a general attorney that I know personally. I did some research on how a class action works and we would need a litigator who handles class actions and the class would then have to be certified by a court before we could proceed. The problem, according to the attorney I know is this:

well, if you get involved in a class action suit for the return of your
humax $$, I doubt very much you will see more than a few $$ and that
will probably be in several years. But, the lawyers will get paid. I
guess if its a free consult, there is no harm. I would be more tempted
to write a letter and tell them you will consult a lawyer about bringing
a class action suit unless they refund your $$. If you involve
everyone, Humax is less likely to settle.

So, as it turns out a class action may or may not work. I would like a recall as well, but what I would REALLY like is for both Humax and TiVo to own up to the problem and FIX IT NOW!

I'll post again when I have more info.

Hank

01-16-2006, 10:43 AM

I think a class action suit is jumping the gun. We haven't heard from Tivo, nor received, the software update to fix the problem yet. They claim it's a software issue - let them try to fix it that way first, before getting all lawsuit happy. I understand the issue is frustrating, as my HUMAX also suffers, but it's only TV/Tivo. It's not your car, the roof over your head, or the food you eat.. it's not the end of the world. I've gotten pretty used to the defect, and will be overjoyed when it is eventually fixed.. but in the mean time people, just deal.

exbrooklyn

01-16-2006, 02:53 PM

I agree that it may be jumping the gun but I also believe we have to explore every option at this point. From what I have been reading this problem goes back as far as last September or October and both Humax and TiVo have done little in the way of fixing it other than saying wait, wait, wait. Meanwhile we are paying for service that is often times nearly impossible to use. It is totally frustrating to be told a different story by everyone you talk to and not be able to resolve anything. On top of that, I truly believe that if Humax was really interested in customer service they would at least have the decency to post some type of notice with a progress report on the customer service section of their website. I do not consider myself lawsuit happy by any stretch, but by the same token I happen to be a business owner myself and if I treated customers this way I would have been out of business a long time ago. If they would just take the trouble to communicate with their customers it would go a long way toward easing the minds of a lot of people.

Grek

01-16-2006, 07:15 PM

I'm not sure why your Humax DRT800 took a year for the problem to show up. If it's the same bug, then it sounds like you have a new symptom to add to the list.

Since your machine worked great for 1 year, and then started showing the remote control symptoms that 2 (out of 3) of my machines exhibited from day one, then maybe we have two different bugs happening here. I'm at a loss as to how the symptoms that you and I have are coming from the same bug. It could be that there is a "hardware only" bug (what I have) -and- a "h/w-s/w interaction" bug -and/or- a "software update" bug.

Since none of us are Humax insiders, all we can do is share the results of our troubleshooting, compile the information, filter out the information that falls far from the pattern (reality of the internet) and hopefully come up with a solution.

---------------------------

Speculation:
sluggish remote immediately after boot up:
1. bad hardware part

sluggish remote 4-5 hours after boot up:
1. Software has a memory leak
2. capacitors (near IRrx) are out of tolerance
3. chassis has stray EMF source that builds over time
4. combo of the above (or others)

sluggish remote after 1 year
1. low batteries
2. new IRtx source in room.
3. electronic part malfunction
4. software update bug.

--------------------------------

Greg out.

Mr. Coffee

01-16-2006, 07:38 PM

I'm not sure why your Humax DRT800 took a year for the problem to show up. If it's the same bug, then it sounds like you have a new symptom to add to the list.

Well, my Humax worked fine for over a week, then as soon as the software update came out, I instantly had a sluggish remote. That's why I also think it's software, not a hardware issue.

DanVM

01-16-2006, 08:23 PM

I'm actually quite relieved to see that others are having issues with their remotes. I've owned 3 TiVo machines and never had problems until I got the Humax box.

My Phillips remote is compatible and it behaves the same way.

I guess we just sit and wait.

Grek

01-16-2006, 09:25 PM

There seems to be contradicting symptoms for the sluggish remote issue. So I've been trying to think of what the different symptoms are and how to resolve them into one issue and I cannot. So far I've come up with the following cases:

Case 1
Regardless of s/w version
AND: 4-5 hours after boot up

Case 2
Regardless of s/w version
AND: immediately after boot up
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Case 3
ONLY after s/w 7.2.1 update - not before
AND: 4-5 hours after boot up

Case 4
ONLY after s/w 7.2.1 update - not before
AND: immediately after boot up
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Case 5
NO Symptoms, remote works great, Regardless of s/w version
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

I'd be open to taking a poll - just to see what the distribution of symptoms is. Not sure if I want to set it up though, as I am growing weary of this.

Case 1 and Case 3 are hard to tell apart, because of the length of time to repro and the timing of the update happening on the 1st day (or night), My 1st machine was this way, could be Case 1 or Case 3, so maybe Case 1 and 3 should be combined.

Since some of us have had multiple machines, we may have a problem with multiple voting in the poll. Not sure how to handle this

Tired and going home now, Greg

call-in

01-17-2006, 11:39 AM

I have the DRT-400 and my symptoms are like case #4.

1571rock

01-17-2006, 01:21 PM

I just got off the phone with Heather at Humax. She was very helpful and friendly. She at first said it was a software problem, but when I explained that my DRT400 had the problem before I updated to V7.2 she agreed to send me a replacement unit. It sounds as if there is both a hardware and software problem at play here and depending on your unit you could be susceptible to either one. If you had the remote control problem before the software update, then you've got a hardware problem. If the remote wouldn't work properly only after updating to V7.2 then it's a software problem. I just hope that mine is truly a hardware issue and the replacement unit will resolve it. Certainly some units are working out there or this forum, Humax and Tivo would be in utter chaos right now...

Good luck to everyone dealing with this. If my replacement unit doesn't work I'm returning it to Circuit City and getting the Toshiba 80hr DVD Tivo unit instead. I don't really want to spend the extra dough for the Toshiba, but I also want my unit to work properly...

exbrooklyn

01-17-2006, 06:44 PM

But it gets more bizarre... as I said earlier, when I set up my second refurbished replacement DRT800 last weekend it was fine for 4 - 5 hours before it began to exhibit symptoms. And at the point where it did start to exhibit symptoms the s/w version was still at 5.4. It was still at 5.4 the following morning and the symptoms were much worse than the night before. I forced a connection to TiVo and got the 7.2 update and the problem was still there - no better, no worse. So I decided to unplug the power and phone for 6.5 hours. Made no difference at all.

When I was sent the first replacement and it didn't work and I had to send it back, I hooked up my original unit again while I waited for the second replacement. The original had been sitting in the carton in my garage for about a week. When I hooked that original back up it worked fine - again only for a few hours.

Last night I decided to take another approach to dealing with Humax. I found the name of a VP in their corporate offices in California and I sent him a letter explaining what we are all dealing with. I printed out several pages of this forum and the one on TiVo's site dealing with this same issue and I mailed it all off to him. So...maybe if we inundate that corporate office with letters complaining about this issue we'll get something besides canned response emails and scripted phone responses. I mentioned the fact that class action was being discussed as a possible option, although in reality I doubt whether this would be an real option. I checked with an attorney and was told that while we may get some monetary compensation, it would most likely take years and not equal what we paid for these untis. The only ones who would make out would be the litigators. Still, I sent in a request for a free consult to a class action attorney.

So, if anyone else is interested in writing to this VP here's the info. I posted this on the board on TiVo's site as well. There's a fax number if you prefer to send it that way.

Humax USA, Inc.
Tony Goncalves
VP of Business Development and Strategic Marketing
17501 Von Karman Ave.
Irvine, CA 92614
Fax: 949-251-5230

Hank

01-17-2006, 07:05 PM

Tony Goncalves
VP of Business Development and Strategic Marketing

While I can appreciate your frustration with Humax and Tivo, sending a letter to the VP of Business Development and Strategic Marketing isn't going to do much good at all. He's the entirely wrong person to be bothering with this issue. His job is to find and develop NEW BUSINESS, and strike big deals with Tivo, Comcast, Sony, Microsoft, Apple, HP, and any other big-name STRATEGIC MARKETING partner. He doesn't care a rats-ass about some end-users who can't get their remotes to work right. He *might* pass along your letter to his assistant, who *might* pass it along to someone who cares (and I'm sure there is such a person)... but sending off an irate letter to the entirely wrong person isn't the way to go. Now if you found the VP of Operations or the VP of Customer Service, then your letter might have a chance. And since (I believe) this is a Tivo software issue, you might start with Tivo since dealing with Humax isn't getting you anywhere.

Perhaps I'm just the patient optimist. I'm sure "they" (Tivo/Humax) are working on solving this problem as soon as they can. And I'd guess that that doesn't mean "as soon as possible", as they both likely have much more important projects to devote limited resources to. I'm used to the flaw. Yes, I hate it. Yes, I notice every time it happens. Does it get my blood boiling? Nope. I've got much more important things to spend my time and effort on. I'm confident a fix is on the way, I believe trying to get Tivo/Humax to act quicker isn't actually going to get it here sooner. It gets here when it gets here.

Once they identify the actual source or sources of the problem or problems, either they'll send out a software update, or issue a recall for affected units, or both. But you can be sure they're not going to do a mass recall until they've identified and solved the problem 100%, and confirmed it can't be fixed in software.

ChrisR

01-18-2006, 06:47 AM

I am having the same problem with my remote and am very frustrated. The second replacement box does not work. My problems are described by case 4. I have an email from Humax that blames Tivo software. They say they have contacted Tivo Corporate.

Tivo should respond to this problem. Since I bought the Humax DRT400 from the Tivo website, this means that they are selling hardware that they know is defective.

I am currently paying monthly for a service that I am not using and just want someone to take responsibility and fix it or give me a refund.

ChrisR

01-18-2006, 06:58 AM

"Tivo should respond to this problem. Since I bought the Humax DRT400 from the Tivo website, this means that they are selling hardware that they know is defective."

I left out of my previous post that I have talked to Tivo support and they told me it is hardware issues and that they are aware of it and I needed to call Humax. Regardless of whether it is hardware or software Tivo is selling the hardware on their website and are responsible for the software. They should respond to this issue.

exbrooklyn

01-18-2006, 10:50 AM

Hank-

I am aware that the VP of Business Development and Strategic Marketing isn't the right person to solve this problem, but the Hoover listing for Humax USA, Inc. showed only his name and the names of the Chairman/CEO and the President. Since their names are clearly Korean I simply assumed they were in Korea. I may be mistaken on that point. So, I am going to be sending duplicate copies to the same California address but one each to the Chairman/CEO Chairman and CEO, Dae Gyu Byun and to the President, President T.H. Kim.

In addition, I did not send an "irate" letter. I may not be the "patient optimist" you are in this situation, but I have enough sense to know that getting irate doesn't get you anywhere. The old adage about more flies with honey usually holds true and that is the way I approached this. If I could have gotten the name of a Director or VP of Operations that is where the letter would have been sent.

I am becoming more and more uncertain about whether this is truly a software issue. Another owner removed the front panel from his 400 and put it on his screwed up 800 and now the remote problems have vanished. That would also explain why my latest refurbished replacement began to exhibit symptoms when the s/w version was still at 5.4.

Patience is one thing but this problem has existed for almost five months now. I have a hard time believing that Humax cannot solve a s/w or h/w problem in that amount of time. It's beginning to look more and more like they are simply blowing us all off. Humax continues to blame TiVo and states TiVo is working on a software fix. TiVo claims they are working on no such s/w fix and that it is totally a hardware problem and Humax's responsibility. No one wants to own up to the problam and we are the ones who pay for it - literally and otherwise.

exbrooklyn

01-18-2006, 11:40 AM

I have tracked down some other contacts:

Humax USA, Inc.
Tae Hun Kim - Managing Director
17501 Von Karman Ave.
Irvine, CA 92614

And two email adresses from the company's profile brochure on www.humaxdigital.com:

vincent@humaxdigital.com - this guy is in Korea at the headquarters.

parkjs@humaxdigital.com - this one is in California.

I'll be forwarding copies of the letter I wrote a few days ago to each of these contacts with the links to these boards.

Also, with a little digging I came up with a phone number for the CA office: 949-756-1182 - a person actually answered, Korean gentleman who gave me the name of the Managing Director.

There's another number in their profile: 949-251-5223, but all I got was machine telling me to call back.

xfgry

01-18-2006, 09:01 PM

I have a Humax DRT-800 that I just upgraded last night from 80 gigs to 250 gigs. I used Linspire OS that came on the cheap Fry's PC that I used to host the transfer, mfstools 2.0, and did a complete transfer (backing up all streams). I only made two real changes to the system: I copied the data to a larger drive, and I used the '-s 127' option on the mfstools restore command (which sets the size of the swap partition to 127 megs).

Anyway. I had seen the swap size change recommended to do for all drives/systems > 180 gigs to avoid problems when certain debug scripts run (for when you're on the line with tech support, I think).

Anyway. The transfer went great, and I was surprised to notice that the sluggish remote problem so terribly plaguing this otherwise excellent machine was seemingly just GONE.

It's as smooth as a high-end cable box during main menus, and close to that while playing video. It no longer misses buttons all the time, the delay is MUCH better (maybe 10x), and i can press a five button sequence now in menus (two in overlay guides) and it will process them in sequence all like every other sane consumer electronic device. It's been only a few hours since the fix and I'm so happy I had to join and post about it.

This is a bigger deal to me than the hard drive upgrade. Night and Day.
:)

- Xf
----

For the record, the exact command I used to do the transfer was (ignoring path issues):

mfstools backup -Tao - /dev/hdd | mfstools restore -s 127 -xzpi - /dev/hdb

(I had the source drive on hdd and dest on hdb)

It was running version 7.2 something of the tivo software from a recent update.

The only negative issue I'm noticing: Yahoo Weather seems to hang the machine's menu ui. I think it's still recording in the bg, but now twice i've had to reboot it after trying to go to yahoo weather. Of course, I haven't tested everything yet.

I'm know there are probably ways of changing the size of the swap partition without having to buy a new drive, but you might have to lose your recordings in order to make room.. I'm not sure, I haven't messed with it. But if you know enough to upgrade your drive at home, there is something you can try. It is SO much better.

The symptoms seemed to be consistent with a swap/memory starvation issue, and I know that the cure was not copying to a larger drive. So in my case at least, it appears to have been an insufficient swap issue. It makes sense that a lot of the people who upgraded software or drives would get issues occuring afterward because more memory would be used. This would predict that the problem would get worse if you have lots of season passes, which I assume increase the amount of data the tivo must keep in memory all the time.

There is hope!

---------
Update
---------
After several hours, I'd say it's not a total fix. There are definitely still issues. But it's a lot better. Worth doing if this problem is driving you nuts. It does not fix the double-click thing.

--------
Later Update
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I'd say it's behavior changed to be consistent with those who say their machine worked perfectly for 4-5 hours and then changed to be worse. It's still better than before the swap change, but not enough to write home about.

exbrooklyn

01-19-2006, 02:47 PM

For who ever might be interested in helping us collect some data to share with Humax and TiVo - at the suggestion of a few other folks on the TiVo support forum dealing with this issue, I have put up a small website on which I will post a questionnaire to collect some data. I have gotten some feedback from the other board with regard to exactly what information we may need to collect and the actual questionnaire should be up on the site sometime tomorrow.

The info we're looking at collecting so far is as follows:

the unit model
date of purchase of original unit
symptoms exhibited: sluggish remote, double-clicks, freezes
when symptoms first started
how many replacement units
did replacement also have symptoms

Other suggestions included:

The unit date of manufacture
The configuration of the unit (standalone, used with other set top boxes, etc.)
Price paid for unit and service
Software version(s) that exhibited the symptoms
We need to be able to enter the data for more than one box since many of us are on replacement units.
other pertinent information shown in the Settings window of the TiVo box (IR version, hard drive firmware version, etc.)

So...if anyone can think of any other data we may need, please let us know. The starter site is already up at www.freewebs.com/exbrooklyn

radikalgrl

01-19-2006, 05:58 PM

I am having the same issue with my DRT-800. It started some time in December. At first I thought it was just the batteries in the remote, but I changed those several times and it still didn't help. I then hit the net to try to find a fix and tried resetting the cable box, resetting the tivo box, resetting the remote, making sure no other remotes are laying on top of each other, etc - anything that was listed somewhere as a possible fix, but nothing helped. Finally, after the holidays, I had a chance to call Tivo about the problem. When I called, the automated message told me that there was over an hour wait to talk to a rep!!! I was not about to wait on hold for an hour so I then called Humax. I gave the rep my model number and explained my problem and she immediately told me that it is a problem with the 7.2 software and that it will be corrected once the software is updated. I asked her when the software would be updated and she told me that Tivo has to update the software and it's up to them, but she thinks it will be very soon because it's an issue that everyone who has the same unit seems to be having. It is a common problem.

A week later, with still no software update, I sent a few complaint emails to the folks at Tivo and received automated responses that they were at some convention. Now another week or so has gone by and my patience is just about up. I am starting to get really pissed off!

I am paying $12.95 a month for a unit that I cannot use! My remote problem is so bad that it takes about 5 minutes to do what should normally take about 5 seconds. And while some may think this is a hardware issue (and it might be), I am pretty much convinced it is a software issue from the mere fact that so many people started having the same problem at the same time - when the software was updated. I also work for a technologies company and know that when there is a major software issue for a product, it should only take days for the software to be revised, updated and distributed - not weeks and not months. I don't see why this is taking so long for Humax or Tivo or whoever needs to fix it, to fix. They are obviously not taking this issue seriously or making it a priority.

Unfortunately, I am very busy the next few days and will not have time to deal with this issue until some time next week. However, I plan on RAISING HELL. We have to stop being patient. And waiting. And wondering when a fix will be available. Or what the fix is. (maybe it is hardware) We need to make noise. We need to demand accurate answers. We need to take action and we need to go directly to the heads of these companies since the reps who answer the calls have no authority to do anything. We paid alot of money for these units and we are paying monthly fees for the service. If we cannot easily use the service due to faulty software (or hardware) than we need to demand refunds for our monthly fees! That is the only way that Tivo is going to fix this problem - when it hits them in the wallet. We need to bombard them with emails, phone calls, messages, faxes, whatever - telling them that we demand a refund of our monthly fees (or of the lifetime fee) until we get a fix. We need to stop being "nice" and get so noisy and make such hell for them that they have to deal with it. As the old saying goes - "It's the squeaky wheel that gets the grease".

Let's even take this to the local media. All of the local news programs have segments about consumer issues. This is obviously a widespread issue that is well documented (this online forum for example) and is very newsworthy. I would think the local media outlets would love to expose a major company that is ignoring the problems of their customers, not providing them adequate service or support, yet taking their money every month.

This is the only way to get a solution and a fix for this problem. We have been understanding and patient and we have been ignored long enough.

Actually, I just called Humax again and was told the exact same thing - that it's a softward "glitch" and that both Humax and Tivo are working on the issue. They could not give me a date for the fix and told me it was up to Tivo to provide them with that information. Next week, I will be raising hell at Tivo and demanding to be refunded my subscription fees for the amount of time that I am having this problem. I urge you to do the same.

exbrooklyn

01-19-2006, 07:20 PM

radikalgrl-

You GO! I'm with you 100%! My patience is just about at it's end - hence my letters to the top "good old boys" at Humax USA in California this week. Next week I start with the phone calls to corporate. And then the calls to TiVo's corporate office. If anyone has tracked down that info, let us know.

In the meantime, I have thrown a small website up with a questionnaire to gather data that we will then forward to both Humax and TiVo.

Please - everyone on this board - get to that site and fill out the questionaire. I made it as short as possible - only 16 questions and very few of them are required info. The URL for the site is below.

www.freewebs.com/exbrooklyn

exbrooklyn

01-20-2006, 11:45 AM

I called Humax 2 minutes ago to arrange for my third replacement. Jennifer asked me what the problem was and I told her "the same problem hundreds of other people are having - sluggish remote, double clicks, etc." She then informed me that TiVo supposedly came out with an updated version of the latest software (not different number or anything cos I asked for that so I'd be able to tell if I actually got the update) two days ago. I explained that my unit updates every night at about 11:30 PM and she tried to tell me the unit doesn't update every day, only every other day. (Tell that to my unit which DOES dial in every single night at the same time!)

Anyway, she said to do a manual connection to get the latest update and then give it 4 -5 hours to see if the remote is still messing up and if it is I can call back for a third replacement. I checked my system and it tells me I connected at 9:48 this morning but I did a manual connection anyway. Took all of 15 seconds. I'll give it the 4 - 5 hours and report back, but once again I am not holding out much hope.

Actually I have noticed a very, very tiny improvement just in the last day or so but it could just be my imagination! I'll post again this evening. Fingers crossed , everyone.

Hank

01-20-2006, 11:56 AM

she tried to tell me the unit doesn't update every day, only every other day.

Your unit updates every night for the program guide data. Software updates are released on a graduated schedule, so their severs don't get overloaded with thousands of software updates all at once. It could take a week or more for them to roll-out the update to all HUMAX owners.

exbrooklyn

01-20-2006, 12:15 PM

So then perhaps I ought to give it another week before I call for the next replacement?

Hank

01-20-2006, 12:18 PM

I'd wait to hear if other users are getting the updates. How long you wait is up to you. But I think having a third unit sent out to you is a waste of everyone's time, effort, and expense until they diagnose and fix the problem. If it's a software problem, you could get 10 more replacements, and they still won't work. Your call.

edit: I have no idea what the 4-5 hour wait thing is about. Just obsurd customer service advice. Once you get the update and restart your machine, that should do it (assuming the software update addresses the problem).

exbrooklyn

01-20-2006, 12:47 PM

Wondering if any other Humax owners have experienced any problems burning stuff to DVDs since the 7.2 update. When my original unit first went screwy last month after a year of working perfectly I started having problems burning DVDs. Getting error message about it being unable to complete due to an internal error and also messages about the DVDs being the wrong format even tho they weren't. To be certain I didn't just have a bad DVD, I waited til the next day and used the exact same disk and it burned just fine. Evidently this is also happening to Toshiba owners as well and all after the 7.2 update. Check this board:

http://forums.tivo.com/pe/action/forums/defaultview?msgBoardID=10100105

Also found some Toshiba owners having trouble with "sluggish menu navigation" immediately following the 7.2 update. It's really starting to look more and more like ALL these issues have to do with that 7.2 update and that makes me think this is actually a TiVo issue and unrelated to the actual manufacturer.

I also thought that "wait 4 - 5 hours" was a bit bizarre. Never heard of a software update taking that long to install, although when I did the update for this latest replacement and checked the system info it did actually take about that long for the system info to show 7.2 instead of 5.4.

Grek

01-20-2006, 03:37 PM

FYI: I forced a service call this morning (friday) on my good DRT800, the machine had not called since last monday, and when I came back into the room the machine was at the final "loading information" stage of the call.

I noticed that it did take about 15 minutes for it to "load information".

After the process was done, the software version was the same (7.2.1-elm ...)
and the final date on the guide was the same (Jan 29, 2006)

I restarted the machine and the s/w version remained the same (7.2.1-elm ...), but the program guide updated to (Feb 3, 2006)

This is the machine that has never exhibited the sluggish remote problem, but still, it is interesting that some sort of long 15 minute process occurred after today's forced call-in.

If all stays well with this machine, then maybe tonight or tomorrow I'll put the machine that has the sluggish remote behavior (it still has ver 5.4 loaded) back into service (temporarily before I send it back) and see if the update fixes the slow remote problem.

Does anyone know if there is a limit to how many times I can change the service number on my lifetime subscription? If there is a limit, then I may not want to put the sluggish DRT800 back into service to test the s/w update.

Thanks to all, Greg

Hank

01-20-2006, 04:04 PM

Does anyone know if there is a limit to how many times I can change the service number on my lifetime subscription?

The limit is none, unless you're having the unit replaced under warranty. The basic rule is the lifetime service stays with the box, unless it's replaced by Tivo, Humax, or an authorized dealer. If that is the case, there's no "limit".

Mr. Coffee

01-20-2006, 05:12 PM

Just forced an update, and over the network ,took about 1 minute.

No changes; no reboot, nothing. I don't think anything's been pushed out yet.

exbrooklyn

01-20-2006, 06:53 PM

Seven hours since my forced update - no change at all.

What a surprise....

exbrooklyn

01-20-2006, 07:01 PM

To anyone who was thinking of swapping their Humax unit for a Toshiba - think again. Apparently they are having the same problem.

Check it out...

http://forums.tivo.com/pe/action/forums/displaysinglethread?rootPostID=10224109&returnExpertiseCode=

Hank

01-20-2006, 07:14 PM

Seven hours since my forced update - no change at all.
What a surprise....

Well, we don't know if you got any software updates or not. And did you restart/reboot your machine?

exbrooklyn

01-20-2006, 10:58 PM

yes, restarted. no difference at all.

Grek

01-21-2006, 01:52 AM

exb - just as a test, have you tried unplugging your machine for an hour or more and then plugging it back in?

My first DRT800, the new one, had the slow remote behavior and I would turn off the power strip at night (for quiet, it was in the bedroom) and when I turned it on the next day the sluggish remote behavior was gone for the first 4 or 5 hours of operation. (Not a surprise, I've seen computer h/w with similar behavior. In those cases we would just swap out the part and the problem would go away).

I think the service rep was confused (again, not surprised, she is probably being fed confusing information). It's not 4-5 hours after the update to wait for the problem to go away, that makes no sense. What she should have said is: "If after the update, the problem goes away, you won't know if the problem is gone for good until at least 4-5 hours of continuous operation." That is how long it takes for the problem to reappear on some machines.

Also, if it is a interaction b/w hardware and software, it could be that once you get the s/w update (and you may not have it yet) just restarting the unit is not enough to clear the residual problem in the h/w. It might need to sit for several minutes to clear the hardware part of the issue. Try unplugging it for an hour or so (go have breakfast) and let us know what happens when you boot back up.

thanks in advance,
-G

exbrooklyn

01-21-2006, 08:55 AM

Greg-

I will unplug it once again for a few hours. But before the update I forced yesterday I had it unplugged for about 7 hours and immediately after starting it up the results were exactly the same.

Someone on the TiVo website support forum finally got a different email response from Humax this morning. Supposedly the "home office" is now okaying the replacement of units with the remote responsiveness issue and that the replacements will not have this problem. I am skeptical, but this response does seem to indicate that you were right about it being a hardware issue.

You can check out that post at
http://forums.tivo.com/pe/action/forums/displaysinglethread?nesting=0&lastPage=14&currentPage=14&rootPostID=10189479&showPostBody=

Needless to say I will be calling Humax back again today. I have a feeling their phone lines will be quite busy...

Thanks Greg.

Hank

01-21-2006, 09:02 AM

I just wish there was a way to have Tivo "back up" to their servers all my settings and season passes so I could quickly re-configure a replacement box. It's going to suck big time to have to set that all back up again. Or even a "save settings to DVD" option.

exbrooklyn

01-21-2006, 09:35 AM

Greg- I agree. Before the first replacement it took me nearly an hour just to copy down the settings and season passes and wish lists and burn to DVD what I did have copied already. I never had to set it all up on the first replacement because the unit was basically fried from the minute I hooked it up. The HD sounded like it was about to explode. I set it all up again on this last replacement. That was a week ago. Thankfully I save that piece of paper so I don't have to write it all down again.

But you're right - there should be a way to upload all this stuff to a server at TiVo or at least to a DVD..

Just more wishful thinking...

exbrooklyn

01-21-2006, 11:09 AM

Unplugged everything for an hour. No difference at all.

linzardi

01-21-2006, 12:43 PM

I recently purchased the Humax for myself after buying one for my parents for Christmas. Mine had all the problems spoke of here staring right after the setup and I came here and learned all about it. Seeing as how I was within my 30 days I returned it for a refund.

Interestingly enough my parents Humax works perfectly and has since day one. Since it was purchased recently (December 2005) this may add some weight to the Hardware vs. Software debate. They are currently running the 7.2 and have never had one problem. We set theirs up right after Christmas so the new download "fix" wouldn't have been available yet.

I'm wondering did my parents just get lucky.

netserf57

01-21-2006, 01:05 PM

justaiks

01-21-2006, 03:52 PM

As I am typing this, I am on hold with Tivo...

I have owned two Tivo's since April 2005 with NO signs of poor IR Receiver reception or lack of command from the Tivo Remote Control. In December 2005, I purchased a third Tivo Box for my Parents for Christmas. Upon setting it up and getting the "mandatory?" software update from Tivo Main, they began experiencing very very poor performance from the remote.

I called Tivo and they referred me to Humax. Humax replaced the remote control... no good. The next day, I called Humax back, letting them know the remote control replacement failed, and along with the fact I cannot navigate through my Tivo unit, I also found out I cannot get the unit to recognize a DVD in the tray... some Christmas present for my parents, huh?

Humax decided to reluctantly replace my NEW DRT-800 with a REFURBED replacement. It is 1-21-2006 and I am still waiting on the replacement refurb.

Meanwhile, a "broken" DRT-800 sits below my parents TV, useless and agitating to them, and I am STILL paying on the month-to-month subscription...

So, with all the complaints both here and on the forum, I figured this is worth mentioning also. Is anyone else familiar with Class Action Lawsuits against corporations? This appears to fit in that category. ADDITIONALLY, I know another user on this forum has constructed a "sluggishremote" website with a Questionnaire on it. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO FILL OUT THIS QUESTIONNAIRE. It can prove to be very helpful I am sure.

exbrooklyn

01-21-2006, 09:28 PM

justaiks -

We've discussed class action on this forum as well as the TiVo site forum. Even an attorney on the TiVo forum recommended class action. But there are some catches. Take a look at my post on this board from January 16. I consulted an attorney and the info I got is in that post. Not very encouraging to say the least.

DanVM

01-22-2006, 08:34 AM

Hank

01-22-2006, 08:44 AM

I had a new strange problem last night. My HUMAX became totally non-responsive to the remote. I was watching Live TV, and when to rewind a few scenes, and nothing. So I hit a few more buttons, FF, Tivo, Play, Pause, etc, etc, etc. but the program just kept on playing. About TWO MINUTES later, the HUMAX processed all of the pending remote actions all at once. It was a sight to behold. ;)

Tallykeeper

01-22-2006, 10:17 PM

I finally made some progress in terms of at least getting a replacement DRT800. As I posted earlier, I have made many calls to Tivo and Humax, received a replacement remote, re-started my Humax multiple times, and have never been given any hope (besides being told "they are working on it") of a fix or a replacement until today. Thanks to Exbrooklyn for the post below (it's on the tivo support website), I talked to Humax this morning and they confirmed they could now send me a replacement DRT800. I should hopefully get the replacement in 5-7 business days. I will post my experience with the new DRT800 shortly after its arrival!

Reply from HUMAX:

In regards to the remote responsiveness issue on the DVD Recording DVR Models, our home office has recently informed us and assured us that we can now begin replacing units affected by this issue, and they have confirmed to us that the replacement units will no longer suffer from this issue. Please contact us at 866.486.2987 for further assistance. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

Thank you,

Shaun Decker
Technical Support Representative
Humax Technical Support

Mr. Coffee

01-24-2006, 02:23 PM

Just got off the phone with Humax. Barbara with Humax asked me the model we have, and the version of software we're running.

She also asked if the problem started after the upgrade, which I said, truthfully, it did.

She then said yes, it's a software problem, they're aware, they just discovered the issue at the end of December, and they should hopefully have something to fix it soon.

She said you'll get an email on Tivo that says the new version, and if we're still having problems after that, to call back and get a hardware replacement.

So either, A) It's truthfully software, B) It's truthfully mostly software, with sometimes it being hardware, C) Hardware, and not everybody at Humax support knows that, or D) It's ???.

radikalgrl

01-24-2006, 03:10 PM

I just got off the phone with Tivo.
At first the rep did not know about the DRT800 problem, but I pushed him on the issue and he then checked on it for me. After being on hold about 10 minutes he came back to tell me that it is indeed an issue and that Tivo Corporate knows about it. They have to write an entire new script to fix the issue and they are working on it. He could not tell me when the script would be done, but that as soon as it was, the box would automatically update. I pressed him on the timeframe and again was only told that they are working on it and they don't know when it will be finished. I then asked for a credit or refund of my Tivo subscription fees. He said that should be possible, but again had to check on it. He put me on hold again and then came back to tell me that they will issue a full credit for all of the time that I have had these issues/problems until the fix is available. He gave me my case # and told me to call back when I have the update. They will issue me a credit from December until the date of the update. Now it's just a question of contacting Tivo Corporate about putting a rush on this update!

FRUSTRATEDJOHN

01-25-2006, 03:10 PM

Reply from HUMAX:

In regards to the remote responsiveness issue on the DVD Recording DVR Models, our home office has recently informed us and assured us that we can now begin replacing units affected by this issue, and they have confirmed to us that the replacement units will no longer suffer from this issue. Please contact us at 866.486.2987 for further assistance. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

Thank you,

Shaun Decker
Technical Support Representative
Humax Technical Support[/QUOTE]

Humax Confirms - Problem is both Software AND Hardware!!!

My first post was at the top of page 3. I didn't get back here until today. Humax never called me back but after reading the above quoted post I called them again. Shaun was busy but I spoke to "Fred", another Level 2 Tech. He said Tivo is unable to repair the software portion of the problem and there is also a hardware issue, the IR Sensor, YES Greg!!! They are now shipping replacement units to all who need them. I asked if it would be a new unit and I was told it would be a refurb (because they have to change out the IR sensors!).

I ordered my replacement which will actually be the 4th unit to arrive at my doorstep! The problem and solution applies to all DRT-400 and DRT-800 units.

Good luck to all, I hope we are done here.

Please post if anyone has a different story.

FRUSTRATEDJOHN
Santa Barbara

Mr. Coffee

01-25-2006, 06:46 PM

He said Tivo is unable to repair the software portion of the problem and there is also a hardware issue, the IR Sensor, YES Greg!!!

Uhhh???

They're unable to repair the software portion?

They're just seems to be quite a lot of different responses out there from both Tivo and Humax on what, exactly, the problem is.

People like me, for example, that just bought this Humax in November. Worked fine for weeks. Then when the software upgrade came out, it suddently had remote problems. That really doesn't sound like a hardware problem, but I'm willing to concede.

Then I call Humax yesterday, and they specifically ask if it happened before the upgrade, which, no, it didn't, and they say, yes, it's a software problem, we're working on it.

Then someone also calls Tivo and they say the exact same thing.

It's tough to get a straight answer out of anyone about this!

exbrooklyn

01-25-2006, 07:15 PM

Check out the other TiVo board - I posted the name and address for the Managing Director at Humax and there is also a post there that tells you where you can get the names of the top three folks at TiVo corporate that you should also write to. If you haven't been to that board, there is also a website with a questionnaire that we're using to collect data to send to both Humax and TiVo. They are continually giving all of us the run around and it's up to us to make sure they know we're not going to stand for it.

Here's the link for the top three at TiVo:
http://investor.tivo.com/management.cfm

here's the questionnaire:
www.freewebs.com/exbrooklyn

and here's the page on the other board with the info for the Managing Director at Humax (next to the last post on this page):
http://forums.tivo.com/pe/action/forums/displaysinglethread?nesting=0&lastPage=17&currentPage=12&rootPostID=10189479&showPostBody=

Tallykeeper

02-01-2006, 06:00 PM

Just an update from my previous posts...

I received my 2nd refurb unit Monday, hooked it up, and it worked fine with v5.4 software. Updated overnight and now has the same remote problem as my 1st refurb unit. Call Humax and they are sending me unit #3. I guess I'll just keep doing this until one finally works or until someone actually fixes the problem. Actually, based on the way Humax is handling the problem, I'll probably keep doing this unitl Humax either goes out of business or sells this product line off to someone else who cares.

exbrooklyn

02-06-2006, 04:13 PM

Well, folks, apparently sending those letters to the big boys at Humax was not a total waste of time. Guess who just got a phone call from the corporate offices?

I was informed that not only are they sending me a "brand new DRT800 - not refurbished" but they are also going to credit me 6 months of TiVo service. The specifics will be given to me tomorrow, but I was told he was instructed to call me directly to see if I would "accept this offer."

So.....I'm not even sure this "brand new" unit will not have the same problems - and I do have a refurb that is currently working (altho I still have to test the DVD recording and playing) but I will take what they are offering for sure!

My advice to you all - once again - brush off those letter writing skills and get to it! I wrote those letters on behalf of all of us, but I still think the more people they hear from the more quickly this situation will be resolved!

Hank

02-06-2006, 04:22 PM

Wow... great for you!

exbrooklyn

02-09-2006, 09:54 AM

This post was placed on the TiVo board yesterday. looks like Grag may have been right all along, but I still wonder if there is a software component to this issue:

I bought a humax DRT800 less than 2 months ago and it exhibits the same symptoms described throughout this thread (and others). After waiting several weeks for the alleged pending software update, I came back to this forum as well as others and read several dozen pages of posts in order to gain an understanding of the scope of the issue. Afterward, I saw that no progress had been made in getting to the root cause of the problem - just alot of finger pointing between Tivo and Humax. The only success stories seemed to involve the customer shipping units back and forth in a sort-of hit & miss game with Humax. So, last night I decided to risk voiding my warranty and get to the bottom of this myself... after all, I repair electronics for a living, and I was curious what was inside the thing anyway!
Long story short - the root cause (in my case) was the three prong IR receiver module mounted on the front panel. I yanked one from an old DVD player I had laying around, swapped it out & lo and behold - now it works fine! Using the Humax is actually a pleasurable experience now, rather than a frustrating one.

Before you traipse off to canabalize your old VCR or DVD player for its sensor, please note that I had tried two others before hitting on one that worked. Afterall, there was no part number anywhere to be seen on the original Humax IR sensor module so I had nothing to go on. Luckily when I found one that worked, it had a part number on it - "S256" (possibly a TSOP2256) - unfortunately it was not of the same package style as the original Humax sensor, and the pinout was the reverse of the original Humax part, so I had to perform some modifications to the board to get it properly wired on the circuit board. In the end, though, it definately solved the problem. My **best guess** as to which part should be a drop-in replacement in my particular unit is the TSOP1256. It has the same package style, pinout and presumed voltage rating as the original Humax part that was in my unit and would not have required any board modifications to correctly install it. These parts are readily available for about a buck a piece. I have some on order now and will receive them in a few days. I will post my findings here after I've tested them in my Humax.

I believe the cause of the failures may be that Humax got a mixed lot of sensors from their parts vendor - the intended sensor was to be a 5 volt, but perhaps the lot was contaminated with some 3 volt sensors.. this would be consistent with many of the symptoms that have been discussed here and elsewhere.

Below are my best guesses as to the off-the-shelf equivalents of the two known types of sensors in the Humax DRT800 (and possibly the DRT400).

TSOP1256 (half-cylinder shaped "speed-bump" sensor):
http://www.vishay.com/docs/82013/82013.pdf

TSOP2256 (dome-shaped sensor):
http://www.vishay.com/docs/82094/82094.pdf

Mr. Coffee

02-17-2006, 05:53 PM

So, that's the long and short of it? It's an IR sensor problem, and people are still reporting they need to argue or get 2 or 3 replacements from Humax. Or, McGyver my own IR receiver to fix the problem.

This is pretty shabby, by both Tivo and Humax. I'm glad I bought my Humax in November from Costco, because I'm seriously thinking about taking it back.

Any other updates? Where's this fabulous patch?

Praedicator

02-20-2006, 06:47 PM

Has anyone had success with upgrading the IR Sensor on their own? Just curious...

Praedicator

02-20-2006, 08:25 PM

This issue is really aggravating and it seems as time goes on there are more questions than answers. As with most everyone on this thread I have some rather large concerns with how the Humax Remote Issues are being handled:

<beginRant>

• No one reported this issue widespread until TiVo 7.2.x

• Humax representatives are giving multiple answers to the same question, which makes for more confusion than solutions

• Swapping out with a refurb does not guarantee the replacement unit will work (some people are on their 3rd and 4th replacements)

• Guided Setup, Wish Lists, Season Passes, and all personal settings need to be redone for each new unit. My parents could never repeat that process again, let alone for multiple replacement units... they'd just assume get rid of the Humax all together

• Swapping the unit with Humax will void any warranties purchased through a retailer (ie, Best Buy et al) since they are tied to the serial number from point of sale

• Replacing the unit through a retailer warranty does not guarantee that the new unit will be error-free

• There is no official response, information, or updates available from Humax or TiVo directly. All information is being relayed second-hand from people whom have spoken with Humax support representatives

The only solution being provided by Humax at this time is to swap out the unit with a refurbished unit. Not only is there no guarantee that the replacement/refurb will work, it adds additional cost in time & money to both Humax and the customer. Of all the solutions provided thus far there has been little to no discussion of actually fixing this issue without swapping units.

I hope that soon Humax and/or TiVo can issue some form of a statement that addresses this issue to whatever degree they are able to. If they don't have a plausible solution, than at least let people know you are working on it and how they can find a solution when one is available.

</endRant>

We love our Humax and don't want to swap it out. It has changed the way we watch TV and Humax deserves a lot of credit for that. It's unfortunate that such a positive user experience is being soured by technical issues and poor communication since the TiVo 7.2.x updates.

Mr. Coffee

02-21-2006, 12:13 PM

Agreed; I called Tivo to cancel our Humax, and I mentioned the issue with the remote, and all they said is "Ohhhh.". Of course, they're cancellation group can be different than their customer service group, but that's neither here nor there.

I know everyone says it's the IR sensor, but our Humax didn't have any issues for over 2 weeks; it only started once the 7.2.x came out, then it went to pot.

Other than that, we loved the Humax. But we still have a Philips 30-hour in the other room that's been running without any problems since 2000. And this less than a year old Humax is a piece of junk.

exbrooklyn

02-21-2006, 02:05 PM

Well, for whatever it is worth, I am now on my third replacement (still have not received that "new" unit or the 6 month credit I was supposed to get as per that phone call from administrative services ) and this machine is so far - knock on wood - working perfectly for the last two weeks or so. I did have some problems with the set up - kept telling me my account had been closed after I switched the activation to the newer machine and then problems with the program line up not showing. All in all it took about 10 hours for the thing to straighten itself out. I fully expected that the following morning the remote would be sluggish and double-clicking again, but so far so good. I have not tried burning any DVDs yet - that will happen in the next couple of days. Fingers crossed.

The questionnaire is closed and I will be submitting that info shortly. We only got about 30 or so responses. I had hoped for a lot more but I will send what we have.

So, what it appears to come down to is that you have to keep asking for replacements until you finally hit on a machine that works.

This is the Humax idea of customer service? How pathetic is that?

raoul1

02-23-2006, 06:26 PM

I had the same problem with a unit I bought in November 2005. After a few frustrating phone calls like the rest of you, I bit the bullet and had Humax send me a replacement. It arrived and the remote problem is completely fixed. But now TiVo won't honor my $150 rebate because Humax sent me a rebuilt unit. Has anyone else gotten this nonsense?

pktrekgirl

02-24-2006, 01:16 PM

Count me as another Humax owner who has this problem.

I am now on my FOURTH unit since I purchased the Humax new (not refurbed) in mid-September 2005.

The first unit arrived scratched and dinged, and since it was supposed to be new, I sent it back.

The second unit worked for 3 months (Oct-Dec), but then in early January I started making alot of coasters while burning disks. Tried everything tech support at Humax told me to do (using specific kinds of discs, unplugging, etc), and finally they agreed to send me a replacement unit. In hindsight, I probably should have kept this unit as it turned out to be the best of the lot. With this one at least, I was 'only' having problems with burning DVDs. :rolleyes:

Unit 3 had the same coaster burning issues, plus from day one had the remote issue as well. I could barely get through guided set-up, it was so bad. And wishlists? Fergetabouit. I got about three actors into my wishlist, and two of my formerly 8 season passes, and my fingers were so tired of mashing buttons that I gave up and called Humax again.

Unit 4 arrived last Friday, and I spent another Sunday afternoon doing TiVo setup. :rolleyes: This time, the remote worked fine during guided set-up. But the next day (after a service update was pushed out to me), the remote problems were back. And then when I tried burning some DVDs yesterday, I made coasters about 40% of the time.

I'm thinking about calling to request unit 5.

Maybe Humax thinks that if they keep sending us crap, we will finally give up and live with it. But I'm not willing to make a $600 investment like this ($300 for the unit and $300 for lifetime service) and give up this fast.

I tell you what though. I will NEVER purchase another Humax product ever again. NEVER. :mad:

rstill

02-26-2006, 06:03 PM

I am on my 3rd Humax box. It arrived on Feb. 5 and had the usual remote problems. A few days later the DVD writer quit working. Since I bought the box and lifetime service through Tivo I called their service number and told them my troubles. They said that since I had so much trouble with the Humax they would allow me to buy a Toshiba, have my lifetime service transferred over. Then they would arrange a return of the Humax so I would get my $200 back for it. I plan on doing that in the next few days.

Jerry®

03-07-2006, 07:04 PM

I agree with several of the previous posts. It is just too much of a coincidence that we all started having trouble at the same time. I can't believe Humax is going to replace everybody's receiver. Is there anybody out there that is NOT having trouble? Is there anyway to go bach to the previous TIVO version?

I'm not having any troubles. I recently purchased a HUMAX HT800 Series 2 TiVo unit - REFURBISHED for $150 through TiVo's website (after $150 mail-in rebate). Knock on wood -I've had NO problems with it. The only thing I do notice is that it takes a couple of times pressing the TV power buttton on the TiVo remote to turn off my TV. Other than that everything works better than new!

Norboo

03-12-2006, 07:49 PM

Its amazing TiVo will sell piece of crap like Humax! I just set my new Humax DRT400 yesterday and I am having remote and video quality problems. Video quality sucks! I have that double click thing and it slowed everything down on my cable box.

At this rate, I just might get DVR from my cable provider or just use Windows Media. If TiVo/Humax knew about this problem, they should have solved it by now. How long have they known about this problem now? Either they are stupid or they know what the problem is and the bean counters told them replacing boxes is cheaper way to go.

This is my first TiVo experience and it might be my last. Does TiVo refund your lifetime subscription after two days?

mohmes

03-19-2006, 02:45 PM

First off a very special thanks to exbrooklyn. I was having all of the same problems mentioned on this list, the double-clicks, the slow response, etc. until I simply replaced the IR sensor.

I replaced the IR sensor with the TSOP1256 from Vishay as suggested by exbrooklyn. From Mouser (782-TSOP1256) this part only cost $1.08 and about 20 minutes to install. You will need a #10 torx screwdriver, a phillips screwdriver, some solder and a soldering iron. You will also need a pair of needle nose pliers since you have to bend one of the sensor's leads in order to line it up with the circuit board. Once you get to the front panel just simply desolder the old sensor and solder in the new one - make sure you get it lined up with the window.

Very simple replacement and now I know why so many people love Tivo - I can actually change the channel and fast forward perfectly! I am sure doing this will void any warranty so only attempt this if you are comfortable doing so - but if you do you will be impressed by the results because it is definitely a hardware problem.

Grek

03-22-2006, 01:01 PM

Here are some links to help you repair the sluggish remote problem.

Note: The repair requires some precision soldering skill, as the 3 points of contact the IRx sensor makes with the circuit board are close together. You may want to gather the necessary part and information and pay an experienced person to swap the part out for you.

Background:
Photos by Grek (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?postid=3674464#poststop) on this forum
Test results by johnstondb (http://forums.tivo.com/pe/action/forums/displaypost?postID=10237842) on Tivo.com

Solution:
Repair instructions (http://www.nationsprinterrepair.com/tivo/) by NationsPrinterRepair

HTH

03-23-2006, 01:00 AM

As to the software aspect of the problem, the idea that a hard drive upgrade delayed the software problem further suggests to me a memory leak that ends up making the machine swap-bound.

On the hardware problem, how do they handle the swap? I'd like my operation to be as continuous as possible and be able to transfer my recordings from one unit to the other before returning the defective unit, while also retaining the ability to burn them to DVD in the new unit.

Then again, I may just give up trying to archive a year's worth of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert to DVD.

Praedicator

03-25-2006, 02:38 AM

Has anyone tried downloading the 7.2.2 update and seeing if it makes any difference? Swapping a purchased-new unit for a refurb is just a bad idea and I really don't want to do it.

If there isn't a software fix (since this problem did not occur for us until 7.2.1) than I guess I'll swap the IR receiver. Oh well...

spelton

03-26-2006, 12:28 AM

7.2.2 does not solve the problem...contrary to the rants of the cog-like Humax cust service rep insisting to me that the problem was solved via the 7.2.2 sw update...she also told me many customers will attest to it. However, no one on these forums has stated such a claim and furthermore I did not experience a resolution after updating to 7.2.2. What a freakin' joke!

My father purchased a drt400 a month ago and has had no problems...my drt400 on the other hand has the ir sensor problem....I have decided to exchange mine (btw, for a third unit mind you -- the first unit had a loud annoying fan problem but did not have the ir sensor problem) for a refurb in hopes that they send me one like they sent my father....at this point it seems like a crap shoot....come on 7!!!

Praedicator

03-26-2006, 11:52 PM

I haven't spoken with Humax CSR's in over a month, are they saying that 7.2.2 fixes the issue now?

Last time I spoke with them they said it was a hardware issue and there was no possibility for a software solution to this problem.

This Humax is my parent's TiVo and I upgraded the HD shortly after they purchased it. One thing I've been interested in doing is reinstalling the original HD (with TiVo 5.4) and seeing if the issues persist. At least there would be more of a definitive answer if the issue is software or hardware related.

Has anyone who didn't hit this issue until 7.2.x tried reverting back to 5.x to see if the issue goes away?

lessd

03-27-2006, 12:14 AM

I had the problem with DRT800 and slow remote, I backed up the image and noticed that the file size was smaller then it should have been, took the image from another DRT800 put it on the bad one did a C&DE and all has worked great for more then 7 months. The unit has a 300G in it with 7.2.2 now.

Praedicator

03-28-2006, 02:34 PM

lessd- are you saying you just re-imaged your HD and everything went away?

TiVoJerry

03-28-2006, 02:49 PM

lessd

03-28-2006, 09:46 PM

lessd- are you saying you just re-imaged your HD and everything went away?

I took an image from another DRT800 which was a bigger size (same software version) than my problem TiVo, put that image on the problem DRT800 did a C&DE and all starting working well after that...this was done on Oct 31, 2005.

After what the OPS-Mgr said above I don't know if I had the same problem as my remote did not delay any 15 sec., it was about 4 seconds of delay before the fix.

lessd

03-28-2006, 09:48 PM

macsamurai

03-29-2006, 08:16 AM

We've been following this discussion from the beginning and now have something we can share on the subject.

Humax has confirmed that a temporary hardware change brought about many of the issues experienced in this thread. The investigation around all of the symptoms and when and how they surfaced was far-reaching and took much longer than expected.

Humax found the fix for this problem and has been testing the solution to make sure there were no further side effects. If you are continually experiencing a long reaction time (over 15 seconds) to remote button presses, or frequently missed button presses, please contact Humax at 1-866-HumaxUSA (1-866-486-2987) for resolution.

TiVo and Humax will continue to monitor the discussion of this issue to make sure it has been completely resolved. We sincerely apologize for the inconveniences and frustration caused.

Can someone please comment on whether the fix is software related or hardware related? I've suffered through this bug since Novemeber when I bought the Humax box (upgraded from a perfect 5-yr old phillips series 1 unit) and feel like I've had enough runaround from their customer service as well as Tivo customer service. I'm not interested in spending any more time on the phone with anyone until I know exactly what to expect. If there is a software fix that doesn't involve my shipping this hardware anywhere else or replacing it with yet another box, then I want to know what I am asking for before one of the uninformed CSReps wastes my time. If the fix involves replacing the hardware or exchanging it again - I'm not interested. I'd rather just sell it on craigslist and live with TimeWarner's horrible DVR box until the Series 3 TiVo has been proven worthy by the masses. At least with TW I already expect them to suck so it's not so disappointing - but at least their suckiness is in High Def.

TiVoJerry

03-29-2006, 03:31 PM

Sorry for not responding early, macsamurai, but I don't work between the two times you posted.

Yes, this will require a hardware exchange from Humax. Their agents should now all be up to speed with this situation, but as with any company there's always the chance that some agents, especially new ones, don't have all the details down. If you reach one who is not providing the resolution you feel you deserve, there's always the option to ask for assistance from someone higher up.

Hank

03-29-2006, 03:42 PM

Is there any way to backup/save all my system settings (season passes, thumbs, etc), for restoring to the replaced HUMAX box?

TiVoJerry

03-29-2006, 04:08 PM

Unfortunately not. Sorry. :(

macsamurai

03-29-2006, 04:13 PM

I only posted once, TiVoJerry, but thanks :)

Since another change of hardware is not at all appealing to me, I'll skip it. I've wasted too many hours rerunning guided setups and the like. Not doing it again until I have a very good reason to, and the only good reason left is High Def.

It really is unfortunate to have been such an enthusiastic and happy Phillips TiVo owner from the very beginning (literally within days of when the original TiVo came to market, and several brand new TiVo units with more capacity along the way), only to make the jump to Series 2 with a Humax box and be so terribly disappointed and miserable with it. Humax and Tivo passing the buck back and forth for so long speaks poorly of both companies, unfortunately. TiVo gets another chance with me when HD is an option with Series 3 - and not a moment sooner. Humax gets no more chances.

I spend a lot on money of things that make me happy. TiVo used to make me happy. Had I not had this experience with the Humax box, I would be buying another new Dual-Tuner Series 2 boxes as another interim step before Series 3. But I'm so exhausted and soured from this experience that I won't bother.

I'm glad to hear that others may finally have a box that works properly and I hope the fix is real, but it's too little, too late for me.

Str8shooter

03-30-2006, 12:54 AM

Has anyone else replaced the infrared sensor to fix this problem? I ordered the part from Mouser Electronics, but I'm away on vacation at the moment. I'll be trying it out in another week or so, but just wanted to hear if anyone else has had success.

Praedicator

04-05-2006, 05:10 PM

When I called Humax about ~1 week ago after 7.2.2 was released they said that they were still working on a potential software fix for this issue. Has anyone else heard from Humax and/or TiVo about a fix that does not involve swapping hardware and re-running Guided Setup?

Diam1892

04-07-2006, 06:24 PM

Couldnt we just change the faceplate off the refurbished one with our old one, being that would change the IR sensor?

johnstondb

04-12-2006, 12:26 PM

Yes! Well, probably... Though I believe the chances of success are in your favor, it is possible that you might open both units only to find that they are not compatible, or worse - the donor sensor may also be faulty (this is apparently common). You basically surrender any warranty you might still have on your original unit once you open it, so I would suggest hooking up the donor unit for a few days and make sure the sensor is not going to fail before attempting to swap the panel.

The advantages of swapping the panel are obvious: you don't have to bother with transferring your account to the new box; you don't lose your recorded shows, etc..etc.. so it certainly may be worth the risk. I know I sweat a bit when I opened up my box, but in the end it was worth it.

Praedicator

04-17-2006, 04:42 PM

One of my friends asked me to swap back in his original DRT400 HD that had SW 5.4 to see if the double-click issue would still occur. The double-click on his DRT400 was horrible and started right away from powering the unit on.

After swapping the original HD back in with SW 5.4 we could not reproduce the double-click after ~2 hours of testing. This doesn't prove that the issue doesn't exist with SW 5.4, but it is a small relief to know that the issue did not occur right away.

Has anyone heard from Humax and/or TiVo of a possible software solution? I really don't want to resort to a hardware swap unless it is the absolute last possible solution, and it doesn't sound like anyone has a firm answer on that...

TiVoJerry

04-17-2006, 05:02 PM

Has anyone heard from Humax and/or TiVo of a possible software solution? I really don't want to resort to a hardware swap unless it is the absolute last possible solution, and it doesn't sound like anyone has a firm answer on that...

There is no software fix for this specific issue.

The official fix is to receive a hardware replacement from Humax. Some people have replaced hardware directly which, while creative and impressive, I really can't advise as there could be unknown consequences, as noted in the 3/29 posting in this thread (http://forums.tivo.com/pe/action/forums/displaysinglethread?nesting=0&lastPage=27&currentPage=26&rootPostID=10189479&showPostBody=).

I've also seen reports from those who just swapped out the bezel they received with their replacement from Humax in order to keep old programs and settings intact. It saved that person a lot of set up work, but voided the warranty of the replacement unit. I don't have a position for or against this, but just want to reiterate that hardware replacement is the way to go...it's up to you how you want to get there. Remember, if the person on the phone isn't giving you the service you expect, you should consider requesting the issue be escalated to someone who can handle your case properly.

C-James

04-20-2006, 07:56 AM

Jerry,

In addition to having the remote skipping problems for months, my Humax unit has within the last few weeks developed a throughput problem. I guess that's what it could be called. The images displayed on a Live Feed are boxy and skip. The audio also skips. Some channels are worse than others where you get snippets of the show every 5 seconds. It's definitely the Humax unit because if I go to the feed that's directly from Comcast (bypassing the Humax) the feed is fine.

Do you know if this problem would be fixed with the switching out of the Humax unit or is there some other problem that I should make them aware of when I call them.

Thanks for the help.

C James

Jerry®

04-20-2006, 08:18 AM

TiVoJerry

04-20-2006, 11:03 AM

spelton

04-20-2006, 04:20 PM

I want to briefly follow up to my post of 03-25-2006, 09:28 PM. I did receive a replacement unit around 3/31/06. I am happy to report that thus far the remote problem has NOT presented itself. However a few days ago the fan started to squeel and has been doing so constantly since. So this third unit is like my first unit. But bearable....unlike the unbearable remote problem. What is it with Humax hardware?

Str8shooter

05-16-2006, 05:53 PM

Props to coming up with this solution. It was an easy fix (having the necessary skills & the part from Mouser) and while I had the unit apart, I finally put in that spare 200Gb Hard Drive that I've had laying around forever. I actually like this Humax now! LOL :rolleyes:
Thanks again

Here are some links to help you repair the sluggish remote problem.

Note: The repair requires some precision soldering skill, as the 3 points of contact the IRx sensor makes with the circuit board are close together. You may want to gather the necessary part and information and pay an experienced person to swap the part out for you.

Had to remove links do to posting restraints. See earlier post for necessary links.

xfgry

05-20-2006, 04:17 AM

Props to coming up with this solution. It was an easy fix (having the necessary skills & the part from Mouser) and while I had the unit apart, I finally put in that spare 200Gb Hard Drive that I've had laying around forever. I actually like this Humax now! LOL :rolleyes:
Thanks again

Had to remove links do to posting restraints. See earlier post for necessary links.
Hey all, i just wanted to let you know I tried ordering the TSOP2156 as described in the instructions, managed to swap it without destroying my tivo, and it apparently works PERFECTLY now. It's only been an hour or so, but given that it's a hardware change, I don't expect it to stop working.

THANK YOU GREK!

Update: it's been just over 12 hours now, and the problem is gone. If anyone is needing help or just moral support doing this in the southern california area (I'm in Oxnard), feel free to email me through this site (click on xfgry)).

I am SO happy this is finally working.

mtshipp

07-23-2006, 12:24 PM

what the!?

10-19-2006, 11:44 AM

People that have swapped out the IR sensor: Do you have any updates?

I'm at my last nerve with this problem and wanted to know if it's been working so far. If so, i'm going to swap that sensor out. If not i'm going to throw this Humax out the window :)

xfgry

10-21-2006, 01:26 PM

People that have swapped out the IR sensor: Do you have any updates?

Sure. I swapped my IR sensor out as noted above, and it's fixed. I have not had the problem at all since I did that three months ago. The remote now works perfectly, just like you would expect for any piece of equipment with a three digit price.

Life is so much better with a working Tivo.

I'm at my last nerve with this problem and wanted to know if it's been working so far. If so, i'm going to swap that sensor out. If not i'm going to throw this Humax out the window :)

I'd strongly recommend it if you have any experience with soldering electronic parts (high school and personal experiments most definitely included.)

BTW, If you want to swap out the drive, I'd recomend NOT doing that in the same operation, if it breaks you won't know what to blame.

If you need more help, just ask.

Or.. just in case there are people out there who might want to pay me to actually do this fix on their tivo, please contact me separately. I've been thinking about doing that for a while. If anyone is interested, I am thinking these terms would work (Moderators: I hope this is not against any forum rules to make this offer, if it is, please let me know if it is and I'll remove this):
- $100 to do the IR swap, I'd order and get the sensor part included.
- Any shipping back and forth is in addition to that.
- No guarantees, risk would be yours, but I would do my best and I have done it before successfully. If you're local, you're welcome to watch me do it and test it yourself.

I can also do drive upgrades, I swapped my original 80Gb with a 250Gb and man does it make a difference. Haven't worked out pricing details on that yet, and it's a pain to copy over the data from the old drive to the new. So I'll wait until someone asks.

In any case, good luck.

- Paul

-------
BTW - The only problem I've had with my Humax since then (5/20) is that if you let the drive fill up too much, it starts to fail at saving things and then it's a vicious circle with stuff you can't erase because it's not archived.
Watch out for that. If you mysteriously start having ALL saves fail where they did before, especially after you've been neglecting it a while, try recording a disk that is only 20% or less full. If it works, you have this same problem and must permanently delete stuff until it works again.

xfgry

10-21-2006, 01:47 PM

So am I to assume correct that my calls to tech support about how SLOW my Humax DRT400 is compared to the performance of my Tivo DT unit is is related to a Hardware problem? My complaints about how slow it operates from menu to menu is NOT NORMAL as they claimed?

WTF!

Who to call and what do I say to get this fixed! ?

Do these symptoms sound familiar?
- you often have to press a button on the remote several times to get it to do something.
- sometimes it seems to get two button presses when you send one.
- sometimes (rarely for me at least) a button press gets through but takes an unnacceptable length of time to process

If yes, then I'd say yes your DRT400 has the IR sensor hardware problem.

Check out earlier posts and google for info on how to do it.

Bill McNeal

10-22-2006, 02:28 PM

It is a curious issue. I hope it is resolved in the newer DRT400 boxes.

If the IR sensor is defective, why does it work normally at first, then degrade over time?

If you have a lifetime sub, but have to have Humax take back the hardware, will TiVo let you transfer the sub to the replacement box?

NorCalTivo

11-30-2006, 08:30 PM

Hi all. I last commented on this thread way back in Nov 2005. Since that time, my poor friend with her 40-hr Humax w/ DVD has suffered along, learning how to cope with the double-clicking, and unwilling to repeatedly swap out boxes in search of a working refurby.

Well, guess what... and riddle me this one, Batman... As of last Monday, 11/27/06, her 40-hr Humax w/ DVD magically started working. No hardware swap. It just started working.

She's totally way beyond happy.

But it does make me wonder: doesn't it seem, perhaps, that a software update did the trick? Maybe some revised IR driver made things better? (And pray that a later software update won't make it regress...)

Hope you all have similar good fortune.

JJJB

12-15-2006, 05:56 PM

I didn't have time to read this whole thread so I'll make a long story short.

I bought a DRT400 off Ebay got it yesterday and this was happening.

After reading a little of this thread I unplugged it called Humax and they're sending me another one Monday.
I only had to put $200.00 deposit on a credit card if I didn't send the other back.
So I hope the new one works. Had I researched this thread before I'm not sure I would've bought one. So we'll see ..............

Mikelmages

03-17-2007, 04:57 PM

I just found this thread after months of replacing batteries, rebooting, changing the IR receivers for the cable, etc.

My question is will Humax replace any Humax with this problem? Even if well out of warrantee? After the HDD has been upgraded? If so, can I put the original drive back in and ship back and then place the upgraded one in once a new unit arrives?

Thanks for any advice,

Mike

Alessan

03-17-2007, 05:15 PM

So am I to assume correct that my calls to tech support about how SLOW my Humax DRT400 is compared to the performance of my Tivo DT unit is is related to a Hardware problem? My complaints about how slow it operates from menu to menu is NOT NORMAL as they claimed?

WTF!

Who to call and what do I say to get this fixed! ?

I have the same issue. The remote is fine. I hit it once and the button does what it should. The problem is, the menu are slow. I hit the Tivo button and it takes a second or two for the menu to pull up. My other two Series 2 are so much faster. I seemed to happen about 2 to 4 months ago after a SW upgrade cam thru

sabcal

08-12-2007, 04:10 PM

Hi, I have the HUMAX HDCI-2000T box. It was working fine. then one day "common interface Conax CA no access" came up on the screen? Can anyone help me and tell me what this means or how I can fix it please :)

HTH

08-16-2007, 11:00 PM

I had remote responsiveness problems. I never got around to sending it in for repair. Last time I used it I didn't have the problems anymore. But since I got the TiVo Series3 HD DMR it and the other TiVos haven't gotten much use.

Grek

10-08-2008, 06:58 PM

Does anyone have a copy of the "Repair instructions by NationsPrinterRepair"?

They were posted before at: www.NationsPrinterRepair.com/tivo
but that folder is 404 now.

Did anyone save a copy?
thank you, Greg

Grek

10-09-2008, 06:15 PM

Decided to go for it last night. This TiVo was a DRT800 unit that was replaced under warranty back in 2006 and the remote-control worked fine until the Summer of 2008. Started having on-again ... off-again ... remote control behavior. Started bugging me big time a couple of days ago so I decided to go for it.

I had both the TSOP1156 and TSOP2156 sitting in a box, so borrowed the wife's magnifying glasses and used a 15-watt soldering iron to pull out the bad infra-red receiver (remote-control sensor).

Replacement part I used was the TSOP1156 (+4.5v to +5.5v and same pin layout)

It's been 18 hours and the remote-control is still working well.

miketx

09-09-2009, 09:52 AM

Sorry for dragging up an old posting, but this is my exact problem and my repeated postings got no response........until I found this posting by luck.

Anyone have the IR replacement instructions? The Nationsprinter link is kaput. I'm more curious about how to get the front plate apart......soldering is simple.

miketx

09-10-2009, 02:20 PM

Update: I ordered the part TSOP1156 ($1.11/ea.....+$6.95 shipping) yesterday and got it today. I replaced the old IR sensor with the 1156 part and my Tivo now works properly. Yea!! What a relief. I never got the old replacement instructions, but it was pretty easy. Step by step:

1) Remove Tivo cover
2) Remove Tivo harddrive cables (power/data) and then remove the HD bracket (with HD) and set aside (this is removed so you can get access to the two ribbon cables underneath)
3) Unplug the two ribbon cables (carefully.....these are flat cables that don't have a connector...they just insert into a connector on the motherboard)
4) Unplug small plug on the right side of the Tivo (the cable that comes out of the faceplate and plugs into the power supply.....has red/green wires)

Now you have disconnected all the necessary cables.

5) Remove two screws holding the faceplate to the chassis. There is one screw on each side, near the top of the chassis.
6) There are 3 tabs along the top of the faceplate that snap into the chassis.....just reach under them and push gently up....they will let go of the chassis. Now pull the faceplate forward/down and it should come off.....be sure to gently thread the 3 cables through the chassis as you pull it off.
7) Remove the joystick button.....just pull out on it...it will come off
8) You will see 6-7 phillips head screws holding the main faceplate circuit board onto the faceplate. Remove these screws.
9) The circuit board should now come off easily. Flip it around and directly on the left side of the main display is the IR receiver. It has a metal protective cover over it...can't miss it. It has 3 leads.....you will need to unsolder these and then solder your new IR receiver (leads match exactly, 1:1, but you may need to bend the new leads a little since the 1156 part is slight bigger than the old IR receiver).
10) Reverse process to install everything back together.

Mike