I've got a Scientific Atlanta 8300 HDC DVR with a strange problem. The box seems to get brain damaged and forget to record programs. This happens with a specific timeslot or with a "record all new" setting.

For example, this morning I set it up to record three programs between 8:00 and noon. The programming was accepted without problems and the shows were highlighted to indicate they would be recorded. However, when I checked back after lunch, the programs never recorded.

Another example: Let's say I set it up to record all new episodes of "Monk". Everything looks good to go but the program never gets recorded. Actually, I shouldn't say "never" since some times it works and some times it doesn't.

I've had Charter replace the box three times but the problem is still there. Has anyone else experienced this and, if so, how did you fix it?

Thanks.

DVRs depends on certain flags to differentiate between new and repeat episodes. Some cable systems use cheaper guide service providers that don't reliably provide that information for cable channels. When that information is missing, a "new episode only" recording doesn't work.

Now you see why many buy third-party DVRs. Third-party DVRs like the TivoHD and Moxi provide their own guide data, and make quality guide data a priority (it's their business). As a result, they tend to much more reliable.

Yeah, but I'm not only having problems with the program guide. If I manually set up a recording for, say 2:00pm on Friday, it may or may not record the program. I've also got the same problem with "Record On This Channel In This Timeslot" which, presumably, doesn't access the guide either.

Use the information in the first post of the SARA thread (click on the SARA link in my signature) to determine what brand of software is being used. If you have SARA, the post has a lot of good information. If you don't have SARA, click on the appropriate link in my signature.

There may be a problem with signal levels. If you have SARA, the post has information about this.

You can try a hard reboot to see if that makes any difference.