Quick review of new firmware (App Version 11.1.8_ukcable, for PACE STB)
The good
- Firmware feels a bit faster than LCR3.
- Superior use of colours to create a distinctive EPG.
- Lack of advert banners in firmware results in a classier look for the firmware.
- Volume can be set from Display & Audio menu.
- Much better menu system than LCR3 or current TV Drive firmware.
- Much better information for VOD content – includes remaining number of days left for content on the server, and rental period.
- VOD Movies A-Z menu is now a lot easier to use.
- You can now view content for Catch Up on Demand (formerly Pick of the Week on NTL) on a day by day basis – for instance, view everything on the server from Monday.
- The Fast-Forward/Rewind/Stop/Pause image uses for VOD content looks nice – each on-screen option is now colour coded to match the button on your remote – so now you can use blue for FF, Yellow for Rewind, Green for Pause/Play and Red for Stop – as well the existing arrow buttons. In addition, you get little FF/Rewind/Pause icons above the image.
- New Troubleshooting/FAQ section addeds for TV services and Bills, should prevent a few calls to CS.
The bad
- 1 Day EPG!!!! Whatta mean you’re going on holiday???!
- Why does the firmware assume that my Langley remote has a ‘i’ button which I can use to get more info?
- Software tells you to use Red Button for page down and Green for Page Up – but you can also use existing page up/down buttons on remote.
- Maybe this is temporary, but no trailers for New VOD movies (I’ve seen a few for the TV Drive).
More later, Dinner awaits. Yum Yum