rob929rr Posted November 4, 2004 Posted November 4, 2004 Hello fellow forum members, I procured a HT5000 earlier in the week and it has been causing me a few headaches. I am just here seeking some advice.. FYI I am using the box with a Sony KVHR32M31 plugged in via yPrPb. I intend to replace this with a Crest D-Sub to RGB/HV (PVDC19) which I ordered last night. HW v1.00.00 Firmware v1.01.03 1. Signal In relation to HD signals only, when I first began to use the unit, only channel 10 HD (ch 12) could be watched without frequent pausing of video and sound every few seconds. Channel 9 and especially 7 were absolutely shocking. Upon checking the signal strength which was very good, I concluded that I had too much signal and the reciever was very sensitive - this was also reported by another forum member. I live in a block of units and just get my signal out of the wall - guessing there must be some kind of monster antenna on the roof or in the attic. As a result, I went to JB-hifi and grabbed one of their antenna(e?) attenuator's and installed it. On the minimum setting (reducing the signal as much as possible) it totally fixed all channels apart from Channel 7 HD (ch 70). Ch 70 is now much better but with maybe a stutter every 5-10 seconds now. Looking at the signal strength now (with the min setting used) it appears channel 7 still has a signal strength of around 70%, the rest of the channels around 60-65%. All have a 80-90% signal quality. By the way this has wreaked havoc for my analogue signal, will have to get a splitter and run an "un-attenuated" signal into my TV. I have also noticed that a couple of times I have manually typed in ch 90 on the control and have had a "No signal". Going up then back down a ch fixed this - is this a result of the recuced signal or due to my old firmware (ie. the ch9 problem that is fixed in the latest firmware). Do you guys think I should just get another attenuator and add it to the rapidly growing length of attachments between the wall antenna and STB? I am just concerned if I turn the signal down even more I will begin to lose channels and then have to manually adjust the signal depending on which channel I want to watch! 2. Firmware I attempted to install the latest firmware by borrowing a what I told was a null modem cable (it had cat5 between two 9 pin ends). I followed the instructions from the homecast website (the .txt file), unplugged the power, etc and clicked the send button within the software...and waited....and waited....and waited....for probably 20 minutes (this is while sending the smaller of the two files). I didn't see any progress indicator and any sign the device was actually attched. It also never indicated that the update completed or didn't work at all. I will make a cable up on the weekend myself and try again. Is there a progress indicator within the software? How can I confirm the device is attached and the software can see it? Does anyone know if the firmware will make the unit less sensitive to signal strength? 3. My quick review Apart from the small gripes I listed here, the device has _excellent_ image quality and sound. I was watching the Today show this morning and was blown away by the sharpness and the perfect skin tones that were present. Hopefully it will look even better when I get the RGB/HV cable! (I mainly just like the idea of 5 cables being used to feed in video ) Changing channels is very fast and the device is easy to use. I don't even mind the control. Thanks in advance guys Cheers, Rob
gclark8 Posted November 5, 2004 Posted November 5, 2004 yes the new software will make things better. Remember to switch the box "ON" after clicking send. Switch "off" again after the first file is completed and repeat the same proceedure for the second file. Probably easier to buy a null modem cable from Jaycar, they work. the aerial should go like this: 1: Aerial/wall socket, 2: Attanuator, only if really needed. 3: Ant input of the Set top box, 4: Ant output of the set top box 5: Analogue receivers, VCR - TV - etc. Note, no splitters, feed all the signal to the box first, after the upgrade it probably will not need an attenuator, mine didn't.
davids1503559831 Posted November 5, 2004 Posted November 5, 2004 Yep no attenuator needed after software upgrade and I was having identical problems to you (in Melb?). I bought a Belkin null modem cable from Megamart for $29 if that helps?
dp_30 Posted November 5, 2004 Posted November 5, 2004 We've been waitining on a response from Philip for over a week now. What about the aspect ratio problem!!!! I've provided alll diagnostic informaion through Philip at Kristal too many times now. We've all made expensive expenditutes and I need a result for the asect ratio problem now! Perhaps I should send my receiver back. i should stress once again that we don't want concilatory responses fron reguar formum members and homecast Australia!
kristal Posted November 6, 2004 Posted November 6, 2004 The latest firmware for the HT5000 was released yesterday. It is here www.homecast-australia.com under 'products' then 'ht5000'. It fixes a few small problems, lockup in radio mode, inability to reset to factory defaults whan all tv channels are deleted. Reset to factory defaults needs to be done once installed and before use. thanks Philip
rob929rr Posted November 7, 2004 Author Posted November 7, 2004 Well I flashed the unit with the latest firmware on the weekend and what an improvement! All the issues I was having previously have now vanished! One big change I noticed was that the size of the menus (eg. when you press INFO while watching a channel) are now scaled accoring to the resolution. Because I watch the box in 1080i this can make the text a little too small to read from our seating arrangement. Looking forward now to getting it attched via. my new PVDC19 RGB/HV cable!
craign Posted November 7, 2004 Posted November 7, 2004 I installed the update on Saturday. Had no major problems before it, but updated anyway. All works fine.
RodN Posted November 8, 2004 Posted November 8, 2004 Hi rjexcell, That's really good to hear! I would also like to hear how you go with the new cable as I've also got a KVHR36M31 display and am strongly in favour of the Homecast too. Cheers Rod
dp_30 Posted November 8, 2004 Posted November 8, 2004 Thanks Philip. 1.02.08 has fixed the aspect ratio / flash memory problem once and for all. My HT5000 appears to be doing everything it should using the setup I use. David.
Guest way2cool Posted November 8, 2004 Posted November 8, 2004 Gentlemen! Wow! I'm seriously considering a HD STB and reading this forum is very useful. From the feedback and discussion by Kristal and others, it's worth considering products distributed by Kristal for the support alone. (another) Philip
KLoNe1503559836 Posted November 19, 2004 Posted November 19, 2004 Hi guys, Really thinking about this HD STB to go with my Hitachi RPTV. Component is the best connection I can use and I can get it for $499 with free delievery. You think it's worth it?
princi Posted November 20, 2004 Posted November 20, 2004 Hi guys,Really thinking about this HD STB to go with my Hitachi RPTV. Component is the best connection I can use and I can get it for $499 with free delievery. You think it's worth it? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Anyone know where I can find one in Melbourne for $499??
gclark8 Posted November 20, 2004 Posted November 20, 2004 (edited) For the "forum special" you will have to go direct to Kristal. http://www.homecast-australia.com/ EDIT: or http://www.adigitalife.com.au/ Edited November 20, 2004 by gclark8
TV4FREE Posted November 20, 2004 Posted November 20, 2004 Not wanting to flog the wares George, we also offer the same to members.
rob929rr Posted November 21, 2004 Author Posted November 21, 2004 I picked up mine from ebay.com.au for $475 including delivery - It came from evereready TV service in Sydney (http://www.europeantv.com.au/).
Bodalenko Posted November 21, 2004 Posted November 21, 2004 Does the Homecast output all formats (DVI, Comp, SVHS) at the same time? If not does anyone know of a box that does?
jamesboags Posted November 21, 2004 Posted November 21, 2004 Does the Homecast output all formats (DVI, Comp, SVHS) at the same time? If not does anyone know of a box that does? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> The Homecast will output Component OR DVI/RGB (there is a switch at the back)... Svideo is always output I think but may only be output when set to Component setting? Others should be able to confirm.
gclark8 Posted November 21, 2004 Posted November 21, 2004 There is NO switch on the back, its all done from the remote.
ritesh Posted November 22, 2004 Posted November 22, 2004 Hi, Can some experienced user of this box, take the time to answer the following questions? OUTPUT ========= 1.a. does it output DVI and RGB at the same time? 1.b. does it output DVI and component at the same time? 1.c. does it output RGB and component at the same time? 1.d. With either or DVI/RGB/Component, does it output S-Video AND Composite at the same time? 1.e. Can all these output, be switched using remote? REZ ========= 2.a. are the output resolutions i.e. 576i, 576p, 720p and 1080i be changed using the remote? 2.b does it support all of the above for DVI, RGB and Component? 2.c. does it have a pass-through mode, i.e. rather than scaling to an output rez. just pass through whatever comes in? ISSUES ========== 3.a using the latest firmware, what issues are still outstanding? Thanks, regards, Ritesh
RodN Posted November 22, 2004 Posted November 22, 2004 Ritesh, I no longer have this unit but I did a lot of testing when I did - I can answer your second and third sections which I think by default answers your first: REZ========= 2.a. are the output resolutions i.e. 576i, 576p, 720p and 1080i be changed using the remote? 2.b does it support all of the above for DVI, RGB and Component? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yes all output resolutions for all connections types are cycled through a single button on the remote. I would suggest this means NO for your first section of questions. 2.c. does it have a pass-through mode, i.e. rather than scaling to an output rez. just pass through whatever comes in? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Don't know. ISSUES========== 3.a using the latest firmware, what issues are still outstanding? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> There was only one single issue which popped up with channel nine HD - the latest firmware fixed this issue. The firmware upgrade process was a pain in the ass - that's why I sent my back because I was looking for the King! Cheers Rod
ritesh Posted November 22, 2004 Posted November 22, 2004 Ritesh,I no longer have this unit but I did a lot of testing when I did - I can answer your second and third sections which I think by default answers your first: REZ========= 2.a. are the output resolutions i.e. 576i, 576p, 720p and 1080i be changed using the remote? 2.b does it support all of the above for DVI, RGB and Component? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yes all output resolutions for all connections types are cycled through a single button on the remote. I would suggest this means NO for your first section of questions. 2.c. does it have a pass-through mode, i.e. rather than scaling to an output rez. just pass through whatever comes in? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Don't know. ISSUES========== 3.a using the latest firmware, what issues are still outstanding? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> There was only one single issue which popped up with channel nine HD - the latest firmware fixed this issue. The firmware upgrade process was a pain in the ass - that's why I sent my back because I was looking for the King! Cheers Rod <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks Rod, may I ask, where did you buy yours from and how did you sent it back? I mean if you bought it via an internet store, did you had any troubles sending it back? thanks again, Ritesh
RodN Posted November 22, 2004 Posted November 22, 2004 I bought it via (internet related?) - Kristal Electronics (who are in QLD while I'm in VIC). They were very helpful through the whole process, from my inital queries through to when I decided that the software update was too painful and asked about sending it back (where there were no questions asked). I sent it back via Registered Insured Australia Post and they even refunded me the return postage cost. It's on the top of my shopping list now (from Kristal) - however i'm TRYING to hold out until the dual HD pvr's come in..... It's hard though! Ritesh,I no longer have this unit but I did a lot of testing when I did - I can answer your second and third sections which I think by default answers your first: REZ========= 2.a. are the output resolutions i.e. 576i, 576p, 720p and 1080i be changed using the remote? 2.b does it support all of the above for DVI, RGB and Component? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yes all output resolutions for all connections types are cycled through a single button on the remote. I would suggest this means NO for your first section of questions. 2.c. does it have a pass-through mode, i.e. rather than scaling to an output rez. just pass through whatever comes in? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Don't know. ISSUES========== 3.a using the latest firmware, what issues are still outstanding? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> There was only one single issue which popped up with channel nine HD - the latest firmware fixed this issue. The firmware upgrade process was a pain in the ass - that's why I sent my back because I was looking for the King! Cheers Rod <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks Rod, may I ask, where did you buy yours from and how did you sent it back? I mean if you bought it via an internet store, did you had any troubles sending it back? thanks again, Ritesh <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
jamesboags Posted November 22, 2004 Posted November 22, 2004 There is NO switch on the back, its all done from the remote. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Sorry you're right I was incorrectly referring to the Humax HD-7000 has a switch - I am currently tossing the Humax up against the Homecast and am rather confused !!!...
Kabal Posted November 22, 2004 Posted November 22, 2004 3.a using the latest firmware, what issues are still outstanding? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I normally use 1080i.. If I change the resolution with the remote to 720p.. and then back to 1080i, the UI is smaller than normal (and the "info" window is incorrectly positioned). Setting it to "PAL I" then back to 1080i fixes it.
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