Humax icord - questions

[robst3]

Am thinking of buying this but have a few questions:

a) Can it record an encrypted channel and view/record FTA channel at the same time?

b) After descrambling an encrypted channel from media list to play it, do you need to keep descrambling to view it, or is it done just once?

c) I already have a HUMAX PVR-9200T terrestrial reciever, will the remote for this interfere with the icord remote?

d) I emailed Humax UK and they said the icord is not being released in the UK - is that a problem in terms of language menus/mains plug type and a valid warranty?

e) where would you recommend I buy it from?

f) Can the icord pick up FREESAT uk stuff if pointed to 28.2?

g) Could I use one tuner for HOTBIRD (13) and the other for FREESAT (28.2)?

Also, if you own this machine any other information you think I should know would be useful.

Many thanks

[satuser]

Originally Posted by robst3

Am thinking of buying this but have a few questions:

a) Can it record an encrypted channel and view/record FTA channel at the same time?

b) After descrambling an encrypted channel from media list to play it, do you need to keep descrambling to view it, or is it done just once?

c) I already have a HUMAX PVR-9200T terrestrial reciever, will the remote for this interfere with the icord remote?

d) I emailed Humax UK and they said the icord is not being released in the UK - is that a problem in terms of language menus/mains plug type and a valid warranty?

e) where would you recommend I buy it from?

f) Can the icord pick up FREESAT uk stuff if pointed to 28.2?

g) Could I use one tuner for HOTBIRD (13) and the other for FREESAT (28.2)?

Also, if you own this machine any other information you think I should know would be useful.

Many thanks

Humax are about to release a dual tuner HD PVR for freesat based on the ICORD, suggest you wait for that, hear that its cheaper too.

[Ghitulescu]

Originally Posted by satuser

Humax are about to release a dual tuner HD PVR for freesat based on the ICORD, suggest you wait for that, hear that its cheaper too.

I'm afraid this post was not really an answer since it answered NONE of the posed questions.

I do know the answer for only one question:
-the iCord HD can decode a paytv-channel to HDD and the program can be seen afterwards unrestricted (no decoder/card needed). It has to be the current channel unless a new firmware would/already had solve/d this. Parallel decoding (one card - two programs) is not fully supported (depends on the CAM, card, provider etc.), again depending on the firmware.
What iCord cannot do is to decode an already recorded program.
In short, it cannot do what I'm currently doing: I watch upstairs a show with my card while my Topfield records the same downstairs - the same month (= same keys) I put the card in Topfield and recopy the show with the inserted card - the copy is now fully decoded and can be freely watched and/or transferred to PC via USB for further processing.

I have to say that I do not have yet a Humax, I know these from Humax fora, since I planned to buy one. The issues above bother me until I'll find a sort of card-sharing solution.

Good luck,
Ghitulescu

PS: I've seen on eBay iCords comming from UK, so it must be sold there somewhere.

[Ghitulescu]

Originally Posted by satuser

Humax are about to release a dual tuner HD PVR for freesat based on the ICORD, suggest you wait for that, hear that its cheaper too.

There is also a Humax from Premiere, named PDR iCord. However, it has two major drawbacks (maybe more):
-Premiere does not allow a PVR to save the recorded programs elsewhere (even letting them record was a major breakthru) - in the end you have to delete old recording to gain space for the new ones
Yes it has both USB and LAN connections, but they serve only for updates - don't get tricked!!!!
-has a enormous standby wattage, because Premiere (like other settopboxes from the providers) needs to have ALWAYS the LNB energised (ie even in stdby the receiver is able to get data).

I assume that any other Humax coming from a paytv provider (like "Certified for Premiere") is somehow nuttered. Beware!

[Ghitulescu]

[quote=Ghitulescu;241468]

What iCord cannot do is to decode an already recorded program.
quote]
Update: it can in firmware .17 to decrypt a scrambled channel, but it will do it in real time, so it better does this overnight. provided of course that the keys haven't changed.