Originally posted by f44
How can I tell if i have a motorola 5100 or 6200?

also, my HD picture is great from the motorola box but my non-HD channels are always grainy and I can't figure out why.

Look underneath the STB. Should be a plate with the model number on the bottom.

Jim

Anyone lose their dolby digital 5.1 after getting firmware 7.15??? I can't get 5.1 anymore with the programs that have it. I already tested my receiver so I know it's not that and Comcast said they's have to send someone out.

Go into the Audio section of the setup & set it to "advanced"

Anything I can do about the grain?

Also, a couple of months ago, my box downloaded a newer menu/guide that was blue. However, it disappeared shortly. Anyone know why?

you can change the color of the menus in the setup menu.

as for the graininess - your digital channels shouldn't have this.....if you're talking about the analog stations (roughly channel 100 and lower), all you can do to minimize the artifacting out PVR's are adding is making sure you have the cleanest analog connection possible - you can test this by plugging your cable straight into your tv and seeing how the reception is there.

if it still looks bad (like mine did), i bought a cheap ground loop isolator online and it helped things.

changing color of the menus in the setup? maybe in the 6208... not the 6200 or 5100. The blue guide that briefly appeard on the 5100/6200 was a sort of preview or test of the new guide that should be active soon (don't know how soon, apparently it's been pushed back recently, as it was initially scheduled for September)

oleus, can you give a little more info on the ground loop isolator?

I think my digital channels are sorta grainy. How clear should digital channels be when stretched and how clear should they be when not stretched (4:3)? Can you please tell me the same info for analog channels?

f44,
my digital channels are sort of grainy, too. I think is due to signal compression (MPEG?) and not to signal noise/weak signal. Yhe analog channels are definitely grainy due to inevitable signal noise from the source. If you stand close to the TV (I have a LCD projection) you notice that the nature of the "noise" is definitely different. I have to say that from normal viewing distance the overall PQ is excellent.

The Comcast guy came by yesterday to install the box. Surprisingly, he knew his stuff and noticed a problem right away. He removed all the old filters/blockers that were installed years ago and replaced the splitter that feeds CATV and Comcast internet with a 3 way – one for the Samsung DLP/6208, one for cablemodem and one to feed the other 6 TV’s for regular analog cable via the 8 way splitter.

HDTV/DTV is great on all channels – as good as the Samsung SIR-T351 and lower band channels (<100) look as good if not slightly better than the old analog connection. He gave me a splitter just in case I want to re-connect analog cable to the back of the DLP antenna in and bypass the 6208, but I don’t think I will do it at this point. I am using the DVI connection (720P) and I ran Commscope RG-6 quad shield #5781 (sweep tested to 2.2GHz) from the Comcast demark outside to the 8 way splitter in the closet then to all TV’s in the house.

Overall I am very satisfied.

Originally posted by walk

As for SD PQ, well it's crap to begin with, what do you expect? Nothing the 6200 can do about that.

Actually it does do something about it. It makes it CRAPPIER! As many others have posted here, my direct cable feed looks much better than the SD DVI feed from the STB.

A couple of things:
Inherently the PQ of an analog channel (note: I don't say SD, since that includes SD digital channels) is going to be marginally worse on a 6208 than it is on a 5100 or 6200. The reason is the same as it is for Tivo & Replay: even watching "live" tv you're watching a signal that's being real-time mpeg encoded and decoded. Now, with Replay at least "live" tv is shown in high-quality mode (3GB/hr). Dunno what the one-and-only quality level that the 6208 supports is, or how their encoder stacks up the the Replay's at the same datarate. If the 6208 defaults to a lower datarate, it may have lower quality. Also note that the Replay may use a different rate for recording vs. live tv (default record can be 1/2/3GB/hr, live is normally 3GB/hr).

Note that people have complained about analog quality on 5100's in the past, so that issue may still exist in 6200's and 6208's as well. It may also have to do with signal levels on the analog channels, perhaps.

As for a 3/4" shift between analog and through-6208 on a 65" TV: I'm amazed it's that small. (Ok, not really, but I'm not surprised). The relationship between sync pulses on analog signals and the tube is not that sharply defined. 3/4" on a 65" set is a pretty small difference. IMHO.

Originally posted by jesup


Note that people have complained about analog quality on 5100's in the past, so that issue may still exist in 6200's and 6208's as well. It may also have to do with signal levels on the analog channels, perhaps.



One additional note. Most people with 5100/62xx/6412 are using component output on large monitors. Two things contribute to the end-user observing more noise of encoding artifacts:

1) It's a bigger screen than most people with other non-HD DVRs are uesd to. (Encoding artifacts on analog and SD will be more noticeable on 6208/6412).
2) The analog 480i has to be converted for component output (which involves digitizing and then converting back to analog.

Keep in mind, if you have a set-top upconverting analog it is going to do an A-to-D, then D-to-A, then the TV is going to do an A-to-D, and a D-to-A again to display. All of those add noise.

If you want to improve your analog viewing you can either use the tuner in your TV or the baseband output of your set-top.

On the plus-side, when a new, better set-top is available, since you rent your set-top you can just get the new one from Comcast compared to if you purchase a DVR, your initial investment goes down the drain if you replace your old set-top with a new one.

Originally posted by dbrouda

If you want to improve your analog viewing you can either use the tuner in your TV or the baseband output of your set-top.

What does this mean and how do you do it?

This means coaxial cable directly to your TV or Composite (yellow) cable / RF coaxial output.

I have tried every output from the 6208 except the DVI (TV doesn't support it) and they all look like trash for analog. All of them also make the image appear 3/4" to the left.

I agree, I have tried DVI, composite and S-video and they all are pretty bad. The S-video is the best, but still not as good as direct cable feed.

I use DVI. The analog channels are a little bit softer, but it also has less noise, and the colors are truer. I guess it depends on what you prefer. Sharp but noisy and Never Twice the Same Color or soft and clean...

I have mot 6200 with firmware 7.15, and a toshiba 52hm84. When I tried to use DVI to HDMI cable to my TV, I see only blank picture from the TV, but the audio came out ok with separate audio cable. I've tried to go to menu after power down the box, and selected on 720p, 1080i, etc. but non of them gave me any pictures.

Has anyone else had trouble with DVI to HDMI cable with 52hm84? Did I do anything wrong? What's the right way to enable the pictures?

thanks! please help.

Yes. I tried to use a DVI/HDMI cable to connect the Moto 6200 (with 7.15) to my Sam hlp 6163--didn't work. Had to use a DVI/DVI connection (worked fine), and then donnect a Sam 841 DVD to the hlp via DVI to HDMI.

I'm guessing HDCP issues. Turn both off, then turn the TV on first, wait a sec, then turn the 6200 on.

With mine, I get a little flash on the LED panel of the 6200 when I turn the TV on (when the box is turned off), probably indicating good HDCP sync lockup.

edit: seems like there may be other problems with HDMI<->DVI. Do a search..

Sorry if this has been posted already somewhere in this thread, but can you record (and watch) HDTV content with the Comcast DVR?

Yes you can.

Turning on the TV on first, then the cable box did the trick. Now HDMI input is working. If I turn the cable box on first, then it never works.

Turning on the TV on first, then the cable box did the trick. Now HDMI input is working. If I turn the cable box on first, then it never works.

Originally posted by f44
Yes you can. Cool, thanks for the info :)

I just ordered the DVR service, but have to wait until next weekend for the tech to come install it.

Are people using the Harmony remote (w/ DVR controls) with the Comcast DVR box and getting good results?

-jim

Jim,

Yes, I have a Harmony H688 with a 6208 DVR and haven't noticed any issues:)!!!

Just wanted to drop a thanks to Miatasm.

I ran into the problem where my Motorola 5100 (with the 7.15 firmware)was not outputting the Dolby Digital sound to my receiver. Before finding this thread I called Comcast and they wanted to send somebody out to the house in a week and potentially change out the box. Reluctantly I scheduled the appt, but decided to come here just to see if there was something that could be done.

I changed the audio settings from TV to Advanced and all is well.


Here is what I noticed. If I unplugged the 5100 and then turned it back on, gave it 10-15 minutes to download everything and then try to access the Menu and On-Demand, the Dolby Digital sound would come back. It would stay Dolby Digital until I accessed channels 2-100. Once I did that, my receiver was stuck in PCM mode and would no longer decode Dolby Digital 5.1. If I went back into the menu, picked On Demand and then exited, my sound would be Dolby Digital on my HDTV channels until I tried to access channels 2-100 again.

I called Comcast to cancel my appt. Explained what was going on (and believe me....they couldn't have cared less). So, I drafted up a complaint email and sent it to them. Probably won't do any good, but it made me feel a little better.

Now, back to some Dolby Digital 5.1 watching.

Thanks again miatasm.

Has anyone found a solution for the amount of noise the 6208 puts out while in standby mode?

Also, is there a manual out their for the capabilities/features of the DVR section of the 6208? My unit came with the manual in the box but it's for the 6200/6208 and doesn't cover DVR features at all.

Bill

Has anyone found a solution for the amount of noise the 6208 puts out while in standby mode?

Also, is there a manual out their for the capabilities/features of the DVR section of the 6208? My unit came with the manual in the box but it's for the 6200/6208 and doesn't cover DVR features at all.

Bill

Originally posted by Bill_B4
... is there a manual out their for the capabilities/features of the DVR section of the 6208? My unit came with the manual in the box but it's for the 6200/6208 and doesn't cover DVR features at all.

Bill

I have a pamphlet (without a stock number) that reads:

"DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER (DVR)
Reference Guide"

It may also be available on their website.

-Mike

Mike,

Is it Comcast literature or Motorola?

Bill

Originally posted by Bill_B4
Mike,

Is it Comcast literature or Motorola?

Bill

It's Comcast literature.

TvGuide DVR Reference from Motorola is here:

http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/downloads/TVGuide_DVR_Manual.pdf


-Mike

i have two 6208's, and neither are noisy in standby mode.

This may have been asked before but this thread would take days to go through.

Can you "hack" the DVR to expand the storage? 10 hours of HD is pretty low.

I am used to a Tivo with 2 big drives but it doesn't record HD. :(

Mike,

Thanks a ton for the link!

I'm also curious if it's possible to "expand" the 6208's storage such as with an external hard drive connected to the 6208 in some way.

Bill

i think tinkering with the Motorola 6208's can be a tricky proposition, since they're the property of the cable companies....

not to say i wouldn't love to have it handle more than 10 hours of HD. that being said, it holds a really good amount of SD....

I noticed something regarding SD PQ. If you hit the "PAUSE" button for a few seconds, then start it playing again it will greatly improve the PQ:confused:

I noticed someone mentioned this technique earlier regarding getting good recordings via firewire, but it also appears to help with that crappy SD channel quality everyone's complaining about:rolleyes:

It must have something to do with the signal being buffered by the DVR???

Dharp -

i have never noticed this. my analogs have been looking a bit better lately, and i've always thought SD from the comcast motorola hd boxes blew away SD from DirecTV boxes.......at least on an HDTV......

Definitely better PQ on analog channels since 7.15

Hello,

I am scheduled to have Comcast HDTV installed in a week with the DCT5100 box. I was told that it comes with component cables. Does anyone have an opinion as to the quality of the cables? Should I purchase upgraded component cables? I already have a toslink optical cable for audio, so I am set for audio.

I will be hooking the box to a Sony KF50WE610.

Thanks.

The component cables from COMCAST are first class.

The components are very good from what I can tell. I have them and have no complaints.

Heres a question. For those who have the DVRs from comcast, is there an extra charge beyond the HD charge per month?

I just got comcast HDTV installed at my new home with a 5100. At my old house I was using the 6100 with DVI, now with the 5100 i'm forced to use component. Would it be worth my time to get comcast to bring a 6100 out here to swap with, is there any benefit aside from dvi of the 6100 vs the 5100..??!??

I'm sure this has been asked a gillion times in this thread, but on my comp that's 60 pages!!!

Originally posted by MASteve
The components are very good from what I can tell. I have them and have no complaints.

Heres a question. For those who have the DVRs from comcast, is there an extra charge beyond the HD charge per month? I pay $9.95/month for the DVR on top of the $5/month for HD.

Originally posted by tall1
I pay $9.95/month for the DVR on top of the $5/month for HD.

Thanks so much for the info.

Originally posted by tall1
I pay $9.95/month for the DVR on top of the $5/month for HD.

Really???
In my area it is 9.95 total, no $5 charge for HD.
With my previous 5100 box I was only paying $5 for the box lease, nothing for HD.

Originally posted by cleoent
I just got comcast HDTV installed at my new home with a 5100. At my old house I was using the 6100 with DVI, now with the 5100 i'm forced to use component. Would it be worth my time to get comcast to bring a 6100 out here to swap with, is there any benefit aside from dvi of the 6100 vs the 5100..??!??

I'm sure this has been asked a gillion times in this thread, but on my comp that's 60 pages!!!

Do you mean the 6200? Yes, it also has firewire if that's important to you plus the DVI and I think its a faster box for channel changes and menus.

Jim

Originally posted by HD Rookie
Really???
In my area it is 9.95 total, no $5 charge for HD.
With my previous 5100 box I was only paying $5 for the box lease, nothing for HD. Yup. Check out the attachment.

Comcast waives the $5 HD fee if you have digital silver, gold, or platinum packages...

Originally posted by krooooog
Comcast waives the $5 HD fee if you have digital silver, gold, or platinum packages...

I have the $16 locals only package ($26 total with dvr).
The charges must different by location???

Originally posted by krooooog
Comcast waives the $5 HD fee if you have digital silver, gold, or platinum packages...

Where do they do that?

Jim

Originally posted by krooooog
Comcast waives the $5 HD fee if you have digital silver, gold, or platinum packages... This is correct, I just checked with Comcast. But I have the Take 3 package and you pay ala carte for equipment. This is a bit different than the the other scams, er packages they have available.

Packages vary by area. Here it's $5 for HDTV, and DVR is not available yet. You also need to have one of the "Digital" packages to recieve certain channels (ESPN-HD, InHD, etc..) that start at about $50/mo.

The Comcast Y/Pb/Pr/L/R cable is quite hefty, and they also supply an optical or coax (your choice) digital audio cable, but not a DVI....

Thanks for the input regarding the component cables. Now I won't have to spend the extra $$ on another cable.

My friend had Comcast (Chicago) HDTV hooked up recently and he said they used component video cables but regular composite audio cables. Maybe it varies by region?

Originally posted by keenan
Where do they do that?

Jim

Eastern Region

David

Originally posted by faceoff
Eastern Region

David

Thanks, it's bad enough I'm crippled with a low BW cable system, to find out that others don't even have to pay the box rental just adds to my dark mood when it comes to Comcast.

Jim

Originally posted by keenan
Thanks, it's bad enough I'm crippled with a low BW cable system, to find out that others don't even have to pay the box rental just adds to my dark mood when it comes to Comcast.

Jim

Don't feel bad, I think you mis-read. krooog said that in addition to paying a lease fee on the box, they have to pay a $5 HD fee. The $5 HD fee is what is being waved. They still pay the lease on the box.

Originally posted by HD Rookie
Don't feel bad, I think you mis-read. krooog said that in addition to paying a lease fee on the box, they have to pay a $5 HD fee. The $5 HD fee is what is being waved. They still pay the lease on the box.

Okay, I must have missed that part.

Jim :)

I pay a lease fee on the HD box ($6.95) and a $5 HD fee (and have Digital Silver). COMCAST said that this is the way it is. Is that correct, or do I read the above note to say that one is not supposed to have to pay the $5?

Originally posted by millerwill
I pay a lease fee on the HD box ($6.95) and a $5 HD fee (and have Digital Silver). COMCAST said that this is the way it is. Is that correct, or do I read the above note to say that one is not supposed to have to pay the $5?

No that's not the way it should be. I pay $5.00 for the box and that's it. Do you have something other than a 5100 or 6200?

Jim

I guess it depends on where you live and those who own\run Comcast in your area. In the Portland, OR area, where live, I too have the Digital silver Package and HD - I pay a flat $5.00 extra each month for HD and my 6200 HD Receiver.

Question for those who have a Harmony remote and the Comcast Moto DVR 6200 box...

Do you use the 659, or do you use the 688 that they say is meant for DVRs? I want to pick up one of these remotes, but I can't find anywhere around here that stocks the 688. I'd prefer to have the 659, so if people use that and it works with the DVR functions, I would be very happy!

Thanks :)

-jim

I live in NJ and have Comcast, I have digital silver.

Don't pay anything for HD, $9.95 for DVR and I get one box free, each additional box is $6.

Originally posted by JimF_NJ
Question for those who have a Harmony remote and the Comcast Moto DVR 6200 box...

Do you use the 659, or do you use the 688 that they say is meant for DVRs? I want to pick up one of these remotes, but I can't find anywhere around here that stocks the 688. I'd prefer to have the 659, so if people use that and it works with the DVR functions, I would be very happy!

Thanks :)

-jim I use the 659 for both the 6208 and 6200. When I got my 6208 I didn't even change anything from my 6200 and I was able to use the recording functions via the 659 remote. There are a couple things I could make a little cleaner but I am too lazy to call harmony customer service which is excellent by the way.

Originally posted by tall1
I use the 659 for both the 6208 and 6200. When I got my 6208 I didn't even change anything from my 6200 and I was able to use the recording functions via the 659 remote. There are a couple things I could make a little cleaner but I am too lazy to call harmony customer service which is excellent by the way. Awesome, that's cool :).

Question though... what do you mean by "discreet input codes"? Whoops -- now I see you've edited your post to take that out. Nevermind :).

But thanks for the info!

-jim

Originally posted by JimF_NJ
Awesome, that's cool :).

Question though... what do you mean by "discreet input codes"? Whoops -- now I see you've edited your post to take that out. Nevermind :).

But thanks for the info!

-jim I was going to warn you about discreet codes for my sammy DLP but that probably doesn't apply for you. Good luck!

I'm looking to run a new line to my 5100.

The splitter I have has three outs - one labeled -3.5db, and two labeled -7.0db.

I don't quite get this. If a key goal in a splitter is to limit the amount of db loss as a result from splitting the cable, why wouldn't they make all three outs so they had -3.5db? Why have one at -3.5db and two a -7.0db?

I'm thinking that perhaps there is a specific reason they are made this way and I'm just missing something. Can someone fill me in? I suppose I should hook the 5100 to the -3.5db side, since that is my highest priority line in the house. Thanks.

That's the nature of 3-way splitters. Internally, they are usually built as a 2-way splitter with one of the outputs fed into another 2-way splitter. Since you typically lose between 3 and 4dB per split depending on build quality (a perfect unpowered 2-way split would lose 3dB, which is a reduction by half), the outputs that have been split twice have higher attenuation. What you do after the split matters, too -- if you have a long run and two short runs, then you'd connect the long run to the -3.5dB out (since the longer cable will attenuate more) and the short runs to the -7.0dB, and at the actual devices everyone has roughly the same signal.

There are a few companies that make 3-way splitters that aren't built that way and have uniform attenuation across all of the outputs, but not with -3.5dB per out, since that's not possible without amplification. Monster, for example, makes one that's -5.8dB uniformly across the outputs.

But yes, if your "highest priority" is the 5100, and all your cable runs after the split are roughly equal, connect it to the -3.5dB output.

Well said Dennis. There are a number of balanced 3 way splitters the lowest loss I have seen was 5.5 db on all outputs.

This signal that is provided for Television is a power level (dbmv) any time you halve a power level it will drop by approx 3 db. Same is true with doubling power if you were to combine 2 signals together of the same power level like 10db & 10db you would get 13db at the output of the combiner. Its just the nature of Power......

I am considering adding the DVR capability to my Comcast lineup. However. I need to have dual tuner ability to use it effectively. Does anyone know when Comcast is planning on offering a box with dual tuners in the Wilmington/Newark, DE area?

Thanks.
Chris

I have the same question for th eBedford/Grapevine area of Texas. Anyone know when the dual tuner will be available?

Earliest I have heard is middle of October, I'm thinking more like November.

Originally posted by Dennis Wilkinson
That's the nature of 3-way splitters. Internally, they are usually built as a 2-way splitter with one of the outputs fed into another 2-way splitter. Since you typically lose between 3 and 4dB per split depending on build quality (a perfect unpowered 2-way split would lose 3dB, which is a reduction by half), the outputs that have been split twice have higher attenuation. What you do after the split matters, too -- if you have a long run and two short runs, then you'd connect the long run to the -3.5dB out (since the longer cable will attenuate more) and the short runs to the -7.0dB, and at the actual devices everyone has roughly the same signal.



Makes perfect sense - thanks.

While we're on the subject - Comcast added a powered amplifier to my lines. Basically it plugs into the wall and has a coax which goes into a multiway splitter with the power being supplied on that coax. However I also have an older channel master multi way splitter that seems to be self powered - it has +11db on all outputs. But the strange thing is that this channel master splitter does not require external power. Is it really possible that it could be self powered (I've gotten a shock from it before so I know it is more than a passive splitter!). Just seems odd that one splitter would require separate in-wall power and another be totally self powered?

That older multiway spiltter must be powered somehow with that kind of gain. You probably have power being fed over the coax itself somewhere, similarly to how the Comcast-supplied one works.

You should be careful, though, to figure out where the power is coming from - if you do have DC power on some or all of your coax, and you connect a device that's not expecting it to the powered segment, you could damage the device if you don't install an inline DC block. More than likely the power is coming in on the input side, and the splitter auto-blocks the DC on the outputs, but you should check.

What is the card slot in the front of the 6200 for?

What is the card slot in the front of the 6200 for?

Originally posted by adoble
What is the card slot in the front of the 6200 for?

It's a smart card slot, but I'm not aware of any current use for it. Motorola's docs claim it's there in support of future e-commerce systems.

I'm looking to get a small, very low end TV to hook up to my 5100 so that I can program the DVR (to record a show by navigating the guide, for example) without having to turn my projector on just for that purpose.

This means that I need to hook up the TV to the composite video or RF coax out on the STB since they are not used (my "real" feed is via DVI out).

However I noticed that I could not get the guide to display unless I changed my output setting in the STB settings menu from DVI 1080 to 480i. There was a brief menu in the FAQ on the subject of guide data on these outputs but didn't cover what I need to know.

My questions are as follows:

1) Do the same rules apply for the composite video out as they do for the coax output? In other words, if I found that I do get guide data output on the coax when I changed the output type from DVI 720p to 480i, does that mean I'd get output of guide data on the composite video output as well when set that way?

2) I assume there is no other way to get this guide data to display than changing the settings as I mentioned above. Too bad... This means that I have go into the STB settings, change to 480i, turn on my tiny tv to find the program in the guide and set it to record, then switch it back to DVI 720p. It would be nice if I was able to skip the step of changing the output from DVI 720p to 480i and back, but doesn't seem like there is any way around that.

According to the FAQ you can just set the Override to OFF to get the guide data on coax/composite, but I found that was not sufficient - apparently you have to change the output to 480i as well.

3) While we are on the subject, can anyone recommend a junky little TV (even black and white, say around 5", that I can use to see the guide data and select recordings without having to fire up the projector?

Thanks!

I just received a 6208 and it came with a remote which has buttons that do not work. The LIVE button, My DVR button and the button to it's left as well as the PIP buttons do not even put out a IR signal. The HD ZOOM brings up Music Choice. Does anyone else have any informaion or experience with this remote?

I would like to use the Live button instead of viewing the buffered video. This may also give the hardrive a break. Any comments?

Loving DVD,

The Guide & menu shows up on all outputs S-video, composite, RF (Coax), as long as 480i is selected for "480 Override". The DVI/YPbPr settings shouldn't have any bearing on this, unless you are tuned to an HD channel while watching the S, Comp, or Coax, outputs.

As far as a cheap TV to buy I would buy a cheap LCD display meant for In-Car DVD player ect. I have a 5" TFT LCD that just has composite input that I use specifically for the purpose you want to use yours. I use a 12 volt plug in transformer for power, & I paid about $85 for it a couple of years ago. Try Ebay.

ElectricPotatoe,

You have a remote meant for the current SA DVR boxes. I don't know of anyway to program those buttons for the Motorolas, yet. Where are you located in Jersey? I may be able to help you.

miatasm

The remote controls the 6208 fine so I doubt it is the wrong remote for my STB (but maybe). The extra buttons on this model remote do not transmit anything. (I can tell because my remote extender receiver led flashes when it picks up a transmission of any remote)

As schja01 over in the HDTV recorder pointed out, the down arrow drops you back into the live mode. The My DVR button to the left of the LIVE button on my remote is most likely a shortcut to where you can go in the menu. (This is only the second day that I have had the DVR. I downloaded the manuals and the FAQ and printed them out to read)

I live in South Jersey as well. If you want to chat sometime, leave me a Private Message and we can exchange email address or phone numbers.

Bill

Hi EP, Looks like you got a remote that goes with a 6412. The row of black buttons at the bottom should have a "swap" one. Since we have been told the 6412 cannot do PIP, those other buttons don't even put an IR signal out.
As for the LIVE button not working, sounds like a bad remote. Can you FF to catch up with live programming?

deskjockey
I think you may be correct. The extra PIP buttons are not needed for the 6208 so they are not functional. The down arrow takes me to LIVE. The FF, rewind, pause, etc. all work fine. I just have some extra non-functioning buttons from the older URC-1057BG0 that used to come with the 6208.

In SA markets they give out the that exact same remote control. But is programmed from UEI for an SA box. It is the same remote that is given out with a 6412, but since they are not avail in this market yet, you could have only gotten one that was reprogrammed with the GI/Motorola code of 0476. This only give the basic digital box controls to the 6208. As you found out the only button that you really cannot use is the My DVR button, which is a nice feature. I'm assuming there is a different code for the remote that needs to be programmed in. I will see if I can find that out for you.

EP you have a PM....

So no PIP with the 6412 huh. Too bad, that would have been a nice feature especially with an easy swap button.

Originally posted by deskjockey
Hi EP, Looks like you got a remote that goes with a 6412. The row of black buttons at the bottom should have a "swap" one. Since we have been told the 6412 cannot do PIP, those other buttons don't even put an IR signal out.
As for the LIVE button not working, sounds like a bad remote. Can you FF to catch up with live programming?

Who told you the 6412 can't do picture in picture?

Andrew Wees

It currently will not do PIP. This is for Comcast markets running the TV Guide/Gemstar EPG.

Originally posted by miatasm
Loving DVD,

The Guide & menu shows up on all outputs S-video, composite, RF (Coax), as long as 480i is selected for "480 Override". The DVI/YPbPr settings shouldn't have any bearing on this, unless you are tuned to an HD channel while watching the S, Comp, or Coax, outputs.


I've double checked this a few times and am finding that I must have the output type set to 480i or 480p in order to get the guide output on composite video or RF out.

For instance, I have 480 override set to OFF. But if I have the output type set to 1080i or 720p then I get no guide data or menus (but do see the tv show just fine). I have a DVI cable connected - perhaps that is the difference?

I would really like to figure out how to get it to display the menu on composite video out with override off but the output set to 720p/1080i like you think is possible. Any pointers?

Otherwise this means that I have to change the output to 480i, look at the guide data, and change it back. Not a huge deal, but it would be much nicer if I could just flip the switch on my LCD monitor connected to the composite video, check the guide, and then turn if off without having to change type output modes... Thanks.

http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/DCT6200/downloads/DCT6200-08_UserGuide.pdf

Page 32

Its page 32 of the document, but page 39 of the .pdf file.

If the box is outputting a 480i signal then Graphics are supported on ALL outputs.

Are you tuned to an HD channel while looking for Graphics? If so you won't see them because the box is not outputting 480i. Something isn't right with your settings......

Originally posted by MASteve
Heres a question. For those who have the DVRs from comcast, is there an extra charge beyond the HD charge per month? [/B]
I just started Comcast service based on a mail offer I got: $49.99/mo - that includes their digital classic lineup (I think), HD service, the 6208 DVR, HBO, STARZ, and a 2nd (non-HD) box. Plus the price is guaranteed until Jan 1, 2006 (yes 06, not 05). I’m in the Chicago area, not sure if this is a local offer, or just for new customers (I am). The offer is open until the end of Sept. Al

bigalw22,

What area of Chicago are you in? I'm down by Joliet and Comcast says that they don't have the HD recorder in my area yet. I have been waiting awhile for them to contact me as to when it is supposed to come available. And a bud of mine just told me he got a real nice deal on the LG HD recorder/receiver at best buy. Might go get one of those if Comcast takes too long.

marvincbr, that is puzzling. I'm in Naperville. Not all that far apart. Also, in the last couple of days I've heard a Comcast radio commercial, a couple of times, advertising their DVR service. I think it was on WGN-720AM which covers a large area. Try calling them back. Maybe a different rep will have a better answer. Al

Originally posted by miatasm
Its page 32 of the document, but page 39 of the .pdf file.

If the box is outputting a 480i signal then Graphics are supported on ALL outputs.

Are you tuned to an HD channel while looking for Graphics? If so you won't see them because the box is not outputting 480i. Something isn't right with your settings......

I tried it when tuned to a HD channel as well as an analog channel - the results are the same.

I am 100% positive that even with 480 override set to OFF, I do not get the guide data / DVR menus when using composite video out unless I change the TV output type from 1080i to 480i or 480p. I'm confused by this since you say that 480 override set to OFF should be sufficient to get the guide. I've tried this on a 5100 and a 6208 with the same results... Ideas?

My 6200 did something the other night that it just started doing recently (maybe since I received 7.15). I was TiVoing Big Brother off of KCBS HD (183) and in the middle of the show the screen flickered and a black bar appeared right down the middle of the screen. It was about 1/4 of the screen in width. The show displayed on both sides of this black line. I have a tech coming out today to look at it but since I can't make it happen, I'm not sure what he/she is going to do. I have the Tivo connected to the 6200 via RCA cables. The 6200's DVI goes directly to the DVI on my set.

Have you heard of any such problems before?

P.S. Tonight I was watching a show (on Sundance) via the DVI connection and about twenty minutes into the show the screen turned to digital snow. The audio was still working. When I looked at what Tivo was seeing, there was no snow. THe snow only appeared via the DVI connection.

Digital snow on the DVI input would typically indicate a HDCP (copy protection) handshake issue of some kind.

Any idea why this would happen in the middle of a show? I didn't do any channel changing before it happened.

Originally posted by lovingdvd
I tried it when tuned to a HD channel as well as an analog channel - the results are the same.

I am 100% positive that even with 480 override set to OFF, I do not get the guide data / DVR menus when using composite video out unless I change the TV output type from 1080i to 480i or 480p. I'm confused by this since you say that 480 override set to OFF should be sufficient to get the guide. I've tried this on a 5100 and a 6208 with the same results... Ideas?

Correct, that's how it's supposed to work. Did you read that table??
It won't output graphics on the composite/s-video/RF unless you set the DVI/YPbPr output = 480i.

http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/DCT6200/downloads/DCT6200-08_UserGuide.pdf
Page 32, although it says page 39 in Acroreader...

Originally posted by walk

It won't output graphics on the composite/s-video/RF unless you set the DVI/YPbPr output = 480i.


Yes, that is exactly what I am finding. However, unless I am misunderstanding him, miatasm is saying that all that is required is to turn 480 override to OFF and it should work regardless of the VI/YpbPr output selection...

I hadn't used the timer function for a few months. It no longer works. In one case, it didn't switch channels at the appropriate time. On another occasion, it changed to the wrong channel (Dr. Phil!). I now have firmware 7.15.

Is anyone else having problems with this? I use my S-VHS to tape shows using the L1 connection.

Thanks,

I have a sony KP51WS510 and a motorola 6200 from comcast. I want to get a DVI cable for them and I am not sure which one to get. I am a newbie and I am hoping some people can point me to a link or point out which cable I should get. Any help would be greatly appreciated

DVI-D cable on Amazon.. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000X0VCY/qid=1096053671/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/002-1350185-9743205?v=glance&s=electronics&n=507846

Originally posted by lovingdvd
Yes, that is exactly what I am finding. However, unless I am misunderstanding him, miatasm is saying that all that is required is to turn 480 override to OFF and it should work regardless of the VI/YpbPr output selection... Well, that's backwards. If you set Override = 480i then it will show graphics on the s-vid/etc outputs *when tuned to a SD channel* but not when tuned to a HD channel. If you set override = off then it upconverts SD and will never show graphics on the s-vid/etc outputs.

Originally posted by walk
DVI-D cable on Amazon.. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000X0VCY/qid=1096053671/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/002-1350185-9743205?v=glance&s=electronics&n=507846

Well, that's backwards. If you set Override = 480i then it will show graphics on the s-vid/etc outputs *when tuned to a SD channel* but not when tuned to a HD channel. If you set override = off then it upconverts SD and will never show graphics on the s-vid/etc outputs.

With override = off and output set to 480i, you will get overlay graphics on all outputs (except 1394 of course).

graphic overlays are only present on analog outputs when the digital output is set to 480i.

Originally posted by lovingdvd
I tried it when tuned to a HD channel as well as an analog channel - the results are the same.

I am 100% positive that even with 480 override set to OFF, I do not get the guide data / DVR menus when using composite video out unless I change the TV output type from 1080i to 480i or 480p. I'm confused by this since you say that 480 override set to OFF should be sufficient to get the guide. I've tried this on a 5100 and a 6208 with the same results... Ideas?

I may have mistakenly said the above, but I don't remember. Here is the quote from my website:

from the bottom of this page:

http://www.cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dctset-up.htm

"*If you set the 480 override to “480p” or “OFF” & view the output of the box on any of the analog outputs (S-video, Composite, RF) The on-screen functions (Guide, Menu, etc.) will NOT be displayed. These will ONLY be displayed on the component outputs."

Hello All,
I have the Motorola 6200 HD set top box from Comcast Cable in NJ with firmware version 7.15.
Normally the Motorola 6200 box will always go to channel 8 when being powered up, and you have to switch to whatever channel you want to watch. (Channel 8 is the Comcast 'Home' channel.)
Several months ago a Comcast repairman used a service code to re-program my box so that it will always return to whatever channel it was last tuned to when I turn it on each day. (Which is a real lifesaver for time shifting HD recordings.)
Two nights ago I had a problem with my Comcast cable modem and they sent a reset signal through the line. The problem is that it also reset my Motorola 6200 box, and now every time I turn it on, it goes to channel 8 again.
My question is: Does anyone know the particular codes that the serviceman used so that I can reprogram my box to turn on to the last used channel. (It is not part of the regular customer setup menu.)
Comcast refuses to send a serviceman out for this and will not give out the code.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Tom

Originally posted by Tom Keegan
Hello All,
I have the Motorola 6200 HD set top box from Comcast Cable in NJ with firmware version 7.15.
Normally the Motorola 6200 box will always go to channel 8 when being powered up, and you have to switch to whatever channel you want to watch. (Channel 8 is the Comcast 'Home' channel.)
Several months ago a Comcast repairman used a service code to re-program my box so that it will always return to whatever channel it was last tuned to when I turn it on each day. (Which is a real lifesaver for time shifting HD recordings.)
Two nights ago I had a problem with my Comcast cable modem and they sent a reset signal through the line. The problem is that it also reset my Motorola 6200 box, and now every time I turn it on, it goes to channel 8 again.
My question is: Does anyone know the particular codes that the serviceman used so that I can reprogram my box to turn on to the last used channel. (It is not part of the regular customer setup menu.)
Comcast refuses to send a serviceman out for this and will not give out the code.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Tom

Oh that would be sweet - if there is such a thing. I was told there wasn't. I HATE that channel 8 thing.

I bet this is a secret - -if there is such a code. I would love it.

This is even a new one to me......

In Maryland Comcast does not use the channel 8 default. Whatever channel you are on when you shut the box is the one it is on when you put the box back on.

I have the Motorola 6200 and it used to Go back to channel 8 when turning the box back on but now it goes to the last channel it was on

They don't pull this bs in Philly, either.
Unfortunately, they source-scramble ESPN, CSN, CNN, USA and a few others--so you can't PIP two at a time, like Comcast Sports and ESPN (the logical choice)

Originally posted by lmplot
They don't pull this bs in Philly, either.
Unfortunately, they source-scramble ESPN, CSN, CNN, USA and a few others--so you can't PIP two at a time, like Comcast Sports and ESPN (the logical choice)

HUH!!!

Sorry--you have to have select via the cable box for ESPN, Comcast SportsNet, CNN, Discovery, AMC, and several others. You cannot receive these anolog stations directly on your set, although most of the analog stations can be recieved directly. Kind of kills PIP if you are want to see games on ESPN and Comcast.
I am unclear which bothers me more-this, or the lack of a la carte pricing, since I figure I pay for 30 stations or more that will never be viewed in my house.

Sorry about that I didn't relize you live in the city. Most areas these channels can be recieved without a STB....

This has been the way it's been here with Comcast inside Philadelphia (I have not played with any of their suburban hook-ups) for a long time. Several stations are not direct. And it's really annoying. I guess they think everyone in the city is going to want to steal cable service for those stations only. It also gets cumbersome if we want to see something before going to bed and it's on one of these stations that we ought to be able to get directly. Then it's go down and swithch the routing device, leave the cable box on for that channel, and my teenager has to not need the cable box in the living room.
I was thinking about this--maybe I can convince them to let me have a non-digital box for no extra charge.

I have a Motorolla 6200 STB. When viewing non-HD broadcasts on an HD channel, the bars on the sides are grey. I have read that the colour of the bars is controlled by the STB and not by the TV and that some STBs have a "border" programming option so that you can change these grey bars to black, but I can't find any such option in the setup of the 6200. Is there a way to change these grey bars to black??

(I saw this asked elsewhere in this thread, but no one answered it.)

I don't think there is one. Here's a link to the moto manual though -> link (http://cjhengineering.com/DCTHDFAQ.htm) .

If you change the user setting for 4:3 override to 480i (or 480p if your display doesn't lock in full on 480p input), you won't have the bars at all on the sides. Look under "set-up" on the above link to see how to get into the user settings.

jeff

Nope the bars are black.

Grey bars would be made by your TV.

As "walk" says, grey bars come from your TV. I had a Hitachi RPTV which would also output gray bars (only on HD channels). I believe there should be an option to change this in the TV's service menu, but I'm not sure you want to mess with that.

Thanks greeno, walk and renpar61 - the Motorolla manual specifies that the bars are black, so I guess my TV (a Toshiba 46") is indeed the culprit. I'll check its service menu - though, as you said, renpar61, I'm really not sure that's something I want to tweak!

Originally posted by OakIris
I have a Motorolla 6200 STB. When viewing non-HD broadcasts on an HD channel, the bars on the sides are grey. I have read that the colour of the bars is controlled by the STB and not by the TV and that some STBs have a "border" programming option so that you can change these grey bars to black, but I can't find any such option in the setup of the 6200. Is there a way to change these grey bars to black??

(I saw this asked elsewhere in this thread, but no one answered it.)

Are you saying they're all uniformly grey on all the HD channels when it's non-HD content.. or just some of the channels appear to have grey bars?

Cause I have the same box in Denver and in general most of the bars are black in that case like on the HD movie channels when it's 4x3 content. But as a heads up, some of the Local HD channels, when not sending out true 1080i, purposely use greyish color bars to fill out the 16x9 frame. KCNC and KUSA to name a couple. But KMGH on the other hand uses black, not unlike the movie channels

Point being, when it comes to HD channels, the channels send out 720p or 1080i, 16x9, 24/7. If it's upconverted 4x3 content, the bars are inserted by the broadcaster. Be it HBO or a Local or whatever. The STB wouldnt know the difference as to whether those bars are picture info or merely filler.

It sounds more likely that your issue is what DP1 is talking about. Locally here in Philly Market, CBS puts out Grey Bars on their HD channel (when not HD content. If you are watching an HD program & it fills the screen (true HD 1080i/720p) and it switches to a commercial & you get grey bars they are being sent by the broadcaster. I am assuming you do not get grey bars on ALL of your HD channels.....

Ok I stand corrected... If you are watching a DTV station broadcasting upconverted 4:3, they can make the bars any color they want since it's built-in to the 16:9 picture area. (ESPN puts a gradient color with "HD" letters in their pillarbox area instead of just black/grey/whatever.)

However the 62xx puts *black* and only black bars on 4:3 content when IT does the upconverting (ie when 4:3 override is OFF). This color is not changeable as far as I know.
If you set 4:3 override to 480i, then it outputs a 4:3 picture, with NO bars whatsoever, therefore any bars no matter what color, are generated by your TV set. Most RPTVs use grey bars, and even if the color is changeable, you probably do not want to change it since grey was chosen to reduce burn-in.

Hope someone here can answer this question for me.

I have the Comcast, I guess 6200 series with 7.15 firmware and DVR.

I'm using the optical audio output to my receiver. I also have a set-top DVD Recorder hooked to the Comcast box. I'm running out of the S-VHS output of the Comcast box and into the S-VHS input of the DVD Recorder. The S-VHS out put of the DVD Recorder is going to the S-VHS input on my TV.

Now for the question;

I get video input on my DVD recordings but no audio. Does using the optical out on the Comcast (Motorola) box disable all of the other audio outputs of the box or is there some other reason for me not getting audio through the S-VHS connection to my DVD Recorder?

Thanks in advance for any help on this,

S-video is a video only connection. (No audio.) All you have to do is connect the red and white RCA cables from the cable receiver to your DVD recorder and you should be good to go!
Welcome to the forum.

My area of San Jose, California has finally been upgraded from the old A/B system --d so we can now get Comcast's HDTV service. They'll be installing the 6200 (I asked for a 6208 but they said it's not available) in my home, tomorrow.

I'll be using it with:

ONE
16x9 HDTV projector with DVI input (for serious viewing of movies), where I will want to pipe the digital sound to my AV receiever

TWO
SD Tivo (series2) + analogue TV (for casual viewing), where I will want to feed 4x3 picture (prefer s-video) and analogue sound to my SD TIVO (for eventual display on my analgoue TV)

Any caveats and gotchas I should be aware of? I'm read through several hundred posts, here, and nothing jumps out at me at this point as something I can pre-emptively deal with. But I may have missed something.

(Note that I intend to add a D-VHS deck to the system by the end of the year... but I'm not sure that that really changes anything at this point?)

Other than the fact that it doesn't like having DVI and component connected that the same time, DVI + S-video should work.

bandbjt,
I going to assume you connected the analog audio (red/white RCA pair) to the DVDR, so you probably want to make sure you plugged it into the right place, into the OUTput on the back, not the INput (on the back or front). ;) No, using the digital output does not disable the analog, although you might also want to check the audio output settings (in the setup menu) and the volume.. maybe the volume is turned all the way down?

How can you find out what version firmware you have?

Originally posted by walk
Other than the fact that it doesn't like having DVI and component connected that the same time, DVI + S-video should work.


Yes, all seems to be okay and working well -- both for SD on the TIVO, and HD on the projector. (Too bad none of the basic HD channels on Comcast carry many movies!)

I tried both DVI-D and component cables to my 720p projector. Maybe DVI was a touch sharper but it was very touch to tell. Certainly, even with a short DVI cable that doesn't have trouble otherwise I was seeing sparklies. Probably continue using the DVI input on the projector for upscaled DVD, and use component for the cable box.

Originally posted by f44
How can you find out what version firmware you have? Motorola HD cable box FAQ (http://cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dctfirmware.htm). Click on "firmware" on the left side.

Originally posted by jimre
Motorola HD cable box FAQ (http://cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dctfirmware.htm). Click on "firmware" on the left side.

Comcast is now using Moto DCT-6200 and DCT-6208 HD cable boxes (the 6208 is the DVR box) countywide (replacing the DCT-5100 with HDD-200 sidecar).

Digital cable is *not* required for HD.

Monthly fees are as follows:

DCT-6200: $5/month/box.
DCT-6208: $9.75/month/box

HD versions of any premiums currently subscribed to are included.

HBO subscribers get both HBO HD and HBO HD On Demand free.

Digital cable subs get NFL Network On Demand free.

All this is aside from any current promotions.

There is no limit on the number of HD boxes per household.

Originally posted by lmplot
Sorry--you have to have select via the cable box for ESPN, Comcast SportsNet, CNN, Discovery, AMC, and several others. You cannot receive these anolog stations directly on your set, although most of the analog stations can be recieved directly. Kind of kills PIP if you are want to see games on ESPN and Comcast.
I am unclear which bothers me more-this, or the lack of a la carte pricing, since I figure I pay for 30 stations or more that will never be viewed in my house.


They do *not* do this anywhere in Maryland that Comcast covers.


We have seven drops (one is a split drop for both cable TV and CHSI) but only two boxes (one for digital cable and one analog box for a non-cable- ready floor model TV). All drops without boxes get CSNDC and ESPN/ESPN2. (The case of the split drop is unusual: the cable TV side connects to my AIW 9700 Pro for analog cable, while the CHSI drop feeds my personal Moto SB-4100, which in turn connects to the family LAN via a Microsoft MN-100 router.)

Comcast doesn't offer a-la-carte anywhere in the Old Line State.

Some evenings I will do (and have done) a three way (or even four-way) bounce-around among ESPN and/or ESPN2, CSNDC, and SCI-FI (no PIP on my PC or bedroom TV). Some of my relatives have TV sets that can do PIP (and all except two are Comcast customers), and all have done ESPN/ESPN2 PIP (especially during college hoops season).

Originally posted by Dennis Wilkinson
It's a smart card slot, but I'm not aware of any current use for it. Motorola's docs claim it's there in support of future e-commerce systems.

I would think either e-commerce of CableCARD (both were designed to use this slot).

At some point, cable STBs will be sold direct to the customer (in fact, Motorola is planning on doing so). This means that cable systems will need a method of authorizing said boxes without truck rolls. CableCARD (already used in some markets with compatible TVs) would be practical for this purpose. (I haven't heard of CableCARD being used in markets with S-A headends; the deployments seem to be concentrated in areas with Motorola headends.)

Originally posted by MASteve
The components are very good from what I can tell. I have them and have no complaints.

Heres a question. For those who have the DVRs from comcast, is there an extra charge beyond the HD charge per month?

In Maryland's markets, it's $4.75 per month per DVR box (Moto DCT-6208).

Originally posted by oleus
i think tinkering with the Motorola 6208's can be a tricky proposition, since they're the property of the cable companies....

not to say i wouldn't love to have it handle more than 10 hours of HD. that being said, it holds a really good amount of SD....

Do you have a PC with a IEEE 1394 port with extra drive space? (If the PC in question has any Sound Blaster Audigy, you do have IEEE 1394.)

Run a 1394 cable between the 6208 and the Audigy-equipped PC. That's it.

When the HD in the 6208 fills up, it will overflow to the drive in the PC with the largest amount of free space.

As long as the PC isn't networked, it can be darn near any PC capable of running Windows XP; the big issue is hard drive space left over after XP is installed.

Originally posted by PGHammer
I would think either e-commerce of CableCARD (both were designed to use this slot).

At some point, cable STBs will be sold direct to the customer (in fact, Motorola is planning on doing so). This means that cable systems will need a method of authorizing said boxes without truck rolls. CableCARD (already used in some markets with compatible TVs) would be practical for this purpose. (I haven't heard of CableCARD being used in markets with S-A headends; the deployments seem to be concentrated in areas with Motorola headends.)

The stardard for CableCard has already been set & will not fit in the Smart Card Slot. The Cable Card looks identical to a PCMICIA Laptop card.

I have the 5100 and firware 7.15. What advantages does the 6200 have over the 5100?

EDIT: (deleted unplugged question since it was answer)

If the box is working, then its OK.......

I just started using DVI with the 5100. It works fine except if I turn the cable box on first, then the TV, the image is repeated into 4 smaller images that take up the top half of the screen, with the bottom half being black. If I switch the station, it goes back to being fine. Anyway to fix this besides just turning TV on first?

Originally posted by PGHammer
Do you have a PC with a IEEE 1394 port with extra drive space? (If the PC in question has any Sound Blaster Audigy, you do have IEEE 1394.)

Run a 1394 cable between the 6208 and the Audigy-equipped PC. That's it.

When the HD in the 6208 fills up, it will overflow to the drive in the PC with the largest amount of free space.

As long as the PC isn't networked, it can be darn near any PC capable of running Windows XP; the big issue is hard drive space left over after XP is installed.

Interesting. This doesn't work with the 6200, though, right? Seems like it would be a great way to store movies, except that the 5C flag prevents them from leaving the cable box to a non-compliant device, such as an XP pc.

F44... i have similar problems with my dct6200. I havent read of any fix but i image it would be in the form of a firmware upgrade.

I just had my 6208 Comcast DVR box installed on Friday. It has firmware version 7.15 and I am running component cables from the box to my Panny 50PX25.

Since having the box installed, I have had two problems:

1- While watching "Desperate Housewives" last night, there was a great picture, but no sound. I called Comcast, they sent a signal to my box, and then everything worked great.

2- I am noticing a lot of "hitches" in high def transmissions. I will be watching a show, and then it will stall for a second, or sometimes 5-10 seconds, and then start up again. Does anyone know if this is an issue with the Comcast broadcast, or is it possibly due to the fact that the DVR is caching the data stream? If it anything like a computer, the hard drive might be involved in this problem.

Oh yeah, has anyone else had a problem in high def with sound and pictures falling out of synch? What is that about? Comcast says they hear about that all the time. I see it a lot when watching Leno.

Thanks in advance for any help from the forum.

Toothsdoc

toothsdoc: As many folks here have mentioned...have comcast check your cabling, splitters, etc..

1- If the cabling was done several years ago, you are probably due for some cable replacement as well as eliminating any unnecessary splitters. As a temporary workaround, hit pause and play or replay after changing a channel. That will eliminate most video breakups.

2- Are you watching Leno in HD or analog? Analog is notorious for lip synch problems. If Comcast in your area doesn't have NBC in HD you can try an OTA setup by purchasing an HD receiver. NBC HD doesn't have any lip synch problems that I have noticed.

3- Turn in your Man-Card if you were watching Desperate Housewives while Sunday Night Football is airing on ESPN HD. NOTE: Just kidding, my wife had to watch and given the babes in this show, I quietly agreed ;-)

Good Luck!

Tall1,

In response to your questions...

1- My house is about 6 years old. I have one or two splitters, but Comcast had installed a AC powered amplifier. Aside from problems I mentioned, HD images are incredible. Just some periodic pausing and voices getting out of synch. I am running a splitter right before it goes into the box to run a seperate line directly to the TV in order to get a better quality image on non-HD channels. These usually suck watching them through the box. Think this can be the problem?

2- Leno in HD. That is the show that has the most noticable out of synch problems with voice. It usually get worse after a few minutes. Maybe Leno's chin is causing some sort of doppler effect resulting in sound getting to me after the video.

3- Thanks for the support. I feel better now.

Toothsdoc

I was just watching Still Standing, and the problem with the momentary pausing happened again. I got smart this time, and rewound to a few seconds before it happened and guess what...it played without a pause. This must be due to the caching of the program stream and how the machine is allowing it to pass through. Has anyone else had this happen? Thanks.

Toothsdoc

Originally posted by toothsdoc
I was just watching Still Standing, and the problem with the momentary pausing happened again. I got smart this time, and rewound to a few seconds before it happened and guess what...it played without a pause. This must be due to the caching of the program stream and how the machine is allowing it to pass through. Has anyone else had this happen? Thanks.

Toothsdoc Dude, this is what I explained in point 1 of my previous post. Simply hit pause, then play or replay and you have a workaround until you can isolate the problem. This problem was fixed with FW 7.15...what version do you have?

I have 7.15. I will try the Pause/Play thing you mentioned and hopefully that will stop the problem. Have you heard anything about this problem even being recognized by Comcast? I spoke to them tonight, and all they offered was to replace my box saying it might be defective. From what you are saying, it sounds like a new box won't resolve the issue. Thanks again for your reply.

I have 7.15 as well, and see the same issue. Watching just a hair behind the actual "live" stream, or watching a recorded program, I get no pixelation or other glitches. Watching fully caught up, and I see fairly frequent glitches. I've never spotted an uncorrectable error on the diagnostics, so that points at a software bug (or possibly a firmware bug), and not a signal problem.

Since I almost never watch fully-caught-up-to-live (years of TiVo conditioning,) it's not a big deal to me.

Sync is a separate issue -- I've seen a ton of sync issues, but the vast majority of them seem to be occuring in the broadcast itself (usually when a station is upconverting.)

I've read the last 50 pages or so on this thread and haven't seen a direct answer to my question, so here goes.

I currently have a Sammy DLP 46 inch connected to a 5100. HD is great, SD is acceptable.

Comcast says I can exchange it for a 6200 (6208 unfortunately not available yet in California). Will my SD PQ be better with the 6200 than with a 5100? Enough for me to drive to the cable office and do an exchange?

FYI I am currently using component cable connections but I do have DVI TV connections in my Samsung.

I was in the same exact situation. I got the 6200 now and the PQ is slightly better. However, the improvements came also progressively every time Comcast released a new firmware version. I have version 7.15 now and honestly I cannot say whether the improvements are due to the new firmware or the new box. Probably a combination of the two. Don't expect a night and day change, IMHO SD is now only barely acceptable on the analog channels.

Originally posted by renpar61
I was in the same exact situation. I got the 6200 now and the PQ is slightly better. However, the improvements came also progressively every time Comcast released a new firmware version. I have version 7.15 now and honestly I cannot say whether the improvements are due to the new firmware or the new box. Probably a combination of the two. Don't expect a night and day change, IMHO SD is now only barely acceptable on the analog channels.

Thanks for the response. Is the 7.15 firmware update specific for the 6200 or is it also for the 5100? Anybody know?

When I got my 6200, Comcast had to deliver it. I went down to the Fresno office and the lady there told me that they didn't even have the boxes there.

Originally posted by David Ortiz
When I got my 6200, Comcast had to deliver it. I went down to the Fresno office and the lady there told me that they didn't even have the boxes there.

Well David you saved me a trip. I should have known better than to believe a Comcast CSR.

Analog channels won't change. Digital might look better.

It's hard for me to compare, I had one of the original DCT-1000 (one of the first 300 people to get digital cable here) until about a year ago, then I just got a 6200, and I can tell you YES the picture on the digital stations is much better. Far less macroblocking. (It also changes stations faster and doesn't take 10 seconds to draw the menu screen =)

Originally posted by nathan_h
Interesting. This doesn't work with the 6200, though, right? Seems like it would be a great way to store movies, except that the 5C flag prevents them from leaving the cable box to a non-compliant device, such as an XP pc.

The DCT-6200 does not support DVR (however, the 6208 does).

In fact, that is the entire difference between the two.

If, however, a cable provider were to enable DVR capability in the 6200, this would have to be expressly permissible (as the 6200 doesn't have the internal hard drive the 6208 does).

I was wondering if anyone has solved the problem with the unit starting up on a particular channel every time the 6200 is powered on. This was mentioned a few posts back, but never solved so I thought I'd bring it up again. I find this very annoying, especially when I want to flip back and forth between 1080i and 720p output (my tv's scaler is better than the Moto 6200's for converting 1080i signal to my tv's native 720p). Anyway I live in the Philly suburbs (Bucks county) and this IS a problem in this area, although apparently this doesn't occur within Philly's city limits as posted previously. There has to be someone here who works for Comcast or Motorola that could post an anonymous reply to help us out with such a simple setting change :)

Originally posted by PGHammer
The DCT-6200 does not support DVR (however, the 6208 does).

In fact, that is the entire difference between the two.

If, however, a cable provider were to enable DVR capability in the 6200, this would have to be expressly permissible (as the 6200 doesn't have the internal hard drive the 6208 does).

But the only thing you can use the XP PC for is non-5C-protected material, right? (If this is covered in another topic, please point me there so I don't take up space asking about something that is documented already.)

azran--you have to call Comcast--it's their doing. They are controlling this.

Originally posted by azran
my tv's scaler is better than the Moto 6200's for converting 1080i signal to my tv's native 720p

I've noticed this, too -- and in general I don't think the scaler in my projector is very good.

One way to get around the channel changing back to a default upon powerup is to leave the 6200 on, all the time. I have to do this for my TIVO, anyway.

The channel 8 startup is programmed by Comcast, I do not believe it can be changed without Comcasts assistance.

Originally posted by nathan_h
But the only thing you can use the XP PC for is non-5C-protected material, right? (If this is covered in another topic, please point me there so I don't take up space asking about something that is documented already.)

Another AVS forum member includes links to various info on the DCT-6200 (and 6208) that detail the 1394B connectivity. (In fact, I found the info in the DCT-6200/08 manual he posted a link to (the post is, in fact, in this thread.

The content can only be viewed/controlled via the PVR (not via the PC). This is simply an extra storage space option.

However, given that large hard drives for the PC are cheap (and that nobody likes messing with equipment they only lease from the cable company) this is a relatively painfree way to increase your DVR storage capacity *far* beyond the base.

Originally posted by lmplot
azran--you have to call Comcast--it's their doing. They are controlling this.

Thanks to everyone who responded to my question about the channel startup of the 6200. I tried calling Comcast to have them tell me how to change that setting, but they claim that it can't be changed even though I know that's a bunch of crap. Telling them that I know other Comcast customers don't have this problem didn't help either, he told me to just leave the 6200's power on all the time. Unfortunately, that doesn't help if I'm switching between 720p and 1080i output all the time, since the power has to be cycled to enter that menu. I guess I'll just have to put up with this until someone figures out how to enter the "secret" menu system.

I hope you did not simply stick with the usual Comcast CSR and made them transfer you to a supervisor or a higher-level tech person. From WAY to much past experience I know it is of absolutely no use to talk to the initial CSRs for anything except to schedule an appointment...and most of the time they screw that up as well.

A tip I got here in Chicago is to use Comcast's web site to EMAIL them. Here in Chicago, I was told in the reply I received from them that the email goes directly to corporate comcast in the chicago area and thus higher-level people than the CSRs. One time I know a followup to one of my emails came from a corporate manager-type.

I've reviewed the 6200/8 manual but I don't see that it mentions anything about the Firewire connection other than to point out where it is. What page is that on? Oddly, I cannot find any mention of XP here, either: http://cjhengineering.com

(Funny[?] story: The cable installer I had had never seen a 6200 before, and was quite thankful I had the manual *and* gave a copy to him when he left, to make it easier for him the next time....)

Originally posted by ivsimler
I hope you did not simply stick with the usual Comcast CSR and made them transfer you to a supervisor or a higher-level tech person. From WAY to much past experience I know it is of absolutely no use to talk to the initial CSRs for anything except to schedule an appointment...and most of the time they screw that up as well.

A tip I got here in Chicago is to use Comcast's web site to EMAIL them. Here in Chicago, I was told in the reply I received from them that the email goes directly to corporate comcast in the chicago area and thus higher-level people than the CSRs. One time I know a followup to one of my emails came from a corporate manager-type.


Thanks ivsimler, I'll try the email route again. I actually submitted an email about a week ago to ask about this issue, but didn't hear anything back. I'll try a second message.

Originally posted by azran
Thanks to everyone who responded to my question about the channel startup of the 6200. I tried calling Comcast to have them tell me how to change that setting, but they claim that it can't be changed even though I know that's a bunch of crap. Telling them that I know other Comcast customers don't have this problem didn't help either, he told me to just leave the 6200's power on all the time. Unfortunately, that doesn't help if I'm switching between 720p and 1080i output all the time, since the power has to be cycled to enter that menu. I guess I'll just have to put up with this until someone figures out how to enter the "secret" menu system.

Comcast has the ability to change the Turn On Channel, yes... but, there are marketing and/or engineering reasons why they have it that way. It can't be changed on an individual box basis, its something they have to do for whole service areas. They likely won't change it for everyone when its only a few people that are complaining about it and its something that can easily be bypasses by leaving your box on.

Originally posted by PGHammer
Do you have a PC with a IEEE 1394 port with extra drive space? (If the PC in question has any Sound Blaster Audigy, you do have IEEE 1394.)

Run a 1394 cable between the 6208 and the Audigy-equipped PC. That's it.

When the HD in the 6208 fills up, it will overflow to the drive in the PC with the largest amount of free space.

As long as the PC isn't networked, it can be darn near any PC capable of running Windows XP; the big issue is hard drive space left over after XP is installed.

Does this actually work? And are there any performance issues? Why does the PC not have to be networked?

I have been reading and hearing that running video through DVI and/or HDMI is supposed to be better.

Anyway, I picked up a Monster 400 male DVI/female HDMI adapter to run my Comcast 6208 into my Panny 50PX25 using an HDMI cable from RAM.

In terms of HD, other than sports, one of the most visually impressive things I have seen in HD is the Leno show. When I looked at it through the HDMI channel on the TV (running from the DVI out on the 6208), the colors looked totally washed out compared to what I have been watching through component cables (also from RAM). When I switched back to component, the incredibly vivid colors were back.

Anyone have any idea what is going on? Is there a setting or something on either the TV or cable box I need to adjust? I haven't been able to find anything, and Comcast couldn't help me when I called. This was a pretty big disappointment, and I wanted to know if any members could help out.

Thanks.

Most displays have separate picture controls for DVI inputs vs. component inputs. You may need to calibrate the DVI input on your display.

I've had the same problems with DVI on my Sony57ws500. It's not just from my moto 6208 -- same was true for moto5100 and Voom box.

Others will probably tell you that you need to adjust your settings for the DVI input -- but I don't think this is true. I don't know of any way to get the pic as good as component. If I change the output to 720p then the colors thru dvi are fine but the HD pic isn't as crisp (my tv downconverts 720 so I need to stick to outputting 1080i). My solution is to just stick with component.

Originally posted by toothsdoc
I have been reading and hearing that running video through DVI and/or HDMI is supposed to be better.

Anyway, I picked up a Monster 400 male DVI/female HDMI adapter to run my Comcast 6208 into my Panny 50PX25 using an HDMI cable from RAM.
Check in the "plasma" forum to see what other 50PX25 owners are doing.

that seems backwards to me, must be separate calibrations for your different inputs.

DVI inscreased color accuracy, picture depth, contrast and detail a good deal when i switched from component to DVI.

Problem here,

I have the 6200 and have been running through component cables to my sony xbr960.

Just got in RAM HDMI cable and tried to use the Monster 400 male DVI/female HDMI adapter to hook up to the DVI port on the box.

I have sound, no picture. Tried to call Comcast, they're sending someone next week.

Any suggestions?

tx

it's possible your display is not HDCP (hd copy protection) compliant. my projector wasn't compliant with teh DVI from my 6208 after one of the firmware updates, so i had to send it in for service. works like a charm now.

for me, the increase in detail and overall quality of the picture was worth the upgrade - others see no difference with DVI......some even say it looks worse than component but i have to think those displays aren't calibrated correctly for the respective dvi inputs.....

You probably don't have any sound because although HDMI carries both audio and video, since you are converting from DVI to HDMI in the first place, you are not passing an audio signal into the HDMI cable. You need to run audio cables seperately.

I called Panasonic about the loss of color and sharpness when running the Comcast box into the HDMI port. They say that they are aware of the problem and are trying to figure it out. They stated that this does not happen with DVD players plugged into HDMI, only cable tv. Their engineering department is working on the issue.

They stated that I should not need to recalibrate based on different sources, so this is not an issue. It really sounds like they are implicating the DVI output from the Comcast 6208 box. This makes sense since another board member said that they had the exact same problem using their Sony plasma.

that's strange....the dvi output of my 6208 looks beautiful and blows away the component connection on my setup.....

maybe "blows away" is a little strong but it's definitely a good deal sharper and the picture depth and color accuracy is much better.

Anyone else see more artifacts from DVI compared to component?

i see far LESS artifacting.

i'm using a screnplay 7200 infocus projector. don't have any other dvi compatible tv's otherwise i would test it.

perhaps DVI is only useful if you're blowing up the picture to very large sizes?

I see less with DVI.

I finally got the HDMI-DVI connection to work between the 6200 and my sony. Didn't do anything, just turned it on the next day and it was working! Compared it directly to my component hookup of the 6200. I was hard pressed to see any difference on my xbr960. But I did free up my component output for my x-box so I am happy. I'm wondering if I should now use a CableCard connection. I did notice that the HDMI-DVI connection is very sensitive to any jiggling of the cords tho.

hi. just wondering if anybody knows how to change IR codes on these boxes? i will have a 6208 and 6200 located in the same location and would like to control each individually. thanks.

Originally posted by memnoch2
hi. just wondering if anybody knows how to change IR codes on these boxes? i will have a 6208 and 6200 located in the same location and would like to control each individually. thanks.

You can't.

Two solutions:

1) Get IR Blasters and connect them to the face of the set-tops and control the IR blasters through some cabled interface.

2) cover the front of your remote to focus the IR...electrical tape with a small slit uncovered, or perhaps a tube taped to the remote.

The 6208 is not yet available in San Jose, Ca -- from Comcast. Is it something I could buy after-market and use, anyway?

Memnoch2,
The other option (though much more expensive than the electrical tape) is too get a Home Theater Master Remote control that has RF output and a MRF-200/250 base station that sends out individual output IR. That allows individual addressing of the IR output so that e.g., you could have a label for the 6208, when pushed, sends the RF -> ir only to that flasher and then push the 6200 label which would then send RF codes that would go to the MRF200 box and send codes out to the 6200. This capability is only available in the MX800 and MX3000 remotes currently but stay tuned if the $499 price point (MSRP) is too high...

I think this is a great option (for multiple satellite receivers, vcrs, tv's in a room that are same brand, etc) but clearly carries an added expense, but hey, that's part of this whole "hobby" :)

Originally posted by nathan_h
The 6208 is not yet available in San Jose, Ca -- from Comcast. Is it something I could buy after-market and use, anyway?

Wait until next month - the 2-tuner 6412 will be released.

I just got the 6208 installed. I've noticed that even turning off the cable box and TV I hear the HD still recording (or doing something. I still hear it working).

Is this normal? Does the HD never power off? Tried looking for this answer but no such luck.

Originally posted by powaking
I just got the 6208 installed. I've noticed that even turning off the cable box and TV I hear the HD still recording (or doing something. I still hear it working).

Is this normal? Does the HD never power off? Tried looking for this answer but no such luck.

Recording? Are you sure? It's probably doing hard drive maintenance or some other self management. How long does it do this when it's off?

It never stops. It constantly does this. Sounds just the same as when I'm normally watching TV. Currently only have 1% used (the David Ortiz hit that won game 5 :P ).

My wife thought I was recording a show the other night but I too notice even coming home from work its doing this recording. I'll try and see if I can record a wav file of it but just wondering if anyone else is experiencing this.

The only people who have this problem are everyone who has one.;) It is noisy, but you get used to it. Sorry I can't give you a better aswer than that.

Ok so it is common for the HD to keep working even though the unit is powered off. If thats the case then I can live with it. Just curious as to why the HD needs to keep working even though everything is powered off.

Originally posted by powaking
Ok so it is common for the HD to keep working even though the unit is powered off. If thats the case then I can live with it. Just curious as to why the HD needs to keep working even though everything is powered off.

I believe it is a heat issue. Doesn't mater if the box is on or off. The left side of the box is always pretty hot. In my cabinet, I opened up a full foot of freespace above the box (it is vented in the back) and it is still hot and the disk (or fan) is always spinning.

I believe it is a heat issue because...
On a couple occassions I have left my cabinet door opened and I've fanned the box. It doesn't turn off right away, but it will shut off eventually. Other than during these test periods, I'm pretty certain something is always spinning in my box.

My box is sitting above the tv in a cubby type contrapment I had built to connect the 2 bookshelves together so there is plenty of ventilation. Haven't checked for heat issues yet.

I read that you can hook up the box via firewire to your pc for additional storage (does this really work?). If this is the case has anyone tried connecting a firewire external HD to it?

I spoke to comcast today and they said the DCT-6412 dual tuner box isn't expected until January. (at least in my area - Philadephia, PA)

I'm getting impatient, but I have little use for a single tuner DVR. I can't even understand why they even made or released this product.

Originally posted by krooooog
I spoke to comcast today and they said the DCT-6412 dual tuner box isn't expected until January. (at least in my area - Philadephia, PA)

I'm getting impatient, but I have little use for a single tuner DVR. I can't even understand why they even made or released this product.

If you spoke to a CSR they rarely ever have correct information related to deployment dates.

Originally posted by dbrouda
If you spoke to a CSR they rarely ever have correct information related to deployment dates.

Come on...they are right at least 1 out of 20 times!

I am also concerned with the noise factor and PQ. From everything I've read, it is pretty noisey b/c the hard drive is always running to record the last 15 seconds of whatever you are watching. This "buffering" is also responsible for the degraded picture quality. I think it would be wise of Motorola in include the option to "turn off" the buffering. Other than live sports, I can't see a purpose for always recording anyway. And if you are watching sports you could enable it in case you want to use the replay function. With the buffer disabled, you should have silent operation and better PQ right?

The reason for 'always recording' is so you can pause and resume, as well as rewind if you miss something. It's not just for sports at all.

I don't think the PQ changes just because you are recording. You're recording digital information ... the same that is used to produce the picture.

Just FYI, the concept of always recording, and of constantly running the HD as well, is NOT new. It's been that way since the very first TIVO or ReplayTV.

The HD in my HTPC isn't noticible to me. It's about 10 feet from me ... same as my cable box. I doubt you'll hear it at all while watching anything other than the quitest passage, and then it'll depend on what else you've got going on in the room.

-Kevin

According to my research there is a PQ issue with watching TV through this box. It has been reported in numerous places, including in this thread. Digital or no digital, the process of buffering the video seems to have an impact on the quality of the video.

Secondly, I don't see what pausing has to do with always recording. If you press pause on the DVR it should start recording at that moment. I don't need 15 minutes of previously recorded information. Also, I see no need to rewind a program. If I am going to leave the room, I'd hit pause and record it. If I thought I was going to miss the start of a program I would set it to record in advance. If my wife was late coming back from upstairs I'd hit pause and resume when she came back.

If the buffering process is causing PQ issues as well as unneccessary noise, this seems like the ideal solution. Give users the OPTION to "turn off" the buffering and only record programmed shows or when pausing.

I don't even want to begin to think about the failure rates if the harddrive only started and stopped occasionally on one of these gizmos. A hard drive is better off if left spinning then starting or stopping only when somebody had to record things.

Also it seems like having the thing working constantly is one hell of a lot more convenient than having to REMEMBER to start and stop recording....oh yeah and not being able to call people into the room to see something that was just on, etc.....Tivos are about constantly recording so you don't have to treat it like a VCR.

I think the best thing to do if there are PQ issues is for Motorola and/or Comcast to actually do something about technical issues. I send **** back if it doesn't work satisfactorily..... I don't like jury-rigging.

Not that I can actually speak to these issues yet. Comcast doesn't have them in my area....yet (North side of Chicago)

Originally posted by krooooog
According to my research there is a PQ issue with watching TV through this box. It has been reported in numerous places, including in this thread. Digital or no digital, the process of buffering the video seems to have an impact on the quality of the video. I am wading into a technical area here that I probably have no business in but the 6208 does negatively impact analog SD due to the fact it has to convert the signal to MPEG2 (digital) to be able to pause, rewind, record etc. I have both a 6208 and 6200 and watching analog channels on the 6200 has far better PQ than the 6208...probably due to the MPEG2 encoding that is taking place.

This is true of every DVR. That's why some of them - like ReplayTV - have a "Bypass" button on the remote that lets you turn off MPEG2-encoding to watch the original, uncompressed picture - if that's more important to you than trick-play features.

Yes, but any HD or SD digital channel (here, that woudl be anything over 99, I think) are recorded "as is" bit-for-bit, to the integrated DVR...

How much pixalation do people get using this cable receiver? Is it common or just by area?

Originally posted by jimre
This is true of every DVR. That's why some of them - like ReplayTV - have a "Bypass" button on the remote that lets you turn off MPEG2-encoding to watch the original, uncompressed picture - if that's more important to you than trick-play features.

If you were to read industry trades, you would find that because of the PQ degradation from encoding analog within the set-top cable companies (including Comcast) are rolling out what is being called Digital Simulcast. In this process *all* analog signals are encoded at the headend (or before they reach the headend) through professional MPEG encoders (rather than the single chip enccoder in the set-top). Digital set-tops will thus not tune any analog channels but only SD digital and HD.

Digital Simulcast is starting to be rolled out so if you are worried about PQ, this issue will be short-lived for all HD set-tops.

I have my Toshiba 30HF83 hooked up to the Comcast 6200 box via DVI. The On Demand channels would occasionally get a HDCP handshake problem where the picture would turn to snow (but I still would get sound). I had another 6200 box hooked up to my RPTV and I swapped the boxes. No more problem - apparently their are tolerances within the boxes (an maybe TV's) and you can have problems. So if you have a DVI HDCP problem try a different box. Also the box I swapped out works without any problems through DVI with my Samsung HLN617.

Originally posted by DCTDictator
Wait until next month - the 2-tuner 6412 will be released.

Do you have confirmation of this release date for northern/central CA? I live in Fresno and have been waiting impatiently for a year.

Originally posted by rodneyremington
Do you have confirmation of this release date for northern/central CA? I live in Fresno and have been waiting impatiently for a year.

Next month in Bay Area.

Check the link in my sig for some spy shots. Please don't go to your local office and demand one, it is not ready for primetime.

Originally posted by dbrouda
Digital Simulcast is starting to be rolled out so if you are worried about PQ, this issue will be short-lived for all HD set-tops. This is fantastic news! I was getting ready to throw in the towel with comcast because the PQ was awful on my stand-alone Tivo recording analog channels. Is there anyway to know when comcast will be deploying digital simulcast?

So is there a work around to use the DCT-6200/1000 ona Pioneer 910hd? I've searched the thread, but only looks like you have to bypass the media unit. The output is a dvd-d, but I kept getting digital interference and flashes. Pioneer says that a dvd-d to hdmi wont work. Only an output of dvd-i to hdmi. Any work arounds.. Thanks!!

Joe (jreyes63@aol.com)

Originally posted by tall1
This is fantastic news! I was getting ready to throw in the towel with comcast because the PQ was awful on my stand-alone Tivo recording analog channels. Is there anyway to know when comcast will be deploying digital simulcast?

The digital simulcast project is region by region. It might be best to call or e-mail Comcast, though don't expect a response indicating it's happening, but I can tell you that it will happen at some point everywhere in Comcast (and other cable companies).

The 6412 arrived in our area today and there was quite a line forming at Comcast this morning to pick it up with old DVR in hand. The 6412 is obviously going to be quite popular.

My overall first impression is that the PQ for HD is outstanding via component. The PQ for digital is about the same as with the 6208, and while it may be wishful thinking, I believe the analogs are slightly better.

I also like the look and placement of the new guide, although I'm looking forward to the day Comcast ditches TV Guide altogether and goes with the MS guide. It still lags behind the D* guide in functionality IMO. That's a small complaint, however, compared to the sheer joy of finally having a 2-tuner DVR.

scolumbo: share with the 6412 THREAD (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=455705&perpage=20&pagenumber=3)

Thanks, I wasn't even aware there was a 6412 thread already.

6200 and firewire/1394 to TV

Has anyone tried connecting their 6200 or 6208 to a Sony TV (I have a KDF70XBR950) using the 1394 output? Sony calls their inputs (3) "i.Link" and I was wondering if these are compatible and if so what the picture quality would be compared to component and DVI. The Sony manual does mention a digital set top box this as one of the examples of their i.Link, but also says that the component inputs offer the best quality for displaying HD sources (which to me seems a little odd). It also says that only digital signals would be passed, and at least in our area here Comcast displays all of the analog channels on 2-99. I already have a 6200 connected to a different Sony TV upstairs, but on this set I am using DVI, and it does not have an i.Link input, so I cannot try it there.

Anyway, I was wondering if it would be worthwhile trying the firewire connection to the Sony, and before I spring for the Sony cable, as specified in the manual, I thought I would ask the group.

Originally posted by scolumbo
The 6412 arrived in our area today and there was quite a line forming at Comcast this morning to pick it up with old DVR in hand. The 6412 is obviously going to be quite popular.

My overall first impression is that the PQ for HD is outstanding via component. The PQ for digital is about the same as with the 6208, and while it may be wishful thinking, I believe the analogs are slightly better.

I also like the look and placement of the new guide, although I'm looking forward to the day Comcast ditches TV Guide altogether and goes with the MS guide. It still lags behind the D* guide in functionality IMO. That's a small complaint, however, compared to the sheer joy of finally having a 2-tuner DVR.

The MS EPG, the TV Guide EPG, and the ATI EPG are all sourced from the same company: Gemstar TVGuide International (the only diffs are in terms of UI and product support). The TV Guide EPG is strictly for set-tops (such as the Moto DCT series), and ATI's EPG is strictly for ATI products. The MS EPG is the more *generic* of the EPGs (it is also used in MCE 2005) and supports multiple tuners (the EPG used in the 6412 may very well be a modded version of the TV Guide EPG written specifically for the 6412), so it may well be a Comcast issue in terms of what middleware they are using.

The MS EPG is, in fact, a much-updated version of the original WebTV for Windows EPG (also from the same company) dating back to Windows 98.

So Comcast ditching the TV Guide EPG may not solve your problem.

Originally posted by PGHammer
The MS EPG, the TV Guide EPG, and the ATI EPG are all sourced from the same company: Gemstar TVGuide International ...

The MS EPG is, in fact, a much-updated version of the original WebTV for Windows EPG (also from the same company) dating back to Windows 98. This is incorrect. The Microsoft EPG (MSTV Foundation Edition) is a product of Microsoft TV. Microsoft TV is not affiliated with Gemstar TVGuide.

As to whether MSTV FE is "a much-updated version of the original WebTV for Windows EPG (also from the same company) dating back to Windows 98", I doubt that is an entirely accurate description, if accurate at all, but I will leave that discussion to our resident MSTV FE expert.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
This is incorrect. The Microsoft EPG (MSTV Foundation Edition) is a product of Microsoft TV. Microsoft TV is not affiliated with Gemstar TVGuide.

As to whether MSTV FE is "a much-updated version of the original WebTV for Windows EPG (also from the same company) dating back to Windows 98", I doubt that is an entirely accurate description, if accurate at all, but I will leave that discussion to our resident MSTV FE expert.

The EPG data that every version of the various MS EPGs use (from Foundation Edition back) is sourced from GemstarTVGuide International (GemstarTVGuide International and MS have a relationship that goes back to the original WebTV) but it does not use the same middleware that TV Guide's set-top only EPG uses. That is why I said it could very well be a middleware issue.

I also pointed out that, unlike the Gemstar EPG, the Microsoft EPG is the most *generic* of the EPGs and it isn't limited to STBs (Media Center Edition uses a variation of the MS EPG). Generally what EPG a cable company (or satellite provider) will use is determined by the middleware (interface between the EPG and the host) being deployed. (This is also one reason why you only have a single brand of STB and/or CableCARD in a system.)

The big Comcast test deployment of MSTV Foundation Edition in Greater Seattle is designed to be an all-up cross-compatibility test of using different products with the MSTV FE middleware and EPG (and is being mirrored by TWC). This is also being done under the auspisces of CableLABS' OpenCable compatibility testing for middleware and home-placed equipments (such as CableCARD and STBs) and is meant to prove out an earlier test done by TWC using Moto and S-A STBs, Moto CableCARDs, and MSTV FE middleware).

Nobody is talking about program data. Instead, the original comment was that the MSTV EPG appears to be significantly better than the TV Guide offering. The fact that they may use the same program data is irrelevant.

What I am saying is that it could very well be a middleware (as opposed to EPG) issue. The middleware determines how well a particular EPG, STB, or other component on the cable company's network will cooperate (or not) with other components. As the shift moves away from proprietary middleware to OpenCable-compliant middleware, customer choice and price, not the cable company, will determine what STBs, EPGs, etc. will be used in a given area.

Are any of the HD boxes Comcast is providing in the South Jersey area DVI or HDMI capable? I know the DVR box has a DVI out, but they are backordered for now, so I am going to wait to get one of these until the dual tuner model comes out. I am getting the TV on Saturday and Comcast is bringing the box out on Sunday. I want to be sure I have the proper cables.

Thanks

john6six...depending on where you are in South Jersey...Motorola boxes are...I have 6208 via DVI with no issues. Don't know about the SA boxes that are available in certain regions. Dual tuner SA boxes are available now if you are in those regions, and according to a CSR as of yesterday the 6412's should be in South Jersey in a few weeks.

Originally posted by progear
john6six...depending on where you are in South Jersey...Motorola boxes are...I have 6208 via DVI with no issues. Don't know about the SA boxes that are available in certain regions. Dual tuner SA boxes are available now if you are in those regions, and according to a CSR as of yesterday the 6412's should be in South Jersey in a few weeks.

The 6208 is the DVR box I have been trying to get for over a month. I was trying to find out if the non-DVR boxes have DVI outs? I was told the dual tuner DVR would be available by the end of the year when I called last night.

I'm in Whitman Square in Turnersville, where in Washington Twp are you located?

John6six...check your PM. Email me.

Chris.

Comcast installed the 6412 this morning replacing my 6208. I am at work -- so I was not there for the install. I told my sister (who was at my house for the install) that they should be giving me a new remote -- one with a "Swap" button. She told me that they did not provide a new remote. Should have I received a new remote? How do I swap if I do not have a swap button?

Andy

Andy,

Go to the 6412 w/ iGuide thread, page 4, for a workaround for the swap function. You can re-program your current remote to add a swap function.

I am getting ready to purchase my first HDTV, a Samsung HLP-4663. I am a Comcast user in Chicago so I will upgrade to an HDTV STB.

My question is can I run a lineout (DVI or HDMI) from the STB while at the same time running a standard composite (yellow) video cable to my stand alone Tivo unit all from the same STB? I know of course that any channels with HDTV will not go through the composite cable, but with non-HDTV channels will it work? Or do I need TWO STBs at the same time?

Thanks...

What you describe will work -- it's what I do at present because the Comcast DVR is not available where I am.

how much does Comcast charge for a Motorola 64xx series box per month? Is that on top of the $5 fee for HDTV?

i am *SO* confused... here is the deal, I want to own a HDTV. I went to continue to use my standalone Tivo. as an added bonus i might be willing to pay a reasonable price for HD DVR functionality via a STB from Comcast, but not much money.

it is CRITICAL i be able to see HDTV (live, or via a HD DVR) on one video input and see Tivo (480i from a composite video cable) via another video input. hopefully WHATEVER soultion i use from Comcast, HD DVR or HD STB with NO DVR, I want to be able to run one line to my Tivo (composite) and another to my TV (DVI) and have both carry the image at the same time. my fear was if i plugged in the DVI cable soultion that the STB would no longer transmit signals over the other video out ports.

this is *confusing*.

SaabCaptain: After a bunch of screwing around with this comcast STB to tivo setup, I finally settled on running the coax directly into the SA Tivo. The PQ was pretty bad for the SD analog channels out of the 6200 and esp. bad out of the 6208. The 620x does not have a serial cable for the remote control so you have to use the IR and build a tent blah, blah, blah. It just wasn't worth the effort to get a few more SD digital channels I wanted to record. I have a 6208 I use for recording only HD stuff and let the tivo record all the SD analog stuff that isn't available in HD.

I pay $5 for HD and $9.95 for DVR service.

All video ports are active when using DVI.

Good luck.

My HD fee is included in the DVR price of $9.95/month:confused: Why do you pay separately? I think you are being screwed.

Originally posted by DHarp193
My HD fee is included in the DVR price of $9.95/month:confused: Why do you pay separately? I think you are being screwed.

Same here. I don't pay any extra for HD, just the $9.95 for my DVR box

Originally posted by DHarp193
My HD fee is included in the DVR price of $9.95/month:confused: Why do you pay separately? I think you are being screwed. I have heard this before from comcast customers in other areas of the country. I have called a few times and asked why we are charged $9.95 on top of the $5 and they explain that this is their pricing. They can charge whatever they want for HD and DVR service. I don't have any choice unless I switch to satellite or move to wherever you live.

i was wrong, the $10 fee includes everything. i gladly paid it and one week from today they will install the brand new Motorola DVR box with 2 tuner HD support, the 64xx series for the Sammy HL-P4663W I am picking up today. I will also attempt to use my old Tivo for SD content and try to have the Comcast box only tape HD content for time shifting. I am going to process everything with a Harmony 680 remote. I also got the new Panny S97S DVD with HDMI output so the Comcast box should easily use the DVI on my Sammy HLP. I am DYING for the tv, and more importantly the HD content.

In Chester County PA the $5 fee is waived if you have the Digital Silver, Gold, or Platinum package.

You still pay $10 for the DVR box.

Bill

I have the 5100. Would I be wise to get a newer box?
BTW, I am not interedted in DVR.

I have the 5100. Would I be wise to get a newer box?
BTW, I am not interedted in DVR.

Originally posted by calpon
I have the 5100. Would I be wise to get a newer box?
BTW, I am not interedted in DVR.

probably no reason to get a newer box if it does everything you need it to.. the only (possible) differences between the 6200 and 5100 IIRC are DVI and firewire (and i think some of the newer 5100s have this)..

good luck.

yeah, the pricing definately varies by region. what a bunch of crap

PG county in Maryland, its $10 for DVR (i got 6412 woohoo) and $5 for "HD converter"

hmm comcast, seems like my dvr and hd converter ARE THE SAME FRIGGIN BOX. but seems like there is nothing you can do about it the price.

I also have absolutely no need for digital cable. hd is all i wanted. but to get HD, i have to pay all the extra for digital cable as well... according to them

sry, had to vent

Originally posted by darqice
yeah, the pricing definately varies by region. what a bunch of crap

PG county in Maryland, its $10 for DVR (i got 6412 woohoo) and $5 for "HD converter"

hmm comcast, seems like my dvr and hd converter ARE THE SAME FRIGGIN BOX. but seems like there is nothing you can do about it the price.

I also have absolutely no need for digital cable. hd is all i wanted. but to get HD, i have to pay all the extra for digital cable as well... according to them

sry, had to vent

You could try an OTA antenna; if it works, you could get rid of all but basic cable from Comco$t.

Unless you want ESPN HD...then you need HD which requires digital. There is no reason, technically speaking, why cable companies can't provide custom programming packages. These digital/HD STBs can be set to block or pass any combination of channels. Although why would they want to sell you only what you want when they can force you to buy MORE in order to get the few channels you actually care about.

Originally posted by MaxH
You could try an OTA antenna; if it works, you could get rid of all but basic cable from Comco$t.

Got a question, has anyone here received a 6412 box that actually has a RF Cable out since with the component video and Analog audio going to my Plasma display, there isn't really another way to hook up my VCR as the VCR has the LD going to the Composite Video/Audio on the SVHS VCR.

Originally posted by darqice
I also have absolutely no need for digital cable. hd is all i wanted. but to get HD, i have to pay all the extra for digital cable as well... according to them
Are you sure? I pay for "locals only" service (this is not the same as "basic") and the HD box. I had to call about 4 times to get a rep to set it up for me. The first 3 told me they couldn't do it. I pay $15 for "locals only" and $10 for the dvr ($5 when I was using the 5100).

HD Rookie:

In Seattle/Auburn, WA all the HD channels are 100+. I thought to get above the 100 # you have to have the digital package. Is this not true?

Originally posted by steen995
HD Rookie:

In Seattle/Auburn, WA all the HD channels are 100+. I thought to get above the 100 # you have to have the digital package. Is this not true?
My hd channels are all in something like the 170-199 range. I don't get any other channels in the 100+ range.

In San Francisco Bay Area, HD was originally in the 180-200 range but now it's in the 700 range.

Almighty 1 - Pick up a RF Modulator at Best Buy $19 connect the s-video and audio from the 6412 and then feed your vcr.

Bob

Rob_in_FL,

I was looking at the RF Modulator's but Radio Shack is the only one that has the one that has Stereo RF Output for $34.99 while everyone else has a mono RF output. The other thing is that even at $20, it will cost more than that as I will still have to spend about $20 for the AR 6ft SVideo/Audio cables and then the two audio splitters which is another $20. I wonder if using a RF Modulator via the S-Video/Audio will still give as good a picture quality as the HD boxes that had the RF output.

Just an fyi - I tried one of these RF Modulators from Circuit City. It worked fine for a couple of months and then just died one day.

Adil

Hi I'm a newbie here. Got lost wading through this thread for info on how to activate DVI and 5.1 audio. Have DCT6200 firmware 7.15. Trying to use DVI but it only comes on for a moment then blank screen. IS there a menu of some kind I can use to activate this? If so what is the detailed proceedure? Found the diagnostics menu and under DVI PORT it says:

device connectivity: yes
video xmission: active
HDCP enabled: no

Do I need HDCP enabled?

And how can I turn on digital audio? All I can get from spdif is pro-logic.

thanks

Yes, you need HDCP enabled in both the 6400 and the display device. Speaking of a display device, what is it??? Does it have HDCP licensing? If not, you're S.O.L. as the Motorola requires a display with HDCP in order for it to activate it's DVI port. It should be automatic as long as both devices have HDCP, no menu selection needed.

Go to the setup menu then look for audio settings somewhere in there and you should be able to select Dolby Digital. Not all programs/stations are DD though.

E-A-G-L-E-S.........EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!