I've set up my Panasonic DMR-EH75V to receive TVGOS data OTA via a Dish DTVPal+ converter box. It works, but there are a few awkward things about it.

(Note that I use OTA TV only, no cable or satellite. Also, this procedure should apply equally well to the DMR-EH55 which has the same version of TVGOS.)

Method 1: Connection Via RF Channel 3

I fed the DTVPal+'s RF output into the EH75V's RF input, turned both units on, set the EH75V to channel 3, hooked up the EH75V's IR blaster and put it in front of the DTVPal+, and put the DTVPal+ into TV Guide mode via its System Setup menu option.

Then I went into the EH75V's TV Guide setup. I gave it the "fake ZIP code" for my area from the DTVPal+ manual, indicated that I was using "cable with cable box" and a Scientific Atlanta cable box, and that I use four digits for channel numbers. Then it started to test remote codes, and here I ran into a problem. The EH75V tests a remote code by trying to go to channel 09. The problem is that the DTVPal+ (in TVGOS mode) has no channel 09!

In TVGOS mode, the DTVPal+ uses fake channel numbers that look like analog ones (without a dash or decimal point) to tune to digital channels (which have a dash or decimal point). To get the fake channel number for a digital subchannel, you drop the period or dash from the digital number, then add 100. For example 4.1 --> 141 and 29.2 --> 392. There's no digital subchannel that has fake channel number 09.

So, to test the first Scientific Atlanta remote code (009), I accepted it and finished the TV Guide setup process, then entered a few fake channel numbers for digital channels that I knew existed. Fortunately, they worked. If they hadn't, I would have gone back into the TV Guide setup and selected the next Scientific Atlanta code, repeating the process until I found one that worked.

I turned off the EH75V overnight. The following morning I had program listings for days 1, 2, 5 and 8, matching the old TVGOS analog download schedule. But now I had another problem: TVGOS had not only "turned on" listings (for example) for my local channel 4 (WYFF's main HD subchannel 4.1 a.k.a. 141 and SD weather subchannel 4.2 a.k.a. 142), it had also turned on all the other channel 4's in the adjacent DMA's. Similarly for all the other channels that I could receive. So I had to go into the channel editor and turn off a lot of extra channels.

In addition, there were some channels that I couldn't receive at the moment, but that I can receive by rotating my antenna. These weren't turned on, so I had to turn them on myself. Finally, there are some errors in subchannel assignments because TVGOS hasn't caught up with some subchannel changes in my area, so I had to fix those. Eventually I did get listings for almost every subchannel I can get, missing only a couple of weather subchannels.

In this setup, TVGOS doesn't display the actual channel number, only the fake channel number. Therefore my "channel 4" is listed as NBC 141 WYFF-HD. This would probably mystify someone who knows the station as "channel 4." Also, in order to tune directly to a station, without entering TVGOS and clicking on a listing, you have to enter the fake channel number on the EH75V's remote, e.g. you have to enter 141 to go to (sub)channel 4.1. Simply entering "4" doesn't get you anywhere.

Finally, I consider the picture from the DTVPal+'s RF output to be unacceptably soft. Fortunately, the picture from the composite-video output is significantly better. Read on...

One final note about setup: the first time I set up TVGOS, I told it to use three-digit channel numbers. This worked OK for entering channel numbers by hand with the remote. However, when the EH75V sends channel numbers automatically (for example when starting a scheduled recording), it often does it twice, back to back, and somehow they overlapped or interfered with each other so the channel didn't change properly. Re-doing the setup to indicate four-digit channel numbers fixed this. For my channel 4.1, the EH75V now sends codes for 0141. But when changing channels directly with the remote, I can still use three digits.

Method 2: Connection Via Line Input IN3

After about a week with Method 1, I switched to a composite-video connection between the DTVPal+ and the EH75V, to see if it would give me a better picture. Also, I like to use the EH75V's tuner to check on the handful of low-power analog stations that I can barely receive. My TV's own tuner "helpfully" blanks out signals that drop below a certain threshold.

I connected my antenna cable to the EH75V's RF input, and the EH75V's RF output to the DTVPal+'s RF input. I also connected the DTVPal+'s A/V outputs (yellow composite plus red/white audio) to the corresponding IN3 inputs on the EH75V. This means that DTV signals now made a rather convoluted journey: from the antenna into the EH75V and out to the DTVPal+ via the RF connections, then (after conversion) back into the EH75V via the composite connection!

In the EH75V's TV guide, I went to the setup screen and chose "Change System Settings." I checked both "Antenna" and "Cable with cable box" in the services screen, and on the following screen, I indicated that the "cable box" was on IN3. I left the other settings (ZIP code, cable box code, etc.) as they had been.

I did not lose any guide data during this process, and I was able to continue using the guide as before. The only difference was that now, when cycling through the inputs using the "Input" button on the remote, the antenna and "cable" channels came up as separate inputs: IN1 --> IN2 --> DV --> antenna [RF] --> "cable" [IN3]. I could now tune to either analog antenna channels using their real channel numbers, or digital antenna ("cable") channels using their fake channel numbers, by selecting the appropriate input first.

The picture is significantly sharper with this connection than with the pure RF connection. Compared to my Zenith DTT901 converter box, it's somewhat brighter overall but with less contrast (i.e. the blacks aren't as dark), and colors aren't as vivid.

The only question now is whether the TVGOS data will continue to come in via IN3 as it should. Tomorrow morning will tell...

Added 2009-09-21: The guide did update normally overnight. Therefore the IN3 connection works just as well as the RF connection as far as TVGOS is concerned.

I started to do all this originally just out of curiosity. Most of the stuff I want to archive is in HD now, and for that I use an EyeTV USB tuner on a MacBook, and burn the stuff to an AVCHD-format DVD+R DL which can hold up to about 90 minutes of HD material and can be played on my Blu-ray player.

However, one of my local stations has started showing Star Trek: The Next Generation in syndication, five nights a week, in upconverted SD of course. Last week I recorded the shows on my HD DVR, then dubbed them to the EH75V, which gave good picture quality but was time-consuming. Recording directly to the EH75V, automatically every night, would save some work over dubbing it from my HD DVR, and this station doesn't have top-notch picture quality anyway, so the composite-video connection will probably be good enough for this job. I'll try it this week and see how it turns out.

Nice job and thanks for keeping us updated. If you don't mind I linked your post to the "Unofficial" TVGOS master thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1122914).
In your setup do you think it would be possible to use the DTVPal CECB to convert the TVGOS but record from L3 from the output of a CM-7000 CECB?
The reason I ask is because I'm rather particular about Picture Quality. I really like the PQ of the CM using S-video, the Zenith DTT9001(CECB) is acceptable but I don't think I'd really care for the DTVPal(RF or even Composite). In your setup do you think it would be possible?
I could see hooking the Pal to the Pannys RF input and the CM to the Pannys L3 input. The IR blaster would control the CM and you'd just leave the Pal on and set to your local TVGOS host channel and of course the TVGOS would come from the Pal and the Panny would get it from NTSC RF channel 3 or 4(from the Pal's RF modulator).

If there turns out to be no way to accomplish what you want with the CM, the Artec is supposed to have the same chipset as the Zenith, and I believe is similar in most ways. Maybe you could consider their "TVGOS conversion" model? (You could at least ask over in the Artec thread for a direct comparison of the PQ, if you're interested. I know the interface and reception are pretty much the same.)

If there turns out to be no way to accomplish what you want with the CM, the Artec is supposed to have the same chipset as the Zenith, and I believe is similar in most ways. Maybe you could consider their "TVGOS conversion" model? (You could at least ask over in the Artec thread for a direct comparison of the PQ, if you're interested. I know the menus and reception are pretty much the same.)
Since getting my Tivo HD I really do very little live recordings to my DVDRs. I mostly just offload the Tivo using S-video and get even slightly better PQ than the CM, so I probably wouldn't be interested in the Artec(but thanks for the thought).
Truth be told I've got 4 CMs and 2 Zeniths that I rarely use, I've been spoiled by HD:o

Last night I recorded ST:TNG via the DTVPal+ composite output, with so-so results, better than the RF connection would have been, but not great. I just ordered an Artec T3APR-T, to see if it does any better.

I also have a Channel Master CM7000, but the last time I tried to use it with the EH75V, back when I still had an analog TVGOS host channel, I ran into a problem. In order to use the IR blaster, I had to use the CM7000's alternate IR code set (forgot what it's called in the menus), which is the same one that my CM antenna rotator uses. So whenever I rotated the antenna, I changed channels on the CM7000, and vice versa! :eek:

Has anyone gotten the IR blaster to work with the CM7000's default code set?

In my setup I used code 145 which is for Pioneer, I believe the EH-75v should be similar.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1074330&highlight=panasonic

I did a little experimenting tonight. Pioneer code 145 does indeed control the CM7000 after I choose the "enable Pioneer code" setting in one of its menus. Unfortunately that's the code that also controls my antenna rotator. The rotator control box can't "see" the IR blaster so there's no problem in that direction, but when I rotate the antenna with my Harmony remote it also changes channels on the CM7000. :(

Actually, for the job I have in mind (recording ST:TNG) I can dispense with TVGOS by scheduling a recording manually on one of the line inputs, because I don't need to change channels during the night. For that, I'd use one of my Sony HD DVRs, which has better PQ than any of my "coupon boxes" and can be programmed to shut off automatically so I don't have to leave it on overnight. I just have to remember to turn it on before going to bed.

For those of you who are not the technical sort, I got TVGOS working with a slightly different method than JTBELL, and have includes step-by-step instructions. Hope it works for you as well.


Notes: My apartment complex has a master antenna system that feeds the TV signal to all of the apartments in the building through a coax cable. I purchased a cable “splitter” from Radio Shack (under $5) to feed the coax inputs to the DTVPAL (Antenna In) and Panasonic DVR (RF In).

The component cable output of the DTVPAL (red/white/yellow RCA cable) connects to input three (IN3), located on the back of the Panasonic DVR.

The output from the Panasonic DVR (coax or S-video) goes to your television.

Plug the IR Blaster cable into the back of the Panasonic DVR, then use duct tape to connect the other end of the IR Blaster (head) to the front of the DTVPAL. The LED on the blaster head should line up face-to-face with the LED located on the left-front side of the DTVPal, (not the Green LED on the right).

With everything hooked up, the Green LED on the DTVPal should now be on.

Panasonic DMR-EH75V Setup Procedure:

1) First, you have to get the Television to display the TV signal coming from DTVPAL. To do this, forget the DTVPAL for now and use your Panasonic remote and press the green TVGuide button. Then, go to the toolbar at the top of the screen and select “Setup”. From the drop-down menu, select “Change System Settings.”

2) Work your way through the menu system, entering “English,” “Screen Size,” “USA,” and the proper zip code, etc. It will then ask you what “Service Inputs” you are using.
“Select” both items listed below:
“Cable without a Cable Box” and
“Cable with a Cable Box.” (should be a check mark on left side of each)

3) Next, it will ask you to select the cable box (satellite receiver) connection channel. Select the item at the bottom of the list, “IN3”. (should be a check mark next to IN3)

4) Next, it will ask, “Is your cable now tuned to channel 9? ” Say “yes”

5) When it asks, “Did your satellite receiver change channels? Say “yes”

6) Confirm the settings by selecting “Yes, continue setup process.”

7) After exiting the setup menu, you should now be able to use your Panasonic remote and tune to channel 2 or 3. After tuning to channel 2, press the channel down button a time or two and you should see a blue screen that says, “Main Menu”. This is the feed coming from the Dish DTVPAL via IN3. You are now ready to set up the DTVPAL!


Dish Network DTVPAL Plus Setup:

1) From the Main Menu listing, select #3, “Setup”

2) Then select #2, “Channel Setup”

3) Next, select “Find New Channels”

4) This next step is important: After the new channels are found, press “Guide” on the DTV PAL remote. That will bring up a grid, displaying all of the channels. Scroll down and find CBS TV and press the center button (Select button) on the DTVPAL remote,

5) Once the CBS station is displayed, look at the top left corner of the TV screen and verify that the “Zoom” setting is displayed. (I think it’s the default setting)

6) After setting the DTVPAL to CBS, once again use the DTVPAL remote and press the “Menu” button, then select “System Setup”

7) Next, select #6 on the menu, “TV Guide & Guide +”

8) Select “Continue” and there will be a warning. Ignore warning and continue.

9) Dish DTV Pal is now set up! The TV screen will act strange during this process. Picture may disappear, then come back on. The remote for your DVR may also seem not to work properly. Don’t worry about that for now.

10) Turn off Panasonic DVR and wait 24 hours.

11) After waiting 24 hours, use the Panasonic DVR remote and press the green “TV Guide” button. If everything worked right, you should see a list of “Channel Lineup” providers to choose from. (I live in Brooklyn, NY, so my list displayed such names as: AT&T U-Verse, Cablevision Systems, Esquire Apartments, and RCN- Queens, etc.)

Here's a link to help determine which Cable Provider you should use:

http://www.rovicorp.com/dtv/10053.htm


12) I selected “Cablevision Systems”

13) If your TV Guide does not show up immediately, press the TV Guide button. If it still does not display properly, you may have to turn the DVR off and wait another 24 hours. Then try it again.

14) Once again, if everything is setup properly, your TV Guide should now work.

15) The last step is to configure the channel line-up. Go to go the toolbar at the top of the screen and select “Setup.” Then, select “Change Channel Display” and arrange the channel line-up to your liking. In my case, I turned all of the “Cable Box) stations “off.” That way, I wouldn’t have duplicate stations, i.e., two CBS, NBC, ABC, etc.

Disclaimer: Most of this setup information is based on memory, so some information may vary.

Last night I recorded ST:TNG via the DTVPal+ composite output, with so-so results, better than the RF connection would have been, but not great. I just ordered an Artec T3APR-T, to see if it does any better.

The Artec arrived and I've connected it in place of the DTVPal+, which I turned off a few days ago so the EH75V now has to look for a host channel again. I still have the channel grid from the DTVPal+ but it has only a couple of days of program listings left.

The Artec's picture is much sharper than the DTVPal+'s via the composite video output. In fact it's not far behind the Channel Master's S-video output. Unfortunately it's also noticeably darker, and ST:TNG tends to be dark to begin with, on the channel that carries it here. When I get the guide going again I'll try recording a few episodes to see if they're usable. I may end up dubbing ST:TNG from my Sony HD DVRs anyway.

Some other usability notes about the Artec, while I'm at it: It runs a bit warm, but definitely cooler than the DTVPal+. It has only one channel scan mode which erases the previous channel list, but you can add individual channels by entering the RF channel number, so long as they're not "hidden" by the virtual channel number of a station that's already in the channel list. When you put it in "TV Guide" mode, it doesn't reboot like the DTVPal+ does. On the EH75V's IR blaster, I'm using the first Regal cable box code, with four-digit channel numbers. The Artec's remote isn't very good; I have to press the buttons pretty hard to ensure that the unit responds.

I couldn't get any new program listings on the EH75V through the Artec, even though I could tell the EH75V was changing channels on the Artec properly as it searched for a host channel. Finally this morning I connected the Artec to my Sony HD DVR and used the Sony's "G* Factory Test" to look for TVGOS data on my host channel. No TVGOS packets. Then I swapped in my Dish DTVPal+. Plenty of packets. So my Artec is a lemon as far as TVGOS is concerned. I'll contact the seller for a replacement unit.

Are you sure your Artec is one that does the TVGOS conversion? I think I've read that only one Artec does this, not sure what model though.

I think I've read that only one Artec does this, not sure what model though.That would be the T3APR-T.

The box identifies the model as T3APR-T(TVG) and has the TV Guide logo with the blurb "Works with TV Guide on screen / Guide plus+ product." The manual has instructions on setting it up for TV guide use.