IceTV Forum

IceTV Guide for IceTV enabled PVRs => SKIPPA => Topic started by: Mantorok on July 17, 2013, 01:13:43 PM

Title: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Mantorok on July 17, 2013, 01:13:43 PM
I read today that IceTV will be releasing their own PVR onto the market. 

Link: http://news.icetv.com.au/news/blog/2013/07/16/tv-gets-mobile-as-icetv-plans-digital-recorder-with-mobile-streaming/ (http://news.icetv.com.au/news/blog/2013/07/16/tv-gets-mobile-as-icetv-plans-digital-recorder-with-mobile-streaming/)

I for one am rapped such a device will be available here.  It's about time.  The PVR market has been stagnent for years. Let's hope this spurs other manufacturers to release some new models.

If anyone from Ice is reading this are you able to give any more details like tech specs, operating system, features, UI screenshots, release date...anything really!  ;D
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: prl on July 17, 2013, 05:44:51 PM
There's also an article (http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/computers/blogs/gadgets-on-the-go/tv-gets-mobile-as-icetv-plans-digital-recorder-with-mobile-streaming-20130716-2q0ue.html) about it in The Age, though that seems to be pretty much a cut-and-paste of the IceTV blog item.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: BBWilly on July 18, 2013, 11:02:22 AM
Would like a date on this as well, looking at buying a unit to replace the Foxtel unit soon and am looking for something with 4 tuners a twin tuner doesn't really cut the mustard in our house and the extra features look awsome.

I dont even mind being a beta tester if so be it.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: mcpaton on July 19, 2013, 11:14:11 PM
Love the idea of this, particularly the idea of being able to stream to mobile devices around the home. We currently use air video for this with media files, but have no way to do it with fta TV.

I hope they go for a GUI like XBMC that can play media files as well, to become a complete home media centre!!
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on July 23, 2013, 12:20:46 PM
Yes, sounds very interesting. I would very much like to get my hands on one (even as a beta tester).

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Heinz on July 23, 2013, 08:26:02 PM
It's going to be a hot release when our baby hits the market. Powerful hardware with advanced chips and superior user interface under its bonnet.   

At this stage, we are working through a few supplier options. As much as we'd like to tap into the Christmas business, our "Icebox" is likely going to hit the market in early next year.

We're going to invite our most active bloggers to meet the team here at IceTV in late September -- to get you guys critique our plans! We want to give you what you deserve. Keep blogging everyone please ...

8)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: jeisner on July 24, 2013, 11:11:36 AM
Very keen to see this occur.. i.e. A device that ICETV have control over supporting, the Humax padding debacle was not fun..

I had the first ICETV compatible Strong unit which reset randomly as did my beyonwiz p1, the Humax was never able to reply padding correctly if coming on from standby mode (ended up returning it, and they are the only option available here now)..

I do have two Topfield Masterpieces which are completely reliable units but feeling a bit dated.. It would be nice to see a unit ICETV have control over and with true quad recorders and catch up playback like SBS and particularity iView (a feature the topfield is sorely lacking)... Sadly the slingshot playback would probbaly not work for me with my 2mbps ADSL2+ that just barely plays an iview video let alone uploading a stream...
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Mantorok on July 24, 2013, 01:02:30 PM
Since the Ice staff are monitoring this topic I thought I'd kick off with a list of features I'd like to see in the new "Icebox":

PVR Features:
Media Player Features:
That's probably enough from me for now. Anyone else like to add the features they'd like to be included?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: prl on July 25, 2013, 08:48:59 AM
PVR Features:
Better IceTV integration than competing models.

Even the Beyonwiz IceTV integration leaves something to be desired, even though from the posts here it seems to be better than the Topfield or Humax.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on July 26, 2013, 05:50:42 AM
I still use Toppy 5K with TED as my main PVR.  Both are getting rather long in the tooth and both have problems, especially as TED is no longer supported, and of course Toppy doesn't show HD.  I stick to them, because they do what I want.  I also use WMC on my equally ancient XP PC (I just bought a new Win7 box, including a WMC, just need to find the time to set it up :D) but only use it as a back up, for three reasons - to record stuff I intend to keep or if the both the Toppy's tuners are in use, or if I want to record something on a HD channel.  It has all sorts of problems, on which I won't comment here until I test drive the Win7 version.
However, I do know for a fact that the setting capabilities leave a lot to be desired, even if they do as intended (which they certainly don't on the XP)  If you could make the new PVR  work something like the Toppy/Ted combo, I'd be your first customer! As I have no programming knowledge, I am stuck with TED and when (not if) it stops working, I'll be devastated.  ::)  Here is TEDS webpage, where you can read all the stuff it can do http://home.exetel.com.au/trappett/teds/ (http://home.exetel.com.au/trappett/teds/)  Just an example of a small thing that has always annoyed me on the WMC (although it would probably be less annoying with four tuners) is that it doesn't do Sequential Timers, when two shows follow on the one channel.  TED simply merges the two (or how ever many) shows, placing the chosen padding at the beginning of the first and the end of the last, makes it so much  easier to watch and/or separate if you want.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on July 26, 2013, 10:39:12 AM
It is possible to created a PVR where pre- and post- padding are respected on consecutive timers/reservations. I understand that some PVRs do so.

One way of doing so would be to take advantage of multiple LCNs with the same content (in Melbourn the 'pairs are' LNC 1 and LCN 12 (TEN ONE) LCN 1 and LCN 21 (ABC 1), LCN 7, LCN 70 and LCN 71 (Seven), and LCN 3 and LCN 33 (SBS 1) [LCN 30 has same content in HD]. Another way is to schedule them on different turners. The more turners there are, the easier this is to achieve. Yet another way is to use one tuner and copy the extracted LCN feed to a new recording during the overlap of the first and second scheduled recording. This clearly possible as it is how time-shift buffer works on some PVRs.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: RoderickGI on July 26, 2013, 12:20:18 PM
Quote from: csutak40 on July 26, 2013, 05:50:42 AMIt has all sorts of problems, on which I won't comment here until I test drive the Win7 version.

G'Day Judy,

I was in the same situation as you, although with a few less Toppies to manage! I just had a TF6000PVRt and TEDS Suite running on an old laptop connected to it. It worked fine, but I was getting a lot of grief about not being able to receive HD channels, especially as there was a cheap set top box out in the back room connected to an old 30" Sony CRT TV that could receive HD!

Anyway, you will find that WMC on Windows 7 does work a bit better than on XP, but it doesn't do much more. I built a new HTPC on Windows 7 (didn't like the idea of Windows 8 yet, as the choice of add-on bits is limited and untested for a HTPC) and ran WMC for a while. For TV alone it worked okay, but I wanted a better Media Centre than WMC could provide. So I looked around at XMBC, Media Portal, Plex, Media Browser ( 2 and the fledgling 3), J River Media Center, Media Monkey, Argus TV, NextPVR, and others I don't remember.

I picked "J River Media Center" as it provides Live TV and Recording, EPG, and TV Show, Movie, Video, Image and Music Media Server capabilities. It is not perfect. The documentation consists of a Wiki and the Forums, and leave quite a bit to be desired. But the CEO and CTO post on the forums and reply to questions, so access to the company is great. There is also a strong group of "Beta Testers" that hang around on the forums a lot. It reminds me of the old original Toppy forum in Australia, where you could actually get quality technical help when needed. JRMC also provides superior sound and video reproduction, having been developed for audiophiles. Lots of the stuff people have to muck around with in XBMC is already there is JRMC.

Mind you, while it works out of the box, it does require quite a bit of fiddling to get the best out of it, and match it to your amp, receiver, or other hardware capabilities. It is also very configurable, a part of it I am still grappling with. There is a steep learning curve.

It is far less capable than TEDS in managing recordings, but it will series and individual program record, and has global padding for recordings. It doesn't have keyword recording, but allows you to look through a whole list of TV Series it is aware of (from current and previous EPG data I think) and "Subscribe" to any of those.

I'm not sure if it will record two channels from one broadcast stream (Sister LCNs) yet, but I put a Quad Tuner Digital Now card into my HTPC, so the overlapping programs hasn't been an issue yet. :) It also handles Time Shifting differently, which seems to give it an advantage. It will run a time shift buffer (set to four hours by default!) and a recording on the same channel in parallel. Neat! When you start a completed recording which has padding included, it start playing where it thinks the actual program should be, not at the start of the file. A little skipping forward or back, and it is easy to find the start of the program, if the station didn't start it on time. Excellent. :D  (Frankly, I'm not sure if it doesn't do that for an in-process recording as well. I think it might, rather than jumping to the Live TV position.) Still learning here. It may be more suited to a geeky person, or a determined one! But I think the company recognises a more consumer based, user friendly application is their future.

JRMC is a Media Server, so you can watch anything stored on it on any networked DLNA capable device on your network. I can manage he server from my PC in my office, set recordings, watch programs, move, edit file names, tag files, create play lists, start a program playing on the TV in my lounge, or stop it, or play a music play list. They have a web based remote, plus and Android app, some third party providers for other remote controllers. You can even manage your server away from home, or stream content to another location over the internet, and setup is pretty easy! I like the potential, even if it isn't all perfect yet.

I am using IceTV's EPG in XMLTV format via WebGet, which is what TEDS was doing as well. It works but I am still trying to work out my future with IceTV. There some options for getting EPG in Australia, but IceTV is still the best option I have seen. However, some of the nice features of IceTV, particularly the web based management of your TV viewing and IceTV Interactive, are under threat of being usurped by over the internet management of a JRMC server, if they get their act together and build better TV recording selection functionality.

Getting away from PVR firmware issues to normal PC BIOS and Windows issues is  . . . Wonderful :D

Bottom line: You have been playing around with PVRs and TEDS as long as I have, based on how long I have seen you on forums, and you have been able to make them work. So if you have built a Windows 7 HTPC, do yourself a favour and have a look at J River Media Center. http://www.jriver.com/ Take a long look, because they provide a 30 day trial, and you might need that long to be convinced. Enjoy.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Vortical on July 30, 2013, 12:44:00 AM
I'm very interested in the outcome of IceTV PVR and willing to lend a hand to beta test such a unit should the opportunity arise.

Can't wait to see this product and what it can do.  8)

Personally I can't live without IceTV, over the years it's recorded everything I wanted without repeats where needed and with very few problems, most problems were caused by hardware issues with the way the pvr's talk with IceTV and IceTV has always come good and ensured they proved workarounds in a timely manner for those of us with old devices.

Now with IceTV in control of the hardware & software implementation I really hope it becomes the best pvr on the market, just make sure the PVR aspects are fully featured and work flawlessly and you'll be on a winner right from the beginning.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul on July 30, 2013, 01:14:15 PM
As a long time ICE user who has always used topfield devices and ice via TEDS or interactive, I'd also put my hand up to test run a new device.

Cheers, Paul.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Heinz on July 30, 2013, 01:42:43 PM
We're glad here at IceTV that the announcement of our own PVR is generating so much excitement on the Forum, as well as in the marketplace. Colin (our Executive Chairman) and I (CEO) are committed to making our new PVR a leapfrogging game changer. It will be "the best box" combined with "Smart Recording" features that Australia has not seen yet! It's a step up from our "Interactive" strategy...
Several vendors are "catwalking" around us at the moment, trying to be part of the "Icebox". This will enable us to come in at an aggressive price point -- but these additional partnering options are pushing the release date into early 2014. In the meantime, thank you for everyone's encouragement! Please tweet and post on our Facebook page, too.
Regards & success,
Heinz
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on July 31, 2013, 07:42:43 AM
Quote from: Mantorok on July 24, 2013, 01:02:30 PM
Since the Ice staff are monitoring this topic I thought I'd kick off with a list of features I'd like to see in the new "Icebox":

PVR Features:

  • Date and Time syncing with time servers (the broadcast time can be wrong which stuffs up timers)
  • Automatic handling of Daylight Savings including its impact on EPG and timers (ie. no need to clear EPG caches and resending timers)
  • Pre and Post padding to handle early/late running of TV shows
  • Consecutive timers with padding on the same LCN should not leave a small gap between the recordings. The recordings should overlap in this case.
  • Concurrent recordings on the same network but different LCNs should only use one tuner leaving the other(s) free (although with 4 tuners maybe this is not that important)
That's probably enough from me for now. Anyone else like to add the features they'd like to be included?

ESSENTIAL:
SKIPPING User programmable skipping as per Beyonwiz or a TAPped Toppy. You won't be selling one to me, if it doesn't have skip.

Highly Desirable:
Ability to transfer recordings to external HDD via USB.
Enough power at the USB port to run a portable HDD.
FTP capable e.g. Filezilla
TAP like capability to take advantage of the skills of end users to enhance the product.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Heinz on July 31, 2013, 10:41:02 AM
Thanks for your input. It's going in our specification "hopper" :)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on July 31, 2013, 07:20:10 PM
Quote from: RoderickGI on July 26, 2013, 12:20:18 PM


Bottom line: You have been playing around with PVRs and TEDS as long as I have, based on how long I have seen you on forums, and you have been able to make them work. So if you have built a Windows 7 HTPC, do yourself a favour and have a look at J River Media Center. http://www.jriver.com/ Take a long look, because they provide a 30 day trial, and you might need that long to be convinced. Enjoy.

Thank you for that - will have a look at it, if/when I sort out the rest of my mess  ;D
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on July 31, 2013, 08:10:32 PM
Quote from: Paul55 on July 31, 2013, 07:42:43 AM
Quote from: Mantorok on July 24, 2013, 01:02:30 PM
Since the Ice staff are monitoring this topic I thought I'd kick off with a list of features I'd like to see in the new "Icebox":

PVR Features:

  • Date and Time syncing with time servers (the broadcast time can be wrong which stuffs up timers)
  • Automatic handling of Daylight Savings including its impact on EPG and timers (ie. no need to clear EPG caches and resending timers)
  • Pre and Post padding to handle early/late running of TV shows
  • Consecutive timers with padding on the same LCN should not leave a small gap between the recordings. The recordings
    should overlap in this case.
  • Concurrent recordings on the same network but different LCNs should only use one tuner leaving the other(s) free (although with 4 tuners maybe this is not that important)
That's probably enough from me for now. Anyone else like to add the features they'd like to be included?

ESSENTIAL:
SKIPPING User programmable skipping as per Beyonwiz or a TAPped Toppy. You won't be selling one to me, if it doesn't have skip.

Highly Desirable:
Ability to transfer recordings to external HDD via USB.
Enough power at the USB port to run a portable HDD.
FTP capable e.g. Filezilla
TAP like capability to take advantage of the skills of end users to enhance the product.

Well, in that case, I'll add my wish list, stolen (and slightly edited) from TED  :P

[li]Timers for adjacent programmes will be automatically joined to form a Sequential timer.[/li]
[li]Title Abbreviations can be set for Timers. This is particularly useful for Sequential Timers where the joining of Timers may lead to an excessively long Timer name.[/li]
[li]The Timers currently set on the PVR can be viewed.[/li]
[li]The existing Recordings on the PVR can be viewed.[/li][/list]
[li]Currently set Timers can be deleted from the PVR.[/li]
[li]Resolve timer clashes by using the Star Ratings assigned in Favourites.[/li]
[li]When Timers are uploaded to the PVR the Timer Upload Results (TUR) dialog shows the results, such as Timers which were not uploaded and the reason why, eg. Expired Timers, Duplicate Timers. It will also show how any timer clashes were resolved.[/li]
[/list]
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on August 01, 2013, 04:43:03 PM
Quote from: Paul55 on July 31, 2013, 07:42:43 AM

ESSENTIAL:
SKIPPING User programmable skipping as per Beyonwiz or a TAPped Toppy. You won't be selling one to me, if it doesn't have skip.

Highly Desirable:
Ability to transfer recordings to external HDD via USB.
Enough power at the USB port to run a portable HDD.
FTP capable e.g. Filezilla
TAP like capability to take advantage of the skills of end users to enhance the product.


All of the above enhance the user experience. A robust and comprehensive add-on API that allows customisation and additional features (like Topfield TAPs) would be big selling feature for those looking at a high specification PVR. I assume that like most modern media players and PCRs the OS will be an Android based (the new Topfield TF-T6000 and the not so new TRF-2100 apparently run an OS based on Android), so it should be relatively easy to create such an API.

Hardware wish list:
1 Local network connection speeds can be critical; 10/100/1000 Ethernet and wireless b/g/n/ac should be included.
2 Should also support USB 3 transfer speeds
3 HDD dock, either 2.5 or 3.5, or combination.
4 eSATA connection - given USB 3 probably redundant

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Mantorok on August 05, 2013, 01:25:52 PM
Here's a couple more features related to HDMI I'd like to have included:

Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: prl on August 05, 2013, 02:43:20 PM
Quote from: IanL-S on August 01, 2013, 04:43:03 PM
... given USB 3 probably redundant ...
I'm a bit puzzled by this claim. I couldn't find any Seagate or Western Digital eSATA capable external HDDs on their Australian Web pages. They do, however, have USB3.0/2.0 external HDDs. Same for Toshiba.

I have an oldish 500GB WD My Book Home Edition that has USB2, Firewire 400 and eSATA, so WD did at some time have eSATA capable external drives.

It looks to me as though the trend is away from eSATA.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on August 05, 2013, 03:00:53 PM
Quote from: prl on August 05, 2013, 02:43:20 PM
Quote from: IanL-S on August 01, 2013, 04:43:03 PM
... given USB 3 probably redundant ...
I'm a bit puzzled by this claim. <<<snip...>>>

It looks to me as though the trend is away from eSATA.

Not as clearly expressed as it could be: I was trying to say the eSATA is probably redundant given penetration of USB 3 storage devices, and as pointed on in the above post, the difficulty of finding eSATA storage devices.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: prl on August 05, 2013, 04:06:48 PM
Ah, OK. We find ourselves in vigorous agreement then :)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: gibster on August 08, 2013, 04:24:43 PM
I'm looking forward to this. If it can have the Topfield capabilities, along with true quad tuner, and an ice interface that works every time I'd get one.

I've been a Topfield user forever, and like some previous users posted I still use TED/TEDS with my TRF2400. The only real problem with my current setup is there are too many times that 3 interesting shows are on at the same time, or overlap by a few minutes and you can only record 2 events. Also the fact that keeping the TED/TEDS combo along with EPGUploader updated with channel changes is a PAIN.

It definitely needs commercial skipping capabilities, whether automatic, or 1 minutes jumps forward and a 15 second back skip key.

Also a 1.5 or 2.0 TB hard drive.

Would also be nice to be able to substitute recording names in advance. Such as all the CSI's. With TED/TEDS I have it setup to rename the shows CSI Vegas, CSI NY, CSI Miami. It would also be nice to get the extended info for shows that are recorded in an extended times included instead of just  the info for the first recorded program.

Would be nice as a Christmas Present this year, but I'll accept it as a Birthday Present on Jan. 22nd (I'll buy myself the present of course :)

Gib
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on August 08, 2013, 04:39:20 PM
Quote from: gibster on August 08, 2013, 04:24:43 PM
<<<SNIP>>>

Also a 1.5 or 2.0 TB hard drive.
<<<SNIP>>>

Would be nice as a Christmas Present this year, but I'll accept it as a Birthday Present on Jan. 22nd (I'll buy myself the present of course :)

Gib

Given the price difference between 2TB and 3TB AV drive, 3TB would be great (provided the OS supports drives of more than 2TB).

Not sure if I'll be allowed such a birthday present. Currently have 4 active Toppys IceTV advantaged, with one in reserve.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on August 08, 2013, 05:36:38 PM
Quote from: gibster on August 08, 2013, 04:24:43 PM
The only real problem with my current setup is there are too many times that 3 interesting shows are on at the same time, or overlap by a few minutes and you can only record 2 events.

With PVRs so (comparatively) cheap these days, why not just buy another one to supplement the 2400? Then if one fails, you still have a backup. I'm sure the 4 tuner model being discussed will be more expensive than the current twin tuners.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on August 08, 2013, 06:35:24 PM
Quote from: IanL-S on August 08, 2013, 04:39:20 PM

Would be nice as a Christmas Present this year, but I'll accept it as a Birthday Present on Jan. 22nd (I'll buy myself the present of course :)

Given the price difference between 2TB and 3TB AV drive, 3TB would be great (provided the OS supports drives of more than 2TB).

Ian

;D  I was going to suggest 4TB  :D
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on August 08, 2013, 06:44:35 PM
Quote from: Paul55 on August 08, 2013, 05:36:38 PM
Quote from: gibster on August 08, 2013, 04:24:43 PM
The only real problem with my current setup is there are too many times that 3 interesting shows are on at the same time, or overlap by a few minutes and you can only record 2 events.

With PVRs so (comparatively) cheap these days, why not just buy another one to supplement the 2400? Then if one fails, you still have a backup. I'm sure the 4 tuner model being discussed will be more expensive than the current twin tuners.

I can only speak for myself, but using TED/S is becoming a bit of a pain and I have no doubt (so far so good) that MS will come out with a version that will no longer support TED and I am not sure that one can use TED on two machines, so I would LOVE a machine that would do the lot without having to fiddle with other things
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: mcpaton on August 10, 2013, 11:29:52 AM
I'd like it to be able to download Movie data from a movie database, or read movie metadata when streaming from an SMB connection.

I'd also like an SMB availability to copy files off the box for archiving.

As mentioned previously, Ad Skip keys are a must as are recording multiple shows from the same transport stream at a time without chewing up actual tuners.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: prl on August 10, 2013, 04:26:48 PM
Quote from: mcpaton on August 10, 2013, 11:29:52 AM
...
As mentioned previously, Ad Skip keys are a must as are recording multiple shows from the same transport stream at a time without chewing up actual tuners.
Which PVRs use two tuners when recording two different services from the same transport stream?

What would be good, though, would be to have padding respected on both shows when recording consecutive shows on the same service, so that the shows don't typically end up split across two recordings.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on August 11, 2013, 07:37:19 AM
Quote from: prl on August 10, 2013, 04:26:48 PM

What would be good, though, would be to have padding respected on both shows when recording consecutive shows on the same service, so that the shows don't typically end up split across two recordings.

Wouldn't the best solution be to merge them?  That's how TED handles it and I'm quite happy with that arrangement.  Easy enough to split them afterwards, if I want to.  Unless you mean on a different channel, in which case I agree. :P
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: lukem on August 13, 2013, 02:10:16 PM
Quote from: Mantorok on August 05, 2013, 01:25:52 PM
Here's a couple more features related to HDMI I'd like to have included:


  • Support for automatic audio syncing (to remove lip sync issues between AV Receiver and TV)
  • Support for Consumer Electronics Control (HDMI-CEC)

HDMI-CEC will be supported.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: RoderickGI on August 14, 2013, 11:42:51 AM
Quote from: csutak40 on August 11, 2013, 07:37:19 AMWouldn't the best solution be to merge them?  That's how TED handles it and I'm quite happy with that arrangement.

I used to be pretty happy with that arrangement on my TEDS/Toppy installation as well. But now I get each program recorded separately each with its own padding, whether on the same channel or same stream using one tuner, or different channels (having four tuners is great). When I press play on one of the recordings it starts playing at the time the program was supposed to start, not at the beginning of the file. So I have a lot less hunting around to find the start of the program, and none at all if the program started on time.

I'm liking this new functionality.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: prl on August 14, 2013, 12:11:23 PM
I haven't actually had a PVR that has the capability to put consecutive shows on the same service into two separate, properly padded, recordings, but I consider merging the timers as simply a fudge.

The main problem with having this capability is whether the I/O system can cope with recording double the nominal maximum number of recording streams.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: JPP on August 16, 2013, 01:52:58 PM
Quote from: Paul55 on August 08, 2013, 05:36:38 PM
Quote from: gibster on August 08, 2013, 04:24:43 PM
The only real problem with my current setup is there are too many times that 3 interesting shows are on at the same time, or overlap by a few minutes and you can only record 2 events.

With PVRs so (comparatively) cheap these days, why not just buy another one to supplement the 2400? Then if one fails, you still have a backup. I'm sure the 4 tuner model being discussed will be more expensive than the current twin tuners.
I have had two TRF Topfield 2400's set up with just this in mind and used to have one for recording ABC and SBS and the other for the commercials. In practise though I found it a real pain to have to switch from one to the other to play back recordings. There was/is a TAP that allowed you to view one through the other (one thing the Beyonwiz does well), but it was very buggy and would often freeze one or both of the units.

The 2400 is already capable of handing 4HD streams plus a playback, so it has the grunt as is. The programming logic to handle 4 simultaneous recordings is also already there. All it needs is another twin tuner module and we're there.

As far as having multimedia capabilities in a PVR, my vote would be against that. So far, I've not come across any PVR that will do both jobs well - PVR and Multimedia. I would much rather have a totally reliable and highly capable PVR in one box and have another for the Multimedia functions. Most modern TV's already have a lot of these functions built in these days anyway.

So, to sum up, I would like a TAPable PVR with the reliability of my trusty TRF 2400(s). Being able to program ICE from within the PVR is a must ala ICE's Humax.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on August 16, 2013, 05:30:50 PM
Quote from: JPP on August 16, 2013, 01:52:58 PM

As far as having multimedia capabilities in a PVR, my vote would be against that. So far, I've not come across any PVR that will do both jobs well - PVR and Multimedia. I would much rather have a totally reliable and highly capable PVR in one box and have another for the Multimedia functions. Most modern TV's already have a lot of these functions built in these days anyway.

Completely agree - don't try to build a swiss army knife when we need a scalpel. Beyonwiz and Topfield have both drawn flak because they over advertised the media player functionality and ended up disappointing some owners. The result is that time and resources were wasted on the multimedia capabilities at the expense of core PVR functionality.
Build a kick-ass PVR and don't promote it as anything else.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on August 16, 2013, 07:01:10 PM
Quote from: Paul55 on August 16, 2013, 05:30:50 PM
Quote from: JPP on August 16, 2013, 01:52:58 PM

As far as having multimedia capabilities in a PVR, my vote would be against that. So far, I've not come across any PVR that will do both jobs well - PVR and Multimedia. I would much rather have a totally reliable and highly capable PVR in one box and have another for the Multimedia functions. Most modern TV's already have a lot of these functions built in these days anyway.

Completely agree - don't try to build a swiss army knife when we need a scalpel. Beyonwiz and Topfield have both drawn flak because they over advertised the media player functionality and ended up disappointing some owners. The result is that time and resources were wasted on the multimedia capabilities at the expense of core PVR functionality.
Build a kick-ass PVR and don't promote it as anything else.

Right On Phil and Paul.

I have a 2400 that deals with Nine, Seven and Community and a 7100+ that does Ten, ABC and SBS ....

The key thing is the recording process. Any media support should be limited to MPEG2 ts/ps and MPEG4 ts/ps so we can edit recordings and send them back and then play them.

Ian
Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: gibster on September 26, 2013, 09:58:28 PM
Quote from: JPP on August 16, 2013, 01:52:58 PM
The 2400 is already capable of handing 4HD streams plus a playback, so it has the grunt as is. The programming logic to handle 4 simultaneous recordings is also already there. All it needs is another twin tuner module and we're there.

As far as having multimedia capabilities in a PVR, my vote would be against that. So far, I've not come across any PVR that will do both jobs well - PVR and Multimedia. I would much rather have a totally reliable and highly capable PVR in one box and have another for the Multimedia functions. Most modern TV's already have a lot of these functions built in these days anyway.

So, to sum up, I would like a TAPable PVR with the reliability of my trusty TRF 2400(s). Being able to program ICE from within the PVR is a must ala ICE's Humax.

I agree 100%. Give me a reliable true quad tuner pvr that will work 100% with IceTV and I'll snap it up. I'm doing my recordings manually now using the guide info for my favorites off the IceTV site. IceTV and the TRF2400 wasn't reliable enough, and once I upgraded to Win7 64bit my TED/TEDS setup quit working, so have to set all timers by hand, merge and adjust padding etc. A pain, but I get my recordings.

Now the problem is new shows and new seasons are all starting at the same time and there is a couple of nights I need 4 tuners to get everything. Maybe I watch to much TV.. LOL

gib
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Mantorok on October 18, 2013, 04:35:11 PM
There hasn't been much action in this topic for a while.  Can anyone from Ice give us any updates, an ETA or some teasers?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Heinz on October 18, 2013, 04:58:58 PM
Hi Icers!

We'll do a media centre without Blu-ray drive, based on feedback from The Forum and a focus group of existing customers. This also facilitates our clustering concept by removing some hurdles for media streaming.

Happy smart recording, Heinz
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: bodogbodog on October 19, 2013, 11:21:38 AM
Quote from: Heinz on October 18, 2013, 04:58:58 PM
We'll do a media centre without Blu-ray drive, based on feedback from The Forum and a focus group of existing customers

I think that's a good call - Blu Ray drives are 10 a penny and most media systems will already have one or two, and if network storage is supported then if people really want to move files to BR media they can do it on another device with BR recorder
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Vortical on October 21, 2013, 12:56:38 AM
Just as long as it interacts properly with IceTV (especially late guide changes) and the pvr side of things works smoothly I'm sure Ice will be on to a winner.

I really hope it's not something that is not very responsive to remote control key presses as I have seen some new pvr's that are very slow to react especially when ad skipping and this can be a real painful experience.

Any extra features they add like the media player ect... I'm presonally not interested in but are a bonus and a selling point i guess, again if they are going to add features like this make sure it's a smooth pleasant experience as most other all-in-one devices tend to be absolute crap in this "media player" area
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on October 21, 2013, 08:12:51 AM
I too am primarily interested in the PVR functionality. Making the device 'multi-purpose' is a risk IMO - devices tend to be judged by their weakest feature.
Whenever I recommend a PVR, I always advise people to think of it as a PVR that MAY have some useful media player use. i.e. Don't buy it for the media player functionality - get a dedicated media player for that.
Having said that, I approach the new Ice device (maybe call it the devICE  ::) - or is that too subtle?) with interest and an open mind.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: holden on November 14, 2013, 12:37:50 PM
If you are going to have media player functionality why not incorporate like Plex and the multi platform support is a bonus
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Mantorok on November 17, 2013, 10:37:30 AM
Just found this PVR on Engadget.  It's sounds a lot like the new IceBox in terms of its features.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/11/16/tablo-hands-on/ (http://www.engadget.com/2013/11/16/tablo-hands-on/)

Could the IceBox be a rebranded Tablo for the Aussie market? I wouldn't be upset if it was as it sounds pretty good.

And +1 for Plex support!
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: tonybenk on November 25, 2013, 01:58:37 PM
Having just lost all recordings from our Wiz DP-P2 for the 3rd time  >:( (our DP-S1 never had a problem in over 5 years of use).

I would like the ability to set automatic backups to external drives or over the network to a NAS device  :).
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Ian Spencer @ Home on November 29, 2013, 10:11:40 AM
Having just had windows 8 opportunistic tuner issues on a monthly basis despite following the pcmediacenter.com.au guide I hope this PVR will be as user friendly as WMC but have great tuner options / reliability.

Will it be able to record multiple channels off the single MUX allowing more than 4 recordings at once. Mostly this is to allow for decent hard padding.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Vortical on November 30, 2013, 05:11:09 PM
Quote from: Heinz on July 23, 2013, 08:26:02 PM
At this stage, we are working through a few supplier options. As much as we'd like to tap into the Christmas business, our "Icebox" is likely going to hit the market in early next year.
Any rough ETA for the release month in the new year?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Heinz on December 02, 2013, 10:33:51 AM
We've changed chipsets and are now realistically looking at July. Given that it's more of a media centre than a PVR, we're also likely to change its name from IceBox to IceCube  8)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on December 02, 2013, 11:21:37 AM
Quote from: Heinz on December 02, 2013, 10:33:51 AM
Given that it's more of a media centre than a PVR

I think you may have dashed the interest of a lot of potential buyers with that statement. Great PVRs are currently like hen's teeth - looks like that won't change.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Heinz on December 02, 2013, 02:30:17 PM
It is going to be the best PVR in the market. That you can bet on!

Four tuners, super powerful chipset, MPEG4 conversion to preserve memory use, IceTV natively built into the box, graphic user i/f with animated icons and some very powerful media centre features, which allow you to cluster several additional PVR's together to a virtual "super PVR".

Typically, other PVR's have weak media centre features and vice versa. Our unit will be a PVR on media centre steroids! And in February, we'll tweak our ad-skipping concept, based on user ratings of the performance of various algorithms. I believe we'll have a real winner in the making. We're going to bring it out in good quality, without haste and without being driven by the competition.

We're a company that turns PVR's into TiVo-type of services, based on our patented smart recording software. To take it to the next level, we need to have control of the hardware. Our game is about IceTV sitting native inside a super-PVR/media centre (or whatever is in a name) -- our game is not about delivering yet another PVR.

8)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on December 02, 2013, 05:19:42 PM
Clustering sound useful. Do the other PVRs have to be IceTV enabled?

The big question is: Will I be allowed to buy one. I already have 4 Topfield PVRs.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Heinz on December 02, 2013, 05:58:56 PM
So you're a power user aye  ;) Excellent!

With four Toppies, you'll just LOVE our IceCube (which is just our internal project name at this stage, "IceBox" didn't quite capture the energy we're putting into this project.

Yes, the other PVR's need to be IceTV enabled. Our IceCube will then combine all your Topfields' tuners and add its own four tuners. Impossible to have any collisions!

When we get closer to the release date, we will be looking for beta users  :o
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on December 02, 2013, 06:57:08 PM
Quote from: Heinz on December 02, 2013, 02:30:17 PM
It is going to be the best PVR in the market. That you can bet on!

Well, that's what I wanted to hear. Despite comments about it being a "media centre" it sounds like the core priority will be recording FTA TV - which is exactly what many of us want.
Since Topfield (via Toppro) has started making poor marketing decisions and Beyonwiz appears to be stagnant at best, the PVR market is a fair way from the heights and potential of a few years back. We need something to raise the bar.
I'm a bit concerned about the "controlling the hardware" comment. Smacks of the TiVo/Apple business model as well as having overtures of "FreeView".  Surely IceTV isn't going down that track!! I hope you only mean having an input into its capabilities.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: prl on December 02, 2013, 07:15:16 PM
Quote from: IanL-S on December 02, 2013, 05:19:42 PM
Clustering sound useful. Do the other PVRs have to be IceTV enabled?
...
Two parts of clustering were talked about at the meeting.

One was the ability to have series recordings automatically managed across several PVRs so you don't need to reschedule because of conflicts that arise on one machine through a schedule change or a new series starting, rather than having to juggle things automatically. I don't think there's any reason why that can't be done on any IceTV-capable machine (and it obviously can't work for machines without IceTV).

The other part was "play anything from anywhere". I can't recall the implementation details of that being discussed at the meeting, but I'd guess it would be DLNA based. It's unclear whether proprietary protocols like Beyonwiz WizPnP would be supported, even though many of the details of that protocol have been published.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on December 03, 2013, 06:43:40 AM
Quote from: Heinz on December 02, 2013, 05:58:56 PM
So you're a power user aye  ;) Excellent!

<<<snip>>>

When we get closer to the release date, we will be looking for beta users  :o

Heinz, that sounds like my sort of adventure ;D

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: prl on December 03, 2013, 04:47:38 PM
Quote from: Heinz on December 02, 2013, 05:58:56 PM
...  "IceBox" didn't quite capture the energy we're putting into this project. ...
And it's the name of a now no longer available IceTV product that did something completely different. Here's some (non-official) information about the original IceBox (http://mygadgets.wikispaces.com/IceBox).
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Heinz on December 03, 2013, 04:58:54 PM
Indeed!

Thanks to everyone for sharing our passion in bringing a PVR to the market that has been designed with consumer benefits in mind, not the manufacturer's coffers  :)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on December 03, 2013, 04:59:28 PM
One drawback of the current IceTV implementation is that it does not cover all services. I appreciate it would be a major task to create the EPG data for another 6 or so services. It would be possible for the new PVR to get EPG data for these services from transmission data and then integrate it with the IceTV data.

Not that I have a great desire to watch those services, but I would remove the need to remove them each time I do a service scan (with 5 IceTV enable PVRs this is regular task for me).

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on December 03, 2013, 05:15:08 PM
Quote from: Paul55 on December 02, 2013, 06:57:08 PM
Quote from: Heinz on December 02, 2013, 02:30:17 PM
It is going to be the best PVR in the market. That you can bet on!

Well, that's what I wanted to hear. Despite comments about it being a "media centre" it sounds like the core priority will be recording FTA TV - which is exactly what many of us want.
Since Topfield (via Toppro) has started making poor marketing decisions and Beyonwiz appears to be stagnant at best, the PVR market is a fair way from the heights and potential of a few years back. We need something to raise the bar.
I'm a bit concerned about the "controlling the hardware" comment. Smacks of the TiVo/Apple business model as well as having overtures of "FreeView".  Surely IceTV isn't going down that track!! I hope you only mean having an input into its capabilities.

I am sure IceTV have no intention of adopting the TiVo/Apple approach.

By using its own hardware platform IceTV will avoid the coordination problems when the hardware/firmware is controlled by a third party. Misunderstanding can arise, particularly when the primary language of the manufactures engineers is not English. The impression I get is that Topfield has no interest in releasing any new IceTV enabled devices. Some of the recent Toppys have been poorly targeted: the TRF-2100 would be OK as an entry level PVR if it had network connectivity. The TF-T6000 has so many shortcomings that as a PVR is it not much better than the TRF-2100. The absence of TAP support means that it is nowhere as user friendly as the TRF-7260 or TRF-7170. During early development of the TF-T6000 I told Toppro and Topfield that TAP support was essential and that IceTV capability was desirable.

Toppro does not see user input as a priority. The beta-testing panel has been effectively abandoned and the forum discontinued.

Ian

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul on December 04, 2013, 06:53:58 AM
A question whose answer I may have missed. Are there plans for the new Icecube to have user programmability similar to the TAP concept that I love about my Topfield machine?

Thanks, Paul.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on December 04, 2013, 07:12:28 AM
Quote from: paulgraham on December 04, 2013, 06:53:58 AM
A question whose answer I may have missed. Are there plans for the new Icecube to have user programmability similar to the TAP concept that I love about my Topfield machine?

Thanks, Paul.

This matter was raised in an earlier post. I cannot recall if there was a definite response. As it will probably be running a customised Android firmware, it should be relatively easy to have something similar to TAPs. (Should they be called icicles?) Most modern PVRs run Android - I understand that even the Topfiled TF-T6000 runs on Android.

From IceTV stance, it is a way of enhancing the user experience, and also provides an opportunity to incorporate outstanding Icicles in the firmware. This has happened once or twice with Topfield units.

Heinz, can you say if there will be Icicle support?

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Mattcooper on December 07, 2013, 01:00:50 AM
Hi Everyone!
With the recent release of the Xbox One console and the awesome HDMI pass through feature mixed the Kinect voice recognition. I've suddenly come into the market for a high class set top box. 

I'm a huge fan of premium UI and cool features like DLNA! The TiVo romio in the USA looks fantastic but obviously we can't get that here! So my search made me arrive onto the Humex 7510! Which I was almost sold on until I read about IceTv Box! My eyes light up! With excitement!

I can possibly hold off a month or two but is there a approx release date? I'm dying to get my hands on it. I'm sure the Ice TV guys will nail the UI.

Matt
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: blip on December 07, 2013, 06:20:58 AM
Quote from: Heinz on December 02, 2013, 10:33:51 AM
We've changed chipsets and are now realistically looking at July. Given that it's more of a media centre than a PVR, we're also likely to change its name from IceBox to IceCube  8)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on December 07, 2013, 10:38:08 PM
Quote from: Heinz on December 02, 2013, 05:58:56 PM

When we get closer to the release date, we will be looking for beta users  :o
I would love to put my hand up for that!  I have two Toppies, plus use the Windows Media Centre with two tuners.  However, I am in Melbourne, so not sure it will be possible.  :'(
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on December 07, 2013, 10:46:13 PM
Quote from: prl on December 03, 2013, 04:47:38 PM

And it's the name of a now no longer available IceTV product that did something completely different. Here's some (non-official) information about the original IceBox (http://mygadgets.wikispaces.com/IceBox).

Well, I know what it is, as I still use one  ;D  And I do hope it will last until the new IceCube comes along.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on December 08, 2013, 05:11:13 PM
Quote from: csutak40 on December 07, 2013, 10:46:13 PM
Quote from: prl on December 03, 2013, 04:47:38 PM

And it's the name of a now no longer available IceTV product that did something completely different. Here's some (non-official) information about the original IceBox (http://mygadgets.wikispaces.com/IceBox).

Well, I know what it is, as I still use one  ;D  And I do hope it will last until the new IceCube comes along.

I still have both an original IceBox and an IceBox 2. I no longer use them (my 5000 became unstable), but both still work (although I had to get a generic power supply for the IceBox 2 when the original one failed).

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Mattcooper on December 10, 2013, 09:06:21 AM
Quote from: blip on December 07, 2013, 06:20:58 AM
Quote from: Heinz on December 02, 2013, 10:33:51 AM
We've changed chipsets and are now realistically looking at July. Given that it's more of a media centre than a PVR, we're also likely to change its name from IceBox to IceCube  8)

Thankyou, I might have to buy the Humax after all sigh....
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: idiesel on December 12, 2013, 09:26:09 PM
Been a long time supporter of IceTV and just checked in to see how things were going with this device. Shame to hear it's suffered a minor setback with chipsets and now postponed to July next year.
I'll keep pushing with my 2 x beyonwizes that have lasted nearly 7 years now, but I am keen to see these things released and hope they live up to expectation!
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Mattcooper on December 13, 2013, 06:34:55 PM
Apparently someone leaked some images of the Foxtel IQ3 Box thats due out next year! My GOD the UI is sexc! Its so fresh and modern! I'm even more torn now! Wait for Icebox or IQ3 or buy a Humax.





Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Andrewt on December 16, 2013, 04:07:20 PM
On Saturday 14th December 2013, IceTV's CEO, Heinz Herrmann, was the weeks special guest on Tech Webcast to chat about IceTV and the future plans the company has in-store. Our IceCube get a lot of mentions in this webcast.

Here is the link to have a listen for yourself: http://www.techwebcast.info/techwebcast-episode-269/
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: bodogbodog on December 17, 2013, 06:48:59 AM
Quote from: Andrewt on December 16, 2013, 04:07:20 PM
Here is the link to have a listen for yourself: http://www.techwebcast.info/techwebcast-episode-269/

It starts at 42:30 for those who want to skip straight to it
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Mattcooper on December 20, 2013, 07:21:56 PM
Loved listening to what Heinz Herrmann had to say on the podcast. Now all i want for Christmas is an Icebox PVR Sigh!..........

*Try's to create one
(http://s32.photobucket.com/user/mattcooper/media/photo3.jpg.html)

(http://s32.photobucket.com/user/mattcooper/media/photo2.jpg.html)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul on January 02, 2014, 05:27:41 PM
Sorry if I missed it, but I would love a DAB+ digital radio receiver in it. I don't mean the ABC and SBS one currently available, I mean the the ones that copy the AM and FM stations and the extra channels they provide. Not knowing the technology, not sure if this is an easy or hard thing, but I'd like it.

Cheers, Paul.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on January 02, 2014, 08:10:29 PM
Quote from: idiesel on December 12, 2013, 09:26:09 PM
I'll keep pushing with my 2 x beyonwizes that have lasted nearly 7 years now, but I am keen to see these things released and hope they live up to expectation!

I'm like that with my Toppy 5K   :P
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: mcpaton on January 13, 2014, 09:20:04 PM
I'd like to see a plex client on the new box.

Any further news on this box or was it an April fool?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Vortical on January 17, 2014, 02:57:09 AM
Quote from: mcpaton on January 13, 2014, 09:20:04 PM
Any further news on this box or was it an April fool?
July can't come soon enough. Some more info (or images) would be nice from IceTV ;D

I just hope there isn't another delay.

This thread sure has a lot of views it's over 3500 views now
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Bigboboz on January 17, 2014, 09:59:10 PM
Yeah my S1 looks like it's on it's last legs.  Front screen is getting dimmer and had to swap the original 200gb HDD as the 500gb couldnt seem to be powered up any more. Sounds like the power supply is going which can probably be fixed but I'm mentally ready for a new machine.

Really like the BW still, have an H1 that I like being able to play the S1 recordings on but it sounds like this Icebox will be capable of something similar but more flexible =)

I'm available for testing as an FYI...
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: madmax on January 23, 2014, 09:57:06 AM
Quote from: idiesel on December 12, 2013, 09:26:09 PM
Shame to hear it's suffered a minor setback with chipsets and now postponed to July next year.
I'd call this a major setback. Unfortunately, I can't help but feel this will drag on until next Christmas.

But in the meantime, my S1 continues to chug away faultlessly..... :D
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Mantorok on February 20, 2014, 01:13:13 PM
There hasn't been much new information about the IceCube lately. Anyone from IceTV able to give us an update?

Is it still on target for a July-2014 release?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on February 21, 2014, 11:55:29 PM
Quote from: Mantorok on February 20, 2014, 01:13:13 PM
There hasn't been much new information about the IceCube lately. Anyone from IceTV able to give us an update?

Is it still on target for a July-2014 release?

+1
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Archer_11 on March 12, 2014, 03:26:30 PM
+2. My Toppy has packed it in, would be the perfect time to buy an Icebox.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on March 15, 2014, 08:15:50 AM
Is there any relationship between the 'IceCube' and the new Beyonwiz T3? Will the 'IceCube' be based on the T3 hardware? I hope IceTV are not going to be petty and deny Ice functionality to T3 owners in an attempt to force buyers to the IceCube (which is still only a concept at this stage).
I, for one, would take a very dim view of such action. For everyone's sake - don't follow the American business model of locked down systems. IceTV has a wonderful product, but Aussies don't accept being manipulated.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: bodogbodog on March 15, 2014, 12:49:55 PM
Quote from: Paul55 on March 15, 2014, 08:15:50 AM
Is there any relationship between the 'IceCube' and the new Beyonwiz T3? Will the 'IceCube' be based on the T3 hardware? I hope IceTV are not going to be petty and deny Ice functionality to T3 owners in an attempt to force buyers to the IceCube (which is still only a concept at this stage).
I, for one, would take a very dim view of such action. For everyone's sake - don't follow the American business model of locked down systems. IceTV has a wonderful product, but Aussies don't accept being manipulated.
I don't think there is as the T3 lacks functionality that seemed to be non negotiable on the IceCube
The "American business model" you refer to has sure worked for Apple - control the hw, os and the apps - can't argue that they've made it work pretty well. Given iPhone and iPad are big sellers in Australian I'm not sure your comment about Aussies not accepting being manipulated is correct
Whatever happens the power will remain with the consumer - I mean the power of the wallet!
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on March 15, 2014, 12:55:59 PM
Quote from: bodogbodog on March 15, 2014, 12:49:55 PM
Given iPhone and iPad are big sellers in Australian I'm not sure your comment about Aussies not accepting being manipulated is correct
Whatever happens the power will remain with the consumer - I mean the power of the wallet!

IMO iStuff has lost a lot of ground since more open systems have become available. I work with a lot of young well-paid people and 2-3 years ago it was all iThis and iThat - nowadays iPhones are very much in the minority.

Wallet power is what I will be employing if IceTV go down this track - and I'm a massive fan and spruiker of their current product.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on March 16, 2014, 03:19:33 PM
I gather IceTV is still very much in the 'added feature' marked for third party devices. In the thread below, Heinz says that IceTV will be meeing with Topfield Australia management to discuss added IceTV capability to recent Topfield models


http://forum.icetv.com.au/iceforum/index.php/topic,4254.0.html

The primary candidate would be the TF-T6000, but they could also be considering the TRF-7260 (although the model it replace, the 7160 never had IceTV support). The TF-T6000 needs something to get people to by it. Currently it is little better than the TRF-2100, and from the user perspective the TRF-7260 is a much better proposition.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on March 18, 2014, 02:06:23 PM
Quote from: Paul55 on March 15, 2014, 08:15:50 AM
I hope IceTV are not going to be petty and deny Ice functionality to T3 owners

Looks like my hopes will be fulfilled. IceTV are working with Beyonwiz to ensure the T3 will become IceTV compatible - great outcome (when it happens).
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Vortical on March 27, 2014, 02:46:22 AM
We're now looking at having to wait till Christmas 2014 :-\

Quote from: Heinz on March 17, 2014, 04:49:27 PM
But because IceCube won't be ready for sale much before Christmas, we've been pushing into more recent branded platforms, giving you a choice of platform.

Not sure why this thread hasn't been updated by Heinz here but here is a link to the full post that included the quote above in the Beyonwiz T3 Thread
http://forum.icetv.com.au/iceforum/index.php/topic,4256.msg19831.html#msg19831
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on March 28, 2014, 05:24:55 PM
Quote from: Vortical on March 27, 2014, 02:46:22 AM
We're now looking at having to wait till Christmas 2014 :-\

Quote from: Heinz on March 17, 2014, 04:49:27 PM
But because IceCube won't be ready for sale much before Christmas, we've been pushing into more recent branded platforms, giving you a choice of platform.

Not sure why this thread hasn't been updated by Heinz here but here is a link to the full post that included the quote above in the Beyonwiz T3 Thread
http://forum.icetv.com.au/iceforum/index.php/topic,4256.msg19831.html#msg19831

Thank you for supplying this link.  As I don't have any Beyondwiz devices, I never read that thread and suspect I am not alone in this.

Must say, I am disappointed in Heinz for not keeping us updated here and also for giving no explanation as to why it has now become NEXT Christmas (wasn't it supposed to be last Christmas at one stage?) 

The last time Heinz updated us in this thread was in December 03, 2013, when he promised July.

I am starting to wonder if there are big problems with the IceCube and whether I should rush into buying it when/if it ever happens.

I have been holding my breath, praying that my Toppy5K will last the distance, but maybe I should just forget about it and look around for something else

Very disappointing!
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: snuke on April 11, 2014, 11:07:18 PM
A bit of an update from Heinz in the Wiz T3 thread - http://forum.icetv.com.au/iceforum/index.php/topic,4256.msg19941.html#msg19941

Quote from: Heinz on April 11, 2014, 08:19:55 PM3) Treat yourself to an IceTV PVR in October from our online store or in November from the top Australian retailers. It won't cost you much to enjoy becoming part of a PVR revolution with the IceTV PVR! Our own PVR will be the first to market with some features that are setting the pace in Australia -- 4 tuners, prepaid IceTV, sleek new IceTV interface which is integrated across our PVR's remote control/tablet/mobiles and a killer feature that we won't announce until closer to the release date. Seriously cool and different! We are well underway and you will want IceTV if you are looking for a way to enjoy HbbTV/Freeview+ with your existing TV set at some point in the near future.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Vortical on April 12, 2014, 10:13:05 AM
October/November Release now?
I'll believe it when I see it.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on April 12, 2014, 10:44:22 AM
Quote from: snuke on April 11, 2014, 11:07:18 PM
A bit of an update from Heinz in the Wiz T3 thread - http://forum.icetv.com.au/iceforum/index.php/topic,4256.msg19941.html#msg19941

Quote from: Heinz on April 11, 2014, 08:19:55 PM3) Treat yourself to an IceTV PVR in October from our online store or in November from the top Australian retailers. It won't cost you much to enjoy becoming part of a PVR revolution with the IceTV PVR! Our own PVR will be the first to market with some features that are setting the pace in Australia -- 4 tuners, prepaid IceTV, sleek new IceTV interface which is integrated across our PVR's remote control/tablet/mobiles and a killer feature that we won't announce until closer to the release date. Seriously cool and different! We are well underway and you will want IceTV if you are looking for a way to enjoy HbbTV/Freeview+ with your existing TV set at some point in the near future.

I know that I tend towards conspiracy theories, but I have an uneasy feeling regarding the negotiations between IceTV and Beyonwiz. Did IceTV really want to partner with a device that seems to be a direct competitor for their own upcoming machine? I wonder what the difference was between the previous agreements for Beyonwiz PVRs and what IceTV wanted/DTC were willing to pay for the new one......
I hope this wasn't just a case of window dressing for the suckers customers.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: madmax on April 12, 2014, 10:42:42 PM
Quote from: madmax on January 23, 2014, 09:57:06 AM
I'd call this a major setback. Unfortunately, I can't help but feel this will drag on until next Christmas.

But in the meantime, my S1 continues to chug away faultlessly..... :D
Well, that looks like being one of my better calls.

Although I'd rather have been proven wrong in this instance.  :(
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on April 13, 2014, 04:14:36 PM
These things always take longer than anticipated.

I hope the wait will be worht it. My Toppys are still workin most of the time without major issues, so I am not in urgent need.

Ian 
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on April 19, 2014, 05:05:58 PM
Quote from: Paul55 on April 12, 2014, 10:44:22 AM
Quote from: snuke on April 11, 2014, 11:07:18 PM
A bit of an update from Heinz in the Wiz T3 thread - http://forum.icetv.com.au/iceforum/index.php/topic,4256.msg19941.html#msg19941



I know that I tend towards conspiracy theories, but I have an uneasy feeling regarding the negotiations between IceTV and Beyonwiz. Did IceTV really want to partner with a device that seems to be a direct competitor for their own upcoming machine? I wonder what the difference was between the previous agreements for Beyonwiz PVRs and what IceTV wanted/DTC were willing to pay for the new one......
I hope this wasn't just a case of window dressing for the suckers customers.

I am starting to become a conspiracy theorist myself - especially as Heinz has decided to stop talking to us in this thread and is only writing in the Beyonwiz one
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: glenncol55 on May 12, 2014, 05:17:34 PM
Most important is keeping the price on the realistic side not the wishful thinking side
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Vortical on July 12, 2014, 12:46:34 PM
Wonder if a October/November release is still on the cards or not, still no info from Ice and only a few months to go. :-\
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on July 14, 2014, 02:48:06 PM
Quote from: Vortical on July 12, 2014, 12:46:34 PM
Wonder if a October/November release is still on the cards or not, still no info from Ice and only a few months to go. :-\

I have given up.  What ever their plans are, they seem to have decided that we are mushrooms, so I will start researching elsewhere

I just had my Toppy 5K repaired, which (hopefully) has given it another lease of life, but obviously I can't expect it to hold out much longer.  The person doing the repairs tells me that the best one ATM is the Panasonic, so will go and look  at that.

Must say, I am very disappointed in IceTV in the way this has been handled
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on July 14, 2014, 04:08:23 PM
Quote from: csutak40 on July 14, 2014, 02:48:06 PM
The person doing the repairs tells me that the best one ATM is the Panasonic, so will go and look  at that.

Must say, I am very disappointed in IceTV in the way this has been handled

The Panasonic won't be IceTV compatible (I'm fairly sure) and probably won't have a lot of the functions you take for granted on your Toppy. I wouldn't necessarily take much notice of a repairer when it comes to considering the functionality you require.

I'm also a little disappointed that more info/progress hasn't been advised about the IceCube, but does it really matter? - other than increasing choice. The new Humax 4tune and the Beyonwiz T3 both claim they will have IceTV and seem very capable - I wouldn't suggest buying one until IceTV is confirmed and operating.
Even without these latest generation PVRs, the Toppy 2400/2460 and the DP series Beyonwiz are amazingly cheap right now. Either would be a step up from your current 5000 series - not bagging it, we still have our much loved 5000MP, but they are a generation ahead.
I also suspect the latest devices will drop in price after a few months - that's what usually happens.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on July 14, 2014, 06:39:16 PM
Quote from: Paul55 on July 14, 2014, 04:08:23 PM
Quote from: csutak40 on July 14, 2014, 02:48:06 PM
The person doing the repairs tells me that the best one ATM is the Panasonic, so will go and look  at that.

Must say, I am very disappointed in IceTV in the way this has been handled

The Panasonic won't be IceTV compatible (I'm fairly sure) and probably won't have a lot of the functions you take for granted on your Toppy. I wouldn't necessarily take much notice of a repairer when it comes to considering the functionality you require.

Yeah, I just noticed that it isn't IceTV compatible

Quote from: Paul55 on July 14, 2014, 04:08:23 PMI'm also a little disappointed that more info/progress hasn't been advised about the IceCube, but does it really matter?
It matters, because I am beginning to suspect that there are major problems with it - hence the deafening silence.  BTW, the repairman also told me something (which I should have remembered myself) that it is never a good idea to buy the first version of anything  :P

Quote from: Paul55 on July 14, 2014, 04:08:23 PMEven without these latest generation PVRs, the Toppy 2400/2460 and the DP series Beyonwiz are amazingly cheap right now.

He did warn against Beyonwiz, said lots of problems with the hardware and firmware.  He said that there is a PVR replacing the Tivo, he couldn't remember its name, that was quite good but expensive.  Wonder if he meant the Humax?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on July 14, 2014, 07:00:01 PM
Quote from: csutak40 on July 14, 2014, 06:39:16 PM
the repairman also told me something (which I should have remembered myself) that it is never a good idea to buy the first version of anything

I tend to go by that adage too. At least until a product has been around for a while.

QuoteHe did warn against Beyonwiz, said lots of problems with the hardware and firmware

Can't support that statement. I have had 4 Beyonwiz PVRs and they are all still running and have never given me a single problem. The oldest is only about 12 months newer than my original Toppy 5000 (which has had the obligatory caps replacement).
The firmware is rock solid and, coupled with IceTV, provides me with a near bulletproof recording solution. Also, from what I read, the Beyonwiz is very repairable if things do go wrong - I view this as a good thing.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: snuke on July 18, 2014, 03:05:09 PM
Quote from: csutak40 on July 14, 2014, 06:39:16 PMHe did warn against Beyonwiz, said lots of problems with the hardware and firmware. 

The Wiz's firmware is as solid as it gets for these devices.

Personally as I am in no hurry for a new device, I will happily wait and see what becomes of this ICE unit. I won't need half the features no doubt, but after being disappointed with the T3s outdated hardware, I'm expecting better from ICE and their Intel base.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Heinz on August 11, 2014, 01:34:21 PM
Dear Customers, Colleagues and Competitors!

Let me give you an update on the work-in-progress.

Our own "IceCube" (internal code name) has a killer feature on it, which required us to change chipsets a few times on our journey. We've just upgraded again to a higher-end chipset, in order to provide the best user experience with this feature. But every time you change chipsets, you have to port all of the middleware as well. This adds six months every time for consumer quality.

It also costs a lot in research and development, which explains why we have been running some aggressive price promotions during the last six months. Some of you have been posting about the rationale of these promotions, so now you know that IceTV has been investing heavily in R&D.

We're not in a position to "leak out" what IceCube's killer feature exactly is -- for competitive reasons. We're obviously breaking new ground here and we're breaking the ice with PVR vendors, who have also expressed interest in porting IceTV's new capability onto their own brands. Again, the question there is whether their PVRs have enough horsepower to run it.

This week, we're getting our first demo version of the T3 integrated with IceTV. By November, you'll be able to download firmware upgrades to the T3s that are already out in the market. New T3s will have the firmware preconfigured. The same goes for Strong's SRT 6500, which is a combo PVR/BluRay product.

Topfield has now also allocated resources to do their part in integrating IceTV. But we're still negotiating which of their new models to support first. They are as keen as we are to have at least one more TF model ready for Christmas. Humax is also talking to us, but there are no time-to-market agreements as yet.

Keep an eye out for IceTV on your Facebook over the next six weeks! We're letting all TiVo and Pay TV customers know that there is so much to see with IceTV.

Regards & success, Heinz
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on August 11, 2014, 01:39:03 PM
Excuse my ignorance, but what is 'T3'?

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: blip on August 11, 2014, 03:23:57 PM
A T3 is the latest Beyonwiz PVR
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on August 11, 2014, 03:37:52 PM
Quote from: blip on August 11, 2014, 03:23:57 PM
A T3 is the latest Beyonwiz PVR

OK, I now understand. I wonder which 6000 series Toppy is being considered - at this stage only 2 exist the TF-T6000 and the TF-T6211 (which I gather is still undergoing pre-release testing).

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: prl on August 11, 2014, 04:38:49 PM
Quote from: IanL-S on August 11, 2014, 01:39:03 PM
Excuse my ignorance, but what is 'T3'?

Ian
Presumably the Beyonwiz T3 (http://www.beyonwiz.com.au/t3/).
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: snuke on September 03, 2014, 03:24:00 PM
Quote from: Heinz on August 11, 2014, 01:34:21 PMWe're not in a position to "leak out" what IceCube's killer feature exactly is -- for competitive reasons.

Correct me if I am wrong, but if it wasn't already posted in this thread, you did pretty clearly discuss it on the tech podcast you did a while ago, so not that secretive.

What we all wan't to know, is when will this actually be ready. If it is another 12 months, then say that, but some idea would be good.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on September 04, 2014, 07:46:42 AM
Getting firmware settled down always takes longer than is hoped. The Topfield TF-T6211 was originally scheduled for release in early May and it still has not been released. While basic PVR functions can be cause for delay, it is usually non-PVR functions that are the most difficult to get working properly.

In Topfield example, they did not have the processor upgrade to complicate matters.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on September 05, 2014, 06:41:04 PM
Quote from: snuke on September 03, 2014, 03:24:00 PM

What we all wan't to know, is when will this actually be ready. If it is another 12 months, then say that, but some idea would be good.

I agree 100%  I am very disappointed at the lack of information - looks to me there must be big problems with it (why else the silence?) in which case I doubt I'd rush to buy one when/if it ever becomes available.  Will probably wait for version 3  :-\
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on September 05, 2014, 06:42:27 PM
Quote from: IanL-S on September 04, 2014, 07:46:42 AM
Getting firmware settled down always takes longer than is hoped. The Topfield TF-T6211 was originally scheduled for release in early May and it still has not been released. While basic PVR functions can be cause for delay, it is usually non-PVR functions that are the most difficult to get working properly.

In Topfield example, they did not have the processor upgrade to complicate matters.

Ian

It would still be nice to keep us informed
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: prl on September 05, 2014, 07:53:23 PM
Software development always takes longer than expected, even after taking this rule into consideration ;)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: DaveD on September 12, 2014, 04:32:48 PM
Not sure if this has been covered in this thread but....?
Is there going to be a choice of EPG layouts/designs with the IceCube?

I prefer the layout that you get with the Toppy's TAP JustEPG.
i.e. A grid of 6 channels per page and toggle through 3 or more pages.

I find that most EPGs are the cluttered single line layout where some channels show 2 or 3 programs and others more, depending on the durations of each program.

e.g.

Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on September 12, 2014, 04:42:35 PM
I agree that customisable EPG format is a must have.

At present we are largely in the dark about the features of this unit. The best way to enhance the user experience is for the unit to support user developed add-ins, as most of the Topfield units do. If I recall correctly several of us made this suggestion when the unit was first announced.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on September 12, 2014, 07:26:53 PM
I too am a fan of the JustEPG layout as well as the functions it brings. A PVR maker could do a lot worse than use this design.
I've never seen an inbuilt EPG display that can hold a candle to JustEPG.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: dilbert99 on September 22, 2014, 12:07:19 PM
Is the ice tv pvr still on schedule for release in October?

http://forum.icetv.com.au/iceforum/index.php/topic,4256.msg19941.html#msg19941
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: prl on September 22, 2014, 02:23:52 PM
Quote from: IanL-S on September 12, 2014, 04:42:35 PM
I agree that customisable EPG format is a must have. ...
There are already some EPG plugins available for the T3, though I think that people aren't getting great results with them.

The source code for the T3 UI is publicly available, as is a large proportion of the source for plugins.

That's about as customisable as it gets, though the effort in writing an EPG UI is certainly non-trivial.

The standard EPG (which implements 4 different EPG styles, none like that one, though) is about 3200 lines of Python code, plus skin definitions.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: TobyDog on October 05, 2014, 06:37:03 PM
Quote from: Paul55 on September 12, 2014, 07:26:53 PM
I too am a fan of the JustEPG layout as well as the functions it brings. A PVR maker could do a lot worse than use this design.
I've never seen an inbuilt EPG display that can hold a candle to JustEPG.

I totally agree about JustEPG. I've just purchased a Humax 4tune after a number of years a Toppy fan and frankly I hate the cumbersome style of EPG built in.

Cheers
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on October 05, 2014, 07:12:06 PM
Quote from: TobyDog on October 05, 2014, 06:37:03 PM
I've just purchased a Humax 4tune after a number of years a Toppy fan and frankly I hate the cumbersome style of EPG built in.

I feel the same about every EPG I see - TVs and PVRs. I've certainly been spoiled by the genius of JustEPG. Maybe we will get lucky and Peter Gillespie (pgdownload) and/or Chris (cttc) will get a T3 and be able port/convert this excellent EPG to the new Beyonwiz as a plug-in.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Vortical on October 10, 2014, 10:09:16 PM
Quote from: dilbert99 on September 22, 2014, 12:07:19 PM
Is the ice tv pvr still on schedule for release in October?

http://forum.icetv.com.au/iceforum/index.php/topic,4256.msg19941.html#msg19941

I hope it does but it's just been so long since it was first announced on here the whole excitement about it has long gone.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on October 16, 2014, 07:46:25 PM
Quote from: Vortical on October 10, 2014, 10:09:16 PM
Quote from: dilbert99 on September 22, 2014, 12:07:19 PM
Is the ice tv pvr still on schedule for release in October?

http://forum.icetv.com.au/iceforum/index.php/topic,4256.msg19941.html#msg19941

I hope it does but it's just been so long since it was first announced on here the whole excitement about it has long gone.
Well, I'm not holding my breath!  And TBH, given all the lack of information - secrecy, I certainly wouldn't rush to buy one, even if it did  :-\
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Vortical on November 08, 2014, 03:20:55 AM
Well we're in November and still nothing has appeared on this device.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on November 08, 2014, 09:10:53 AM
Definitely becoming too late for the Christmas market. One could be compelled to consider a Beyonwiz T3.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: prl on November 08, 2014, 09:14:27 AM
Such impatience! It's only been 15 months since the announcement! ;)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on November 08, 2014, 04:41:47 PM
Quote from: prl on November 08, 2014, 09:14:27 AM
Such impatience! It's only been 15 months since the announcement! ;)

;D :D
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on November 08, 2014, 04:45:56 PM
Here is a question for you. Will the IceTV PVR hit the streets before another Topfield unit gets IceTV support. Heinz made a posting some time back that one of the 6000 series Toppys would get it. It was not clear if it would be a new model or an existing model. There is no official word from Topfield on their IceTV intentions. There is no indication from Topfield about forthcoming models or their plans.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: snuke on November 10, 2014, 09:46:35 AM
Quote from: Heinz on July 23, 2013, 08:26:02 PMAs much as we'd like to tap into the Christmas business, our "Icebox" is likely going to hit the market in early next year.

Quote from: Heinz on December 02, 2013, 10:33:51 AM
We've changed chipsets and are now realistically looking at July.

Quote from: Heinz on December 02, 2013, 02:30:17 PM
And in February, we'll tweak our ad-skipping concept, based on user ratings of the performance of various algorithms........
We're going to bring it out in good quality, without haste and without being driven by the competition.

Quote from: Heinz on April 11, 2014, 08:19:55 PM
3) Treat yourself to an IceTV PVR in October from our online store or in November from the top Australian retailers..

Quote from: Heinz on August 11, 2014, 01:34:21 PM
. We've just upgraded again to a higher-end chipset, in order to provide the best user experience with this feature. But every time you change chipsets, you have to port all of the middleware as well. This adds six months every time for consumer quality.

Based on the last two quotes of planned Oct release then a 6 month delay due to new chipset, I guess we move the goal posts to April/May 2015.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Vortical on November 11, 2014, 02:43:10 AM
Quote from: snuke on November 10, 2014, 09:46:35 AM
Based on the last two quotes of planned Oct release then a 6 month delay due to new chipset, I guess we move the goal posts to April/May 2015.
Didn't see that post thanks for pointing it out snuke.

The thing is before that six months is up another newer chipset will probably be available   ::)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on November 11, 2014, 08:42:05 AM
My concern is the amount of resources being poured into this project could compromise the viability of IceTV if the PVR isn't a commercial success. I'd hate to lose the excellent IceTV service because the company tried to change from a software company with little competition to a hardware developer in a more crowded market.
The other aspect is IceTV expending energy on 2 fronts - is this impacting IceTV development on new 3rd party machines?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on November 11, 2014, 02:33:45 PM
Quote from: Paul55 on November 11, 2014, 08:42:05 AM
My concern is the amount of resources being poured into this project could compromise the viability of IceTV if the PVR isn't a commercial success. I'd hate to lose the excellent IceTV service because the company tried to change from a software company with little competition to a hardware developer in a more crowded market.
The other aspect is IceTV expending energy on 2 fronts - is this impacting IceTV development on new 3rd party machines?

All of the above, plus the silence really annoys me.  I did miss that last post about the chipset, which I am surprised at, as I have been really keeping my eyes open for new info.
But I think that the chance of it succeeding when/if it ever comes out is shrinking by the minute.  I, for one, was very excited about the prospect of an IceTV PRV, and was even planning to trust it enough to buy one before the first update (something I don't usually do) now I think I would wait for version 3 before even considering it. 
The deafening silence fills me with suspicion.
Considering the fact that Heinz was asking us for input in the beginning, I think it is very disappointing how he has now decided to treat us like mushrooms
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on November 11, 2014, 02:45:25 PM
Quote from: Heinz on August 11, 2014, 01:34:21 PM

We're not in a position to "leak out" what IceCube's killer feature exactly is -- for competitive reasons. We're obviously breaking new ground here and we're breaking the ice with PVR vendors, who have also expressed interest in porting IceTV's new capability onto their own brands. Again, the question there is whether their PVRs have enough horsepower to run it.

Well, now that I have found this thread... 
Whatever this "killer feature" is, hold on to it long enough, and some other PVR manufacturer will discover and implement it on their own (if they hadn't already)  Maybe that is the reason for the silence?

After all, a year or two is a VERY long time in technology, what ever was considered killer feature two years ago, is probably run of the mill by now
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on November 11, 2014, 03:17:59 PM
My recollection that on key feature was 4 tuners. I think Humax are the only ones with a 4-turner model; Beyonwiz have a 3-tuner model that 'converts' to a 4 tuner model using a USB tuner. Neither has been on the market for all that long.

Topfield do not have a 4-tuner model and they have not, as far as I am aware, announced that they are working on one.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: snuke on November 11, 2014, 04:11:13 PM
Correct:

Quote from: Heinz on April 11, 2014, 08:19:55 PM
3) Treat yourself to an IceTV PVR in October from our online store or in November from the top Australian retailers. It won't cost you much to enjoy becoming part of a PVR revolution with the IceTV PVR! Our own PVR will be the first to market with some features that are setting the pace in Australia -- 4 tuners, prepaid IceTV, sleek new IceTV interface which is integrated across our PVR's remote control/tablet/mobiles and a killer feature that we won't announce until closer to the release date. Seriously cool and different! We are well underway and you will want IceTV if you are looking for a way to enjoy HbbTV/Freeview+ with your existing TV set at some point in the near future.

As I mentioned after this post, calling a secret feature is just dumb as he mentioned it multiple times in decent detail on a podcast. And eludes to it in his first post in this thread with the “smart recording”
You can listen to the podcast/webcast here - http://www.techwebcast.info/category/heinz-herrmann-ceo-of-icetv/. From memory it is a fair way in, and you have to get past Heinz’s constant sales pitch.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on November 11, 2014, 09:27:23 PM
OK.  I just listened to the broadcast.  I have heard it before, but forgot most of it.  I think there is a possibility that they are having legal problems about some of the things they want to do.
However, as I keep saying, I still resent being treated like a mushroom.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on November 11, 2014, 10:57:40 PM
By the time it's released, many of us will have already upgraded to a next generation, multi-tuner PVR. Even if the 'IceCube' is a superior device, it will have missed the boat with many buyers. The resounding silence from IceTV does little to inspire confidence or make me consider delaying my upgrade.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on November 12, 2014, 10:01:04 AM
Quote from: Paul55 on November 11, 2014, 10:57:40 PM
The resounding silence from IceTV does little to inspire confidence or make me consider delaying my upgrade.

What I meant to say  :-* ;D
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: dilbert99 on December 22, 2014, 11:30:24 PM
Is the ICE TV PVR vapourware?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Rat on December 23, 2014, 08:06:00 AM
I have been unhappy with my old PVR for sometime and waiting for something new to come along so have been watching this thread. When the T3 came out I held off because early reviews said it was buggy, but then an update seemed to fix that and there was still no ICE-BOX to compare it with, what to do?

So a few weeks ago I rang ICETV and spoke to a dude there about it, he was very helpful and knowledgeable and assured me that not only is the ICE-BOX (or whatever it's called) in final testing and will be released soon but there are a couple of other PVRs just around the corner at good competitive price points that will compete with the ICE-BOX.

I inquired what the special secret killer feature would be and I swore to secrecy if he told me........so I can't reveal what it is  ;) ;D ::) LOL but some of you will find it very useful, if it works as it's expected to.

I have been convinced to wait, but hopefully not for much longer.

I don't know why the ICE dudes don't utilize this forum to keep in touch with potential buyers, especially this thread, I have no doubt their lack of posting here has cost them sales, it almost lost me. I did mention that when I rang, but that obviously didn't make it to their team meetings agenda  ::)

Hey it's Xmas so don't everyone rush to the phone and ring them right now, but yeah after that we should all call up and ask them WTF is going on and why don't they reply to us on their own forums?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on December 25, 2014, 02:22:24 PM
Quote from: Rat on December 23, 2014, 08:06:00 AM

after that we should all call up and ask them WTF is going on and why don't they reply to us on their own forums?

I do ask, every time I ring for another reason - I never get an answer.  Perhaps, instead of IceCube, we should call it IceShard?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: prl on December 26, 2014, 05:47:18 PM
On Ice?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Vortical on January 01, 2015, 11:09:30 PM
Quote from: dilbert99 on December 22, 2014, 11:30:24 PM
Is the ICE TV PVR vapourware?
I was thinking the same thing.

What's the next ETA now December 2015?

I wonder if there are big problems with this automatic ad skipping feature and the hardware, how many hardware changes are we up to now that we know about, is it 3 or 4?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: nis200sx on January 10, 2015, 12:44:14 PM
I would rather that IceTV release a finished and working product than a buggy one that takes 12 months of firmware updates to become usable.

Forums are full of posts about new PVRs that were so full of bugs when released that early purchasers either regret buying them or keep using their old PVR until enough firmware updates have been released to make the no longer new PVR stable enough to use.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on January 10, 2015, 02:18:04 PM
Quote from: nis200sx on January 10, 2015, 12:44:14 PM
I would rather that IceTV release a finished and working product than a buggy one that takes 12 months of firmware updates to become usable.

I doubt you would get much disagreement. However, there is such a thing as communication. After quite a bit of initial hoop-la when the "IceCube" project was announced, the silence has been deafening. This will always result in questions and suspicion - it's human nature.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on January 10, 2015, 11:18:21 PM
Quote from: Paul55 on January 10, 2015, 02:18:04 PM
Quote from: nis200sx on January 10, 2015, 12:44:14 PM
I would rather that IceTV release a finished and working product than a buggy one that takes 12 months of firmware updates to become usable.

I doubt you would get much disagreement. However, there is such a thing as communication. After quite a bit of initial hoop-la when the "IceCube" project was announced, the silence has been deafening. This will always result in questions and suspicion - it's human nature.

+100000

My sentiments exactly.  I wouldn't complain at all if they would say something, anything, but I suspect that it will never happen, that it has been shelved and it would be nice if they just came out and said so.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Vortical on January 12, 2015, 01:48:53 AM
Heinz also hasn't been logged in the forums since 08 December 2014, so I guess that explains a lack of any update.

i know it's better to wait till they can iron out the bugs but this wait has gone beyond the point of ridiculous.

I remember spotting an article back in 2008 that stated icetv were developing their own box but that article was deleted a long time ago.
http://forum.icetv.com.au/iceforum/general-discussions/1/icetv-branded-media-center-pvr/1401/
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: A_G on January 31, 2015, 03:25:37 PM
Any updates on the Ice recorder? I need to start looking at a new setup and need  to decide whether to go with the T3 or wait...
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on February 02, 2015, 01:30:58 AM
Quote from: A_G on January 31, 2015, 03:25:37 PM
Any updates on the Ice recorder? I need to start looking at a new setup and need  to decide whether to go with the T3 or wait...

As they have decided not to communicate with us plebs, and doubt they even read this thread, I suggest you phone them and ask the question.  The more people phone them, the better.

If you do, we would appreciate if you let us know the result  8)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Heinz on February 02, 2015, 04:09:51 PM
Let me break the silence with great news, as we are excited to announce the manufacture of IceTV's own PVR for March this year. Add some time for shipping and you'll be able to hold "IceCube" in your hands two months after that. We've been quiet for a while, because we wanted to be sure that we have a firm factory booking before making any further announcements. From hereon, the assembly lines are setting the pace, no more R&D.

I went through the entire Forum thread before posting this update to make sure that I don't miss anything of importance. Let me first address the frequent requests for becoming a beta user. A beta test would have delayed the release by at least two months. However, the posts on this Forum strongly suggested that it was in our customers' interest not to delay the release any further.

IceCube will be available through the major Australian retail stores as well as our own online store. In April, we're going to take advance orders from customers who are subscribed to our mailing list. If you don't receive IceTV's newsletter with our TV recommendations every Monday, you're not subscribed. So we suggest you log into our web site and update your Account Details under My Account. Please also spread the word among your friends and family!

Several posts on this Forum requested smarter skip features than what is around currently in the market place and an affordable price point.  I'll be posting details in another month's time. For now, please understand that we'll just say that IceCube won't just be "the best of breed" PVR. It has three tuners for 6 simultaneous channels, streaming, Freeview+, 1 TB HDD, integrated WiFi and a unique feature that turns IceCube into a "new PVR breed". Yes, I talked about several "killer features" in my Techwebcast interview in Dec 2013. We did a focus group with seven Forum contributors all together in the IceTV board room and picked the one that you wanted most.

Allow me a quick update on some third party brands. This month, we'll release the UEC 9600Q/T models on our online store. Beyonwiz's future product roadmap is also being integrated with IceTV, so that we'll be on their upcoming PVR's right from the initial release. Topfield put the integration of IceTV on the backburner for their recent models. Strong's 6500 and DXtreme's 480 are not going ahead. We respect the confidentiality agreement in place with our PVR partners, which is why we're unable to elaborate further.

IceCube will have a lifetime IceTV subscription bundled in. You can combine your existing PVRs with IceCube under a single IceTV account through a subscription for multiple devices. Right now, we offer a $198 price cut for a 3-year multiple-device subscription or a $60 discount for 1 year (expires Thursday 5 February 2015). Renew now and add IceCube when released ... http://bit.ly/163KTN8  (3 years) or http://bit.ly/1HIcRiE  (1 year)

Watch this space for another update in March!

Regards & success, Heinz
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on February 02, 2015, 05:10:11 PM
Thanks for the update Heinz, I am sure that this will make a lot of people happy.

It is also good news about other PVRs with IceTV support.

I am not surprised that Topfield have put IceTV on the back-burner for the moment, given the slow progress in developing the TF-T6211 platform. (I assume from post elsewhere that the TF-T6211 or some variant of it was the IceTV candidate.) My impression is that Topfield Australia is keen to have IceTV support on more models but I can understand the reluctance of the engineers in Korea to add an advanced feature before getting basic PVR functionality in place. As I am sure Heinz will confirm, it always takes a lot longer to get a new product line to the stage where it is ready to be released.

Ian

Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on February 02, 2015, 05:33:36 PM
Quote from: Heinz on February 02, 2015, 04:09:51 PMIceCube will have a lifetime IceTV subscription bundled in.

5 years ??
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on February 03, 2015, 12:01:28 AM
Quote from: Heinz on February 02, 2015, 04:09:51 PM
Let me break the silence with great news, as we are excited to announce the manufacture of IceTV's own PVR for March this year.

Thank  you for that

Quote from: Heinz on February 02, 2015, 04:09:51 PM
IceCube will have a lifetime IceTV subscription bundled in.

I may be slow, but I am a bit confused.  If the IceCube will have a lifetime IceTV subscription, then why should we buy a subscription now? (That is, those of us who plan to buy the IceBox)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Garyvx on February 04, 2015, 02:55:35 PM
Quote from: Heinz on February 02, 2015, 04:09:51 PM
It has three tuners for 6 simultaneous channels, streaming, Freeview+, 1 TB HDD, integrated WiFi and a unique feature that turns IceCube into a "new PVR breed".
"Freeview+" does that mean no skipping of adds and you cannot get recordings off the PVR?  :'(

Regards Gary
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on February 04, 2015, 03:14:06 PM
According to FreeTV Australia "FreeviewPlus is a new television service delivered via broadband providing a state of the art EPG and seamless access to Catch Up TV across the Freeview networks, with the simple press of a button on the remote control." So access to FreeviewPlus does not require that you use Freview EPG data, and it is access to the data that is conditional on recording being crippled.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Dave at IceTV on February 04, 2015, 06:12:01 PM
Paul, the IceCube's lifetime IceTV subscription is for the life of the IceCube PVR and is not restricted by a time limit.

Judy, the IceCube's lifetime subscription only supports the IceCube PVR. If you want to use IceTV on other recorders you would still need either a regular 5-device subscription or separate device subscriptions to cover those other recorders.

Gary, the IceCube will definitely include add skipping and the ability to copy recordings off the IceCube. The IceCube will not be FreeviewPlus certified but it will have all of the FreeviewPlus catchup TV features accessed via HbbTV. 

FreeviewPlus will work on the IceCube PVR but it won't have the restrictive Freeview+ certification.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: DaveD on February 04, 2015, 07:15:45 PM
Hi Dave from IceTV,
  Is there any news on what the supplied EPG will look like.
  Is it similar to or better than JustEPG?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: snuke on February 12, 2015, 01:30:03 PM
Quote from: snuke on November 10, 2014, 09:46:35 AM
Quote from: Heinz on April 11, 2014, 08:19:55 PM
3) Treat yourself to an IceTV PVR in October from our online store or in November from the top Australian retailers..

Quote from: Heinz on August 11, 2014, 01:34:21 PM
. We've just upgraded again to a higher-end chipset, in order to provide the best user experience with this feature. But every time you change chipsets, you have to port all of the middleware as well. This adds six months every time for consumer quality.

Based on the last two quotes of planned Oct release then a 6 month delay due to new chipset, I guess we move the goal posts to April/May 2015.


Quote from: Heinz on February 02, 2015, 04:09:51 PM
Let me break the silence with great news, as we are excited to announce the manufacture of IceTV's own PVR for March this year. Add some time for shipping and you'll be able to hold "IceCube" in your hands two months after that.

In April, we're going to take advance orders from customers who are subscribed to our mailing list

Well good on me for decoding the final release time correctly.
FIGJAM.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: bodogbodog on February 27, 2015, 09:49:25 PM
Quote from: Heinz on February 02, 2015, 04:09:51 PM
We did a focus group with seven Forum contributors all together in the IceTV board room and picked the one that you wanted most.
This is great news - I recall that session and the promise it held - it is going to be interesting to see what makes it into the final product
Can't come a moment too soon as I really need to replace my Beyonwiz soon - look forward to news on availability
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Heinz on March 03, 2015, 05:12:07 PM
IceTV knows what you DON'T want: TV adverts. This has been made clear from several posts on this forum requesting smarter ad-skip features than are currently available in the marketplace. Now, with the April pre-launch of IceTV's own PVR, we will be ushering in a new era of TV recordings without ads.

With Skippa, our product name for the IceCube project, you can sit back, put the remote control away and skip the ads automatically - without the need to press any buttons. Use the must-have IceTV app to record on Skippa from anywhere. Run rings around catch-up TV with Skippa's built-in IceTV discovery and smart recording features. Use our "Coming Soon" feature to record new shows or preview what's hot with "Ice Picks" before you decide to record. Then watch your favourite shows without ads when it suits you.

Next month we will be taking orders via an offer sent to our mailing list. If you don't receive IceTV's regular newsletter each Monday then that means you're not subscribed to this mailout. We suggest you log in to our website and update your subscription details under My Account. Please also spread the word about Skippa to your family and friends!
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on March 03, 2015, 06:53:36 PM
Is 'skippa' related to the Altech 9600 triple tuner PVR that has been briefly mentioned as coming soon to IceTV?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Mantorok on March 04, 2015, 02:03:25 PM
Given that "skippa" is so close to launch are we able to see some pictures of the unit and remote.  I'd like to see more details of its features as well as hardware specs like inputs and outputs.  Screenshots of the user interface would be great too.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Heinz on March 04, 2015, 02:21:42 PM
IceTV's imminent introduction of the UEC 9600Q and 9600T is independent of our Skippa release. The 9600Q/T are UEC products and Skippa is an IceTV product. The UEC products are available now. Skippa ships with skips in May.

When we do our mailshot next month, we'll be sharing technical and visual details for Skippa.

Longer TV ad breaks are just around the corner. Fortunately, so is Skippa!
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: prl on March 04, 2015, 06:40:50 PM
Quote from: Heinz on March 04, 2015, 02:21:42 PM
... Skippa ships with skips in May. ...
Work on that a bit and you could have a user manual by Dr Suess ;)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: face44 on March 05, 2015, 11:32:38 AM
This looks like a great replacement for my recently dead TiVo.
Can I get on the mailing list without purchasing anything or do I have to buy a subscription to the service first?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Dave at IceTV on March 05, 2015, 12:49:41 PM
You can get on the mailing list by downloading our free phone app (for Android, Apple and Windows phones and tablets).

There are links to download the IceTV phone app near the bottom of the IceTV home page:
https://www.icetv.com.au/
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: bodogbodog on March 07, 2015, 12:45:35 PM
Hurry Hurry - my Beyonwiz is dying and I need to replace it - hopefully it will limp through to May!
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on March 08, 2015, 07:32:19 PM
Quote from: bodogbodog on March 07, 2015, 12:45:35 PM
Hurry Hurry - my Beyonwiz is dying and I need to replace it - hopefully it will limp through to May!

I know how you feel, but I am not sure I'd want to be the first guinea pig to try it :-)  (I was quite excited when it first got mentioned, but have lost confidence in it since.)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: chopper on March 15, 2015, 10:29:38 AM
does that mean it can record catchup shows ? if so then I could somehow manage to stream then to my chromecast
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Dave at IceTV on March 15, 2015, 02:59:41 PM
No, it cannot record catchup shows. You can only view them. The "freeview plus" style catchup guide just allows finding the catchup episodes via a TV guide style timeline.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: face44 on April 01, 2015, 04:33:12 PM
So we are now in April. I thought we were getting a announcement in March. Just wondering what is happening with the release. Can we get some news on what is happening please?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Dave at IceTV on April 01, 2015, 04:54:40 PM
Check your email inbox next week.  8)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: EdQld on April 02, 2015, 01:37:55 PM
Looking forward to it's release, auto Ad skip would be a great feature!

I just hope it comes with stable/mature firmware, it just seems that programmers can't seem to get that part right and prematurely release product! Just about all PVR's I have purchased in resent years have had multiple bugs that needed successive f/w updates to resolve, even Telstra's latest effort the iQ3, has been released with multiple bugs according to press reports and the promising looking Altech PVR9600 has had a succession of bugs with each f/w release!

So here's hoping the IceTV's PVR bucks the trend and is released without a number of bugs, but just works out of the box, now that would be a welcome change  :)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: bodogbodog on April 03, 2015, 10:35:50 AM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on April 01, 2015, 04:54:40 PM
Check your email inbox next week.  8)
It was nice to get an email advising we would be entered in the draw for a Skippa
I was surprised to discover there's already a web site up promoting the product - with some specs on the unit such as it having a 1tb HDD - it would have been good if that email had mentioned the site so those of us interested in it could get more info
There's more details @ http://skippa.tv/
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: face44 on April 03, 2015, 12:04:53 PM
Wish I had got that email. Guess your luckier than me :-[.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: EdQld on April 03, 2015, 12:30:02 PM
Fantastic to see the Skippa will be released next month, it would sure be nice to be one of the lucky 5 to win one!

What happened to the 4 Tuners that was mentioned earlier? The email stated it only has 3 Tuners?

Could the Skippa be a re-badged Altech PVR9600 running IceTV firmware?

Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on April 03, 2015, 12:44:11 PM
Quote from: EdQld on April 03, 2015, 12:30:02 PM
Fantastic to see the Skippa will be released next month, it would sure be nice to be one of the lucky 5 to win one!

What happened to the 4 Tuners that was mentioned earlier? The email stated it only has 3 Tuners?

Could the Skippa be a re-badged Altech PVR9600 running IceTV firmware?

I noticed the 3 rather than 4 tuners. There was an earlier post (I think it was Heinz) that said they were having the unit manufacted by an OEM, so it may have the same hardware as other PVRs.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: EdQld on April 03, 2015, 01:00:58 PM
I tried to lookup more details at http://skippa.tv/, unfortunately I can't get passed "Authentication Required", just doesn't accept my Username & p/w  :(
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on April 03, 2015, 01:03:02 PM
Same problem here - also tried the link in the email I got yesterday, no luck

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: bodogbodog on April 03, 2015, 01:04:49 PM
Quote from: face44 on April 03, 2015, 12:04:53 PM
Wish I had got that email. Guess your luckier than me :-[.
I got it as a paid subscriber to IceTV so nothing special or lucky - maybe they're staggering the mail out to their subscriber base
Basically it's being used as a carrot to incent people to check and update their contact details on IceTV
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Dave at IceTV on April 03, 2015, 01:16:15 PM
Everyone who has an IceTV account is automatically in the draw to win 1 of 5 skippa PVRs.

Skippa is not a re-badged PVR running IceTV firmware.

For those that cannot access the skippa.tv website:
- What browser are you using?
- What operating system?
- How are you getting to the page? (typing url, clicking on a link in this topic etc)

There is a link to skippa.tv on the header of the icetv.com.au pages.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: bodogbodog on April 03, 2015, 01:18:55 PM
Quote from: Heinz on December 02, 2013, 05:58:56 PM
When we get closer to the release date, we will be looking for beta users  :o
Heinz / IceTV
Still the plan?
Volunteers please line up behind me  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on April 03, 2015, 01:19:49 PM
Dave

With latest Firefox build (Win8.1 64) I get the problem with email link and IceTV Home Page. It works if I use Chrome.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on April 03, 2015, 01:21:29 PM
There is a subsequent post by Heinz saying they had decided to dispense with that proposal. Concerns about delays to release was, if I recall correctly, the reason given.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: bodogbodog on April 03, 2015, 01:23:04 PM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on April 03, 2015, 01:16:15 PM
For those that cannot access the skippa.tv website:
- What browser are you using?
- What operating system?
I can confirm it is working fine on Win 8 with Chrome and IE 11 browsers
Haven't seen anyone having issues with access among those discussing this on Whirlpool either
Those WP threads are @ http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2390297 and http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2128980&p=2
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Dave at IceTV on April 03, 2015, 01:35:04 PM
Quote from: IanL-S on April 03, 2015, 01:19:49 PM
With latest Firefox build (Win8.1 64) I get the problem with email link and IceTV Home Page. It works if I use Chrome.
Thanks Ian,

Can you try clearing the cache in Firefox (press Ctrl+F5).
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: JPP on April 03, 2015, 01:38:05 PM
FireFox Vs 36 works OK with the embedded link.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: JPP on April 03, 2015, 01:42:19 PM
Quote from: bodogbodog on April 03, 2015, 01:18:55 PM
Quote from: Heinz on December 02, 2013, 05:58:56 PM
When we get closer to the release date, we will be looking for beta users  :o
Heinz / IceTV
Still the plan?
Volunteers please line up behind me  ;D ;D ;D
Hmmm... just 3 tuners... pity that.
I wonder also how flexible the manual skipping is. Important as you do need it when Chase Playing, i.e. before the firmware has had a chance to do the skip ads algorithm which by my reading of the specs is only done at the end of the recording
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: bodogbodog on April 03, 2015, 01:54:33 PM
Quote from: JPP on April 03, 2015, 01:42:19 PM
Hmmm... just 3 tuners... pity that.
I wonder also how flexible the manual skipping is. Important as you do need it when Chase Playing, i.e. before the firmware has had a chance to do the skip ads algorithm which by my reading of the specs is only done at the end of the recording
Yes - seems strange to apply that limit but I can live with three I think - I always have a Media Center TV running with a dual tuner it along with my PVR - so 5 tuners should suffice
I think you're right on "chase playing" although I hate doing that as inevitably you catch up and are stuck watching adverts later in the programme - I prefer to watch shows after they're finished. From the Skippa site it says "AutoSkip takes about the same time as the length of a recording"
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Dave at IceTV on April 03, 2015, 02:38:57 PM
The issue with the skippa.tv website has been fixed. Those who had the login prompt previously may still need to clear the cache in their browser.

As per all other devices that can use IceTV, on the skippa box you can manually skip forward or back and skip ads at any time including when chasing playing (until you catch up to the live time).

With the 3 tuners you can record 6 shows at once (from 3 networks). You could record 7, 7two, 7mate, Ten, Eleven and ABC1. It would be very rare that someone would want to record from 4 networks at the same time. But a 2nd Skippa box in another room would solve that.  :)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: bodogbodog on April 03, 2015, 02:44:11 PM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on April 03, 2015, 02:38:57 PMWith the 3 tuners you can record 6 shows at once (from 3 networks). You could record 7, 7two, 7mate, Ten, Eleven and ABC1. It would be very rare that someone would want to record from 4 networks at the same time. But a 2nd Skippa box in another room would solve that.  :)
Thanks for clarifying and sounds good to me as 3 networks recording multiple channels concurrently should suffice
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: JPP on April 03, 2015, 02:54:15 PM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on April 03, 2015, 02:38:57 PM
........ But a 2nd Skippa box in another room would solve that.  :)
Ah, does that mean that ala BeyonWiz, that you can access AND control a second Skippa via the first? I.e. you can see the list of recordings on the second Skippa, select a file/recording and then fully control playback from the first Skippa as if the recording was stored on it?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: JPP on April 03, 2015, 02:58:46 PM
Quote from: bodogbodog on April 03, 2015, 02:44:11 PM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on April 03, 2015, 02:38:57 PMWith the 3 tuners you can record 6 shows at once (from 3 networks). You could record 7, 7two, 7mate, Ten, Eleven and ABC1. It would be very rare that someone would want to record from 4 networks at the same time. But a 2nd Skippa box in another room would solve that.  :)
Thanks for clarifying and sounds good to me as 3 networks recording multiple channels concurrently should suffice
Being able to record six HD streams at once is more than enough, it's just that it's pretty rare, that I need to record two programmes from the same network. When it's rating time, each network has usually only ONE good show with the other sub channels showing repeats.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: EdQld on April 03, 2015, 03:22:37 PM
I must admit most of the time being able to record from 3 Networks would be enough (they have such poor programing these days!), but last month I did need to record from 4 Networks and that's the reason I would have preferred a 4 Tuner PVR  :)

One saving grace now is the ability to stream content from services like Stan (happily using it at the moment) and Netflix, making FTA TV less relevant

Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: EdQld on April 03, 2015, 03:26:23 PM
Will the Skippa be able to deal effectively with recorded consecutive programs on the same channel, with padding overlap? (the BW T3 does this very well apparently)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Dave at IceTV on April 03, 2015, 03:59:55 PM
Quote from: JPP on April 03, 2015, 02:54:15 PM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on April 03, 2015, 02:38:57 PM
........ But a 2nd Skippa box in another room would solve that.  :)
Ah, does that mean that ala BeyonWiz, that you can access AND control a second Skippa via the first? I.e. you can see the list of recordings on the second Skippa, select a file/recording and then fully control playback from the first Skippa as if the recording was stored on it?
I'm not sure. I've never had 2 on the same network at the same time. I'll check it out on Tuesday.

Quote from: EdQld on April 03, 2015, 03:26:23 PM
Will the Skippa be able to deal effectively with recorded consecutive programs on the same channel, with padding overlap? (the BW T3 does this very well apparently)
Yes. Just like the T3, skippa will record all back-to-back recordings on the same channel with your pre-set padding included, even if the padding overlaps another recording on the same channel.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: prl on April 03, 2015, 05:12:01 PM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on April 03, 2015, 03:59:55 PM...
I'm not sure. I've never had 2 on the same network at the same time. I'll check it out on Tuesday.
...
Two recordings on two different LCNs on the same broadcast channel? I should certainly hope so. All the Beyonwiz DP series could do that; even the single-tuner DP-H1. So could the earliest Topfield HD recorder (TF 7000), and, I think, the Topfield SD recorders, too.

The T3 is sold as being able to handle 8 simultaneous recordings (with the usual limitations due to the number of tuners), but the limit isn't hard-coded, and users have reported being able to go well above that limit without problems. Not that I can think of too many circumstances where you might actually want to do it, beyond the always interesting question of "how hard can I push before it breaks?" :D
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: prl on April 03, 2015, 05:26:15 PM
Quote from: EdQld on April 03, 2015, 03:26:23 PM
Will the Skippa be able to deal effectively with recorded consecutive programs on the same channel, with padding overlap? (the BW T3 does this very well apparently)
Yes, the T3 can do that.

The T3 can also have an additional USB tuner added, to make it a 4-tuner PVR. However, a number of users have had problems getting the 4th tuner to work properly. I've never been able to get it working properly (I get unwatchable pixellation on most channels when it's on antenna feed-through), though admittedly I haven't tried it for a while. Four tuners seems to be an architectural limit, though. I understand it has only 4 DVB demuxers.

The T3 can also "borrow" an additional tuner from another T3 over the net, and record from that. However, for my use pattern where I like to keep the PVRs shut down when not it use, it seems too cumbersome to use. For people who only ever put their T3s in standby (almost everything running apart from A/V output) it would be a more practical thing. I've never tried using it.

It'll be interesting to see how Beyonwiz reacts to the Skippa pricing :)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Vortical on April 03, 2015, 05:36:27 PM
Quote from: prl on April 03, 2015, 05:26:15 PM
It'll be interesting to see how Beyonwiz reacts to the Skippa pricing :)
Has that been announced yet? I'm very curious on the price.
Also interested how smooth running the interface is, hopefully it's not laggy,

I think my TF7100HRPVRt is on it's last legs, it's having problems keeping time, even with a recent battery replacement.
Missed quite a few recordings of shows before I realised something was wrong as it's not really used that much, we tend to use our TRF-2460 most of the time.

Hopefully I can win one  ;D
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: bodogbodog on April 03, 2015, 06:16:37 PM
Quote from: prl on April 03, 2015, 05:12:01 PM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on April 03, 2015, 03:59:55 PM
Quote from: JPP on April 03, 2015, 02:54:15 PM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on April 03, 2015, 02:38:57 PM
........ But a 2nd Skippa box in another room would solve that.  :)
Ah, does that mean that ala BeyonWiz, that you can access AND control a second Skippa via the first? I.e. you can see the list of recordings on the second Skippa, select a file/recording and then fully control playback from the first Skippa as if the recording was stored on it?
I'm not sure. I've never had 2 on the same network at the same time. I'll check it out on Tuesday.
Two recordings on two different LCNs on the same broadcast channel? I should certainly hope so. All the Beyonwiz DP series could do that; even the single-tuner DP-H1. So could the earliest Topfield HD recorder (TF 7000), and, I think, the Topfield SD recorders, too.
I think you may have missed that the original question was about one Skippa controlling another Skippa as opposed to recording multiple channels of a network
Be interesting what Dave reports back
I can see were going to have fun "extracting" features from IceTV staff over the coming weeks

The price of $499 is taken from the prize draw flyer which gives that as the prize value - I assume there is only one Skippa model - with the 3 Tuner / 1TB spec
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: prl on April 03, 2015, 07:03:05 PM
Quote from: bodogbodog on April 03, 2015, 06:16:37 PM
...
I think you may have missed that the original question was about one Skippa controlling another Skippa as opposed to recording multiple channels of a network
...
Yes. I had quite the wrong idea of what "network" was in the context. :-[
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Rat on April 03, 2015, 09:53:41 PM
I use my old Beyonwiz to record TV AND stream content from network connected folders on my PC via Cat5 cable......Please tell me that Skippa will allow me to do that and maybe even via WiFi also AND have good file (codec) support for currently common downloads????

Oh and I would like to set it up to do that without taking a Masters Degree in Networking and writing my own software if possible :)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on April 04, 2015, 01:59:02 AM
Quote from: JPP on April 03, 2015, 01:42:19 PM

Hmmm... just 3 tuners... pity that.
I wonder also how flexible the manual skipping is. Important as you do need it when Chase Playing, i.e. before the firmware has had a chance to do the skip ads algorithm which by my reading of the specs is only done at the end of the recording
[/quote]

It will be very interesting to test how well it works, or whether adjustments will be have to be done often.  I have a video editing software that (supposedly) automatically cuts out commercials, but it is just so bad at it that it takes less time to edit them out manually than to "fix" the automated version.

I would  also love to hear what else Skippa does.  When we first got told about this PVR and was asked for suggestions on what we'd like - we asked for something similar to the way TED/S works. 

Can we get an idea how the recordings work?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on April 04, 2015, 02:06:43 AM
Quote from: JPP on April 03, 2015, 02:54:15 PM
Ah, does that mean that ala BeyonWiz, that you can access AND control a second Skippa via the first? I.e. you can see the list of recordings on the second Skippa, select a file/recording and then fully control playback from the first Skippa as if the recording was stored on it?

Another good question!  I wonder if we are going to get a full list of what it can  do, before it goes on sale?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on April 04, 2015, 02:19:11 AM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on April 03, 2015, 03:59:55 PM
Yes. Just like the T3, skippa will record all back-to-back recordings on the same channel with your pre-set padding included, even if the padding overlaps another recording on the same channel.

I am not familiar with T3, so can you explain further please?  If it includes padding on both, does that mean that two back-to-back recordings will use two tuners?  The only system I am  familiar with is the way TED handles  them - that is merging the two, on one tuner.  Hence you certainly wouldn't miss the end of one or the beginning of the next, but can easily separate the two afterwards if you choose. 

The way Media Centre does it, it does include separate padding on both shows, using both tuners, hence it is impossible to record another show on another channel (as I have dual tuners there) - not my  preference
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on April 04, 2015, 02:55:11 AM
Quote from: bodogbodog on April 03, 2015, 06:16:37 PM
I can see were going to have fun "extracting" features from IceTV staff over the coming weeks

I am certainly very curious.  I am one of those dinosaurs still using Toppy 5K with TED/S.  The reason for that is because I love TED so much - so I am dying to know if the Skippa will do all the things I love about TED
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on April 04, 2015, 02:58:16 AM
Quote from: Rat on April 03, 2015, 09:53:41 PM
Oh and I would like to set it up to do that without taking a Masters Degree in Networking and writing my own software if possible :)
Me three!  ;D  :D ::)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: blip on April 04, 2015, 05:59:39 AM
Quote from: csutak40 on April 04, 2015, 02:19:11 AM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on April 03, 2015, 03:59:55 PM
Yes. Just like the T3, skippa will record all back-to-back recordings on the same channel with your pre-set padding included, even if the padding overlaps another recording on the same channel.

I am not familiar with T3, so can you explain further please?  If it includes padding on both, does that mean that two back-to-back recordings will use two tuners?  The only system I am  familiar with is the way TED handles  them - that is merging the two, on one tuner.  Hence you certainly wouldn't miss the end of one or the beginning of the next, but can easily separate the two afterwards if you choose. 

The way Media Centre does it, it does include separate padding on both shows, using both tuners, hence it is impossible to record another show on another channel (as I have dual tuners there) - not my  preference

The T3 only uses one tuner to do this. You will end up with each show in its own file with pre and post padding all without needing to use a second tuner.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on April 04, 2015, 09:53:35 AM
Quote from: csutak40 on April 04, 2015, 01:59:02 AM
It will be very interesting to test how well it works, or whether adjustments will be have to be done often.  I have a video editing software that (supposedly) automatically cuts out commercials, but it is just so bad at it that it takes less time to edit them out manually than to "fix" the automated version

I'm also concerned about this. If it isn't perfect, how can it be better than the excellent user configurable, manual skipping I use on my Toppy and BWs? It really sounds like a gimmick - and a potential dis-satisfier. I guess we'll just have to wait and see - I hope I'm being a pessimist.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on April 04, 2015, 12:01:28 PM
Quote from: blip on April 04, 2015, 05:59:39 AM
The T3 only uses one tuner to do this. You will end up with each show in its own file with pre and post padding all without needing to use a second tuner.

Thanks for that.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: EdQld on April 05, 2015, 12:36:38 PM
Also with 3 tuners and currently $195, the Altech PVR9600 (soon to gain Ice EPG support) should provide Skippa some real competition at $499
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Rat on April 08, 2015, 10:01:34 AM
Dave from support are you still with us? it's been 5 days since any input, these are the loyal fans that have waited and waited for this box, you said you would check out some more details Tuesday? did that happen?

There has been talk of how and when we will be able to order them and how much they will cost...........but why would we want to know those things when we are yet to find out what it is we would actually be purchasing.

What are the full SPECS????

Will it be a good media streamer and what codecs does it support????

What are the I/O ?

Where are the pictures????

How can you make us wait so long and then continue to tease us by not releasing all the information required to make an informed purchasing decision? It's only a few weeks before it's released and so far we don't know why we should pay $500 for your box instead of the other well featured boxes for $200 apart from auto ad skipping which everyone is skeptical about and with good reason. So IMO you need to really start selling your product by singing all its praises. The single page website is just another tease....come on you can do better than that, can't you? Remember you are pitching to the high end price tech savvy market......not the Harvey Norman bargain bin market.

As someone said earlier getting info will be like pulling teeth, I hope this doesn't prove to be correct.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on April 08, 2015, 10:56:33 AM
If they want us to buy one of these things they need to give full specifications. Things we need to know would include:

does the unit have an ftp server
can you copy MPEG2 ts or MPEG 2 ps files to the unit an play them
dose the unit support third party apps


Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: JPP on April 08, 2015, 05:18:47 PM
Yes, it's also surprising that no Beta testers have been involved during the pre-release phase of this project, particularly as they were heavily involved in setting the design goals for it.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Rat on April 13, 2015, 02:34:42 PM
Wow if I were a shareholder in this company I would be angry at the zero effort that is being put into the marketing of this box, I can only guess that the lack of replies now signals another release date slip.

If someone reading this has some spare time could you please ring their contact number and ask if the box is still being released and then read through the questions in the last couple of pages here and see if you can get any answers?

FOR ALL ENQUIRIES
Please contact us at:
1300 654 803 | 02 8424 7555

Weekdays – 12pm – 8pm (AEST)
Weekends – 12pm – 6pm
Public Holidays – 12pm – 6pm
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: snuke on April 14, 2015, 10:31:02 PM
Quote from: Rat on April 13, 2015, 02:34:42 PM
Wow if I were a shareholder in this company I would be angry at the zero effort that is being put into the marketing of this box, I can only guess that the lack of replies now signals another release date slip.


I thought Heinz was pretty clear on when info was coming, no need to get emotional, just read the supplied info.
See this earlier post >>>>>

Quote from: Heinz on February 02, 2015, 04:09:51 PM
Watch this space for another update in March!

Regards & success, Heinz
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Rat on April 15, 2015, 07:56:10 AM
Thanks snuke, so I just have to wait until March and all will be revealed, that's very helpful dude :)

Do you work for IceTV snuke? or are you just a rampant fanboi? I see you posting positive support for them at Whirlpool that also offers no substance or new information.

After a VERY long break there was a flurry of posts from Dave to promote Skippa when their one page ad came online.....he answered a few questions over a period of a couple of days, but didn't tell us anything about the specs, many questions were left unanswered.

His last post on the April 3rd included "I'm not sure. I've never had 2 on the same network at the same time. I'll check it out on Tuesday." that was nearly two weeks ago and it is now only two weeks until May which is when it's supposed to be released. I find this behaviour bizarre and very unusual in an era when most companies, especially tech companies know the value of online communication with their customers.

I am sure they know the full specs and the answers to all our questions, why do you think they would be keeping them a secret? do they think it will be a nice surprise for us on release day? or do they think everyone will pre-order without even knowing the specs and purchase a nice mystery box?

Well I would say from the lack of interest in this thread and on the threads on Whirlpool that due to the ongoing lack of info from IceTV about their own product that the vast majority of people have totally lost interest.

If Dave (or anyone from Ice) had of said two weeks ago something like "Full specs will be revealed X date" when people started asking then we would have something to go on.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on April 15, 2015, 08:06:14 AM
For reasons incomprehensible to me, this (withholding information) has been the historical and consistent policy of Australian PVR vendors in the 10 years I've been buying them. Not saying I appreciate this approach, but I've come to expect it.
I guess we'll all just have to wait - patiently or not.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on April 15, 2015, 08:18:29 AM
Quote from: Paul55 on April 15, 2015, 08:06:14 AM
For reasons incomprehensible to me, this (withholding information) has been the historical and consistent policy of Australian PVR vendors in the 10 years I've been buying them.

Even post release you are often guessing about the hardware specifications. Technical things such as the specifications of the processor, the amount of RAM and non-volatile memory, ....

On the firmware side, they usually do not finalise the release firmware until immediately before release. Features can be deleted (do not work as expected or do not behave nicely with other features) or added (features that they had trouble geting working correctly but found a fix just before the firmware is finalised).

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: snuke on April 15, 2015, 10:17:49 PM
Quote from: Rat on April 15, 2015, 07:56:10 AM
Do you work for IceTV snuke? or are you just a rampant fanboi?

Do you hit children often?

QuoteI see you posting positive support for them at Whirlpool that also offers no substance or new information.

I decided to check my WP posts in the two PVR threads I have partaken in during the past year. While I have expressed positive feelings about ICE in the past, I can't see any on WP in the past year, so not sure what you are referring to.

QuoteI am sure they know the full specs and the answers to all our questions, why do you think they would be keeping them a secret? do they think it will be a nice surprise for us on release day? or do they think everyone will pre-order without even knowing the specs and purchase a nice mystery box?

Well I would say from the lack of interest in this thread and on the threads on Whirlpool that due to the ongoing lack of info from IceTV about their own product that the vast majority of people have totally lost interest.

You do like to get a bit emotional about this don't you. Why waste your energy on conjecture and speculation?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Dave at IceTV on April 16, 2015, 01:48:14 PM
Guys, please calm it down. As a rule we only remove spam posts and spammer's account, so we do not want to have to edit or remove member's posts or ban members.

When I have in my hands the final skippa product in the exact same specification that will be available for customers to purchase I will be able to post more detailed information. Until then please be patient. 
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: EdQld on April 16, 2015, 02:15:40 PM
What about the Altech PVR9600 with IceTV EPG support, are you still going to sell this unit? ETA & Price? Thanks
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Dave at IceTV on April 16, 2015, 02:38:05 PM
Quote from: EdQld on April 16, 2015, 02:15:40 PM
What about the Altech PVR9600 with IceTV EPG support, are you still going to sell this unit? ETA & Price? Thanks
Altech PVR9600 Q and T with IceTV EPG support are still coming. Altech are still weeding out the last few kinks in the software. ETA unknown as I'm not in that loop. Price was said to be the same as the Humax HDR-75x0 PVRs.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: EdQld on April 16, 2015, 03:02:46 PM
Thanks Dave for the reply  ;)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Dave at IceTV on April 16, 2015, 03:28:28 PM
We will be taking pre-orders for Skippa in mid May for those who don't want to miss getting in first and want to save around $100. Skippa will be in the IceTV store in mid to late June with an RRP of $499 including an IceTV subscription for the life of the skippa box (with no time limit).


More information on the Altech 9600 for Ed

ETA for the 9600 with IceTV integration is mid May. Price for the 2 tuner 500GB 9600Q with IceTV subscription will be cheaper than the Humax HDR-75x0 PVRs. Price for the 3 tuner 1TB 9600T with IceTV subscription will be a bit more.

Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: EdQld on April 16, 2015, 04:16:51 PM
I'll look forward to the pre-release special, just hope the release date doesn't slip any further (It's been a long time coming)  :)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on April 16, 2015, 05:02:54 PM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on April 16, 2015, 03:28:28 PMIceTV subscription for the life of the skippa box (with no time limit).

That is a good move - removes a potential dis-satisfier. Hopefully the Skippa will last more than 5 years - all my other PVRs have.
Am I reading correctly that it will cost $399 for those who order early and $499 later?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Dave at IceTV on April 16, 2015, 07:33:26 PM
Correct.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Rat on April 20, 2015, 05:29:33 PM
Will those that pre-order get their Slippa earlier or will they have to wait for mid-late June for delivery also? the website still says available for delivery in May. I predicted last week it was looking like it was slipping again, I know this is not supports fault, but they don't even seem to have recognized this fact.

Don't get me wrong I really am looking forward to this product, but it has been a long and disappointing road so far, if Skippa is not a good media streamer with current file support then I don't even want one and my wait has been for naught. If these questions can't be answered in the next couple of weeks before the "pre-order" starts then I will be in a quandary as to buy a mystery box that has had no public beta testing, or wait even longer and pay $100 extra once the bugs are fixed and the features and specs known.

What are others thinking? will you buy one early for the discount just on the chance that it might be what you want? I suppose if it doesn't have the features I want I could flog it off easily for $300 while they are charging $500 and only lose $100.

Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on April 20, 2015, 05:53:19 PM
Quote from: Rat on April 20, 2015, 05:29:33 PM
will you buy one early for the discount just on the chance that it might be what you want?

Well, I suppose that would depend if you enjoy being a beta tester, albeit at your own cost (I suppose one could argue, that there are advantages, you may  be able to influence what gets fixed first) or are you the kind of person that would rather pay an extra $100 to avoid the possible hassles and the stress that may result from buying a pig in a poke  :P
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: bodogbodog on April 20, 2015, 06:35:21 PM
I'm in - where do I sign?
I consider it a "community service" and I have other devices to record shows making sure the WAF doesn't suffer
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on April 20, 2015, 07:12:20 PM
I too am seriously tempted. I may need to hide it from the spouse, as I already have too many Toppy PVRs (5 IceTV capable; but one refuses to talk to IceTV - I know the Toppy firmware quirk that only allows 4 to connect; but that is not it, it refuses to replace one of the others when it is being rested).

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: markb on April 21, 2015, 08:22:47 AM
Great, the more beta-testers the better. Go for it Guys!
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Dave at IceTV on April 21, 2015, 06:00:11 PM
Those who pre-order will be ensured that they won't miss out on getting a skippa in June, in case demand exceeds the initial supply.

After a couple of quick tests last week I can confirm that skippa is both a DLNA media server and a DLNA media player. Media support via a USB drive should also be very good.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Rat on April 21, 2015, 06:46:11 PM
Thanks for that Dave, looks like I will be jumping in for the discount :)

I'm hoping the firmware is stable and the interface is user friendly.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on April 21, 2015, 08:23:42 PM
On the DLNA front, hopefully it can deal with poorly behaved DLNA devices on a Network. Known culptits include:


And hopefully it will not have the same impact on other PVRs on the same network.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: snuke on April 21, 2015, 10:52:51 PM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on April 21, 2015, 06:00:11 PMAfter a couple of quick tests last week I can confirm that skippa is both a DLNA media server and a DLNA media player. Media support via a USB drive should also be very good.

I hope that DLNA isn't the only Networking option to act as a media player. It is slow at best, along with all of its other restrictions. Hopefully good old classic SMB will be in there too.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Rat on April 22, 2015, 07:17:00 AM
I must admit to being far from a networking expert, what I would like to do is to continue to do what we do with our ancient Beyonwiz and be able to browse shared folders on our PC via Cat-5 and select a file and it plays. (Mostly, unless it's not supported, SD is usually ok)

Will I be able to do that with DNLA or does that require software running on the PC? I remember using another media player awhile back that was a pain to set up and required me to run XBMC on my PC to play files on the media player. I found that clunky and didn't really like having to run a prog on my PC each time I wanted to watch TV.

I just looked up the Beyonwiz and yes they use SMB, the T3 supports many networking protocols, as Skippa is around the same price point I hope it is competitive with it's networking capability and file support.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on April 22, 2015, 08:07:04 AM
I would say that you are accessing the fiels on the PVR (Beyonwiz) via ftp. To me having ftp server on a PVR is essential, as it is the best way to move content to and from the PVR, and also alows you to play files on the PVR without the problems that can arise using DLNA.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Rat on April 22, 2015, 01:21:07 PM
Yeah IanL-S I think you are right it's ftp.........Dave does Skippa support ftp over WiFi and Cat-5 networks with PCs ??? for me using the Skippa as a networked media player is just as important as the PVR functions, and more important than auto ad skipping. If you can answer that for us I promise not to ask any more questions for a whole week :)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: snuke on April 23, 2015, 11:31:21 AM
Quote from: Rat on April 22, 2015, 07:17:00 AMWill I be able to do that with DNLA or does that require software running on the PC?

You do need dlna software on the client side to effectively index the media for the dlna player to talk to.
It is an easy a relatively easy way to get a low of consumer products to have cleanly indexed media. My issue is that it re-indexers (maybe wrong terminology) every single time you start up, there is no real library base it can bring up instantly. It loads as you browse, and that can take ages with a lot of content. If you have used a PS3 as a media player, this is how they work. There is plenty of good and free dlna software available.
Universal Media Server is one http://www.universalmediaserver.com/ as is Plex of course.
Convenient, but slow and restrictive, doesn't support MKV or DTS pass through for example.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Rat on April 23, 2015, 04:51:24 PM
If I could not stream MKV files over network that would literally be a show stopper for me as it would provide less functionality than my aging current PVR. Let's just hope it has enough networking options and up to date file support to keep everyone happy :)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: snuke on April 24, 2015, 10:30:42 AM
You can stream MKV over dlna, however it requires transcoding or re-muxing. Personally the only case I know of re-muxing instead of transcoding is Plex to PlayStation. Not sure why they don't do it as their standard thing, it uses a tiny amount of resources to achieve whereas transcoding is a CPU hog and will cripple basic systems.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: EdQld on April 25, 2015, 04:23:50 PM
Ice Rep's, will the Skippa have the feature the BW T3 has,  in being able to add a 4th external Tuner?

I have been hanging out since last year for the IceTV 4 Tuner PVR, but now that it has been reduced to 3 Tuners and named Skippa, it would be great if one could add an extra Tuner  ;)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on April 25, 2015, 05:23:07 PM
Quote from: EdQld on April 25, 2015, 04:23:50 PM
Ice Rep's, will the Skippa have the feature the BW T3 has,  in being able to add a 4th external Tuner?

I have been hanging out since last year for the IceTV 4 Tuner PVR, but now that it has been reduced to 3 Tuners and named Skippa, it would be great if one could add an extra Tuner  ;)

We live in hope ... extra tuner a big plus.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: JPP on April 25, 2015, 05:33:46 PM
Quote from: IanL-S on April 25, 2015, 05:23:07 PM
Quote from: EdQld on April 25, 2015, 04:23:50 PM
Ice Rep's, will the Skippa have the feature the BW T3 has,  in being able to add a 4th external Tuner?

I have been hanging out since last year for the IceTV 4 Tuner PVR, but now that it has been reduced to 3 Tuners and named Skippa, it would be great if one could add an extra Tuner  ;)

We live in hope ... extra tuner a big plus.

Ian
Almost a must for me really... I can't for the life of me see why it was decided to just have 3 tuners. Both the Wiz (with an outboard add-on tuner) and the Humax offer 4 and there've been quite a few occasions when I could use all 4. It's rare that I want to watch or record two services on the one channel. Two twin tuner modules instead of 3 single ones would have made more sense. Perhaps the design was based on the Wiz T3, and if it is, adding a 4th should be possible.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Rat on April 28, 2015, 11:20:57 AM
On 27th April IceTV put out their usual email promoting the Skippa is coming in MAY and the ad links to their page that has not been updated yet and still says Available for purchase MAY. Even though they have known for some time that this is not correct and it will only be available for pre-order (quite different) in May and Purchase in June, if we are lucky. I wonder how many people who just get the email and don't visit the forum will be disappointed by that?

Dave you have had the product there for at least a week now, I would guess much longer and it's getting very close to the time for pre-orders, when can we expect the specs to be released and our questions answered?



Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: snuke on April 29, 2015, 02:27:44 PM
http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/computers/gadgets-on-the-go/skippa-tv-recorder-to-automatically-skip-the-ad-breaks-20150429-1mvscw.html
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: EdQld on April 29, 2015, 05:30:49 PM
Nice article, but doesn't give us anymore info though  :(
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Paul55 on April 30, 2015, 05:35:06 PM
Fluff piece????
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Rat on April 30, 2015, 05:41:16 PM
Yeah it's not a news article but an infomercial, I wonder if it was sponsored? see the Ice Team has time to post on the comments below that story (I assume it was them) but not much time for here.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Rat on May 01, 2015, 05:29:53 PM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on April 16, 2015, 03:28:28 PM
We will be taking pre-orders for Skippa in mid May for those who don't want to miss getting in first and want to save around $100.

Yet another release date slip, in the two weeks since this post it has now slipped to LATE May for the Pre-order.....not that it really matters for me, I won't be pre-ordering a product with functions that remain a mystery to me.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: MoDementia on May 02, 2015, 10:57:21 AM
Hi,

It's May and no extra details/specifications :(

I really think I need to switch to a PVR from Windows Media Centre (2 x 2200 Huappauge dual tuners) as much as I hate to.
But .wtv container is causing al sorts of issues extending my library to newer applications (Plex etc)

Not sure I can wait much longer, unlees I win one in the draw, wink, wink.

Shame cause I was all set to order maybe even 2

However If I can confirm that it will do everthing I need it to I might be willing to wait....
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: EdQld on May 04, 2015, 12:49:08 AM
With the frustration of waiting I decided to just go ahead and order the Altech PVR9600, but the Dealer upped the price when I asked for a postage price  :-\

I took that as a sign to wait a bit longer for the Skippa, it still sounds like the PVR & features I want, even without the 4th TV Tuner, surely it is only a "Hop, Skippa and jump" away now  :D



Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Dave at IceTV on May 04, 2015, 01:56:58 PM
Quote from: Rat on April 28, 2015, 11:20:57 AM
Dave you have had the product there for at least a week now, I would guess much longer and it's getting very close to the time for pre-orders, when can we expect the specs to be released and our questions answered?
Guys and Gals, I cannot give you information that I don't have or am not 100% certain about. I won't guess or make up answers to be seen to be pro-active. I have only played with a skippa for about 5 minutes and that was possibly a pre-production model and definitely beta firmware. So any specific information I could provide now (especially firmware related) could be wrong when the finished product arrives in June.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: EdQld on May 04, 2015, 02:32:27 PM
"So any specific information I could provide now (especially firmware related) could be wrong when the finished product arrives in June.
[/quote]

Fair enough Dave, is the June release solid or could it move into July?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Dave at IceTV on May 04, 2015, 02:54:39 PM
For those who think that they don't ever record more than one recording per network at a time you are not considering back to back recordings on the same channel or consecutive recordings from the same network that overlap due to padding.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on May 04, 2015, 02:56:23 PM
Thanks for the update Dave.

Things that in beta firmware do not necessarily make it to production firmware. I have seen several instances of this.

From a production standpoint, it is much better to load the final firmware at the factory. What with shipping time and customs clearance times, there would be a non-trivial time between manufacture and entering the domestic sales channel. Opening the boxes in the warehouse to upgrade firmware is a time consuming task. While the firmware will, no doubt, be relatively easy to update, if the initial shipping has non-optimal firmware that requires an immediate update may not go down well with the purchaser.

I remember the first Topfield TRF-2400 I purchased came with a USB stick to update the firmware. It was easier to open the box and put in the USB stick than to upgrade the firmware.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on May 04, 2015, 03:11:50 PM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on May 04, 2015, 02:54:39 PMThe skippa uses hard padding, like the Beyonwiz T3, and due to the skippa and T3's ability to perform multiple recordings per tuner (from the same TV network) all recordings from the same network are recorded with your specified padding even if the padding causes overlaps.

Most Topfield PVRs can record multiple LCNs from the same network using 1 Tuner. For example, if they are recording 4 LCNs from one network, they can still show live TV from other networks. However, they do not have what Dave describes as 'hard padding'. This is due to the way the firmware structures the management of recordings. My understanding is that it is due to there being only 5 'recording slots' in the firmware, one of which is reserved for the time-shift buffer. As these Toppys support quad recording, there would need to be at least 9 slots to allow for 'hard padding' on consecutive recordings on the same LCN. I do not know why the number of 'slots' cannot be increased: I suspect it may have something to do with the modest ram and non-volatile memory (which is used to store the firmware) of the Broadcom BCM7335 processor has: Flash-ROM: 64MBytes(NOR, 16bits); RAM: 384MBytes DDR SDRAM(48bits); EEPROM: 2KBytes.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Dave at IceTV on May 04, 2015, 03:18:42 PM
Quote from: EdQld on May 04, 2015, 02:32:27 PM
is the June release solid or could it move into July?
The skippas available in June are arriving by plane, with more coming in July by ship. 

The firmware is easily updatable over the Internet from the menu so new features or improvements can be added at any time.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Dave at IceTV on May 04, 2015, 03:54:45 PM
Quote from: IanL-S on May 04, 2015, 03:11:50 PM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on May 04, 2015, 02:54:39 PMThe skippa uses hard padding, like the Beyonwiz T3, and due to the skippa and T3's ability to perform multiple recordings per tuner (from the same TV network) all recordings from the same network are recorded with your specified padding even if the padding causes overlaps.

Most Topfield PVRs can record multiple LCNs from the same network using 1 Tuner. For example, if they are recording 4 LCNs from one network, they can still show live TV from other networks. However, they do not have what Dave describes as 'hard padding'. This is due to the way the firmware structures the management of recordings. My understanding is that it is due to there being only 5 'recording slots' in the firmware, one of which is reserved for the time-shift buffer. As these Toppys support quad recording, there would need to be at least 9 slots to allow for 'hard padding' on consecutive recordings on the same LCN. I do not know why the number of 'slots' cannot be increased: I suspect it may have something to do with the modest ram and non-volatile memory (which is used to store the firmware) of the Broadcom BCM7335 processor has: Flash-ROM: 64MBytes(NOR, 16bits); RAM: 384MBytes DDR SDRAM(48bits); EEPROM: 2KBytes.
I've just learnt that the skippa has 6 'recording slots' and it's 'hard padding' is somewhat dynamic in that the skippa will drop the padding between shows if it needs to record back to back shows on the same tuner, or drop the padding if it would prevent a following show on another channel being recorded. If there is a tuner free it will record each show on it's own tuner with padding. If all tuners are in use it will record shows from the same network on the same tuner.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on May 04, 2015, 04:04:28 PM
Thanks for this information Dave.

This suggests that in some cases part of a recording can be lost when recording consecutive timers on the same LCN as rarely to commercial networks start and commence programs at the scheduled time. The recent practice of some networks to start the next program immediately the prior program ends make the situation worse. If I recall correctly, I previously suggested that there should be an option to combine timers in such circumstances. Hopefully there is such an option in the firmware.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on May 04, 2015, 06:14:48 PM
Quote from: IanL-S on May 04, 2015, 04:04:28 PM
Thanks for this information Dave.

This suggests that in some cases part of a recording can be lost when recording consecutive timers on the same LCN as rarely to commercial networks start and commence programs at the scheduled time. The recent practice of some networks to start the next program immediately the prior program ends make the situation worse. If I recall correctly, I previously suggested that there should be an option to combine timers in such circumstances. Hopefully there is such an option in the firmware.

Ian
Ages ago, when we were making suggestion as to what we'd like on this new PVR, I suggested that the way TED works (merging consecutive shows, with the padding at the beginning  of the first and the end of the last) is a good idea.  Most people disagreed with me, but I still think it is a good idea, it certainly avoids the above problem, as one can easily find the end of one show and the beginning of the next, and separate them if required.
My secondary PVR atm is Media Centre.  It creates two recordings for consecutive shows, and I, for one, find it more annoying than the way TED handles them, especially if I am saving them to watch later.

BTW, I still think it would be nice if IceTV would tell us the reason they've dropped one of the promised tuners.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: JPP on May 04, 2015, 07:44:11 PM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on May 04, 2015, 02:54:39 PM
For those who think that they don't ever record more than one recording per network at a time you are not considering back to back recordings on the same channel or consecutive recordings from the same network that overlap due to padding.
I regularly do Dave, but I'm quite happy to simply merge the two recordings. I do this currently for example with an ICETV set recording to which I add a JustEPG manual recording. JustEPG in this instance gives you the option to split or merge. If I select to split them, it will often mean that the end of the first recording will be at the start of the second. the merge option just makes it one combined recording where you'll have to find the junction of the two. I personally prefer the split option which works well for SBS and the ABC, but falls down badly at times when recording live commercial programs.

Regardless though of which way you handle the recording of two consecutive shows/programs, only ONE tuner is required. But, when it comes to recording 2 streams on the one tuner and or service, then yes, if you include pre and post padding on each and want to preserve these paddings, you wind up with only being able to record material from 3 tuners if you only have 6 streams available - is this maybe why you limited the number of tuners to three?

I for one would have been far happier to forgo the preservation of pre and post padding on two consecutive recordings, for having a fourth tuner. You could still have had the option of padding preservation if you were only recording from 3 tuners and only had 6 streams available, but an automatic disabling of pre and post padding preservation when a fourth tuner was required to come into play - hope this makes sense...
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: MoDementia on May 05, 2015, 08:21:12 AM
Hi,

Answers to any or all of the following questions would be a big help.
What format/container do the recordings get written as?
What will the filename be?
How much of the Guide metadata is included in the file.
Is the hard drive sharable?
If I purchase 2 Skippas will Smart recording treat them as 1 and assign recordings to the main one first and then the other if conflicted?

These all have to do with
1 increasing the tuner count, I'm not convinced 3 will be enough as I have 4 now and still have conflicts on some days.
2 automating conversion (hopefully not required),  metadata lookup and renaming the file for Plex recognition and finally moving to my NAS

Movie Title (Year)
Series Name - s01e01 - Episode Name
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: prl on May 07, 2015, 11:29:52 AM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on May 04, 2015, 03:54:45 PM...
I've just learnt that the skippa has 6 'recording slots' and it's 'hard padding' is somewhat dynamic in that the skippa will drop the padding between shows if it needs to record back to back shows on the same tuner, or drop the padding if it would prevent a following show on another channel being recorded. If there is a tuner free it will record each show on it's own tuner with padding. If all tuners are in use it will record shows from the same network on the same tuner.
There are aspects of the Skippa's recording behaviour that are quite like the Beyonwiz T3's, but this is an important difference. The T3's padding is done simply by extending the timer. Once a timer has been created, it's impossible to know for sure what its padding settings were (and if you change your padding settings, the padding on existing tuners is unchanged). This means that the T3's padding is "rock hard", and isn't automatically adjusted to recording conditions.

However, although it's sold as "up to 8 simultaneous recordings", there's no fixed upper limit to the number. IIRC there have been reports of 12 or more simultaneous recordings, though if you did that and had problems, you may not get much interest from Beyonwiz support. While it's theoretically possible for this to break at some load level, I don't recall anyone posting that they had caused a failure due to the number of simultaneous recordings.

The T3 has only 4 demuxers, though (hardware limit), so while it can be extended to 4 tuners by adding a USB tuner, adding more than one won't get you anything more.

The usual tuner-based restrictions on the number of different broadcast channels that can be recorded at once apply, of course, but the way padding affects that will be different from the Skippa's behaviour as Dave has described it.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Rat on May 14, 2015, 04:46:34 PM
IceTV posted on facebook yesterday promoting Skippa and I asked the same old "when will detailed info be available?" question and actually got an answer. It's better than nothing, but not sure why they can't release info before the preorders open, anyway not long to wait now until some info is forthcoming, I wonder how detailed it will be? Considering questions seem to only get answered once every 10 days or so then we will have to decide on the pre-order or not with whatever info they give us I assume.

Here is their answer from Facebook.....

"Hi. Pre-orders and detailed Skippa info are both expected Monday, May 25."
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: MoDementia on May 14, 2015, 05:31:02 PM
Thanks, not the best news, but news none-the-less

was hoping this week, early next  :(
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: snuke on May 16, 2015, 01:32:31 PM
Their website also says 25th May 12:00pm for pre-orders.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: EdQld on May 16, 2015, 05:44:19 PM
What would happen if you buy a not too cheap Skippa that is locked into using the IceTV EPG and heaven forbid, IceTV folds up?
You would then be left with an expensive brick! With the poor FTA programming of late and the rise of Video streaming via Stan & Netflix, the IceTV model will surely come under pressure?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on May 16, 2015, 09:13:11 PM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on May 04, 2015, 03:54:45 PM

I've just learnt that the skippa has 6 'recording slots' and it's 'hard padding' is somewhat dynamic in that the skippa will drop the padding between shows if it needs to record back to back shows on the same tuner, or drop the padding if it would prevent a following show on another channel being recorded. If there is a tuner free it will record each show on it's own tuner with padding. If all tuners are in use it will record shows from the same network on the same tuner.
I'm not sure I like that idea.  What if it decides to drop the padding on a show, so you end up missing the end of a show that may have been really important to you? 
I am still using the ancient Toppy 5K, only because I love TED.  Lots of people (aside from me) asked at the beginning to do something similar to the way TED works, but obviously that didn't happen.   :'(
With TED, it tells me when there are clashes and it is up to me to decide how I want to handle it.  I have a choice of changing the padding (I can have different padding, manually set, for each show, if I want to override the default - for instance I always have a much shorter padding for the ABC and SBS) or decide not to record a particular show (perhaps record a repeat of the show later) Incidentally, I can also decide, individually, whether I wish to record repeats or not.  If it is a regular clash, I can tell TED (by a star system) which of the shows I consider more important.  It will also automatically merge consecutive  programs, so that a.) only one tuner is being used and b.) no padding needed at the end of the first
I realise that the Toppy 5K only has two tuners, so TED gets much more of a workout than a 3 tuner, 6 recording slots system would, but I still think that TED is a much better system than letting the PVR decide when to change the padding and for what show (and possibly which show not to record at all)
Here is a screen shot of what the TED can be set for (not very good, my 64bit system doesn't like TED very much  :( )

Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Rat on May 22, 2015, 12:07:29 AM
3 Days from pre-order these are my feelings.....

We enjoy using the Ice service, but our tired and very old Beyonwiz needs replacing, I have been tempted by an ICE badged box because I like the ICETV service, I think that's why everyone is here? (If anyone is still here) We have suffered on with the old box for delay after delay.......official posts....then nothing....again and again.

Now it's almost here and we know very little about it...........the T3 has been very well received and they are supporting their product with instant comments on both FaceBook and their forums, helping with tech advice and warranty support etc etc etc.

ICE in comparison seem to think customer feedback is an unnecessary chore........now if the BOX works well and the firmware has no bugs to work through (without public beta) then all will be good. But what happens in the likely event things will need to be tweaked? they have said that updates will be easy to download, but who will be listening to the problems? and how long for answers? If I can't get it working I don't want to wait two weeks for an official post.

So it's take the risk to be a beta tester for $100 discount ......or wait and see what others think of it and how well it's supported. I wonder how long the discount window will be open? will we be able to question any of the revealed specs before buying?

I will make my decision after the specs announcement......I hope it's detailed enough to entice me to buy.....good luck everyone.

Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: prl on May 22, 2015, 09:09:42 AM
Quote from: Rat on May 22, 2015, 12:07:29 AM... the T3 has been very well received and they are supporting their product with instant comments on both FaceBook and their forums,  ...

To be fair, the comments and assistance on the Beyonwiz T3 forum is almost all from users, not from Beyonwiz support. I'm not sure about their Facebook presence; I don't use FB, but I doubt it's much different.

The Skippa has no users (or at least none who may post about it), and so support from users is not yet possible.

Another difference is that almost all of the T3's source code is open source, and there are a few users who also directly contribute to fixing bugs and making improvements.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Rat on May 22, 2015, 11:50:08 AM
Do we know who the manufacturer of Skippa is and what other PVRs they make?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: dooboy on May 24, 2015, 11:58:47 AM
Will Skippa be added to universal remote device lists - e.g Harmony?

Doo
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Leon K on May 24, 2015, 01:27:24 PM
Hi Dooboy,

Yes the Skippa remote information will be submitted to the Harmony database.

With regards to the specs and pricing for the Skippa, I believe that info will be released tomorrow for the pre-order.. from the little I've seen of the Skippa - I can tell you that the local network streaming capability is awesome and lightning quick, Dave and I streamed some shows from the T3 in the office to one of the Skippa test models and it was practically instant. We also streamed to our phones and it worked great.

Thanks for your patience and excitement everyone, we are excited to see the full specs and pricing too!
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on May 24, 2015, 02:22:50 PM
Quote from: Leon Kowalski on May 24, 2015, 01:27:24 PM

Thanks for your patience and excitement everyone, we are excited to see the full specs and pricing too!

Not that I had any intentions of rushing into buying one, I was looking forward to reading the specs - it is my luck that I have a dentist appointment at the just the wrong time!  Will  the specs be on the phone app as well?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Leon K on May 24, 2015, 02:35:00 PM
Yes they will be accessible via your mobile phone browser eg. Safari, just as any other web page..
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: snuke on May 25, 2015, 12:02:00 PM
Right, so I can now order it for $399.00 and $18 shipping, but still can't get any specs for it.
When will the site give us some actual factual spec info?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: zoszos68 on May 25, 2015, 12:04:28 PM
All I can see on the skippa page is the countdown timer at 0.00.
So how do I order one.

Kevin
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on May 25, 2015, 12:07:56 PM
Quote from: zoszos68 on May 25, 2015, 12:04:28 PM
All I can see on the skippa page is the countdown timer at 0.00.
So how do I order one.

Kevin

I can also see all the info we had already been given - ad skipping, the number of tuners and the size of the HDD.  That is all.

Is that really all the info we will be given?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Mantorok on May 25, 2015, 12:09:18 PM
There's some tech specs here:  http://skippa.tv/technical-specifications/ (http://skippa.tv/technical-specifications/)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: zoszos68 on May 25, 2015, 12:09:59 PM
Now I have a blank page hmmmm.

Kevin
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: snuke on May 25, 2015, 12:10:12 PM
Quote from: zoszos68 on May 25, 2015, 12:04:28 PM
So how do I order one.

Here - https://www.icetv.com.au/store/pvrs/ Where they haven't linked to, yet.

Specs are up - http://skippa.tv/technical-specifications/
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: zoszos68 on May 25, 2015, 12:18:17 PM
I ordered one. Now to find out how long till they are delivered.

Kevin
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: EdQld on May 25, 2015, 12:23:13 PM
OK, I took a leap of faith (with some reservations I might add) and placed my pre-order for a Skippa 8)

Looks like the Delivery Date has already blown out to July  :(

Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: MoDementia on May 25, 2015, 12:27:55 PM
Hmm, not sure the specs page answered any of my questions
.MP4 MPEG4? maybe which is fine...

If it's hard/impossible to get it off the PVR across to my NAS

PS specs are similar to Altech Uec - 1TB High Definition PVR Triple Tuner, Black PVR9600T
For ~$250 minus the ad skip, which I don't see as mandatory

Quote from: MoDementia on May 05, 2015, 08:21:12 AM
Hi,

Answers to any or all of the following questions would be a big help.
What format/container do the recordings get written as?
What will the filename be?
How much of the Guide metadata is included in the file.
Is the hard drive sharable?
If I purchase 2 Skippas will Smart recording treat them as 1 and assign recordings to the main one first and then the other if conflicted?

These all have to do with
1 increasing the tuner count, I'm not convinced 3 will be enough as I have 4 now and still have conflicts on some days.
2 automating conversion (hopefully not required),  metadata lookup and renaming the file for Plex recognition and finally moving to my NAS

Movie Title (Year)
Series Name - s01e01 - Episode Name
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: snuke on May 25, 2015, 12:39:43 PM
Pictures of the GUI would be nice.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Mantorok on May 25, 2015, 12:42:03 PM
Quote from: snuke on May 25, 2015, 12:39:43 PM
Pictures of the GUI would be nice.

And an image of the back too please.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on May 25, 2015, 01:22:36 PM
Quote from: MoDementia on May 25, 2015, 12:27:55 PM
PS specs are similar to Altech Uec - 1TB High Definition PVR Triple Tuner, Black PVR9600T

The PVR9600T apparently uses a Broadcom 7231 chip: CPU power: +3000 DMips; Flash Memory: 256MByte NAND; RAM: 1 GB DDR 3

The Skippa uses Broadcom 7241; CPU power: +3000 DMips; Flash Memory: 256MByte; RAM: 1 GB DDR 3

Not sure what the differences are between the two processors.

Update: the 7241 apparently has integrated wifi, but the 7231 does not.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: EdQld on May 25, 2015, 02:48:06 PM
IceTV Reps,

Could you post the User Manual online, so us early adopters can start to get familiar with the Skippa before delivery?
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Leon K on May 25, 2015, 03:39:53 PM
Hi EdQld,

Yes we will make the Skippa manual available in due course - much nearer to the arrival date of the first Skippa's to those lucky customers that have pre-ordered them.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Mantorok on May 25, 2015, 03:50:46 PM
Now that the Skippa has officially been launched should it be given its own IceForum under the "IceTV Guide for IceTV enabled PVRs" section?

This topic is getting a little long making it hard to find which questions have been answered.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Dave at IceTV on May 25, 2015, 04:40:04 PM
Quote from: Mantorok on May 25, 2015, 03:50:46 PM
Now that the Skippa has officially been launched should it be given its own IceForum under the "IceTV Guide for IceTV enabled PVRs" section?

This topic is getting a little long making it hard to find which questions have been answered.
Done.

Skippa's own subscription-forum can be found in the PVRs section, or here:
http://forum.icetv.com.au/iceforum/skippa/44/
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Leon K on May 25, 2015, 04:56:17 PM
@snuke - Here is a link to the Skippa screenshot:

http://forum.icetv.com.au/iceforum/skippa/44/skippa-epg-screenshot/4485/
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: nis200sx on May 25, 2015, 05:06:59 PM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on May 25, 2015, 04:40:04 PM
Quote from: Mantorok on May 25, 2015, 03:50:46 PM
Now that the Skippa has officially been launched should it be given its own IceForum under the "IceTV Guide for IceTV enabled PVRs" section?

This topic is getting a little long making it hard to find which questions have been answered.
Done.

Skippa's own sub-forum can be found in the PVRs section, or here:
http://forum.icetv.com.au/iceforum/skippa/44/
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on May 25, 2015, 11:07:40 PM
Quote from: Mantorok on May 25, 2015, 12:42:03 PM
Quote from: snuke on May 25, 2015, 12:39:43 PM
Pictures of the GUI would be nice.

And an image of the back too please.

Looks like no USB connection in the front, which will be a pain AFAIC
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on May 25, 2015, 11:11:08 PM
Quote from: Leon Kowalski on May 25, 2015, 03:39:53 PM
Hi EdQld,

Yes we will make the Skippa manual available in due course - much nearer to the arrival date of the first Skippa's to those lucky customers that have pre-ordered them.

Well, AFAIC the published specs raised more questions then it answered, so I, for one, would want to see the manual before I'd think about ordering
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on May 26, 2015, 08:52:39 AM
Quote from: csutak40 on May 25, 2015, 11:07:40 PMLooks like no USB connection in the front, which will be a pain AFAIC

I also dislike there only being rear USB ports on PVRs. On my TRF-7160/7260 and TF-T6211 I have a shirt USB cable that is always attached to the rear USB port.

Does not look promising; they may be one behind a 'door' on the front as is the case with the TRF-2400/2460/2470 and TF-T600.

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on May 26, 2015, 07:14:07 PM
Quote from: IanL-S on May 26, 2015, 08:52:39 AM

Does not look promising; they may be one behind a 'door' on the front as is the case with the TRF-2400/2460/2470 and TF-T600.

Ian

I don't think so - the specs say:

Front Panel
7 segment display
RCU response LED
Interaction buttons
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: IanL-S on May 26, 2015, 07:42:53 PM
Yes I noticed that later. Looks over utility prevails?

Ian
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: RubberChicken on May 29, 2015, 04:23:26 PM
The logo on the front is a bit too small and subtle.
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: Rat on May 30, 2015, 04:19:12 PM
Quote from: RubberChicken on May 29, 2015, 04:23:26 PM
The logo on the front is a bit too small and subtle.

I'm going to mod mine by putting this sticker from Zazzle over it :D

Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: EdQld on May 30, 2015, 09:55:10 PM
Quote from: Rat on May 30, 2015, 04:19:12 PM
Quote from: RubberChicken on May 29, 2015, 04:23:26 PM
The logo on the front is a bit too small and subtle.

I'm going to mod mine by putting this sticker from Zazzle over it :D

LOL - love it  ;)
Title: Re: New IceTV branded PVR
Post by: csutak40 on August 17, 2015, 03:29:09 AM
Quote from: Dave at IceTV on April 16, 2015, 03:28:28 PM

More information on the Altech 9600 for Ed

ETA for the 9600 with IceTV integration is mid May.

I just came across this.  Just curious, May, what year?   ;D