UPS, listing problems, rf2link etc

[Cato99]

I have a series 1 TiVo, plus 2 x Setpal based Daewoo Freeview boxes, of which one has competely failed - 2nd or 3rd one that has gone in three years. I know we have quite a few power cuts (often for only 2-3 seconds) out here in the sticks, and have put UPSs on all the PCs - should I get a UPS for the TiVo, Freeview boxes, etc? They are on a surge protector but in my experience they aren't as good as UPSs.

I've also posted in the listings thread about various issues with TiVo recording the wrong programme. This is probably the most critical issue as my other half wants to throw TiVo out of the window

Also, I'm selling a DigiMemo and rf2link TP on eBay UK (item number is 230306324247 for the DigiMemo), for more reliable TiVo recordings using Sky boxes - hope it's OK to mention this, as I thought some people might be interested here. I only use TiVo with Freeview these days.

[Automan]

Hi,
Yes I would suggest a UPS on your Tivo and replacement freeview boxes....
Get a brand name product, some of these £20.00 ones are useless...

Also I think you will find direct links to EBay items on sale are not permitted.

Just quote the item ref number

Automan.

[Cato99]

Thanks for the tips. I suppose a UPS is the way to go - hidden cost of living in the country!

The Freeview boxes are Daewoo DS608P models with Setpal inside, which were not cheap when new, but are now 20 to 40 quid on eBay - they came recommended for use with TiVo as you can switch off MHEG and various other things that mess up TiVo recording. However, if anyone can recommend a different model that works well with TiVo I'm interested to hear about it!

I have updated my comment to remove the direct link to eBay.

[Ashley]

SetPal boxes will not work after you do a rescan. They do not comply with the full digital terrestrial spec. BBCs Watchdog last week had an item on it.

[laurence@key2.co]

Hi,
Taking advice from quite a few people here I went for a Sony VTXD800U. When I got it (around 6 months ago I think), they were about 80 quid. I think they've come dowrn a bit since then. But it's great. Picture is really good, RGB output, tivo controls it well and it's tidy. No problems with updates, power cuts leaving it in standby etc.
Hope this helps.
Loz

[Cato99]

Originally Posted by Ashley

SetPal boxes will not work after you do a rescan. They do not comply with the full digital terrestrial spec. BBCs Watchdog last week had an item on it.

Thanks for the pointer on that one - explains why one of my Setpal boxes has failed. There's a BBC blog posting about this including many comments.

Some links that might help others with broken Freeview boxes (not just Setpal, and depends on when your region has turned on broadcasts that use a specific DVB-T feature that breaks Freeview boxes):

• http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/s....php?&t=731527 - good discussion
• http://www.freeview.co.uk/freeview/R...tal-switchover - list of broken boxes - note that this problem can happen outside the Copeland area

Setpal are out of business, so no firmware updates in prospect... Daewoo who made my box were apparently offering refunds/replacements but have stopped, though pressure via BBC Watchdog may make them start again with a bit of luck - see comments on this blog posting about now-obsolete Freeview boxes.

I believe under the Sale of Goods Act there is an obligation on the trader (and perhaps manufacturer) to provide goods that work "for a reasonable time" - see http://www.bbc.co.uk/consumer/guides_to/law_goods.shtml. Worth finding a good standard complaints letter mentioning this act when writing to the Freeview box vendor.