Samsung SMT-S7800 500GB Freesat HD TV Recorder (New for 2012)

I hope I am one of many more customers who will now rate this product with a score it deserves.

As other customers have commented on, the software update that runs when the unit is first installed does NOT fix all the bugs with the unit. When I first used the unit it had problems recording the whole broadcast and would often cut the end off.

This was easily fixed by downloading the firmware update to USB stick from the Samsung web site - search for the product and then go to the support section.

I am now very happy with the unit performance, having compared the user interface with the Humax unit, this is much more modern and stylish and very easy to use. The HD quality is far better than Virgin Media and delivers 1080p perfectly as opposed to 720p that V Box delivers.

Please be patient and read all the relevant information regarding software fixes etc.

This is a new review based on the new software released for this box on the 23rd June 2011 Version 4.0.296 followed by my old review for reference.

This software update has now made this a valid choice for the purchase of a FreeSat+ box but it has taken Samsung nearly three months to achieve this.

It still has two bugs introduced with this software release which are not major but do require fixing.

If two episodes of the same series follow each other and are recorded by a series link e.g. Batman on ITV4 or Family Guy on the BBC the unit will not stop recording one of them till hours later (if the second tuner is free it seems to record the second episode correctly and another copy several hours long).
Because it does not stop recording if you have other planned recording/s which are on during this time they are not recorded or you only get the end.

If you playback a recording still being made and stop playback the resume information is not saved.

Otherwise all bugs listed below seem to have been fixed.

Some Product Shortfalls / Enchantment Requests in my humble opinion to make the product better.

Media player only shows the first 100 matching tracks or artists when browsing from a DLNA server (my TV can list all such media).

If a recording is not made for what ever reason no notification is saved to advise you the recording was missed or failed.

No option to create manual timers or adjust program pre and post recording time.

No warning message that the unit will change channel to make a second recording.

In Library view, a new recording indicator for series link recordings without having to open each folder.

In Library view, free/used disc space indicator would be useful. Having to go to Menu, Settings, Library / Media, HDD capacity is very long winded.

In Library view of scheduled recordings no program detail is available over than channel, name, date and time.

During recording playback no options are available such as EPG, recording list etc. All other STB have this.

Option to copy recordings onto external media via USB or FTP.

Edit option for non-freesat channel list.

WebTV option only offers YouTube

No access to shares on computers or NAS boxes (samba)

YouTube login password is not saved

END OF NEW REVIEW

My one was delivered on the morning of April 1st and indeed I was a fool for ordering one.

At first when I used the box I thought it was pretty good but then I found it would not let you mark more than one film on and of the channel 4 family of channels (More 4, Film 4) without it saying it was already scheduled to be recorded. - Fixed 2/5/11

Even after the firmware update of 2/5/11 Version 003.000.0273 it is still is no use as a TV recorder.

The main issue is (which you will find hard to believe)is that if you mark a program to be recorded form the guide to be recorded it will be listed in Library /Timers but often when the unit has been put in standby these planned recordings will vanish from the list and never be recorded "Never Miss A Thing" - who are they trying to kid?

This issue only effects single recordings and does not effect series linked recordings.

Other problems
No manual timer option or option to adjust pre and post recording time (padding).

Unit makes lots of 1 to 20 second recordings when it stops recording a program.

Unit sometimes misses the end of recordings.

No indication of new recordings in Library for series linked recordings - you have to check each folder.

HDMI Audio issues if connected via Sony (and perhaps other makes) to your TV. Only get any sound if the AMP is set to pass HDMI audio to TV.

HDMI Video mode issues if connected via a Sony (and perhaps other makes) where you may only get 576p as a choice for video modes.

No support for external USB hard drives, USB flash cards only.

No SAMBA share support to play media from, only UPNP which has a 100 match limit so it will not show or play all your media.

During recording playback no other information is available (what is being recorded or guide).

Some batches of remote controls have an issue and won't enter code entry mode.

Good Points
Low standby power consumption 0.7 watt

EDIT: 15/06/11
If you read the later attached comments you will see a firmware upgrade is promised for the 20th June to resolve the recording issues.
This however has been pushed back to the end of June and once it is available and tested, (assuming my box is returned from the Samsung Repair Centre), I will update my review.

EDIT: 22/06/11
I have reduced my two star rating to one as the apparently promised software update never materialised on the 20th June.
Also my box is still with the Samsung Warranty Repair Centre where they say nothing is wrong with it but it needs the new firmware which they say should be by the end of June. That is over three months after Samsung put this product on sale!
Lastly, they still have not made any reference to any of the current issues on their website.

I unpacked the box, connected up and plugged it in, and in a few minutes was watching superb high definition tv. The box is very easy to use and because my tv and blu ray player are Samsung also, I can run the lot off one remote, very useful. The guide is pretty generic and thus easy to use. I am still learning to use some of the ancillary functions but so far I am really pleased with my purchase.