Openview PVR warning - headaches guaranteed

I had been a happy Openview customer for a couple of years until I decided, a few weeks ago, to upgrade to the PVR decoder.

R800 later and everything was ok for a day (although the set-up instructions in the box are inadequate). I recorded some programs and found that they were jumpy and froze, so I called the call centre*. I was told to take the recording USB stick (64 MB) back to the store for a replacement, which I did.

The second stick didn't work.

And then a third time. The third stick didn't work.

The SECOND and THIRD sticks couldn't be read by the decoder at all, so I had to take the actual decoder back - what a mission. The store was reluctant to refund for the decoder, but I eventually got my money for the first decoder and sticks. What a pain though - the time spent going to and fro from the store (FIVE times thus far), explaining it all, waiting waiting in store (Pep stores are not technologically equipped to test decoders or sticks), waiting on hold to the call centre etc.

Fast forward about ten days: Now I've got decoder number TWO and stick number FOUR, and both aren't working.

The stick started saying 'the recording file is *******ed'. After a re-format, it then either records programs with no sound (yes, the volume on the TV and decoder are both up), or in fast forward, and I have to keep system re-booting the decoder to get it to function normally with sound, even when not using the stick.

That is utterly unsustainable, having to unplug both leads and fiddle every couple of hours (and still not have the pleasure of being able to record) - I'd rather use my old decoder, which worked easily and simply. I've done all the tricks learnt by hundreds of Rands spent on airtime talking to the consultants - unplug power and aerial, factory re-set, etc etc etc.

Yes, perhaps Openview is free once you've spent the R800 outlay, but it is a product that is GUARANTEED to drive you bat-sh_t insane, and you'll spend many frustrating hours on schlepping back and forward to the store and on telephone calls, trying to get it to function properly.

The product should come with a warning: This product may function only intermittently, it is fickle and chronically unreliable and may stop working properly at any time. Keep your till slip very close at hand, you'll need it and plenty of patience, to perhaps, maybe, if you're lucky, enjoy this product. And be prepared to spend much valuable time and energy too.

Openview, I suggest you do some more product development before marketing so heavily. And customers, BE WARNED! Be very warned.

(*Call centre: long long holding, I waited 2 x 30 minutes on the first day, listening to the recording over and over and over which says Whatsapp for speedy assistance - which I did. Two days later, no-one had rep****. The second and third and fourth times I called in, again another 20 minute wait or more).