SERIOUS ISSUES with Triax ST-HD537 Combi - Buyer Beware

liamtech

byte wrote: »

Go to Menu >> Information. Press 1745.

Here you should find a hidden menu to backup channel data to USB, restore from USB, and rearrange channels.

As i dont have a 537 i cant try that but il take your word for it - But im quite sure this doesnt solve all the other issues this unit has - dropping the DTT signal, Missing recordings, Missing stations (BBC Streams, and STV-HD)

I probably wont ever buy one myself - but i would still like to see a saorview combi box - i mean honestly what is it going to take! 2 months and no word at all

byte

Yeah, it doesn't fix those problems.

The boxes out lately seem to have newer firmware (v 3.3.1), which does tune in STV HD, C4 HD, BBC Streams, etc. I don't know if it addresses DTT signal problems or missed recordings. DTT works whenever I've looked at it, though as I don't own one, I don't pay much attention to it.

For those of you using the older fw, I have compiled a Channel List including BBC Streams, STVHD, etc. Winters tested it for me, and it worked out for him (even the DTT channels worked despite my using Truskmore during the setup, and him using 3Rock).

Unzip attachment and put all the files into the root of a USB pendrive.
Of course, use at your own risk! If the DTT channels don't work, maybe delete and rescan.

Winters

byte wrote: »

Yeah, it doesn't fix those problems.

The boxes out lately seem to have newer firmware (v 3.3.1), which does tune in STV HD, C4 HD, BBC Streams, etc. I don't know if it addresses DTT signal problems or missed recordings. DTT works whenever I've looked at it, though as I don't own one, I don't pay much attention to it.

For those of you using the older fw, I have compiled a Channel List including BBC Streams, STVHD, etc. Winters tested it for me, and it worked out for him (even the DTT channels worked despite my using Truskmore during the setup, and him using 3Rock).

Unzip attachment and put all the files into the root of a USB pendrive.
Of course, use at your own risk! If the DTT channels don't work, maybe delete and rescan.

As byte said, I've been testing this on my ST-HD537 and it has solved most of my channel listing/viewing issues. I now have all the separate BBC Steams and StvHD (etc.) tuned in and working and the hidden menu has allowed me to re-arrange the sat channels to how I want them.


I am still running on v1.6 firmware but have not had any issues with it dropping signal (as others have). I also would not trust it entirely with its PVR functionality, its a sort of a nice to have in order to throw something on to record while watching another or having to leave the room but I would not trust it with scheduling things in advance like I would our Sky+ box. It really didn't take well to LONG recordings. It didn't like me trying to play back 8 hours of 6 Nations recording before. That is a long story...

KELTICKNIGHTT

Winters wrote: »

As byte said, I've been testing this on my ST-HD537 and it has solved most of my channel listing/viewing issues. I now have all the separate BBC Steams and StvHD (etc.) tuned in and working and the hidden menu has allowed me to re-arrange the sat channels to how I want them.


I am still running on v1.6 firmware but have not had any issues with it dropping signal (as others have). I also would not trust it entirely with its PVR functionality, its a sort of a nice to have in order to throw something on to record while watching another or having to leave the room but I would not trust it with scheduling things in advance like I would our Sky+ box. It really didn't take well to LONG recordings. It didn't like me trying to play back 8 hours of 6 Nations recording before. That is a long story...

so you dont have any issues with ddt channels with 537 box,sounds like a hit and miss with boxes,think it be better if there where more certified saorview box combos out,more choice etc

applewoodgo

Winters wrote: »

As byte said, I've been testing this on my ST-HD537 and it has solved most of my channel listing/viewing issues. I now have all the separate BBC Steams and StvHD (etc.) tuned in and working and the hidden menu has allowed me to re-arrange the sat channels to how I want them.


I am still running on v1.6 firmware but have not had any issues with it dropping signal (as others have). I also would not trust it entirely with its PVR functionality, its a sort of a nice to have in order to throw something on to record while watching another or having to leave the room but I would not trust it with scheduling things in advance like I would our Sky+ box. It really didn't take well to LONG recordings. It didn't like me trying to play back 8 hours of 6 Nations recording before. That is a long story...

Can you confirm if you can record one channell and watch another on the satalite side and likewise on the terristrial side is it possible to record one channel while watching another.

Winters

applewoodgo wrote: »

Can you confirm if you can record one channell and watch another on the satalite side and likewise on the terristrial side is it possible to record one channel while watching another.

I have never had an issue of watching a DTT channel while recording another Sat channel (or visa-versa). A problem will occour if you try and watch and record one on the same (SAT or DTT), it pops up a message to tell you if I recall (I'll check once I am home).

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

so you dont have any issues with ddt channels with 537 box,sounds like a hit and miss with boxes,think it be better if there where more certified saorview box combos out,more choice etc

I've never had any problems when watching any DTT channels on my 537 box. Could have been loose connection or solder on other boxes possibly?

applewoodgo

Winters wrote: »

I have never had an issue of watching a DTT channel while recording another Sat channel (or visa-versa). A problem will occour if you try and watch and record one on the same (SAT or DTT), it pops up a message to tell you if I recall (I'll check once I am home).



I've never had any problems when watching any DTT channels on my 537 box. Could have been loose connection or solder on other boxes possibly?

Many thanks for reply. Yes, I had a feeling that you couldn't watch and record the same channel on the sat side. It would have to be like Sky with two LNB inputs and two tuners. However, with advances in technology you never know what's possible and since you have a 537, it raised my curiosity. On the DTT side, I seem to remember reading a post
somewhere on boards that this might be possible. If you have the time to put this to the test, I would delighted to hear your findings..

Winters

applewoodgo wrote: »

Many thanks for reply. Yes, I had a feeling that you couldn't watch and record the same channel on the sat side. It would have to be like Sky with two LNB inputs and two tuners. However, with advances in technology you never know what's possible and since you have a 537, it raised my curiosity. On the DTT side, I seem to remember reading a post
somewhere on boards that this might be possible. If you have the time to put this to the test, I would delighted to hear your findings..

As far as I know when I tried it before I could not watch one DTT while recording another. I will give it another go later on. My firmware is still the old original one (v1.6) so if newer ones are coming with updated Firmware I cannot say for sure if this is still the case.

liamtech

http://www.powercity.ie/?par=10-23-THD537

Shes back folks! Anyone have any experience of this ST-HD537 - MARK II

applewoodgo

liamtech wrote: »

http://www.powercity.ie/?par=10-23-THD537

Shes back folks! Anyone have any experience of this ST-HD537 - MARK II

First thing that occurs to me, it doesn't display the Saorview Approved stamp. Is this the same machine back on the shelf with a software upgrade addressing the issues you outlined in the initial post on this subject? Did you contact your source in Electroplus to get their explanation? Out of curiosity, I checked the Saorview website to see if this was included in the list and found that it's not.

byte

The newer current models have later v3.3.1 software.

Pressing OK button, there also now includes an EDIT option for Blue button. This is for channel swapping etc (similar to using Menu>>Info>>1475 in older version).

applewoodgo

byte wrote: »

The newer current models have later v3.3.1 software.

Pressing OK button, there also now includes an EDIT option for Blue button. This is for channel swapping etc (similar to using Menu>>Info>>1475 in older version).

Spoke to Electroplus this morning and they tell me that this is the same 537 with a 4th software upgrade. As far as he is concerned, the box is now fully functional and all issues addressed. Love to get a review from someone with these upgrades installed.

try

applewoodgo wrote: »

Spoke to Electroplus this morning and they tell me that this is the same 537 with a 4th software upgrade. As far as he is concerned, the box is now fully functional and all issues addressed. Love to get a review from someone with these upgrades installed.

Using for a 2nd tv in kitchen so not bothered about recording, etc.
No probs withsatellite signal or watching. However it sometimes freezes on saorview then goes again. Occasionally I have to power off then on to get picture. Not fool proof. Seriously considering sending it back.

liamtech

try wrote: »

Using for a 2nd tv in kitchen so not bothered about recording, etc.
No probs withsatellite signal or watching. However it sometimes freezes on saorview then goes again. Occasionally I have to power off then on to get picture. Not fool proof. Seriously considering sending it back.

That sounds suspiciously like the same issue we experienced - The terrestrial signal dropping and requiring the unit to be powered off in order to get it back. I dunno i would probably send it back, given the hassle i had - Where did you buy it? And what firmware are you using

bbeeforsalmon

applewoodgo wrote: »

Spoke to Electroplus this morning and they tell me that this is the same 537 with a 4th software upgrade. As far as he is concerned, the box is now fully functional and all issues addressed. Love to get a review from someone with these upgrades installed.

I HAVE THE ORIGINAL PIECE OF kIT. WHERE CAN I GET THESE UPGRADES? WILL I NEED THEM ALL OR JUST THE 4TH ONE. I LOOKED ON THE TRIAX SITE YESTERDAY BUT NOTHING. THERE IS ONE UPGRADE IN THIS THREAD, I WONDER IF IT IS THE FINAL 1.

applewoodgo

bbeeforsalmon wrote: »

I HAVE THE ORIGINAL PIECE OF kIT. WHERE CAN I GET THESE UPGRADES? WILL I NEED THEM ALL OR JUST THE 4TH ONE. I LOOKED ON THE TRIAX SITE YESTERDAY BUT NOTHING. THERE IS ONE UPGRADE IN THIS THREAD, I WONDER IF IT IS THE FINAL 1.

Get the telephone number here https://www.electroplustrade.ie/ and ask for trades sales. They will be able to advise you.

Winters

bbeeforsalmon wrote: »

I HAVE THE ORIGINAL PIECE OF kIT. WHERE CAN I GET THESE UPGRADES? WILL I NEED THEM ALL OR JUST THE 4TH ONE. I LOOKED ON THE TRIAX SITE YESTERDAY BUT NOTHING. THERE IS ONE UPGRADE IN THIS THREAD, I WONDER IF IT IS THE FINAL 1.

You will only need the latest update. You install it via the USB key/hdd in the back and when it boots up it finds it and will do the firmware install (takes a few minutes). Once it is done it will reboot.

Con_K

Bought the Triax 537 Monday night(11Apr2011) in Powercity after reading this thread. Hoping it would be OK for me.

I've 2 TVs one with cable direct from aerial and dish, the other with cables running through diplexer(combines sat and aerial signal on to single cable, then splits out signal at destination tv).

Works fine on TV 1 with feed direct from Aerial and Dish. Although I have not watched it there for long.

Other room, (through diplexer) Plugged it all in. First night, it showed the Sat dish channels perfect. But no DTT.
Next night it showed the DTT and not the Sat dish channels.
Also froze completely when trying to read my 250Gexternal harddrive.

Afraid of taking on persecution of other user "liamtech". planning to return it and swop for other box tonight.

KELTICKNIGHTT

its not saorview certified yet going by the official site,theres no combo certified yet,hoping walker will do a combo,seems too work ok with non combo version ,i see power city selling them ok but be afraid after liams experience too get one,and now going by your comments, doesn't look like much has changed,was going too pick one up but changed my mind
does the Triax ST-HD527 do MHEG5 ?

KELTICKNIGHTT

Con_K wrote: »

Bought the Triax 537 Monday night(11Apr2011) in Powercity after reading this thread. Hoping it would be OK for me.

I've 2 TVs one with cable direct from aerial and dish, the other with cables running through diplexer(combines sat and aerial signal on to single cable, then splits out signal at destination tv).

Works fine on TV 1 with feed direct from Aerial and Dish. Although I have not watched it there for long.

Other room, (through diplexer) Plugged it all in. First night, it showed the Sat dish channels perfect. But no DTT.
Next night it showed the DTT and not the Sat dish channels.
Also froze completely when trying to read my 250Gexternal harddrive.

Afraid of taking on persecution of other user "liamtech". planning to return it and swop for other box tonight.

did you take it back and change it for another box
very weird that you cant watch ddt channel while watching another, Ferguson combo an nvision combo can,,weird

Con_K

I brought the Triax 537 back. got Golden Media box. Still the terrestrial was dropping out as soon as the sat signal was connected to the back of the box. It turned out to be the diplexer was faulty. I replaced it with a new one. Problem prevailed.
So I've removed the diplexer alltogether (kind of double adapter little junction box that combines the terriestial and sat signal onto one cable, used with a second little box that splits the signal out at the other end).

Hated the Golden Media box interface, looks really amature like a student IT project.

So the fault WAS NOT WITH THE TRIAX 537.

Power City were great and gave me the Triax 537 back. I've changed the wiring so that the connections from dish an aerial are direct into Triax 537. It is now working perfectly for me.

ejk65

Hi All

Just tried to install a 537 for someone and had similar probs as others have described in this thread.

Does anyone know where I can download latest s/w and/or f/w? I'm sure the box I've been landed with has older versions!

Or maybe someone could attach to a posting?

Thx.

P.S.
I'm not at all impressed, Triax!

barzer82

Hey Lads,

I had a simular problem, I contacted Power city who put me in contact with a company Electroplus, Electroplus sent me the new Triax software by e mail and also i called over to them and I purchased a Triax Satellite & DTT Combiner and has worked fine to date. the part are not expensive and effective.There phone number is 4196240, Well worth the phone call.

liamtech

Con_K wrote: »

I brought the Triax 537 back. got Golden Media box. Still the terrestrial was dropping out as soon as the sat signal was connected to the back of the box. It turned out to be the diplexer was faulty. I replaced it with a new one. Problem prevailed.
So I've removed the diplexer alltogether (kind of double adapter little junction box that combines the terriestial and sat signal onto one cable, used with a second little box that splits the signal out at the other end).

Hated the Golden Media box interface, looks really amature like a student IT project.

So the fault WAS NOT WITH THE TRIAX 537.

Power City were great and gave me the Triax 537 back. I've changed the wiring so that the connections from dish an aerial are direct into Triax 537. It is now working perfectly for me.

I would point out that my cabling doesnt include a combiner- and i still had massive issues with it

ejk65

byte wrote: »

Go to Menu >> Information. Press 1745.

Here you should find a hidden menu to backup channel data to USB, restore from USB, and rearrange channels.

Hi, I tried this but no hidden menu visible. Not sure what I'm doing wrong, if anything! Anyone got any pictures of this process?

Box has s/w ver. 1.6.0 installed, from new.
I hope to update s/w to latest ver. (3.3.1?) when I get hold of it!
Maybe then I won't need to get into hidden menu as latest s/w ver allows channel sorting??!!

norbert1

Bought the Traix 537 a few weeks. Had not seen this thread. Can understand frustration of Liamtech. Brought it back twice because of signal problem with 'terrestial' channels. Live with direct view of Three Rock -picked up 95% signal and kept on having to reset and put up with loss of signal. Tried a variety of aerials. Powercity seemed unaware of any issue but kept offering replacements. Despite look of it I went with Golden Media. Working perfectly.

liamtech

my experience exactly

Kristopherus

That box is now available from Power City for €225.25. It has software version 3.4.1. Would you guys recommend it now?

bbeeforsalmon

Kristopherus wrote: »

That box is now available from Power City for €225.25. It has software version 3.4.1. Would you guys recommend it now?

I exchanged my original 537 for the updated one last week. I set it up and gave it to a family member as a present as planned last christmas. It appears to be working fine. However it is not possible to rearrange the channels properly. I wanted UTV on channel 3 and when I went through the steps in the menu it accepted my input but when I went to view channel 3 it had disappeared completely. The assistant and I tried it on the one in powercity also and it did the same. Some channels could be rearranged however! I put the channels in favourites instead, in the order I found them though if I had been careful I could have put them in the correct order by working on them in the order I wanted them to finish in. Still not great as favourites is only accessible after scrolling through a few menus every time you want to change channel. I will stick with it until the warranty is nearly up and hope there are further updates which appear to be kept secret or until another brand becomes available with MHEG 5, combi, PIR

watty

Kristopherus wrote: »

That box is now available from Power City for €225.25. It has software version 3.4.1. Would you guys recommend it now?

Not Certified
http://www.saorview.ie/products-retailers/saorview-approved-product-listings/

norbert1

I checked the firmware before returing it and it was 3.4.1. Also, I had no problem rearranging channels on the first triax but had serious problems with the second triax I returned. A bit of a lucky dip?

liamtech

norbert1 wrote: »

I checked the firmware before returing it and it was 3.4.1. Also, I had no problem rearranging channels on the first triax but had serious problems with the second triax I returned. A bit of a lucky dip?

I was just checking prices on Powercity and noticed the 537 seems to be gone ?!?!?! Anyone confirm this?

PressTheButton

liamtech wrote: »

I was just checking prices on Powercity and noticed the 537 seems to be gone ?!?!?! Anyone confirm this?

It's certainly not on their website at the moment. Pretty sure it was earlier in week. No mention of it at tvtrade.ie either. Most confusing as Dave indicated in this thread only two days ago that he believed its problems were "sorted now".
Perhaps Dave (Digital Satellite TV) might know what's happening.

liamtech: You have done this forum & consumers in general great service not just by drawing attention to the problems associated with the much awaited, much hyped Triax ST-HD 537 but also in your subsequent, tireless pursuit of Triax to resolve the defects with it.

Gerry Wicklow

Given the number of complaints posted here and subsequent returns to Powercity, I'm surprised they stuck with it for so long.

+1 cheers to liamtech

Kristopherus

+ 2 Cheers to Liamtech. Great work, if a bit frustrating:)

liamtech

PressTheButton wrote: »

It's certainly not on their website at the moment. Pretty sure it was earlier in week. No mention of it at tvtrade.ie either. Most confusing as Dave indicated in this thread only two days ago that he believed its problems were "sorted now".
Perhaps Dave (Digital Satellite TV) might know what's happening.

liamtech: You have done this forum & consumers in general great service not just by drawing attention to the problems associated with the much awaited, much hyped Triax ST-HD 537 but also in your subsequent, tireless pursuit of Triax to resolve the defects with it.

Well guys i really appreciate your posts, thanks a million. I just wish things had turned out differently with regards to this box -

It must be almost 8 months ago that we first started hearing about it as the only Fully Compatible and "soon to be" Saorview certified Set top box. You see for me it was always the certification part of this that would clinch the market... and reveal the world of free to air satellite and DTT as a viable alternative.... When the possibilities of an Internet Updated EPG via the LAN port were first mentioned it sounded to good to be true... Alas it seems it was...

Since we brought the 537 back, i have literally been "watching this space" for what i thought would be a quick few software fixes... i havent been in touch with Triax in months but i have been waiting for the solution they promised me and others... and although several users have reported error free usage of the unit, it seems the vast majority have had varying degrees of success...

I fail to see why its taking so long...

More than that though - I fail to see why another company hasn't jumped at the prospect having the first Saorview Certified Combi box - i mean literally, 5 minutes on this forum, and you can clearly see people are crying out for a product of this nature....

Seriously i would say this to Walker, MVision, Humax, Technisat, or any company with the proper know how.... The Irish market awaits you and is thirsty for this product... and dont forget that a Combi box with MHEG5 might go down a treat elsewhere... in the UK for one!

PressTheButton

liamtech wrote: »

I was just checking prices on Powercity and noticed the 537 seems to be gone ?!?!?! Anyone confirm this?

Was in a Powercity branch today. Salesman reckons new stocks of the 537 due in this weekend. Purchased the Saorview certified Triax TR 112 STB. Definitely worth your while bartering on price if anybody is interested.

barzer82

PressTheButton wrote: »

Was in a Powercity branch today. Salesman reckons new stocks of the 537 due in this weekend. Purchased the Saorview certified Triax TR 112 STB. Definitely worth your while bartering on price if anybody is interested.

There is a new Version of Software from Triax 3.8.1,
The new 3.8.1 software is associated with a minor hardware change
Power City now have them in stock.

liamtech

299EURO FOR A COMBO BOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Even if it was 100% error free, that is a total rip-off

http://www.powercity.ie/?par=10-23-THD537&pages=1&prod=THD537&brands=TRIAX&image=

i would still have my doubts about it but i await users reports on this "New Model", hopefully it is genuinely a fully functioning model -

Is this STHD537 going to be Saorview Certified?

barzer82

As far as I am aware it meets the Saorview Spec with it been MHEG5 but just doesnt have the Saorview logo.

liamtech

barzer82 wrote: »

As far as I am aware it meets the Saorview Spec with it been MHEG5 but just doesnt have the Saorview logo.

That has been the case all along with this set top box - the sthd537 is MHEG5 compatible with both satellite and terrestrial, which was very impressive - unfortunately it was just about the only impressive thing this box had -

As regards the Triax sthd537 hardware change, can anyone explain what exact change has been made... my understanding was that the issues were purely software related.. that being said a hardware issue would explain why a purely software fix wasn't made available sooner... it might also explain the apparent jump in price to what seems an extortionate 299 or 280 with the online discount. in all honesty no combo box let alone the sthd537 is worth that?!?!

Another thing that occurs to me is what happens to all the poor users who bought the "original" Triax sthd537? Do they get a free "Upgrade"? My god we are so lucky to have brought the unit back in that case!

Price has just dropped to 225euro... Are Triax actually listening to us in real time?

PressTheButton

liamtech wrote: »

Price has just dropped to 225euro... Are Triax actually listening to us in real time?

Steady LT, your good but...

When in Powercity branch yesterday and when enquiring about the 537, salesman looked up price on system, quoted €299 but after sighs stated price on new stock was due to come down - surprise, surprise. :rolleyes:

So while Triax may not be listening in real time, objective criticism on Boards of this product - patently released without comprehensive testing - has resulted not only (fingers crossed) in bugs being fixed on this product but also in a decent price cut to tempt potential purchasers back. Now take a bow LT & all those who shared their experience and expertise on this thread. Consumers 1 - Manufacturers 0.

Don't neglect your bartering skills either when face to face with salesman.

STB

liamtech wrote: »

Price has just dropped to 225euro... Are Triax actually listening to us in real time?

Its long been my belief that Powercity are lurkers on this part of the forum. Whatever about €225, €299 was definitely a try on.

An MHEG5 engine trying to understand both DTT and Sat data from 2 different sources in the one channel list has always puzzled me. I do not believe the MHEG5 issues will ever go away as a result.

HD Combo boxes are now selling as low as €135 in Ireland. Do not pay any more for one.

PressTheButton

Just reading back through thread and should have remembered this one from Kristopherus on 15th May:

Kristopherus wrote: »

That box is now available from Power City for €225.25. It has software version 3.4.1. Would you guys recommend it now?

byte

Has anyone seen this "new" model, as the picture on the PC website suggests it's different, with a channel number display on front.

STB

Yes thought so to byte. It look like the older 527 on the powercity site. I am sure it is nothing like that graphic!

liamtech

STB wrote: »

Its long been my belief that Powercity are lurkers on this part of the forum. Whatever about €225, €299 was definitely a try on.

An MHEG5 engine trying to understand both DTT and Sat data from 2 different sources in the one channel list has always puzzled me. I do not believe the MHEG5 issues will ever go away as a result.

HD Combo boxes are now selling as low as €135 in Ireland. Do not pay any more for one.

I Dont actually believe that the sthd537 issues are related to its use of MHEG5 - For my part, when i used the unit the MHEG5 seemed to function perfectly and even worked when the unit had "supposedly" lost the DTT signal. However i could be wrong - as its the only MHEG5 combi box availabe (sadly:( ) i cant be sure one way or another. At this point i reckon your probably right about the combi box prices - the sthd537 is far to expensive even at 225euro

Macy0161

liamtech wrote: »

At this point i reckon your probably right about the combi box prices - the sthd537 is far to expensive even at 225euro

For a (working) fully certified receiver it might still be a runner even at that price point. If it's not certified I wouldn't be touching it at that price, and if it is I'd be waiting for a few others to make the leap first!

PressTheButton

From a separate thread read these about the 'new' Triax combi:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=72409912&postcount=6
and
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=72413183&postcount=8

mick_ser

From what I have heard the hardware change is something small will know for sure tomorrow.. agree with how troublesome this box has been very disapointing, hopefully this new model will be 100% fully functioning..