HUMAX incorrect warning that parallel recordings cannot be programmed

[John Wh]

I have two boxes and one of them has started showing, occasionally, a warning message that two parallel recordings cannot be made. I have two in-puts and according to my 'Schedule' was not trying to record three. I programmed this afternoons programmes a few days ago. It accepted the Grand Prix; but rejected Channel 4 Racing. The twist was it said I could have Channel 4+1 for the racing. I can live with it; but it is the box we use the most and it would be nice to have it right. Has anybody come across this before please.
John

 

[grahamlthompson]

Not enough information to say what might be the reason. Was the apparent clash caused by a series recording reservation, if so the clash might be caused by the next episode which is within the 8 day epg.

 

[John Wh]

Thanks Graham. I didn't think I was triple booking, so by way of experimentation I tried a pattern of random doubles. Some worked but most didn't. I then went into 'Diagnostics' and Tuner 1 was 90%/100% whilst Tuner 2 was 75%/100%. This morning, using one feed only; but using both feeds in rotation I have Tuner 1 100%/100% and Tuner 2 60%/100% (and TV shows no/bad signal).
With both feeds connected I get the max on 1 but 75%/100% on2. I have done a factory reset and the re-tune produces the same results. The only difference is that the EPG will take double programming; but I have still to check the quality of any recording off Tuner 2.
The PVR is less than six months old so I have some warranty if it is broken; but would be nice if there was away to bring number two back in line. Any suggestions, please.

John

 

[grahamlthompson]

John what happens if you connect the other box to the connections that are giving you problems. Not seen anything like this reported before the fact that you have 100% quality on both should mean both tuners work fine.

Can you try an experiment, disconnect the second feed and connect tuner 1 out to tuner 2 in using a short length of coax.

Reset the box and use postcode M2 4JA, this will give you ITV1-HD granada at 119.

Tune to BBC-HD and start an instant recording, tune to BBC1-HD and start a second (this ties up tuner 1 recording both BBC-HD channels). Now tune to 119 Tuner 2 is now producing the picture. Press info and note signal strength and quality bottom right. Exit and press pause you should be able to live pause ITV1-HD. (mine say's 100/100)

If this does not work the box must be faulty.

 

[John Wh]

Thanks Graham
The second box works OK.........90/100 on both.
The experiment produced less than full on orange for strength and 100 for quality. Doesn't look very promising at the moment. Will put it all back together in an hour or so and give you a final up-date if you don't mind.
John

 

[grahamlthompson]

Thanks Graham
The second box works OK.........90/100 on both.
The experiment produced less than full on orange for strength and 100 for quality. Doesn't look very promising at the moment. Will put it all back together in an hour or so and give you a final up-date if you don't mind.
John

Were you able to view the third recording (ITV1-hd) without picture breakup and also live pause ?

 

[John Wh]

Oh blast!!!!!!!!! I was so pleased to have got to the point of recording two progs and getting 119 I forgot to check the play/pause. The picture seemed fine, no breaking up on sound or vision. I should have time later tomorrow and will do the job properly!
Thanks a lot. John

 

[grahamlthompson]

Oh blast!!!!!!!!! I was so pleased to have got to the point of recording two progs and getting 119 I forgot to check the play/pause. The picture seemed fine, no breaking up on sound or vision. I should have time later tomorrow and will do the job properly!
Thanks a lot. John

If you could view it the chances are that the hdr is working fine. Explaining why you get different readings is another question

 

[John Wh]

Graham, I re-did the test before reading your latest message. No change to yesterday's results and on ITV the buffer was working perfectly. Similarly all the pictures were fine. I was going to say (and am saying!), if it will do what I want then it really doesn't matter what performance of tuner 2 reports in 'Diagnostics' because I have doubts about the accuracy. I still have plenty of warranty time left should I need it.
Thanks once again
John