NEW SONY TWIN TUNER HD PVR IN 160 & 250 GB

[ausmark]

I am sorry to lead you a bit astray here.... It does in fact timeshift one recording while recording another. I did it last night accidently and it worked perfectly lol.

Another blow to this unit though, it seems as though sony have removed it from their product line up on their website......

Hi Greydaniel,

Well, we finally took the plunge and picked up a 900 about 2 weeks ago.

At first happy, and then kind of put off by the clumsiness by some of the user interface stuff and "feature" issues -- no ability to modify the end time of a timer recording in progress, EPG only showing current and next programs, some dodginess relating to default "protection", etc...

Checking further, I see our unit is a version 1.1, and there's talk of the version 1.2 fixing a number of bugs -- hopefully those we've had issues with! :-)

Some questions though...:

- Will upgrading to version 1.2 keep our recordings currently on the hard drive?

- Will upgrading remove any recurring timer programs?

- What kind of issues does 1.2 fix?

- Should the EPG only show information about the current and next programs, or is something wrong here?

Thanks!

Mark.

[Guest nibbles]

EPG is the TV networks, so it is nothing to do with Sony. I wouldn't use it for recording as the networks tend to be quite unreliable.

[pgdownload]

Should the EPG only show information about the current and next programs, or is something wrong here?

As nibbles says, the networks are meant to broadcast a 7 day EPG. However the commercial channels restrict this to Now and Next. They've recently unsuccessfully tried to sue start up companies for trying to provide a third party EPG solution (www.icetv.com.au). Next year they will be releasing a new PVR (the Tivo) that will be able to receive the encrypted EPG information from the commercial stations (all other STBs/PVRs will still be locked out). You're only other solution in this area is to buy a ICETV compatible PVR so you can upload EPG information from a PC yourself.

Read more about it in the PVR FAQ

Regards

Peter Gillespie

[te50]

When i purchased a new Samsung lcd tv a few days ago the store threw in a 700 (160gig) unit for an extra $65 dollars.

My question is should i try and use this sony pvr or should i sell it and get as much as possible for it to put towards a toppy or something similar?

[greydaniel]

Some questions though...:

- Will upgrading to version 1.2 keep our recordings currently on the hard drive?

- Will upgrading remove any recurring timer programs?

- What kind of issues does 1.2 fix?

- Should the EPG only show information about the current and next programs, or is something wrong here?

Thanks!

Mark.

Hi,

1. yes your recordings remain

2. it will remove your timers

3. I am not 100% sure what it will fix, but it should fix your freezing problem

4. Free to air EPG's are limited, nothing wrong here.

If you install the upgrade you should have no worries. I previously had a 160 gb model (nearly 2 years ago) and it had these issues as well. My new unit with 1.2 firmware has had no problems yet (apart from 2 missed recordings the day I got it for no apparent reason, and has been working perfectly for about 6 weeks)

My advice is to check the tv guide each week (maybe online) then program your recordings in manually. If you read back the last few pages of this thread, it is explained there (as are most things!!). DO NOT trust the EPG recording, as you will almost certainly miss the end of shows as networks do not always keep to schedule.

I am sorry to hear you have had problems, but with a bit of fine tuning, you will find it to be a good unit.

[greydaniel]

When i purchased a new Samsung lcd tv a few days ago the store threw in a 700 (160gig) unit for an extra $65 dollars.

My question is should i try and use this sony pvr or should i sell it and get as much as possible for it to put towards a toppy or something similar?

If you want great HD picture for a great price ($65 bargain) then stick with the sony.

If you dont care as much about pq but want better functionality, then fork some $'s out for the toppy or BW

You would get at least 300 bucks on ebay for the unit im guessing.

Try the sony out, if you like it and it does what you want, keep it. If not sell it.

You will find the sony through HDMI on your LCD will look great. You may find it hard to get a better HD picture than it will give.

[te50]

If you want great HD picture for a great price ($65 bargain) then stick with the sony.

If you dont care as much about pq but want better functionality, then fork some $'s out for the toppy or BW

You would get at least 300 bucks on ebay for the unit im guessing.

Try the sony out, if you like it and it does what you want, keep it. If not sell it.

You will find the sony through HDMI on your LCD will look great. You may find it hard to get a better HD picture than it will give.

Thanks for the prompt reply greydaniel. I think for the price I might give it a go and see how it performs, if I can get it to function reasonably well for 12mth or so by then some of the newer pvr's should have dropped in price and then I can re-evaluate my situation.

One other thing. Is it simple enough for a novice like myself to do the firmware upgrade via pc or should i take it to a Sony service centre to install it?

[greydaniel]

One other thing. Is it simple enough for a novice like myself to do the firmware upgrade via pc or should i take it to a Sony service centre to install it?

2 Choices....

1. for the not so tech savvy..... Locate your nearest support centre and ring them for a booking. They can do it while you wait.

2. for the more confident person, you need a com to com port lead and a pc that has a com port (rs 32 or 232 dont know off the top of my head.

You then need to download the patch software. try:

http://www.sony.com.au/support/product/pro...ategoryId=21635

If that doesnt work go to sony.com.au and in product support type svr in the search click on your model then click on the "download" tab.

It comes with instructions on how to do it in the zip file. But you NEED to have the lead that is able to connect them together.

Overall if you have the lead and the software then it is easy as to do.

Not sure if it erases your tv recordings, but I know it resets your program lists and timers so you might want to write them down.

Hope this helps, Cheers.

Quote: BOONDOGGIE

I got my 160G unit from Dick Smith last Friday (by courier - took a couple of weeks for them to despatch). It also had version 1.10 and the machine failed to recognize ABC channels here in Canberra. So on Monday evening I donwloaded version 1.20. Took about 5 minutes plus time to read the instructions. I used a Dick Smith cable, part number X2602 which cost me $13.94, described on the packaging as "Cable Modem/Monitor Ext 2M". Machine now recognizes ABC and does not automatically put protection on titles without you doing it. You have to do a factory reset after updating the software.

Seems to be working OK but have noticed very infrequent and brief episodes of pixellation.

Hello,

If you are comfortable installing a program on windows and can plug a lead into your PC and your PVR then I would do it myself.

As above, just grab yourself a RS232 or Serial Cable, download the file from sony and follow the help file!

If you live down moorabin way (in Melbourne) or close to a service centre, then save yourself 15 bucks and just book it in there. They have service centres located on the website.

Hope this helps, Daniel.

[te50]

2 Choices....

1. for the not so tech savvy..... Locate your nearest support centre and ring them for a booking. They can do it while you wait.

2. for the more confident person, you need a com to com port lead and a pc that has a com port (rs 32 or 232 dont know off the top of my head.

You then need to download the patch software. try:

http://www.sony.com.au/support/product/pro...ategoryId=21635

If that doesnt work go to sony.com.au and in product support type svr in the search click on your model then click on the "download" tab.

It comes with instructions on how to do it in the zip file. But you NEED to have the lead that is able to connect them together.

Overall if you have the lead and the software then it is easy as to do.

Not sure if it erases your tv recordings, but I know it resets your program lists and timers so you might want to write them down.

Hope this helps, Cheers.

Quote: BOONDOGGIE

I got my 160G unit from Dick Smith last Friday (by courier - took a couple of weeks for them to despatch). It also had version 1.10 and the machine failed to recognize ABC channels here in Canberra. So on Monday evening I donwloaded version 1.20. Took about 5 minutes plus time to read the instructions. I used a Dick Smith cable, part number X2602 which cost me $13.94, described on the packaging as "Cable Modem/Monitor Ext 2M". Machine now recognizes ABC and does not automatically put protection on titles without you doing it. You have to do a factory reset after updating the software.

Seems to be working OK but have noticed very infrequent and brief episodes of pixellation.

Hello,

If you are comfortable installing a program on windows and can plug a lead into your PC and your PVR then I would do it myself.

As above, just grab yourself a RS232 or Serial Cable, download the file from sony and follow the help file!

If you live down moorabin way (in Melbourne) or close to a service centre, then save yourself 15 bucks and just book it in there. They have service centres located on the website.

Hope this helps, Daniel.

I phoned my local Sony service centre and they will do the upgrade next week. Now i didn't speak to the tech only the youg girl anwsering the phone but she mentioned that there is also a component that needs to be added to the main board as well as the software upgrade. She couldn't tell me what it was but i will speak to the tech before i give the go ahead.

[te50]

2 Choices....

1. for the not so tech savvy..... Locate your nearest support centre and ring them for a booking. They can do it while you wait.

2. for the more confident person, you need a com to com port lead and a pc that has a com port (rs 32 or 232 dont know off the top of my head.

You then need to download the patch software. try:

http://www.sony.com.au/support/product/pro...ategoryId=21635

If that doesnt work go to sony.com.au and in product support type svr in the search click on your model then click on the "download" tab.

It comes with instructions on how to do it in the zip file. But you NEED to have the lead that is able to connect them together.

Overall if you have the lead and the software then it is easy as to do.

Not sure if it erases your tv recordings, but I know it resets your program lists and timers so you might want to write them down.

Hope this helps, Cheers.

Quote: BOONDOGGIE

I got my 160G unit from Dick Smith last Friday (by courier - took a couple of weeks for them to despatch). It also had version 1.10 and the machine failed to recognize ABC channels here in Canberra. So on Monday evening I donwloaded version 1.20. Took about 5 minutes plus time to read the instructions. I used a Dick Smith cable, part number X2602 which cost me $13.94, described on the packaging as "Cable Modem/Monitor Ext 2M". Machine now recognizes ABC and does not automatically put protection on titles without you doing it. You have to do a factory reset after updating the software.

Seems to be working OK but have noticed very infrequent and brief episodes of pixellation.

Hello,

If you are comfortable installing a program on windows and can plug a lead into your PC and your PVR then I would do it myself.

As above, just grab yourself a RS232 or Serial Cable, download the file from sony and follow the help file!

If you live down moorabin way (in Melbourne) or close to a service centre, then save yourself 15 bucks and just book it in there. They have service centres located on the website.

Hope this helps, Daniel.

I phoned my local Sony service centre and they will do the upgrade next week. Now i didn't speak to the tech only the youg girl anwsering the phone but she mentioned that there is also a component that needs to be added to the main board as well as the software upgrade. She couldn't tell me what it was but i will speak to the tech before i give the go ahead.

[ausmark]

I phoned my local Sony service centre and they will do the upgrade next week. Now i didn't speak to the tech only the youg girl anwsering the phone but she mentioned that there is also a component that needs to be added to the main board as well as the software upgrade. She couldn't tell me what it was but i will speak to the tech before i give the go ahead.

Can anyone confirm this -- is there something that needs to be added to the mainboard for units with the 1.1 version firmware?

Thanks.

[ausmark]

Does anyone have a price for the Sony 250Gb model anywhere in adelaide? I am looking in the Harvey Norman catalogue, it has it for $899 but I see here on the forums that Sony Central in Chatswood (NSW) are passing it out at $699?

If anyone in Adelaide has bought one recently I would appreciate knowing where you got it and how much you might have paid for it...

Thanks

Maybe a bit late for you now, but...

We looked around, and saw Sony Central in Adelaide had it out (clearance price) for $799. While in town, we tried Harvey Norman (ridiculously overpriced), David Jones (around $1000), Radio Rentals ($750), and Myer ($695).

We had some David Jones vouchers, and if you don't know (we didn't) they will price match (as will Radio Rentals). So we went to them with our Myer offer, and they agreed to match. Had to wait a week for them to get one in, but no dramas there.

This was probably a month or so ago now, so I'm not sure who has what.

[stwatson01]

Picked up my 250GB Sony a few weeks ago from Radio Rentals in Adelaide City for $750 with a HDMI cable thrown in.

Has anyone tried replacing the shipped hard drive?

I'm thinking up putting in a 500GB or 750GB drive and wanted to check if anyone has any experience with this before I get the screwdrivers out?

Also, any advice on the best way to transfer recordings to a PC for editing / burning to DVD etc?

Thanks.

[greydaniel]

Can anyone confirm this -- is there something that needs to be added to the mainboard for units with the 1.1 version firmware?

Thanks.

I have not heard of this, could be a mis interpretation but I would be interested to hear as well.

The reason it sounds fishy, is that the download of the firmware ugrade is available on their website and there is no mention of a hardware update there. They would not offer a "DIY" option if there was more to it than software update I would think.

Cheers.

[greydaniel]

Picked up my 250GB Sony a few weeks ago from Radio Rentals in Adelaide City for $750 with a HDMI cable thrown in.

Has anyone tried replacing the shipped hard drive?

I'm thinking up putting in a 500GB or 750GB drive and wanted to check if anyone has any experience with this before I get the screwdrivers out?

Also, any advice on the best way to transfer recordings to a PC for editing / burning to DVD etc?

Thanks.

Hi,

Have not tried doing it myself (upgrading HDD size), but I do recall somewhere in this thread there was discussion about doing it.

I believe it can be done, but care needs to be taken to select the correct drive. Try reading or searching this thread and you will find suggestions and information from people that have done it.

One thing you can do in the mean time is adjust your timers to record SD channels when they are broadcast in SD, and select the HD channels only when the show is in HD. This will allow a lot more record time, and it is pointless recording a SD show on a HD channel as it will not look any better, just take up more room.

The only way I know to transfer recordings off the unit is to plug/make an interface to allow the hard drive directly to your PC. BUT I have heard that the files are not recognisable by your pc. (There might be a way??)

I would suggest that you look at media pc's or a tuner card that captures tv for your pc to be able to do this.

The Beyonwiz range of PVR's apparently support this feature (or is coming soon in a firmware update) so maybe this would be a better option.

I would not bother trying to do it with the sony, I think it would only end in tears from what I have read.

Hope this helps, Daniel.

[pgdownload]

and it is pointless recording a SD show on a HD channel as it will not look any better, just take up more room.

Not quite correct GD. The networks upscale all SD material that is broadcast on the HD channels. Whilst it is not as good as something shot originally in HD it should have better PQ than pure SD. Of course its still a balance sometimes between quasi HD PQ and disc space.

Regards

Peter Gillespie

[Robert E]

Not quite correct GD. The networks upscale all SD material that is broadcast on the HD channels.

With some exceptions, eg Prime broadcasting 576i sometimes and 1080i sometimes on their HD service (if you can call it that).

Robert

[tooMuchTv]

Did anyone find any info on replacing the hard disk with a larger unit?

[warrior]

Did anyone find any info on replacing the hard disk with a larger unit?

Hi i've just been reading through this tread,and your answer is on pg 53

[te50]

Can anyone confirm this -- is there something that needs to be added to the mainboard for units with the 1.1 version firmware?

Thanks.

I will phone the service centre tomorrow and ask to speak with the tech and get the info from him rather than second hand from the girl answering the phones.

[btg]

hey guys,

new to here..

just wanted to check.. is it true that sony have discontinued its line of set top boxes and dvr's in australia??

[Neon Kitten]

just wanted to check.. is it true that sony have discontinued its line of set top boxes and dvr's in australia??

Yes, at least as far as the PVRs go. Biggest mistake Sony Australia have made in a while, those things, and they did immesurable damage to their reputation.

If they'd designed and made their own PVRs it might have been a different story.

[fb2]

I will phone the service centre tomorrow and ask to speak with the tech and get the info from him rather than second hand from the girl answering the phones.

I took my 160Gb unit back to Bing Lee last week fully intent on getting a refund as I'd already loaded 1.2 firmware and it had made no difference to its locking up.

They refused a refund, but told me that a Sony engineer had been in and upgraded a component on all of their units. One of which I was given.

It currently has 1.1 firmware in it, but has so far, not locked up.

I dont know if this was a line by a salesman, I never trust them. I'm also a bit unsure of the story as it doesn't have the latest firmware, which I would have thought a sony eng would have done as a matter of course.

Only time will tell I guess.

Still not happy with the Now/Next very slow EPG. But I guess I'll cope.

[btg]

Yes, at least as far as the PVRs go. Biggest mistake Sony Australia have made in a while, those things, and they did immesurable damage to their reputation.

If they'd designed and made their own PVRs it might have been a different story.

Who actually made them???

I took my 160Gb unit back to Bing Lee last week fully intent on getting a refund as I'd already loaded 1.2 firmware and it had made no difference to its locking up.

They refused a refund, but told me that a Sony engineer had been in and upgraded a component on all of their units. One of which I was given.

It currently has 1.1 firmware in it, but has so far, not locked up.

I dont know if this was a line by a salesman, I never trust them. I'm also a bit unsure of the story as it doesn't have the latest firmware, which I would have thought a sony eng would have done as a matter of course.

Only time will tell I guess.

Still not happy with the Now/Next very slow EPG. But I guess I'll cope.

Take it in for warranty.. I did and now mine works fine. It was a headache convincing the sony repair center.. I told them to run a record for 2 hours before i came in to prove the unit was faulty. When i walked in and he was saying how the unit was fine i took the remote tried to change channels and it locked up right in front of him. They replaced most of the internals and no prob since. I also got offered extended warranty for $100 to cover 5 years.. i took that up purely because I suspect the machine may do it again one day and want longevity out of the purchase.

[Neon Kitten]

Who actually made them???

Zinwell, I believe.

Physically, they look quite lovely (as far as PVRs go, anyway!) - but that's about the only contribution Sony made

Not one single person I know who has one has had a trouble-free experience with them. No wonder the guy at Sony Central last week rushed to change the subject when I asked if Sony had any new PVRs on the way