Digibox With Timer

Tinkerer wrote:
"John Legon" wrote in message
...
John Legon wrote:
The Icecrypt T5000 Freeview box has eight timers which I assume can be
used to start a recording on an HDD/DVD deck using SCART signalling, as
was the case with my old Digilogic box and Toshiba HDD/DVD, but I've not
actually tried it since I don't make recordings like that anymore...
I've just taken a look, and the timers will switch the box on. But
there's no option to set a time to switch the box off, so not much use for
timed recordings...


I have come to the conclusion that, with the advent of Freeview tuner
recorders the set top boxes with timer controls have been phased out. I
have advised my friend to replace his analogue PVR with a digital one.
Expensive but, apparently, the only way out.

The Icecrypt might still offer a partial solution, since in addition to
turning the box on, the timers change channels automatically without
prompting the user. Thus it would be possible to record a series of
programmes on different channels, setting the approximate start times on
the Icecrypt and using the timers on the Panasonic to set the actual
recording times. A digital PVR would be better of course....

--
John L

"John Legon" wrote in message
o.uk...
Tinkerer wrote:
"John Legon" wrote in message
...
John Legon wrote:
The Icecrypt T5000 Freeview box has eight timers which I assume can be
used to start a recording on an HDD/DVD deck using SCART signalling, as
was the case with my old Digilogic box and Toshiba HDD/DVD, but I've
not actually tried it since I don't make recordings like that
anymore...
I've just taken a look, and the timers will switch the box on. But
there's no option to set a time to switch the box off, so not much use
for timed recordings...


I have come to the conclusion that, with the advent of Freeview tuner
recorders the set top boxes with timer controls have been phased out. I
have advised my friend to replace his analogue PVR with a digital one.
Expensive but, apparently, the only way out.

The Icecrypt might still offer a partial solution, since in addition to
turning the box on, the timers change channels automatically without
prompting the user. Thus it would be possible to record a series of
programmes on different channels, setting the approximate start times on
the Icecrypt and using the timers on the Panasonic to set the actual
recording times. A digital PVR would be better of course....


He has decided to bite the bullet and get a digital PVR. Not the cheapest
option but, in my view, the best. Thanks to all for your time and help.
--
Tinkerer

"Davey" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 14 May 2011 16:43:57 +0100
"Tinkerer" wrote:

Can you still get set top Freeview boxes with a timer function that
allows recordings to be made (using a VCR) when you are out? I have
a friend who is in need of one but we cannot find one with that
facility. The best we have found is one that reminds you your
program is about to start.

Morrison's are still selling a Lowry (no idea who really makes them)
with eight such timers. They won't turn the VCR on, but use its own
timers for that. No idea if they are old stock that is selling out or
not.
They cannot be left turned on to a specific channel, as they go into
standby mode, but the timers will wake them up as required, to
whatever channel you program.
--


Thanks for that. He is probably going to get a Digital PVR which is the
most sensible answer but I will pass this on to him.
--
Tinkerer

Tinkerer wrote:

I have come to the conclusion that, with the advent of Freeview tuner
recorders the set top boxes with timer controls have been phased out.
I have advised my friend to replace his analogue PVR with a digital
one. Expensive but, apparently, the only way out.

Good advice. I have a Pioneer STB + Panasonic DVD recorder myself and the
hassle of setting two timers is simply not worth it. I have also found the
Panasonic's own timer to be terribly unreliable.

(kim)