I see a number of threads here raising the issue of problems with the UK Classic only tuning a small number of Freeview channels.
What I don't see is any response from Sling either acknowledging the problem or attempting to resolve it.
From my experience, the unit I bought today, when initially installed found and locked on to some 50+ channels, it then prompted me to do a firmware upgrade and then when it retuned, the most I could get was 7. This would certainly support the argument that the latest FW release has affected the tuner.
I did attempt to get some remote support tonight but in all honesty it wasn't that helpful as I was just asked to do all the stuff I had done before ie Reset, try tuning with one of the other options etc. etc. He then attempted a remote config but then realised I was a UK customer not a US user. I would have thought my use of Freeview would have given him a clue.
Shortly after this realisation the connection "failed" and when I tried to get back through I found the support desk was now closed for the night.
So, on behallf of all of the other Classic owners who have identified this problem, can Sling support please acknowledge this is a problem and find a fix.
I could use a set top box, but I dont want to it defeats the purpose of a built in tuner !!!
It's interesting that you had 50+ channels to begin with and then 7 after a firmware upgrade.
When I got my Slingbox, I let it upgrade before I ever tried tuning in. I get one multiplex, the one with the main BBC channels on it. I wonder if I'd have got more multiplexes with the firmware as shipped?
I too wish Sling would look into it!
I think this is absolutely the problem. I took the original one back to PC World (at Sling Support's advice).
When I installed the new one, I refused both the s/w and f/w upgrade and bingo I have 50+ channels.
I just hope it doesn't "automatically" upgrade at some stage.
I'm on my second Slingbox. I couldn't be bothered trying a third - not after seeing all the posts on the forum. If it weren't for the fact that the phone network (3) give them away for free (with the £10 data plan) I'd probably have returned it and got my money back.
It's a shame as it's a great device otherwise (except for it not being able to control my satellite receiver!)
Hi, I too am having a problem with the built in freeview tuner. Since the upgrade it has stopped working altogether.
The composite and s-video inputs work fine but when I try and tune the coax to digital tv the box resets itself and all I get is an error.
Tried to factory reset the sling box to go back to an earlier firmware but it doesn't work and sticks with the latest one.
Help!!!!
LIC.
Does anyone know if there are any similar problems with the Pro Slingbox - UK version? Just deciding which one to buy. Thanks
I've got a Classic and have reported the DVB tuner problem to tech support via chat - initially I was told to try upgrading the firmware but had already done that. My tuner picks up the first 5 multiplexes but not the 6th one which annoyingly has BBC1/2/3 etc on it - this mux is the highest frequency - and probably has the best signal strength. Chat with tech support confirmed that there are 2 different hardware versions in the UK with 2 different firmware versions.
The last response I got from tech support was that they had all the info they needed and they thought it would need a firmware fix to resolve the issue.
Silly question - why doesn't the DVB tuner list Radio channels?
That's an interesting post DaveF1. Hopefully the more of us that come forward, the more likely Sling will actually do something.
Right now I'm recommending Slingbox to anyone that will listen but I always add the caveat that the built-in "Freeview" doesn't work. That in itself probably puts people off buying one. I mean, all the hardware you need for Slingbox to work is an aerial connection and router hooked up to broadband. That bare minimum should give a couple of dozen digital TV channels - no need for any additional set-top-box, a PC or even a TV.
And that silly question isn't silly in the least! Sling have an audio-only feature in Slingplayer so they understand that sometimes people only need the sound. A logical progression of that is to listen to radio stations (that are carried on digital terrestrial, cable and satellite) in audio-only mode.
Its good to see that I am not the only one with this issue and I hope I don't live to regret saying this, but my second unit that hasn't had the firmware or software upgrade seems to be working flawlessly.
It has been set up for 12 days now, still offering all the Freeview channels and has never needed a reboot.
Each time I reconnect it warns me that I should upgrade the firmware, but I happily ignore it's pleading tones.
Come on Sling - you must recognise there is a problem Why not fix it ????
Further to my previous post my box has now stopped working full stop. All the box does now is constantly reset itself. I can not even connect to it to reinstall firmware or set up the inputs. Any suggestions anyone?
Hello Guys,
I have two SlingBox Classic Units (purchased new) and they have both had their firmware updated and now they both only get only 7 of the free-to-air channels. One is in South Derbyshire and the other is in Somerset, they both have the same problems (identical channels access).
The Sling Support email suggests a re-boot (done) but nothing has changed. They know this problem exists and they should work on the problem and give us a suitable update.
Vey annoying to be told you aerial signal is too strong at one location and too weak at the other - cobblers.
I install A/V for a living - I know what I'm doing.
These are going back in their box and back to the shop. There are other solutions out there.
Member
United StatesI am about to buy a Slingbox for my UK address, was going with the Classic and going to use the built-in DVB-T to view Freeview Channels, but after reading this thread I wanted to ask:
If I dont install the firmware upgrade it will still get the higher number of channels (instead of the 7+ minimum some are mentioning.)
Should I just connect a seperate Freeview box (that was I can upgrade the firmware) as the freeview boxes are pretty cheap.
The Classic using the built in tuner will not get the radio channels available via Freeview?
Should I just get the Slingbox Pro does this have the same Freeview issues?
I would imagine any new slingbox classic would ship with the newest firmware (the newest firmware is about a year old now). Not sure if the pro has the same issue tho.
Cheers,
Seb
Member
United KingdomGents, can I be rude?
When running the setup, have you selected Digital and not Analogue? I ran the setup again and took the analogue option - 7 channels in London. Ran in Digital mode and got about 50ish.
EU Slingbox Solo, UK Slingbox Classic, Slingplayer v2, Symbian Player on Nokia N95 8GB and EU Sling Catcher in France
Simon,
I have had the problem detailed above. The box worked fine with the software that was shipped with the box. It picked up 53 digital channels. After the update it still shows 53 channels, but only Channel 5 actually shows a picture and this is mostly unwatchable. The analogue tuner is fine as it picks up all four channels. I contacted Sling and they have admitted there may be a problem with some boxes digital tuner and the update. I can't say I am impressed. This issue is over a year old and they should have recalled all the faulty boxes or re-written the software to take this into account.
Member
United KingdomMy apologies - I misinterupted your Slingbox error.
EU Slingbox Solo, UK Slingbox Classic, Slingplayer v2, Symbian Player on Nokia N95 8GB and EU Sling Catcher in France
Member
United KingdomHi Simon
What model slingbox do you have (on the bottom of the slingbox itself) and what firmware do you have (from Slingplayer - Slingbox - Properties - Information, with slingbox switched on)?
You appear to have a working tuner.
Thanks
Member
United KingdomI have done some more tests tonight.
Remember I am running SP Ver 2 (US) and a UK Classic running FW 1.0.15.
On Aerial Analogue I have the 5 UK channels - all looking very pleasent.
On Aerial Digital I have 57 channels (I think).
Re-ran on digital performing a detailed scan.
Most of the BBC channels are watchable all others are "sparkley".
The Sling Classic is at the end of an aerial splitter and tomorrow I will go direct to see if that is causing an issue. But it looks like I do have the same issue as everyone else.
EU Slingbox Solo, UK Slingbox Classic, Slingplayer v2, Symbian Player on Nokia N95 8GB and EU Sling Catcher in France
Member
United KingdomTried this with a direct aerial connection and it is better, but not brilliant. Still s"parkly" on those channels where issues existed before.
My box is an SB150-110.
EU Slingbox Solo, UK Slingbox Classic, Slingplayer v2, Symbian Player on Nokia N95 8GB and EU Sling Catcher in France
Member
United KingdomPlease can someone tell me if, when scanning for digital tuner channels using the internal tuner, there is any indication it is finding channels while it is scanning? Or do you have to wait until it reaches 100% to discover what channels have been found? (in my case so far, always zero)
Thanks
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