New non-recordable TV box

[watchit69]

Our old Hauwei 372 recordable TV box is now only picking up 69 channels so as invited we requested and received a new Google replacement. We set it up and am very pleased to pick up 179 channels but, this new box doesn't record. Also my wife is hard of hearing, we are both in our late seventies, and to access subtitles you have to press the accessibility button then scroll all the way down to toggle the subtitle switch; the Hauwei remote had a simple on/off button.

Talktalk say it is no longer necessary to record anything as all content is accessible on catchup. Our problem and half the UK's viewing population is that subtitles and AD isn't available on catchup.

Why don't Talktalk admit not replacing worn out equipment with like for like is just a cost saving exercise. 

I am looking for a third party recordable box and probably a new broadband supplier.

[nambuso-TT]

Hi there 

@fr8ys Thank you very much for advising. 

[fr8ys]

Pleased you are now sorted.

On the Manhattan the subtitle button is the S/AD button bottom left.

Re the TalkTalk box, it is a youview based box, which was developed by youview, TalkTalk and the box manufacturer. Unfortunately it was not tested by customers just staff, unlike older boxes.

Regarding the radio screens, this is as broadcast by the BBC and varies depending on the device being used.

I find my Manhattan better than my EE Pro Box in most respects, except the number of channels it will record.

I like the F button that takes you to many menus and also the text based recordings menu rather than the picture one on Youview boxes.

Anyway, have fun exploring the settings menu.

[watchit69]

Thanks for those suggestions. I've bought the Manhattan T4-R from Argos (£169.99) and now receive 171 channels. Accessing subtitles consistently isn't straightforward but I've found a workaround.

The new Talktalk set-top box is being used on our kitchen TV. Again receiving 171 channels. There are some noticeable differences I'm not happy with: going back to subtitles, it now requires ten clicks to turn them on or off whereas the old remote control did it with one. For some reason the bottom left hand button on the remote switches AD off and on, how many people use AD?

Also, when tuned to a radio channel my TV screen goes blank. I have to click the info button to see what I am listening to. Previously there was a programme description on the screen which could be removed by clicking the green button. Surely little things like this should have been picked up pre-production or have Talktalk just something cheap off the shelf.

I am seriously considering buying a Manhattan T4 set-top box costing £66 and ditching Talktalk TV altogether.

[mandisa1-TT]

Thank you for the support @ferguson and @fr8ys 

[watchit69]

Thanks for those suggestions. 

[fr8ys]

It's around 4 years now since TalkTalk stopped supplying recordable boxes, and you are not alone in thinking this a backwards step.

There are a couple of options you can look at depending if you want to buy new or nearly new.

New

The Manhattan T4R records 2 whilst watching a 3rd. It is based on Freeview Play so is a different system to Youview. 

Downside is there is no remote recording app, but if you didn't use this then it doesn't matter.

I've just moved over to this and there is quite a comprehensive instruction guide on line.

Nearly new

EE Pro Box. Available from CeX.

This is based on Youview so you will be used to it's functionality and it has up to date catch-up apps which your existing box will have lost, like itvx.

You can also link it to the EE app for remote recording notifications.

It records 4 channels at once and allows you to watch a 5th.

Downside is that these boxes may be used and will have been sold to CeX by EE customers.

Grade A boxes are new or like new and come with a limited guarantee from CeX themselves.

Phone TalkTalk to return your new box and ask for the removal of the TV charge if you take this route.

Hope this helps.

[ferguson]

It is a sad fact that recordable boxes are a dying breed and TalkTalk have long since stopped providing them as part of their service. Even Sky are moving away from their old-stlye boxes towards streaming. Most catch up services do in fact provide subtitles and AD, it is just a question of learning where to find them. But you can still find a recordng box via retail if you wish. If the latest TalkTalk box does not meet your needs you can cancel the £5 monthly charge and return it.