The Humax Linux implementation may be the issue but the box is in an area about 4m from the router, where every other wireless device shows good signal. I had cause to use my ageing, dust-covered LG Blu-ray player a few days ago and within seconds of turning it on, it had connected with my Wi-Fi and merrily began downloading a firmware update. As it is in the same stand as the Humax box, and both it, my mobile, tablet and laptop can all work in the same area, signal strength shouldn't be the issue but maybe the Linux implementation Humax uses sees things differently.
Its now gone from bad to worse. I used to be able to force the Humax box to connect by repeatedly clicking the retry button when viewing the failed Internet connection and after about 15 attempts on average, it would connect and remain connected till the box next went into standby. I turned it on one day recently and the UI had changed. I guess a firmware update had been applied (though can't remember whether I'd requested one, or whether it temporarily had a connection and updated itself).
Now I cannot seem to force an Internet connection for love nor money and periodically an on-screen message pops up at the top of the screen alternating between network connected and disconnected. On some occasions the message doesn't go away and the box becomes unresponsive to the remote. On other occasions I can open the menu to access recordings and the screen blanks and after a bit of delay, I realise the box is off and needs booting. Whatever programming is in there feels flakier than ever.
I always assume that people suggesting they're going to put a box in the bin and buy something else are just being too impatient, but for the first time, that's the solution I'm looking at. When watching the TV becomes surrounded by niggling problems, it ceases to be fit for use and time to look for a plan B.
