Depending on where you live you may or may not have DVI enabled......Eventually DVI will be active on all Motorola STB so equipped......DVI is the way to go, but only if its enabled......and since you are new please take a look at the FAQ below.

Originally posted by raidbuck
Thanks for the response. I'm about to go out of town, but will try some more things and check my connections when I get back. I really don't know if it would make any difference.

The 1080i value works, I just thought the HD picture might be even better without having the Sammy side-convert to 720p after it receives the picture.

Also, anyone have any idea why, in Baltimore County, I have FW 02 (5.02? it doesn't have the 5, just the 02 in the menu) when most people seem to have 03? Is there something I might be missing with 02 vs. 03?

Thanks again.

Rich N.

If 1080i works then 720p should also work......Check all of your settings again....somethings not right, it should work.

Originally posted by miatasm
Depending on where you live you may or may not have DVI enabled......Eventually DVI will be active on all Motorola STB so equipped......DVI is the way to go, but only if its enabled......and since you are new please take a look at the FAQ below.


Thx I had read the FAQ while browsing this thread.

Im located in Middlesex County but Im wondering if the tech may have been wrong about DVI being enabled? With the DVI do you get all the same options as the component?

Just out of curiosity whats so special about the firewire port?

Is Cinemax and Starz going to be rolled out. Called the local office and they have no idea, did even know it was scheduled.

They are active in my area of Comcast on channels 318 and 368. Check them on your set. I thought they'd be in the same area as the others, but they're not.

Thanks DHarp

I found them after you pointed them out. I missed them the first time when searching for them yesterday. Is DVI enabled in your area?

edit: It looks like CBS got added at channel 182

You know what would be great? If this converter could receive my 720p Xbox signal and then convert it to 1080i onto my screen.

in built scalers accepting outboard signals would be expensive for a fledgling product.

Any Comcast customers have DVI enabled?

No, last I checked DVI was not available in my area yet...again:rolleyes: I wish they just would have kept V6.04, mine was working wonderfully!!!

On a side note, has anyone else heard that Key Digital is offering an upgrade to 5100 users that have their CTC-A2 transcoder, a new CTC-A3 for $100??? I heard that from a customer yesterday and I am looking for confirmation.

Does anyone know how the new firmware rollout is going to happen. I have read that it is comming in next couple of weeks...and has to be here by june.
To get new firmware do you have to unplug box then let it reboot or does comcast just put out a signal periodically to start download with box plugged in?

I am in Detroit area. I've read some others in my area have new firmware. Not me. :(

Just got a Moto 6200. Digital and HD look fine. I have problems with analog being bad but I think I have wiring/signal problem because it was bad before now and was about to call them out before getting the Digital cable deal for sat. users.
Anyway my question is about the Guide. Is that it? I get a line of programs for what is currently playing and it always starts at Channel 1 not what channel I am watching. I was thinking it would be like my DTivo where I can see 1.5 hrs on screen for each channel in a grid.

Kabuto, aren't you in Houston? I just got Time Warner in Houston a week and a half ago and got a 5100. I have the same issue with the guide starting out with Channel 1 (which is the "iControl" channel), but only some of the time. I haven't figured out yet what, if anything, I am doing differently to sometimes get the guide to come up starting with the channel I'm currently watching. As for seeing what's on later, just hit the right arrow key while viewing the guide, and it will scroll ahead in time to display upcoming programming.

Yea. In Pearland actually. I had the guide start at the current channel once out of the ~20 times I looked at it and haven't had it happen again. Always starts at 1 (I-Control). I would rather have full grid. Even the (old? Is it still there?) TV Guide channel had a 1.5 hr grid scrolling. I also would like more audio info. I was watching Fifth Element on HBOHD last night (in OAR yea!) and it had the Dolby Digital logo but nothing about if it was 5.1, 2.0 or what. It was only coming in 2.0. I turned to Channel 13 (ABC) and it turned my receiver to 5.1 so I think the box is correct. For me the full guide is useless and would have to keep a TV guide and station list handy.

I'm not a big fan of the guide as implemented by TWC Houston, either. Other than being in several colors and a little faster, it actually doesn't have as much going for it as the guide on my original 1994 vintage RCA Directv receiver did, and it's way worse than recent Directv boxes like my Sony HD-200 and Hughes HTL-HD.

How does the picture quality from your 6200 compare to your OTA HD box? My 5100's output is pretty close to the OTA HD I get but without the annoying occasional glitches I get with OTA when a plane flies over.

HD locals look just as good as OTA so far. Watched a little Leno last night and no difference. I wished they would add WB and UPN though before new Start Trek and Angel starts else I will have to traips up into the attic and switch to antenna to catch those. I get locals OTA no problem. Quick compare between DirecTV and Digital cable showed they were the same with cable maybe a little sharper which could be due to a difference between SVideo and Component.

Right now I lean toward DirecTV if the HDTivo was out today. I like the HD channels selection on DTV more but won't get anything till a DVR comes out. Also will have to see how good analog can be cleaned up when I get the cable techs out to fix it.

Dave:

You mentioned an upgrade, but I have no idea what the benefits of it would be. Since I lease the 5100 from Comcast I assume it is not available to me anyway, but I thought it would be interesting to see what the upgrade is.

Thanks,

Rich N.

Kabuto - I just found this info in another thread about how the guide works with respect to what channel it starts with when you call up the guide:

"On my Moto cable box the way it works is this. If you go to the guide and scroll down to say channel 187 and select it, when you go back to the guide it will be parked at channel 187. Say if your watching channel 4 and then you type in 187 without going to the guide then the box will switch to 187 ok, but when you go to guide it will be parked at the top. So basically use the guide to select your channel and it will stay parked there."

Not nearly as good as my D* box, but good info nonetheless.

WHen I go into the Audio menu by selecting menu---setup---audio there are three options:

TV
Stereo
Advanced

Which one should I choose for the best sound? Is the TV setting not stereo? Thanks

Check the FAQ for more info on these settings

Originally posted by miatasm
Check the FAQ for more info on these settings

Great FAQ miatasm, but I could not find the answer to my questions.

To reiterate, I have my 5100 connected to a Denon Dolby PRO LOGIC receiver using the analog RCA output cables. What audio setting would be best:

TV
Stereo
Advanced (if so, what sub-settings)

THanks!

In short, what ever sounds best......But as the FAQ states:

"Those settings DO NOT effect the sound on the ANALOG Channels regardless of audio outputs used (Analog or Digital)"

If you also read this document below it will help you determine what settings you should use.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/miatasm/HT/dolby.htm

Thanks for the compliments on the FAQ......

Originally posted by miatasm
In short, what ever sounds best......But as the FAQ states:

"Those settings DO NOT effect the sound on the ANALOG Channels regardless of audio outputs used (Analog or Digital)"


Sorry if i'm being thick here, but the way I read it, the FAQ refers to the Audio Compression / Matrix Stereo settings which are under the Advanced menu only.

What about the "TV" vs "Stereo" settings? There is a noticable difference in volume between the two on Digital channels. Are they both sending Pro-Logic data or is the TV setting outputting in Mono. In other words, if I prefer the output volume of "TV", will I still be sending all the Pro-Logic data to my receiver?

Again, I am assuming this only applies to Digital channels.

I'm sorry, I was just glancing at your posts and didn't realize you were just asking about the initial settings.

This I'm not actually positive about, but "TV" is whatever the channel is outputting at that time & "stereo" is automatically mixing the signal, even if its mono, to two channels. The Prologic encoding is actually encoded in the stereo signal. So if the program you are watching has the encoding done then your reciever should decode it. But I'm assuming that this will only happen if the Digital cable box is on its "Stereo" setting. Again I would go back to "whatever sounds better in your setup". If your reciever supports Pro-Logic II then it really won't matter. Sorry, if this didn't help you......I did some research here which may help you a little more:

http://dolby.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/dolby.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_sid=yDnsMO_g&p_lva=&p_faqid=136&p_created=1015027785&p_sp=cF9ncmlkc29ydD0mcF9yb3dfY250PTc0JnBfcGFnZT0x&p_li=

Not sure if anyone can help but here it is.
I have the Motorola 6208 RCN STB connected to my Panasonic 42PX20 plasma display. DVI is enabled in my area (NYC). However as soon as I connect the Moto DVI OUT to the plasma DVI port on the Pany (HDMI) the Moto goes offline and I lose video and sound. After disconnecting - the box will go back online and programming will resume.
When connecting thru the component ports everything is fine.
Any ideas on what I can try?

Most likely nothing the DVI out on the Moto DCT6200 series is DVI-D (non-HDCP, for now)...Your display will not like that signal.

Originally posted by miatasm
...Your display will not like that signal.

Miatasm,

Why??? As long as there's no HDCP it should work on just about all DVI equipped displays. It's when the display device doesn't have HDCP and the source is sending HDCP that there's a problem, not the other way around.

I wasn't really positive about this......it was probably because I just installed a new Sanyo front projector, & we couldn't get it to work with DVI, this was the only explaination I could come up with......He did say his DVI was HDMI, could this be a problem also.....

My DVI is HDMI. The plasma is Pany 42PX20
The Moto (6240) firmware is 6.05
The STB goes offline as soon as the connection is made.

any ideas..??
Mitch-

Sorry--- I have the Moto 6208 STB

Mitch,

Which DVI to HDMI cable are you using? Any chance there's a problem there?

Is there no DVI input on the Pany?

I thought I was missing something.....the connector for HDMI is not the same as DVI.......the late Holiday nights are catching up.....:)

Miatasm,

I was scratching my head myself. There are cables that go from DVI to HDMI, which I guess just drop/ignore the control return signals and audio.

It doesn't surprise me that the connection might not work. I am surprised, however, that the STB turns off when connected. Perhaps some control signal IS sent back, and it confuses the heck out of the STB.

I guess one solution is to send me the 6208 for a few months while I look at it :)

Good Peoples:

The DVI-HDMI cable was bought online at a Panasonic site that is often mentioned here. My Pany (42PX20) only accepts HDMI, no DVI input.
This is my first attempt at using this cable so one could guess that the cable is defective. But something is happening since the STB goes offline
as soon as a connection is made. Could there be a compatability issue with this recently introduced Moto 6208?
Gosh, my VICTROLA never gave me these problems.

There may be a compatability problem, but I don't think its due to the 6208 specifically, but the DCT series in general. I know there has been problems getting the firmware for DVI working in Comcast systems, this may be a problem with the firmware for RCN I would contact them and make a formal complaint, but I wouldn't expect a resolution anytime soon, unless others are making the same complaints, as your problem is pretty specific......

Have the latest upgrade.

I have a Phillips 30" 16:9 direct view. The issue is that when viewing 4:3 the image is shifted to the left. Comcast says it is a TV problem, Phillips says it is a Comcast problem.

I'm inclined to believe it is a Comcast issue because the problem only exists with this source.

Any ideas.

How far to the left? Are you talking about 4:3 programming on your DTV Channels? Or all programming? (analog, digital cable, ect.)

On all channels. DTV or non DTV the image is shifted left. Even when viewing 4:3 in DTV channel it's shifted left.

The left bar is roughly half as wide as the right bar. A couple of years ago I had a sinilar problem when using a DTC100 OTA reciever. I had to access the menu in the DTC100 and make the necessary adjustments.

There has to be something similar in the DCT...servic menu perhaps.

Nope, no service menu in the DCT. Are you watching all of your 4:3 programming OAR (pillarboxed)? Is your HD programming centered? I've always noticed certain programs by specific broadcasters that were shifted one way or the other, but not all channels all of the time....

Well...I find that hard to believe...how is the stupid thing adjusted then...perhaps no one has figured it out yet....

I'll call Comcast and get a new box....

What do you mean by adjusted? Is this box new to you, or have you had it for a while?

The box is new to me...the pic is shifted significantly to the left...I'm not new to this..I've being doing HDTV for several years...

I have an OTA box that works fine so that the only explanation is the source....

Have you seen the FAQ? I would go through the setup procedure again. Just to make sure its correct. I've seen something simliar to what you are describing if the box isn't setup correctly. Power box "off" press "menu". Your settings should be

TV Type: 16:9
YPbPr: 1080i or 720p
480 override: 480i or 480p

Hope this helps....

been there and done that..even spoke to Motorola tech...I'm pretty much convinced the box is bad...I know 3 other people with the same box and none have the problem....tx

Yeah I just wasn't sure to what extent you had went so far. Sounds like the box.

Mitch,

The reason the box may be turning off could be due to the fact that DVI can have power (5V???) on some of the pins to power certain equipment like the Gefen DVI to RGBHV converter that I have and am a dealer for. Maybe for some reason the power is shorted or improperly connected somewhere in your chain and it is causing the shutdown because the unit senses the DC voltage on a pin that's not supposed to have a DC voltage on it???

Just a guess and a spit in the wind, but worth a look-see:rolleyes:

Odd question-

Anyone with a 5100 notice a faint vertical line on their sets, with component out and 1080i material? A few other Panny plasma users with Motorola boxes have noticed it and I'm hoping that the problem will be fixed by the 62XX STB. Thanks.

Nick this is due to owning an EDTV plasma thats not a true HD set to fix the problem you'll need to put the 5100 into 480p. I dont believe the 6200 fix's this problem either its a problem with the scaler in the Panny ED Plasma's.

Thin is great but true HD is better

I will have to disagree with that comment about Plasmas, Jeremy. I have yet to find a "TRUE" HDTV, that looks far and away better than my Panny, including HD but especially SD. I have yet to here about the problems with a vertical line in these displays, where is it located on the screen?

BTW, did you get my e-mail @ work.......

Jeremy- Are you trying to say that an ED plasma fed a 1080i signals will always have a line in the center???? That would be a pretty serious design flaw. Additionally, your answer is rendered worthless due to your silly pissing match on television forms. Thanks for nothing.

Miatasm- The line is located directly in the middle and is discussed in this thread ( http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=336909 ) among others. I have no idea what the cause is, but am pretty sure it's something to do with the 5100. Thanks.

Thanks for the info on that......Don't you think that was a little harsh on Jeremy......I would like to see the posts that you are talking about.....

Is the Panny disscussed here a consumer version or the commercial version?

Sorry, I just hear this problem alot and its always the an issue between the 5100 and a Panny ED Plasma and only this combination I think its an interface problem between the 2 scalers the one in the 5100 and the one in the TV. Sorry bout the comment the Pannys look really nice but I'm one who is still not impressed with Plasma technology.

Jeremy

thanks. I didn't realize that you were trying to say that the problem was common to a 5100/Panny combo. I wrongly interpreted it simply a plasma/1080i statement. Very sorry for being overly harsh. Long day at work.

So, has anyone figured out a way to make these work together or whether the 62XX cures things?

Nick it doesnt seem to be all Panny Plasmas but simply the ones that are EDTV but are setup to accept HD source's and scale them down. The HD plasmas by Panny dont seem to have the line problem with the 5100. Since the 5100 and 6200 are basically the same box output wise I'd forsee the same issue with that as well.

I havn't read the whole thread so I'm not sure if this was answered, but does the new motorola PVR have the ability to output to a DVD recorder? I assume I could just go through component or s video to a DVD recorder or VCR I hope.

Yes you could take one of the Analog outputs to a DVD recorder, you will not be able to record HD, obviously....

I just checked my box today, and I am showing S/W version 51.22-2002 and Firmware 05.03. Am I reading the right numbers?

yes.....

I'm at firmware 5.03 on my 5100 in south-east Michigan. FYI, for those with the older 5100's that lack DVI ports, you can quickly have Comcast swap you out for a newer model that has them. I called yesterday and they came today with my shiny new 5100 with DVI.

Of course it doesn't work with 5.03, but I'm ready for 7.05 to come. They were going to charge me $30, but with a little basic explanation of what I wanted, they charged me nothing. They don't let you pick up or exchange HD boxes at the local offices like they do normal boxes. Probably fearing most people don't know how to hook it up right.

I have a 5100 and a panny th-pdw6uy edtv with the 5100 set to 1080 and it is stunning.....I am in the Southern NH area and waiting for the dvi to be activated.....

I just recieved my motorolla box 5100 with firmware 5.03. I assume this is the latest? SD throught the STB looks aweful so I have it going directly into the TV. HD looks good but not phenomenal. Can I use DVI? I am located in Southern california. Anyone else live around here with adelphia and the 5100?

Mitch

wuzzle1

This is a Comcast thread so probably not.

Originally posted by wuzzle1
I just recieved my motorolla box 5100 with firmware 5.03. I assume this is the latest? SD throught the STB looks aweful so I have it going directly into the TV. HD looks good but not phenomenal. Can I use DVI? I am located in Southern california. Anyone else live around here with adelphia and the 5100?

Mitch

If it looks good but not phenomenal, what are you comparing it to? Its kinda hard to get HD to not look good, and the many times I hear this statement its usually from someone who just got the service/STB & is watching the HD channels on the analog output (ch4 for example). If you are sure you are on the High Definition input of your TV, then I retract the above statement. But I've seen & heard this many times from the new users....BTW what type of TV are you using? Widescreen? If it is Widescreen do you have Bars at the top & bottom while on the HD channels? If so then you are definately on a analog output from the box. It isn't a Sony, is it?

Hope this helps, If you haven't already check out the FAQ on the 5100 below.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
Nick it doesnt seem to be all Panny Plasmas but simply the ones that are EDTV but are setup to accept HD source's and scale them down. The HD plasmas by Panny dont seem to have the line problem with the 5100. Since the 5100 and 6200 are basically the same box output wise I'd forsee the same issue with that as well.

I have a Panny ED plasma (the new TH42PWD6UY) and I do not have this problem with my 5100. I usually have it set to output 720p, but upon reading this thread, I set it to 1080i, then cranked the brightness all the way up. I see no line whatsoever.

-Tim

I have a 5UY and also does not experience this problem.....

I am not saying it doesn't look great, much better then 480i but it doesn't blow me away like when viewing in the store. I also am a bigger fan of progressive scan then interlace. I would much rather view things in 720p or when 1080p comes out :) BTW how do I get into the service/setup menu on this box? It only allows me to get into the setup menu which really doesn't offer much.

Mitch

One of 2 things is happening.....either you are incredibly picky or your box isn't setup correctly.

1080p is highly unlikely to make it to the mainstream anytime soon (waaay too much bandwidth needed). Your box can output 720p. See below.

Have you taken a look at the FAQ thats linked below....its for your reading pleasure, don't be shy it won't bite. :) It may help you figure out what is not being done correctly in your situation.

Originally posted by wuzzle1
BTW how do I get into the service/setup menu on this box?

Mitch

Turn the cable box power off and quickly press menu. You'd better check your settings and connections, you should see a big difference between SD and HDTV, it's not subtle.

I have comcast hdtv with the dct5100. Is there a way to make the 4:3 content on the hd channels fill the screen, without using the function on the tv to zoom? Is there a zoom/fill function on the box itself?

Nope.....

I have a Panasonic 4UY (ED), no vertical line problem either with the box set to 1080i. I did have some general interference problems at first, but now are (mostly) resolved.

Originally posted by tmaestas95
I have a Panny ED plasma (the new TH42PWD6UY) and I do not have this problem with my 5100. I usually have it set to output 720p, but upon reading this thread, I set it to 1080i, then cranked the brightness all the way up. I see no line whatsoever.

-Tim

Interesting. I have the 42PA20U, so I can't use 720p. I'm still wondering if new STBs and/or DVI will fix the problem.

Originally posted by miatasm
One of 2 things is happening.....either you are incredibly picky or your box isn't setup correctly.

1080p is highly unlikely to make it to the mainstream anytime soon (waaay too much bandwidth needed). Your box can output 720p. See below.

Have you taken a look at the FAQ thats linked below....its for your reading pleasure, don't be shy it won't bite. :) It may help you figure out what is not being done correctly in your situation.



:) Turns out I wasn't watching 1080i broadcast. My TV displays 1080i connection via component but when there were bars on the left and right, assuming from the FAQ it was a 4:3 480i display. When I watch discovery channel it took the whole picture which looked awesome.

Quick question I set my tv for 16:9 type but I still get the famous postage stamp sometimes?


Thanks

I'm very frustrated that I have to keep switching between my OTA box and the 5100 when I want to timeshift HD programming with my ReplayTV. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that there is any provision for the 5100 to output 1080i to a 16:9 HDTV and the downconverted 480i s-video to 16:9 format (like widescreen DVD) also. Instead, even though I've told it I have a 16:9 TV Type, it still outputs letterboxed non-anamorphic video through the s-video.

I fear that the same severe limitations may exist in future Comcast boxes. Who can we contact to request that an option be added for s-video output in 16:9 format?

Thanks,

Tim

I just got my 5100 today which is connected a GWIII LCD set whose native resolution is 720p. Should I set up the Moto box to output 720p or at 1080i? :confused:

Originally posted by wuzzle1
:) Turns out I wasn't watching 1080i broadcast. My TV displays 1080i connection via component but when there were bars on the left and right, assuming from the FAQ it was a 4:3 480i display. When I watch discovery channel it took the whole picture which looked awesome.

Quick question I set my tv for 16:9 type but I still get the famous postage stamp sometimes?


Thanks

The 5100 will display all the HD channels in 1080i or 720p (depending on your settings). If said channel is currently not broadcasting any HD programming, you will see bars on the left and right side, as the programming is simply upconverted SD 4:3. Most displays will not be able to stretch a 720p or 1080i signal. Any non-hd channel through the 5100 will be sent as whatever your 4:3 overide setting is set to (I use 480p), which you should be able to stretch with your display, if desired.

-Tim

Originally posted by tbone587
I have comcast hdtv with the dct5100. Is there a way to make the 4:3 content on the hd channels fill the screen, without using the function on the tv to zoom? Is there a zoom/fill function on the box itself? If you are willing to watch the 4:3 content in 480P mode, you can set the 5100's TV type setting to "4:3 Pan Scan"; this will allow the picture to fill the screen. (It will also fill the screen on the SD outputs.)

The picture is not as good, but it's a worthwhile trade-off for eliminating the black bars. I occasionally do this if I'll be watching 4x3 content for a while and I know that I won't be changing channels to watch 16x9 content.

The 5100's options for aspect control are a little disappointing; like tluxon says in an earlier post, it would be nice if the SD outputs allowed anamorphic output. But at least the 5100 has simultaneous output on the SD outputs. Hopefully Motorola will make the aspect control more flexible in the future.

Edit:
I should have been more specific: setting the TV type to 4:3 Pan Scan will fill the screen if the TV is put into the "FULL" mode (the mode for stretching a 4x3 signal to 16x9).

After 6 months with my Moto box, I am seeing a purple line at the very bottom of my plasma -- flickers, not pure color. It appears only when I am using Moto and component -- not my Tivo, which has its own cable run and is S-video. Nor does it appear with a DVD using the same component connection. So that's why I'm "blaming" the Moto.

I can get rid of the line with certain zoom modes, or by resizing the picture via the plasma controls...but any guesses as to what I am seeing?

Apologies in advance if I've missed this elsewhere -- I read this thread religiously for the first 50 pages but confess to zooming out the last 75 or so...

stew

MrMike,
As much as a pain as it may sound, you may want to set the output to 720p when watching ABC/ESPNHD and set it to 1080i when watching the other HD stuff and let your GWIII do the scaling/conversion.

I've found with my Sharp Z9000 (HD1 DLP) that it does a better job than the moto box on conversion. I reconfirmed this over the weekend with the HD football games on CBS and ABC. The CBS games definitely looked better when the Moto was at 1080i and Sharp converted then when the Moto set at 720p and passing the processed material to the Sharp. Try it and see if you notice much difference, if not, set it at 720p and let it go!

One can hope the Moto engineers can set up an "Auto adjust", ie pass the native ressolution in future boxes/software.

BTW, You can set up a macro to do this if you have a learning remote.

Hey does anybodoy know when this beaut will be available for Comcast customers in Northern Virginia? I emailed them but haven't heard back yet. Thanks.

Stupid Comcast. They emailed me back and said they don't know. THEY DON'T KNOW. But they gave me a lengthy scripted response about DVRs. ARGHGHG I hate customer service.

Originally posted by adamf
MrMike,
As much as a pain as it may sound, you may want to set the output to 720p when watching ABC/ESPNHD and set it to 1080i when watching the other HD stuff and let your GWIII do the scaling/conversion. Thanks for the input. I am still quite new at this since it hasn't been a week yet. When I got home yesterday, I changed from the 720p setting, that I used over the weekend, to 1080i but didn't have a lot of time for viewing. The situation is complicated by the fact that the ABC affiliate had not been available (for whatever reason) until last night. Initially, it seemed that the 1080i was not as "killer" as had been the 720p setting but I need to give it some time.

Originally posted by stewc
I can get rid of the line with certain zoom modes, or by resizing the picture via the plasma controls...but any guesses as to what I am seeing?

stew


Are you talking about a flickering horizontal line along the bottom of the set? If so, I had one box with a purple line, and another with a green line, but it was only on some channels. I haven't noticed it recently, so I'm wondering if a software update to the Moto5100 fixed it.

Lee --

Yes, exactly. At the very bottom -- if I slouch in the couch, its cut off by the mantle and I don't see it.

If its fixed by a software update, I'll know in a few months -- I'm in Seattle, and we get our updates months after you guys in PA/NJ!

Regarding the blue line at the bottom, I'm not sure if this helps everyone, but I stumbled on something interesting. Until last week, I never had a blue line at the bottom of the screen. It only showed up on the analog stations. The digital and HD stations were fine. After trying several different things (screen sizes, etc.), I remembered that I changed the 4:3 override from 480i to 480p. When I changed back to 480i, my blue line went away. To complete the test, I changed it to 480p, and my blue line showed up again.

I'm in Boston with 5.03 firmware.

Yes, mine showed only on the Analog channels as well, but I have my override set to 480p... odd...

Sorry, my post wasn't clear. Here's what I found:

Override set to 480p: Blue line at the bottom of the screen on all the analog stations. Digital and HD stations were fine.

Override set to 480i: No blue line anywhere.

My projector does a great job with interlaced signals, so I leave it on 480i. I really didn't see any difference in pq either way.

I'll try the same test here and let you know what i find.

?!? Can anyone else confirm if the DVI port on their DCT5100 has been activated ?!?

Originally posted at http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,8617254~mode=flat#9085763
Yes, its 7.07 and its working. It must have been deployed over the last 5-7 days since I've been checking on this pretty often. Remember that ver 6.04 code was probably a beta and was removed shortly after it was accidently deployed. Anyway, its connected to my Sony KP51ws500 and it looks great. A DVI cable MUST be connected to the STB before you see the option in the setup menu, (no menu changes are required) and both component and DVI work simultaneously (so you can easily do picture comparisons). I have an overly strong signal where I live which caused some really bad breakup but a 6db inline attenuator took care of that problem, and its now working flawlessly.

And please note where you are if you have an active DVI port.

I just had my 5100 hooked up today. I'm happy with it. From Westfield,Ma. Firmware ver.5.03. I tried dvi port . didn't work! The only thing I was unhappy with was the 4:3 on some of the hd stations. I guess not everyone has 16:9 oh well. Another ques? Its funny I wen't to Best Buy looking for dvi cable to try it, I found a dvi cable in the computer section of the store for $59.99. I headed over to the Tv section and found a monster cable dvi for $100, so I asked the guy what was the difference. He said "the monster cable is much better because its has gold on it and the gold won't corrode." I laughed , Is that the only difference? If so I'm going to pacific cable and getting one for $16.00.:confused:

Monster has a reputation of high cost-to-value ratios. Usually you can find something as good or better for lower price.

There are audiophile and videophile quality cables and interconnects, but I think most people view Monster as a mass market, "mid-fi" brand.

Originally posted by CraigSharrow
Monster has a reputation of high cost-to-value ratios. Usually you can find something as good or better for lower price.

There are audiophile and videophile quality cables and interconnects, but I think most people view Monster as a mass market, "mid-fi" brand. Could there also be a difference if the cable is for DVI-A or DVI-I? I think I read somewhere that the connection on Sony's LCD differs from the one on the Sammy DLP, for example, partially explaining why the Sammy is much easier to use with a HTPC. Don't know, just askin'.
YMMV

No DVI here.

no dvi here,

any ideas when 07.07 will come?

se michigan..

Originally posted by CraigSharrow
Monster has a reputation of high cost-to-value ratios. Usually you can find something as good or better for lower price.

There are audiophile and videophile quality cables and interconnects, but I think most people view Monster as a mass market, "mid-fi" brand.


Yeah, MonsterCable is the "Blose"...errrr, ahhhhhh....I mean Bose of the cable world:rolleyes:

No DVI here in Central PA...yet;)!!!

I tried my DVI yesterday (which I have been doing about once or twice a week) and found that it worked. I liked the fact the when going between HD and SD the aspect ratio would change automatically from wide to normal. The thing that I am disappointed in is that picture size on SD is only 740 by 240 which leaves a black border around the whole picture. This was while running 4:3 = 480P. if I changed it to OFF the picture size was better, but the picture quality was poorer.

For now I have gone back to Component input. Any suggestions are appreciated. This is on a Samsung HLN5065W.

Any word yet as to when this will be available in specific regions? Comcast's official response is "we don't know" which is to say the Customer Service person was too lazy to find out.

07.07 FIRMWARE ACTIVE IN HOWELL MICHIGAN!!!

HELL YEAH DVI!

here are some dvi pics

more

Do I need to leave me dvi cable connected to get the 07.07 update or do I just need it connected to see it listed as an option in the menu ?

quality

last one

I have the Sony KP-46WT500 16:9. The Tv has a setting for interlaced, progressive, or cinemotion. Which one should I use for the dct 5100 if my 5100 is set to 1080i and 4:3 override is set to 480p? also will the channels that are in 4:3 hd be16:9 in the future?:confused:

Redbull,
Not sure if the sony will allow you to adjust their DRC if it is detecting a hi-def source. The cinemotion is Sony's DRC for 2:3 pulldown and is not useful unless you are watching a 24 fps source. You could try the interlaced or Progressive settings and see if anything improves but on the HD signal from a high-bandwidth source, may not.

The 4:3 format will probably be around for quite some time until the full conversion to digital takes place. Most will probably broadcast in both formats. Not all stations, even when having HD, broadcast all their material in HD so you will see 4:3 framing on a 16:9 channel from time to time unless you "stretch" it (sony calls it wide-screen) or they upconvert it (ESPN is famous for doing it on their ESPNHD sportscenter, it looks terrible on my screen with funky shaped bodies).

spaniola,

Is that a Pioneer 4330/5030HD Plasma? How did you get the DVI to work or did you connect direct to the panel and not through the media box?

Received a nice gift from Comcast of LA....Firmware 5.03 (No DVI) and
analog channels look much better than with Firmware 00 on a Panny Plasma. Loaded in the last week. Babes on Fox News look hot again.

The Moto 5100 box needs newer firmware to make SD cable look better.

At least they are trying. Got CBS HD for Christmas too (Superbowl).

Expect firmware 7.05 in a few months to activate DVI....6200 boxes to follow.

Noticed Spiderman in HD on HBO had lots of motion artifacts probably due to the slower processor in the 5100 box. 6200 Box better fix this.

Comcast also is re-arranging the channels in LA. I think they are beginning the move to all digital channels in the next few years (eliminating analog cable boxes). This will also allow more bandwidth for more HD channels.

Any word on Skinemax HD and Stars HD, HBO VOD, HD on Demand?

I work next door to the Comcast HQ in LA and they are always digging!!!

Stealth. The processor in the 5100 has nothing to do with HD decoding. The only thing the processors in the box's do is take care of running guide software etc. There's an independent Decoder chip that takes care of doing the decoding.

Sounds like LA is quite behind the times if you haven't even begun to get 6200's yet. We've been getting them here in Seattle for almost 2 months now. I must say I love mine. No more freezing guide etc that seemed to be common place with the 5100.

One other thing spaniola do you have On Deman in your area??? I ask this because even though you're firmware is higher your software is lower than I have.

My 6200 (which uses the exact same s/w f/w as the 5100) has s/w version 51.42 - 2002 and of course f/w 5.03 I found it odd that your's reports 51.22 - 2002.

yep its a pioneer, just hooked it to the tv without the media box

I also have on-demand with all the goodies, on demand 2.0 or whatever they call it, hbo on dem, starz, cinemax...

I just checked the bottom of my box it's a 6200. So whats the difference?:confused:

I just checked the bottom of my box it's a 6200. So whats the difference?

Faster processor though that makes no difference in picture quality.

Guaranteed DVI output (early 5100's did not have DVI, all 6200's do.)

2 Firewire Ports (thought to be inactive but it appears that someone has been able to record using them)

other than that nothing.

Originally posted by spaniola
yep its a pioneer, just hooked it to the tv without the media box

What size is the Pioneer and since the Pioneer is really 768P, did you actually find the 720P or 1080i better from the box?

50", looks great with dvi right now

I just watched the Pats! kick ass in HDTV! Wow that was worth it, CBS was great! 16:9 and everything! Very happy with 6200 and Comcast and Sony. Wow! sorry I must sound like a commercial. I switched back and forth between sdtv and hdtv what are difference. :D :) :D

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
2 Firewire Ports (thought to be inactive but it appears that someone has been able to record using them)


Would be interesting to test that... What is the process involved? Just go out and buy an external hard disk that supports firewire, and plug it into the firewire port? Humm - how would you tell the box to record something to it?

yeah the cbs game looked awesome, 5.1 sound, great picture..

how did you have 5.1 sound? It was 2.0!:mad: :confused:

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
...2 Firewire Ports (thought to be inactive but it appears that someone has been able to record using them)


Record to what, a D-VHS deck like the 30K??? Do you have a link to where I can read about this???

Hi:

Someone posted that he hooked his Mac computer up through the firewire port and was able to record HD to his comp through it. Noone else has claimed to have tried this or succeeded - yet!

Thanks

Thanks arcanum it appears that the recent 7.07 firmware update some people recieved on there 5100's/6200's in recent weeks not only activated DVI on both boxs but the firewire ports on the 6200's.

As arcanum brought up the gentleman who succeeded used his mac and a DVHS emulation program which was able to record bit for bit SD & HD streams coming from the box through the firewire ports.

However dont get your hopes up of being able to just slap a hard drive on it since the TV Guide Software has no PVR functionality let alone PVR controls the box would just look at the Hard Drive and go "DUHHHH"

but this definately makes me a little more anxious to either get a DVHS deck or hook my computer up using a DVHS emulator.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
Thanks arcanum it appears that the recent 7.07 firmware update some people recieved on there 5100's/6200's in recent weeks not only activated DVI on both boxs but the firewire ports on the 6200's.

As arcanum brought up the gentleman who succeeded used his mac and a DVHS emulation program which was able to record bit for bit SD & HD streams coming from the box through the firewire ports.

However dont get your hopes up of being able to just slap a hard drive on it since the TV Guide Software has no PVR functionality let alone PVR controls the box would just look at the Hard Drive and go "DUHHHH"

but this definately makes me a little more anxious to either get a DVHS deck or hook my computer up using a DVHS emulator.

I was wondering about this more specifically with the 6208. I wonder if you just hooked up an external hard drive with Firewire to it whether the DVR would then automatically recognize the additional space and have its DVR functionality work the same, but just with a much larger capacity.

What would be the steps involved to try something like this - just buy an external HD with Firewire support and plug it into the DVR? Would you have to format the drive first, and if so, with what? Any other special considerations?

Originally posted by spaniola
50", looks great with dvi right now

Hmm, which mode on the Motorola box are you using? 1080i or 720p?

Not sure? maybe cbs uplink feed was using 5.1 in this area, I know the 5.1 indicator was on, and when i changed it to abc or fox it went into 2 mode linear pcm pro logic.

720p on the plasma

I had the 2 fronts , center, And sub light up. But the rears where in stereo. I might sound stupid with this question, But would that be considered 5.1? And what do people perfer so far 1080i or 720p?

As far as HD output, I'm currently switching between 1080i and 720p depending upon the broadcast stations format. This sounds a lot harder than it is. Just switch to your HD channel. Hit the power button to turn the 5200 off. Hit the menu button. Arrow down once to the output line. Hit the right arrow button if it's on 1080i or the left arrow button if its on 720p to change it. Then hit the menu button again. Finally hit the power button to turn on the 5200.

I was told (and it makes sense) that changing to the native format of the broadcast station should provide the best results. This keeps the 5200 from converting the signal and uses your HDTVs better converter/scaler.

Obviously this assumes that your HDTV will do both 720p and 1080i.

How do you find out what the native format of a station is?

Redbull,
ABC, ESPNHD and Fox (eventually, currently 480p) are 720p
Most all others I believe are 1080i

Originally posted by adamf
Redbull,
ABC, ESPNHD and Fox (eventually, currently 480p) are 720p
Most all others I believe are 1080i

This is the second time I heard that Fox will do 720p ? Is there a press release for this is it just common knowledge. When will Fox be switching over ? Hopefully they will also improve their signal strenght.

I don't know if there was a press release but FOX has publically stated that they are going to switch to HD. I don't recall if 720p or 1080i however. Hopefully we will begin to see some HD programs next season. I expect they will start with programs they're already producing in wide screen, such as Boston Public.

I have the Motorola DCT5100 connected to my Samsung HCL4715W widescreen t.v. I use component cables to my t.v., and a fibre optic cable from my 5100 to my Pioneer reciever. I live near Pittsburgh, PA and have comcast cable. I have been reading this forum now for about two hours but still havn't gotten through all 119 pages because i'm at work right now lol. With that said, I have some questions for you guys if you don't mind helping me out....

I've listed my problems from the most annoying to the least:

1. When my 5100 is turned off, the time is displayed AND the A/B light is on??? I have no idea why the A/B light is on??
Now, when I turn my 5100 ON, the time disappears AND the A/B light disappears, but the little yellow power ligh comes ON??? This is VERY VERY VERY annoying as i'm trying to look at the guide to select a show, but I can't see what time it is because the 5100 l.e.d. screen is blank, with the exception of the power light! NOW, here is the funny part. I know you all are thinking i can just go into the menu and choose cable box and then say "yes" to display the time. Well, i have done that and that setting Always is set to "yes" for it to display the time and it dosn't. Even if I switch it to "no" than back to "yes" turn my box on and off again, press random buttons on the remote etc. the time will still not display *UNLESS* i press one of the number keys and ONLY one of the number keys then press exit, or change the channel via pressing the numeric keys on the remote will the time then be displayed after the channel is displayed briefly???? How can i fix this? What is wrong? I have had my 5100 replaced once already and it still is doing it. Comcast techs have no idea what is wrong with it. When I first got my 5100 installed a few months ago this problem was not happening. It just started out of the blue one day?? Can someone please help me? Why is the A/B light on when the box is "off"? Why won't my time be displayed unless I press a numeric key on the remote?

2. I have experienced the infamous lip sync problem as well. BUT, my ONLY occurs while watching the high definition channels, and NOT any other channels? Also, it does not happen all the time, nor does it happen on all of the HD channels, it only seems to happen on the "local" HD channels.

3. When watching HD channels the commericals and the news have large black bars goinng up and down on the left and right side of the screen. But when the show comes back on, it fills the entire screen perfectly and looks very good? Last night I was watching "still standing" and this was happening.

4. How do i check to see which firmware/software version i'm running?

I know this is alot to ask, and I plan to continue to read this whole thread no matter how long it takes me LOL. I appreciate any help you guys can give me.

JHolty: I don't have the time set to display on my 5100, but have noticed a similar problem. When the box is first turned on, the current channel will not display. I have to change the channel, up then down, to have the channel number light up in the 5100 display.

The most annoying thing I find about the 5100, is that selecting the channel guide will most likely go back to the top of the listings. For example, I would go to the channel guide and page forward to the various HBO channels. After selecting a likely show to watch, I may decide to go to make another selection. Sometimes the channel guide will still be positioned to the page I was on before. Most of the time, it has returned to the first page. I then have to page-down over and over again to get back to where I was.

Not really annoying, but odd, is the direction of travel. When using the channel guide, higher numbered channels are selected with the down-arrow. When using the channel bar, higher numbered channels are selected using the up-arrow. There wasn't a lot of thought put into the human interface on this box, but then that's true of a lot of electronic gear.

FYI, when you're using either the Guide or the Channel bar to go directly to a specific channel you can type in the number. If it's a 1 or 2 digit number, enter then number, and then "Enter."


tim

Originally posted by timdgibson
FYI, when you're using either the Guide or the Channel bar to go directly to a specific channel you can type in the number. If it's a 1 or 2 digit number, enter then number, and then "Enter."
tim
FYI - You can reset that so that you never have to hit "Enter" again. There's a setting in the regular options menu somewhere -- it's called something very strange -- something like "Speed Set" -- I'm at work right now, I'll try to check this out at home soon.

EDIT: Found it. Menu-->Setup-->Guide-->Auto Tune. Set to "YES". No more Enter key required for 1, 2, or 3-digit channels.

JHolty --

1. Strange. Mine shows the time OK on the box. But I set it back to show the channel after about a day or so, I hated it (you may not be missing much). Your time should show up on the screen, doesn't it?

2. Lucky me, I don't get the lip-synch problems.

3. That's not a function of the box. The local station is to fault, they're the ones broadcasting the picture "pillar boxed." I assume you have a 16:9 -- just think how pissed all the people are who bought 4:3 HDTV's and get to view a "postage stamp" picture, matted on all 4 sides. It also looks really really stupid for us 16:9'ers watching an SD show broadcast on HD in 16x9 -- occassionally they do that even to shows that are normally broadcast in true 16:9 HD (ER has this happen occasionally for example). Then, you end up with the stupid "postage stamp" widescreen picture with black bands on all 4 sides sitting in the middle of your big widescreen TV. I really really wish that they would STOP adding black bars on the tops, sides, or bottom. This is really very similar to the arguments for anamorphic DVD's.

4. Checking firmware has been discussed elsewhere herein. You need to go to one of the "secret menus". There's two of them. You access them by shutting the box off and immediately hitting one of the other buttons. That's also where you can turn on the Closed Captioning. Check this thread, or the FAQ linked to in many places in this thread, for details on accessing the two menus.

I have DVI activated in Kansas City, MO. Firmware ver 7.07. Works great with my Sammy DLP. Analogs as I wrote earlier, look a little sharper.

Has anyone in the Philadelphia area receieved the 6208 or 6204 box yet?

Andy

I have just ordered my new DLP tv and am recieving the motorola 5100 box in a few weeks. I am wondering how do I comfirm my firmware version and do i need to ask for an upgrade? i assume at this point i will have a very recent version......am i right?

Macd23,

Firmware isn't loaded into the Motorola STB until it boots onto a cable network. Then the firmware is automatically downloaded to the unit. You will have whatever firmware your cable company sends it.

I am in NJ and Comcast here is using the DCT-6200 but running on Firmware v5.03 and no firewire or DVI. However, it says the USB is enabled and active so I can trying playing around with that and see what happens. I am pretty sure the USB is more for digital camera pictures etc though..

I will post what I figure out.

Also, I have a question for you guys using Comcast elsewhere with Firmware 7.07. My question is this.. Is it possible to ship my box to you and have you put it on your cable network to get the 7.07 firmware then have you ship it back to me with DVI and Firewire enabled and put it on my comcast here. Comcast will see the box has a newer firmware and won't over write it with the older 5.03 that they are using here.. Is that possible?

Roadbook

Also, I have a question for you guys using Comcast elsewhere with Firmware 7.07. My question is this.. Is it possible to ship my box to you and have you put it on your cable network to get the 7.07 firmware then have you ship it back to me with DVI and Firewire enabled and put it on my comcast here. Comcast will see the box has a newer firmware and won't over write it with the older 5.03 that they are using here.. Is that possible?

No.

The reason being is each box has a serial # that is used to track it. Since your box's serial # would not be recognized by the box controller in that persons area it would not download anything to it or even authorize it for anything.

you may be thinking well then why cant that person just have it added to there account and removed.

The box is tracked in your local markets inventory and would not be able to be added in another market. if someone was to try so Comcast would assume the box is stolent and ask said person to hand it over.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
No.

The reason being is each box has a serial # that is used to track it. Since your box's serial # would not be recognized by the box controller in that persons area it would not download anything to it or even authorize it for anything.

you may be thinking well then why cant that person just have it added to there account and removed.

The box is tracked in your local markets inventory and would not be able to be added in another market. if someone was to try so Comcast would assume the box is stolent and ask said person to hand it over.

Very interesting. Then I will have to wait till they get my market up and running on 7.07. I just wish I knew when that was going to be. I am in Northern NJ and I would like to record stuff.

Or.. I guess I could hack the roms and change the serial number to what the person's is I am sending it to. Then I could change it back when I get it back. Hmm..

Roadbook

I'm thinking that in the Philadelphia market I will just have to get Direct TV and a HDTivo if I want to be able to record before Comcast releases the 6x08 here....

I called Comcast and asked them if I could get a 6200 STB instead of the 5100 I have now. They told me it isn't available. Can anyone in Connecticut confirm that they have a 6200?

Originally posted by CKarras
I'm thinking that in the Philadelphia market I will just have to get Direct TV and a HDTivo if I want to be able to record before Comcast releases the 6x08 here....

CKarras,

I see that your profile says "Philadelphia", are you actually in the city, or the 'burbs? The reason is that I don't know about Philly per se, but heard that the 6208's may not be that far off for some of the 'burbs.

David

I have a 6200 in Mass. Still waiting for new firmware 7.07!

I have a 6200 in Secaucus, NJ (right next to the Meadowlands and to NYC) and I too am waiting for the 7.07 firmware. I currently have 5.03. Which does not look promising.

Are there steps in the firmware to get to 7.07 or do I have to go in some type of order of firmware revisions to get there?

Roadie

David-

I'm in Chestnut Hill, in the City of Philadelphia and not that far from Brian Roberts. I suspect he has a special deal, though, or maybe DirectTV!

Originally posted by roadbook
...

Are there steps in the firmware to get to 7.07 or do I have to go in some type of order of firmware revisions to get there?

Roadie

The firmware will download only when the headend pushes it.

Originally posted by jsb_hburg
The firmware will download only when the headend pushes it.

Ok you completely didn't understand what I was saying. Let me be a little more clear...

Is there a defined Firmware Revision upgrade path that Comcast is using.. For example... 5.03 -> 6.0x -> 7.07 etc..

Or is it possible Comcast here may go directly to the current version which by all accounts is 7.07?

Everyone knows comcast has to initiate the upgrades on their end. What I want to know is do I have to wait a series of revisions first (like a tested method or roadmap comcast is using) or is it possible that when they decide to send off the next firmware upgrades that it could be whatever the most current version is...

Whew. I hope you understand me this time..

Roadie

Originally posted by CKarras
David-

I'm in Chestnut Hill, in the City of Philadelphia and not that far from Brian Roberts. I suspect he has a special deal, though, or maybe DirectTV!

Chris,

OK - you win!!! You have better connections than I do. :)

I'm hearing that MontCo could have the 6208's in March. I'll let you know when I can get my paws on one.

David

so far everything past 5.03 has been for beta testing purposes, due to 7.07 being a limited release again I'd assume the same holds true and in a short while will end up being pulled back like the rest.

But yes to answer your question when they decide on a final firmware release it will just jump to that firmware when they initiate it in your area.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
so far everything past 5.03 has been for beta testing purposes, due to 7.07 being a limited release again I'd assume the same holds true and in a short while will end up being pulled back like the rest.

But yes to answer your question when they decide on a final firmware release it will just jump to that firmware when they initiate it in your area.

Jeremyfr ,

Check your PM!

David

Originally posted by kenc3dan_av
I called Comcast and asked them if I could get a 6200 STB instead of the 5100 I have now. They told me it isn't available. Can anyone in Connecticut confirm that they have a 6200? I can. I got one hooked up two days ago. I'm in Simsbury, CT. I called to sign up for HDTV and they gave me an appointment the next day. Two people came out, one of which "was learning" and didn't know what he was doing. The small B&W user manual was for the 6200/6208 but they also gave me a larger full-color quickstart guide (or something like that) which has the model 5100 on the front.

It's quite possible that the people you talk to don't really know what model you'll get. It could be that once they've run out of stock of the 5100's they start using 6200's.

Scott

Anyone in Montgomery County MD received the Moto 6200 or any other upgrade from the 5100?

B.

hi everyone. i'm a new moto5100 owner and i have a question about the rca jacks on the front panel. i can't figure out how to tell the box to display input from here. i've read through the manual and either it doesn't cover it or i'm somehow missing it. it would be convenient to hook up video games to those front panel plugs, but no matter what i just get the cable signal on the tv. anyone have any advice? thanks.

Check the FAQ, locdog. These jacks are not activated anywhere, yet.

im in southeast michigan and just replaced my moto 5100 hd box witht the moto 6200 hd box. since the switch i noticed that the box freezes up when changing channels or using the guide..never did that with the 5100. i also notice that on the lower analog channels there seems to be some sort of light "flickering". the 6200 box is suppose to better? anyone know if the these problems will change with updated software?

one028,

How do you get the Cable company to replace your 5100 with a 6200 and also not getting charged the service fee?

i was having a ghosting problem, called customer service and had a technician come out. he came out and just changed my hd box to the 6200. no questions asked. i still have the ghosting problem on the analog channels but have an updated box...im actually considering going with a satalite hd provider for better, all digital picture.

Ghosting on analog channels is generally because of signal leakage. You have some bad connectors or splitters in your line allowing the outside off-air broadcasts to leak into your cable line. If the frequency of the off-air broadcast is close to the frequency used on the cable plant you will get the ghosting image. This is pretty common with older RG-59 cable.

My parents are about to hook up a 5100 to their new Sony Grand Wega 60" LCD RPTV in the Bay Area.

First, is DVI working here yet?

Second, is their PQ on SD going to be crappy? If it is, they'll be on their way back to Dish, even though they can't get antenna HD in Walnut Creek and won't get any networks.

Originally posted by one028
i was having a ghosting problem, called customer service and had a technician come out. he came out and just changed my hd box to the 6200. no questions asked. i still have the ghosting problem on the analog channels but have an updated box...im actually considering going with a satalite hd provider for better, all digital picture.

Interesting. I thought normally when they come out, they will just test the signal and not actually have another box unless you requested one.

Originally posted by JeffNebraska
Second, is their PQ on SD going to be crappy? If it is, they'll be on their way back to Dish, even though they can't get antenna HD in Walnut Creek and won't get any networks. PQ varies according to system, but the Motorola HD boxes do make SD look worse than getting the signal straight through coax.

If the PQ bugs your parents, they can split the cable and watch the analog channels through a straight coax direct to the back of the TV.

Or, they can use the S-video output from the box for SD channels, instead of component. Many report that the SD channels look better via the S-Video than via component.

Thanks Sonoma. I was wondering whether I should send the signal through s-video as well. I'll plan on trying that.

Looking more at this forum and the 5100 FAQ, I take it DVI is not active, despite the fact that the CSR from Comcast assured me it was.

Also, am I correcting in assuming the 480 override option is active in the Bay Area?

Originally posted by JeffNebraska
Thanks Sonoma. I was wondering whether I should send the signal through s-video as well. I'll plan on trying that.

Looking more at this forum and the 5100 FAQ, I take it DVI is not active, despite the fact that the CSR from Comcast assured me it was.

Also, am I correcting in assuming the 480 override option is active in the Bay Area?

I currently am using the s-video; and it does appear somewhat better this way. One thing I wanted to do which also seems to improve the signal is to enable bypass of the RF signal in the settings.

The problem with this approach is that the SP/DIF audio out does not turn off when you turn the Motorola 5100 off if you are in bypass; so I can't use the all off button on the remote.

My parents are about to hook up a 5100 to their new Sony Grand Wega 60" LCD RPTV in the Bay Area
Jeff, Have you received the box yet? Is it a 5100? I'm curious if they are installing any of the 62xx series boxes in the East Bay.

Haven't received it, but was told it would be the 5100 by the CSR. He could easily have been mistaken however. Still hoping for 6200.

Originally posted by JeffNebraska

Looking more at this forum and the 5100 FAQ, I take it DVI is not active, despite the fact that the CSR from Comcast assured me it was.


DVI is not active in the Bay Area. In fact, we seem to be WAY behind everyone else in terms of firmware (I'm in Hercules, last checked my firmware was still 2.48)

-Tim

Tim,

Is the 480 override feature available? Is the picture quality on SD bad news?

In fact, we seem to be WAY behind everyone else in terms of firmware (I'm in Hercules, last checked my firmware was still 2.48) Well, that does not sound good. I hope we are not losing out on too many upgraded features or performance tweaks, especially in the HD arena. I guess I'll know in a couple of days.

btw - do the installers bring enough cabling to hook the box up or do I need to have a few extra cables around?

thx

Firmware 7.07 in North Oakland!!

About 1:30 am, Wednesday morning my Mot. 5100 cycled through a download.

When I checked the service menu (power off>OK/select) "interface status" has 2 pages, 2nd page reads :

DVI PORT
DEVICE CONNECTED: NO

Will give it a try and report back.

John

DVI Works!

There's not much quality HD material at this hour, but so far SD is better from component than DVI. HD seems identical in quality. Will do some better comparisons tomorrow.

John

Firmware 7.07 is available in Harrisburg, PA. DVI has returned and is working on my DLP. Yes!

My Motorola 5100 has DVI active in Ambler PA. Looks great.

This morning my 5100 in Philadelphia shows 7.07 and a second page of firmware settings for DVI. I only had time to glance at it between blowing snow and making my train into the office, but there seem to be a number of DVI options that were not there when we had the 6.xx firmware, briefly. I also noted that 1394 was not installed, according to the setup screen. I won't be able to look at the back of the 5100 to see if 1394 hardware is there and not enabled, or if it's not there at all.

Does anyone have an active 1394 connector that can feed a D-VHS? That would make waiting for the 6408 sooooo much easier.....

All,

Just checked the older of my 2 5100's (I'm stuck downstairs) and the firmware is 7.07. Now, when I do up, I need to see whether the other box actually has a DVI port - if it does, I'm gonna order me a DVI cable, and try it out.

Just guessing, that 7.07 is a final release, rather than 6.xx which was only a beta.

ENJOY!

David

This is certainly a happy development for my parents who are slated to receive their 5100 on Saturday.

I'm still concerned about the quality of SD on their 60" Grand Wega LCD RPTV, but hopefully it will be manageable.

Keep those DVI reports coming!

Great news about the firmware update. After more research yesterday about the DVI port on the 5100, it turns out that it will not help in my case since I need a DVI-I, not a DVI-D port that is on the 5100.

The reason is with DVI-I, I can pull off the analog RGB signal and route it through to my front projector that has RGB inputs. The DVI-D port is digital only. So, I must route the signal from the 5100's component outputs through a transcoder then onto the projector in RGB.

Firmware 7.07 is loaded here in Central New Jersey also with the DVI port activated but I don't have a TV with a DVI input.

Originally posted by JeffNebraska
This is certainly a happy development for my parents who are slated to receive their 5100 on Saturday.

I'm still concerned about the quality of SD on their 60" Grand Wega LCD RPTV, but hopefully it will be manageable.

Keep those DVI reports coming! I don't think the Bay Area has the 7.07 firmware yet. It was still 5.03 when I checked this morning. There is no estimated date, that I am aware of, for when the 7.07 will be downloaded to the 5100's in the Bay Area.

The areas which have received 7.07 today are the "nationally" engineered Comcast systems. They tend to get firmware updates and new, non-local channels all at about the same time. The Bay Area is not one of the "national" systems.

(I believe the "North Oakland" poster above is in North Oakland, Michigan. But I hope I'm wrong.)

Originally posted by CKarras
Does anyone have an active 1394 connector that can feed a D-VHS? That would make waiting for the 6408 sooooo much easier.....

In Denver I got 7.07 last night on my 6200 and it enabled the Firewire port. I've been making test recordings off the HD channels to D-VHS. Seems to be working well.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
I don't think the Bay Area has the 7.07 firmware yet. It was still 5.03 when I checked this morning. There is no estimated date, that I am aware of, for when the 7.07 will be downloaded to the 5100's in the Bay Area.

The areas which have received 7.07 today are the "nationally" engineered Comcast systems. They tend to get firmware updates and new, non-local channels all at about the same time. The Bay Area is not one of the "national" systems.

(I believe the "North Oakland" poster above is in North Oakland, Michigan. But I hope I'm wrong.)

Yes, North Oakland, California.
Sorry I didn't clarify.

John

Bust my buttons, it is north Oakland, California. Your capitalization of North threw me, since there is no "North Oakland" which is a separate city or postal address (just the northern area of Oakland, next to Berkeley).

In Michigan, however, there is a "North Oakland" county.

My mistake.....OK I was excited about finally being able to hook up DVI but so far, with my Fuji P50(10), I have not seen a noticeable improvement over component.

The difference from comp. to DVI with my Samsung HD931 DVD player is night and day, though, from what I've read, the component out from this player is next to worthless.

John

Don't know about whether the firmware or software is changed; but just got a message and ordered the PVR version of the HD box.

Do a lot of other areas have the PVR yet and is the analog definition improved on the PVR over the 5100?

Hoping so - its coming Friday! No more commercials!

RalphArch,
What is the monthly lease fee for the PVR box?

Originally posted by HD Rookie
RalphArch,
What is the monthly lease fee for the PVR box?
$10 - with an installation fee around $21 (can't pick it up even though service is already working with a 5100)

I was interested in upgrading my 5100, but maybe it's not worth it. CBS, ABC,etc. on Comcast seem to be showing the same shows that were in HD last year, this year in SD, example is Law and Order. I noticed several reality shows as well. Are we losing ground again. I noticed since the start of the year, that many shows on the HD side of the big networks are not HD. I noticed some HBO HD shows aren't in HD anymore like Sex in the City--or maybe that never was. Hmm?

Maybe I'm dreaming, or maybe I'm just channel surfing more now and realizing what a vaste SD wasteland we still have out there in Cableville.

VOOM might get more customers if this keeps up.

Bob

Burlingame (SF bay area) has 7.07 as well. Too bad it doesn't stop the machine from resetting to channel 2 all too often when the box is turned off.

Comcast has enabled DVI (software version 7.07) in my area (Wilmington, DE). Moto 5100. Does anyone in this market have the 6200 and have you tried the iLink connection to see if it works as well?

I see DP1 reports it working in Denver. Anyone else?

Comcast in Cambridge, MA still has 5.03 as of right now

I've heard that the Comcast MA areas are scheduled for mid-Feb. for the firmware upgrade.

I'm quite angry with Comcast myself!

I'm a new user here... What's up all.

I've had mt DTC5100 for over 4 months now, and still no DVI for me. I've been calling Comcast off the hook recently, asking them when I'll have it, and all I get is "We don't know!"

Now, I'm in Reading, PA, between Philly and Harrisburg, and both those areas have the 7.07 update. Heck, even King of Prussia has it, and I'm about 1/2 hour away.

Anyone on here have ANY idea when I can expect to get the Firmware Update? I have my DVI-D cable just sitting in my living room now for 3 months, waiting to be used.

Any help?

Sorry to post something not DVI related, but has anyone here done a side-by-side on SD with the 5100 and Directv or DishNetwork?

I have always assumed that SD would be much better on the satelite, but now I'm curious.

Pittsburgh's got DVI up and running!!!

Originally posted by JeffNebraska
Tim,

Is the 480 override feature available? Is the picture quality on SD bad news?

480 override is available. SD is not great through the component out. I actually split the cable as it comes in the house, and send one feed to the 5100, and one to an old Sony VCR. I use the VCR as a tuner for my plasma, and SD is quite acceptable that way.

-Tim

Hope that I am in the right place to ask this.

Has anyone with the subject equipment with a DVI connection been able to get a picture in normal aspect ratio on the Samsung in size larger than 720 X 480?

What I really like about the DVI interface is that it will switch automatically between wide and normal format depending on SD or HD content. What I do not like, is that 720 X 480 presents a rather small image.

For now, even though I have DVI capability, I am staying with the component interface. Unless I am missing something.

Thanks, Gene.

Originally posted by M Diddy


Anyone on here have ANY idea when I can expect to get the Firmware Update? I have my DVI-D cable just sitting in my living room now for 3 months, waiting to be used.

Any help?

Anyone know?

Originally posted by Gene Norris
Hope that I am in the right place to ask this.

Has anyone with the subject equipment with a DVI connection been able to get a picture in normal aspect ratio on the Samsung in size larger than 720 X 480?

What I really like about the DVI interface is that it will switch automatically between wide and normal format depending on SD or HD content. What I do not like, is that 720 X 480 presents a rather small image.

For now, even though I have DVI capability, I am staying with the component interface. Unless I am missing something.

Thanks, Gene.
Not sure what you mean by 720 X 480. I have a the 5100 going by DVI to my Samsung HLN567W and the image size is the same as the image by component video. You may need to get into the menu settings on your 5100.

I have Charter here in Smyrna GA, and just a few days ago we got the new firmware download, 07.07, and it has enabled the DVI port on my DCT5100. So I hooked it up to my Samsung 50" DLP, the HLN507W.

My Moto settings are:
Aspect ratio: 16:9
DVI/PByr output: 1080i
480override: 480p

My Samsung settings are:
DVI: Wide(TV)


If your Sammy DVI setting is Wide(PC), or normal, seems you get a lot cropped. FWIW, I was a bit disappointed in the PQ of the DVI. I was expecting a dramatic improvement, but really can't see any improvement over using the component i/o.

Charter also added CBS to the HD lineup here. Just in time for the Super Bowl, yea!

"I laughed , Is that the only difference? If so I'm going to pacific cable and getting one for $16.00"

Redbull,
Get the $16 DVI-D cable. Its a digital cable. You either get the ones and zeroes, or you don't. All of the fancy gold plating and shielding that MAY make a small difference on analog cables, do not matter on a digital cable. Monster is just rippin' you off for $100.

My Moto settings are:
Aspect ratio: 16:9
DVI/PByr output: 1080i
480override: 480p

With that tv why wouldn't you set your DVI/PByr setting to 720p?
Isn't that an available setting for DVI?

JTMav

Originally posted by culpeppa
I have Charter here in Smyrna GA, and just a few days ago we got the new firmware download, 07.07, and it has enabled the DVI port on my DCT5100. So I hooked it up to my Samsung 50" DLP, the HLN507W.

My Moto settings are:
Aspect ratio: 16:9
DVI/PByr output: 1080i
480override: 480p

My Samsung settings are:
DVI: Wide(TV)


If your Sammy DVI setting is Wide(PC), or normal, seems you get a lot cropped. FWIW, I was a bit disappointed in the PQ of the DVI. I was expecting a dramatic improvement, but really can't see any improvement over using the component i/o.

Charter also added CBS to the HD lineup here. Just in time for the Super Bowl, yea!

Change the output to 720p and your DLP will be the happier.

Joe: "Change the output to 720p and your DLP will be the happier."


Well, here's my reasoning. Every HD channel I recieve is in 1080i. (Don't get ABC or ESPNs 720p). So the 5100 pukes out the 1080i signal and my Sammy converts it to 720p.

If I set the 5100 to output 720p (to match the Sammy's native resolution) the 5100 would do the conversion from 1080i.

Bottom line is, I'd rather have the TV do the conversion instead of the cable box. PQ seems better, but as always, so subtle its hard to say.

Originally posted by culpeppa
Joe: "Change the output to 720p and your DLP will be the happier."


Well, here's my reasoning. Every HD channel I recieve is in 1080i. (Don't get ABC or ESPNs 720p). So the 5100 pukes out the 1080i signal and my Sammy converts it to 720p.

If I set the 5100 to output 720p (to match the Sammy's native resolution) the 5100 would do the conversion from 1080i.

Bottom line is, I'd rather have the TV do the conversion instead of the cable box. PQ seems better, but as always, so subtle its hard to say.

I agree. On my Sammy dlp, picture on 1080i channels is so much better when I set 5100 (and now that I got 6200 few days ago, same thing results) to 1080i and have my tv convert it to 720p. I only change it to 720p on Moto if I am watching HD braodcast on ESPN, the difference in PQ is not worth it for me to keep changing it on ABC shows.

V

Has anyone attemped to use a DVI to RGBHV adapter? (not a component transcoder). The dang tri-level sync this unit sends out is making my picture look like crap after being transcoded by a Audio Authority transcoder. And I dont feel like dunking 5 to 800 dollars on a better transcoder. Even if the firewire worked i could pump it into my HTPC and be done with it.

Originally posted by vj9999
I agree. On my Sammy dlp, picture on 1080i channels is so much better when I set 5100 (and now that I got 6200 few days ago, same thing results) to 1080i and have my tv convert it to 720p. I only change it to 720p on Moto if I am watching HD braodcast on ESPN, the difference in PQ is not worth it for me to keep changing it on ABC shows.Can someone point me to a link that shows what HDTV formats are used by all of the HDTV channels?

Scott

Srauly,

Try http://www.hdtvgalaxy.com/broad.html

My Moto settings are:
Aspect ratio: 16:9
DVI/PByr output: 1080i
480override: 480p


I got my 5100 yesterday, the installer did not leave a manual. I called today, they say they don't leave one. What a bunch of dumbs..

Is there a good reference manual online somewhere that describes the internal settings. I've got HD and SD coming out but the only indication of what really is coming out is that I can see the scan rate of the projector.

I'm not getting 480p out on SD channels since it is standard NTSC interlaced.

thx

windtrader -

Try this - it may help, (It's better than what you have now!)


http://www.comcast.com/images/ImageLibrary/SiteFolder/PDF/DCT5100%20guide%20April03.pdf

or this

http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/DCT5100/downloads/DCT5100_Installation_Manual.pdf

Originally posted by the q
windtrader -

Try this - it may help, (It's better than what you have now!)


http://www.comcast.com/images/ImageLibrary/SiteFolder/PDF/DCT5100%20guide%20April03.pdf

or this

http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/DCT5100/downloads/DCT5100_Installation_Manual.pdf

And, last, but not least:

http://cjhengineering.com/DCTHDFAQ.htm

David

Thanks for the manual links. I was able to set the 4:3 override to 480P. I could tell it was interlaced, just had no way to change it.

btw - I looked at the firmware level and it was not ver 7, it was 5 point.

Originally posted by Genocide1
Has anyone attemped to use a DVI to RGBHV adapter? (not a component transcoder). The dang tri-level sync this unit sends out is making my picture look like crap after being transcoded by a Audio Authority transcoder. And I dont feel like dunking 5 to 800 dollars on a better transcoder. Even if the firewire worked i could pump it into my HTPC and be done with it.

Genocide,

I don't think the 5100 uses a DVI-I connector, just a DVI-D. The DVI-D connector does not have the pins required to send RGBHV analog out. It is a digital only interface.

You can try a device like this though:

http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=1209

I can get you one if you want?

Originally posted by rouge1
Got my box about a month ago.. got the new firmware about a week ago...
Im in Aston, PA.

First, COMCAST NEEDS TO SUPPLY ALL OF THEIR INSTALLERS WITH COMPONENT CABLES!!

SECOND, the sound output is WAY TO LOW on the HD and DIgital channels...
anyways, the install dude installed like 5 boxes at other peoples houses before he got to my house, and after I SHOWED HIM HOW TO INSTALL IT, he was blown away by the picture (the breeders cup happened to be on, and was in 1080i hd).... he said he couldnt get anyone else's HD to work it seemed...
I have a 57" Sony KP57hw40....

GET CBS and HDNET SOON and you get a A-

I lucked out. My Comcast HD installer was superb. He troubleshot a low signal strength in the HD frequencies. Located a bad junction box UNDER my house. That's right - for the $15 install fee he was willing to lay on his belly and go into the crawl space. (There IS a benefit to a professional install.) He provided component cables FREE. He activated the box and took me through the setup (where time setting is located). Oh, and he was ON-TIME. I know, you think I must be a pathological liar. Kudos to Danville California Comcast Cable. Best $5/mo I ever spent. Behind Enemy Lines on HBOHD last night was stunning on the new Panny plasma.

Bill

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but the DVI port has just been activated on my Comcast 5100 box here in Maryland in Anne Arundel County (Near Ft. Meade)! I noticed a download occurring before I left on Friday evening, 1/30/04, and the following morning I checked the firmware on the box and it was I think version 7.07. I recalled someone in this forum mentioning this was the version he had when his was activated, so I hooked up a DVI cable and there was the picture. Although I didn't spend too much time comparing the DVI and Component connections, I saw little if any difference between the two. Just my 2 cents.

Originally posted by M Diddy
I'm quite angry with Comcast myself!

I'm a new user here... What's up all.

I've had mt DTC5100 for over 4 months now, and still no DVI for me. I've been calling Comcast off the hook recently, asking them when I'll have it, and all I get is "We don't know!"

Now, I'm in Reading, PA, between Philly and Harrisburg, and both those areas have the 7.07 update. Heck, even King of Prussia has it, and I'm about 1/2 hour away.

Anyone on here have ANY idea when I can expect to get the Firmware Update? I have my DVI-D cable just sitting in my living room now for 3 months, waiting to be used.

Any help?


I am on the Elizabethtown System. I think we are part of The Reading system though as we get Reading Community events and Reading weather on Weathers Scan channel? Yea , Live in Lancaster Co. and get Reading stuff 45 minutes away. (Get Columbia on the regular Weather Channel though). I got a message today on the 5100 box that on 2/2 and 2/3 there will be service interruptions due to system upgrade. I am hoping that that mean firmware upgrade to the new firmware. A mile down the road (I live between Marietta and Columbia) they are on the Lancaster system that seems to be ahead of the Elizabethtown system. I have the New Sony LCD so looking foward to the DVI.

I originally posted this on a local thread - but does anyone know if you can use the firewire port to access files on the Motorola 6208? Or access pc files on the Motorola for extra storage. When I hook it up it doesn't install properly as it can't find any drivers in WinXP

Re: External Drive on 6208

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by msilver
Has anyone tried an external drive, to increase recording time?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



since I saw your post I thought I would just try it.

The box recognizes the firewire port as active when I plug my combined usb/firewire hard drive into it. (It doesn't recognize the drive when its plugged into the 1.1 usb port

But I have no idea how to do anything with it; and my storage stayed at 19% and there are no options I can see to record elsewhere than the installed hard drive.

When I hooked the firewire up to my computer the new hardware wizard starts and since I have no drivers and it can't find any I end up with a yellow question mark in Control panel - plus a 61883 class bus device with a yellow question mark

I could put ts (HD) files on the hard drive from my MYHD HDTV card to see if the box could play them but not sure what that would gain me over my HTPC


L

Originally posted by dcfox
I am on the Elizabethtown System. I think we are part of The Reading system though as we get Reading Community events and Reading weather on Weathers Scan channel? Yea , Live in Lancaster Co. and get Reading stuff 45 minutes away. (Get Columbia on the regular Weather Channel though). I got a message today on the 5100 box that on 2/2 and 2/3 there will be service interruptions due to system upgrade. I am hoping that that mean firmware upgrade to the new firmware. A mile down the road (I live between Marietta and Columbia) they are on the Lancaster system that seems to be ahead of the Elizabethtown system. I have the New Sony LCD so looking foward to the DVI.

I'm not sure if we're on the same system or not, but I never got a message about an upgrade.... :mad:

I'm hoping I actually get the upgrade as well. When I called Comcast, and talked to a SR, they said they had no clue about when the update would be. However, I can't se it being too much longer being that so many other areas now have it.... :confused:

7.07 has activated in chicagoland

Rick

msilver/Ralph,

I don't know if this will help you but there has been talk of Apple developing MPEG over Firewire drivers. The developers toolkit for OS X (unix kernel) has a functioning Virtual DVHS (I just confirmed it is in the latest ones http://developer.apple.com/firewire/index.html ). People are successfully recording shows off Samsung 165 ATSC tuners and some around here are recording to the DVHS so, by transposition, should be able to record to Apple Hardware. If anyone can find virtual drivers for WinXP, should be able to do the same thing.

I have the 5100 so if/when I go up to the 6100 series, I'll let folks know if I can do this.

Article on Firewire HDTV for Apple: http://www.macfixit.com/article.php?story=20030715080146169

HTMUG also has aome info though that doesn't help the XP folks.

Originally posted by RalphArch
Re: External Drive on 6208

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by msilver
Has anyone tried an external drive, to increase recording time?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



since I saw your post I thought I would just try it.

The box recognizes the firewire port as active when I plug my combined usb/firewire hard drive into it. (It doesn't recognize the drive when its plugged into the 1.1 usb port

But I have no idea how to do anything with it; and my storage stayed at 19% and there are no options I can see to record elsewhere than the installed hard drive.

When I hooked the firewire up to my computer the new hardware wizard starts and since I have no drivers and it can't find any I end up with a yellow question mark in Control panel - plus a 61883 class bus device with a yellow question mark

I could put ts (HD) files on the hard drive from my MYHD HDTV card to see if the box could play them but not sure what that would gain me over my HTPC

L

Sounds interesting, but not sure I follow you on all accounts.

Are you saying that you hooked an external HD up to a 6208 over firewire, and that the port showed as active, but the 6208 did not recognize the additional hard disk space?

Just received the 6208 PVR Box. Seems to work faster than the 5100 on menus and searches. Record function works very well. One major problem is the analog channels are very noisy with lots of snow. Digital and HDTV look great. I have latest firmware (7.07). The 5100 was much better on the analog channels. I may have a bad box. Anyone else have poor reception on analog? I am in Montgomery County, MD.

wa3vez,
this is kind of bad news. I am in Montgomery County, too. I have my installation of the 6208 scheduled for next Saturday, and was hoping the new box would be a little better than the 5100 on analog channels. Since you have the new fimware, have you tried to hook up via DVI?

Originally posted by renpar61
wa3vez,
this is kind of bad news. I am in Montgomery County, too. I have my installation of the 6208 scheduled for next Saturday, and was hoping the new box would be a little better than the 5100 on analog channels. Since you have the new firmware, have you tried to hook up via DVI?
I am not sure the DVI port is active, however, most are reporting very little difference with component output. They are going to bring a new box on Monday or Tuesday and if it is no better on analog signals I am going back to the 5100. By the way they are charging $21 for installation and you cannot record a live signal while watching a different live station. I specifically asked about these two items and was told there was no additional charge above the $9.95 per month and that the box would allow recording while watching a different channel.

Originally posted by lovingdvd
Sounds interesting, but not sure I follow you on all accounts.

Are you saying that you hooked an external HD up to a 6208 over firewire, and that the port showed as active, but the 6208 did not recognize the additional hard disk space?

yes

I also hooked it (6208) up to my computer; where the computer recognized a new device but there were no drivers available to load so I ended up with yellow question marks

my analog reception improved dramatically; probably due to the fact that the technician installing replaced two of my connections. I'm too lazy to hook up a splitter and try the analog directly- it does seem pretty good but I watch the HD/digital channels almost all the time. That said some of my analog channels are crystal clear - watching TMC right now and it is perfect on the 6208. And I just surfed through most of them and they also look great. Maybe its the time of day (12:30 am now and I imagine the bandwidth demand is down from the cable modem use) - Only band channels I saw were probably due to the source material - like Channel 10 classic programming showing a washed out (colorized) Fred Astair film - most of the the rest look perfect to me.

Anyone with a 6208 figure out how to fast forward faster than x4?

Seems pretty useless if you are limited to 4x real time. Hopefully this will be changed in a software update or I just don't know how to request more useful fast forward. No way I want to take 30 minutes to go the 2 hours to see the Budwesiser commercial I missed. Edit - I did go backand watch the mutt commercial again; and got to see Janet Jackson unconvered in slow motion; which I missed the first time. No way it wasn't staged with the matching silver pasty over her nipple.


Also - although others haven't said anything I think the new guide is a significant improvement ove rhte one I have with the 5100

Originally posted by RalphArch
I originally posted this on a local thread - but does anyone know if you can use the firewire port to access files on the Motorola 6208? Or access pc files on the Motorola for extra storage. When I hook it up it doesn't install properly as it can't find any drivers in WinXP

Re: External Drive on 6208

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by msilver
Has anyone tried an external drive, to increase recording time?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



since I saw your post I thought I would just try it.

The box recognizes the firewire port as active when I plug my combined usb/firewire hard drive into it. (It doesn't recognize the drive when its plugged into the 1.1 usb port

But I have no idea how to do anything with it; and my storage stayed at 19% and there are no options I can see to record elsewhere than the installed hard drive.

When I hooked the firewire up to my computer the new hardware wizard starts and since I have no drivers and it can't find any I end up with a yellow question mark in Control panel - plus a 61883 class bus device with a yellow question mark

I could put ts (HD) files on the hard drive from my MYHD HDTV card to see if the box could play them but not sure what that would gain me over my HTPC


L

Did you check the info menus(power off and hit select) to see if it even recognized the hard drive? Supposedly asynchronous firewire isn't enabled yet and won't be for at least some time to come and this is necessary for using an external hard drive.

Originally posted by wa3vez
I am not sure the DVI port is active, however, most are reporting very little difference with component output. They are going to bring a new box on Monday or Tuesday and if it is no better on analog signals I am going back to the 5100. By the way they are charging $21 for installation and you cannot record a live signal while watching a different live station. I specifically asked about these two items and was told there was no additional charge above the $9.95 per month and that the box would allow recording while watching a different channel.

My DVI port is active although I haven't gotten a viewable picture from it yet but that could be a TV issue. It is all washed out with red.

Originally posted by sillygoose
Did you check the info menus(power off and hit select) to see if it even recognized the hard drive? Supposedly asynchronous firewire isn't enabled yet and won't be for at least some time to come and this is necessary for using an external hard drive.

well that's the only way you can see the port going from not connected to active; so yes I went there and that's how I realized it recognized the hardware.

Originally posted by renpar61
wa3vez,
this is kind of bad news. I am in Montgomery County, too. I have my installation of the 6208 scheduled for next Saturday, and was hoping the new box would be a little better than the 5100 on analog channels....

I just did a room to room compare with the 5100 on a projector and 6208 on a direct view for CSN (45) and the golf channel (46)

The 6208 is significantly clearer/Sharper. It also has a shorter coax run so that may be part of it. Digitall channels are fine both places.

Originally posted by RalphArch
well that's the only way you can see the port going from not connected to active; so yes I went there and that's how I realized it recognized the hardware.
I thought I remembered seeing a screen about hard drives or something did anything show up on that screen? I'll check again to get the right name of the screen.

Originally posted by RalphArch
Anyone with a 6208 figure out how to fast forward faster than x4?

Seems pretty useless if you are limited to 4x real time. Hopefully this will be changed in a software update or I just don't know how to request more useful fast forward. No way I want to take 30 minutes to go the 2 hours to see the Budwesiser commercial I missed. Edit - I did go backand watch the mutt commercial again; and got to see Janet Jackson unconvered in slow motion; which I missed the first time. No way it wasn't staged with the matching silver pasty over her nipple.


I don't think FF4 means 4x. I think they just have 4 levels and labeled them as such. FF4 seems to go about 10-20x. I got from 6pm to halftime in under 10 minutes.

Originally posted by sillygoose
I don't think FF4 means 4x. I think they just have 4 levels and labeled them as such. FF4 seems to go about 10-20x. I got from 6pm to halftime in under 10 minutes.

I stand corrected - but its still too slow - why not have a faster speed and show how far along you are in the show?

Originally posted by RalphArch
I stand corrected - but its still too slow - why not have a faster speed and show how far along you are in the show?

I don't think the need a faster fast forward but what would be nice is a slider bar that you could move a position indicator on to jump ahead.

I run macros on my remote to do lots of stuff. Like goto menu,.select Main menu, so I can search by movies, etc. I first noticed the thing missing ir commands when my macros would not go to the right location.

So I investigated more. I took the remote and pulled up the guide and pointed the remote straight at the cable box about 1foot away to make sure I was getting a reliable IR signal to it.

to test I started with the gude up and I would push down, down, down, pushing 2 downs about every 1 second. You will notice about 1 out of ever 15 downs you will get missed IR command to the box.

Is there a hardware problem with some 5100 boxes where the IR system is problematic? Or is this a software glitch that over utilizes the CPU and thus forces it to create "slow channel changing, por ir/missing ir command performance?

I also get the slow channel changing, and after a reboot it doesn't speed up some channel changing esp the HDTV ones.

Should I exchange my 5100 for another one comcast has, or does everyone have the same problems I have?

I know this has been covered before in the post but I was wondering if anyone had a fix/replacement I could get for this.

Also guys where is the IR recv located if I wanna stick a xantech emmiter on it. I took a flashlight over the channel led display part but could not find an area for IR receiving that I could see.

When I first got the 6200 I thought I saw a place to change 720p resolution from 720 to 768 through the DVI connection, but now I cannot find it. Was I imagining it, or can the 6200 be adjusted to match my plasma? I have firmware 7.07 using DVI (not THAT much better than component) and am about to get the JVC 40K D-VHS....

Anyone know if there is any update on the DVI black level issue? Tried DVI this weekend with the 6200 and am getting a very washed out pic to my Panny.

Thanks,
--Zig--

Can anyone who's splitting their cable from the wall into the 5100 and straight into the RF input on the tv (to improve SD picture quality) speak to whether a special amplified splitter is required, or whether a cheap radio shack splitter will do the job?

Thanks.

Originally posted by JeffNebraska
Can anyone who's splitting their cable from the wall into the 5100 and straight into the RF input on the tv (to improve SD picture quality) speak to whether a special amplified splitter is required, or whether a cheap radio shack splitter will do the job?

Thanks.
Yes, this is my setup. My analog channels are pretty good. I don't use an amplified splitter, but I dont use a cheapo splitter either. Buy a splitter rated at at-least 1ghz.

I almost forgot...
I should mention that I do have an amp on my cable line where it enters my home. I have a ton of splits and old cable lines in my home. I did find that the amp improved my analog picture.

I am running the cable from the wall into the 5100 and then using the RF out to the TV. The component outputs go to the front projector. The picture on the tv looks fine. The splitter is one from the Comcast guy. I watched him the other day while he did a cable run check and also replaced another splitter. I'm assuming they are putting in solid splitters as they are a whole lot cheaper than a service call down the road.

can anyone verify that if in the guide or main menu options, if the unit misses ir from time to time?

see my ir problem post.

Originally posted by RalphArch
I just did a room to room compare with the 5100 on a projector and 6208 on a direct view for CSN (45) and the golf channel (46)

The 6208 is significantly clearer/Sharper. It also has a shorter coax run so that may be part of it. Digital channels are fine both places.

How are you connected to the 6208? I am using component output for both digital and analog channels (Feeding a Plasma Panel). I checked with a friend that had his box installed on Friday last week and he is also getting a much poorer analog signal than with the 5100 box. Comcast is coming tomorrow and they assure me that the analog channels (2 thru 99) should be quite good with the 6208. Time will tell.

Originally posted by wa3vez
How are you connected to the 6208? I am using component output for both digital and analog channels (Feeding a Plasma Panel). ....

I use component out to a KeyDigital component to vga transcoder; for all channels whether analogue or digital. 1080i with 480p bypass

can anyone with DVI output verifity if DVI output plus component work at the same time? I am trying to figure a way to get hd to 2 tv sets at the same time without having to rent 2 5100 boxes.

DVI and component work at the same time.

This is probably going to be a stupid question but I was watching HBO last night and my 5100 automatically powered off and then back on a minute later. After everything got back up and running I checked the menu screens and the firmware was the same. Any sugeestions to what this was?

Does the new firmware let you output native resolution or do you need to choose a format. I would like to avoid using the scaler in the 5100 and us the one in my projector instead.

DVI has been activated in Montgomery County. The only problem I noticed when they upgraded the firmware to 7.xx it also reset the resolution on the box to 480 so you need to go into the menu of the 5100 (shut off power and then press menu) to change the defaults to 1080i or 720p. Also if you have the Samsung DLP you need to put the override back to off or 480p.

The new firmware did not allow me to set the resoulution to a native resoulution mode to allow the internal scaler to do the work when needed.

I actually set my 480 override to 480i and use my Cinemotion DRC mode on my TV to do the line-doubling. I get a noticablly better picture that way.

BTW, still NO update here in the Reading area (Berks county). Checked this morning before I left for my Network+ Cert Exam, and it was still 5.03.... :mad: :(

Just checked and got Comcast firmware 7.07. I connected my DVI-D dual link cable...and it works. However, the picture quality is not that good compare to component hookup. The picture has a orangish-redish....look. Any one notice this? What can I do to resolve this. I have a 55 inch Philips HDTV , comcast HDTV box model 6200.

Thanks