Originally posted by RelDudeGOP
will a 2ghz splitter be okay?

Yes

Originally posted by Mutiny32
Hey, I left my 5100 on last night and forgot to turn it off. When I came in and turned on the tv and tried to change the channel on the 5100, it freaked out (all the lights flashed 188:88 and then it shut off. I tried to turn it back on, no go. then I tried a few seconds later, and it turnedback on. But the thing was, it acted like it had been reset completely. The time said 12:00, and the channel guide said "To Be Announced" like it did when I first set it up a few days ago. Is this normal?

This has happened to a lot of us. Somebody mentioned a patch that was supposed to fix this but mine has reset itself 3 times in the last two days.

miatasm wrote:

"If you are not active for VOD then you may not, have had to have the box respond. It depends on the capabilities of your local cable system. When you do launch VOD then it will not work through that loop thru. If you have a cable modem hook it up through the loop thru see if it works. If it locks then it passes return....This is the only way to tell for a consumer."

Good point but the thing is that I think the way this VCR is setup is that the loop thru might actually be bridged as it sends the signal to the input of the box regardless if the VCR is plugged in to the wall or not since it's part of the RF Modulator way before it gets into the tuner. But anyways, I thought boxes have to respond back to the cable company after certain intervals. But doesn't regular PPV require the return path to send the purchases you made though? There isn't cable modem service here yet and besides, I'm happy with my 1.5Mbps/256kbps ADSL with 8 static IPs.

Uhh, just got home today and noticed the usual yellow bars that surround the programs in the guide are gone, and you can move pages REALLY FAST like alot faster than normal... ? anyone know?

firmware: 5.03 << WOW!?
bootloader: 2.16

They must've changed alot

Originally posted by Almighty1
Good point but the thing is that I think the way this VCR is setup is that the loop thru might actually be bridged as it sends the signal to the input of the box regardless if the VCR is plugged in to the wall or not since it's part of the RF Modulator way before it gets into the tuner. But anyways, I thought boxes have to respond back to the cable company after certain intervals. But doesn't regular PPV require the return path to send the purchases you made though? There isn't cable modem service here yet and besides, I'm happy with my 1.5Mbps/256kbps ADSL with 8 static IPs.

But commonly on products that loop cable thru it they use a "high pass" filter that blocks the lower frequencies out to keep noise down (mostly electric hum). Surge Protectors & TV loop thrus are common for using this method also. This will block the return path.

As for PPV the movies are actually already being sent to the box. By ordering you are just unlocking that particular channel. That order is stored in the boxes memory until the Cable Cos. addressability system "polls" the box. That is when it puts the order onto your acct. Polling happens randomly, but frequently. So no return path is needed for Impulse PPV....

BTW, What do you pay for your ADSL?

my cable box slowed to a crawl at points tonight and i still have firmware 2.52. They did add all the HBO on Demand but it takes like 5-10 tried sometimes to get them started. Sucks so far

What channels are the HBO on-demand?

they aren't channels
its in the menu under on demand

I have an issue with my analog PQ. Attached is an example. I thought some of the video experts that read this thread might be able to tell if it looks like problem is at the source or noise during transmission.

Thanks.

Originally posted by miatasm
But commonly on products that loop cable thru it they use a "high pass" filter that blocks the lower frequencies out to keep noise down (mostly electric hum). Surge Protectors & TV loop thrus are common for using this method also. This will block the return path.

As for PPV the movies are actually already being sent to the box. By ordering you are just unlocking that particular channel. That order is stored in the boxes memory until the Cable Cos. addressability system "polls" the box. That is when it puts the order onto your acct. Polling happens randomly, but frequently. So no return path is needed for Impulse PPV....

BTW, What do you pay for your ADSL?

Interesting point. I just thought that the box does get polled or something. So polling does use the return path right? As for ADSL, my ADSL is from Sonic.net so I'm paying $51.00 for the ADSL circuit and then $18.95 for the ISP service which includes dialup from sonic.net. In October, the upstream will change to 384k.

I have a question, please forgive me if I am stupid for asking it but I am new to all of this.

I am thinking about transfering from DirecTV back to cable (comcast) here in Minneapolis, MN.

They use this cable box (according to the tech on the phone, and DaveMN here seems to have the same service) so I am trying to find out specifics

I have a 65" WS Mits that does NOT have the tuner built in. Its just the HD Ready TV. Do I need to buy a HDTV Tuner first or will this cable box take care of that for me?

I have my TV, a ReplayTV and my Stereo System (Fully DTS, DD 5.1 Capable).

Is there anything else I will need to buy or if I switched to this would I be able to get full HDTV and the 5.1 sound? (I have all the cables already).

I just want to make sure I know what I am getting into and what will be possible before I shut off my DirecTV.

Thanks

PS: DaveMN.. if you see this, please feel free to email me at cliff@theromans.us I would be interested in talking to you about some of this since you are in Minneapolis area also.

You'll be just fine with an HDTV-ready TV. No need for a tuner since you'll use the cable box to do your tuning. Assuming your TV has component inputs and you're setup for 5.1 audio with the correct cables, you shouldn't have to buy anything else.

BTW, there is an existing thread for Comcast/Twin Cities issues here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=283200

Originally posted by croman
I have a question, please forgive me if I am stupid for asking it but I am new to all of this.

I am thinking about transfering from DirecTV back to cable (comcast) here in Minneapolis, MN.

They use this cable box (according to the tech on the phone, and DaveMN here seems to have the same service) so I am trying to find out specifics

I have a 65" WS Mits that does NOT have the tuner built in. Its just the HD Ready TV. Do I need to buy a HDTV Tuner first or will this cable box take care of that for me?

I have my TV, a ReplayTV and my Stereo System (Fully DTS, DD 5.1 Capable).

Is there anything else I will need to buy or if I switched to this would I be able to get full HDTV and the 5.1 sound? (I have all the cables already).

I just want to make sure I know what I am getting into and what will be possible before I shut off my DirecTV.

Thanks

PS: DaveMN.. if you see this, please feel free to email me at cliff@theromans.us I would be interested in talking to you about some of this since you are in Minneapolis area also.


The FAQ can help you with most of this...

I have had my 5100 for less than a week. I have firmware ver. 0.0. When can I expect to see an update? SD PQ is sad!!!

A friend of mine in Maryland was told yesterday by a Comcast tech out at his house that the HD PVRs will be available "soon". Considering that in many cases the techs are near last to find out, I kind of take that as a sign that we must be getting close.

Anyone heard an update as to when we may see the Motorola 6xxx services STBs in Maryland? Thanks.

Look for something in November in the DC area. There is a thread in the HDTV Recorder section about the 6208 and someone had wrote that the 6208 will be made available then.
Sounds like a good rumor.

Anyone outside of the Boston and Sacramento areas have the following firmware/software version (or better)?

software 51.42-2002, firmware = 05.03

If you have this version, and you have a DVI port on your 5100 plus a DVI cable to your DVI input on your HDTV, please check to see if your 5100's DVI port is now activated and let us know.

No, not activated. My menu clearly states DVI- NOT INSTALLED

Originally posted by DaveFi
No, not activated. My menu clearly states DVI- NOT INSTALLED

Any reason in particular you thought the DVI may now be enabled, or just curious?

At this point I've given up waiting for the DVI port and maybe the 6208 will have it enabled from the start.

At any rate, if they didn't provide a black level adjustment option (unlikely its there) then the DVI output will likely be of no value since most displays do not allow you to adjust brightness/contrast on DVI input and that means your black level most likely will be either too low or too high.

Originally posted by DaveFi
No, not activated. My menu clearly states DVI- NOT INSTALLED
DaveFi,

Do you have a DVI port on the back of your 5100? Did you actually try hooking up a DVI cable? (Menu setting probably is correct, but I wouldn't trust it 100 per cent.)

Lovingdvd,

See the end of the current Comcast Boston thread-- someone has reported an enabled DVI on a Comcast STB. He did a PQ comparison between the DVI and component. (He thought the box was a 5100 but didn't know for sure because it was his friend's recently installed box-- it's possible it's a 6200.)

Originally posted by lovingdvd
?

At this point I've given up waiting for the DVI port and maybe the 6208 will have it enabled from the start. Nope, it too will need software to activate the more advanced functions.

Yes, it has a DVI port, and I don't have a DVI enabled display, so I couldn't test it. But as you've probably noticed, even USB and ethernet support is INSTALLED even though there's no use for it.

So I would safely assume that NOT INSTALLED means just that- it's not active in the software.

I'm getting Comcast HD installed this Sunday with a M5100 box and I had a few quick questions:

1) For HD stations with a surround sound setup, do people have a preference between using the optical versus coax digital audio output? Is one typically cheaper than the other? What should I expect to pay for a 3 or 6 ft. cable?

2) Really dumb question ... I've never used a digital coax cable before (only optical) ... if I go that route, do I need to buy a "digital coax audio cable," or is this just the same thing as putting RCA connectors on the end of a RG6 coax cable?

Thanks.

1) I use optical, only because that is how my DISH network receiver was set up, and the cable box replace it.

2) IMO, any basic coax cable with RCA connectors is sufficient. Those in the "cable makes a difference" camp would disagree.

"digital coax audio cable" is just a standard rca cable. It has nothing to do with rg6.

While I do spend quite a bit on nice VIDEO cables and have also paid for nice opticals, IMHO the digital coax can be one of the cheapest cables in your system, unless you start picking up interferance from other cords or components in your system.

I would definately go with the coax unless you have a spare optical laying around. For most people's systems, the sound difference is unnoticable. If you have some spare rca cords laying around, I would use one of them until you find a reason (like interferance) to upgrade.

Also, it never hurts to ask the installer for an rca patch cord. He might surprise you and hand one over, if he has one.

Optical will cost you at least 5x more money.

You could also, if you want to save money. Have the tech make up a piece of RG-6 quad shield that is long enough to go from your box to your reciever. Then for 5 bucks at Ratshack get F-Type to RCA connectors. Having quad shield RG-6 will prevent any of your interference problems and its good quality for cheap.

Thanks for your replies ... greatly appreciated.

This question has probably been answered- but I can't find it. Anyways, can you connect the component video for HD signals and connect another video out (coax/s-video/rca) to your tv at the same time to get better signal from analog/digital/non-hd to the tv? Than passing everything through the component cable? Does the 5100 able to have simultaneous feed on both/all video outs? Thanks.

iforsevilla

on my 5100, yes. s-video & RF work with compnent output. Although the TV can't "tune" the RF from the box. To do that cable has to be spilt before the box

I don't think 480i output for the locals looks the same either component or s-video, better than upconvert anyways.

Just had a 5100 installed last week with Comcast service with HD. To watch HD I am on component cables. If i want to change the channel to a non HD channel, I have to change the input on my tv to a composite cable. I cannot just change channels as the non HD channels do not broadcast properly over the component cable (they look scrambled, digital lines accross the screen). Is this what everyone else has to do to use their 5100? Or, can you watch all of your channels over component?

The installer said this is what I have to do, but I just can't believe that is correct.

Tirepatch,

Non-HD channels are defaulting to 480i. The ability to display 480i over component depends upon your TV. My projector (Marantz VP-12S2) handles 480i on the component input without difficulty. It sounds like your TV can't. You can change the output from 480i to 480p, 720p, or 1080i by changing the 5100 settings (see http://cjhengineering.com/5100faq.htm).

If for some reason this doesn't work for you, go for the s-video over the composite, and change the input...

Good luck,

Mark is correct. The most common TVs that do not display 480i on their component inputs are:

Zenith, Samsung, Phillips, Akai, plus a couple other off brands. The info is there on the FAQ, on how to change the box to output to 480p for non-HD channels.

Well, yes, I have a samsung dlp. I read the fax's but will review again. Thanks.

Well the Samsung definatly only accepts 480p on its 2 HD inputs. See the FAQ on how to change those settings....

1) what is the best way to handle anolog channels?
Simply use component hooked up to the HD inputs or use component to HD input and S-video to anolg? Can this even be done?

2) I was looking in the service menu and noticed the AGC was listed at-- 81% Poor. The 5100 FAQ listed it should be rated as good. Do I need to contact comcast service about this?


Thanks

Only need to contact your local office if you are having problems with that particular channel.....

Some say the best way to handle Analogs is to either use the RF or Composite output of the box to your display. But my analogs & non-HD look pretty good using the component output, for everything. Maybe I'm just used to them.

Thanks you guys. Setting the 480 override to 480p solved the problem. Prior to making this change, I had talked to Comcast twice and they even sent a tech out who came up empty. Obviously, they didn't know anything about setting the override.

I am getting audio sync issues more and more lately. It is definitely a random thing. I was watching a movie the other day and a slow hand clap and the sound were 180 degrees out of phase! Other parts were okay. I was watching it through the composite output at the time, so I don't know if it was happening on the components as well.

Anyone else hearing this issue at all?

Has anyone heard as to when or if the DVI output jacks will be enabled on this receiver? My HDTV monitor/TV does NOT have composite input - just DVI, VGA, SVideo, RCA Video.

Therefore, I have to purchase an expensive composite to VGA converter & compromise the image quality too. I'd highly prefer the DVI source & STAY digital during the entire signal stream. Is anyone aware of how to enable the DVI output? Is the DVI output HDCP compliant? Don't see any mention in the 5100 manual.

Also, the RCA output jacks - all audio & video - appear to be slightly undersized - i.e. cable will slip off unless crimped a bit. Although I have Motorola stock, this seems like poor supplier selection. Any work around for this problem that I may have missed?


I have the need for multiple Audio output signals. Has anyone solved this problem with a clean, quality splitter?

I have printed the owners manual PDF & can't find a way to enable the audio output to be variable based upon the remote control. Is this possible?

Thanks for your time!

First off depending on your cableco the DVI is not enabled yet on most 5100's, There are threads stating that various Comcast markets are starting to enable this feature.

The DVI port has to be enabled through a software upgrade by the cableco.

As for the audio being variable you will only be able to get variable audio output on the analog outputs of the box, the digital output is a fixed output. In order for the digital output to be variable the box would have to have some way of decoding the Dolby Digital stream changing the volume and reencoding it on the fly. That will never happen.

Jeremy

Over in Corvallis, Oregon, with Comcast Cable....

I just placed an order for HDTV upgrade...they are bringing me a box tomorrow at 5:00.

I asked the CSR if DVI was available and he said yes...and they he would write it on the ticket that I needed DVI. I tried to keep my excitement to a minimum and explained that I needed DVI cause my Component input was taken by my DVD player. He seemed OK with it. I ALSO said that I did not have a DVI cable and they would need to supply one (really pressing my luck I thought) and he said sure, no problem...he will make note of it on the order form.

So, I will let you know tomorrow if this CSR was informed or just saying stuff to get me to order.

Fingers Crossed,

Jimmy

For the 7000th time.......DVI is NOT ENABLED....... :o :rolleyes: Your box will have a DVI port but it will not be activated. It is slated for a December activation.....Also word is that it will be HDCP.....

The only reason for the sarcasim is because at least once on every page of this thread (last 15-20 pgs) the same question is asked.....Try the FAQ also....

sbssmith,

Please take a look at the FAQ. It has a lot of info on what you are looking for. As for the RCA connectors being undersized, this is the first I've hear of that particular problem. I have had my hands on about 400 or so boxes and have yet to have a problem with connectors falling off.

Originally posted by JimmyReplay
Over in Corvallis, Oregon, with Comcast Cable....

I asked the CSR if DVI was available and he said yes...and they he would write it on the ticket that I needed DVI.

Good luck with this-- if he was right you will be one of the first in the U.S. to get your HD over cable through a DVI connection.

If it succeeds, or even if it doesn't, let us know what the software and firmware versions are on your box. To find out, with TV and STB on, hit menu button, then go to Setup, then Cable Box, then See Configuration - right arrow to look at your box's info. (S/W is software and firmware is in the right-hand column.)

hehe......Miatasm has spoken

Comcast just rolled out HD service here in Richmond, VA and today I picked up a spanking new DCT5100 to replace my old DCT2100 digital cable box. Software ver is 51.22 and firmware is 5.03. No problems at all getting it up and running. I have it connected with component cables only, and the 480 override feature which gives the ability to seamlessly integrate the SD channels and HD channels is an unexpected pleasure. I hadn't read up on this box and wasn't aware of this feature. Nice to be relieved of constant input switching. I really think the lower analog channels and the digital SD channels look fine through component on my Sony 51HW40 widescreen, and I don't think I'll bother with an svideo connection. I have the cable split at the box, so I can watch the analog channels using my TV tuner if I want. I often do this not only because these channels look better this way, but also to use the Twinview (PIP) capabilities of my set. Great for putting up both football games at the same time.

I consider myself lucky because south of the river here, Comcast Customers are getting the SA3100 box, which nobody seems to like very much. My area is part of the old AT&T system, and for some reason they are giving us the Moto boxes instead.

Another unexpected pleasure of this box is the lightening operation of the menus, guide, etc. Wow is it fast. It also changes channels very quickly. I have a Dish 6000 also and the slow, kludgy guide is a constant annoyance. Reading up the thread, it looks like Moto has done a good job solving problems and improving the operation of this box through software updates. I've noticed no lip synch issues so far, BTW

We have VOD here, and the 5100 comes with a Comcast remote with a big "On Demand" button on it, which really just tunes it to channel 1. The VOD works great -- too bad it's not HD.

So far, a very impressive piece of hardware. The best part of getting this box is that the cost was $0.00. I simply handed in my beat up 2100 and they gave me a shiny new 5100. Sort of felt like a thief.

I came home from work and my 5100 was blank- ie no time listed.

I turned on the TV and the flip guide read "unavailable" or something like that. I then went to setup and it read 'Unavailable, will be ready in 5 minutes". Well, 1 hour later still nothing. Customer service told me to unplug the box and wait 30 seconds. I tried this and also left unplugged for longer increments. Still no dice.

Any ideas?

More info: Service menu differs from FAQ:
01 remod chanels listed @3 not 4
03 carrier lock= no
data =no
emm data = no
snr = invalid
AGC = invalid

Originally posted by miatasm
For the 7000th time.......DVI is NOT ENABLED....... :o :rolleyes: Your box will have a DVI port but it will not be activated. It is slated for a December activation.....Also word is that it will be HDCP.....

The only reason for the sarcasim is because at least once on every page of this thread (last 15-20 pgs) the same question is asked.....Try the FAQ also....




I understand your 'frustration' but I am only relating what I was told by Comcast. I sure wasn't asking if DVI was enabled.....cause that's in the FAQ ;-)

I thank you for your input and your knowledge of the subject, but when I am told by a CSR that it's available, I tend to beleive them....call it hopefully optimism, or just being silly....but I was just reporting what I was told. As you can tell, I didn't put a lot of stock in what the CSR said, but hey....I figured that I might as well report what we are being told by comcast....I guess I was mistaken.

Anyway, thanks for all of the great info in this thead and the FAQ...it makes the process easier for all of us (well, as long as people read the info...which I take it is your main gripe)

Again, fingers crossed, but given the info provided here...will just plan on using Component.

Jimmy

Originally posted by rung
I am getting audio sync issues more and more lately. It is definitely a random thing. I was watching a movie the other day and a slow hand clap and the sound were 180 degrees out of phase! Other parts were okay. I was watching it through the composite output at the time, so I don't know if it was happening on the components as well.

Anyone else hearing this issue at all?


Agree entirely - it is out of hand as far as I'm concerned. I never know when I can expect sync problems. On inHD recently during a college game halftime show, the audio was approaching a FULL second delay. It seems to me that it is primarily associated with the time delay built in to the digital up-conversion of non-HD material (particularly bad during 11PM newscasts) on NBC out of Boston.

This is a technical problem at source I think but could it be related to the Moto 5100? Only because I believe I have seen/heard the problem on non-HD feed - but only on network stations - Cable seems to be fine.

VideoDetail:

The cable companies, by contract agreements, are not allowed to in any way shape, compress, or touch the digital signals from HD providers. Thus, any audio sync issues you come across are going to be coming from the provider, not caused by the 5100 or the cable company. I can't say I've seen the issue myself, but then again, I am a ReplayTV user (have 2 of them) and timeshift watch ALL my programs. Since the 6208 isn't out yet, I have to endure SD video for all my programs. Only occasionally do I get to see my shows in HD.

Calpon:
With no carrier lock, no data, and no emm... your box isn't seeing the channel it uses to get box data. Either you have a severe wiring/levels issue, or your box is dead.

ScoopsHD,
Are you referring to the "Broadcast" agreement to not allow any changes to alter the quality of the signal "without material degradation"? I just read a a piece by Joel Brinkley in Stereophile Guide to HT 11-03 that goes through this very issue. He lays out the cable vs. broadcast and "bit-grooming" issue very nicely.

Basically, since HBO, showtime, disovery network etc are not broadcast, these FCC rules don't appply to them (only ABC, NBC, CBS channels) and they can "massage" the data and while offering 1080i or whatever, can limit data rate (he quotes some as being 20-25% of broadcast rates, ie 14 or 15 megabits/sec).

I'm not sure what comcast is doing but just relating what he notes (and he specifically mentions comcast as an example of trends and rollout) since you noted this issue and his column was the first I've seen on this issue. I'd love to hear more (maybe another thread to start?)

Thanks,
Adam

I'm not sure if the FCC broadcast guidelines do or do not apply to the Sattelite channels, I think they do, but even then those channels would likely have problems signing agreements with the MSO's if they knew that they were modifing the data in anyway, shape or form. This is what I believe Scoops was referring to when he said "by contract agreements".

I can vouch for ScoopHD, and tell you that no compression / modification tools are used that may degrade PQ or sound for any HD broacaster. Whether or not they COULD make changes is not clear, but I think it IS regulated for all of the broadcasters OTA/Local & Sat.

If the author of the article is saying that the Cable Cos. are doing this reduction of 20-25% I think he is mistaken, but if you could point me to the article (online, maybe) I would like to read it to see exactly what he was saying, and in what context.

Like Miata said... I wasn't referreing to federal mandates, simply to contractual agreements with providers. No provider is going to want there streams messed with. The assure that the best PQ and bitrate are encoded at their end, changing it at the cable cos end would only degrade a predetermined quality.

Originally posted by VideoDetail
I have seen/heard the problem on non-HD feed - but only on network stations - Cable seems to be fine.

I have seen the problem on original HD programming on the networks (e.g. HD FOX News Sunday) and HD Showtime (e.g. Scary Movie 2). I suspect the problem is not at the source. I fear it might be related to traffic on the cable company's network. If so, this problem is only going to get worse.

There is no affect on Picture Quality of the Cable Service by the number of users on the system.

If you have more than one TV on in your home does that degrade the quality of your picture? It shouldn't & thats exactly the way a cable system is designed, is just a bunch of splitters & amplifiers on a grander scale.

Got my HD cable yesterday...and as all of you knew....there was no DVI enabled.

I am very happy with the quality of the box (5100) and the picture/sound.

Thanks for all of the info.

Jimmmy

Edited: Cause apparently, I'm a dumbass.

Jeebus... why are you all so impatient and want to bug bug bug the cable companies? Its stupid. Do you think that your cable company doesn't know you want more HD channels? Do you think they aren't trying to get you more HD channels? Ya'll just need to chill out and have a little patience. Its not simply just saying "Hey, lets put CBS HD up today... why? Because I feel like it." There is a helluva lot more involved. When you talk the necessary equipment, manpower, money, and the most important, bandwidth, you are talking something that takes TIME. Be happy with what you have... watch it, love it, enjoy it. Quit bugging the cable companies to add more more more. They KNOW what we want and they are TRYING to get us what we want, but unless you wanna pony up a couple hundred thousand for every new HD channel, then sit down, watch your HD and be quiet.

Scoops

Just remember Scoops, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease"!!!. The cable co's and other providers would think we're all satisfied and content if we didn't b*tch all the time:D!!!

Can someone comment on the diagnostics on my 5100. It seems like I have the old software/firmware and it never seems to update. Do others in the Comcast Philadelphia Market have the same versions. I've searched through 2 months of posts and have not seen anyone list their firmware so don't tell me to do a search. If not, how would I get Comcast to update it?

Bootloader 2.15
Firmware 2.14
Object TC510297
Ver 2.07

Also, do my SNR and AGC numbers seem ok or should I be concerned with "fair" readings?

OOB
SNR 23.7 db GOOD
AGC 19% Good

Inband

ESPN-D ch 173
SNR 32.4 db FAIR
AGC 53% GOOD

Nat'l Geo ch 109
SNR 30.3 db GOOD
AGC 85% FAIR

Only be concerned with these readings if you are having a proble with the channels themselves.....Your firmware is correct for your region.

I am having drop-out problems on alll of my digital channels. They are worse in the evening starting about 7:30 pm (prime time TV).
I was on vacation for three months and prior to leaving everything was fine. When I returned the digital channels where terrible. While I was gone two more customers where added to my outside cable service.
I have had 6 techs out all of whom say I have plenty of signal and there is no problem. Of course they come out during the day.
My in-band signal varies from 29 to 31.7 db with error counts from 150 to 70,000. Over about 900 errors I get drop outs. I always have some error count and every once in a while I even get un-correctable errors.
The Comcast techs don't understand error counts or the 5100 diagnostic so they won't listen and continually report no problems. I believe my signal is marginal and I need at least 3 or more db. Is this correct?
I have checked with friends with 5100 STB and they get reading of 35 db with zero error counts. Does anyone have large error counts and dropouts?

More signal will not necessarily fix error counts. It may help, but only if there is nothing specific causing the errors. If the integrity of the cable signal is OK (fittings tight & clean, good quality splitter, no poorly shielded televisions or other equipment). It is possible, but rare that one of your neighbors that got connected has a MAJOR problem that is back-feeding & causing issues elsewhere, but they would also be having problems that would make their television almost unwatchable.

I say check the integrity of your wiring. If it is known to be good then just keep calling and hopefully someone with complete knowledge of the diagnostics will fix the problem, by taking the box to each connection in the drop system and checking the error counts at each point until they are gone.

Good Luck

wa3vez

Have a technician run a cable from the outside distribution point to your 5100 in your house, then check these things. If the problem is still there, then there is a problem outside, perhaps the distribution amplifier is bad, there could be a bad filter, etc. There different level of technicians, depending upon their level of expertise. Many of the technicians only have a signal quality meter, that checks some rudimentary items (which is usually all that is needed), however there are more advanced technicians that carry more sophisticated equipment, like a QAM demodulator/analyzer that can do a more in-depth analysis of your signal. I would call and ask to speak to a supervisor and mention what is happening and what your experiences have been. Ask if they can run a temporary line from the distribution point outside directly to your cable box to see if this fixes the problem.
Hope this helps, this can be fixed.

Originally posted by miatasm
There is no affect on Picture Quality of the Cable Service by the number of users on the system.

If you have more than one TV on in your home does that degrade the quality of your picture? It shouldn't & thats exactly the way a cable system is designed, is just a bunch of splitters & amplifiers on a grander scale.

But I wasn't talking about PQ degrading, I was talking about the possibility of audio packets arriving later than video packets. I would assume that whatever network transport system that the digital system uses, audio packets have a lower priority. So when I say that I'm afraid that the audio sync issues are possibly caused by network traffic, I am talking about everyone's video packets slowing down the arrival of my audio packet. I know, wacky theory. But what else would explain an occasional 1 second audio delay on HD channels and never ever on analog channels?

Think of digital cable as a push-broadcast system. There are no individual streams (leave out VOD at the moment, we're talking straight tune to channel 2 kinda cable) with each customer getting their own. Its one video transport stream that is constantly being sent down. Even if YOU don't tune to that specific frequency and mpeg, its still there. Within 6mhz of bandwidth, or tuned EIA channel, you can have up to 26 or 38 mbps of data going down. All digital video is, is data. Its not a demand product like your high speed internet is, where if some people are downloading gigs of data non-stop, the service might slow down. If you have 10 video streams going out in one EIA channel, at 3.8mbps it'll ALWAYS be 3.8mbps. And since its all MPEG data and that data isn't split up or touched once it leaves the headend, your audio and video can't fall out of sync, unless there is a problem with your decoder or there is a problem at the source. As far as that digital data goes... everyone gets it... whether you have 1 person or 500 people on your same cable (nevermind getting into cable loss, splitter loss, etc, thats a whole nuther ballgame) everyone is going to get the same data.

Originally posted by rung
But I wasn't talking about PQ degrading, I was talking about the possibility of audio packets arriving later than video packets. I would assume that whatever network transport system that the digital system uses, audio packets have a lower priority. So when I say that I'm afraid that the audio sync issues are possibly caused by network traffic, I am talking about everyone's video packets slowing down the arrival of my audio packet. I know, wacky theory. But what else would explain an occasional 1 second audio delay on HD channels and never ever on analog channels?

I should have said "Signal Quality", But your assumtion about Audio carriers having less priority is not correct. The network features of a cable system only effect High Speed Data services which even in that case, traffic at the server is the only thing that would cause any issues with that service, not your neighbor getting the service also. The network traffic senerio would not apply to the FWD Audio & Video carriers of the a cable system.

To your final question, this problem IS being caused by the BROADCASTERS, it has been stated and confirmed on this Forum many times before.

Originally posted by wa3vez
I am having drop-out problems on alll of my digital channels. They are worse in the evening starting about 7:30 pm (prime time TV).
My in-band signal varies from 29 to 31.7 db with error counts from 150 to 70,000. Over about 900 errors I get drop outs. I always have some error count and every once in a while I even get un-correctable errors.


IMHO, your signal strength is not the problem. You are getting good signal. My signal averages right at 20-22db and my picture quality is perfect.

I think you have intermittent connection issue.

The signal measurement might well be a peak hold measurement, which does not respond quick enough to show the connection drops, But the error counts start adding up and the connection interrupt causes packets to drop.

You should also note, the digital errors could be happening somewhere else. You might ask some of your neighbors if they are having similar problems.

My in-band signal varies from 29 to 31.7 db

Are you sure this is not SNR, a signal of 29-31.7 db would be highly overdriving the box.

Signal should be as close to 0db at the outlet as possible, you could have +/- 5-6 db but none the less you'd want 0db at the outlet.

Jeremy

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
[quote}My in-band signal varies from 29 to 31.7 db

Are you sure this is not SNR, a signal of 29-31.7 db would be highly overdriving the box.

Signal should be as close to 0db at the outlet as possible, you could have +/- 5-6 db but none the less you'd want 0db at the outlet.

Jeremy [/QUOTE]

This is the relative signal as presented by the 5100 Diagnostic menu. My cable modem has a 0 dbm input level as measured by the Motorola test.
The interesting thing is that the techs have reported measurements of from 18 to 23 db at my input cable run on the pole. I know that the diagnostic menu reading is just relative and not an absolute number. One problem I see is the broadband signal requirement of the digital channels and that using a reference measurement for analog just does not hack it.
On one visit a line technician visited and climbed every pole up to an amplifier that supplies our court. He found an 11 db loss in the line that feeds me and three other houses. We are at the end of the line. All of the other lines between each set of poles had less than 0.2 db loss. However, he was a Comcast outside conractor and they seem to be ignoring his measurements. My next door neighbor has been reporting a snowy picture on their analog signals. I am the only one with digital being supplied by the amplifier. Thanks for all of the suggestions.
If they don't do something soon I am going to file a formal complaint.

What Jeremy is talking about is that the number you are seeing in the Diagnostic Menu is not your Signal Level. It is a Signal to Noise Ratio. The one you see in your Motorola Cable Modem is the actual Signal Level reading of the forward data carrier (@ 723mhz, confirm this jeremy) at your modem. 0 db, is good, you will also see a SNR reading right above that if it's not in the 30's then there is a problem. But you already have confirmed that by learning that your neighbors are having problems. I wouldn't wait a minute more to make a "formal" complaint.

The SNR reading is basically the amount of seperation that the FWD Signal Level sent out acrossed the cable plant has from the inherent noise on the system. The higher the number, the more seperation, and the less chance the noise has to interfere. SNR is a better indicator of problems than the actual signal level is.

The frequency commonly used here for HSI is around 633Mhz so the reading on your cable modem will reflect a general reading for digital cable though signal can be high an low throughout the spectrum.

Jeremy

Originally posted by ScoopsHD
Think of digital cable as a push-broadcast system.

Thanks for the explanation - makes sense. It's good to get a basic understanding of the technology you use. Know where I could learn about the VOD specifics (frequencies, BW, etc.)?

Thanks.

Originally posted by miatasm
To your final question, this problem IS being caused by the BROADCASTERS, it has been stated and confirmed on this Forum many times before.

Really? Good! That means that the audiosync issue will go away over time as broadcasters get familiar with the technology.

This is the first time I read in this thread a definitive statement the broadcasters are causing all the audio-sync problems, not the cable company or the cable-box. Now I know who to complain to in the future - the broadcasters.

Thanks.

Rung: I dont know where you are located but I will say that here in Seattle our local ABC affiliate has been struggling for a very long time with audio sync issues.

Recently they have pretty much got it taken care of, but what it came down to is that between several things including local channel insertion it was causing a hayday with the audio sync. The system was having to switch from 5.1 to 2.0 and back again it was bad sometimes delay's of up to 2 seconds in the audio.

Now they have a system setup where it counteract's the delay's that are inserted into the stream from the decoding/reencoding process and switching from 5.1 to 2.0 and any delay that they've had lately has been quite negligable and much more bearable.

I'm sure that many stations are having the same issues.

remember we had over 50 years to perfect NTSC now were starting all over again from scratch!

Jeremy

I've had nearly flawless performance out of Nashville Comcast and my Motorola STB until the new INHD channels were added (164 and 165 here.) I cannot reliably get these two channels at all. Most of the time I only get the message "ONE MOMENT PLEASE This channel should be available shortly." Sometimes I get a picture, but it pixelates every few seconds and is thus unwatchable.

My SNR hovers around 20-21 db. I had heard that this might be caused by too strong of a signal. So, I scrounged around the house and found a splitter and ran another long length of coax from it, terminated it and hoped that might knock things down a bit. All that accomplished was dropping the SNR to "fair" from "good."

So, I guess my question is, is it true that my line might be too "hot" and if so, what would I use to take it down a notch or two?

No, generally speaking the more signal the better the SNR should be to an extent.

Signal and SNR are 2 completely different things that effect each other but also have no effect on each other heres why.

SNR is as Miatasm stated how much Signal vs. Noise on the line there is. A good SNR will be above say 30-32db. You can have low or high signal and have good or bad SNR completely undependent of each other.

For instance my cable modem gets signal of -13dbmv which is about 3 lower than what we consider a threshhold of -10dbmv of course 0dbmv being optimum signal. My SNR is 34-35db which is quite good for a cable modem especially when you consider its on 3 2 way splitters,200' RG6 Cabling and an 8 way splitter and then the main tap.

So as Miastasm I'm sure will point out with everything my modem has to go through I've actually got pretty decent signal.

I've seen people with HSI where there signal is say -2dbmv which is quite good but there SNR is down to 21db, this is usually caused by a stretch of RG59 cable some where between the modem and the tap for instance or a crack in there drop line shielding something thats letting outside noise and interference in on the line. With readings like this there lucky if they can get on line or have a decent picture on there modem.

Jeremy

Sorry, I see that the way I worded my post implied that my SNR could be caused by too strong of a signal ... that was just an unfortunate grouping of sentences. I meant to say that I have read that my picture breaking up might be caused by too hot of a signal ... obviously my SNR is decent enough.

Any opinions on that? And if so, what would you use to tame it? I assume that there is some resister type doohickey that could knock it down without introducing noise (like splitting the cable did.)

Radio Shack should have some inline 3db attenuators that should work nicely. They have coax connectors (male & female) on each end and you can use 1,2 or 3 to give you a 3db, 6db or 9db drop in signal.

Hope this helps.

Ben Music:)

Thanks, Ben. I assumed the Shack would have something. I've always bought signal amps from them, so purposely trying to lower the signal will be a first! What entry in the diagnostic menu refers to the signal strength? What range should it be in?

Joe12south,

Check out post# 1827, above from Jeremyfr. He seems to have a good handle on those signal figures.

Ben Music

There is no place in the diagnostic that tells you what the actual signal is.....As I stated before the SNR is a better indicator of problems than signal level.

Too much signal can cause, in rare cases, some problems with the digital carriers, but it is rare. The cable system is designed to only put out a certain amount of signal. In the rare case that a customer has only one cable line with NO splitters, directly to a Digital Box, it might cause some micro blocking, from overdriving.

But anyone that has a 5100 probably has more than one TV so too much signal is most likely not your problem. Unless of course you have an amplifier.

If you are getting microblocking check the diagnostic, where you see the SNR, check your error counts. If you see any short term errors than those are errors that are being fixed by the AGC in the STB. If there are alot of short term errors, constantly, then the box will not be able to fix them and it will result in microblocking. You could take the box, with a small TV set, all the way through your chain of splitters & cabling until you don't see any errors. This should pinpoint your problem.

But if you DO NOT see any microblocking. Then don't worry too much about the numbers.

I got the HD upgrade in August about when ESPNHD started. I hoped against hope that they would start to carry FOX, and lo and behold the Friday before the NFL season started FOX in HD popped up.

ESPN, Monday Night Football, FOX, I was in heaven!

Then they added these 2 new INHD and INHD2 HD channels, and my service started to go south. Video pixelization, audio and video dropouts, the works.

I've had Comcast out twice. Theyredid my run from the pole, and redid lots of connections and splitters in my house, but HD channels are still spotty, except HBO and SHO,which seem to be solid.

Anyone else have this problem?

Anyone having any trouble using this output? I am not getting anything from it.

Phila. area (Sellersville).

Originally posted by joe12south
I've had nearly flawless performance out of Nashville Comcast and my Motorola STB until the new INHD channels were added (164 and 165 here.) I cannot reliably get these two channels at all. Most of the time I only get the message "ONE MOMENT PLEASE This channel should be available shortly." Sometimes I get a picture, but it pixelates every few seconds and is thus unwatchable.

My SNR hovers around 20-21 db. I had heard that this might be caused by too strong of a signal. So, I scrounged around the house and found a splitter and ran another long length of coax from it, terminated it and hoped that might knock things down a bit. All that accomplished was dropping the SNR to "fair" from "good."

So, I guess my question is, is it true that my line might be too "hot" and if so, what would I use to take it down a notch or two?

That's what happened to me. As soon as INHD and INHD2 were added, my problems began.

From the BAND-IN Status menus I'm getting SNR of 33 through 34 with a GOOD rating. As soon as it hits 32.9, it changes to FAIR.

But I'm suspicious of the 2 new channels, as I didn't have a problem before.

Another thing about my Moto 5100.

I have the clock disabled, but it displays the time anyway. Also, when I turn it off, the display shows the time but never updates it. It's great for letting me know when I turned the tv off last night!

I have two 5100 boxes hooked up, and my InBAND SNR is 33 or 34 with a GOOD reading. If it hits 32.9, it is then FAIR. Should I believe that reading - is 33 and up ok? Once again, I get pixelization on INHD and INHD2, and sometimes FOX and ESPN are not that great either.

HBO is locked in and clear, and so is SHO.

I checked the FAQ and was surprised to see no mention of whether there are any known discrete codes for remote control of the 5100?

In particular I'm looking for discrete on/off. Anyone know if any discrete codes exist and if so what they are? Thanks!

Because there are no discrete codes..........it been discussed here waaaay back like 50-60 pages ago......I wish there was, also

Thanks for letting me know. I assume same thing will go for the 6208...

To continue on my rant, I was watching Monday Night Football last night, and it was perfect.

So I looked in the In-BAND area and noticed I was getting 0000 uncorrectable errors. I switched to INHD and INHD2, and saw the same number hit as high as 30 or 40.

Instead of SNR, could that be the problem? I assume if it's as it sounds, ie, an uncorrectable error, this would manifest as video breakup, audio loss, etc.

Anybody else see this behavior?

Yeah, even after a visit from a tech I can't get a watchable pic from INHD, INHD2. All other HD channels are perfect. Signal is supposedly fine. Dropping the line 6db did nothing. Amplifying the signal did nothing. I am left with the impression that I'm just SOL.

Mike... if you look at the errors screen... what are your short term errors at? If you are hovering in the thousands near constantly, then there is a problem with that specific frequency channel. Could be they are overdriving the laser to the node or overdriving the AGC. Definately something the headend should be looking into.

Originally posted by ScoopsHD
Mike... if you look at the errors screen... what are your short term errors at? If you are hovering in the thousands near constantly, then there is a problem with that specific frequency channel. Could be they are overdriving the laser to the node or overdriving the AGC. Definately something the headend should be looking into.

Scoops,

The DCT2000 had the section for "short term" errors counts & "Long term" error counts. The 5100 replaced them with "correctable" & "uncorrectable" errors counts.

It sounds like to me that more than likely its a cable "system" problem. Depending on how widespread it is, determines how far back in the system the techs go to troubleshoot.

Mikeewing,
I'm in Boulder, CO and we were having problems with INHD2 with stuttering and pixelation. Here's the thread - http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=293562

Anyway, someone on the list kept checking with Comcast and they ended up saying they had a "head-end" problem. Not sure what that means, but from what I understand, its a problem from where Comcast is broadcasting the signal and not on our end. They ended up fixing it on their end. Hope this helps.

I've had the 5100 in the house for a week now, and have done some comparisons of the HD channels between the 5100 and my Dish 6000. One thing I've noticed is that the output from the 5100 through the same input on my tv is substantially darker and more contrasty. There seems to a very fine mist of "noise" in the 5100's HD image that I don't see on Dish. I'm comparing SHO-HD, which I have on both services.

Just wondering if others have done comparisons. Dish HD looks better to me. Wondering also if the 5100 somehow introduces processing or enhancement to the HD image that might account for what I'm seeing.

Speaking of remote codes, I have an MX-500 universal remote and I am not able to Learn any of the commands from the 5100 remote. Has anyone else had trouble learning codes from this remote? What gives?

tirepatch,

No problem learning codes with a Pronto.

jack

tirepatch - I just recently got the MX-700. I didn't try learning any of its commands since the settings are in the built-in db (so I can't say for sure whether it would learn from that remote ok).

Look under TV->Motorola and you should see the DTC5100 entry. If not there is a MX file at remotecentral that has the 5100 - you can try that.

In any event it sounds very odd that you cannot learn from the 5100 remote. Check to make sure your batteries are fresh in the 5100 and MX500 remote. Let us know what you find.

Originally posted by ScoopsHD
Mike... if you look at the errors screen... what are your short term errors at? If you are hovering in the thousands near constantly, then there is a problem with that specific frequency channel. Could be they are overdriving the laser to the node or overdriving the AGC. Definately something the headend should be looking into.

I'll check it again and take some better notes... Just to show my ignorance, what is AGC? I saw it in one of the screens, but wasn't sure what it was.

WS game #3 looked pretty darn good on Fox - I guess it was 480p widescreen, a step up from the standard 480p that they usually broadcast. Not too many errors on that one...

I guess INHD and INHD2 is a real work in progress.

Originally posted by LaVike
Mikeewing,
I'm in Boulder, CO and we were having problems with INHD2 with stuttering and pixelation. Here's the thread - http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=293562

Anyway, someone on the list kept checking with Comcast and they ended up saying they had a "head-end" problem. Not sure what that means, but from what I understand, its a problem from where Comcast is broadcasting the signal and not on our end. They ended up fixing it on their end. Hope this helps.

Thanks. I'm gonna see if I can rattle some cages about this one. It appears to be a pretty widespread problem with INHD sensitivity

Originally posted by mikeewing
I'll check it again and take some better notes... Just to show my ignorance, what is AGC? I saw it in one of the screens, but wasn't sure what it was.

Automatic Gain Control

Just to help clarify, AGC is very similar to compression: It makes "loud" signals softer, and gives a little boost to "quiet" signals.

miatasm - Regarding the 6208 - any word or whether the service menu will be accessible the same way as the 5100. And do you think the toggle between 1080i and 720p will work the same way?

Also do you think the remote IR commands will be the same? Any chance the 6208 will at least have a discrete on/off? Thanks!

Yes the menus are the same on the 6208. The codes seem to be the same. There isn't any discrete codes that I have found with the limited time I've had with it......

Hey Guys,

I was checking out my STB (Moto 5100 of course), and looking through the diagnostics I see that in the General Status Diags, my Remod Chan is set to 3 which according to our friend Miatasm means that my terminal was never initialized.

What does this mean and how can I correct this?? Or is this sometihng that only Comcast can correct??

Thanks

Stevo

SteveoDevo: The Remod Channel in Washington state for Comcast is 3 you're fine.

Whew that's a relief! Another question then. Here's the version info from my STB:

S/W Ver: 50.00 - 1078
FW: 08

Is that right for where I am in Seattle??

Stevo

Stevo: Yes that is correct, I would not forsee a software update untill sometime in December.

I need to update that FAQ link to remove that info....but in the latest news section of the FAQ (at the top) & also in the questions themselves there is an answer to your firmware question.....

Ahhh - I see - thanks very much guys! Just want to make sure my signal is the best possible!!! Love the HD channels... I watched a football game on ESPNHD a couple of weeks ago and it was just amazing!! Can't wait for more channels!! (And the HTDV Tivo!!)

And the HTDV Tivo!!

Must be careful here since it will not be a Tivo, it will be the Comcast DVR using propietary software:) (cant say PVR either since this too is liscenced to Tivo)

Jeremy

Any word on the cost of the Comcast HD Recording Unit??

Stevo: word has it around 9.95 a month or 4.95/month is you already have an HD Box.

BTW, Comcast Nashville did something, because INHD and INHD2 are now coming in as perfect as everything else. Nothing changed on my end.

im here in chitown and just noticed that i got an upgrade. my current version is 51.48 2002 and firmware 2. i used to have 50.00 1048. i was just wonderin if anyone else got this. all i can notice that is different is a new menu under setup for timers.

sorry, i meant 51.42 - 2002 and firmware 2

on firmware recently got 05-02 - and now I have on demand. Pretty nice to watch movies any time and be able to pause and return without a TIVO.

software 51.22 2002

Originally posted by RalphArch
on firmware recently got 05-02 - and now I have on demand. Pretty nice to watch movies any time and be able to pause and return without a TIVO.

software 51.22 2002

Our 5100 in Wilmington, DE is also 51.22 2002

yes, i have received the update on my 5100 as well and now my dvi port is enabled. It has reverted back to defaults so i had to change the tv back to 16:9 and 480 override. But I'm excited about the enabled dvi porti. Not exactly sure what else.

Motorola DCT5100 ?'s

I am a Comcast HD customer in Chicago so I am using their Motorola DCT5100 box to recieve their signal. I have a question about the reception of the analog channels via the 5100 and fed to my television (Toshiba 57HDX82) via component cables.

The reception of the analog stations is not as clear through the 5100 as they are if split out separately. The Comcast on site tech told me this was due to the component cables were not receiving the digital information they require to send a good picture to the television. The digital stations and HD channels produce a very good picture. According to the tech, my signal strength is just fine. Can anyone shed some light on this? I'm not sure I believe that the analog channel picture quality should deteriorate because it goes though the 5100 and component cables. I've read through the manual and nothing refers to this. I have my 4:3 override set at 480p. (480i didn't help either)

I should say that I have had two service calls within the last week. During the first one a troubleshooter disconnected a booster that Wide Open West previously installed. Removing the booster cleared up the poor picture I was getting on channels 2-6. However, the analog picture was never bad when I was watching any of those stations through the 5100. The 5100 is only connected to the television via component cables. The troubleshooter said I either needed a new booster or a new 5100 box.

Has anyone else experienced this with a 5100? I can't believe it would be specific to Comcast Chicago. I'll try recommendations here before I call Comcast back out.

Thank you!

This is a known problem that has been disscussed here on this thread numerous times, almost to the point of being "accepted". There is some info on this in the FAQ, which if you haven't read it please do. The short answer is that there is some tweeking that needs to be done to the algorithm in the video chip that upconverts the analog information to the component outputs. Its not really as simple of a conversion as you think. The 6200 series boxes look better & DVI is supposed to also clear up this problem. Swapping out the 5100 will not fix your problems, unless they swap it out with a 6200......which BTW aren't out to the public yet.

Originally posted by Jyvvin
yes, i have received the update on my 5100 as well and now my dvi port is enabled. It has reverted back to defaults so i had to change the tv back to 16:9 and 480 override. But I'm excited about the enabled dvi porti. Not exactly sure what else.

Really?? It was my understanding that the DVI connector was disabled in all Comcast boxes. Maybe I better check mine. Is there a way to check it without buying a cable (i.e. in one of the status menus?)

Gomsu79,
In addition to everything miatasm said, I have also read several posts on another forum that talk about component cables. Some of the techs say no mater how good of component cables you use, more times than not an s-video cable will provide a better picture for non-progressive, non-hd inputs, if you want to use the box for analog channels. Also, we just got a firmware upgrade last week and the analog channels don't look much better. They still suck on my 65".

Since your setup sounds very similar to mine, as an fyi, here is how I've been using comcast service...
I have a digital amp on my line. I minimized the splits as best I could before the cable run gets to my tv. I also replaced old spliters with 1ghz models. Just before my tv, I split one feed to the hdcable box and one "raw feed" directly to my tv. I watch channels below 100 using the raw cable feed and the PQ is pretty good. I mainly only use the box for hd. Every once in a while I'll watch channels 100+. Their quality is decent. I believe I also set my box to 480i instead of the 480p override, which will use my tvs line-doubler instead of the cable box linedoubler.

Originally posted by wackymann
Really?? It was my understanding that the DVI connector was disabled in all Comcast boxes. Maybe I better check mine. Is there a way to check it without buying a cable (i.e. in one of the status menus?)

in the setup menu when it is powered off it now says "dvi/ypbpr" and you can select the output of those specific inputs by arrowing through them

Did anybody else notice that since the last update (51.42 for me), when you go to diagnostics (power off and OK) there is :
d13 - PVR Status
d14 - HDD Status

V

yes, i have received the update on my 5100 as well and now my dvi port is enabled.

Jyvvin, Can you please list the SW and FW numbers for us.

Can anyone else here confirm that their DVI port is activated?

Thanks,
Brian

Originally posted by Jyvvin
yes, i have received the update on my 5100 as well and now my dvi port is enabled.

Have you actually hooked up a DVI cable from the port to your TV and seen that it is working?

Only then will you know for sure whether it is enabled.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Have you actually hooked up a DVI cable from the port to your TV and seen that it is working?

Only then will you know for sure whether it is enabled.

yes i have a dvi cable hooked to the box and my tv and it is working.

Originally posted by btomasie
Jyvvin, Can you please list the SW and FW numbers for us.

Can anyone else here confirm that their DVI port is activated?

Thanks,
Brian

I do not have the FW and SW versions off hand as I am at work. I will post tonight. I have had my DVI hooked up to it since I have had the 5100 and last night it reverted back to the defaults so i went in and saw the new settings and tried that input on my TV and voila. DVI enabled.

Originally posted by Jyvvin
I do not have the FW and SW versions off hand as I am at work. I will post tonight. I have had my DVI hooked up to it since I have had the 5100 and last night it reverted back to the defaults so i went in and saw the new settings and tried that input on my TV and voila. DVI enabled.

How does it look?

THANKS!

David

Originally posted by faceoff
How does it look?

THANKS!

David
It is sweet!!! very clear and crisp on the HD stations. I have a Samsung 50" DLP and here in MO we get INHD1/2 and ESPNHD and only a couple others that broadcast via HD everyonce in awhile. On my tv the analog stations are not using the full screen when i have it set to "wide" on my 16:9 it is in about an 1" on all sides using DVI. All 16:9 HD fill the screen fully. Very minimal difference on the HD broadcast when comparing component/dvi. But it is a little crisper (from what i could tell). The analog stations did look better via DVI though. maybe it was just mere the excitement that it was working for me though. I will try to do more comparisons tonight

Is there a method for having the 5100 check the comcast network for the latest update?

Thanks

Originally posted by peebee
Just to help clarify, AGC is very similar to compression: It makes "loud" signals softer, and gives a little boost to "quiet" signals.

So if I am getting a "poor" reading of low 80's what do i need to do?

Originally posted by Jyvvin
I have had my DVI hooked up to it since I have had the 5100 and last night it reverted back to the defaults so i went in and saw the new settings and tried that input on my TV and voila. DVI enabled.

You are the second person to report an active DVI port on a Comcast 5100. First was in Boston area but we never got any follow-up detail from him, so it was unconfirmed.

Your details confirm it. DVI is now enabled on at least one Comcast system.

Anybody else tried their DVI port lately?

Many months ago there were numerous posts about an update which would address the poor PQ issue on analog channels. Is there an update in the works or is it a wait until the 6208 and we can have good analog PQ with a PVR?

Andy.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
You are the second person to report an active DVI port on a Comcast 5100. First was in Boston area but we never got any follow-up detail from him, so it was unconfirmed.

Your details confirm it. DVI is now enabled on at least one Comcast system.

Anybody else tried their DVI port lately?

I'm also in the Boston area - I will check mine tonight.

Originally posted by Bytehoven
Is there a method for having the 5100 check the comcast network for the latest update?

Thanks

Check the updated FAQ for this info......

They will only release the Firmware that activates DVI (or any other function of the box) to the locations they want DVI to be active. Basically what I'm saying is that they will not just go ahead and send out an update to everyone at the same time.

I'm assuming like every other update, it will be a time / area released update, to make sure the update doesn't have any bugs in it that causes other problems. They usually do not send an update out that does just one thing. There are usually multiple functions integrated into the updates.

All 5100's will eventually have the DVI active. Be patient.

I don't even have a DVI port on the back of my 5100, so that would be quite a remarkable software upgrade!

well computers are a lot faster these days. I hear they can even do fractions.

I have tried setup code 476 for Mitsubishi Remote, doesn't work. I also tried 0476, again no success.
I have Mits 55907 remote, has anyone had success getting Motorola DCT5100 Cable Box to work with Mits remote?
I would rather use the Mits remote, if possible.

Just checked - no DVI here.

I have:

Firmware: 05.03
S/W Ver: 51.22-2002

This was just installed yesterday, so I'm pretty sure it is up to date for my area (Massachusetts).

Impatiently waiting for DVI....

I checked my box when i got home.
Software 51.42.2002
Firmware 06.04

DVI still lookin good. Looks like our region was the first to get the update.

Originally posted by Jyvvin
I checked my box when i got home.
Software 51.42.2002
Firmware 06.04

DVI still lookin good. Looks like our region was the first to get the update.

The 06.04 firmware must be the key-- it is new.

There are many systems that have 51.42-2002, but none others of which I am aware have firmware of 06.04.

Yep, the 06.04 must mean the DVI is enabled. I have 51.42-2002, 05.03.

Jyvvin, can you go over the EXACT location of where you were actually able to change this setting? The only spot that I know where you can CHANGE is a setting, is if you do a "Power Off + Menu button". This allows 4 settings to be changed:
1 - TV Type (16:9, 4:3, etc.)
2 - YPbPr Output (1080i, 720p, 480p, etc.)
3 - 4:3 Override
4 - Closed Captioning

So does your Menu now have a 5th spot that allows you to switch between "component video out" vs. "DVI out" ? Is it located within these 4 above?

Also, if you got to the Diagnostics screen (Power Off + Select button), and then go to d11, this is the Interface Status. The last thing in the list is the "DVI Port". Mine currently shows: "NOT INST". Does yours say "INST" ??

Thanks!

Brian

OK guys, here's a desperate question about the fimrware.... if we unplug and/or remove the coax cable from the box and then plug it back in after a while, will the box have to go through a "resync" procedure? If so, would it be possible that it would grab a new firmware (if it was out there)?? Reading the FAQ, it says this:

"When a STB is plugged in & connected to an active cable line this begins the Boot Process. The Boot Process has the firmware embedded in it, and checks to see that the latest firmware is installed in the STB."

Thanks,
Brian

it probably does do that, but unless comcast has made it available in your area, your stb probably won't "see" a firmware upgrade because the firmware published for your region is the same as the one on your box.

Comcast has to explicitly tell the stb's in your region the upgrade is available.

Jason

Originally posted by btomasie
Yep, the 06.04 must mean the DVI is enabled. I have 51.42-2002, 05.03.

Jyvvin, can you go over the EXACT location of where you were actually able to change this setting? The only spot that I know where you can CHANGE is a setting, is if you do a "Power Off + Menu button". This allows 4 settings to be changed:
1 - TV Type (16:9, 4:3, etc.)
2 - YPbPr Output (1080i, 720p, 480p, etc.)
3 - 4:3 Override
4 - Closed Captioning

So does your Menu now have a 5th spot that allows you to switch between "component video out" vs. "DVI out" ? Is it located within these 4 above?

Also, if you got to the Diagnostics screen (Power Off + Select button), and then go to d11, this is the Interface Status. The last thing in the list is the "DVI Port". Mine currently shows: "NOT INST". Does yours say "INST" ??

Thanks!

Brian

The only difference in my menu setup is the fact that is says now "DVI/YPbPr instead of just YPbPr. There isn't an on/off per se because it generates a signal on all of the outputs at the same time. I have the same 4 fields as you it just added the DVI. Its not separate either so whatever you output via your component for scan lines will be DVI. ex. 480i 480p, 720p, 1080i will be your DVI setting.
As a latter note i could not get into the "diagnostic" mode as you described. I'm either misunderstanding your direction or i don't have a "select" button on my remote. I have an "ok" button but when it is off, and i hit ok. It does not enter any menu. Hope this helps.

Derrick

The "Select" button is on the box itself.

Brian

I finally got into diagnostic mode. ok/select and then menu did it.
Mine shows as follows:

connected : yes
repeater: no
video xmission: active
HDCP enabled : No
video constrained: No
1920 x 1080i resolution
16:9

edid data
no data available

This is what the 2nd page on the interface menu shows. Let me know what else if you need something.
Derrick

Hello all -

I am a Baltimore Comcast HD subscriber. I've been given a Motorola 5100 DCT box for the HD programming.

Via user menu, S/W ver is 51.22-2002, Firmware is 02.

I have noticed a problem with the closed captioning on this unit. I have noticed that if I frequently go to the display setup menu (accessed via POWER-OFF followed by MENU on the remote) frequently enough, the closed captioning stops WORKING!

To be more specific, closed captioning on analog channels (<100) works fine and can be decoded by the TV's EIA 608 decoder assuming the output is S-video, composite, or component 480i. However, the 5100 stops producing captions entirely.

It gets weirder.

On Digital channels - captions do not work at all. For some reason, the 5100 blocks the EIA 608 caption signal for SD digital channels, and even the television cannot decode captions because the EIA 608 signal is now missing - the 5100 is not producing it anymore for these channels.

Now, for HD channels - the 5100 no longer decodes the EIA 708 (HD captioning) signals - despite the captions being enabled in the 5100 via the display menu (CAPTIONS -> ENABLED).

The ONLY solution I've come across to fix this is to actually unplug the 5100 from the power outlet and plug it back in (in my case, cycle the power to the power strip). Using POWER-ON/POWER-OFF will NOT fix the captioniing problem. It requires a hard power cycle. I don't like having to do this, and obviously there is something wrong with the firmware somewhere and there is no real "reset" feature that I'm aware of that can be invoked via the remote that would be equivalent to a hard power cycle.

Could someone please pass this piece of information along to some engineers or direct me to someone who can? I have not seen this problem discussed in this thread.

-- Bill

Originally posted by iforsevilla
This question has probably been answered- but I can't find it. Anyways, can you connect the component video for HD signals and connect another video out (coax/s-video/rca) to your tv at the same time to get better signal from analog/digital/non-hd to the tv? Than passing everything through the component cable? Does the 5100 able to have simultaneous feed on both/all video outs? Thanks.

You didn't look hard enough, check below......

Originally posted by btomasie
OK guys, here's a desperate question about the fimrware.... if we unplug and/or remove the coax cable from the box and then plug it back in after a while, will the box have to go through a "resync" procedure? If so, would it be possible that it would grab a new firmware (if it was out there)??

Thanks,
Brian

No, the firmware is AUTOMATICALLY sent to the box!!!!

Lets refine this for ones that are having trouble understanding this....

YOU CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT THE FIRMWARE, YOU CAN'T CONTROL WHEN YOU GET IT, WHAT IT IS, AND/OR HOW IT WORKS.......IT CAN'T BS STOPPED, ITS OUT OF CONTROL.......

This is stated all in the fun & games that are the AVSforum ;)

We have a new firmware on our system which I first noticed yesterday. It's 05.03, which has been reported before on other systems. Software is still 51.42-2002. As expected with 05.03, the tech menu shows DVI as still not installed. However, new menu information setup for DVR is there, so looks like our local Comcast is getting closer to being ready for the 6208 rollout.

Yeah, my 51.42-2002 05.03 configuration menu shows the DVR and HDD sections too now.

Brian

Anyone else having probs with the RF Bypass working on the 5100's? I've got firmware as most 51.22-2002 and 05.03.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
We have a new firmware on our system which I first noticed yesterday. It's 05.03, which has been reported before on other systems. Software is still 51.42-2002. As expected with 05.03, the tech menu shows DVI as still not installed. However, new menu information setup for DVR is there, so looks like our local Comcast is getting closer to being ready for the 6208 rollout.

I noticed the same thing yesterday here in Fresno. I don't see, however, why updating the 5100, a non hard drive non- DVR unit, would be prepatory or necessary for the release of the 6208. I mean, the 6208 will have it's own firmware and software. Am I missing something? I hope I am because I can't wait for my DVI to be activated and I can't wait for a HD DVR from comcast!!

Originally posted by rodneyremington
I noticed the same thing yesterday here in Fresno. I don't see, however, why updating the 5100, a non hard drive non- DVR unit, would be prepatory or necessary for the release of the 6208. I mean, the 6208 will have it's own firmware and software. Am I missing something? I hope I am because I can't wait for my DVI to be activated and I can't wait for a HD DVR from comcast!!

First, 5100 and 6208 will use the same software, firmware, etc.

Second, they need to have the proper software and firmware for DVR on their equipment at the head end. When the 6208 box is attached, it will need to have access to the proper software and firmware-- might as well get it all set up in advance so their are no last minute glitches.

Third, the 05.03 may also have some benefit to the operation of the 5100.

Fourth, they are beta testing the 6208 in many areas-- in which case they need the proper software and firmware for the 6208 right now!

Sonoma got it all right on the head

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
First, 5100 and 6208 will use the same software, firmware, etc.

Second, they need to have the proper software and firmware for DVR on their equipment at the head end. When the 6208 box is attached, it will need to have access to the proper software and firmware-- might as well get it all set up in advance so their are no last minute glitches.

Third, the 05.03 may also have some benefit to the operation of the 5100.

Fourth, they are beta testing the 6208 in many areas-- in which case they need the proper software and firmware for the 6208 right now!

Got it! BTW, Miatasm, your FAQ on the 5100 is fantastic and really helped me out. Next time you update it of course you can include the fact that there are select markets that now have DVI enabled. Hopefully myself included soon :)

I am a tech person by trade, but I'm a newbie to Comcast HD service with the 5100. I tried searching through this thread but couldn't find exactly what I was looking for.

Just had Comcast cable hooked up yestereday with the "basic" HD service in Chicagoland. So no premium channels, just "extended basic" and the local HD feeds. And no PPV or VOD. In the ideal world I would like to record a program on my JVC S3800 VCR while watching a different program on my Hitachi F500. Right now I am able to do this, but I want to make sure this is right. Here is my set-up.

My 5100 box does not have the RF switch on it. It does have an RF output to "TV/VCR". I tried this but it didn't work for what I wanted. So right now I have the cable going from the wall to the VCR's RF input. Then I take the signal out from the VCR to the 5100 on the VCR's RF output. The 5100's component outputs are used to send the signal to the TV. The VCR's S-Video outputs are used to send it's signal to the TV. So with this set-up I can watch all my channels through the 5100 on my TV. And I can record all my channels (except the local HD feeds) on my VCR.

Is this set-up OK? Is it bad to have the feed go to the VCR first? Am I messing up any hits that Comcast might send my box? If I am, do I need a splitter? If so what kind?


Thanks,

tim

You need to have a "home run" cable to the 5100 for several reasons.

1.) a vcr does not support 2 way traffic which can have adverse effects on your guide working properly, being able to orer ppv etc.

2.) VCR's typically do not have a high enough throughput of frequency to support digital cable.

The best way to set up what you want would be to get a splitter rated for 5Mhz- at least 900Mhz, run one side to the vcr and the other to the 5100.

Jeremy

here in west orange, nj we got 6.02 also. It's much faster as far as the menus and stuff. also there is a dvr/pvr option but nothing about dvi yet.

I'm in the Seattle area and got my DCT5100 from Comcast a couple of days ago. Everything is working great except for getting digial audio to my receiver.

I did some tests this morning with HBO HD that was DD5.1.

If I use the optical SPDIF output my receiver locks on to the signal and I get audio. If I use the coax SPDIF output my receiver does not lock on and I can't get audio.

The problem is that my receiver only has one optical input that I have to use with my DVD player and I therefore need to use a coax input from the DCT5100. I've tried different cables and I know the coax input worked with my previous DVD player.

My receiver is a Denon AVR2700 and I was definitely going into the receiver menus and enabling the coax input.

Anyone any ideas?

Is there anyway you could assign the inputs independently of the video? You could use the Optical input for the 5100 and the Coax for the DVD. I don't know if the 2700 can do this.

Otherwise, it's probably a problem with your 5100, I'd call comcast and be nice to them until they offer to bring you a new box. I use optical so I haven't tried the coax input.

Jason

although the coax is enabled on your 2700 is it assigned to the TV/DBS or whatever the input is on?

Thanks for the responses ...

- I did assign the coax digital input to TV/DBS and got no output.
- Unfortunately I can't use the coax input for DVD as my DVD player only has a single optical output.

Any more ideas anyone? Have other people successfully used the coax audio output?

Thanks.

I don't know exactly where it was in this thread, but there were other having problems with Denon Recievers & Digital Audio.....I'll look some more, but try searching this thread.....

Try around page 51 or so that should get you in the ballpark....

not sure if this is news or not but my DVI started working today.

by the ways yes its true and i live in NJ area.. once it started working it said digital in 1 instead of component 1 on my tv.

Originally posted by mscurrell
Thanks for the responses ...

- I did assign the coax digital input to TV/DBS and got no output.
- Unfortunately I can't use the coax input for DVD as my DVD player only has a single optical output.

Any more ideas anyone? Have other people successfully used the coax audio output?

Thanks.

Coax works just fine on my NAD T762.

Originally posted by miatasm
I don't know exactly where it was in this thread, but there were other having problems with Denon Recievers & Digital Audio.....I'll look some more, but try searching this thread.....

Try around page 51 or so that should get you in the ballpark....

I've got a Denon reciever and coax works fine.

Originally posted by panavs
not sure if this is news or not but my DVI started working today.
Panavs,

What's your firmware version, and what specific area of New Jersey are you in?

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
We have a new firmware on our system which I first noticed yesterday. It's 05.03, which has been reported before on other systems. Software is still 51.42-2002. As expected with 05.03, the tech menu shows DVI as still not installed. However, new menu information setup for DVR is there, so looks like our local Comcast is getting closer to being ready for the 6208 rollout.

I've got 2 boxes in my house, and they display different software versions. One has (in Code Modules) Bootloader 2.15;Firmware 2.48, while the other has Bootloader 2.16 and Firmware 2.52.

Meanwhile, from the STB setup menu my S/W ver is 51.20-1040 Firmware 08.

My In-Band SNR status for INHD is FAIR/GOOD (hops around 31 to 34) and AGC is 50% GOOD.
My OOB SNR is 23.7 GOOD and AGC 10% GOOD.
What is the differnce between these 2 sets of readings?

Also, I'm getting an average of around 25 Uncorrectible errors with app 22,000 correctible on INHD.

Are these uncorrectable errors the cause of my bad pixelazation for HDTV? I've had the Comcast guys out and they redid the drop from the pole to my house and put a signal booster on the line, but the PQ is still spotty. Athough HBO and SHO seem fine, INHD/INHD2 are almost unwatchable, and sometimes FOX/ESPN make me grit my teeth.

Is there any way to really make Comcast check it on their end?

I hae firmware 6.04 now with the menu changes for 6208 (HDD and the like), but NO mention of DVI yet.....

Chris and all,

If you have 6.04, DVI should definitely work. I just received it on Friday and looked through the menu, but it still didn't show DVI in it.

The trick is, you have to hook up a DVI cable and display, then it will work and DVI will show in the menu.

There is a line in the Diagnostic Menu (POWER OFF, then OK/SELECT) that has 2 pages and shows "page 1 of 2" at the bottom. Push the UP arrow when there and it will show the next page with DVI info (after hooking up a DVI cable and display).

It looks a lot better than the component out, but the pix is very jerky, especially on horizontal pans. I think they need to check their algorithms!!! Even the analog channels look much better because the digitization process must utilize a filter or something to clean the background noise because it was much cleaner and smoother.

The point is, if you have 6.04 firmware, chances are DVI is now working. You just have to hook up a DVI display for it to be apparent in the menus...so try it!!!!!!!!!! That's how I found out:)!!!

It seems like what limited activation of the DVI output we have seen has been on the east coast. Is there anyone on the west coast that has seen their firmware upgraded to 6.04?? I'm waiting impatiently here in California.

I am in central NJ and have Ver. 6.04 so I took the DVi cable from my computer display and hooked to the DCT5100 and the HLN5065W. Made the switch to DVI on the TV user menu and got a picture but no sound. I wouldn't expect sound to come over the DVI cable but cannot figure out what other connection I would need to get sound.

Any help will be appreciated, Gene.

Sound should come out the same way if you were using component cables. You can either use the RCA jacks or the optical out to a receiver.

Originally posted by LaVike
Sound should come out the same way if you were using component cables. You can either use the RCA jacks or the optical out to a receiver.

This brings up a good point that I hadn't considered: if we are using DVI for video input, exactly how do we connect sound from the cable box? Right now I am using RCA cables to the Sammy component 2 since I am using component inputs, but does the DVI have rca inputs associated with it? It seems that we would have to choose DVI as the input, thus closing off input from RCA cables running into component 1-3 or any of the other input sources. What are you that have your DVI activated been doing for sound input from your cable box?

For sound you can use the RF (white/red) audio out, the coax audio out, or ideally optical output (Toslink). Nothing has changed though. If you pull out your RGB for component you should still have audio so I'm not sure why switching to DVI should have resulted in a loss of audio - maybe you just pulled out more wires than the RGB for component.

Digital or coax audio cables. Your componenet cables aren't carrying any sound...they're video only. You still have to have an audio connection until we get to HDMI which does both.

jack

there should be an audio connection for you dvi input on your TV itself if you are only using tv for sound. just connect it the same way you were before out of your 5100. I have a Samsung hln5065 and it uses the "pc audio" rca connections to associate with the dvi if i am only doing analog sound. Otherwise if i was using the digital connection it was just go straight to my reciever via my 5100 box.

The 5100 outputs audio and video all at once via all connectinos. its not selectable for outputs

My Sony TV also has white/red inputs for sound that are associated with the DVI connector (Video 7 in my case).

I also don't use any TV sound inputs as all my sound goes through the Receiver.

Jason

Originally posted by lovingdvd
For sound you can use the RF (white/red) audio out...

FYI, the Red/White connectors are baseband audio signals, not RF modulated audio signals. The only audio that is usually modulated is the old AC-3 RF from laserdiscs and the audio that's modulated along with the broadcast video signal on your RG-59/RG-6 coaxial cable like that from an OTA antenna or cable TV.

I have a Rotel RSP-985 hooked up via coax to a M5100. and I have sound problems as well. I get sound, but the sound drops out periodically. It happens on all digital channels, but it is especially bad on the HD channels. The strange part is that it comes and goes. Sometimes, I can unplug my 5100 for a few minutes, and the problem goes away. I doubt the problem is with my Rotel because I've tried other digital sources. I'm also on my second M5100 with the same problem.

Could this be a result of the same problem as seen by some Denon users?

I have just received my 5100 box and watched the cable guy hook it up. I am in San Francisco.

After he left, I ran through the diagnostics to compare them with the FAQ - I found that Remod channel (diagnostics - general status) reads '3' - while the FAQ says it should be '4'. The FAQ says this means that 'the terminal was never initialized' - can this be true, given that I can receive regular digital cable channels (including premium) just fine? How would I initialize it if I had to?

On the 5100 config screen my firmware version is 08, and software version is 50.00 - 1078 (seems to be behind what most other people have).

On the 08 code modules screen I am seeing Bootloader 2.16 and firmware 2.48 - again, this seems to be behind the curve, since some people have 2.52 or later.

My question is this - if I disconnect the cable, wait for a few minutes and then reconnect, do you think my firmware and software will be updated? Will I have to call the cable company to get a firmware reload initiated, or does it happen automagically? (Even better would be that the cable company automagically updates me overnight, me being a new user and all - probably no chance of that I guess?)

Since I do not see DVI/YPbPr on my 'user settings' screen I'm assuming that DVI is not turned on yet. Would anyone argue with that?

Many thanks for any help and guidance.

~ jfc.

JFC,

Nobody in the Bay Area has active DVI on their Comcast boxes.

As to your firmware/software, yes that seems a little old. We have the 5.03 firmware in the North Bay. Assuming your system's versions are more recent, you may need the head end to send a "hit" to your box.

I don't think just unplugging it and replugging it back in is gonna do it, but ask miatasm to know for sure.

Originally posted by jfc669
I have just received my 5100 box and watched the cable guy hook it up. I am in San Francisco.



On the 5100 config screen my firmware version is 08, and software version is 50.00 - 1078 (seems to be behind what most other people have).

On the 08 code modules screen I am seeing Bootloader 2.16 and firmware 2.48 - again, this seems to be behind the curve, since some people have 2.52 or later.

My question is this - if I disconnect the cable, wait for a few minutes and then reconnect, do you think my firmware and software will be updated? Will I have to call the cable company to get a firmware reload initiated, or does it happen automagically? (Even better would be that the cable company automagically updates me overnight, me being a new user and all - probably no chance of that I guess?)

Since I do not see DVI/YPbPr on my 'user settings' screen I'm assuming that DVI is not turned on yet. Would anyone argue with that?



~ jfc.

Firstly, I agree with what sonomasearcher said above. I live in Fresno and presumably you, I and sonomasearcher will get DVI, as well as the new 6200 DVR boxes, at some point in the near future at the same time since we are basically in the same market.

I suspect your 5100 box has old firmware that was available at the date of manufacture and it simply hasn't had time to get pinged by the head server or whatever you want to call it to get an update, probable the 5.03 version. My guess is that will happen overnight. So check it tomorrow. My understanding is that none of us have DVI activated and we won't until we get a 6.03 firmware update, sonoma can correct me here if I am wrong. The general consensus seems to be that it may happen by the end of the year.

Originally posted by rodneyremington
I suspect your 5100 box has old firmware that was available at the date of manufacture and it simply hasn't had time to get pinged by the head server or whatever you want to call it to get an update, probable the 5.03 version. My guess is that will happen overnight. So check it tomorrow. My understanding is that none of us have DVI activated and we won't until we get a 6.03 firmware update, sonoma can correct me here if I am wrong. The general consensus seems to be that it may happen by the end of the year.

I live in Seattle and my 5100 was hooked up last Wednesday (about a week ago). I too have the 08 firmware and 50.00 - 1078 SW Ver. and it has yet to update to a later version. What typically must happen for an update to occur? I thought it was automatic but now people are saying the head-end must initiate the request?

Can anyone else in the Seattle area confirm a later firmware on their box? As I understand it later firmwares add some analog PQ improvements, which I wouldn't mind having (of course DVI too but I'm not expecting that at this point). If I call up Comcast and ask them to initiate the hit, what would their reaction be? (I suppose I could always give it a try...)

jspeton: You have the correct software for the Seattle area, I would not expect to see an update until at least the end of December.

For those people who have the DVI activated on your 5100, do any of you still have the 5.03 firmware? In other words, do you have to have the 6.03 firmware for the DVI to be active? I am wondering if it is worth my effort to get a DVI cable and try it just to be certain. I'm in Fresno CA and I have the 5.03 firmware.

WOW, should I take down the FAQ, it seems that people enjoy quoting it but NOT reading it. This is like the 3rd page straight that a question was asked about Firmware. The answers are in the FAQ....TWICE. :rolleyes:

I'm pulling the link to the diagnostics off of there and modifying it to only include stuff that matters, the remod channel doesn't really matter because it could be Ch3 or Ch4 depending on the the area...

I have the 6.04 firmware currently and DVI is active now. I think my older firmware was 5.03 and DVI was not active before I got 6.04.

Originally posted by miatasm
WOW, should I take down the FAQ, it seems that people enjoy quoting it but NOT reading it. This is like the 3rd page straight that a question was asked about Firmware. The answers are in the FAQ....TWICE. :rolleyes:

I'm pulling the link to the diagnostics off of there and modifying it to only include stuff that matters, the remod channel doesn't really matter because it could be Ch3 or Ch4 depending on the the area...

Miata, as much as I have benefitted from your wonderful FAQs, let me shout you down on this post. Your FAQ is dead WRONG on the issue of firmware, or at least outdated. Here is a quote from your FAQ:

"DVI - IS NOT enabled, ANYWHERE, yet!!!! It is installed into the every HD STB at the Motorola Factory, but needs to be enabled, by your local Cable Co, before it works. Rumors have been floating around saying they know someone who is using it, these are just that unconfirmed rumors. December, be patient."

Well, let me point out the obvious that there are several posts confirming select markets on the east coast that have enabled DVIs in the past week or so. This has been well established and is no longer a 'rumor'. So please update the FAQ when you get a chance and don't scold me for being more up to date than your FAQ is :)

DVI is active for me now. I'm not noticing much difference from my component cables, though, but then I have not set up the plasma for that input using the Video Essentials disk, yet. I'll do that and then an A/B comparison. Nice to have it active, and getting ready for the 6208!

You can shout down my post all you want, but you would be incorrect. First you stated that my FAQ was wrong on the issue of Firmware. IT IS NOT.

The statement I made about firmware upgrades was in reference to the question(S) asked about how a firmware upgrade is received...not about the latest one that activated DVI.

I can't really blame you for pointing out that the FAQ is a little outdated, but it is clearly stated at the top of the FAQ the date it was last updated.

I won't scold you for being more up to date than my FAQ, thats not hard to do. But I will scold you for implying that I didn't know DVI was active yet. If you noticed, most of my posts are right here in this particular thread, It would be hard for you not to realize that I already knew. :) "No Soup For YOU!!!" Come Back 1 year!!!!....

Unfortunately, my job doesn't allow me to update the FAQ as much as I would like, and it also seems that when new features, firmware, ect. are launched they come quickly and then nothing happens for awhile. That makes it even more difficult to keep up. Trust me I know whats going on....

I don't take anything personal thats said on this forum, If I deserve to be ripped, I don't mind, but I can Dish it out. It is all in Jest, unless of course I don't deserve it, then "off with your head"...... :)

Originally posted by miatasm
You can shout down my post all you want, but you would be incorrect. First you stated that my FAQ was wrong on the issue of Firmware. IT IS NOT.

The statement I made about firmware upgrades was in reference to the question(S) asked about how a firmware upgrade is received...not about the latest one that activated DVI.



Well I wasn't asking anything about how firmware is upgraded, I was asking if we had been able to confirm which firmware version supported active DVI output so I'm not sure why you were essentially telling me to look at the FAQ. I have looked at your FAQ, actually it has been a major resource for me and helped me out tremendously. Which is why I'm not upset ;) Anyways, I am going to answer my own question here, because I think it's clear from the handful of people that have posted with active DVI's that the 6.04 update is necessary. Oh well, I'll just keep checking every day to see if I'm updated...

I see where you got confused.

The post I made wasn't in response to your post it was the 5 or 6 posts directly before yours, instead of quoting them I just posted a quick response, which started a new page, which confused things a little bit more..... Alls well now....You forced me to update the FAQ......I'm sending you the bill :p

miatasm,

in the faq: "DVI is installed into the every HD STB at the Motorola Factory, but needs to be enabled, via FW (see above), by your local Cable Co, before it works."

Maybe internally there is support, but my 5100 (Comcast; Anne Arundel County, MD) doesn't have a physical DVI port on the back of the device. As I've alluded to before, that will be quite a firmware upgrade for those of us with boxes like this one!

I meant to say that all new 5100's now have the DVI connector installed onto it, since Jan 03'. This part is stated in the FAQ. There was about a 4 month period in the beginning that the boxes didn't have DVI.

Originally posted by blackice
Anyone else having probs with the RF Bypass working on the 5100's? I've got firmware as most 51.22-2002 and 05.03.

Still no answer :| Is it broken on the 5100's? Using a coax or RCA output, hit the A/B button and see if bypass's DCT and you get chnl 3. Was working fine on the 2000's and the Motorola manual says should be same on 5100's. I've tried on like 3 of em here in Oregon

RF BYpass is not enabled on the 5100......check the setup menu in the STB's main menu

According to the DCT5100 Installation Manual available at http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/support/default.asp?supportSection=HomeEntertainment , there is a "NATIVE" mode setting for Output Type that "Adjusts the video display format to match the video source format. Valid for 16:9 High Definition displays only.".

Does ANYONE see this feature because I'd love to have it? Or is this doc just outdated.

All of the times I've looked through that doc I never saw that.......It is something that should be implemented and has been discussed before. This document is basically all of the features that are built into the box, but as the Cable Co order them they chose what features they want on "their" boxes......This feature SHOULD be activated.........but it is not :(

I asked Comcast in my area about a native feature, and they told me it didn't support it. I don't understand why a cable company would want to turn it off. For those customers with external scalers, like myself, it stinks that I have to allow the 5100 to scale when my external scaler does a better job.

If I set my box at 1080i, and I watch ABC or ESPN, the cable box will scale the 720p signal to 1080i. Unfortunately, my DLP's native resolution is 720p, so my scaler (part of the DWIN TV3) scales the signal back to 720p. In my tests, I found that my TV3 scaler always does a better job scaling than the 5100 box. It would be great to be able to let it happen.

I have macros programmed into my learning remote for switching between 720p and 1080i. It works quite reliably. If I will be watching ESPN HD or ABC in HD I switch it to match the native broadcast format. Yes, it would be fantastic to just have the box automatically send the native format.

Where in the menus exactly is this option shown, or supposed to be shown, based on what you read in the manual?

lovingdvd:

Do you have the discrete codes for changing between 1080i and 720p? I didn't think there was a way to change those settings without going into the setup menu and manually changing the setting. If you have those codes could you post them? That would be great to program into a universal remote.

I thought the only way to change is to shut off the box, and go to the service menu. I probably would only do that if I know I'm watching ABC or ESPN for a while. Otherwise, I leave my box on 1080i to same one conversion.

No, supposedly there are no discrete codes (too bad - much needed for on/off in particular).

However you can easily create macros for this if you have a learning remote. Just learn the series of key presses. For example - this is off the top of my head - but its something like power, menu, down, right twice (for 720p), power, power. Then to switch back to 1080i you make the same macro except substitute left twice instead of right twice.

Originally posted by Gene Norris
I am in central NJ and have Ver. 6.04 so I took the DVi cable from my computer display and hooked to the DCT5100 and the HLN5065W. Made the switch to DVI on the TV user menu and got a picture but no sound. I wouldn't expect sound to come over the DVI cable but cannot figure out what other connection I would need to get sound.

Any help will be appreciated, Gene.

Well I answered my own question. The HLN5065W only has one other audio input and that is for the PC, so I tried it with the DVI input selected and it worked. Also I did not have to switch between component and antenna to get all channels.

Now for the bad news. HDTV material had a small (about 1 1/2") border all around the picture. SDTV material had a thin garbage line of data at the top of the picture (which also did not fill the entire screen) that kept changing and a thin line at the bottom of the picture that look like wide verticle colored bars, but they did not change.

On the DCT5100 setup the options for the DVI were 480I and 1080I. I tried both and got simular results.

For now it is not worth the price of the DVI cable. I will continue to switch COMPONENT and ANTENNA.

FWIW, Gene

Originally posted by Gene Norris
Well I answered my own question. The HLN5065W only has one other audio input and that is for the PC, so I tried it with the DVI input selected and it worked. Also I did not have to switch between component and antenna to get all channels.

Now for the bad news. HDTV material had a small (about 1 1/2") border all around the picture. SDTV material had a thin garbage line of data at the top of the picture (which also did not fill the entire screen) that kept changing and a thin line at the bottom of the picture that look like wide verticle colored bars, but they did not change.

On the DCT5100 setup the options for the DVI were 480I and 1080I. I tried both and got simular results.

For now it is not worth the price of the DVI cable. I will continue to switch COMPONENT and ANTENNA.

FWIW, Gene

If you go in and change your pic size for the HD material it will fill the screen fully. I have the same tv and I had the opposite problem. On analog material i had a gap and i changed the aspect mode within the tv and it fixed the problem.

Originally posted by Jyvvin
If you go in and change your pic size for the HD material it will fill the screen fully. I have the same tv and I had the opposite problem. On analog material i had a gap and i changed the aspect mode within the tv and it fixed the problem.

Let me make sure what you are saying. You are going into the Sammy UM and changing the aspect mode, meaning changing aspects from normal to wide or panorama or zoom 1 or 2? If so, which one is correct? Or are you changing something in the 5100 menu? I'm just trying to understand what I will need to do when I get the 6.04 upgrade here in California :)

Originally posted by Gene Norris
Well I answered my own question. The HLN5065W only has one other audio input and that is for the PC, so I tried it with the DVI input selected and it worked.

FWIW, Gene

SO i n other words when in DVI mode, the sound should be inputted through the PC audio in> What if you have a PC plugged in as well? What do you do with the PC audio, anyone? Also, is the PC audio in on the samsung a simple red/white RCA input? OK, I know this is kind of getting OT but humor me :)

Originally posted by rodneyremington
Let me make sure what you are saying. You are going into the Sammy UM and changing the aspect mode, meaning changing aspects from normal to wide or panorama or zoom 1 or 2? If so, which one is correct? Or are you changing something in the 5100 menu? I'm just trying to understand what I will need to do when I get the 6.04 upgrade here in California :)

The first is correct. Within the Samsung change the aspect while on the station that has a border and change the aspect mode to wide, this will fix the problem. Depending on the station it may or may not let you change the aspect mode. I think you may have been backwards when explaining it but the HD stations may not let you change aspect mode, in my experience that was the case. Let me know though.

Originally posted by rodneyremington
SO i n other words when in DVI mode, the sound should be inputted through the PC audio in> What if you.....

You'll have to either unplug the pc audio cables or get a simple switcher to plug in multiple audio inputs with 1 output. Or more simply, use a receiver.

Originally posted by Gene Norris
HDTV material had a small (about 1 1/2") border all around the picture. SDTV material had a thin garbage line of data at the top of the picture (which also did not fill the entire screen) that kept changing and a thin line at the bottom of the picture that look like wide verticle colored bars, but they did not change.
It is rare that you should ever have to experiment with stretch modes when watching true 1080i HD programming. This actually sounds like the "DVI shift" problem I've been reading about on other boards. I seem to remember some people say they fixed the problem by purchasing a different type of dvi cable. Others said their equipment manufacturer "replaced a board". Go check out the ***************.com and review a couple months worth of posts under your tv's manufacturer. I'll bet you find something similar.

another hypothesis about the black bars on all sides. I noticed this too on HD channels and I was totally stumped.

Why would they project a 16x9 picture but not fill the whole screen?

Because it isn't a true 16x9 picture. This is actually a 4x3 picture (blackbars on the sides) displayed in letterbox (black bars on the top and bottom). It makes it look like a black border but really it's a letterboxed program inside a 4x3 frame.

The way you can tell if this is what's happening is that the top and bottom borders are a SLIGHTLY different color than the left and right borders. This is because the Left and Right borders are put on by the cable station and the top and bottom borders are put on by the content producer. This happens most often with commericials but can also occur on some programs.

Try the DVI cable tonight again with ER and see if you still have the borders. ER is broadcast in true HD 16x9 1080i.

Jason

Miatasm,

I have found your FAQ very informative and useful - thank you for providing that, and for investing the time to keeping it updated. I would not have had a clue what to do with my 5100 without your FAQ.

I do have a question: In the FAQ you say "The Cable Co. cannot initiate a firmware download, nor can it change the firmware in the STB."

Can you tell me what is happening in those areas where people suddenly discover a firmware upgrade to 6.x?

My interpetation is that your FAQ statement is referring to *a single 5100 box* - i.e. the cable company can't make any changes to a single specified box - but it can 'broadcast' a firmware change to all the boxes it is connected to.

Is this interpretation correct? If not, can you help me make better sense of what is going on?

Many thanks,

Yes your interpertation is correct.....also meaning a CSR can not do it either....

I just noticed that here in Detroit I've got the firmware 6.04.

I'm going to have to pick up a DVI wire on Saturday and see if it works!

Originally posted by rollerfink
I just noticed that here in Detroit I've got the firmware 6.04.

I'm going to have to pick up a DVI wire on Saturday and see if it works!

You're in business dude. Go get your cable and hook it up and then report back on the difference.

DVI Shows up in Detroit for for me too! Now just give me my 6208! :)


What type of DVI cable do I need? Where can I buy one locally? I've been waiting forever for them to enable this becaue I have 3 devices, and only 2 component inputs.

Any DVI cable will do........

You should look in your TV's manual, you might need a DVI-D cable (Sony TV's need DVI-D cables). DVI-I cables (which most computers have) have an extra little cross-hair that won't fit in the DVI-D slots on TV's. You can find plenty of information on the web as to the difference. I PM'd you a suggestion on store and price.

Originally posted by Gene Norris
Well I answered my own question. The HLN5065W only has one other audio input and that is for the PC, so I tried it with the DVI input selected and it worked. Also I did not have to switch between component and antenna to get all channels.

Now for the bad news. HDTV material had a small (about 1 1/2") border all around the picture. SDTV material had a thin garbage line of data at the top of the picture (which also did not fill the entire screen) that kept changing and a thin line at the bottom of the picture that look like wide verticle colored bars, but they did not change.

On the DCT5100 setup the options for the DVI were 480I and 1080I. I tried both and got simular results.

For now it is not worth the price of the DVI cable. I will continue to switch COMPONENT and ANTENNA.

FWIW, Gene

I have Firmware 6.04 and a Sammy 50" DLP. In the service menu for the Moto 5100, I had to reset TV Type to 16X9, Resolution to 720p and Override to Off.

Also, cycle thru the aspect button on the Sammy remote while in DVI and make sure the setting is Wide(TV). Otherwise, Wide(PC) will yield the black "matte" outlining the picture.

Hope this helps.

Originally posted by DHarp193
Chris and all,

If you have 6.04, DVI should definitely work. I just received it on Friday and looked through the menu, but it still didn't show DVI in it.

The trick is, you have to hook up a DVI cable and display, then it will work and DVI will show in the menu.

There is a line in the Diagnostic Menu (POWER OFF, then OK/SELECT) that has 2 pages and shows "page 1 of 2" at the bottom. Push the UP arrow when there and it will show the next page with DVI info (after hooking up a DVI cable and display).

It looks a lot better than the component out, but the pix is very jerky, especially on horizontal pans. I think they need to check their algorithms!!! Even the analog channels look much better because the digitization process must utilize a filter or something to clean the background noise because it was much cleaner and smoother.

The point is, if you have 6.04 firmware, chances are DVI is now working. You just have to hook up a DVI display for it to be apparent in the menus...so try it!!!!!!!!!! That's how I found out:)!!!

Dave,

I agree with your assessment re picture quality. It does need some help. I have been able to compare the Moto 5100 with DVI out against the MyHD 120 with DVI out while watching PBS-HD and see the same issues. The MyHD DVI output is stunning, BTW.

It is nice to have DVI enabled for digital displays.

Originally posted by jsb_hburg
I have Firmware 6.04 and a Sammy 50" DLP. In the service menu for the Moto 5100, I had to reset TV Type to 16X9, Resolution to 720p and Override to Off.

Also, cycle thru the aspect button on the Sammy remote while in DVI and make sure the setting is Wide(TV). Otherwise, Wide(PC) will yield the black "matte" outlining the picture.

Hope this helps.

My 5100 now shows 6.04 firmware and the DVI output is working.

However, my firmware still reads 51.22-2002, and the controls over TV Type, resolution and override are not active on the DVI output. They are locked out at 4:3, 480P and 480i.

The 6.04 update has occured in the last 2 days, so I assume the update process of my 5100 is not complete and will continue.

My brief obsrvation...

... significant contrast and color shift from component will require some RGB contrast & brightness adjustments on my DLP.
... artifacts on pans and moving elements in the image.

RJ
Comcast - Wilmington, DE

Originally posted by Bytehoven
My 5100 now shows 6.04 firmware and the DVI output is working.

However, my firmware still reads 51.22-2002, and the controls over TV Type, resolution and override are not active on the DVI output. They are locked out at 4:3, 480P and 480i.

The 6.04 update has occured in the last 2 days, so I assume the update process of my 5100 is not complete and will continue.

My brief obsrvation...

... significant contrast and color shift from component will require some RGB contrast & brightness adjustments on my DLP.
... artifacts on pans and moving elements in the image.

RJ
Comcast - Wilmington, DE

I still have 51.22-2002 as the S/W and now 6.04 as the firmware. I had to go into the service menu on the Moto 5100 to adjust TV Type, etc. by cycling through the choices with the left navigational button on the remote. I assume you have done this since you say it is locked.

Service menu ---> power off and then immediately press the menu button on remote or box.

Good luck...

Originally posted by jsb_hburg
I still have 51.22-2002 as the S/W and now 6.04 as the firmware. I had to go into the service menu on the Moto 5100 to adjust TV Type, etc. by cycling through the choices with the left navigational button on the remote. I assume you have done this since you say it is locked.

Service menu ---> power off and then immediately press the menu button on remote or box.

Good luck...

Opps, my bad. I was pressing <power off> then <OK/Select> button and just getting to the box info menus.

<red face>

I now have 16:9 and 1080i enabled. Much better.

;-)

Originally posted by Bytehoven
Opps, my bad. I was pressing <power off> then <OK/Select> button and just getting to the box info menus.

<red face>

I now have 16:9 and 1080i enabled. Much better.

;-)

That should work, too. Just pick the line that says user settings, which is the same menu that you can get to by pressing menu after power off.

Originally posted by DDisney
That should work, too. Just pick the line that says user settings, which is the same menu that you can get to by pressing menu after power off.

power off -> menu ... works for me.
power off -> OK/select ... lets me see the menu with current user settings but not change them.

Originally posted by jasonsirota
You should look in your TV's manual, you might need a DVI-D cable (Sony TV's need DVI-D cables). DVI-I cables (which most computers have) have an extra little cross-hair that won't fit in the DVI-D slots on TV's. You can find plenty of information on the web as to the difference. I PM'd you a suggestion on store and price.

Any chance I can get a PM too? I have a Sony so I guess I'll need the DVI-D.

I looked online at Circuit City and Best Buy but they only have Monster DVI-D (for $100 or $200). And I didn't see anything on Radio Shack's site. I'd prefer an actual store so I can run out and grab it on Saturday morning but I'll go online if it will save some big bucks.

Thanks!

Just find a local electronic supply or PC parts store in your area. Try to get one with ferrite cores on each end if possible.

Originally posted by rollerfink
Any chance I can get a PM too? I have a Sony so I guess I'll need the DVI-D.

I looked online at Circuit City and Best Buy but they only have Monster DVI-D (for $100 or $200). And I didn't see anything on Radio Shack's site. I'd prefer an actual store so I can run out and grab it on Saturday morning but I'll go online if it will save some big bucks.

Thanks!

You may want to check out Pacific Cable. I have personally not used them (yet) but have heard good things about them through other forums. You can find them here pacificcable.com/DVI.htm .

They have good guide on the different cable types at the bottom of the page.

Jeff

since people are posting companies, I got all my dvi cables (3 in total) from cablewholesale.com. They had great customer service, the cables are good quality and they have all the flavors and lengths you might need.

Jason

Thanks guys. I went ahead and orderd mine from cablewholesale.com.

I got the 3 meter wire just to be safe. It probably won't be here for a few days but I'll post my results when I hook it up.

Originally posted by Jyvvin
If you go in and change your pic size for the HD material it will fill the screen fully. I have the same tv and I had the opposite problem. On analog material i had a gap and i changed the aspect mode within the tv and it fixed the problem.

Thanks for the info. At your suggestion I gave it another try. For some reason it came up fine. I then tried changing aspect ratio via the remote and got a really screwed up picture. It looked as though I only had every other line. I had to change the input from DVI and back to DVI to get it to work correctly. I then went into the menu and saw that the aspect ratio was set to [wide tv] and greyed out.

Initially the PQ of SDTV was not very good but I found that if I changed the 4:3 overrive to 480I from 480P the PQ improved.

Now I do not have to switch between COMPONENT to ANTENNA.

Thank you one and all, Gene.

a little off topic but I have a 50" grand wega as of last week and just got comcast hd dig cable two days ago. I seem to be getting my hd channels ok but i cannot find cbs or abc...are these not available in CT through comcast?

btw i did get the motorola box and found all the info in this thread extremely useful. Thx for all the information to all...havent tried dvi cable yet but am expecting to do so soon.

Originally posted by jamesdouglas
a little off topic but I have a 50" grand wega as of last week and just got comcast hd dig cable two days ago. I seem to be getting my hd channels ok but i cannot find cbs or abc...are these not available in CT through comcast?


Try:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=315169&highlight=ct

I had firmware 6.04 with dvi on my 5100 and i go to watch something tonight and its back to 5.03. And no dvi as well. They give us a little taste of the dvi connection and then its gone. That's not cool. Would there be any reason to do that unless they were testing the firmware? I wouldn't think they would revert the old firmware back out unless they thought there was a problem with it. Hopefully there aren't any issues that we haven't heard. Hope its just me and not all of you 6.04 upgrades

Man, talk about regression. Comcast giveth DVI and taketh away?

This shows that they are sending out the new firmwares in preparation for the 6208, including beta testing, and that DVI activation was a nice side effect but not yet something to count on.

Maybe there was a problem with the 6.04. Strange.

But you may turn on your machine tomorrow and it will be back. Or you will have 6.05 or 7.01. (I just made those numbers up.)

this might sound stupid but, i looked at the pic of the motorola 5100 and i dont see the dvi input

Originally posted by Jyvvin
I had firmware 6.04 with dvi on my 5100 and i go to watch something tonight and its back to 5.03. And no dvi as well. They give us a little taste of the dvi connection and then its gone. That's not cool. Would there be any reason to do that unless they were testing the firmware? I wouldn't think they would revert the old firmware back out unless they thought there was a problem with it. Hopefully there aren't any issues that we haven't heard. Hope its just me and not all of you 6.04 upgrades

One reason might be, I noticed the HDCP was not active. They may have had to revert until the HDCP is turned on at the same time.

RJ
...

Originally posted by bobwsx
this might sound stupid but, i looked at the pic of the motorola 5100 and i dont see the dvi input

You are right it is not in the picture, but it is on the box. Must be an old picture.

Originally posted by Jyvvin
I had firmware 6.04 with dvi on my 5100 and i go to watch something tonight and its back to 5.03. And no dvi as well. They give us a little taste of the dvi connection and then its gone. That's not cool. Would there be any reason to do that unless they were testing the firmware? I wouldn't think they would revert the old firmware back out unless they thought there was a problem with it. Hopefully there aren't any issues that we haven't heard. Hope its just me and not all of you 6.04 upgrades

At least in the Comcast-Harrisburg system, there is a problem with DVI in terms of PQ. In moderately fast to fast moving scenes, there is more than just a tear of pixellation but a mosaic of pixellation across almost the entire screen. This does not bode well for sports. Talking head-like content could improve as well. The degree of severity varies by channel. So far, PBS-HD is the worst.

Thanks for everyone's postings on the Comcast Motorola DVI activation & fall back.

Unfortunately, my Samsung 210T LCD monitor has DVI input but not HDCP on the connector.

I noticed the post regarding the fall back to v 5.x because HDCP was not active. Does anyone know the Motorola default if the DVI cable is plugged into a non-HDCP device? At least some Sony satellite receivers shut down the signal completely. The new Samsung DVD player with progressive out also shuts down the signal completely.

I thought there would be a copy protection flag in the program transmission that would only shut down PPV & certain premium station content.

Has anyone found a workaround for a non-HDCP compliant display device? I am NOT interested in piracy, just viewing HD program content.

I tried a component to a Key Digital transcoder to VGA input & I can only get it to work at 480p with a significant purple color cast.

Thanks in advance for your time.

Comcast-Harrisburg still has DVI and 6.04 firmware. I tempted fate and unplugged the STB. I saw the "dl" on the STB display; afterwards, I confirmed that 6.04 is still loaded.

BTW, the NFL football game on CBS looks great. DVI PQ issues probably vary by channel probably due to a localized problem. Toggling back and forth between DVI and Component, I notice that the picture is zoomed via Component by as much as an half inch on all four sides as seen on a 50" DLP. Also, the PQ is much more crisp via DVI.

Try DVI if you have 6.04 firmware.

Joe - just as an FYI the difference you are seeing between DVI and component is the overscan of your DLP in action, as opposed to something the 5100 is doing itself.

Originally posted by lovingdvd
Joe - just as an FYI the difference you are seeing between DVI and component is the overscan of your DLP in action, as opposed to something the 5100 is doing itself.

Exactly...

My HT1000 has a 0%, 5% and 10% overscan menu option. With a DVI source the projector tunrs off the 0% overscan option, and lets me choose between 5% & 10%.

Not sure if it's a limitation of the scaling/mapping capability or a standard within the DVI protocol.

This weekend I purchased an M500DVI Monster Cable (2 meters) at Tweeter for $130.00. I was purchasing an LCD TV for my kitchen so they gave me a break off the $149 price. Even at $130, however, I have a little buyer's remorse. I was hopping that the analog channels on the 5100 would look a lot better through DVI. I did not notice a huge improvement and I am wondering if I wasted money. Also the HD content (FYI I use Comcast) seemed noticeably darker on my Toshiba 42HDX82. How much should I expect to spend for a DVI cable. And is the darker picture a function of my TV settings or is this a DVI/5100 issue?

Andy