[Copied] Newer STB's
 

Hi all

My STB has started freezing up loads and the interactive never works. The signal seems fine but the problems still exist.

Im thinking of asking NTL for a new STB because im fedup with this. What are the newer boxes like and will ntl give me one? Does anyone have any info on the newer STB's.


Thanks in advance!

Re: Newer STB's
 

My old Pace STB used to freeze occasionally and drop the Broadband connection at least once a day, plus problems with interactive. Since I got a new Samsung for the recent BB speed increase, I have had ZERO problems. (Mind you, I never use Interactive). Whether NTL will give you one is a different matter. They may try and keep any Samsungs back for the next round of BB speed increases. The Pace boxes apparently won't take more than 1MB, so any upgrade to more than this REQUIRES a Samsung. Worth a try though.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Ok cool, i will root around for some info on the samsung.

However i get my broadband through a modem. Are the samsung boxes for areas where broadband only comes through the STB's ?

Re: Newer STB's
 

One for the NTL people I'm afraid. I know there are two 'platforms' within the NTL network (because of the different cable companies which were taken over at various times), and I THINK the Samsungs are currently only for one of the platforms. I can't remember which is which (except that they are known, for some historical reason, as Langley and Bromley), nor do I know which platform Stafford is on. Hopefully, someone who knows will come along and clarify.

Re: Newer STB's
 

If your BBC1 is channel 101 you are on Langley and will get your broadband through a stand alone cable modem.

If it's on channel 1 you will be on Bromley and could get it either through the STB or the modem.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Are the Samsungs Bromley only, at the moment?

Re: Newer STB's
 

They are available in some regions (Belfast and a few others) for Langley.

Before anyone asks there is no way to get one specifically. If you are getting a new install or a swapped box for a fault then it depends what the tech has in the van at the time.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Stafford is Langley, though Stoke On Trent is Bromley.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Thats right, Stoke is ex-cable and wireless networks and they get their broadband through their STB. Therefore, samsungs that offer > 1Mbit connections make sense to put them onto the ex-cable/wirless networks as they need to handle a decent broadband connection up to 1.5Mbits, soon to be 3Mbits.

That cleared that one up. I'll just hope for a decent box next time round.


Thanks for the super fast responses :D

Re: Newer STB's
 

If you upgrade to > 1Mbit (can you go back down after a month?), then they will have to put you on a Samsung, or a SACM for the broadband.

Re: Newer STB's
 

nottingham are fitting samsung boxes

Re: Newer STB's
 

I think Langley have always used SACMs not sure though. I know Bromley have Samsung boxes.

Re: Newer STB's
 

I am in an ex Cable & Wireless/ Nynex area. Do you happen to know if NTL will be replacing the existing Pace STBs with the newer Samsung versions please?

Re: Newer STB's
 

They will if you are on the 750k or 1.5Mb service as the Pace boxes cant handle above 1Mb I believe.

I wonder if its worth booking an engineer appointment now, as I expect there will be a backlog come the release and I want my 2Mb :D

Ive always been pretty impressed with the Service levels with both TV and Broadband in Stoke, I have a mate in Stafford who reckons his service is not so good. I also know someone in Brum not recieving a good service from Telewest! Goes to show the differences.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Thanks for that. I'm currently on the 750K service. Is it the case that NTL have an automatic STB replacement programme in place or is it that they will replace the box if you upgrade or request a change of box and pay the callout fee?

Re: Newer STB's
 

Well if you are swapping over to a Samsung or SACM I'd imagine that the £25.00 fee would cover this.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Thanks for that, dezzo.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Just to make it clear thats how I think it would work. I've no in-depth or insider knowledge of how the whole process will be completed.

Re: Newer STB's
 

if you upgrade to 1.5 meg or have problems you may get a samsung box

Re: Newer STB's
 

Hi..I'm new .... but reading the threads I decided I needed a SAMSUNG stb ... complained my Pace was freezing..booked an engineer..& heypresto he had a Samsung box onboard and fitted it no probs.

The remote now actually changes channels..the box matches my silver 28" TV and I've got rid of the fcuking black box you would't dream of buying in ASDA..nice one guys;)

Re: Newer STB's
 

I had a new install done last week (langley area so BB is through SACM) and the engineer put a nice shiney Samsung in. No problems with it so far.

Re: Newer STB's
 

the only automatic swaps to Samsung boxes are for 1.5meg broadband, 750K still runs on Pace boxes. As for requesting a Samsung - it just depends on what the tech has on his van. As for freezing pics etc. there are numerous reasons for this to occur and swapping for a Samsung may not even cure this.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Just a little note to those who are thinking about it (and I know some of you are.... :rolleyes: ) Unless you *need* a samsung (for 1.5meg+ bb), you cannot ask for a swap just because the black Pace doesn't match your silver tv.... If you feign a fault call out and nothing's found, not only will you NOT get a Samsung, you will be charged for a full call out fee.....

Re: Newer STB's
 

Nope, both (since quite recently). However some Langley areas aren't yet being fitted with Samsungs (Cardiff, Swansea, Glasgow for instance).

Re: Newer STB's
 

How recently? We had to have a replacement box in Cambridge about 4 months ago but got a "brand new" Pace.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Hi Orange,

It's rumoured that in the New Year that NTL will be introducing new broadband speeds e.g.2MB.

I currently pay £24.99 per month for my broadband, have a Pace 4010-N STB and have the 750k service.Looking at the new pricing structure I will be eligible at the same price for the 1MB service. As, so I'm told, my Pace box cannot provide this does this mean I will receive a new STB please?

Any info greatly appreciated please. :)

Re: Newer STB's
 

ntl have not stopped installing new Pace boxes. Samsung are the second supplier.

Re: Newer STB's
 

A 4010 in Manchester? Are you sure? (Maybe it's one of those mislabelled boxes)

Assuming you really have a 4000, then this is capable of 1Mb, and you won't need a box swap.

Re: Newer STB's
 

If all 4000 series can do 1MB then that's great. Thanks for the information.

Re: Newer STB's
 

:wavey: Hello! :)

Yes, all Paces can deal with up to and including 1meg ( :erm: )...;)

Re: Newer STB's
 

Thanks for the confirmation, Orange. Hope all is well with you.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Less than four months ago - areas like Cambridge are being fitted with a lot of Samsungs these days, but we certainly haven't stopped installing Paces even in those areas.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Sorry orangebird as a consumer paying NTL around £70 per month yes I can just ask them for a shiny Samsung STB and so should everyone else.
Unless that is you can convince me Pace Boxes are as good or better than Samsung ...do they do one in silver?..Dixons are full of consumer electronics in silver..why? cos thats what the paying public want.;)

Re: Newer STB's
 

Whatever :rolleyes:

Ntl provide you with a set top box, we guarantee it and replace it free of charge if any faults occur with it. We do NOT make any promises about it fitting in with the rest of your decor.

Re: Newer STB's
 

silver boxes are just a fad - give it a few years and everyone will want a black/charcoal grey box :rolleyes:

Re: Newer STB's
 

Why don't you phone NTL up and tell us how you get on then...

Re: Newer STB's
 

Well , quite nicely it would seem from posts #7 & #8 in this thread, ;)

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...ad.php?t=21139

Re: Newer STB's
 

Only because they said the old box was playing up and freezing - not because they did not like the look of the box.

Re: Newer STB's
 

But if you read the whole thread and read between the lines, he has only recently had a Pace box fitted. He admitted that this froze on the odd occasion " nothing major ". Basically he got a new Samsung box because he wanted one, only a short while after having a replacement Pace box installed.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Quite right..I wanted a new Samsung STB because the consensus was it was a better box and blow me down it matched my shiny 28" SILVER TV..consumer power or what?

Now lets see how many of you can get the box of your choice!!!

No reply from "orangebird" ??????? Who do you work for???

Re: Newer STB's
 

Why????????????

I want a consumer unit which does what you say it should do....I don't want a substandard box of ****e which freezes....the remote is so slow my stb freezes....and doesn't match the rest of my electronics.

If NTL can't cope with consumer demand..step aside and let someone else play....put up or shut up.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Re: Newer STB's
 

Newlyn70 you don't get it do you..I spend £75 a month with NTL....I don't get what I'm given I get what I want and the proof of the pudding is that I have my shiny silver Samsung...now run along and join the rest of the sheep..........baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Re: Newer STB's
 

Grow up

Re: Newer STB's
 

you sound like your about 5 years old saying all that.....Yes you may be a paying customer but you pay for the tv channels you only rent the box, but if you got a samsung what are you complaing about.:rolleyes:

Re: Newer STB's
 

Consumer choice
Consumer choice
Consumer choice

Now where was I ??

Thick black substandard STB!!!...............Pace I think!!

Slim silver shiny Samsung which actually does the job!!

I'll have the Samsung please.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Yes and it was achieved by claiming that the Pace box froze-up, in other words it was faulty. It was not achieved by ringing up and asking for a Samsung box just on aesthetic grounds.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Oh how I'll laugh if the fault gets put down as being caused by the customer and you get charged the callout fee. :D

Re: Newer STB's
 

Set top boxes don't grow on trees they have to be bought. Who provides the money to buy them, the customers. Arrogant, selfish customers who think they have a god given right to have what they want regardless will someday get their greed backfire on them. Hope your day is soon.

Re: Newer STB's
 

>Arrogant? Selfish?

because he wants a silver box matching his silver tv? Come on! I always ware matching socks, I pay for them, I get them any colour I like!

> a god given right?

God has nothing to do with it, it's his money that talks, if NTL does not want it, then Sky is the limit...

>backfire?

how?

Now, let me ask two questions (for everybody)

1. In what way is the Samsung better that the Pace, other than colour? I searched for a link, I could not find one.

2. Is the Pace remote control going to work with the Samsung one? Don't ask why...

I have my STB replaced on Wednesday, so I need to be ready with my selfish/arrogant/whatever :rolleyes: demands (I will demand the best of the two but I suspect there is no diference)

Re: Newer STB's
 

They could be charged a call-out fee of £75 if the faulty box they reported was not faulty.

It has a better cable modem and, hence, can run at faster speeds.

If you have a Pace 4xxx then yes, otherwise no (I think).

Re: Newer STB's
 

Do you rent your socks?

So if you had a black TV and then got a silver one would Sky come out and replace it free of charge? In fact after the 1st 12 months would they replace it free of charge at all?

Because he may very well be charged for the callout by the engineer.

Pass. I've used both and can't think of anything that makes the Samsung miles better than the pace boxes.

It depends on your area. From memory if you are in a Langely area (BBC1 is channel 101) it will. If you live in a Bromley area (BBC1 on channel 1) it won't

You will receive whatever the tech has in his van. And if there is nothing wrong with the STB it won't be replaced.

Re: Newer STB's
 

:p: Good one!

Thanks for the answers... I think it will be a good PR if the engineer offers a choise to the customer whenever an STB needs to be replaced or when it is firstly installed. He can have few of each in his van...

Re: Newer STB's
 

what if i was to purchase a samsung box from ebay would everything work ok when i swap the viewing card over ?

Re: Newer STB's
 

Nope.

Re: Newer STB's
 

so i would need a new viewing card ?

Re: Newer STB's
 

The box and card need to be paired and linked to an Ntl account. Simply buying one and plugging it in won't get you anywhere.

There is also the small matter of it still being Ntl property so you'd be unable to buy one legally.

Re: Newer STB's
 

As Dezo has quite :mad: rightly put it you get what is in the engineers van .Some days we have a mix but at the moment we are only getting pace boxes in this area .We have to put up with this nearly every day and we are getting sick of it .Some customers will not let us fix faults if we have not got samsung box .One customer would not let the installers put in her cable tv as they did not have a silver box .It is getting very childish they both do the same thing and when installed properly they work just as well.

Re: Newer STB's
 

If you get STB broadband, you can *guarantee* yourself a Samsung box by switching to 1.5M for one month, then changing back down. This will cost £12 (if you currently have 750k), with no call-out fee...

Also, I've read that Telewest are using a 2000+ box (or something like that) -- basically a Pace 2000 that's been resprayed silver. Sounds like something NTL should look at...

Re: Newer STB's
 

If they wont let you fix faults unless they can have a Samsung box then they ought to be charged a call out fee.

Re: Newer STB's
 

How many times do people have to say it on this forum engineers only carry what the stores have in,if it aint in the van you aint going to get it. As for getting one of ebay that has been said so many times on this forum i am getting bored with it, YOU DO NOT OWN THE BOX YOU RENT IT, it is a crime to buy one from anywhere or anybody, this is one reason mine and your bills are high we are paying for moody boxes.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Why don't you keep both boxes in the van? Why isn't NTL storing both STBs?

Why dont' you give the customer a choise?

Do you hate the customers?

Do you want to give them a black one if they want a silver one and give them a silver one if they want a black one?

Why is NTL so childish about it?

Afterall, the Samsung STBs have a problem with the picture drifting to the right .... the Koreans are aparently working on the code.... so as soon as the word is out, you will be begging the customers to allow you to fit a Samsungs;)...

Re: Newer STB's
 

I am an NTL customer and I definitely do not want to be given a choise ;)

Re: Newer STB's
 

I had a fault on a couple of STB's in the past and have had them replaced. My home setup requires I have audio out on the STB, but a few months ago, I needed my STB replaced again, and I've been given an inferior model (it's a dark grey pace); it has no audio out, it has an ugly box thing using up one of the scart connections (apparently to enable my STB to receive channels 1-5).

My question is, what the hell is that black thing and can I request a different STB due to being, in effect, downgraded? I didn't even get a new remote with it!

Re: Newer STB's
 

My guess would be that it is an analogue pass-thru to enable your TV to receive channels 1-5 from the NTL cable.

None of the new NTL boxes have audio out connections (although you could get a Scart break-out box to fit any of them).

Re: Newer STB's
 

Posted by Robert Atkins
Why don't you keep both boxes in the van? Why isn't NTL storing both STBs?

Why dont' you give the customer a choise?

Do you hate the customers?

Do you want to give them a black one if they want a silver one and give them a silver one if they want a black one?

Why is NTL so childish about it?

:mad: As others have said we have no say what boxes are at the stores there is usally a mix but from time to time we get one or the other .This could be down to shipping as samsungs are shipped over .If we gave every customer a choice most would say i want a samsung so what do you do with all the pace boxes ? . :)

Re: Newer STB's
 

Stick them in the dustbin where they belong...they are inferior to the Samsung STB's .... unless some bright spark can prove different.....any offers?

Pace STB's are outmoded and will not be able to cope with the next round of BB speed increases in any case.

Re: Newer STB's
 

I love a challenge. The Samsung was designed as a direct replacement for the Pace. They're a bit faster, but the technology is essentially the same. Next troll please.

Re: Newer STB's
 

You forgot to mention the nice colour BB :rolleyes: ;) .

I've heard that next year black will be the new .......er black. :)

Re: Newer STB's
 

happy to oblidge;) Thats a bit unfair he did have it right the pace are inferior come on :D.
I have never had any similar problems with the samsung compared to the pace.
The ability to change to variance in signal beats the pace hands down

Re: Newer STB's
 

The engineer came today he did not have a Samsung but he is coming back in a couple of hours with one. He said internet, EPG, and interactive is much faster and diagnostics is much better on the Samsung.

The fault he found was a dead splitter but he'll change the box so the fault does not re-appear.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Has he already fixed the fault and left you with a PACE in the meantime?

Re: Newer STB's
 

What a waste of money and resources. There will probably some poor customers having to wait much longer than is necessary for an engineer visit if this scenario is widespread. :mad:

Re: Newer STB's
 

Too right it is.

Re: Newer STB's
 

But to replace all the pace boxes (which in the vast majority of cases work absolutely fine) would cost an unneccesary fortune!

Just because the best is available doesn't always mean it should be implemented across the board... especially when the kind of costs we're talking about would become an issue.

Re: Newer STB's
 

The intermittent fault: DTV picture blacks out around 10 times per hour.

Diagnostics: Signal too low, splitter dead

Cure: New STB (just in case), new splitter.

He is coming to my neighborhood this afternoon for another job, he phoned his mate, he had a Samsung in his van, he is going to swap his Pace with his mates' Samsung over lunch and bring it over here this afternoon.

Chill out people, he is just making a customer happy, what's wrong with that?

Re: Newer STB's
 

Most likely it will only be changed in circumstances where the existing box is proven to be defective or where an existing Pace box has to be changed because the customer has upgraded to a speed over 1.5 MB.

I currently am on the 750k service & have a Pace box, which works fine but plan to pay the £25, pay the same monthly rental (24.99)_and get the 2MB service. It seems likely that I will get a Samsung box legitimately under those circumstances as the Pace box cannot provide the required service.

It may well be that for services under 1MB the time will come when NTL will only supply replacement Pace boxes as some customers will be happy with that level of service.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Or they may switch customers getting BB from their STB to SACMs. Wonder what the Samsung owners will do next year when NTL introduce wireless SACMs and PVR STBs?

Re: Newer STB's
 

Ian you know what Samsung STB users should do don't you.
We will find out if Sacm are better or worse than our STBs.
I've already explained to you in some detail that if the new service is better, or gives benefits Samsung STBs dont then Samsung users, myself included will demand the upgrade.

You know it makes sense.

Oh and my thread "Lets all get a Samsung STB!!!!!!!!!!!!" has been pulled by the mods!

On asking why below is a quote

"Ah, yes your thread was pulled because some people were not keen on your post and how you tried to advise others on how to get a samsung STB. Posts that followed yours were some members who were not happy with what you posted and the discussion just turned into a non-meaningful discussion which is why it was pulled, I'm sorry you were not informed right away about it. But we tryed to avoid at all times, to keep members clashing with each other and it was in everyones best interest to keep the peace on the forum.

Regards,

Mick."

You'll have to wait for my reply as to how NTL employees and other self interest groups were able to pressure Cable Forum as the site won't let me access my PMs.

Victor :mad: :mad: :mad:

Re: Newer STB's
 

This is what I replied

"
Hi Mick,
After a good start on the Forum I stumbled on the fact that Forum regulars were in fact happily accepting NTLs atrocious customer service. They are all savvy enough to make sure they get what they want from NTL and are content to let everyone else pay for and therefore subsidise their use of NTL.

My post did not advise how to get a Samsung STB but was a campaign to get NTL customers demanding STBs that actually work.

I am disappointed that self interest groups, NTL employees and experienced NTL users felt unable to understand my actions and convinced yourselves to pull my thread.

I know, you know, th'engineer knows what I am saying is factually correct.

No doubt my access rights will shortly be curtailed but I will try to put my point across until such time.

Victor :mad: :mad: :mad:"

Not a lot I can add to that except Mick says I won't be banned!

Re: Newer STB's
 

I'm sure that's not set in stone.

Re: Newer STB's
 

I note another adverse comment on my reputation at 00:09

Pity really I am not acting against site members but just standing up for customers rights..who do you stand for!!!!!!!!!

Victor :disturbd:

Re: Newer STB's
 

Good thing too!

Re: Newer STB's
 

I had to wait for my reps to spread remember.

I stand for people who can be polite. And yes - I do pity you.

edit - it'll be a while before your reps actually affect me - sorry to burst your little bubble.

edit - thanks for the pm - but I don't believe there's much point in responding as I think you'd have trouble understanding.

Re: Newer STB's
 

The only people who can tell which STB is more problematic and whether SACMs are better than STBs in providing broadband are NTL technical staff. You get a number of users saying that they have problems with a certain type of STB, but is it the STB that is the problem or some other piece of kit, NTLs or your own. When an engineer visits he may swap the STB and also make adjustments at the cabinet. If the service then improves was it the STB that was the problem or something else that the engineer tweaked? There are thousands of users that do not have any problem with their NTL service that are using STBs that others say should be consigned to the bin. I think that this demonstrates that something other than the STB is creating problems. The problems could stem from your own kit and how you use it and equally how others around you use theirs including doing DIY wiring jobs on the NTL side of the STB.

Re: Newer STB's
 

So you are impolite and have a vested interest in keeping the status quo.

Victor

Re: Newer STB's
 

Please go away and leave us alone. :)

Re: Newer STB's
 

Pardon me while I laugh myself to sleep.:LOL::LOL::LOL::LOL:

Re: Newer STB's
 

Okay, that's enough. Lets all move on to something else before my banning finger starts to twitch.

Re: Newer STB's
 

If they are better than my brand new Samsung, then I will want them. Why pay the same for an inferior product? And I do not have to lie to NTL, I will ask my parents to disconect the service and we will only go back only if NTL give us one of the new toys. Simple and straightforward blackmail.

The same happened with the remote control, I told NTL give me one with volume control or disconnect the service. The new remote arrived next day with a plastic bag to send the old one back. Simple blackmail.

I do not have shares in NTL, they have a problem and they have to sort it out. To me, it's a simple financial transaction.

NTL cannot give better toys to the new customers and the old ones are stuck with ancient gadgets, while both pay the same.

I am off to find out what a PVR STB is...

Re: Newer STB's
 

Well that makes is all right then! :rolleyes:

Are you sure your parents were not charged for a new remote (once NTL received your old one and found it was not broken)?


Yes but NTL cannot give the latest "toys" to everybody or we all would have to pay a lot more to subscribe.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Yes, we got it replaced for free. We told them that nothing was wrong with the remote, we want a new one that controls the volume. No reason to lie. They said no to the remote initially, but they changed their mind when my dad asked for the disconnections department.

My dad has been a customer for years, are we going to get stuck with a 5 year old remote, when everybody else pays the same with us but they have new remores with extra features?

Re: Newer STB's
 

A PVR STB is a Set Top Box that is also a Personal Video Recorder similar to what Sky have with the Sky+ box.

I am wondering why you chose to give me a red rep for post #85 as you didn't leave a comment. What do you find wrong with that post? :confused:

Thinking about it though, your mention of toys explains a lot. :D

Re: Newer STB's
 

You do not need to replace all the Pace boxes as everyone has not got similar problems if you have TV only in a good signal area with low variance a pace is ideal .
If you have BB in an area of low signal variance a pace is adequate for lower speeds.
I think you must have mis quoted me as it was never implied in the original post that all pace boxes should be replaced.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Can we please try to avoid talking of reps and ex-members of the forum please. Please remember that off-topic posts are subject to removal. Thanks.

Re: Newer STB's
 

This thread now seems to be going nowhere. I won the argument both on this thread and on another recent thread with support from members who do not wish to post for the very real fear of neg retaliation. (see Moderators comment above)

On every other forum concerned with the Cable industry my viewpoint is echoed over and over again. NTL must do better and supply equipment which actually works.

Perhaps its time to lock this thread to protect those who share my views.

Re: Newer STB's
 

But PACE boxes aren't ancient gadgets, they work perfectly well...

and when it comes down to it there isn't a helluvalot of difference between samsung and pace boxes - I'm starting to worry about why people are so adament that a change of box to a samsung one (which i'm sure are good) will change their life so radically - they both run the same software you know...

Am I missing something?

I fully expect a lot of "My pace was rubbish but the samsung works" posts, but you gotta remember there's more than one on the network...

Oh and...

Oh please :rolleyes:

Re: Newer STB's
 

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

OK I think there is something wrong with board and I'm missing a good few hundred posts in this thread. From where I'm sitting virtually everyone has shot you down in flames.

The pace boxes work perfectly well. I've got two at home and see about 10-15 of them in the office along with a Samsung. They occasionally have issues, nothing major.
Also I see several Sky boxes on a fairly regular basis. Guess what? They sometimes have problems as well!

Re: Newer STB's
 

:LOL:

so when the only person you named as argeeing with you, says he didn't say that, you want to close the thread down!!

i agree with what th'eng says, some people are very happy with there pace boxes and do work very well indeed. you cannot make such sweeping statements.

Its not abt winning arguements, if you think it is i think you have missed the point of this forum :)

Re: Newer STB's
 

Yeah right.... So, as I was saying...

I have been wondering if I should phone ntl or not to complain about my box going wrong nearly every day.

I don't really care if it's silver or black, just that I can use it.

The trouble I've got is that it only fails intermittently at some point during the day and I couldn't MAKE It fail on demand.

I don't want to lie to ntl - so am I likely to be charged for the call out if they turn up and there's nothing wrong with it (At that point)?