The infuriating iQ2 recording problem that just won’t go away...
We asked Foxtel why the iQ/iQ2 still continues to cut off shows that go over schedule, and they’ve responded with this work-around. However, their proposed solution is not the long awaited cure-all.
The Joy of recording with iQ
It's that soul searching, empty feeling which comes with missing the last 10 minutes of that amazing season ending TV show. It's that incredible final period of sporting overtime you never saw. And it's the twist ending to that Oscar winning film you’ve been waiting to see since...forever. So chances are, if you own a Foxtel iQ or iQ2 recording device, you’ve already experienced one of these situations for yourself. For many, it’s a very, very annoying senario.
Is Foxtel listening?
Yes and no. By now, those iQ/iQ2 horror stories of ‘missing recording time’ have become synonymous with the much heralded Foxtel recording device. We’re not against the iQ service by any means – it works brilliantly most of the time – and usually when your TV programme arrives right on time.
But for those 'other times' (and there’s plenty of them, trust us), it’s fairly naive to expect television programmes to actually start on schedule. It seems especially bad amongst the tricky commercial stations, whom seem to purposely shuffle their programme line-up past the scheduled starting time in order to somehow invent better ratings.
Your number one iQ problem is ours too
After to speaking to numerous readers who are Foxtel iQ pundits themselves, we’ve found the problem is percieved as the number one usability complaint against the service. Unfortunately, it’s not like we have much choice in the matter either – a standalone PVR hardly works as well as the iQ2 and TIVO won’t even work with Foxtel at all.
One of the great features of the iQ2 service is that you can record up to 3 programmes simultaneously. We’re yet to see a three tuner enabled PVR with the ability to understand Foxtels digital feed and make enough sense to record from it. For that recording benefit alone, the new iQ2 can work wonders for your viewing pleasure. So what about those minutes being cut off?
How the iQ records
The iQ/iQ2 devices are in dire need of overhauling. Currently, Foxtel iQ/iQ2 records via selecting a time code. By comparison, the TiVo, which masquerades as the PVR free-to-air king operates by recording either the programme or the time code as a dual user option - a much more reliable method.
Foxtel answers, we listen
We asked a Foxtel spokesperson about any potential work-around, and unfortunately the best solution they could offer was to place a 10 minute extension on the recording length for every recorded programme. This recording extension would then be standard on all shows being recorded from then on.
It’s certainly a step in the right direction, but it doesn’t help those programs which start at the wrong recorded time and finishes later than the maximum 10 minute extension allows for. A 20 minute buffer would have been a much safer and smarter bet.
Official Foxtel iQ/iQ2 fix-it (10 minute exetension)
How to set the iQ and iQ2 to record extra time at the end of a program to reduce cutting off the ends:
iQ: ACTIVE / SYSTEM SET UP / FOXTEL iQ SET UP / ADD TO END OF RECORDING
Select from either AUTO - 0 MIN - 1 MIN - 2 MIN - 5 MIN - 10 MIN
Save New Settings
iQ2: ACTIVE / SYSTEM SET UP / FOXTEL iQ2 SET UP / ADD TO END OF RECORDING
Select from either AUTO - 0 MIN - 1 MIN - 2 MIN - 5 MIN - 10 MIN
Save New Settings
How long does the extra time go for?
iQ: Up to 10 minutes
iQ2: Up to 10 minutes
What we would like to see in the future from the iQ devices
Recording to be made via the programme or the time code, similar to the TiVO. This would allow any given programme to be recorded when it starts; and allow for delays. We would like to see these changes undertaken in the next firmware update to the system. A 20 minute buffer to the recording system may also be the second best work-around.
Thoughts on this article? Add a comment below.
Comments: 6
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masseysinoz
Oct 30, 2008 12:26 PM
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I agree, it is a pain in the arse! I have the 10 minute buffer set but was still missing the last few minutes of Heroes or Prison break...so instead, I simply record the following program as well!!! Not ideal, but better than nothing.
Comment made about the PC Authority article:
The infuriating iQ2 recording problem that just won’t go away...?
We asked Foxtel why the iQ/iQ2 still continues to cut off shows that go over schedule, and they’ve responded with this work-around. However, their solution is not the long awaited cure-all.
What do you think? Join the discussion. |
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simonkingston
Nov 3, 2008 1:31 AM
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For recording the commercial stations with their terrible finish times, you can always do full manual recording, on both IQ's.
You can put in the channel, start time, finish time, to record it once, weekly, Mon-Fri, or everyday. |
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logobot
Nov 3, 2008 3:57 PM
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Considering Foxtel can update their IQ Unit software remotely, why don't they just change the extension to 20 or 30 minutes.
Note 1: This 10 minute extension has always been there. So nothing new offered by Foxtel re this problem.
Note 2: It's not just commercial stations. I've been hit by sports programs on Fox sports or ESPN that have run into overtime. Despite this added excitement you don't get to see it!
Note 3: Manually programming Channel start time, finish time, etc. loses the elegance when searching through your recorded planner. |
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rtapp56
Nov 3, 2008 10:56 PM
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However adding buffer times has a serious disadvantage!
It utilises a tuner and therefore prevents one from starting to record other programs scheduled to start when the original program was scheduled to finish.
So if program A is scheduled for 7:30 to 8:30 and programs B and C are scheduled for 8:30 to 9:30, on a twin tuner IQ, program C won't record at 8:30 because program A is still using a tuner for the 10 or 20 minutes of buffer time. :-( |
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logobot
Nov 20, 2008 9:39 AM
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Buffer times are only limited by the amount of tuners available. Sure there can be a clash, but the same can be said when there's 3 programs you want to record at the same time.
Basically, it should not be hard to give the User the ability to decide what they want to do. And Foxtel know their live sports programs run overtime frequently, but continue to do nothing for their customers.
Interesting Note: If you call their support number, most of the options result in an automated message saying they are now upgrading your software. Call back if you have problems after this 'upgrade'.
This sounds like a wonderful opportunity to 'upgrade' customer IQ's for a 20 or 30 minute extension.
One last rant: I cannot believe PC Authority accepted the above response without quizzing them further. To be told about a feature that's been there since day one and describe it as "Official Foxtel iQ/iQ2 fix-it", is utter rubbish. And to sat "It’s certainly a step in the right direction" is a slap in the face for the most rudimentary Foxtel IQ User.
Daniel Long - Lift your game. |
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turbodewd
Nov 20, 2008 11:14 PM
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Windows Media Center - 4 tuners, free downloads, when you want! :^)
Less content than Foxtel :^(
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