[Joe Pineapples]

Hi

Set one of these up today for my uncle, as i'd read good reports on here with its ease of use. The only thing is, i couldnt find an automatic time padding feature (ideally want -5mins ^ +5mins as with my sky+ box). Also tried to 'edit' a timer recording, which didnt seem possible either. Am i missing something?.

thanks
joe

[creddish]

Originally Posted by Joe Pineapples

Hi

Set one of these up today for my uncle, as i'd read good reports on here with its ease of use. The only thing is, i couldnt find an automatic time padding feature (ideally want -5mins ^ +5mins as with my sky+ box). Also tried to 'edit' a timer recording, which didnt seem possible either. Am i missing something?.

thanks
joe

I assume you have the latest Digihome DTR160 using the Vestel T825 hardware on software Version 2.7. If so the ability change the recording type from "Event" to "Time" and add manual padding is not available on this software. Automatic padding has not been available on Vestel PVR for about a year now.

Colin

[Joe Pineapples]

Yes, thats the software version right enough Colin. We tried four or five test recordings, and all but one recorded ok. Tried a programme due to start at 2:30pm (ITV), and it late broadcast at 2:33pm. The recording decided not to start until 2:35pm, so missed the first 2mins. I am assuming that the timer recording uses some kind of PDC system?. Whatever system it 'does' use, is obviously not pefect, so it beggers belief why they removed time padding in the first place.

[creddish]

Originally Posted by Joe Pineapples

Yes, thats the software version right enough Colin. We tried four or five test recordings, and all but one recorded ok. Tried a programme due to start at 2:30pm (ITV), and it late broadcast at 2:33pm. The recording decided not to start until 2:35pm, so missed the first 2mins. I am assuming that the timer recording uses some kind of PDC system?. Whatever system it 'does' use, is obviously not pefect, so it beggers belief why they removed time padding in the first place.

In common with most recently developed PVRs (DTRs) these units have been designed to meet the Freeview Playback requirements which amongst other things require broadcasters to transmit signals which control start and finish times of programmes (called Accurate Recording) and also enable all programmes in a series to be recorded (called Series Link). The Accurate Recording is similar to the PDC concept. Unfortunately Vestel have not made a very good job of the Series Link software versions. I have a previous generation of these Vestel PVRs which has the Accurate Recording feature which works very well where the broadcasters support it. However, not all broadcasters do support it.

In the case of your failed recording it suggests to me that it may have been a broadcaster error. Normally the unit detects a signal from the broadcaster that a programme is due to start shortly, so the units ignores and time settings and waits for the start signal (which is the change of the Now/Next to "current" for the subject programme). It appears to me that the broadcaster transmitted the signal late. I think the way the software possibly works is that if the broadcaster does not transmit a "starting soon" signal then the unit assumes Accurate Recording is not available and should carry out the recording based on the Scheduled Time as displayed in the EPG (Guide).

ITV1 normally works pretty well for me. Other ITV Channels are variable.

Colin

[Joe Pineapples]

ITV1 normally works pretty well for me. Other ITV Channels are variable.

Tbh, i'm not sure if it was ITV, but i can tell yuo it was the Alan Titmarsh Show, whatever side that is on.

I think the way the software possibly works is that if the broadcaster does not transmit a "starting soon" signal then the unit assumes Accurate Recording is not available and should carry out the recording based on the Scheduled Time as displayed in the EPG (Guide).

yes, that is what i assumed would be how it worked too.

anyway, thanks for your input colin - appreciated.

[creddish]

Originally Posted by Joe Pineapples

Tbh, i'm not sure if it was ITV, but i can tell yuo it was the Alan Titmarsh Show, whatever side that is on.


yes, that is what i assumed would be how it worked too.

anyway, thanks for your input colin - appreciated.

Strange you mentioned the Alan Titmarsh Show. That was one of the programmes I recorded on ITV1 as a test a couple of weeks ago. I recorded a full days programmes and they all recorded on a time basis that day. I had assumed it was connected with ITV proposal to set their accurate recording transmissions to include the adverts from the end of the previous programme at the beginning of all recordings. But things went back to normal the next day so I'm hoping they have abandoned their plans to do that. Maybe they have been changing things during the daytime again which could have accounted for your lost recording. Have you tried repeating the same programme?

Just noticed you are located in the town I was born in, many years ago.

Colin