UPC Horizon Set Top Box trial

fergie087

The Horizon Box was on trial(IN IRELAND) to a number of subscribers (I'm not sure if it was on a first call got it) one which I was. I have the box for over 3 months now find it very good.Can record 4 channels at once while watching another chanell.Also sets up nicely with a home network where I can watch movies I have recorded from different sources.Had a few teething problems but they all seemed to have ironed out now.A fine setup and I like it

goose06

Achilles wrote: »

The biggest problem that I have with the app is that it's not available on Android yet.

I was talking to a support chap and he said there was either going to be an announcement or a release on the 12th of august.

paulboland

malki wrote: »

I received new horizon box last week, so far so good- I have one annoying recurring problem- Most evenings the picture on the BBC1 freezes but the sound is OK. I got the signal refreshed but the problem still persists . Has anyone got any ideas how I can resolve this problem?

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056579482&page=199

The_Valeyard

Failed to record this evening


error code: 4003

icdg

coylemj wrote: »

I'm sure the mods will give you a fool's pardon (based on this being your first post in boards.ie) for creating a new thread instead of joining an existing thread which has almost 3,000 posts and where if your post drifts off off the last page, you can expect zero responses.

The Horizon box needs about six distinct threads in this forum given the amount of functionality that's been embedded in one box but for the moment it's confined to a thread that has become one big skip.

The hijacking of this thread to make a rather sarcastic dig at the moderators isn't appreciated. Yes we're aware that the Horizon thread has kind of grown unwieldy at this stage. The problem is that this is still a product that officially at least, still isn't available to the man on the street. I don't want multiple threads about a product that hasn't launched overrunning the forum.

Suggestions about what we can do to square that are appreciated. Digs at the moderators are not. Until then, thread merged.

MrVestek

My box got an update today. Seems to be alot more responsive now, there doesn't seem to be any lag with the remote anymore.

If yours hasn't gotten an update yet try and update it manually. If I remember right off the top of my head it's now at software version 1.04.

seanie27

Achilles wrote: »

The biggest problem that I have with the app is that it's not available on Android yet.

Agreed the app needs a makeover. often won't remotely record when outside the house. I hope the Aug 12 update or whatever fixes this.

seanie27

Achilles wrote: »

My box got an update today. Seems to be alot more responsive now, there doesn't seem to be any lag with the remote anymore.

If yours hasn't gotten an update yet try and update it manually. If I remember right off the top of my head it's now at software version 1.04.

Mine's at 1.28 now... if I'm reading it correctly of course.

DGRulz

Can anyone tell me how I'd go about getting the Horizon box? Do I just call UPC up and ask or do I have to wait until this trial run is over??

daherlihy

... any ideas on what the update does? I've not noticed it yet, must do it manually this evening

paulboland

Achilles wrote: »

My box got an update today. Seems to be alot more responsive now, there doesn't seem to be any lag with the remote anymore.

If yours hasn't gotten an update yet try and update it manually. If I remember right off the top of my head it's now at software version 1.04.

There has been no new updates
V1.28-16777490 is the latest came out about 2-3 weeks ago

Every day there is updates mostly at night sometimes during the day and some days no updates
There only guide updates or channels updates

There is a Software as in firmware update soon though but don't have a release date that's confirmed or what features it will have or fix

MrVestek

paulboland wrote: »

There has been no new updates
V1.28-16777490 is the latest came out about 2-3 weeks ago

Every day there is updates mostly at night sometimes during the day and some days no updates
There only guide updates or channels updates

There is a update soon though but don't have a release date that's confirmed or what features it will have or fix

I must go back and check the version number again as my memory obviously isn't great for that kinda stuff.

The box as of yesterday though is much more responsive than it has ever been. The only difference being that it's gone through it's usual nightly updates.

ted1

5500 wrote: »

I know its been mentioned a few times but has anyone had a solid solution to the box sticking at 50% scanning R?
I called customer service and had no joy doing a factory reset,I've left it for over 2 hours and Im still on 50%, they cant get anyone out to me untill late on Wednesday and I'm already down since Saturday night so If anyone

a new box was the only thing that resolved this for me.

s8n

Folks -I've looked through the thread but cant find an obvious guide. Has anyone managed to get a third party router (old UPC Cisco one) working with the Horizon box. I'm finding the range very poor on the horizon box and its hit and miss when using airplay

paulboland

5500 wrote: »

I know its been mentioned a few times but has anyone had a solid solution to the box sticking at 50% scanning R?
I called customer service and had no joy doing a factory reset,I've left it for over 2 hours and Im still on 50%, they cant get anyone out to me untill late on Wednesday and I'm already down since Saturday night so If anyone

Did you do a forced Hard Re-set of the Box its different than a factory reset
I'm not mentioning how you do it as don't want others trying it as its only meant to be done by UPC
its takes about 2-3 hours to finish and you must not turn the box off

If you get to welcome screen and its plays the welcome video and then goes no further
Call UPC they will have to do a full reset not a factory reset but it can only be done at there end
You just follow there instructions exactly and let them fix it
If that does not work possible not done right I had this happen with mine the person at upc had to get advice a few times to do the reset correct but in the end got it working

Before you contact upc
Let the 50% scanning finish its takes a long time it then goes to 70% takes 2-3 hours
it then starts showing 50% r loading again it takes hours
DONT AT ANY STAGE TURN THE POWER TO BOX OFF WHILE ITS DONIG 50% SCANNING R OR 50% LOADING R
only when you get to the box select English and let it complete its normal install it will work or get stuck at welcome screen video as in go no further

Call upc don't try do a forced update let upc do that only
Factory Reset is ok by user not the Hard Reset that's for UPC only to do

Just to note if UPC get box working for you its settings all are back to default that includes ssid and password both back to there original factory setting and the web login is back to its default settings also you will need to change them to what you want again if you had done this previously

paulboland

s8n wrote: »

Folks -I've looked through the thread but cant find an obvious guide. Has anyone managed to get a third party router (old UPC Cisco one) working with the Horizon box. I'm finding the range very poor on the horizon box and its hit and miss when using airplay

You can use another router but (not a previous upc router)
Belkin/Netgear/Asus Wireless routers
Any wireless router best its wirelees n
that has the function to set the router as a Wireless Access Point only
Set your own wireless router in wireless access mode
You then can use your own router for wireless connection to devices best to do this if you have apple devices

You connect the Horizon to one of the lan ports of your own router not its wan port
You must have the ability to set your router in wireless access mode

Works great it want good wireless range and no drop outs and have a apple device

redman

Well after months of the trial, enough is enough after losing more set up to record items and other annoyances in basic TV watching.

It'll no doubt be a great product when its working right but too frustrating for us now.

Back to the old box and continue with the great Broadband service for the moment and reexamine out options around TV.

kippy

Every now and again I see two sets of broken horizontal lines move from side to side across the LCD display on the box. The box is usually unresponsive at this time and a hard reboot is needed to sort it out.
What does these lines indicate?

MrVestek

kippy wrote: »

Every now and again I see two sets of broken horizontal lines move from side to side across the LCD display on the box. The box is usually unresponsive at this time and a hard reboot is needed to sort it out.
What does these lines indicate?

It means that it's updating. Don't interrupt the box when it's updating otherwise you can cause it to have issues.

KenH

Achilles wrote: »

It means that it's updating. Don't interrupt the box when it's updating otherwise you can cause it to have issues.

I knew this. But it's a key piece of information that many might not know.

kippy

Achilles wrote: »

It means that it's updating. Don't interrupt the box when it's updating otherwise you can cause it to have issues.

Thats what I thought at first, but I see this on the box, usually in the morning, on a regular basis. ('ll define this by saying I dont see the box much during the day, but the few mornings that I do (at the weekend) I see them usually one of the two weekend days, and I've no idea if it happens during the week or not)

Yesterday afternoon it was in this "state" for approximately 2 hours before I power cycled the box............
Surely this regularity of "updates" or length of time taken isn't normal?

Wabbit Ears

The box will update itself (guide infor etc) after a while of being in standby and then seem to reboot with the lines going accross the front panel. This is expected behaviour so rebooting it at this stage is a bad thing to do.

kippy

Wabbit Ears wrote: »

The box will update itself (guide infor etc) after a while of being in standby and then seem to reboot with the lines going accross the front panel. This is expected behaviour so rebooting it at this stage is a bad thing to do.

Is it expected behaviour that the lines stay on the screen for 2 hours +??

(there's absolutly NO indication to the user - techie or not - that the box is updating, which is a pretty bad design fault tbh...........)

MrVestek

kippy wrote: »

Is it expected behaviour that the lines stay on the screen for 2 hours +??

(there's absolutly NO indication to the user - techie or not - that the box is updating, which is a pretty bad design fault tbh...........)

Most of the older boxes did this too and power cycled themselves when not in use.

I don't understand why this is suddenly an issue for you now.

kippy

Achilles wrote: »

Most of the older boxes did this too and power cycled themselves when not in use.

I don't understand why this is suddenly an issue for you now.

It's an issue for me at the moment as it's happening with far more regularity and at a time that effects someone in my houses' use of the box, it also happened for close to two hours yesterday........
I appreciate this is a trial and that software may be updated more frequently however:
1. We are not advised when software is being released.
2. We are not advised what to expect after the software release.
3. It is not obvious that the software is updating to any other users........

who_me

2 hours is certainly not normal. It's possible if the box was turned off during a previous update something may have been corrupted and thus preventing future updates from completing. I'd try a factory reset if possible, otherwise contact UPC.

kippy

who_me wrote: »

2 hours is certainly not normal. It's possible if the box was turned off during a previous update something may have been corrupted and thus preventing future updates from completing. I'd try a factory reset if possible, otherwise contact UPC.

Yeah, it doesnt seem "normal" alright, but the box worked since the reboot.
I'll get around to calling UPC when I have 30 minutes to spare.


What is the most recent version of software that should be on the box?#

5500

paulboland wrote: »

Did you do a forced Hard Re-set of the Box its different than a factory reset
I'm not mentioning how you do it as don't want others trying it as its only meant to be done by UPC
its takes about 2-3 hours to finish and you must not turn the box off

If you get to welcome screen and its plays the welcome video and then goes no further
Call UPC they will have to do a full reset not a factory reset but it can only be done at there end
You just follow there instructions exactly and let them fix it
If that does not work possible not done right I had this happen with mine the person at upc had to get advice a few times to do the reset correct but in the end got it working

Before you contact upc
Let the 50% scanning finish its takes a long time it then goes to 70% takes 2-3 hours
it then starts showing 50% r loading again it takes hours
DONT AT ANY STAGE TURN THE POWER TO BOX OFF WHILE ITS DONIG 50% SCANNING R OR 50% LOADING R
only when you get to the box select English and let it complete its normal install it will work or get stuck at welcome screen video as in go no further

Call upc don't try do a forced update let upc do that only
Factory Reset is ok by user not the Hard Reset that's for UPC only to do

Just to note if UPC get box working for you its settings all are back to default that includes ssid and password both back to there original factory setting and the web login is back to its default settings also you will need to change them to what you want again if you had done this previously

Feel free to pm me the hard reset info but if it involves a button combo when turning on the box I've already done it and nada. The box was left on for about 6 hours yesterday and it just reboots everywhile and again stalls at 50%.

The tech staff were unable to do a reset on it from there end either, while someone is due out tomorrow to take a look and hopefully replace it, I've had my own doubts already and considering switching back to my old HD box which never gave a problem

paulboland

5500 wrote: »

Feel free to pm me the hard reset info but if it involves a button combo when turning on the box I've already done it and nada. The box was left on for about 6 hours yesterday and it just reboots everywhile and again stalls at 50%.

The tech staff were unable to do a reset on it from there end either, while someone is due out tomorrow to take a look and hopefully replace it, I've had my own doubts already and considering switching back to my old HD box which never gave a problem

If after 6 hours its still like that its wont work let upc come out to replace

The button combo when turning on the box I've already done it

That's the reason for your box stuck that should not have been done if will cause problems if it was originally not let run correct as I take you powered off/on before it got a chance to finish

I GATHER YOU GOOGLED IT OR SOMEONE GAVE YOU THE INFO HOW TO DO A HARD RESET

To others reading this post don't do a hard reset on horizon let UPC do that only from there end

Note Hard reset is not the same as a factory reset
Only meant to be done by UPC

MAJJ

My box up until today was in De consolidated mode and with no wireless/phone or devices added.

Today box has phone, wireless and a PC linked via ethernet but not set up to scan.

In 3 hours 2 resets after stalls and to error codes.

Confirms what I expected, other that UI design there are still plenty of issues with this box.

paulboland

MAJJ wrote: »

My box up until today was in De consolidated mode and with no wireless/phone or devices added.

Today box has phone, wireless and a PC linked via ethernet but not set up to scan.

In 3 hours 2 resets after stalls and to error codes.

Confirms what I expected, other that UI design there are still plenty of issues with this box.

If anyone get box freezing using the remote or other reason for freeze can you contact UPC and let them know what has happened
Best if you tell them all you have done don't leave anything out
If your using the Media Functions to play a film or music track from your PC and then the box freezes let them know

Edit for wireless problems possible solution if you can afford or already have a separate wireless router that has the ability to be set up as a wireless access point this can solve any connection problems you may have and give you better wireless
Yes I know you should not have to do this but its an option you have if you want to use a separate wireless router (It must have the ability to be used as a wireless access point )

Its going live soon so its better you contact them direct if you have any problems and if you also have any wireless problems important tell them what type of device your connecting by wireless as for example are you having a problem with apple devices
This form is great but if any of you have a problem please tell upc direct

MAJJ

They know where to find us it's a trial. Have formally reported some issues thanks to a boards user who posted a
link

Have also responded to a recent request for survey feedback.

They really either don't care or are clueless or perhaps don't want to show their hand but there has been no structure to this trial and poor communication through out.

That said it can only get better or has to for main stream use.

paulboland wrote: »

If anyone get box freezing using the remote or other reason for freeze can you contact UPC and let them know what has happened
Best if you tell them all you have done don't leave anything out
If your using the Media Functions to play a film or music track from your PC and then the box freezes let them know

Edit for wireless problems possible solution if you can afford or already have a separate wireless router that has the ability to be set up as a wireless access point this can solve any connection problems you may have and give you better wireless
Yes I know you should not have to do this but its an option you have if you want to use a separate wireless router (It must have the ability to be used as a wireless access point )

Its going live soon so its better you contact them direct if you have any problems and if you also have any wireless problems important tell them what type of device your connecting by wireless as for example are you having a problem with apple devices
This form is great but if any of you have a problem please tell upc direct

5500

paulboland wrote: »

If after 6 hours its still like that its wont work let upc come out to replace

The button combo when turning on the box I've already done it

That's the reason for your box stuck that should not have been done if will cause problems if it was originally not let run correct as I take you powered off/on before it got a chance to finish

I GATHER YOU GOOGLED IT OR SOMEONE GAVE YOU THE INFO HOW TO DO A HARD RESET

To others reading this post don't do a hard reset on horizon let UPC do that only from there end

Note Hard reset is not the same as a factory reset
Only meant to be done by UPC

No I didn't Google it, UPC gave me the info on how to do it over the phone because they were unable to connect themselfs to the box.

I never plugged the box out from when I received it, it rebooted itself a few times over a number or days which ended up with it just showing scanning R on Saturday night, it wasn't until I called them on Sunday that it was switched off so its obviously just a faulty box

paulboland

5500 wrote: »

No I didn't Google it, UPC gave me the info on how to do it over the phone because they were unable to connect themselfs to the box.

I never plugged the box out from when I received it, it rebooted itself a few times over a number or days which ended up with it just showing scanning R on Saturday night, it wasn't until I called them on Sunday that it was switched off so its obviously just a faulty box

Ok they should not have told you to do that as hard reset only meant to be done from upc its sends a signal to box for correct reset
They should have tried again to connect to the box or sent out someone
At least you will be getting a new horizon box hope it all goes well for you
and you have a working horizon box to enjoy and use

kippy

Just to let you all know, UPC have contacted me via PM looking for further information on the issue I mentioned above (most recently). I will let you know how this goes.

redman

Just to alert you all , you are in for quite a bit of pain for those of you who self installed the Horizon solution should you choose to come off it.

I was told yesterday by technical team I could swap around my old box and all would be okay. Customer services insisted on sending an engineer to collect the box even though I insisted this was a waste of time and a courier could do.

Anyhow got home, swapped around boxes and it didnt work. ( My broadband router is still the original and separate already after previous issues.)

Presuming it was a simple backend process I rang this morning and after 25mins, Tech support are now insisting it needs a engineer visit. That seems completely mad given that the switch over to it was all done remotely by phone.

They aint making it easy

Update: Loyalty team have been on to me and reckon I am right and it can be done remotely, will know this evening when I get home!

MrVestek

redman wrote: »

Just to alert you all , you are in for quite a bit of pain for those of you who self installed the Horizon solution should you choose to come off it.

I was told yesterday by technical team I could swap around my old box and all would be okay. Customer services insisted on sending an engineer to collect the box even though I insisted this was a waste of time and a courier could do.

Anyhow got home, swapped around boxes and it didnt work. ( My broadband router is still the original and separate already after previous issues.)

Presuming it was a simple backend process I rang this morning and after 25mins, Tech support are now insisting it needs a engineer visit. That seems completely mad given that the switch over to it was all done remotely by phone.

They aint making it easy

Unfortunately half of the fvckwits you talk to on the phone haven't a clue how their own processes or internal procedures work.

I have it from a reliable source that a lot of their previously NTL run call centres haven't exactly got fantastic training facilities etc.

Curiously enough anybody I get through to in a previously Chorus owned call centre always seems to be on the ball.

In any case I'd recommend that you ask to speak to a supervisor to have this issue resolved as most are level headed and willing to sort things out.

Just remember that (Speaking as a former phone monkey here) that no matter how frustrating the situation becomes please try and stay calm with the agents on the other end of the line as they're just doing as they're told... and they're people too with feelings.

Sometimes it's hard to remember that when talking to a company as you just see the person that you're talking to as an extension of the company itself.

redman

Achilles wrote: »

Unfortunately half of the fvckwits you talk to on the phone haven't a clue how their own processes or internal procedures work.

I have it from a reliable source that a lot of their previously NTL run call centres haven't exactly got fantastic training facilities etc.

Curiously enough anybody I get through to in a previously Chorus owned call centre always seems to be on the ball.

In any case I'd recommend that you ask to speak to a supervisor to have this issue resolved as most are level headed and willing to sort things out.

Just remember that (Speaking as a former phone monkey here) that no matter how frustrating the situation becomes please try and stay calm with the agents on the other end of the line as they're just doing as they're told... and they're people too with feelings.

Sometimes it's hard to remember that when talking to a company as you just see the person that you're talking to as an extension of the company itself.

Yes Achilles, you right with staying calm ;-) my view is life is too short to waste time and cancelling is sometimes the only route for sanity... anyhow if I was Magnus I wouldnt be happy with the potential cost of needless technical call outs by skilled engineers.... thankfully I seem to have gotten a good person in there to sort me out and to be fair the Talk 2 O2 on here are responsive and helpful

MrVestek

See? All it takes sometimes is to talk to somebody that else that hates their job just a little bit less than you hate their service, haha.

Wabbit Ears

Part of a trial is the call center staff learning how to deal with specific issues also. You cant expect them to know how to perfectly deal with issues with a brand new box with brand new processes and brand new issues they have never come across before.

So no, a lot of them wont have a clue, but that to be expected, PM the Reps here if you think you're getting the runaround or things arent going as smoothly as you would like.

kippy

Got a call in the past while from an Engineer.
They are replacing the box.

Synode

My WiFi range has gotten really poor the last week. I think I'm going to deconsolidate the box as my old router was great.

MrVestek

Synode wrote: »

My WiFi range has gotten really poor the last week. I think I'm going to deconsolidate the box as my old router was great.

You could do that but make sure there isn't another reason for it first. Yes the range is a little poorer on the new box but if it was fine previously with Horizon then there's a reason that it's not stronger now.

My guess is a new network has shown up in the area on the same or similar frequency to your Horizon box.

If you have a smartphone download a wifi analyser app so that you can get a picture of the state of the 2.4Ghz spectrum in your house, go to the room you want to receive Horizon in and see how weak the signal gets. You should also be able to tell which channel has the lowest noise in that room - changing Horizon to this wireless frequency should really help in that instance.

It's a pity the Horizon box doesn't have the ability to connect an external wifi antenna, there are some high gain antennas that you can purchase that would really help in this instance.

Do you reckon UPC would be opposed to me soldering a new antenna onto the box's motherboard? :P

paulboland

Achilles wrote: »

You could do that but make sure there isn't another reason for it first. Yes the range is a little poorer on the new box but if it was fine previously with Horizon then there's a reason that it's not stronger now.

My guess is a new network has shown up in the area on the same or similar frequency to your Horizon box.

If you have a smartphone download a wifi analyser app so that you can get a picture of the state of the 2.4Ghz spectrum in your house, go to the room you want to receive Horizon in and see how weak the signal gets. You should also be able to tell which channel has the lowest noise in that room - changing Horizon to this wireless frequency should really help in that instance.

It's a pity the Horizon box doesn't have the ability to connect an external wifi antenna, there are some high gain antennas that you can purchase that would really help in this instance.

Do you reckon UPC would be opposed to me soldering a new antenna onto the box's motherboard? :P

Do you reckon UPC would be opposed to me soldering a new antenna onto the box's motherboard
LOL

paulboland

UPC have updated there EPG and removed Espn America and Espn Classic
Sky also have done the same

On a funny note depending on your sense of humour in regards to UPC
UPC channel 100 still advertising ESPN as part of Select Extra and Max packs
Someone at UPC forgot to update the info videos lol

DUBLINHITMAN

Nat type on xbox keeps changing with horizon box
ive opened the ports and dmz the ip for the xbox
sometimes it will open then I sign in load a game and it signs me back out and in
then its back to moderate
real annoying
not getting the 100mb as promised and one box for everything is a nitemare
if one goes they all go bb/tv & phone

MrVestek

DUBLINHITMAN wrote: »

Nat type on xbox keeps changing with horizon box
ive opened the ports and dmz the ip for the xbox
sometimes it will open then I sign in load a game and it signs me back out and in
then its back to moderate
real annoying
not getting the 100mb as promised and one box for everything is a nitemare
if one goes they all go bb/tv & phone

Enable UPNP on the Horizon box itself. Should sort it out.

liam46

Need Help!!!!!!!!! I got the horizon box about 2 weeks ago, and the volume up/down will not work on my tvs, I have tried it on a samsung tv enter code 2448 and 2248. The tv will switch off but nothing from the volume, i got sent out another remote and still the same thing. I have tried the pairing with refresh button no joy. I brought the remote to my sisters house and it worked fine on her Lg tv volume worked fine. So remote ok, could the samsung horizon box not work with a samsung tv??????????

Heisenberg1

Folks I know this was covered earlier in the thread but when people like myself

signed up for Horizon at the beginning did we enter into a new contract?Cheers

Wabbit Ears

liam46 wrote: »

So remote ok, could the samsung horizon box not work with a samsung tv??????????

Volume up/down function has absolutly and utterly no association with the horizon box. None. At all.

What model Samsung TV's are you trying to pair it with?