how can i fix ne ferguson FDT 500 DV3?

Any chance someone can say what email address to use???

Thanks...

Gary
September 2009

Andy, sorry your box got damaged in transit. Mine came back in the box and packaging I returned to Thomson in with no damage at all. However,your box is in working order which is the main thing. A plus for Thomson if not DHL

Bryl
August 2009

Well just got it back today. It was crushed after DHL screwed it up, but it does work. They must have put something heavey on top of the digi-box in transit, as it's buckled at the back, and one of the plastic clips has broken, but it works, and it aint on display in the house, (bedroom TV only).

A success story on Thompson's part - but be careful if sending yours back, as DHL suck!

Andy
August 2009

Andy
I am not too sure but I think about a week, not long anyway and it came back in perfect working order. Do hope yours is as satisfactory.

Bryl
July 2009

Digibox picked up this morning by DHL. Fingers crossed they get it back to me soon!

How long did it take you to get yours back after pickup?

Thanks

Andy
July 2009

Telephone no. 01 788 541970. I rang first and was given the email address to send details of my problem. They were very helpful so I hope all ends well for you too. I have just tried to send you the email address here and been told reply is in valid and I must not send an email address

Bryl
July 2009

Bryl - What was the email addie you used to contact them please??

Andy
July 2009

My box was returned this evening,2nd July, at 7 pm. When I connected up the red light came on and YES the green one too. It just needed the auto set up and within a minute we were back in business, everything working. So.. persistence really was worth it. My thanks to everyone again.

Bryl
July 2009

My box was collected yesterday after they phoned me to arrange it. People at Thomson very helpful so I am keeping my fingers crossed they will be able put it in working order again.

Bryl
June 2009

I called Thomson again today after seeing some people had had their boxes repaired and was told to send an email with details of what happened and they would arrange for my box to be collected and put right.This is quite different from the respose to my earlier calls. So.. if all goes well, thanks to everyone here for all their help. I was also told they had only had half a dozen people contact them to report this trouble which I find difficult understand in view of the posts here. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a good outcome.

Bryl
June 2009

they called me back like 2 weeks after i initially called them but ive already bought a new box AND thrown away the old one...the irony!! and that box is the best as you can see whats on other channels without interrupting what you're watching..oh well..but yes to reiterate everyone else's comments call the number and they will fix it

regards

anon
June 2009

Hi There.

Same here, box sent off and returned working, correctly.

In passing it is now a reserve as the old Echostar T105 is performing brilliantly, proper channel numbers, controls wide screen and normal without a glitch.
No update's since new.

Dave
June 2009

Just called GTS UK on 01788 541970, they will pick-up,fix and return FOC. 18th June

PSA
June 2009

They managed to re-programme my box, which is now working. The problem was confirmed as being that it had some missing data (i.e. only part of the download had worked). From reading the other comments on this site I would guess that you all have the same problem. To my thinking it would be reasonable for them to accept responsibility for re-programming all of your boxes to get them working again, but I'll have to leave it to you to follow up on that...

Thanks for your comments and advice, which certainly helped me get my problem fixed. Good luck!

Ade
June 2009

i just called them today and he basically said there is nothing they can do..ive had this box for 5 years no problems and now i have to frok out 30 quid for a new one...its not the money but the principle..plus ive noticed the newer boxes cant view other channels without changing them but with my box you can....o dear!

anon
June 2009

About a week and a half ago mine did exactly the same thing. Red power light on but box is dead. I have contacted the numbers below but as it is Sunday I await a reply to my voicemail.

Cliff
June 2009

A bit of a delayed update ... I snook off for a half-term holiday (can't stay at home and watch the telly any more!). My box was collected for examination as promised, but they have been unable get it to work. It has been forwarded today to the people responsible for the software up update (apparently not Thomson). Not holding out too much hope that they can fix it, but we will see ...

Meanwhile, it seems that there has still been a very low level of formal complaints, so they are not seeing it as a big problem. Although the guy I have been speaking to has been very helpful, it seems that it is being considered a minor problem as they have not had a surge of complaints. You might all want to call him on 01788 541970 so they see it is not just me and 3 others who have a problem ...

Ade
June 2009

Mine too .... PITA

Richard
June 2009

Spoke with Thompson.
No real hope, have to refer it to head office.
Told only 4 compliaint's since May 20th, was not aware a repeat had gone out on 29th/31st may.

Dug out the old Echostar T-105. With a strong signal it works fine, so far, including getting the new channel numbers right.

Probably write off the Ferguson/Thompson box.
Incidentally mine is a FDT500C, make any difference ?

Dave
May 2009

Any one got any updates on thier digi box???

M. Pick
May 2009

Same problem.

What was the rubbish about letting magnetism die......
Have strong signal so that not the problem.
Simply rubbish software.
Will be contacting trading standards and anyone else that will listen.
Not the money just the principal.

Dave
May 2009

Any update on how you got on Ade? Fingers crossed for you, as I have the same issue. Seems to be a lot of people effected by this around the net!

JC
May 2009

(To my surprise) I just received a helpful sounding call back to collect some additional info to help Thomson investigate the problem. They might get my box in to see what can be done, but the person I spoke to is waiting for confirmation from them (he does not actually work for Thomson). Watch this space ...

Ade
May 2009

I just phoned the 01788 541970 number + they claimed to be "waiting for advice from Thomson on how this is going to be handled". They took my name + phone number so they could let me know who I could write to to complain + if there was any news on what would happen next. I would recommend that you all call them + log your details so that Thomson appreciate that there is a genuine problem they have to address. Don't be fobbed off!

Ade
May 2009

Hello everybody, thank you for all your information. See you in Argos!

Sarah
May 2009

Shouldn't the people who sent the update be responsible for sorting out the problem? Who are they + how do we contact them?

Ade
May 2009

This is a problem with the over the air update failing on certain digi-boxes. This is a firmware update, which has failed miserably, rendering the boxes useless. If anyone knows how to re-flash the firmware without going through the menu opn the box, then we're all good. Until then - buy a new one!!

John
May 2009

Hi Folks,
Same happened to mine, can't believe all these faulty boxes failed at the same time in their life... how bizarre and weird! Suspect it is a signal that's been sent from somewhere that affects all our models. Have Ferguson gone bust? Is it the credit crunch signal that's got us or have they all got Swine Flu?

Gabkarl
May 2009

Mine has the same problem ,only happened a few days ago and been looking for a solution !My answer is to never buy inferior products from an inferior company who are willing to admit fault but not willing to replace the previously working products we've paid for and trusted,no matter what the price this is a very poor service and they should have the decency to replace.

Andy
May 2009

Spoken to people on the number i gave below looks like its another red herring as they only deal with the Top up tv boxes and would not have sent the download to our boxes. SORRY. The best i could get from them is the web address for the Thomson web site. Am going to look on there but won't hold my breath. Sorry guys i am trying to get us an answer.

richard
May 2009

Ok Guys
So now i have spoken to Trading Standards. They have told me that due to the fact that was no warning that the box could fail if signal strength was not at full spec Thomson may well have a question to answer. The number i gave earlier are not Thomson but purely a helpline. I've looked around the net and found this number 08444 159 159. This is the number for Thomson top up tv but they apparently deal with the download we have all just been robbed by. Hope this helps.

Richard
May 2009

So Thomson aren't responsible for the problem they've caused? That doesn't sound right to me!

Ade
May 2009

I have just rung the number given by Richard and the Thomson representative gave me the same answer. I asked if he would suggest a replacement and was told to get down to Argos, a replacement was available for £15. So as someone said previously, it looks like new boxes all round. Must say the response was given helpfully though and in a pleasant manner.

bryl
May 2009

The same thing happened to me yesterday May 10th.I down loaded as everyone else and the set turned itself off. I rang the number given in the manual , 08700 100484 and was pleased someone was actually there to answer my query but was told to pull the wall plug out while that was stilll switched on to allow build up of magnetism to disperse. Other than that there was nothing to be done. I tried this but still I am left with red light that will not switch to green. Very annoying,I just wish I had left well alone

Bryl
May 2009

Ok guys
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but i have spoken to Thomson the people who are in charge of the download and have been informed that "At some point through the download the box has lost some of the information and so it has crashed". My reply "So how do i fix it"? Answer "You can't". Basically the box is now as much use as a handrake on a canoe. But don't worry folks apparently these boxes can be bought for as little as £15. Not bad considering none of us needed a new box before this download. If you would like to confirm this info then their number is 01788 541970. If any body gets a better answer from them than i did let us know.

Richard
May 2009

Same here.
Redlight will not restart.

A.Wood
May 2009

Don't have an answer I'm afraid, but according to the freeview site http://www.freeview.co.uk/freeview/Resolutions/BBC-and-ITV-channels-missing it looks as though it was an attempt to solve a minor issue of channels moving place in the list. Funnily enough, Top-up TV managed to mess up my DTR this weekend as well. That has buttons, though, so it is possible to to a reboot.

Septimus 21
May 2009

Wish i could help you guys but mine done exactly the same. Looks like its gonna be new freeview boxes all round

richard
May 2009

Same problem for me ... just downloaded the update and now have box with a red light on that won't turn on. Help!

Ade
May 2009

Same here today. Has anybody found the answer yet

Gav
May 2009

Yesterday I had exactly same message appeared and same thing happened. 08.May.09
Dont know what to do

enka
May 2009

I Have the exact same problem, i did the update yesterday at about 5.00 and it downloaded fine, then the message came up saying do not reset or turn off the digital box. Following that, it turned off and now wont turn back on!!!! Help Needed

M. Pick
May 2009