[miklk]

SA 8300: Is there a beta or suggestion site?


After switching from UltimateTV, there are many features that would be very nice top see considered for upgrades. (Caller ID, Folders, Larger guide display, 30 second skip, etc...)


Is there a beta sign up page or at least a suggestion place etc... or does it all go thru the cable company? (I have Cablevision)

 

[RandyWalters]

Quote:

Originally Posted by miklk SA 8300: Is there a beta or suggestion site? After switching from UltimateTV, there are many features that would be very nice top see considered for upgrades. (Caller ID, Folders, Larger guide display, 30 second skip, etc...) Is there a beta sign up page or at least a suggestion place etc... or does it all go thru the cable company? (I have Cablevision)

The cable company doesn't have much say so with the functionality of the DVR, other than who's software to go with (SARA or Passport). I'm sure the software designers are fully aware of the competition's features and their own shortcomings but they've chosen their path and i doubt they'd take any suggestions. 30 second skip was taken away long ago for legal reasons so there's virtually no hope of getting it back.


UTV and Tivo users who have switched to cable DVRs typically find plenty to complain about and are usually not happy with the "downgrade". Cable DVRs weren't intended to be a Tivo clone but people expect it to be and are disappointed when they find that it's not.


If your DVR has SARA software then you could contact Scientific Atlanta: http://www.scientificatlanta.com/



If it has Pioneer Passport Echo software go here:

http://www.pioneerbroadband.com/pass...ssportecho.asp

 

[miklk]

I'd agree with most of what you say in so far as the mass produced boxes as a general rule are not intended to be a top of the line replacement HOWEVER, I think there is plenty of room for simple improvements and I am sure, who ever does the Beta testing has oppurtunities for suggestions.


The cable companies are getting these DVR boxes because people want them and to take customer share from Satelite companies that heavily promote DVRs.

If the DVRs are easier to use and work as expected, cusomers and cable companies would be happiest.


Personally, I don't find the boxes that bad BUT they do pale in comparison on ease of use and features. You are certainly correct that if I had not came from a more featured box, I would probably think these are great because they really are NOT that bad. (Reminds me of the UltimateTV 1st version software)

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyWalters The cable company doesn't have much say so with the functionality of the DVR, other than who's software to go with (SARA or Passport). I'm sure the software designers are fully aware of the competition's features and their own shortcomings but they've chosen their path and i doubt they'd take any suggestions. 30 second skip was taken away long ago for legal reasons so there's virtually no hope of getting it back. UTV and Tivo users who have switched to cable DVRs typically find plenty to complain about and are usually not happy with the "downgrade". Cable DVRs weren't intended to be a Tivo clone but people expect it to be and are disappointed when they find that it's not. If your DVR has SARA software then you could contact Scientific Atlanta: http://www.scientificatlanta.com/ If it has Pioneer Passport Echo software go here: http://www.pioneerbroadband.com/pass...ssportecho.asp