Atlanta appears to have just gotten DVI. On my 5100 feed into Toshiba 34" CRT, HD stations show no difference between DVI and component; SD looks grainier with DVI.

Originally posted by raakdogg
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

I have a similar issue with my new 6208 from comcast. The component looks great just like the 5100 did but when I plugged in the DVI to try it out I got a picture all awash with a redish hue.

Firmware updated to version 7.07 in Baltimore Co., Maryland during night. Still no start date for DVR/motorola 6208 per Comcast CSR.

Has anyone using the DVI port on the Moto 5100 noticed any increase in sound synchronization problems. I know the Samsung DLP sets have some problems, but since I hooked my set up to the DLP the sound synchronization problem has become a lot worse.

Has anyone here noticed any appreciable increase in SD or HD quality thanks to DVI? I haven't seen a single post claiming to have seen a noticable improvement over component.

I guess the fw update isn't such a big deal afterall.

Originally posted by JeffNebraska
Has anyone here noticed any appreciable increase in SD or HD quality thanks to DVI? I haven't seen a single post claiming to have seen a noticable improvement over component.

I guess the fw update isn't such a big deal afterall.

From Agoraquest.com:

http://www.agoraquest.com/viewtopic.php?topic=5745&forum=25

With my Samsung HLN617 I feel there is an improvement in clarity of HD and digital using the Motorola 5100 with the DVI. It's hard to quantify but the picture look sharper and there appears to be better detail. On the other hand the analog signal appears to have more noise and does not look as good. I prefer to watch the analog signal through the cable antenna input since the Samsung does a much better job of processing the analog signal.

I got the upgrade yesterday and hooked up DVI cable that was sitting there waiting for the upgrade. After reading some posts about DVI/component quality and knowing that apparently my Sony GWII DVI input is not fully digital, I didn't expect any improvement. With my great surprise, the PQ on the analog channels is now much much better! And even the HD content has lost some of the artifacts.
At this point I'm not sure if it's the DVI or the upgrade, and honestly I don't care... I'm too excited to finally have a good reception across the board.

Originally posted by JeffNebraska
Has anyone here noticed any appreciable increase in SD or HD quality thanks to DVI? I haven't seen a single post claiming to have seen a noticable improvement over component.

I guess the fw update isn't such a big deal afterall.

On my DLP, I now have zero overscan, sharper image and improved contrast resulting from the new f/w; however, brightness needs to be lowered a bit.

Atlanta got the 7.07 firmware update today/yesterday and DVI works great.

Problem with my 6208.
With HD either prerecorded or live delay when I go to FF1 the box stays stuck on FF1. Not always - but often.
Only options at this point is to wait till the box catches up with the live feed
or it reaches the end of the prerecorded material - quite impractical if the show has a long ways to go OR actually reboot the 6208 by unplugging it from the socket. Instant loss of all your guide info.
Any ideas ???

RCN
NYC, NY
F/W 6.05

Below is the explanation from Comcast engineering as to why the resolution of the Moto 5100 was reset to 480 because of the DVI upgrade. Bottom line do not attach the DVI cable until after the upgrade if you want to avoid this problem.

"What happened is expected to happen not due to an upgrade, but rather when DVI is first connected. Logic behind this is that the digital ports (Component, DVI and 1394) are running off the same circuitry; thus making the graphic planes of each of these outputs tied to each other. In laymen's terms, when the user settings are set to 720P on the YPbPr/DVI output, the user will have 720P scan on both digital outputs.

Next, keeping above in mind; DVI was first introduced in the display market for handling computer scans (640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, etc...) and the idea of handling ATSC scans was never in the picture. Then content and equipment providers like ourselves noticed that we can also take advantage of the DVI transport and allowing the digital to analog conversion to take place in the consumer's display device (logic here is that a higher end display device can do a better job D/A than our converter box). The catch is that we provide content in ATSC formats (720x480, 1280x720, 1920x1080) and the display devices do not handle these scan rates. But, in the past 2 years most display providers have incorporated ATSC and computer scans for either HDTV or computer monitor uses. To complete the circle since we do not know the age of your display, it might not be able to handle ATSC scans and the only scan that works in both arenas is the 480P scan rate that shows up in both HDTV and computer worlds. Therefore, we take the 480P as a "default" when the digital settop box first makes a connection with a display device via DVI, so the customer is sure to have a picture on their screen. Our testing with displays have uncovered that just because a display can handle 1080I on the component inputs, this is not the case with DVI; which again is looking for computer scans.

The big picture: Customers who are using component input did not lose their settings, but he is correct that with this code download the DVI is turned on for the first time and if the customer had a DVI cabled up at the time of code download then the settop box did a "auto-discovery" and found a display device connect via DVI also."

Originally posted by M Diddy
From Agoraquest.com:

http://www.agoraquest.com/viewtopic.php?topic=5745&forum=25

I have a Dct 5100, out-putting thru dvi as of last week, with a sammy 437. The Dvi is much better than component. Colors more dynamic, shading improvements, etc. As I read elsewhere, I did have to up the Color a bit to adjust. I was 30% or so with component, I am 45 to 50% with DVi. I see a stark improvement.

Rick

Originally posted by PaulGo
Below is the explanation from Comcast engineering as to why the resolution of the Moto 5100 was reset to 480 because of the DVI upgrade. Bottom line do not attach the DVI cable until after the upgrade if you want to avoid this problem.

"What happened is expected to happen not due to an upgrade, but rather when DVI is first connected. Logic behind this is that the digital ports (Component, DVI and 1394) are running off the same circuitry; thus making the graphic planes of each of these outputs tied to each other. In laymen's terms, when the user settings are set to 720P on the YPbPr/DVI output, the user will have 720P scan on both digital outputs.

Next, keeping above in mind; DVI was first introduced in the display market for handling computer scans (640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, etc...) and the idea of handling ATSC scans was never in the picture. Then content and equipment providers like ourselves noticed that we can also take advantage of the DVI transport and allowing the digital to analog conversion to take place in the consumer's display device (logic here is that a higher end display device can do a better job D/A than our converter box). The catch is that we provide content in ATSC formats (720x480, 1280x720, 1920x1080) and the display devices do not handle these scan rates. But, in the past 2 years most display providers have incorporated ATSC and computer scans for either HDTV or computer monitor uses. To complete the circle since we do not know the age of your display, it might not be able to handle ATSC scans and the only scan that works in both arenas is the 480P scan rate that shows up in both HDTV and computer worlds. Therefore, we take the 480P as a "default" when the digital settop box first makes a connection with a display device via DVI, so the customer is sure to have a picture on their screen. Our testing with displays have uncovered that just because a display can handle 1080I on the component inputs, this is not the case with DVI; which again is looking for computer scans.

The big picture: Customers who are using component input did not lose their settings, but he is correct that with this code download the DVI is turned on for the first time and if the customer had a DVI cabled up at the time of code download then the settop box did a "auto-discovery" and found a display device connect via DVI also."

Are you saying not to have the DVI connected during the FW download???

Or that if I hooked my DVI up already (which I did when I first got it), my PQ is now going to be in the toilet??? :confused: It's now un-plugged BTW....

DVI is now active in Dallas, but neither of my HDs (Philips tube and Mits RPTV) have DVI inputs - the Mits has RGB and Firewire. Is there a way to use my Mits' inputs through conversion, and any benefits to doing so over my current component connection?

Originally posted by stewlevine
DVI is now active in Dallas, but neither of my HDs (Philips tube and Mits RPTV) have DVI inputs - the Mits has RGB and Firewire. Is there a way to use my Mits' inputs through conversion, and any benefits to doing so over my current component connection?
Don't go there... not worth the effort.

Originally posted by ClaudeD
Don't go there... not worth the effort.
I agree. Its been reported pretty often that DVI is no better than component for RPTVs, because the signal is converted back to analog before the tv can use it. On the other hand people with plasmas have been very happy, because a plasma can stay in the "digital domain" when using the dvi signal.

Are you saying not to have the DVI connected during the FW download???

Or that if I hooked my DVI up already (which I did when I first got it), my PQ is now going to be in the toilet??? It's now un-plugged BTW....

The problem is it will reset the Moto 5100 to the lowest resolution (480) if the DVI is connected when the firmware is upgraded. You will then have to manually set the Moto 5100 to the correct resolution by going into the hidden menu (power off and then press menu) to reset the box to your desired resolution. My concern was if the upgrade did this to all the HD boxes then Comcast would have a big mess on their hands.

Originally posted by HD Rookie
I agree. Its been reported pretty often that DVI is no better than component for RPTVs, because the signal is converted back to analog before the tv can use it. On the other hand people with plasmas have been very happy, because a plasma can stay in the "digital domain" when using the dvi signal.

True, but it comes down to what unit has the better D>A converter in it, the 5100 or the RPTV and/or analog display. I have seen devices such as the Gefen DVI-to-RGBHV converter on analog displays and the image was noticeably better when using the DVI out through the Gefen converter. Most likely because the Gefen has superior D>A conversion. Plus you get the benefits of running digital to the display and eliminate any kind of cable loss and RF interference.

Originally posted by DHarp193
True, but it comes down to what unit has the better D>A converter in it, the 5100 or the RPTV and/or analog display. I have seen devices such as the Gefen DVI-to-RGBHV converter on analog displays and the image was noticeably better when using the DVI out through the Gefen converter. Most likely because the Gefen has superior D>A conversion. Plus you get the benefits of running digital to the display and eliminate any kind of cable loss and RF interference.

I'll buy that. I didn't know these converters even existed and would be interested in learning more. How are they priced? Reasonable enough for us "regular guys" to try?

Rookie,

They run about $400. I can hook you up if you need one. PM me if you do. You can find more info here:

www.gefen.com

Extron also makes one of these units as well as a few others.

I just got firmware 7.07 here in Detroit. with DVI the anolog channels are just as crappy and the HD channels look a little washed out -- like the brightness level is too high or something. But if I make adjustments then the other channels are too dark.

Oh well, back to component for me.

after my last post I did some comparison between DVI and component. I agree with rollerfink, the HD channels look a little washed out, but the analog channels definitely look better through DVI on my GWII. They have also improved slightly through component, so I guess the firmware update has something to do with it too.

Originally posted by rollerfink
I just got firmware 7.07 here in Detroit. with DVI the anolog channels are just as crappy and the HD channels look a little washed out -- like the brightness level is too high or something. But if I make adjustments then the other channels are too dark.

Oh well, back to component for me.

where are you located exactly, im in the detroit area and dont have the firmware update....

Originally posted by one028
where are you located exactly, im in the detroit area and dont have the firmware update....

I'm on the east side near mack and cadieux. Other parts of Detroit had it before me so I think they do different areas at different times. Yours is probably on the way.

FW 7.07 here in the Meadowlands, NJ. I haven't tried DVI yet, but an old problem with a flickering, colored horizontal line along the bottom of the screen on some analog channels that had gone away is now back. I think someone else may have mentioned a similar thing a few pages back...

New to this thread, but can someone tell me how to check which software/firmware version I have on my 5100. I'm in the Hartford, CT area. Thanks

From the on-screen menus - Main Menu / Setup / Cable Box / See Configuration.

Just spoke with reps at Comcast regarding my Wednesday install of HD hardware (I am located SE of Detroit). I was told that the Motorola 5100 that I will be getting will not have DVI active (it may not even have the connector)?? I have a Sanyo Z2 and really want to use the DVI port, as I am doing now for my DVD player. For current users of the Motorola - component connection, are you happy with picture quality? Anyone using this combination with the Z2? Any comments would be greatly appreciated, as I am considering cancelling the install and going with DirecTV HD instead (although definitely not preferred). Thanks in advance.

7.07 came to Atlanta yesterday. Does anyone know if a DVI to analog vga adaptor works on these units?

5100 SLOW and missing IR commands.

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.

Originally posted by Genocide1
7.07 came to Atlanta yesterday. Does anyone know if a DVI to analog vga adaptor works on these units?

No, the 5100 only has a DVI-D connector, not a DVI-I. The DVI-D doesn't have the required pins that carry the analog signal that the adapters use. I am not sure if the new 62xx series has a DVI-I or DVI-D, but I think they also use DVI-D only.

As a side note, Firmware 7.07 was downloaded last night to the Lancaster, PA area. I didn't have time to play with it yet and see how the DVI looks/performs. I will try to check it out tonight.

Finally got the update last nite! Turned on SportsCenter this morning, and decided to check and sho' nuff, there it was!

Haven't had a chance to play with it yet, but will later today!

Originally posted by skeester45
Just spoke with reps at Comcast regarding my Wednesday install of HD hardware (I am located SE of Detroit). I was told that the Motorola 5100 that I will be getting will not have DVI active (it may not even have the connector)?? I have a Sanyo Z2 and really want to use the DVI port, as I am doing now for my DVD player. For current users of the Motorola - component connection, are you happy with picture quality? Anyone using this combination with the Z2? Any comments would be greatly appreciated, as I am considering cancelling the install and going with DirecTV HD instead (although definitely not preferred). Thanks in advance.

The reps may not know when DVI becomes active. You can check your firmware and if it's 7.07 then your DVI is active. If not then it is probably coming soon.

If you get a box without a DVI port then it is an older moto 5100 -- just ask them for a newer box and it will have a DVI port. For me component is better than DVI so I've switched back for now.

Got my update also. I'm on the Elizabethtown Pa system. I don't see any difference on the DVI vs Component connections. Both look good on my Sony LCD.

Short story long:

1/15/04: I bought a DVI cable. I connected my computer into my Samsung DLP HLN467W. It worked great, but the computer is too far away from the tv. So I unplugged it from the computer.

Hey, what's this? my Comcast 5100 digital cable box has a DVI input? Hmmm... I plugged it in, and ... nothing showed up on the tv. I researched online, and found out that Comcast did not support the DVI port... yet. Oh well. I left it plugged in.

2/09/04: I turn on the tv & 5100, and only HD channels work on my component cables. WTH? I hit Power Off -- Menu, and it appears that my HDTV settings have been reset to default. I re-configure it to 16:9, 1080i, and 480p override. Cool. Everything works now. Hey, what's this? "DVI/YPrPb override"? I don't remember DVI being listed in the service menu. I select the DVI input, and BAM! I got DVI now. 7.07.

So yes, I am one of those people who left the DVI cable in when I got the new firmware, and my settings all reset. Not a big deal. And it's fortunate that it happened, or I wouldn't have discovered my new firmware without the system reset. Yay for me.

And I do see a slight increase in PQ over component, in both SD and HD. More tests will now commence in the coming weeks.

Anybody know if HDCP is activated on the DVI output yet??? I'd like to try a Gefen DVI-RGBHV converter on a CRT pj, but the Gefen doesn't have HDCP and won't pass the signal if it has HDCP:( This is also a better solution than using one of those cheap YUV to RGBHV transcoders I think.

I installed my DVI when I got home from school today, and did a comparo of both DVI and component. I left both plugged in an switched back and forth between the various inputs to notice any differences.

PQ is definitly better with the DVI. Not as much from 2-99, but picture does seem a bit smoother. The digital channels from 100-172 look quite better with the DVI. Not as many artifacts and a smoother picture.

As far as the HD goes, I couldn't notice a defference, however, I'm thinking it might look a little more colorful with the components, but it's a minute difference.

All in all, I'm happy with the DVI and it's staying. Now I just have to wait for for Comcast to get me my 6208! :D

BTW, I have a Sony KP-46WS510.....

Originally posted by DHarp193
Anybody know if HDCP is activated on the DVI output yet??? I'd like to try a Gefen DVI-RGBHV converter on a CRT pj, but the Gefen doesn't have HDCP and won't pass the signal if it has HDCP:( This is also a better solution than using one of those cheap YUV to RGBHV transcoders I think.

I believe the HDCP is disabled....

I think I saw it somewhere in the Configuration Menu (Power Off + OK). Take a look around there....

Originally posted by skeester45
Just spoke with reps at Comcast regarding my Wednesday install of HD hardware (I am located SE of Detroit). I was told that the Motorola 5100 that I will be getting will not have DVI active (it may not even have the connector)?? I have a Sanyo Z2 and really want to use the DVI port, as I am doing now for my DVD player. For current users of the Motorola - component connection, are you happy with picture quality? Anyone using this combination with the Z2? Any comments would be greatly appreciated, as I am considering cancelling the install and going with DirecTV HD instead (although definitely not preferred). Thanks in advance.

I have my new Z2 fed component from the 5100. The HD quality is a little better than OTA from my other STB using component. I did notice from my HTPC using its DVI output, the Z2 image is slightly better than if I use VGA output. I am running all in 720p including HTPC.

I will try to compare DVI from 5100 if my Comcast also delivers the new firmware, as of last week my DVI on 5100 was not active. But I will not consider the lack of DVI a deal breaker since so far the improvement over component or VGA would be marginal.

It seems that comcast has just updated the firmware in Trenton(Lawrenceville) area to 7.07 version.
Couldn't see much of the difference in PQ using DVI over component on my sammy HLN5065W TV. Will play more tonight....

Anyone know if the unit needs to be turned off in order
to receive a firmware update? I usually keep mine on 24/7...

I saw some discussion of 1394/firewire earlier in the forum, but haven't seen any lately. Is the 1394 port functional with the latest firmware upgrade? I gather the hardware is only installed on the 6100 box.

I haven't signed up for Comcast yet (will have a Mitsubishi 65" TV as soon as I finish some remodeling and cleaning - in another 4-8 weeks, I hope). I called their sales line the other day, and was told they're installing the 5100 boxes in this area (Edmonds, WA). I'm wondering if I can get the 6100 as a new subscriber (i.e., I'll sign up only if I'm promised a 6100 box).

Thanks.

Gary

Just got 7.07 in LA, but as I don't have a DVI-D cable ready, I'll need to find one to do some testing.

Anyone with suggestions on where to buy a cable online?

Originally posted by kmattoo
Just got 7.07 in LA, but as I don't have a DVI-D cable ready, I'll need to find one to do some testing.

Anyone with suggestions on where to buy a cable online?
www.ramelectronics.net
They have a banner on this site, RAM connectivity solutions.

luckychunk,
where exactly in IL are you? What town?

I live in Palatine (NW suburb of Chicago) and as of last night, still don't have the firmware.

Thanks,
Brian

Originally posted by gmike
Anyone know if the unit needs to be turned off in order
to receive a firmware update? I usually keep mine on 24/7...

It doesn't need to be turned off. I leave mine on 24/7 too and I get the updates.

Got 7.07 recently on Comcast, St Paul (Eagan) MN.

Only difference I can see with 7.07 from 6.xx is a definite improvement in analog and digital SD PQ. My 42" set (component video) used to have blockiness on SD (3/16" squares) that is now replaced by a more uniform fuzziness. Analog SD PQ is now almost identical to my VCR (composite video). That's about as good as it gets.

Originally posted by btomasie
luckychunk,
where exactly in IL are you? What town?

I live in Palatine (NW suburb of Chicago) and as of last night, still don't have the firmware.

Thanks,
Brian FYI, We have 7.07 in Kildeer. I decided to check the configuration on Monday because the receiver clock seemed flakey and noticed that the upgrade had occured. We have a Mitsubishi 65819 without DVI so I don't think the upgrade matters much for us.

I checked last night and Baltimore County has 7.07. I don't know when it arrived.

I will now have to get a DVI cable and try it out.

Rich N.

Question for the knowledgeable here:

I'm one of the people who has a problem with the optical audio signal from the Moto 5100 into my (admittedly) less than top-of-the-line reciever.

Now the reciever works fine with every other optical signal I've thrown at it. The only signal that is troublesome is the one from the Moto 5100, which coincides with what some on this forum have seen.

Since Motorola hasn't seen fit to correct it through a firmware update (which may not even be possible), I'm looking at alternatives. One thought I had was taking the coax out of the Moto, converting it to optical, and then running the optical to my reciever. My hope is that in the conversion process, the audio signal is normalized slightly, and would be easier for my reciever to lock on to.

The best option I've found thus far is the Dayton Audio 180-960 Coaxial to Optical converter (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&User_ID=8240003&St=2911&St2=-74132016&St3=76336791&DS_ID=3&Product_ID=16150&DID=7).

Does anyone have experience with this product? Any thoughts on whether or not it would even work?

Thanks - I'm really hoping to finally get my theater working perfectly. DVI was one of the elements I needed ... the audio is the last step.

Are you sure that you that the 5100 is the problem and not the content? DD from my 5100 can be flaky, but I think it is most often the source or content. If your receiver is recognizing it as a digital signal than I don't believe doing a coax to optical converter will make things better. I could be wrong but it doesn't make sense to me how this could clear things up.

In short, when I have weird sound, I believe that the source that Comcast is transmitting is wacky. I don't believe it is the 5100.

Does anyone know if the quaility of a DVI-D cable can affect picture quality? I just hooked my sister's Philips 55PP9753 to her 5100 via DVI and there is an appreciable reduction in quality. Most notably is the presence of video noise. Anyone? I purchased this no-name cable at a local computer store for $11.00.

Don

Crap Monkey - based on my experience with a 5100, your problem may be with the optical out connector on the 5100. When I first hooked mine up (to a McIntosh MX-132 Pre-Pro), I got no sound on Dolby Digital programs and only somewhat garbled audio on non-Dolby audio signals. I then hooked up using the coaxial digital output to a coaxial-in on the MX-132, and everything worked fine.

The reason I say it could be the optical-out connector on the 5100 is that when I tried once again to use the optical-out, I was able to jiggle the optical cable's connector at the 5100 box and receive some intermittent audio output, even on Dolby Digital programming. I'm pretty sure the cable is OK since it works perfectly with my Directv box, and I'm at a loss why a Dolby Digital signal would be harder to send out than regular two channel non-Dolby stereo, but that's the way it worked on my box. I haven't tried getting a new box since the coax-out works fine.

Based on all of the above, I would speculate your idea of using a coax to optical converter just might work.

Good luck.

Using optical out on my 5100 to a McIntosh MX-134 with no problem. Not to insult anyone, but are you sure you removed the plastic protective cap before inserting the optical plug into the unit?

Here in Boston we got 7.07 The DVI port is active but I think that I like component better. The DVI seemed less vivid and even a little washed-out. BTW, I have a Sammy DLP, so I expected DVI to be an improvement kind of like DVD but its not.

Originally posted by CTBob
Using optical out on my 5100 to a McIntosh MX-134 with no problem. Not to insult anyone, but are you sure you removed the plastic protective cap before inserting the optical plug into the unit?

I won't be insulted. I've worked in tech support before - it's nearly always the easiest solution.

In this case, however, it's not. On some days - and honestly, I correllate it to bad weather :) - the signal is fine. On most days, it's garbled. I either get no signal, or my reciever intermittently picks it up (signified by the dolby light flashing on and sound sporadically coming through).

Somewhere in the midst of this thread there's a couple or three of us who've had this problem. I've tried different cables. It's not the cable. I've hooked at least 3 other devices up to my reciever - optical works fine.

There's something between the 5100 and the reciever. I'm going to see if I can get a trial on one of the coax to optical converters.

CTBob - no insult taken here either. I should have been more descriptive in my post. I swapped my optical digital cable directly from the output of my Hughes HTL-HD sat box to the Motorola DCT-5100 box and then back again. No plastic plugs installed or removed in between. The optical out from the HTL-HD worked fine; the optical out from the DCT-5100 worked as described in my earlier post.

Seems like if it works fine with your MX-134 and not with my MX-132, it could be a problem with the individual cable box.

Oh yeah, I also tried three different optical digital cables, none of which had the plastic protector on them.

Crap Monkey - have you tried getting a replacement box?

Has anyone noticed that when the DVI connector is used the sound synchronization of the s-video output becomes very bad. Since I started using the DVI output to my TV the connection to my S-VHS video recorder through the s-video connector has resulted in very noticeable sound synchronization problems.

luckychunk,
where exactly in IL are you? What town?

I live in Palatine (NW suburb of Chicago) and as of last night, still don't have the firmware.

Thanks,
Brian


I am your neighbor -- Arlington Heights. I discovered the upgrade on 2/09, but earlier in this thread, another Illinoisian was upgraded on 1/31.

Originally posted by DooDoo
Here in Boston we got 7.07 The DVI port is active but I think that I like component better. The DVI seemed less vivid and even a little washed-out. BTW, I have a Sammy DLP, so I expected DVI to be an improvement kind of like DVD but its not.

This is exactly my experience -- except I have a Sony RPTV.

For what it's worth, I get washed out DVI as well. I have found that turning my brightness down on my plasma almost to zero (OK, it's actually 4) restores the contrast I lost.

Any takers....?
Cheers,
-Zig--

Originally posted by ZiggyB
For what it's worth, I get washed out DVI as well. I have found that turning my brightness down on my plasma almost to zero (OK, it's actually 4) restores the contrast I lost.

Any takers....?
Cheers,
-Zig--

I tried messing with the settings but then my other channels (non-HD) were all out of whack. I'm actually happy with the component anyway, just would have been nice to free up the port on my TV.

I went to the setup menu to turn RF bypass to "on". Connected the STB RF bypass to my TV's antenna in. However, I can not receive analog channels from this feed. The only thing I got is channel 3 which shows whatever channel is tuned to on the STB box. Is there anything that I missed? Do I really need to split the cable feed in order to view analog channels directly?

My STB S/W version is 51.42-2002, firmware 05-03.

TIA

1. HD via component vs HD via DVI - In my judgment the PQ is improved modestly via DVI in the range of 3-4% with the most significant improvement being reduction of black crush, reduction of greenish tint to faces, and elimination of clay faces. When I A/B component/DVI there is no question on my setup that DVI is better for HD. Having said that, if I had a relatively modern CRT RPTV for HD that I was otherwise happy with, I don't think that the availability of DVI would make me run out and get a new set for this input alone. Now that I have DVI enabled, I never use the component input, DVI just looks better to me.
2. NonHD digital via component vs NonHD digital via DVI - Here is where DVI makes the biggest change to PQ, 8-10% improvement to my eye. NonHD digital via DVI begins to look the same to me as DVD via component. I suppose that this should not be that surprising given that the Samsung is a digital set and would best display Comcast digital cable via a DVI.

NWPhill unfortunately you'll need to split the cable before the box, unless your cableco has ordered the boxs with the RF Bypass unit installed (easily identified as the box having between 5 & 6 total RG6 connections vs 2 on the regular in out unit)

Thanks Jeremy! I will do the split then.

An interesting note: although I am getting the same signal from the (non-functioning) RF bypass as the DTV output, the RF bypass feed is noticeably better in PQ than the DTV component output for watching analog channels.

I have a panny 6uy plasma. Switched the 5100 to the 6200 today. Also hooked up the dvi and it was washed out until I turned down the brightness quite a bit. I tweaked all the imputs to their best, s-viedo,component and dvi.
PQ with dvi in hdtv is slightly better, sd there is a big improvement and digital channels are much better too! I will be using dvi for all cable channels. I also like it with my 5900.
The 6200 doen't hang up like the 5100 did and it changes channels smoother and quicker.

Originally posted by PaulGo
Has anyone noticed that when the DVI connector is used the sound synchronization of the s-video output becomes very bad. Since I started using the DVI output to my TV the connection to my S-VHS video recorder through the s-video connector has resulted in very noticeable sound synchronization problems.

I disconnected the DVI from the 5100 and the sound delay does change. The feed into the VCR was almost in sync with video. I guess the 5100 adjusts the sound delay to match the DVI port when the DVI is connected.

Originally posted by hovbuild
I have a panny 6uy plasma. Switched the 5100 to the 6200 today. Also hooked up the dvi and it was washed out until I turned down the brightness quite a bit. I tweaked all the imputs to their best, s-viedo,component and dvi.
PQ with dvi in hdtv is slightly better, sd there is a big improvement and digital channels are much better too! I will be using dvi for all cable channels. I also like it with my 5900.
The 6200 doen't hang up like the 5100 did and it changes channels smoother and quicker.

Comcast Trenton just posted on the local web site that they now have the 6200. Is it worth the aggravation and installation $$ to switch from the 5100, or should I wait until the 6208 comes in? I really have no major issues with the 5100...:confused:

Then again, with football over, I'm catching up on a lot of DVD's lately:D

wasnt the 6208 supposed to come out in december?

Originally posted by joshua_msu
wasnt the 6208 supposed to come out in december?

Comcast Trenton quotes: "DVR is scheduled to be available in your area in mid 2004."

Also:"What type of equipment is Comcast using for HDTV?
An integrated Digital Cable Box with a HD decoder is now available. Comcast currently provides the Motorola DCT 5100 cable box or the Motorola DCT6200 cable box in your area. "

So the wait continues.

mid 2004, that sucks. now im debating if i want to get a tivo. i dont know if i can wait that long.

Originally posted by joshua_msu
mid 2004, that sucks. now im debating if i want to get a tivo. i dont know if i can wait that long.

Well, this was a new update because they were bragging about their bid for Disney on their main page.

Each region is different, so I'd check with your local office because Comcast doesn't roll out all the boxes at the same time. I know the 6208 has been released in Maryland, and maybe even in Phillie, which is in my back yard.

It's be a lot cheaper than Tivo...

Guys,

You might want to check out this thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=321762

Originally posted by faceoff
Guys,

You might want to check out this thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=321762

Thanks, faceoff. joshua_msu, here it is:

New Jersey: Unknown 2004 (was week of November 3rd, 2003); ???????


Chicago: 2nd Quarter 2004; Motorola 6208

thanks for the help mike

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!

how do you get to the settings to change the resolution?

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!

how do you get to the settings to change the resolution?

NEED YOUR HELP!!
I currently have the Moto 5100.

Thanks to this thread, I checked Comcast locally & found out the 6200 is now available in my area. The rub is, they say there are not enough of them available yet for switching & they are only providing to new subscribers.

Any advice on how I get Comcast to switch my box?

I just appeared at the local office with my 5100 and asked to swap. They had a 6200 (which the fellow at the counter had not heard of) and processed the exchange.

I went to the effort to get active firewire so I could buy a D-VHS, but as I read of the glitches with the JVC 30K/40Ks I have postponed that.

I too have not been impressed with the DVI output into my Sammy. The HD may be very slightly better but the standard def channels look worse. Don't get me wrong, I am still really impressed with the Sammy. I do have a question. Are you set up with the 5100 to output 1080i or 720p. Since the Sammy is 720p native I have the 5100 set up to output that format. On the DVI connection I now have a black window all the way around the screen. If I change the 5100 output to 1080i it is full screen. I think I might have something to do with the 720 input thinking it is at 48 instead of 60. Can anyone tell me how I might change the setting on the Sammy to correctly display the 720p or should I just have the 5100 output 1080i?

Thanks,
Gary

FOLLOWUP:

I found the setting. I had it switched to wide PC instead of wide TV. DUH!

CKarras;

Thanks. Did they ask why you were trading it in? The local (billing) office has them?

Carl- I just told them I wanted the 1394 port that my 5100 didn't have.

Originally posted by Valuepac
how do you get to the settings to change the resolution?

Valuepac

Push "power" and then push "menu" right away to bring up this hidden resolution menu.

Originally posted by Carl Jones
NEED YOUR HELP!!
I currently have the Moto 5100.

Thanks to this thread, I checked Comcast locally & found out the 6200 is now available in my area. The rub is, they say there are not enough of them available yet for switching & they are only providing to new subscribers.

Any advice on how I get Comcast to switch my box?

I told Comcast my 5100 is not working so they will send out a tech with a replacement unit. I only hope my Comcast also has the new 6200 as replacement. If so I will show the tech why I need the new unit, since DVI does not work on my 5100 yet.

Originally posted by jacmyoung
I told Comcast my 5100 is not working so they will send out a tech with a replacement unit. I only hope my Comcast also has the new 6200 as replacement. If so I will show the tech why I need the new unit, since DVI does not work on my 5100 yet.

If DVI is not working on your 5100 yet then it probably won't work on your 6200 either. I think they both require firmware 7.07 for DVI.

That is true, 7.07 is needed for DVI on both the 5100 and the 6200.

Argh!
Has anyone figured out how to program the 5100/6200 IR blaster? Mine shows enabled, I have a blaster plugged in, but there's no menu to program a device code.

Hate having to stand there to record events via firewire.
Spearse

7.07 firmware is here! Springfield, Ma. Area. Just waiting for my dvi cable to come in. I have the 6200.

Just received this reply from Motorola about the difference between the 5100 and the 6200.

"Thank you for your inquiry,

The major differences is that the DCT6200's DVI port is active. The DVI
port on the DCT5100 is not yet a supported feature. Once the firmware is
available the DVI will be able to be used.

If you need to reply to this email, please include a brief restatement of
the issue for our reference.

Thank you,
Motorola Broadband Support
1-877-466-8646

Sacramento has 7.07! DVI on my 5100 is active and at first glance, looks at least as good as component. I changed the 4:3 override to 480p, and SD channels look as good as s-video. I still have some tweaking to do, but I think this will eliminate switching between two inputs for HD vs. SD. I'd been holding out buying a component switch box, and now don't have to. :D

Nashville has 7.07. The hidden menu shows firewire and DVI installed now. Have not had a chance to test it though.

Ellington, Connecticut has 7.07. I tried out the DVI on my Hitachi 65S700 (CRT). The colors are slightly more natural and there is slightly less noise on the DVI connection. It is really hard to tell the difference on HD stations. On SD you can really tell the difference on text.

My question, is Comcast going to give out DVI cables? I pulled my short cable off my computer to test, but my box is normally located about 10 ft away. Anyone know of a good place to get a 12 ft DVI cable at a reasonable price??

Also, while I was playing with the menus...I realized I had On Demand also! This must have just recently been installed. Its pretty nice although I would love to see HD programs on demand. Any info about this possibility??

Lou

buggdog,
Windsor, CT has 7.07, also. Haven't tried DVI yet. Also noticed we have On Demand. Will see my dealer today re a high grade DVI cable and see if it makes a difference.

Bob

Originally posted by buggdog
Ellington, Connecticut has 7.07. I tried out the DVI on my Hitachi 65S700 (CRT). The colors are slightly more natural and there is slightly less noise on the DVI connection. It is really hard to tell the difference on HD stations. On SD you can really tell the difference on text.

My question, is Comcast going to give out DVI cables? I pulled my short cable off my computer to test, but my box is normally located about 10 ft away. Anyone know of a good place to get a 12 ft DVI cable at a reasonable price??



Lou

Check out Cables to Go. They have some great prices.

Gary943

I checked the Motorola site and I still don't know.

I have 7.07 in Baltimore, but I can't find the DVI port on the 5100. I got mine April 15,2003. I tried the box between the audio ports and the usb ports, but that said 8H or something and after I took off the metal covering there was nothing inside except what looked like a mirror. It is in the place that the DVI port is described for the 6200.

Is my 5100 an earlier version that doesn't even have the DVI? (On the Motorola site the 5100 set up guide doesn't have a DVI reference).

Do I have to wait until the 6x08 comes out for DVI? As I have a Sammy DLP that seems to respond well to DVI I am anxious to try it out.

Thanks and sorry if this has been answered elsewhere.

Rich N.

Originally posted by raidbuck
I checked the Motorola site and I still don't know.

I have 7.07 in Baltimore, but I can't find the DVI port on the 5100. I got mine April 15,2003. I tried the box between the audio ports and the usb ports, but that said 8H or something and after I took off the metal covering there was nothing inside except what looked like a mirror. It is in the place that the DVI port is described for the 6200.

Is my 5100 an earlier version that doesn't even have the DVI? (On the Motorola site the 5100 set up guide doesn't have a DVI reference).

Do I have to wait until the 6x08 comes out for DVI? As I have a Sammy DLP that seems to respond well to DVI I am anxious to try it out.

Thanks and sorry if this has been answered elsewhere.

Rich N.

You probably got an older 5100 box -- they didn't have DVI ports in the beginnig. It was probably recycled from somebody else.

I'm sure if you call them they will swicth the boz out for a 5100 with DVI port or a 6200.

Originally posted by Kevin Golding
Sacramento has 7.07! DVI on my 5100 is active and at first glance, looks at least as good as component. I changed the 4:3 override to 480p, and SD channels look as good as s-video. I still have some tweaking to do, but I think this will eliminate switching between two inputs for HD vs. SD. I'd been holding out buying a component switch box, and now don't have to. :D

That is right, just the night before the Comcast techs were to bring a "new" box for replacement, I noticed the 7.07 is on my 5100. The DVI however is no better than the component for HD content. But my component is calibrated not DVI yet. I would think the DVI can be as good as component after calibration but not much better.

The Comcast techs came this morning and brought another 5100 so I said sorry for wasting your time. I was hoping he had a 6200 so I can try out the firewire. The left hand coast seems always behind the rest of the country.

Here is the joke, I asked the tech why Comcast still does not have CBS and Fox digital channels, he replied CBS and Fox has not started digital broadcasts yet, as soon as they do Comcast will have them. I did not want to correct him because my experience with Comcast is they usually don't know about their own services more than us viewers and will consider you an idiot if you try to correct them.

Originally posted by luckychunk
So yes, I am one of those people who left the DVI cable in when I got the new firmware, and my settings all reset. Not a big deal. And it's fortunate
[/B]

I too had a cable connected to my XBR and when I realized the upgrade came (not sure when - I hadn't checked the last two weeks or so) the setting were totally unchanged - 1080i, 480p, etc.

rollerfink:

Thanks, that's what I feared. Since I want the HD-DVR I'll just wait rather than disconnect and re-connect twice, but at least I know what my choices are now.

Rich N.

I dont know when it happened but I have 7.07 in evanston.

Last week I was trying to impress my wife with the DVR - watching Friends with the wedding when something came up so I told my wife don't worry its set to auto record we'll watch it later

Then to my dismay when watching the recording later the recording ended in the middle of the vows.

This was a 40 minute show, and is all I did is browse to the guede and press record. Has anyone else had problems with the guide getting the times wrong on shows?

I guess if a show is important to me (read waf) I will just set it up manually

I have 7.07 in Hartford, CT now. Gotta try Firewire and DVI!

Originally posted by CTBob
buggdog,
Windsor, CT has 7.07, also. Haven't tried DVI yet. Also noticed we have On Demand. Will see my dealer today re a high grade DVI cable and see if it makes a difference.

Bob

Don't mean to go off topic but I'm located in New Britain and Comcast's site says On Demand is available here as well. I looked for it and found nothing. I have the 5100 w/7.07 as well. Thanks in advance for any info!

I tried my DVI port on my 6200 a few weeks ago and it didnt work. called comcast and a lady I talked to said it wont be active and when they offer DVI it will be a diffeent box swap anyway. well thanks to this thread and seeing in my area guys a few days ago confirming the upgrade I checked my firmware and it is 7.07. sure enough I hooked up my DVI and it works! thanks guys!!!! I totally gave up that it would ever work and didnt understand why the comcast rep would say what she said. they really dont know what they offer. Im an ex-at&t employee and we always had meetings once a week to update new and exisitng products and I cant believe they would not inform there employees of this. I worked in broadband internet.

I have a Sony XBR800 36" HDTV and it has HDCP. the cable box says in setting HDCP no.

I will add that DVI didnt change my pic quality on HD channels but DVI on analog seems to look better and cleaned up. switch back and forth between the two and DVI def makes the analog look better. if thats possible. im glad that DVI is active now as I free'd up a much needed component connection. sweet!

also: anyone having picture problems on analog channels. make sure your splitters and cable and connectors are replaced to make sure. new splitter from cable co is new and cable lines are not run with or along electrical wires. ontop of that buy a drop amp. I did and this fixed my analog problems big time!

I was wondering if the 6200 and 6208 are the same box just the 6208 has a HD ? anyone confirm ?

usurpers26,

If you hit menu on the remote and you should see the second selection saying ON Demand. Then hit enter and you can choose what you want to watch.

If you dont see that On Demand button, then I guess you dont have it.

ANother way to try get to the on Demand screen is changing to channel 01. If you change to channel 01 the on demand selection screen should come up.

On my Comcast Moto 5100 HD Def channels are the only channels that display through the DVI conncection. I notice in this thread people mention analog via DVI. How are the analog channels being transmitted through DVI as they are not digital. Even Comcast's "digital" channels do not pass through the DVI, becuase they are analog channels digitally compressed, so how are forum members able to view their non HD channels through DVI?

edit: I found a clue in an older post. I did not notice the 4:3 override defaulted to 480i. I set it to 480p that was used by another member and now both the analog and digital HD channels come through on one connection.

Originally posted by salvador_dali
On my Comcast Moto 5100 HD Def channels are the only channels that display through the DVI conncection. I notice in this thread people mention analog via DVI. How are the analog channels being transmitted through DVI as they are not digital. Even Comcast's "digital" channels do not pass through the DVI, becuase they are analog channels digitally compressed, so how are forum members able to view their non HD channels through DVI?

Don't know how, but I watch all the channels through DVI. It is the only input I use for my DCT6200. I would check with Comcast to see that your box is set up properly.

Mike K.

Thanks Mike

I noticed the 4:3 override was interlaced and the my DVI input did not accept the Moto 480i. Setting to 480p solved the problem. How is the Daytona 500 on your set?

Originally posted by Valuepac
how do you get to the settings to change the resolution?

Power the 5100 off, then hit the remote control "menu" button. Visit this website for a great deal of everything "Moto"!

http://www.cjhengineering.com/5100faq.htm

Noticed yesterday that I had the 7.07 update and figured I would hook up the DVI cable and no luck at all. I called Comcast and asked about this and they said DVI wasnt available yet. Does this sound right? I'm gonna call and ask another CSA. I was under the impression that 7.07 enabled DVI, maybe not.

Jerry

Noticed yesterday that I had the 7.07 update and figured I would hook up the DVI cable and no luck at all. I called Comcast and asked about this and they said DVI wasnt available yet. Does this sound right? I'm gonna call and ask another CSA. I was under the impression that 7.07 enabled DVI, maybe not.

Jerry

Originally posted by buggdog


Also, while I was playing with the menus...I realized I had On Demand also! This must have just recently been installed. Its pretty nice although I would love to see HD programs on demand. Any info about this possibility??

Lou

It is possible to do HD - On Demand. It obviously does require more bandwidth, which seems to be the major issue. But it does work and looks as good as the "regular" HD channels......The only issue that I can forsee, in the beginning, is that HD VOD will be mostly used for PPV movies, that would be @ a higher price than regular PPV.

Just hooked up my DVI cable. I really can't tell much of a difference on HD nor SD channels. Perhaps it's there, but I didn't really notice.

I am supposed to get one of the first boxes to be delivered in Fort Lauderdale FL on Sunday. We just got Comcast HDTV in the past 2 weeks. I have heard of the ethernet port, firewire, and DVI sometimes installed sometimes not. Sometimes active sometimes not. Is there any way to record from this box onto a PC or DVHS yet?

Tim

Has anybody used the DVI port of the Motorola 5100 on a CRT RPTV?
I know it shouldn't make the picture any better, but I was wondering if it'll make it any worse. I'm trying to free up a component input but wont do it if the picture looks any worse to anybody.

Also, is there any downside that I haven't thought of? Can you see the menus? Is there any problems with the sound?

TV is Hitachi 65S700

Hi

I have basic cable, satellite dish & 55413. The satellite guy used a diplexer to merge satellit and cable signales outside the house. Inside he again used a diplexer to seperate the signal and feed the sat to satellite receiver. I was connecting the HDTV to the cable from TV side of diplexer and I was seeing the pcitures thru Ant A.

Today I went to comcast and picked up this moto 6200. I connected the cable from TV side of diplexer outlet to this STB box and connected to HDTV using comp cable to DTV box.

I doot get pciture or sound. Any ideas?

Thanks

Ragu

i was told that comcast HAS TO INSTALL the box in your home since the tech dude/dudette has to call their mothership and activate the box...

i tried to swap my box and was told this...

Ragu,
Unfortunately the sat diplexer interferes with the high end (750mhz) portion of the Comcast signal. You will get errors on some of the HD channels. You also need a bi-directional amp if you use a distribution amp. Having said that, you should still get all the analog channels and some of the digital channels...
Spearse

Originally posted by vincatzero
Has anybody used the DVI port of the Motorola 5100 on a CRT RPTV?
I know it shouldn't make the picture any better, but I was wondering if it'll make it any worse. I'm trying to free up a component input but wont do it if the picture looks any worse to anybody.

Also, is there any downside that I haven't thought of? Can you see the menus? Is there any problems with the sound?

TV is Hitachi 65S700

I think it makes the picture A LOT better. At least on my sammy 437.

Rick

Originally posted by vincatzero
Has anybody used the DVI port of the Motorola 5100 on a CRT RPTV?
I know it shouldn't make the picture any better, but I was wondering if it'll make it any worse. I'm trying to free up a component input but wont do it if the picture looks any worse to anybody.

Also, is there any downside that I haven't thought of? Can you see the menus? Is there any problems with the sound?

TV is Hitachi 65S700

I think it makes the picture A LOT better. At least on my sammy 437.

Rick

I noticed an decent improvment on my Sony RPTV....

I can't find the DVI port on my 5100!

What am I doing wrong?

It has a sticker on it that says 6/03, so presumably that is the manufacture date, and it therefore should have DVI.

Under the component outs there is a black plastic cover. I pried that off to look for DVI, and it ain't there either.

If the DVI port isn't on the back, then you don't have DVI. You'd need to get a different box with DVI.

Originally posted by vincatzero
Has anybody used the DVI port of the Motorola 5100 on a CRT RPTV?
I know it shouldn't make the picture any better, but I was wondering if it'll make it any worse. I'm trying to free up a component input but wont do it if the picture looks any worse to anybody.

Also, is there any downside that I haven't thought of? Can you see the menus? Is there any problems with the sound?

TV is Hitachi 65S700

I originally posted that DVI looked at least as good as component for HD, and as good as s-video for SD. Now that I've spent some time watching and adjusting, I have to revise my comments:

HD looks slightly softer than component, and also slightly 'washed out'. It's not a huge difference, but I can tell. If I adjust contrast and brightness to match component as much as possible, SD looks like crap. I have found a happy medium, with PQ leaning towards HD (of course). It freed up a component input, and I can now have my Sammy 151 plugged in all the time now. I'll leave it like this for now, and maybe check out one of the 2nd generation DVI DVD players this summer.

If you change 4:3 override to 480p, the menus, etc. show up fine on SD channels. I'm using the same toslink cable to my receiver, so audio hasn't changed.

Edit to add this is on a Toshiba 65H83. Your best bet is to try it for yourself and see - I seem to be in the minority to see a better signal on component. I know the DVI cable runs on the floor right next to a power cable, and I haven't tried moving it yet.

I see better PQ with component too. My HD channels look washed out with DVI. I have a 57 inch Sony RPTV.

on a PDP the black level detail is better with the DVI. On my split screen details not seen in the component appear on the DVI. The PDP allows for separate settings for each input.

Hi All,

I originally had my 5100 connected to my Runco controller via a breakout cable using just the RGB cables with component plugs on it to connect to the 5100. The Runco only accepts anything above 480i via a VGA 15-pin RGBHV pass-through port. The breakout cable worked fine. Over time I noticed 'tiling' or 'freezing' while watching some HD broadcasts. Sometimes channels wouldn't even pop up unless I switched to another channel then back again. I also am suffering from the Dolby Digital problems really badly. I realize there isn't much that can be done. For example, ABC had Jurassic Park III on HD a few nights ago and in order to hear the DD signal I had to turn up my Parasound receiver to +10 dec which was its max when -30db is the norm.

My real question is this: I thought maybe the picture problems were a result of not having a transcoder. I bought the new KDS CTCA3 and it didn't work at all no matter what settings were used. So I am confused why I don't need a transcoder and why a transcoder won't work!! It doesn't make any sense.

I noticed that someone posted about having a DirecTV diplexer along the cable line might affect HD channels. THis has bugged me for some time and will be the next thing I fix. I gotta rip those plexers outta there.

Thanks,

Chris

Originally posted by ScuderiaDeNo
ABC had Jurassic Park III on HD a few nights ago and in order to hear the DD signal I had to turn up my Parasound receiver to +10 dec which was its max when -30db is the norm.

A partial answer to your post...
I don't believe this was your setup/equipment. I believe it was abc. I was watching this movie with my tv speakers, with volume cranked up to like 95% of max. I eventually switched to my receiver to hear the audio properly. Shortly after the switch (with the volume cranked) an action scene kicked in - and so did my sub. My wife and daughter about crapped their pants. To make a long story short, my onkyo has a "nighttime" setting which removes the extreme highs/lows from 5.1 audio and makes all audio come out at about the same volume.

I believe that ABC has lots of audio problems with their HD broadcasts. I was watching Hockey on HD last weekend and you could not hear the announcers. I could hear the folks in the stands fine. Maybe too good! :)

Originally posted by LaVike
I believe that ABC has lots of audio problems with their HD broadcasts. I was watching Hockey on HD last weekend and you could not hear the announcers. I could hear the folks in the stands fine. Maybe too good! :)

This topic was described by a station engineer in the local groups - SE Virginia/NE Carolina

The explanation was that the local station did not switch from Dolby Prologic to DD 5.1 when the network delivered the 5.1 signal for the show.

so the way the signals are processed the left and right front get passed along with the rears but the center channel that carries the main dialog gets lost

So call your statoin and have them switch their equipment when a 5.1 signal is present

Ragu,
Unfortunately the sat diplexer interferes with the high end (750mhz) portion of the Comcast signal. You will get errors on some of the HD channels. You also need a bi-directional amp if you use a distribution amp. Having said that, you should still get all the analog channels and some of the digital channels...
Spearse


Well, this isn't good...

I've had my Samsung DLP for about three months, and a Comcast 5100 for about two months. HD has been exceptional -- up until two days ago. I've had 7.07 for about two weeks now. Now, I'm getting massive unwatchable picture breakup/pixellation on NBC-D and FOX-D.

I also have DirecTV with diplexers on the cables coming into the TV room. We also have another HDTV in the house, and the HD picture breakup was so bad we had to run a separate cable line directly into the HDTV to receive HD channels. There was no need to do that with my Samsung, because the initial setup resulted in perfect picture quality.

What would make the signal go bad all of a sudden? Would it be a change made by Comcast, DirecTV interference, or a cable/cord problem in the attic? I'm very sad.

Originally posted by RalphArch
Last week I was trying to impress my wife with the DVR - watching Friends with the wedding when something came up so I told my wife don't worry its set to auto record we'll watch it later

Then to my dismay when watching the recording later the recording ended in the middle of the vows.

This was a 40 minute show, and is all I did is browse to the guede and press record. Has anyone else had problems with the guide getting the times wrong on shows?

I guess if a show is important to me (read waf) I will just set it up manually Sounds like what would happen on a Tivo when the guide data isn't current. NBC is one of the worse offenders for not starting and/or stopping a show on the times shown in guide data, e.g. 9:59 PM for the start of ER vs. 10:00 PM in the guide.
:(
YMMV

Just wanted to report that DVI is active and functional in Montgomery County MD.

DVI is up and running on Comcast in Hartford, CT area

Originally posted by MrMike6by9
Sounds like what would happen on a Tivo when the guide data isn't current. NBC is one of the worse offenders for not starting and/or stopping a show on the times shown in guide data, e.g. 9:59 PM for the start of ER vs. 10:00 PM in the guide.
:(
YMMV

It worked ok on Vegas a couple of days ago and a movie I was watching

The box needs a firmware change though for the issue you are noting. Vegas seemed to start several minutes early (in the previous show). All the time I am watching it I am wondering will I miss the end again.

There is no way to quickly go to the end and back up; and there is no slider bar to see how much/how far you are along.

Using the ff to try to get to the end of the show to check is problemmatic. Even at FF4 setting it is a fairly slow advance And then when you get to the end it reverts to the beginning so you have no real chance to check unless you happen to notice the ending in some of the random scenes in the ff.

I don't think this box is ready for prime-time because of this aspect if there happen to be a lot of shows that don't follow the guide timing

Just got my Motorola 5100 w/ firmware 7.07. However, in the service menu there is no mention of the DVI output. Is it active or do I have to harass RCN for another cable box?

My settings:

TV Type: 16:9
YPbPr Output: 1080i
4:3 Overide 480i

I felt that these were the best settings to let my Sammy DLP do most of the scaling since there is no bypass in the motorola.

Any suggestiongs about the cable box or settings would be appreciated.

Just got my Motorola 5100 w/ firmware 7.07. However, in the service menu there is no mention of the DVI output. Is it active or do I have to harass RCN for another cable box?

My settings:

TV Type: 16:9
YPbPr Output: 1080i
4:3 Overide 480i

I felt that these were the best settings to let my Sammy DLP do most of the scaling since there is no bypass in the motorola.

Any suggestiongs about the cable box or settings would be appreciated.

Originally posted by glickh01
Just got my Motorola 5100 w/ firmware 7.07. However, in the service menu there is no mention of the DVI output. Is it active or do I have to harass RCN for another cable box?

My settings:

TV Type: 16:9
YPbPr Output: 1080i
4:3 Overide 480i

I felt that these were the best settings to let my Sammy DLP do most of the scaling since there is no bypass in the motorola.

Any suggestiongs about the cable box or settings would be appreciated.

It might not display any DVI indicators until you hook up your DVI cable. Firmware 7.07 should have activated the DVI so give it a try.

it wont. hook it up!

Moto 5100 7.07 Firmware was delivered by COMCAST in LA on Monday 2/16. Haven't tried DVI on the Panny Plasma yet.

Analog channels look OK since the upgrade to 5.03. 00 was bad.
Or maybe Fox New cleaned up their signal. Looks good and it's still an analog channel.

Firmware screwed up HBO/Cinemax/Showtime subscription service.
Comcast fixed it after 2 days.

Waiting for VOD and Cinenmax and Stars HD plus HDNet.

Sport Illustrated Swimsuit Special on Spike looked spectacular and it
wasn't even in HD.

Got the firmware upgrade today for my 6200. I really like the new "Timer" feature which is in the menu. You can now synchronize your cable box to switch channels along with your VCR. In my case, I have my SVHS set to Line 1 and have a S-video cable feeding the VCR from the box. The picture on the slow speed is spectacular on HD programming. I'm thinking that it looks better than store bought VHS tapes.

Using the timer I can get the box to change to Channel 104 (ABCHD) every Sunday night for "The Practice." and set my VCR to tape every Sunday at the same time. Easy! You can also set everything to change to 105 at 11:00 pm if you want to watch the local NBC news. The ease of taping is getting closer to when no boxes were required.

Try it out. I'm wondering if this would work through the firewire for D-VHS taping? Shouldn't it?

Originally posted by artseattle
Got the firmware upgrade today for my 6200. I really like the new "Timer" feature which is in the menu. You can now synchronize your cable box to switch channels along with your VCR. In my case, I have my SVHS set to Line 1 and have a S-video cable feeding the VCR from the box. The picture on the slow speed is spectacular on HD programming. I'm thinking that it looks better than store bought VHS tapes.

Using the timer I can get the box to change to Channel 104 (ABCHD) every Sunday night for "The Practice." and set my VCR to tape every Sunday at the same time. Easy! You can also set everything to change to 105 at 11:00 pm if you want to watch the local NBC news. The ease of taping is getting closer to when no boxes were required.

Try it out. I'm wondering if this would work through the firewire for D-VHS taping? Shouldn't it?

Is this feature strictly available on the 6200, or does the 5100 also have it?

Timers is available on all Moto Box's with the approriate firmware/tv guide software.

Well I hooked my 5100 up to my HD Leeza processor tonight via DVI. The DVI in on my Fuji P50 plasma display is already occupied by the DVI out from the Leeza and the Leeza DVI input is HD only.

Can't say that I have noticed a huge difference in HD between component HD into the Leeza vs DVI into the Leeza.

It has finally become time for one of those 4X1 DVI switchers. Darn, yet another box. Will it ever end?

Anyone know of a good, reasonably priced 4X1 DVI switcher on the market?

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
Timers is available on all Moto Box's with the approriate firmware/tv guide software.

By appropriate, does that mean Comcast?

By appropriate, does that mean Comcast

Couldn't say definately one way or another on that, but I do know that most cableco's have software/firmware custom made for there specific needs.

I admit to not reading all 123 pages of posts so pleas forgive any dupe info.

I had to get my STB replaced this weekend because it was constantly resetting itself. On his way out, the guy mentioned that DVI was now active so I checked out on Sunday. It initially looked better but something went wrong when I tried to switch back to component. The component single would not display at all. Had to call another repair guy out and he just played with the menu setting and changed it back to 480p. I think when I hooked up the DVI it switched to 480i and my Samsung hlm507w doesn't like that. While the guy was there I experiemented back and forth to make sure it worked and got him to tell me the trick to get into the service menu.

I watched a bit of Cold Case in HD and did some switching (man, can't they make this a one button function) between component and DVI. I think the component is way better so far. I had tons more color and detail. Something but be wrong because DVI is way better with movies on my TV so maybe I need to tweak some more.

I did notice that component has one advantage. The non-HD channels will display in 4:3 format if I set my TV correctly. With DVI the best option is called PC Wide or Wide PC which streches the signal a bit beyond 4:3. It's nothing major.

I also noticed that some non-HD channels show flashing lines near the top or bottom of the image when using DVI. Might be another tweak or need a new update to the STB (or new STB!!).

Update --- Link to post on DVI connection resets problem (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3334039#post3334039)

Just got the 6200 with firmware 7.07. Attached to Sony 34" XBR910 direct view HDTV. I have both component and DVI cables going to the TV, and have the cable plugged directly into the TV as well.

I also have Directv plugged in to the TV via S-video

My impressions on PQ so far:

Component from 6200: excellent on HD and premium SD channels, good on "high" digital cable channels (over 100), Ok on most digital cable channels, BAD on low analog channels with lots of video noise, diagonal snowy lines running through the picture.

DVI from 6200: maybe slightly more detail than component (questionable), but definitely more muted color: slightly washed out. Don't know if tweaking the color controls will help. Exact same problem with low analog channels as with component (installer said DVI "cleaned up" the analog channels-he was wrong)

Direct cable to TV (no box): bad color and poor focus, but much less noise and no diagonal snowy lines on analog cable.

Directv: softer picture than all cable inputs, but much cleaner for analog. Tied with component/DVI for non-HD digital cable (High channels only), slightly worse than component/DVI for premium and very high channels. No Directv HD to compare to HD.

Overall, I think I may stick with component unless someone tells me that through calibration (I'll have the set ISFed in a couple of months) the DVI will be better than component, or unless Comcast can truly do something to clean up the analog channels, and that effect will only be apparent on the DVI output. Any others with observations on DVI vs component on direct view sets?

I have a new box (delivered today) firmware 7.07.

I've read through the past dozen pages of this thread - thanks for all he info! Now I know enough to be dangerous. But I'm still confused.

In the menu, I set my screen to 16:9 - that's clear.

But what should I set the next two settings to? When I try 480p, the HD channels come out vertically stretched and don't look normal unless I use full mode. When I tried 720p, I lost the ability to change aspect ratios on my panel.

What is the conventional wisdom about the best setup for panny ed panels?

Thks.

Phil

Im with Donutz here - I have a Comcast HD box (how do I tell what version - its silver)

I have an LCD RPT 50" Panasonic HDTV and want to make sure Im getting the most out the picture!

Also,
Im on the market for an 50" Plasma Panasonic which I will get an HDTV box for - I know it doesnt support 720p input so what should I do to ensure the Comcast signal is converted to 1080i vs downgraded to 480p?

Anyone have an update on the availability of the 6208 or 6408 in the Philadelphia area?

Andy

Guys,
I have a 42in panny ED plasma and my settings are as follows:
For HD channels I am using 1080I and screen is set to 16:9.
For standard channels use 480P.

Originally posted by goochmd
Im with Donutz here - I have a Comcast HD box (how do I tell what version - its silver) ... I have a Moto 5100. I found its identity on a plate on the underside.

YMMV

Originally posted by Maggie Guy
Guys,
I have a 42in panny ED plasma and my settings are as follows:
For HD channels I am using 1080I and screen is set to 16:9.
For standard channels use 480P.

Ok,
I checked my equipment - I ahve a Moto5100 - Display was set to:

1080i
16x9
4:3-480i

I changed 4x3 to 480p and it didnt look as good as 480i on my Panny LCD RPT.

I didnt have any other screens available - am I missing another settings page?

In my area the local stations provide HD signals but they are 4x3 size screen - I presume there is no way to get a fullscreen viewing for this?

I recently got a new DCT5100 STCB via Comcast (for HDTV). Picture is being output to a Panasonic 53" RPTV (RGB).

Aspect ratio adjustment appears to be problematic. What I mean is if the default output from the box is set to 1080i and the program is 4:3 format I can't stretch the picture to eliminate the side bars (side bars are undesireable due to screen burn).

Has anyone encountered this problem? Do you have a solution? Are there firmware upgrades for this unit? What is the current firmware #'s.

Martin

Maggie Guy,

Thanks. Does that mean that you enter the menu each time you change from HDTV to analog and change the DVI Component output setting from 1080i to 480p?

What do you have teh $:3 over-ride set to?

Thanks.

Originally posted by Leg One
Has anyone encountered this problem? Do you have a solution? Are there firmware upgrades for this unit? What is the current firmware #'s.
Everyone who has an hdtv that won't stretch/expand a 1080 input has this problem. Most people are either running a second svideo connection to the tv to watch non-hd material or running a second coax cable line directly to the tv. My personel preference is the coax. It makes life for the others in my house easy.

A few things:

Comcast in Knoxville, TN (Moto 5100) upgraded the firmware to 7.07 last Thursday the 19th plus or minus a day.

I installed my DVI cable yesterday to a Sammy HLN 4365W.

When I did this, I lost my signal on component. I went to the menu (set off yadayada) and it had been reset.

Changed settings to:
TV 16.9

DVI/Component 720P Native Resolution (I lost my picture at 1080i, but will experiment more tonight)

4:3 480P (will get me full screen, OFF gets me a small 4:3 aspect with some wavy lines etc.

I lost the sound that I ws getting from the component hookup, so I am using my Receiver (which has the optical input connected) and havent really looked up my options from the 5100to the Sammy.

I assumed that, since I don't get a picture on component 2 anymore, the DVI overrides the component output. What have you guys/gals figured out?

SD is still best using cable straight from the wall.

Anyone else with a Sammy DLP and Moto5100 have better results?

Hey SilverHemi03,

Is that a Dodge pickup you're sportin' (hemi)?

How are ypu getting SD cable straight from the wall (tuning)? What type of connection (i.e. s-video) to the TV? Oh, does that Samsung have its own tuner?

Martin

I've got a question.

I have 2 5100 boxes in my house.

One has: SW 51.22-2002 FW 07.07. I assume this is the firmware version that enables DVI, although I haven't tried DVI yet (and it sounds like from this forum there is no compelling need to switch unless you need to free up a component input).

Anyway, the second 5100 has SW 51.20-1040 FW 08.

I'm wondering why the 2 boxes have different versions of software?

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Do SD analog channels look better via F-pin coaxial straight from the wall, rather than via composite or s-video from the HD cable box?

Originally posted by SilverHemi03
A few things:

Comcast in Knoxville, TN (Moto 5100) upgraded the firmware to 7.07 last Thursday the 19th plus or minus a day.

I installed my DVI cable yesterday to a Sammy HLN 4365W.

When I did this, I lost my signal on component. I went to the menu (set off yadayada) and it had been reset.

Changed settings to:
TV 16.9

DVI/Component 720P Native Resolution (I lost my picture at 1080i, but will experiment more tonight)

4:3 480P (will get me full screen, OFF gets me a small 4:3 aspect with some wavy lines etc.

I lost the sound that I ws getting from the component hookup, so I am using my Receiver (which has the optical input connected) and havent really looked up my options from the 5100to the Sammy.


I assumed that, since I don't get a picture on component 2 anymore, the DVI overrides the component output. What have you guys/gals figured out?

SD is still best using cable straight from the wall.

Anyone else with a Sammy DLP and Moto5100 have better results?

DVI probably doesn't have sound because the audio jacks out of the box are still connected to your component input. DVI is video only so you need to send audio to that input specifically.

As far as you losing picture on the component when DVI is connected,its possible that the one component input shares with the DVI, but someone else with a Sammy can help you better here.

The Sammy needs to see either 1080i, 720p or 480p on its component inputs.

The DVI/YPbPr out put can be set to 1080i or 720p
But the 480 override needs to be set to 480p no matter what.

cjh

Originally posted by miatasm
DVI probably doesn't have sound because the audio jacks out of the box are still connected to your component input. DVI is video only so you need to send audio to that input specifically.

As far as you losing picture on the component when DVI is connected,its possible that the one component input shares with the DVI, but someone else with a Sammy can help you better here.

The Sammy needs to see either 1080i, 720p or 480p on its component inputs.

The DVI/YPbPr out put can be set to 1080i or 720p
But the 480 override needs to be set to 480p no matter what.

cjh

I have the 480 set to "None" or "Off" and actually works better than 480p on my hlm507w. With 480p I get extra flickering lines on the SD channels.

I've set up a poll to see if those switching to DVI output from their 5100 boxes see improvement in picture quality. For those using DVI, please take the poll :
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=371239

It's my understanding that using component means the cable box is doing the conversion, while using DVI your display is doing the conversion. If so, it will depend on which unit does the better job, not an issue of whether or not DVI is better than component.

Others more enlightened, please reply.

Originally posted by Carl Jones
It's my understanding that using component means the cable box is doing the conversion, while using DVI your display is doing the conversion. If so, it will depend on which unit does the better job, not an issue of whether or not DVI is better than component.

Others more enlightened, please reply.

I believe you are correct in that the display devices' scaler will have something to do with the difference between component and DVI, but I would still like people to take the survey to get a general sense of people's experience as a whole with switching to DVI.

Also, since I have a samsung DLP, anyone with personal experience with this TV and DVI out of the 5100 box would be appreciated :)

480p on DVi for the override not the main setting is the only way my analog channels are transmitted/viewable via DVI.

Some careful observations since my moto 5100 got the 7.07 firmware upgrade:

SD/digital picture quality through component cables is noticably better. It used to be that viewing live television passed straight through my TiVo (svideo connection) and my component connection looked basically identical. Now I can clearly see an improvement on SD channels using component versus svideo.

The alternate explanation would be that the picture quality on svideo has gotten worse, but I don't think so.

Haven't gotten my DVI cable yet.

TiVo has to use the svideo, so no option there.

Hi gang.

I have gotten my hands on the Motorola DCT 6208/2005 HD cable box/DVR today. What I would like to do is disable the buffering of the DVR. I only want to use it for recording shows and nothing else.

Is there a way to disable the live buffering?

Thanks in advance.

Is there a way to disable the live buffering

nope

why is comcast going witht he single tuner dvr as opposed to the two tuner. what kind of crap is that.

why is comcast going with the single tuner dvr as opposed to the two tuner. what kind of crap is that.

Originally posted by joshua_msu
why is comcast going with the single tuner dvr as opposed to the two tuner. what kind of crap is that.

Read the thread and you will discover that Comcast has a multi-tuner in the pipeline, the motorola 6408. It may be online by the end of the year.

HELP! FIREWIRE = NO SIGNAL?! What steps/settings am I missing?!?

I just got my DCT6200 with the latest software/firmware on Saturday:)

The DVI connection is sharp, but needed some color tweaking. There's some mystery crackling/popping sounds that come & go?

When I tried to capture video via the FIREWIRE port, both my Philips DVDR80 & PC (MovieMaker2, Adobe Premier ...) = NO SIGNAL?!?

Please help!

I've got the 6200 too. Also note cracking & poping of sound. Also no firewire coming through. I called Pio (I have the Pio 1110HD) & they tell me their firewire ports are only supporting DVHS & not the cable box. I've asked to have an engineer call to explain the logic of that! DVI works fine.

I just got a 6200 (Comcast, Boston area) and have it hooked up 1080i component outputs through a KDS CTCA3 transcoder, then RGBHV to a Sony D50. Watched my first HDTV show on Sunday (the Academy Award show) and everything was greenish. Very noticeable on darker shots, such as of the audience, and on black-and-white images (e.g., during the Bob Hope tribute). No such green tint when watching DVDs and NTSC channels (through an old Faroudja LD200 line doubler).

The picture also seems to have a green fringe under edges and a purple fringe above, almost as if the green signal is being delayed a couple of scan line times behind the red and blue signals. Only happens on HDTV, not on NTSC.

I also have a 5100 with component outputs straight to a Sony plasma display at 1080i and this all looks fine; no green tint and no fringe.

Anyone else seen these issues? I'm wondering if they are issues with the Key Digital transcoder...

Okay, clearly I'm coming to this topic a little late, but I have read dozens of the pages and done many searches and I can't find an answer to my question.

My problem is really low-level audio coming out of the RCA jacks on the 5100. My digital out (either optical or coax---i've tried both) to my Onkyo receiver sounds incredible ... just great. And it's as loud as the straight to TV cable from my splitter that I use for analog stations.

However, the regular red and white RCA cables, which I have running through my Tivo and then to my receiver sound really lame. I've read about the optical connection having low volume, but not the other way around. This bad audio happens on both the analog and digital stations.

I have the compression set to high (I've tried all settings) and Matrix stereo (also tried all settings). I can't figure out the problem. I've switched cables, tried to run the audio to my TV instead of the receiver, and many other things and I still get audio that, in terms of my receiver, is 15-20 volume settings lower than the digital out.

I should add that this was absolutely not the case with my previous, non-hd box. Connecting through the Tivo produced loud and robust stereo, so I don't think it's a problem with the Tivo.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
BN

Originally posted by r0bErT4u
HELP! FIREWIRE = NO SIGNAL?! What steps/settings am I missing?!?

I just got my DCT6200 with the latest software/firmware on Saturday:)

The DVI connection is sharp, but needed some color tweaking. There's some mystery crackling/popping sounds that come & go?

When I tried to capture video via the FIREWIRE port, both my Philips DVDR80 & PC (MovieMaker2, Adobe Premier ...) = NO SIGNAL?!?

Please help!

You need a recorder that complies with AV/C protocol. That standard definition recorder won't work. I can suggest a Mac solution. I have a Dell and a Mac, btw. I post below what I wrote a few days ago in the sticky thread on the Moto 620X and Firewire in the HDTV Recorders section where further discussion on this subject should take place....

excerpt with first sentence revised for context:

VirtualDVHS scheduled recording is discussed here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3447851#post3447851) . I think the Apple software for this particular use is stable. I have said it elsewhere that I would not recommend running out to buy a new Mac just for this; perhaps, maybe a used one with firewire. That being said, if you are due for a new computer, a PowerMac G5 would be a good choice if you are ready now. Down the road and as has been reported here by others in the know, Motorola is to provide a firmware upgrade for the Moto 6200 to allow recording to external hard drives. It could happen by the end of the year or, more likely, early next year. I would be pleasantly surprised if it happens by the end of the year. There is the Firebus beta for XP (beta group is closed now) that's been talked about since January of last year. I really don't know how soon this software will be ready. I have both a Mac and a Dell; so, no platform-bias here. I do enjoy using my Mac.

jsb_hburg,

Thanks for the info:D

Originally posted by BNachman
My problem is really low-level audio coming out of the RCA jacks on the 5100. My digital out (either optical or coax---i've tried both) to my Onkyo receiver sounds incredible ... just great. And it's as loud as the straight to TV cable from my splitter that I use for analog stations.
BN

I just ran a quick experiment on my 5100. The volume control and mute on the cable box effect the RCA outputs but not the digital outputs (I have both connected in my setup).

So, try using the cable remote control, select "cable", and turn up the volume (or turn off muting if its on).

Tom

Grrrrr. I do NOT want this box processing video. Ever.

What can't we have the "native" option for HD output that we had with the old HDD200 sidecar?

While I thing the 6200 does a better job of processing video than the 5200 I'd prefer that it had the option to do NOTHING, just spew it as it comes in.

Thanks for the response, Tom. My cable box volume is at the Optimum setting and I have tried it all the way up, too. Mute is not on.

I get sound, even okay stereo separation, it's just VERY low compared to the digital outs.

BN

BNachman,

Have you tried using the Main Menu (software interface), then go to Setup, then Audio. Adjust these settings, I think that you will find that "TV" has more gain than the other settings, but see what this does.

Other than Firewire and timeshift ability, is there any other differences between the 5100 and the 6200? Is the PQ better?

Originally posted by ianken
Grrrrr. I do NOT want this box processing video. Ever.

What can't we have the "native" option for HD output that we had with the old HDD200 sidecar?

While I thing the 6200 does a better job of processing video than the 5200 I'd prefer that it had the option to do NOTHING, just spew it as it comes in.

I share in your frustration with this, big time.

If the broadcast is 720p, send it to my projector as 720p. If it comes in as 1080i, then sent it as 1080i.

Or at the very least make it so we can easily switch the 6208 between 720p and 1080i without having to turn it off and go into the service menu. Very user unfriendly in this regard.

donjulio,

Thanks, I have tried all of those settings and they make very little difference for me.

When I first got digital cable, Comcast gave me this weird Motorola box (something in the 1000 series I think) that had absolutely no buttons, no display, NOTHING on the front. Just a blank face. That box also gave me very low volume, with no real dynamics to the sound when it was hooked to Tivo. I switched it for something in the 2000 series and everything was fine---same volume through Tivo and straight through the TV.

If no one else is having this problem, then maybe I just need to get another box. Maybe the one they gave me has faulty analog outs.

BN

comcast chicago - where is my 6200, im going crazy?

I'm out in the NW burb of Chgo. Comcast just installed a 6200 in my home last Friday. Pretty dissapointing for SD material, but awesome for HD!!!

I have a 6200 in evanston, DVI not enabled, they didnt know when it would be. (after i explained what it was) any chicago area Comcast subscriber have dvi enabled?

Originally posted by BNachman
donjulio,

Thanks, I have tried all of those settings and they make very little difference for me.

When I first got digital cable, Comcast gave me this weird Motorola box (something in the 1000 series I think) that had absolutely no buttons, no display, NOTHING on the front. Just a blank face. That box also gave me very low volume, with no real dynamics to the sound when it was hooked to Tivo. I switched it for something in the 2000 series and everything was fine---same volume through Tivo and straight through the TV.

If no one else is having this problem, then maybe I just need to get another box. Maybe the one they gave me has faulty analog outs.

BN The digital outs generally put out a higher volume level than the analog out. At least for me. But I wouldn't call my analog out "very" low as compared to the digital outs. So maybe you do have a hardware problem with your STB.

Or there may be a compatability issue with your stereo receiver. This occurs occasionally... but I can't imagine this would be the case with analog outputs.

Originally posted by spot
I have a 6200 in evanston, DVI not enabled, they didnt know when it would be. (after i explained what it was) any chicago area Comcast subscriber have dvi enabled?

DVI has been enabled in Chicago area for about a month now. Check if your firmware version is 7.07.

Originally posted by vj9999
DVI has been enabled in Chicago area for about a month now. Check if your firmware version is 7.07.
We don't have it in Mt Prospect yet. Nor do we have VOD that was supposed to rollout to us, I thought in mid-Feb.

thnx vj, I do have 7.07 software but the menu says DVI not enabled, I might just plug in and see if anything happens.

Originally posted by spot
thnx vj, I do have 7.07 software but the menu says DVI not enabled, I might just plug in and see if anything happens.

I believe that it will say DVI not enabled until you plug in the DVI cable. Also, all your settings will probably get reset when you plug in the cable.

Originally posted by spot
I have a 6200 in evanston, DVI not enabled, they didnt know when it would be. (after i explained what it was) any chicago area Comcast subscriber have dvi enabled?

Morton Grove, Il dvi is enabled.

Rick

Originally posted by spot
I have a 6200 in evanston, DVI not enabled, they didnt know when it would be. (after i explained what it was) any chicago area Comcast subscriber have dvi enabled?

Morton Grove, Il dvi is enabled.

Rick

Still nothing in Palatine, IL either. No DVI, no VOD. :( I need them to hurry up because I ran out of component inputs!!

Brian

Didn't see this in my previous scans of all 135!?! pages... is there a way on the 6208 to set it up to be always recording and keeping say, the last half-hour or hour of what's been watched?... It would make pausing or rewinding live TV a lot more convenient.

The 6208 has that feature already. It is buffering all the time. Up to an hour on digital, but 15 minutes on HD stuff.

I'm in the NW suburbs of Chicago and am still on FW 5.03. I actually had the power unplugged from it for about 5 hours last week (long story don't ask, everythings OK) but when it went through the whole cycle, I did not get FW 7.07, which would enable DVI (which I would like). Am I missing something or do I need to just wait? I have the 5100.

Thanks,

tim

I understand the 62xx records mpeg to the hard drive. I was curious to know if anyone has attempted remove the drive, attach it to their PC, and burn HD DVDs. It doesn't seem like a reach to actually use a hot swap setup to make this a smoother process. I know I'm thinking about this possibility so I thought someone else might have also. Perhaps there's a different way to do it I'm just not seeing? This seems like a cost effective way to get lots of HD programming onto DVD.

I'm in the NW suburbs of Chicago and am still on FW 5.03. I actually had the power unplugged from it for about 5 hours last week (long story don't ask, everythings OK) but when it went through the whole cycle, I did not get FW 7.07, which would enable DVI (which I would like). Am I missing something or do I need to just wait? I have the 5100.

Thanks,

tim

Tim;

When it's available, it will be downloaded automatically. Just keep checking your firmware version.

Originally posted by Carl Jones
I'm in the NW suburbs of Chicago and am still on FW 5.03. I actually had the power unplugged from it for about 5 hours last week (long story don't ask, everythings OK) but when it went through the whole cycle, I did not get FW 7.07, which would enable DVI (which I would like). Am I missing something or do I need to just wait? I have the 5100.

Thanks,

tim


Have you tried calling Comcast and asking if the 6200 is available in your area? When I had the HD box installed in January, I had no idea what a 5100/6200 box even was, and only found out later it was a 6200 with 7.07 already installed. I needed the lone component input on my TV for a DVD player, and just went out and bought a DVI cable for the 6200, installed it, and it worked. Did not notice much if any improvement in picture quality, but at least I have a component connection for DVD, where there is a noticeable difference compared to S-video.

I would give them a call, and see if you can trade your 5100 in for whatever unit is the latest available in your area.

Originally posted by vj9999
I believe that it will say DVI not enabled until you plug in the DVI cable. Also, all your settings will probably get reset when you plug in the cable.
You were correct sir! I went ahead and plugged it in and it worked! IMO the picture looks better with component anyway.

My 6200 just arrived (Comcast LA). I have a Zenith c32v37. Thru the service menu I found my settings to be:

TV Type: 16:9
YPbPr Output: 1080i
4:3 Overide 480i

Are these correct for my Z? My HD channels are ESPN, HBO, Showtime, ABC, NBC, CBS, Discovery.

thx!

JBaumgart
You have discovery in HD, I' m Jealous. Thats what is making me decide between Comcast and DTV . I came to Comcast from DTV for the HD local channelsl. I hate the way channels are mixed around on Comcast , no grouping of types like DTV. Thinking of switching back if DTV gets locals in HD

dcfixm,
I have all the HD channels set to "favorite" and only cycle between those channels.
Spearse

Do you really have DiscoveryHD on Comcast? I didn't think anyone in the country had DiscoveryHD with Comcast.

Rich N.

I need some help troubleshooting a problem. I've had comcast at my house for 8 months now. I've had 6200 for past 2 months. I haven't had any problems until Friday night. I am expirencing tiling and audio dropouts on espnhd, all local hd channels, nba league pass channels and few other digital cable channels. INHD channels and HBO HD still looks good. I am trying to rule out the box as the source of the problem. I have a feeling that the problems is with the signal before it enters my house. I posted this in local forum and nobody in my area is experiencing this problem.

I have comcast coming out on Wednesday, but just want to be prepared.

I had similar problems with tiling on a few channels (especially Cinemax). Comcast wsa out 4 times and changed my box twice, changed my other non-HD box, put in an amplifier, tried to attenuate the amplifier by putting in extra spliiters, changed connections, changed splitters... You get the idea. It had been "called into maintenance" twice, one time the tiling got better but didn't go away. Last week they finally sent out a 'lead' tech. I told him everything that had been doen and he looked at it for less than 5 miutes. He told me he was going to call maintenance personally the next day and two days later the problem went away. The issue was somewhere on the street. They will change your box because that's what they are supposed to do, but if you've got the problem on some channels but not all, it is almost certainly not your box.

Stick with them. If the first visit doesn't fix the problem, have them send you one of their lead techs. Although if you lucky, maybe you can also get an amplifier out of it.

Props to Comcast on this one. they called me this morning and said that the problem was somewhere on the street and if I could check my channels and let them know how it looks. The problem is gone.

I thought I had Discovery HD on Comcast but I was mistaken. :(

Originally posted by edski
I understand the 62xx records mpeg to the hard drive. I was curious to know if anyone has attempted remove the drive, attach it to their PC...

I think I just read in the manual or somewhere that if you open up the box then you just bought yourself a $500 box. ;)

I'm noticing an occassional crackle in the audio on HD channels, anyone else notice this? I have a 6200, Comcast LA.

Also, wondering about service menu settings. I have a Zenith c32v37. I found my current 6200 settings to be:

TV Type: 16:9
YPbPr Output: 1080i
4:3 Overide 480i

Are these correct/optimal for my Zenith?

Up here in Grand Rapids, MI (a new Comcast HD market as of a couple weeks ago) I just received a 6200 and the system loaded firmware 7.07 on it. Can't wait to try out the DVI port.

Originally posted by bjcleaver
I'm noticing an occassional crackle in the audio on HD channels, anyone else notice this? I have a 6200, Comcast LA.

Also, wondering about service menu settings. I have a Zenith c32v37. I found my current 6200 settings to be:

TV Type: 16:9
YPbPr Output: 1080i
4:3 Overide 480i

Are these correct/optimal for my Zenith?

Don't know about the Zenith, but for my Sony 32" plasma in the bedroom I am using the first two but 480p for the 4:3 overide. All analog channels flash 480p on the screen when first tuned in. After experimenting with all of these values I found that these were the ones that worked best for me.

Originally posted by podux
Up here in Grand Rapids, MI (a new Comcast HD market as of a couple weeks ago) I just received a 6200 and the system loaded firmware 7.07 on it. Can't wait to try out the DVI port.

Let us know how the DVI connection works for you. I didn't notice any improvement when I switched the 6200 from component to DVI, and it may have even produced a very slight degradation in clarity, but it did free up my lone set of component inputs for the DVD player. One of these days I will connect both and try switching back and forth, and take a closer look. Overall the picture is really excellent so I'm happy either way. Prefer not to watch DVD's using S-video, or spend $200 on a component switching device.

All,
I have a few question...
I currently have Dish with a 6000 unit. I am looking at going to the 921 with second generation hardware or to Comcast with HD content.

Few questions...
Which has better HD resolution and is not compressing?
Which locals does Comcast Denver have? When will ABC be on the list?
When will the PVR from Comcast be coming to Denver?
I have an OTA module in my 6000 today connected to my Mits 65 with no TV OTA integrated decoder.

I am also looking at adding a Samsung 50" 720P DLP TV but may wait for the newer version out later this year.

I want to be able to have one HD feed into the house via an HD decoder (6200, 921 or another) and have 2 HDTVs connected.

Since the 921 has two tuners this might be the better avenue. However the 6408 is coming sometime (when??). I can live with the Mits and not buy the other HDTV till the 6408 comes out if Comcast is a better way.

THOUGHTS?

Thanks in advance for your help.

I'm noticing an occassional crackle in the audio on HD channels, anyone else notice this? I have a 6200, Comcast LA.

Also, wondering about service menu settings. I have a Zenith c32v37. I found my current 6200 settings to be:

TV Type: 16:9
YPbPr Output: 1080i
4:3 Overide 480i

Are these correct/optimal for my Zenith?

Definately set your 4:3 overide to 480P. There have been numerous reports of audio noise with the 6200. Motorola is aware and working on a fix. If it's too annoying, for the time being switch off digital audio & the problem will go away.

Let us know how the DVI connection works for you. I didn't notice any improvement when I switched the 6200 from component to DVI, and it may have even produced a very slight degradation in clarity, but it did free up my lone set of component inputs for the DVD player. One of these days I will connect both and try switching back and forth, and take a closer look. Overall the picture is really excellent so I'm happy either way. Prefer not to watch DVD's using S-video, or spend $200 on a component switching device.

Using DVI will mean your display's scaler is doing the work instead of the STB. So improvements in PQ will depend on whether or not the 6200's scaler does a better job than your display.

Originally posted by bjcleaver
I'm noticing an occassional crackle in the audio on HD channels, anyone else notice this? I have a 6200, Comcast LA.

Also, wondering about service menu settings. I have a Zenith c32v37. I found my current 6200 settings to be:

TV Type: 16:9
YPbPr Output: 1080i
4:3 Overide 480i

Are these correct/optimal for my Zenith?

On my Zenith c27v36, I also set the 4:3 override to 480i. I then tell my tv to scan it progressively so that the Farroudja (sp) DCDi in my tv can do the line doubling rather than the 6200. I'm honestly not sure whether your c32v37 comes with the DCDi or not, but if it does, definitely keep your cable box set to 480i. As for YpbPr output, i sometimes have it on 720p (when I'm watching a lot of ABC/ESPN) and sometimes on 1080i (when I'm watching a lot of other HD material). For TV Type, I use 4:3 letterbox (which i think would be appropriate for you, too, although you have a lot more zooming/stretching/compressing options).

good luck.

Originally posted by Carl Jones
...Using DVI will mean your display's scaler is doing the work instead of the STB. So improvements in PQ will depend on whether or not the 6200's scaler does a better job than your display...

Carl,

That's not exactly true. The scaler has nothing to do with it. It is in the circuit whether using DVI or component. DVI is just a digital RGBHV signal and component is an analog YPbPr signal, both representing an HD resolution (selected with the menu), they're just in different color spaces and whether one is analog and the other digital.

DVI just taps off the scaler while the signal is still digital, while the component signal goes out of the scaler chip digitally, then on to a D>A converter where it's converted to an analog YPbPr component signal.

Dave;

Thanks for correcting me. My info had come from Pioneer when I asked about this as well as others on different threads here. What you say makes sense because as I think about it 1080i or 720p is only selectable via the stb to the display.
However, as some report a better PQ via component while others view DVI as better, yet others report no difference at all, how would you explain the difference?

Originally posted by DHarp193
Carl,

That's not exactly true. The scaler has nothing to do with it. It is in the circuit whether using DVI or component. DVI is just a digital RGBHV signal and component is an analog YPbPr signal, both representing an HD resolution (selected with the menu), they're just in different color spaces and whether one is analog and the other digital.

DVI just taps off the scaler while the signal is still digital, while the component signal goes out of the scaler chip digitally, then on to a D>A converter where it's converted to an analog YPbPr component signal.

The difference that I noticed between DVI and Component with my Samsung HLN5065W is that when switching between SD and HD the screen is resized to fit the content. That is, SD will be 4x3 and HD will be 16X9. With a Component connection, if the TV is set to WIDE (16x9) while watching HD and a channel change is made to SD programming the image will be stretched to fit the entire screen.

.

I had the audio chirping problem when Cox first installed my 6200. While they were there they replaced it with another box and the chirping went away. I've had the service for a few days now and no chirping.

The motorola site says you can add an external firewire drive to the 6200 and it will enable PVR functionality.. has anyone tried this?

Originally posted by bbrian

The motorola site says you can add an external firewire drive to the 6200 and it will enable PVR functionality.. has anyone tried this?

where on motorola's site did you find this?

thanks.

...is here http://broadband.motorola.com/mso/product_information/dct6000.html

To quote the page---

All DCT6200 outputs (both analog and digital) are available, which facilitate consumer interaction in multiple DTV interface configurations. The DCT6200 includes an MPEG encoder, making the set-top "PVR-capable" with the addition of an external 1394 hard disk drive. These enhancements provide an even more compelling, easy-to-use, HDTV and PVR experience for the cable customer

I'd like to know if ANYONE has tried just connecting a firewire HD to this...

It is in their press releases and product information bulletins about the 6200.

It specifically mentions external firewire harddrives.

...if in fact this is true, that you can simply use an external HDD with the 6200 for a HD PVR, it beats an internal-drive HDPVR hands-down. You can get as big a drive as you want (up to 400GB, I believe, is available) AND transfer the files to your PC....right? Provided the PC had firewire, which, ahem, mine does.

Oh, this could be so good....which tells me it may be too good to be true.

sorry.. missed JonM's post. Basically I'm just curious too if someone has tried. Motorolas site and documentation makes no mention of any motorola specific 'accesories' for the 6200, and firewire storage is pretty standard stuff. It would be pretty cool if just plugging in a drive enables the functionality.

I don't have a drive laying around with firewire interface.. I'm hoping some of the Mac folks do since firewire storage is a bit more common among macs. May have to go pick one up just to try it out.

Originally posted by bbrian
sorry.. missed JonM's post. Basically I'm just curious too if someone has tried. Motorolas site and documentation makes no mention of any motorola specific 'accesories' for the 6200, and firewire storage is pretty standard stuff. It would be pretty cool if just plugging in a drive enables the functionality.

I don't have a drive laying around with firewire interface.. I'm hoping some of the Mac folks do since firewire storage is a bit more common among macs. May have to go pick one up just to try it out.

I have a Mac and a Firewire drive, but I'm missing the 6200, I still have the 5100...:rolleyes:

Brian you mentioned you have Cox and they gave you a 6200. Where are you from?
I'm in RI and COx out here just told me they don't have the 6200..
Rick

Originally posted by JonM in MN
...if in fact this is true, that you can simply use an external HDD with the 6200 for a HD PVR, it beats an internal-drive HDPVR hands-down. You can get as big a drive as you want (up to 400GB, I believe, is available) AND transfer the files to your PC....right? Provided the PC had firewire, which, ahem, mine does.

Oh, this could be so good....which tells me it may be too good to be true.
You can't just hook up a HDD, there is more to the communication api.
People have been hooking up D-VCRs (see hdtv recording: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=42), Mits Televisions and I believe macs. If I remember correctly (I have a poor memory), Windows machines don't yet have the proper interface, but one company is on the verge of releasing some (firebus).

Firebus: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=321774&perpage=20&pagenumber=21

6200->Mitsubishi RPTVs: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=3536231#post3536231

I'm in the Tulsa area. They JUST got the 6200 recently.

HD Rookie,
There are external firewire drives already and yes, you just hook them up to devices that support them. If the firmware of the 6200 has support the communication then theoretically it could work. Otherwise WHY would motorola list it as a feature of the product?

In this case it would be the 6200 controlling the drive, not the connected device controlling the 6200. In the case of the TV's and vcr's connecting via firewire, then yes there is MUCH more communication involved.

For the 6200 to use an external drive it would be for nothing more than storage.

I'm getting the feeling you're trying to flame me for providing information to the topic being discussed???

Originally posted by bbrian
There are external firewire drives already
I know, I never said they weren't. They are a great way to daisychain mass amounts of storage.

you just hook them up to devices that support them. If the firmware of the 6200 has support the communication then theoretically it could work. Otherwise WHY would motorola list it as a feature of the product?

You are talking about theories, so I'm not sure what conversation you want to sidetrack to. All I was trying to do is provide information/facts. The links I gave fully discuss the situation from several different angles. At this point, people are using the 6200s firewire in a few different ways, but a direct connection to an external firewire HDD is not one of the ways. It is possible that motorola "could" add VCR/PVR software to the 6200, but thats a long shot. Thats where the 6208 comes in. The 6208s have already begun shipping to a few comcast markets.


In this case it would be the 6200 controlling the drive, not the connected device controlling the 6200. In the case of the TV's and vcr's connecting via firewire, then yes there is MUCH more communication involved. For the 6200 to use an external drive it would be for nothing more than storage.
Restating the obvious ain't gonna make it work.

Originally posted by bbrian
I'm in the Tulsa area. They JUST got the 6200 recently.

HD Rookie,
There are external firewire drives already and yes, you just hook them up to devices that support them. If the firmware of the 6200 has support the communication then theoretically it could work. Otherwise WHY would motorola list it as a feature of the product?

In this case it would be the 6200 controlling the drive, not the connected device controlling the 6200. In the case of the TV's and vcr's connecting via firewire, then yes there is MUCH more communication involved.

For the 6200 to use an external drive it would be for nothing more than storage.

This has been discussed before. Right now Firewire connection is isynchronous as opposed to asynchronous. Basically means that you can output but you can't send back. So even if you were able to connect the Hard Drive you would not be able to play it back through 6200 and on your TV.

6200 was designed with the ability to do this, but it is up to the cable provider to enable it through firmware. I believe someone said that this might be enabled later on (maybe later this year?!), but don't get your hopes up on it happening anytime soon.

with a rev 7.07 6200 box I got from Charter last week. As far as I could tell, the 6200 took no notice of the addition of the drive -- the drive wasn't written to, and there was no UI in the 6200's setup to control recording or the drive.

The 6200's firewire is definitely active -- when plugged into a Windows Server 2003 box, I get two device IDs (1394\A02D&10001 and 1394\5068&10101). The first indicates IEC61883 compliance, and the second is a mystery.

Apparently, as others have pointed out, the current firmware just isn't up to the task just yet; in the meantime, pick up a DVHS or a used G3 PowerMac on eBay.

Originally posted by HD Rookie
[B]I'm getting the feeling you're trying to flame me for providing information to the topic being discussed???

You are talking about theories, so I'm not sure what conversation you want to sidetrack to. All I was trying to do is provide information/facts. The links I gave fully discuss the situation from several different angles. A

I'm not talking theories and I'm not flaming.. I just don't think your post was relevant. I'm asking if anyone tried it. Motorola says the 6200 (not 6208, 6408) has PVR capabilites. My 6200 specifically has information in the system menus about a HDD and PVR, but says the HDD isn't there and that PVR functionality is disabled.

The links you posted had nothing to do with hooking up a firewire drive. They discuss hooking up VCR's and TV's and using a PC to record shows.. none of them mention an external 1394 drive.

Thanks 3waygeek that's what I was looking for.

...how is this external HDD PVR functionality enabled in the 6200? Is it firmware, only? Has anyone tried contacting Motorola about this? I got on their website and sent an email, but no reply yet.
Quite frankly, if what an earlier poster said is true and the functionality will be added later this year, I'm pretty happy about that.

Can anyone with a 6208 tell us what version of firmware they have? I wonder if the firmware for the 6208 is a completely different animal or if it is the same (albeit updated) as the 5100/6200..

Originally posted by bbrian
The links you posted had nothing to do with hooking up a firewire drive. They discuss hooking up VCR's and TV's and using a PC to record shows.. none of them mention an external 1394 drive.

So, you are saying you went to the HDTV Recording forum (the first link in my post) and didn't find a thing on external firewire drives? I guess your "forum search" button works differently than mine.

Originally posted by JonM in MN
...how is this external HDD PVR functionality enabled in the 6200? Is it firmware, only? Has anyone tried contacting Motorola about this? I got on their website and sent an email, but no reply yet. Quite frankly, if what an earlier poster said is true and the functionality will be added later this year, I'm pretty happy about that.

I think I read the same/similar post earlier this week. They talked about firmware 7.10 being beta tested. I believe they were talking specifically about the 6208. I would love to be wrong on this.

Can someone please tell me how to find the version I have for my 6200? The method for the 5100 doesn't work. It's not in the main service menu. I've spent 40 minutes searching the net. Thanks.

Comcast / Central NJ / Moto 5100
Hooked up DVI w/ 40xbr800
I was using component for digital channels & cable straight in for 1-99.
Now it seems 1-99 is a little better with dvi.
HD & Digital channels are terrific.

I've read elsewhere that version 7.10 firmware is being beta-tested with the 6208...does anyone know if it's being tested with the 6200?? Anybody have first-hand knowledge?

Originally posted by HD Rookie
So, you are saying you went to the HDTV Recording forum (the first link in my post) and didn't find a thing on external firewire drives? I guess your "forum search" button works differently than mine.

Gees.. I just asked a freaking question. I did search before I posted in here and NO I didn't find anything. If I had I wouldn't be asking the question. Thanks for all the help.

Lisa;

You went to main menu, then selected cable box, then "show configuration", selected "yes" & that didn't work?

Has anyone been able to get a Moto 6200 in the SF Bay Area? Comcast says they have no plans for them.

Originally posted by Carl Jones
Lisa;

You went to main menu, then selected cable box, then "show configuration", selected "yes" & that didn't work?

I kept missing a step too, this is the path.

Main menu > Setup > Cable Box > Configuration