Freeview programme when recording not in sync with real time

We usually have several programmes set up to record week after week without any problems and that has been great. However, since last week (after daylight saving) we have programmes NOT recording accurately as the timing is all over the show. This has affected TV1, TV2 and Choice. When we check why things haven't recorded it appears as though the programme is scheduled to record at all sorts of weird times. In all other ways the programmes are fine and the recorder is fine.

We are using a Panasonic Freeview DVD recorder. Last time something like this happened and TV3 News was set up but wouldn't record we were told it was the recorder but it was resolved by Freeview. Any thoughts as to when this problem will be resolved so we can have harmony in our home again? Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Bob Mirams on April 17, 2013 at 20:32

Hi, this sounds alarmingly like the problem in 'Recording Problem (April 2013)’ that was posted a couple of days ago by Bel. Appears to be some stuff-up in the Panasonic machine's software... We are in their hands!

Permalink Reply by Pete C on April 18, 2013 at 18:30

I have just joined the freeview forum to post about this very topic. We bought a Panasonic DMR-BWT720 in February and we are also having the same recording problems. It was all good before daylight saving but after daylight saving we noticed it started recording Shortland St 1 hour late or not at all. MKR was also affected other but other programmes have not been affected. I checked the recorders time which was reading right. We cancelled the existing recording setup and then set them up again. Seems to be ok but now worried will miss things like the league test tomorrow night on Prime which I have only one shot at recording.

I emailed Panasonic NZ through their website but have had no reply. There are no firmware updates for this model on the Panasonic site at present. I'm happy to load an update but it would be good to know if this is the fix.

It would also be be good to understand the mechanics of how the recorder is signalled to start recording. Does this come from Freeview or TV stations or neither...

I would also like to know if the time added to the beginning and end of programmes is something that will change to just the programme being recorded. As we are now all digital I was surprised when it added the extra times just as we did with our old VHS tape. Does anyone know if this will change?

Cheers

Permalink Reply by derriaghy on April 18, 2013 at 20:15

Oops, just got the same problems again tonight and thank goodness we double checked schedule. We have a similar panasonic and it is usually brilliant so hopefully this is a bug which can be easily fixed. We aren't attached to the internet for our TV/DVD so can not do firmware update.

As for the additional few minutes before and after the recorded programme, that is a keeper but you can go into certain settings to alter it. We did, but then reverted to the default couple of minutes. We often get a ! symbol saying maybe the item may not record properly if it overlaps the next programme but it has always been fine.

I haven't emailed Panasonic but might just do that with the photo of problem. Usually their helpdesk is helpful. Fingers crossed we have it sorted before the league.

And I've no idea about how the signal gets to us... I just like it to work :)

Heather

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Permalink Reply by Pete C on April 18, 2013 at 20:44

I'm pretty sure you can download firmware updates to a USB stick via you PC/laptop and plug that into your DVD to load it in. We dont have ours connected to internet as yet either so thats what I will do if and when there is an update.

Permalink Reply by derriaghy on April 18, 2013 at 22:01

Great, thanks for that info. If and when it's sorted I'll give it a try.

Permalink Reply by James Marsh on April 22, 2013 at 15:27

Seams like a lot of viewers are in the same boat. It appears to only effect TV1 &TV2. Before you start putting the blame on Panasonic, I have been in touch with them and they are doing all they can to sort out the problem. Maybe Freeview should look at there system also as I believe that they recently changed their programming and it could be at their end. Whatever happens, I feel that Panasonic and Freeview should have a sit down meeting and together they should be able to come up with a solution.

Permalink Reply by derriaghy on April 22, 2013 at 15:49

Absolutely correct. Freeview were pretty fast to say it wasn't them and flick the blame elsewhere. It's usually a robust system and will take sometime to get confidence back in recording through Freeview.

Permalink Reply by Rabbit on April 22, 2013 at 17:33

I had the older Panasonic hard drive recorder for years and have updated to the newer Freeview model and are having some of the same recording issues. I've emailed Panasonic and this is their reply:

We are aware of the current issue relating to the Timer Recordings booked Via the EPG. This issue isn’t just affecting our units, it is affecting any recorder (Regardless of make), that books a recording using the EPG. This is due to the way the broadcast is being sent, and is not an issue with the recorder. You can get around this by removing all timer recordings created via the EPG, and reprograming them as ‘Manual Timer Recordings’

So who is the broadcaster, they may want to comment.....!!!!

But in the meantime I have gone back to manual timer recording as have done so for many years.

Permalink Reply by Pete C on April 22, 2013 at 17:48

Here is my reply from Panasonic... along the same lines as Rabbit.

"Good news, there is nothing wrong with your unit (Though I'm sure it appears otherwise), the issue resides with the way that the EPG (Electronic Program Guide) data is being sent out.
The recorders use the EPG data to point them to the correct time and day slot to record from, if this data is broadcast incorrectly, you will have an experience much like what you are getting.
We are currently working with Freeview to try cure this broadcast issue, but at this time don't have an ETA.
We do on the other hand, have a work around. If you remove any recordings made via the EPG, and create them using the 'Manual Timer Recording', they will then function as normal."

Permalink Reply by James Marsh on April 23, 2013 at 10:12

This idea makes sense, however the instructions from the operating book are sometimes confusing, so here is a breakdown of what to do.

To do a manual recording

Press Programme Check

Go to New Timer Programme

Press OK

On red bar

Select All Digital Programmes

Put in Channel Number, then >

Green bar to read Date

Put in Day/Date, then >

Start, put in Start time, then >

Stop, put in Stop time, then >

Input Name, press OK

Put in programme name

Press Stop key (Set ■ )

< back a page

Press OK

This will show the programme to be recorded

Pete C said:

Here is my reply from Panasonic... along the same lines as Rabbit.

"Good news, there is nothing wrong with your unit (Though I'm sure it appears otherwise), the issue resides with the way that the EPG (Electronic Program Guide) data is being sent out.
The recorders use the EPG data to point them to the correct time and day slot to record from, if this data is broadcast incorrectly, you will have an experience much like what you are getting.
We are currently working with Freeview to try cure this broadcast issue, but at this time don't have an ETA.
We do on the other hand, have a work around. If you remove any recordings made via the EPG, and create them using the 'Manual Timer Recording', they will then function as normal."

Permalink Reply by Craig McK on April 24, 2013 at 19:26

Thanks to these posts as I too are having these issues. I will resort to manual recording as suggested until otherwise advised.

Permalink Reply by enalp on April 24, 2013 at 20:47

Exact same reply I got.

Pete C said:

Here is my reply from Panasonic... along the same lines as Rabbit.

"Good news, there is nothing wrong with your unit (Though I'm sure it appears otherwise), the issue resides with the way that the EPG (Electronic Program Guide) data is being sent out.
The recorders use the EPG data to point them to the correct time and day slot to record from, if this data is broadcast incorrectly, you will have an experience much like what you are getting.
We are currently working with Freeview to try cure this broadcast issue, but at this time don't have an ETA.
We do on the other hand, have a work around. If you remove any recordings made via the EPG, and create them using the 'Manual Timer Recording', they will then function as normal."