811 SW update pending 10/04 [Archive]

drjlo

09-18-04, 10:35 AM

Ever since the past 2 SW update on my 811 (now 280), my 811 refuses to turn on, via remote or unit itself. Only way I can turn it on is to unplug/plug. Or, I have to push the power button several seconds to hard reboot. Either way, every day I have to wait until 811 downloads all the satelites and programming before I can watch. The usual I expect from DISH :nono2:

So I called DISH technical support. Apparently, this is a "known problem" with some 811's with the recent SW updates. Basically I was told to hang on until SW update planned for 10/04. Of course, they didn't know when in October, but I was told their engineers were aware of the problems the recent SW have created and are working on it.

I also enquired about the worsened PQ and frequent breakups due to 3 HD/transponder and wrong error correction rate. I was told this was NOT a known problem with 3 channels/transponder. When I asked about the possibility of DISH having to adjust the error correction rate due to 3 channels/transponder, he said he never heard of such a thing.

According to him, currently all HD channels are going out via 3 channels per transponder, except for ESPN HD and Discovery (these 2 share 1 transponder). He was actually quite proud that due to their ability to INCREASE compression :mad:
they are now able to fit 3 HDTV channels on 1 transponder very successfully...

It's really too bad VOOM is looking shaky too.

By the way, I've noticed recently that my HD channels 'may' be breaking up less. Is it possible DISH changed the error correction threshold, but the tech support doesn't know?

BFG

09-18-04, 11:27 AM

SimpleSimon

09-18-04, 11:47 AM

... According to him, currently all HD channels are going out via 3 channels per transponder, except for ESPN HD and Discovery (these 2 share 1 transponder).
I thought it was HDNET and HDNMV that were the only ones still at 2-per.
He was actually quite proud that due to their ability to INCREASE compression :mad:
they are now able to fit 3 HDTV channels on 1 transponder very successfully...Yeah right! :mad:

E* is becoming more and more nothing but a bunch of frelling losers. :nono2:

Jerry G

09-18-04, 12:25 PM

E* is becoming more and more nothing but a bunch of frelling losers. :nono2:

What does "frelling" mean? I can't find it in any dictionary or thesaurus.

SimpleSimon

09-18-04, 12:56 PM

:D It's the common expletive from the SciFi series Farscape.

Think frigging, fricking, and of course, the obvious one.

I use it in an attempt to be a bit subtle (yeah right - me - subtle!). ;)

SpenceJT

09-18-04, 09:31 PM

:D It's the common expletive from the SciFi series Farscape.

...and I had just gotten the word "Frak" out of my vocabulary! ;)

Oh, my 921 will proudly be recording Farscape's return to the airwaves in less than a month! Not to hijack, but for those of you who haven't seen the show, take the three episode challenge and tell me that you aren't irresistibly drawn to blue (or Grey) women! :D

SpenceJT

09-18-04, 09:35 PM

Hey! That was my one hundredth post!

WOO-HOO [confetti falls - Spence does backflip - falls on his ass]! :grin:

C*Tedesco

09-18-04, 10:17 PM

Have the same problem with the Unit not turning on. I do the same thing...gotta unplug and plug back in. Highly annoying. I've noticed on OTA HD that I get, when there is motion it really pixelates! Is anyone else having this issue?

SimpleSimon

09-18-04, 10:17 PM

Hey - Spence - the wonderful blue lady won't be back. :(

Virginia couldn't deal with the makeup any longer. She's got her beautiful blond hair back, though, and as of July (last time I talked with her) she still looks as hot as when she was Warrior Woman in Mad Max.

garypen

09-19-04, 09:34 AM

....(last time I talked with her) Life-size cardboard cutouts don't count.

rocatman

09-19-04, 10:23 AM

Life-size cardboard cutouts don't count.

Either do inflateable dolls.

SimpleSimon

09-19-04, 11:15 AM

:) And I have neither. I can't say we're friends by any means. She'd probably recognize my face (no, not because I'm THAT ugly!), but not remember my name.

Virgina Hey makes the rounds of SciFi conventions, and I used to work for the company that does the annual Stargate convention in Vancouver. My main area of responsibility was the computers (eCommerce) and dealer's room. Virginia sells stuff there, and therefore, I got to know her a bit during slow times in the room.

She's a sweet lady, and a joy to talk with. I hope she gets more acting work if she wants it.

garypen

09-19-04, 12:03 PM

Nichelle Nichols hugged me at a ST convention almost 30 years ago. So there!

SimpleSimon

09-19-04, 01:37 PM

Yeah - but she'll hug ANYBODY. :D ;)

bavaria72

09-19-04, 06:54 PM

So where does one get in line?? ;)

Jason Nipp

09-20-04, 08:31 AM

1.) Ever since the past 2 SW update on my 811 (now 280), my 811 refuses to turn on, via remote or unit itself. Only way I can turn it on is to unplug/plug. Or, I have to push the power button several seconds to hard reboot. Either way, every day I have to wait until 811 downloads all the satelites and programming before I can watch. The usual I expect from DISH :nono2: So I called DISH technical support. Apparently, this is a "known problem" with some 811's with the recent SW updates. Basically I was told to hang on until SW update planned for 10/04. Of course, they didn't know when in October, but I was told their engineers were aware of the problems the recent SW have created and are working on it.

2.) I also enquired about the worsened PQ and frequent breakups due to 3 HD/transponder and wrong error correction rate. I was told this was NOT a known problem with 3 channels/transponder. When I asked about the possibility of DISH having to adjust the error correction rate due to 3 channels/transponder, he said he never heard of such a thing. According to him, currently all HD channels are going out via 3 channels per transponder, except for ESPN HD and Discovery (these 2 share 1 transponder).

3.) By the way, I've noticed recently that my HD channels 'may' be breaking up less. Is it possible DISH changed the error correction threshold, but the tech support doesn't know?

drjlo, Don't be offended by me breaking down your question and numbering them. I think this helps in some cases:

1.) Call ans ask for a Advanced Technical Support Rep...regular CSR's like to say their techs but....OK point made...Ask the ATSR if you can get a master reset on your 811. Have your R00 and S00 Receiver ID and on board Smartcard ID handy so they can verify that your not a pirate.

2.) This guy or gal is full of chit. 3Tp PQ issues are well reported and documented at E*. I have personally walked Technical Staff from the executive office through the posts on DBSTalk and sent them screen shots from myself and other DBSTalk users. They do know about this issue and it is logged in their trouble log. Also to my knowledge...I may be wrong...but HDNet is the only one I know of not on the 3 CH per Tp arrangement.

3.) I agree...in fact in a post about 1 week ago I stated they changed something because since the Olympics departed I haven't seen any breakups, pixelation, or artifacts.

Hope this helps,
Jason

drjlo

09-20-04, 05:08 PM

Actually, it was a Tech support guy I talked after CSR transferred me. I guess there's variability there as well.

It really doesn't make a difference right now as I'm still under DISH contract, so I'll tough it out and hope new SW fixes some bugs.

But really, 811 has been out for almost a year now. Surely, a major corporation like DISH can do better than this??

garypen

09-20-04, 06:14 PM

Surely, a major corporation like DISH can do better than this??coulda woulda shoulda.

Norm In Norman

09-22-04, 08:16 AM

I got my 811 in January and have had generally less problems than most of the people on this board. For the past few weeks though I too have been forced to reset my 811 almost daily. Sometimes the guide and everything works fine but there is no picture and I have to restart it. Sometimes it just locks up and I have to restart it. My OTA channels keep disappearing and that has NEVER happened before. A few days ago my OTA 25-1 was showing up as my OTA 9-1. The dish said it was channel 9 but the programming said it was channel 25. Of course a restart fixed it.

I used to never see any glitches in the dish HD channels. Now for the past couple of weeks I have noticed it happens quite a bit. Go figure.

Last night I noticed something REALLY weird though. On my remote I have a macro that turns off the TV, Dish, and amp. Well I must have not had the remote at a good angle because everything turned off but my TV. The weird thing was that even though the 811 power light was off it was still sending a picture to my TV for about a minute after it was turned off! Can they not even figure out how to get the power button to work right? I've got a 20 year old TV that the power button works right every time I press it, but this new technology doesn't work.

Man it's frustrating. i'm glad I got my 811 for free.

khearrean

09-22-04, 09:04 AM

Basically my situation is the same as Norm's. Except for my ongoing gripe about the 811's OTA tuner receiving analog cable signals :mad: , I've virtually seen no problems either. One exception: 4-5 days ago, I switched over to SAT and everything locked up, no picture, no sound, neither 110 or 119 would lock onto a signal & nothing would appear on the EPG except for "Not Available". I had to manually 'power off' the unit and let it reset itself and then everything came up fine. This has never happened before & I can only hope it's not a sign of things to come.

Ken

olgeezer

09-22-04, 09:35 AM

The Olympic problem, IMO, was do to stretched bandwidth by NBC,. as the problem existed OTA as well as on sat. Also while slower paced, both political conventions didn't seem to cause any problems with other HD programing.

Jason Nipp

09-22-04, 09:46 AM

I got my 811 in January and have had generally less problems than most of the people on this board.

For the past few weeks though I too have been forced to reset my 811 almost daily. Sometimes the guide and everything works fine but there is no picture and I have to restart it. Sometimes it just locks up and I have to restart it. My OTA channels keep disappearing and that has NEVER happened before. A few days ago my OTA 25-1 was showing up as my OTA 9-1. The dish said it was channel 9 but the programming said it was channel 25. Of course a restart fixed it.

Norman...ops experiences with the 811 vary greatly. But in concept any of the work arounds posted usually help out.

I know it's a pain, since you loose your personal settings...but try resetting the receiver to it's default settings, even remove your OTAs then remap them. I have found that sometimes if you make a change to your mapped OTA's you have to resave or recreate your favorites lists. Also if you have even 1 mapped 1 analog...your LIL locals will not stay in the 2-99 ch assignment range...Not that you have mentioned any LIL channels you receive. I have seen subchannels switch assignments before...I believe this is usually due to a PSIP glitch...

Jason

Cholly

09-29-04, 10:30 AM

So what's the latest word on this upgrade? Is it going to happen, and what does it fix (and/or break :) )?

garypen

09-29-04, 10:52 AM

Hopefully, when it is released, Mark will include the details in a new DBSTalk"software update list". Or, it can be on the EKB, if need be.

Jason Nipp

09-29-04, 01:52 PM

So what's the latest word on this upgrade? Is it going to happen, and what does it fix (and/or break :) )?

I talked with E* today...There were 2 additional releases that were scheduled for Sept. These will probably be cancelled and just rolled into P283.

P281 - Late Sept (Delayed)
Major Fixes:
Timer Firing Issue
Favorites...Direct Channel (numeric) Input OTA Issue
Audio Stream Issue

P282 - Late Sept (Delayed)
Major Fixes:
VCR Timer/Control Issue

P283 - Late Oct (On schedule)
Major Fixes:
Delayed Power Up Issue

Mark Lamutt

09-29-04, 02:43 PM

Ron Barry

09-29-04, 02:52 PM

The next 811 release will be sent about 2 minutes after testing is completed. I haven't been following very closely what's currently wrong with the 811, but after hearing what's in the next version, I'm excited about it, and I don't even have one.

Boy do I feel like a rabbit with a carrot dangling over my head. Anything you can pass on to us Mark? So When will testing be complete? LOL... I am sure you knew that was coming.

Jason Nipp

09-29-04, 03:21 PM

The next 811 release will be sent about 2 minutes after testing is completed. I haven't been following very closely what's currently wrong with the 811, but after hearing what's in the next version, I'm excited about it, and I don't even have one.

Mark...don't bait these guys too much...If the enhancements flop these guys will be more cheesed than if the functionality wasn't even added... BTW, This is how to keep an 811 owner in suspension......(long silence...abrupt moving on to new subject).......So how's the name based recording going for 921? Does it look hopeful before Christmas? :sure:

bavaria72

09-29-04, 04:17 PM

....
P283 - Late Oct (On schedule)
Major Fixes:
Delayed Power Up Issue[/QUOTE]

Now that is the one I have been waiting for!

Ron Barry

09-29-04, 04:21 PM

....
P283 - Late Oct (On schedule)
Major Fixes:
Delayed Power Up Issue
[\QUOTE]

Now that is the one I have been waiting for!

I have had a 811 since Xmas and I don't have a clue what Major issues this fix addresses. Someone want to clue me in.

BFG

09-29-04, 04:37 PM

I hope that something special is our Guide Data, since the data is already on the satellite, sigh... :)

garypen

09-29-04, 05:44 PM

P281 - Late Sept (Delayed)
Major Fixes:
Timer Firing Issue
Favorites...Direct Channel (numeric) Input OTA Issue
Audio Stream IssueThe only one that I'm famiar with is the Timer Firing, which I assume is the bug where the 811 timers don't work if the unit is powered down.
What's the "audio stream issue"? I've never had a problem with any audio channels (other than not being able to lock out individual Sirius channels.)
I've never had a problem with direct input of OTA channels, specifically. However, there is the issue of directly entering ANY channel that isn't in the current favorites list.

P282 - Late Sept (Delayed)
Major Fixes:
VCR Timer/Control IssueThe only Timer issue I'm familiar with is the one above.

P283 - Late Oct (On schedule)
Major Fixes:
Delayed Power Up IssueWTF is this one?

Why the hell aren't they working on the problems associated with switching to a SAT channel, or the EPG, after extended OTA viewing? These are without a doubt the PRIORITY ISSUES. The "acquiring signal" and "downloading guide data" bugs were bad enough. But, now, poeple's 811's lock up or lose audio and video requiring reboot!

NightRyder

09-29-04, 05:48 PM

And what about the stupid freeze-frame video problem on HD?

NightRyder

Ron Barry

09-29-04, 06:02 PM

The only one .....

I doubt that this list is comprehensive by any means. It is way too short and does not jive with Mark's comments.

garypen

09-29-04, 06:06 PM

I doubt that this list is comprehensive by any means. It is way too short and does not jive with Mark's comments.But, it appears that they are still up to their old habits of fixing non-existent (or non-apparent, non-urgent) bugs, instead of serious, major ass bugs that inhibit even the most simple act of watching TV. I mean...Come on already! WTF is up with these guys?

bavaria72

09-29-04, 06:58 PM

Outsourcing of their software development. It is killing my company and it is just going to get worse! But by god, our quarterly bottom line looks great - this quarter.......(layoffs help too!)

Jason Nipp

09-30-04, 07:39 AM

I talked with E* today...There were 2 additional releases that were scheduled for Sept. These will probably be cancelled and just rolled into P283.

P281 - Late Sept (Delayed)
Major Fixes:
Timer Firing Issue
Favorites...Direct Channel (numeric) Input OTA Issue
Audio Stream Issue

P282 - Late Sept (Delayed)
Major Fixes:
VCR Timer/Control Issue

P283 - Late Oct (On schedule)
Major Fixes:
Delayed Power Up Issue

OOP's I missed one...But I don't recall if it was in P282 or P283...
P28x
Major Fix:
Get rid of Grey box that appears while watching Sirius/music stations

Jason

Jason Nipp

09-30-04, 07:46 AM

I doubt that this list is comprehensive by any means. It is way too short and does not jive with Mark's comments.

Correct...I only listed patches that I felt were substantial. And to Mark's comments...E* doesn't want everything disclosed.

I wrote these patches down pretty much word for word they way they were given to me, I didn't embellish.

Jason

Jason Nipp

09-30-04, 08:00 AM

The only one that I'm famiar with is the Timer Firing, which I assume is the bug where the 811 timers don't work if the unit is powered down.
The majority of the users having this problem have it while trying to do back to back timer settings.

What's the "audio stream issue"? I've never had a problem with any audio channels (other than not being able to lock out individual Sirius channels.)
Sorry, I don't remember very clearly the explaination for this one. But I believe it had more relevance to DD5.1 and normal broadcast audio. I can call back for a more detailed decription.
I've never had a problem with direct input of OTA channels, specifically. However, there is the issue of directly entering ANY channel that isn't in the current favorites list.
You nailed this one on the head...this is supposed to fix that.

Quote:Originally Posted by nippjas

P282 - Late Sept (Delayed)
Major Fixes:
VCR Timer/Control Issue

The only Timer issue I'm familiar with is the one above.
I've seen this one. Timer doesn't function correctly and/or IR blaster doesn't control VCR.

P283 - Late Oct (On schedule)
Major Fixes:
Delayed Power Up Issue

WTF is this one?

Why the hell aren't they working on the problems associated with switching to a SAT channel, or the EPG, after extended OTA viewing? These are without a doubt the PRIORITY ISSUES. The "acquiring signal" and "downloading guide data" bugs were bad enough. But, now, poeple's 811's lock up or lose audio and video requiring reboot!

Gary, I don't believe this description is very...well....descriptive. I only wrote down what I was told. But to explain it further...I believe you just did. Some 811's, when powered up....delay for a long moment before displaying OTA or Sat....some have the delay but show the "Acquiring Signal" screen then go into a "Downloading Program Guide". Maybe Mark can probe further to check the accuracy of my description?

Jason

Jerry G

09-30-04, 10:24 AM

An advanced tech support person told me the other day that the intermittent show stopping (literally) lose of video and audio when switching to a sat channel from OTA is NOT on the list of fixes for the next few upgrades. I guess Dish doesn't care if we have to lose 5 minutes of a show while we reboot the 811, which is the only way to recover from this extremely major bug. If it really isn't fixed in the next software update, I'll be leaving Dish.

Ron Barry

09-30-04, 10:39 AM

But, it appears that they are still up to their old habits of fixing non-existent (or non-apparent, non-urgent) bugs, instead of serious, major ass bugs that inhibit even the most simple act of watching TV. I mean...Come on already! WTF is up with these guys?

Like I said, I would take the list with a grain of salt. I am not saying that nippjas is embelishing. I am sure he is not. Just saying that this type of information in the past has been sketchy at best and usually not very accurate.

Jason Nipp

09-30-04, 11:12 AM

Like I said, I would take the list with a grain of salt. I am not saying that nippjas is embelishing. I am sure he is not. Just saying that this type of information in the past has been sketchy at best and usually not very accurate.

Do you feel this is reason for me to stop posting rev info that was given to me? If the info being passed along is questionable or incorrect...I wouldn't want to misinform any users....

Jason

garypen

09-30-04, 11:22 AM

Keeping it coming big boy. Don't stop.

Jason Nipp

09-30-04, 11:24 AM

Keeping it coming big boy. Don't stop.

But I'm just a little guy, a small but respectable 6' :D

garypen

09-30-04, 11:30 AM

Don't be embarassed. For some women, 6" is perfectly acceptable.

bavaria72

09-30-04, 11:46 AM

Run Nippjas, run away as fast as you can!

lesmoss

09-30-04, 11:51 AM

What's the "audio stream issue"? I've never had a problem with any audio channels

Probably refers to the Dolby Digital incompatibility with some receivers. I have that problem.

garypen

09-30-04, 11:57 AM

Doh! Of course! (Although, it would have helped if they could have worded it as such, when they told Jason.)

ShadowEKU

09-30-04, 12:01 PM

Probably refers to the Dolby Digital incompatibility with some receivers. I have that problem.
me too

Jason Nipp

09-30-04, 12:10 PM

Doh! Of course! (Although, it would have helped if they could have worded it as such, when they told Jason.)

Back in post #39 I outlined this. I would call back to verify...but I have have been told my sources are unreliable, misinformed, and this info should be discarded with the table salt, as it's not good for your health...Please take note...do a search...that all the info I have relayed from E* on the 301 updates has been correct, and agreed to and commented on by other users.

So I guess I'll take Bavaria's advice.

Jason

Ron Barry

09-30-04, 12:19 PM

Do you feel this is reason for me to stop posting rev info that was given to me? If the info being passed along is questionable or incorrect...I wouldn't want to misinform any users....

Jason

Nope not at all... Nippjas... Keep it coming. I was just stating that the info that comes out of Dish should be taking lightly and not as fact but leaked info. That is all. Keep it coming, I just hope people don't use it to base decisions one. I personally like to hear it and we should all scrutinize what we get told to see if it jives with other leaked info or info told by a CSR. More info the better.

I just don't think we should get our shorts in a knot based on unofficial information. ;) Gary's shorts was looking a little knotted. :D

Jason Nipp

09-30-04, 12:26 PM

Nope not at all... Nippjas... Keep it coming. I was just stating that the info that comes out of Dish should be taking lightly and not as fact but leaked info. That is all. Keep it coming, I just hope people don't use it to base decisions one. I personally like to hear it and we should all scrutinize what we get told to see if it jives with other leaked info or info told by a CSR. More info the better.

I just don't think we should get our shorts in a knot based on unofficial information. ;) Gary's shorts was looking a little knotted. :D

OK...point taken...

I don't get my info from CSR's...I would never put stock into what one of those guys say...

Ron Barry

09-30-04, 12:26 PM

Back in post #39 I outlined this. I would call back to verify...but I have have been told my sources are unreliable, misinformed, and this info should be discarded with the table salt, as it's not good for your health...Please take note...do a search...that all the info I have relayed from E* on the 301 updates has been correct, and agreed to and commented on by other users.

So I guess I'll take Bavaria's advice.

Jason

Jason,

I never said your sources were unreliable. Sorry if the post appeared that way. I added this comment because Gary seemed to be running with the list and I was just trying to state that any unofficial information should be taken in this type of light. I apologize if this came off rude. Was not meant to be and I welcome any information someone has been told. It all should be factored in.

Jason Nipp

09-30-04, 12:42 PM

Jason,

I never said your sources were unreliable. Sorry if the post appeared that way. I added this comment because Gary seemed to be running with the list and I was just trying to state that any unofficial information should be taken in this type of light. I apologize if this came off rude. Was not meant to be and I welcome any information someone has been told. It all should be factored in.

It's OK WJD...It's all good....I'm just very grumpy today for various reasons not related to anyone in this forum.

Jason