Basil1503559642 Posted September 13, 2008 Posted September 13, 2008 Is no one buying the 7000 anymore? Hi They've been selling refubished units on Ebay for under $400 the last Month or so, if someone has the time and patience to deal with the idionsyncrasies and bugs it would seem like a good buy. The inexperienced and technically challenged however should pay the extra $300 and get the 7100 IMPO.
Elmo1 Posted September 14, 2008 Posted September 14, 2008 Hi They've been selling refubished units on Ebay for under $400 the last Month or so, if someone has the time and patience to deal with the idionsyncrasies and bugs it would seem like a good buy. The inexperienced and technically challenged however should pay the extra $300 and get the 7100 IMPO. hmmmm.....I was about to buy one of these from ebay but i'm not sure if I have the time and patience. What sort of experience and technical knowledge should one have to cope with it?
Basil1503559642 Posted September 14, 2008 Posted September 14, 2008 hmmmm.....I was about to buy one of these from ebay but i'm not sure if I have the time and patience. What sort of experience and technical knowledge should one have to cope with it? Hi I still have mine connected but its been an eventful journey over the last 18 Months, without getting into a war with the pro 7000 brigade some machines and Firm wares behaved better than others but for the most part its just been one FW and factory reset after another,each FW with its own problems. Its taken for granted on this Forum but basic computer skills and the ability to download FW and install on the Toppy v USB key would be all thats required along with a basic knowledge on how a PVR works to be able to get the basic functions of the Toppy working. The Ebay machines,whilst cheap, are refubished/returns/2nds etc so it would be a lottery to get a good one you would think, the 7100 is a new machine and so far it looks like the only major issue is the Ice guide so would be a much better buy IMPO.
Elmo1 Posted September 14, 2008 Posted September 14, 2008 Hi I still have mine connected but its been an eventful journey over the last 18 Months, without getting into a war with the pro 7000 brigade some machines and Firm wares behaved better than others but for the most part its just been one FW and factory reset after another,each FW with its own problems. Its taken for granted on this Forum but basic computer skills and the ability to download FW and install on the Toppy v USB key would be all thats required along with a basic knowledge on how a PVR works to be able to get the basic functions of the Toppy working. The Ebay machines,whilst cheap, are refubished/returns/2nds etc so it would be a lottery to get a good one you would think, the 7100 is a new machine and so far it looks like the only major issue is the Ice guide so would be a much better buy IMPO. Thanks Basil. I'll keep that in mind. Wanting things to be 'simple', I think I may bite the bullet and spend a bit more and go to something like the BW DPP1 or maybe the Tivo.
Vortical Posted September 14, 2008 Posted September 14, 2008 Thanks Basil. I'll keep that in mind. Wanting things to be 'simple', I think I may bite the bullet and spend a bit more and go to something like the BW DPP1 or maybe the Tivo. If you want something simple do not buy a beyonwiz pvr. You may be better off with Tivo, it does it's own updates.
50mxe20 Posted September 14, 2008 Posted September 14, 2008 C'mon guys the 7000 is not that bad. You just have to be prepared to so a factory reset every 6 weeks. It's not that hard.
Basil1503559642 Posted September 14, 2008 Posted September 14, 2008 Hi Yes Lyle some machines and Fw's seem more stable than others but some of the Ebay machines being sold at the moment still have March 07 FW which will be a problem for the inexperienced, HN Salesman i spoke to stated a customer said his(from Ebay) had November 06 FW,i didn't even know that existed. If this Fw(Nov. 06) does exist the Ebay machines must be part of the lot DPG offloaded just before Xmas. The Panny 300/500 recorders will also have auto FW updating via FTA broadcasts.
diesel Posted September 14, 2008 Posted September 14, 2008 (edited) The Panny 300/500 recorders will also have auto FW updating via FTA broadcasts. Basil, we do not (AFAIK) get over the air in Australia. I believe this happens in the UK, but in Oz, all Pana FW updates have been delivered by SD card. EDIT: Also, don't expect Panasonic to release FW updates to improve/add features...that's what new models are for From what I have seen over the past 2-3 years, they only seem to release FW if there is a fault with the product. So don't expect there to be the active FW support that you may get with Topfield, Homecast, Beyonwiz, TiVo etc. Edited September 14, 2008 by diesel
Elmo1 Posted September 14, 2008 Posted September 14, 2008 If you want something simple do not buy a beyonwiz pvr.You may be better off with Tivo, it does it's own updates. well...i think the update part may be simple enough. The biggest drawback on theTivo for me is the size of the HDD and the inability to utilise any external HDD for extra space. Hence me thinking about the BW. This PVR choice is becoming too.....hard. Maybe I have too much information and it's making my decision harder. Anyway, thanks again for the feedback.
Roger1503559812 Posted September 14, 2008 Posted September 14, 2008 well...i think the update part may be simple enough. The biggest drawback on theTivo for me is the size of the HDD and the inability to utilise any external HDD for extra space. Hence me thinking about the BW. This PVR choice is becoming too.....hard. Maybe I have too much information and it's making my decision harder. Anyway, thanks again for the feedback. After following this and other forums I decided on a 7000 and 3 weeks ago got one of Ebay for $390 delivered in 2 days to my front door. It came with FW version 80 installed (which I believe is probably the most stable option at the moment) and is working like a dream. The way I looked at it is that at less than $400, if it works for 1 to 2 years, I'll then be able to buy the 7100 (or whatever the next model will be) and I can guarantee that the retail price will be much less than it is now. Don't forget the 7000 was around $1100 new, and the competition is the PVR market is only going to grow which usually means cheaper prices. However, I also agree that Ebay can be a gamble, but if you pick a seller with a sound history they usually look after you if you have genuine problem IMO...
Basil1503559642 Posted September 14, 2008 Posted September 14, 2008 Basil, we do not (AFAIK) get over the air in Australia. I believe this happens in the UK, but in Oz, all Pana FW updates have been delivered by SD card. EDIT: Also, don't expect Panasonic to release FW updates to improve/add features...that's what new models are for From what I have seen over the past 2-3 years, they only seem to release FW if there is a fault with the product. So don't expect there to be the active FW support that you may get with Topfield, Homecast, Beyonwiz, TiVo etc. Hi I contacted Panny. Aust. v Email shortly after purchasing the 500 in early July to check some technical details,extened warranty,remote buttons sticking etc. and to my surprise a guy from customer support rang back a couple of Days later with all the info., i asked him about the FTA updates and he said "no updates are available but when implemented it will be v Channel 10 and to leave that option turned on(default) in the Menu". Like you however i'll believe it when i see it. I agree with your "EDIT" comments ,the Jap. multinationals are experts at marketing,but i can't believe Panny. put so many features in the 500 ,they would have sold just as many with a BD player ,the BD burner is a real bonus. Also after 2 Months use its been faultless, a real pleasure to operate, the only thing i miss from the Toppy is the backward skip and the PIP, otherwise i'll get my $1700 out of it no trouble at all.
unclewhimsy Posted September 15, 2008 Posted September 15, 2008 After following this and other forums I decided on a 7000 and 3 weeks ago got one of Ebay for $390 delivered in 2 days to my front door. It came with FW version 80 installed (which I believe is probably the most stable option at the moment) and is working like a dream. The way I looked at it is that at less than $400, if it works for 1 to 2 years, I'll then be able to buy the 7100 (or whatever the next model will be) and I can guarantee that the retail price will be much less than it is now.Don't forget the 7000 was around $1100 new, and the competition is the PVR market is only going to grow which usually means cheaper prices. However, I also agree that Ebay can be a gamble, but if you pick a seller with a sound history they usually look after you if you have genuine problem IMO... I too have the latest FW update. I updated when it was released and the unit has been working flawlessly ever since! Must admit it was a hard job convincing myself to not get rid of it during the past 18 months but I'm glad I kept it.
cunderwood Posted September 17, 2008 Posted September 17, 2008 Just bought one of these off ebay. Working perfectly out of the box, but did a firmware upgrade anyway. Under $400 delivered to the door, only 3 months warranty though, I'm a happy camper. Is very stable and very easy to use, only took the wife 5 minutes to learn which must be good.
Jedi Joe Posted October 25, 2008 Posted October 25, 2008 Hi, I've got myslef a 7000pvr and am having a few issues. 1. I cannot put the player on standby as when i turn it back on it loses all channels and i have to do a signal search again everytime. 2. No EPG or program info is available. Im hopping these may be fixed with FW, can someone please tell me where i can find the latest FW and do i have to do FW upgrades in stages or simply install the latest one? Any other thoughts on how to solve these problems would be great. Thanks!
diesel Posted October 25, 2008 Posted October 25, 2008 You can update from your current FW to the latest. You don't need to load up progressive FWs. Try the iTopfield site for FW
Jedi Joe Posted October 26, 2008 Posted October 26, 2008 You can update from your current FW to the latest. You don't need to load up progressive FWs. Try the iTopfield site for FW Thanks mate, Updated FW and all problems fixed
ridecwb Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 I have had a TF5000 for about 4 years now and it has been fantastic. Looking to maybe update to HD and noticed the TF7000 going for $399 at Clive Peeters. This seems like a very good price! Are most of the initial issues sorted out with these now? Ridecwb
arc888 Posted November 30, 2008 Posted November 30, 2008 (edited) Most of the issues have been fixed or are rare enough not to cause too much grief. If you're in a good reception area then the only issue you're likely to experience on the latest firmware (99.84R5) will be the incomplete/missing EPG. Edited November 30, 2008 by arc888
Basil1503559642 Posted December 1, 2008 Posted December 1, 2008 I have had a TF5000 for about 4 years now and it has been fantastic.Looking to maybe update to HD and noticed the TF7000 going for $399 at Clive Peeters. This seems like a very good price! Are most of the initial issues sorted out with these now? Ridecwb Hi There not as bad as some people say but there not good either, at $300-$400 there a good buy as you can get the basic features working OK. However if you want a Toppy i still think it's better to pay the extra $'s and get the 7100,overall much more stable and still being developed by Topfield as opposed to the 7000 which is in limbo. Main problem i found with the later Fw's for the 7000 was judder in Rec. playback, some machines it was OK others very pronounced but once your seen PJ it ruins the viewing experience as you are always looking for it to occur.
n1ck Posted December 5, 2008 Posted December 5, 2008 Im thinking about buying the 7000... just a few questions about it. I currently have the dg-hd160pvr but have alot of problems outputting the shows onto an external hdd... will the toppy facilitate this and is it a fairly easy process? the dgtec is extremely complicated. for files over 2gb will it break up the files into smaller parts? will i need to have a completely blank, formatted hdd to transfer every file onto? because thats what i need for the dgtec. the firmware im guessing is pretty simple... just download it onto a usb stick and plug it into the back of the box. are there any drawbacks to the latest fw update? the epg guide... i currently subscribe to icetv fpr my dgtec and update it weekly... is there an inbuilt epg or will i need to continue my subscription? any help on these topics would be greatly appreciated! Cheers- Nick
Basil1503559642 Posted December 5, 2008 Posted December 5, 2008 Im thinking about buying the 7000... just a few questions about it.I currently have the dg-hd160pvr but have alot of problems outputting the shows onto an external hdd... will the toppy facilitate this and is it a fairly easy process? the dgtec is extremely complicated. for files over 2gb will it break up the files into smaller parts? will i need to have a completely blank, formatted hdd to transfer every file onto? because thats what i need for the dgtec. the firmware im guessing is pretty simple... just download it onto a usb stick and plug it into the back of the box. are there any drawbacks to the latest fw update? the epg guide... i currently subscribe to icetv fpr my dgtec and update it weekly... is there an inbuilt epg or will i need to continue my subscription? any help on these topics would be greatly appreciated! Cheers- Nick Hi Nick there's a heap of info on what your asking on the iTopfield Forum(and also the old Topfield Forum.) Depending on FW ,transferring files to the external HDD can be iffy,EPG can be iffy, HDMI conection can be iffy and when updating FW you have to be careful you don't "brick it" ie it gets stuck on run. However if you have the time and patience you can get the basic features working OK but as an owner of a 7000 i would strongly urge you to get the 7100 for the sake of a couple hundred $.
n1ck Posted December 5, 2008 Posted December 5, 2008 Thanks for that, mate. I must admit im really no expert on the pvrs and the 'iffyness' of this product has me abit worried... I think the 7100 is still a fair bit more expensive so i doubt i can afford that one!
diesel Posted December 5, 2008 Posted December 5, 2008 Hi Nick there's a heap of info on what your asking on the iTopfield Forum(and also the old Topfield Forum.) Depending on FW ,transferring files to the external HDD can be iffy,EPG can be iffy, HDMI conection can be iffy and when updating FW you have to be careful you don't "brick it" ie it gets stuck on run. However if you have the time and patience you can get the basic features working OK but as an owner of a 7000 i would strongly urge you to get the 7100 for the sake of a couple hundred $. Not a glowing recommendation there Basil. N1ck. You can utilise your current subscription to IceTV on the 7100, or FTA EPG.
n1ck Posted December 5, 2008 Posted December 5, 2008 Cheers Diesel. Obviously the 7100 is the better machine, and if I had the dosh id probably go with it... but on a limited budget is the 7000 worth looking at still?
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