The playback of some programs on my digibox HD is jumpy with small gaps.
I've done a full system reset, but this has not solved the problem. My
question is: does this problem mean the HD itself is damaged? If so, then it
would make sense to think that the damaged area(s) is/are in fixed place(s).
In which case, if I have a recorded program with jumps in it, I should keep
the program because this will reduce the chances of a new program being
recorded over a damaged sector. If, on the other hand, the jumpiness is not
caused by damaged sectors but by a software problem, then deleting a bad
recording might be the right thing to do.

Can someone explain to me exactly what causes jumpiness?

Thanks.

"Tim Walters" wrote in message ...

The playback of some programs on my digibox HD is jumpy with small gaps.
I've done a full system reset, but this has not solved the problem. My
question is: does this problem mean the HD itself is damaged? If so, then it
would make sense to think that the damaged area(s) is/are in fixed place(s).
In which case, if I have a recorded program with jumps in it, I should keep
the program because this will reduce the chances of a new program being
recorded over a damaged sector. If, on the other hand, the jumpiness is not
caused by damaged sectors but by a software problem, then deleting a bad
recording might be the right thing to do.

Can someone explain to me exactly what causes jumpiness?

Thanks.



happens on occasion with mine too - but only ever with channel 4 HD and five
HD for some reason.
once they are recorded like that they seem impossible to fix - just have to
delete them and forget about them.



-- Gareth.

that fly...... is your magic wand....
http://dsbdsb.mybrute.com
you fight better when you have a bear!

"Tim Walters" wrote in message
...
The playback of some programs on my digibox HD is jumpy with
small gaps. I've done a full system reset, but this has not
solved the problem. My question is: does this problem mean the
HD itself is damaged? If so, then it would make sense to think
that the damaged area(s) is/are in fixed place(s). In which
case, if I have a recorded program with jumps in it, I should
keep the program because this will reduce the chances of a new
program being recorded over a damaged sector. If, on the other
hand, the jumpiness is not caused by damaged sectors but by a
software problem, then deleting a bad recording might be the
right thing to do.

Can someone explain to me exactly what causes jumpiness?

Thanks.




What is the make and model of your Sky HD?

Do you have any other symptoms?

"Bob Lucas" wrote in message ...



"Tim Walters" wrote in message
...
The playback of some programs on my digibox HD is jumpy with small gaps.
I've done a full system reset, but this has not solved the problem. My
question is: does this problem mean the HD itself is damaged? If so, then
it would make sense to think that the damaged area(s) is/are in fixed
place(s). In which case, if I have a recorded program with jumps in it, I
should keep the program because this will reduce the chances of a new
program being recorded over a damaged sector. If, on the other hand, the
jumpiness is not caused by damaged sectors but by a software problem, then
deleting a bad recording might be the right thing to do.

Can someone explain to me exactly what causes jumpiness?

Thanks.




What is the make and model of your Sky HD?

Thomson 132_168
Version number: 4E2002
OS Version: 1.31B11
EPG Software Version: 5.08.6

Do you have any other symptoms?

Sometimes, while I'm watching a live program, there are brief gaps in which
a Channel Apology Picture appears for a second or so. This might be some
kind of weather problem, though. I've noticed it only about 4 times.

Thanks

On Sun, 9 Jan 2011 22:02:10 -0000, "Tim Walters"
wrote:
"Bob Lucas" wrote in message ...
"Tim Walters" wrote in message
...

Can someone explain to me exactly what causes jumpiness?

Do you have any other symptoms?

Sometimes, while I'm watching a live program, there are brief gaps in which
a Channel Apology Picture appears for a second or so. This might be some
kind of weather problem, though. I've noticed it only about 4 times.

Sky+ will record the data stream it receives. So, it will appear on
your screen when you play it back in exactly the same way as it would
if you watched it live too - including any breakup, gaps, sound
dropouts, interference, etc. The only difference is that long gaps
sometimes (not always) are much shorter on playback.

It sounds to me far more like you're having reception problems than a
faulty hard drive.

--
Vincent

"Tim Walters" wrote in message
...


"Bob Lucas" wrote in message
...



"Tim Walters" wrote in message
...
The playback of some programs on my digibox HD is jumpy with
small gaps. I've done a full system reset, but this has not
solved the problem. My question is: does this problem mean the
HD itself is damaged? If so, then it would make sense to think
that the damaged area(s) is/are in fixed place(s). In which
case, if I have a recorded program with jumps in it, I should
keep the program because this will reduce the chances of a new
program being recorded over a damaged sector. If, on the other
hand, the jumpiness is not caused by damaged sectors but by a
software problem, then deleting a bad recording might be the
right thing to do.

Can someone explain to me exactly what causes jumpiness?

Thanks.




What is the make and model of your Sky HD?

Thomson 132_168
Version number: 4E2002
OS Version: 1.31B11
EPG Software Version: 5.08.6

Do you have any other symptoms?

Sometimes, while I'm watching a live program, there are brief
gaps in which a Channel Apology Picture appears for a second or
so. This might be some kind of weather problem, though. I've
noticed it only about 4 times.

Thanks

Your problem MIGHT be a symptom of impending hard drive failure.
However, it would be worth checking your dish and LNB, in case
they are slightly misaligned (or obstructed by foliage). Also,
check the download co-ax for damage or water penetration.

There is another possibility (or probability). Thomson fitted
substandard capacitors to the Power Supply unit of their Sky HD
receivers. Symptoms of a defective PSU include juddering picture
on playback, not locking onto the satellite signal, loss of
channels, etc. If your PSU is defective, the problem can only
get worse, until the receiver fails completely.

I do not recognise the model number 132_168. Is that number on
the system details screen or on the serial number plate?

I can tell you that the PSU problem affects many Thomson Sky+ and
Sky HD receiversm model numbers DSI6210, DSI8210 & DSI8215. You
will find further details at www.stevetowells.vispa.com and at
www.satcure.com/tech/thom_psu.htm.

As a first step, you could remove the casing from your Sky HD
receiver and inspect the PSU. If your inspection shows any of
the capacitors are bulging, you can be reasonably certain that
the symptoms are caused by a failing PSU. If so, replacement
capacitors or a replacement PSU circuit board will probably
resolve the problem.

Satcure, who sell suitable capacitors have an excellent
reputation. Satcure also supply reconditioned PSU circuit
boards (on an exchange basis). I have no knowledge of Steve
Towell's repair service. However, his impressive website does
state that he uses Satcure repair kits.

If you are in the UK, the other alternative is to book a Sky
service call (which used to cost £65). I don't know whether that
price has changed, following the increase in VAT. A Sky service
call should include a full check of your system (including dish
alignment and cabling, etc). The price includes all parts and
labour and if the Sky service engineer diagnoses a faulty
receiver, he will exchange it for a new or reconditioned one
(depending upon what is on his van). Parts and labour are
guaranteed for 3 months.

Bob Lucas wrote:
"Tim Walters" wrote in message
...


"Bob Lucas" wrote in message
...



"Tim Walters" wrote in message
...
The playback of some programs on my digibox HD is jumpy with
small gaps. I've done a full system reset, but this has not
solved the problem. My question is: does this problem mean the
HD itself is damaged? If so, then it would make sense to think
that the damaged area(s) is/are in fixed place(s). In which
case, if I have a recorded program with jumps in it, I should
keep the program because this will reduce the chances of a new
program being recorded over a damaged sector. If, on the other
hand, the jumpiness is not caused by damaged sectors but by a
software problem, then deleting a bad recording might be the
right thing to do.

Can someone explain to me exactly what causes jumpiness?

Thanks.




What is the make and model of your Sky HD?

Thomson 132_168
Version number: 4E2002
OS Version: 1.31B11
EPG Software Version: 5.08.6

Do you have any other symptoms?

Sometimes, while I'm watching a live program, there are brief
gaps in which a Channel Apology Picture appears for a second or
so. This might be some kind of weather problem, though. I've
noticed it only about 4 times.

Thanks

Your problem MIGHT be a symptom of impending hard drive failure.
However, it would be worth checking your dish and LNB, in case
they are slightly misaligned (or obstructed by foliage). Also,
check the download co-ax for damage or water penetration.

There is another possibility (or probability). Thomson fitted
substandard capacitors to the Power Supply unit of their Sky HD
receivers. Symptoms of a defective PSU include juddering picture
on playback, not locking onto the satellite signal, loss of
channels, etc. If your PSU is defective, the problem can only
get worse, until the receiver fails completely.

I do not recognise the model number 132_168. Is that number on
the system details screen or on the serial number plate?

I can tell you that the PSU problem affects many Thomson Sky+ and
Sky HD receiversm model numbers DSI6210, DSI8210 & DSI8215. You
will find further details at www.stevetowells.vispa.com and at
www.satcure.com/tech/thom_psu.htm.

As a first step, you could remove the casing from your Sky HD
receiver and inspect the PSU. If your inspection shows any of
the capacitors are bulging, you can be reasonably certain that
the symptoms are caused by a failing PSU. If so, replacement
capacitors or a replacement PSU circuit board will probably
resolve the problem.

Satcure, who sell suitable capacitors have an excellent
reputation. Satcure also supply reconditioned PSU circuit
boards (on an exchange basis). I have no knowledge of Steve
Towell's repair service. However, his impressive website does
state that he uses Satcure repair kits.

If you are in the UK, the other alternative is to book a Sky
service call (which used to cost £65). I don't know whether that
price has changed, following the increase in VAT. A Sky service
call should include a full check of your system (including dish
alignment and cabling, etc). The price includes all parts and
labour and if the Sky service engineer diagnoses a faulty
receiver, he will exchange it for a new or reconditioned one
(depending upon what is on his van). Parts and labour are
guaranteed for 3 months.

When my Thomson began to similarly play up - and then pack up completely, I
called out Sky. They told me they would replace my box with a reconditioned
one for a total call-out charge of £65. I wasn't too happy about the
reconditioned replacement but agreed to it.

When the Sky engineer visited he actually supplied a brand new Amstrad box -
and also went outside and replaced the LNB and re-aligned the dish. He took
away my old box - but left the old remote with me as a spare, and also let
me have the extra HDMI lead.

He told me he never supplied reconditioned boxes because they never lasted
long. How this ties in with Sky's claim that the box will be reconditioned I
don't know.

I was quite satisfied with my £65 worth - although the Thomson box should
never have failed in the first place.

--
Kev