Software update spikes certain Freesat set-top boxes

chris

A software update for Goodmans, Bush and Grundig Freesat set-top boxes that has caused owners widespread viewing problems could be fixed within hours.

Harvard International, which owns all three set-top box brands, released the over-the-air software update for its boxes on 13 October. The new software is believed to have been released to reorganise the boxes' channel list.

But numerous readers have since contacted Register Hardware to complain that, post-update, their Harvard-made boxes have contracted one or several mystery technical problems, including an inability to change channel; loss of picture and/or sound; loss of satellite signal; and constant box reboots.

Some readers even claimed that their Harvard set-tops won’t switch on at all.

Quite how many Freesat users have been affected by the fault isn’t known. Harvard’s Director of Communications, John Edwards, yesterday told The Times that the number is “in the low hundreds”.

Edwards also said that Harvard hopes to be able to release a software fix within the next few days.

Users whose Goodmans, Bush or Grundig Freesat boxes won’t turn on clearly won’t be able to receive the over-the-air update, but Harvard hasn't yet said how it will resolve this problem for them. A statement on the matter is expected later today.

Since the software update was issued by Harvard, rather than Freesat itself, customers with boxes manufactured by other vendors will not be affected.

Box maker Humax told us it is currently testing its own Freesat set-top software update, which should be released mid-November.


Source: reghardware

Tivù

Yes, I've been following this for a few days, and other Forums are abuzz with condemenation.

Our own humble effort is here:

Freesat update - goodmans hd fault

dishdoctor

I bought a Bush freesat hd at my local boot sale from a seller of electrical argos returns..........plugged in,red light on but wouldnt turn on.........left plugged in for a couple of hours.The box was then warm underneath so i tried again pushing the on button but no result..........While still connected to the tv i removed the mains power and then re-connected the power and the tv made some response but the blue off light still remained on.Then by pulling the power plug while pushing the on/off button in about 6 or 7 combinations the box came back to life and now works perfectly............worth a try.....you have nothing to lose.......brian

Channel Hopper

I'll fish out those SetPal boxes from the shed tonight......

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"

PaulR

I'll add my two SetPal boxes to the pile as well...

PaulR As I get older I find myself thinking about the hereafter - I go into a room and then wonder what I'm here after.