Old USB drive recordings on new Humax?

Forum Forums Freeview HD FVP 4000T, 5000T Old USB drive recordings on new Humax?

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  • #18726
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Tried finding an existing answer, but all my searches get bogged down in direct drive transfers, which is not what I’m asking:

    We have a Humax HDR-FOX T2 (1TB, bought May 2012), with a 2TB drive attached to a USB port to archive recordings.

    Most standard def, though some are HD.

    Looking at buying a new Humax FVP-4000T (1TB or maybe 2TB) for a new setup.

    If I unplug the current 2TB USB drive on the old Humax & plug in into the new unit:

    What recordings will be viewable and/or transferable to the new machine internal drive, and would I then be able to re-export them to a new external USB drive?

    Sorry if already answered, happy to look at relevant posts that I failed to find.

    Also, what is the maximum external drive size I could attach to the new Humax USB port?

    #76762
    grahamlthompson
    Participant

    The HDR-FOX-T2 has a DTCP-IP DLNA server and client. A second HDR-Fox-T2 can view all of it’s recordings and vice versa. Non DTCP IP clients can view only SD recordings.

    I don’t have a 4000T but it’s possible you can view them directly, need an owner to detail just what is possible using DLNA on a 4000T.

    #76763
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Thanks, GT. Any 4000T owners who can help out with more info?

    #76764
    Martin Liddle
    Participant

    windbag – 1 hour ago  » 

    What recordings will be viewable and/or transferable to the new machine internal drive, and would I then be able to re-export them to a new external USB drive?

    You won’t be able to use the HD recordings as they will still be encrypted and only playable on the box that made them. The SD recordings should be playable from the USB drive although you may need to delete or move the sidecar files elsewhere as the format differs between the two boxes i.e. just keep the .ts file. Need an FVP_4000T to answer about copying recordings onto the hard drive.

    #76765
    Barry
    Moderator

    grahamlthompson – 42 minutes ago  » 

    The HDR-FOX-T2 has a DTCP-IP DLNA server and client. A second HDR-Fox-T2 can view all of it’s recordings and vice versa. Non DTCP IP clients can view only SD recordings.

    I don’t have a 4000T but it’s possible you can view them directly, need an owner to detail just what is possible using DLNA on a 4000T.

    SD recordings – yes

    HD recordings – no

    #76766
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Thanks ML & Barry.

    The SD recordings should be playable from the USB drive although you may need to delete or move the sidecar files elsewhere as the format differs between the two boxes i.e. just keep the .ts file. Need an FVP_4000T to answer about copying recordings onto the hard drive.

    What sort of kit do I need to achieve that? Can I use my Windows PC?

    I have a duplicate of the 2TB archive drive; can I use it to make a backup of the archive 2TB drive so that I’m safe if I make a hash of things?

    I can’t go via the HDR-FOX-T2 as its drive is too small for the archive drive content.

    #76767
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Sorry, made a mess of quoting relevant text block…(can’t see a “preview” on this forum…)

    #76768
    Martin Liddle
    Participant

    windbag – 19 minutes ago  » 

    Sorry, made a mess of quoting relevant text block…(can’t see a “preview” on this forum…)

    There isn’t a preview but you can edit posts for a short period after posting.

    #76769
    Martin Liddle
    Participant

    windbag – 21 minutes ago  » 

    What sort of kit do I need to achieve that? Can I use my Windows PC?

    You haven’t said what format the drive is using. If it is EXT2 or EXT3 then you need to install a driver to allow a Windows PC to access an EXT2 formated dive. There several to choose from; perhaps start with Ext2FSD from http://www.ext2fsd.com/?page_id=16

    I can’t go via the HDR-FOX-T2 as its drive is too small for the archive drive content.

    You could install the custom firmware on the HDR-FOX T2 which would allow you delete sidecar files. It would also give you other benefits that are outside the scope of discussion on this site.

    #76770
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    I’m sure I read somewhere that a 5TB worked as an external drive, I can’t confirm though.

    The fvp4000t is very limited as far as file manipulation goes. Folders cannot be created so everything stays at the top level in “Recordings” which will become more of a problem with time.

    Files can be copied across from usb and land in a different area under “Media” on the internal hard drive, folders will be copied across, but cannot be created so any manipulation needs to be carried out before copying over.

    Files can be copied over via network and land in yet another area under “Media” on the internal hard drive which is a samba share and as such all files/folders can be manipulated in this area.

    In normal circumstances only SD recordings from the hdrFoxT2 will be visible on the fvp4000t regardless of them being available via usb or network, the associated ‘info’ is lost though.

    My advice, same as others here, install custom firmware on the hdrFoxT2 if you haven’t done so already as this will allow a whole host of options.

    The fvp4000t although having better hardware is still lacking as far as software goes and shouldn’t be seen as a media server. The UI (user interface) is limited and frustrating and it’s not just a case of getting used to it. If it weren’t for the online content, catch-up etc. a 2nd hdrFoxT2 would make more sense.

    Some users are happy with 500GB and use a pvr mainly for time shifting. Seeing as you’re already using large external drives I’d recommend the 2TB fvp4000t model over the 1TB.

    With custom firmware you can fit a larger than 2TB drive in the hdrFoxT2, I can’t remmeber if >2TB internal is possible with the fvp4000t. I can imagine bbc changing/updating iplayer yet again over the next year or two so the fvp4000t is the way forward as far as online content goes, but don’t expect too much from it.

    #76771
    grahamlthompson
    Participant

    windbag – 2 hours ago  » 

    Thanks ML & Barry.

    The SD recordings should be playable from the USB drive although you may need to delete or move the sidecar files elsewhere as the format differs between the two boxes i.e. just keep the .ts file. Need an FVP_4000T to answer about copying recordings onto the hard drive.

    What sort of kit do I need to achieve that? Can I use my Windows PC?

    I have a duplicate of the 2TB archive drive; can I use it to make a backup of the archive 2TB drive so that I’m safe if I make a hash of things?

    I can’t go via the HDR-FOX-T2 as its drive is too small for the archive drive content.

    I think you can access the usb drive as well using the HDR-FOX-T2 DNLA server. If I remember you can select USB drives as the source (even more than one if connected to two ports or via a powered USB hub).

    You can test this out on a PC using DLNA client software.

    #76772
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Sorry for intermission – family time…

    Thanks to all the kind persons who have responded with useful info.

    If I understand, the FVP_4000T is a backward step as far as file organisation goes? Does it not automatically make folders when recording, say, a series, and can’t I manually make folders for, say, films?

    If so, I can see finding stuff will become a real pain, especially on a 2TB version.

    I’ve slept a few times since first putting the current archive 2TB on, and I can’t remember if I formatted it first via PC or let the HDR-FOX-T2 format it for me. I have got some ExtX drivers installed to enable our QNAP NAS to be read, but haven’t gone down that route since being able to have the NAS backups in NTFS format.

    I haven’t modified the HDR-FOX-T2 firmware as I’ve never had a need to, and didn’t know there was such a thing until I dipped my toe into this forum.

    I’ll try to ensure I have a full 2GB backup before attempting any such.

    Before even that, I’ll investigate copying some content to my spare 2TB on the HDR-FOX-T2 to investigate what format it is.

    I’ve also got to make up my mind whether to use the discount code Humax have just sent to get 10% off their 2TB FVP_4000T or just use a cheaper 1TB with an off-board drive to get the archive capacity back.

    But will I be able to find stuff without folders…?

    Seems like I have a bit of homework/head-scratching to do, so,as the saying goes, “I might be some time”…

    Any further info/thoughts gratefully received.

    #76773
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    windbag – 27 minutes ago  » 

    If I understand, the FVP_4000T is a backward step as far as file organisation goes? Does it not automatically make folders when recording, say, a series, and can’t I manually make folders for, say, films?

    Hi,

    sorry for my confusion, yes it does create folders for series automatically; however you can’t create folders so organising kids films, documentaries, comedy, music, gardening and you name it etc. etc. isn’t possible so top level will become a mess.

    Personally I’d install custom firmware (CF) on the hdrFoxT2 as this will allow you to see what’s possible. Assuming the NAS is available to all devices I’d be thinking about archiving to that rather than using external usb locally. The humaxes should be able to playback suitable content from the NAS.

    The 10% offer is a good deal, alternatively the refurb’d 500GB and just replace the standard 3.5″ drive. Whilst you’re scratching your head install the CF, you won’t regret it.

    #76774
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    damian – 14 hours ago  » 

    you can’t create folders so organising kids films, documentaries, comedy, music, gardening and you name it etc. etc. isn’t possible so top level will become a mess.

    Assuming the NAS is available to all devices I’d be thinking about archiving to that rather than using external usb locally. The humaxes should be able to playback suitable content from the NAS.

    The 10% offer is a good deal…

    Stunned that it can do folders but won’t let the user make their own. Seems dumb to me. I thought technology was meant to go forwards..

    The NAS is only for PC data and Sonos (music) stuff for the foreseeable future; the ExtX driver on the PC thing was me ensuring I could read the native discs if all else failed. Maybe way down the line…

    Will prob go for the 10% off 2TB FVP_4000T voucher for short-term simplicity, but will look at the other stuff too.

    Is there somewhere to download the user manual?

    Another related query: if the HDR-FOX-T2 dies, would a straight replacement be able to see all the offboard USB content or just the SD?

    #76775
    grahamlthompson
    Participant

    windbag – 4 minutes ago  » 

    damian – 14 hours ago  » 

    you can’t create folders so organising kids films, documentaries, comedy, music, gardening and you name it etc. etc. isn’t possible so top level will become a mess.

    Assuming the NAS is available to all devices I’d be thinking about archiving to that rather than using external usb locally. The humaxes should be able to playback suitable content from the NAS.

    The 10% offer is a good deal…

    Stunned that it can do folders but won’t let the user make their own. Seems dumb to me. I thought technology was meant to go forwards..

    The NAS is only for PC data and Sonos (music) stuff for the foreseeable future; the ExtX driver on the PC thing was me ensuring I could read the native discs if all else failed. Maybe way down the line…

    Will prob go for the 10% off 2TB FVP_4000T voucher for short-term simplicity, but will look at the other stuff too.

    Is there somewhere to download the user manual?

    Another related query: if the HDR-FOX-T2 dies, would a straight replacement be able to see all the offboard USB content or just the SD?

    Have a look at the Custom Firmware add on. We can’t discuss accessing encrypted content here.

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