Zinwell ZMT-640PVR

[Injuised]

Zinwell launches new Digital Television Recorder.



We are delighted to update you on the latest developments in Freeview digital television. Zinwell will launch a Freeview accredited Digital Television Recorder on 1 December 2008 to coincide with the official launch of My Freeview HD and in time for the Christmas sales season.



The Zinwell ZMT-640PVR is a dual tuner recorder which allows two channels to be recorded whilst watching a third channel.

The full features and benefits are included in the attached promotional package which is provided for your use.



Freeview introduced the new My Freeview HD service in a widely reported media launch last week. Articles appeared in NZ Herald and NBR, among other publications. Freeview is committed to a substantial advertising investment on television during December with ongoing support continuing at a high level. They have also introduced a new “My Freeview HD” feature on their www.freeviewnz.tv website.



NEXT Electronics is the exclusive New Zealand distributor for Zinwell digital television products. The product range marketed in New Zealand includes the Freeview accredited ZMT-7500 digital satellite receiver which is now also available in black and the Freeview accredited ZMT – 620HD digital terrestrial receiver

.

[kenj]

Anyone got a thought on what it will cost?

Anyone got any new gossip on the PS3 PlayTV release date?

Ken

[Injuised]

With 2 HD tuners and a hard drive I dont think you will get much change out of $1000 retail

[Apsattv]

Its not that much in terms of technology.

If they can't get it out for $499 then there is something wrong!

a 250 gig hd costs not much more than $100 NZ retail

[Injuised]

$499 was the price of the first HD tuners I dont think they will sell the PVR for the same price, Im guessing closer to $800

[wiredr]

on this web page http://sat-receiver-world.com/safedataframe.html?fsrc=http://sat-receiver-world.com/producer/zinwell/zinwell-zdx-640-hd-hdtv-mpeg-2-160-gb.html is another model with the same case . \
what is interesting is that zinwell make a stb pvr which will decode dvbs dvbs2 and dvbt, now that would make a good xmas pressy.

[Geekster]

Woo! About time, too.

I hope it's a bit more flexible than other HDD recorders. I wonder if the HD is upgradeable (some boxes will only use x amount of space on a HD, even if more is available).

As for the dual-tuners, it might just be the same trick that can be done on the Olevia firmware.

[kiwisteve]

I heard a rumour that Panasonic were bring out a HD recorder

[paulw]

I heard a rumour that Panasonic were bring out a HD recorder

Hope it has a Blu-ray HD writer as well..

[kiwisteve]

No Unfortunately No Blu Ray DVD only

[sesamestreet]

it depends on what capacity the chipset can take.


Woo! About time, too.

I hope it's a bit more flexible than other HDD recorders. I wonder if the HD is upgradeable (some boxes will only use x amount of space on a HD, even if more is available).

As for the dual-tuners, it might just be the same trick that can be done on the Olevia firmware.

[butlerboy]

I heard a rumour that Panasonic were bring out a HD recorder

do you know the model or any details. i need a new dvd recorder but am waiting for one with a digital tuner to be releases.

[openmedia]

Woo! About time, too.

I hope it's a bit more flexible than other HDD recorders. I wonder if the HD is upgradeable (some boxes will only use x amount of space on a HD, even if more is available).

As for the dual-tuners, it might just be the same trick that can be done on the Olevia firmware.

The unit has two true tuners, so can record from two different multiplexes.

[wiredr]

why would zinwell release a product that was usb only updateble when the zmt 620 updates ota. ? my guess is that the 620 and the 640 run the same software , which could also mean that the 640 software will update a 620 into a pvr with epg.

[Injuised]

why would zinwell release a product that was usb only updateble when the zmt 620 updates ota. ? my guess is that the 620 and the 640 run the same software , which could also mean that the 640 software will update a 620 into a pvr with epg.

I think you could be right, wonder who is going to be the first to try it, I pick Kiwisteve

[kiwisteve]

I will ask my friend who runs the local %100 Store and see if I can test one when stock arrives !! :D:D:D:D

[Geekster]

Hmm, now that I think about it, there's probably a good chance that the 640 and the 620 run similar software, so will (probably) use Linux.

Here's hoping that the recordings aren't encrypted (pioneer boxes do that, others just use an obfusamacated file system).


it depends on what capacity the chipset can take

Not always. EG; if I were to put a 1TB drive in a cheapo box that normally has an 80GB drive in it, well then you can expect problems. But some manufacturers lock a box to a certian size, ie boxes sold as 80GB ones will only ever use 80GB of space, 120GB ones will only ever use 120GB of space, even if a larger hard drive is put in. This is to stop people buying the cheapest one, then putting a whopping great hard drive in it.

[zekton]

$499 was the price of the first HD tuners I dont think they will sell the PVR for the same price, Im guessing closer to $800

RRP is $1149

[sesamestreet]

Ouch!! Where'd you find that out?

[kenj]

RRP is $1149

Now you see why they are trying to keep us out of the '620.

No profit in that!!

Ken

[Apsattv]

RRP is $1149

They have to be joking!!!!!!!!!!!!

How do they justify that in this day and age!
$399 yes
$1149 hahahahahahaah

[openmedia]

They have to be joking!!!!!!!!!!!!

How do they justify that in this day and age!
$399 yes
$1149 hahahahahahaah

Anyone seen the price for the equivalent FreeSat dual tuner units in the UK that also do H.264 and MHEG..?

http://www.joinfreesat.co.uk/index.php/digital-boxes/humax-foxsat-hdr

UK 300 = NZ$750 at current exchange rates, so I'd expect an RRP around $900 here.

[zekton]

Anyone got a thought on what it will cost?



I hear $1149

[jonathan]

I hear $1149

Yes, but as previously asked, where did you get this $1149 figure from?

Others have been talking about $599, which does sound on the cheap side. $800 would even be ok, however $1149 sounds extreme and will certainly put serious purchasers off (me included). Considering SD non-Freeview PVRs can be had for a few hundred dollars – and they include the ability to archive material via a built-in DVD burner – a premium of $650 or more does sound high.

I emailed Next Electronics trying to get a hint of the price and got the usual response about them just being distributors, and that retailers determine the RRP. Did say, however, that it should be available from 4 December.

Anyway, I do wait with some anticipation for its release – and particularly first buyers’ feedback. With a Topfield model being released early next year, it may be best waiting for that as well before jumping in…

[kiwisteve]

Nothing shown in HD worth recording . only crime progs and Rove all the good progs and docos are in SD
so just get a DVD recorder with a 250 + HDD

[paulw]

Nothing shown in HD worth recording . only crime progs and Rove all the good progs and docos are in SD
so just get a DVD recorder with a 250 + HDD

Agree with you on that one..:mad:

[jonathan]

Nothing shown in HD worth recording . only crime progs and Rove all the good progs and docos are in SD
so just get a DVD recorder with a 250 + HDD

But that will change over time - ie, more shows will inevitably be screened in HD.

I have a hard-disk recorder already, and use it to the point of watching very little live TV. But I currently have no Freeview HD decoder. I'd rather kill two birds with the one stone - ie, get Freeview HD AND have the advantages of a PVR that can use its EPG for recording. Forking out $250 plus for just a decoder doesn't seem to me to the best of investments, in my circumstances anyway...

[wiredr]

Nothing shown in HD worth recording . only crime progs and Rove all the good progs and docos are in SD
so just get a DVD recorder with a 250 + HDD
you are not comparing apples with apples here,

all the content on terrestrial ch,s 1,2 &3 has been upscaled . recorded upscaled content does look better on a 1080p panel. i have a sd satellite pvr and i much prefer watching content recorded from terestrial than satallite sd.
not that i like shorty street but compare shorty sd sattelite next to shorty terrestrial and terrestrial wins every time. i am not saying that upscaling is a panacea for all programs , quality source material certainly helps, this was quite visible when the bejing games were on . the one news in sd on terrestrial from bejing looked a lot better than the same content on sattelite especially when they switched back to content from their avalon studio. in fact there were several posts where people asked whether in fact we were secretly watching one news in hd. to my knowledge tvone does not and never has broadcast one news in hd.
roll on the mpeg4 pvr i say.

[kiwisteve]

Are you sure its the upscale to 1080 that makes it look better ??
Or is it just the better technology of the Mpeg4 system

[wiredr]

Are you sure its the upscale to 1080 that makes it look better ??
Or is it just the better technology of the Mpeg4 system
if it were only the h264 making the difference then c4 would ,acording to you,in theory look better on terrestrial than sattelite, it makes no apreciable diference . upscaling does improve the picture, you really have to see the two side by side to understand what i am saying, i have done a side by side comparison after running a color test pattern and the upscaled sd is sharper and not as dark, the difference can really be seen on facial content.

[kiwisteve]

I would agree in a lot of cases it can look better upscaled
as it may suit 1080p / i displays better . But I have seen an upscaled picture in the commercial broadcasting world that was worse than the native SD format original . Mainly artefacts on fast moving images

[richms]

you are not comparing apples with apples here,

all the content on terrestrial ch,s 1,2 &3 has been upscaled . recorded upscaled content does look better on a 1080p panel. i have a sd satellite pvr and i much prefer watching content recorded from terestrial than satallite sd.

I find the opposite, there is heaps of edge enhancement being done on the SD shows, to the point where its virtually unwatchable. People start to look like cardboard cutouts surrounded by a halo. Its definatly an adaptive enhancement since text seems to be relativly unscathed by it vs just cranking the sharpness up on a tv, but nevertheless, it makes it very hard to watch.

[Apsattv]

Price has been released

$1099 at Bond and Bond
$1149 at Noel Leemngs

Insane pricing..

[danger]

Price has been released

$1099 at Bond and Bond
$1149 at Noel Leemngs

Insane pricing..

Wow for less than that you should be able to pick up a PS3 + PlayTV sometime soon. Also given that the eXtra Terrestrial HD tuner is supposed to get a PVR firmware upgrade very soon giving it some of the same features for $270 (+ a USB HDD) I just can't imagine many of these selling.

I really think Freeview should have gone for the low-cost PVR approach. Getting Zinwell to release the same sort of firmware that they have in Hong Kong for the 620 would have had a much greater NZ mass market appeal. This seems to be a really lousy market entry strategy.

[Apsattv]

$999 from Dick Smiths.

Still about $500 too high!

[Injuised]

I think well see them down to around $600 before too long, they are just milking the market like any new product

[Injuised]

Now listed on website

http://www.freeviewnz.tv/products/detail/zinwell_zmt-640pvr_-_digital_television_recorder

[kiwisteve]

Craig will buy one and send to me then I can fill up the HDD with HD and send it back to him to watch !! lol :D:D

[Apsattv]

Keep it I don't have a HD ready tv!!
:D

[kiwisteve]

No HD ?? Shame :D:D:D:D

[pamandgraeme]

price $999 from Dick smith and replaces both DVD rec & TOP BOX.Works very good,records on off with Freeview times.

[Apsattv]

So you have one ?

[paulw]

price $999 from Dick smith and replaces both DVD rec & TOP BOX.Works very good,records on off with Freeview times.

How do you export / backup the content to a DVD or some other media as you can with your DVD recorder??

[tupper]

I bought one last week. So far I've been impressed. The interface is pretty simple: navigate the EPG, and press the red button to set a recording. If the programme is a series it asks if you want to set a series record, and if you say yes, it sets future occurrences to record. There are only two quirks I've seen so far:

1. I generally turn it to standby after I've finished watching TV. When it comes time to record, it switches on, and changes the channel to the recording channel. Once it's finished recording, instead of switching back to standby, it stays on. It doesn't seem to run very hot (compared to the 620) so maybe this isn't the end of the world.

2. The other night I had been channel surfing, and finished on TV3. Then I went to play a recording from the harddisk, and no sound came out. However, when I changed the channel to C4, and then played the recording, sound came out fine. I suspect it may have been getting confused as to what codec to use.

Not sure what I could recommend for backing up of programmes. I very rarely do this, but I suppose if I had to, I'd dust off my old DVD recorder and use that.

[brunzy]

How do you export / backup the content to a DVD or some other media as you can with your DVD recorder??


If you mean via USB....you dont

You can do it in real time via outputs,but obviously not in HD

[Geekster]

Is anyone brave enough to crack it open and have a looksee? Another serial port, anyone?

[LennonNZ]

Is anyone brave enough to crack it open and have a looksee? Another serial port, anyone?


I believe that this box also uses GPL based software as well but without having one its a little impossible to know unless someone wants to kill their $1000 toy or has the software available.

DSE didn't want to do anything with the original 620HD and the distributors NEXT Electronics have ignored any emails sent to them. maybe I should just ignore any copyright they have as they are doing with the 620HD.

Maybe the new Copyright laws which have come into affect can make them take notice.

or maybe they are broadcasting updates for the PVR already via OTA??

[Seance]

1. I generally turn it to standby after I've finished watching TV. When it comes time to record, it switches on, and changes the channel to the recording channel. Once it's finished recording, instead of switching back to standby, it stays on. It doesn't seem to run very hot (compared to the 620) so maybe this isn't the end of the world.



Yeah just bought one from Dick Smith ($849) and this is a little irrritating as I have it in my room and the fan is a little noisey at 3:00 in the morning. Other that that its just a step up from the 620 decoder (same menus, setup etc). But being able to record HD programs rocks.

[Apsattv]

It sounds like a fan mod might be on?

[kiwisteve]

Wonder if it runs all the time or on a temp sensor when box gets warm

[evilone]

I've got a text output from the POST of this box, also a dump of a ls -laR of the main partition.

[danger]

I've got a text output from the POST of this box, also a dump of a ls -laR of the main partition.

I wonder if transferring the firmware from a 640 to a 620 would work. Is the hardware basically the same with just the addition of a HDD and a second tuner?

[evilone]

I wonder if transferring the firmware from a 640 to a 620 would work. Is the hardware basically the same with just the addition of a HDD and a second tuner?

Not to sure I'd be willing to try that :P.

I've attached some photos from the inside of the box anyway..

[hotshotnz]

Here's a list of annoyances I've discovered with the ZMT 640 PVR (and which Next is aware of as I have emailed them the list and they are forwarding to Zinwell):

Regularly when the machine is put into standby, it will continue to run the hard disk and fan as noted by others. You have to power up and down a couple of times before it properly goes into standby.

Exceedingly slow response to the keys on the remote - a lag of up to 2 secs behind. Harmony 1 remote with Zinwell codes is far quicker.

Poorly written manual - nothing in the manual mentions OTA firmware updates - it shows the use of the USB port! No mention of the segment keys on playback for jumping to "chapters"

Display lights on the front panel (such as timer recording light) randomly do or don't display.

The unit will not always come out of standby when it has timer recordings set by using the remote - you have to use the standby button on the machine. If the machine has been off for the day, then the remote won't power it up. Pushing the standby button powers it on and it goes through the "boot" process. After that, if the duration between power on/off is not too long, the remote will power it on quickly - weird.

Random loss of set recordings in the rec list - including loss of series recording. This seems to happen if you power it off/on in a particular way but I haven't worked it out yet! Bizarre that it should lose all the settings though - and a bloody annoyance especially if you have gone through the EPG for the whole week!

Regular loss of sound when playing back recordings. You have to turn off the machine a couple of times until it will bring back sound. The annoying thing is that the loss of sound is random - if you exit the playlist, the sound of "live" broadcasts will be there and also for some of the recorded programmes - just not all. See below for more details.

Loss of audio
Zinwell connected by HDMI through Denon 3808 receiver to Sony 1080P LCD.
SPDIF coaxial connection to Denon.
Denon set to pass HDMI video to TV and ignore HDMI audio. Set to pass Dolby Digital through coaxial cable connection.

Turn on all equipment and watch live TV broadcast - all channels play video and audio correctly. Denon decodes TV3 Dolby digital and displays all channels being received. For other channels, AC3 is decoded and converted to Dolby PLII, then output over the 5.1 channels.

Record programmes (all channels). Now the fun starts.

Watch recorded programmes - sound will play as normal (as above) with TV3 correctly playing Dolby digital. Stop watching programmes and turn off for the viewing session. Turn everything back on later in the day and guess what? No sound being played back EXCEPT for TV3 recordings in Dolby digital. Turn off Zinwell and turn back on. Play any programme NOT recorded on TV3 = no sound. Select a programme recorded on TV3 = sound and now, the programmes that previously had no sound, do have sound! (randomly works)

Set the Denon to ignore the coaxial cable and play HDMI audio. Result - all programmes play audio as 2 channel. However, this defeats the purpose of the Zinwell outputting Dolby Digital for the receiver to decode when we are watching programmes encoded with it.

Therefore, it appears that at some point the Zinwell loses the ability to play non Dolby recordings - probably a codec failure?

Setting the audio options during playback or before playback makes no difference either. It is only playback of recorded TV - watching live TV through the Zinwell properly decodes the audio without a problem.

(also randomly occurs with HDMI audio as well - go figure!)

[mikerussellnz]

Comparing the boot log with the 620hd, they seem fairly similar, same CPU architecture, same amount of ram, same amount of flash. Just the extra S-ATA controller. Also looks like they have left the ethernet drivers on there.

I'm assuming that it just mounts the HDD somewhere in linux for recording. In that case, it shouldnt care whether its a USB or S-ATA hdd.

Can someone copy the zmw_zinwell_app from the hdd from the 640pvr onto a flash drive and upload it somewhere along with where it mounts the hdd, there is a chance that it will run on the 620hd.

The only real hardware difference other than the HDD that I can think of is initialization of the second tuner, but that could be done by scanning the i2c bus and initializing however many tuners it finds. The hdd is handled at the OS level so shouldn't be an issue.

[tupper]

Hi Hotshot,

Thanks for the blurb about the unit. Interesting that you can put it in standby by using the button on the machine and it'll stay that way.

I have a workaround for your audio conundrum. It caught me by surprise too, the first time.

Basically, the machine seems to have an "audio mode" which it is in. It's either

a) ready to decode TV3's codec, or
b) ready to decode every other channel's codec.

When you go into playback mode, you'll be in one or other of these modes, and will be able to hear audio either on your TV3 recordings (and nothing else) or from everything except TV3 recordings.

When you are watching live TV, the box correctly moves back and forth between the two settings, so if you flip from TV2 to TV3, it moves to setting a, and when you go back, it moves to setting b.

The workaround is to switch live channels to the channel you want to watch a recording from. If you want to watch a TV3 recording, make sure you're tuned to TV3, and if you want to watch another channel recording, make sure you're tuned into (say) TV2.

It's a bit annoying, but hopefully Zinwell will put out a firmware update sometime soon. They were pretty proactive with the 620, fixing the periodic audio dropouts that it initially had.

Hope that helps.

Cheers

Tupper

[hotshotnz]

Hi Hotshot,

Thanks for the blurb about the unit. Interesting that you can put it in standby by using the button on the machine and it'll stay that way.

I have a workaround for your audio conundrum. It caught me by surprise too, the first time.

Basically, the machine seems to have an "audio mode" which it is in. It's either

a) ready to decode TV3's codec, or
b) ready to decode every other channel's codec.

When you go into playback mode, you'll be in one or other of these modes, and will be able to hear audio either on your TV3 recordings (and nothing else) or from everything except TV3 recordings.

When you are watching live TV, the box correctly moves back and forth between the two settings, so if you flip from TV2 to TV3, it moves to setting a, and when you go back, it moves to setting b.

The workaround is to switch live channels to the channel you want to watch a recording from. If you want to watch a TV3 recording, make sure you're tuned to TV3, and if you want to watch another channel recording, make sure you're tuned into (say) TV2.

It's a bit annoying, but hopefully Zinwell will put out a firmware update sometime soon. They were pretty proactive with the 620, fixing the periodic audio dropouts that it initially had.

Hope that helps.

Cheers

Tupper


Many thanks Tupper. Makes sense now that you mention it given why the audio is randomly there or not - I hadn't paid attention to the channel the PVR was on.

Other than my list from earlier, I have to say that the picture of all the channels (whether native HD transmission or not) is so vastly superior to our Saturn digital cable connection, as well as being able to play back the same picture and superb sound!

[Apsattv]

I think much of what you are describing relates to "software" bugs and software design issues. Things that could be fixed with a firmware update.

[LennonNZ]

sigh...

so yet again next electronics (distributors of the units) blatently ignore copyright issues.

[kiwisteve]

Does that have any effect on the end user ??

[Seance]

Well I hope a Firmware update comes soon loosing programs out of my record list is becoming a bit of a pain in the @ss.

[rsclio]

Well I hope a Firmware update comes soon loosing programs out of my record list is becoming a bit of a pain in the @ss.

I'm posting this under this name, but it is actually hotshotnz - forgot password and this site times out with an error when trying to recover it.

Here are further problems with the Zinwell 640 PVR continued from last time:

Turning off the machine by remote or by stand by button often leaves it running the fan and disk - it's a lottery if it works. Also annoying is that the machine is fully on during timer recordings, rather than being on standby recording (which you can manually put it into). When using a Harmony remote (which is remembering the power status of the devices) to turn on the ZInwell to watch a program while it is in timer recording mode (that is ON), the Zinwell turns off (so Harmony loses track). Any sensibly implemented DVR/HDR will timer record in stand by then switch on if it receives a Power On command.

Turn the machine off using the remote, then it won't turn back on after a period of time using the remote - have to use the stand by button. Sometimes have to press the stand by button twice before it recognises it.

Randomly the machine will lock up when watching a program, then stop. Reselect the program and it starts from the beginning - not where you left it.

When watching a program that is in chase mode - that is on timer recording and you are watching it while it is recording - and the current program finishes and a new one starts recording (while still watching the first) causes the machine to lock up for about 20 seconds, then record a partial program for the new timer recording.

Randomly the machine will lock up and no button on remote or machine will unlock it - have to turn off the power. When this happens, all the timer recordings are lost. Which is bl**dy frustrating.

EPG is incredibly slow to recognise channel changes, next day, etc - it is a labour of love programming the timer recordings (you need the patience of a saint - and then see next paragraph!!)

And the most annoying of them all - when a series recording is made for programs that repeat at the same time each week, the series record indicator is shown and the program shows in the record list, but guess what? It randomly wipes the timer recording! How pointless is that. Worst still, there isn't any pattern to it - some do, some don't.

Zinwell needs to get its A into G and release a firmware update because this is the most poorly implemented device software I have encountered.

[jonathan]

Zinwell needs to get its A into G and release a firmware update because this is the most poorly implemented device software I have encountered.

Has anyone had any luck contacting Zinwell/Next to confirm 1. if they are revising the firmware and, if so, 2. what problems will it fix and 3. when will it be released?

[rsclio]

Has anyone had any luck contacting Zinwell/Next to confirm 1. if they are revising the firmware and, if so, 2. what problems will it fix and 3. when will it be released?

I've emailed Freeview and asked them to help because:

1). It's a Freeview approved product
2). They advertise features for MyFreeviewHD that can't be properly implemented.
3). and based on 2). above using an approved product, as far as I am concerned, if the faults aren't corrected then the Freeview advertisement is misleading and I will take it further (commerce commission) because the product is unsatisfactory at meeting the requirements of MyFreeviewHD

[sky_satt]

Why there is such an approved stb system to meet middleware requirements for freeview themselves is beyond most as non approved units can an do function better,

Having said that: in fairness your concerns should be addressed first to Freeview themselves as it is them whom have set their own standard to an for their approved stb an no one else.

[rsclio]

Why there is such an approved stb system to meet middleware requirements for freeview themselves is beyond most as non approved units can an do function better,

Having said that: in fairness your concerns should be addressed first to Freeview themselves as it is them whom have set their own standard to an for their approved stb an no one else.

Sorry - can't understand your last paragraph - it doesn't make sense!
I have raised the identical concerns with both Freeview and Next.

[sky_satt]

Let me simplify, Your STB is an accredited unit in which Freeview via there standard have tested your box to have given it the accredited symbol, it is them whom would need to resolve your problem either by way of Firmware OTA or by other means via the firmware developers, Next Who? unless they have developed the unit an Firmware they would be of no help to you or others! you will not achieve any result to complain via Zinwell as they work under contract to Freeview an do-not deal with individuals..It remains the Problem of Freeview as it is their accredited STB which has not meet their own accredited standard!

[Seance]

Who ever it is lets hope that they hurry up as re-entering programs into my record list each week is beginning to suck.

[Smee2]

Please forgive me if I missed the boat, but I have a Zinwell 620 HD that I loaded the HK firmware from SCHOT onto (1.8.2) if someone can send me the firmware for the 640 I am willing to sacrifice my unit for testing.

[rsclio]

Who ever it is lets hope that they hurry up as re-entering programs into my record list each week is beginning to suck.

I've noticed "some"stability with the record list by ensuring that I always use the EXIT function whenever moving between play list, playing a programme, etc. Don't just go directly to the record list from a another function.

No word from Freeview yet. Zinwell apparently think that my unit could be faulty because it doesn't turn off fully (randomly). That doesn't gel because others on this forum have exactly the same issues.

Another issue that I have noticed is that when playing audio out through the coaxial connection on TV3, it randomly loses lip sync - up to a second behind! Have to stop the program, return to the play list and restart to fix.

[Seance]

I've noticed "some"stability with the record list by ensuring that I always use the EXIT function whenever moving between play list, playing a programme, etc. Don't just go directly to the record list from a another function.

No word from Freeview yet. Zinwell apparently think that my unit could be faulty because it doesn't turn off fully (randomly). That doesn't gel because others on this forum have exactly the same issues.

Another issue that I have noticed is that when playing audio out through the coaxial connection on TV3, it randomly loses lip sync - up to a second behind! Have to stop the program, return to the play list and restart to fix.

Yeah I've had the audio issue too but I'm using HDMI for my sound. I only use optical on a 5.1 soundtrack.

[kiwisteve]

Have you tried to return it for a replacement ??

[rsclio]

Have you tried to return it for a replacement ??

What - replace it with another machine with the same issues that are problematic because of the "crappy" firmware that should never have been released onto market!:o

[rsclio]

Let me simplify, Your STB is an accredited unit in which Freeview via there standard have tested your box to have given it the accredited symbol, it is them whom would need to resolve your problem either by way of Firmware OTA or by other means via the firmware developers, Next Who? unless they have developed the unit an Firmware they would be of no help to you or others! you will not achieve any result to complain via Zinwell as they work under contract to Freeview an do-not deal with individuals..It remains the Problem of Freeview as it is their accredited STB which has not meet their own accredited standard!

Well it's been one week and no reply from Freeview. I've re-emailed them and hope that it's not a sign of poor customer service from them.:confused:

[latimers]

Thought you guys might be interested. I've just sent the following to NEXT:

"I have a Zinwell ZMT-640PVR that I purchased through Dick Smith. I
understand from the Freeview site that you are providing technical support
for these machines.

My problem is that when I am watching a recorded TV programme, if I go to
2X Fast Forward (to skip through the commercials, for example) and then
press the Play button, the sound is out of sync. If I go to 4X Fast
Forward and then press Play, the sound is okay. If I go to 2X Fast Forward
and then press Stop and then press Play, the sound is okay. It appears
there is a software fault. Do you have a solution for this?"

and received the following reply:

"I have passed on your request to Zinwell. We are expecting an over-the-air
software update to start in the next couple of weeks but I have no information
at this stage on what it will contain or what improvements have been made."

[sky_satt]

As above OTA are provided by Freeview via their platform via the firmware developers, input of Next ? is non existing, hence freeview are aware an are locating a fix.

[rsclio]

Thought you guys might be interested. I've just sent the following to NEXT:

"I have a Zinwell ZMT-640PVR that I purchased through Dick Smith. I
understand from the Freeview site that you are providing technical support
for these machines.

My problem is that when I am watching a recorded TV programme, if I go to
2X Fast Forward (to skip through the commercials, for example) and then
press the Play button, the sound is out of sync. If I go to 4X Fast
Forward and then press Play, the sound is okay. If I go to 2X Fast Forward
and then press Stop and then press Play, the sound is okay. It appears
there is a software fault. Do you have a solution for this?"

and received the following reply:

"I have passed on your request to Zinwell. We are expecting an over-the-air
software update to start in the next couple of weeks but I have no information
at this stage on what it will contain or what improvements have been made."

Freeview have confirmed to me by email that an update will be coming soon (OTA) and a number of the issues raised should be fixed. Well fingers crossed (pity I'm an amputee on both hands!! - ha ha)

[kiwisteve]

I mentioned returning the box to the retailer for the reason of if they get enough returns and complaints you might get a ( fix ) sooner yeh right !!:D:D

[pamandgraeme]

how can i record PRIME TV on the hard drive,by bypassing the digital tuner
useing the loop antenna.
is there a new software so the pvr-t turns off after timer record

[kiwisteve]

Prime is analogue so you wont be able to record that from UHF
only way be a mysky box if you want digital signal and recording

[gripper]

Hi

Has anyone else out there come across this problem. When I set up a recording for a programme say on TV1 on the PVR, If I am watching TV3 when the PVR starts recording it automatically changes to the channel it's recording which is very annoying as I miss the end of the programme on TV3

[Seance]

Has anyone heard if we are any closer to the update? Hopefully its soon.

[brunzy]

Has anyone heard if we are any closer to the update? Hopefully its soon.


Should be,awaiting approval from Freeview

[tupper]

Hi Brunzy,

Do you know what bugs the update will fix? Any word on an ETA for freeview approval?

Any information gratefully received!

Cheers

Tupper

[tupper]

Not that I want to jinx things or anything ...

... but I seem to have stopped losing series recordings. Not only do my series recordings not seem to be disappearing, but the box is now only recording the latest episode of "Lost" each week, whereas previously, it was grabbing the rebroadcast episode on Tuesday nights as well.

As far as I can make out, there hasn't been any firmware update (I'm still having the sound glitch where you have to be watching TV3 before playing a TV3 recording etc, and the box still comes on when it's time to record) so perhaps the disappearing series recordings was a MHEG5 bug, which has now been fixed.

For whatever the reason, this is good news, as this was probably the most serious of the bugs with the 640PVR.

Anyone else notice this?

[Seance]

Mine still records Lost on both the Tuesday and the Wednesday. I also have a new problem with TV3+1 where recorded House on Tuesday night, then the machine changed to TV3+1 and recorded the one hour delayed episode. Most annoying.

[tupper]

How strange... My recording of House seems to be fine. I haven't looked to see if TV3+1 has appeared yet. Will have a gander this evening.

[Seance]

Did the same for Prison break, two recordings of the same program. At least its easy to erase the TV3+1 episode.

[tupper]

I presume that (like myself) you've stopped losing series recordings, though? I can live with a few extra recordings, but it would be irritating to go away (say) for a month and come back to find that all the series recordings had died part way through.

[Seance]

Yeah I still have programs that go missing but it's no where as bad as it used to be. Might get one program out of about 4 that doesn't go through to the next week, instead of the full 4 programs going missing.

[Seance]

Seems the update is now live, I have just updated and its now version 1.2.0 Apr 7 2009.

Hopefully they have got rid of alot of the bugs.

[Seance]

Quick update. The machine now stays in standby mode when its recording a program, just the record indicators light up. You also don't lose your record list when you search for channels now. Operation also seems to be a little faster.

[openmedia]

They have a current OTA firmware update for the Zinwell PVR that must have added these features.

[pamandgraeme]

hi what date was the update released and do we have to do any thing to download or is it automatic.thanks Graeme

[Seance]

Mine updated last Thursday as an over the air up date. I also noticed that there is a new channel "Zinwell PVR SSU" which I assume is the update channel.

[tupper]

To get the update, I had to do a rescan of the channels out there, and then the machine offered me the OTA update.

Mine still seems to turn on when a recording's scheduled (it doesn't stay in standby). However, it now seems to be smart enough not to change the channel of the first tuner when it starts recording (meaning you can watch one channel while another's recording).

The sound bug is (almost) fixed. You can watch a recording, and the codec is correctly chosen. However, if you watch a TV3 recording and then are returned to watching (say) TV one when you're finished, there will be no sound. As soon as you change channels again, the codec resets, and you're fine, so that's a *very* minor nuisance.

Can't speak for disappearing series records, though, as it's early days.

Seance: when you go to standby is that by pressing the button on the machine or on your remote?

[Seance]

With the remote but I use a Logitech Harmony programed with the old 620HD codes. I programmed the remote myself with the play/record controls.

I have noticed that the power/signal lock lights flash on around 10 mins before the recording is supposed to start. Then when the recording starts you just have the usual clock but the record lights come on as well. I have also noticed that fast forwarding at 2x is not as smooth as it used to be.

My machine still changes the channel on you if you are watching another though.

[tupper]

Curiouser and curiouser ...

I would guess that I'm probably still using a 620 code, since I used to have a 620 sitting there, and had it programmed into my universal remote. I doubt I updated much except (as yourself) to add the new buttons one would need with the 640. I'm actually not too bothered by this, since the box doesn't seem to run especially hot ... although it's always nice to cut down on power wastage.

Maybe I should double check the channel switching business. Certainly on Saturday when I turned it on, set it on TV1 and scheduled a TV3 recording, the box stayed screening TV1 while it recorded the TV3 show. I'll monitor it over the rest of the week ... I have a medley of different recordings scheduled, so it'll be interesting to see what it's tuned in to each evening.

[bbrichau]

hi there
did the sync problem get solved? what software version are you at now, please?

[Seance]

Haven't noticed any sync problems since the update, but there is still the sound issue sometimes due to the audio codec. Software version the I have at the moment is version 1.2.0 Apr 7 2009.

[karcus]

My hard drive is starting to get full. Does anyone know if you can transfer selected programmes to an external hard drive or DVD?

[tech2002]

Yes, simply use the 640's composite out.

I connect to my Panasonic EH55 Hdd/DVD recorder - much better signal than its in-built tuner. Can record to Hdd, edit, and then burn to DVD.

[krs]

You could always just delete what you have got...

[pamandgraeme]

any one had problems with the remote sencer turning off completely and having to use the on /off button on the unit to turn on again as the remote will not work,only when the unit is powered up- will work.last night unpluged from wall and this seemed to work at this stage

[heinrichmann]

I've been looking around and reading also on the other 11 pages here.
it might just be me but i'm impressed that noone seems to be disappointed that we all paid quite a lot for this nice toy with it's great hardware specs BUT in the end, the software sucks!!!
even though they fixed most of the bugs, why can't we use the hardware entirely???
there is unused USB and even ethernet port in there!!! wish some talented 'hackers' or geeks would be able to play around with the os and make them available for us!
maybe even zinwell, next or who ever sold us these expensive devices!
these days the panasonic competition for example lets you use the existing hardware including USB...
i might just have to buy ANOTHER dvd/hdd recorder to be able to get movies off the device which i might wanna see sometime later (again).
also it would be nice to reduce the quality of taped show to safe space on hdd! even though it's hd, there are ways around to downscale those and safe space! ...again, if someone wanted to install those features...

sorry, thought about this for a looong time and it now had to come out!

in the end i must say, the 640pvr works quite stable now (just some hick-ups from time to time) and i don't wanna miss it's features like recording entire series! ;)

[LennonNZ]

I finally got some response from zinwell australian manager Neil Smith (Zinwell Australia director) . He has passed it onto zinwell themselves and I will await for an answer about the GPL issue.

then maybe they can supply officially the zinwell firmware for the GPL part of the box.

see what happened to Microsoft lately about them using GPL software on hyperV

[tech2002]

also it would be nice to reduce the quality of taped show to safe space on hdd! even though it's hd, there are ways around to downscale those and safe space! ...
I find a good solution for both reducing the quality/file size, and editing out the ads, is to transfer content to my Panasonic DVD-HDD recorder. Can also archive to DVD the best shows from the Panasonic. I can then delete them altogether from the Zinwell to gain space.

I really only save on the Zinwell, the hi-def shows I want to watch in that format. In this way, am maintaining about 70% free space on the Zinwell's internal HDD - and archiving to DVD the important shows in the event of a machine failure.

[Chairman]

Don't think this has been addressed yet, or if it has searching hasn't found it :)

I got one of these things about a week ago from Noel Leemings and the firmware is on 1.0.0 with no sign of an OTA update no matter how many times I rescan, no sign of anywhere I can download a new firmware to load via USB, and no sign of any help on NL's or Next's or Freeview's websites.

Is there anything else I can do to get the update ?

Thanks

[robjg63]

Don't think this has been addressed yet, or if it has searching hasn't found it :)

I got one of these things about a week ago from Noel Leemings and the firmware is on 1.0.0 with no sign of an OTA update no matter how many times I rescan, no sign of anywhere I can download a new firmware to load via USB, and no sign of any help on NL's or Next's or Freeview's websites.

Is there anything else I can do to get the update ?

Thanks

NEXT electronics are the agents for Zinwell in NZ. Try them.
They seem very protective of software updates for some reason. Often distributors have software updates available on their websites for download. For some reason with the NZ Zinwell boxes they only allow over the air (OTA) updates. Of course they only 'broadcast' these for certain periods of time.

Apparently NEXT are quite good about performing updates if you miss the OTA updates, but I understand you will need to take the box in.

EDIT: The freeview website does have an OTA schedule - though its now out of date - see:
http://www.freeviewnz.tv/supply_chain_registration
Look at the bottom of the page - you could try contacting them to see if there is a new schedule - Looks your box had OTA updates in May/June and July - You just missed out :-(

[Chairman]

Bother. Oh well, guess I need to start prodding freeview about the next round of updates. These things are being sold continually, surely they can't only do updates for three consecutive months then nothing for nine months.

As for taking it somewhere, even if it is only 5 mins away - why should I have to unplug it, take it somewhere where I'll either have to wait around for an ice age or leave it there, then bring it home and set it all up again ? Someone needs to drag Next into at least the 90's.

Thanks
Gary

[Geekster]

Moron

[Seance]

Yup time for the Ban Stick.

[kiwisteve]

probably a load of old tripe anyway !!:D:D

[LennonNZ]

I have heard from busybox yesterday and they are interested in talking the case of the GPL violation of the zinwell products further :-)

If anyone has a dump of the boot up/proof the ZMT-640PVR is running busybox as well (as the 620 HD)it would be great so I can forward it to them. I have dumps of the 620HD ok.. just need the same of the 640.

Thanks
Craig

[Trev]

This is a New Zealand forum by the way and also you have posted in the Zinwell ZMT 640PVR thread.
:)

[V-Starr]

Hi

I recently purchased one of the zinwells and the current version shows 1.0.4.

Is someone able to point me to a link to update it?

TIA

[Chairman]

I don't think there is one. The only way you can get it updated is to wait for freeview to send an OTA update (I've been waiting since August last year now, mine's still on the buggy and unreliable 1.0) or to take/send it to Next for updating. Next won't give out the updates for you to do it yourself, and as far as I've been able to find they're not available online.

I'm more than happy to be corrected ......

Gary