Hey
ecobiz,
I just applied for the E-Channel (using my MH Silver FFP status) yesterday at HKG.
The officer also attached a sticker on the back of my passport saying 'Successfully enrolled for e-Channel'. I tried it this morning on my flight back to SIN and it worked fine. You just have to open up your passport to your information page, face down and slide into the scan pad and hold it there till it tells you to remove your passport. Then step in and scan your index finger (left or right). I tried twice with my right finger but didn't work so the officer told me to use my left and I passed.
If right finger don't work, use left.
I assume the barcode is only needed for non-biometric passports.