AVS › AVS Forum › HDTV › HDTV Recorders › ePVision PHD-VRX Owners Thread
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

ePVision PHD-VRX Owners Thread - Page 39

post #1141 of 1566
2/22/13 at 8:19am
Think what happen Epvision was trying set it up to do both OTA and cable at the same time. But how would buy this DVR to do that on maybe 1% at the most.
I think Epvision is find out most are buying the PHD VRX for only OTA DVR and ever few cable. My area is Comcast/U-Verse and noway can you use this DVR.
Now they having to go back (I hope) and undue there guide.
Soon we all will know if they fix the guide for recording.
FYI when I first got U-Verse it too need a lot of updating work good but the first few years was just as bad
Reply
Reply

Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #1142 of 1566
2/22/13 at 9:21am
PQ issue, I just started calibrating the unit using the AVS pattern’s on a usb stick and am quite disappointed, First after setting the brightness and getting the correct value (18-19 in my case) I went back to the OTA tuner and back to video.. surprise although it kept my setting the levels were way down and no more low end. I increased it by one notch, it ALL came back, I tried this several times with always the same behaviour, this is a serious bug . The white level with the contrast setting is just acceptable, I can barely get it over the normal 235 my plasma usually gets it at 245. I then replicated the settings on the tuner. For a product that claims exceptional video capability I am concerned and can't trust that they know what they are doing. I can buy the fact that no one gets a perfect product out of the gate, but their inability to correct and even acknowledge issues makes this company impossible to recommend. Sorry, the product looked promising but it will only look that way.
Reply
Reply
post #1143 of 1566
2/22/13 at 11:29am
Thread Starter 
Smithdoor;
By not including a digital encoder for the analog channels, this is pretty much useless for CATV since on the vast majority of systems, the only QAM channels that are 'in the clear' are OTA.

james57;
Calibrating another input to anything only reflects that input. Other inputs are not affected.
It sounds as you are viewing those images off your USB stick through Media Player in the Photos section.
Assuming that is the case, settings do not stick for any section in MP other than the new "Recordings" section as stated in the first posts. You have to 'nudge' every individual setting that you changed when you enter any category other than "Recordings" so it will take effect.
It's strange this was corrected in the new entry, but not in the others.

The bug has been listed in posts 7 & 905.
Reply
Reply
post #1144 of 1566
2/22/13 at 11:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by videobruce View Post

Smithdoor;
By not including a digital encoder for the analog channels, this is pretty much useless for CATV since on the vast majority of systems, the only QAM channels that are 'in the clear' are OTA.

james57;
Calibrating another input to anything only reflects that input. Other inputs are not affected. Agree but I can only generate the pattern in the media player, I can't generate the signal via an OTA channel, I guess this s the best I can do with my stuff
It sounds as you are viewing those images off your USB stick through Media Player in the Photos section. No the viewing and calibrating was always done in the full window, not the preview, I am not clear why it only engages once I try +-1 as I had made a +5 mods
Assuming that is the case, settings do not stick for any section in MP other than the new "Recordings" section as stated in the first posts. You have to 'nudge' every individual setting that you changed when you enter any category other than "Recordings" so it will take effect. You got me there .. I usualy go into quick, picture, and modify the setting from there, it seems to stick, the values are correct but its on the display that it does not match
It's strange this was corrected in the new entry, but not in the others.

The bug has been listed in posts 7 & 905.
Reply
Reply
post #1145 of 1566
2/22/13 at 11:51am
Thread Starter 
You typed your response within the quote of my post. Kinda hard to decipher.
.
Quote:
Agree but I can only generate the pattern in the media player, I can't generate the signal via an OTA channel, I guess this s the best I can do with my stuff
Understood. Sources may provide different results. Settings for one my not be right for another.
Quote:
No the viewing and calibrating was always done in the full window, not the preview
The "full window" is still through Media Player through a different input.
Quote:
I usualy go into quick, picture, and modify the setting from there, it seems to stick
That's the only way you can change those settings while in MP. The Menu is not available.
Quote:
the values are correct but its on the display that it does not match
Correct, the values are there, but the video path output components don't recognize the change. It's as they are not 'engaged' yet.
Reply
Reply
post #1146 of 1566
2/22/13 at 12:02pm
Apologies for the inbeded response
Quote:
Originally Posted by videobruce View Post

You typed your response within the quote of my post. Kinda hard to decipher.
.
Understood. Sources may provide different results. Settings for one my not be right for another.
The "full window" is still through Media Player through a different input.
That's the only way you can change those settings while in MP. The Menu is not available.
Correct, the values are there, but the video path output components don't recognize the change. It's as they are not 'engaged' yet.
Apologies for the full quote.

Yes, I am always comparing the same input, ie Media player playing the same pattern directly , then going back to the tuner, then back in the Media player and using the same pattern, this is what I can't understand.. once I engage the ctrl, it appears as it was reactivated
Reply
Reply
post #1147 of 1566
2/24/13 at 4:19am
Thread Starter 
Glitch. What else can I say.
Of course, if the settings (probable due to a mismatch or incompatibility of components) were correct, it wouldn't matter. It wouldn't be as bad if you only had to 'mudge' one control ,not every one you changed.
Reply
Reply
post #1148 of 1566
2/25/13 at 6:09am
Skipping as the PHD VRX plays UPDATE
The PHD VRX has stop skipping on channel 30 (ABC) Fresno,CA smile.gif
I did can and email the local station and the last a heard they where contacting Epvision No one has sent me a email or phone saying they fix the skipping.
I have tested on 4 programs they all play great.
If you ever have this problem try calling your local station and have it fix.
Also the Electronic Program Guide did not work on channel 24 for a week email 24 and they fix that too,smile.gif
Reply
Reply
post #1149 of 1566
2/25/13 at 6:24am
Thread Starter 
Which seems to tell me it was a issue with PSIP data. wink.gif
Reply
Reply
post #1150 of 1566
2/25/13 at 6:55am
The rest of the issues are just not the same as cable/dish my wife and my self can adjust.
Happy day are here no more cable bills. biggrin.gifbiggrin.gifbiggrin.gif
Edited by Smithdoor - 2/25/13 at 1:24pm
Reply
Reply
post #1151 of 1566
2/26/13 at 2:27pm
Update from Epvision

The next update should be release in the next week or two
The following update in two or three month the PHD VRX will have a better recording guide and in about 6 month to a year the will have one guide for both Antenna outlets and most likely pay guide like Tivo has. They will be working off the Green and blue buttons
Note we also take about copyright / patten they are having to watch out for being to close to some other company guide and menu setups. This one the biggest cost of time of getting updates to us.

Also as found in selecting what DVR to buy I found most like Tivo and other use a hard diver to boot from If the hard dies you need to back to some fixes Tivo to reload the software
The Epvision uses a ROM to boot from the hard drive can be replace at any time with out having send back just format and go.
Reply
Reply
post #1152 of 1566
2/26/13 at 8:55pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
The next update should be release in the next week or two
Which will address which issues?
Quote:
The following update in two or three month the PHD VRX will have a better recording guide
As in allowing multiple manual recordings even if the station has PSIP data without constantly returning to that manual record menu or digging layers deep into the main menu??
Quote:
in about 6 month to a year the will have one guide for both Antenna outlets and most likely pay guide like Tivo has.
Both are beyond overdue. mad.gif
Quote:
The Epvision uses a ROM to boot from the hard drive can be replace at any time
That is a strong point for these DVR's as opposed to TiVo and the older Sony. Actuality, I never thought of that since it never came up throughout the past 10 months the fact these do not rely on a HDD to operate, other than for recording and playback.
Interesting that the overrated TiVo takes around five minutes to boot from a power off and this takes 30 seconds. Of course there is a considerable difference between the two. I'll have to add this to the features list in this updated available DVR chart.

.
Edited by videobruce - 2/26/13 at 9:08pm
Reply
Reply
post #1153 of 1566
2/27/13 at 5:32am
The release it includes on record now a option of 1 to 4 hrs. and improved guide for recording
Was coming out first part of February but with the testing and tweaking now may be release some time in March.
Reply
Reply
post #1154 of 1566
2/27/13 at 1:33pm
For any thinking of Tivo try it has spy ware
It track ever thing you watch and even if pause or rewind a show you are watching and any one with Tivo you pay for this spy ware eek.gifeek.gifeek.gifeek.gifeek.gif
What is next mad.gifmad.gifmad.gifmad.gif

I would put this the Tivo user side but I know that the posting and my self would vanish.
I do not have to must against Tivo be on the monthly fee till found this out.

At this point I like the freedom from spying that the PHD VRX gives
Edited by Smithdoor - 2/27/13 at 2:02pm
Reply
Reply
post #1155 of 1566
2/27/13 at 2:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smithdoor View Post

For any thinking of Tivo try it has spy ware
It track ever thing you watch and even if pause or rewind a show you are watching and any one with Tivo you pay for this spy ware eek.gifeek.gifeek.gifeek.gifeek.gif
What is next mad.gifmad.gifmad.gifmad.gif
I would put this the Tivo user side but I know that the posting and my self would vanish.
I do not have to must against Tivo be on the monthly fee till found this out.
At this point I like the freedom from spying that the PHD VRX gives

At this point I just like the ease of use that the TiVo provides. The freedom to watch what I want when I want without having to jump through any hoops whatsoever. Fourteen months along and never missed a recording . . . smile.gif

I don't really care if TiVo knows that I like to rewind and watch certain parts of some shows again (bikini babes and whatever). I don't care if they compare my preferences to those of the ten million other users . . .
Reply
Reply
post #1156 of 1566
2/27/13 at 2:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smithdoor View Post

For any thinking of Tivo try it has spy ware
It track ever thing you watch and even if pause or rewind a show you are watching and any one with Tivo you pay for this spy ware eek.gifeek.gifeek.gifeek.gifeek.gif
What is next mad.gifmad.gifmad.gifmad.gif

I would put this the Tivo user side but I know that the posting and my self would vanish.
I do not have to must against Tivo be on the monthly fee till found this out.

At this point I like the freedom from spying that the PHD VRX gives

The tin foil is in isle 7.
Reply
Reply
post #1157 of 1566
2/27/13 at 4:12pm
Did you know this up front and did you have a option.
There is nothing wrong with getting information if you have the choose to let Tivo get this information

Quote:
Originally Posted by WS65711 View Post

At this point I just like the ease of use that the TiVo provides. The freedom to watch what I want when I want without having to jump through any hoops whatsoever. Fourteen months along and never missed a recording . . . smile.gif

I don't really care if TiVo knows that I like to rewind and watch certain parts of some shows again (bikini babes and whatever). I don't care if they compare my preferences to those of the ten million other users . . .
Reply
Reply
post #1158 of 1566
2/27/13 at 6:57pm
Discussion of TiVo's business practices is a complete non-sequitur for this thread. Focus on the forthcoming PHD-VRX update, which might actually improve things a little. wink.gif
Reply
Reply
post #1159 of 1566
2/27/13 at 9:06pm
It is only to show the good points of the PHD VRX
I do look at others and the shock of what other will do
Yes a have PHD VRX and us it
Reply
Reply
post #1160 of 1566
2/28/13 at 5:15am
Thread Starter 
After having a very lengthly telephone conversation with another member, consisting of numerous questions & discussion of the 'mechanics. of ePVision, it is now apparent just how this process operates.

Apparently the firmware is written (coded) in China. Since there is no ATSC or QAM modulation in China and the TV frequencies are different (though that wouldn't be that big of a problem), the firmware has to be sent here for testing. Allen and one other unknown individual "tests" it in California in only one market. How that can be done efficiently and effectively is beyond me. confused.gif

Given they fact;
they didn't know bare drives do not come initialized let alone formatted,
what a drive sounds like when it spins up, then powers off in a repeating cycle due to a bad cable claiming user error,
they have no other market for OTA or CATV to test this on,
their other non related business interests,
and the refusal to accept help from numerous members when it was offered,
answers the questions why there were and still are so many issues and also why updates take so long.

Of course if I knew this a year ago, I could of addressed my concerns further and try to work closer with them, but due to the language and ethnic culture barrier, it was never disclosed. Even specifically asking to converse with their "engineers" it was denied. Admittedly, I know little about 'coding', but how on earth can firmware be written when it can't be tested directly. I'm sure they are trying, but this isn't the way to do it. These people abroad need to be here, so they can see what they are doing first hand, without using apparent inexperienced others to test the changes.
Reply
Reply
post #1161 of 1566
2/28/13 at 6:16am
After looking for about 3 years from using a PC , Tivo and others the PHD VRX smile.gif is about best I can find with out have to pay ever month or leave my PC on 24 7
I do know the produce need to be improvment and will take time.
This what I found

1) PC...............Pro * Works great good guide to record from........................................Con * Have leave PC on 24 7 and high cost
2) TiVo............ Pro * Works great great guide will track programs to record from....Con * Pay about $180 per year and up with Spyware and if harddive die you need to send back for a new one can not be replace due to software needing to add to hdd
3) Magnavox.. Pro * Works good ....................................................................................... Con * no guide to record from and only can record on program at a time
4) Brite-view....Pro * Work good ok guide.......................................................................... Con * can only record on channel at time or play
5) Epvision .....Pro * Work good can record 2 channel at one can record from guide low cost, can field change the HDD, no spyware,
............................................................................................ Con * Guide is ok but you need to switch from one side to other for setting up recording from the Note: manula record can done from ether side. Some of the menu need work on but does the job

Do think all need more information on the front display some just have a light to show recording Some do have a clock and will show the channel at times. If need to see what recording or the channel you have to goto the TV to view this information witch is to bad if you are the only one watching the TV,
Edited by Smithdoor - 2/28/13 at 6:24am
Reply
Reply
post #1162 of 1566
2/28/13 at 6:42am
Thread Starter 
The Funai/Maggy is only SD which puts it in another league.

Of those two, what I call, no name DVR's, the BV & the Digital Stream, the DS seems far about that BV. The manual is even better.
Reply
Reply
post #1163 of 1566
2/28/13 at 8:19am
I think it take a few more years for any of the DVR MFG to where ever one need and want out of a DVR except for Tivo witch is trying to block the others.
My self I was looking for a two tuner DVR that work like my U-verse DVR witch took about 3 years to get good DVR.
Baring any more skipping I plan to keep my PHD VRX

Try this if you ever wonder why eek.gifmad.gif

Pattens
http://www.google.com/?tbm=pts#hl=en&output=search&tbm=pts&sclient=psy-ab&q=tivo&oq=tivo&gs_l=hp.3..0l10.3312.3844.1.6500.4.4.0.0.0.0.204.626.0j3j1.4.0.les%3B..0.0...1c.1.5.hp.vvpSIURV5t0&psj=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.43148975,d.cGE&fp=be34b536d174b864&biw=1114&bih=819

recordings
http://www.google.com/patents/US20080188213?printsec=drawing&dq=tivo&ei=8rgwUc6gPOfdigKVqoC4BA#v=onepage&q&f=false

DVR
http://www.google.com/patents/US20110135271?printsec=drawing&dq=tivo&ei=c8wwUab5EOGfiQK-2ICoDw#v=onepage&q&f=false

.
Edited by Smithdoor - 3/1/13 at 7:46am
Reply
Reply
post #1164 of 1566
3/6/13 at 11:33am
Question.....does it make sense to buy via Amazon or go directly to Epi and buy it from them?
Reply
Reply
post #1165 of 1566
3/8/13 at 7:28am
Can the file recorded on PHD-VRX be played at other tv? would it need wd live or similar kind of network media player?
Reply
Reply
post #1166 of 1566
3/8/13 at 7:42am
Thread Starter 
Good question, no idea since I'm not familiar with WD LIve and the question never came up before.
The recordings are on a HDD that can be used on a Windows PC with the appropriate drivers, so the O/S can recognize a ext2 formatted drive.

LenL;
Sorry, I didn't see your question. I believe you are still buying from ePVision, it's not a "Amazon" or "Amazon Marketplace" offering. wink.gif
Reply
Reply
post #1167 of 1566
3/8/13 at 1:00pm
Has anyone tried the new firmware they just released?
Reply
Reply
post #1168 of 1566
3/8/13 at 3:23pm
Trying it now
Reply
Reply
post #1169 of 1566
3/8/13 at 5:08pm
Works great
The record menu has change not a lot
You can rename recording now
Record now has options from 1/2 to 4 hours
Loads the first no errors smile.gif
Reply
Reply
post #1170 of 1566
3/8/13 at 9:04pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks to programmingguy for the heads up.

New firmware dated 3/6/13;
http://www.epvision.com/HDTVSTB/Documents/PHD-VRX/PHD_VRX_firmware-VRX_243_15_24.zip

Revised changes and updated laundry list shortly.
The 'quirk' in the Guide when setting the "EPG" to 'off' is still there. If the station (channel) has not been accessed yet after resuming from standby and the EPG Mode is set to 'off' to reduce the delay between channel changes while in the Guide, the program data will not show.

Posts 1 and 10 have been updated.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: HDTV Recorders

Gear mentioned in this thread:

AVS › AVS Forum › HDTV › HDTV Recorders › ePVision PHD-VRX Owners Thread