Topfield TF 5800 PVR user manual TAPs Additional software for your PVR, Installing TAPs

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74Advanced features

6.3 TAPs - Additional software for your PVR

One of the most exciting things about the Topfield TF 5800, compared to other PVRs, is that it’s possible to add additional software to it, as well as simply updating the firmware.

The TF 5800 includes a facility to load and run small addi- tional programs, called TAPs —Topfield Applications. These can provide additional features, change the way in which ex- isting features work, or change the look of menus and other displays. Although some of them have many features, they still rely on the PVR’s own software —just as you could add a new program to your computer to browse through your files in a different way, but the original Windows Explorer would still be available.

Most TAPs are written by independent authors; many are free, some have to be paid for, and some ask for donations if you like them. There’s a wide range, including programs for view- ing photographs, searching for particular types of programmes to record, ways to create shortcut keys to menus you use a lot, and even extra games.

Since TAPs are created by independent authors, Topfield can- not be responsible for how well they behave, or for any prob- lems that a TAP may cause with operation of your PVR. If you experience problems, you should disable any TAPs be- fore calling the technical support line, and remember that help with individual TAPs cannot be offered by Topfield.

6.3.1 Installing TAPs

TAPs can be copied to your PVR just like MP3 files, using Al- tair.

Most TAPs are small, and they are usually supplied in a zip file together with documentation and any other files that are re- quired. A TAP itself is a small file with a name ending in .tap. TAPs should always be copied into the ProgramFiles folder on

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Contents TF 5800 PVR Contents Iii Extra features Advanced features Technical Information Introduction and getting Started Unpacking Remote control buttons and their functions EPG Remote control buttons and their functions Rear panel connections Rear panel connections Connecting up your PVR Connecting the aerial to your PVR Connecting the PVR to your TV using a Scart or AV cableConnecting to your HiFi system Switching on for the first timeConnecting the PVR to your TV using the RF output Searching for TV and radio channels Basic system settings Time and date optionsAV output settings Introduction and getting started Pay TV Introduction and getting started Watching TV Starting to watch television Volume control Changing channelsRadio channels Electronic Programme Guide Watching TV Time Shift television Rewinding TVWatching TV Pausing TV Recording and playing TV Programmes How your PVR recordsHow your PVR records Instant recording Instant recording Current event recording Scheduling a recording using the EPG Scheduled recordingsRecording and playing TV programmes Altering the details Recording and playing TV programmes Viewing your recording schedule Recording and playing TV programmes Things you should know about recording on your PVR Dual recordingsWhen recordings start or stop Watching television while dual recordingSwitching off while recording Leaving the PVR in standbyPlaying back recordings How recordings are namedPlaying back recordings Playback features Bookmarks and resume playPlaying back recordings After you’ve watched a recording Extra features Make the most of digital TVSubtitles Sound tracksPicture in Picture Digital teletext Sleep timer Organising channels Favourite channelsSetting up favourite channels Managing lists of favourites Watching TV using favourites Organising recordings Renaming recordingsOrganising recordings Copying recordings Editing recordings Additional playback and viewing features Playing back multiple recordingsSlow motion playback Repeat playbackParental lock Organising the channel list Restricting access to recorded programmesRestricting access to TV channels Extra features PC Connection Installing the software and drivers Connecting the PVR to your PCUsing Altair How files are organised on your PVR Transferring files PC Connection Advanced features MP3 playbackFirmware updates Installing a firmware update via USB Installing a firmware update via a serial connection Installing a firmware update over the air Installing TAPs TAPs Additional software for your PVRStarting TAPs Troubleshooting TAPs Starting TAPs automaticallyTAPs Additional software for your PVR Troubleshooting Unexpected channel changesFailed recordings PVR crashesIncorrect channel numbers and duplicate channels Unable to view Pay TV channels How to Adding a new channelContacting support Moving homeTechnical Information Table A.5 Conditional access interface Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page 110T-F7115-201-4 Rev