Strong 4658X - user feedback

[Vinny]

I've had this box running for nearly 2 months.
It's quite easy to use & has been very stable (using 124p)

I would like to mention a couple of things that could be improved by (hopefully) firmware upgrades.

(1) The info displayed for a channel does not show Symbol Rate.
The only way to see the Symbol Rate is to go into the menu system & then look at the required TP in the Manual scan menu.
This is quite long winded & frustrating (see first 2 pics)

(2) You can bring up on screen the "Channel List" window by pressing "OK" on a channel that you're viewing.
You can also press "EPG" on remote to open the EPG window. (see pics 3 & 4)
Both these methods allow you to scroll up/down on the channel list.
There is a preview window & info window as well.
However, when scrolling the preview window does not change automatically.
You need to press the OK button on the selected channel.

But... if you go into any of the Channel Edit menus (see my last pic), the preview window changes automatically as you scroll up/down!
This could easily be done to the Channel List window as well.

Just my thoughts to make the 4658X more user friendly.

5993,5994,5995,5996,5997

[LeroyPatrol]

I agree with all your comments. And the only other enhancement would be a anspect ratio button on the remote.
Seems odd that they don't have the channel preview window working the same as the channel edit mode. I noticed this also. A bug maybe?

Leroy

[jpsoni]

What is the difference between 4653X n yours,pl.

[big mick000]

those things you mentioned vinny, are just bugs, and probably wouldn't worry everyone. well not me anyway. i love my strong. :D

jpsoni... read the title of the thread!

[Vinny]

those things you mentioned vinny, are just bugs, and probably wouldn't worry everyone. well not me anyway. i love my strong. :D....

I'm not really worried either big_mick000...
As I said, the Strong is easy to use & very stable.
I just find those couple of things a bit annoying...

What is the difference between 4653X n yours,pl.
as far as I know the 4653X has ONE smart card slot, the 4658X has one smart card slot PLUS one CI slot. I think the rest is the same.

[Colin 2905]

And the only other enhancement would be a anspect ratio button on the remote.

That used to something I'd always look for in a STB, but now that I have three WS TV's, it's no longer an issue.

[big mick000]

inside they're good too. mine has 2 heatsinks on the mainboard, for aided heat dissipation, and the power supply runs cool too. some people seem to have problems with the switch in the built in card slot, so this could be a bit negatory, but i've never ever had any trouble, tested with 3 different provider cards, and switch clicked every time.

feedback from me 9/10

+ excellent price
+ good features
+ never gets hot
+ runs a variety of cards
+ good picture and sound quality
+ usb
+ sensitive tuner

- slow blind scan

[Mark]

Mick, does the Strong use a white cane? :p
Can't be slower than a Humax (& it doesn't have a full 'blind' scan feature anyway):)

[jpsoni]

I'm not really worried either big_mick000...
As I said, the Strong is easy to use & very stable.
I just find those couple of things a bit annoying...


as far as I know the 4653X has ONE smart card slot, the 4658X has one smart card slot PLUS one CI slot. I think the rest is the same.

thanks,

[LeroyPatrol]

That used to something I'd always look for in a STB, but now that I have three WS TV's, it's no longer an issue.

you get oompaloompa's on Discovery realtime and need to change the aspect but most channels are pretty good.

Leroy

[LeroyPatrol]

as far as I know the 4653X has ONE smart card slot, the 4658X has one smart card slot PLUS one CI slot. I think the rest is the same.

the 53x had a slightly slower processor from memory also.

Leroy

[johnfw]

I have the 4658 and am completely new to all associated complexities. My unknown is the use and setting of the time function. If I set the time it soon loses info and resorts to a default. How do I retain set time eiither local or using sattelite info.

[Vinny]

...
If I set the time it soon loses info and resorts to a default. How do I retain set time eiither local or using sattelite info.

Unfortunately there is NO daylight saving time adjustment in the Time Settings menu.
Therefore I have GMT Usage "Off".
Enter your local time under "Current Time"
And Save settings on Exit.
You need to adjust the time only when "daylight saving time" starts/stops.

[jpsoni]

Strong is a reputiable Satellite Receiver, it is not 100% but it is better than the junk selling about $100-+
I had four of them , all sold n updated to a newer model,yearly
Current I am about to receive 1-4653X for under $100.

[Colin 2905]

I had a strange problem with my 4658X yesterday, after I'd removed my SelecTV card to use in another box. My 4658X effectively became stuck on the last channel that it was on. The response to most buttons on the remote control was a brief "Please wait".

Anyway, I re-flashed the firmware, and it's OK again. Even though the unit was in standby when I removed the card, it must've corrupted the firmware somehow. I've removed the card a few times before without this happening, but from now on I might power it off at the back before doing so.

[Aldeto]

My 4658x got great picture on AV but somehow when I hook it up to RF it the picture is slightly distorted even if I fine tune the TV adjustment,has anyone come across this?
The 465xx is made in China,whereas the 48xx is made in Korea,as printed on the manual and on the receiver.
The 48xx would have to be a great receiver if it had a built in card slot and blind scan in it.

[Colin 2905]

I thought I'd do another rescan of D2 today. It seems that if I blind scan D2 with my 4658X, it always misses the transponder that Russia Today is now on (12734V), unless I restrict the frequency range to 12725 to 12750 (I haven't yet played much with the lower value, to see how low I can go before it misses it again.)

Anyone else with a 4658X having the same problem?

[big mick000]

it's all working 100% here. 1.04p firmware. i didn't bother to delet the old one either.

[Vinny]

I thought I'd do another rescan of D2 today. It seems that if I blind scan D2 with my 4658X, it always misses the transponder that Russia Today is now on (12734V), unless I restrict the frequency range to 12725 to 12750 (I haven't yet played much with the lower value, to see how low I can go before it misses it again.)

Anyone else with a 4658X having the same problem?

What fimrware are you using?
I have the same problem.
I'm using firmware 133p (i've also used 124p)

Not sure if its a glitch or firmware issue.

Someone with a non-P firmware could confirm this.

Also, I can't see the BIG DEAL with these "P" firmware issues.

So I might as well get the latest 1.07 original from the Strong website.

[Colin 2905]

What fimrware are you using?

1.07. I also tried the latest "p" version that I could find at the time (1.38p), but had the same problem w.r.t. blind scanning Russia Today.

1.38p lacks the Daylight Saving option that 1.07 has, but what I did like about 1.38p is the way that it scrolls program information rather than truncating it. "Now and Next" is better, too.

[Colin 2905]

I had a strange problem with my 4658X yesterday, after I'd removed my SelecTV card to use in another box. My 4658X effectively became stuck on the last channel that it was on. The response to most buttons on the remote control was a brief "Please wait".

Anyway, I re-flashed the firmware, and it's OK again. Even though the unit was in standby when I removed the card, it must've corrupted the firmware somehow. I've removed the card a few times before without this happening, but from now on I might power it off at the back before doing so.

Further to......

It happened again, and this time I worked out what’s causing it. If I turn the 4658X off (well, put it back into standby) when it’s on Imparja or NITV on D1, it’ll do it next time it’s turned back on..... unless I kill the signal from the dish. The card removal was a red herring, but it was because the card wasn’t present that I was FTA channel surfing at the time.

Solution: Change channels before turning it off, if it was on either of those channels.

I thought that it may have been something to do with hidden PIDS, but AJ on C1 doesn’t lead to the same problem.

So there you go.

[Bodø Glimt]

I have the 4658 and am completely new to all associated complexities. My unknown is the use and setting of the time function. If I set the time it soon loses info and resorts to a default. How do I retain set time eiither local or using sattelite info.

Mine does that too. Sometimes when you change channel it shuts down and says "press menu". I rarely use it because compared to the toppy it's crap.

[jpsoni]

I'm not really worried either big_mick000...
As I said, the Strong is easy to use & very stable.
I just find those couple of things a bit annoying...


as far as I know the 4653X has ONE smart card slot, the 4658X has one smart card slot PLUS one CI slot. I think the rest is the same.

thanks.

[Vinny]

Now that i've had a fair bit of use of my 4658X, i'd like to mention a few things ...

1) When entering any of the scan menus, after the scan has finished the SAVE window pops up & you can't see what the results were.

2) When exiting the menu, it returns to the channel you last watched.
This is a pain if you scanned / edit something on Int2, then on exit it takes you back to D2 if thats what you were watching, or worse, Asia4 etc.
You have to make your way back to Int2 to check your edits/scan.

3) Is there a way of turning off the password? A real pain when you're doing a lot of edits/scanning.

4) Is there a way of re-ordering the satellite list?

[comsatman]

1. i always check what the last channel is on the last b4 i scan, any new channels or feeds will be added at the end of the list

2. yes, its a pain. Happened a few times to me too. Maybe watch a channel on that sat before you run the scan so it wont go to another sat after the scan.

3. Not sure

4. Not sure, but usually it can be done on most receivers via a channel editor you run on the PC.

[Vinny]

After a bit of mucking around I found that you can turn OFF the passwords.
Main menu / Installation / Security Settings
Turn off Install Lock & Channel Lock
Much quicker to get in & out when editing a lot. :)

[tenorman]

After a bit of mucking around I found that you can turn OFF the passwords.
Main menu / Installation / Security Settings
Turn off Install Lock & Channel Lock
Much quicker to get in & out when editing a lot. :)

Just got my 4653X and it has scanned and put all chanells in on D1 ok. However I notice that the frequency showing against each station is not the correct one. e.g. Stratos is 12.456 but his shows 10.902H and in another position 11.752H. All the others are incorrect as well.
Tried changing the frquency range in the set up but makes no difference.
All works ok but what's with the 'incorrect' frequencies.
Any help please

[Ocean]

See your other post - I just answered it with help for your incorrect LNB LO setting.

[Pete59]

I have been using one for a while now and I think they are great.It does everything I want it to do

[MrElectricity]

I have fiound them good but it's pain in the butt that when ya change firmware LNB and DiSEqC settings are lost.

[efab]

Can't say I've had problem with the latest versions.
Updated the firmware on both of mine and can't remember having to go back and change those settings.

[Supermega]

I've updated my unit about 3 times in the last few months and have never lost any settings including cband and motech positions ect.

[tenorman]

I've updated my unit about 3 times in the last few months and have never lost any settings including cband and motech positions ect.

Had my Strong for just a few weeks now and the software is 2008. How do you update this if you want to...via the Com ports (Comp to STB using the Null modem cable) or do you use the USB port in the front of the STB?
Never tried this before on other box I have so a newby on this one.
Thanks for any advise.

[Vinny]

...How do you update this if you want to...via the Com ports (Comp to STB using the Null modem cable) or do you use the USB port in the front of the STB?
...

The latest firmware is v1.21 (http://www.strong-technologies.com/frmRegionSoftwares.aspx?PID=158&RID=3#) from the Strong website.
Download & copy file to your USB.
1. power off the box (switch is on the back)
2. insert USB with firmware file
3. power on the box & wait for USB to initilize
4. Enter Menu /USB/data transfer
5. browse the firmware file on USB & select
6. Wait for update to complete, the box resets itself.
When removing USB, power off first, remove USB then power on again.

[tenorman]

The latest firmware is v1.21 (http://www.strong-technologies.com/frmRegionSoftwares.aspx?PID=158&RID=3#) from the Strong website.
Download & copy file to your USB.
1. power off the box (switch is on the back)
2. insert USB with firmware file
3. power on the box & wait for USB to initilize
4. Enter Menu /USB/data transfer
5. browse the firmware file on USB & select
6. Wait for update to complete, the box resets itself.
When removing USB, power off first, remove USB then power on again.

Thanks for that...will have to buy a mem stick first and will then have a go. The box performs very well and a great buy.

[tenorman]

The latest firmware is v1.21 (http://www.strong-technologies.com/frmRegionSoftwares.aspx?PID=158&RID=3#) from the Strong website.
Download & copy file to your USB.
1. power off the box (switch is on the back)
2. insert USB with firmware file
3. power on the box & wait for USB to initilize
4. Enter Menu /USB/data transfer
5. browse the firmware file on USB & select
6. Wait for update to complete, the box resets itself.
When removing USB, power off first, remove USB then power on again.

Sorry Vinnie I just noticed this post is for the 4658x Strong. Mine is the 4653X and the link on Strong is:http://www.strong-technologies.com/frmRegionSoftwares.aspx?PID=156&RID=3
I assume the proceedure is exactly the same?
I have downloaded a copy of that software as well.
my mistake

[LeroyPatrol]

same proceedure for both. Just make sure you have the correct firmware for your box.

Leroy

[sjsh]

might sound stupid but where can i get my still under warranty 4658x serviced? power supply gone futt. seller and strong seem to have a problem responding to email!

[LeroyPatrol]

might sound stupid but where can i get my still under warranty 4658x serviced? power supply gone futt. seller and strong seem to have a problem responding to email!

Strong are in Hallam in Vic. I've found them to be very prompt and helpful. Have to remember it's the holiday period. From mem when I had an issue I lsft a message on their machine and they called me back within a day.

Leroy

[sjsh]

Leroy, many thanks for the info, will call them rather than emailing!

[MikeGDH]

The latest firmware is v1.21 (http://www.strong-technologies.com/frmRegionSoftwares.aspx?PID=158&RID=3#) from the Strong website.
Download & copy file to your USB.
1. power off the box (switch is on the back)
2. insert USB with firmware file
3. power on the box & wait for USB to initilize
4. Enter Menu /USB/data transfer
5. browse the firmware file on USB & select
6. Wait for update to complete, the box resets itself.
When removing USB, power off first, remove USB then power on again.

Just tried update on my 4658x using this method......it all seemed to be going ok, left it for an hour or so, now the 4658 is DEAD - just get a brief flash of - - - - (four dashes) on switch-on, then nil.
Does anyone know of a way, if any, to reset this stb?

Note - am not saying there's anything wrong with this system......just that MY stb seems to have rejected it!!

Cheers,
Mike

[hohum]

hehehe, if we had a dollar for every stb firmware upgrade failure. What was wrong with your original?

[LeroyPatrol]

Just tried update on my 4658x using this method......it all seemed to be going ok, left it for an hour or so, now the 4658 is DEAD - just get a brief flash of - - - - (four dashes) on switch-on, then nil.
Does anyone know of a way, if any, to reset this stb?

Note - am not saying there's anything wrong with this system......just that MY stb seems to have rejected it!!

Cheers,
Mike

Hi Mike,
This should help you out.
http://www.austech.info/newbie-satellite/1781-4658x-woes.html

Leroy

[MikeGDH]

Thanks Leroy...most helpful!
Don't have a serial port on this PC, that's why I tried the USB road. Will get a serial port board in a couple of weeks when I next go into town, & do like they say on that link.
Thanks Again & Happy New Year.
Mike.

[sjsh]

Just tried update on my 4658x using this method......it all seemed to be going ok, left it for an hour or so, now the 4658 is DEAD - just get a brief flash of - - - - (four dashes) on switch-on, then nil.
Does anyone know of a way, if any, to reset this stb?

Note - am not saying there's anything wrong with this system......just that MY stb seems to have rejected it!!

Cheers,
Mike


Mike that is EXACTLY what happened to mine nearly a month ago...got an email response to a warranty service enquiry yesterday with:

"Strong Technologies
60 Wedgewood Road, Hallam, VIC 3803, Australia
Tel: +61 3 8795 7990 – Fax: +61 3 8795 7991

Internet: www.strong-technologies.com"

a trend occuring? seems this machine may be prone to this fault whatever it is/causes it.

[sjsh]

Mike that is EXACTLY what happened to mine nearly a month ago...got an email response to a warranty service enquiry yesterday with:

"Strong Technologies
60 Wedgewood Road, Hallam, VIC 3803, Australia
Tel: +61 3 8795 7990 – Fax: +61 3 8795 7991

Internet: www.strong-technologies.com"

a trend occuring? seems this machine may be prone to this fault whatever it is/causes it.

Should clarify my problem isn't as result of firmware updates, the last one of those iI gave such a flakey outcome, i had to downgrade back several versions to a first half 2008 version and manually heavily edit the sat, TP and freq list to my needs and resolved never to firmware update this machine again...(much the same as with my Topfield 7000 terra PVR)...so what i meant was, it seems this machine may have a power supply issue ,as all it does is flash momentarily the dashes then powers off.

[MikeGDH]

Thanks for info sjsh,
The place I bought mine from will check it out for me & my fingers are crossed!
Mike

[Ocean]

.....replace those cheap Chinese electrolytic capacitors !

(Use 105 degree low series impedance type such as TKRs from WES Components)

[LeroyPatrol]

Should clarify my problem isn't as result of firmware updates, the last one of those iI gave such a flakey outcome, i had to downgrade back several versions to a first half 2008 version and manually heavily edit the sat, TP and freq list to my needs and resolved never to firmware update this machine again...(much the same as with my Topfield 7000 terra PVR)...so what i meant was, it seems this machine may have a power supply issue ,as all it does is flash momentarily the dashes then powers off.

I never hear of the 4 dash issue when guys flash via the serial port!

Leroy

[sjsh]

I never hear of the 4 dash issue when guys flash via the serial port!

Leroy

yeah but my dell doesn't have a serial port, though in my case an update didn't cause my power supply failure...but seems to have caused probs for some others...

[dukkubi]

Anyone knows how to get secret menu with strong x4653??
Trying to change biss code Intelsat 8.

[Ocean]

Please read the Forum Rules !

We don't need codes !