Multichoice recently released their long-awaited HD PVR software update which promised to fix many of the bugs which frustrated early adopters of the technology.<\/p>\n
The update was released on Thursday, addressing the following problems with the service: Random loss of all recordings, problems when using the standby option, channel numbers being incorrectly allocated, performance of fast forward\/rewind, random loading of SuperSport Active and general stability issues.<\/p>\n
Consumer complaints<\/strong> <\/p>\n Consumer feedback suggests, however, that the firmware update was a let down. According to some HD PVR subscribers the update did not solve many of the most pressing issues.<\/p>\n “This so-called update has fixed very little … some of the most irritating problems they hinted at fixing were clearly not addressed,” said one DSTV subscriber.<\/p>\n One of the biggest complaints is the electronic programming guide (EPG) which is said to load very slowly in some cases, provides inaccurate information and is sometimes not stored with a recording.<\/p>\n The continued problems with the HD PVR prompted some subscribers to replace their new high definition decoders with the older SD PVR. <\/p>\n “I returned my HD PVR to Multichoice and set about fighting for an older SD PVR. After much resistance, I managed to get it right. I can’t wait to get home and plug in a real decoder again and actually enjoy a PVR that works,” said a DSTV subscriber.<\/p>\n Many HD PVR subscribers have, however, welcomed the software update, reporting that their decoder was now more responsive and less buggy. “I am very happy with the upgrade so far. It definitely has improved the machine,” said one subscriber in the DSTV forums.<\/p>\n More updates on the way<\/strong><\/p>\n Multichoice said that it expected to do another forced download early this week as it appeared that not all HD PVR customers had received the software download last week. <\/p>\n There will also be another forced download within the coming month which is expected to address many of remaining issues.<\/p>\n MultiChoice also urged HD PVR clients to ensure that their HD PVR installation was correct. “Many of the queries, complaints and even ‘bugs’ that we receive from our customer logs are actually caused by faulty installations or equipment (from dish alignment to faulty multi-switches to incomplete installations),” MultiChoice said.<\/p>\n