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Rubbish!!! This unit should have a compensation slip with it as standard!!! Purchased two of these units and they are both with the same faults....frozen unit every random hour and now a permanent Rescue....(2 hours) which is actually for 2 lifetimes instead. Avoid them. If Echostar aren't prepared to give out a firmware upgrade then they deserve to have their names removed from this field of electronics.
I made an expensive mistake by buying four T-105s. Big mistake, as 3 out of the four suffered same lockup failure problems and another has poor red button function, all within 9 months, so 100% rubbish. On the positive side, picture good when it’s working, but that’s all. Sound poor, seems to roll off at about 8kHz on all units. Channel display cumbersome with no re-ordering facility. Little chance of refund at this time - guess I will have to write-off cost to lack of research and get a better unit. Avoid at any price!
Mark, Oxford, on March 10th, 2006
I finally managed to get to speak to a human being at Echostar in the Netherlands recently. I told them exactly what I thought of their so-called 'help desk' in the UK, and was informed that this function had been moved to another provider. So no more of that rude Scottish woman to deal with!!! I was also told that the new help desk would either help me to resolve the problem, or arrange for the replacement of my box. I wasn't told how the box replacement would work, who would pay the carriage charges, or how long it would take and, of course I wouldn't have access to the Top-Up TV service I was paying for while all this was happening. I tried the new help desk number and, low and behold, it just rang and rang and rang. Anyone else tried the new help desk or got a box replacement from them?
I finally managed to get to speak to a human being at Echostar in the Netherlands recently. I told them exactly what I thought of their so-called 'help desk' in the UK, and was informed that this function had been moved to another provider. So no more of that rude Scottish woman to deal with!!! I was also told that the new help desk would either help me to resolve the problem, or arrange for the replacement of my box. I wasn't told how the box replacement would work, who would pay the carriage charges, or how long it would take and, of course I wouldn't have access to the Top-Up TV service I was paying for while all this was happening. I tried the new help desk number and, low and behold, it just rang and rang and rang. Anyone else tried the new help desk or got a box replacement from them?
UK, on February 19th, 2006
This is the worst appliance ive ever bought. We regualrly have to unplug the unit from the wall to regain control of the menus and channel changer. It usually locks up with in five minutes of being switched on. I have been eagerly awaiting several months now for a firmware upgrade, alas nothing.
This is the worst appliance ive ever bought. We regualrly have to unplug the unit from the wall to regain control of the menus and channel changer. It usually locks up with in five minutes of being switched on. I have been eagerly awaiting several months now for a firmware upgrade, alas nothing.
Bernard, London, on February 14th, 2006
Locks up sometimes 3 or 4 times in an evening. Only does this on certain channels. Have to unplug at the wall to re-boot. Very annoying. Channel sort options limited compared to others. Popping & crackling sounds sometimes heard when changing channels. Often get 'No Mediaguard right to this channel' message appearing with loss of picture. No sign of updates. Apart from that, fine!!
Locks up sometimes 3 or 4 times in an evening. Only does this on certain channels. Have to unplug at the wall to re-boot. Very annoying. Channel sort options limited compared to others. Popping & crackling sounds sometimes heard when changing channels. Often get 'No Mediaguard right to this channel' message appearing with loss of picture. No sign of updates. Apart from that, fine!!
Mark, Oxford, on January 18th, 2006
Ian, London wrote "A revised software package was (finally!!!!) released in the middle of December 2005." If this true, then someone needs to tell 'Stonewall Sally' on the Echostar 'Help' (pause for a fit of the giggles) desk. As of last week she was still insisting that no fix had been produced, was unlikely to be produced, and recommended taking the box back to the retailer for a refund. I called again last Saturday and spoke to a marginally more understanding lady who could only tell me that a fix was due in three to four weeks. This is exactly what I was told in October last year!!! This company has got a serious communications problem. The people on the 'Help' (more giggles) desk claim they can't provide the name, telephone number, or a contact address of anyone at Echostar who might be able to help. I'll re-tune my box one more time in the vain hope that this supposed fix will solve the problem.
Ian, London wrote "A revised software package was (finally!!!!) released in the middle of December 2005." If this true, then someone needs to tell 'Stonewall Sally' on the Echostar 'Help' (pause for a fit of the giggles) desk. As of last week she was still insisting that no fix had been produced, was unlikely to be produced, and recommended taking the box back to the retailer for a refund. I called again last Saturday and spoke to a marginally more understanding lady who could only tell me that a fix was due in three to four weeks. This is exactly what I was told in October last year!!! This company has got a serious communications problem. The people on the 'Help' (more giggles) desk claim they can't provide the name, telephone number, or a contact address of anyone at Echostar who might be able to help. I'll re-tune my box one more time in the vain hope that this supposed fix will solve the problem.
Tom, London, on January 11th, 2006
This box has good picture, and quick to change channels, but it does not have a now & next display. To see what is next you have to go to the EPG and that can take ages to load so is useless. More importantly this box gets STUCK ON CHANNELS and you have to uplug it to reboot it, it happens at random times, but very annoying. AVOID THIS BOX!!
This box has good picture, and quick to change channels, but it does not have a now & next display. To see what is next you have to go to the EPG and that can take ages to load so is useless. More importantly this box gets STUCK ON CHANNELS and you have to uplug it to reboot it, it happens at random times, but very annoying. AVOID THIS BOX!!
Ian, London, on January 11th, 2006
A revised software package was (finally!!!!) released in the middle of December 2005. This seems to have cured my lock up problems, including teletext, and has a better ECGuide which no longer blanks out sound and picture when in use. Not perfect but much better than it was.
A revised software package was (finally!!!!) released in the middle of December 2005. This seems to have cured my lock up problems, including teletext, and has a better ECGuide which no longer blanks out sound and picture when in use. Not perfect but much better than it was.
Mark Pearson, Oxfordshire, on December 8th, 2005
I've had my T105 for about 8 months. To start with it was fine, looked nice, and despite not having a now/next facility, I was generally pleased with it. Then came E4's move to freeview, and the box started to lock up almost continuously. After many calls to the world’s worst customer ‘support’ desk. The problem did seem to resolve itself. Then came More 4 and the channel re-organisation, and the locking up started again, only this time much worse. I called the ‘support’ desk once more, only to be informed that the boxes were considered to be faulty, there were no fixes being prepared, and that I should return it to the retailer for a refund. The following Saturday, I packed up my box and prepared to return it to Argos for an exchange or refund. I then decided to give Echostar one last chance to offer me a chance to keep the box, and called the ‘support’ desk again. This time I spoke to a man rather than the rude Scottish woman who seems to handle the calls during the week. He denied any knowledge of customers being advised to return their boxes to the retailers, and stated that a fix WAS being prepared, and would be available in three to four weeks. He then took my phone number and said they would contact me when the fix was ready. That was about EIGHT weeks ago, and still no phone call.
I've had my T105 for about 8 months. To start with it was fine, looked nice, and despite not having a now/next facility, I was generally pleased with it. Then came E4's move to freeview, and the box started to lock up almost continuously. After many calls to the world’s worst customer ‘support’ desk. The problem did seem to resolve itself. Then came More 4 and the channel re-organisation, and the locking up started again, only this time much worse. I called the ‘support’ desk once more, only to be informed that the boxes were considered to be faulty, there were no fixes being prepared, and that I should return it to the retailer for a refund. The following Saturday, I packed up my box and prepared to return it to Argos for an exchange or refund. I then decided to give Echostar one last chance to offer me a chance to keep the box, and called the ‘support’ desk again. This time I spoke to a man rather than the rude Scottish woman who seems to handle the calls during the week. He denied any knowledge of customers being advised to return their boxes to the retailers, and stated that a fix WAS being prepared, and would be available in three to four weeks. He then took my phone number and said they would contact me when the fix was ready. That was about EIGHT weeks ago, and still no phone call.
Phil Sleaford, on December 6th, 2005
I bought this box some months ago, but for some reason, the channels freeze up, so you have to keep on un-plugging it from the mains when you want to change channels. I phoned Echostar, who assured me there would be a software download to fix this problem, i am still waiting!!!!
I bought this box some months ago, but for some reason, the channels freeze up, so you have to keep on un-plugging it from the mains when you want to change channels. I phoned Echostar, who assured me there would be a software download to fix this problem, i am still waiting!!!!
Daniel, Bath, on November 30th, 2005
I agree with most of the other comments. This box is crap, and it's been getting progressively worse. Requires factory reset (which probably does the same as pulling the power cord) all the time at the moment, especially after trying to watch a TUTV channel. I'm about to try to return it to Argos 11 months after purchase. Sales of Goods Act gives you remedy (although not neccessary a full refund) if a good is faulty at purchase and this includes design flaws etc. You have up to 6 years to make a complaint so we'll see what Argos says as I would suggest it's the software that is faulty (especially as they're working on a software upgrade) and so the fault must have been present when purchased. We'll see how we go!
I agree with most of the other comments. This box is crap, and it's been getting progressively worse. Requires factory reset (which probably does the same as pulling the power cord) all the time at the moment, especially after trying to watch a TUTV channel. I'm about to try to return it to Argos 11 months after purchase. Sales of Goods Act gives you remedy (although not neccessary a full refund) if a good is faulty at purchase and this includes design flaws etc. You have up to 6 years to make a complaint so we'll see what Argos says as I would suggest it's the software that is faulty (especially as they're working on a software upgrade) and so the fault must have been present when purchased. We'll see how we go!
Liz Roberts, on November 5th, 2005
I have to agree with all the other comments,, this box is crap,, its getting worse,, we had if for nearly a year and we have to keep turning it off and on,, locks within about 5mins,, dont touch it! go and get a cheap one!
I have to agree with all the other comments,, this box is crap,, its getting worse,, we had if for nearly a year and we have to keep turning it off and on,, locks within about 5mins,, dont touch it! go and get a cheap one!
Paul, Reading, on October 31st, 2005
We purchased the box with the TUTV offer about 8 months ago on the basis of some positive comments here. It was easy to set up despite the lack of a manual and the picture quality was very good with our standard aerial - CH5 was as good as BBC for the first time ever. However, we seem to get a lot of picture fragmentation, loud clicks and fairly regular lock-ups which prevent us changing channel. The Echostar support is non-existent. When it is working, it is fine but there are so many clicks and lockups that I trying to decide whether to disconnect it an abandon digital or to buy another box.
We purchased the box with the TUTV offer about 8 months ago on the basis of some positive comments here. It was easy to set up despite the lack of a manual and the picture quality was very good with our standard aerial - CH5 was as good as BBC for the first time ever. However, we seem to get a lot of picture fragmentation, loud clicks and fairly regular lock-ups which prevent us changing channel. The Echostar support is non-existent. When it is working, it is fine but there are so many clicks and lockups that I trying to decide whether to disconnect it an abandon digital or to buy another box.
Keith, East Yorkshire, on October 31st, 2005
Don't even touch this box with a barge pole. I noticed what appeared to be an excellent deal at Argos but decided to get expert advice first. I phoned the sole official Echostar distributor in the UK (they are made in the USA) and was told that they had returned all their stock of T105 back to the manufacturer as there was a known software issue causing the box to lock up regularly. It appears that Echostar have no immediate plans to rectify the issue.
Don't even touch this box with a barge pole. I noticed what appeared to be an excellent deal at Argos but decided to get expert advice first. I phoned the sole official Echostar distributor in the UK (they are made in the USA) and was told that they had returned all their stock of T105 back to the manufacturer as there was a known software issue causing the box to lock up regularly. It appears that Echostar have no immediate plans to rectify the issue.
Tom, York, on October 30th, 2005
Further to my further comments of 30th Sept. My wife sensibly retrieved the box from the bin and contacted Argos Direct about a refund. They very kindly agreed to refund the cost in vouchers as it had been a few months since purchase. Interestingly, when I took it back to a local Argos (as advised by Argos Direct), the chap behind the counter said he had received nothing but complaints about it! I notice they have reduced it to £39 in their catalogue. Frankly, I wouldn't take one off them if they gave ME £39. So Allan B, above, keep on at them and mention this website. Plenty of proof here that you are not alone in having trouble with this piece of crap. Good luck!
Further to my further comments of 30th Sept. My wife sensibly retrieved the box from the bin and contacted Argos Direct about a refund. They very kindly agreed to refund the cost in vouchers as it had been a few months since purchase. Interestingly, when I took it back to a local Argos (as advised by Argos Direct), the chap behind the counter said he had received nothing but complaints about it! I notice they have reduced it to £39 in their catalogue. Frankly, I wouldn't take one off them if they gave ME £39. So Allan B, above, keep on at them and mention this website. Plenty of proof here that you are not alone in having trouble with this piece of crap. Good luck!
Allan B, on October 18th, 2005
Had the Echostar for a few months now and their customer service keep saying there will be a fix to this 'known fault'. Complete rubbish. Argos say there are no known faults and reluctant to give refund. I don't want another box from Argos so I'm stuck. Keep away from this electronic nightmare at all costs!!! Quality has a name - and Echostar T-105 box has another name.... I'll let you decide.
Had the Echostar for a few months now and their customer service keep saying there will be a fix to this 'known fault'. Complete rubbish. Argos say there are no known faults and reluctant to give refund. I don't want another box from Argos so I'm stuck. Keep away from this electronic nightmare at all costs!!! Quality has a name - and Echostar T-105 box has another name.... I'll let you decide.
Ian, on October 16th, 2005
Yes I took my box back to Argos after several months of the box crashing, refusing to change channels and generally misbehaving. Very glad to see the back of it. Best of all it's classed as not repairable so I got a full refund in Argos vouchers, half of which I used to get the new Sagem box (which works perfectly) and the rest I get to spend on something else!!
Yes I took my box back to Argos after several months of the box crashing, refusing to change channels and generally misbehaving. Very glad to see the back of it. Best of all it's classed as not repairable so I got a full refund in Argos vouchers, half of which I used to get the new Sagem box (which works perfectly) and the rest I get to spend on something else!!
Brendan, Hungerford, on October 12th, 2005
Further to my previous comments: Like everyone else it has gotten worse and worse. Start watching a channel, when you want to flick after 10 minutes or so it has locked again. Blocking the TopUp channels, no EPG etc. All the same problems voiced above. I rang the helpline and was told "we are aware of the problems with this model and our engineers are working on a fix." So when will this happen I wonder - 2 weeks, 2 months, 2 years? This from a company (DISH) that manages to put satellites up in space and wants a US town to rename itself after them. I suggest to whichever town wins the competition, rename yourself "Echostar-crapville". Off to Curry's tomorrow to buy a replacement. I'll go with the Matsui recommended above by collieman.
Further to my previous comments: Like everyone else it has gotten worse and worse. Start watching a channel, when you want to flick after 10 minutes or so it has locked again. Blocking the TopUp channels, no EPG etc. All the same problems voiced above. I rang the helpline and was told "we are aware of the problems with this model and our engineers are working on a fix." So when will this happen I wonder - 2 weeks, 2 months, 2 years? This from a company (DISH) that manages to put satellites up in space and wants a US town to rename itself after them. I suggest to whichever town wins the competition, rename yourself "Echostar-crapville". Off to Curry's tomorrow to buy a replacement. I'll go with the Matsui recommended above by collieman.
Tom, York, on September 30th, 2005
Just to let you all know that I finally lost patience with this piece of crap and threw it in the bin today! I had to reset it 17 TIMES this week and had had enough. I am obviously not the only one who has suffered with this box. I thought at first that I had been unlucky and got a bad one, but it would appear that they are all bad. I would write to the company to complain but I think it would be a waste of time and effort. This is without doubt the worst piece of electrica equipment I have ever bought.
Just to let you all know that I finally lost patience with this piece of crap and threw it in the bin today! I had to reset it 17 TIMES this week and had had enough. I am obviously not the only one who has suffered with this box. I thought at first that I had been unlucky and got a bad one, but it would appear that they are all bad. I would write to the company to complain but I think it would be a waste of time and effort. This is without doubt the worst piece of electrica equipment I have ever bought.
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I have had exactly the same lockup problems as described, but I have now managed to reduce them to about 1 "unplug at the mains" reset a week. I did this by putting something on top of the device, the effect of this was that the unit got warmer. I know that sounds bizzare and wouldn't recommend cover the vents etc, but since putting firstly my DVD player and now the Centre channel speaker on top of the T-105, it has been remarkably stable!!! I work in the IT industry and know that heat normally kills electronic equipment, but if I put the T-105 back on top of the video/dvd player etc it goes back to locking up a couple of times a day! I also make sure that the unit is switched to Standby when not in use.