STP-HD200 manual

[Opus4]

I'm looking for comments on the HD200 manual, a printed copy of which is included in the HD200 box, or which can be downloaded (Right click & choose "Save Target As...").

I've already heard that it is unclear how to get back to the standalone menus after connecting to a SageTV server, so I plan to cover that. As posted below:

Use the Power button on the remote to turn the unit off, then power it back on. If it is configured to automatically connect to a server, then you'll need to cancel the auto-connection when the dialog for that appears.

Another note: while powered off, you can use the Home button on the remote to have the HD200 power on into the mode that was last used -- this is a faster way to reconnect to a server since it won't have to go through the auto-connect cancellation wait period.



Are there other types of confusing items?

Thanks.

Oh, and please keep in mind that the HD200 manual is meant to be a fairly short document so that it can be printed & included in the box, unlike the 270+ page SageTV manual.

Also, please note that this discussinon is about the HD200 manual; it is not a feature request thread & such posts will be removed.

- Andy

[bcjenkins]

Hi Andy,

Here's my list of suggestions:

• Provide a link to the most recent manual download location
• Include more pictures of the connections, configuration screen.
• More information on some of the configuration screens
  • Audio - What's the difference between bitstream and PCM for digital
• Define page breaks in logical locations. Major sections should start at the top of a page if not able to fit in the current page.

Lastly, you may want to make the print version the quick guide and an online version the comprehensive one.

B

[jetradio]

I know it's a default setting in most programs, but you many want to mention that the HD200 does best with DVD "archives" with .vob files kept at the 1GB size limit. For bonus, perhaps even mentioning how the HD200 deals with .ISOs.

[hingepin]

Best format/method to be able read and write to a local USB drive (EXT3?) on the HD200 if you are using Windows.

[DaveW42]

I would recommend telling users why the system starts by downloading fonts, images, etc., and where those fonts, images, etc. are being downloaded from. Also describe whether there are any potential differences (e.g., performance, network utilization) between using the HD200 in standalone mode vs. connected to SageTV.

Dave

[Djc208]

Originally Posted by bcjenkins

Provide a link to the most recent manual download location

Lastly, you may want to make the print version the quick guide and an online version the comprehensive one.

Have to agree with this one. I was just trying to find the manual for another post and had to do some digging. Should be right on the product page on the main SageTV web site, or at least prominently displayed on the support page so people don't have to search the forum or join to ask "what does it do?"

[Opus4]

I thought I should mention that even though I haven't been replying, I've been reading, so thanks for all the comments so far.

Originally Posted by DaveW42

I would recommend telling users why the system starts by downloading fonts, images, etc., and where those fonts, images, etc. are being downloaded from.

They are being preloaded into memory, not being downloaded. This is done so the menus load a little faster after startup, instead of having a delay to load them when going to a menu for the first time.

- Andy

[DaveW42]

Thanks Andy.

Another area of confusion to clear up would be some guidance in terms of what hardware/software is needed to do various things. When I first bought the HD200, I was under the impression that I didn't really need the SageTV software in order to watch TV using the extender. That impression was wrong (I see now on your home page that you have an asterisk that says "Watching live or recorded HDTV requires optional SageTV Media Center Version 6.5 or later, a PC/Mac and HD TV Tuner"). The asterisk clears things up, and I would recommend including something similar in the manual.

Thanks,
Dave

[ScubaMedic]

Originally Posted by bcjenkins

Hi Andy,

Here's my list of suggestions:

• Provide a link to the most recent manual download location

I'm all for this. I spent an hour last night scanning it in so I could recycle the manual and now I find out I could have just downloaded it.

You can get back to standalone after you connect to a server? That for sure needs to be in there. (until the next version of the manual comes out would you mind telling me how to do it?)

I also think a little more info on working with folders would help. It took me a while to realize that you scan for everything first then delete the ones you don't want. That's how I did it anyway. (in standalone mode)

Thanks Andy.

[voidpt]

Originally Posted by Opus4

I've already heard that it is unclear how to get back to the standalone menus after connecting to a SageTV server, so I plan to cover that.

+1 How ?

[Opus4]

Originally Posted by ScubaMedic

You can get back to standalone after you connect to a server? That for sure needs to be in there. (until the next version of the manual comes out would you mind telling me how to do it?)

Use the Power button on the remote to turn the unit off, then power it back on. If it is configured to automatically connect to a server, then you'll need to cancel the auto-connection when the dialog for that appears.

Another note: while powered off, you can use the Home button on the remote to have the HD200 power on into the mode that was last used -- this is a faster way to reconnect to a server since it won't have to go through the auto-connect cancellation wait period.

- Andy

[cat6man]

combo remote keys not easily understood, either that it is there or how to enable them (e.g. map right/skipFWD to right key, etc)...very cool feature, well hidden

[Slack]

Based upon my own experience See thread. A suggestion could be added to the troubleshooting section, detailing the 'force hdmi mode' selection that Narflex clued me into.

Prior to that I was getting no love from my second HD-200.

[msimon2310]

Andy,

I just purchased the HD200 unit. I have been working in computers and electronic 'stuff' for over 35 years and yes, I am an electrical / software engineer by formal education and it still took me 3 DAYS TO PSYCH THE HD200 DEVICE OUT AND TO GET IT TO WORK appropriately. All because the manual is so limited. It is hard for me to believe that you are actually asking people (since February) to tell you what they think needs to be in the manual. You should already know this !!

I am aware that your intent is to keep the manual as short and simple as possible. That said you still MUST communicate how to use EVERY function in a manner that NON - ENGINEERS and LAY people can understand. Here are a few areas that need to be addressed:

- defining and explaining every function
- defining and explaining every error message that can be displayed (like out of memory ?!?!?)
- all 'errata' or functions known not to work as originally planned or indicated in the manual etc.
- how to clear an entry or character form a screen (some screens do not let you clear a character - did you know that ?)
- how much storage exists on the device and how one can maximize its use (I have over 75,000 files and the device tells me it is out of memory - what do I do ?) - can I add more memory ???
- on what conditions is it ok for the power light to turn off - and what does it mean when it does this ?
- it would be nice to know that the device never really is powered off when it is plugged into the power brick as well as what it means to be on vs off (e.g. the red light)
- how do you load a user ID and password for a network device that requires this (like my LaCie ED_Mini 500) - and does the device STORE this id and password for future use or do you have to keep loading it (if you have to keep loading it how does the device commuicate with the external storage unit ?)
- what are the differences in operation if you connect a uPNP device from the NETWORK PATH or from its uPNP PATH ? There are differences as I can only make my LaCie work from the uPNP PATH and then only for music and video.
- how do shuffle and other functions actually work - appears that whenever I start with shuffle on it always plays the SAME sequence / order
- are there any tricks to moving around the screen when you have long list of albums etc. and you want to get to the top to select PLAYLIST etc. ?
- how do you use the web access areas ? can you add web addresses to go to if you want different ones ? can I go to different weather sites ?

I have many more...... Devices such as this one need to have manuals that actually show screen shots of how tro use the functions and what one should expect to see. Additionally not one of the ADVANCED setup functions is described in the manual as to what is used for or how it works or what to expect on various setups.

I can be reached at msimon2310@comcast.net

Thx and I hope to see a REAL manual sometime in the NEAR uture.

PS - The quality of the Sage TV Manual is orders of magnitude better than this one. You set my expectations there and did not folllow through. I am quitre disappointed.

[willemse]

Hi Andy

Searched the manual to find power adapter specs in relation to input mains.
I am in the Netherlands (220v 50 Hz) and looking at HD 200 to get one (When available) Would be good to add this to the specs in the manual.
Ie Many adapters threse days are capable to take 100 - 250v 50 -60 Hz as mains input; so good for around the globe. But HD 200???

Have asked question to support but apreciate if you have the answere to let me know as well

Ths

[Lucas]

It's 110-240. It's a US plug though so you have to have an adapter female US to male European and it works.