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Permalink Reply by Biggles on June 24, 2015 at 13:21

Depending how long you've had it take it back to the retailer and ask for repair or replacement under the CGA. You could check with Consumer regarding how long it should last but I would expect 10 yrs at least without problems. In view of the fact it's been faulty since new you should have taken it back a long time ago.

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Permalink Reply by Bill McMurray on June 24, 2015 at 15:13

Hi Leon,

Dish TV in Hamilton here are the National sales and support for Magic TV boxes, so give them a call on 07-929-4123. I'm sure they'll be able to repair it, or supply a new front panel.

Our experience out in the field here shows that some cheap receivers (satellite and terrestrial) are only lasting one or two years, while better quality satellite receivers have been lasting five to seven years.

Terrestrial has only been around just over four years so we haven't really seen any good quality boxes, like the Magic, breaking down yet; But I would suggest that ten years use from a receiver  may be a little bit optimistic.

Cheers, Bill.

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Permalink Reply by willis on June 24, 2015 at 23:56

terrestial or freeview hd started in 2008 or 7 years ago

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Permalink Reply by Biggles on June 25, 2015 at 9:28

Terrestrial has only been around just over four years so we haven't really seen any good quality boxes, like the Magic, breaking down yet; But I would suggest that ten years use from a receiver  may be a little bit optimistic.

I don't think so. Willis is quite correct.  It's been around now for over 7 yrs.

I bought my first Terrestrial HD box back in Mid-2008 and have been watching HD ever since. HD has been around now since April 2008 here in Auckland. My first 2 boxes (Zinwell) died after 2 yrs and another brand (HDT801)after 3 yrs. 1st one was replace under CGA and the others I just dumped as I bought a Panasonic. Most STB are Chinese made rubbish and don't seem to last more than 2 -3 yrs and also seem to have been plagued with problems. Therefore they fail to meet the requirements of the CGA. If more people kept claiming repairs and replacements under the CGA then perhaps the Manufacturers might get the message and improve their quality. On the other hand the high end equipment such as my Panasonic has given me no problems over the last 4 - 5 years. IMO if a STB won't last more than 3 - 5 yrs then it's not fit for the purpose. If you want reliability and long service then get a well known brand Recorder or a TV that has recording to HDD capability. I expect my Panasonic Recorder and Sony TV to last well in excess of 10yrs.

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Permalink Reply by willis on June 27, 2015 at 1:30

trouble is the goalposts keep getting moved as more and more extras are added

so maybe its not so bad that stb s under $100 commit suicide after 2-3 years

and they are usually easy to fix provided you know one end of a soldering iron from the other

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Permalink Reply by Bill McMurray on June 27, 2015 at 10:51

Sorry Willis and Biggles - My mistake.

I should have said Terrestrial receivers have really only been around in great numbers for four years. We only really started installing terrestrial receivers in 2011. Prior to that people were buying up large the "flash new TVs with Freeview built in".

Now back to the topic!

Leon, did you contact DishTV?

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Permalink Reply by Leon on June 27, 2015 at 19:24

i did a factory reset and after that it started working again

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