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Chat => Tech Chat => Topic started by: dave.m on August 20, 2008, 11:53:53 PM

Title: Set top boxes killed by Freeview Update
Post by: dave.m on August 20, 2008, 11:53:53 PM
Freeview Update renders Thousands of Set top Boxes useless  :'(

If your freeview has stopped working, read this:

http://www.computeractive.co.uk/computeractive/news/2224310/freeview-update-breaks-boxes

dave
Title: Re: Set top boxes killed by Freeview Update
Post by: oldfogy on August 21, 2008, 12:36:23 AM
So much for the get in early campaign's.

Although I have to admit, my heart started going into overdrive when I saw Daewoo was one of the effected boxes, as I have only just recently purchased a Daewoo combi, but fortunately it's not one on the list.
Title: Re: Set top boxes killed by Freeview Update
Post by: UncleUB on August 21, 2008, 05:53:30 AM
Mines a Goodmans,Its not very good but its not on the list. 
Title: Re: Set top boxes killed by Freeview Update
Post by: roseway on August 21, 2008, 07:13:08 AM
Only a few old boxes are affected. Very irritating for those affected of course, but not a widespread problem.
Title: Re: Set top boxes killed by Freeview Update
Post by: Broadband1 on August 21, 2008, 10:54:43 AM
Argh! no wonder mine keeps going off and forgets to turn on again looks like I have to buy another box :(
Title: Re: Set top boxes killed by Freeview Update
Post by: jid on August 21, 2008, 11:57:54 AM
Argh! no wonder mine keeps going off and forgets to turn on again looks like I have to buy another box :(

Yep  :(

You can get them cheap in all the supermarkets now though! £15 I paid in Asda for a Freeview Box and it was an Energy Efficient one!!  ;)
Title: Re: Set top boxes killed by Freeview Update
Post by: guest on August 21, 2008, 01:46:04 PM
I think that this will be the first of many updates which will "break" DVB-T boxes in the UK.

In fact I'd go as far as to say that all DVB-T boxes currently on sale in the UK will require replacement within the next 4 years.

I'm more and more convinced that Freesat is the only sensible choice......
Title: Re: Set top boxes killed by Freeview Update
Post by: Broadband1 on August 21, 2008, 01:49:06 PM
You know what Im gonna treat myself this time me is going to get a FreeSat HD Box.

This site seems trusty http://freesatsettopbox.co.uk/    BBC HD and Setanta Sports here I come  :)
Title: Re: Set top boxes killed by Freeview Update
Post by: guest on August 21, 2008, 02:03:59 PM
DON'T SUBSCRIBE TO SETANTA! Really don't. No matter how tempted you are. Don't.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1105281

Or just google and you'll find loads more.

DON'T DO IT!

Edit - also freesatsettopbox.co.uk is registered by a sole trader in Aberdeen, so caveat emptor.
Title: Re: Set top boxes killed by Freeview Update
Post by: Broadband1 on August 21, 2008, 02:44:00 PM
That wasn't too bad just means if i want to unsubscribe I have to pull out the old biro and paper  :)
Title: Re: Set top boxes killed by Freeview Update
Post by: mr_chris on August 21, 2008, 02:58:56 PM
Cheers for the link Rizla - I guess I'd advise the following to anyone who still wants to sign up to Setanta:

1. Pay using Direct Debit.
2. If cancelling, send a cancellation letter using recorded delivery, advising that you will also be cancelling the direct debit.

That way, you're covered. I wouldn't like the 60 day cancellation notice much, but that alone wouldn't be a barrier to signing up for me, as long as I knew all the facts in advance.
Title: Re: Set top boxes killed by Freeview Update
Post by: guest on August 21, 2008, 03:06:10 PM
As someone on the other forum has pointed out, it is VERY likely that the contract falls into the "unfair" category and I'd lay money on the OFT agreeing.

The recorded delivery method didn't work for a significant number of people as they were given a PO Box address to cancel. Setanta appear to have multiple addresses for "cancelling" as well  :no: There also seems to have been fairly widespread abuse of the DD system - adjusting payments without giving notice mainly...

Personally that'd be enough to put me off dealing with them  ;)

Title: Re: Set top boxes killed by Freeview Update
Post by: UncleUB on August 21, 2008, 03:23:52 PM
Thanks for the heads up Rizla,I must admit I have been very tempted to sign up,but I think I will take a rain check on that one.  ;)
Title: Re: Set top boxes killed by Freeview Update
Post by: guest on August 21, 2008, 05:11:34 PM
I know that there's a code covering DDs but in practice (I have personal experience of this with two banks - HSBC and RBS) your bank will initially side with the big company and pretty much require you to "prove" it wasn't your fault and/or you didn't sign up to whatever agreement the big company claims you did.

If you know your rights then you'll be OK for getting past that nonsense, but getting your cash back inside a couple of weeks seems to be completely impossible. A month to 6 weeks is my experience, and you'll get no compensation if that causes you problems.

Banks seem to routinely flout the DD code and rely on the customer not having a clue as to their rights  :(