Dave any idea when this upgrade is coming. Weve been hearing about this for 6 months now.

Hopefully its very soon.

Originally posted by h2ofun
This makes sense since the deck is designed to handle variations
better.
Is there any actual evidence that this is the case? I have stuff that glitches on a JVC deck, but using a PC with the Mediamantics transport stream demultiplexer produces perfect playback with any other MPEG2 decoder that supports MP@HL.

Dave, some of us (a lot of us) are keeping an arm's length from this product only because we don't want our HDTV recordings to be married to a D-VHS deck--especially a deck with such a tumultuous history as the JVC 30K (you know what I am talking about). I have been watching this thread for a while, as have others, and when we see strong indications that PC recording and playback are working reliably then we will order. Sometimes being "the only game" in town is less important than delivering the reliability and features that people want. I look forward to the day when 169time delivers the reliability and features that I need.

--Jerome

Jerome, atleast we have a game in town. Every other solution shipping,
or, promised to ship, has issues, and wont be expanded. At least 169time continues to improve, and add features all the other companys wont.

Alan, if I could answer that question, I would no longer have to work since I could see the direction of the stock market. All I can say is we have put the PVR s/w that I needed to go forward on the back burner. There is just only one of him.

Dave

Originally posted by h2ofun
Jerome, atleast we have a game in town. Every other solution shipping,
or, promised to ship, has issues, and wont be expanded. At least 169time continues to improve, and add features all the other companys wont.
Dave,

What you should be doing is passing this along to Richard. I don't want to debate you (and I won't) about the relative merits of 169time. I am expressing interest in the product but would need to have certain features (reliable PC recording and playback) in order for me to invest in the product. So, you should treat this as a feature request. Richard should be hearing about every single request for these features without you feeling the need to defend him or 169time.

There are a lot of us who currently have Dish 5000 + HDTV Mod setups who are planning their next move. Right now I get perfect recordings of HBO, SHO, and CBS HD, and that is no exaggeration like I seem to be finding here (e.g. my 169time recordings are perfect.....except for the three big glitches in the movie...). I don't have to deal with these problems when making captures from my Dish 5000 setup. So, right now as I write this there is NO recording solution out there that can match the reliability and performance of a Dish 5000 recording setup. But I know this won't last forever.

I would, as would many others, like to be able to record HDNet Movies and have a solution going forward to plan for the eventual shut off of the Dish 5000 combo. But if I have to choose between no recording and recording to D-VHS...then I think I will do without. It isn't like I have nothing to watch around here, and frankly it won't be the end of the world. That is how dead set against D-VHS recording me, and many others, have become.

--Jerome

If Richard fixed the AVX-1 software soon I think he will get allot of orders. If he waits too long I think many will jump on the new Dish 921 instead even though it's firewire will not be enabled until early next year.

That's what I meant by "good move"

Jeff

Second that opinion as well. :) I know a couple of Dish 5000 owners who are eager to get 169Time as soon as the software is fixed, or 921, whichever gives reliable recordings first.

As we all know, PC recording of high-def programming is under assault from every angle these days, witness the new Broadcast Flag rules from the FCC. While I think that more development is necessary, PC recording with the avx-1 seems to be working pretty well right now for some people, especially those using software decoding for playback on progressive displays.

At least 169time appears to be working toward the goal of glitch free PC recording, while every other company (at the insistence of the MPAA or government agencies) is looking to restrict or eliminate PC recording. I get virtually glitch free results with the avx-1 right now, just recording and playing back through the JVC 30k deck. The thought of using D-VHS was a big issue for me when the JVC 30k decks were priced at $1300, but not at today's $259 refurbished price. As much as I would like full PC support, I'm happy that I made this purchase, even if no improvements are forthcoming, but I believe that they are.

Originally posted by stjr
As much as I would like full PC support, I'm happy that I made this purchase, even if no improvements are forthcoming, but I believe that they are.


What happens when your JVC deck breaks? It will.
I'm not happy at all that the AVX-1 Recorded stuff will not play back correctly on any other decoder. When my four JVC decks break or their becomes available a better deck/playback solution I don't want a bunch of useless tapes that I cant watch.

This AVX-1 upgrade will bring him allot of sales. I will be the first in line to install another unit in a dish 6000 reciever. (Remember the resolution on the 6000 can not be down graded like the 921 can)

Originally posted by jrichards
What happens when your JVC deck breaks?I supposed I could have received a refund after I purchased and tested the 169time system, but I decided to keep it. The idea that improvements would be forthcoming also made me think that the investment was worth the risk. I have already watched a few films that I recorded from HDNet Movies, and if nothing else, the 169time system has been an effective time shifting device.

I pass all this stuff on to Richard. I have beat on him always about he avx-1 s/w. This is why I backed off on getting PVR updates from him and supported him to only put his s/w effort into the avx-1 now.

Dave

Dave
Thanks for your efforts.
I hope this does not mean he has not been paying attention to the rest of us asking for this for the last 6 months. Its been forever. When ever I ask about it in an email he completly avoids it and does not answer.
If he does not have the time (maybe this is part time for him, we dont know because this whole thing is such a mystery) would be nice to let some others work on this as well and get it done in a timely matter like some of the other open source projects on this forum. Its amazing what they get done in one week let along 6 to 8 months of nothing.
When its been this long its hard to belive any further excuses.
Hopefully ( not another 6 months) we will hear something soon.

So, let me try again to paint the picture that I have done many times before. 169time is a VERY small company. No income, no food, no company. They have tried a few times to find an invester so Richard could devote 100% to the technical improvements to the products. So far, nothing has worked out. So, as I have posted, shipments of product is, and has basically, always been his first priority.

So, unless someone, or someones came up with a way to put food on the table, he is balancing the real world needs of life. He doesnt like it at all, trust me, but, I dont see him having any other choice. Compared to the big boys who basically have deep pockets, and cant seem to get out what we want, 169time is committed to this and can only do hand to mouth.

So, if anyone can brainstorm a solution to this real life issue, then maybe we will get something faster?

One idea is folks could make "donations" to 169time for the full time development of improved 169time avx-1 s/w. If he got enough, it could stop any further orders and shipments, until this improvement was made.
This "donation" could be applied against a future 169time order.

Another idea is to help find an investor who cares about HDTV time shifting.
At one time we thought Mark Cuban would help, but politics got in the way.

So, maybe being too honest with everyone, but, honesty is always the best policy, for an engineer.

Dave

Quote: So, if anyone can brainstorm a solution to this real life issue, then maybe we will get something faster?


I already mentioned a solution, Open source. People have already volunteered to get involved. You want to get this done get some others going on it and watch how fast things get done.

This sounds scary, I dont know how to apply what you've said to progress of the product. Are you telling us nothing has been done regarding new software, its truely been 6 or 8 months or are you saying it could be another 6 months? When ever someone asks for an update the topic is brushed under the carpet and we are told it is being worked on. How long do we have to wait for. It would be one thing if someone told us something but in this case we are told nothing for months. Its starting to get old.
I appreciate the product when it works and I do hope something is coming soon.

I can't imagine that he hasn't brought in 3 or 4 hundred thousand at least over the last year and half'ish. Obviously he has some overhead since it's a hardware product, but he was charging like $1000 or so if you provided your own DTC-100, with the sale price, and if he sold as many as Dave often claimed, then I couldn't imagine how he hasn't pulled in enough bucks that he'd hardly be starving.

Hell, I've been working 7x14 for the last year with maybe 4 or 5 of those days being frivolous mere 8 hours days, and without a single penny coming in, humping out new features for my customers. Outside of my rent, I lived on about $7000 over the last year, which is not easy in Silicon Vally, and less than what I used to bring home in two months before I went out on my own. So I'm struggling a little to be sympathetic here.

He will be doing a lot better without investors. He needs to expand his market, like start placing his productuct inside VOOM boxes (now that I have signed up for this - personal reasons of course apply.) But seriously it would help. Dish is out, everyone waiting for the 921. He could also add it to cable boxes.

Perhaps he could come up with a new product like a DVI to HTPC box and find a way around HDCP. Or component to HTPC, etc.

Or how about finding a really good use for the hardware, and getting a grant to develop it, like some medical application, or space thing, or warmonger thing.

But since I just signed up for VOOM, please do that first.
Pete

I am a Dish5000/modulator recorder. If 169time were to release a product that could record directly to a PC, and be able to playback on a Hipix/MyHD card, I would buy their product that very day.

Well I think that's kind of the problem that Alan was talking about. They already sold the AVX-1, and if he goes off and does these other things, then the folks who already have paid for product will go forever without any improvements. Failure to follow through on the customers who've already paid, after a while at least, can become an image problem.

Fix what has already been developed first. This will bring him sales. The fix will also allow people to use it with the MyHD and other decoders which will bring in more sales.
Then move on to other projects like adding it to other boxes. Until the stuff works properly (not perfect) I don't see how it would be possible to move forward. Who wants a crippled solution of any kind?

I just got my 169time and set it up last week. I've only recorded 3 movies but they turned out really well. One of the movies was glitch free. After reading this thread I was expecting a lot worse. I really like this setup. I don't watch or buy as many DVDs anymore since I have so much HD coming in but it is great to be able to record HD at all. HD recording is probably hurting DVD sales to some extent.

In some ways it could be a blessing that there are glitches in the software. If this thing were perfect and glitch free with features like timeshifting with the computer it would become more mainstream. It would attract more attention and a way to stop us from recording any HD could possibly be implemented. If they wanted us to record then they would have put firewire on everything a long time ago.

It's been driving me nuts trying to figure out what's causing these 1-2 second glitches in my network recordings. I've changed cables, moved my AVX1 and everything else. Then I read this post here:

http://www.canadian-tv.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=HDTV&Number=131409&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

It appears that all Expressvu HDTV subscribers are seeing these same pauses and glitches. There were about 6 to 10 in Alias last night. So I guess I can't blame my 169time setup after all, for these glitches anyway.

Marc.

If they wanted us to record then they would have put fire wire on everything a long time ago.

In its infant stages Panasonic did........then came the pressure for the boys in Hollywood and then those people who have to justify why they have jobs over in the FCC. Those Pannys were pulled fast. They want control PERIOD. They also want Dollars....yours, long after you get into HDTV.

If you mass market a device that will do what the MAJORITY in this forum want, they will shut it down in a millisecond.
We want the same option that those $49.00 Best Buy specials VHS machines have (NO RESTRICTIONS) with DTV/HIGHDEF instead.
The Beta-max/VHS litigations that the consumer won, not the manufactures of the tape machines back when, was the blueprint for now to stop any device that will do it again without restrictions.
It wont happen again, they remembered!

The 169time deal is the only game in town, thats worth mentioning. The modification of a device (added fire wire) that can do what the Majority in the forum wants is why this topic is reviewed daily by thousands like me who are ready to jump on in. But like the rest, the price which I find ridiculous even for the wealthy and the countless bugs is whats keeping most of us away. If the Bugs are fixed and the price is cut, I would bet that what ever 169time's TOTAL number of sold modified units are today ~ it would double in a very short time. I bet Richard knows this too!...............now we wait, and wait, and read ~ read the complaints of the others who have jumped in some time ago, they want perfection and so far it isn't. Any expensive toy that we all want, but not a necessity!

Graphics, the issue is only the complainers tend to post on the net.
As many others have posted, they are 100% happy. Just as one post found out he source had the glitches, but most want to jump its 169time as the cause. As again a post, based on the comments some make, he thought 169time would have many more issues than it really does.

So, the price wont be dropped, there is no need to. Its called supply and demand. I dont believe 169time has any desire to be a volume product. Too much hassle, and too much visibility. So, some of us record, and some of us wait.

Dave

Originally posted by h2ofun
Daev
...and some of us have problems spelling our first name correctly. ;)

--Jerome

I dont mean to be rude about this but being polite has not worked. I emailed Richard a week ago following up on one of my purchases in the shop & in that same email I asked for an up date on the new software. The software question was completely ignored. I know he is an intelligent person but to completely ovoid my question is now really getting rude and getting old.

I normally do not allow the support of products like this on the forum. I do not do it with anything else. Ive aloud this to remain for a few years and I feel I deserve some answers. A lot of sales have come from this forum.
At this point I have no incentive to let this topic continue. Theres no communication what so ever. A complete mystery.

Dave seeing as your the link for all of us who seam to get information we do not get I will ask you to get me some answers to help determine if its worth letting this topic remain open.

Thank you.

Originally posted by h2ofun
Graphics, the issue is only the complainers tend to post on the net.
As many others have posted, they are 100% happy.

Wait till their JVC break or they realize that their tapes will not play right on any other decoder. Will they then be 100% happy?

I would be 90% happy if this problem were fixed. The glitches should also disappear when it's made to work with other decoders. No piece of equipment is ever 100%.

complainer

I agree here to. I can record 100% compatible transport streams with the new TSreader. OFF of expressvu and dishnetwork. that can play back on my fusion hdtv card. also the myhd 100 card and also the JVC 30 K and also stremed through the mits to my JVC 30 K. I really would like to see the avx1 software be able to do it with all the products. What I do not understand is if I record the transport stream from the sat and also record the same show with my 169time modded receiver why isn't the 169time recordings compliant? It is the exact same show and taping awfully strange if you ask me.

I think that, if even skeptics like me could say in the various recording discussions that come up, "Yes you can use this box and get 100% good recordings as long as there are no glitches in the signal, i.e. you will record what you see", with the current low price of JVC decks, 169time would probably sell as many boxes as it already has. There is a lot of pent up desire for this, but those folks for whom this is not a lifestyle, i.e. those who want a commercial level product that just works, just continue to sit on the fence because the price cannot be justified unless it just works.

fyi

AVX1 software update development status

169time.com is actively improving the AVX1 software that processes the satellite HDTV recording signal.

Here some problems 169time is currently addressing.

(1) Some signal errors in the received signal are increased in duration in the recording. For example, an error that causes a short audio click in the received signal watched in real time sometimes results in a freeze in the audio and video of the recording for about 2 seconds. The solution 169time is developing for this will eliminate the increased duration so that the recording contain the same smaller duration error, i.e. a short click stays a short click.

(2) Some of the recordings do not play back through all of the playback decoders. For example the Samsung 165, Hipix, and Myhd aren't correctly playing back some AVX1 processed recordings even though the JVC deck's decoder plays back that recording okay. The solution 169time is developing for this will allow playback on other decoders.

169time will deliver a solution for (1) above to software testers by Thanksgiving. The release date for this improved software will depend on the success of this testing. Development is continuing with a solution for
(2) above, to be delivered to testers at a date after the release of the solution for (1).

169time has already set up a group of software testers and is not considering additional testers at this time.

If you are not already set up as a tester, please wait for the official software release.


fyi

Dave

Anyone on this board set up as a tester. I requested once but I guess I do not qualify.,
Please let us know who you are.

Thank you.

I am unsure if I am a beta tester but I can say Dave was great in letting me beta test the A4 for pc recording. ( by the way am I beta?)

Looking forward to this, Dave!

I tested the A4 software, but I don't know if that makes me a beta tester, either.

I think anyone who buys 169Time AVX is using beta software. It's a public beta program you buy into. Maybe you had some alpha software, wildchild.

My 2cents in again: IMO ~ I sure would take care of (a Person, or Persons) who allow me to push a product this long on a forum, for FREE, which reaches thousands of readers who follow the thread (which he claims to not allow in the 1st place on other products) Who has bought the product himself, and has been patent VERY-VERY to this point, as to the glitches that he and others still have, and was NOT put on a BETA test list for the software, thats being developed, according to the posting .

I would put this person or persons that was willing to help me with the above, TEST and FIX the problems of a product that I produce as the #1 or #2 person to be my BETA TESTER, just in time for THANKSGIVING...........
In the real world this would be considered INSANE!
Dave I would call Richard............like now!
sub-note: "Free Advertising Is a Terrible Thing To Waste!"

Yes Don I stand corrected I had alpha software.

Graphics, I have always done this. I tend to work with the half full folks in this group, and I have done "more" than I was supposed to in the past.
So, I think my actions speak louder than any words.

Alan, thanks for the push. You have no idea the heated discussion I had on the phone yesterday!!!!!

Again, all this next release focus is to stop the avx-1 from making real glitches longer than they were. You will still get ALL the glitches the signal has to start with, Including any your enviroment puts in. ;) Atleast, this is the goal. One cant fix garbage.

Dave

I'll bet if you guys switched to the 169time Dish 6000, your problems would be solved. We have been capturing perfect HD streams from Dishnet for years using the Dish 5000. So the "garbage in" is a non-issue there. That is assuming "can't fix garbage" was referring to the software and not the hardware.


Joe

(Still trying to figure out how actions can speak louder than words on a text based internet forum:))

The Dish 6000 performs the same as the DTC-100. It's not the reciever. It's the AVX-1 Software that has problems with other decoders.

The modulator does a way better job at re-muxing the streams - i.e. generating the proper PAT and PMT tables and null packets and distributing them appropriately as not to overflow/underflow decoding buffers. The only issue with the modulator is that its null packets are marked as PID 0xFE as opposed to 0xFF. Other than that, the streams are perfect. Hopefully the AVX-1 software will be able to catch up.

Dang. I was just about to order one too.

Does anyone have a link to download 15-60 secs or so of an AVX-1 capture to hard drive? I'd like to see if any of my softwares can convert it to a compliant transport stream. Maybe it's something simple?

169time doesn't encourage help by posting an example to download, do they?

Thanks,
Joe

I'll send you a tape.

Thank you.

Please check your PM.

Jeff, 169times first focus is to the make avx-1 work with that they sold.
Thats the dtc100, 6000. First focus is NOT the other stuff.
Existing customers first.

Jamoka, how can you make your statement about 169time? Have you ever called Richard and offered help? He, or I, or others would be glad to give anyone certain stuff if we can all help the cause.

Richard does know he wants to make the avx-1 more compatable with the other decoders. Again, one step at a time. Lets just get our turkey first!!

Dave

Jamoka, if you have an FTP site, I will send you a file. Let me know.

Marc.

Another intersting note: I swicthed the big-ass 15? ft cable that 169time provided along with the HDVR kit, with a smaller 6 ft cable, and I haven't had a picture freeze on the networks all night tonight. Hmmmmmmmm.....


Marc.

After reading most of this thread while accumulating the above components, I'm happy to say that my JVC 30K from Ecost arrived today and I'm already recording glitch free free both OTA and SAT HD sources. I just set the timer on the DISH 6000 to record two movies later tonight on a JVC DF420 tape. What could be simpler? At this time I'm very enthusiastic about the 169time solution. My pet peeve is that the AVX-1 (mine is from 169 time) must be turned off or unplugged before playing back the recording from the JVC deck.

The PQ from the tape really dazzles. I can't see any loss at all. And I've got everything mounted in a glass door cabinet with no interference problems. What with fans in all these components, the noise reduction of the glass doors really helps improve the listening environment.

BTW, I was in a position to bring my receiver to Richard for the mod. As others have related, he wants his customers to be happy with his product. He's very professional and communicates with an engineer's precision. He doesn't have a lab setup like Intel; it's more like that of "Doc" from Back to the Future.

If you're looking for assurance that this particular product combo works well on the first attempt, I'm writing now to say that it does even without separating the components. I can time shift/archive local programming and movies, all in HD with or without timers. What a tremendous advance.

To playback a tape you can just disconnect the avx-1 firewire cable from the front of the JVC deck. I do this and the playback interference problems go away.

Thanks Marc. I don't have an ftp site though.
Joe

Seems like I have to reboot the AVX1 when I disconnect the FireWire. I don't have any trouble playing back tapes with the AVX1 connected. When I start playing a tape it overrides the incoming signal from the AVX1. It plays perfectly with no interference.

I am sure glad 169time has shipped things we can use, than promise and never seem to ship at all. ;) Perfect, nope, real, yep, useable, yep, improving, always. I keep telling Richard I had better get my turkey at thanksgiving, 2003.

Dave

I bet Richard has this fixed before Dish gets the 921 out the door! :D

Originally posted by Alan Gouger
Anyone on this board set up as a tester. I requested once but I guess I do not qualify.,
Please let us know who you are.

Thank you.

I tested A4 and reported back on my experience in several posts. A4 is basically the same as B3 except for the fact that you don't need the JVC in the chain for PC recording. Since replacing the DVHSTool TSCAP filter with the original Leszek TSPCAP filter I am getting excellent recordings.
Note: I always unplug the RCA from power for ~30 seconds before attempting to record.

Alan: Regarding your comments on continuing to allow 169Time discussions:

A. You have a gripe coming. If I were Richard, I would go out of my way to keep you happy. Hard to understand.

B. I suspect that 169Time has realized more sales as a result of this Forum than from any other source. Just a guess.

C. That said; as a regular participant in the Forum I want the discussions to continue (some of us support the Forum via donations and support of advertisers as well). There is a wealth of information to be gained, both technical and political, from this thread.

Mike

I have no intentions of puling the thread. Im glad to hear ( I think we all are) new software is right around the corner.

Happy Thanksgiving:)

He better. Guy has himself a cold at the moment. Jeff, never thought the avx-1 sw would even be in the running against the 921 as to who was first based on all the promises. Oh well, about two weeks.

Dave

Okay, please don't beat me down for asking this question. :)

Any chance of supporting VOOM? I have the 169time stuff with a DTC-100 and stacks of tapes that I haven't watched. I'm thinking it might be interesting to switch to VOOM after looking at what they are playing this week on their movie channels. But, I would want to be able to record. I realize that a mod would invalidate the money back guarantee if it were done to the main unit, though.

Of course, a new software release is pretty important and has been promised, so just asking about VOOM.

--Darin

Voom, not on the plans now

dave

Does anyone even know what is inside a Voom STB?
I wonder if it is "doable" for the HDVR mod?

It is so new that perhaps Richard/Dave haven't even looked inside
one yet?

He looks at lots of stuff. Do you want a new version of the avx-1 s/w, or a new box, or, Cant have it all.

Dave

My vote: Software:)
Voom is adding firewire shortly.

Software! all the way... We need a replacement for the dieing 5000/mod.

I third!! Lets get working correctly what we have first!!!

Dave

Hello Everyone.
I spoke to Richard also about VOOM,He told me that he has a box on order,so I guess he will be looking into it soon.

I been having great success since I separated the AVX from the PSHD-105
& the JVC 30000.

Of course i'm talking about recording & playback

I hope the new AVX-1 SW will fix this.

Originally posted by Alan Gouger
My vote: Software:)
Voom is adding firewire shortly.

Alan,

Do you have a timeframe of when this might be??? That may be my trigger as to when to jump ship from D*TV.

I really doubt that the Voom box will ever be released with firewire in the near future. What makes anyone think that cablevision will be able to do(firewire),what Directv and Dish have not been allowed or have not allowed in their respective receivers.

lon

Theres a post taking about the future upgrade somewhere. I read it the other day. Looks very promissing.

This doesn't look good for the 169Time units.
See this thread.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=2939442#post2939442

It may have to do with the AVX decoder and its limited buffer. I know of another solution that is working perfect with those channels.

Hopefully the new software will make this combo compatible again.

Does anyone know if he will modify a VOOM box?

Originally posted by Alan Gouger
It may have to do with the AVX decoder and its limited buffer. I know of another solution that is working perfect with those channels.


That solution is short lived. BEV will be changing to 8PSK the first of next year :(

Originally posted by Compromise
Does anyone know if he will modify a VOOM box?

That question has been answered.

I currently have a Starchoice HD-201 decoder and a JVC 3000 D-VHS and was wondering if others could share their opinions on how well the firewire mod and AVX1 work with their HD200/HD201 setup.

Jrichards,

Where did you read that BEV will be going 8PSK the first of the year? Will they be supplying the 8PSK module to current subscribers? I'm a legit subscriber, and havn't been told. If it's less than two months away, you'd think they would have let us know. Will the 169time solution still work for 8PSK channels?

Marc.

You will hear about it soon.

Originally posted by jrichards
That question has been answered.

testie!

Originally posted by Compromise
testie!

No... Just don't have patience for waisting bandwidth. Why would someone post a question that has been answered in the same thread only a couple post before? :confused:

Originally posted by jrichards
You will hear about it soon. They have been testing it for some time now. It should work the same as dish however the latest problems with channel 660 and 661 makes me wonder.

Well what then, they're just going to give away the 8PSK module for free i wonder? Because they cant make people pay for it just to keep getting all the HD channels they currently get. It's not like Dish has ever switched any existing HD channels over to 8PSK for the same reason. Only new channels use that format.

Remember the new Dish 500 they did this year? Anyone who didn't upgrade the dish don't get HD. The module will be even easier and cheaper. Also it can be installed by the end user.
It's coming soon believe it or not.

BEV will have no problem switching because they only have one receiver to upgrade unlike Dish having the 5000/Modulator. I'm sure they will work out the module deal for the HD subscribers (free upgrade). Not sure how the Gray market subs will be handled.

Oh thats cool. I'm not doubting you. Again just saying that they'd have to pretty much send them out for free is all. They cant simply say all your HD will go dark unless you give us $100.00 It would definitely be in their best interest to switch people over. And it's not like they have gobs of HD subs anyway.

Even as a Gray market sub I probably wouldnt bellyache too much if I had to pay for one. If for no other reason than the fact that recently Dish ran that 8VSB module for a mere 8.95 (shipping only) deal and I took advantage of that to equip my Bev 6000 with it's own OTA tuner to go along with the one I already had in the Dish 6000. :)

Originally posted by DP1
...If for no other reason than the fact that recently Dish ran that 8VSB module for a mere 8.95 (shipping only) deal and I took advantage of that to equip my Bev 6000 with it's own OTA tuner to go along with the one I already had in the Dish 6000. :)

Are they still running that deal?

169time will deliver a solution for (1) above to software testers by Thanksgiving.

Will the new software be available by tomorrow?

I just wrote Richard this morning that he had better have me a copy of the s/w tomorrow, as he promised!!!!! I have yet to hear back.
I guess it would be midnight PST tomorrow.

Or he can come on this forum and get beat up!!! He gets the money, I dont

dave

Its a long weekend for most of us so I dont mind if its a few days late. It will be nice to play with it while we have the time off though. Im just glad knowing efforts are being made and it will be released sooner than later.

Have a great turkey day everyone.

A few days ago, I finally got around to installing the HDVR board in my Dish 6000 and getting my my old HTPC setup so it would work with the AVX-1 software. Had it running for 5 or 6 hours with no visible problems, droppouts or lip sync issues. Then I recorded a few minutes to test the JVC deck. Sure enough, it was broken up bad. A quick cleaning of the heads and all was well! Made a perfect tape...

So what is this new software about?

Thanks,

Nick

It will stop glithes that are short (not caused by the avx-1) into being longer (can be caused by the avx-1)

Now, I have told RIchard, if I dont get s/w today, HE can come onto this forum and explain. In life, when I make a commitment, I always deliver.
No excuses. So, if you want to beat up someone, just remember I am a non paid hobby person just like the rest of ya. If you saw my theater room, you would understand. Right Todd since you have seen it.

Dave

It will stop glithes that are short (not caused by the avx-1) into being longer (can be caused by the avx-1)

Excellent. At first I always got perfect recordings now I seem to always get HD-Net & Disc-HD perfect but SHO-HD, HD-Net Movies and HBO-HD have the 1-2 little pauses that everyone else has though sometimes they turn out perfect. In all I am VERY happy with my 169time equipment.

And Dave....thanks for giving(no pun intended) so much of your time and effort to help everyone. I for one appreciate all that you do.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Mike

Anybody know if the new Rca Dvr10 PVR will integrate and function with 169time DTC100/AVX/JVC30000 setup.

Mike, this is what is important to understand as you said. If the source is "perfect", no glitches, thats what you will get. But, if there are glitches from the source, these may be extended at times by the avx-1. Garbage in, more garbage out. So, a .1 second glitch your eyes would not see, but the recording will. But, if the .1 second becomes 1 second because of the avx-1, you may see it. So, the goal is to get the s/w to only pass the true time of the glitch, not do any extending. If the source isnt glitch free, the avx-1 recording can never be better than the original.

Dave

I would like to echo what mbw23air said. My recording sounds similar to his. I also appreciate your efforts Dave and those of 169time. I am very happy with the way it is now but I will welcome any improvements.

Thanks to the folks who understand the big picture and the nice comments.
Am pushing Richard hard to meet his promise!!! Said, I dont judge until midnight, which means what I see in my in box tomorrow morning at worst case.

Dave

Dang, give the poor guy a Holiday off would ya'...jeesh:rolleyes:!!!

Hi All!

I need some help. I received my 169Time mod-ed Toshiba Wednesday evening. All went well with the DTV install but I elected to build my own AVX1 computer; I used a

MSI MS-6368 Micro ATX motherboard, Celeron 1.3gHz, 128 mB SDRAM, Pioneer DVD-120 cdrom drive, SGI 3port fierwire card. A couple of Cables-to-go premium cables, 1ea 6 pin - 4 and 1ea 6 pin - 6.

All seems to go well until the end of boot up. It then loops at "Looking for HDVR" on the AVX1 screen.

I hooked the other cable to my PC and it was detected as AVX1!

I have to wait until Tax refund time for the JVC 40k;

but any way I will get another cable 6-4 pin since it seems the Tosh is not being seen by AVX1 computer.

I am looking for a print out of the AVX1 boot-up screen sequence to see if something is not loading or errors. the software version is 0.8A4.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks
Rew

Anyone using a JVC 40k or Marantz deck with the AVX? I'd like to upgrade but want to make sure my old recordings will still play correctly and that I can still record.

mrwillsion

I have the 40k and the 400 and they do not work with the AVX. You will get a lot of drop outs.

The new software should fix this.

Alan, not sure about that. I know Richard has seen issues with the 40K.
New productm, new firmware, new bugs.

Well, Richard wrote me he posted me a new test version of the s/w.
So, will let you know how it goes.

Thanks Richard!!!

Again, test version for me to try.

Dave

Okay, here is the readme file that has been written. So, after I give it a quick try, if folks want to help "test" with me for 169time, send me an PM.
You cant bug 169time, other than to send make data as stated.

fyi

08A5 has the following intended improvements:

1) Not increase the duration (picture & sound freeze) of digital errors

that cause resyncs.

2) Increase the robustness of the program to not require reboots or

replugging of firewire cables.

When reporting results of testing 08A5, please indicate the type of set

top box used,
the channels tested, and the model number of the DVHS deck.

To burn the CD, use Winrar and un-rar the 5 volumes into the 08A5.GI

file.
Then use Record Now Max to burn the CD.

"

Dave

Okay, just went through the process, and fired it up, and made a tape.
Worked fine. (For the 2 minutes I tried).

So, lets hear how others do. What I great why to spend the day after
Thanksgiving, working with new s/w.

So, the bet was would 169time get s/w out before anyone had the 921 working in their house. Well, 169time AGAIN, comes through!!!!!!!!!!!
Don, 169time the clear winner or what? Now, if I can just get the next piece working I want ;)

Dave

Thanks Alan. How do tapes made on a 30k playback on the 40k?

Now, just to make sure, RIchard has done the testing. I just have too many things going on other than the initial test, and then getting it into others to beat up who do a much better job than me.

So, about 5 of you have it so far. Let us know.

Dave

You only want to use the 085a. The 4 is the current one.
Use recordnow to burn the 08a5.gi

Do image, and then add the file, and burn.

So, folks only need to download the 08a5 for testing.

Dave

"2) Increase the robustness of the program to not require reboots or

replugging of firewire cables."


Well there's one gift for me! if it works as claimed. I need to do the replugging of the cables way too often, like everytime I switch modes from record to playback!



"Don, 169time the clear winner or what? Now, if I can just get the next piece working I want "

How come I'm the judge? I decline due to stuff I know and can't discuss. NDA and all... nuf said! :) I just want the remaining bugs/kludginess mainly on usage to be fixed. Wonder if it will work with the Mits?

Don, the criteria was who had the product in their hands first. So, unless an average Joe got a 921 yesterday, seems like an easy answer. ;)

Dave

I used DVDDecryptor to burn the gi image file. Worked great.

I made a 30 minute recording. Normally I tune the channel I want to record and then reboot the AVX1 a few minutes before I'm ready to record. This time I booted the new software and changed channels a few times and played part of a DVHS tape before I put a clean tape in and started to record. I noticed one small glitch about 20 minutes into the recording. It was maybe an eighth of a second glitch. It was more like a flicker in the picture. I'm not sure if it was a glitch in the software or not. It could have been broadcast that way. The glitches I normally get usually last a half second to a second. I'll do more recording later. It will probably take quite a few recordings to know if it is really better software or not because sometimes I get perfect recordings anyway.

So where is the download of this finished software? Or, is it only available to the alpha or new beta testers?

It is in beta. If you want it pm Dave.

Here is a link to demo recordnow max s/w. I would suggest its a great guy also.

Dave

http://www.tucows.com/preview/267811.html

Don, sent you a PM.

Others, please post are you get data. Again, there is NO change in other decoder compatibility. Sorry. yet

Dave

Can anyone assist in a step by step process to download and burn CD I am totally lost I have no idea what unrar and rar is.

Lon

Do a search for winrar and download the trial version. Run winrar and select the directory where you downloaded the files from Dave. Select all the files except for the txt file and extract them. You should get two files, the one you need is the 08A5.gi. This is an image file and needs to be burned to the cd as an image. I used DVDdecryptor to do this, Dave used the Recordnow Max program which he posted a link to.

Perhaps someone can burn the CD for me and send it to me, it would be appreciated, PM me for my address.

Lon

Lon, if you install the trial version of winwar, and then double click on the .rar file, it will come up just like winzip. Hit extract and the gi file is made.

Then use trial of recordnow max and do image and point to this gi location.

Dave

Winrar trial

http://download.com.com/3000-2250-10204199.html?part=113677&subj=dlpage&tag=button

Dave

Dave,

Thanks for the software. My initial impression, I think this software is a definite improvement over A4. I did a ten minute test of the A5 software, recording "Flight of the Intruder" from D* HDNet Movies to the JVC 30K and the PC with DVHSTool. I agree with both of the claims made for the software.

The connection reliability of the A5 software did appear improved, but I did not focus on that issue. I just wanted to get it working so I could test for glitches.

With the A5 software, playback of recordings from tape through the JVC decoder appeared smooth, but that's what I expected, because that's what I got from the A4. What has really improved is playback through the DTC-100 decoder. The ten minute clip that I watched from DTC-100 decoder was virtually glitch free, when played from recordings saved on both the JVC deck and the PC hard disk using DVHSTool.

Overall, I would rate this software a keeper. Thanks.

Originally posted by LJG
Perhaps someone can burn the CD for me and send it to me, it would be appreciated, PM me for my address.

Lon





Anyone?

lon come no, its not that hard!!

Dave

Hello Everybody!

Been following developments from afar and am very pleased to see that Richard has met his commitment to Dave (and by extension all of us -- his customers here at AVS) to produce this new beta firmware by the Thanksgiving deadline.

Glad to see that most have been as happy with the 169Time set-up as I am. Its cross-platform flexibility is a great feature in these uncertain and transitional times.

As Dave has indicated, I have inspected both his Beta test site home theater room (brrr!) and Richard's secret backwoods laboratory (think set of "Bride of Frankenstein.")

Let us again thank Richard for his incredible ingenuity in inventing this wonderful product.
Let us also thank Dave for providing the focus and the persistence (in the absence of any significant financial interest!) to keep things on task and for patiently putting up with the likes of us who demand nothing less than perfection yesterday.

Let us not forget that at the end of the day it is the income that Richard derives from this product that clothes, feeds, and educates his children.
Just not fair or realistic to expect him to place all of his hard work in jeopardy by giving away the store (or source-code as it were).

Richard is a one man band, but he has demonstrated time and time again his ability to overcome problems and deliver product even if it's not on the schedule most of us would prefer.

PVR 921 looks just fine, but until it is actually released, firewire is activated, and more DISH HD content added it would appear to me to be a luxury I can live without.

Ditto the DirecTV HD TIVO.

No doubt this release will not ultimately prove to be the be all end all.
Soon we will all be clamoring for more better.

Before we start beating Dave and Richard up next time however, let's just not forget that only this one man band has been delivering the recording products we have demanded and which many of us perceive as essential to the ultimate success of the home HDTV experience. Not Sony. Not Panasonic or even Samsung. Just 169Time. Period.

Thanks R&D!

Originally posted by h2ofun
lon come no, its not that hard!!

Dave

Dave:

I must have some sort of mental block, I could not download and burn the last software revision either after spending way to many hours on it, it is not due to lack of effort, so if somebody could burn me a copy great, if not so be it.

Lon

The rar file can be un-packed with the shareware as stated above but if you have "stuff-it" it will also work. In fact, many un-zipping software that recognizes the rar compression file extension should work to create your 08A5.gi file.

The next step is to burn it to a CD. The file 08A5.gi is what is called a "Global Image" file. It is not a data file per se. So you can't simply use your CD burning software to transfer the Gi file to your CD or it will just burn it as a single file on the CD. Dave/Richard has suggested you use the purchased software called Record Now Max by Stomp, Inc. This is fine but you will need to buy that and it sells for between $40 and $80 depending on the version according to my google search this evening. It used to be trial version but I couldn't find a freebie link You can also use your software that comes with your CD burner or any custom burning software you have since nearly all CD burning software I have ever used will do not only do audio CD's, data CD's, and copy CD's but also image burning. I used my Sony CD extreme that came with the CD drive and it worked fine but you have to use it in the image burn mode, not the data mode. You know you were successful if you check the cd after burning and rather than having a single 08A5.gi file on the CD you have a whole array of folders and boot files on the CD explore display. Then you should be ready to use your CD in the AVX.

I did it this way because I didn't want to buy another set of software just to do what my software will already do.

If none of the above made any sense, then just go do it the way Dave has suggested with winrar and record now max. I'm sure those are fine products but I don't use them.

________________________________________

First test Results-

First of all I'm still having trouble with my AVX hardware. When it is off for a period of time the 1394 board becomes intermittent and aborts during the boot at the sensing of the 1394 card. So, I had to reseat the board and all was fine. Some day I may exchange the mother board as I'm sure it is the PCI sockets that are defective on this version of board that Richard used when he first started making these things. He has volunteered to swap me out for free but I have not bothered him with his offer.
Anyway, I have not had the time to record anything and evaluate yet but I can say that this version did not abort when switching back and forth between the OTA channel mode and the DBS channel mode. In the past, the system required that I disconnect the 1394 cable from the AVX to use OTA mode as it would foul things up for the next DBS recording session.
But the big disappointment for me in the use test is that the 1394 cable must still be disconnected in order to use the OTA mode for playback so as for claim that 1394 cable swapping: "2) Increase the robustness of the program to not require reboots or replugging of firewire cables." may be so for the reboots many were having to do but I find no improvement in what I call 'usability' with the Mits2000u for cable replugging. This may be an improvement for those with the JVC who felt the need to replug the 1394 but not with the Mits.

I'll report back in a day or so after I've had several hours of record and playback with the new software. I will say that my previous version rarely suffered glitches so I want to do about 6-10 hours of record and playback to see how it all looks.

Equipment: DTC-100/HDVR2 - Mitsubishi2000u - AVX-1

Lon,

You have a PM.

Mike

I'll report back in a day or so after I've had several hours of record and playback with the new software. I will say that my previous version rarely suffered glitches so I want to do about 6-10 hours of record and playback to see how it all looks.

That's exactly what I am going to do. I recorded a movie with the new software off of SHO last night and haven't got to view it yet. The system is more robust as far as holding the other devices in the chain without needing to reset. I will report back in a few days after several hours of testing.

Equipment: DTC-100/HDVR2 - JVC30K - AVX-1

Mike

mrwillson

Tapes recorded from the 30k and played back on the 400 or 40k will have break ups every few minutes.

Alan- Can you run the test with non- AVX recorded tapes on the 30K ( like OTA signals) and then play back on the 40K? If those are OK then this is something that needs addressed as well. I have never been able to play back my AVX tapes on another VCR than my MIts. But on the MIts they all play fine, save for those few glitches. Hopefully this new alpha software Dave let me try will prove perfect with the glitches.

Don

Yes OTA tapes recorded on the 30k play fine on the 40k or 400.

AVX tapes recorded on the 30k with no glitches will have glitches every few minutes on the 40k or 400.

Mike:

Thanks, I truly appreciate it.

Lon

Sounds like the same deal I have with AVX recordings on the MIts and try to play back elsewhere. On the Panny the pic breakups happen about every 15 seconds. I once thought this was just a Mits problem but aparently not.

Thanks for verifying.

Mike:

Thanks, I truly appreciate it.

Lon

Anyone use their Mits Integrated decoder to playback AVX recordings?

Dave

Is your ftp site down? I cant get in. I get "no reply"

Thanks Dave!

I recorded I SPY via my dedicated MITS VCR and played it back via firewire from my second MITS VCR to my MITS 73711. Flawless-not one single pause, glitch, etc. It was perfect. I must be lucky.

I always reboot the MITS recording VCR just before recording and power up the AVX. I let it power up for at least ten minutes.

Alan, I got in okay, but someone else said that too.

Any more specifics as to whats going on?

Dave

I dont know what to say. I just tried again on a different computer and works fine. With the number of folks I have given the link to, only 2 have said they have an issue, so, not sure whats going on.

dave

Dave

Im all set.
If anyone else is using SmartFTP you cannot add FTP to the address. It assumes its there.

Thanks Dave.

Can anyone else put up a mirror for these files? I am going to run out of my limit of downloads..

Dave

Where is the new update as I don't see it at 169time and I have problematic BEV and DTC100 units?

Dave
Does it have to be a ftp server. Can I store it on our server. I have no idea how to do this.

So far the software is working very stable for me.

I want to re address a statment I made earlier.
A recording using the AVX & 30K will play fine on the 400 or 40k.

It will mess up if the 40K is put through the Samsung 165 via firewire. Its the samsung & AVX that have the capadibility issues.

I just made a 30 minute tape with the new software via the AVX & 30k and it plays back flawless on the 40K.

Thanks for the update, Alan. Have you tried to record with the 40K yet. I've decided to gety the 40K when the 921 updates their software to address it. It would be nice if the 40K works OK with the AVX as well.


Dave I have lots of bandwidth on my Bestoftheweb.tv site now that the show is in the off season. I'd have to build a link to it and people could grab the file with a "save target as" right click of the mouse. Would that work? It's no problem so just let me know. I can put the link in my signature file for AVS so people could get it quickly. I have enough bandwidth available for about 5 thousand downloads. Is that enough? :)

Don, that would be great. So, if you could put them on your site, and give me and folks the directions on how to download, I can shut mine down.

This release, again, did not target ANY improvements in the decoder. It was 100% targeted to not lengthening any glitches. Need to stay focused on step by step. So, if folks can make sure this is correct before we take the next step, forward. Sure dont want to have to go back.

Now, if I can get some of the other neat stuff going. ;)

Maybe we can be on a roll!! Still have more time before the 921 is in quantity, in hands, and working with firewire. Until then, we are still in the lead. And if I am successful, we may stay there. ;) I love working with the underdog!!!

Dave

Alan, can you please send me the software to jim.xian@gte.net

TIA,

Jim

Forget the PM, Dave. Just saw this post.

I'm uploading the file 08A5.rar now. I'll build a link to it in my signature soon as it's up there. That worked for my TV3 file so it should work here too.

Don, there I think are 6 files.

Dave

Dave, I only have the one as it is everything I needed. You did have a bunch of other files but I thought those were prior versions.
The 9.766 Mb file is decompressed with stuffit to a folder which makes the single gi file which is burned. That works. So tell me why I need to deal with six files.

Whoops! I see. I need to make a correction. You are correct as I found the other files with this test.

Just hold on folks while I fix this in the next 15 minutes.


OK the new ZIP file is being uploaded now. It looks like about 41 Mb so this will take a few more minutes. :)


You were right, there were 6 files including the readme. Too many links for this non-ftp way so I just zipped them together in one file. Hope this is OK. Nobody in their right mind would try to download with a slow connection. Should be uploaded by 9:15 for sure.

Prior to this new update, I was forced to go through a very irregular boot procedure to get the JVC 40k to sync with the AVX-1. I unplugged both the DTC-100 and the JVC 40k after booting the AVX-1. Once they were plugged back in, the JVC 40k would spot the AVX-1 and everything would function normally.

With this update, I am able to revert back to the boot procedure suggested by 169time for the JVC 30k. This is a big plus, as it was inconvenient to get underneath my desk and unplug wires every time I wanted to record a show.

I have not yet made a recording, but will report back on the results of that.

Jim

The files are huge. To big to email. You will have to wait for Don t setup his site for the download.

I recorded 30 minutes of discovery and ended up with a large glitch about 15 minutes into playback that was not there when I made the recording.

To soon to tell anything. Still have a lot of recordng to do and we need feedback from everyone.

50 meg

dave

Yep, about 51 Megs for all 6 files but doing them as a zip I got it down to 41Megs or so. It's up there now. I'll do a quick test to be sure they work OK. There was one other on the network here hitting the net while the upload was going on so I hope it arrived OK.

Thanks don!!

Dave

There was one other on the network here hitting the net while the upload was going on so I hope it arrived OK.


Yeah, I think that was me:rolleyes: Sorry, I thought you had it all up there by now. It appeared to download OK though.

I don't have my CD burner here at the time, so I'll need to wait to actually make the CD.

OK, I just verified that the upload and a download, unzipped and unstuffed to a Gi was perfect.

Have fun!

PS DaveH.- no that was my daughter on our lan which slowed the upload so it took about 15 minutes to complete. I believe it was all up by 9:15 ET.

I need some help with 08a5.gi file. I can't install RecordNow Max on my system, it has an internal install error. Every other CD burning program I use just burns a copy of the 08a5.gi file, the directories and files do not show up on the CD. Any suggestions?

Okay, I'm in business now. Used the European download from CNET download site. Could not find any other program to properly burn .gi files.

Some CD burning software will have the image burn feature located in a different place than the other 3 burn options, audio, data, and copy. Glad you found it but in the future, you may want to try searching your help file and doing a search for the word "image"

Nero has the image burn feature under: File and Sony Extreme has it under tools. Those are the only two applications I use currently

Record and playback report on 08A5:

Equipment- DTC-100/HDVR2 -- Mits2000U -- AVX

Tape- New DF420, repacked.


Recorded 3.5 hours on HBOHD while watching to be sure the live feed was visually error free.

I then watched the entire recording last night again. Starwars is a good movie to do this with but the one that followed, was an SD upconvert and less appealing mystery drama. But I suffered through that in the interest of science. :)

The playback of Starwars was immediately plagued with very short stutterings about one every 2 minutes. Hardly noticeable but after a while the stuttering picture frequency became annoying enough that my daughter commented on it. "Dad, Why does the picture jump like that?"

After about 20-30 minutes of watching the picture hesitated for about 1 second and the audio this time quit for a moment as well. That was the only time I saw that throughout the 3.5 hour tape. IT was in the recording as well as those very short hesitations as they occur at the same spot upon repeated playback.

A bit of an improvement Compared to the previous version- Previous version Beta 3 was doing a random "glitch" every 15 minutes to half hour. These glitches were much longer but fewer in number than the 08A5 software.


As for the connection robustness- I call it the 169Time Kludge Factor. I really don't see any major improvement with the MIts over the prior software. If I don't go through the same gyrations of FW cable replugging, and rebooting of the DTC-100, it just doesn't work. There is one area that has been a big kludge factor with the AVX that I will be watching but can't give a report yet--- That is the older AVX software would "expire" after about 4-5 days of continuous running with an error message that the buffer had run out or something like that. Rebooting would fix that but in a recording it would just quit working mid movie. This a good reason to reboot the AVX before every critical recording. I had a similar symptom with my DST50 and would always reboot it before any critical recording.

I'll keep the AVX rolling and report whether it still "expires" after several days.

I have another DF420 I recorded but in this recording, I switched channels every 5-10 minutes while the tape was rolling, surfing the D* HD channels. I finally ended up on the HDNet MOvie channel for the remaining 2 hours of the tape. I may watch that one later today and will report on it then.

Using Muse, Sateira, Adensoft 2.4.2, or Roxio CD creator resulted in errors or just one 148mb directory when trying the image burn function. Only the RecordNow Max software worked for me. It was the only package that even describes a global image file under image burning help.

My brief testing trial only addressed the replugging issue. It is fixed, IMO.
Setup: 6000, 30K, AVX1

Don, there is NO improvement for the Mits, and probably wont be.

Dave

Sierrabob-

I once tried Roxio but it had many problems with my burner so when their tech guy told me to return it for full refund, I did. Looks like Nero, Sony Extreme and Record Now Max are three that work fine.

I had nothing but issues in the past with roxio also, so I dont use anymore

dave

FYI -

I haven't tried this with the AVX .gi file (& won't have any opportunity to for quite a while), but ...

Often programmers code very "brain dead" behavior into applications. :rolleyes: (This is often done to "help" you. But help is, after all, a 4-letter word.) In particular, a CD burning program might ignore your request to treat a file as a CD image if it doesn't have whatever file extension (often .ISO) it expects.

More good news during software testing:

1) No conditioning of JVC deck required. Turn everything on and press record, just like your daddy's VCR.

2) Channel surfing works even while recording.

The cycling of AVX1 input and power before recording is unnecessary. You don't have to avoid selecting the HDVR input; the picture will not hang up.

The only picture freezes occur with analog local channels or selecting guide on the Dish remote, although the picture stabilizes after exiting these known unsupported modes (08a6 version issue, perhaps?)

Nice work, Richard

Bob
6000, 30k refurb, AVX1

Originally posted by h2ofun
Don, there is NO improvement for the Mits, and probably wont be.Dave, could you clarify this statement? I assume this statement refers to the connection robustness of the avx-1 to the Mits deck and not the decoding of playback from the Mits deck through the DTC-100 decoder. Am I correct?

Those of us testing this software know that there are no claims being made for increased compatibility of avx-1 streams with decoders other than those in the JVC decks. On the other hand, I think we would like to know that such plans are still on the drawing board.

Still more good software results:

Recording NFL CBS telecast now. During occasional signal strength lapses into 75% range, picture pixellates slightly, but does not freeze.

This may have caused a freeze with the earlier software.

I recorded another movie and viewed the recording, this time it was glitch free. I have had a couple of glitch free recordings before but usually I get some kind of small glitch during the course of a movie. This was an hour & 45 min recording and I did reset the AVX1 before recording although it was working fine before the reset.
Equip- DST3000, JVC30K, AVX1

Cool.

My comment about the mits is it has always been a pain, so what it does, is all its going to do. The JVC is much more flexible.

And as posted weeks ago, this release had NO improvement in the decoder
compatibility. On the drawing board.

Dave

When will the 'non-testers' who paid the $97 for the upgrade to be mailed receive their copy of the new software?

Have been testing for about 6 hours. HBO, Showtime, HDNet, Discovery and now NFL Sunday Ticket for the Colts/CBS HD game. No glitches or other problems noted at all.

Eqt - DTC100, JVC 30K

"Don, there is NO improvement for the Mits, and probably wont be."

Does that mean that Richard or you have already tested it with the Mits and know this for a fact or is he still relying on others to determine the efficacy of all his software releases for the Mits? Last I heard he was not testing with the Mits anymore. He still refers all Mits support to me.

Dave,

Thanks for clarifying the issue regarding decoder compatibility for the thousandth time. As has been reported, if tapes are played back through the JVC deck decoders, the results are normally excellent, with both the A4 software, and now a little more so with the A5 software. At least that has been my experience.

Don, between him not having a mits, it not being made anymore, the issues it has, yep, no more improvements. At the price of JCV decks, why would he waste his time on it when one can buy something that is "better" for our needs?

Dave

I think Voom would be a good future canidate ( after improvement to the decoder compatibility issue is addressed)
They said they would add firewire to the box in the future so it must have the taps/ports already in the box (somewhere) for firewire. At least we know the box is compatible.

Since it is a beta Richard says it is not part of the subscription program...yet.

Another new feature of beta software:

1) Set a timer on Dish 6000.
2) Turn on AVX and JVC.
3) Turn off DISH 6000. Picture freezes. Turn off HDTV.
4) At timer start time, DISH turns on, sends signal to JVC to start recording, and picture syncs to new signal from AVX.

All you need to turn on manually for timer recording is JVC and AVX. No conditioning, no replugging, no repowering. This setup is nearing the presumed performance of the DVR 921.

"This setup is nearing the presumed performance of the DVR 921."

Give me a break!
Having worked a buggy 921 a year ago at CES, I think you are stretching it quite a bit. I think you would be more accurate in stating "this setup is working more like a traditional VHS VCR with every software improvement"

At any rate, I'm very pleased you are happy with how it works. You are using the system I may find I move to next year with the exception of a 40K JVC. I'm thinking that the current plan for the 921 Dishwire may not be exactly what I want in archiving movies so I am quite interested in your's and other's reports with the 6000/FW capability. I am considering sending in my 6000 for FW mod by Richard after I have the 921 here to use while it is being upgraded.

"Don, between him not having a mits, it not being made anymore, the issues it has, yep, no more improvements."

Thanks for the confirmation. I didn't think he was really supporting the Mits anymore. BTW- The MIts 1100 is still sold last I heard but, you're right, it was never very friendly outside of the MIts environment. IT sure had it's hey day when the JVC was having all the issues but, yes, it is now time to move on. The 40K is on my next year's purchase list! I just hope all those tapes I recorded with the Mits/avx will play on the 40K. I wish someone could verify that for me.

Originally posted by Alan Gouger
I think Voom would be a good future canidate ( after improvement to the decoder compatibility issue is addressed)
They said they would add firewire to the box in the future so it must have the taps/ports already in the box (somewhere) for firewire. At least we know the box is compatible.

Alan:

Without a doubt, this should be the next project.

Lon

I'd like to see 169Time venture into a new area.

I'd like to see it retrofit a 921 and HDTIVO for 1394 firewire networked hard drives. It would be the slickest way to build capacity to a DVR system and add a whole new technology to a limited off the shelf DVR but this, I'm told will require special software as well.

Knowing what I do about the internal guts of the 921 hard drive controller, I plan to do some of my own retrofitting experiments of this after I get a 921 of my own to play with. There are several ways to add HD capacity but a company like 169Time could be that after market company to take the ideas to product for everyone. Think about it, coming off the 921 controller to a hard drive array acting as one large drive juke box in a 169Time supplied tower where you add your own drives as needed.

Don, whats wrong with doing what your saying right from the avx-1?
No need to buy another expensive box. ;)

Dave

Dont mean to spoil the party but Im not seeing any improvement in the software as far as picture goes.

I do see it as far stability as far as not having to reboot as much and it locks on to the JVC much faster.

Regarding picture quality.

Yesterday I recorded 2 30 min sequences off HDnet. The first was perfect but the second had a large drop out in the middle that was not in the broadcast.

Tonight I recorded Harry Potter 2 and watched it while recording. Perfect broadcast.

Playing the tape back ( only watched about an hours worth skipping ahead)
first half seamed ok. Then I had an audio dropout then I had the typical mini drop out or glitch then they became more as the end of the movie got near. It got to the point that they were every 5 minutes near the end with 2 huge freezes about 5 minutes apart.

I will record more tomorrow and watch them in their entirety. HP2 is a very long movie.

For me so far the glitches are still there.

AVX/dtc100 to 30k.

Dave- How can I record two HDTV channels while watching an OTA HD channel with the AVX-1? How can I record a buffer and do instant replay and slomo and pick up on the program where I left off? Do all this for only $999 (price of the 921)with the AVX? Can you explain how?

Fact is the 921 is something different than the AVX and maybe together 169Time could enhance the 921 in areas that E* will probably never do. It has been quite obvious to me and many others that you are afraid of the 921 as the most serious competitor to 169Time in the forseeable future. I see it as another opportunity for 169Time to enter the market and offer retrofit products for the 921 that will enhance it in new and exciting areas. You were very negative about the idea of doing 1394 on the 6000 last year too, yet 169Time did it and people are buying it today. With the FW pulled from the 811, the future of 169Time's work will continue as an alternative to those wanting the timeshift solution without the hassle of tape. Adding FW to the 811 might be an easy kill for Richard too because it was originally designed for one so maybe most of the circuitry is there.
Anyway, it is just an idea for future of 169Time but I understand if you are afraid of it.

;)

Dave

Recorded a long movie last night and watched about an hour of it last night. I had one significant glitch. I played another hour this morning and had a few more glitches, and toward the 2hr mark it began glitching repeatedly making the rest of the movie unwatchable. This turned out to be one of the worst recordings I've seen even with the old software.

Is this the old s/w or the new s/w? You said old but just want to make sure.

Dave

My glitches get worse and multiply toward the end also. This is the new software for me.

Ill record another movie today and report tonight.
My setup is in my office so I get to watch the movie as Im recording.

Alan, what are you using to record, and what bird?

Meaning, we know belview (?) from canada has problems

Dave

For FYI, am sending all these data points back to Richard, so keep them
coming.

Dave

Dave

I recorded Harry Potter 2 on HBO, Direct TV to the JVC 30k.

I watched the movie while recording and the broadcast was perfect.
On playback the first half was fine but into the second half the glitches started and got worse the further into the movie happening about every 3 minutes. At the end the glitches went from glitches to mini freezes both audio & video.

Thanks!

Sorry for the miscommunication but I am using the new software. I just checked another movie I recorded Saturday also with the new software and had 7 or 8 glitches in the first 45 minutes. If this keeps up I'm going back to the old software.

I am waiting on the new software that was burned by a fellow member and is on its way, I recorded Drumline Sat night @ 8:00 pm with version 8.4, and the movie was loaded with glitches from the very start,totally unwatchable, something I have never seen before, Directv, HBOHD, DTC100 8.4 software.

Lon

Originally posted by Don Landis
[i] I just hope all those tapes I recorded with the Mits/avx will play on the 40K. I wish someone could verify that for me.

Seek and you shall receive. I recorded a copy of LOTR from Pay Per View from D*** to my dedicated MITS. I am saving this for Christmas when the family gets together.

I stuck it in the 40K and experienced no problems when played to my MITS 73711 via firewire. I watched about ten minutes of it. PQ and 5.1 were outstanding.

By the way, the two MITS D-VHS VCRs are now featured in the online MITS catalog for 2004.

I taped "The Practice" last night and watched this morning. 720p totally glitch free for 58 minutes. And the storyline was actually quite compelling.

My 30K deck has the firmware upgrade and I have installed a more "robust" CD drive to my AVX1.

Recording problems may be related to these hardware/firmware issues, not the 08A5 software.

6000/30K

Talking to Richard, need to make a few things clear, again.

The latest s/w is ONLY targeted to improve ONE issue. This is glitch length relative to the original.

There are still other things that need to be improved relating to the garbage in, garbage out, or my words, enviornment. Also, improve decoder compatibility. Neither of these were in the release just put out.

So, inputs we are looking for now are directed to the glitch duration, not that its again "perfect" based on factors 169time is trying to mask as much as possible.

So, when one does make a report, need to include all the details in detail.
What exact equipment. Which provider. EXACLTLY what one is seeing in detail. Without this, to just say it fails doesnt give useable data for 169time.

So, how are the glitch durations? Fixed with the latest stuff?

Dave

Mikey- Can you verify the 40K JVC's decoder will also play back the Mits recorded LOTR you have as that will be the wiring I will be using for 40K playback, not a 1394 to a Mits TV. It that is so then, I'm good to go!

TIA

"The latest s/w is ONLY targeted to improve ONE issue. This is glitch length relative to the original."

That was my understanding and therefore it is exactly what I reported.

The other claim with this software was the replugging of the FW but while I said there was no improvement in that on the MIts, you clarified that no support of the MIts was targeted with this release so that explains why there was no improvement.

Repeating- I did observe shorter duration glitches in the recording but these were also far more frequent in number. In the older software the glitches happened about 2-3 close together about a frequency of every 20-30 minutes. Each glitch lasted about a good 2-3 seconds.

The new software 08A5 is yielding 2-5 frame duration glitches about ever 90 seconds throughout 7 hours of recording. I have now examined both DF420 tapes. The first tape was continuous HBO HD while the second tape was channel surfed over all the HD channels, ESPN, HDNet, HBO, Showtime, DiscHDT, HDNet, spending between 5 minutes and 20 minutes on each channel duration. The glitch frequency and duration was the same. During the channel switch I left the tape rolling and it just blacked out for a couple seconds during each channel change. Nice recovery!


Idea- Considering that Richard is going in the right direction with more frequent resyncs with less error duration to the resync, if he shortened the correction to 1 frame glitch duration and do this every 20-30 seconds, it may not be noticeable during playback. Dave do you see where I'm heading?

Originally posted by h2ofun
So, how are the glitch durations? Fixed with the latest stuff? It's difficult to document glitch duration if you don't normally get glitches. In the 1.5 hours of recordings from the A5 software that I have viewed through the component outputs of the JVC 30k, I have seen one glitch. It was probably a shorter glitch than the rare glitches that I saw with the A4 software, but such comparisons are not very useful, IMO. I did watch 37 minutes of glitch free recordings played through the JVC deck from files captured to my PC hard drive by DVHSTool.

I do seem to get shorter glitches with the A5 software when I play avx-1 recordings through the DTC-100 decoder, but I know that this software is not intended to make the avx-1 recordings compatible with this decoder.

Again, I keep passing stuff to Richard.

Dave

I recorded Drumline Sunday Morning off of HBO-HD with the A5 software. It had 1-2 small glitches(brief 1 second pauses) like the A4 software would do and then about 20 minutes or so until the end of the movie it blocked up bad and the picture was in slow motion all pixellated for the rest of the movie with no audio. The AVX-1 with the A5 software is more stable with holding the devices without having to reset more often than the A4. One more problem. I got ready to record Hotlines off of HD-Net and I channeled down on the JVC30k to I-2 and after doing so a message came on the screen that said Recording Prohibited. I reset the JVC30k by unplugging it for 30 seconds and then it worked fine(this never happened with the A4 software). I will report back more after I have watched more.

Equipment: AVX-1 w\A5 software, DTC-100, JVC30k.

Mike

I haven't tried the new software yet, but I had something strange happen with one of my AVX recordings this weeked:

Using the A4 software, I recorded "Enterprise" in HD from CITYTV-HD on Bell Expressvu. The 1 hour tape played back flawlessly (not one glitch) which suprised me, and to a greater extent surprised my girlfriend. She often mutters something about 'tape crap' when glitches interrupt our viewing.
Anyway , I tried transfering the recording to my PC using DVHS Tool, as I always do. The DVHS Tool .TS file that was created, would not play, so I tried recording it again. Still nothing. I tried loading the file with MPEGVCR software which I use to edit my HD files, and only the audio would play. So finally I ran the file through TSREADER, which anaylses the transport stream, and the video PID stream came up with a message "This stream has been Blacklisted"!!! Does this mean there was some sort of encryption present? What's up? I even tried CAP-DVHS with the same results. Why can I not backup this tape to my PC?

Marc.

That's pretty freaky, Marc. Which decoders have you used to play back the stream, other than MPEGVCR? Maybe this is an issue for the DVHSTool technical thread.

More A5 software stuff:

When channel surfing, image morphs to next channel in about 3 seconds. I can channel surf with A4 s/w, but it takes on average 6 seconds for video then audio to sync. A5 is much quicker, audio/video resync simultaneously now.

6000, 30K, 32X CD/RW in AVX1

Steve,

Yes, freaky stuff. I don't think it was a DVHSTool issue, because I also tried transfering the tape to PC using CAP-DVHS with the same results. I tried playing back the file in VideoLan Client, MPEGVCR, and TSREADER. No luck with any of them. All of my other recordings play fine with those programs. It's the 'blacklisted stream' thing that has me curious. Strange.

Marc.

Marc,

If you "archive" the TS files back to D-VHS Tape (I presume on a JVC deck), does the D-VHS tape play properly? Can you see the video signal through the JVC component outputs while you are archiving or playing back the program?

I tried playing back the file in VideoLan Client, MPEGVCR, and TSREADER. No luck with any of them. All of my other recordings play fine with those programs.

I think I know the answer to this question but just to make sure..... Is there any program which will play the AVX-1 files once transferred to a computer with Dvhstools in .ts file format? I can play them with my MYHD card but they glitch up alot and I didn't know if there was a software program that could be used to play these, also I would want to play these fullscreen also. Hopefully, the next update will make the recordings compatable with different decoders.

Thanks,
Mike

jay koz
Member

Registered: Jun 2003
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 66
When will the 'non-testers' who paid the $97 for the upgrade to be mailed receive their copy of the new software?

I have been getting glitch-free recordings for months. Will the new software be an improvement? The momentary freeze that I see in an occasional Showtime or HD net feature only lasts for 1 second, and I think it's the transmission signal.

HBO and ST are usually fine for me also but BEV is a real disaster. There has been modest improvements with the new software but it is still unacceptable

Originally posted by Don Landis
Mikey- Can you verify the 40K JVC's decoder will also play back the Mits recorded LOTR you have as that will be the wiring I will be using for 40K playback, not a 1394 to a Mits TV. It that is so then, I'm good to go!

TIA

Even though your JAGS took it to my BUCS, I am happy to help.

I connected the 40K to the 73711 via component cables (normally connected to my Hughes E-86) and the LOTR tape PQ was the same as it was when connected by firewire. I viewed about fifteen minutes with no problems.

Steve,

Yes I can play the tape back , and see proper playback while archiving to the PC, but the archived files won't work. I've archived other tapes since then with no problem, its just this recording that seems copy protected somehow?!

Mike,

All of my other 169time recordings that I have archived to my PC can be played back with VideoLanClient in full screen. Usually, I don't use my PC for general HD viewing, just archiving my tapes.

Marc.

Just to throw a general curveball...the atlanta WB station WATL, cannot be archived from a PC to tape because it triggers a CP flag. The usual way around it has been using Womble to "save" the ts...Hope that gives people ideas for the solution...

Darius

If there is a CP flag in Marc's recording, what is it? 5C? Maybe if you record directly from the avx-1 to a PC, the flag will be ignored, but if you record to the JVC deck, the flag is triggered. I hope that some experts on this Forum can get to the bottom of what is happening here.

Thanks, MIkey.

That does it for me now. You have the unique combination that verifies a safe purchase for me.

Funny how NFL works. I would have never guessed the Bucs would have lost against the Jags. I guess that loss kept Tampa out of the playoffs but that game was our 10 year aniversary, the first time the Jags appeared in HDTV, nationwide, and I recorded it on the MIts. For me it was nice we won even though I felt the win was based on official decisions at the review booth. Some pretty close calls even in HD resolution. BTW- your best player is an ex Jag you know. :)

Thanks for the confirmation!

All of my other 169time recordings that I have archived to my PC can be played back with VideoLanClient in full screen. Usually, I don't use my PC for general HD viewing, just archiving my tapes.

Thanks Marc,

The reason I asked is because my projector displays HD better through VGA instead of component.

If there is a CP flag in Marc's recording, what is it? 5C? Maybe if you record directly from the avx-1 to a PC, the flag will be ignored, but if you record to the JVC deck, the flag is triggered. I hope that some experts on this Forum can get to the bottom of what is happening here.

When I just had the Samsung T-165 and a JVC30k for OTA HD recording a problem arose when the local NBC station did something and flipped a switch thus turning on some kind of copy protection and it wouldn't allow me to record HD. I talked to the station engineer and he never could figure it out. CBS and ABC would always record fine and I had previously recorded NBC HD fine. I bought a MYHD card and it allowed me to record NBC with no problems and I sold the Samsung T-165 so I can't see if they ever fixed their problem but it appears they did something to enable copy protection.

Mike

Don, question from Richard on your observations.

What playback deck & decoder are being used here?

Dave

Ok Guys,

I have had a problem happen twice in the last 5 movies I have tried to record with A5. I get about an hour and 15-20 minutes recorded and then the AVX-1 loses audio and the video starts moving slow and choppy\pixellated. It happened while trying to record Drumline off of HBO Sunday morning and it just happened while I was recording Uptown Saturday Night off of HD-Net Movies. Thats 2 times in 5 attempted movie recordings with A5. I have had this happen maybe 2-3 times total before in several 100's of hours of recordings. If I am the only one this happens to then it must be a hardware issue on my end and the A5 software brings it out more. I use to lose just audio and I bought a new firewire cable and it stopped, now the only time I ever lose audio is when I haven't reset equipment in a while. On these two audio losses and video slowdowns one time the equipment was reset 4-6 hours before and the last time it had been running for a day and a half. If it happens again I guess I will go back to using A4.

Equipment: AVX-1 with A5, DTC-100, JVC30k.

Mike

Connection for Playback:
Mitsubuishi 2000U connected to DTC-100/HDVR2 tuned to Local ATSC station-

fyi

Dave-

Testing of the improvements / changes in 08A5 has shown that it needs more work. Thus, 08A5 will likely not be released. Further information to follow shortly.

Richard


dave

The A5 software is a no-go for me as well. I set a timed recording on my 6000 last night and checked the tape this morning. I got slo-mo video with no audio. I wasn't impressed!

Marc.

The old software works better for me also. The A5 seems to sync faster however the recordings don't turn out as good.

I was disappointed that Richard made NO improvements to the decoder compatibility. I thought thats what he was working on. The A5 software was a waste of time for me.

I still like the A5 software. I was never able to get 37 glitch free minutes of playback from my PC hard drive through the JVC decoder with the A4 software. Of course, I am eager to try anything new that Richard comes up with.

Don, or anyone else using a Mits, question from Richard.

fyi

Feedback from other 169time users is that tapes that are recorded and played back on the JVC deck do not experience these glitches.

There is some data that suggests that it is the playback cycle where the JVC deck offers more robust performance, but additional experiments could help.

With this in mind, can the following be confirmed-- When the tapes recorded on the Mits are played back on a JVC, the regular glitches are not seen?

If a JVC deck isn't available for this evaluation, we can do it here if the
tape(s) are sent to us.


"

Dave

fyi

As was announced in my email on Nov. 11, the specific improvement of the Thanksgiving testing version of software was to eliminate the AVX1's tendency to increase the duration of resyncs.

The feedback results of the A5 testing are valuable to guide continued development.

We expect to have an another testing version with more improvements for testing before xmas 2003

fyi

dave

Dave- Tell Richard that a 1 or 2 frame stutter is difficult for the average person to detect. I have a trained eye for such flaws in video sinve I spend long hours every day looking for them in edit sessions. Since there is no support for the MIts DVHS VCR, I don't see why the need to look into it further for the MIts. I don't plan to have a JVC here (40K) until after CES some time. Don't want to spend the money in that direction right now.

My plan for the software is that I will continue using it because the short duration hesitations are far less bothersome than the lengthy2-5 seconds loss of video and audio every 20-30 minutes I got with the B3 version. As far as I'm concerned it is good enough for Time shifting and personal archiving at this point. I recognize that others need to have 100% perfection or claims of "buggy as hell" surface.

I'm continuing to test the connection integrity and longivity. Last reboot of the AVX was on Sunday at 6PM. Been switching between record and playback every evening now with no change in how it works. If it makes it to Saturday, we have an improvement.


BTW- Just checked the server logs. WE had 17 complete downloads of the 08A5 zip file and 11 aborted attempts. Should give you and Richard an idea of the number of people who have it.

Thanks Don. Hope we will get good stuff soon. I know I have started my effort again. Will see if anything comes of it. o)

I hate that we cant have all decks working, but, some of them are just better than others. And at the price of the JVC, seems foolish to spend any more energy on others.

Dave

The A5 software is a no-go for me as well. I set a timed recording on my 6000 last night and checked the tape this morning. I got slo-mo video with no audio. I wasn't impressed!

I am done with A5 after 2 more recordings over night and during the day today. I first recorded Pumpkin off of SHO last night and it has a few more glitches than any of my recordings ever do, still not very many though. I set my timer to try and record Drumline again off of HBO today. The good news is that it recorded the whole movie fine(I haven't watched it all yet though, just checked it at 10 minute intervals), the bad news is that I lost audio during the end credits. So, at least I have a watchable copy this time but I am going back to A4. The A5 software is more stable as far as the devices remaining in the chain and not needing a reset of equipment but now I am losing audio and having more glitches/pixellations. So the connectivity part of it is good but the processing of the signal is worse...at least for me.

Equip: DTC-100, AVX-1, JVC30k.


Mike

Dave- Just noticed something. People are referring to A4. I believe I skipped that version. When I did a comparison, I was referring to 08B3.

For the record the versions I have are:

08B1 Original release
08B2 (Improved monitor support)
08B3 ( Improved use stability and revovery from channel switching)
A4 ? Don't have it.
08A5 Current release ( Shortened the glitch cycle and duration)

Don, if I remember, the A4 was the ability to have the avx-1 be used with a PC.

Dave

I was referring to A4 also and just noticed I don't have it either.

I am using B3 as well.

Mike

My understanding is that the A4 and B3 software have the same encoding capabilities, except that the A4 allows you to record directly to a PC with no JVC deck involved. You can record to a PC with the B3 software, but you have to use the JVC deck in the process to set the I-channel. Even with the A4 and A5 software, I still use the JVC deck to tune the I-channel, because it's just easier to monitor what you are doing that way.

Yep, no need for A4 unless you are doing PC recording.

Dave

I captured two HBO movies with the new A5 software. My setup was:
RCA - AVX - PC; I also tried a new capture utility, i.e CAPDVHS that allows you to set the recording time.

The result was: I got three - four pixelations that lasted for fractions of a second. With the same setup using A4 the glitches were clearly longer and more severe.

Having said that, I still get glitch free recordings with the following setup:

AVX - RCA - JVC 30K - PC, using B3 and the old TSPCAP filter. Based on my prior testing, the glitches were induced by the new TSPCAP filter (used in DVHSTOOL). After replacing it with the original Leszek1 filter I had no glitches any more when recording to PC with the JVC in the chain. I continued to get some glitches though when eliminating the deck and recording with A4. I have no explaination for this, but with the JVC in the chain there are no glitches.

A5 is clearly recovering faster than A4. It does what it is supposed to do. I think the next step should be to make it more robust to work with different decoders.

I'll test A5 with the JVC in and out of the chain with different capture utilities and will report back.

P.S.: I always unplug the RCA from the power supply for 30 seconds before attempting to record. If I don't I'll get many glitches

More A5 Data:

"Drumroll,"1080i, 5.1DD, HBOHD

6000 timer, 30K w/firmware upgrade

Glitchless

sierrabob, what yours, and a large number of folks who have having, in their minds, total success with the avx-1, is, in my opinion, a clean enviornment. I dont know how to "prove it", I just know if RIchards s/w, not matter what version, doesnt see "garbage", then it works.

This principal is how all s/w works. If it sees what it expects, then great. But if it doesnt, not all s/w can ignore and not see the blue screen of death.

Dave

If I change nothing in my system, except the software, I would point to the software as making the difference. I recorded and watched 30 minutes of an HDNet Movie film last night using the A5 software to my PC with DVHSTool 2.13. It played back from the PC hard drive through the JVC decoder with no glitches. I was never able to do this with the A4 software.

I had been thinking about going back to the old TSPCAP filters, but now, there may be no need to. My setup is AVX-1 - DTC-100 - JVC 30k - PC.

Dave- I'm thinking about upgrading my 6000 now with the 169Time firewire. I went to the 169 website and discovered a really great deal--
________________________________________
999.00 Save $500 off the regular package price thru 12/04/03
(includes HDVR firewire adapter for your 6000)
(includes AVX1 unit plus AC power cord and firmware CD disk)
(includes labor fee only to install firewire adapter)
Your DishNet or ExpressVU STB must be shipped to our office
Installation also available in Canada, email us for details

________ Fill in $60, to upgrade the white & blue AVX1 to the Deluxe all black case

________ Fill in and subtract $300 from the above if you build your own AVX1, also reduce shipping by half
Note: AVX1 is needed for recording with the 6000
_________________________________

Am I figuring this correctly?

$999 regular price for the HDVR upgrade to my 6000
includes the AVX-1

-$500 for the special deal

______________________-
$499.00 sub total

- $300 because I have my own AVX-1

_________________________

$199.00 Total cost for the HDVR upgrade

as long as I order before 12/4


________________________

Now this looks like it is worth it. Getting competitive with Dish Network's pricing now!

What is Richard's current back log on upgrading the 6000? ie turn around time?

I think it's

$999
-$300 for AVX-1
= $699 plus shipping.

So what about the $500 off deal for buying before 12/4?

Don,

When the DVR 921 sells for $199 with a fully functional i.Link compliant firewire, my bet is that's when 169time will sell the HDVR upgrade for $199. It will be interesting to see when you can buy it for less than $699 without the AVX-1 unit.


Bob

Don, read what you got of the web
"999.00 Save $500 off the regular package price thru 12/04/03"

Exchange regular package price which is 1499 and it still reads

999.00 Save $500 off the 1499 price thru 12/04/03

Make sense?

Dave

Bob, if you take off installation, you could continue to get cheaper than the 699 I guess. So, Richard has added a lot of stuff in for free he used to charge for. I thought he even had a sale for 499 on the dtc100 once.

Dave

As one who builds advertising for a living, I say the pricing is misleading on 169Time website. FTC rules require a "regular price" be posted. In this case the price of $999 is the regular posted price.

Not that businesses don't violate this all the time, just that they do get caught all the time as well.

All the device is is a 1394 firewire board, not a whole DVR with three tuners and a 250G hard drive, Bob. Your suggestion that the DVR 921 is equal to the HDVR board is ridiculous. In reality, as it stands now, the Dishwire upgrade to the 921 will be FREE when released. There will never be a $199 charge for the Dishwire upgrade on the 921. And, I know Richard will never match the 921's upgrade price point. :)

And, FYI the HDVR-2 board did sell for less but never that (199) cheap!
I just thought he had a bunch of inventory and needed to turn it before the system is worth far less next month.

Just curious, who would pay more than $199 for the HDTV modulator today? I remember when they were bringing close to $1000 on e-bay. It was insane.

Dave,

Haven't seen the DIY firewire mod price yet. Isn't that like giving away the store?

Bob

New AVX1 problem:

Last Saturday I started developing tremendous glitching in my recordings, something I never witnessed before, I thought at first my recording deck(JVC30K) needed to go to JVC service center for upgrade as I determined that perfectly recorded tapes no longer played perfectly on this deck.

As I was preparing to pack up the unit I decided to play a "good recording" and got total glitching again, I then proceeded to disconnect the firewire connecting the Jvc30K and the AVX1 and glitching disappeared totally, I connected and total glitching disconnected no glitching.

This has never happened before but it seems that the AVX1 is causing some sort of interference with the JVC30K deck for recording and playback.

I made No changes to the set-up to cause this and the firewire I am using is the Granite digital firewire with built in Ferrite chokes.

I emailed Richard but perhaps someone has an idea of how to fix.

Lon

Dave where does it state that the regular price is $1499? It needs to be there! Better get your act together my friend.
Interestingly, I corrected a 30 second TV spot for a client who got caught with this exact likeness. They ended up giving away 30 some magazine subscriptions due to a mistake of not labeling the posted price "after applied discount" When their posted savings was subtracted from the the posted price, it resulted in a price of "free" Since they wrote the original copy the production company who did the spot isn't liable either. Fortunately, they pulled the spot before having to give away too many subscriptions for free.
You need to have Richard list that $1499 price.

Besides, I could teach you a few things about advertising and the human response psychology. The way that page is listed misses the boat!

Bob- Richard once did the DIY install but too many people had problems. IT takes special skills and equipment to do it properly. Last I heard he quit offering the DIY HDVR board. And I recall, that was only for the DTC-100. I only recall 3 of us who did our own with success. Others tried and ended up sending the system to Richard to repair.

Lon, I have always had this issue.
Good to bring it up again.
I have posted this before, but this thread is so long, it's easy to get lost.
Instead of unplugging the firewire, I power the avx1 off.
If I don't, get constant glitching during playback.
My JVC has never been updated or sent back. It does lock up every month or so, but I figure as long as it records and plays back, I won't tempt fate.



Don, Richard did send me instructions to DIY install to 6000 if you are interested.
I was one who successfully self installed into a DC100.
I believe, there is an added discount again if you self install (its in this thread somewhere I think).

At the time I was thinking of modding my 6000, but with work lately, I haven't had much time for tv.






Originally posted by LJG
New AVX1 problem:

Last Saturday I started developing tremendous glitching in my recordings, something I never witnessed before, I thought at first my recording deck(JVC30K) needed to go to JVC service center for upgrade as I determined that perfectly recorded tapes no longer played perfectly on this deck.

As I was preparing to pack up the unit I decided to play a "good recording" and got total glitching again, I then proceeded to disconnect the firewire connecting the Jvc30K and the AVX1 and glitching disappeared totally, I connected and total glitching disconnected no glitching.

This has never happened before but it seems that the AVX1 is causing some sort of interference with the JVC30K deck for recording and playback.

I made No changes to the set-up to cause this and the firewire I am using is the Granite digital firewire with built in Ferrite chokes.

I emailed Richard but perhaps someone has an idea of how to fix.

Lon

Don, I did write Richard to make the non engr types happier with the wording. Still looks, feels and sounds just fine to me, a half full kinda guy
;) You touchy today.

Lon, I have found the JVC decks to be very sensitive to noise! So, depending on where I put stuff near them, I can make them pixel like crazy.
Computers have never been known to be the cleanest products in the world. Just keep them all a good distance from anything else!

Dave

Thanks judd for the info. Last I saw in this thread was that Richard was not doing the DIY anymore. Guess he changed his mind and I missed it :) When I get ready to buy I'll keep that in mind. It only takes a couple of hours to do as you know.

Judd, dont know about an added discount. I got him to add it in for free based on what he used to charge. I havent asked him in a while

dave

Well, thanks but no thanks, Dave. Guess I don't get to spend $199 tonight with 169Time. :(

Anyway- "999.00 Save $500 off the 1499 price thru 12/04/03" is OK

But you know us ad guys-

Here's the latest SEXY DEAL for all HDTV recording DISH Network HDTV CRAZY ! INSANE !
Only $1499 but if you buy before 12/5 you can put $500 CASH IN YOUR POCKET!
Save $500
and get your HDVR for only $999

Want to save more? Put ANOTHER $300 CASH IN YOUR POCKET if you don't need the AVX.
You Pay only $699 and get the install FREE. But that's not all! You'll save an additional 50% OFF the SHIPPING charges if you don't need the AVX.

Call Crazy Dave today, his SEXY DEALS are INSANE!


Ad copy uses the 3 most compelling words in advertising. FREE, CASH, and SEX and includes the CTA line

It also sticks in the most attention getting word in ad copy CRAZY.


I normally get $75 for ad copy like that! Believe it or not.

Dave and Judd:

Funny thing is no change in enviorment, AVX1 seperated from JVC30K deck by 14.5 feet of granite digital firewire with built in ferrite chokes, for 2 years never had to unplug the firewire. Richard said the wear on the heads of the JVc30K deck could be the problem, any way connected the AVX1 to my 2nd deck and same problem, just my opinion that something all of a sudden changed in the AVX1`


Lon

Lon, interesting.

When things like that happen, it drives me nuts until I can understand.

Maybe the supply in the avx-1 is going nuts now. Maybe time to just build your own.

Dave

Don,

I just bought the DIY for the 6000 last month, and installed it last week. Your right, takes about 2 hours and a steady hand for the soldiering! Total price was $599 with shipping and the software (I used an older AMD PC for the AVX-1). Made 2 tapes so far, only saw one sub-second glitch.

I downloaded the new beta software from you, but I have not tried it since mine has recorded both times very well...

Regards,

Nick