NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

http://www.chetnet.co.uk/portal/foru...splay.php?f=61

and

http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/...d.php?t=148957

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

/signs up

Thanks for posting that altis! :tu:

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Cheers Altis :)


NB - Off topic posts have been removed from this thread. The thread is about an STB trial, not about who is running it. The person running the trial is *not* the same "Ashley" from nthellworld.com - that was "AshleyG". Please keep on topic.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Hi


Also, it's not a trial, it's beta testing which is something quite different.

A trial is when we think the code is fit for release and we want a limited last check. Beta testing is part of development where we know that bugs exist but need important feedback from real users.

Hope this clears it up.

Cheers

AshleyJ

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

So what happens if you release something to someone and you totally screw up their service for a period of time?

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

isn't this a risk that you take when you agree to beta test something...?

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Exactly! And you'll be expected to report accurately any problems that you find.

Don't knock it. I think this is an excellent idea. It should reduce the misery for the masses and it's our opportunity to really contribute.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

This is a risk of being part of the Beta Team. I ask everybody who has doubts to think long and hard about whether they really want to risk loosing services.

It's voluntary and a risk of short term problems could pay off with long term improvements.

AshleyJ

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

I'll definitely sign up for this. Does this apply to Langley users, Bromley users or both?

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Well under your definition of beta testing i wouldnt want to beta test any critical systems (e.g. medical)

My point was if you lose the service because of the test how long till you get it back?

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

But this isn't a critican system - it's cable TV :)

I would imagine that depends on what causes the loss of service - If you can provide feedback on what causes a loss of service I'm sure they'd respect your wish to withdraw from the trial and reinstall the old software on your STB... you'd have to work that out as part of the T&C of the beta test though.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

This is a typical 'piece of string' question. If your box doesn't work at all then you would want to go back to the live software, but if maybe one channel was knocked out then you might live with it for a week or two.

If you have any doubts about whether you could live without some services, then you should maybe not join.

AshleyJ

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

I've signed up. I hope its VOD testing.. ;)

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

same here (and i've signed up!), now that would be brill! :)

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Ashley - I assume I can sign up just one of my STB's (I have three).

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Yes, that would work.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

will every thing like announcments and box testin stuff go into the same thread (on chetnet) that your two posts includin F.A.Q are?

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Everyone on the Bromley network who has a surround setup has been beta testing the +10 sound change that MR1 brought to us and I can confirm that it's WAY TOO BLOODY LOUD. Put it back before my ears (and equipment) pack up.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

I just hope this speed of the software is gonna be as fast as cr2 was, cr3 is bloated it takes like 3 minutes to start up and changing channels is a pain.

I dunno if its worth testing it on the 1000stb i got it can bearly handle cr3

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Ashley, I would like to help out on these tests, I have a couple of questions though. I have 2 boxes and would prefer to use the main box as the other box is used for BB and a spare TV. The box I would use is a Di1000 series that has been showing "tuning paremeters corrupt" in the event log for almost two years now, but other than a tendancy to freeze occasionally when using interactive it is fine, would this cause a problem with the tests. Also I shall be away next week 21st August for one week. ( there will be someone else at home for all you burglars reading this.;) )

Jim.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Foo Fighter / iadom: It could be very useful to test on your Di1000s - regardless of their state. ("tuning parameters corrupt" may indicate a dying battery or memory). We need to make sure the software works ok on all box models, so you'd be very welcome.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Thanks for that, sorry to be a wally but on the underside of my box I can ID the make, model, part code but it is blank after it says "Serial No, then there is a long barcode, underneath this is a very small asterisk followed by

DAF AEON 050340731....is this the serial number.:dunce:

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

I would agree, which is why I'm not signing up on this occasion (mostly becuase the other half would have my balls on the bbq if she missed Eastenders!)

I think if you were suggesting that each tester would be loaned a new box with this beta software on, it would be far more beneficial, as we could simply plug the current one back in if it all went the way of the pear. Just a suggestion.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

iadom, pretty sure thats the serial number, the number under the barcode is what I put down anyway.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Thanks, not very easy to read, upside down with varifocals:)


Signed up :tu:

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Ah real beta testing, what fun! At least ntl have an excuse when it doesn't work eh? :angel:

No, but seriously. Full marks to you Ashley -- just for seeing this idea through to fruition, not to mention the person who conceived the idea. And hell...you don't even work in customer service :p:

And 10 brownie points to ntl for some exciting interaction with their customers.

As Ashley rightly says, it's voluntary and there is a risk of short term problems, but at least you get to see the cutting edge of DTV :)

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Now see that idea would probabbly work fine in my house, id love to try this out, but i think if it all went wrong id have a lot of people moan at me. Plus i wouldnt mind a shiny new samsung box! :p:


Is there no way this could be done? :confused:

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Yes, you also need to provide the number on the stuck on barcode that looks like an asset tag sticker mine started with 03nnnnnnnnn.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

that 'stuck on' barcodeyou talk of seems to be missing on mine, well it looks like it is...

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Wait and see what Ashley says when you send him the info...

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Missing barcodes won't be a problem - we can find the info out by other means if necessary.

By the way, Ashley is on hols for a couple of weeks, so it'll take a while to get a response if you try to sign up now.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Originally Posted by Paul M
Ashley - I assume I can sign up just one of my STB's (I have three).


I was told that this will not work as i have two STB and i only wanted one to be used for beta testing.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

:notopic: how do i check ALL of my reputation points, as now i can only see the top 10, and am actually finding them interesting, as i got a negative point for saying :

"in two posts you spelt the word THEN wrong"

can i only view the top ten (p.s this is my first off topic comment ever i think so dont be harsh it aint worth starting a thread over)

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

I have only given the info for one STB and have two in the house.
Can't see how the network can tell you have two boxes in your house, as opposed to you and your neighbour having one box, doesn't the coax just star out from the distribution boxes, there is no router for CATV channels.

They are sending the software out to specific boxes, they just need to know from a db POV which ones they are that is defined by serial number and all these other details.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

For Bromley users you CAN'T have one box in test mode but not the others (at the moment). Langley users probably can.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

I'm on langley so that makes sense.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

I've been thinking about this, but I'm on Bromly and I'm definiately not beta testing on both boxes so thanks for posting this.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Same here, I would like to BETA test one but not both as one controls BB as well.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

its prob testing the software on the box

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Just to revisit this one, did anyone from CF sign up to the beta testing? What's it like?

Does it include the intended 2005 rollout of VoD software etc?

Just being nosey!

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

All quiet at the mo, Bromley was getting the Beta first and being Langley that excluded me. But even if I was we've effectivly signed NDAs

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Yes, lots of people signed up, but they aren't allowed to tell you what is happening. Sorry.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

there's no vod being tested at the moment

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

My lips are sealed...;)

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Thoughtt hat might be the case :) Glad it seems to be successful so far though - thanks for letting me know.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

I signed up and was accepted but haven't heard anything. I assumed it had all fallen apart or hadn't started.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Are you on Bromley or Langley?

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Glasgow, think thats Langley.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Tests have been ongoing for a couple of weeks but on Bromley only for now. Keep an eye on the Chetnet forums dedicated to Langley tests for info.

Edit, Can you read my mind.:)

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Ah righty okay, that'll be why I ain't heard anything then thanks :)

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

It hasn't started in Scotland. You'll hear when it does.

Have a look at the private forums on ChetNet and you will see things have been happening.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Thanks mate.

I had bookmarked the announcements sub forum instead of the testing forum and although I'd checked it now and then nothing had been posted. Spotted the stuff now :)

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Cant see why NTSmell want Beta testers if they cant get the system their using now working.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

The new software is great.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Because if they are to improve the software their need to beta test the improved version :rolleyes:

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

alferret - meet English grammar. Having live customers test stuff is a great way of improving things - don't knock it, it works.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

I would love to test the old stuff, but alas it dont bloody work, neither do their systems or as it seems from the phone calls I have made some of their staff.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

tell us more more more more
:erm:

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

I'm afraid their lips are sealed paul.

http://www.chetnet.co.uk/portal/foru...ead.php?t=3645

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

so are ntl about to challenge sky ?

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

what, ntl challenge sky?? haha.

vod will challenge sky, but vod is not being rolled out until early-2005, and then it won't be a secret, because everyone in a region will get the vod service.

:) (but, one must not mention any beta-testing......)

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Early 2005 ain't that far away.

I completely understand both sides here - we all want to know what might be coming up, but ntl need to protect the investment in their new products and services.

It could just be that they will be offering something so cool that Sky could get their hands on it and do a pre-emtive launch.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

But the nature of VoD means Sky cannot currently offer a similar package.

There have been all manner of suggestions in a VoD thread on Digitalspy with one particular poster suggesting Sky are either going to start including Broadband access in their STB's or allow customers to fit two-way LNB's to allow a high speed return path but as it stands currently only a hi-speed, physical link will be able to offer true video on demand.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Realistically that cannot be the case. If Sky wanted to know what the beta testing was about surely they would subscribe to it? Sky must have NTL / TW boxes in some of their developers houses to see how the competition are doing it.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

Yes you could well be right, although I bet there ain't too many beta boxes in the Isleworth area...LOL

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

I cant im afriad would get kicked off the programe and I aint risking going back to the old software. Just wait and see you will be pleasantly surprised.

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

I have signed up for Langley, which hasn't started yet. But even when it does, I don't think we are allowed to say much. :)

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

not allowed to say anything :P

Re: NTL seeks STB beta testers
 

I did think that was the case, sorry to be the bringer of temptation!!