Dead Digibox?

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dido

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I have been using a Panasonic TU-DSB20 box for the last 4 years. It worked OK first thing this morning and now it is "dead". The red standby light is on and the other remote command/online/message lights flash very faintly every 10 seconds or so. When I try to switch it on nothing happens. At the suggestion of the supplier back in the UK (I am in France) I have tried unplugging, reconnecting and pressing the back-up button in to see if it reactivates. Have tried this several times - nothing happens. Any other suggestions or do I have to get a new box? Supplier says I need to take the Sky card back to the UK to get a new box sorted - is there any other way of getting a new box in France? Any assistance would be appreciated.

Thanks, Dido
 

Razor

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Did you keep the back-up button in untill all 4 lights came on.
 
O

Old Fred

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Razor said:
Did you keep the back-up button in untill all 4 lights came on.
I've read about this "common" fault. It's apparently caused by an I.C. failure on the mother board. You should be able to get it repaired for less than the cost of a (good) replacement if you send it to a repairer. Plenty of places repairing in the UK. You could try Michael Dranfield of "Digifix". I've heard that he's good with Panasonics and he can get the spares.

Try a www search for his name - I'm sure he has email.
Note: I have no connection with him. He doesn't know me so you won't get discount by mentioning me! :)

Fred
 
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dido

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Razor said:
Did you keep the back-up button in untill all 4 lights came on.
Dear Razor,

I found that after keeping the back-up button in for 8 minutes with nothing happening the cramp in my thumb was too much to bear! BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS - it's all back on now (after a brief stalling with static picture and sound only on one channel). I don't know whether it was down to climatic conditions with the extremely hot weather we have had here - but this morning was only cloudy not stormy. I have only previously had problems when there has been a real storm and the receiver still works but you get the "No signal being received" message. Is it normal for the box to shut down all together if the weather is a bit dodgy? So glad I didn't do anything rash like getting a flight back to get a new box!

Dido
 
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dido

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Sorry to have to reactivate this thread, but after a few weeks of trouble-free viewing I have got the problem back again. This time I either have a problem firing up the digibox - have tried the back-up thing several times and nothing happens even after 9 minutes of holding the button in. If it does switch on I get between 1 minute and 90 minutes of viewing before the picture freezes and I get sound only - and then I can't change channel or turn the box off using the remote. When it does work I get a very clear picture - no breaking up or anything like that. My question is - is it the digibox or the dish set-up that I need to do something about?

Thanks as always for any help

Dido

(PS Is the Sky card OK going through airport security x-ray machines?)
 

dogsknob

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A very common Panasonic 20 problem, usual cause is the PCMCIA buffer chip IC610. Unfortunately, it is a professional repair, not a D I Y job.
 
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dido

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Thanks greatly for that. I have now got new box on order through local specialist shop who will be able to deal with any future problems directly. Just have to wait for delivery confirmation and installation!

Dido
 

sonny1120

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dido said:
Dear Razor,

I found that after keeping the back-up button in for 8 minutes with nothing happening the cramp in my thumb was too much to bear!

Dido
this will update your software

Take viewing card out Unplug digibox wait 10 seconds then (this must be done at same time) plug back in and press back up button on the digibox its self - not the remote control. Its best to press back up button just before you plug back in the red light will show then keep holding it for about 15 seconds and all the lights (4) will come on and stay on. You will see a screen saying updating, it will take about 10 mins. once compleated it will go in to standby mode switch on after 2 mins then follow the on screen instructions
 
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