NTL seeks STB beta testers

[altis]

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

and

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

[jtwn]

/signs up

Thanks for posting that altis!

[Tezcatlipoca]

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.

[AshleyJ]

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

Originally Posted by AshleyJ

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

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

[Chris W]

Originally Posted by gary_580

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

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

[altis]

Originally Posted by monkeybreath

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

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.

[AshleyJ]

Originally Posted by gary_580

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

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

[Lew]

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

Originally Posted by monkeybreath

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

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?

[seaneeboy]

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.

[AshleyJ]

Originally Posted by gary_580

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?

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

[Nutty]

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

[bigitup_j]

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

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