Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Jimbob on 24 July 2010, 17:04:37
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Come home today....sky plus has no power, box is warm to the touch, no lights, and no responses :(
Opened it up, no sign of anything wrong, internal fuse is fine.
Looks like its time to weigh up options.....
Oh, and I dont have extended warranty cover.
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hmmmm
looks like £50 to fix the box
or £70 for a new sky+ off ebay
or £100 for a new sky+ (with unused hd) off sky...
or....
Freesat + HD for £200 and bin sky......
Humax was always the box to have, is that still the case? or better alternatives now?
and anyone know how to get old sky progs off the harddrive?
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I have a HUMAX ..... very very pleased with it :y :y :y
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Could just be the power supply gone bang ... easy to replace and cheap to get on ebay ... as for your programs check here :y :y
http://www.skycopyplus.co.uk/
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cheers, like that copy program :y
Decisons decisions decisions
think we can live without sky, dont watch an awful lot on it, and its accessible from other sources anyway.
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This is what i used when mine went pop on the hd box .... obviously dont know whats wrong with yours though
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SKY-HD-SKY-PLUS-REPLACEMENT-POWER-SUPPLIES-BRAND-NEW-/250611714113?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item3a599f4841
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Investigate the Humax HDR
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As Shrek says it's probably the power supply. I've changed it on both on my boxes - easily done.
The price varies on eBay but some suppliers ask you to return the U/S part before sending out the replacement.
Alternatively Sky will replace the box with a 'refurbished' one for £60 odd.
For Freesat, Humax is the one.
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just scanning the Humax detail...
Can it play video from a usb memory stick?
and if so, is it only previously archived files, or any mpeg2 file?
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You used to be able to get PSU repair kits for sat boxes which I imagine would be a hell of a lot cheaper than a replacement.
How good is your soldering?
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You used to be able to get PSU repair kits for sat boxes which I imagine would be a hell of a lot cheaper than a replacement.
How good is your soldering?
aye, about £15 gets a no solder one....IF thats the issue, would appear you normally get symptoms, not just a power loss.
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As said if you have sky out of warranty they will repair any fault for £60 with further 3 months warranty from date of repair.
I take it you don't have an HD tv, as upgrading to sky+HD gives a far bigger hard drive.
Although it sounds like others know how to repair the box.
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Yup, standard WS CRT telly.
No HD cabability
a sky+ box from sky would be a refurb at £60
or new hd box free if you upgrade for 10 a month, or £100 otherwise
we dont watch that much, pay under £25 a month now, and could live without it.
Freesat looking appealing at the mo.
Want at least twin tuner PVR functionality, channel selection freeview or sat would be adequate, we have other freeview tellys if there was some overlap we wanted.
or risk £15 on a repair kit. Knowing my luck I would be adding £15 to the final cost of a new solution ;D ;D ;D
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ohh, and how does Humax iplayer work? via ethernet?
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You used to be able to get PSU repair kits for sat boxes which I imagine would be a hell of a lot cheaper than a replacement.
How good is your soldering?
aye, about £15 gets a no solder one....IF thats the issue, would appear you normally get symptoms, not just a power loss.
Wonder how that works?
Last one I did was replacement caps, couple of resistors and the chopper chip.
Was many moons ago though.
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You used to be able to get PSU repair kits for sat boxes which I imagine would be a hell of a lot cheaper than a replacement.
How good is your soldering?
aye, about £15 gets a no solder one....IF thats the issue, would appear you normally get symptoms, not just a power loss.
Wonder how that works?
Last one I did was replacement caps, couple of resistors and the chopper chip.
Was many moons ago though.
new psu, unplug, unscrew, swap.
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You used to be able to get PSU repair kits for sat boxes which I imagine would be a hell of a lot cheaper than a replacement.
How good is your soldering?
aye, about £15 gets a no solder one....IF thats the issue, would appear you normally get symptoms, not just a power loss.
Wonder how that works?
Last one I did was replacement caps, couple of resistors and the chopper chip.
Was many moons ago though.
Generaly the best option as they often are upgraded components and hence more reliable.
However, my first apprach would be to phone up and say you want to cancel your subscription because the box has gone bang you dont have the funds to pay the repair charge. Normaly, this results in a new box winging its way to you at zero cost.
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You used to be able to get PSU repair kits for sat boxes which I imagine would be a hell of a lot cheaper than a replacement.
How good is your soldering?
aye, about £15 gets a no solder one....IF thats the issue, would appear you normally get symptoms, not just a power loss.
Wonder how that works?
Last one I did was replacement caps, couple of resistors and the chopper chip.
Was many moons ago though.
new psu, unplug, unscrew, swap.
Yeh and given how much they are I suspect they are no better or even worse quality then the originals sadly
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how long have you had your subscription? Ring them up and ask to speak to customer retentions, tell them your box went bang, and your going to Virgin as they will give you a free + box, and you want a free box and half price subscription for a year, otherwise bye bye!
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how long have you had your subscription? Ring them up and ask to speak to customer retentions, tell them your box went bang, and your going to Virgin as they will give you a free + box, and you want a free box and half price subscription for a year, otherwise bye bye!
That would be a clever trick round here....
I will play the game before I order anything new :y
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how long have you had your subscription? Ring them up and ask to speak to customer retentions, tell them your box went bang, and your going to Virgin as they will give you a free + box, and you want a free box and half price subscription for a year, otherwise bye bye!
That would be a clever trick round here....
I will play the game before I order anything new :y
Call their bluff, do you have internet with Sky? Say your going Vigin for internet and freeview TV unless you get the above.
Push for half price subscription in addition to a replacement box :y
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Ah yes, good shout, threaten to leave, it's amazing what they can do when they want to. :y
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I cant get virgin here....and do not want their broadband, useless to me.
Ill see what they have to offer....but unless its a free hd box (without hd channels) then im not really interested.
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I cant get virgin here....and do not want their broadband, useless to me.
Ill see what they have to offer....but unless its a free hd box (without hd channels) then im not really interested.
Nout to loose JB.
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Yup, standard WS CRT telly.
No HD cabability
a sky+ box from sky would be a refurb at £60
or new hd box free if you upgrade for 10 a month, or £100 otherwise
we dont watch that much, pay under £25 a month now, and could live without it.
Freesat looking appealing at the mo.
Want at least twin tuner PVR functionality, channel selection freeview or sat would be adequate, we have other freeview tellys if there was some overlap we wanted.
or risk £15 on a repair kit. Knowing my luck I would be adding £15 to the final cost of a new solution ;D ;D ;D
Thought you nuked the CRT a couple of months ago, and then got a flat screen.
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Iplayer is ethernet
Not tried media playing
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Yup, standard WS CRT telly.
No HD cabability
a sky+ box from sky would be a refurb at £60
or new hd box free if you upgrade for 10 a month, or £100 otherwise
we dont watch that much, pay under £25 a month now, and could live without it.
Freesat looking appealing at the mo.
Want at least twin tuner PVR functionality, channel selection freeview or sat would be adequate, we have other freeview tellys if there was some overlap we wanted.
or risk £15 on a repair kit. Knowing my luck I would be adding £15 to the final cost of a new solution ;D ;D ;D
Thought you nuked the CRT a couple of months ago, and then got a flat screen.
Nuked the old crt...
got a Sony 32" widescreen of freecycle to put us on :y
VERY happy with it, especially for the price of £0.00 :y :y :y
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You used to be able to get PSU repair kits for sat boxes which I imagine would be a hell of a lot cheaper than a replacement.
How good is your soldering?
aye, about £15 gets a no solder one....IF thats the issue, would appear you normally get symptoms, not just a power loss.
Wonder how that works?
Last one I did was replacement caps, couple of resistors and the chopper chip.
Was many moons ago though.
Generaly the best option as they often are upgraded components and hence more reliable.
However, my first apprach would be to phone up and say you want to cancel your subscription because the box has gone bang you dont have the funds to pay the repair charge. Normaly, this results in a new box winging its way to you at zero cost.
I did something similar for my parents and it took a lot of persuading but eventually the succumbed and sent someone to fit a new box. Even if you don't get any joy the first time around try another time and you'll probably get lucky.
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I cant get virgin here....and do not want their broadband, useless to me.
Ill see what they have to offer....but unless its a free hd box (without hd channels) then im not really interested.
Tell them Tunnie sent you ;) ;D
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Getting closer to the Humax...
found a utility to convert other video files into something the Humax thinks it has recorded, which will be VERY handy
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Getting closer to the Humax...
found a utility to convert other video files into something the Humax thinks it has recorded, which will be VERY handy
I'd be interested in that .. I've not found one that works yet !!!
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Getting closer to the Humax...
found a utility to convert other video files into something the Humax thinks it has recorded, which will be VERY handy
I'd be interested in that .. I've not found one that works yet !!!
http://www.hummy.org.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=93
obviously not looked at it, as its of no use....yet :y
but I would be very interested in any knowledge / findings :y
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well, ordered a new PSU.
bit of luck that will fix it, if not, Humax time.
Will continue looking at freesat as it sounds like there is an upgraded humax box on the horizon.
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Not fancy trying the MCE route, see how you get on with it? ;)
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Not fancy trying the MCE route, see how you get on with it? ;)
we did discuss it last night actually..
figured it would cost a fair bit more (would have to be as near silent as possible) and poss not quite as user friendly. Like the flexability and full streaming cabability along with the xbox extender to the bedroom. Would also prob take longer to get up and running.
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Not fancy trying the MCE route, see how you get on with it? ;)
we did discuss it last night actually..
figured it would cost a fair bit more (would have to be as near silent as possible) and poss not quite as user friendly. Like the flexability and full streaming cabability along with the xbox extender to the bedroom. Would also prob take longer to get up and running.
On the offchance you are passing, I have one here that I'm not currently using. Not a great spec (3.2Ghz P4, 2G, 1 freeview tuner), but you are welcome to borrow - though I think it only has vga and hdmi out.... ....that said, it may be ati, so powerstrip and a lead *may* drive a crt....
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Not fancy trying the MCE route, see how you get on with it? ;)
we did discuss it last night actually..
figured it would cost a fair bit more (would have to be as near silent as possible) and poss not quite as user friendly. Like the flexability and full streaming cabability along with the xbox extender to the bedroom. Would also prob take longer to get up and running.
On the offchance you are passing, I have one here that I'm not currently using. Not a great spec (3.2Ghz P4, 2G, 1 freeview tuner), but you are welcome to borrow - though I think it only has vga and hdmi out.... ....that said, it may be ati, so powerstrip and a lead *may* drive a crt....
cheers, be interesting to have a play, should our paths cross...
or maybe if you still have it available come newent....assuming I get the sky up and running.
Once sky is fixed, I can spend time getting the right solution for next time.
have got hdmi tv elsewhere, so could use that for trial purposes :y
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Not fancy trying the MCE route, see how you get on with it? ;)
we did discuss it last night actually..
figured it would cost a fair bit more (would have to be as near silent as possible) and poss not quite as user friendly. Like the flexability and full streaming cabability along with the xbox extender to the bedroom. Would also prob take longer to get up and running.
On the offchance you are passing, I have one here that I'm not currently using. Not a great spec (3.2Ghz P4, 2G, 1 freeview tuner), but you are welcome to borrow - though I think it only has vga and hdmi out.... ....that said, it may be ati, so powerstrip and a lead *may* drive a crt....
cheers, be interesting to have a play, should our paths cross...
or maybe if you still have it available come newent....assuming I get the sky up and running.
Once sky is fixed, I can spend time getting the right solution for next time.
have got hdmi tv elsewhere, so could use that for trial purposes :y
Are the dynamic duo getting together soon, as I'm in Nottingham this week?
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Not fancy trying the MCE route, see how you get on with it? ;)
we did discuss it last night actually..
figured it would cost a fair bit more (would have to be as near silent as possible) and poss not quite as user friendly. Like the flexability and full streaming cabability along with the xbox extender to the bedroom. Would also prob take longer to get up and running.
On the offchance you are passing, I have one here that I'm not currently using. Not a great spec (3.2Ghz P4, 2G, 1 freeview tuner), but you are welcome to borrow - though I think it only has vga and hdmi out.... ....that said, it may be ati, so powerstrip and a lead *may* drive a crt....
cheers, be interesting to have a play, should our paths cross...
or maybe if you still have it available come newent....assuming I get the sky up and running.
Once sky is fixed, I can spend time getting the right solution for next time.
have got hdmi tv elsewhere, so could use that for trial purposes :y
Are the dynamic duo getting together soon, as I'm in Nottingham this week?
Nowt planned....Mrs DTM was meant to be arriving here tonight as it happens, but wasnt up to it in the end. Sure they will do something over the summer though.
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Getting closer to the Humax...
found a utility to convert other video files into something the Humax thinks it has recorded, which will be VERY handy
I'd be interested in that .. I've not found one that works yet !!!
http://www.hummy.org.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=93
obviously not looked at it, as its of no use....yet :y
but I would be very interested in any knowledge / findings :y
Interesting site .. and once trawled through .. the following links might be useful .. :)
"How to do it" : http://video2hdr.blogspot.com
Download "Super" from : http://www.erightsoft.com/S6Kg1.html
Link is right down the bottom
Download AV2HR from : http://www.4shared.com/file/239259324/2e39b395/AV2HDR_v1_4_for_Windows.html
simply put, you convert your video to .TS using "Super" then run AV2HR using the TS you just made. save the 3 files and they play on the HUMAX .
I converted a MKV I had on the harddrive . and it works. I'll need to play with the setttings to find the optimum ... ones I use were a bit "grainy" and the aspect ratio was out .. but it proves it works which is why I did it .. :) First conversion might take a while on a large file at high resolution settings ....
HTH
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Cheers Nige, handy to know :y
My use for that would be to initially get a couple of the kids favourite progs copied over that they watch over and over.
Plus the odd series / missed episode for us. If its as much / more hassle than converting to dvd, then I would prob stick to that for us, but the kids stuff would be a big help.
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Well the new £15 PSU has fixed it :y
Can decide the future of telly at my pace now :D
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Nice one. :y :y
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A good result then 8-) :y