SERIOUS ISSUES with Triax ST-HD537 Combi - Buyer Beware

liamtech

The Triax STHD537 is now 149Euro on power city - very interesting - anyone have any experience with this "new version" - specifically in relation to the original issues!

Winters

liamtech wrote: »

The Triax STHD537 is now 149Euro on power city - very interesting - anyone have any experience with this "new version" - specifically in relation to the original issues!

That's pretty decent value, particularly if its running the latest firmware which has been solid enough for me. I'd love to know what the firmware is on it or if it has any changes from my original box.

PressTheButton

Confused. Has latest offering new firmware? Powercity ad makes no mention of new firmware; states Software 3.8.1 From 24th May 2011. Support for this model on Triax website is poor or even non-existent. Correct me please if that's incorrect. Model STHD537 not listed at Software Downloads. (In contrast Saorview TR112 is supported there.). Triax model STHD537 is not even listed as a product of theirs on their webite. See: 'Products'>'Combi Receivers'.
In Triax's defence at least the product does come with a 2 Year Triax Warranty.
Keeping in mind this comment from a Boards contributor in the know:

Digital Satellite TV wrote: »

I meant the new Triax combo. More or less went back to the drawing board for the new model which as I say if everything goes to plan (fingers crossed) might make an appearance in the autumn.

... So while I still have this product on my shopping list, I will now await arrival of the 'new' Saorview certified model later in the year. Would be nice if it too is priced in the sub €150.00 bracket and not the extortionate premium that it's elder sibling commanded. Come on Triax, please try harder.

swoofer

its the old box with new software, PC rang me. I cant even find a manual so wait etc

gb-

byte

Has anyone any info on what v. 3.8.1 fixes, over the last version 3.4.1?

PressTheButton

byte wrote: »

Has anyone any info on what v. 3.8.1 fixes, over the last version 3.4.1?

Answer should be here:

http://www.triax.com/Downloads/Software/Settopbox.aspx

... but it isn't. Poor Non-existent online support for this model from a 'premium' brand. Ireland doesn't even appear in drop-down menu on Triax homepage.

bbeeforsalmon

GBCULLEN wrote: »

its the old box with new software, PC rang me. I cant even find a manual so wait etc

gb-

I'm afraid PC havent got a clue.
I was on to Electroplus who have been extremely helpful with software upgrades. They say that 3.8.1 is a hardware upgrade and that the old box cannot be upgraded and that I should bring it back and change it for the newest version. I emailed Powercity and Triax and neither had the manners to reply. When I went back to Powercity Drogheda they appeared to have no idea that there has been endless problems with the 537 but at least they exchanged it for me or would have given another make if I wanted it. Does anyone know where Electroplus come into the loop? I bet if i quote them to Powercity they will look at me as if I have 2 heads.

byte

bbeeforsalmon wrote: »

I'm afraid PC havent got a clue.
I was on to Electroplus who have been extremely helpful with software upgrades. They say that 3.8.1 is a hardware upgrade and that the old box cannot be upgraded and that I should bring it back and change it for the newest version. I emailed Powercity and Triax and neither had the manners to reply. When I went back to Powercity Drogheda they appeared to have no idea that there has been endless problems with the 537 but at least they exchanged it for me or would have given another make if I wanted it. Does anyone know where Electroplus come into the loop? I bet if i quote them to Powercity they will look at me as if I have 2 heads.

Electroplus are distributors of Triax gear (and apart from their dishes, I'd not consider them a "premium" brand).

I don't know if Electroplus have a shop for consumers?

bbeeforsalmon

byte wrote: »

Electroplus are distributors of Triax gear (and apart from their dishes, I'd not consider them a "premium" brand).

I don't know if Electroplus have a shop for consumers?

That's good to know, I'll be getting my 3rd box this week. I could ask for my money back on the original and then buy the latest at the new price!

liamtech

bbeeforsalmon wrote: »

I'm afraid PC havent got a clue.
I was on to Electroplus who have been extremely helpful with software upgrades. They say that 3.8.1 is a hardware upgrade and that the old box cannot be upgraded and that I should bring it back and change it for the newest version. I emailed Powercity and Triax and neither had the manners to reply. When I went back to Powercity Drogheda they appeared to have no idea that there has been endless problems with the 537 but at least they exchanged it for me or would have given another make if I wanted it. Does anyone know where Electroplus come into the loop? I bet if i quote them to Powercity they will look at me as if I have 2 heads.

So it was a hardware problem, which cant be fixed via software... To be honest i cant say im surprised at this stage - i had a feeling there was something physical wrong with the sthd537 for one reason: the lack of a software fix within weeks if not days - I genuinely wonder where this leaves early adopters who purchased the box in february - I would assume they can get a refund if they bought it from a shop - indeed several boarders have stated they got a refund -

Im also EXTREMELY curious as to the nature of this hardware fault - If i was to hazard a guess i would say it was the STHD537 continual dropping of the DTT Terrestrial signal that couldnt be fixed via software - the rest of the issues were addressed rather quickly id imagine - i still have high hopes for this unit but to be honest i will more than likely give it a wide birth due to my previous experiences -

As for a saorview certified version, will it be a firmware update for the sthd537 or a "sthd547"?

I will say this, 150euro for the sthd537 is a VERY good price(ASSUMING IT IS WORKING!), Thats a good price for a regular FTA Combi box let alone an MHEG5 DIGITAL AERTEL Compatible box - And i suppose if everything is fixed then there is no reason it cant be certified!

lonewolf2010

Is there any way to get epg on sat through the Internet

eddieshanahan

Have the Triax problems been sorted with a Firmware Upgrade ......if not what alternate Combo boxes are good alternatives?

Someone suggested MVision 300, or Ferguson Ariva HD

Thanks

spudman

I bought the Triax ST HD537 yesterday from Power City. The box says firmware 3.8.1 however when I plugged it in, the software states it is 3.4.1
I can't get any DTT channels . Just get a No Signal message. The satellite reception is fine. My regular terrestrial reception is good.
Anyone else out there have the same problem with the supposedly new release/throw any light on the problem
Thanks

Kristopherus

Back to Power City with it. And dont leave the shop without plugging the replacement box in and checking the software version there and then. There are so many uncertanties about that box, that any purchaser should thoroughly satisfy themselves that it is actually what it says on the carton.

liamtech

spudman wrote: »

I bought the Triax ST HD537 yesterday from Power City. The box says firmware 3.8.1 however when I plugged it in, the software states it is 3.4.1
I can't get any DTT channels . Just get a No Signal message. The satellite reception is fine. My regular terrestrial reception is good.
Anyone else out there have the same problem with the supposedly new release/throw any light on the problem
Thanks

That really is shocking - What the hell are the playing at with this box - supposedly a hardware change has fixed the issues and here they are selling the old version? Come on Triax, get with the program! (and i dont mean RTE1+1, as theres no fair city )

staker

Could it be old stock, even still it's no excuse on the vendor's behalf?

KELTICKNIGHTT

the more i see this thread about the triax combo,they more i dont trust triax,shocking,there no excuse for coning people,putting the old triax older setup in a box claming on the carton its the new version,someone should complain too euro comsumers,that explains the drop in price

swoofer

PC told me someone came in and installed the new software and that they had the "old box" working perfectly and on display. Whats the point of selling a duff box?? Is it hard to get money back from PC?

gb--

liamtech

GBCULLEN wrote: »

PC told me someone came in and installed the new software and that they had the "old box" working perfectly and on display. Whats the point of selling a duff box?? Is it hard to get money back from PC?

gb--

Well only a few posts back "bbeeforsalmon" stated that the old box COULDN'T be fixed via a software patch, and only the new hardware revision would ever function normally - IM GENUINELY BEGINNING TO WONDER WHETHER THERE IS A "NEW" TRIAX STHD537 AT ALL - :mad::mad::mad:

Its typical isnt it - If Triax had any sort of cop on they could sort all of this madness out by clarifying this mess on their website - Right now my money is on the following - THERE IS ONLY ONE STHD537 AND IT DOESNT WORK - UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE THATS MY OPINION -

To anyone buying the STHD537 - "Caveat emptor" & "Audentes Fortuna Iuvat" - All i will add to that is HOLD ONTO YOUR RECEIPT!

COME ON TRIAX CLARIFY THIS MESS!!!

swoofer

A hint, if you buy online from PC you can get a quick discount under the DSG guarantee but really why bother, PC are aiming at the walk in customer!!!

gb-

KELTICKNIGHTT

GBCULLEN wrote: »

PC told me someone came in and installed the new software and that they had the "old box" working perfectly and on display. Whats the point of selling a duff box?? Is it hard to get money back from PC?

gb--

if they installed new software,why did it show older version,any ways,though it was a hardware issue more than a software issue,why put false detaIL on box.to con people into buying the boxes.clever

liamtech

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

if they installed new software,why did it show older version,any ways,though it was a hardware issue more than a software issue,why put false detaIL on box.to con people into buying the boxes.clever

Couldnt agree more - I was genuinely hopeful for the STHD537 "MARK II" but at this stage its looking like the same terribly unreliable unit i had 5 months ago...Not to mention its looking more like there is no "MARK II". Right now i wouldnt buy a COAX Plug from Triax, and i wouldnt touch that STHD537 with someone else's Satellite lead!

Seriously TRIAX< POWERCITY and whoever else is involved - we need clarification! Whats going on!

KELTICKNIGHTT

pity golden media combo doesnt have mheg5 on it,be a good buy then,was looking at triax before,wouldnt trust them after this,doesnt matter what they bring out now,the seriously messed up with all this

KELTICKNIGHTT

has anyone here that has this box ,have issues,where it pick up and works with irish ddt channels and freesat channels,just wondering

liamtech

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

has anyone here that has this box ,have issues,where it pick up and works with irish ddt channels and freesat channels,just wondering

Aside from my experience, two other guys who had it had similar issues to myself (old version of course).. could you be more specific as to what you want to know keltick night

KELTICKNIGHTT

a friend is looking at this combo and has seen this thread,hes looking for a combo box that does the irish ddt channels and sat channels with mheg5,i dont know of any outside of this combo but i suggested that this box give him grey hair with all the issues,

liamtech

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

a friend is looking at this combo and has seen this thread,hes looking for a combo box that does the irish ddt channels and sat channels with mheg5,i dont know of any outside of this combo but i suggested that this box give him grey hair with all the issues,

As far as im aware this is the only MHEG5 combi box available - its an absolute travesty that its the only one, and i cant believe some other company hasnt produced one -

Joe7

liamtech wrote: »

its an absolute travesty that its the only one...

Absolute travesty?! You've obviously led a very sheltered life.

liamtech

Joe7 wrote: »

Absolute travesty?! You've obviously led a very sheltered life.

What i mean is with customers in Ireland Screaming out for a product with these specs how come no one has released one - aside from Triax that is..

It really would do well over here - take a look at boards once a day and you will see someone asking is there an MHEG5 Combi box available, and where can they get one!

As regards my sheltered life, well living in a monastery isnt for everyone i suppose! lol:pac::D

STB

Honestly lads MHEG5 WILL NOT stop you watching the stations. MHEG5 will primarily be for aertel like text driven by adverts! People really are buying into the middleware too much.

Look at the thread on the new Ferguson Ariva 120 Combo - €99 from satelitte.ie - discount for boardsies - the very same without the MHEG5. Thats how much a HD Sat/DTT combo SHOULD cost. Will be perfect in the current economic climate.

liamtech

STB wrote: »

Honestly lads MHEG5 WILL NOT stop you watching the stations. MHEG5 will primarily be for aertel like text driven by adverts! People really are buying into the middleware too much.

Look at the thread on the new Ferguson Ariva 120 Combo - €99 from satelitte.ie - discount for boardsies - the very same without the MHEG5. Thats how much a HD Sat/DTT combo SHOULD cost. Will be perfect in the current economic climate.

I know you can still watch the channels but i like the interactivity - BBC Red button is savage, and once Digital Aertel starts to improve i would say it will be equally excellent - if the STHD537 had worked, it provided both these interactive services in one box - it was the one thing i liked about the STHD537 - That said i will probably get a Ferguson 120 combo as i cant resist the price!

STB

liamtech wrote: »

if the STHD537 had worked, it provided both these interactive services in one box - it was the one thing i liked about the STHD537 - That said i will probably get a Ferguson 120 combo as i cant resist the price!

if......

It might be also what killed it in the first place.

liamtech

STB wrote: »

if......

It might be also what killed it in the first place.

I don't know for sure but i reckon the MHEG5 had nothing to do with it - The interactive features worked perfect on all stations on the STHD537 including the Ocean Finance station, and all the BBC stations - the interactive streams didnt work obviously, and they were not even added when you did a scan - BUt the BBC digital Teletext worked and that would have been good enough for me -IF i could have added the BBC Streams manually

The main problem that they seem unable to address is the DTT signal vanishing from it and needing the box to be turned off and on to get it back - That is what killed the box - as far as i can see they solved the manually tuning of the stations and gave the ability to change the order of the stations too - but from what i can see from recent posts on this thread the DTT signal vanishing is still an issue for many users- The general feel of the menu system is also poor and not at all as customizable as most FTA boxes i have seen available - one generic station menu - most FTA units allow you to create unique sets of stations - i always prefer to have separate sections for Entertainment, Movies, News, Music, and HD Stations etc. That is IMPOSSIBLE with this box

Tony

Because of the small size of the Irish market and the high cost of certification.

liamtech wrote: »

What i mean is with customers in Ireland Screaming out for a product with these specs how come no one has released one - aside from Triax that is..

Galway

This box is a truly appalling piece of kit. It should never have been released onto the Irish market. Cumbersome set up, inflexiblity when trying to customise the channel order, mixing the radio channels into the middle of the tv channels, limited favourites capacity when you try to get around this, inability to do a mutiple selected channel delete or order, displaying 'no services' when a manual DTT scan is performed. It might not have MHEG5 but an MVision Combo HD300 is way more flexible when it comes to channel installation, editing and customisation. Also, after a manual DTT scan you need to put box into standby then fire up again to get any DTT channels. This Triax combo is only fit for the skip and I would never install one for anyone, let alone hang on to it myself.

jamescc

so this box is a bad buy as i have been looking at this in power city for 145 and another for 199, GOLDEN MEDIA HD SATELLITE & DTT COMBI BOX it is called is there anyway to get a snapshot as to what way the stations are listed on the triax

PressTheButton

jamescc wrote: »

...is there anyway to get a snapshot as to what way the stations are listed on the triax

You might find what you're looking for in one of Dave's (tvtrade.ie) videos of the Triax ST-HD 537 here:

http://www.tvtrade.ie/triax-st-hd-537-satellite-combo-box.html

KELTICKNIGHTT

PressTheButton wrote: »

You might find what you're looking for in one of Dave's (tvtrade.ie) videos of the Triax ST-HD 537 here:

http://www.tvtrade.ie/triax-st-hd-537-satellite-combo-box.html

whats the difference between what tvtrade selling same box and powercity outside it costing more at tvtrade.ie {extra 20 euros}

jamescc

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

whats the difference between what tvtrade selling same box and powercity outside it costing more at tvtrade.ie {extra 20 euros}

thanks never copped the difference i think it is the same box just not programmed

liamtech

Originally Posted by Galway: This box is a truly appalling piece of kit. It should never have been released onto the Irish market. Cumbersome set up, inflexiblity when trying to customise the channel order, mixing the radio channels into the middle of the tv channels, limited favourites capacity when you try to get around this, inability to do a mutiple selected channel delete or order, displaying 'no services' when a manual DTT scan is performed. It might not have MHEG5 but an MVision Combo HD300 is way more flexible when it comes to channel installation, editing and customisation. Also, after a manual DTT scan you need to put box into standby then fire up again to get any DTT channels. This Triax combo is only fit for the skip and I would never install one for anyone, let alone hang on to it myself.

Couldn't agree more Galway!

To be honest i worry about anyone putting there faith in this box - It obviously still has severe short comings - and OBVIOUSLY a software update isnt the solution - VERY disappointing - as regards the price its a hell of a lot cheaper than it was in february - but if its not working then it might as well be 50 euro for all the use it has!

The thing is i was recently in a friends house, looking at the ST-HD527 in use - No MHEG5 obviously but aside from that its a JOY to use -

-Fully Customizable Channel listings
-Manual Channel editing
-Different Favorites categories
-Time shifting
-Easy to use albeit basic UI

HOW did triax go from a competent, fully functional NON MHEG5 FTA combi unit, to a horrific UI, No customization, and barely functional yet FULLY MHEG COMPLIANT DTT/DVB-S box!

STB

liamtech wrote: »

To be honest i worry about anyone putting there faith in this box - It obviously still has severe short comings - and OBVIOUSLY a software update isnt the solution - VERY disappointing - as regards the price its a hell of a lot cheaper than it was in february - but if its not working then it might as well be 50 euro for all the use it has!

The thing is i was recently in a friends house, looking at the ST-HD527 in use - No MHEG5 obviously but aside from that its a JOY to use -

-Fully Customizable Channel listings
-Manual Channel editing
-Different Favorites categories
-Time shifting
-Easy to use albeit basic UI

HOW did triax go from a competent, fully functional FTA combi unit, to a horrific UI, No customization, and barely functional yet FULLY MHEG COMPLIANT DTT/DVB-S box!

Explain ? The new one vs the original one. What differences ? box appearence, UI, MHEG5 etc.

liamtech

STB wrote: »

Explain ? The new one vs the original one. What differences ? box appearence, UI, MHEG5 etc.

Il get my friend to post some pics - I must point out the st-HD527 doesnt seem to be available anymore - its been replaced by the 537:eek:

-The installation of the 527 is EXTREMELY BASIC looking - It just scans both DTT and DVB-S2 and adds the channels as it gets them -

-The menus are Extremely plain - like a regular FTA box - BUT unlike its cousin the 537, its fully customizable - you can put the channels in any order you wish!

-Manual editing of stations and specific scanning of transponders and specific DTT Channels is a doddle! Literally you select the frequency you wish a hey presto it will scan only that - And unlike the STHD537 it will add LITERALLY any station like transmission on said transponder/frequency - it picks up the Freesat EPG but obviously doesn't display anything - its just picked up as a "Channel"!

- Recording works perfectly and scheduling works perfectly too - the DTT 7 DAY EPG is easy schedule - setting timers on Satellite channels is obviously difficult but if you use radio times for the schedule it works fine!

-Foremost for me is the fact that the DTT signal has not once "vanished" as it did on the STHD537!

Its an inferior specification, with a FAR superior functionality! - If it was 150Euro i wouldn't hesitate to recommend it! Whats more as some probably know the ST-HD527 is shipped in a box that states it is MHEG5 compatible - there are more than a few users i dare say, that suspect this box could be fully saorview compliant if Triax released firmware - Of course their busy selling the STHD537 - good luck to them!

KELTICKNIGHTT

talked too staff teckie at eletroplus and was told it was fixed ,said the problem with ddt channels was fixed and other problems too,so im confused,maybe im wrong but the triax combo that powercity sells ,is it new one or old ones with new software,maybe getting from tvtrade is better bet as you know cant be old ones,just my though ,but still a big chance too take just for mheg5

liamtech

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

talked too staff teckie at eletroplus and was told it was fixed ,said the problem with ddt channels was fixed and other problems too,so im confused,maybe im wrong but the triax combo that powercity sells ,is it new one or old ones with new software,maybe getting from tvtrade is better bet as you know cant be old ones,just my though ,but still a big chance too take just for mheg5

Genuinely KELTICKNIGHTT, until proven otherwise i would seriously doubt there is an "old" & "New" version of this unit - thats my honest opinion - can anyone explain the differences of these units - from what Galway the new seems just as bad as the old!

STB

@liamtech

When you said original vs new I presumed you were talking about the 537. I am aware of the 527 (MHEG5 wasnt enabled)

I was asking about the diiference between the new and old 537!

liamtech

STB wrote: »

@liamtech

When you said original vs new I presumed you were talking about the 537. I am aware of the 527 (MHEG5 wasnt enabled)

I was asking about the diiference between the new and old 537!

Sorry STB! didn't realize!

jamescc

i went tonight and got the triax 537.from power-city for 150 euro. it took me about two hours to set it up .
rtejr does not show up , probably due to it being off air, will try tomorrow. but so far it is working well. even set up my pen-usb stick and am now able to record.
i do know that allot of people were having problems with it , so here is tipping wood , that i do not

PressTheButton

jamescc wrote: »

i went tonight and got the triax 537...

Quite a few people on here will be interested in your review of this 'newer version' (?) STB combi. Appreciating it will take time please ascertain if bugs highlighted by liamtech have been fixed. Also from Menu>Settings include:
H/W Version __________________
S/W Version __________________
F/W Version __________________
Build Date ____________________
Model Number _________________ (Presumably TR ST-HD 537)

Thanks in advance & Good Luck!

Galway

jamescc wrote: »

i went tonight and got the triax 537.from power-city for 150 euro. it took me about two hours to set it up .
rtejr does not show up , probably due to it being off air, will try tomorrow. but so far it is working well. even set up my pen-usb stick and am now able to record.
i do know that allot of people were having problems with it , so here is tipping wood , that i do not

Poor you, you've bought a pig in a poke. TWO hours to set up.. that says it all, a rubbish inflexible, poorly designed STB combo.

jamescc

PressTheButton wrote: »

Quite a few people on here will be interested in your review of this 'newer version' (?) STB combi. Appreciating it will take time please ascertain if bugs highlighted by liamtech have been fixed. Also from Menu>Settings include:
H/W Version __________________
S/W Version __________________
F/W Version __________________
Build Date ____________________
Model Number _________________ (Presumably TR ST-HD 537)

Thanks in advance & Good Luck!

right i hope i can get this right i will try to attach a file some pages of the manual:H/W Version:v1.1
S/W Version:v3.8.1
F/W Version:cant see it so not sure
Build Date:again can't see it
Model Number:triax st-hd 537

it seems to be working fine , and it took my two hours, just removing unwanted stations that i did not want, also it was removing the old boxes as well it works ok so far . the only down side to it is if you are recording something of the aerial you cannot watch another station of the aerial at the same time you have to go to sat. you get the epg for terrestrial as the weeks TV guide but it gives nothing on the sat. now when you press the info button it gives nothing on the terrestrial. you get the information on the sat.

it would have been nice if it was a universal remote that did the TV too.

apart from that it does what it says on the box and there is digital teletext that is main reason why i got it

i have explained this the best i can any questions

James

i may have attached a file twice