Suggestions for PVR please
 

I apologise if this topic has been covered recently, but a quick search
didn't bring anything to light.

My elderly father-in-law wants a freeview box with built in recorder. I
know there's plenty to choose from but I could use recommendations for
one which is easy to use for someone who has barely grasped using a
cordless phone or basic TV remote. The idea of trying to teach
him to use interactive menus gives me the shudders. Anyone got any success
stories to share?

Thanks

Steve

Suggestions for PVR please
 

"Steve" wrote in message .. .
I apologise if this topic has been covered recently, but a quick search
didn't bring anything to light.

My elderly father-in-law wants a freeview box with built in recorder. I
know there's plenty to choose from but I could use recommendations for
one which is easy to use for someone who has barely grasped using a
cordless phone or basic TV remote. The idea of trying to teach
him to use interactive menus gives me the shudders. Anyone got any success
stories to share?


Humax PVR.
It's as straightforward as you'll get

--
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger , then I hide until it goes away"

Suggestions for PVR please
 

"Steve" wrote in message
.. .
I apologise if this topic has been covered recently, but a quick search
didn't bring anything to light.

My elderly father-in-law wants a freeview box with built in recorder. I
know there's plenty to choose from but I could use recommendations for
one which is easy to use for someone who has barely grasped using a
cordless phone or basic TV remote. The idea of trying to teach
him to use interactive menus gives me the shudders. Anyone got any success
stories to share?

I've not used the feature-topping Humax and Topfields, so I don't know how
easy they are to use. I do have a TVonics though which is very easy to use
(same guys who designed the Sonys apparently). My four year old daughter can
pause and record stuff directly no problem, and the EPG is very good. My
technophobe wife has no problems recording stuff either. It rarely crashes
and if it does, it resets itself so no unplugging necessary. It also comes
with an excellent remote that can also control your telly and DVD.

Z

Suggestions for PVR please
 

On Fri, 01 May 2009 11:25:17 +0100, Zimmy wrote:


"Steve" wrote in message
.. .
I apologise if this topic has been covered recently, but a quick search
didn't bring anything to light.

My elderly father-in-law wants a freeview box with built in recorder. I
know there's plenty to choose from but I could use recommendations for
one which is easy to use for someone who has barely grasped using a
cordless phone or basic TV remote. The idea of trying to teach
him to use interactive menus gives me the shudders. Anyone got any success
stories to share?

I've not used the feature-topping Humax and Topfields, so I don't know how
easy they are to use. I do have a TVonics though which is very easy to use
(same guys who designed the Sonys apparently). My four year old daughter can
pause and record stuff directly no problem, and the EPG is very good. My
technophobe wife has no problems recording stuff either. It rarely crashes
and if it does, it resets itself so no unplugging necessary. It also comes
with an excellent remote that can also control your telly and DVD.

Thanks for the comments. More shudders - I'd forgotton about leaving it
plugged in, let alone plugged in and turned on! That might scupper the
whole idea.

Steve

Suggestions for PVR please
 

"Steve" wrote in message
.. .
On Fri, 01 May 2009 11:25:17 +0100, Zimmy wrote:


"Steve" wrote in message
.. .
I apologise if this topic has been covered recently, but a quick search
didn't bring anything to light.

My elderly father-in-law wants a freeview box with built in recorder. I
know there's plenty to choose from but I could use recommendations for
one which is easy to use for someone who has barely grasped using a
cordless phone or basic TV remote. The idea of trying to teach
him to use interactive menus gives me the shudders. Anyone got any
success
stories to share?

I've not used the feature-topping Humax and Topfields, so I don't know
how
easy they are to use. I do have a TVonics though which is very easy to
use
(same guys who designed the Sonys apparently). My four year old daughter
can
pause and record stuff directly no problem, and the EPG is very good. My
technophobe wife has no problems recording stuff either. It rarely
crashes
and if it does, it resets itself so no unplugging necessary. It also
comes
with an excellent remote that can also control your telly and DVD.

Thanks for the comments. More shudders - I'd forgotton about leaving it
plugged in, let alone plugged in and turned on! That might scupper the
whole idea.


Doesn't it rather defeat the object of having a recording device unplugged,
have you never previously owned a video recorder?

Suggestions for PVR please
 

"Dr Zoidberg" wrote in message
...
"Steve" wrote in message
.. .
I apologise if this topic has been covered recently, but a quick search
didn't bring anything to light.

My elderly father-in-law wants a freeview box with built in recorder. I
know there's plenty to choose from but I could use recommendations for
one which is easy to use for someone who has barely grasped using a
cordless phone or basic TV remote. The idea of trying to teach
him to use interactive menus gives me the shudders. Anyone got any success
stories to share?


Humax PVR.
It's as straightforward as you'll get


But if it goes wrong don't even expect Humax to be interested, let alone
resolve matters!
Worst manufacturer I've ever dealt with.

Suggestions for PVR please
 

On May 1, 12:24*pm, "Ivan" wrote:
"Steve" wrote in message

.. .





On Fri, 01 May 2009 11:25:17 +0100, Zimmy wrote:

"Steve" wrote in message
...
I apologise if this topic has been covered recently, but a quick search
didn't bring anything to light.

My elderly father-in-law wants a freeview box with built in recorder. I
know there's plenty to choose from but I could use recommendations for
one which is easy to use for someone who has barely grasped using a
cordless phone or basic TV remote. The idea of trying to teach
him to use interactive menus gives me the shudders. Anyone got any
success
stories to share?

I've not used the feature-topping Humax and Topfields, so I don't know
how
easy they are to use. I do have a TVonics though which is very easy to
use
(same guys who designed the Sonys apparently). My four year old daughter
can
pause and record stuff directly no problem, and the EPG is very good. My
technophobe wife has no problems recording stuff either. It rarely
crashes
and if it does, it resets itself so no unplugging necessary. It also
comes
with an excellent remote that can also control your telly and DVD.

Thanks for the comments. More shudders *- I'd forgotton about leaving it
plugged in, let alone plugged in and turned on! That might scupper the
whole idea.

Doesn't it rather defeat the object of having a recording device unplugged,
have you never previously owned a video recorder?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I suspect the OP's father in law is from the same generation as my
father, who methodically unplugs pretty much every appliance in the
house every night ;-)

Suggestions for PVR please
 

On Fri, 1 May 2009 12:30:11 +0100, "Doctor D"
wrote:


"Dr Zoidberg" wrote in message
...
"Steve" wrote in message
. ..
I apologise if this topic has been covered recently, but a quick search
didn't bring anything to light.

My elderly father-in-law wants a freeview box with built in recorder. I
know there's plenty to choose from but I could use recommendations for
one which is easy to use for someone who has barely grasped using a
cordless phone or basic TV remote. The idea of trying to teach
him to use interactive menus gives me the shudders. Anyone got any success
stories to share?


Humax PVR.
It's as straightforward as you'll get

Unfortunately the elderly father-in-law might find the remote control a
bit tricky to manage. A few of the important buttons are under the
sliding cover. The majority of the buttons under the cover are totally
unnecessary for normal use of the PVR, but they exist and can cause fear
and confusion just by being there!

If possible it might be useful to provide written instructions
specifically for the FIL, complete with images of the remote with arrows
pointing to the relevant buttons.

Apart from that, I'm happy with the Humax PVR.

But if it goes wrong don't even expect Humax to be interested, let alone
resolve matters!
Worst manufacturer I've ever dealt with.

Suggestions for PVR please
 

On Fri, 1 May 2009 04:38:54 -0700 (PDT), wrote:


I suspect the OP's father in law is from the same generation as my
father, who methodically unplugs pretty much every appliance in the
house every night ;-)

There was a time when that was a very sensible thing to do.

Suggestions for PVR please
 

In article ,
Steve wrote:
My elderly father-in-law wants a freeview box with built in recorder. I
know there's plenty to choose from but I could use recommendations for
one which is easy to use for someone who has barely grasped using a
cordless phone or basic TV remote. The idea of trying to teach him to
use interactive menus gives me the shudders. Anyone got any success
stories to share?

Well, I'd say a Topfield just using the as supplied software pretty easy
to use for one who previously coped with a VCR - easier IMHO, since you
don't need to set times. One button calls up the EPG - scroll to the prog
you want and double click on OK to record. To replay you just press the
menu button for that - scroll to what you want - and click on that with
OK. Certainly easier than most VCRs - and an onscreen display should be
easier to read than an LCD one on a VCR.

--
*Why is it considered necessary to screw down the lid of a coffin?

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Suggestions for PVR please
 

In article
,
wrote:
I suspect the OP's father in law is from the same generation as my
father, who methodically unplugs pretty much every appliance in the
house every night ;-)

Don't think it's a generation thing anymore - since those who really did
have to do that will be mainly dead. ;-)

More an age thing. Although I hope it doesn't happen to me - it would take
a couple of hours each night...

--
*How about "never"? Is "never" good for you?

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Suggestions for PVR please
 

"Steve" wrote in message
.. .
On Fri, 01 May 2009 11:25:17 +0100, Zimmy wrote:


"Steve" wrote in message
.. .
I apologise if this topic has been covered recently, but a quick search
didn't bring anything to light.

My elderly father-in-law wants a freeview box with built in recorder. I
know there's plenty to choose from but I could use recommendations for
one which is easy to use for someone who has barely grasped using a
cordless phone or basic TV remote. The idea of trying to teach
him to use interactive menus gives me the shudders. Anyone got any
success
stories to share?

I've not used the feature-topping Humax and Topfields, so I don't know
how
easy they are to use. I do have a TVonics though which is very easy to
use
(same guys who designed the Sonys apparently). My four year old daughter
can
pause and record stuff directly no problem, and the EPG is very good. My
technophobe wife has no problems recording stuff either. It rarely
crashes
and if it does, it resets itself so no unplugging necessary. It also
comes
with an excellent remote that can also control your telly and DVD.

Thanks for the comments. More shudders - I'd forgotton about leaving it
plugged in, let alone plugged in and turned on! That might scupper the
whole idea.

Its kind of necessary if you want to record stuff, but you can leave it in
standby and it'll only spin up to record.
If its any consolation the TVonics say they use 3W in standby and are very
quiet, silent when the hard disk spins down.

Z

Suggestions for PVR please
 

In article
,
wrote:

I suspect the OP's father in law is from the same generation as my
father, who methodically unplugs pretty much every appliance in the
house every night ;-)

A few years ago, I was asked by a slightly older friend to help because he
couldn't get his VCR to make recodings.

Easy to solve: It was a Philips machine which needed the clock to be set
and running before it would record. It was turned off every night and sat
ther with the clock time flashing. I think he stopped trying to make
recordings, rather than leave it on at night. His wife was convinced it
would catch fire if left on and unattended.

--
From KT24 - in "Leafy Surrey"

Using a RISC OS computer running v5.11

Suggestions for PVR please
 

In article ,
Peter Duncanson wrote:
On Fri, 1 May 2009 04:38:54 -0700 (PDT), wrote:


I suspect the OP's father in law is from the same generation as my
father, who methodically unplugs pretty much every appliance in the
house every night ;-)

There was a time when that was a very sensible thing to do.

not really, the socket probably isn't rated for 365 disconnections a year.
The contacts will get loose, leading to overheating and arcing when the
appliance is in use with a consequent higher risk of fire. Why not just
use the switch on the socket?

--
From KT24 - in "Leafy Surrey"

Using a RISC OS computer running v5.11

Suggestions for PVR please
 

Steve wrote:
I apologise if this topic has been covered recently, but a quick
search didn't bring anything to light.

My elderly father-in-law wants a freeview box with built in recorder.
I know there's plenty to choose from but I could use recommendations
for one which is easy to use for someone who has barely grasped using
a cordless phone or basic TV remote. The idea of trying to teach
him to use interactive menus gives me the shudders.

Definitely NOT a Sony then. Just horrible to use.

Tim

Suggestions for PVR please
 

Tim Downie wrote:
Steve wrote:
I apologise if this topic has been covered recently, but a quick
search didn't bring anything to light.

My elderly father-in-law wants a freeview box with built in recorder.
I know there's plenty to choose from but I could use recommendations
for one which is easy to use for someone who has barely grasped using
a cordless phone or basic TV remote. The idea of trying to teach
him to use interactive menus gives me the shudders.

Definitely NOT a Sony then. Just horrible to use.

Really ? Why ?

My complete technophobe mother-in-law has used a Sony RDR-HXD710
recorder for over three years. I have *never* had to provide any support
to her because she's had difficulties with it etc.

I've lost count of the number of times she's phoned me about her PC,
mobile phone, microwave oven, central heating controller, car radio,
clock radio,.......

Suggestions for PVR please
 

charles wrote:

Easy to solve: It was a Philips machine which needed the clock to be set
and running before it would record. It was turned off every night and sat
ther with the clock time flashing. I think he stopped trying to make
recordings, rather than leave it on at night. His wife was convinced it
would catch fire if left on and unattended.

Wasn't there concern within the BBC in the 1950s, that the all night
long election results programme might cause the transmitters to overheat
and catch fire ?

Suggestions for PVR please
 

"Doctor D" wrote in message
...

"Dr Zoidberg" wrote in message
...
"Steve" wrote in message
.. .
I apologise if this topic has been covered recently, but a quick search
didn't bring anything to light.

My elderly father-in-law wants a freeview box with built in recorder. I
know there's plenty to choose from but I could use recommendations for
one which is easy to use for someone who has barely grasped using a
cordless phone or basic TV remote. The idea of trying to teach
him to use interactive menus gives me the shudders. Anyone got any
success
stories to share?


Humax PVR.
It's as straightforward as you'll get


But if it goes wrong don't even expect Humax to be interested, let alone
resolve matters!
Worst manufacturer I've ever dealt with.



they have always answered my emails no problems.........

Suggestions for PVR please
 

The message
from contains these words:

====big snip====

I suspect the OP's father in law is from the same generation as my
father, who methodically unplugs pretty much every appliance in the
house every night ;-)

That's perfectly understandable behaviour when you consider its origin,
Back in the day, the risk of an appliance cord fault causing a house
fire was very real (no plugtop fuse protection on the 5 and 15 amp house
wiring circuits of the day).

Although modern wiring standards and materials have reduced the risk
somewhat, it hasn't completely been eliminated so there's no real reason
for such a life saving habit to cease (at least, not in the mind of the
older generation).

You also have to keep in mind that pretty well all electrical devices
back then (even the electronic ones, such as radios and TV sets) were
fire hazards in themselves.

Nowadays, the only comparably dangerous items are electric fires, hair
driers, irons, washing machines and tumble driers (especially tumble
driers, so much so that the fire fighting service strongly advise
against running one unattended when retiring to bed for the night).

Today, the risk of conflagration from low power (sub 40 watt)
electronic boxes is at a vanishingly small level what with modern
materials and standards of construction aimed specifically at
eliminating this risk.

Although a risk still exists (at astronomically high odds against the
event) it is considered small enough in the risk/benefit equation for
most of us to accept the need to leave such devices powered up in
standby overnight in order to stay up to date with software or epg
updates (or even just to save the hassle of bending down to switch back
on at the set's mains isolator switch or at the mains outlet socket
switch).

However, if my youngest son's habit of loading the tumble drier at 1 or
2am and starting a 2 hour drying cycle just before going to his bed is
anything to go by, I suspect a good portion of his generation are going
to die in house fires due to the false sense of security in _all_ things
electrical engendered by the almost total absence of such risk in other
'household appliances' such as set top boxes, TV and radio sets and the
like.

Like anything else, the risk factor has to be decided on the merits of
each case. For instance, it would be deemed risk free to run a
tumbledrier unattended overnight if it were installed in a brick
outhouse _not_ adjoining the main residence.

Alternatively, the risk of leaving a set top box on overnight would be
deemed unacceptable if it were housed in a closed box with other heat
sources and a stuffing of shredded paper along with a pile of dry
cardboard stacked up against the housing and no (working) smoke detector
to raise an alarm.

This last example, whilst rather extreme, seems unlikely, but it's
surprising how often some folk can unwittingly simulate such a
circumstance.

This just shows how easy it is to under or over estimate the hazard of
overnight unattended operation (standby or not) of electrical
appliances. Most of us get it right most of the time (and live to a ripe
old age ;-), but some of us are going to be caught out and have an
exciting tale to tell of how they just failed to qualify for a "Darwin
Award" (if they're lucky).

Whilst all of this might seem "Off Topic" to the subject matter in
hand, it nevertheless addresses a real concern often expressed in
relation to such operational modes of the technical digital TV kit this
news group references.

It just seemed to me an opportunity to lend some context to
airsmoothed's bemusement over his father's seemingly obsessive concern
for electrical appliance safety. After all, airsmoothed's very existence
might, in a Darwinian sense, be owed to this very obsession. ;-)

--
Regards, John.

Please remove the "ohggcyht" before replying.
The address has been munged to reject Spam-bots.

Suggestions for PVR please
 

In article ,
Johnny B Good wrote:
The message
from contains these words:

====big snip====

I suspect the OP's father in law is from the same generation as my
father, who methodically unplugs pretty much every appliance in the
house every night ;-)

That's perfectly understandable behaviour when you consider its origin,
Back in the day, the risk of an appliance cord fault causing a house
fire was very real (no plugtop fuse protection on the 5 and 15 amp house
wiring circuits of the day).

It doesn't actually matter where the fuse is placed in the circuit. Indeed
it is argued by most other countries that a correctly fused (MCCB'd)
distribution board is safer. the only real advantage of our Ring Main
system is cheaper installation costs. the fact you can buy fuses to fit in
a plug with a higher rating than the cable leaving that plug is quite
unsafe.

--
From KT24 - in "Leafy Surrey"

Using a RISC OS computer running v5.11

Suggestions for PVR please
 

In message , "Dave Plowman (News)"
wrote
In article ,
Steve wrote:
My elderly father-in-law wants a freeview box with built in recorder. I
know there's plenty to choose from but I could use recommendations for
one which is easy to use for someone who has barely grasped using a
cordless phone or basic TV remote. The idea of trying to teach him to
use interactive menus gives me the shudders. Anyone got any success
stories to share?

Well, I'd say a Topfield just using the as supplied software pretty easy
to use for one who previously coped with a VCR - easier IMHO,

The software supplied in the current Topfields is a heap of bug ridden
c**p.

The Topfield can be made to be one of the better machines but it
requires the software to be changed and possibly the use of third party
software.

Topfields (good) reputation was based on the older models running the
older software/firmware.

BTW I have a reliable and well featured Topfield achieved with the use
of third party software (TAPS). If someone is technically competent and
has the inclination to play with the machine I would recommend a
Topfield, but one of the older models. I would not recommend a Topfield
'out-of-the-box' nor for someone who expects not to touch his expensive
purchase to make it reliable
There is a wealth of experience, help and everything Toppy PVR related
at
http://www.toppy.org.uk
http://forum.toppy.org.uk/forum/index.php



--
Alan
news2006 {at} amac {dot} f2s {dot} com

Suggestions for PVR please
 

On Fri, 01 May 2009 13:34:05 +0100, charles wrote:

Why not just use the switch on the socket?

Because in the minds of some, there still exists the possibility that
electrical power will leak through the switch due to it malfunctioning
and therefore still reach the appliances, thereby causing them to spontaneously
ignite during the night.

Strangely enough these same people have no problems leaving an electrical
compressor motor* more or less permanently connected to the power supply
which may probably be more likely to cause a fire.

* The refrigerator and/or freezer.

Suggestions for PVR please
 

In article ,
J G Miller wrote:
On Fri, 01 May 2009 13:34:05 +0100, charles wrote:

Why not just use the switch on the socket?

Because in the minds of some, there still exists the possibility that
electrical power will leak through the switch due to it malfunctioning
and therefore still reach the appliances, thereby causing them to
spontaneously ignite during the night.

Strangely enough these same people have no problems leaving an electrical
compressor motor* more or less permanently connected to the power supply
which may probably be more likely to cause a fire.

* The refrigerator and/or freezer.

and an electric clock - mains ones being very common in their younger days.

--
From KT24 - in "Leafy Surrey"

Using a RISC OS computer running v5.11

Suggestions for PVR please
 

On Fri, 01 May 2009 18:46:50 +0200, J G Miller wrote:


Strangely enough these same people have no problems leaving an electrical
compressor motor* more or less permanently connected to the power supply
which may probably be more likely to cause a fire.

* The refrigerator and/or freezer.

Ah but in ye goode olde dayes those appliances used Freon as a
refrigerant. Freon will also extinguish fires. So if one of those caught
fire it could extinguish its own fire -- maybe.

Suggestions for PVR please
 

"Doctor D" wrote in message ...
But if it goes wrong don't even expect Humax to be interested, let alone
resolve matters!
Worst manufacturer I've ever dealt with.


When mine suffered a hard drive failure they were very helpful sending a replacement out by courier and collecting the faulty unit at the same time

--
Alex

"I laugh in the face of danger , then I hide until it goes away"

Suggestions for PVR please
 

In article ,
Alan wrote:
Well, I'd say a Topfield just using the as supplied software pretty easy
to use for one who previously coped with a VCR - easier IMHO,

The software supplied in the current Topfields is a heap of bug ridden
c**p.

Right - mine is a fairly early one. Dunno about any bugs as I don't use it
to the max, as it were. Just as a VCR substitute, and FreeView box, since
my TV only has analogue tuners.

The Topfield can be made to be one of the better machines but it
requires the software to be changed and possibly the use of third party
software.

I did install the later much recommended TAPS and found it offered pretty
colours but actually less functionality for the things I wanted. Rather
typical of graphic design lead stuff. Changing the name of a channel to
just a logo might be fine for a teenager - but not for me. But perhaps
I'm being unfair, since as I said I only really use the basic features.

Topfields (good) reputation was based on the older models running the
older software/firmware.

Right.

BTW I have a reliable and well featured Topfield achieved with the use
of third party software (TAPS). If someone is technically competent and
has the inclination to play with the machine I would recommend a
Topfield, but one of the older models. I would not recommend a Topfield
'out-of-the-box' nor for someone who expects not to touch his expensive
purchase to make it reliable

Mine has worked perfectly since I bought it. Wish I could say the same
about other similar things.

--
*You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Suggestions for PVR please
 

"Johnny B Good" wrote in message
.. .
The message

from contains these words:

====big snip====

I suspect the OP's father in law is from the same generation as my
father, who methodically unplugs pretty much every appliance in the
house every night ;-)

That's perfectly understandable behaviour when you consider its origin,
Back in the day, the risk of an appliance cord fault causing a house
fire was very real (no plugtop fuse protection on the 5 and 15 amp house
wiring circuits of the day).

Although modern wiring standards and materials have reduced the risk
somewhat, it hasn't completely been eliminated so there's no real reason
for such a life saving habit to cease (at least, not in the mind of the
older generation).

You also have to keep in mind that pretty well all electrical devices
back then (even the electronic ones, such as radios and TV sets) were
fire hazards in themselves.

Nowadays, the only comparably dangerous items are electric fires, hair
driers, irons, washing machines and tumble driers (especially tumble
driers, so much so that the fire fighting service strongly advise
against running one unattended when retiring to bed for the night).

Today, the risk of conflagration from low power (sub 40 watt)
electronic boxes is at a vanishingly small level what with modern
materials and standards of construction aimed specifically at
eliminating this risk.

Although a risk still exists (at astronomically high odds against the
event) it is considered small enough in the risk/benefit equation for
most of us to accept the need to leave such devices powered up in
standby overnight in order to stay up to date with software or epg
updates (or even just to save the hassle of bending down to switch back
on at the set's mains isolator switch or at the mains outlet socket
switch).

However, if my youngest son's habit of loading the tumble drier at 1 or
2am and starting a 2 hour drying cycle just before going to his bed is
anything to go by, I suspect a good portion of his generation are going
to die in house fires due to the false sense of security in _all_ things
electrical engendered by the almost total absence of such risk in other
'household appliances' such as set top boxes, TV and radio sets and the
like.

Like anything else, the risk factor has to be decided on the merits of
each case. For instance, it would be deemed risk free to run a
tumbledrier unattended overnight if it were installed in a brick
outhouse _not_ adjoining the main residence.

Alternatively, the risk of leaving a set top box on overnight would be
deemed unacceptable if it were housed in a closed box with other heat
sources and a stuffing of shredded paper along with a pile of dry
cardboard stacked up against the housing and no (working) smoke detector
to raise an alarm.

This last example, whilst rather extreme, seems unlikely, but it's
surprising how often some folk can unwittingly simulate such a
circumstance.

This just shows how easy it is to under or over estimate the hazard of
overnight unattended operation (standby or not) of electrical
appliances. Most of us get it right most of the time (and live to a ripe
old age ;-), but some of us are going to be caught out and have an
exciting tale to tell of how they just failed to qualify for a "Darwin
Award" (if they're lucky).

Whilst all of this might seem "Off Topic" to the subject matter in
hand, it nevertheless addresses a real concern often expressed in
relation to such operational modes of the technical digital TV kit this
news group references.

It just seemed to me an opportunity to lend some context to
airsmoothed's bemusement over his father's seemingly obsessive concern
for electrical appliance safety. After all, airsmoothed's very existence
might, in a Darwinian sense, be owed to this very obsession. ;-)

--
Regards, John.


But I saw a news item on, I believe, the South-east news within the last
week about a house fire which resulted from a television set (crt-type)
self-igniting!

bhk

Suggestions for PVR please
 

The message
from charles contains these words:

In article ,
Johnny B Good wrote:
The message

from contains these words:

====big snip====

I suspect the OP's father in law is from the same generation as my
father, who methodically unplugs pretty much every appliance in the
house every night ;-)

That's perfectly understandable behaviour when you consider its origin,
Back in the day, the risk of an appliance cord fault causing a house
fire was very real (no plugtop fuse protection on the 5 and 15 amp house
wiring circuits of the day).

It doesn't actually matter where the fuse is placed in the circuit. Indeed
it is argued by most other countries that a correctly fused (MCCB'd)
distribution board is safer. the only real advantage of our Ring Main
system is cheaper installation costs. the fact you can buy fuses to fit in
a plug with a higher rating than the cable leaving that plug is quite
unsafe.

On this last remark, I agree. However, the odds of a short cct on a 5
amp lamp cord blowing a 13 amp fuse are still very high, far far higher
than such a fault blowing a 20 amp consumer unit fuse or cct breaker.

If the householder wishes to tempt fate by fitting a 13 amp fuse in
place of a 3 or 5 amp fuse appropriate to the cordage rating, then on
their head so be it.

Such practice of over rating the fuse protection at the consumer unit
was also common prior to the advent of the 30 amp ring main and 13 amp
sockets. On balance, even with the flaw of the potential to 'overfuse'
the plugtop, the 13A socket and 30A ringmain wiring system is a vast
improvement over what went before.

As for the fallacy that a "correctly fused (MCCB'd) distribution board
is safer", I don't agree with that at all. If you make it all too easy
to restore power onto a suspect or overloaded circuit, you're going to
increase the risk that whatever is causing the breaker to trip will
eventually result in a conflagration.

When it proves much less convenient to "reset" the fuse at the consumer
unit, the householder is more likely to take appropriate remedial action
than let the problem continue indefinitely.

Of course, you cannot totally eliminate the "Darwin Award" factor (the
ingenuity of human stupidity knows no bounds), but it does at least
require that a conscious decision be made to compromise safety.

Aside from the human stupidity factor, the safety offered by
conventional rewirable fuse bridges at the consumer unit is very hard to
beat. Resettable circuit breakers to handle what should be a once in a
lifetime fault event seems like totally unecessary overkill to me.

In the last 27 years or so, I only have a vague memory of having to
replace one of the two 5A lighting circuit fuse bridges (and that must
have been some 15 to 20 years ago).

Even the top floor ring main has not required its 15A fuse to be
replaced (it's wired as a 30A ring main, I'd just elected to fit a 15A
fusebridge in place of the 30A one to further minimise the risk on a
circuit that hasn't been required to supply much more than a few hundred
watts worth of power over the last 25 years or so). The wylex fuse
carriers allow the substitution of the rated fuse bridge with a lower
rated one but prevent a higher rated fusebridge from being so misused.

Personally, I think the substitution of fuse links with mcbs is a
backwards step in regard to safety.

--
Regards, John.

Please remove the "ohggcyht" before replying.
The address has been munged to reject Spam-bots.

Suggestions for PVR please
 

"charles" wrote in message
...
In article ,
J G Miller wrote:
On Fri, 01 May 2009 13:34:05 +0100, charles wrote:

Why not just use the switch on the socket?

Because in the minds of some, there still exists the possibility that
electrical power will leak through the switch due to it malfunctioning
and therefore still reach the appliances, thereby causing them to
spontaneously ignite during the night.

Strangely enough these same people have no problems leaving an electrical
compressor motor* more or less permanently connected to the power supply
which may probably be more likely to cause a fire.

* The refrigerator and/or freezer.

and an electric clock - mains ones being very common in their younger
days.


My grandmother had an electric clock built in to a wall mirror,
which was built in to the lounge wall.

It was a self-starter, but it was 50/50 whether it ran forwards or
backwards.

There was no switch, FCU or clock connecter socket, so you
had to interrupt the supply by pulling out the fuse in the CU
and then wait until you perceived the minuet hand moving
the right way.


--
Graham.

%Profound_observation%

Suggestions for PVR please
 

On Fri, 01 May 2009 19:45:44 +0100, bhk wrote:

But I saw a news item on, I believe, the South-east news within the last
week about a house fire which resulted from a television set (crt-type)
self-igniting!

Was the CRT connected to a digital converter box?

Suggestions for PVR please
 

On 1 May, 09:59, Steve wrote:
I apologise if this topic has been covered recently, but a quick search
didn't bring anything to light.

My elderly father-in-law wants a freeview box with built in recorder. I
know there's plenty to choose from but I could use recommendations for
one which is easy to use for someone who has barely grasped using a
cordless phone or basic TV remote. The idea of trying to teach
him to use interactive menus gives me the shudders. Anyone got any success
stories to share?

Thanks

Steve

Obviously there's a fair degree of subjectivity involved, but the
ricability site allows Freeview PVRs to be sorted by ease of use,may
gave some ideas:-

http://tinyurl.com/cdn7a6

Suggestions for PVR please
 

Steve wrote:
I apologise if this topic has been covered recently, but a quick search
didn't bring anything to light.

My elderly father-in-law wants a freeview box with built in recorder. I
know there's plenty to choose from but I could use recommendations for
one which is easy to use for someone who has barely grasped using a
cordless phone or basic TV remote. The idea of trying to teach
him to use interactive menus gives me the shudders. Anyone got any success
stories to share?

Thanks

Steve
Having read a bunch of the replies here - which of these recorders will
still work with the new freeview standard coming out this Autumn?

Andy

Suggestions for PVR please
 

In message , Andy Champ
wrote
Steve wrote:
I apologise if this topic has been covered recently, but a quick search
didn't bring anything to light.
My elderly father-in-law wants a freeview box with built in
recorder. I
know there's plenty to choose from but I could use recommendations for
one which is easy to use for someone who has barely grasped using a
cordless phone or basic TV remote. The idea of trying to teach
him to use interactive menus gives me the shudders. Anyone got any success
stories to share?
Thanks
Steve
Having read a bunch of the replies here - which of these recorders will
still work with the new freeview standard coming out this Autumn?


Which new Freeview standard are you referring to?

--
Alan
news2006 {at} amac {dot} f2s {dot} com

Suggestions for PVR please
 

Peter Duncanson wrote:

Ah but in ye goode olde dayes those appliances used Freon as a
refrigerant. Freon will also extinguish fires. So if one of those caught
fire it could extinguish its own fire -- maybe.

Burn Freon and the gas produced is Phosgene, very possibly capable of
extingushing life as well. Used in World War I as a chemical weapon!

--
Adrian C

Suggestions for PVR please
 

"Graham." wrote in message
...

"charles" wrote in message
...
In article ,
J G Miller wrote:
On Fri, 01 May 2009 13:34:05 +0100, charles wrote:

Why not just use the switch on the socket?

Because in the minds of some, there still exists the possibility that
electrical power will leak through the switch due to it malfunctioning
and therefore still reach the appliances, thereby causing them to
spontaneously ignite during the night.

Strangely enough these same people have no problems leaving an
electrical
compressor motor* more or less permanently connected to the power supply
which may probably be more likely to cause a fire.

* The refrigerator and/or freezer.

and an electric clock - mains ones being very common in their younger
days.


My grandmother had an electric clock built in to a wall mirror,
which was built in to the lounge wall.

It was a self-starter, but it was 50/50 whether it ran forwards or
backwards.

There was no switch, FCU or clock connecter socket, so you
had to interrupt the supply by pulling out the fuse in the CU
and then wait until you perceived the minuet hand moving
the right way.


Presumably whilst the hour hand waltzed away!


--
Graham.

%Profound_observation%

Suggestions for PVR please
 

On Fri, 01 May 2009 21:57:25 +0100, Adrian C wrote:

Peter Duncanson wrote:

Ah but in ye goode olde dayes those appliances used Freon as a
refrigerant. Freon will also extinguish fires. So if one of those caught
fire it could extinguish its own fire -- maybe.

Burn Freon and the gas produced is Phosgene, very possibly capable of
extingushing life as well. Used in World War I as a chemical weapon!

Excellent. A multifunction gas.

Suggestions for PVR please
 

My elderly father-in-law wants a freeview box with built in recorder. I
know there's plenty to choose from but I could use recommendations for
one which is easy to use for someone who has barely grasped using a
cordless phone or basic TV remote. The idea of trying to teach
him to use interactive menus gives me the shudders. Anyone got any
success
stories to share?


Humax PVR.
It's as straightforward as you'll get


But if it goes wrong don't even expect Humax to be interested, let alone
resolve matters!
Worst manufacturer I've ever dealt with.



they have always answered my emails no problems.........

Interesting. I've emailed three times using the address on their website,
then wrote a letter and faxed it before posting it. No response at all.
I started contacting last December and gave up about 6 weeks ago.

Suggestions for PVR please
 

"Peter Duncanson" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 1 May 2009 04:38:54 -0700 (PDT), wrote:


I suspect the OP's father in law is from the same generation as my
father, who methodically unplugs pretty much every appliance in the
house every night ;-)

There was a time when that was a very sensible thing to do.

Only a very brief period in the early 70s when some TV sets had a "quick
start" feature that meant that the valve and tube heaters were permanently
on.

--
Max Demian

Suggestions for PVR please
 

"charles" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Johnny B Good wrote:
The message

from contains these words:

====big snip====

I suspect the OP's father in law is from the same generation as my
father, who methodically unplugs pretty much every appliance in the
house every night ;-)

That's perfectly understandable behaviour when you consider its origin,
Back in the day, the risk of an appliance cord fault causing a house
fire was very real (no plugtop fuse protection on the 5 and 15 amp house
wiring circuits of the day).

It doesn't actually matter where the fuse is placed in the circuit. Indeed
it is argued by most other countries that a correctly fused (MCCB'd)
distribution board is safer. the only real advantage of our Ring Main
system is cheaper installation costs.

Copper shortage after WW2...

the fact you can buy fuses to fit in
a plug with a higher rating than the cable leaving that plug is quite
unsafe.

I don't understand why they don't fuse the sockets rather than the plugs, as
the fuses really only protect the supply.

--
Max Demian

Suggestions for PVR please
 

Alan wrote:
bunch of the replies here - which of these recorders
will still work with the new freeview standard coming out this Autumn?


Which new Freeview standard are you referring to?

If it's DVB-T2, then none of them. Not a single T2 receiver is on the market
yet, PVR, IDTV, or bog standard box.


--
Mark
Please replace invalid and invalid with gmx and net to reply.

www.paras.org.uk