It depends on the source of your glitches. Did you watch the recording in progress to make sure there were not in the original transmission? They could also be coming from bad tape and/or general DVHS reliability issues.

I suggest anyone who has 169time trouble, rule out those issues before trying to find a solution. The best way to do this is to watch a recording in progress through the DVHS decoder so you can see what the AVX is sending. At the same time, maybe you can record the SD output of your receiver on a regular VCR, Tivo, etc. so you can later check if the glitch was in the original signal.

If the glitches end up only visible while viewing the AVX strean live through the VCR then you have a 169time issue. At that point you could try different software versions or call Richard for help.

My mpeg2repair utility is really intended to fix invisible errors which don't show up on your DVHS unit but do cause issues on other software/hardware decoders. It will usually not fix problems that were noticeable on good decoders like the JVC 30K.

-Mark

Is there any explanation for the sale price of $500.00 for a modified receiver that would cost over $1300.00 two weeks ago? Is it too good to be true?

Originally posted by flabingo
Is there any explanation for the sale price of $500.00 for a modified receiver that would cost over $1300.00 two weeks ago? Is it too good to be true?

I didn't see a modified receiver for $500. The upgrade is on sale for $499. A modified receiver plus the deluxe AVX-1 can be purchased for $889. Those prices are as good as I have seen.

Chris

Originally posted by Chris Gerhard
What software version and videotape are you using? Do recordings from HDNet or ESPN do the same? The few recordings I have made recently from DiscoveryHD have been ok with the usual glitch or two.

Chris

I am using 08D6. I intend to try the 08E6 Beta soon. I have not tried recording from anything else yet as this is my first recording. But I am sure to try and see with both of these changes.

Regarding tape, I grabed a TDK XP Super Pro SVHS tape from my old SVHS shelf. The tapes are probably two years old, but virgin.

Also I will try recording directly to my HTPC and see about the glitches.

I would like to also say that I think its incredible, that is the picture, from SVHS through this system. The 169time is great, regardless of the glitches. Great inexpensive technology.

Originally posted by Alan Gouger
Compromise

My experience with mpeg2repair so far is it has allowed me to transfer my AVX recordings to hard drive & play them back using the MYHD card but
I still maintain all my glitches. I have not tried the latest version.

I also like the way that mpeg2repair gives you a .ts file output from a .m2t input.

Originally posted by Compromise
I am using 08D6. I intend to try the 08E6 Beta soon. I have not tried recording from anything else yet as this is my first recording. But I am sure to try and see with both of these changes.

Regarding tape, I grabed a TDK XP Super Pro SVHS tape from my old SVHS shelf. The tapes are probably two years old, but virgin.

Also I will try recording directly to my HTPC and see about the glitches.

I would like to also say that I think its incredible, that is the picture, from SVHS through this system. The 169time is great, regardless of the glitches. Great inexpensive technology.

TDK XP Pro is an excellent tape for D-VHS recording so that isn't the problem. The 169time website recommends pre-release 08E6 for use with the 5U so try that version and see if that fixes the problem.

Chris

Glitches are gone.

933MHzG4(VirtualDVHS)<->SonyHD300<->JVC HM DH5U(using SVHS tape)<->AVX1(08E6)

Sure fire method for setup:

The surefire way appears to turn the deviced on in the following sequence: 1. Turn on 169time modified HD300, 2. launch VirtualDVHS on the G4 (the mac was already on, never off, does not need reboot or anything like that) - VirtualDVHS sees the 5U at at this time in its window although the 5U is not powered up yet, 3. Boot the AVX1 with 08E6 - VirtualDVHS now sees the AVX1 and the AVX1 is starts running, and then 4. power up the 5U, tune down to the AVX1 to the appropriate iLink channel for the AVX1. 5. Tune the moniter to the 5U and monitor the picture. Recording is now possible in parallel on the Mac and on the 5U at the same time.

The picture is fantastic!

Way to go 169Time -- GREAT JOB

Using dish 6000 169time, allmost all the channels shows 18Mbps, but HDnet movie shows 65Mbps...why is that? The file is played ok by MyHD, but the total time displayed was off...

Originally posted by HTnut
I have been keeping an eye on the 169 time & R5000HD product and so far I feel more comfortable with going the 5000 direction but I have held off because a DaveH2 from 169time made several posts when the new software was released to get ready for a new product that was going to be exciting. That has seamed to dry up. Anyone know what happened. That was months ago and that seams to follow everyones complaint about this company when I read into this thread.
Anyone know what it was suppose to be. I'm not about to ask when, I'm guessing its no longer happening but if there is not any further info I'm ready to make a purchase and don't want to wait any longer.

I think he was referring to the new PVR software which would allow recording to a hard-drive inside the AVX1 unit. This would allow you to record without needing a DVHS deck or additional PC. It would also make scheduling multiple recordings much easier. No idea if this is still being worked on, but as you've noted, one needs to be patient with updates for this product.

If you're happy with only being able to record to an XP PC, then the R5000 seems like a good bet. The 169time is probably more useful for people who don't want to deal with the hassle of having a PC in their HT environment.

i bet 169's 'revised its priorities' a bit--more concerned now with the coming MPEG4 standard and what if anything they can reasonably and legally offer in the way of a future product. Who cares about Mpeg2 -based frills when its obsolescence has suddenly appeared on the horizon...

I asked Richard yesterday about the "new" product he told me would be ready to go soon. Yep, is was the PVR that was described. I asked him when it would be done, but, I forget what he said. It could be just a s/w upgrade since I was basically doing this when the development of the AVX-1 was happening.

Not sure where things for anyone is going. I do not see a huge market for anyone. And, seems like the Big boys, and new big boys may be getting into the game.

I again say I am glad I got out of the stuff. Having more fun getting ready to jump big time into HDV and how to make videos for family and friends.
The DDR pads I bought with some of my sellings are sure great fun with the family. Much better exercise than watching the TV.

Signed up for my first full IronMan race on Sept. 17th. Got to keep training.
No time to watch TV.

Dave

So Dave will this product work like the r5000-hd's software?? meaning a all in one box running the avx software and sending the streams to the hard drive??? that sounds great

will it be running under XP???

-Gary

Originally posted by h2ofun
I asked Richard yesterday about the "new" product he told me would be ready to go soon. Yep, is was the PVR that was described. I asked him when it would be done, but, I forget what he said. It could be just a s/w upgrade since I was basically doing this when the development of the AVX-1 was happening.

Not sure where things for anyone is going. I do not see a huge market for anyone. And, seems like the Big boys, and new big boys may be getting into the game.

I again say I am glad I got out of the stuff. Having more fun getting ready to jump big time into HDV and how to make videos for family and friends.
The DDR pads I bought with some of my sellings are sure great fun with the family. Much better exercise than watching the TV.

Signed up for my first full IronMan race on Sept. 17th. Got to keep training.
No time to watch TV.

Dave

Dave,
I think you would find this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=1191942#post1191942) and interesting thread.

HELP!!!!!
I just bought the 169time package for the Dish 6000u. It works on the HD channels but I get no sound in SD channels. I have a JVC HD40000VCR. Whats wrong?

Nothing, that's normal. SD audio is mpeg I believe, not Dobly Digital. Unless you have a receiver that can decode mpeg audio you won't get any on SD channels.

Isn't the whole porpose of the AVX1 is to convert the output of the 6000u into standard MPEG2 transport stream? I can't beleive they would porposely sell a device for $1500 and only works with 8 channels.

Just use a DV bridge like I do if you want firewire input for SD. Then you can record to DVHS in low resolution. Kind of a waste in my opinion, but if you have to do it, this is the way. I am happy with my 8 channels, AVX1, etc. Who wants to record SD anyway?

You might also consider recording in conventional S-video, the result is the same.

Originally posted by searcher2
Isn't the whole purpose of the AVX1 is to convert the output of the 6000u into standard MPEG2 transport stream? I can't believe they would purposely sell a device for $1500 and only works with 8 channels.

You should have done more research before buying the 169time... :D I have a R5000-hd and it records SDTV with either AC3 or Mpeg audio. AFAIK, the 169time will only record SDTV with AC3. Try recording HBO channel 300. It's SDTV with ac3 audio, so the 169time should work.


TW

$1500 and no PVR, ouch!

But beware that the R500-hd only works with PCs and not MACs rendering it usless for unix users.

I only paid $400 for my AVX1.

Wow great price, i may just have to get myself a Expressvu setup going:D

-Gary

I just replaced my JVC 30K with a JVC 40K from eCost. It works fine for playing back tapes. Unfortunately I can't record with my DTC-100 anymore. The new VCR does not see the satellite receiver and simply reports "I-" when it tries to list the device.

However if I connect the AVX-1, I can see it just fine at "I-1". I tried resetting the VCR's iLink connection but that did not help. Is there anything else I can try to fix this problem?

thanks,

John

1. Unplug all from the wall and try again.

2. Swap 40K IEEE1394 cables between AVX1 and DTC100

Getting the I-link numbers right is probably the hardest part of this whole process. I have the receiver, in your case the DTC-100, at i-1 and the AVX1 at i-2 and my JVC at i-3 which is the recommended setting. If the AVX1 i link number is not higher than the receiver i-link number, I do not believe the system will work.

I just got an email from Richard and he says it may be the firmware on the DTC upgrade for 1394. If it is not later than 1.85, the JVC 40K will not work. Unfortunately it costs $150 for the upgrade. If I can determine that is the problem (by checking the firmware revision) I will probably just switch back to the JVC 30K.

According to the 169time web page, a firmware update for the model 6000 upgrade to 1.86 is free from 169time since this corrects a problem that especially affected the Bell ExpressVu setup.

In the case of an older DTC100 upgrade, there is a charge to offset the cost of receiving, testing and handling. This is not correcting a bug, but adding new support for the 40k and 5U decks. Oh well, some of the best things in life aren't free.

However, since you're almost local, if you'd like to give me a call when it's convenient to stop by, 169time will pop in the update for your DTC100 while you wait, and at no charge.

Richard

Richard,

Thanks for all the helpful information and the great offer about an upgrade. I will send you an email so we can work on doing that.

In the meantime, I did just spend a few minutes swapping the VCRs back again and it appears your diagnosis is correct. Everything works fine with the 30K back it place.

John

Richard,
Any idea when the "recording to a hard drive inside the AVX-1" software might be ready for public beta? I would be anxious to test this out. It would give me the ability to record multiple shows very easily.

Thanks for all your hard work on the system.

Me too Richard, I am most anxious. Trying to use iRecord is rediculous with the AVX1. And timing VirtualDVHS with iCal is not reliable. Normally the AVX1 crashes if any significant amount of time goes by, or a number of channels are switched. Hopefully a hard drive inside the AVX1 will eliminate alot of this.

Originally posted by xuniman
Richard,
Any idea when the "recording to a hard drive inside the AVX-1" software might be ready for public beta? I would be anxious to test this out. It would give me the ability to record multiple shows very easily.

Thanks for all your hard work on the system.

I hope that is still going to be developed. I am afraid the DirecTV change to MPEG4 which obsoletes all of our current 169time DirecTV recorders might have ended the development of that product. The 4th quarter DirecTV earnings report conference call seems to imply that is going to happen in early 2006 although the timing is still unclear.

Chris

Chris,
If you look at Richard's web site, he says he is developing an MPEG4 solution. I do not quite know what that means, but I would assume a mod to the current receivers, and a new disk for the AVX1. I do not know of the JVCs can handle it or not.

I dont think there will be any problem for both 169time or the 5000 HD guys to come up with a Mpeg 4 solution.

Until we see the new hardware no one knows if it will allow the access points to allow the modification. Any claims from ether camp this early on is pure speculation.

Hopefully we still have a years worth of recording left with our current setup.

Yes i have no doubt that the guys will come up with mpeg4 mods but what the heck will we playback everything on, i am assuming that i am screwed with my DVHS setup

I'm not to worried about E*, it is gonna take them a few years by that time Blu-ray should be going very well and may be able to record and playback mpeg4???

-Gary

Also John, both my 5u's acted the very same way with my 169time E* 6000, neither 5u would see the HDVR in my Dish 6000,

After much trouble Richard finally suggested i may have a much older firmware that was not able to work with the 5u or 40k for that matter

well i did end up having a old firmware, 1.8 to be exact, my board is on it's way to Richard right now to be updated to 1.86, i betcha that will solve all my troubles, i will report, that will probably be your fix also

-Gary

169time has a firewire upgraded prototype receiver with mpeg4 decoding working in their lab. We're ready for the mpeg4 transition, but there are no mpeg4 transmissions for subscribed boxes.

Personally I think the mpeg4 announcements are more to pacify the bean counters that are concerned about the continued subsidizing of unprofitable HDTV distribution by profitable SD distribution. Paying respect to the painfully slow historical progress for HDTV equipment deployment, there is some reason for me to think we won't be seeing widespread or universal mpeg4-only HD Satellite transmission for a quite a long while.

169time invented HDTV recording upgrades, and beat the copycats by four years. Information about the 169time mpeg4 upgrade prototype is confidential and well guarded for many obvious reasons.

When mpeg4 happens, 169time customers will be ready first. Here's how- For new purchasers of 169time upgrades, 169time guarantees to apply 50% of the purchase price for upgrades toward the initial release of the mpeg4 box upgrade solution. The 50% discount will be given in exchange for the HDVR board (current upgrade) purchased now. In the case of purchasing a complete upgraded box from 169time, the 50% is based on the upgrade price, not the whole box price. The offer applies to upgrades or upgraded boxes purchased from 169time starting 2/1/05 and until further notice.

On a different subject, a hard drive based AVX1 was actually working in the 169time lab back in 2001 before we started shipping the unit that supported tape based recording. 169time will ship a Linux based DVR that includes the AVX-1 function when its user interface features are ready.

Good news Richard but mpeg4 basically makes all our dvhs decks paper weights right???

-Gary

Since a D-VHS deck is just a bit bucket, you should be able to record the MPEG4 stream. You'll need to a stand alone MPEG4 decoder with firewire in order to view them.

The Firewire interface to the JVC DVHS decks accepts as input MPEG-2 transport streams such as a camcorder DV stream. Therefore it will not work with an MPEG-4 stream - that stream would have to be converted to a MPEG-2 transport stream to be recorded by the DVHS recorder.

bwooster, are you sure? It certainly won't play them back, but I don't see any indication that it wouldn't record them for playback through an external firewire device.

Don't the DVHS decks record the incoming signal with mpeg2 at 28 Mbps??

I think we are screwed with mpeg4 and dvhs decks

Jvc would have go back to the drawing board and release a compatible unit

oh well i'm not worried, mpeg4 is a while off for me with E*

-Gary

The ~ 28 Mbps standard is a proprietary JVC DTheater thing. The JVC decks can play them back but I am not sure that the chipset in them supports writing them onto a DVHS tape.

ATSC MPEG-2 transport streams (that follow the MPEG spec) are at most ~ 19 Mbps.

I was speaking of the recording speed in HS mode which is mpeg2 28 Mbps correct??

-Gary

Originally posted by bwooster
The Firewire interface to the JVC DVHS decks accepts as input MPEG-2 transport streams such as a camcorder DV stream. Therefore it will not work with an MPEG-4 stream - that stream would have to be converted to a MPEG-2 transport stream to be recorded by the DVHS recorder.

Buzzz XXX

Wrong. There are already specifications that outline how to carry Mpeg-4 video and audio on an Mpeg-2 transport stream. The iso 13818-1 (mpeg2 systems) spec is very flexible. The jvc would have no problem recording a transport stream that includes mpeg-4. As a previous poster stated, the Jvc would require a PC or STB that supports mpeg-4 playback. I have it on good authority that both 169time and the R5000 guys have been able to record and playback HD mpeg-4 to JVC/Mitsubishi DVHS deck.

Techtom

MPEG-2 Transport streams vary in the rate at which data is streamed from them. The max data rate is about 19.2 Mbps. Some of the data in the transport stream has nothing to do with the video / audio such as the channel of the station that you are watching. Some transport streams have more than one program in them. For example, if I record ABCs HD channel (7.1 in my area) I also get a standard definition channel (7.2) with the transport stream. If I play the tape back on my deck I can switch between which program from the transport stream that I wish to watch.

Some of the packets in a transport stream can be "null" packets that contain no information but are used to say, maintain a constant stream rate.

Some transport streams are much less than 19.2 Mbps and this can result in varying HD quality.

You can buy documents from the ISO that detail the MPEG standards. Another good book is "Digital Television Fundamentals".

This is getting really off-topic so I will try to summarize things a bit. From ISO/IEC 13818, "Generic coding of moving pictures and associated audio information: Systems", page xi,

"The Transport Stream is a stream definition which is tailored for communication or storing one or more programs of coded data according to ITU-T Rec. H.262 | ISO/IEC 13818-2 and ISO/IEC 13818-3 and other data in environments in which significant errors may occur."

"Tranport streams may be fixed or variable rate."

Lower on the page it says, "several operations on a Transport Stream are possible with minimum effort. Among these are..."

One of the listed operations is extracting a program from the tranport stream and producing a differemt output stream, for example a "program stream" (DVDs use MPEG-2 Program Streams which are for environments where errors are unlikely).

So for example, my DVHS deck records the ABC transport stream but then the decoder can extract one program, say the HD one, and then let me watch it (or I can watch the SD one).

Now the data in the transport stream must be decoded by the JVC deck. It has to take the packets in the stream that belong to the program that you wish to watch and then use the packets to construct a block of data that belongs to say audio, or video. That data must conform to the ISO specs and the hardware and software in the deck must be able to decode it and then present it to say the component outputs or digital audio output. The deck can ignore data it does not understand - for example, the early JVC decks did not work with DTS data in transport streams. You can play a DTS DTheater tape in these older decks, but they won't know what to do with the DTS data packets and so will ignore them.

Now MPEG-4 is designed to build on the work of MPEG-2. I have not finished reading it but you can look at, "The MPEG-4 Book" which is a great reference. Look at page 268 at section 7.4 "Transporting MPEG-4 Over MPEG-2". On page 274 it states, "transport over MPEG-2 Systems of isolated MPEG-4 elementary streams is limited to streams that do not realy on MPEG-4 System functionality - this means audio and video streams".

What this all means is that you CAN embed MPEG-4 audio and video into an MPEG-2 streams. The problem is that you need an MPEG-4 decoder to play them back properly.

So what you can do is the following:

1) modify a satellite box to get access to the MPEG-4 stream
2) isolate the MPEG-4 audio and video and then encode it into a valid MPEG-2 stream
3) record the MPEG-2 stream with your DVHS deck
4) when you playback the MPEG-2 stream you need to extract the MPEG-4 audio and video from the stream and then play it back - current DVHS decks cannot do this

OR you can

1) modify a satellite box to get access to the MPEG-4 stream
2) isolate the MPEG-4 audio and video and then re-encode it into MPEG-2 stream audio and video in a format that your deck CAN decode
3) record the MPEG-2 stream with your DVHS deck
4) playback the MPEG-2 stream from your deck

Now this isn't an easy process and remember that MPEG-4 is NOT just about audio and video. The MPEG-2 streams cannot transport data that relies on MPEG-4 System functionality.

bwooster, have you tried it? I ask because supposedly others have and it works.

as for real-time transcoding of MPEG4 to MPEG2, that isn't going to happen :)

To madpoet: Have I tried what?

Do you mean have I hooked up a satellite box that outputs a MPEG-4 stream to a DVHS deck and seen if it can record it?

I don't have such a satellite box - I am not even sure if one exists.

VOOM was supposed to be using MPEG-4 audio and video encoding. The VOOM boxes may be embedding their MPEG-4 audio and video in an MPEG-2 stream. I don't know.

Do the VOOM boxes even have Firewire outputs to connect to a DVHS deck? Can they be modified to do it? I don't know.

Do the VOOM boxes have a firewire input so that the DVHS decks could playback a stream to them? I don't know.

Can DVHS decks playback MPEG-4 encoded audio and video? No - they are not built for that.

Nope, have you tried some method of recording existing mpeg4 to DVHS. Voom does not have firewire and cannot be modified for it (plus they aren't using MPEG4 yet anyway). I'm just saying, you're arguing that it can't work when people who createit seem to indicate it can ;)

Please reread my rather long post from before.

I am not arguing that it cannot work. In fact, as I stated, the MPEG-4 standard was DESIGNED with some backward compatibility in mind, just as the MPEG-2 standard was DESIGNED to allow for future expansion (such as the addition of DTS audio to transport streams).

Clearly MPEG-4 audio and video CAN be encoded in an MPEG-2 transport stream. MPEG-4 features that rely on the MPEG-4 Systems functionality CANNOT be encoded into an MPEG-2 transport stream.

But your DVHS deck does not decode MPEG-4 audio or video data.

I will restate the above sentence again to make sure that you read it properly.

Your DVHS deck does not decode MPEG-4 audio or video data.

Now it could store / ignore the data. For example, play a DTS DTheater tape in an old DVHS deck. You won't get a DTS audio stream out of the deck - it does not know how to deal with the DTS data in the transport stream.

I did NOT say that Voom was using MPEG-4. Please read my previous posts carefully. I DID say that they were "supposed to be using MPEG-4 audio and video encoding."

Where did I get this idea from? Why from the Voom press release on the subject! You can read it at:

<http://www.voom.com/util/press/press_112204_print.shtml>

In particular:

"Mr. Dolan explained that all the programming transmitted by both Rainbow 1 and Rainbow 2 will utilize a new encoding system from Harmonic, initially configured to run in MPEG-2 and software upgradeable to MPEG-4.

"Today's announcement is a step forward in our plans to advance VOOM to MPEG-4 later in 2005. All VOOM customers have been provided with set-top boxes capable of receiving the MPEG-4 signal and we remain committed to offering more than 400 full continental US channels before the end of 2005," continued Mr. Dolan. "

I don't know if Voom made the transition to MPEG-4 but if they did then you can certainly try to get access to it and then record it using your DVHS deck.

Now you wrote, "you're arguing that it can't work when people who createit seem to indicate it can."

Can you please elaborate on that? Who are these "people"? What is the source of the MPEG-4 stream? Was it just the audio and video that was recorded? How was the stream accessed? How was it output? As an MPEG-2 transport stream over firewire into a DVHS deck? Could the DVHS deck play any of the MPEG-4 data?

Now I CAN tell you a way of testing the playback of MPEG-4 audio and video from a DVHS deck but I think this discussion is getting way off topic. If you have read what I wrote before then you already know how to do the test.

Good luck to you in your efforts.

You said:

"The VOOM boxes may be embedding their MPEG-4 audio and video in an MPEG-2 stream. I don't know."

So I answered and explained they weren't. I never claimed you said they were, and you're getting a little too testy about this. I asked a legitimate question.

You also said:

"The Firewire interface to the JVC DVHS decks accepts as input MPEG-2 transport streams such as a camcorder DV stream. Therefore it will not work with an MPEG-4 stream - that stream would have to be converted to a MPEG-2 transport stream to be recorded by the DVHS recorder."

THis is the part that myself (and others) are questioning. You are stating your opinion as theoretical certainties, but there seems to be some serious debate about whether you are correct. So I asked a legitimate question... have you tried it? It's been stated (correctly) more than once that DVHS is a bit bucket. Are you sure that it will not simply function as a bit bucket for an MPEG4 stream? THat's all I'm asking.

You can use DVHS decks to back up computer files, so certainly it will back up MPEG-4 streams.

Gee I didn't think I have been getting testy. I think I have been rather polite. Read my previous posts and you will see several uses of the word "please".

Can you please explain what you mean when you say that the DVHS deck is a "bit bucket"?

As a programmer I know what "bit bucket" means but I am sure that you must mean something else than what a programmer means by the term.

Here is the definition from Wikipedia.org:

Bit Bucket:

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

The bit bucket was the container on Teletype machines or IBM key punch machines into which chad from the paper tape punch or card punch was deposited. In theory, the bit bucket was full of '1' bits, the '0' bits being represented by the places on the paper tape or punched card that the punch had not punched out.

The term was then generalized into any place where useless bits go including the trash can or rubbish bin. In Unix, this term is used to refer to /dev/null. In OpenVMS, this term refers to SYS$NULL:.

The term is also used to refer to that mysterious place on a computer where lost documents go, as in:

"What happened to that important spreadsheet that you were just editing?"

"Oh, it went into the bit bucket."

I feel certain that you must mean something else by your use of the term.

To madpoet:

Please look at the JVC HM-DH30000U manual (you can download it from the web) and read the specifications of the device from page 81. For video format it says "MPEG2 standard". For audio format it says "Encode MPEG1 Layer2", "Decode MPEG1 Layer2" and "Dolby Digital".

The device knows nothing about using MPEG-4 video or audio.

Please now turn to the HM-DH5U manual on page 89 and check out its specifications. For Video format it says "MPEG2 standard". For audio it says "Encode MPEG1 Layer2", "Decode MPEG1 Layer2/Dolby Digital" and "Linear PCM".

The device knows nothing about using MPEG-4 video or audio.

I have to ask you once again...please tell us who has been able to record and playback MPEG-4 audio / video streams from a DVHS deck without any additional hardware.

Thank you Compromise for reading what I have been writing!

Yes you certainly CAN back data up using a DVHS recorder. You have to be very careful though.

Why? Because the DVHS tape stores MPEG-2 transport streams. These streams were designed to be used in an environment where packet loss is expected. The deck may not give you back the exact stream that you stored on it. So you have to add some layer of data duplication / checking summing / protection on top of the transport stream layer.

madpoet: I hope that Compromise and I have answered your question about storing MPEG-4 audio / video in an MPEG-2 transport stream. It CAN be done and it was DESIGNED to be doable (see "The MPEG-4 Book" for more on this).

The JVC DVHS decks store MPEG-2 transport streams. They CANNOT decode MPEG-4 audio or video data. Please check out the specifications in the DVHS manuals.

Now if you wanted to test the decks it is really easy. Grab an MPEG-4 file, say a music file like an AAC file. Embed it into an MPEG-2 transport stream and then record it onto a DVHS tape. Then play back the tape....you will hear....silence. The deck had no idea of how to decode the MPEG-4 audio so it just ignored it.

Now hook that DVHS deck up to your Macintosh and download the MPEG-2 stream onto your computer. Use software to extract the MPEG-4 AAC data from the MPEG-2 stream (this is really easy to do) and save it in a file. Play that file with QuickTime Player, iTunes or VLC and you will hear...music!

Do you get it now madpoet? You CAN record MPEG-4 audio and video data encoded in an MPEG-2 stream to a DVHS deck. You just can't get the deck to play it back.

I have to ask you once again...please tell us who has been able to record and playback MPEG-4 audio / video streams from a DVHS deck without any additional hardware.

I also believe you cannot play MPEG-4 back obviously as the decks do not have MPEG-4 decoders, however you can READ it back.

so where in business with say my 5u connected to a outbard device via firewire with a mpeg4 decoder, then the ouboard device with mpeg4 decoder would connect to the display, like for example the LG HDTV PVR if it had a mpeg4 decoder

-Gary

Bwooster,
What I and other on this list are objecting to is your initial incorrect statement:

Originally posted by bwooster
The Firewire interface to the JVC DVHS decks accepts as input MPEG-2 transport streams such as a camcorder DV stream. Therefore it will not work with an MPEG-4 stream - that stream would have to be converted to a MPEG-2 transport stream to be recorded by the DVHS recorder.

Note that you said "recorded".

Now you are changing your argument:

Originally posted by bwooster

I have to ask you once again...please tell us who has been able to record and playback MPEG-4 audio / video streams from a DVHS deck without any
additional hardware

By your definition, the Mitsubishi DVHS deck would fail to playback mpeg-2 because it requires "additional hardware", specifically the samsung SIR-T165 external firewire set top box.

The point is that MPEG-4 (AVC and AAC) elementary streams when properly encapsulated in an mpeg-2 transport stream can be recorded on a DVHS deck. To Playback a mpeg-4 recorded on a DVHS deck, and external mpeg-4 decoder is required.

No commercial external decoders with mpeg-4 and firewire are currently available, but there are prototypes in the works...


So don't Ebay that DVHS deck just yet... :D

Techtom

Thanks Tom, maybe he'll listen to you :).

Techtom:

I said (as quoted by you):

>
The Firewire interface to the JVC DVHS decks accepts as input MPEG-2 transport streams such as a camcorder DV stream. Therefore it will not work with an MPEG-4 stream - that stream would have to be converted to a MPEG-2 transport stream to be recorded by the DVHS recorder.
>

This IS ABSOLUTELY CORRECT. Please read what I wrote. The DVHS decks do NOT work with MPEG-4 streams. MPEG-4 audio and video streams CAN be encoded in MPEG-2 transport streams and then recorded any played back by a deck. If there is something wrong with this statement then please explain it to me.

Also Techtom you said:

>
No commercial external decoders with mpeg-4 and firewire are currently available, but there are prototypes in the works...
<

There is already a computer that comes with the capability to decode and playback MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 streams. It may already be able to playback MPEG-2 sterams with MPEG-4 audio and video data in it. If not then it should be easy to modify it to playback these streams. If you wish I can point you to the software and even the source code for it. The compiler and source code are free software so you can use them as you wish. This computer comes i several models and some have DVI and a digital audio output that can be hooked up to your AV equipment.

Originally posted by Richard Adams
Personally I think the mpeg4 announcements are more to pacify the bean counters that are concerned about the continued subsidizing of unprofitable HDTV distribution by profitable SD distribution. Paying respect to the painfully slow historical progress for HDTV equipment deployment, there is some reason for me to think we won't be seeing widespread or universal mpeg4-only HD Satellite transmission for a quite a long while.

Nice to see you on here Richard!

Don't forget DirecTV's management changed fairly recently (now NewsCorp, also parent co. of FoxNews). They appear to embrace a slightly more proactive business model. One might even assume embracing Mpeg4 before most everybody else is 'out of character' with the plodding DirecTV we have all known and come to love for so long...

Just trying to suggest the 'painfully slow historical progress' might be a thing of the past (no pun intended). Please beware of hasty assumptions it'll be years before we see anything new; just the competition will keep a fire under their butts...

Thanks for all the heads-up work you HAVE done...

Two weeks ago I recorded the playoff game between New England and Pittsburgh,using jvc30000 and the new software without a problem. Tonight I recorded the Super Bowl and had no sound and major video problems. My settings were correct and the HS appeared to be working. I did not observe the flashing auto and HS. My tape seems to be worthless. I am very upset that the one event I wanted to have was a total failure

Did you use a DVHS tape or an SVHS tape?

Originally posted by flabingo
[B My settings were correct and the HS appeared to be working. I did not observe the flashing auto and HS.[/B]

Did you at one time load the 08C6 software update to the AVX1? If so, you have probably introduced a glitch into the JVC deck which cannot be cleared until you reset the I-link numbers and load some other AVX software, e.g., 08D6. The 08C6 software inhibits the flashing AUTO/HS function of the JVC30K even after loading 08D6 and 08E6 updates.

Make sure you have reset the I-link numbers and use 08D6 AVX software.

Bob

Originally posted by flabingo
My tape seems to be worthless. I am very upset that the one event I wanted to have was a total failure

Yes that appears to be a feature with all of the D-VHS systems I am aware of. You can easily get perfect recordings of programs you don't want but ones you do want will be hosed. I have a glitch free recording of Species II from Showtime HD, a movie I can't imagine anybody would ever watch twice. I kept on watching, hoping it would glitch so I could take it out and record over it. Absolutely glitch free recordings with 169time are very rare, so I kept on watching. It didn't have a single glitch or audio or video dropout. I think it is a conspiracy. Such strange occurrences must cause users to be very frustrated with their D-VHS VCRs.

Chris

I always record all programming to hard disk before going to tape. That way I can edit out commercials from football games, and make other changes. I have never had an audio failure using 08E6 to a Mac using VirtualDVHS.

What software do you use to edit the MPEG-2 transport stream files?

Final Cut HD or Final Cut HD Express?

Ok guys here goes

I have got a few PM's about my 5u and 169time combo system, i have also beentalking to Richard about m setup for a while via email and once on the phone

I originally had the problem of the HDVR board in my Dish 6000 receiver causing both of my 5u decks to crash, Richard finally suggested that i may have a older firmware of the HDVR board that my 5u's didn't like

Well he hit the nail on the head, i received my HDVR board back today slapped it in the dish 6000 and connected everything up, i am in business, I link 1 says HDVR, I link 2 says AVX "E"

i have picture and sound, and i might add, that i have never witnessed a glitch of any kind during live viewing, i say again never a glitch during live viewing

but upon playback of my recorded tapes things get nasty, while i have 100% perfect audio, never a dropout or anything of the sort, every 5 mins or so i get a random splash of pixels across my recordings, no audio dropouts ever occur

i have my avx-1 connected to the front input on my 5u and the dish 6000 connected to the rear input on my 5u, i am using 4 pin to 4 pin cables thruout

my 5u and avx-1 and Dish 6000 are each separated by more than 6 feet

I know nothing about how the avx software works but this exact same problem has showed itself to other users of the 5u deck and the dvhstool software

folks sending recorded items from pc to the 5u using dvhstool were getting perfect live viewing but during playback of recorded tapes were showing glitches, this was fixed by adjusting "startuppacketinterval" under the registry for dvhstool, i have no idea if this applys to the avx software or not

all i know is that i better get this fixed before "Goldeneye" airs on Showtime in March :D

-Gary

Originally posted by bwooster
What software do you use to edit the MPEG-2 transport stream files?

Final Cut HD or Final Cut HD Express?

I am a little embarassed to say this but I use MPEG Streamclip to edit out commercials. I do not own FCP HD or FCE HD yet. I have been trying to import .ts into FCP and had some success but not enough to discuss yet.

Come on guys, this is very frustrating to have spent near 1200$ and have all these problems
I sit here and view perfect live viewing for hours on end thru my 5u, yet to find continous tape glitches on:

Fuji S-VHS pro st-120
Fuji S-VHS H471s st-60 and st-120
Maxell DF-300
JVC DF-300

I have also tried both my 5u decks, no difference

-Gary

Originally posted by Gary Murrell
Come on guys, this is very frustrating to have spent near 1200$ and have all these problems
I sit here and view perfect live viewing for hours on end thru my 5u, yet to find continous tape glitches on:

Fuji S-VHS pro st-120
Fuji S-VHS H471s st-60 and st-120
Maxell DF-300
JVC DF-300

I have also tried both my 5u decks, no difference

-Gary

Gary, it isn't the tape as I have used all of those with good results. Have you tried an older software version? I recall other Dish Network users having trouble with 08E6. Is the 5U the only decoder you have? It might provide some useful information if you tried to decode the recordings using something other than the 5U.

Chris

Let me try the d software Chris and see how that goes, Chris what i don't understand is perfect live viewing and then gltichy tapes, technically what is happening that would cause that ???, both tape and live viewing is using the decoder in the 5u, i am just trying to understand here

-Gary

Well that was quick, "D" software gives live glitches every 30 seconds

-Gary

Originally posted by Gary Murrell
Let me try the d software Chris and see how that goes, Chris what i don't understand is perfect live viewing and then gltichy tapes, technically what is happening that would cause that ???, both tape and live viewing is using the decoder in the 5u, i am just trying to understand here

-Gary

I don't know specifically what is going wrong. I do know that I couldn't get very good recordings with 08A5. Wizziwig or Richard Adams can better explain how different software provides for writing the data to tape so it can be retrieved and decoded better. I don't have a clue what is going on in that regard. I would try 08A5 and 08C6 also. Version 08C6 was the first version where I could get acceptable recordings consistently. I did read here that Dish Network users were getting good results with 08A5. Clearly some software versions work better with some VCRs.

Decoding the stream live isn't as complicated as retrieving it from tape and decoding it. Why that is may be a combination of different factors. I would not rule out you have somehow gotten your heads dirty and haven't effectively cleaned them yet. I also had difficulty getting 169time recordings to work very well as have many others. Keeping the heads clean and VCR cool is absolutely a must. Don't give up, there is a reason your recordings aren't acceptable and a solution, it just isn't obvious.

Chris

Thanks again for your reply Chris

I have no access to those other software versions or i would be glad to try all of them

about my deck, the 5u i am using for recording is brand new out of the box from onecall, it has never been touched before i started recording a few days ago with this setup, there wouldn't be much of a chance of dirty heads would there ???

should i be using those ferrite noise removal clamps??

i also have my 5u, dish 6000 and avx-1 separated by 10 feet from each other, i am using 4pin to 4pin cables thru out the setup, with the avx-1 into the front port on the 5u and the hdvr into the back port on the 5u, avx-1 as I-2 and hdvr as I-1

-Gary

Originally posted by Gary Murrell
Well that was quick, "D" software gives live glitches every 30 seconds

-Gary

169time posted the 8E6 version last September for use with the 5U. The first 5U they got in September worked great with that. It still works great.

They have another 5U in the lab now that does exhibit the problem. It's good news that they can duplicate the problem.

169time is developing and will post an AVX1 software update that gets rid of that issue for all 5U decks. 169time policy is to not quote dates, but it won't be long.

There is a DT100 in transit to 169time's lab. They also want to test and remove any issues with that deck for the AVX1 disk update.

Gary,

I am very glad 169time was able to duplicate our video glitching problems with their second 5U. I thought it was very strange that you and I were the only ones experiencing this problem. Hopefully the software update will be out soon.

YYEEESSS!!!

THANK YOU RICHARD, you guys are great

here's to many hope's that it will be before March 5th, my all time favorite movie is airing on Showtime "Goldeneye"

I was going to purchase a 30k Deck but i knew you guys would figure this out

Many thanks again Richard

-Gary

Originally posted by Gary Murrell
YYEEESSS!!!

THANK YOU RICHARD, you guys are great

here's to many hope's that it will be before March 5th, my all time favorite movie is airing on Showtime "Goldeneye"

I was going to purchase a 30k Deck but i knew you guys would figure this out

Many thanks again Richard

-Gary

If you find a great deal on a 30K, I would recommend purchasing it just because that VCR's decoder seems to decode the most recordings acceptably, at least for me. My 5U was just delivered so I will have one of those in the mix now as well. I might wait until the next software version to hook it up with 169time since it appears no versions yet work consistently with the 5U. I expect the next software version to work well and I can vouch for software updates making a night and day difference with previous releases.

Chris

I had thought of picking up even a broken 30k and just using it's decoder to feed my display

-Gary

For what it is worth, I just hooked up my 5U and played 15 minutes of a recording made with a 30K and it played flawlessly without a single audio or video glitch. Not too meaningful with such a short test. The picture quality was excellent and appears to be a little sharper than the 30K which others have noted but I have never observed and really didn't expect.

Chris

Chris Gerhard,

How is to connected?

Chris,
When you are comparing the video playback quality, which output
are you using?
Component, firewire, HDMI

TIA
Martin

Yep, Chris the 5u has the cleanest Component out of the JVC decks, least amount of high frequency roll-off

you know what's funny, all day i have been viewing the live output of my Dish 6000 receiver thru my 5u deck and it totally and i mean totally destoys the component out on the Dish 6000 itself, it's not even close

so much so that watching HD movies thru the Dish 6000 component out look like **** compared to tape playback of same event thru the 5u component out

after the new software i should be in HDTV heaven

-Gary

I am using the same component connection the 30K used. I have an HD TiVo connected using HDMI>DVI to my XBR910 and I am afraid to disconnect it since the HD TiVo has a notoriously fragile HDMI port. I connected it once and have never touched it since and think I will just leave it. I do have two component connections and could do simultaneous switching back and forth comparing the two VCRS but after 15 minutes of watching the 5U I am convinced the 30K is a little softer. I would not purchase a 5U to replace a 30K based on the difference, although I believe anybody would see it, as it isn't anything profound. This is a refurbished 5U that looks perfect and despite the fact I don't need another VCR of any kind, particularly a JVC D-VHS, this one is way cool so far.

Chris

I have recently made tapes with my 30000 U that had glitches every 10 - 15 seconds. This occurred even when I watched the shows and they appeared to playback perfectly from my DTC100 deck via the 30Ks component outputs.

I tried using different version of the 169time software and got the same poor results. Uding DVHS or SVHS tapes made no difference.

I recently picked up a JVC 5U deck and tried out the glitchy tapes - and they play back PERFECTLY!

For some reason playback on the 30k is screwed up will the "live" viewing of the show is perfect. Subsequent playback on the 5U is perfect.

Unfortunately I can't use my 5U for recording since my DTC100 seems to have some old firmware and it cannot link up to my 5U properly.

Weird huh?

Originally posted by bwooster
Weird huh?

Yes and it is one of the reasons these D-VHS VCRs didn't catch on and were often returned and we see so many refurbished VCRs for sale. The first time someone sees the glitches, they often have seen enough and the VCR goes back.

Chris

The following is a chronology of my experience with 169time
Dec2003 Received my toshiba3000 modified, avx, and cables from 169, purchased jvc30000
Jan 2004 was able to use the equipment reasonably successfully
Since that time I have sent the receiver back to 169 time THREE times. The first two times they corrected the problem at no charge, the last time they held my unit hostage for SIX weeks until I agreed to pay $200.00 for damage caused by a power surge that did not affect the normal receiving of my programming and Richard became SUSAN the bookeeper.
I did not have the use of the unit for THREE of the 12 months in 2004.
This product has been on the market for almost two years and every day is a new experience with Richard. I was careful to buy everything from 169 so that they would not have more excuses. Today I did what Sierra Bob suggested and now it shows the new software D6 on I-2 and the old software 85 on I-1. And it does not record. My experience with Richard has been very negative. His arrogance and lack of concern for his CUSTOMER has been a common thread for the past 15 months. He is probably a very bright and wonderful person, and I must be in need of an abusive relationship to deal with him. Hopefully someone on the forum could help me get this equipment to work without the need for me to deal with 169 again.

I do not get glitches anymore? Did the superbowl without a glitch from 1/2 hour before to 1/2 hour after. Recorded it first to the computer, and then from the computer to the 5U on two tapes. Flawless.

The only glitches I ever got were on the first tape I made on my 5U. Changed the ordering of the devices on the chain, and the problems went away.

Originally posted by flabingo
[Today I did what Sierra Bob suggested and now it shows the new software D6 on I-2 and the old software 85 on I-1. And it does not record. My experience with Richard has been very negative. His arrogance and lack of concern for his CUSTOMER has been a common thread for the past 15 months. He is probably a very bright and wonderful person, and I must be in need of an abusive relationship to deal with him. Hopefully someone on the forum could help me get this equipment to work without the need for me to deal with 169 again. ]

I purchased my 169time in person from Richard and have felt positive about the entire experience. I can record and copy anything at any time with normally successful results; failures are mostly of the operator error type.

So here's my recipe for good results:

1) Clean the tape heads with the JVC supplied cleaning tape.
2) Disconnect the firewire cables from the deck. Reset the I-link numbers using the remote control and the on screen display.
3) Turn off the DVHS deck and the sat receiver. Plug in the firewire from the sat receiver to the rear 1394 jack on the deck. Turn on the deck, and select the I inputs. I-1 should be displayed.
4) Turn off the deck again and connect the AVX-1 firewire to the front 1394 jack. Turn on both AVX-1 and JVC deck. While the AVX-1 is loading, tune to a valid HD satellite broadcast, e.g., HDNET. After a few minutes I-2 should be selectable with the channel button.
5) Viewing the component output from the JVC deck, select I-1. The on screen display should say HDVR-100-285 (or something very similar).
6) Select I-2. The on screen display should say AVX1-rev08D6.
7) You should also see a properly decoded HD picture and the JVC front panel display should slowly alternate between HS and AUT.

You can now perform timed recordings. If you plan to record OTA, the DISH6000 (which I own) performs best when first tuned to a satellite HD broadcast. Your Toshiba may work differently.

If you don't see the flashing HS/AUT on the front panel display, your deck is not working properly for timed recordings. Cycle power to the deck and AVX-1 and make sure you are tuned to a valid HD satellite signal. Select channel 2, then reselect I-2 on the JVC deck. Always monitor results from the deck's component outputs.

If you still can't record, tell us what you actually do see on your screen and deck so we can help you troubleshoot further.

Bob

Originally posted by flabingo
The following is a chronology of my experience with 169time
Dec2003 Received my toshiba3000 modified, avx, and cables from 169, purchased jvc30000
Jan 2004 was able to use the equipment reasonably successfully
Since that time I have sent the receiver back to 169 time THREE times. The first two times they corrected the problem at no charge, the last time they held my unit hostage for SIX weeks until I agreed to pay $200.00 for damage caused by a power surge that did not affect the normal receiving of my programming and Richard became SUSAN the bookeeper.
I did not have the use of the unit for THREE of the 12 months in 2004.
This product has been on the market for almost two years and every day is a new experience with Richard. I was careful to buy everything from 169 so that they would not have more excuses. Today I did what Sierra Bob suggested and now it shows the new software D6 on I-2 and the old software 85 on I-1. And it does not record. My experience with Richard has been very negative. His arrogance and lack of concern for his CUSTOMER has been a common thread for the past 15 months. He is probably a very bright and wonderful person, and I must be in need of an abusive relationship to deal with him. Hopefully someone on the forum could help me get this equipment to work without the need for me to deal with 169 again.

Things like this happen once an awhile and it is unfortunate for both parties. I suggest you try the R5000HD solution if you are not happy with 169.

Originally posted by Compromise
Things like this happen once an awhile and it is unfortunate for both parties. I suggest you try the R5000HD solution if you are not happy with 169.

Not very practical since both satellite services are going to start using MPEG4 and all modified receivers will be obsolete for satellite reception at that time. Of course if he doesn't mind another $1,000 investment for 1 or 2 years, I agree R5000-HD can work fine. Since I know that 169time works well to record to D-VHS tape, if he wants to record HDTV to D-VHS, he should get the problem solved. It is solvable, I had problems for a few months myself before the new 169time software fixed the problems. The other problems, VCR issues, cabling, media, interference, etc. are all solvable after being identified. Using 169time isn't for everybody and some can't be bothered with the hassles, I can understand that. The next software version promises to improve compatibility with the 5U and DT100 so until DirecTV ends MPEG2, 169time should be better than ever.

Sierrabob suggested a good approach and we can all help from there.

Chris

I appreciate your response, and I will welcome your help. I have purchased the nextcom unit but have not hooked it up yet. I will have a computer in the same room with two modified units, 1. 169 2. R5000. I was hoping that I could connect both units to the computer either through the JVC unit or independently. I admit I have a great deal of emotional capital invested in the 169 unit and am impressed with the many supporters that Richard has on the forum. Hopefully they can help me get it working. I do not have the capacity to deal with Richard in the future. I did reset the JVC unit and have connected a monitor to witness the boot up of the new software. But I can't understand why it shows both the old software 85 and the new software D6 at the same time. At times I have to leave the unit on for a hour to get it to see the JVC unit. Is there a way to bypass the JVC and connect to the computer which is has 3000+ AMD 1G ram Radeon 9800xt along with a MYHD card for playback. Thanks again.

Originally posted by flabingo
I did reset the JVC unit and have connected a monitor to witness the boot up of the new software. But I can't understand why it shows both the old software 85 and the new software D6 at the same time. At times I have to leave the unit on for a hour to get it to see the JVC unit. Is there a way to bypass the JVC and connect to the computer which is has 3000+ AMD 1G ram Radeon 9800xt along with a MYHD card for playback. Thanks again.

I suggest you solve the JVC problem first before going the PC only route. There is no 85 software for the AVX-1. Sounds to me as though you are viewing a shortened or corrupted display of the satellite receiver's HDVR board on I-1. It should say "HDVR-100-285," or something very similar. I-2 should read "AVX1-rev08D6."

If you have a monitor hooked up to your AVX-1, how long does it take from powerup to seeing the "Found HDVR" display? If you never see this, then your BIOS needs to be reconfigured.

Bob

I am so excited over Richard's post, i just thought i would ask what is the typical timetable for software release, I can't wait to get all this working, all i know is that i am going to be broke buying blank media :D

-Gary

Originally posted by Gary Murrell
I am so excited over Richard's post, i just thought i would ask what is the typical timetable for software release, I can't wait to get all this working, all i know is that i am going to be broke buying blank media :D

-Gary

Just go half broke by buying used Fuji H471S SVHS tapes on ebay, punch the extra hole in the cassette, and record away in lovely HD.

Originally posted by Gary Murrell
I am so excited over Richard's post, i just thought i would ask what is the typical timetable for software release, I can't wait to get all this working, all i know is that i am going to be broke buying blank media :D

-Gary

Software releases have been inconsistent as far as timing. It was a long time before 08C6 and then pre-release 08D6 and pre-release 08E6 were really quick. I was running 08A5 for sometime without acceptable results before sofware that helped out became available. Any speculation by anybody other than Richard would be silly at this time.

Chris

Originally posted by sierrabob
Just go half broke by buying used Fuji H471S SVHS tapes on ebay, punch the extra hole in the cassette, and record away in lovely HD.

I do not understand. I do not need to punch any holes in my SVHS tapes. All I do is hit the DVHS button and record DVHS data to SVHS tapes.

Originally posted by Compromise
I do not understand. I do not need to punch any holes in my SVHS tapes. All I do is hit the DVHS button and record DVHS data to SVHS tapes.

That is what I do as well but drilling the hole avoids about 8 seconds of static while the VCR syncs to the D-VHS signal if you don't drill the hole.

Chris

I will live with the 8 seconds because I do not know where to drill the hole. Perhaps someone could post a drawing.

Get a S-VHS tape and use it as a guide but don't drill it (due to shavings) but burn it with a soldering iron.

Originally posted by bwooster
Unfortunately I can't use my 5U for recording since my DTC100 seems to have some old firmware and it cannot link up to my 5U properly.

Weird huh?

I couldn't get my 5U to work with my DTC-100 either. It works fine with my Hughes HIRD-E8 which I guess must have a newer firewire card or newer firmware. The test recordings from the E8 are the best I have gotten, I haven't observed a glitch yet. My 40K works fine with my DTC-100 so I guess something has been changed between the 40K and 5U regarding firewire communication.

Chris

Way ahead of you guys, i picked up 100 H471s for 1.00 each on the flea,
I just went thru cleaning each tape's outer shell, blowing dust from the inside with compressed air, taking my soldering iron and punching nice clean holes, taping over the recording tabs and finally ran them thru my bulk eraser , I am ready Damn-it :D

yes the 5u must have newer firmware not prior to 1.85, that is the way i understood it from Richard

-Gary

I also record a blank picture on new/used tapes to lay the recording track down, in advance, as it gives my viewing a more stable picture.

Jim does that give you more stable recordings?? less glitches???, or what is the reason you like to do that??

thats a nice little store you have there !!!

-Gary

Gary, where on earth did you get H471S tapes for $1 each!

Hi Gary,

I have had a non-upgraded 30K, 6000 and DTC100 with my 169time stuff for 2+- years. I have a JVC JS-X-777 firewire switch to switch the HD receivers which works great and adds another level of complexity that should give me problems, but doesn't. I've never gotten my Mits 1100 D-VHS to work with 169time.

My HBO, ST and network recordings are usually 99% perfect and I can only think it is one or more of the following:

1. All AC together on an surge protector

2. RF filters on all wires

3. All S-VHS tapes have a track already recorded on them, as above.

4. Carefully laid RG-6 from the dishes.

5. I switched the firewire cables from the 30K front and back & it helped alot to find the I-input. Richard and I don't know why.

6. All units within 6-feet.

7. Latest AVX software.

8. I use an old One-For-All a/v8 Producer remote control to make timed recordings as the RS never worked for me.

As others have said the 30K seems to be more reliable due to it being the only VCR Richard had when he wrote the software and the newer models may have a small change.

Sierra Bob, Thank you very much. I will do exactly what you suggested in your post today. I have to buy a cleaning tape tomorrow and should be able to report my results. Thanks again David

Sierra Bob, Thank you very much. I will do exactly what you suggested in your post today. I have to buy a cleaning tape tomorrow and should be able to report my results. Thanks again David

Originally posted by flabingo
Sierra Bob, Thank you very much. I will do exactly what you suggested in your post today. I have to buy a cleaning tape tomorrow and should be able to report my results. Thanks again David

David,

Your deck should have shipped with the cleaning tape. If you don't have it, the deck may not have the free firmware upgrade. Do the following: contact JVC at 1 800 252 5722 press 2 then press 2 again; ask for the
service dept, or press 0 for the operator. Provide the serial number and the repair staff will determine from their database if the deck has received the upgrade.

Make sure you buy a DVHS cleaning tape, of course.

Bob

Bob, You are my HERO. I used a 3-M tape and it confirmed that the unit was clean. I followed to the letter exactly what you suggested. I had a problem so I hooked up a monitor and I made some changes in the bios setup, much of it was guesswork and would you believe it worked exactly as you said. I am a very happy person, and look forward to the opportunity be able to be of some help to you. I went to the 169 time site and there is nothing that I could find to set up the bios that they put in their unit. It did take about 15 minutes before it started to wait for a signal but I received both the sound and the picture. It is now 12:45 in Port St. Lucie Florida the winter home of the New York Mets and I am all wound up. Thank you very much David

Record on, Dave! Glad it works. Now you, too, can tape anything and laugh in the face of copy protection flags.

Bob

madpoet i picked them up used on ebay, they are st-60's

-Gary

Lucky guy Gary ;). The 120s seem to be going for a fortune (around $8-$9 a tape!).

Originally posted by Gary Murrell
madpoet i picked them up used on ebay, they are st-60's

-Gary

There is no better tape for D-VHS than H471S ST-60 but that only provides 62 minutes in HS mode. Good job sierrabob with helping out.

Chris

Bob, The boot up process is quite long, 15-20 minutes. I read the 169 website and can't find any directions for the settings for the avx machine that I purchased from them. Any instructions would be helpful. Thanks again. David

What is the equivalent DVHS recording times for...

1. T120
2. T160
3. T180
4. T200

...SVHS tapes?

Originally posted by Jim Christian
What is the equivalent DVHS recording times for...

1. T120
2. T160
3. T180
4. T200

...SVHS tapes?

Jim, in HS (HDTV) mode the tape travels at 2 meters/minute. Give or take a minute you will get the following:

ST-120 - 123 minutes
ST-160 - 162 minutes
ST-180 - 182 minutes
ST-210 - 212 minutes

The STD speed is 1 meter/minute so you get twice the time. HS is exactly the same tape speed as SVHS SP so the time is the same. Most ST-120 tapes are 246 meters therefore you get 123 minutes at HS or SVHS SP.

Chris

Originally posted by flabingo
Bob, The boot up process is quite long, 15-20 minutes. I read the 169 website and can't find any directions for the settings for the avx machine that I purchased from them. Any instructions would be helpful. Thanks again. David

Here you go David:

AVX1 BIOS Settings

Floppy Controller (also called FDC) – DISABLED – There might be two separate menus where the floppy drive is deselected, including both the drive type (i.e. 720kb / 1.44.mb) and also disable the controller.

IDE Channels – Primary DISABLED – The primary IDE channel should be disabled. The Secondary IDE channel needed to boot from the CDROM should be enabled. There may be a single selection for this where the options are NONE / PRIMARY / SECONDARY / BOTH and in this case the selection should be SECONDARY. Or there might be individual selections for the Primary and Secondary channels and in this case the Secondary is enabled while the Primary is disabled.

Some BIOS have a “HALT ON” selection. It might be necessary to select HALT ON – NONE to allow booting the AVX1 CDROM disc.

Boot Device / Order Selection – Set to boot the CDROM drive first. This might be a single selection or several boot options on individual lines.

If your BIOS settings are correct, then the likely problem is that your CDROM drive is failing. To verify this, you can swap it out with the one from your PC or buy a reputable new one (about 48x should work fine), make sure it is set to Master with the jumper settings, and fire up your AVX1.

If you don't mind talking to Richard again, he can provide some valuable assistance with this issue, including how to open up the AVX1, assuming the CDROM drive is the culprit. BTW, those BIOS instructions come from the 169time web site.


Bob

In case anybody's interested...

My AVX1 crapped out (refuses to boot) after purchase 4 months ago. i opened the box, and the components seem to be getting power, but there's no characteristic single beep at startup, no display, who know's what... Trust me...it's dead.

Before buying or creating a new one, decided to try my Fujitsu P5020 laptop in its place (which just happens to have one built in firewire port).

Voila, it worked! Merely booted the notebook off the 08D6 cdrom, hooked firewires up and the rest is history. Have used the notebook to reliably record 6-7 movies from my modded Sony SathD300 to Jvc 30k.

So either i'm wildly lucky that this laptop just happened to satisfy the AVX1 criteria perfectly (once-in-a-lifetime stroke of luck), or there's a bit of hysteria surrounding all these 169time params such as disabling primary ide, having 2 firewire ports, hooking up firewires between components a certain way, starting equipment in a certain sequence, etc.

Am sure this was a stroke of luck, but for what it's worth...

By the way, was thinking would a notebook with a firewire pccard work...? Was on the verge of blowing away $50 on a card to try it, but then got to thinking...upon bootup the 08D6 (Linux OS) probably wouldn't recognize the card...

That's wild, Kim, I'm going to try it too.

Originally posted by Kim Gilbert
In case anybody's interested...

My AVX1 crapped out (refuses to boot) after purchase 4 months ago. i opened the box, and the components seem to be getting power, but there's no characteristic single beep at startup, no display, who know's what... Trust me...it's dead.

Before buying or creating a new one, decided to try my Fujitsu P5020 laptop in its place (which just happens to have one built in firewire port).

Voila, it worked! Merely booted the notebook off the 08D6 cdrom, hooked firewires up and the rest is history. Have used the notebook to reliably record 6-7 movies from my modded Sony SathD300 to Jvc 30k.

So either i'm wildly lucky that this laptop just happened to satisfy the AVX1 criteria perfectly (once-in-a-lifetime stroke of luck), or there's a bit of hysteria surrounding all these 169time params such as disabling primary ide, having 2 firewire ports, hooking up firewires between components a certain way, starting equipment in a certain sequence, etc.

Am sure this was a stroke of luck, but for what it's worth...

By the way, was thinking would a notebook with a firewire pccard work...? Was on the verge of blowing away $50 on a card to try it, but then got to thinking...upon bootup the 08D6 (Linux OS) probably wouldn't recognize the card...

Very good news about your AVX1 laptop. This reveals the AVX1 myth: it isn't really a unique piece of $300 hardware at all, but a freeware program that renders the cdrom drive and the hardware running it useless for any other purpose. If you did have two firewire ports in that laptop you could record to another PC hard drive instead of the JVC30K (or use the other firewire port from the sat receiver), but the laptop hard drive would stand idle the whole time. What a waste! We must have that hard drive recording solution Richard describes as working, but not ready for prime time. Won't it be funny when we are all able to record from the 169time modded sat receiver direct to a PC machine (or perhaps a Linux computer) while our trusty AVX1 machines sit around gathering dust?

You may just have a dead CD-ROM drive, BTW.

Bob

Well, if it works I see it as recording 2 shows at once. :)

Bob, I have tried to get to the CMOS screen to change my setup unsuccessfully Tried esc, f8 f10 and nothing seems to work now. Changed keyboards. In a previous conversation Richard was clueless and I reread his website and can't find out the proper settings for his machine even if I could bring up the screen. . The results have been poor. It takes 15 minutes to have any chance of success while to looks for the floppy that I think I disabled. Then it looks for the HDVR and then sometime it works. One time the jvc unit suggested it was recording properly HS/ Auto and the monitor was suggesting it was working, but it was not. Another time it would not get out of standard. Then for no reason it started to record properly. I have a computer that I could use in place of the avx unit. Is that an option? I don't care if I have to use my jvc to record. Anything is better than what I am doing now. I will send an email to Richard and ask him to send my written instructions for the avx unit that I purchased from him. Thanks for your help David

Bob, I have figured out that if I keep a monitor attached to the avx unit I can possibly predict that I will have a successful recording. What is the smallest unit that I could find that would do that job? David

I wrote to Richard and asked for help and sent him the number of my unit and he has refused to respond with a solution. His response
"169time has shipped different motherboards in the AVX1, and each has different setup requirements". When I sent him my number of the unit, he has become mute. Does anybody have any ideas?

In my experience, the avx-1 CD-Rom will work with many different PC's that have a firewire card, as long as you can boot from the CD. Every PIII (or PIII Celeron) computer that I own or have owned has been able to function as an avx-1 unit. I even had success using a Via C3 powered PC as an avx-1. Laptops will work as an avx-1, as we have read. I would try another PC if I could get my hands on one.

David,

Buy a cdrom drive from a place with a good return policy, like Sam's Club or Costco. Open up your AVX1 by removing the screws in the back and lift off the case. Remove the screws, disconnect the cables and replace the drive, then close up the unit Follow the instructions I quoted to you previously on setting up the drive and the BIOS. Make sure you have that HALT ON - NONE set correctly. When you boot, up the entire sequence should not take more than a minute to see the "Looking for HDVR" line. If it takes longer, you've not configured BIOS right.

Bob

Bob
I figured out how to get to the cmos screen and I am sure that Richard will help me set the bios correctly. We live in hope Thanks again David

Bob, I no longer live in hope. I spoke to Richard and he went through the Bios setup and I am happy to report that everything worked flawlessly. I am a happy camper and I really appreciate your help and your confidence in Richard. I turned off the unit and removed the monitor with full confidence that it will work the next time. I am going to put Richard's picture next to yours. Thanks again David

All right, so you're back in business! Welcome.

I'm building a AVX1 for my DTC100
My question, Is an AMD 500 K2 processor fast enough to work as a AVX-1 ?

No problem with a K2 500. I'm using a very old K2 333Mhz.

Originally posted by tqle
No problem with a K2 500. I'm using a very old K2 333Mhz.

Nice :) - forgot to mention the MB has onboard video / sound

I have a computer near my AVX unit and wondered if I could transfer a recorded copy from the JVC unit through the ACX unit to the 2nd avx port to the computer David

The 1394 firewire protocol makes this possible. Just hook the appropriate firewire cable from the AVX1 to the PC. Download version 2.2 beta of DVHSTool and follow the how to instructions from this link: http://www.kgbird.com/DVHSTool/

After working with DVHSTool for awhile, try CAPDVHS for more stable transfers:
http://www.yamabe.org/soft/CapDVHS0306e.zip

The most trouble free method is to just run a firewire cable from the JVC deck to your PC, run CAPDVHS, and not even use the AVX1. For slower computers that need these enormous transport stream files compressed for smooth playback (and more info about configuring CAPDVHS), encode the files using the method described here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=508494

If you read the whole thread you'll find everything you need to know.

Bob

Bob Thanks. I just returned from the Electronic Home Show in Orlando and want to share two items with you. The 1394 association indicates that USTEC will have hubs to combine cat5 with 1394 this year which will enable firewire connections to travel great distances. The second item is an acrylic screen made by nippura. Check their website www.usnippura.com. I also saw other items that may interest you. Thanks for your continued help David

Firewire 800, according to the spec can travel 100 meters.

That should be good enough for most homes I think!

I am not sure exactly where you would get the cable for it but it makes for some interesting ideas.

For example I could set up my mac in my loft and then run a long firewire cable down to my DVHS one floor below. Then I could stream MPEG-2 to the deck and then out to my projector and AV receiver. I am not sure if there are firewire 800 -> 400 cables that are that long but they do have some 2 meter ones in the Apple store.

Or better yet, use Apples Quicktime streaming server (free software) to stream MPEG-4 via Ethernet to a Mac Mini and then to my receiver / display.

I think Videolan.org has a server that can do stuff like this too.

You will not have to run firewire cable but you will have a hub at each outlet and they will use the cat 5 to transport it. Check the following site www.1394ta.org David

I know that this does not apply to this thread but, check out belkin pure av for the device that will enable you to transmit a component signal in 480 to another component tv a minimum of 350 feet and up to 1000 feet using wireless. Awesome!!! David

Originally posted by bwooster
Firewire 800, according to the spec can travel 100 meters.


Firewire 800 (1394b) is the reason why my 169Time system does not work with DVHSTool or CAPDVHS on a Windows XP Pro SP2 platform. Believe it or not, Microsoft throttled back firewire speed to 100MB/sec from to make Windows SP2 compatible with the Firewire 800 protocol and thus run slower than before SP2. Apparently, the 169Time transport stream to a PC requires the speeds made possible under the Firewire 400 (1394a) protocol supported by SP1 while the stream from a JVC30K to PC via firewire does not.

A confusing discussion of this situation can be found at the following link along with a possible workaround which allows an SP2 install to work without throttling back firewire speed:

http://www.rme-audio.com/english/techinfo/fw800sp2.htm

While I don't own one of the newer DVHS units, I suspect that they run at a higher bit rate which requires this workaround in order to establish a stable DVHS-PC connection with DVHSTool or CAPDVHS.

Although I can once again record live from 169time to PC with DVHSTool and CAPDVHS after uninstalling SP2, the workaround described in the link does not help. Basically, the workaround preserves an SP2 install and just rolls back two of the firewire interface drivers to SP1 versions.

Is anyone out there able to record live from a 169Time rig to a Windows XP Pro SP2 using DVHSTool or CAPDVHS?

Bob

What software should I be using to cap the AVX1 Stream.

I have the DTC100 --> to the AVX1 -> -- to WinXP PC.
I tried CapDVHS - it creates a small file, that can not be viewed with any players VLC, etc...

Also noticed that I must unplug and replug the firewire connection to have CapDvhs " see " the HDVR.

Any help would be appreciated.

Josh

CAPDVHS should see the AVX1, not the HDVR. The software version of the AVX1 CD, e.g., 08D6, should be seen in the title bar of CAPDVHS. Is this what you have selected? And if you've read my post above, you should understand that the capture may not work with XP SP2.

Originally posted by sierrabob
CAPDVHS should see the AVX1, not the HDVR. The software version of the AVX1 CD, e.g., 08D6, should be seen in the title bar of CAPDVHS. Is this what you have selected? And if you've read my post above, you should understand that the capture may not work with XP SP2.

I'm using SP1

Here's what I see
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v337/_TRK_/capdvhs1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v337/_TRK_/capdvhs2.jpg

Given all the caveats and discouragement about the process on the 169Time Web site, where is the simplest description of how one can use CapDVHS with an AVX1/HDVR combo, without a JVC deck in-line, to capture recordings directly to disk?

Assume Windows XP running SP1, for simplicity.

Originally posted by rrg
Given all the caveats and discouragement about the process on the 169Time Web site, where is the simplest description of how one can use CapDVHS with an AVX1/HDVR combo, without a JVC deck in-line, to capture recordings directly to disk?

Assume Windows XP running SP1, for simplicity.

I'm in the same boat - I've done many searches - but either this is hit or miss - or there is something bugy in my setup

When I am recording with the JVC deck attached, CapDVHS will start recording within 1 second after I begin recording. If I remove the JVC deck and begin the recording, there will be a period of time from about 30 seconds to a bit over a minute before CapDVHS begins to actually record.

How long have you waited? Do you have a monitor attached to the AVX-1 and if so, what is it displaying?

Richard Adams at 169Time (www.169time.com) is looking for a loaner Sony HDV camcorder.

The plan is for the AVX-1 to provide real-time conversion of the firewire bitstream from the camcorder to a form that inexpensive D-VHS VCRs can record and playback.

This would provide a means of inexpensive archiving of HDV content. It would also allow one to record directly to the LG LST3410a DVR which when modified with a 300GB hard-drive can hold up to 30 hours of HD content.

The loaning party will receive an incredibly discounted 169Time system.

Contact Richard at 530-268-9605.

You could just pay $299 and buy Apples Final Cut Express HD. With a firewire connection it can record HDV to your computers hard drive. You could also use FCE-HD to edit the footage and then back it up to tape.

Or you could just pay $79 for Apples iLife 2005 and use iMovie HD to import the HDV and do some basic editing of it and then back it up to tape. ;)

This is what I did: I KEPT SP1, and installed a driver from a SONY DVHS deck (in place of a driver for my HDR-FX1), and now I can capture from both my 169Time, and my FX-1 Cam Corder, no problems. Later I will try taking my transport streams from the CamCorder, and Archiving (using modified D-VHSTool 2.13) back to the JVC 30K DVHS deck, and I will report on that, but I don't know what the big deal is. MiniDV are cheap, and I hear the cheap TDK's from Costco work as well as the $13 SONY ones. Am I missing something here ?

Its easy to cap directly to hard drive w/ out the JVC deck. You will need to use both firewire jacks from the HDVR board, however. Forgot the exact setup, but it works pretty well.

Originally posted by TheRedknight
I'm using SP1

Here's what I see


This is what you should see after selecting Data Info and pressing the Rec button:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/sierrabob/fce5b88b.png

Note that this is a DVHS to PC transfer. You should see the same results when performing a live capture from AVX1 to PC. If not check that you have the JVC Tape Device installed for the AVX1, as shown in Device Manager, Sound, Video, and game controllers. Also check firewire properties for stray "xpsp2" drivers in the file version line. You should see something like the following:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/sierrabob/Firewire.png

The final product should be a transport stream of the desired length. My method for OTA is to record one stream through to each commercial break. This meets my needs for making XviD files of these recordings. Here's a sample screen capture.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/sierrabob/Without_Trace003.png

When I have time, I'll show how I do the HDVR-AVX1-PC method.

Bob

Actually if you were to use a MAC for your HTPC you would have no issues whatsoever. VirtualDVHS automatically sets up the proper capture settings. For example in the above example, an HDTV signal is at 65Mbps is not correct. 29 Mbps is typically the maximum with mpeg2 compression on a 1920x 1080p signal at 29fps.

I know that seems abnormally high, but I scanned this file with MPEG2 Repair and this was the result:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/sierrabob/Trace_Repair003.png

I then sent the file through HDTVtoMPEG2, and finally encoded it to XviD format. It plays back nicely through Media Player Classic after biasing the audio a bit more for proper sync.

Here's a repair trace of another file, indicating an abnormally high frame rate. However, this file also encoded normally and plays back fine.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/sierrabob/Lost_Repair.png

Thanks for the help !!!
Seems my problem was the firewire card in the AVX-1, I swapped it out with another and everything is working. Now if only D* would send out real HD resolutions.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v337/_TRK_/itsworking.jpg

Thanks again :)

Wow, that screen capture is worth a thousand words, and is different from what I have seen with my setup off a Dish6000 mod. Can you confirm your config: Windows XP Pro SP1, DTC100, AVX1(08D6), and no DVHS deck in the chain?

Glad it's all humming along. Little has been written in the forums about CAPDVHS, so this all helps.

Originally posted by sierrabob
Can you confirm your config: Windows XP Pro SP1, DTC100, AVX1(08D6), and no DVHS deck in the chain?

Glad it's all humming along. Little has been written in the forums about CAPDVHS, so this all helps.

Yes I can confirm that is my config. but more testing (and time ) is required. I did a test with HDNet, it started fine but after a few mins the video was all messed up with the sound being ok.

Bob, is the initial config of the PC a simple thing? The 169Time Web site definitely implies otherwise.

If I connect the AVX1 to my PC running Windows XP SP1, it will presumably prompt me to install a driver. How should I proceed?

And once the driver is installed or associated with the AVX1, is it then entirely straightforward to start up CapDVHS, select the AVX1, and initiate captures? (I do something similar all the time to capture from the Motorola DCT6412 DVR.)

Finally, is there any standard or recommended way to schedule unattended recordings in this way?

For years I used the AVX1 only to record directly to tape. For a few months now I've instead been using it to capture to the LG LST-3410A, which works quite well apart from the initial difficulty of getting the LG to sync to the AVX1's stream (it always takes several tries). But the LG captures can't be transferred to more general-purpose disk storage without intermediate to/from D-VHS steps, which are time-consuming and likely to introduce errors.

The ability to capture directly to the PC would add much-needed utility to this device--especially if there's some way to do it on a timer.

I realize the R5000-HD has this capability without requiring such extraordinary hobbyist zeal, and I might get such a rig anyway, but I'd still like to get the most out of all the 169Time gear that I have. (I have several complete rigs.)

Ron,

Start by installing the JVC Tape Device drivers for both the AVX1 and the DVHS deck (you may already have done this part). Follow the how to procedure on the DVHSTool website and also install DVHSTool 2.2 beta from this link:

http://www.kgbird.com/DVHSTool/

Install CAPDVHS from this link,

http://www.yamabe.org/soft/CapDVHS0306e.zip

and use the settings shown from the screen capture earlier in this thread. The drivers you have work with both DVHSTool and CAPDVHS. With your SP1 install, you can now choose between live input from 169time (AVX1) or DVHS. Just connect the AVX1 to PC to create the firewire link.

CAPDVHS has a timer feature, but I haven't used it as it doesn't seem to have channel tuning capabilities. You would have to set a timer on your SAT receiver and set the start stop times on CAPDVHS; this is similar to the workaround I came up with for DVHSTool timed recordings.

With your hobbyist zeal, you can do everything that your newer systems feature, albeit at a measured, hard intensive pace. When I read through the threads, I always realize that the 169Time system can do a few things that others cannot; for example, you can record anything you want, simultaneously to multiple DVHS decks and PC (and even record to a mapped network hard drive located elsewhere), view the live show on a projection system via RGB from the receiver and on another TV via DVHS component out, while verifying the stability of the signal through the AVX1 monitor outpout. Afterwards, you can then copy freely (even the HDPPV stuff) to DVHS or PC unlimited times with the original transport stream quality or encode to XviD format much smaller file sizes with near HD resolution. These XviDs can be dubbed to DVD, then played back on a standalone $65 XviD compatible DVD player with resolution far better than today's 480p DVDs.

Stick that in your Funk and Wagnalls.

Bob

Finally getting good caps :) I'm using DvhsTool it works every well. I also had to install a firewire card instead of using the on board one on my P4C800 MB board.
CapDVHS works too.

1

I am brand new to the 169 area. I am reading this whole thread but following all the leads is slow going. I just ordered toshiba 3000 and have antique computer I use for emergencies that I will use as as avx1. I am attempting to tivo my regular pc--asuses se delux--athlon 64 3000+-- wd 200 &120 jb hds---1gig ddr400--- old g3 64meg ti vid card (not into games)

what is the easist capture program to use (currently use myth tv under linux) for xp sp2

Thanks
Stan

What do I need to send picture to monitor with component imputs. Have sp/dif optical and coax for sound to yamaha 1200 ht receiver I use as control and pre amp.

stan,

you can use CapDVHS or DVHSTool to cap the *.ts. These are the only two programs I know of for capping the 169Time *.ts's. Your analog A/V is really irrelevant here. What is important is that you have an avx-1 incorporating the proper processor speed (window), and that you have all the firewire connections working properly. I would suggest a hybrid between SP1 & 2, but that is somewhat involved. Please feel free to PM me and I can give you some specific guidance once you order your set from Richard.

capybara 320

I am new in using this forum also. What does PM mean and how do I do it. As for avx1 I have several old cases and motherboards cpus an extra bootable cd burner etc so the avxi is no problem. All I will have to buy is a firewire card.

I have ordered my receiver from 169 and it is scheduled to be delivered 4-26. I have been building my own computers for 15 years but I am not a software weeni so help with modifying my current sp2 would be very good.

I will have to upgrade my video card as it only has 1 VGA output. I see lots of video cards with DVI outputs so I will also need a DVI to component adapter. I am not into graphically intense programs so I don't need a high end card just one capable of the output heeded for HDTV.

I am not affluent so while I want to do things right I do need to keep an eye on my wallet.

I am and will be quite grateful for any help that you and others can give me.

Stan

Stan,

"PM" means Private messaging. It's like instant messaging on AOL. If you look at the top section of every post in this thread (right above what I'm typing right now) you'll see the second tab in from the left says "PM". Just hit that and you can access the PM of the person that wrote the post. Or go below to the drop down list labeled "Forum Jump" and select "Private Messages" to go to your messages.

Has anyone used a hard drive to boot the 169time instead of a CDROM ?

I'm more interested in booting from a USB Flash (Thumb) drive. I see there's a USB_STOR.O module on the CD. I don't know if it would work, but it should be possible, if the correct driver could be included on the CD iso.

Guys what's wrong with booting from CD??, it loads the software to the ram and then basically shuts down the cd drive

-Gary

Guys what's wrong with booting from CD??, it loads the software to the ram and then basically shuts down the cd drive
-GaryA CD drive is too large. I plan to put my home brew AVX-1 in a very small custom case, if I can get it to boot from a USB Flash drive. It should also boot faster than my old(ish) CD drive. With USB flash drives going for about $5, after rebate, they are also cheaper and more reliable than a CD drive. Flash is the right storage technology for this job!

If you can get rid of the CD drive you can also reduce the noise of the system and perhaps turn down or turn off the fan to create a quieter unit. It would be great to create a totally silent RAM based system.

Any news on a software update for 169time, it's been 5 months since a 5u update was mentioned :(

-Gary

Gary,

Good think we had JVC 30Ks to use or we would had big problems recording with our 5Us.

I am think about getting the 169time kit and modifying my Motorola HDD-200. I currently have the JVC 5U recorder, and many computers running XP. I am familiar with the XP issues and can build what ever I need to use the 169time device. I have a very good C-band signal from my 12 foot dish here in KY and I get glitch-free HDTV from HBO,STARZ abd Showtime.

My question is--- with the latest software do you get glitch-free captures of HDTV movies from C-Band?

I don't want to spend the extra money for the R5000 USB device if I can make the 169time box work.

I also may be getting Comcast cable (finally) and I will try to make the HDD-200 work with their Motorola cable box.

Thanks

Mike Tallent

My question is--- with the latest software do you get glitch-free captures of HDTV movies from C-Band?

Works flawlessly on C-Band for me, (30k's) using 08E6.

I am think about getting the 169time kit and modifying my Motorola HDD-200.

I purchased a DIY kit from Richard at 169time. I had every intention of installing it in my Dish 6000 but in the meantime my JVC died and I have since lost interest. It is new, unused and still in the original box. If anyone is interested I will give you a great deal.

David.
david@pflanzer.com

I got the DIY Kit from David and installed it in my HDD-200. Took about 2 hours. Reconnected HDD-200 to C-band dish receiver, worked as normal. Got an old Celeron 400 computer, put in firewire card, inserted latest 169Time software, connected it to JVC-HM-D5U and to HDD-200 new firewire port.

AND IT WORKED!!!!!!!

WOW!!!!

Installed Panasonic driver on my XP Pro SP1 machine, connected firewire from XP machine to Celeron 400. Started CapDVHS and it found the 169Time device and I am now recording the 169Time firewire signal onto my hard drive. I need to make longer recordings to check for any glitches or any other problems, but so far it is AMAZING.

Mike

Now you will learn all about the Incredible Shrinking Hard Drive Phenomenon.

Don't forget about the incredibly inopportune recording glitch phenomenon.

Don't forget about the incredibly inopportune recording glitch phenomenon.

Actually it should be:

Don't forget about the incredibly inopportune recording glitch phenomenon, that 169time does not care to fix and is why Gary dumped that DOA POS setup.

169time is the worst run company that ever exsisted, they are selling a product that if was sold to the retail poblic they would be in courts all day long

empty promises and glitchy deliveries

-Gary

Actually it should be:

Don't forget about the incredibly inopportune recording glitch phenomenon, that 169time does not care to fix and is why Gary dumped that DOA POS setup.

169time is the worst run company that ever exsisted, they are selling a product that if was sold to the retail poblic they would be in courts all day long

empty promises and glitchy deliveries

-Gary

Although it is correct to say 169time hasn't improved the product enough, I don't believe it is correct to say 169time does not care to fix the glitch problem. Richard and others have improved it greatly. I still get glitches that I believe are caused by the 169time product with 08E6 but not nearly at the frequency of previous 169time software releases. In addition to the 169time problems, D-VHS is prone to glitches regardless of source and can be caused by dirt or tape imperfections or errors in the data originating from the source. My recordings are acceptable to me although usually suffering from some minor glitches. If someone requires perfection, stay away from 169time and probably D-VHS period.

Chris

Chris I agree with you 100%, but for example Richard told everyone that were writing a new software for the 5u deck, this was jan 2005, how many software updates has the r5000 folks had sense then

I personally do not care for how 169time conducts business here on the boards and else, there are tons of folks with stories of being treat wrong by them

who knows though, but I rid myself of that system due to many reasons and 90% of them being 169times fault

some people it does seem to work for, how and why I have no idea

-Gary

>> If someone requires perfection, stay away from 169time and probably D-VHS period.

I actually bought a an r5000 system a few weeks ago. Since I've been using it (and I have taped many shows) I have not had even one glitch.

Needless to say, my old 169time box isn't going to keep its position in my rack. I'll use it as a backup maybe.

Chris I agree with you 100%, but for example Richard told everyone that were writing a new software for the 5u deck, this was jan 2005, how many software updates has the r5000 folks had sense then

I personally do not care for how 169time conducts business here on the boards and else, there are tons of folks with stories of being treat wrong by them

who knows though, but I rid myself of that system due to many reasons and 90% of them being 169times fault

some people it does seem to work for, how and why I have no idea

-Gary

I understand and it is too bad since 169time could have been a very successful little business if things had been done differently. I don't have an understanding of the problems encountered and why we still see glitches after all of these years because I don't have the technical knowledge required. From a business standpoint, I do understand unfulfilled promises and poor customer communication.

I am using a 40K with 08E6 and a 30K with 08D6 and it works acceptably. If a 5U works as poorly with the current software as my VCRs worked with 08A5, the system wouldn't be usable for me. I was ready to give up until 08C6 was made available and showed such improvement which was continued for me with the next two pre-releases. Since MPEG4 won't work with all current 169time receivers, I don't know what 169time does next but from all indications DirecTV will not support any kind of digital archiving to removable media so a market opportunity exists for somebody with the expertise and maybe Richard will try again. I like the fact this company offered something when nobody else would.

Chris

Again I agree 100% Chris, my problem is the business standpoint

not many folks would get by with advertising a working system and delivering something else

and then the 169time toadies on here like H20, so obvious it isn't even funny

oh well good day Chris

-Gary

OK, I have made about 10 recordings of HDTV from C-band with the HDD-200 modified. The first several were recorded directly to my JVC HM-DH5U and mpeg2repair reported 6-10 errors, mostly audio errors. I then recorded directly to my computer the remaining captures. These have mostly been error free. I usually get an error at the beginning or end of the capture, but I trim that off using HDTV2mpeg2. I record to 2 computers using capDVHS and a Gbit LAN, results are similar on either machine. I have seen only 1 recording with a bad video frame and I will re-record it today. I have noticed a couple of audio gaps on my recordings and it would be nice if that could be fixed as I get no errors when watching the original signal, I have a 12 foot dish carefully adjusted.

After editing, I record back to the D-VHS using S-VHS tape and it looks great. I then archive the file to DVDR disks with parity files (QuickPAR) to correct any reading errors that may occur later. Yes the hard drives fill up fast, I have 3 250 GByte drives so far.........

So far I am very happy with the results and hope there will be future software updates to make the direct to tape work better on my DH5U and eliminate the audio problems.

Mike

mtallent:

You would be even happier with the r5000 solution.

I have made many recordings with my r5000 unit and analysed the transport streams. I have NOT SEEN EVEN ONE GLITCH in the r5000 streams.

I used to see about 6 to 8 in every hour of 169time recordings.

mtallent:

You would be even happier with the r5000 solution.

I have made many recordings with my r5000 unit and analysed the transport streams. I have NOT SEEN EVEN ONE GLITCH in the r5000 streams.

I used to see about 6 to 8 in every hour of 169time recordings.
Yes, I looked at the R5000, but I have $300 in the 169Time and I am not sure how long C-band will be available, so I did not want to spend a lot more money for the R5000.

Mike

Yes, I looked at the R5000, but I have $300 in the 169Time and I am not sure how long C-band will be available, so I did not want to spend a lot more money for the R5000.

Mike

too bad... The R5000 folks seem to be comitted to supporting both SD and HD. So It wouldn't suprise me if they added SD channels on C-band. If you only want HD, then it's probably ok...


TW

OK, I have made about 10 recordings of HDTV from C-band with the HDD-200 modified. I too have captured many excellent recordings from my HDD-200 / AVX-1 (self-assembled w/ 08E6). I also have significant experience capturing HD from my cable STB firewire port to both PCs and a Mac mini. In my experience, I've had fewer problems with the Mac as an HD capture device and my Mac is now dedicated to capture from my HDD-200 and JVC HM-DH30000. The DH30000 can also decode shows streamed back from the Mac (the Mac is too slow for playback) and it can encode from the s-video input to an mpeg2 stream to be recorded by the Mac. Unfortunately, none of the three analog capture mpeg2 formats used by the 30000 are "DVD-ready" but the high speed format works very well when archiving later with more modern codecs (mpeg4, etc.)

I capture to an external USB hard drive with my mini and I almost never get overruns. I hardly ever use tape--I simply use the DH30000 as a hardware encoder / decoder and AVX-1 interface. I tried to record directly to both my Mac and my PC from the AVX-1 but gave up after a brief unsuccessful attempt.

If I ever switch to the R5000, it will be for SD support, which I sorely miss from recording off my cable STB firewire port. Although the 30000 can make great encodings from s-video capture, capturing AC3 simultaneously is difficult! (Can be done though--on a PC--and remuxed with the video later.)

calinb said: "The DH30000 ... can encode from the s-video input to an mpeg2 stream to be recorded by the Mac. Unfortunately, none of the three analog capture mpeg2 formats used by the 30000 are "DVD-ready" but the high speed format works very well when archiving later with more modern codecs (mpeg4, etc.)"

Can you please explain what you mean by this? Does this mean that you can hook up the svideo output of say, a satellite box to the 30000 and then have it convert the input into an mpeg2 format and record it onto your Mac?

Also, DVD Studio Pro works with MPEG2 program stream files. It might have to convert them to the proper DVD format (i.e. a 1920 x 1080 MPEG2 program stream must be downconverted since the DVD spec does not support this resolution), but it can certainly import these files and the AC3 audio too. "MPEG Streamclip" is a free program that can also do a lot of conversions and you might want to see if it can help you.

It might be interesting to try to make Divx encoded discs since the newer Divx spec and the players support 1920 x 1080i on DVD discs.

I think the DVHS decks make perfect playback devices. There is no need to try to construct / purchase a computer that can do the playback when for ~$350 you can buy a JVC deck that will take an MPEG2 stream as input and then has all the outputs that you need to hook up to your AV receiver. I tell all my friends not to wait for HD-DVD or Blu-Ray but to just to get a DVHS deck for now. Most of the time they don't really understand why I think they will want it. Then when they hook up their Powerbooks and playback HD or borrow one of my HD tapes they "get it"!

calinb said" If I ever switch to the R5000, it will be for SD support, which I sorely miss from recording off my cable STB firewire port. Although the 30000 can make great encodings from s-video capture, capturing AC3 simultaneously is difficult! (Can be done though--on a PC--and remuxed with the video later.)"

Can't you mac record off the firewire port of your cable box?

Can you please explain what you mean by this? Does this mean that you can hook up the svideo output of say, a satellite box to the 30000 and then have it convert the input into an mpeg2 format and record it onto your Mac?

Yes, the 30000 can capture and encode to three mpeg2 modes from its analog (composite or s-video) inputs and write it to tape (optionally) and the firewire port simultaneously. It will also capture the analog audio and encode it to mp2 and mux it into the digital mpeg2 stream. I do it all the time and it's too bad JVC didn't actually promote or even describe this capability. Sometimes the 30000 can be a little finicky when changing modes. Although inserting a tape is not always necessary to configure things, I've found that it usually helps to place a D-VHS tape (or a hacked cheap VHS tape--you're not going to actually record to the tape anyway) into the 30000. Then select the analog input (L1, L2, F1) desired. Remember to select s-video or composite from the menu setup screen first for your input. Next select the recording "speed' with the 30000 remote-- HS, STD, LP....or whatever that lowest digital setting is called. HS and STD create 720x480 streams, but the bitrate exceeds the DVD limit. The lowest speed creates a DVD compatible bitrate, but it's only 640 x something and not a DVD res. Go ahead and record a few seconds to the tape and also start the virtual D-VHS recorder on the Mac. You should get an mpeg2 file on the Mac that you can test with VLC or whatever (who cares if it drops frames just for checking). Best not to play it back thru the 30000 at this point---you'll only complicate the setup of what you're trying to achieve. Once you've confirmed you're getting bits to your Mac's hard drive. You can stop the tape and even remove it. As long as you don't reconfigure the recording mode for and analog recording or change your firewire net, you should be good to go for multiple recordings. You can even power down the 30000 in between sessions. I use the iCal virtual D-VHS timer scripts on my Mac to schedule an unlimited number of recordings--subject to disk space, of course. A script could also be written to power up the 30000 from the Mac's A/V transport controls.

If you have problems, unplug all firewire connections from the 30000 and reset the iLink. Power down the 30000, plug the firewire cable back in, power up, and try again.


Also, DVD Studio Pro works with MPEG2 program stream files. It might have to convert them to the proper DVD format (i.e. a 1920 x 1080 MPEG2 program stream must be downconverted since the DVD spec does not support this resolution), but it can certainly import these files and the AC3 audio too. "MPEG Streamclip" is a free program that can also do a lot of conversions and you might want to see if it can help you.

It might be interesting to try to make Divx encoded discs since the newer Divx spec and the players support 1920 x 1080i on DVD discs.

I have many encoding tools and I usually capture analog in HS mode with the 30000 for the excellent picture. I use the Mac to capture the result from the firewire port and rarely use tape. Then I recode to a modern format (on a moderately fast PC). I usually don't author DVD-V discs, but I have recompressed to a DVD compatible format and authored a DVD-V occasionally.

I think the DVHS decks make perfect playback devices. There is no need to try to construct / purchase a computer that can do the playback when for ~$350 you can buy a JVC deck that will take an MPEG2 stream as input and then has all the outputs that you need to hook up to your AV receiver.

Agreed. I often watch my recording by streaming them out the firewire port of my Mac to the 30000 for playback. The Mac virtual D-VHS program (described elsewhere in these forums) can do the transport control for the 30000 too. I have my HTPC hooked up to my Sammy DVI port, the Mac is on the VGA port, and the 30000 is on a Y-Pb-Pr component port. I use a gyromouse and keyboard and Synergy for both the HTPC and the Mac and simply switch inputs on the Sammy. The only problem is, when I'm viewing a show on the 30000, I must switch to the Mac VGA source to pause or stop the program, etc. One day I'll program a remote control interface for the transport control feature of the virtual D-VHS program on the Mac. Then playback, and even recording, will be seamless!

P.S. Anyone who's interested in simultaneously capturing an AC3 stream from SPDIF, I posted a few hints on the doom9 forums some time ago. I suggest using am Audigy card and the KX drivers on a PC. The AC3 will have to be reduced (null packets) sync'ed and remuxed later, though. Hence the extreme hassle.

Can't you mac record off the firewire port of your cable box?

Absolutely! I've used both the Mac and my HTPC for this and I prefer the Mac. Until a couple of months ago, I was able to record everything from my Moto 6208 STB, but Comcast "5c'ed" all the premium channels. I cancelled all premium subs immediately. Just say no to DRM! DRM is all about market controls (selling us expensive hardware and PVR subs). Few people realize (especially politicians) that DRM has nothing to do with copyrights! Oops--getting off topic. My soapbox is showing ;)

Folks - 169time have indicated that they'll add an SD option... but when?

I've invested a lot in the 169time setup, but if it's taking them too long to rev and I keep hearing that people are recording GLITCH FREE with an R5000 I'll make the jump.

Any feedback here guys?

Is there a Mac option for the R5000?

Do you have to get a whole new mod'ed DirectTV box with the R5000 option?

Thanks -

No Mac option

forget getting anything from 169time, they promised new updated software for the 5u JVC in Jan. of this year, still nothing, they promised recording to Hard drive before then, so far nothing, what a sorry poor excuse for a company and products they are

dump 169time and get a real product like the r5000-hd, you will need to have 169time removed from your Directv receiver to get a r5000-hd mod installed

sell the 169time directv on ebay for 500$ or so maybe less and order a modified receiver from the Nextcom r5000-hd guys

the 169time setup is worth 400$ to 500$, but not anywhere near the prices on their website

-Gary

169time quite obviously is doing nothing more than profiting from selling socket 370 celeron machines for 500 dollars.

obvious due to their response to an inquiry from mythtv about a driver for their firewire output or at least documentation on it. 169time of course refused because such documentation would replace the need for their 500 dollar diskless celeron 1ghz "product".

a company that advertises a service/product to help people defeat one company's DRM, and at the same time implements their own and refuses to provide documentation or drivers, is the absolute hieght of hypocricy.

i'd sooner burn a thousand dollars in my fireplace than give it to 169time.

I have been using the r5000 solution for about two months now. It is a great improvement over the 169time solution in many ways but I am having a problem with recording to my DVHS decks.

Firstly, the r5000 pvr software just can't seem to record to either of my DVHS decks. I have a JVC HM-D5U and two JVC 30000Us and the pvr software can record to the PCs hard drive but not either decks.

I have been using DVHSTool to record movies to tape. I recently recorded "Ray" and the r5000 logs indicated that there were no errors in recording the movie. I set my r5000 preferences to "no filler packets" or whatever to reduce the size of the recorded files.

I then used DVHSTool to record the movie onto a DVHS tape on my HM-D5U. The movie played back PERFECTLY from the HM-D5U.

I then played back the tape from a 30000U and noticed that there were numerous video artifacts and audio dropouts.

I then tried recording the movie from the PC to a DVHS tape using the 30000U. When I played back the tape from the 30000U the dropouts were still there. Then I played back the tape using the HM-D5U and there were no audio or video glitches.

I am wondering if the HM-D5U handles the variable bit rate transport stream better than the 30000U and that this is the source of the glitches.

My plan is to make another recording of "Ray" using the 19.2 Mbps constant recording rate and then transfer it to DVHS and see if the same problems occur.

Has anyone else noticed this issue? That recordings play back fine on one deck but not another?

169time quite obviously is doing nothing more than profiting from selling socket 370 celeron machines for 500 dollars.

obvious due to their response to an inquiry from mythtv about a driver for their firewire output or at least documentation on it. 169time of course refused because such documentation would replace the need for their 500 dollar diskless celeron 1ghz "product".

a company that advertises a service/product to help people defeat one company's DRM, and at the same time implements their own and refuses to provide documentation or drivers, is the absolute hieght of hypocricy.

i'd sooner burn a thousand dollars in my fireplace than give it to 169time.

I use my own Celeron 400 that I bought for 30 dollars, works fine, just removed the hard drive and stuck in a firewire card, don't understand your problem. I also installed the 169Time board in my Motorola HDD-200, took about 2 hours. I record to my computer using CapDVHS, edit with HDTV2MPEG and then play back to my JVC DH5U using DVHSTool. About 95% or my recordings have zero errors, a few have audio timestamp gaps, but I rarely hear anything wrong.

It sounds like the R5000 is better, but I am getting cable soon, and I do not know if I can make my HDD-200 work with the Motorola cable box, if it does, I might spend the money to switch to the R5000.

Mike

I have been using the r5000 solution for about two months now. It is a great improvement over the 169time solution in many ways but I am having a problem with recording to my DVHS decks.

Firstly, the r5000 pvr software just can't seem to record to either of my DVHS decks. I have a JVC HM-D5U and two JVC 30000Us and the pvr software can record to the PCs hard drive but not either decks.

I have been using DVHSTool to record movies to tape. I recently recorded "Ray" and the r5000 logs indicated that there were no errors in recording the movie. I set my r5000 preferences to "no filler packets" or whatever to reduce the size of the recorded files.

I then used DVHSTool to record the movie onto a DVHS tape on my HM-D5U. The movie played back PERFECTLY from the HM-D5U.

I then played back the tape from a 30000U and noticed that there were numerous video artifacts and audio dropouts.

I then tried recording the movie from the PC to a DVHS tape using the 30000U. When I played back the tape from the 30000U the dropouts were still there. Then I played back the tape using the HM-D5U and there were no audio or video glitches.

I am wondering if the HM-D5U handles the variable bit rate transport stream better than the 30000U and that this is the source of the glitches.

My plan is to make another recording of "Ray" using the 19.2 Mbps constant recording rate and then transfer it to DVHS and see if the same problems occur.

Has anyone else noticed this issue? That recordings play back fine on one deck but not another?

It was my understanding that the DVHS need a constant bitrate at 19.3 to record properly. I tried using the VBR from the computer, but my DH5U would break up every few seconds, I made the registry setting for a 19.3 mbps rate and it now works just fine when playing a vbr .ts file using DVHSTool.

Mike

I use my own Celeron 400 that I bought for 30 dollars, works fine, just removed the hard drive and stuck in a firewire card, don't understand your problem. I also installed the 169Time board in my Motorola HDD-200, took about 2 hours. I record to my computer using CapDVHS, edit with HDTV2MPEG and then play back to my JVC DH5U using DVHSTool. About 95% or my recordings have zero errors, a few have audio timestamp gaps, but I rarely hear anything wrong.

It sounds like the R5000 is better, but I am getting cable soon, and I do not know if I can make my HDD-200 work with the Motorola cable box, if it does, I might spend the money to switch to the R5000.

Mike

http://gossamer-threads.com/lists/mythtv/dev/104667

http://www.gossamer-threads.com/lists/mythtv/users/127532?search_string=169time;#127532

the most pertinent question in those discussions being...


What does the 1394 port that 169time gives you _do_ then? If you can
use it with a TV with 1394 in or a digital tape deck with 1394 in,
can't one just pretend to be like these to get the stream? Or does it
check for 5C copy protection compliance or similar?

169time and similar products aren't doing anyone any favors. let me know when one documents the stream coming out of their "modification" to a set top box and development can begin on standard PC capture without their 500% markup on the low end PC in the middle of the chain.

the guy from the myth project who contacted them for documentation summed it up best, imo...


From talking with them on the phone a few months ago, I got the
impression that they were just interested in milking as much money as
they can from foolish videophiles with too much money. A quote from
P.T. Barnum comes to mind.

They have absolutely no interest in providing an open interface to their
modified boxes, and in fact they probably obscure the data on the
firewire output specifically to make it difficult to reverse engineer.
It's all rather ironic if you ask me.

it's bad enough that the broadcasters are trying to stop people from using the content they paid for, the people who claim to be eliminating that are doing the same thing!

all these people with 169time are doing is putting their own filter in that money chain to squeeze some dollars from the situation.

mtallent: Using the variable bit rate encoder from the r5000 hdvr app gets me recordings that can be transferred to tape using DVHSTool.

These recordings play back PERFECTLY from my HM-D5U deck. They DO NOT playback perfectly from a 30000U deck. In fact two different 30000U decks have problems with playback at the EXACT same spots on a tape - and the HM-D5U has no problems with these spots on the tape.

My conclusion is that the HM-D5U is better at handling the playback of the VBR recordings.

I now have a 19.2 Mpbs recording of "Ray". When I get the time I will try to transfer it to DVHS and see if the tape plays perfectly from the 30000U decks.

Xayd: If you want to know what is coming out of the port of the 169time solution then you are really just asking, "What is the format of the data that the DVHS deck is recording via FireWire?"

You can find the answer at <http://1394ta.org/>

The saving grace of the 169time solution is that there were some hints that if / when Directv switches to MPEG4, their solution may be able to work with MPEG4 streams. If you read the "MPEG4 Handbook" there is a nice chapter about how MPEG4 streams can be embedded into MPEG2 streams.

This might allow us to record the MPEG4 streams onto DVHS tape and then play back the data using a computer. A DVHS deck alone would not work since they currently don't know anything about MPEG4 streams.

I would think that an old 169time modded receiver (like a DTC100) would refuse to tune to any of the upcoming MPEG4 chans, so it seems unlikely that the 169time would be able to record them.

In fact the MPEG4 chans may appear on new sats that the DTC100 firmware is never updated to know how to tune.

Love my HDR-HC1. The 1080i video it produces is to die for.

BUT...

The inability for Sony's 1080i HDV to be properly recorded to D-VHS (or especially a firewire inputting edit capable DVR like the LG LST3410) is a major drag!

D-VHS remains an ideal cheapskate archiving format. And the trickplay and simple clip editing on the LG LST3410 would allow a fast and cheap means of editing.

Now I am aware that HDV footage can be rendered by Premiere Pro and Vegas 6 among others for output to D-VHS. But that rendering business is a very slow and time consuming process.

Now what if your 169Time AVX-1 software were tweaked to convert the incoming HDV stream to one favored by the JVC 30K and other machines of its ilk (including that LG LST3410)?

Then we could record directly to D-VHS or hard disc over firewire without even hitting the record button on the camcorder. Simple clip edits from the day's shooting including the ability to review it in full resolution in both slow-mo and speeds up to 300x in both directions.

Earth to Richard,
Please hear our plea! These Sony HDVs are selling gangbusters. You would sell more AVX-1s to this crowd in the first month than you have to satellite customers in the past two years.

Now get your fanny back into the lab... ;)

Mitch,

Don't bug Richard. He's supposed to be working on my Quali-TV unit. :p

Whoops. Your post reminds me I was supposed to call you. Will try this weekend.

I would think that an old 169time modded receiver (like a DTC100) would refuse to tune to any of the upcoming MPEG4 chans, so it seems unlikely that the 169time would be able to record them.

In fact the MPEG4 chans may appear on new sats that the DTC100 firmware is never updated to know how to tune.

I don't believe anybody is suggesting the old MPEG2 receivers can be used with the MPEG4 data. The suggestion is that it may be possible to modify the new MPEG4 receivers when they become available and record from those. How the data will be recorded and decoded with the available recorders hasn't been explained to me and I don't think it will be possible but we won't know for a while. If HD-DVD or Blu-ray recorders can be used, then Richard will have a great business.

Chris

Does anybody know if 169Time plans on adding SD capture capabilities to DirecTV setups? If they did it would be really great, as I am planning on using it with a HTPC and it would be a pain to have to use a capture card for all the SD stuff. I know nextcom added support for SD recently.

I'd get a nextcom unit, but I'm planning on doing a Linux setup and nextcom does not support linux. I suppose I could use a Windows PC to receive the programming and then send it out the firewire connector, but then I'd need a whole second 1.8 ghz pc, and I plan on having more than one tuner, so I'd need at least two 1.8 ghz pc's.

Not to mention that the nextcom system is more expensive...if not much better.

-Steve

http://gossamer-threads.com/lists/mythtv/dev/104667

[url] let me know when one documents the stream coming out of their "modification" to a set top box and development can begin on standard PC capture without their 500% markup on the low end PC in the middle of the chain.
.
Xayd, Sure, it would be great to have the format of the stream open but, in defense of 169time, Richard enables a user-supported AX-1 option, rather than requiring users to spend the "500%" markup on the 169time AX-1. I very much respect him for allowing this option.

I built my AX-1 from scrap parts rotting in my basement, but then I invested $100 in a new u-ATX case and mobo so I could have a very small, quiet, and unobtrusive AX-1. It worked the first time I booted with either of the two most recent versions of the AX-1 software.

I don't believe anybody is suggesting the old MPEG2 receivers can be used with the MPEG4 data. The suggestion is that it may be possible to modify the new MPEG4 receivers when they become available and record from those. How the data will be recorded and decoded with the available recorders hasn't been explained to me and I don't think it will be possible but we won't know for a while. If HD-DVD or Blu-ray recorders can be used, then Richard will have a great business.

Chris

I thought prevaling wisdom suggested that the new receivers are likely to be "so integrated" that tapping into the decrypted datastream would no longer be possible.

I thought prevaling wisdom suggested that the new receivers are likely to be "so integrated" that tapping into the decrypted datastream would no longer be possible.

I haven't read anything other than speculation about the upcoming MPEG4 receivers but that wouldn't surprise me.

Chris

For anyone interested, I'm selling my 169time modified Dish 6000, along with the AVX-1. For further details see my AVS Marketplace Forum listing here. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=582638)

The last time I visited this site was when my superbowl tapes did not happen. I am a victim of dealing with Richard and am sure that he enjoyed the abuse that he shoveled on me. I am amazed that anyone would consider dealing with him since the nextcom product or the other DVRs became available. I don't even try to make a recording. Hopefully someone with some concern for his customers,etc will take the technology and do something with it. In the meantime, unless you thrive on abuse, avoid 169time. David

If you know what you are doing, 169Time setup can make recordings identical to R5000. Plus, with the 5000, you are dependent on this secretive company making the modifications for you. With 169Time you can build your own system. I'd prefer to use freeware and standard components rather than more proprietary software/hardware which the manurfacturer may want to charge an arm and a leg for, sometime in the future. With 169Time, I was involved in building my own system, and upgrades can happen through the AVX-1 OS. Not saying Richard's solution is perfect - just pointing out what you may want to consider, the future.

If you know what you are doing, 169Time setup can make recordings identical to R5000. Plus, with the 5000, you are dependent on this secretive company making the modifications for you.


You've got to be kidding! Both systems are Proprietary. They both use proprietary hardware that is installed in your STB. They both have proprietary non open source software.



With 169Time you can build your own system.

I'd prefer to use freeware and standard components rather than more proprietary software/hardware which the manurfacturer may want to charge an arm and a leg for, sometime in the future.



Freeware??? the R5000 uses windows, the 169time uses a custom non-released version of linux. (IIRC GNU requires that the source is available to rebuild the kernel, I've never seen the 169time version)


With 169Time, I was involved in building my own system, and upgrades can happen through the AVX-1 OS. Not saying Richard's solution is perfect - just pointing out what you may want to consider, the future.

upgrades for the avx-1 are few and far between. The R5000-HD folks have a comprehensive PVR and they have added support for simultaneous tape and disk recordings, all SD and HD channels, Motorola digital cable, and command line control. With the command line feature, someone wrote a program to integrate the r5000-hd into windows media center 2005!

Before you buy a 169time, read the threads on both and talk to the users of both...

TW

Edit

Wow! I just noticed that they successfully recorded MPEG-4 using the r5000-hd. http://www.nextcomwireless.com/r5000/samples.htm

Dude there is a for sale forum, the mods will come down on this

please post in the for sale section or on videogon

-Gary

Firewire 800 (1394b) is the reason why my 169Time system does not work with DVHSTool or CAPDVHS on a Windows XP Pro SP2 platform. Believe it or not, Microsoft throttled back firewire speed to 100MB/sec from to make Windows SP2 compatible with the Firewire 800 protocol and thus run slower than before SP2. Apparently, the 169Time transport stream to a PC requires the speeds made possible under the Firewire 400 (1394a) protocol supported by SP1 while the stream from a JVC30K to PC via firewire does not.

A confusing discussion of this situation can be found at the following link along with a possible workaround which allows an SP2 install to work without throttling back firewire speed:

http://www.rme-audio.com/english/techinfo/fw800sp2.htm

While I don't own one of the newer DVHS units, I suspect that they run at a higher bit rate which requires this workaround in order to establish a stable DVHS-PC connection with DVHSTool or CAPDVHS.

Although I can once again record live from 169time to PC with DVHSTool and CAPDVHS after uninstalling SP2, the workaround described in the link does not help. Basically, the workaround preserves an SP2 install and just rolls back two of the firewire interface drivers to SP1 versions.

Is anyone out there able to record live from a 169Time rig to a Windows XP Pro SP2 using DVHSTool or CAPDVHS?

Bob

Thanks for this link !!! followed the steps, and everything works like it did before sp2.

I'm glad you found this post useful and salute you for discovering something I wrote about nearly a year ago. After re-reading this information from RME about the SP2 limitation on firewire transfer speeds, I'm still confused about why it doesn't work for our high definition program recording needs. None of the programming I work with has a bit rate exceeding 20 mbps. There is more to this issue, and Microsoft has yet to fully explain or rectify the problem, even with the new 64 bit operating system.

I'm still amazed at how few people actually realize that their firewire recording problems have to do with the SP2 bit rate issue and not improper 5C implementation by cable providers.

Bob

I have no problems with SP2 and CapDVHS

I have the 169time system that I use with DirecTV currently. Of course this year they are upgrading to new STB's using MPeg4 .
First, will these STB's have firewire? If not does anyone know if 169time is coming out with any new receiver modifications to support mpeg4?
Second, will there be any software updates to allow recording to Blu-Ray and/or HD-DVD. I assume these new recorders will have firewire. I hope to with time convert to this from D-VHS but it doesn't work I assume I'd have to use my current system to record to D-VHS, then record it to Windows XP, then to HD-DVD and/or Blu-Ray. I hope to avoid having to do all of this. Thank you for any help.

I have the 169time system that I use with DirecTV currently. Of course this year they are upgrading to new STB's using MPeg4 .
First, will these STB's have firewire? If not does anyone know if 169time is coming out with any new receiver modifications to support mpeg4?
Second, will there be any software updates to allow recording to Blu-Ray and/or HD-DVD. I assume these new recorders will have firewire. I hope to with time convert to this from D-VHS but it doesn't work I assume I'd have to use my current system to record to D-VHS, then record it to Windows XP, then to HD-DVD and/or Blu-Ray. I hope to avoid having to do all of this. Thank you for any help.

I have not seen any mention of whether or not the new DirecTV MPEG4 receivers will have firewire but feel certain there will be no firewire. There has been no mention of a definite 169time MPEG4 product being available but Richard might try. I doubt Blu-ray and/or HD-DVD will have MPEG2 firewire recorders affordable before DirecTV turns off the data. If there are very expensive MPEG2 Blu-ray or HD-DVD recorders available for a brief period of time before MPEG2 goes bye-bye, I assume enough owners would have to contact Richard to request new software if the recorders don't work with the current software and I would bet they won't.

Since nobody has modified a DirecTV MPEG4 receiver to add firewire as far as I know, there can be nothing but wild speculation about any of it.

Chris

Since Blu-Ray and HD-DVD are mpeg2 will these ever be able to record mpeg 4 or will they just record them as mpeg2? I'm kind of new to this still so a little confused.

Since Blu-Ray and HD-DVD are mpeg2 will these ever be able to record mpeg 4 or will they just record them as mpeg2? I'm kind of new to this still so a little confused.

Both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD support mpeg-2, mpeg-4 part 10 (aka h.264) and wmvhd (aka SMPTE VC-1). At some point you'll be able to record any of these formats to a Blu-ray or HD-DVD disc and play them back on a compatible player.


There has been no mention of a definite 169time MPEG4 product being available but Richard might try.


I seriously doubt that Richard will be selling a DirecTV mpeg-4 mod.


Since nobody has modified a DirecTV MPEG4 receiver to add firewire as far as I know, there can be nothing but wild speculation about any of it.


I'm an E* user, so I'm not that interested in D*. My speculation is that the R5000 folks will figure it out and offer something for E*. :)



TW

If Im right there is a D-VHS tool though. Since I have built up a large D-VHS collection can I use this program to take my D-VHS tapes and put them on Windows XP, then burn them to a blu-ray and/or hd-dvd drive in my PC? I'd hate to lose my D-VHS collection.

I have had the 169 system, modified HD Hughes 86 with firewire output and the Avix-1.
I HAVE HAD >>> NO >>> PROBLEMS.

Those who seemed to complain in seem to be attempting to use a timer on VCR or what ever and come back and did not work. FIRST any interruption from HD to SD can disrupt the stream, especially COMMERCIALS and you lose the firewire input.. Now many COMMERCIALS are in HD format.

Others are attempting to capture or transfer to computers. Richard, 169 PLAINLY FOR THOSE WHO CAN READ, states the system does not support Computers !!!

I would bet that those who are working with computers have a lot of $$ just in the computer.. add that to the cost ... also add to "Bill Gates" billions with Win XP PRO which I understand has some features to capture video.

What I do is go and set up to record HD 7 minutes early to insure a good data stream.
Just booting Avix takes 3 mins. I also have a small LCD monitor hooked to Avix so I can see boot and when it starts to search for HD stream. If you want to do this 2 or 6 hours early and hope all goes OK thats fine but if it loses the data stream due to commercials or going from a SA to HD program don't blame 169.
- 1st 5 to 7 mins prior go in and start up avix-1 as it takes time to boot
- 2nd Check firewire from STB to JVC and set plus obtain I-1
- 3rd Iwait until Avix begins to search for HD and plug in firewire from Avix to JVC
- 4th Make sure the I-1 changes to I-2
The reason for coming in early is on few occasions the I-1 and setup fails to work and you have to turn every thing off. Unplug all firewire cables and start re connecting. This always has worked. One must be sure about the I-1 and I-2. If they are not assigned properly you will have a problem.

So if you want to try a timer OK but I have never done that. Seems to work for some and on occassions data stream or I-1/2 does not set up and recording fails.

Also the Avix has a Linax program and runs at 900 to 977 mghz CPU no 1Ghz or higher.
My understanding it has a lot to do with timing in program ? !

Also 169 does not have the major million of $$$ to develope a system. Microsoft was at least 4 years behind any real Windows operating system for TV. Capture cards at $200 to $400 were only good for Sa or SD but no HD.

Also I have seen postings in the form for software... it is out there but they do not want to spend more than $100 the professional stuff for HD starts at $1400 for software and it works. # years ago a company was building professional for you computer systems with raid hd to capture HD data stream but costs started at $3500 to $5000. I am sure way over the head of those who run out and spend $5000 for plasma or HD system 4 years ago.

You can not expect to get a perfect system unless you are willing to spend the $$.
169 has been the least expensive system and always worked for me.
You want more feature go pay the $$ for Professional software and equipment.

In fact the "J R Tolkens " 3 hour movies as well as most high quality movies are now filmed using HD tape. This allows a much greater range for special effects. They film with 2000 X 2800 Pixels and each pixel is defined by a 10 or 12 bit code. One hour requires 500 gig storage. Now go get one :)

The big $$ boys are fighting over format for HD DVD... I wonder why. Also check all of your equipment and they all have a PyPbPr component out BUT NONE HAVE PyPbPr INPUT... I wonder way... they are not going to build or allow you access to do that !!!

Be happy with what you have . It will improve in the future, Once there is a HD DVD why bother unless you save money.

In every case from Broadcast to EvHd tv's and purchases are unaware it takes the HD signal and reformats it for the lower standard. even mpeg-4 is not going to give you what the movie makes get.

The end1
-

I have had the 169 system, modified HD Hughes 86 with firewire output and the Avix-1.
I HAVE HAD >>> NO >>> PROBLEMS....What I do is go and set up to record HD 7 minutes early to insure a good data stream.
Just booting Avix takes 3 mins. I also have a small LCD monitor hooked to Avix so I can see boot and when it starts to search for HD stream. If you want to do this 2 or 6 hours early and hope all goes OK thats fine but if it loses the data stream due to commercials or going from a SA to HD program don't blame 169.
- 1st 5 to 7 mins prior go in and start up avix-1 as it takes time to boot
- 2nd Check firewire from STB to JVC and set plus obtain I-1
- 3rd Iwait until Avix begins to search for HD and plug in firewire from Avix to JVC
- 4th Make sure the I-1 changes to I-2....



Wow, what a project! Are you trying to say its good or bad? It seems you've got the hand-holding down to a science, though. I also have to go through a sequence to get perfect recordings from my R5000-HD setup. I click on the record links in TitanTV and I'm done. The sofware even wakes up the PC to make the recordings if necessary. The captures to D-VHS and disk are both flawless. Apparently Nextcom has designed their own source packet creation filter for D-VHS that addresses the problems that plague other drivers. And, it didn't cost a lot of $$. Folks should know that there are professional-quality recording solutions out there that don't cost an arm and a leg.

TW

I'm an E* user, so I'm not that interested in D*. My speculation is that the R5000 folks will figure it out and offer something for E*. :)
TW

They already have.

Hi folks,

It's been a while since I've been on here and now I may have reason to regret it. I was irritated that I wasn't able to record and archive HD material along with rising cable costs and then found out about 169time's setup. I moved to DirecTV and picked up an AVX1 and HD receiver. Now, I know... I know... it says on 169's site that they do not support computer recording. But it does describe some methods that some users had used successfully to record to the computer. In fact I have gotten it to record to the computer. Great right!? Well, no. After having no success doing anything with the video once it's on the computer other than play it back I decided to come here and see if anyone could help me out. It looks like I should have come here first!

A.) I'd like to edit out the commercials and can't get the captured video into any application other than Videolan or CapDVHS (and others like it) to recognize the captured files. Am I just SOL? Is my only option to buy a DVHS deck to record to with commercials and all? I'd really rather not start creating a tape collection on a format that largely seems dying. That's basically where I was going with this until...

B.) I discovered the threads on the R5000-HD. I checked out their website and downloaded their sample HD content and it loads into all of my various video editing applications. It edits beautifully! Agh! This is exactly how I expected the 169time captures to work!

C.) Ideally I wanted to be able to use my computer as a DVR ... with something like BeyondTV and the 169time stream but I'll forgo that if I can just figure out how to get the captured video into any video editing application! I'm assuming it's just not possible since there's no way for the computer to change the channel on the STB.

Can someone tell me how to get the 169time video into a format that I can work with and edit on my computer?

Heeeelp! :) Thanks!

I have both 169time and R5000HD. Both can create TS files to your computer.
With 169time you do receiver->AVX1->Computer and then capture with DVHStool.
169time works best with WindowsXP-servicePack1 (better IEEE1394 drivers)

With R5000HD you use their app to capture TS files, and theirs works best with XP-servicePack2 (Better USB2 drivers).

Once you have TS files you can use HDTVTOMPEG2 to edit out commercials. Search around for the latest version that includes automatic commercial detection.

You can then use HDTVTOMPEG2 to create a new TS file with the commercials removed.
VideoLan can play the TS files on the PC or you can send them to DVHStape.
If you have 169time then use DVHStool to send back to tape.
If you have R5000HD then you can use their app to send to tape.

Note - R5000HD is simpler to use, and produces "cleaner" recordings with less errors. 169time seems to introduce occasional glitches every so often in most recordings.

Also, R5000HD has integrated program guide for easy timer recordings. 169time you basically just have to start a recording going and let it run long enough to capture everything then stop it by hand and edit it later.

There's a new version of my mpeg2repair utility which might be useful to those interested in capturing SD programming from Dish. Previously, this would only work for channels with AC3 audio. Channels with MPEG1 audio would lose sound in the captured file. If you run such a recording through my tool, it should restore the MPEG1 audio.

If the 169time software has trouble streaming, you may need to start recording on an AC3 channel and then switch over to the MPEG1 channel.

-Mark

I have been using the 169Time for over a year. I first started using it with a Motorola HDD-200 and a 4DTV receiver on C-band. I added the 169Time to the HDD-200 myself with the DIY kit. Last september I got cable and now I use the 169Time HDD-200 with the Motorola cable tuner and it works fine.

I have over 500 recordings that have ZERO errors. I did have to record some of them several times to get no glitches. I believe that most of the glitches I get are in the original stream as I can usually hear or see the problems while I am recording. The AVX-1 is an old Celeron 400 computer that I had on the shelf and it runs 24/7.

I capture from the HDD-200 using CapDVHS, DVHSTool gave me problems recording. I use a P4 2.8 GHz running XP with SP1. After capture I edit with HDTVtompeg2 and then scan for errors with mpeg2repair (great tool). Some of the recordings I then record to my JVC HD-5U using S-VHS tape using DVHSTool to record to the D-VHS. All the recordings are archived onto multiple DVDR disks with 10% parity files to repair any read errors that may occur on the DVDR disks in the future. The archived files are null packet stripped and are in 100 MByte pieces. If I want to play a recording from the DVDR's, I copy the DVDR's to my hard drive and then play with TheatreTek through the DVI connector to my 50 inch DLP HDTV set.

I am going to use the upgrade that R5000 is offering so that I can get the ability to program recordings and change channels on the cable tuner when I am not there. I just wanted to post this info to show that the 169Time mod does work, at least for some.

Mike T

I've had mine for over 2 years. Lots of trouble free recordings. I think both solutions have their uses. The biggest advantage that 169time has over the competition is that it doesn't require Windows XP. Because it emulates a D-VHS deck, it can be used with most firewire devices: Macs, Linux, PVR boxes, D-VHS, etc. The biggest advantage of the R5000 is that it's vastly easier to use because it was built around a Windows interface.

As a programmer, I prefer the open architecture of the 169time solution. Because of the D-VHS emulation, you can write your own software to do whatever you like with the device. I'm running my own scheduler/recorder/player tool which I prefer to what's offered by R5000. I can even watch live streams through any DirectShow capable player (VLC, MyHD, D-VHS deck, etc.) without having to record anything to disk. It's pretty useful when you're streaming HD to another room over LAN.

Just my 2 cents on the topic. I think both R5000 and 169time are great. They just have different design goals and limitations. Competition is always a good thing so let's hope both companies continue to develop new products in the future.

-Mark

Wizziwig - thats great about 169time, but unfortunately they had a longstanding problem with "glitches" in the recordings. The later software improved it a lot, but they are still (apparently) there on many recordings.

Can the MPEG2repair program really "fix" them fully?

Wizziwig - thats great about 169time, but unfortunately they had a longstanding problem with "glitches" in the recordings. The later software improved it a lot, but they are still (apparently) there on many recordings.

Can the MPEG2repair program really "fix" them fully?

Agreed. The early software was very poor, although usable if you only cared about JVC 30K playback and ignore the bugs inherent to that player. I helped them in testing/developing the current software so I'm more familiar with the system. I can't get into many details because of NDA I signed but their system will probably always have some issues due to its design.

Since it's Linux based, they are relying on public/freeware 1394 libraries which may not be as stable/reliable as commercial solutions on Windows. They also have to support direct recording to a large selection of devices, each with their own bugs and issues. I also get the feeling they have limited resources when it comes to programmers.

As far as my utility is concerned, it depends on the type of "glitch" and player you're talking about. You'll have to be more specific.

For playback/recording on a PC, the recordings are pretty much perfect. There is the occasional error towards the bottom edge of a frame but those are extremely rare (if ever) on most channels. You'll likely get more errors from provider and/or transmission issues. In any case, my tool repairs those types of errors in a way that will not be visible because of their pixel location.

-Mark

I have D* and E* both 169timed through to a PC. I have E6 AVX1 software. When I run your MPEG2repair on most recordings it will show that it has repaired a handful of errors on pretty much any recording.

I also have another system with the R5000HD mod. Typically your program doesn't indicate any problems from my recordings made on that system.

Perhaps there is some tendency for IEEE1394 to be less robust than the USB2?

I have D* and E* both 169timed through to a PC. I have E6 AVX1 software. When I run your MPEG2repair on most recordings it will show that it has repaired a handful of errors on pretty much any recording.

I also have another system with the R5000HD mod. Typically your program doesn't indicate any problems from my recordings made on that system.

Perhaps there is some tendency for IEEE1394 to be less robust than the USB2?

Can you make a recording simultaneously on both 169time and R5000 from the same signal? That would rule out random transmission issues. If so, send me the logs (mpeg2repair@adelphia.net) and I can tell you if there's some problem with your 169time setup.

-Mark

Can you make a recording simultaneously on both 169time and R5000 from the same signal? That would rule out random transmission issues. If so, send me the logs (mpeg2repair@adelphia.net) and I can tell you if there's some problem with your 169time setup.

-Mark
I'll try to do this too, Mark. I have a pair of HDD-200s. I use the one w/ 169time for recording to my Mac and the one w/ r5000 for recording to my HTPC. I found that a simple "Y" splitter located next to the two HDD-200 boxes enables the use of both devices from a single DSR-922 receiver.

What kind of Y adapter...Firewire?

What kind of Y adapter, Firewire? I'm surprised that works and the 4DTV HD200 is always ON.

I think he is splitting the high speed data cable that comes out of the DSR-922 and feeds the HD200.

Kenny

As the HSI output is only a + - and ground, its pretty easy to power 2 HD200s.

Can you make a recording simultaneously on both 169time and R5000 from the same signal? That would rule out random transmission issues. If so, send me the logs (mpeg2repair@adelphia.net) and I can tell you if there's some problem with your 169time setup.

-Mark


I will try - both 6000s feed from the same dish.
By "same signal", I think you mean tune both 6000s to the same chan, and record the same program at the same time.

If Im right there is a D-VHS tool though. Since I have built up a large D-VHS collection can I use this program to take my D-VHS tapes and put them on Windows XP, then burn them to a blu-ray and/or hd-dvd drive in my PC? I'd hate to lose my D-VHS collection.


I am curious...will your D-VHS collection self-destruct at some set point after the introduction of BluRay or HD-DVD? Why would you think that ANY type of recordable DVD would be more archival than the proven technology of D-VHS? I have standard VHS tapes that I made back in 1980 that still play just as well as when I made them. That indicates that VHS is a good mediium for archival, and D-VHS should be even better, since the recording is digital as compared to analog VHS.

Any type of recordable DVD is a delicate medium, prone to damage which can make the recording unplayable. I certainly wouldn't destroy ANY tape I transferred to DVD of any type. You can purchase six D-VHS decks for what we are guessing the price of the first Blu-Ray recorders will cost. You could have a lifetime supply of back-up D-VHS recorders.

Anybody had experience with recording from two 6000s with 169time mod on one JVC 30k DVHS deck? Is it possible to connect them in this configuration 6000->JVC->AVX1->6000?
When only one 6000 is active, theoretically there should be no problem recording from the active one.
Any thoughts?

I am a big dish and DVB enthusiast as well as a
> Dish subscriber with the Dish HD package.
> Here's the question: I bought a DVB-MPEG2 unit called the Integra
> IT815 and it has the 169Time card in it. Two 4 wire firewire ports. I also have an RCA DVR10 Hard
> Drive Digital and HD Recorder that interfaces to my RCA DLP via an IEEE
> 1394 ( DTV Link) with the six pin style connector. So I went to Radio Shack and bough a 4 pin to 6
> pin cable and hooked the unit up and received an error message and could
> not
> get it working. I assume the units are not quite set up to talk to each
> other and I am told that the 169Time unit is designed to work with JVC
> HDVS
> Recorder system but not my RCA DVR10 Hard Drive recorder.
> Does anyone have any suggestions to make the 169Time unit work with my RCA
> DVR10 or is it just not possible? thanks for any advice.

I am a big dish and DVB enthusiast as well as a
> Dish subscriber with the Dish HD package.
> Here's the question: I bought a DVB-MPEG2 unit called the Integra
> IT815 and it has the 169Time card in it. Two 4 wire firewire ports. I also have an RCA DVR10 Hard
> Drive Digital and HD Recorder that interfaces to my RCA DLP via an IEEE
> 1394 ( DTV Link) with the six pin style connector. So I went to Radio Shack and bough a 4 pin to 6
> pin cable and hooked the unit up and received an error message and could
> not
> get it working. I assume the units are not quite set up to talk to each
> other and I am told that the 169Time unit is designed to work with JVC
> HDVS
> Recorder system but not my RCA DVR10 Hard Drive recorder.
> Does anyone have any suggestions to make the 169Time unit work with my RCA
> DVR10 or is it just not possible? thanks for any advice.

If you can get the DVR10 to work with a PC, you might be able to use it as 169time>PC>DVR10. I don't think anybody has gotten anything other than DVHS and a PC to work with 169time.

Chris

Thegrod,
Welcome to AVSForum!
For those of you who don't know him, Thegrod is an active poster over at SatForums.

Anybody had experience with recording from two 6000s with 169time mod on one JVC 30k DVHS deck? Is it possible to connect them in this configuration 6000->JVC->AVX1->6000?
When only one 6000 is active, theoretically there should be no problem recording from the active one.
Any thoughts?

I have to assume that the connection on to the STB Board is similar to the R5000HD and you need about 10 connections for the elementals and around 5 for the remote control and power. I would also assume they probably use very similar (if not the same) connection points on the boards.

That being the case, if you have some electronic skills, could easily connect these 15 or so wires to a connector you install on the back of the box (DB25 or similar) and move the 169 to an external box connected to the back of the IRD through a DB25.

If you did this with 2 STBs, you should be able to switch between IRDs with something as simple as a printer switch box (just make sure it connects all 25 pins and you do not use any pins that go to a ground).

This should easily allow you to use 2 6000s and switch between which one you use as a source.

I have a pair of Directv STBs set up this way.

i have an AVX-1, DTC-100 sat receiver, for sale.
danringdahl@yahoo.com

I've got a dead 6000. Turned it on several days ago and the power light flashed about 13 times - then several shorter time and nothing happened. I suppose it was an error code that I did not get. Unplugged it and let it sit 2 days. Plugged it in and now its dead.

As the 6000s are going for a premium on eBay, it seems to make more sense to repair it, though I am somewhat hesitant to do this to a modified unit.

Has anyone had a modified 6000 go out and sent it out to be repaired? If so, who did you use?

Thanks!

I have the following (5) separate items fully working items for sale:

(1) RCA DTC-100 STB with the 169Time Firewire Mod.

(1) Dish 6000 STB with the 169Time Firewire Mod. #1

(1) Dish 6000 STB with the 169Time Firewire Mod. #2

(1) Complete AVX-1 Processor PC for use with any of the (3) STB's above

(1) New Systemax Cyrix Chipset Motherboard for use in a DIY to-be-built AVX-1 Processor PC for any of the (3) STB's above


mkerdman@gmail.com

I just emailed 169time asking about possible upgrades for the new generation of Mpeg 4 receivers coming out for DirecTV. I know with time most HDTV will be broadcast that way. Anyway, I got a returned to sender email so is 169time still in existance? Here is the post below and does anyone know if there will be anymore machines being upgraded like mentioned below?

I have a question about DirecTV receivers. DirecTV is now converting over to Mpeg 4 and shortly I am purchasing one of their new HD DVR’s. I have a current 169time system and am very happy with it although it won’t record the newer channels using Mpeg 4 for HDTV. My question, will 169time have upgrades for this HD DVR or will there be another HD Receiver (Mpeg4) for DirecTV that will be upgraded with the 169time system?

I just emailed 169time asking about possible upgrades for the new generation of Mpeg 4 receivers coming out for DirecTV. I know with time most HDTV will be broadcast that way. Anyway, I got a returned to sender email so is 169time still in existance? Here is the post below and does anyone know if there will be anymore machines being upgraded like mentioned below?

I have a question about DirecTV receivers. DirecTV is now converting over to Mpeg 4 and shortly I am purchasing one of their new HD DVR’s. I have a current 169time system and am very happy with it although it won’t record the newer channels using Mpeg 4 for HDTV. My question, will 169time have upgrades for this HD DVR or will there be another HD Receiver (Mpeg4) for DirecTV that will be upgraded with the 169time system?

I haven't seen anything regarding 169time working on an MPEG4 solution. I continue to use a 169time modified receiver for DirecTV and guess I will until the MPEG2 stream ends, which is likely going to be pretty soon.

Chris

I have the following (2) remaining 169Time FireWire Modified Dish Network 6000 HDTV Set Top Boxes fully working for sale for LESS than the current cost of the 169Time Modification alone:

(1) Dish 6000 STB with the 169Time Firewire Mod. #1

(1) Dish 6000 STB with the 169Time Firewire Mod. #2

FREE New Systemax Cyrix Chipset Motherboard for use in an easy DIY to-be-built AVX-1 Processor PC with either of the (2) STB's above


mkerdman@gmail.com