DigiFusion FVRT150
Digital Video Recorder (Freeview)
software version 1.7.3 (7 January 2005)
16 March 2005
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Errr...actually I've been using this for several months with not a hint of a problem. So no bug fixes or emails from the manufacturer saying "It'll be fixed on the next update".
I think the box has far outdone anything I could of hoped for given my previous bad experience with the shoddy and non-working PaceTwin. I actually forget the DigiFusion is under the TV. It's become part of the furniture = great consumer item.
It works –it does exactly what it says on the tin! (which for a former Pace Twin owner is a nice surprise)
Looks very nice
Feels solid (like someone's poured concrete into the case)
Record 2 channels at the same time (this is a brilliant option and I never thought I'd use it)
Has a calendar option where you can go directly to a day without going through 10s of now/next programmes.
3.5" 80GB HDD =at least 40 hours of recording (can be compressed to 80hrs apparently)
Super fast GUI/menus
12v external power supply
Saves the full programme guide (EPG) so no waiting to see what’s on
Nicely sized and not too bright LED clock (the Pace Twin display could have lit up half of London)
Can record 2 programmes and watch an old recording at the same time.
Can delete recordings even if you're recording
Forward/rewind search is perfectly smooth. Very impressive.
Everything feels 'smooth' and you know when you set it to record it will do it
I can hear the HDD (not noisy as such -just means I'll move it from where it is). Not loud, but a 'puuuuur'. As with PCs a lit bit of sponge/foam on the feet reduces it a lot.
No SCART cable included in box
Why can't the HDD go to standby?
No channel delete (although using 'Favourites' essentially removes channels you don't like)
No option to make timer set to "Weekly", "Daily" etc
No 'exit' button on the remote, I have to press 'cancel' at least once to get back to the TV
Records 30min of TV that you're watching whether you like it or not. A bit like a TIVO then. I don't think my Pace did that. I'd like to be able to turn that off.
When using a 4:3 TV with 16:9/anamorphic the channel up/down causes the screen to go full 4:3 which is messy on the eye (especially since the channel name is forced to the top). Why can't it stay in the 16:9 frame?
When looking at the guide (via OK button -not the full guide) the volume on/off button doesn't work
I'd like all the graphic info (channel number. info etc) to be at the bottom of the screen. Easier on the eye.
Slow down moving up/down channels as it can jump 2 (although since the channel +/- buttons are about 1 metre from each other that shouldn't be too much of a problem).
Why the bright red light on the display? If it's 'on' the channel number can be seen and if it's 'off' the clock is there. I put a bit of black tape over it.
I'd like the option to record after pressing 'OK' and getting the mini-guide (now/next type thing)
I'd like a red dot to be on the channel (TV screen) you're actually recording. There's nothing to say it's recoding that channel as far as I can see. A green light (or 2 if recording 2 channels) does appear on the unit display.
Also when watching back a recoding there's seems to be no 'info' button ie "What am I watching" and "How long is there to go to the end".
You can hit search (and an ugly blob on a line appears) and it shows you were you are but I'd still like an 'info' button.
Scenes, I’d like the option to turn this off or at least set it so it only asks you once
Box displays only 'PLAY' on playback which is disappointing. Would be nice to have a countdown/played/remaining counter
Synopsis appears everytime you scroll down lists (recorded or guide). An “info” button would be far better as the constant synopsis is annoying as it moves the next item down so you can't readily see it. Difficult on the eyes.
Could do with a "remember where I was" button option when watching recordings. 'Scenes' works but I don't like them as they are intrusive.
Remote control is very poor (and I mean REALLY cheap, nasty and difficult to use) UPDATE: Well, I've gotten used to it. The buttons still squeak and I don't like the 'feel'. Still ugly.
Backgrounds are horrible. Some sort of oceany blue horror. Plain is good because it makes things more readable.
I think it's important to say that the vast majority of the 'Bads' above are minor annoyances and should be seen in the light of the fact that I really like the DigiFusion. It's a great piece of kit and has never let me down.
Tips:
Try and give the unit a separate power and aerial source ie from the main aerial socket you can connect up a multi socket and use one output to your DigiFusion.
Again with the power source, use a block with spike protection. I never run/share aerial signals through equipmet (VCR to TV etc) as it can cause reception and interference problems.
Make sure you get the channel 4TVInteractive (704) in the channel list. This channel is where the EPG (TV guide) and updated software/firmware comes from. If it's not there reinstall or re-search for channels and if it's still not their check your aerial cables (see first tip). If it still doesn't appear then that may point to your aerial being misaligned.
Links:
Some unit images here HDD connection
DigitalSpy forum thread here
Manufacturer’s website is here Product link here (different image to the box bought from Argos)
PDF specification here (duplicated here).
Argos website/catalogue here (screen grab here). Item number: 532/0462
Freeview information website www.freeview.co.uk
Do you know the off the shelf replacement remote code for this? Please post if you do.
If you'd like to add something or have a question, post your message over at www.digitalspy.co.uk
All images taken with a digital camera
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