Background, Issues & Main components;
Background;
Almost two years after I started what became the "speculation" thread, ePVision has released their long awaited DVR. I won't repeat the details of the DVR since most are in the first two pages of the old thread here;
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1262996/epvision-phd-vrx-speculation-thread
Then, their original designed was different. The enclosure and no doubt the electronics has changed. The new versions main processor chip has only been out for a year, being used in Goldstar (LG) and Sony TV's. From what I and others have posted, it appears this might of been the wrong choice due to the complexities of this. Considering the apparent market for this chip was TV's, with the DVR function being 2nd, I believe this has caused many of the firmware problems. IOW's they might of bitten off more than they can chew.
These SoC (System On a Chip) so called "solutions" sound good on paper, but in reality, I feel there is too much packed in a single component.
I must say, this is not and never will be a TiVo. If you are use to that platform, you will be disappointed with this. While this does have features TiVo does not, it wasn't designed to complete. I feel it does have promise if you can deal with the shortcomings.There some similarities with this and other recent DVR's, some not so good and others, better.
The hardware has been ready for some time, but there were problems with the firmware. Last minute 'bugs' appeared, many that were not known to them until I pointed them out. What I was told, fixing one sometimes created another elsewhere since so many items are interrelated. I had an agreement with ePVision to privately test one of these DVR's back in March of 2012, giving my word it would be on the QT. This was without a user manual of any kind other than that 'Quick start guide' on their web site. I found some aspects easy to grasp, but many more not so due to a much different user interface. Also, I haven't had any real experience with Linux or ext2 device formatting.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The long promised pay Guide which was initially available through Schedules Direct through a firmware update was removed due to the lack of communication between ePVision & Schedules Direct.
Quote:January 16th 2014
ePVision is not supported!
It has come to our attention that a commercial DVR manufacturer is offering our guide data service. Schedules Direct is only licensed to provide data to non-commercial applications. Use of SD with ePVision and other commercial products (with a few granted exceptions) is not permitted.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 2013, the 2nd version of this unit replaces the original, adding the number "2" at the end of the model number: PHD-VRX2. There is also a revised owners manual for both available.
The VRX2 brochure is here;
http://www.epvision.com/HDTVSTB/phdvrx2main.htm
The VRX2 owners manual is here;
http://www.epvision.com/HDTVSTB/Documents/PHD-VRX2/PHD-VRX2_Manual_v1.0.pdf
The VRX version is here;
http://www.epvision.com/HDTVSTB/Documents/PHD-VRX/PHD-VRX_Manual_v1.6.pdf
Changes are as follows:
1. the HDMI audio issue has been solved by a hardware change,
2. The front panel has been redesigned,
3. The power switch has been removed,
4. The display is now red and located in the center of the front panel,
5. The function button strip (buttons) has been moved to the right side,
6. The internal power supplied has been redesigned,
7. Those three openings on the rear panel that were for component outs have been removed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laundry list of concerns;
Like any consumer device, there will always be "issues" that need and should be "fixed". Many have been addressed, but many have not, which is uncalled for at this late date.
I believe this has a lot of promise, if most of the problems would get addressed.
I have been complying a list of issues, as I have from the spring of 2012, when I received a test unit. More potential members that contact them to re-enforce what has been brought up, the better the chances they will see these are valid. Special tanks to HDTV1080p for adding his list to mine regarding the audio issues.
The current "Laundry List" of concerns is here (post 2344);
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/42-hd...d-vrx-vrx2-owners-thread-79.html#post28995177
Menu not as friendly as it could and should be, but far better than TiVo's grade school interface;
One of my long standing gripes is the menu. Something that would, or should be somewhat easy to fix has gone ignored. Take a look at this thread started by boneless6220 comparing the older (but current) 208 tuner with this. especially the screen shots of that menu. Not quite as "pretty" as this, but surely more than acceptable. A much easier menu to navigate due to using text instead of "cutesy" icons that you have to guess at.
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/25-hdtv-technical/1471190-epvision-phd-208-phd-205le.html#post23446894
For the record, back last January 2012, this was posted;
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/42-hd...hd-vrx-speculation-thread-3.html#post21475015
Quote:Hi Bruce,
Thanks for your email today and this one!
Regarding your questions:
We actually are not just some engineers doing our designs in the oversea location by ourselves. In fact, all our key engineers worked for US design firms, US side TV manufacturers and EPG companies for many years (10 years+ at least). We are really good what we are.
Again, many thanks for your comments and even for today’s email.
Support Team, Allen
ePVision.com
Now, compare that with this derogatory e-mail sent from ePVision back in June 2012 (post 363). Then note the reaction from forum members;
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/42-hd...d-vrx-vrx2-owners-thread-10.html#post22184354
Main System Components;
Main microprocessor: Broadcom/ATI BCM35230 (this replaces the older ATI 243 that is used in their Media Switcher):
40nm-fabricated SoC (system-on-chip)
MIPS Technologies dual-core CPU and GPU running at more than 1,400 DMIPS;
video processing up to 120Hz with frame rate conversion, de-interlacing and super resolution;
integrated wireless connectivity and support for worldwide broadcast standards;
decoder support for, among others, OpenGL ES 2.0 and Adobe Flash.
SoC also incorporates the Freespace MotionEngine embedded platform from Hillcrest Labs that reads the output from of a wand remote if configured.
I was unable to find any block diagram for this chip. If anyone has such, please PM me.
Quote:
Broadcom BCM35230
Full HD 1080p Connected DTV SoC Solution
The BCM35230 is the third DivX Plus HD Certified digital TV solution from Broadcom, following the recent certifications for the BCM3549 and BCM3556 DTV platforms.
Broadcom’s next generation connected DTV platform features a high powered dual core CPU, graphics processing unit and industry leading video processing with frame rate conversion, deinterlacing and super resolution to enhance the viewing experience on Internet, broadcast and Blu-ray content.
The BCM35230 full high definition (HD) connected digital television (DTV) system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution features advanced picture quality enhancements including 120Hz functionality, frame rate conversion, motion compensation, and back-end enhancements for a high quality viewing experience.
This next generation connected DTV platform combines a high level of integration with best-in-class picture quality, enabling TV manufacturers to reduce overall system cost and improve picture quality from a single chip design.
Supporting 1080p60 input and up to 1080p120 output capabilities, the BCM35230 SoC solution includes new options for accessing video content on a TV through the Internet or a consumer's own in-home network, as well as connected services, dynamic applications and interactive content.
Features:
MIPS Technologies dual core CPU and graphics processing unit (GPU) with 1400+ DMIPS
Video processing with advanced functionality including 120Hz, frame rate conversion, de-interlacing and super resolution to enhance the viewing experience with Internet, broadcast and/or Blu-ray content
Integrated connectivity and support for worldwide broadcast standards that provides a cost effective global platform for Internet TV
40 nanometer design that includes advanced video and audio decoders and excellent connected TV support such as OpenGL® ES 2.0 for Flash 10
Supporting memory is supplied by Samsung (2x2Gb SDRAM) and Toshiba (8Gb of NAND flash storage).
Note:
This also incorporates the Freespace MotionEngine embedded platform from Hillcrest Labs that can read the output from a TV wand type remote that LG & Sony are using.
Sony and LG both turned to Hillcrest Labs last year for help with their motion-control remotes, and now it seems the company is looking to spread its love more generically. Hillcrest has inked a deal with Broadcom to make a pair of Bluetooth chips that integrate the Freespace MotionEngine, the Broadcom BCM35230 digital TV system-on-a-chip (SoC) and BCM20730 single-chip.
U11: AMD 218T316ZLA12GX IF demod - MP3/4 player (Unable to find anything on this chip. If anyone can PM me.)
Tuners: Nutune FA 2317 w/ Infineon TUA6037F 3 band tuner w/ IF AGC amp
U603: Hynix HY27UF084G2B flash memory
U400 & 401: Nanya NT5CB128M16BP-D1 2Gb DDR3 memory
U7: Thine THC63LVD1024 LVDS (low voltage differential signaling) HDMI receiver
U3: Explore EP936E HDMI 1.3 transmitter, now replaced by a iTE chip
U1: reserved for HDMI pass thru to component out
Background;
Almost two years after I started what became the "speculation" thread, ePVision has released their long awaited DVR. I won't repeat the details of the DVR since most are in the first two pages of the old thread here;
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1262996/epvision-phd-vrx-speculation-thread
Then, their original designed was different. The enclosure and no doubt the electronics has changed. The new versions main processor chip has only been out for a year, being used in Goldstar (LG) and Sony TV's. From what I and others have posted, it appears this might of been the wrong choice due to the complexities of this. Considering the apparent market for this chip was TV's, with the DVR function being 2nd, I believe this has caused many of the firmware problems. IOW's they might of bitten off more than they can chew.
These SoC (System On a Chip) so called "solutions" sound good on paper, but in reality, I feel there is too much packed in a single component.
I must say, this is not and never will be a TiVo. If you are use to that platform, you will be disappointed with this. While this does have features TiVo does not, it wasn't designed to complete. I feel it does have promise if you can deal with the shortcomings.There some similarities with this and other recent DVR's, some not so good and others, better.
The hardware has been ready for some time, but there were problems with the firmware. Last minute 'bugs' appeared, many that were not known to them until I pointed them out. What I was told, fixing one sometimes created another elsewhere since so many items are interrelated. I had an agreement with ePVision to privately test one of these DVR's back in March of 2012, giving my word it would be on the QT. This was without a user manual of any kind other than that 'Quick start guide' on their web site. I found some aspects easy to grasp, but many more not so due to a much different user interface. Also, I haven't had any real experience with Linux or ext2 device formatting.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The long promised pay Guide which was initially available through Schedules Direct through a firmware update was removed due to the lack of communication between ePVision & Schedules Direct.
Quote:January 16th 2014
ePVision is not supported!
It has come to our attention that a commercial DVR manufacturer is offering our guide data service. Schedules Direct is only licensed to provide data to non-commercial applications. Use of SD with ePVision and other commercial products (with a few granted exceptions) is not permitted.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 2013, the 2nd version of this unit replaces the original, adding the number "2" at the end of the model number: PHD-VRX2. There is also a revised owners manual for both available.
The VRX2 brochure is here;
http://www.epvision.com/HDTVSTB/phdvrx2main.htm
The VRX2 owners manual is here;
http://www.epvision.com/HDTVSTB/Documents/PHD-VRX2/PHD-VRX2_Manual_v1.0.pdf
The VRX version is here;
http://www.epvision.com/HDTVSTB/Documents/PHD-VRX/PHD-VRX_Manual_v1.6.pdf
Changes are as follows:
1. the HDMI audio issue has been solved by a hardware change,
2. The front panel has been redesigned,
3. The power switch has been removed,
4. The display is now red and located in the center of the front panel,
5. The function button strip (buttons) has been moved to the right side,
6. The internal power supplied has been redesigned,
7. Those three openings on the rear panel that were for component outs have been removed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laundry list of concerns;
Like any consumer device, there will always be "issues" that need and should be "fixed". Many have been addressed, but many have not, which is uncalled for at this late date.
I believe this has a lot of promise, if most of the problems would get addressed.
I have been complying a list of issues, as I have from the spring of 2012, when I received a test unit. More potential members that contact them to re-enforce what has been brought up, the better the chances they will see these are valid. Special tanks to HDTV1080p for adding his list to mine regarding the audio issues.
The current "Laundry List" of concerns is here (post 2344);
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/42-hd...d-vrx-vrx2-owners-thread-79.html#post28995177
Menu not as friendly as it could and should be, but far better than TiVo's grade school interface;
One of my long standing gripes is the menu. Something that would, or should be somewhat easy to fix has gone ignored. Take a look at this thread started by boneless6220 comparing the older (but current) 208 tuner with this. especially the screen shots of that menu. Not quite as "pretty" as this, but surely more than acceptable. A much easier menu to navigate due to using text instead of "cutesy" icons that you have to guess at.
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/25-hdtv-technical/1471190-epvision-phd-208-phd-205le.html#post23446894
For the record, back last January 2012, this was posted;
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/42-hd...hd-vrx-speculation-thread-3.html#post21475015
Quote:Hi Bruce,
Thanks for your email today and this one!
Regarding your questions:
We actually are not just some engineers doing our designs in the oversea location by ourselves. In fact, all our key engineers worked for US design firms, US side TV manufacturers and EPG companies for many years (10 years+ at least). We are really good what we are.
Again, many thanks for your comments and even for today’s email.
Support Team, Allen
ePVision.com
Now, compare that with this derogatory e-mail sent from ePVision back in June 2012 (post 363). Then note the reaction from forum members;
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/42-hd...d-vrx-vrx2-owners-thread-10.html#post22184354
Main System Components;
Main microprocessor: Broadcom/ATI BCM35230 (this replaces the older ATI 243 that is used in their Media Switcher):
40nm-fabricated SoC (system-on-chip)
MIPS Technologies dual-core CPU and GPU running at more than 1,400 DMIPS;
video processing up to 120Hz with frame rate conversion, de-interlacing and super resolution;
integrated wireless connectivity and support for worldwide broadcast standards;
decoder support for, among others, OpenGL ES 2.0 and Adobe Flash.
SoC also incorporates the Freespace MotionEngine embedded platform from Hillcrest Labs that reads the output from of a wand remote if configured.
I was unable to find any block diagram for this chip. If anyone has such, please PM me.
Quote:
Broadcom BCM35230
Full HD 1080p Connected DTV SoC Solution
The BCM35230 is the third DivX Plus HD Certified digital TV solution from Broadcom, following the recent certifications for the BCM3549 and BCM3556 DTV platforms.
Broadcom’s next generation connected DTV platform features a high powered dual core CPU, graphics processing unit and industry leading video processing with frame rate conversion, deinterlacing and super resolution to enhance the viewing experience on Internet, broadcast and Blu-ray content.
The BCM35230 full high definition (HD) connected digital television (DTV) system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution features advanced picture quality enhancements including 120Hz functionality, frame rate conversion, motion compensation, and back-end enhancements for a high quality viewing experience.
This next generation connected DTV platform combines a high level of integration with best-in-class picture quality, enabling TV manufacturers to reduce overall system cost and improve picture quality from a single chip design.
Supporting 1080p60 input and up to 1080p120 output capabilities, the BCM35230 SoC solution includes new options for accessing video content on a TV through the Internet or a consumer's own in-home network, as well as connected services, dynamic applications and interactive content.
Features:
MIPS Technologies dual core CPU and graphics processing unit (GPU) with 1400+ DMIPS
Video processing with advanced functionality including 120Hz, frame rate conversion, de-interlacing and super resolution to enhance the viewing experience with Internet, broadcast and/or Blu-ray content
Integrated connectivity and support for worldwide broadcast standards that provides a cost effective global platform for Internet TV
40 nanometer design that includes advanced video and audio decoders and excellent connected TV support such as OpenGL® ES 2.0 for Flash 10
Supporting memory is supplied by Samsung (2x2Gb SDRAM) and Toshiba (8Gb of NAND flash storage).
Note:
This also incorporates the Freespace MotionEngine embedded platform from Hillcrest Labs that can read the output from a TV wand type remote that LG & Sony are using.
Sony and LG both turned to Hillcrest Labs last year for help with their motion-control remotes, and now it seems the company is looking to spread its love more generically. Hillcrest has inked a deal with Broadcom to make a pair of Bluetooth chips that integrate the Freespace MotionEngine, the Broadcom BCM35230 digital TV system-on-a-chip (SoC) and BCM20730 single-chip.
U11: AMD 218T316ZLA12GX IF demod - MP3/4 player (Unable to find anything on this chip. If anyone can PM me.)
Tuners: Nutune FA 2317 w/ Infineon TUA6037F 3 band tuner w/ IF AGC amp
U603: Hynix HY27UF084G2B flash memory
U400 & 401: Nanya NT5CB128M16BP-D1 2Gb DDR3 memory
U7: Thine THC63LVD1024 LVDS (low voltage differential signaling) HDMI receiver
U3: Explore EP936E HDMI 1.3 transmitter, now replaced by a iTE chip
U1: reserved for HDMI pass thru to component out