Want to be able to record every episode of your favorite TV Programs with just the click of a button? Now you can – STRONG introduces SSR for Digital Video Recorders.
So what is SSR? When you bring up the EPG (Electronic Program Guide) on your DVR and select the program you wish to record, you then select the SSR option and your DVR will search the EPG for the program title and automatically record future episodes. The Program Title is embedded in the EPG text broadcasted by the Networks. So if your ‘Show’ is on channel 2 at 8:30 pm every Monday night and suddenly changes to 7:30pm on Wednesday night, your DVR will record it for you, on future episodes.
Please note that if a program is already set to record (initial recording) and the Broadcasters suddenly change to start 15 mins later, this will not be picked by your DVR, but future recordings will. So it is best to leave lead in and out set on your DVR.
Smart Series recording available from DVR EPG
Initially launched on the SRT 7000, it is now available (or will be very shortly) on most STRONG DVRs; SRT 5495A/T, SRT 5498, SRT 5495/5492 etc. A simple update of software will bring this feature to life on your current DVR. Visit http://www.strong.com.au/software.html for the latest software update for your model.
Cheers STRONG Social Team
$author many thanks for an interesting and informative blog. You have been bookmarked for future reference!
Posted by Satellite Repair Services | November 25, 2011, 12:14 PMI’d constantly want to be update on new content on this site, saved to bookmarks!
Posted by Virginie | November 25, 2011, 12:18 PMEven after this upgrade this firmware is still very unintuitive and downright cumbersome to use. Are your engineers ever actually using these devices?
Posted by Tony | December 5, 2011, 1:07 AMHi, we’re open to feedback so please give us some examples of how you think we can improve. Which model do you do the software update?
Posted by strongaustralia | December 5, 2011, 10:44 AMHi thanks for your reply. I actually conveyed my concerns about the 5495A immediately after purchase to Gavin Gardiner-Smith. I didn’t have the impression then, that there was any interest in my feedback, but it seems that (six months later) the ‘standby after..’ issue (see the important point 1.) may have been solved because of my and probably other feedbacks.
1. *I see that you fixed one of the main issues: Automatic Standby after xy Hours idle.* It remains in the setup now, where before it didn’t stick.
So I don’t have to chose between “ON or OFF after recording” when setting a timer, which was particularly annoying in Chase Play, as the machine didn’t realise that someone was actually watching a timer programmed feature, and switched off while I was watching. The only alternative was to leave timer entries on “ON after finished recording” and waste a lot of power.
2. Why can’t I set a bookmark without the timeline being visible?
3. No matter how I set up the audio there seems to be no way to have the same volume between SD and HD channels. (using optical digital out)
4. When I start a recording (default 3 hrs) and want to limit the time to the feature that’s running by pressing record again, I have to select a time although the machine knows from the EPG what’s running and even lists it, but doesn’t give me the option to select it.
5. Very annoying is that, when listing recorded files, every recording you point at actually starts playing. Mute at least the sound.
6. When I watch in Chase Play (show still on and recording) and want to stop watching it for it for a while, it won’t remember the spot I stopped. I’ll have to set a bookmark to find that timeline spot later again quickly, or I have to scroll through the whole recording looking for the scene where I quit watching. The STOP key should in this case stop Play only, and set a memory point instead of asking me whether I want to stop recording. This should only happen after I pressed the STOP key again.
7. When deleting files it should leave the multiple file delete mode after deleting one or more files.
8. When you transfer files you can’t watch at the same time.
9. Transfer over IP is very slow. I never use it any more. Particularly since I can’t watch anything at the same time.
Transferring is important as I use the AV input to digitise older VCR tapes. In that contents it is also annoying that recordings are chopped up into 2GB (from memory) pieces I later have to glue together again.
10. Could not find a key that gets me to the beginning or end of a recoding in one go.
11. When programming the time in a timer I have to type in every digit. Can’t go forward/backward with cursor keys. Very annoying since the remote control keys are spongy and you have to point precisely at the PVR to make it work. Miss a digit and you have to start again.
*In fact, the remote control is so hopeless that I am not using it any more, just my Logitch Harmony one. It works from much wider angles and greater distance and has proper keys.*
12. A timer record, once set, will always list the resulting recordings with the name of the show it had initially. When at any later stage the programme has changed and a different show has been recorded, it still lists it under this name. Should chose the name of the actually recorded show taken from EPG.
I realise that every person has different habits and priorities, but point 1 was a really bad one.
There are probably more niggles but that’s what came to mind now.
I suppose anyone who has had a Topfield before must be feeling the same way. They aren’t without problems either, but their handling is much smother.
A *good* thing I can say about the 5495A is that it actually physically runs well (except for the remote control) for what I use it for, I had only very few crashes.
Also, the AV input is a major positive, very good selling point.
Now that you fixed the standby issue and added the Smart Series function I may even hang on to it:)
Thanks
Tony
Posted by Tony | December 5, 2011, 1:13 PMHi Tony,
Thanks for your feedback, I will pass your comments onto the production team. This things can’t always be remedied on current/previous models, but I am sure that your comments will be looked at in reference to future software updates/new models.
Posted by strongaustralia | December 5, 2011, 1:33 PMHi, we’re open to feedback so please give us some examples of how we can improve. Which model did you do the software update?
Posted by strongaustralia | December 5, 2011, 10:44 AMThe Smart Series function is great, thanks.
I tested the Standby function.
When I set it on “standby after 2 hours”
it takes it literally. It doesn’t care if there is a recording running.
It doesn’t even save anything and just shuts down.
I would have assumed that shut down after 2 hours means shut down after “2 hours idle”.
Recording a show is not idle in my book.
It also still shuts down if a recording is finished that happens to be set on ‘shut down after recording’, even while I am playing another file.
Hey, can I offer the Strong company my consulting services for software quality control?
Posted by Tony | December 18, 2011, 4:00 PMHi Tony,
was this the Smart Series Record on the new SRT 7000, or software updated on another model? I will report this to tech, but i will need to know what model you are running.
Was this a once off or does it do it all the time?
Posted by strongaustralia | December 19, 2011, 7:54 AMIt’s a 5495A I updated.
First I thought I made a mistake but then it happened again.
See also my comments in an earlier post.
Chase Play is really not well supported.
Thanks
Tony
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi Tony, was this the Smart Series Record on the new SRT 7000, or software updated on another model? I will report this to tech, but i will need to know what model you are running. Was this a once off or does it do it all the time?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The Smart Series function is great, thanks.
I tested the Standby function.
When I set it on “standby after 2 hours”
it takes it literally. It doesn’t care if there is a recording running.
It doesn’t even save anything and just shuts down.
I would have assumed that shut down after 2 hours means shut down after “2 hours idle”.
Recording a show is not idle in my book.
It also still shuts down if a recording is finished that happens to be set on ‘shut down after recording’, even while I am playing another file.
Hey, can I offer the Strong company my consulting services for software quality control?
Posted by Tony | December 19, 2011, 1:12 PMthanks Tony, noted I will pass your comments on
Posted by strongaustralia | December 19, 2011, 2:42 PMThanks, and while you are about it, there is another issue, with the AV input. When recording from a VCR there are drop-outs, which is to be expected. However, the 5495A switches to blue screen when the signal is lost for a certain time and does not come back to recording the VCR signal, even after it recovered form the drop-out. The recording has has to be manually re-started or only blue screen is being recorded. It could be a hardware issue with my machine but I doubt it. Maybe someone can investigate.
Thanks
Tony
Posted by Tony | February 2, 2012, 5:28 PMHi Tony,
i have referred your comments onto technical for further assistance
Posted by strongaustralia | February 3, 2012, 9:48 AMhow do i locate sound ic on my my strong machine 4663
Posted by chukwuemeka | June 11, 2012, 2:54 PMHi, please contact our technical department; email – tech@strong.com.au
Posted by strongaustralia | June 18, 2012, 11:27 AMHi im steve, at the moment i need help when i turn the recorder of and go back to watching the tv i get snowing no picture what is the problem can you help.
Posted by steve | December 10, 2011, 8:49 AMWhen the recorder goes to “power saving mode” it doesn’t send a TV signal to the TV.
You can fix it by using a splitter to send a signal to the TV from the antenna and to the recorder. .
Or you can try this:
(on a 5492 anyway)
push “menu” button on remote control
go to system settings
go to front panel settings
go to standby mode …… set it to “normal”.
You will now get a clock showing on the front panel when you turn off the power.
Posted by Mike | December 13, 2011, 11:39 AMThanks Mike….great job of feedback for Steve’s question. You beat me to it
Posted by strongaustralia | December 13, 2011, 2:25 PMHi Steve,
When the recorder goes to “power saving mode” it doesn’t send a TV signal to the TV.
You can fix it by using a splitter to send a signal to the TV from the antenna and to the recorder. .
Or you can try this:
(on a 5492 anyway)
push “menu” button on remote control
go to system settings
go to front panel settings
go to standby mode …… set it to “normal”.
You will now get a clock showing on the front panel when you turn off the power.
P.S. Thanks Mike
Posted by strongaustralia | December 13, 2011, 2:24 PMHi,
I’m using a 5492 with software version 1.25 as this seems to be the most stable so far. Haven’t tried V 1.33 but I had to uninstall 1.30 for reasons I forget.
When I use the PAGE buttons on a recorded program (like to step through advertising) the 5492 is very likely to crash and do a startup.
If this happens while a recording is being made, then the entire recording is lost.
If I use the fast forward button, there is often no sound when I push “play” again. I have to go to “fast reverse” then “play” to get the sound back again.
When I turn the machine on there is a “woosh, woosh, woosh” sound for about a minute. Presumably this is a hard drive about to fail. Do you know if the hard drive warranty is longer than the 5492′s?
If the machine has been running for more than a day or so, then I start to get “no video, no sound” messages on a black screen. This seems to get fixed if I turn the machine off every night.
Love the picture quality, but some of this interface stuff drives me nuts.
Mike
Posted by Mike | December 10, 2011, 9:55 AM(replying to my own post)
I tried software version 1.30 and it is much more stable on my 5492.
No crashes at all in 3 days where i would normally get about 10.
There is now no control of sound level while in the program guide. There used to be.
I tried the smart series record but each program got the end trimmed off it because the transmitted program was running late. Stations are not cooperating by changing the EPG when they are running late.
Can’t add time by using the timer lead time because then consecutive programs have to use different tuners.
There is now a new hard drive formatting mode “ES1″. What is this?
Would it be possible to add a real format of the hard drive? It would take half an hour, but possibly fix accumulated errors on the drive and unallocate bad sectors, if any.
Mike
Posted by Mike | December 13, 2011, 12:10 PMHi Mike,
Unfortunately and as much as we would like to we cannot get the networks to run on time; have you tried adding padding (lead in/lead out) time to your recordings?
Ext 1 is a HDD format, it is more stable than what was previously used.
We will take the comments into account but we believe the new software will already work far better with HDD’s.
Please try the new 1.33 version, it may solve your problems.
Posted by strongaustralia | December 15, 2011, 10:31 AMRe:Do you know if the hard drive warranty is longer than the 5492′s?
My unit was just out of warranty (Strong Warranty) when the HDD failed and Strong were unwilling to assist, however I checked the HDD serial on Western Digitals warranty check website and was informed the drive was covered. An RMA was issued and after returning the old drive a new one was posted to me. Good service Western Digital. Strong – sorry, not so good.
Posted by Dave | February 6, 2012, 3:38 PMHi Dave,
when you say just out of warranty, do you mean by a few days or 6 months? All our products have a 12 month manufacturers warranty. Feedback has been noted.
Posted by strongaustralia | February 7, 2012, 11:53 AMThat should have been software version 1.33
Posted by Mike | December 13, 2011, 12:12 PMHi Mike,
i will take all of your comments back to Production/Tech for further comment if that’s OK?
Posted by strongaustralia | December 13, 2011, 2:26 PMHi,
Yes, of course. Reply by email if you like.
I should have mentioned the new feature of filling up the data on the program guide when you turn on.
Excellent feature and it works well.
Another feature I would like is to extend the 200 recordings limit. If this is arbitrary, could it be extended please?
I hit this limit before I run out of disk space most of the time.
thanks
Mike
Posted by Mike | December 13, 2011, 2:51 PMHello i have a 5492 which i bought about 18 mths ago i am using the vi 33
Posted by mr peter Wigzell | December 14, 2011, 2:42 PMi did enter a commit i have a 5492 which i bought about 18 mths ago from TV Box i am using S/W V1-33
Posted by mr peter Wigzell | December 14, 2011, 2:47 PMHi Peter,
thanks for your comments
Posted by strongaustralia | December 15, 2011, 10:22 AMHello this is peter again Today i found your new v135 update I tried to down load it but i had to save it. Now if i was able to down load it iwould be able transfer it to a usb. but as i was only able to save it will not alowe me open it.
I hope that you can help me thank you bye from Peter
Posted by mr peter Wigzell | February 23, 2012, 7:05 PMHi Peter,
save the file to the desk top (Or downloads folder in My Documents) then you can copy and paste entire file onto a usb stick. There is no need to open the file on your PC, it would not recognize the file type.
Posted by strongaustralia | February 24, 2012, 8:18 AMI noticed something else about Software version 1.33 for the 5492.
If you want to play back a recording, you go to the files list and then select a file and push “PLAY” ?
Now you can’t because the “PLAY” button is disabled in the files menu. You have to push “OK” and then it works.
“PLAY” seems more intuitive and it always worked before.
Mike
Posted by Mike | December 14, 2011, 7:06 PMHi Mike,
thanks for your comments, and your feedback has been given to the production team. I am sure you understand that when some changes are made they can alter other settings. However we are confident that most people are happy using the OK button.
Posted by strongaustralia | December 15, 2011, 10:24 AMThere is a small bug in the recorded files area.
When you choose “Lock file” this gives an entrance to the “lock channel” procedure. It even asks for a security number.
It used to just put a padlock symbol next to the file.
Mike
Posted by Mike | December 19, 2011, 12:41 AMHi Mike,
i have a tech looking into this for me
Posted by strongaustralia | December 19, 2011, 12:07 PMLook “Strong Australia” whoever you are it would make a lot more sense than rather just releasing a firmware that creates as many problems as it solves if you were to put together a list of all “faults” and “bugs” from users (believe me there are many) and have your techs work through them properly and then come back to a few testers to try the update out first before you release to the general public. If you did that you might get a lot fewer complaints (have you read the Whirlpool PVR forums lately ? – the “Strong” name there is absolutely mud). At the moment I would never ever recommend anything “Strong” to anyone after feeling totally ripped of for the $ 440 odd dollars I spent on this non user-friendly piece of rubbish. I am still using my SD Topfield as much as possible that I bought several years ago because it is head and shoulders easier and friendlier to use than the Strong.
Posted by Adam Bridge | December 27, 2011, 6:19 PMHi Adam,
Actually we do test software before release, but your comment about a customer list is something we can possibly look at as well.
Posted by strongaustralia | January 5, 2012, 2:32 PMInformed Gavin Gardiner-Smith when I bought SRT 5430 there should be a software upgrade, defined recording time is maintained, ie- if there is momentary break in recording system would recognise to keep on recording till user defined time is lapsed, I am yet to receive response from Gavin from freezing Melbourne
Posted by Chris | January 2, 2012, 5:49 AMGavin advised that this is something that they could perhaps look into, there is no software update for this feature at the moment, as was discussed with Gavin
Posted by strongaustralia | January 5, 2012, 2:28 PMI had a strange effect with the new software.
When it did the search to fill up the program guide, there was a major disturbance with pixellation on the TV screen.
This also appeared when I changed the sound level on the remote control.
During playback, there was no problem as long as I didn’t try to control the volume or step through a recording.
The fix seems to be to set the output to 1080i instead of 720p. I didn’t set the recorder to 720p but it was there after the installation of version 1.33
Anyway this fixes it.
If anyone has the same trouble, go to MENU, then System Settings, then A / V output settings
Mike
Posted by Mike | January 4, 2012, 7:12 PMHi Mike, thanks for posting the fix
Posted by strongaustralia | January 5, 2012, 1:23 PMA couple of features I would like to see on my 5492.
It would be great to be able to save the programming to a USB drive. A lot of work goes into this programming.
It would be good to have a universal stop / start on programming.
So, you could just hit one button and all programmed recording would be suspended until you hit it again.
I still get a few crashes and restarts when stepping through a recorded program, but version 1.33 seems a LOT more stable than version 1.25 which I was using before.
Posted by Mike | January 4, 2012, 7:17 PMnoted, i will pass your comments on
Posted by strongaustralia | January 5, 2012, 1:23 PMWhat about the SRT 5494 very inconvenient for other users
Posted by Joey | January 11, 2012, 5:26 PMHi,
Unfortunately the chipset on the SRT 5494 does not allow for the Smart Series Record to function.
Posted by strongaustralia | January 12, 2012, 11:16 AMThat is disappointing to hear have had many problems with this product ever since it was bought including freeze ups, power problems, not recording at scheduled times, will not record one program after another and always missing the end of my recordings, and the solutions to trying to fix these are inconvenient and time consuming and do not work/help. None of my friends with DVRs that have the same specs and price as mine have this trouble. Should of taken it back when I had the chance will not be buying strong again very disappointed!
Posted by Joey | January 12, 2012, 11:29 AMI upgraded our 5492 to v1.33 a couple of weeks ago and I *love* the new “series” recording. Thanks for that. But a couple of new bugs have appeared:
- when I FF through a recorded program, either by skipping or by the FF key, sometimes it goes backwards by 10-15 mins or more. Not gradually but suddenly you’re watching through the same program that you just watched 10-15 mins ago. And even when I’m not FF-ing, sometimes randomly 2-second bits repeat over and over and literally gets stuck.
- The skip back key is not reliable anymore as sometimes it skips back by 30 secs (which I programmed it to) and sometimes by 10 mins. This could be part of the first problem.
- These problems make the timer unreliable, because when a program goes back by 10-15 mins, you end up watching or FF-ing those 10-15 mins over again, and it’s moved along the timer as if you’re not, as if you’re just watching the program correctly. So when the timer reaches the apparent “end” of the recording, you still end up having 10-15 mins left of show playing.
- The other night a scheduled “series” recording started recording the first episode half an hour too late. The episode was on at the advertised time, so the recording should have started on time.
- I still get crashes, particularly using the skip button and the Rew. Was hoping those would be fixed
Thanks for your time.
Posted by Fiona | January 31, 2012, 9:44 PMHi Fiona,
i am forwarding this onto technical to see if anything can be offered
Posted by strongaustralia | February 2, 2012, 1:16 PMUnfortunately we are experiencing all the same problems plus a few. We have found the Series feature works intermittently at best. Another problem we get intermittently is No Sound/No Audio appearing when a preset recording starts up. Result is a failed recording and need to restart the unit to get it working again.
We have noticed that when nearing the end of a recording, slowing the FF to 4x helps reduce the looping back to start.
Posted by Dave | February 6, 2012, 3:50 PMHi Dave,
apparently there will be new software shortly. Keep an eye on the software page at http://www.strong.com.au/software.html – it will have this years date when listed
Posted by strongaustralia | February 7, 2012, 11:31 AMThe best way that Strong could fix these problems is to provide users with a full refund so that they can go and buy another recorder from a different company, one that has been properly tested by technical staff that know what they are doing. I find it impossible to believe that many of these bugs didn’t show up in testing. If not then it doesn’t say much for the testing quality control process when so many users have been afflicted with these issues since the product was released and after several “updates”.
Posted by Reg Watson | February 2, 2012, 2:49 PMHi Reg,
We are accepting of constructive criticism, but what model are you referring to, what problems have you been experiencing? We always try to resolve any issue customers have with our product, Have you contacted our VERY helpful and informative technical staff to see if they can help you? Perhaps the fault not lies necessarily with a certain product but with set up, local interference or other factors, or ‘glitches’ due to signal level, ‘unstable’ power etc these cannot always be foreseen and tested. We’re not saying that we don’t occasionally have problems with a unit, but we endeavor to help and resolve any issue and frequently do software updates to offer our customers the latest features or resolution to a particular glitch.
Posted by strongaustralia | February 3, 2012, 9:59 AMThose crashes and restarts when using the step forward on a 5492 are still pretty bad even wih the 1.33 software.
If it happens on a playback, it is annoying, but if there is also a recording going on, the whole recording is lost.
It is a huge improvement over the old software (V 1.25) but still annoying in a so-called commercial product.
If there is a recording happening, I try to use the fast forward button on about times-8.
Posted by Mike | February 2, 2012, 3:40 PMHi Mike,
i am referring your comments onto technical for further assistance
Posted by strongaustralia | February 3, 2012, 9:49 AMI have a Strong 5495A and since new it has had an issue with the sound not coming on/back properly after you fast forward through an ad or skip forward while watching a (previously) recorded program.
The sound is either not there or it stutters (stops and starts in short bursts) but eventually (most times) comes back on properly after a couple of minutes or so.
I can get the sound to (sometimes) come back on earlier by stopping and palying the recorded program again or pausing and playing the recorded program again (sometimes takes a few times to get it to work).
The fact that the sound comes back on by doing this means that the audio is recorded but it generally does not start again by itself.
At first I thought that it may have been low signal strength while the program was being recorded but it has happened to programs that I have watched with out losing signal/picture/sound
.
VERY ANNOYING.
Has anyone else had this issue?
Any suggestions Strong?
It’s driving me crazy!!!!
I’m reverting back to my old High Def twin tuner Philips machine more and more.
Posted by Warren | February 22, 2012, 6:05 PMHi Warren,
Thanks for your comments. Have you tried doing a software update and a format of the hard drive? This should solve your problem. You will loose all your recordings so you should watch everything you wish to and then perform the hard drive format. If this still does not fix the problem, then you should send the unit in to our repair department to resolve for you.
Posted by strongaustralia | February 23, 2012, 8:37 AMThanks for the quick reply folks (I’m very impressed).
I’ve been installing the updates for my 5495A as soon as I have found them (V 1.08, 1.13, 1.17, 1.21).
Is V 1.21 the most recent update for my machine?
Mike (thanks for your input) suggests that update V 1.33 fixes the sound problem that I have been experiencing but I have not seen that update version for my model.
Have I missed an update that might fix my problem?
I have the most recent update that I can see (1.21) installed so I’ll cram in some viewing in the next day or two and then format the hard drive and see how that goes. If that fails it will probably have to go back. Warranty runs out 24th of March 2012 (yes, I’ve put up with it for a while now!). I’m in country Vic so I’d need to find an agent nearby.
I am a bit confused about the V 1.33 for my unit however.
Are the updates cumulative (the most recent update includes previous updates) if I happen to miss one or do you need to get every single one as they appear? If so, where do you find the older (missed) updates.
[One point on the update for the "new" SSR, when I go to playback a recording now, I have to push the OK button to watch the show where previously the (Play) buton started the playback. Why wouldn't the (Play) button play the recorded show?]
Thanks in advance (I hope).
Warren.
Posted by Warren | February 23, 2012, 6:49 PMWarren,
I had this exact problem with a 5492 using version 1.25 of the software.
You can fix it short term by pushing the fast rewind button then the play button after a fast forward. I got in the habit of doing this because the “step-forward” of “ad-skipping” buttons were causing crashes and restarts.
So, I had to use the fast forward button a lot.
However, the sound problem was fixed in verion 1.33 of the software so when you install that you should have no more problem with it.
Mike
Posted by Mike | February 23, 2012, 10:30 AMHi Mike,
thanks for your input & help.
Posted by strongaustralia | February 23, 2012, 11:14 AMHi Warren,
The current update is version 1.35 and this is all you need.
You get it from the main http://www.strong.com.au website and then the pulldown for software downloads.
Mike
Posted by Mike | February 23, 2012, 7:11 PMHi Warren, Mike is correct. You do not need the previous versions. Again thanks for your help Mike, it’s nice to see someone offering help to others.
Posted by strongaustralia | February 24, 2012, 8:19 AMMany thanks for your interest Mike. Can I run something past you please?
When I go to the software downloads page, the update listed for my SRT 5495A is version1.21.
There is a version 1.35 listed for the 5495 (no A at the end).
This is obviously the update you are referring to. Does it matter that it is not listed for my machine?
Are the the updates for the 5495 and the 5495A interchangeable?
Not sure why Strong list a different update for these 2 similar, but different models though.
Can you/Strong confirm that V 1.35 is okay for my 5495A please?
Warren
Posted by Warren | February 24, 2012, 4:17 PMWarren,
Sorry, your 5495A already has the latest software, version 1.21.
Evidently this sound problem was fixed in the 5492 and the older 5495 (no “A”) but not on your machine which uses different software. These machines are currently up to version 1.35 but this number does not apply to your machine.
Mike
Posted by Mike | February 24, 2012, 7:33 PMMike,
the SRT 5495A has a different chip set to the SRT 5495 and therefor requires different software. The latest version of software for that model (1.21) should resolve any and all issues with that model. If you are still facing problems, please email direct to technical for further assistance tech@strong.com.au.
Posted by strongaustralia | February 27, 2012, 8:36 AMI bought a 5492 direct from Strong last week (30 may 12 ) and the sound is driving me crazy as well. It drops out for a couple of seconds every 20-30 seconds and then will be fine for a while. Tends to start again if I change channels. Have tried different leads, currently on HDMI, but no difference. Great picture but unwatchable with the sound like this and haven’t used it unless to record and then the problem is recorded as well.
Posted by John Higgins | June 5, 2012, 11:56 AMHi John,
Please do a Factory Reset under the menu followed by another setup of your channels.
Do not change the Digital Audio setting under the menu, leave it as the default setting.
Posted by strongaustralia | June 5, 2012, 12:37 PMJohn,
That factory reset is under MENU then SYSTEM SETTINGS then DATABASE RESET.
Password is 0000
Unfortunately, any programming gets wiped out when you do this, but recorded programs stay available. Write down or photograph any programming you want to reestablish.
I had the same problem and this fixed it. However, it reoccurred a couple of weeks later. So, I have done it again. I didn’t fiddle with any settings.
I keep getting a similar effect, but in the picture, on another (older) 5492. The screen goes black several times a minute.
And I can’t record on Saturday or Sunday at a time I have two Monday to Friday recordings programmed.
And I still get resets if I use the ad-skipping. I just use fast forward to avoid this.
So, if the next version of the software fixes all these problems it will be very welcome.
Mike
5 June 2012
Posted by Mike | June 5, 2012, 2:55 PMI notice the new version of the software V 1.35 has now been released. Thanks for that.
I tried it briefly and it seems pretty solid. Couldn’t see anything new, so maybe it was a bug-fix release.
Maybe for the next version…..?
Would it be possible to have a text input section in Smart Series Record Feature for DVR so that you could type in a keyword of a program to record?
This would mean that you would not have to have an actual existing program to set the series record feature.
For example, if I wanted to record the TV program “Monk” if it ever comes back on TV, I could type in “Monk” and set it as a series record. Then, if it comes back, even at 2 am, it would get recorded.
Just a thought.
Mike
Posted by Mike | February 23, 2012, 11:40 AMHi Mike,
thanks for your input, i will pass your idea onto production, this is perhaps an idea we can look at for future productions/models
Posted by strongaustralia | February 23, 2012, 2:43 PMHi,
I have the Strong 5495A with the latest firmware v1.21 (15.2.2012). It has been much more stable and works better with Series recording and IceTV.
I have noticed the following issues:
When unit is recording and you watch a previously recorded file, if you them delete the file you have watched from the list, sometimes the file being recorded will disappear from the list. I thought I had lost a few recordings, but when the unit was restarted they were in the file list once more. It looks like if you delete a file while other programs are recording, the index of listed files gets out of sync.
With Timeshift enabled, if you plug in a usb drive to watch media or copy files off, the unit will automatically want to use the usb drive to timeshift and hence starts to record to the usb drive. The unit should not do this, and continue to instead use the hard disk drive to timeshift. If you stop the recording to the usb drive and select Media, the usb drive is not available as a drive option.
The audio setting always goes back to medium.
Helpful additions for customers:
A proper release history with fixes and known issues would be useful for the consumer.
A browser for catch up tv like the Strong 7000 unit would be a welcome addition and improve the online web experience for customers.
It is great that Strong are continuing to update the unit firmware to improve the stability of the units for the consumer.
Regards
Frank
Posted by Frank | February 28, 2012, 4:11 PMHi Frank,
thank you for your feedback on the software update, i will pass this onto technical. In regards to your comments on Helpful additions for Customers, we value this feedback and comments and i will pass onto Production. In regards to Browser features, alas this model cannot access the internet and to do so is much more than a software fix, but the other comments will be taken on board.
Again thanks for your feedback.
Posted by strongaustralia | February 29, 2012, 10:03 AMHi,
The Strong SRT 5495A does have the following Internet Features:
YouTube, Online Services (Weather/Map), Internet Radio.
It also has an Ethernet Port for file transfer and Ice TV functionality.
The Strong 5495A Manual on the Strong website for this Model doesn’t mention these features?
It would be great if the remaining features of the Strong 7000 came to the Strong 5495A (Internet Browser and more Social Media).
Regards
Frank
Posted by Frank | March 1, 2012, 4:09 PMHi Frank,
Yes the latest software for the SRT 5495A has added entertainment features such as YouTube (as an app), weather and internet radio. These were not available when the manual was written, that is why they are not mentioned. The original model (software) did not have these features and we are also trying to improve services for our customers, so we added them on later software.
The IceTV and ethernet are mentioned on page 26, 27 of the manual and if you are after further instructions they are on the website on how to do a file transfer in product tutorial.
Unfortunately the chipset and functionality of this model does not and cannot support full web browsing like the SRT 7000, so alas this can never be.
Posted by strongaustralia | March 2, 2012, 8:03 AMHi, I have a 5495T and want to protect some recorded files against being accidentally deleted. I’ve figured out how to lock them but they can still be deleted with the usual two presses of the blue key even though they have a lock icon showing beside them. What am I doing wrong? Do I have to set a personal password or something? At the moment I am just using the factory default one. That works ok when requested for viewing the files, but I’m not being asked for a password or pin to delete; they just delete like normal, no password required even though the little lock icon beside them suggests they are protected.
Posted by Leonie | March 3, 2012, 3:40 PMHi Leonie,
we are currently working on a fix for that and new software will be available shortly on our website, apologies for the inconvenience, but we will have this fixed ASAP. Please keep an eye out on our website for this update
http://strong.com.au/software.html
Posted by strongaustralia | March 5, 2012, 8:16 AMI have updated the firmware to the latest on my 5495A for the SSR and since doing this I have had problems whenever I use the timer for Mon-Fri recordings. Firstly the SSR does NOT adjust the time to match the EPG if it changes which the website says it will do, so I have to configure it manually. Each time I use the Series heading for a program I wish to record the timer adjusts all other recorded days advancing by 24 hours. EG: Sunday night I had to reset a series recording & set 3 shows timed to record Mon-Fri to commence today the 5/3 when I checked today all Mon-Fri days had all changed to commence tomorrow the 6/3 so none of them recorded. This happens everytime I set any other recording to use the Series heading. I had never had this trouble before updating the firmware. Any solutions ???
Posted by Garry | March 5, 2012, 3:00 PMHi Gary,
I have forwarded your comments onto Tech for further assistance and possible solution
Posted by strongaustralia | March 6, 2012, 9:47 AMJust thought i would let you know i too have the same machine as Garry and have the same problems with the SSR update. I still need to keep the lead-in and out times there otherwise i miss 10mins of my fav tv shows.
Posted by Shane | March 7, 2012, 8:49 AMHi Shane (& Gary),
it is safest to keep lead out time, as with EPG recordings (Including SSR) if the Broadcasters do not update the EPG, and the program prior to your selected recording runs late, this may happen. SSR will update the time & Date for recording if the Broadcasters change or update the EPG. If we could convince the broadcasters to run to scheduled times ALL owners of PVR/DVR would be a lot happier. At least the SSR gives you a fighting chance when they change the day and or time a show is aired (as long as they update the EPG).
Posted by strongaustralia | March 7, 2012, 9:07 AMHi Shane,
unfortunately due to the EPG not being entirely accurate this does happen. Keeping your Lead out is the best way to go. SSR will pick up future recordings, but it wont make subtle alterations to changed times on initial recordings
Posted by strongaustralia | March 19, 2012, 2:49 PMHi Gary, THE SSR will not update for original recordings ie; if you set first time show on Monday 7:30Pm and the adjust to 7:45pm 1 hour before show begins, it will not adjust time for this, but it will pick up all future recordings for that show. I am not sure extactly what you mean by the rest, however if you alter a timer record after it has started to record it will set for the next available date ie; if it is Mon – Fri the next day
Posted by strongaustralia | March 19, 2012, 2:41 PMJust to let you know when the EPG times are changed by the broadcaster the SSR DOESN”T change with it. For example last sunday night I had a show set to commence at 20.30 and the SSR was set for that. The time on the EPG was changed for it to commence at 20.45. The SSR still started at 20.30 and would have stopped at 21.30 had I not manually interupted it so this is NOT the problem. By the way I always have the lead in and out set for 5 mins
Posted by Garry | March 7, 2012, 2:41 PMHi Garry,
OK thanks for the update, I will pass this on to Production/Technical
Posted by strongaustralia | March 7, 2012, 2:57 PMA further update with my 5495A with the latest firmware. I have 3 programs set for recording Mon to Fri every week. Each Sunday for the past 3 weeks when I check the timer these programs have been changed to commence on different days. First week they were going to commence on the Tues as I stated on my original post, the second week they were going to commence on the Wed and today when I checked they are not due to commence until Fri 23rd. I have to reset the timer every Mon morning because if I do so before hand it will revert back to the last setting ie If I reset it tonight at some stage before tomorrow it will revert back and not want to record these programs until Fri 23rd. Sunday seems to be the day it resets the timer to suit itself. I no longer set any programs to use the SSR feature. I have this unit set to power saving mode when I turn it off. All of these problems have only begun after updating to the latest firmware with the SSR feature. If I do a complete format of the hard drive will this delete this version of the firmware and revert it back to the original one that was on this unit at time of purchase?? I am over the failings of this unit and my next cause of action is to return it for a full refund and purchase a different manufactured product that actually works.
Posted by Garry | March 18, 2012, 6:43 PMHi Gary,
As stated earlier i am not sure as to why this change of recording is happening, if they are altered once recording has started they would go to the next day. However it could also be something else, perhaps if you call our Help Desk i can get someone to discuss this further with you. Also doing a factory format will only delete the recordings you have not the software version. If you contact our help desk they can arrange to email you the previous version of the software.
Posted by strongaustralia | March 19, 2012, 2:44 PMHi Garry, in regards to Smart Series Record, it will only change recording details for future records ie; if you record something on Monday at 7:30pm on ABC1 and next week it changes to Tuesday at 8:30pm it will pick that up (If broadcasters update EPG), but if your original recording has changed time it will not update……..it will pick up future listing for that program.
Posted by strongaustralia | March 19, 2012, 2:38 PMThis is the problem for 3 Sunday nights in a row the SSR didn’t pick up the new start time according to the EPG. It began at the original 20.30. I also tested it on other day’s/programs and again it only wanted to record with the original times I set and not adjust to the actual EPG times. The fact is the SSR just doesn’t work and since updating to the software version which included the SSR very little else works recording wise. I am waiting for a call from the help desk if they ever bother to check their message service
Posted by Garry | March 20, 2012, 1:54 PMHi Garry,
I have confirmed they have your msg and will call you back this afternoon.
Posted by strongaustralia | March 20, 2012, 2:05 PMHi
I have a 5492 & have loaded all the latest software. Would it be possible to have a update sheet telling what the changes fix & what new facilities are included & how to access. The handbook has not been updated so is out of date & useless for updates.
Thanks
Posted by Henry | March 15, 2012, 10:55 AMHi Henry, many of the updates we do for software is for back end functions of the unit and do not have a ‘feature’ as such. What version of software did you update from? Latest version of software Version 1.35 had features for SSR (Smart Series Record) and an improved format to internal Hard Drive.
Posted by strongaustralia | March 19, 2012, 2:34 PMI updated from 1.30…even though 1.35 included SSR features, where do you find instructions for this .
Could an amendment sheet be included in the handbook page to explain these things & any improvements to keep users up to date on what changes are made.
Posted by Henry | March 20, 2012, 7:31 AMHi Henry, once new software is loaded to access SSR open EPG and instead of pressing red record button, select the Blue Series Button. In the case of SRT 5498 you press the actual Series Record button. There really is no instruction as such, just one button
Posted by strongaustralia | March 20, 2012, 8:46 AMHi Henry, i addition to previous comment we will shortly add SSR feature to product tutorials in web site
Posted by strongaustralia | March 20, 2012, 12:31 PMI have had a srt 5495 for over a year, I have had many bugs the worst being the rebooting during channel skip that happens almost daily even after 7 firmware updates causing many recordings to be lost . I installed v1.35 and in the three weeks I have had two reboots (two to many) but a new bug has appeared, at the end of the first week and second week all my Mon ~ Fri timers were set to the next Thursday date so I deleted those timers and put them in again, I checked them on Friday night and they were set to the next Monday and I checked them on Sunday morning and they changed to next Saturdays date. Strong seems to create more bugs than they can fix.
Posted by James | March 18, 2012, 12:44 PMHi James,
is this using the SSR Feature or weekly recording? Possibly your unit is picking up duplicate recordings of the same program? Perhaps if you could call our Help Desk for further assistance, we are not exactly sure what your problem is. 1800 820 030
Posted by strongaustralia | March 19, 2012, 2:46 PMI wrote my last post in a hurry, I wrote channel skip instead of add skip that I meant to write. The second problem are with the timers that records every weekday. The first week they recorded each weekday, at the end of the week the timers should have been set to next Mondays date but after missing a recording on Monday I checked the timers and they were set for next Thursday’s date, that happened on both the first and second week. On the third week after recording each weekday, on the Sunday after the week of recording I checked the timers and the dates were set to the following Saturday instead of the Monday.
Posted by James | March 22, 2012, 7:02 PMHi James,
In regard to the Mon-Fri timers, have you checked that the date/time/year are all correctly set? It might sound silly to mention it, but it’s the little things that occasionally get overlooked even by the best of us. We have had the same software running on a test unit for several weeks and have not had this fault occur. As for re booting during the skip function it seems like perhaps there is a fault with this unit, we are happy to have a look at it for you. Repair forms and address labels can be found http://strong.com.au/tech%20support.htm.
Posted by strongaustralia | March 23, 2012, 7:54 AMI couldn’t resist commenting. Exceptionally well written!
Posted by technology ideas | March 20, 2012, 8:35 AMThanks for your feedback
Posted by strongaustralia | March 20, 2012, 1:05 PMHi guys
Purchased a SRT5498 on 8/3/12 and immediately updated with v6.1.7. Since then it has frozen several times; whilst changing channels, in mid-viewing a recorded program, while watching tv. Any suggestions on how to fix this? It’s not even a month old – should we just get a replacement instead?
Regards
Helen
Posted by Helen Ladewig | March 28, 2012, 12:12 PMHi Helen, yes we are currently working on a new version of software. In the mean time re scanning for the new Ch9 channel, 94, this should help alleviate some of the problem. We hope to have this fixed ASAP
Posted by strongaustralia | March 28, 2012, 2:47 PMHi Helen,
In regard to re scanning your channels, i forgot to mention doing a factory re set and then re scanning, seems to work a treat. Something to do with the new Ch 9 channel as i said before
Posted by strongaustralia | March 29, 2012, 2:56 PMHi Helen,
There is now software available for SRT 5498 on the website as well as a PDF instruction sheet in how to install, here
Posted by strongaustralia | April 4, 2012, 11:44 AMWho would buy a Strong product after reading the problems that are occurring with them.
My experience with Strong is unbelievable.
Sent my 5492 recorder in for repairs & when returned the paper work said the unit was replaced .
On installing it & turning it on a horrible squealing noise came from the unit. I immediately contacted Tech Support & was horrified at the response I received. Told to remove the cover & disconnect the fan as it is not needed in Australia…. why have it there then.
Is this the way to give good service to get the customer to make their own repairs.
The recorder was not tested after being supposedly repaired as this would have been detected & the software was also18 months out of date…ver 1.25.
I would definitely not recommend any products from this company after the experience I have had.
Now let’s see what excuses the company will have to cover this.
Posted by Henry | March 30, 2012, 4:33 PMStrong still hasn’t bothered to reply to my problem & the Tech Support was supposed to ring me back regarding the noisy fan. I was also told that postage would be refunded for the original repair but still nothing. Do I have to pay postage every time that the recorder is sent for repair. It would be cheaper to throw it away & buy a decent one.
Posted by Henry | April 3, 2012, 10:25 AMHi Henry, in regards to postage i am currently following that up for you. I will email in regards to postage on repairs further. As to the noisy fan issue, it appears that the fan would need to be replaced. I have spoken to technical about this issue and i will discuss this further with you.
Posted by strongaustralia | April 3, 2012, 11:31 AMHi Henry,
sorry in the delay in response, in regards to the SRT 5492 being sent for repairs, after speaking with the techs they made this suggestion as opposed to your returning the unit again. However it appears they should have insisted on the unit being returned for evaluation. Perhaps the fan needs to be replaced, or was shaken loose in transport. I will email you further about repair.
Posted by strongaustralia | April 3, 2012, 11:28 AMHi,
I have had a srt 5492 for nearly 2 years and have experienced a number of bugs as I progressively updated the operating system. Many of these have been mentioned and discussed on this site.
I recently upgraded from V1.25 to V1.35 and am very disappointed with the new SSR feature. In introducing this function Strong have introduced a bug which to me is very serious. It occurs when recording two programs which follow straight after each other on the same channel or even on the same network. The first program records perfectly but the second program just doesn’t record. If I try to view the second program while it is meant to be recording all I get is a blank screen and the message “No audio/No video”. I have my defaults set for a 5 min buffer before the program and 15 min after. [Examples - 19/3,20/3,21/3 & 22/3 recording the Swimming Championships, 8:00 to 8:30 pm on CH5 then 8:30 to 9:30 pm on CH50; 23/3 8:30 to 9:30 pm on CH2 then 9:30 to 10:30 again on CH2; and a number of other occasions I set up just to check out that it was consistent.] I’m pretty sure that I could do this with no problems using V1.25. Is anyone at STRONG working to correct this?
In the mean time is it possible to revert back to V1.25 of the operating system (which I found reasonably stable). Can I do this by simply reloading V1.25 (which I still have stored on my PC) via the usual USB stick?
Hope to get a prompt reply as this is really annoying me. I’ve even had to set up another stb to record the second program. Haven’t tried manually setting up a tuner to record both programs as one, but I feel that this is not a desirable solution.
Regards
Ian
Posted by Ian Crump | March 31, 2012, 12:41 PMHi Ian,
Try removing the buffer first, when doing two or more recordings from the same channel the buffer can interfere with the SSR. You can manually alter the end time of the last program in your record list to cover shows running late.
In regards to the No Audio Video thing, we are looking at it and hope to have it resolved shortly.
Yes, you can go back to older software versions if you wished to.
Posted by strongaustralia | April 2, 2012, 11:12 AMHi Ian,
I just set the recorder timer to start at the beginning of the first program and finish at the end of the second one, but with a 5 minute buffer at the end of the last one. Don’t use series record.
Version 1.35 is heaps better than 1.25 which had the multiple reset problem when skipping advertisements. This has been fixed on the 5492 but not on the 5495.
Having said that, I get a new problem with 1.35. When I have two programs being recorded at (say) 6:30 pm Monday to Friday, (without series record) I then can’t record anything at 6:30 pm on Saturday or Sunday. Pretty weird.
I have two 5492 recorders and one can record TV4ME, Ch 74, and one can’t. I can view it, but I can’t record it with timer record.
The difference seems to be that one has boot version 5.00 and the other has boot version 5.01.
I know Ch 74 uses Mpeg 4 while all the other channels use Mpeg 2 but I wonder if anything can be done about upgrading the older machine?
OK, I know it is an Infomercial channel, but it does have the CNET show on it.
Mike
Posted by Mike | April 2, 2012, 12:09 PMHi Mike (Ian),
It is easier to record via EPG and and adjust the end time of record than manual record (with or without the SSR).
As for the problem you are experiencing with TV4Me, it seems a little strange from your explanation, are you able to call our Help Desk to sort this out? 1800 820 030 or call the office 03 8795 7990.
Posted by strongaustralia | April 2, 2012, 12:42 PMHi, and thanks.
Recording via the EPG results in two recordings for two programs while “timer record” results in just one recording.
In this case, a single recording would eliminate the problem with the buffer, after Eric’s first recording, interfering with the second program.
I don’t think I could add anything to the description above for the TV4ME problem. I just get a black screen and no audio when I try to record via the timer. I did manage to record directly by pushing the record button.
Mike
Posted by Mike | April 2, 2012, 1:46 PMHi Mike,
we have tried here and don’t have the same problem. You mentioned 2 different boot version on 2 different machines, did you do a factory reset after software install on both? Obviously both units are MPEG4, so that should not make a difference. i assume they are both running off same antenna? the recording problems as i said previously are a little strange as they are not occurring here when tested, but i will keep you updated if and when anything becomes apparent and can be resolved. In the mean time pershaps try a factory reset and re load and see if this makes any difference.
Posted by strongaustralia | April 3, 2012, 11:03 AMAfter all the bugs found in strong dvr’s even after many firmware updates makes me believe the problem is not with the firmware but with the hardware, if your one of these poor bastards like me the best thing to do is write off this rubbish as a bad financial investment and buy another brand that works as a dvr or pvr should.
Posted by david | April 2, 2012, 8:10 PMHi David,
a quick search and i could not find any entries under your email, have you reported these problems in this forum before? Which model do you have and what are the ‘bugs’ you are referring to? We always endeavor to fix any and all reported issues with our models, and always accept feedback from customers; hence why we have this forum and of course email and phone. Most issues can be fixed by firmware updates, or product quick fixes (turning daylight saving off for instance), however occasional we do come across a unit with genuine hardware fault ie; hard Drive, power supply etc. These are of course covered under warranty. Sometimes it is quite difficult to get a point across or to explain a fault fully in forums so we ask customer to call us, to try and resolve issues.
Posted by strongaustralia | April 3, 2012, 11:15 AMOn the third day after I bought my 5495 I had a reboot during the add skip function, I done a Google search for the problem and it took me to a Whirlpool forum for 5495 and 5492 where many users were complaining about the same problem, most of them including myself complained to your techs and were told it was the first time anybody mentioned the problem and must have a faulty unit. After each firmware update we all still had the same problem and some people kept complaining to the techs, I waiting for an update to fix it but after 10 updates the bug is still there, other bugs include the blank screen with the no video no audio message that sometimes happens on live TV and recording, I have also had reboots during file edit, moving through the EPG, and moving through the file list. All bugs are still there even in your latest update. I know your techs new about the bugs for a long time. Now that I waited too long for an update that would fix the bugs my unit is out of warranty. I have gone back to my Topfield SD pvr that I have used for five years without a problem until I can afford to buy another brand pvr.
Posted by david | April 6, 2012, 4:29 PMTo strong tech support team,
purchased a strong 5498, it has “bad media content” message when i try to replay a timer recorded program, does the new version 6.1.8 uploaded by strong on the 30/3/2012 fix this problem? (as it only states that it is for deleting channels function)
Posted by vincent | April 4, 2012, 11:42 AMHi Vincent,
yes it does, as does the previous version, there is also a How To PDF sheet you can download that shows you how to install software
Posted by strongaustralia | April 4, 2012, 11:47 AMI am having the same problem i only bought my unit yesterday and 4 out of 5 recordings have failed and say “bad media content” driving me crazy! How do i update the software i dont know what you’re talking about, shouldn’t they come with the latest software already installed?
Posted by briony coombes | May 20, 2012, 9:08 PMHi Briony,
depending on when stock was ordered at the store you purchased your unit from, they may not have had the latest software loaded. This fix was done a few weeks ago. This new software fixes the ‘bad media’ error caused by overly long EPG title names caused in some areas.
It can be dounloaded from our website and there is instructions there as well. It is quite easy to do and once uploaded will fix the problem you are having. Visit http://strong.com.au/software.html tp get the software and view instructions
Posted by strongaustralia | May 21, 2012, 9:09 AMG’day. Had my 5495 for a couple of years, all in all happy. It has however starting making screetching noises every so often. Doesn’t seem to affect the recording or veiwing. Any idea of what is causing it and what can I do about it? Thanks.
Posted by Bric | April 8, 2012, 8:24 PMHi Bric, if it is not affecting the operation of the machine, ie the recording it is possible that the fan is causing this noise. Perhaps for further help and advice you can email our Technical Department- tech@strong.com.au
Posted by strongaustralia | April 16, 2012, 10:03 AMMost people should understand if you buy a product with a lot of features it is impossible to know everything straight away .so just chill out and read the book and have a look on the website .I have a srt5495 for a few years and very happy ,my only problem is the fan is stuffed at the back and I cant get a new one can be very noisy,They are great units for the kids shows.
Posted by Paul | April 21, 2012, 12:20 PMHi Paul,
Thanks for your input!
Posted by strongaustralia | April 23, 2012, 9:36 AMso is it possible to sent a fan out please,As I could swap it over
Posted by Paul Harris | April 23, 2012, 1:06 PMHi Paul,
please call the office 03 8795 7990, ask for Julie (we need your address details). We would love to help you out
Posted by strongaustralia | April 23, 2012, 1:19 PMThanks Julie , Great after sales service
Posted by Paul Harris | April 24, 2012, 8:20 AMHi Paul,
your welcome
Posted by strongaustralia | April 24, 2012, 10:28 AMHi Paul, not sure what the difference is between the 5495 and my 5495A.
I can only commend Strong on the rock-steady hardware. Except for the remote control, it always works fine.
Though I had to enlarge the hole in the inside plastic frame, where the IR signal from the remote control has to pass through.
Now the IR reception angles are acceptable. The original remote is too weak and I don’t use it any more. Maybe it’s only my unit?
The universal remote control works much better.
Connectors in the optical sound output don’t snap fully in and I lose the sound every so often, so I have to push the connector in again.
I can live with this and it’s not worth fussing about it.
However, the software design seems to have happened rather rushed and is riddled with little flaws and hiccups.
Two of the most annoying glitches are that
- programmed recordings don’t happen after there was a power outage, and
- the unit powers down while I am watching another show, just because a recoding has ended. Any button pressed after a recording has started should tell the machine that someone is actually using it. Definitely so when another recording is actually being plaid…
Some of the many other problems I found I have already stated on this forum before.
I’ve had two Topfield PVRs before and maybe biased in my expectation as to how the user interface should work.
My problem with the HD Topfield was a dodgy hardware though.
There is, however, one very positive advantage that Strong has over Topfield, and that’s the
Smart Series Record feature!
Also personally, the analogue Video input is much appreciated!
Posted by Tony | April 23, 2012, 10:43 AMHi Tony,
The 5495 does not have the audio and video inputs that the 5495A has.
It also uses different software, so you have to be aware of this when updating.
I find the batteries supplied with the remote control are not really suitable and they should be replaced with quality alkalines, which give better voltage on load.
I can point my remote control anywhere in the room and still get control.
When you set up a timer recording, there is an option to shut down the machine after the recording is finished.
If you say “no” to this, the machine will not shut down as you describe.
Mike
Posted by Mike | April 23, 2012, 12:48 PMHi Tony,
Mike is correct (Thanks Mike), you can say no to turn the unit off after each recording. In regards to the remote, replace the batteries if this still does not work, perhaps we can send out a replacement remote? Call our office or email orders@strong.com.au
Posted by strongaustralia | April 23, 2012, 1:24 PMThanks for the reply, and thanks to Mike too.
Whatever the philosophy is, it has to be a rather bloody minded firmware to insist on the initial setting and switch off, even while someone is watching in chase play lol.
Looks like my remote is a dud. I normally use NiMH batteries but I also tried Duracell alkaline. No difference.
Thanks for the replacement offer but I can’t be bothered. Got used to my Logitech Harmony now. It has excellently precise buttons and a powerful IR LED. It works well even with the lower voltage of the rechargeable NiMHs.
I am aware that ‘switch off after recording’ is an option. When a recording will be running unattended I do select it. But sometimes I happen to watch at the time. What’s keeping the firmware from looking for user activities and cancel it this time only if there is one detected. It’s not rocket science. If a scheduled recording starts unattended on a Topfield it switches off at the end. However, if you happen to access the machine while it’s recording, it will stay on after. That way you don’t even need a ‘switch off’ option. I don’t think the Topfield has a patent on this
Cheers
Tony
Posted by Tony | April 23, 2012, 3:27 PMHi Tony,
I will pass your comments on, not sure if anything can be done about it, but we can always ask.
Posted by strongaustralia | April 23, 2012, 3:36 PMHi Strong support. I recently picked up a second hand 5492 for $40. What a massive upgrade from the 5390.
I’ve updated it to v1.38, and used compressed air to clean the fan and any dust collected on the electronics.
I noticed after the first timer recording that it didn’t switch to standby, even though I have selected 1 hour standby that switched to standby when it’s normally on with no activity.
Reading posts from Mike and Tony I see this is available by selecting a shutdown option when setting timer recordings.
Can I ask that standby after timer recordings be set as default in a future update, or be made available as a global option in setup?
Regards,
Paul
Posted by Paul | March 2, 2013, 9:24 AMHi Paul,
well noted, we will take it under advisement
Posted by strongaustralia | March 4, 2013, 11:42 AMI recently got a “reconditioned” 5492 from the Strongshop which gives about 1 second of black screen several times a minute.
This is really annoying. It may be a slow hard drive accessing data badly and blanking the screen when this happens.
Oddly, my first 5492 I got 2 years ago had this problem and I returned it. However, sending the whole unit back to Strong is quite difficult and expensive, so I wonder if there is any fix for this?
Mike
Posted by Mike | April 23, 2012, 12:55 PMHi Mike,
a bit difficult to tell with checking the unit itself. I take you’ve tried software update and a factory reset? If yes the unit may need to come in. I’ll email further instructions.
Posted by strongaustralia | April 23, 2012, 2:59 PMWhen are Strong going to fix the problem of the recorder restarting when skipping through ads. I have had this problem with my original 5492 unit & also a replacement unit. It is very frustrating when well into the program then it all shuts down. It seems this problem has been reported before & no action taken to fix.
Posted by Henry | May 30, 2012, 9:26 AMHi Henry,
Have you downloaded the latest software version from our website? If not please download from here – http://strong.com.au/software.html. Don;t forget to do a factory reset after installing.
Posted by strongaustralia | May 30, 2012, 9:37 AMI have got 1.36 installed by your repair section when the recorder was in for repairs. The problem of restarting still exists with that version of software.This seems to be a ongoing problem that your programmer cant fix.
Posted by Henry | May 30, 2012, 3:33 PMIt happened again last night. Restarted when skipping through ads. Had to go through 45 mins again to find where the show left off & was recording at the time & 1 hr of program wiped.
Not happy with this. All the response I get is..reload program & do a factory reset. This seems to be the standard reply from here & Customer Support. Maybe they don’t know how to fix the problem & put it in the too hard basket. About time someone took it in hand & solved it.
Not a good product or company & I would definately not recommend to any one.
Posted by Henry | May 31, 2012, 9:27 AMHi Henry, we are currently working on a new version of software, This will be available on our website soon as available
Posted by strongaustralia | May 31, 2012, 9:57 AMI also run into the 200 recordings limit, as Mike did, and reported in December 2011:
> Another feature I would like is to extend the 200 recordings limit. If this is arbitrary, could it be extended please?
> I hit this limit before I run out of disk space most of the time.
>
> thanks
> Mike
>
> POSTED BY MIKE | DECEMBER 13, 2011, 2:51 PM
It seems amazing to me that the SRT 5495T has a Terabyte disc, but can only record 200 programs. My disc is only one third full, but I keep running into this limit.
And when the limit is reached, the behaviour of the STRONG 5495T software (1.21) puts up the “file list full” message so frequently that I can’t step through the list menu and delete something before the “file list full” message blows the other dialogs away. The interval between repeats of the “file list full” message really has to be increased to 10 or 20 seconds.
Posted by JimH44 | July 3, 2012, 12:37 PMHi Jim ( & Mike)Software version 1.21 extended the amount of files in the file list over 200. If you have loaded this version of software did you do a factory reset after the update? This maybe why it did not take effect.
Posted by strongaustralia | July 3, 2012, 2:37 PMI have two 5492′s and they both had problems which have turned out to be caused by the same thing. Series programming.
The first was giving gaps in the sound like a stutter, and the other was giving gaps in the video when about a second of black screen was shown. Both effects happened when live TV was being viewed.
In each case, I was able to get rid of the effect by removing all “series” programming.
This is a worthwhile feature if it can be fixed, but at present on my machines, it is a bad idea to use it.
I don’t understand why two machines would behave differently when the cause was the same though.
Posted by Mike | July 25, 2012, 3:28 PMHi Mike,
Have you tried the latest software which is available on our website?
http://strong.com.au/software.html
Posted by strongaustralia | July 26, 2012, 3:45 PMI have installed version1.38 of the software for the 5492 and still have the same problem. If I use series programming, I get stuttering of the sound.
This is a momentary absence of sound and it is very annoying.
If I remove it (as by returning to the factory settings) then the stuttering goes away. Put some series programming on as an experiment and the stuttering returns. The more series programming I put on, the worse the stuttering gets.
I have not been able to crash the machine by ad-stepping, though, so that is a huge improvement. Thanks for a much more stable version of the software.
I have another machine which was giving video black screens instead of stuttering. This has now got no series programming and it works fine.
I will introduce a few series programs to see if the black screens return with the new software.
Mike
Posted by Mike | September 7, 2012, 10:08 AMHi Mike, you need to do a do a format on the HDD, one you have viewed all recordings. Please note formatting the HDD (Hard Disc Drive) will delete any recording you may have
Posted by strongaustralia | September 7, 2012, 2:56 PM“Hi Mike, you need to do a do a format on the HDD, one you have viewed all recordings. Please note formatting the HDD (Hard Disc Drive) will delete any recording you may have”
My hard drive is currently half full of programs I’ll watch when I get time, maybe. (I’ve been away.)
So, I can’t format it, but I did format it several times recently and I would be interested to hear why you think this may help if I did it again.
Even with a newly formatted drive, the stuttering depends directly on the number of serial programs I have on the machine. Put them on and it stutters. Take them off and it is fine.
What I would like to try is to really do a proper format on the drive. This takes an hour or so for a 500 GB drive, but rewrites every sector of the drive.
However, it is still under warranty, so I won’t be doing that.
Cheers
Mike
Posted by Mike | September 7, 2012, 3:35 PMHi Mike, Technical have advised that they have not been able to duplicate that problem here, and have suggested that you should send the unit in for tech evaluation while it is still under warranty
Posted by strongaustralia | September 7, 2012, 4:25 PMYou replied to my comment on 31 st May stating that a software update will be made available soon.
It is now 2 months since that reply & still hasn’t been done.
I am still getting the same problems of restarting when skipping through ad’s & dropping out when watching recorded programs that you don’t seem to be able to fix.
Doesn’t say a great deal about your programmers.
I consider after that 2 months this should have been fixed as it seems to be an ongoing problem by reading complaints dating back to Feb in the forum here.
Part of the rubbish at the top of this page by Strong
Strong offers innovative, high quality receiving equipment for Terrestrial and Satellite Markets, supported by outstanding technical support and after-sales service.
When are they going to take notice of this & give a decent product
Posted by Henry | July 30, 2012, 5:33 PMHi Henry,
unfortunately these things can take a little longer than original expected, However i have been informed that new software should be available later this week. Please keep a look at for it on our software downloads page.
Posted by strongaustralia | July 31, 2012, 11:43 AMDoes later this week mean 3 weeks or is it too hard a problem to fix as it has taken more than 6 months to rectify .
I assume your reply will be another cop out as previously.
Tell the programmers to get off there backsides & FIX it.
Posted by Henry | August 21, 2012, 5:43 PMNew software for SRT 5492, 5495, 5495A & 5495T is now available on our website. http://strong.com.au/software.html
Posted by strongaustralia | August 23, 2012, 12:22 PMI upgraded the firmware of my 5495A. Guess what? It still seems to have the same faults, like it will not record timer programmed shows if there was a power outage; or it goes to standby at the set time disregarding even a running timer recording. They totally ignored all our input. Imagine coming back from a holiday and none of your shows has been recorded, because of a short blackout…
I haven’t tested yet whether the series function now lets you cancel a running series recording, or if it still keeps restarting the recording for as long as the show is on haha. What exactly got fixed with the series function?
I feel sorry for you having to deal with such a poorly run factory! I am at a loss at how they are getting away with selling their products. Don’t the retailers care?
Or are people using them as set top box only? Yes, the box works, but only just. They are walking a fine line.
Tony
Posted by Tony | September 4, 2012, 3:18 PMHi Tony, this is software version 1.24? Did you do a factory reset after installation?
Posted by strongaustralia | September 4, 2012, 4:05 PMYes, latest firmware and factory reset.
Had to start my timer settings from scratch. Sorry.
Posted by Tony | September 4, 2012, 6:15 PMHi Tony,
All our testing on the new software has had all issues fixed now for 2 months, and have not seen the problems you have outlined below. I think perhaps it might be an idea to send the unit into us for inspection, it could be something other than the software causing this problem.
Without our technicians looking at it, it is extremely difficult to pin point the exact problem.
Posted by strongaustralia | September 7, 2012, 8:48 AMOK, let’s do a test: if you take one of your units, program a timer recording, set it on standby, unplug the device and plug it back in and the timed recording actually works, my machine must have another problem.
Posted by Tony | September 7, 2012, 4:49 PMHi Tony,. i have just received further comments from Technical “Recording wont work as the time hasn’t been detected, there is no battery back up”
Posted by strongaustralia | September 10, 2012, 12:34 PMThanks for your help. OK, there is no battery backup. Doesn’t really need one. When the power comes back on, the machine comes on for a little while, says Loader, and goes to standby again. That’s when the time should have been set again. Oversight in the firmware programming, sorry. What use is a recorder when a successful recording depends on a flawless power supply?
Posted by Tony | September 10, 2012, 2:14 PMHi Tony,
I have passed your comments onto production. Most of Australia does have very good power supply, but granted not all areas. I guess if you have no power it wont record, but we’ll see if anything can be done about when power comes back on, cannot make any promises.
Posted by strongaustralia | September 10, 2012, 3:35 PMI have the 5495A which I recently updated to the latest firmware 1.21.
Since then anytime I try to record two programs simultaneously the unit completely freezes & will not respond to manual or remote inputs.
I have tried re installing the latest firmware which has still not fixed the problem.
I did not have this problem before the firmware update is there a fix or can I go back to the old firmware?
Posted by Peter | August 19, 2012, 3:15 PMHi Peter, did you do a factory reset after installing the software? Tech also suggesting formatting the hard disk drive. Alternatively you can request previous version of software from tech@strong.com.au
Posted by strongaustralia | August 20, 2012, 12:07 PMI will try formatting the hard drive. It would be nice if Strong had an actual fix and not guesses.
I followed all the update instructions twice.
Posted by Peter | August 20, 2012, 8:25 PMHi Peter, it’s not that we are guessing, it’s that it can be quite difficult to know exactly what is causing your problem without physically checking the unit. We offer fixes that solve most issues. If the problem persists, you may need to send the unit in for technical evaluation
Posted by strongaustralia | August 21, 2012, 9:40 AMSo, nothing has been taken into consideration of any note.
Another epic fail on the SRT7000 and latest firmware.
Here are some suggestions which hopefully will be taken seriously and with forethought for the end-users.
1. Updates should improve the product without eliminating any beneficial user-friendly options.
2. Again, subtitles do not necessarily indicate visual impairment. This is an embarrassment to good form. Subtitles may occasionally be used for a variety of reasons. The latest updates infer there is visual as well as hearing impairment. That, in and of itself is no less than ignorant. The latest updates include an enlargement of subtitles which makes the program virtually unwatchable…
3.Since firmware update ‘SRT7000_LX_D889′, the banner timeout does not reflect the ‘options’ available i.e. 1 sec timeout should mean 1 second for an overbearing sized banner.
4. The banner is oversized, yet for no purpose whatsoever. It used to at least contain the ‘info’ of the pre-recorded file i.e. file 65 for example and a named recording. This has disappeared for some idiotic reason.
5. Noted is the ‘default output’ for external drives as Dolby SPDIF which is little wonder considering the internal or external drives are unable to deliver Dolby HDMI, despite the HDMI connection with ‘AAC’ (high def.) channels.
6. Many channels intermittently distort audio irrespective of audio settings. This occurs with pre-recording when rewinding/fast forwarding and when watching programs. Both of which require further rewinding/forwarding or changing of channels. What a load of rubbish.
7. Intermittent shutting down of unit eliminates already recorded programs. The is intermittent and seems to occur more often when making changes to the ‘to be recorded’ programs or just viewing the EPG when viewing programs whilst a recording is happening in the background. Machine can’t seem to handle more than 1 function at a time. Pffft… No wonder ‘Choice’ didn’t review/recommend any DVRs this year, referring to them as mere toys.The only option seems to be the no longer supported SRT 5490 which saves already recorded programs even if it does reset. That is using a worn-out IDE based machine rather than the supposedly superior SATA drives. 5 years down the track, what is the reason for such backward design??? Short-term thinking without consideration of user friendly operations or attempts at making a superior, worthwhile product whilst damaging the Strong brand. How much this will cost you in the mid-long term is unquestionably economically inefficient.
Put your ego aside ‘Strong’. Give yourselves the opportunity to take note and implement customer feedback before your reputation and sales are beyond repair. This is happening already, but I for one hope you will deliver what seem obvious and avoid the ramifications of what as yet can only be described as false/misleading advertising.
Claiming the Sun as your own means nothing when the Sun defines you.
Best intentions,
Chris.
Posted by Chris | September 11, 2012, 4:33 AMHi Chris, which version of software is this referring to? We have just released Version 0.10. Can you please try this latest version and give us your feedback on that?
Posted by strongaustralia | September 11, 2012, 10:50 AMHi,
I had just installed the latest version mentioned only to discover the points raised were still there. This was after being informed “Hi Chris, i have passed your comments onto technical/production”
http://strongaustralia.wordpress.com/2012/06/21/are-you-worried-about-losing-precious-memories-on-video-tape/?replytocom=432#respond
Clearly none of this was addressed in Version 0.10. The total lack of any worthwhile acknowledgement and/or implementation of what could easily be considered common sense is what prompted my comments.
What a waste of time and effort. I went back to version SRT7000_LX_D889 which at least has reasonably sized subtitles when needed.
My machine went into reboot loops and kept shutting down about a week ago. Many would have given up there and then, but I have sought to find solutions with hopes that future updates improve the machine which has certainly not been the case overall. With every ‘fix’ there seems to be an illogical change or degradation of function.
The solution I used for the reboot loops was to prompt the USB Loader by unplugging the machine and holding the Menu button down whilst re-plugging with the USB drive inserted. This allowed me to reinstall the firmware and reset factory defaults to correct the issue which it did. The painstaking component is having to reset all of the timer recordings as is the case with every factory reset. Another thoughtless process that is required even if the timer settings are saved and the same firmware is used…
The ridiculous part of all of this is that if I am able to know the machine well enough to find and implement such solutions as well as see what is painfully obvious in terms of functionality, what is going on with the technicians who release these half-measured ‘updates’ without so much as a change-log, let alone any worthwhile thought in design??
Best regards,
Chris.
Posted by Chris | September 11, 2012, 6:33 PMI couldn’t agree more. A bunch of high school kids could run a better software department.
Tony
Posted by Tony | September 11, 2012, 7:06 PMUnfortunately Tony, that is the literal truth. Having to tell the ‘technicians’ that the machine preference for formatting is NTFS rather than FAT32 as they instructed speaks volumes. It even recommends NTFS in the manual as one would expect.
I wonder what the high school kids of today would think of that…
Chris.
Posted by Chris | September 12, 2012, 8:21 PMHi Tony.
I have a 5492 & have had nothing but software problems. The last update seemed to fix the problems I was having but now different problems occur. I have had a gut full of complaining when nothing is done & only get pussycat answers from someone at Strong that obviously does’t know what they are talking about.Reload & reset seems to be the common fault fixer. Also a list of updates should be made available as Chris has stated.
I would not recommend any Strong products to my worst friend.
Henry.
Posted by Henry | September 28, 2012, 4:16 PMHi Tony, thanks for your posting. It was very helpful for me. My SRT7000 went into standby with LOADER on the display for no apparent reason. I updated the latest firmware using your advice & now it’s back to working well again. Other than that, I’m quite pleased with the unit. Thanks again. I must have missed it, but I couldn’t find out the procedure for updating the firmware until I found your post.
Posted by Allan | November 4, 2012, 9:39 PMHi Henry,
I hope you don’t mind; I quoted your post after reading an uncanny positive comment from ‘Jan’ (with a prompt reply from Strong).
@ http://strongaustralia.wordpress.com/2012/09/13/new-software-for-srt-7000/
The comment was out of sync with many other experiences, so deserved a right of reply to Strong. It seems they prefer arrogance to opportunity and as I inferred, what good business sense that makes is beyond me.
Chris.
Posted by Chris | September 28, 2012, 7:41 PMDoes the Strong 7000 support automatic power on recording? For instance, if i go away for a week and we have a power dropout which reverts the strong to the clock display, will the strong power up to record preset programs? Or do I miss out on a week of programs?
Posted by Anton | October 21, 2012, 9:55 PMHi Anton, thank you for your inquiry. If the unit was on, then it will return to the ‘on’ state after the power outage and will redetect the time.
If the unit was in stand by, then it will return to stand by and will not redetect the time and therefore miss recordings.
Posted by strongaustralia | October 22, 2012, 10:00 AMok thanks for clearing that up, now i have a new one for you, I had 8 different records set, and now they have all been deleted, how and why?
Posted by Anton | October 22, 2012, 6:57 PMHi Anton, did they disappear after installing new software, or doing a factory reset? This will wipe any pre records set and they will need to be input again
Posted by strongaustralia | October 23, 2012, 9:39 AMnot after an update, there one day, gone the next.
Posted by Anton | October 23, 2012, 3:00 PMHi Anton, sorry but we are not sure why. Was it only the once?
Posted by strongaustralia | October 23, 2012, 3:09 PMlast time it deleted the recordings instead
Posted by Anton | October 23, 2012, 3:11 PMModel: SRT 5494
Firmware: 7.2.8 (latest from strong.com.au)
Issue: How can I add padding (record time before/after) any “Series Recording” timer item? Can these timer entries be edited at all? (I.e. would like to add 10 mins to start & end.)
Are there any plans that a future firmware release will resolve this issue?
Thanks.
Posted by Ross | October 24, 2012, 2:12 PMHi Ross, once in the EPG if you press the record button twice it will bring up the delay timer. You can change this to add up to 10 mins at the start or end of a show. As to Series Recording we have been looking at making it editable, but as yet this is still not available.
Posted by strongaustralia | October 24, 2012, 2:34 PMThank you for your reply.
I am aware of the delay timer for non-Series timer items.
Allow me to clarify, If Strong was able to allow a default padding (i.e. front/rear mins (similar to Topfield models)) to be added to all recordings (Timer & Series), then this would be useful.
As the Series feature currently stands, TV networks rarely ever broadcast their programs on the exact advertised EPG time. Therefore, currently the Series feature can not be reliably used due to the risk of minor TV network program timing changes.
Thanks.
Posted by Ross | October 24, 2012, 3:02 PMHi Ross,
unfortunately this feature of adjusting padding on the Series record is not available on that model at the moment.
Posted by strongaustralia | October 24, 2012, 3:27 PMMy SRT5495T won’t record two programmes at once anymore. Does that mean one of the tuners has failed? I tried updating the software but that didn’t help.
… Leonie
Posted by Leonie Parker | November 7, 2012, 3:43 PMOk, a bit more information. I have been experimenting a little and discovered it is actually the timer that is the problem. I can record two different networks ok if I just press record without using the timer but if two different networks overlap with the timer set, one will only start recording when the other one finishes.
Posted by Leonie Parker | November 8, 2012, 3:42 PMHi Leonie,
have you tried updating the software for this unit? If not please download and install new software and then do a factory reset. If you are still having issues with your unit please contact our Help Desk 1800 820 030.
New software can be found here
Posted by strongaustralia | November 9, 2012, 8:48 AMHi,
I have SRT-5495 and have resently updated the software that is posted in the Strong site. After it has updated the software it was frozen for 2 hours with my TV blank and the SRT-5495 had WRITING OK on its screen. I turned the unit off from the switch and turned it back on again and press the power button from the remote and it started… after a minute the unit went on to standby thinking i had pressed something in the remote so i pressed the power button again and it hadINITIALIZING on the panel screen then star up then it went to standby again… this is whats happening now. Can you please asist and let me know what to do? it doesn’t seem that the software update help me… i manage to press quickly at one time and able to view the software information and it has 1.38 so i assume it is updated.
Does anyone have exprienced this?
Thanks,
Zaldy
Posted by Zaldy | November 7, 2012, 7:11 PMSo far, Strong have failed to consider many useful suggestions from (may I remind them) their customers. Instead, pointing to wildly impressive customer feedback which is at odds with general experience, even from retailers. How are those sales going?
The latest updates for the 7000 may assist with some issues, most notably frequent shutting down/loss of recordings.
However, a major suggestion to eradicate the negatives that seem to be included with every update would seem obvious; how about at least enabling ‘options’, so the user is able to decide if they want certain features such as the bookmarking window, the length of time for recorded banner timeouts and subtitle size changes?
It’s not rocket science. If an update provides an improvement (as it should), then at least allow the user the option of disabling other unwanted changes, rather than deciding for them which has been an on-going source of complaint from others aside from myself.
I continue to use firmware version SRT7000_LX_D889 (with a back-up DVR ) despite the shutdowns because it is currently the latest firmware that uses reasonably sized subtitles, rather than the ridiculous and over-sized captions included in later updates which make viewing an abomination when active.
Also, despite the other issues with the over-sized banner, including missing information of the playing file after an earlier update, the banner time-out ‘of recorded programs’ can no longer be set to 1 second which is another visual obstruction. The firmware I use does this correctly, but control is lost thereafter which makes even less sense given the lack of info e.g. currently playing file, file number etc. on the banner.
Julie’s response of ‘get a refund’ rather than making any reasonable attempt to improve the brand speaks volumes. After testing and providing much information with an ‘out of the box’ failure, if Strong remains unreasonable and thinks a refund would end the ‘feedback’, that would be a crucial mistake. Maybe it won’t come to that. So far the experience has been anything but positive.
Posted by Chris | November 9, 2012, 8:02 PMUnbelievable!!
Many issues may well improve with the latest firmware, but AGAIN, the enlargement of subtitles or closed captions is ridiculous.
So many features could be further improved, but this one little change would make a world of difference.
So far, (the oxymoronic) ‘Strong’ have chosen to ignore relevant comments.This stance clearly has a negative brand impact in terms of reputation Australia wide.
Again, there are many features which could be vastly improved, but how difficult is it to include a subtitle size option in an update, together with a ‘true’ one second banner timeout?
Ignorance is derived from ‘to ignore’. You’re not doing yourselves any favours so why not just be better and allow options in your updates rather than including changes whether or not they are wanted???
The Motorola DCX700 HD Set Top Box (User Manual page 39) has an entire section allowing the end-user to modify closed captions in a myriad of ways. Do you really want to be archaic or are you prepared to step up?
Happy Holidays
Posted by Chris | December 9, 2012, 12:17 AMWe’re having issues with our 5492 at the moment… seems to be crashing all the time now on playback. At first this was happening only once every couple of months, now it’s almost every 10 minutes! Still on firmware 1.33 though. Would upgrading to 1.38 help stabilise it? Or is it because we have too much disk space used up? (only 80Gb free space left).
Posted by Fiona | January 7, 2013, 11:26 AMHi Fiona, yes downloading new software should fix this problem.
Posted by strongaustralia | January 7, 2013, 1:51 PMThe usual response; just hope that the latest ‘update’ doesn’t include changes you have no option to include, such as:
OVERSIZED SUBTITLES
INACCURATE BANNER TIME-OUTS
WHATEVER ELSE MAY BE LUMPED IN WITHOUT THE OPTION TO INCLUDE ONLY THAT WHICH YOU REQUIRE/DESIRE
‘STRONG’ – Ohh, really???
Posted by Chris | January 8, 2013, 9:48 PMHello Everyone,
My name is Donald and I have been using my Strong 5492 with only minor glitches for many years. YAY.
Recently I had a problem starting the unit properly which was fixed when the HDD was removed.
Unit was working fine for 15 minutes while I installed Drive into a windows PC to run a disk check. (No power down issue)
*Flash Issue*
However while looking into poor startup time, menu that did not display properly, inability to change channels, I found a new firmware update (I was using 1.25, downloaded 1.38), I still have the drive out and flashed the update [successful]. confirmed the file used was SRT5492_138.stb.
Now however, I get a four phase startup from turning on using the power switch on the back of the unit:
1. Flashing Blue light on the front, with the message “Loader”. Appears to SKIP the “Startup” message.
2. Blue light and message both go out and the fan on the back starts up.
3. Blue light comes on and stays on, Time on the display (e.g. 11:00) also the red power icon and the red timer icon.
4. Time and Timer icons go out, blue light stays on. [appears to be in off/standby mode.]
at no time do I see a picture or get any sound.
If I then press the power button on the remote (red button), startup is the same as above but at about step 1.5 I get “Startup” a blue TV icon and the blue 1080i icon. About two seconds after the fan comes on I get picture and sound for the current channel, I can press menu etc and all works but in about the same timing as the four steps above at step 4 I loose picture and sound(in total I can watch TV for about a count of 4 seconds), does not matter if im in the menu or watching TV, it still powers down.
my TV probably will not like the 1080i mode but I think this is not the problem, powerdown is the issue.
Can I fix this issue?
Or get back to 1.25? I can not find this on the website. Do NOT have enough time to flash back until unit powers down.
If all fails can I buy a replacement ROM flashed to the correct version?
Can I pay postage both ways and get you to fix for free?
I really love my SRT5492 device and am stuck with running my SRT5405 (which I flash updated successfully also today).
*HDD issue*
I went to the WD website { https://westerndigital.secure.force.com/WarrantyCheck/WD_WarrantyCheckEndUser } and found that my HDD is out of warranty. I am NOT concerned about this the flash that makes it power down is my only concern. I’ll buy another WD drive or use an external.
Should I put in the HDD to check if until still powers down? Will a 1TB formatted to FAT32 be ok? currently using a 500GB.
{NOTE: I put in the HDD and the same stuff happens as detailed above under *Flash Issue*}
Any and all feedback is welcome.
I can not think of any other information to add.
Thanks in Advance
Donald.
Satified Customer (grovel, grovel)
P.S. I think I saw a 1800 number for flash issues but can not seem to find the documentation now (im in country NSW)
Posted by Donald Goodlad | February 16, 2013, 3:23 PMHi Donald,
Try re updating the unit and factory reset from the loader menu.
Press and hold menu while booting up.
Posted by strongaustralia | February 18, 2013, 9:53 AMSTRONGAUSTRALIA, you are a legend!
Currently completing a channel search, no shutdown issues for over 15 minutes, all as a result of the factory reset. On checking the System Information, determined current version is 1.38.
Thanks for your prompt reply and the accuracy of your sollution.
My only other feedback, is that I tried many times to enter the loader menu using the menu button on the remote, this does NOT work. You must press the button on the front panel of the device.
Thanks again, and try to keep positive, for all the people that are having trouble, other like myself are very grateful for your assistance.
Donald.
Posted by Donald Goodlad | February 18, 2013, 3:14 PMHi Donald, thanks for your feedback, yes sorry you must press menu on the unit, not the remote. Glad it’s all working for you now.
Posted by strongaustralia | February 18, 2013, 3:21 PMHi,
Our family have had 2 x SRT5495 for a number of years now and they are performing great.
Donald asked if a larger HD can be fitted.
I would like to know if a 1TB or 2TB HD could be fitted.
Please advise.
Thanks
Derek
Posted by Derek Field | March 5, 2013, 8:44 PMHi Derek,
You can use either as long as they are formatted in FAT 32 and compatible with USB 2.0
Posted by strongaustralia | March 6, 2013, 8:06 AMThat comment seems to refer to an external hard drive connected to the USB port.
Do you know if the internal hard drive needs to be formatted in FAT 32, and if a 1000 GB drive would be OK as a relacement for the internal 500 GB drive?
Are the hard drives available from the Srong Shop already formatted to the right format for 5492s and 5495s?
Thanks
Mike
Posted by Mike | March 6, 2013, 10:48 AMHi Derek,
No it is for both internal or external. Yes a 1TB Internal HDD is suitable, but as stated earlier requires Fat32 formatting. The DVR should pickup HDD automatically and via diskmanager you can format for Fat32
Posted by strongaustralia | March 6, 2013, 11:46 AMYes HDD available from Strong Shop are suitable, the DVR will automatically pick up the HDD and you can format the the disc manager
Posted by strongaustralia | March 6, 2013, 11:47 AMI have a 5495A & today I tried to transfer some recorded programs to my pc using copy & paste via ethernet. It all set up ok but would only transfer up to 2gb of the file but any file smaller than 2gb transferred perfectly. My pc is formatted to NTFS so that isn’t the issue. Any information would be appreciated.
Posted by Garry | March 30, 2013, 4:25 PMGarry, it uses FAT32 and stores blocks of 2GB. I always convert the .ts blocks to .avi and connect them in MovieMaker, that’s all I have to do the job. That’s the least of the frustrations I suffer with this machine.
Posted by Tony | March 30, 2013, 6:37 PMThanks Tony for your reply I am aware the DVR uses FAT32 but it is my understanding that FAT32 files can be up to 4GB but obviously not with Strong DVR’s. The file I was transferring was 3.9GB and showed it had copied & pasted 1.99GB to my PC and that was the only .ts file in the list. I have no idea what the remaining 2GB file extension is to move. On another note I have had quite a few other issues with this machine also and talking to the techs has never been successful in fixing some of them. One example I have the machine set up to record a show Mon To Fri every week for over 12 months now and ever since I updated to firmware which included the Smart Series every Monday morning the timer has jumped a week or more. Last night the timer showed the program day to commence was the 1st but this morning it was showing the 16th. This happens every week without fail. I reverted the firmware back to its original about 10 months ago but that didn’t fix the problem.
Posted by Garry | April 1, 2013, 1:20 PMI Garry,
in regards to moving the file, you only need to transfer the .ts file to the pc and it should play in GOM Media Player. With the other issue, have you loaded the latest version of software?
Posted by strongaustralia | April 2, 2013, 12:22 PMHi Garry, no surprise that you have the same problems with the weekday recordings failing. Mine does the same and I have all but given up on relying on this machine. I can’t be bothered to investigate why sometimes it works and then again not. Many functions are flaky and only work conditionally.
Anyway, the file transfer is awkward but workable for me. I always copy a show to a USB stick that I can plug in my PC. In the directory for each show are a number of files, most of them you can disregard, except obviously the one with the extension xyz.ts, and then xyz.001 xyz.002 etc. I rename the xyz.001 to xyz_1.ts, xyz.002 to xyz_2.ts and so on, and then convert them as stated in my last post. The files with their extensions consecutively numbered are all almost 2GB in size except the smaller last one, unless the total size is a multiple of 2GB, of course. With a bit of luck a show is not larger in size than 2GB so I don’t have to deal with this. Why the maximum file size they use is 2GB and not 4GB, I don’t know, but I am sure there is a simple explanation, probably connected to past problems with video processing.
Cheers
Tony
Posted by Tony | April 3, 2013, 12:34 AMI have an SRT5495T and have installed the v.1.24 firmware. Everything is fine for recording etc. when the unit is already switched on. Usually I have it in “power saving” mode when not in use. Now I’m finding that when it needs to start itself up to record something, some of those recordings simply don’t happen. It powers on, but does not start recording.
I also notice now that every time I power up the DVR, it spends quite a long time (a few minutes) flashing first a “Check disk” message and then a “Reading” message, before finally giving a “DVR ready” message. The disk drive is 1TB, so maybe by the time it has finished checking the disk the programmed record start time has passed and the unit simply “forgets” to record. The timer for the recording does disappear, however, as if the recording happened. But if the timer was set to switch off the DVR at the end of the recording, that doesn’t happen. It just stays on.
Can you help?
Posted by James | March 31, 2013, 10:18 AMHi James, with the new 1.24 software, checking disk can appear if the hard drive is corrupted with some files or in the earlier hard disc drive format as fat32.
Try backing up the data to an external drive and reformatting the drive to ext-2.
Also check on the smart link (Bravia/Viera etc), if you are using a smart TV.
Posted by strongaustralia | April 3, 2013, 9:04 AMHi Strong,
I have a 5492 purchased second hand recently. Loving it compared to the obsolete 5390. Only issue I’m having is with the series recording reliability. Setting up a series record from the EPG or via the timer record menu seems to work for the first series recording after initial setup, but then fails to recognise future series recordings. The record timer indicators on the units flouro display are lit to show a series recording is in memory.The series recordings I’ve had issues with are Galapagos and The Checkout on ABC1 and Dust Bowl on SBS.
I have software v1.38. I’m hoping a future software release can sure up series recordings a lot better.
Regards,
Paul
Posted by Paul | April 5, 2013, 9:06 AMHi Strong Australia,
My 5495A recently developed a problem in that sometimes when switching TV channels i lost the connection altogether, the screen show “no signal” on all channels, and I have to turn the unit off and on again to fix it. What can be done to fix this nuisance. Thank you.
Posted by Peter | April 26, 2013, 12:20 PMHi Strong,
I forgot to mention my 5495A unit runs 1.24 SW.
Posted by Peter | April 26, 2013, 12:24 PMHi Peter,
Check the loop connector in the back and carry out a factory reset, rescan all the channels.
Posted by strongaustralia | April 30, 2013, 8:42 AMHi again Strong support. Another VERY annoying issue happened a couple of nights ago with my SRT- 5492 with v1.38 of the software.. I did an instant record on a programme on SBS and set the stop recording time 10-15 minutes after the expected finish of the programme. Everything seemed OK. The recording was going fine. The next day or two I went to replay the recording and it wasn’t in the files list. GONE! I only had 3-4 recordings and used a handful of the available gigabytes.
Any ideas, suggestions, or newer software?
Paul
Posted by Paul | April 30, 2013, 9:21 AMHi Paul,
can you perhaps try to perform some tests with the same recording times and see if it works. It may be a random glitch. If it does happen again can you please let us know. Meantime we will try some testing as well
Posted by strongaustralia | April 30, 2013, 10:50 AMOk, I’ll try some manual recordings. I can’t try at exactly the same time, as I think it was just after 2030. maybe between 2030 and 2035(ish).
Cheers,
Paul
Posted by Paul | April 30, 2013, 12:11 PMI have a 5492 which has a long history of random, unprovoked resets. Mostly, I couldn’t make it happen again, so we just lived with it.
Recently, on playback mode, it gave a frozen picture and from then on it would not write to the hard drive or even produce proper sound or picture if the hard drive was plugged in to the internal main logic board. It works OK as a set top box and it records OK to an external USB drive.
I bought a new 1 GB hard drive (from Strong) but this was no better.
The original 500 GB hard drive tested OK when formatted fully on a computer, so it was probably never faulty.
I checked the power supply board outputs and these matched the voltages marked on the board near the connector.
The power supply voltages for the hard drive (measured at the 4 pin socket the hard drive plugs into) do not change when the hard drive is plugged in.
So, I’m guessing I have a faulty main logic board and no information about servicing it.
I am reluctant to just send the whole recorder in its big box to Strong so I wonder if you or anyone else might have any other suggestions. Are there any tests I can do on the board?
Do you have any replacement main logic boards or even reconditioned 5492s ?
regards
Mike
Posted by Mike | April 30, 2013, 3:22 PMHi Mike, I believe we do have some main boards to suit SRT 5492. Please email orders@strong.com.au for pricing and freight charges.
Posted by strongaustralia | April 30, 2013, 3:46 PMOK, thanks.
I will do that.
Mike
Posted by Mike | April 30, 2013, 4:35 PMI have a SRT 5495A which had a noisy fan problem. I contacted Strong and it was suggested that I remove/unplug the fan as it was not necessary in Australia. I was wary of this and called into the Strong office in Hallam where I was given a second hand fan which I fitted to the unit. This fan has also failed after lasting about the same time as the first.
The unit is in use continuously. Do I need to get another fan or was Strong correct in saying that the fan is not required in Australia.
Thanks, Pete
Posted by Pete Redaelli | May 6, 2013, 11:10 AMHi Pete,
the fan can be disconnected to prevent to noise. Unless you are living in an extremely humid environment, it will not damage the unit to run without a fan. If you are at all concerned about using the unit without a fan, I understand that Jaycar or Wes Components have a suitable fan for this machine.
Posted by strongaustralia | May 6, 2013, 12:02 PMThanks for your prompt reply – I might leave it disconnected for now and check for heat periodically.
Pete
Posted by Pete Redaelli | May 6, 2013, 5:22 PMPete,
Given that the fan can be purchased for a few dollars from virtually any computer components store, I’d be replacing it.
Heat is one of the biggest contributing factors in electronic failure, in particular assisting capacitors to dry out. If you use it a lot then the components are going to be fairly warm for extended periods.
A good idea is to blow any accumulation of dust from the internals as well. The only downside of fan cooling is a build-up of dust. Having said that, my second hand 5492 was surprisingly mostly dust free.
Cheers,
Paul
Posted by Paul | May 6, 2013, 6:29 PMOK Paul – makes sense. I think maybe I will go with the fan. Sorry for late reply as I just checked back on the site today.
Pete
Posted by Pete Redaelli | May 20, 2013, 9:30 AM