This update fixes the infamous recording library deletion issue that cropped up in v1.28.0 - it has already been tested by several of those affected to ensure the problem was fixed, and has been pushed to all Bush branded T7655 boxes over 2 months ago, with no ill-effects.

A sad day indeed, although maybe they will stock the new T7675 model in the future. For now, the Finlux branded T7655 and T7675 are the only Vestel PVRs now available in the UK, available from other retailers.

If you already have v1.29.0 and wish to switch to the production version, you will need to downgrade to v1.25.0 via USB first and then the box will either pick up v1.29.0 from the update server by checking for updates on the T7655, or you can manually install the production v1.29.0 via USB.

This update fixes the infamous recording library deletion issue that cropped up in v1.28.0 - it has already been tested by some of those affected to ensure the problem has been fixed.

As a side note, a Finlux T7655 box is also available, similar to the Bush and Hitachi models, but requiring a different software build for updates.

Advice is to make sure automatic updates are disabled, although you would not have gotten the update with no ethernet cable connected. If your box did update to v1.28.0, you should revert to v1.25.0 using a USB memory stick.

More news as and when I obtain more detail.

The exact changes in this release since v1.22.1 are unknown apart from a fix for the BBC apps which had stopped working. Presumably, there have been quite a few other fixes due to the jump in version number. This version has been deemed stable after several months of testing.

This is sad news for Vestel PVR owners as this means there is now no chance of ever receiving any over-air-downloads, which was traditionally the only method used to update the software on your boxes. Only the latest T7655 (Emerald) model is capable of receiving software updates over the internet updates, although recently Vestel removed all software from the update site so it is has not been possible to receive upgrades at all for the past few months. It is possible that the T7655 (Emerald) boxes may receive a software update soon, but you will need to connect it to the internet to get it.

The new software contains some fixes for "recording issues", minor fixes and improvements, although the exact details are currently unknown.

The recommended way to avoid this problem is to delete any unwanted channels from the channel list and to ensure low power mode is enabled in the configuration settings screen. Deleting channels also has the benefit of making the EPG more faster and responsive, and it won't slow down so quickly the longer the box is in use. Also, it is important to perform a retune whenever there are major channel changes on the Freeview platform (channels moving to a different multiplex, for example).

In December 2014, Vestel and Broadcom had provided a software fix for this in the latest Emerald-based T7655 PVR models, which was publicly released in April 2015 (v1.20.2). Earlier models did not receive this fix, but thanks to the encoder changes, the problem is no longer an issue for T7300, T7655 and T7555 Amber2 owners too (for now, at least).

• Fixed broken series recording functionality
• Fixed audio glitches/pops/clicks on HD channels and DVB-T2 SD channels, triggered by encoder changes at broadcast level
• Fixed EPG population issue where programme descriptions were not available for the full 8 days
• Fixed accurate recording start signal from always being ignored when programme starts late (recordings no longer start too early)
• Fixed video quality issue affecting SD and 1080i HD broadcasts (1080p was ok) which caused flickering and ghosting due to apparent deinterlacing artefacts
• Fixed aspect ratio not changing when playing recordings containing mixed 4:3 / 16:19 material
• Fixed case where recordings could change channel mid-recording or were missing parts of the programme (could happen if you are actively using the box whilst two recordings are in progress)
• Various cosmetic user interface fixes

• Fixed broken series recording functionality
• Fixed audio glitches/pops/clicks on HD channels and DVB-T2 SD channels, triggered by encoder changes at broadcast level
• Fixed EPG population issue where programme descriptions were not available for the full 8 days
• Fixed accurate recording start signal from always being ignored when programme starts late (recordings no longer start too early)
• Fixed video quality issue affecting SD and 1080i HD broadcasts (1080p was ok) which caused flickering and ghosting due to apparent deinterlacing artefacts
• Fixed aspect ratio not changing when playing recordings containing mixed 4:3 / 16:19 material
• Fixed case where recordings could change channel mid-recording or were missing parts of the programme (could happen if you are actively using the box whilst two recordings are in progress)
• Various cosmetic user interface fixes

If your box has a USB port, the update process is easy - just a memory stick required. However, if yours doesn't have a USB port, the only way is via a SCART to RS232 cable which can either be made or purchased on eBay, and applying the update using a PC, preferably with a real serial port (some USB->RS232 adaptors can also be used).

Here is the full list of affected models:

• ISIS ISIDVBT2
• DIGIHOME FREEVIEW HD BOX
• FERGUSON F02HDB
• METRONIC T2 HD ZAPBOX
• XENIUS DVBX100HD
• BUSH DVB680
• FINLUX DVBT2_665 FREEVIEW HD BOX
• LINSAR FHD1
• ANTIFERENCE HDSB
• LOWRY GSHDSTB1001
• LUXOR LUXDVBT2690
• KRYSTEL DVBT2
• AKURA AVX665
• NEXT FREEVIEW HD BOX
• TECHWOOD FREEVIEW HD BOX
• MURPHY T650HD
• TECHNIKA STBHDV2010
• HITACHI HDB95

T825, T835, T836 and T845R models will crash when they update timers in the background if you have series timers set on Sky channels. T7300, T7650 and T7655 models do not crash, fortunately, but they will not be able to schedule a series timer on any Sky channels. T810 and T816 models are unaffected. Vestel boxes are not the only ones to be affected - Sony DVD/HDD recorders have been hit by the fault too.

The solution for now is to delete all timers that you have set on Pick TV and Challenge, until Sky fix things.

[Update 14:00, 21 Jul 2013]
It appears that the corrupt EIT data on Sky channels has now been fixed, and normal service has been resumed. It is now safe to set up your series timers on Sky channels again.

The Hitachi replaces the Bush 320Gb and 1Tb T7650 models, at Argos, which are being phased out and heavily discounted at £99.99 and £139.99 respectively, at the time of writing - get one while you can! The pricing of the newer T7655 is pretty optimistic, and the T7650 models are very similar in comparison, but far better value for money. Please note that the new Bush 500Gb Freeview+ HD recorder is made by another manufacturer and has nothing to do with Vestel.

[Updated 9 Aug 2013]

The update is a first step in addressing the infamous problems introduced in the previous v4.6 over-the-air-download in January. However, although it may offer some improvement, it does not unfortunately fix all the problems reported. Owners of boxes currently running v4.6 are advised to complete the update. Whereas those running v4.1 and earlier should think twice - it is recommended to avoid the v4.8 update. There will be a new version soon to address all the troubles of v4.6 (and v4.8).

However, one notable new feature is the addition of Target Region Descriptor support that allows you to pick which transmitter to use when scanning for channel which is useful if your box picks up a signal from multiple transmitters. Also, support for the Freeview HD green button trailer booking has been added.

The recommended solution for avoiding this is to perform an automatic channel scan and immediately manually delete any unwanted channels from the channel list, so that you have less than 100 channels. T816 owners should also ensure that the "Scan encrypted" option in the setup/configuration menu is set to "No" which will ensure that most of the channels that cannot be viewed on non-TopUp TV boxes anyway will not be added to your channel list.