Apologies in advance if this topic has been aired elsewhere, but please forgive me as I’m a newbie to the forums.
I'm considering replacing my existing Panasonic FreeviewHD PVR as it's just starting to get a bit temperamental, and I rely on it for a lot of time-shifting. Having not been impressed with Panasonic's support recently (com7/8 issues), my first thought was to go for a Humax 5000T. However, it seems that the box is not all that it could be, and whilst the triple tuner aspect sounds good, that's about the only good thing about it from what I can make out.
My attention has been drawn to BT Youview boxes. I understand that these can be used without having a BT internet connection (with a loss of some service provider supplied features, which doesn't bother me), but it does have a number of benefits, including the NowTV app. (more of that later), which saves me having to get a separate box. Having seen the BT boxes in the past (my mother-in-law had one) I'm familiar with them, but have a couple of questions which I'd appreciate answers to please.
The box that I’m considering is on the John Lewis website (sorry, can't post external links yet). However, I’m not sure if the UHD model might not be a better bet, which is up for grabs on Amazon. My questions, in no particular order, are these:
1) I know that there's no option to add padding to recordings. In real terms, how accurate are these boxes when it comes to recordings, both one-offs and series? Obviously, some issues will be broadcaster-based, but in general?
2) When playing back recordings or watching live TV that has a full 5.1 audio stream, is that delivered over the HDMI connection, or is only a stereo stream presented?
3) As in (2) above, will I get full 5.1 audio from the Netflix app. via HDMI?
4) I have other Humax kit. Can I change the remote control channel on these boxes to avoid clashes, or must it be done on the Humax kit?
5) As I don't have a BT internet connection, how are core firmware updates handled? OTA, USB? (My ISP is VM.)
6) What about updates to the embedded apps. — iPlayer, All4, Netflix, NowTV, etc.?
7) Any other 'gotchas' or caveats?
I did post something similar on AVForums recently and was directed here, which, with hindsight should probably have been my first port of call.
The NowTV thing is of interest, not so much now, as the picture and audio quality don’t currently match the likes of Netflix. However, later this year Sky is supposed to be updating the service to give better picture quality (no word on better audio quality though). Assuming that the embedded NowTV application is updated then not having to buy and integrate yet another external box is a big plus point.
At face value, the BT box looks to be a good compromise between the Panasonic and Humax offerings. I don't use the padding option on recordings now, and in real terms my requirements are just for a reliable PVR, with occasional use of the extra apps.
TIA, Clem
I'm considering replacing my existing Panasonic FreeviewHD PVR as it's just starting to get a bit temperamental, and I rely on it for a lot of time-shifting. Having not been impressed with Panasonic's support recently (com7/8 issues), my first thought was to go for a Humax 5000T. However, it seems that the box is not all that it could be, and whilst the triple tuner aspect sounds good, that's about the only good thing about it from what I can make out.
My attention has been drawn to BT Youview boxes. I understand that these can be used without having a BT internet connection (with a loss of some service provider supplied features, which doesn't bother me), but it does have a number of benefits, including the NowTV app. (more of that later), which saves me having to get a separate box. Having seen the BT boxes in the past (my mother-in-law had one) I'm familiar with them, but have a couple of questions which I'd appreciate answers to please.
The box that I’m considering is on the John Lewis website (sorry, can't post external links yet). However, I’m not sure if the UHD model might not be a better bet, which is up for grabs on Amazon. My questions, in no particular order, are these:
1) I know that there's no option to add padding to recordings. In real terms, how accurate are these boxes when it comes to recordings, both one-offs and series? Obviously, some issues will be broadcaster-based, but in general?
2) When playing back recordings or watching live TV that has a full 5.1 audio stream, is that delivered over the HDMI connection, or is only a stereo stream presented?
3) As in (2) above, will I get full 5.1 audio from the Netflix app. via HDMI?
4) I have other Humax kit. Can I change the remote control channel on these boxes to avoid clashes, or must it be done on the Humax kit?
5) As I don't have a BT internet connection, how are core firmware updates handled? OTA, USB? (My ISP is VM.)
6) What about updates to the embedded apps. — iPlayer, All4, Netflix, NowTV, etc.?
7) Any other 'gotchas' or caveats?
I did post something similar on AVForums recently and was directed here, which, with hindsight should probably have been my first port of call.
The NowTV thing is of interest, not so much now, as the picture and audio quality don’t currently match the likes of Netflix. However, later this year Sky is supposed to be updating the service to give better picture quality (no word on better audio quality though). Assuming that the embedded NowTV application is updated then not having to buy and integrate yet another external box is a big plus point.
At face value, the BT box looks to be a good compromise between the Panasonic and Humax offerings. I don't use the padding option on recordings now, and in real terms my requirements are just for a reliable PVR, with occasional use of the extra apps.
TIA, Clem