I just ordered a DVI 2 meter cable from www.pacificcable.com for $18 ($26 with 2 day shipping).

I haven't received it yet (should get it today!), so I can't comment on the quality yet. I would return that EXTREMELY expensive Monster cable and tell them to shove it.

If you want to stick to the really high quality DVI cables, you can also try www.bettercables.com. They're certainly not cheap, but they are quite a bit less that the way overpriced Monster stuff. I haven't used BetterCables' DVI cable, but their interconnects and speaker cables are very high quality (I have several). Unfortunately, their prices have gone up a lot since I last purchased anything from them.

Personally, I have a hard time going too crazy with a digital cable. Analog stuff, maybe within reason, but computers make due with some pretty low quality stuff and all the bits get from point A to point B intact. To each his own.

I posted earlier in this forum, you can buy a good quality dvi cable from cablewholesale.com for $18. Do everything you can to return that $130 cable, IMO.

Jason

Oh snap!

I just got my DVI wire and hooked it up and what? No picture. The sound was coming in through the audio cables.

Hmmm.

So I check the menu and oh no, my 6.04 firmware is GONE!!!

I'm back to firmware 00 and software 50.00-1078 in the setup menu and Bootloader 2.16 and firmware 2.50 in the diagnostics menu.

Hopefully this is just a temporary reversion and they'll send the updated firmware again.

Originally posted by rollerfink
Oh snap!

I just got my DVI wire and hooked it up and what? No picture. The sound was coming in through the audio cables.

Hmmm.

So I check the menu and oh no, my 6.04 firmware is GONE!!!


Man that hurts. What a tease.

Originally posted by rollerfink
Oh snap!

I just got my DVI wire and hooked it up and what? No picture. The sound was coming in through the audio cables.

Hmmm.

So I check the menu and oh no, my 6.04 firmware is GONE!!!

I'm back to firmware 00 and software 50.00-1078 in the setup menu and Bootloader 2.16 and firmware 2.50 in the diagnostics menu.

Hopefully this is just a temporary reversion and they'll send the updated firmware again.

Same here! I checked this past weekend, and it still had the DVI settings in the setup. Now I get my cable from Fedex today and its gone! GRRRRR! :mad:

dfedders, please add your location so where know where "here" is....

Originally posted by godavego
Personally, I have a hard time going too crazy with a digital cable. Analog stuff, maybe within reason, but computers make due with some pretty low quality stuff and all the bits get from point A to point B intact. To each his own.

That's always been my thought too. With digital, either the signal gets there or it doesn't, right? If a cheap dvi cable gets all the data from point a to point b, it's just as good as an expensive cable, isn't it?

Originally posted by CKarras
dfedders, please add your location so where know where "here" is....

Sorry. Metro Detroit.

The DCT5100 software upgrade to 6.04 has indeed actviated the DVI port.
It is working great for me in Rosevliie Minnesota.

I have the 6.04 firmware upgrade in suburban Philly. DVI works great, even though the Comcast tech who came out told me not to bother hooking it up, it was not activated. I wish I'd hooked it up while he was there just to see the look on his face.

They must be rolling this out country wide. I just got 6.04 in the Cleveland West area, but my 5100 is an early model with no DVI output jack. I'll have to exchange it in order to use it with my Toshiba 65.

Ben Music:)

My RCN 5100 and TV Guide firmware, after using the GUIDE button, always reverts back to listing the first 7 channels instead of the current channel (and adjacent 6) the next time GUIDE is pressed.

Just a quirk of RCN's TV Guide system, perhaps a setting, or related to firmware version? Thanks. -- John

It is similar on my DCT5100. Sometimes it holds the channel, sometimes it doesn't. It is almost as if the hd channels are not held and the rest are.

John,

That happens to me too; I've got the 5100 on Comcast. I noticed that if make a selection while viewing the guide (that is, change the channel through the guide), the next time I bring up the guide it will display starting with the channel I selected, but only if not much time has passed since I made the selection. (I never experimented to see how long that period is.)

Motorola 6208 DVR estimated ready for launch Q1 '04 or so
30+ hrs recording ana/dig chnls
7+ hrs for HD chnls

Supposedly no extra chrg for the box, but monthly fee of $10 for DVR services.

They stuck small blurb up on comcast.com

I checked comcasts website here in Central New Jersey (typed my zipcode) and they indicated that we would be getting HD DVR mid 2004. I'm hoping its the 6408 with the dual tuners and not the 6208.

DVI is gone for now on Comcast-Harrisburg. I suppose there are some issues to iron out. I had to use the Moto 5100 display to get picture back on the DLP. Oh well, I'm sure it's coming back.

Just when finally I swapped 5100 for one with DVI port, 6.04 is gone also in Comcast-Union NJ area, back to 5.03. Strange thing is that only component output is active - there is neither S-video nor composite now.

FWIW, ComCast will be releasing new 5100 STB's w/DVI in Montgomery County, MD, in January. Current boces have the DVI connector blocked out.

-Preston

I have a few questions for the group. First the background: I have the 5100 which I use with a Toshiba 42HDX82 (16:9 HDTV) in the livingroom. I am remodeling my kitchen and I purchased a Sharp LC-13S2U-S. This is a 13 inch LCD 4:3 EDTV which I will mount under a cabinet with a flip down bracket. I plan to get the 6208 when it becomes available. I do not plan to put a cable box in my kitchen because it just won’t fit / look good (i.e., the wife says no.) I am considering running either S-Video or Component cables from the existing 5100 (or in the future 6208) in addition to a standard coaxil from the poll (i.e., not from the 5100).

My questions are:

- If the 5100 (6208 etc.) is set to 16:9 will display on my LCD 4:3 TV;

- Does it matter that the LCD is EDTV while the main TV is HDTV?;

- Is it worth running S-Video or Component from the 5100 to the LCD;

- Does it matter that I would need to run about 50 feet of cable (they are only really twenty feet away, but in order to effectively hide the cables I will have to go down to the basement and up to the wall -- so I think a reasonable estimate is 50 feet.

Andy

Honestly I think the TV aspect settings on the 5100/6200/6208/6408 affect only the SD outputs of the box and not the component, I could be wrong though.

asutor, the following is just my opinion on what I would do given your circumstances...

Since EDTV is 480p (progressive scan), the only way to make use of that resolution is thru component cables. That pretty much rules out any reason to use svideo, unless their are stations that you need to send from the cable box - in which case I would run coax instead of the svideo. Since you are only talking about a 13" tv, I'm not sure that you will see much difference between the svideo and coax. As far as running 50 foot of component cable goes, its going to cost you a fortune and their may be signal loss at that distance (any electrical engineers with an opinion on signal loss?). Also, what are you going to do, split the 3 component cables into 6 after they leave the 5100? In addition, your 5100 is set to 1080i output for your toshiba. Does your new 13" downres the signal to 480i or 480p when you send it a 1080i signal? I would doubt it, but it may. If you conquer all of those issues, you still have the 4:3 issue. Since your toshiba is widescreen, you won't want to modify any of the 5100 settings. So, your 13" 4:3 will be sent a "letterboxed" looking image for HD material. In which case you'll probably use some type of "expand" function on the 13". So, in the end, if you get everything working with component cables, you'll be watching hd material that is downresed to 480p and then "expanded" to fit the screen.

For me, I would never do it. Its just not worth it. I would simply run the coax from the poll to the tv. Your tv probably has a linedoubler in it which will boost the raw 480i cable signal to 480p. If I felt like I was missing something that I needed on the cable channels higher than 100, I would run a second coax cable from the 5100 box.

JMHO

i called comcast about a bill, then asked them about the replacement to the 5100. they expect late december for it to be available. also, i have firmware 5.03, but on the back of the box, i do not have a dvi port, it is blocked off. how does that work?

Originally posted by joshua_msu
i called comcast about a bill, then asked them about the replacement to the 5100. they expect late december for it to be available. also, i have firmware 5.03, but on the back of the box, i do not have a dvi port, it is blocked off. how does that work?

You need to swap your box with one that has the DVI port. Swapping should not be a problem.

Originally posted by jsb_hburg
You need to swap your box with one that has the DVI port. Swapping should not be a problem.

Comcast swapped out my box about a month ago. There was a $19 service call fee, but no charge for the box.

However, add me to the list of folks who have had the DVI port activated and then tuned back off. My DVI port worked last night, but tonight it's off. My firmware has been reset to 5.03.

It was fun while it lasted.

;-)

Well, it happened to me too in central NJ. No DVI as last night. Has anyone had their DVI support returned after a suspension of support?

Thanks, Gene

Nope....

yah my dvi dissapeared. (NJ)

o well i liked it alot :(

And mine went away just when my 3m DVI cable arrived.

Miatasm : Is DVI still a go for December 1 AFAYK?

No specific date has been set for its re-release, but I've here rumors that it could be in early December, possibly...

Why would they do this? If DVI worked, which it did, why disable it?

Four letters...HDCP:mad:!!!

Okay, I've read quite a bit of this thread, but 100 pages is a bit much. So I apologize if this issue has come up before. I have the 5100 stb connected to my 42in Panasonic plasma via component cables. There is a faint vertical line visible in certain darker scenes particularly when the scene is panning. It is more noticeable with HD broadcasts. I have eliminated everything but the stb as a potential source of the problem. Last Fri. Comcast replaced my stb and the problem is still there. The service tech called in to the local "5100 Guru" who said that the line is "normal." Has anybody out there experienced this?

You mean the line on the right edge of the picture? I have that, it's very annoying. It might be normal for the box, but it's unacceptable.

I have never experienced a vertical line. That doesn't sound normal to me.

Davefi,
My line is dead center from top to bottom of screen. The line is visible on whatever input my stb is hooked up to. In fact, the stb doesn't even have to be turned on! If I turn the 5100 off and crank up the brightness on the blank screen, the line is visible. If I disconnect the cables it disappears. I have tested different cables and used different component inputs on my plasma. The line follows my cable box wherever and however it is connected.

ever think that sometimes techs just say things are normal to avoid doing anything about them?

Oh that gigantic elephant lodged in your cable box? That's normal.. we get a few complaints but most people just feed them peanuts...

Jason

Don't feel bad, you're not the only one:mad: I'm a Greater Seattle Area Comcast Customer (aka. Comcast's Red Headed Step Customers) too:mad: Most of them don't know anything, aren't willing and/or allowed to fix anything. The usual excuses are: (1) Everything is normal, (2) The upgrade/rebuild comes first, and you'll have to wait, (3) I don't know, I'll research the matter and call you back ... nobody calls back:mad:

Example: Software/Firmware Updates are behind other Comcast markets:mad:

Btw: My Hitachi 42" Plasma Screen doesn't have that line.

Originally posted by mimler
Davefi,
My line is dead center from top to bottom of screen. The line is visible on whatever input my stb is hooked up to. In fact, the stb doesn't even have to be turned on! If I turn the 5100 off and crank up the brightness on the blank screen, the line is visible. If I disconnect the cables it disappears. I have tested different cables and used different component inputs on my plasma. The line follows my cable box wherever and however it is connected.

My elephant was just de-activated!

And I just got the Fed-Ex package filled with extra-salty peanuts. Oh well.

You got an elephant:confused:!!! All I got here in Lancaster, PA was a lousy Rhino, and his horns are tearing up my other HT gear:mad:!!!

Originally posted by mimler
Davefi,
My line is dead center from top to bottom of screen. The line is visible on whatever input my stb is hooked up to. In fact, the stb doesn't even have to be turned on! If I turn the 5100 off and crank up the brightness on the blank screen, the line is visible. If I disconnect the cables it disappears. I have tested different cables and used different component inputs on my plasma. The line follows my cable box wherever and however it is connected.

Is it a line or just a slight change in brightness across a vertical boundary? I have noticed the latter before on SD channels before.

rung,

I guess that you could describe it as a "slight change in brightness" - a thin darker line. The displayed image is visible "behind" the shadow. As I said, it is only visible under certain circumstances. Mostly HD content and darker images. I've seen it with SD content but it's much harder to notice.

Today's topic during lunch was:

What could that mystery vertical line in the middle of a plasma screen be?

Here were a few guesses:
1) Pixels located where the SPLIT SCREENS meet are dying and/or weird burn in.

2) The DCT5100 is creating the line for some odd reason, and a future Software/Firmware update will fix the issue.

3) Comcast Tech(s) mess'n with you.

4) Clean your eye glasses.

5) You said that the line doesn't appear when not connected to the DCT5100 = Don't connect to the DCT5100!

I hardly ever use split screen.

1) If it were a pixel or burn-in issue it would be visible on any source input.
2) This is my thought, but am I alone? That seems odd. I'll wait for the new HD stb's.
3) It's a conspiracy (2 diff 5100's same prob) and that evil Comcast tech is in on it!
4) I wear contacts
5) I'm too lazy to fudge with satellite or OTA, so I'm stuck with the 5100.

Ya know, maybe we oughta just move on to another topic :)

Ground loop? Test it by disconnecting all audio cables (unless they are optical) and all video cables except the components (DVI too!). Make sure everything is plugged in at one spot.

EMI? Try moving the physical location of the 5100.

Originally posted by mikeewing
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

in Ewing Twp, NJ...

Hallelujah! After a few more visits, Comcast checked their connection past my pole and HD is now coming in nice and clear.

INHD channels still sputter once or twice an hour, but I feel a little vindicated because we had tested every connection in the house, and all were strong except for those "uncorrectable errors".

Now, if we can just get the Moto 6208 and DVI, along with CBS, WB and UPN...

My moto 5100 is doing a download right now.

Cross your fingers.

The little screen is alternating between FR 2, dl, hunt, and ER602. And the box keeps turning itself on and off.

Hopefully I'll get the DVI back -- or maybe INHD1 and 2 will be added at long last. Do they add channels during downloads?

I'll post an update if it ever finishes.

***edited because it's ER602 not ER06

How long do these downloads take. It's been going for at least an hour. Maybe this isn't even a download.

Okay, now I think something must be wrong. It's been going for at least 3 hours. Should I call comcast or do downloads really take this long?

Well after over 4 hours of doing something it finally stopped. But my firmware is still the same, no DVI, and no new channels. No clue what it actually did.

Originally posted by mikeewing
in Ewing Twp, NJ...

Hallelujah! After a few more visits, Comcast checked their connection past my pole and HD is now coming in nice and clear.

INHD channels still sputter once or twice an hour, but I feel a little vindicated because we had tested every connection in the house, and all were strong except for those "uncorrectable errors".

Now, if we can just get the Moto 6208 and DVI, along with CBS, WB and UPN...


Just to let you guys know, I emailed Comcast to ask about the other stations and 6208, and this was the response:

Thank you for contacting Comcast Cable regarding the HDTV channels.

As Comcast receives CBS, UPN, and WB in the High Definition frequency we
will be passing that on to you, our customer.

And also the same for the 6208, we do not have a definite date, but we
will keep you updated.

Thank you again for your e-mail. We appreciate you taking the time to
contact us.

Hmm, that's weird. It just did another download -- this time only for about 5-10 minutes.

It upgraded me from firmware 2.50 to firmware 5.03.

Still no DVI or new channels though.

Originally posted by rollerfink
Hmm, that's weird. It just did another download -- this time only for about 5-10 minutes.

It upgraded me from firmware 2.50 to firmware 5.03.

Still no DVI or new channels though.

There must have been a download because my settings changed. I remember a posting earlier that said that the settings can change when there is a software update. I lost all channels except the HD channels. I got a "signal not supported"message. Sure enough, when I went into the service menu, I found that the analog converter somehow got switched to 480i. I switched it to "off" and everything started to work fine. I don't know if it is my imagination or not, but the analog channels seemed clearer after the download.

That happened to me last week, the 480p override got turned off somehow... don't see anything different on the 5100...

Everyone is clamoring for the DVI, and I agree, but I'd also like to be able to use the built-in cable modem, and not have to pay for 2 device rentals or keep 2 on my rack when there's no real reason to.

Originally posted by lmychajluk
pay for 2 device rentals or keep 2 on my rack when there's no real reason to.

FYI...
I've been seeing cable modems for $0 after rebate lately.

Anyone had problems with getting those two channels? I have Adelphia Cable in LA, and they installed the 5100 a week ago.

The PBS HD channel comes in fine (looks terrific, but needs more content). The two network HD channels come in (look pretty crappy for HD). But HBO and Showtime just give me a message that they are "Subscriber Services - Press "OK" to get subscription information."

The installers couldn't get it to work. They had the local office reset the unit a couple of times, and still no HD out of those two premium channels.

I've asked them to bring out a replacement box. Anyone had such a problem where you can't receive the HBO or Showtime HD channels?

Originally posted by HD Rookie
FYI...
I've been seeing cable modems for $0 after rebate lately.

Thanks, but thats half the issue. I want to get the modem and a couple of wires off the rack. If there's one in the STB, why do I need a seperate device at all?

When I got my HD Comcast box it took 1-2 hours to download everything.
The installer walked away and left.

No HBO or SHO HD for the first couple of minutes (hour).

Try unplugging your box (just power) before bedtime for 15-60 minutes. Then plug it in and leave it off overnight. See if the firmware gets upgraded in the morning with a new TV guide. All channels should work.

Firmware 5.03 is very new but no DVI. 6.0x enables DVI. 00 will work too
but not as new (poorer PQ for SD channels).

Comcast has to have the ID or address of your box in their computes to enable subscription channels. (addressable boxes). I think the address is in the setup menu. Call can confirm that your box matches the address in their computer.

See the Moto 5100 manual online for the DL codes on the LED display.

Regarding the 6.04 firmware and DVI, someone who deals a lot with Motorola and their cable boxes had this information to share:

"The 6.04 firmware that some of y'all saw as being activated on your set-top was part of a larger build Moto called 12.15. TRC was unaware that a DVI code was included in this build which is why some of you that contacted Moto reps stated that they knew nothing about it...it wasn't supposed to be there. It's my understanding that 6.04 was basically a huge failure due to the fact that you would lose video out capabilities at random. I know that they are still shooting for a Dec. 1st solution but now it doesn't sound quite as firm..."ummm, maybe by the beginning of next year." Sorry guys, the waiting continues."

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Regarding the 6.04 firmware and DVI, someone who deals a lot with Motorola and their cable boxes had this information to share:

"The 6.04 firmware that some of y'all saw as being activated on your set-top was part of a larger build Moto called 12.15. TRC was unaware that a DVI code was included in this build which is why some of you that contacted Moto reps stated that they knew nothing about it...it wasn't supposed to be there. It's my understanding that 6.04 was basically a huge failure due to the fact that you would lose video out capabilities at random. I know that they are still shooting for a Dec. 1st solution but now it doesn't sound quite as firm..."ummm, maybe by the beginning of next year." Sorry guys, the waiting continues."

Damn.

BTW (OT warning) I emailed the CEO of Comcast and got this response:

I am a Comcast HDTV subscriber in Fresno, California. While I enjoy the
limited HD content available here (7 channels) I would be very much
interested in when Comcast is planning to add additional HD channels. I
would especially be interested in CBS, Discovery, HDnet and PBS.
______________________

We are working on getting more channels. There is no concrete timetable but
we are in active discussions.

what's the ceo of comcast's email address. I have some words for him.

:)

Just wanted to let the Washingtonians know you should have firmware 51.42 2002 bootloader 5.03 now if not its probably coming shortly in your area.

Jeremy

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
Just wanted to let the Washingtonians know you should have firmware 51.42 2002 bootloader 5.03 now if not its probably coming shortly in your area.

Jeremy

What changes will that bring?

VOD capability, some fixes for analog PQ through component, and the beginnings of preperation for DVR.

Originally posted by mikeewing
in Ewing Twp, NJ...

Hallelujah! After a few more visits, Comcast checked their connection past my pole and HD is now coming in nice and clear.

INHD channels still sputter once or twice an hour, but I feel a little vindicated because we had tested every connection in the house, and all were strong except for those "uncorrectable errors".

Now, if we can just get the Moto 6208 and DVI, along with CBS, WB and UPN...

HELP!!!

Since yesterday morning (Sat 11/22) I have not had any HDTV channels available and my regular analog channels are not as clear as they used to be.

Is anyone else in the area experiencing a HDTV problem???

frequent pixellaton and drop outs but the analogs come in their usual non-splendor

anyone have firmware 6.04 at all?

As was stated before 6.04 was a big failure and they pulled it off all the box's. The DVI connector was not even supposed to be active with 6.04, If you're wanting DVI I'd start looking at it being activated starting around mid to late December and going from there depending on the area you live in.

Originally posted by jasonsirota
what's the ceo of comcast's email address. I have some words for him.

:)

Steve_Burke@cable.comcast.com

jeremy

seems I get dropouts and pixellation even with component; were the DVI video dropouts the same? No one here so far posted the failure of DVI, apart from the sonomasearcher, in greater frequency than component.

It should not matter if the you were using DVI, Component, or even RF to view the channels. Pixelation or "microblocking" is the digital data not being processed correctly by the box, mostly errors in the data stream.

I could possibly see pixelation on the DVI and not the component if there were a problem with the box itself, the DVI cable, or the TV, but not the other way around because that "blocking" is a part of the digital stream. If you are seeing blocking using Component then it is happening BEFORE the picture is converted to analog and sent out on the Component wires. Meaning its mostly cable signal related. Or in rare cases a bad box.

How do I swap my 5100, which has no DVI port, for one with a DVI port? I called my local office in Ewing NJ and they have no clue.

My experience in getting a 2000 with s-video and s/pdif audio from Comcast to replace the one I had without may be instructive. I called the CSRs at frequent intervals until I got one who gave me the number of someone in "the warehouse." That person had a clue and told me he had a few. I drove out to the warehouse with my 2000 and made the swap. Later I needed a replacement for the box (chances are that it was back in the warehouse from the field for a problem no one fixed!). It took three visits by the techs before a supervisor actually sent someone with the right box. The second guy out tried to knock out the blanks where the connections would have been had they been installed. His supervisor told him the electronics were there, just not visible. It helps to retain a sense of humor and be patient. Good luck!

mitasm:

I have a question after reading the FAQ since my Comcast HDTV upgrade install is due next Wednesday - December 3, 2003.... I have a Pioneer 43" PDP4330HD Plasma Display which is 1024x768p native. I know for the TV Type, it should be set to 16:9 – For TV’s that are Widescreen. But how should I set the Y/Pb/Pr Output? Would I be better off setting it to 1080i or 720p since 1080i is similar to 540p so wouldn't 720p be something like 1440i? I just wished there was a native mode as my Plasma will convert everything to 768p anyways. Also, for the 480 Override, is it better to have it on 480i/480p or simply off so that it will use the 720P/1080i previously selected? Something tells me 480i is the native resoltion so that it'll use the scaler in my Plasma instead. The other thing is will the RF output of the box actually display any video when it's on a HD channel? Thanks!

Originally posted by Almighty1
mitasm:

But how should I set the Y/Pb/Pr Output? Would I be better off setting it to 1080i or 720p since 1080i is similar to 540p so wouldn't 720p be something like 1440i?

Try both. It's easy to change. 1080i might look better anyway. It does on my projector and it's 800p max.

Originally posted by Almighty1
will the RF output of the box actually display any video when it's on a HD channel?

Yes, at least mine does. But the box-generated guide/info graphics are not visible out of the composite (RF) output when it's set for an HD output and tuned to an HD channel.

Originally posted by Almighty1
mitasm:

I have a question after reading the FAQ since my Comcast HDTV upgrade install is due next Wednesday - December 3, 2003.... I have a Pioneer 43" PDP4330HD Plasma Display which is 1024x768p native. I know for the TV Type, it should be set to 16:9 – For TV’s that are Widescreen. But how should I set the Y/Pb/Pr Output? Would I be better off setting it to 1080i or 720p since 1080i is similar to 540p so wouldn't 720p be something like 1440i? I just wished there was a native mode as my Plasma will convert everything to 768p anyways. Also, for the 480 Override, is it better to have it on 480i/480p or simply off so that it will use the 720P/1080i previously selected? Something tells me 480i is the native resoltion so that it'll use the scaler in my Plasma instead. The other thing is will the RF output of the box actually display any video when it's on a HD channel? Thanks!

Short answer - Try Both. Long Answer:

You want to have the least amount of conversions possible. Meaning that your display is capable of displaying 720p Natively with little or NO scaling of the signal. So lets say you have the DCT5100 set to 1080i on the YPbPr. And you are watching ESPN, which broadcasts 720p.

The signal comes into your 5100 as 720p
The 5100 then scales the 720p to 1080i
Then your display takes the 1080i signal and then scales it back to 720p

Thats just way too many changes and conversions in the signal. This can cause picture distortions, ect.

The best case would be that Motorola activates a "native" mode, which will automatically switch the YPbPr output to which ever signal is coming in from the broadcaster.

So in the end setting the box to 720p makes it so that worst case scenerio is that the signal is one scaled one time at the most. Your best bet would be to watch both settings for long periods of time and see which looks better. So, back to the short answer.

540p is what your TV does to scale down 1080i so your TV can display it. Its not actually the same as 1080i. Using that info 720p is also not the same as 1440i......

If you set the 480 override to 480i....yes it is its native resolution, so only your TV has to scale the signal. If you turn it to OFF it will display all of the signals in the format you chose for YPbPr. Which will have bars on the sides which could cause burn-in on your plasma.

The RF output does show video on all of the channels even the HD (it will be letterboxed) if the override is set to 480i then you will see the EPG on all channels EXCEPT the HD's, if set to 480p you will NOT see the EPG on any channels.......

The FAQ has most of this info.....but I'm in a good mood so I figured I would answer here.......This Doesn't Happen Often..... :D

miatasm:

Yeah, saw it in the later section of the FAQ. I guess my display is 768P and not 720P so it's like I'm between 720P and 1080i. I guess the native mode is what we hope for. I was looking at the FAQ just now but what does EPG acronym stand for since that one isn't defined.

Electronic Programmin Guide.......Even though your display is not exactly 720p it still has to do less scaling or "thinking" to produce the 720p image......which helps at least a little bit..........

miatasm:

Thanks. What exactly is the EPG - Electronic Programming Guide though? Is it basically the TV Guide, menu, info thing on the screen? You're right that my display isn't exactly 720P because even though it's 768 vertical which exceeds 720P, the horizontal is 1024 on this 43" Pioneer Plasma instead of the 1280 like on the 50" model which is full 720P. Speaking about the HD modes, is the Motorola DCT5100 capable of showing what mode a HD channel is broadcasting in?

Also, a question on the RF Return. On the DCT2000 (DCT2244/ABCDEFG) which has both the StarVue II RF Return as well as a telco return option. I remember before this monday when the network was rebuilt on Comcast (former AT&T/TCI/Viacom) area, the setup menu configuration shows the return path as Telco, now it shows up as RF Return after the new network is launched. However, on the DCT 2000 Diagnostics screen - 09 Upstream Modem shows the following:

STARVUE II DIAGNOSTICS

STATUS : -
FREQUENCY : 11.552Mhz
LEVEL : 25
IPPV : ENABLED

LAST POLL REQ : 48
11-25-2003 07:43:11
LAST POLL ACK : 75
11-27-2003 09:26:11

Am I reading this correctly that the RF Return is working even though as I mentioned earlier in this thread, the way my cable box is hooked up is that:

Wall -> Input A on Mitsubitshi HSU-70 SVHS VCR -> Loop-thru -> Motorola DCT2000 -> Input B on Mitsubitshi HSU-70 SVHS VCR -> Pioneer PDP4330HD Plasma Media Receiver? Thanks.

The EPG is the on-screen TV guide. I (personally) wouldn't consider the rest of the menus (setup, messages, PPV options, OnDemand, etc...) as part of the EPG, but others may.

In the last week I've been trying to add a 2nd digital box (the 5100) at home. I have a new HDTV in a bedroom, and a Pioneer Elite HDTV in the den. For some reason, I am only able to get one of the two digital boxes to display the menus and channel names in the guide, although all the channels are displaying properly on both sets. In other words, one of the two boxes works fine while the 2nd doesn't doesn't display the menus. When I press the menu button it says "wait 5 minutes" but hours pass with no change. I tried switching the 2 boxes, and one box works on both sets, and the other box has this problem on both sets. Conclusion was that this must mean the box is at fault - however - I've already swapped it out twice and again the same problem occurs with no menus. It seems as if there is something preventing the menus and program names from downloading to 2 boxes. This is really weird. I called Comcast 3 times. Once, they told me to unplug the "faulty" box and try it again after 5 minutes. Nothing changed. Another time they told me it must be splitters but why would one box work in both locations, and 2 other boxes fail to display the menus and program names in both locations. Are these boxes that problematic???? Any ideas? I have a service call set up for this coming week, but have little faith they will be able to figure it out. I did read the FAQs by Miatasm.

Are the two boxes sharing a line with a splitter? Each splitter lowers your signal by about 3db. Check the signal level in the menu on both boxes and see if it compares. If not, you can try adding an amplifier or a powered splitter.

nhey

I had a similar problem when I added an additional 5100 in my bedroom. I had to replace the old splitter and coax to remedy it.

AZbarber, et al:

Where can I find the signal strength in the menu??

If a digital cable box has all the programming in it's memory including channel numbers etc. and I unplug it, does it keep that information in memory or is it all lost and does it all have to be received again? The reason I ask is because I'd like to take the digital box that is working in the den and receiving all the information including menu info. etc. and unplug it and place it in the bedroom and plug it in. If it receives all the information in the bedroom, then I'd assume that the box that is currently in the bedroom that is not receiving the menus is defective. Correct logic??

I only have one box; about a week ago, that "will be available in about 5 minutes" message started to appear when the MENU button is pressed. I believe that when I first noticed it, the message also appeared when pressing the GUIDE button. After unplugging the box, pressing the GUIDE button brought up the guide, but the MENU button continues to display the message. No problems with the channel names or the flip bar.

I'm not sure, but I think that around the time that the problem started the ON DEMAND selection in the guide was removed.

The software version on my box is 51.00 - 1132, firmware is 00.

Any response to my question above, which was -

AZbarber, et al:

Where can I find the signal strength in the menu??

If a digital cable box has all the programming in it's memory including channel numbers etc. and I unplug it, does it keep that information in memory or is it all lost and does it all have to be received again? The reason I ask is because I'd like to take the digital box that is working in the den and receiving all the information including menu info. etc. and unplug it and place it in the bedroom and plug it in. If it receives all the information in the bedroom, then I'd assume that the box that is currently in the bedroom that is not receiving the menus is defective. Correct logic??

You can't actually see the signal strength for any specific channel....you can only see how much signal the box has to generate to reach the Head-end, but this actually will tell you if the box is responding to the system. It is in the system diagnostics under "upstream modem". There are levels in the "in band status" that can help you. Look in this thread for more info on these numbers, do a search for "in band status" or "AGC" or "correctable error count" in THIS thread only.

A couple question...

1) My projector's native resolution is 720p. When viewing a channel that broadcast in 1080i should I have the STB output 720p and the conversion in it or switch to 1080i and have my projector convert the signal ?

2) In the new england area Bruins and Red Sox games are broadcast in HD, does anyone know what format, 720p or1080i ? What aspect ratio 16:9 or 4:3 ?

Originally posted by dozens
A couple question...

1) My projector's native resolution is 720p. When viewing a channel that broadcast in 1080i should I have the STB output 720p and the conversion in it or switch to 1080i and have my projector convert the signal ?

2) In the new england area Bruins and Red Sox games are broadcast in HD, does anyone know what format, 720p or1080i ? What aspect ratio 16:9 or 4:3 ?

1: Try it both ways and decide which looks better. It's different on every system and for every user.

2: All HDTV is 16:9. The actual resolution will depend on the channel broadcasting the signal and the cameras used for filming.

1st question -- Go Back to page 104 of this thread at the bottom there was a couple of posts that may help you with this question.

Question 2 --- Not positive about the format but I believe its 1080i, unless its ESPN HD then its 720p. The aspect ratio of HD is 16:9 so the game will be in 16:9 if recorded in HD...

Originally posted by dozens
A couple question...

1) My projector's native resolution is 720p. When viewing a channel that broadcast in 1080i should I have the STB output 720p and the conversion in it or switch to 1080i and have my projector convert the signal ?

2) In the new england area Bruins and Red Sox games are broadcast in HD, does anyone know what format, 720p or1080i ? What aspect ratio 16:9 or 4:3 ?

Regarding #1 - This will usually be a close call either way, but assuming you have a higher end display it most likely will look best if you keep the 5100 at 1080i and let the superior processing in your display convert it to 720p. Of course you should try it both ways just to see. And of course for ESPNHD, ABC HD, or any other 720p material switch the 5100 over to 720p FOR SURE!

This is a PITA and hopefully Motorola is listening and will add a native mode so it automatically outputs whatever signal type it receives. Either that or PLEASE Motorola, make it easier to switch between 1080i/720p, as would best be achieved via a discrete IR code!

Miatasm,

I did a search for the terms you suggested but there is nothing that answers my (simple??) question.

If one 5100 works perfectly well in my problematic location (receives all the menus and channel names and programming info.), but a second 5100 put in the same location does not receive the menus and channel names and programming information (but all the channels are received), is there any possible explanation OTHER THAN the second box being defective???

I was merely answering your question about the signal levels.

I will try to help you with your other question. To answer the question as to if the STB retains a memory, it does, but not for the info in the guide and menu. It will retain its boot file, firmware & software. But it can lose this info if the data stream isn't there, this actually might take some time.

How long have you left the "2nd" box in the location of the problematic STB? Just because it works when you initially connect it doesn't nessacerily mean that its defiantely the "other" box. The other box already has the correct boot file from being connected to a properly working cable outlet. If you were to leave that box there for a couple of days and see if the same thing happens.

Have you called the Cable Co. and had them send a signal to the STB & if so did they say that there were any errors, or that it was "not responding"? This could cause problems like the one you are having.

A "non-responding" box is cause by the box not being able to send its information back to the Cable Co. TV loop thru, a VCR, surge protector, splitters or amps not capable of passing signal below 50MHZ, all of this can cause a symptom similar to this......but if all of this is OK it still could be the STB.

Also if your TV pictures are poor, caused by too much signal loss this could cause the same problems.

Try connecting the Problem STB to the outlet that your not having a problem with, then call the Cable Co. & send have them send the "bad" box a signal and see if it starts working.

You see many things can cause this problem, so its not as simple a fix as you might think....

Good Luck

Originally posted by Az Barber

2: All HDTV is 16:9. The actual resolution will depend on the channel broadcasting the signal and the cameras used for filming.

Interesting. My projector (BenQ PE8700) has a through mode which is suppose to be "one-to-one mapping performed on the input signal without and scaling with the displayed at the center of the screen." When I use this mode on the NESN feed I get an image that looks like a 4:3 image with the vertical part appearing to be stretched

Miatasm-

Thanks for your valued input!

Here is more detailed information. I really appreciate your insights.

I did call the cable co. on Friday and they tried to send a signal to the box hooked up to the bedroom location. They did not specifically tell me there was no response, but there was none, in that the clock did not change from 12:00 and nothing has happened regarding the menus or programming info. or channel names for 3 days.

Now that I think of it, when they "send a signal" to the box, if you have 2 boxes hooked up, do both boxes get the same signal??? They did not ask me to identify the box with the problem via serial number or anything like that.

When the cable co. installed this second box in the bedroom last week Wednesday they told me the signal coming into the bedroom was a -2.

I have no idea what that means relative to what a "good" signal should be, but he did say a "good" signal is usually +2. Is this correct???

Last Wednesday, he looked at the splitters outside the house but did not change anything. The main cable line from the street first goes into a 1 into 2 splitter and is split two ways with one line going to my cable modem and the second line going into a 1 into 3 splitter for my 3 tvs that have cable. Both splitters are 1 ghz splitters and look O.K. to me, and don't appear to have any corrosion. Two of the 3 TVs have digital boxes. So, I calculate that the signal loss leaving these 2 splitters are -3.5 + (-3.5) =
-7 for 1 of the 3 TVs, and -3.5 + (-7.5) = -11 for 2 of the 3 Tvs. The first of the 3 lines leaving the 2nd splitter (the one with a loss of -7 goes into my main RPTV in the family room where it is split one more time by a 1 into 2 splitter with one cable going into the RPTV directly with no digital box, and the 2nd going into the RPTV via a fully functional (all the menus work etc.) 5100 box. This setup is needed for an older person in the family who watches this TV and refuses to deal with a cable box to turn the channels. The quality of the picture at this RPTV is generally very good for the direct connection to that TV and excellent for the connection through the 5100 (the HDTV channels are great). The other 2 lines leaving the 2nd outdoor spitter go up to 2 bedroom TVs, one of which has no 5100 box and has an acceptable picture, and the second of which goes to the problematic location where the 5100 box is not getting the menus and channels names. The quality of the picture at this problematic location is fine, and the HDTV channels quality are excellent.

I have a service call set for this week Wednesday. I will ask him to check the signal strength at the problematic location. What is a good strength? I suspect the wiring from the 2nd outdoor splitter running to that bedroom may need to be replaced. If he checks the signal immediately leaving the 2nd outdoor splitter and compares it to the strength at the problematic STB location in the bedroom can that tell him if the wiring between those 2 points is problematic???

Regarding your question about how long I left the good box in the problematic location, it was only an hour or two, and it worked fine with all the menus etc.

Regarding splitters, if I want to install new 2 ghz splitters myself, are there special "outdoor" splitters that I would need to purchase?

the cable co. just brought me my 5100..no dvi port.why is that?is it an old model?

Originally posted by nhey
Miatasm,

I did a search for the terms you suggested but there is nothing that answers my (simple??) question.

If one 5100 works perfectly well in my problematic location (receives all the menus and channel names and programming info.), but a second 5100 put in the same location does not receive the menus and channel names and programming information (but all the channels are received), is there any possible explanation OTHER THAN the second box being defective???

Channel names, programming info, etc, do not appear on non-HD outputs if the Component output is set to 1080i or 720p. One cannot assume that the two boxes arrived with their settings the same. Check the FAQ for more info about the exact limitations.

Originally posted by nhey

Now that I think of it, when they "send a signal" to the box, if you have 2 boxes hooked up, do both boxes get the same signal??? They did not ask me to identify the box with the problem via serial number or anything like that.



I have had them send signals a couple of times in the past and they always ask me to identify the box by serial number. I have one Moto5100 HD box and a regular digital box though.

Just had a Moto5100 installed a week ago or so. The tech was very good and I was happy with the installation. I just bought a Sharp Lcd pannel for my bedroom and would like to use the DVI output. The unit was originally set up for component output and when I hooked into the new Sharp Aquos I was not getting a signal to the TV. Once I tried the component outputs the pic came through. I am assuming that I have go go into the menu on the 5200 and change in to DVI output. Any Ideas on if the video quality is better with DVI as compared to component. I am glad I came across this thread, it appears that my software was recently updated, but now I know how to check.

Maggie Guy: DVI is not active on the Moto 5100 provided by Comcast, rumors have it that it may become active starting sometime in December.

Originally posted by bobwsx
the cable co. just brought me my 5100..no dvi port.why is that?is it an old model?

Yeah, I think you got an older model. You can probably call and get them switched when (or maybe even before) DVI gets enabled.

Guess I can return that 100$ Monster DVI cable to Circut City.
No hassle returns they say!
What about the elephant?
Sorry, but after reading over 100 pages of this thread I could not resist.

Bart145-

My problem (described extensively above) with no menus, or program names, or channel names showing up is seen with the component output of the 5100 hooked into a HD-input on my TV (sony 34xbr-910) with the 5100 set to 1080i output.

nhey,
I had the same problem when the unit was hooked up to a Sony LCD projector. I am not sure if it was fixed by a software download or the new Sharp TV. Anyway everything seems to be working fine for now, both with SD and HD broadcasts.

nhey:
if you're not seeing anything then you have the TV on some other input but the Component in. The 5100 will only render the graphics/menus in 1080i if so set so if you switch to s-video or another SD output of the box none of the graphics/menus will appear.

What about the elephant?


The elephant is working great now, although Comcast isn't passing the full 5.1 scratch 'n sniff effect. What's the point in spending all this cash on the latest olfactory home theater equipment if they're gonna lag on the content delivery side.

Does the RF Bypass on the 5100 work? I went into the menu and turned the RF Bypass on. But when I shut the box off I don't get any signal, just (bizarrely) the audio from the last channel I was tuned to on the box.

Tried finding the answer earlier in this thread, but the replies were a little ambiguous.

Firmware 5.03.

No the 5100 does not come equiped with an RF bypass module hence only haveing one coax cable in one coax cable out on the back.

JeremyRF-

The 5100 is set to output 1080i and the TV is set to an HDTV input. Also, the clock on the front of the 5100 always shows 12:00 so it's not just the on-screen menus, channel names, etc. that aren't displaying.

then it never took a software download.

Originally posted by nhey
JeremyRF-

The 5100 is set to output 1080i and the TV is set to an HDTV input. Also, the clock on the front of the 5100 always shows 12:00 so it's not just the on-screen menus, channel names, etc. that aren't displaying.
nhey:

Not sure I saw you answer Miatasm's question about your hook up. Do you have either surge protector, VCR or non-1ghz splitters in your cable loop? Try to connect an unsplit line directly to the box and have the cableco send a signal and see if that works. Otherwise, its a bad box.

MickeyGee - no, I don't have anything between the cable from the wall and the digital box, but there are 2 splitters between the cable from the street and the "problematic" digital box, a 1 into 2, followed by a 1 into 3, as I explained about 5 to 10 messages above. This whole situation is weird, because if this box is defective it would be the 2nd such box in a week since I already swapped one out last week Friday, after the first was installed in this bedroom last week Wednesday.

Anyone know if the latest firmware does vertical squeeze
in 1080i output to 4:3 TV?

The tv type->4:3 letterbox was never working when outputing
1080i.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
No the 5100 does not come equiped with an RF bypass module hence only haveing one coax cable in one coax cable out on the back.

Does the DCT2000 and the 5100 use the same RF bypass module?

I dont know ufortunately I'd say probably not, I thought about trying it but I'm not about to tear the panel off the back of the 5100 to try and swap it out.

Originally posted by PortAh
Anyone know if the latest firmware does vertical squeeze
in 1080i output to 4:3 TV?

The tv type->4:3 letterbox was never working when outputing
1080i.

No it does not.....

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
I dont know ufortunately I'd say probably not, I thought about trying it but I'm not about to tear the panel off the back of the 5100 to try and swap it out.

You don't have to tear anything. It's only two Philips screws and takes 2 minutes.

I'm not sure if this might be slightly off topic, but I'd like to sum up the situation for the 5100 users, and like to get your comments:
1. the 5100 basically sucks, and this is pretty much a fact
2. the 6200 (correct me if I'm wrong), supposed to have bigger memory and better software, is not really out there yet. And after reading a few reports (true?) it sounds like there is no real improvement from the 5100.
3. the 6208 PVR is still few months away and not really sure how it will work
4. seems like Comcast is screwing up software and firmware upgrades, along with DVI enabling, not leaving too much hope for improvements.
5. OnDemand is actually pretty cool. I'm wondering whether we will always get a bunch of freebies like we do now, or if Comcast will start to charge for every single order.
Since I have basically no alternative to cable, and I assume I'm in good company there, how does the future look like for us?

renpar61, I have to disagree. In general, I am a cable company hater, but I have been pretty happy with my 5200. For under $20/month I get all locals in hd (including espnhd) and an hdbox. The box works exactly as expected for hd, although I do not use dvi, so my comments don't pertain to those problems.

The SD quality of the 1st 100 channels coming through the box sucks, but so does sd quality coming thru a digital cable box. I don't use the box for sd, so it is not an issue for me.

Originally posted by renpar61
I'm not sure if this might be slightly off topic, but I'd like to sum up the situation for the 5100 users, and like to get your comments:
1. the 5100 basically sucks, and this is pretty much a fact
2. the 6200 (correct me if I'm wrong), supposed to have bigger memory and better software, is not really out there yet. And after reading a few reports (true?) it sounds like there is no real improvement from the 5100.
3. the 6208 PVR is still few months away and not really sure how it will work
4. seems like Comcast is screwing up software and firmware upgrades, along with DVI enabling, not leaving too much hope for improvements.
5. OnDemand is actually pretty cool. I'm wondering whether we will always get a bunch of freebies like we do now, or if Comcast will start to charge for every single order.
Since I have basically no alternative to cable, and I assume I'm in good company there, how does the future look like for us?

I think you are being overly pessimistic here.Can you point to another HD STB that is available for $5/month? The 6208 is not months away, in my region it is being launched in 2 weeks. AND it will record HD, something that no other cable or satellite company is offering and certainly not for the extra $5/month it will cost.

Remember that these firmware updates you describe as 'screwed up' were beta tests, at least the 6.04 update is. You aren't supposed to be even aware that additional features were available except for the fact that this forum exists. So it's hard to call any problems with them a screw-up.


Bottom line is I think Comcast and the 5100/6208 series is on par if not ahead of the competition.

I am scheduled to get a new 6208 on the 18th to replace a 5100 box. Insight Cable, IN. Cant wait, has anyone gotten one of the new HD PVR boxes yet??

Originally posted by renpar61
I'm not sure if this might be slightly off topic, but I'd like to sum up the situation for the 5100 users, and like to get your comments:
1. the 5100 basically sucks, and this is pretty much a fact
2. the 6200 (correct me if I'm wrong), supposed to have bigger memory and better software, is not really out there yet. And after reading a few reports (true?) it sounds like there is no real improvement from the 5100.
3. the 6208 PVR is still few months away and not really sure how it will work
4. seems like Comcast is screwing up software and firmware upgrades, along with DVI enabling, not leaving too much hope for improvements.
5. OnDemand is actually pretty cool. I'm wondering whether we will always get a bunch of freebies like we do now, or if Comcast will start to charge for every single order.
Since I have basically no alternative to cable, and I assume I'm in good company there, how does the future look like for us?

1: What makes you think it sucks?

2&3: Who knows what the future holds.

4: Comcast is the only cable company in my neck of the woods that even has HDTV. None of the others are supporting it or will admit to wanting to support it in the future. You may see the glass half empty...

5: I've never used OnDemand. What kind of freebies are you talking about? Are they accidental freebies or special offers?

2. the 6200 (correct me if I'm wrong), supposed to have bigger memory and better software, is not really out there yet. And after reading a few reports (true?) it sounds like there is no real improvement from the 5100.

The 5100/6200/6208 all have 64MB of RAM, The only Differences between the 5100 and the 62** is the 62** have a faster CPU, built in MPEG encoder for DVR purposes, and DVR capabilities.

They all use the same software/firmware and the 5100 is actually faster than the 6208's in channel changing since it is not buffering channels to HDD.

Originally posted by Az Barber


5: I've never used OnDemand. What kind of freebies are you talking about? Are they accidental freebies or special offers?

I subscribe to HBO and Showtime. Most of their On Demand movies and programs are free (when you go to confirm your selection you'll see the price is $0.00), but so are some (not all) of the programs from Cinemax and Starz which I don't subscribe to. I'm not sure this is supposed to stay like this. It doesn't really make sense, you could have access to all premium programs without subscribing. Maybe On Demand is still on the testing period. I hope that the free views will be an additional perk for subscribers.
Does anyone know more about this?

Originally posted by renpar61
I subscribe to HBO and Showtime. Most of their On Demand movies and programs are free (when you go to confirm your selection you'll see the price is $0.00), but so are some (not all) of the programs from Cinemax and Starz which I don't subscribe to. I'm not sure this is supposed to stay like this. It doesn't really make sense, you could have access to all premium programs without subscribing. Maybe On Demand is still on the testing period. I hope that the free views will be an additional perk for subscribers.
Does anyone know more about this?

You should only get the premiums on demand for the premiums that you subscribe to.

David

My cable has HBO on demand which is free when you subscribe to HBO. The other on demand stuff is not free.

Cool - I have never heard of OnDemand HBO. Where do I find it, under a menu?

Originally posted by renpar61
I'm not sure if this might be slightly off topic, but I'd like to sum up the situation for the 5100 users, and like to get your comments...
You don't have a clue.

Originally posted by Ken H
You don't have a clue.

Ken -- I agree that the 5100 is maybe a bit better than renpar61's review lets on, but don't you think your response is a bit harsh?

Especially for a moderator?

Originally posted by peebee
Ken -- I agree that the 5100 is maybe a bit better than renpar61's review lets on, but don't you think your response is a bit harsh?

Especially for a moderator?

Thank you.
I thought that was quite harsh, too.

I didn't mean to be too negative about the 5100. It is clear (my personal experience + reading this forum) that the 5100 has some flaws and that Comcast is not really helpful in the tech department. I wanted to have other user's opinion on this matter. My relative technical knowledge doesn't allow me to determine whether the weaknesses (poor SD PQ, misalignments, random reebots, etc.) are due to Motorola hardware or Comcast software.
I believe this is the purpose of this forum...

Speaking of which, I haven't noticed any random re-boots lately. I wonder if the upgrade to firmware 5.03 fixed that (i didn't have 5.03 prior to the 6.04 tease).

Overall I'm pretty happy with the 5100. The SD channels aren't great but oh well.

Originally posted by renpar61
I didn't mean to be too negative about the 5100. It is clear (my personal experience + reading this forum) that the 5100 has some flaws and that Comcast is not really helpful in the tech department. I wanted to have other user's opinion on this matter. My relative technical knowledge doesn't allow me to determine whether the weaknesses (poor SD PQ, misalignments, random reebots, etc.) are due to Motorola hardware or Comcast software.
I believe this is the purpose of this forum...
I can't speak for Ken, but one interpretation is that Comcast subscribers are doing OK on a relative basis. Not having to invest in a HD converter, and having access to virtually free (or low cost) upgrades in technology and bug fixes, is a pretty good place to be. Flaws yes, but what looks better right now?

Not only is the 5100/6200 Hardware designed and devloped by Motorola, but so is the software. Cable companies only load the software version that they need depending on options. If there is no DVI support yet, its because Motorola hasn't released it or the software hasn't been approved by the cable co yet or tested by the cable co yet.

Originally posted by MickeyGee
I can't speak for Ken, but one interpretation is that Comcast subscribers are doing OK on a relative basis. Not having to invest in a HD converter, and having access to virtually free (or low cost) upgrades in technology and bug fixes, is a pretty good place to be. Flaws yes, but what looks better right now?

Good point. I guess this falls into the old satellite/cable discussion. I switched from D* to cable for more affordable HD offer. I think it's fair to say that satellite HD hardware is pricey (although we see more offers by providers, including E* rental plan) but generally perform better that the 5100 in many areas. On the other hand monthly fees for comparable packages are higher for cable. I think cable (Comcast mostly, can't speak for the others) has been focusing more on the programming rather than the hardware lately, and my feeling is that the 6200 series performance will be still one step behind sat receivers. Hope I'm wrong.
One question: most people complain about Comcast analog channels. Is it too hard to make those digital? Is it only a matter of bandwidth?

Its a matter of bandwidth to move analog channels to digital, and the fact that they still need to support their cable-ready customers. There are still many people out there without cable boxes, that don't WANT cable boxes, but still want to get all their basic and expanded basic channels.

Originally posted by renpar61
I think cable (Comcast mostly, can't speak for the others) has been focusing more on the programming rather than the hardware lately, and my feeling is that the 6200 series performance will be still one step behind sat receivers. Hope I'm wrong.
But the dual tuner 6208 with DVR might put them a step or two ahead in the STB race. What will the Sats. charge customers for their DVR? And as the Sats. add more channels, will you need to put up more dishes or at least a Super Dish? Will that equipment be free?

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
The 5100/6200/6208 all have 64MB of RAM, The only Differences between the 5100 and the 62** is the 62** have a faster CPU, built in MPEG encoder for DVR purposes, and DVR capabilities.

An MPEG encoder? I hope it won't be used for the digital and HD channels.

Most likely, like sat stbs, for digital channels, the MPEG stream itself will be written directly to the hard drive, rather than decoded to analog and then recoded to the hard drive.

Most likely, like sat stbs, for digital channels, the MPEG stream itself will be written directly to the hard drive, rather than decoded to analog and then recoded to the hard drive.

This is absolutely correct the 62XX's all record the digital channels bit for bit with no reencoding or change to the data stream.

I've got comcast and a Motorola HD box. How can I look at it to tell which model I have? I just got it a couple of weeks ago, and I tried this past weekend to hook up the DVI and it didn't work. I've seen threads where people say that it needs a firmware upgrade to work, so I want to be armed with info when I call Comcast.

ScutMonkey: there will be a label on the bottom of the box that will have the model number on it IE dct5100, dct6200 etc. Though it may be easier to just look at the back of the box, if it has no firewire its a 5100 if it has firewire its a 6200 probably.

You most likely have a 5100 as the 6200's are pretty much just started to get issued I'm the first I know of that has recieved a 6200 from Comcast.

Actually the 6200's have been out for about 2 weeks now, but you are close to the first.....

Scut Monkey,

Why were you looking to be "armed with info" when you call Comcast? Is there something specific you are having a problem with?

fine first one to notice it then:) hehe

Time to find a problem with my 5100 and get it exchanged. (Assuming the 6200's are available in the Bay Area.) I would wait for the 6208, but there is no guarantee it will be available come mid-January (the most recently projected time frame).

Yeah I was scheduling one for my Fathers house & found out then that they only had 6200's from that point on.

I don't think anyone has a definate time frame on the 6208, maybe they are waiting for the 6408 to be finalized, and not going to bother with the 6208. But then again I heard the 6408 wasn't going to be ready until Summer possibly.

The one thing I noticed is the 6200 downloads the Guide info much much faster than a 5100 when its powercycled.

Originally posted by miatasm
Actually the 6200's have been out for about 2 weeks now, but you are close to the first.....

Scut Monkey,

Why were you looking to be "armed with info" when you call Comcast? Is there something specific you are having a problem with?

Yeah, I can't get the DVI output to work and I'm out of component inputs on my Sony GWIII. I only have two on it, and I have a DVD player and my Xbox on component already. Getting the DVI out to work would mean no switching when I want to use the DVD player.

Scut: DVI is currently not activated on any DCT's from Comcast rumor has it maybe later this month but probably not untill 1q next year.

Yeah you can arm yourself with all of the info you want, no rep is going to be able to turn it on for you. Good try, though....:rolleyes:

How is the 6408 different than the 6208? I'm guessing the 6408 is the two tunder box. How many GB of storage does the 6408 offer?

The 6408 is a Dual Tuner, allowing to record one channel & watch another or record two "live" channels at the same time. The "08" designates an 80GB HDD, "06" would be 60 GB so on and so forth.....

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
Scut: DVI is currently not activated on any DCT's from Comcast rumor has it maybe later this month but probably not untill 1q next year.

I can't win for losing.

hehe I wouldn't worry too much about it. I'm holding out on buying my new TV untill they activate DVI myself.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
...if it has firewire its a 6200 probably.
Thats the first mention of firewire that I've seen. My Mits tv has 3 firewire ports and no dvi. On top of that, I've already filled all of my component inputs, so I could really use the firewire.

It sounds like there is only a couple of you, but have any of you with the 6200 attempted to use the firewire? Does the box have both firewire and dvi?

I wonder if the new xx08 boxes will have firewire, since they won't need any external recording ability. The only things I really hear of that make use of firewire are digital vcrs.

Originally posted by HD Rookie
Thats the first mention of firewire that I've seen. My Mits tv has 3 firewire ports and no dvi. On top of that, I've already filled all of my component inputs, so I could really use the firewire.

It sounds like there is only a couple of you, but have any of you with the 6200 attempted to use the firewire? Does the box have both firewire and dvi?

I wonder if the new xx08 boxes will have firewire, since they won't need any external recording ability. The only things I really hear of that make use of firewire are digital vcrs.

I read the firewire port is only going to be used for peripherals like external hard drives for additional storage for the PVR model. I don't think it will be outputing digital video directly.

The Firewire ports will probably not be activated untill at least late next year if not as far out as 2005 as it requires TV-Guide to rewrite there software to support this feature and of course requires Motorola to write firmware that supports it.

Why would it require TV guide to change their software? I would think that by plugging in an external HD the DVR could just treat it like a much larger storage capacity than its internal 80GB disk. Thnk about it - all the software should be the same - so it should really just be a matter of the DVR now knowing that it has X amount of stroage space available instead of Y. Perhaps the Motorola firmware may need what I would think would be a minor update for this, but why would the guide info need to change. Can't see that.

The guide software runs all the DVR functionality, they would have to write drivers for the firewire into there software, plus any type of copyright protection features so on and so forth much harder to do than you think.

Monkeyman,

BB has a 7 into 1 component switcher for $100.

Originally posted by Stealthfighter
Monkeyman,

BB has a 7 into 1 component switcher for $100.


Oooooo. That sounds promising. Gotta a link? I found the one that does S-Video and Composite, but didn't see one that did component.

Originally posted by ScutMonkey
Oooooo. That sounds promising. Gotta a link? I found the one that does S-Video and Composite, but didn't see one that did component.

I don't know anything about it but here is a link to another thread where they discuss it (I think)...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=321674

So why are we talking about it here instead of over there???

Just wondering...;)

Just got off the phone with a very nice CSR from Tinley Park, IL. He used to work at Lucent and IBM and was learning about the cable industry etc, so he didnt have a lot of background knowledge.

We were on the phone for a good 15 mins.

He did not even know about the 6208/6408 cable boxes. He did know they were starting to phase out the 5100 and replace it with the 6200.

He also said Comcast was going to start to use the Smart Card readers on the cable boxes. He said something about using them for PPV.

He also did not know anything about OnDemand yet. He said they do not inform them of much. Or do it late.

I pointed him to this website.

He also said he sees lots of updates/upgrades coming around spring time, but he doesn't know the specifics. Said something like the North side of Chicago is testing/upgrading stuff with their network infrastructure.

Originally posted by lovingdvd
Why would it require TV guide to change their software? I would think that by plugging in an external HD the DVR could just treat it like a much larger storage capacity than its internal 80GB disk. Thnk about it - all the software should be the same - so it should really just be a matter of the DVR now knowing that it has X amount of stroage space available instead of Y. Perhaps the Motorola firmware may need what I would think would be a minor update for this, but why would the guide info need to change. Can't see that.

We are talking about the 6200 here, it is the replacement for the 5100. It has no DVR capability in its current form & this is why new EPG software would have to be uploaded to include DVR functionality. The 6200 does have DVI & Firewire....yet it is undetermined what the exact use for Firewire is going to be......it may just be able to support external HDD or it may also do video transfer. We won't know for sure until they are activated......which I wouldn't be looking for anytime soon.

Originally posted by miatasm
HDTV Darkness.

I have noticed that the HD channels are darker than the Analog of the same broadcast but this is also true on my Samsung OTA Decoder. There is no difference in Picture Brightness/Darkness between my 5100 & Samsung, they are EXACTLY the same. I always thought that HD programming was generally Darker so it can look Truer, Warmer, Better, ect. Can anyone back this up with Raw Data?



Interesting that other people have noticed this. Ive compared the HD output of the 5100 to my Dish 6000 on the same channel and same input of my set (brightness, contrast settings the same). The Moto's output is substantially darker and more contrasty compared to the 6000. The detail, sharpness and everything else is the same, and the Motos picture is in no way inferior in these repects. The only explanation I can think of is that the 5100 is somehow altering or processing the output. I though HD was HD, so the picture should look the same regardless of the decoder. There are no user settings on the box for picture, brightness, etc. Maybe something is different in the Comcast feed but I can't imagine what that would be.

I've added some info to the FAQ on how the Settings in the Set-up Menu effect the picture on 4:3 & 16:9 TVs.......Please review and let me know if there is any other info you would like to see......

http://www.cjhengineering.com/DCTsetup.htm

miatasm. This article ( http://www.cedmagazine.com/cedailydirect/0503/cedaily030506.htm ) seems to indicate that 6200 should work as DVR, but with an external hard drive. I am guessing this is what firewire could/will be used for, but like you said we probably won't knowfor sure until it is activated.

I might have read the article wrong, but I got an impression that the only difference between 6200 and 6208 is that 6208 will have an internal hard drive.

At this time Hardware wise you are correct that is the only difference between the 2.....But the software & firmware differ.....enough to make the 6200 not work as a DVR.....yet

Guys, Comcast just added Starz-HD (ch 177) and Max-HD (176). I have SW ver. 51.22-2002. I typically leave my box on all the time, and I find that the 5100 will sometimes drop Max-HD after a period of time -- I get the "Not Authorized" message. If I power cycle the box once or twice I get the channel back. Occasionally this also happens with ESPN-HD. I never lose HBOHD, SHOHD or the INHD channels, however. Is this a cable sigal strength issue? I am running the cable through a Radio Shack bi-directional amp in order to split the output. I run a feed directly to my set so I can watch the analog channels without the 5100.

I'm also splitting the output one time at the outside box for my bedroom. Should I call Comcast to test my signal strength? I'm thinking that I might need a proper distribution amp installed, because I want to run another outlet to the kitchen. My neighbor has digital cable and internet, and Comcast installed a powered 4-output distribution amp in his shed that solved his reception problems.

Any help appreciated.

P.S. - I did try to run a search and read up the thread for an answer, but this thread is now 109 pages long! :)

John,

Are the Starz and Max-HD channels free for a while, or do you subscribe to them???

I use the Radio Shack amp and it works fine for me.. Maybe have them check the strength of the incoming signal though.

Originally posted by JohnFR
Guys, Comcast just added Starz-HD (ch 177) and Max-HD (176).

JOHNFR:
Where are you located, that has these two new channels?

They are available in the Richmond, Virginia area.

Had a tech at my house last night to look at my HD box and I ask him about CBS. He said Comcast was going to add 5-6 new HD channels soon. he didn't say which ones.

Originally posted by dozens
Had a tech at my house last night to look at my HD box and I ask him about CBS. He said Comcast was going to add 5-6 new HD channels soon. he didn't say which ones. Not the most reliable source of information.

What are the current HD channels on your system?

He was probably right as to at least 2 channels: Starz HD and Cinemax HD.

And what did he mean by "soon"? Could mean one thing to you but something different to him.

Originally posted by DHarp193
John,

Are the Starz and Max-HD channels free for a while, or do you subscribe to them???

I'm in Richmond, VA. They popped up on the guide last week and I had to subscribe to view them. I hear that many other areas will be getting them on 12/22.

Thanks John, I don't see them here in Central PA yet:(!!! Hopefully on the 22nd.

Got 07.05 installed today! DVI IS ACTIVE!!!!

I am in Howell Michigan

Here are some pics i took from my TREO 600 phone:

one more!

last picture for all you curious out there of the firmware number:

Spanky,

Very nice.

Seems the 5100 box can set the output via DVI to match the resolution of a fixed pixel display like a plasma or lcd. Pixel for Pixel.

I think I have a 1024 x 768 Panny Plasma so I can pick this exactly instead of just picking 1080i. Nice....like a computer video card.

At least they are trying....

Firmware 6.04 was a failure and now we are on to 7.05 with a faster 6200 box imminent.....holigraphic porn can't be far away.

I would say that even though it's displaying 1280x720@60hz you probably still just get your run of the mill 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i out of the box even through DVI connection.

i just got the 5100.there isn't a DVI port on the back.i see where it would go but metel is over it.is that how they all come?i called comcast they dont no much.they gave me that white cable to hook up the hd.should i use it or buy a better one?also can i hook up the s-video as well?

DVI port is not enabled yet with Comcast. Supposed to be in near future. I am using the Comcast-supplied cables and find them OK...I, like you, am waiting for the DVI to get turned on. Yes, you can hook up s-video as well. All outputs are live IIRC on the 5100.

jack

If your 5100 box doesn't have a DVI port on the back it is an older box. You should be able to call Comcast and get it switched for one that does (they might even give you the 6200).

I still have firmware 5.03 here in Detroit.

In responce to : jkohms


DVI is active in some areas, starting yesterday some parts of se michigan got the upgrade, check my earlier posts with pics.

Anyone with the upgrade, do you see an improvement on the analog channels with DVI enabled or is it mostly the HD content?

JTMav

JTMav,

I'm not sure if we have the DVI active again in my area, but I had it active for a few weeks when 6.04 was downloaded by mistake a little while ago. What I can say is that yes, the analog pix was definitely better using the DVI output than standard composite, S, or component. I think it had something to do with the A to D converter having some noise filters which cleaned up the signal a bit, at least in my area that's what I experienced w/ V6.04.

HD was quite an improvement too:eek:, I can't wait to see DVI active again!!!

Thanks for the update spaniola.

If it's like the previous DVI activating firmware (6.04), you will need to have hook up a DVI cable to the box before it will show as activated in the menu.

This is probably the promised DVI activating firmware (originally promised first week of December) and I would guess (stressing "guess") a flood of systems will get the 7.05 over the next couple of weeks.

Are there any menu parameters that need to be re-set? I love the PQ on SD and especially on HD but where's the sound?

Maybe a dumb question, but do you have audio cables connected to your displays DVI video input?

I don't think it's a dumb question. That's the first thing that came to my mind too.

If you were using component cables before, you probably had audio cables hooked up to the audio input matching your component cables. DVI should have it's own matching audio input (at least tha't how it is on my TV - and majority of other tv's I have seen). I can see this as a commonly made mistake.

V

miatasm,

My experience with the HDTV install didn't go very well even though it is now working. Just to give a summary of my Comcast San Francisco HDTV install, I have a existing Motorola DCT2224 box already. On Friday, December 5, 2003 at 9:30AM - the installer shows up and I was partially awake so he put in another DCT2224 box and I said it's the wrong box and then pointed at his work order that shows HDTV Install and he calls dispatch and then leaves saying someone else will come out later but he doesn't know when. So I called 1-888-824-4146 which goes direct to the Repair CSR's in Pleasanton and the person said they coded the work order incorrectly and they arranged for a Saturday appointment but then later called back and said that someone took the Saturday appointment so I had it for Tuesday, December 9, 2003 8AM-12PM. The CSR told me that I'll get a $20 credit for the installer bringing the wrong box. I also ordered the Showtime/The Movie Channel Free for 3 months with a Free $50 Toys R US Gift Card offer as well as got the Premier Pack for $0.99 for 11 months. So basically what I had before the HDTV install was Digital Plus, Premier Pack, and the Jade Channel. So on December 9, 2003 - the installer came at 10:15AM and the first thing he said was the DCT5100 will not work with the Jade Channel as it's on Channel 71 which is non-premium 2PM-7PM and Premium 7PM-2AM. So all he had to do was connect the component cable and analog audio cables I already did and he was then saying my DSL connection was faster than his cablemodem. So basically what happened is that he put a splitter and left me with both the DCT5100/1005 and the DCT2224 so that I had to use the RF from the DCT2224 so that the Jade Channel can be watched from 7PM-2AM. So I ended up with two boxes and have to switch between them not because of Comcast's fault but Motorola not having the analog descrambling option on the DCT5100 and later boxes while it is available on the DCT5000 and older boxes. The other thing is that my computer's tuner can receive channel 65 and 71 but my Plasma TV's receiver doesn't pick up any signal on 65 and 71, wonder what is causing that. The other thing I should mention is that my VCR with the cable from the wall going to input A then loopthru to the DCT5100 then to input B does work with the reverse path correctly, I'm getting 24dB for the upstream RF modem whether it is via the VCR or directly to the wall.
The other thing is when I checked my firmware - the one from the setup menu shows 50.00 - 1078 but the one from the diagnostic screen shows 02.16 for the bootloader and 02.48 for the firmware, this seems to be lower than what others have reported.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
I dont know ufortunately I'd say probably not, I thought about trying it but I'm not about to tear the panel off the back of the 5100 to try and swap it out.

The Comcast San Francisco DCT5100/1005 I have does come with the RF Bypass module and it does work.

Almightly it doesn't surprise me the firmware you have, San Francisco has got to be the farthest behind market of all the "new" Comcast markets. I'm sure in due time you'll all be up to speed but from what I hear it will probably take a while.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
Almightly it doesn't surprise me the firmware you have, San Francisco has got to be the farthest behind market of all the "new" Comcast markets. I'm sure in due time you'll all be up to speed but from what I hear it will probably take a while.

Yeah, the HDTV and 750Mhz system wasn't completed until November 24, 2003. I guess the only thing I'm unhappy about is that the DCT5100 can't handle analog premium channels which Jade (www.tvbusa.com) is the only one that probably exists. The RF Bypass module on my box actually has a sticker that says RF Bypass but it only has a input and a output unlike the DCT2000's RF Bypass.

A question for you guys with DCT5100 - assuming if there is a channel that uses SAP (Secondary Audio Programming), how would you select that audio channel from the audio outputs as my Plasma TV's receiver only allows MTS Stereo/Mono/SAP on the RF input, not the analog audio input. And is it just me or is there no way to get to the previous screen in the setup menu other than the menu or the exit key?

Almighty you can use the "last" key and that will take you one screen back from the current menu/guide screen you are in.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
Almighty you can use the "last" key and that will take you one screen back from the current menu/guide screen you are in.

Thanks Jeremy, that worked. I always thought Last was to jump back to the last channel. Comcast CSR kept telling me to use the pgUp/PgDown keys which did nothing.

Busted! Yup I did not hook up the audio cables. I thought (from Arun's various musings on DVI) that the DVI multi pin connector included audio & video.

Thanks guys.

Now 0-99 almost as good as component cable > 100 digital non hd signals PQ. Non hd digital pq now almost as good as component cable hd. Of course HD goes to a new level of improved pq.

Very happy customer.

Originally posted by Almighty1
...I also ordered the Showtime/The Movie Channel Free for 3 months with a Free $50 Toys R US Gift Card offer as well as got the Premier Pack for $0.99 for 11 months...

Hey Vince, how do I get that deal??? I never heard of that one before. Is there a coupon somewhere or do you just request it from a CSR?

Originally posted by theob
Busted! Yup I did not hook up the audio cables. I thought (from Arun's various musings on DVI) that the DVI multi pin connector included audio & video.

Thanks guys.

Now 0-99 almost as good as component cable > 100 digital non hd signals PQ. Non hd digital pq now almost as good as component cable hd. Of course HD goes to a new level of improved pq.

Very happy customer.

theob,

That's REALLY great to hear. Now, all I have to wait for is my firmware upgrade, and my TV to be fixed (but that's already the subject of several other threads. . . :(

Thanks for the update!

David

I had an installer at home yesterday to install the HD box which i need only for locals(can't pick up with antenna). The installer had very little information about the box and whether it support simultaneous output(on dvi & component). Anyways, he said that comcast office would be resetting the box via the cable line. After 2 calls to comcast & resetting the box, i still don't have any picture on either of the local channels(650-651). Infact, i only see a no-signal message on the DVI/component inputs.

Anyone here having a similar experience ? Can i connect the box with both outputs to my samsung dlp ? Is there any additional setup ? I am a basic cable (11$) customer so i don't subscribe to hbo or showtime. I am only looking for local channels broadcast in HD.

Thanks
Nivas

As an FYI, I am in the Philadelphia Area (Montgomery county to be exact). I had called Comcast last Friday to inquire about the 6208. The CSR did not know what I was talking about -- but she said that she would ask her supervisor. After a few minutes she came back and told me “You Got One.” She said that I needed to take me 5100 to the Comcast office on Levering Mill Road in Bala Cynwyd. On Saturday morning, I went to the Comcast Office with my 5100 in hand but to my chagrin they had no 6208 (or 6408) and in fact they had not received any for customer distribution. They person told me the only people with those boxes (in that area) were the techs who were testing them in their homes.

cseyer,

a few pages back you posted:

I am scheduled to get a new 6208 on the 18th to replace a 5100 box. Insight Cable, IN. Cant wait, has anyone gotten one of the new HD PVR boxes yet??


Just following up on this since today is the 18th.

Thanks for the update,
Brian

I read a post here that says, the DVI cable must be attached to enable DVI when it's activated by Comcast on the 5100. Is that true? I haven't purchased the cable yet because I didn't see the point until the DVI is actually activated. Should I go ahead & buy one & hope Santa fires it up Christmas morning??

Last I heard the Philly market is being pushed back to "early next year" for DVI. Has anyone heard differently for this market? I assume this would be the right thread to find out, right?

Thanks folks.

Carl, Yes it is the right place but i haven't heard anything on the issue for a while.

jack

I just got off the phone from a guy named "Charlie" who handles corporate matters in Chicago. He claimed DVI will be available in Chicago sometime in Q1-2004 as it requires more than a simple software upgrade of just your cable box. Something about their head end stuff has to be upgraded and when they have Video on Demand ready to go there will be an upgrade of the head end (and cable box software) and DVI will be enabled.

For the PVR/DVR stuff they are still pretty clueless about it in Chicago. Charlie is pretty damn sure that it will be in Q1-2004, but it does not sound like it will be early. CSRs (i.e. half-trained monkeys that can't actually answer such technical questions as "are you wearing green today?") have not been taught anything about the boxes yet apparently and he had to go to Motorola web pages for cable providers to tell me anything about the boxes.

This Charlie might be the only person at Comcast I have ever talked to with ANY knowledge whatsoever. Apparently any EMAILS sent using their webpage goes to "his" office and not CSRs. If they feel a call is necessary they will call you to respond to things so presumably if you ask them to call you in the email they just might do it. He also has the authority to do things like put credits on your bill as I have had MAJOR MAJOR complaints about Comcast lately. Apparently you are SUPPOSED to get a credit if technicians are late for an appointment. He gave me 20 bucks for them being 30 minutes late for an appointment I had with them last week. Better than nothing.

I found out why my 5100 was dropping the new StarzHD and MaxHD channels -- they hadn't properly authorized my box. Took two calls to a CSR for them to straighten it out. Funny that I could power-cycle the box and view the channels for a while before I lost them again. No probs now.

For those of you having problems, be a little patient with the techs and CSRs. In my area, they are still getting up to speed with the HD stuff but seem to much more aware than a few months ago. After you get your install, be sure to call and specifically tell them to authorize the HD channels and give the channel numbers. They tell you it takes up to 2 hours for the changes to take effect, but I find that the channels pop up almost instantly on my 5100.

srinivos,

I don't think DVI is active in Dallas area yet. And yes, as it has been, ALL Video outputs are & will be active at all times. I have verified this, personally.

Almighty1,

Sorry to hear your install went so poorly, unfortunately the system isn't perfect.

AFA firmware, the FAQ is not lying when it states your firmware can only be updated when a new version is sent out in your area. So whatever FW you have now EVERYONE in you local system has also. They will upgrade it when they are ready. There is nothing you can do. They were no major changes in the firmware the past couple of times, anyway. So as of right now your not missing anything, that is until 7.04.

I don't know anything about Jade, but it seems that the system just hasn't been designed to handle it, bit if your DCT2224 can the DCT5100 also should have the capability.

AFA, RF Bypass, do you mean that you get a signal on the RF output of the box? Or when you press the A/B button on your box it actually passes the RF signal coming out of the box to your TV so you can use your TV's tuner for changing channels 0-99?

Simply connecting box up through the Loop through of your VCR and just seeing a picture doesn't necessarily mean that it is passing the RTN signal.

The power level you see in the diagnostic isn't "real time" it will only change when the box is asked for an update, which is usually once or twice a day, but could be longer depending on how the local system is setup. Also when it is 24, this actually usually represents a problem as this is the absolute lowest it can be, which is rare, so this also indicates a in some cases that the box is "not responding". The easiest way to see if it works is to try an order an On-Demand program. If you don't have VOD, then you can call the local office and have them send a signal to the box, they will be able to tell if the DCT is "not responding".

Hope this helps.....

Originally posted by DHarp193
Hey Vince, how do I get that deal??? I never heard of that one before. Is there a coupon somewhere or do you just request it from a CSR?

The 3 Months of Showtime/TMC for free was on a Comcast flyer and also I guess there was a Comcast ad on tv. Showtime had their own ad talking about the $50 Toys R Us gift card and 3 months free of Showtime/TMC. You can find the form for the gift card at www.sho.com.

Originally posted by miatasm
Almighty1,

Sorry to hear your install went so poorly, unfortunately the system isn't perfect.

AFA firmware, the FAQ is not lying when it states your firmware can only be updated when a new version is sent out in your area. So whatever FW you have now EVERYONE in you local system has also. They will upgrade it when they are ready. There is nothing you can do. They were no major changes in the firmware the past couple of times, anyway. So as of right now your not missing anything, that is until 7.04.

I don't know anything about Jade, but it seems that the system just hasn't been designed to handle it, bit if your DCT2224 can the DCT5100 also should have the capability.

AFA, RF Bypass, do you mean that you get a signal on the RF output of the box? Or when you press the A/B button on your box it actually passes the RF signal coming out of the box to your TV so you can use your TV's tuner for changing channels 0-99?

Simply connecting box up through the Loop through of your VCR and just seeing a picture doesn't necessarily mean that it is passing the RTN signal.

The power level you see in the diagnostic isn't "real time" it will only change when the box is asked for an update, which is usually once or twice a day, but could be longer depending on how the local system is setup. Also when it is 24, this actually usually represents a problem as this is the absolute lowest it can be, which is rare, so this also indicates a in some cases that the box is "not responding". The easiest way to see if it works is to try an order an On-Demand program. If you don't have VOD, then you can call the local office and have them send a signal to the box, they will be able to tell if the DCT is "not responding".

Hope this helps.....

The install didn't go that poorly except with my case of having to have 2 boxes because Motorola didn't engineer in a Analog Descrambling option (code B (GI/Jerrold)/M (Zenith)) on the DCT5100 that was on the DCT1000/2000/5000 boxes.

I was reading your FAQ and I thought I was way behind since it seems like people on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge has 5.03 and I thought I was like missing 3.xx and 4.xx but didn't know they skipped those two versions it seems. My area just got upgraded on November 24, 2003 while some parts of San Francisco had the 750Mhz system since 8 years ago so it might be that they haven't fully finished the upgrading yet.

Jade is basically TVB (Hong Kong Television Broadcast Limited) - www.tvbusa.com. The DCT1000/DCT2000 had Analog Descrambling options according to the brochure for those two models. The DCT5100 does not have that option at all as I don't think any cable system still has premium stations on analog that are not already on digital besides this part time premium channel which was just backwards compatibility with the scrambling system used on the CFT20xx boxes.

Basically, on a DCT/DWT 1000/1200/2000 according to Motorola/General Instrument Confidential information...

DCT1 = DCT1000
DWT1 = DCT1200
DCT2 = DCT2000

There isn't a actual box with the model number called DCT2000 since it will always be DCT2XXX where the last three are numbers followed by some letters.

Like the one I have...

DCT2244/1661/ABCDEFG
TPC/SFMB/O/R

which means...

DCT2000 in the following configuration:
64/256QAM Modulation Technology
StarFone II (14.4kbps) + StarVue II Integrated RF Return Path
VHF(3/4) Output Channel
NTSC Signal Format
Agile Out of Band Out of Band Frequency
option 6 App Memory
No Brand Label
with the following options:
8 MBits DRAM for MPEG-2 with full resolution B-frames (Standard)
Analog Descrambling GI/Jerrold Only
Bit Mapped Graphics (Standard)
BTSC Stereo Decoder (Standard)
Audio Loop Through Connector (Standard)
RF Bypass (Standard)
RS232 Connector


This applies to DCT1000/1200/2000 series, just replace the DCT2 with DCT1 for 1000, DWT1 for DWT1200.

T (Modulation Technology),
1 = 64QAM
2 = 64/256QAM
P(Return Path)
1= One Way
2 = StarVue II (DCT2000: Integrated)
3 = StarFone (300 baud) (DCT/DWT2000: Not an option)
4 = StarFone II (14.4 kbps) (DCT 2000: SVT-II Integrated)
6 = StarFone II (14.4 kbps) (DCT 2000:
Return Path Notes:
RF Return is standard on the DCT/DWT2000. Telco Return
SFT-II (Option 4) is optional. Option 4 indicates both RF and
Telco return. Option 3 is for DCT 1000/1200 and DWT 1000
only. Option 6 is for DWT 2000 only. (RF return diplexer
removed)
C(Output Channel)
4 = VHF(3/4)
6 = UHF (46-60)
S(Signal Format)
1 = NTSC
2 = PAL-F (Future)
3 = PAL-B/G
4 = PAL-N (Future)
5 = PAL-M (Future)
6 = PAL-D/K (Future)
F(Out of Band Frequency MHz)
1 = 75.25
2 = 72.75
3 = 104.2
4 = 102.50
5 = In-Band
6 = Agile Out of Band
M(App Memory)
Nothing is defined for this one
B(Brand Label)
1 = None
2 = Comcast Logo
3 = AT&T
4 = Cablevison Mexico
O(Options)
A = 8 Mbits DRAM for MPEG-2 with full resolution B-frames
(Standard)
B = Analog Descrambling GI/Jerrold Only
C = Bit Mapped Graphics (Standard)
D = BTSC Stereo Decoder
E = Audio Loop Through Connector (Standard)
F = RF Bypass
G = RS232 Connector
H = High Power IR Blaster Connector (Standard on DCT/
DWT 2000)
I = Stereo Privacy on Analog Channels
J = S-Video (Future)
K = Home Theater Package S-Video and SPDIF AC-3
L = Enhanced Home Theater, All Audio outputs active
regardless of content
M = Analog Descrambling Zenith SSAVI only
N = Analog Descrambling GI/Jerrold/Zenith/Tocom (Future)
R(Platform) - No R for DCT2000
1 = QUOD
2 = AVI

So apparently, the DCT5100, DCT6200 series no longer has the backward compatibility of the B,M,N options available as it wasn't engineered into the product.

I'm still trying to figure out what configuration 1005 is exactly as my DCT5100 has the exact model DCT5100/1005 but Motorola hasn't been able to provide or locate the model number matrix for that one.

The Comcast San Francisco Fulfillment manager told me that there isn't a way to receive the Premium portion of the Jade channel with the DCT5100 until a upgrade as he left on my voicemail since we've pretty much been trying to fix all issues since last July during the rebuilt process when they did all sorts of weird things to the signal to the building. I called his cellphone and left a voicemail asking what upgrades is he speaking of as the cable system has already been upgraded to 750Mhz so the only thing is probably multiplexing the analog channel 71 to the digital area for those with digital cable but he still didn't get back to me yet. The problem is the DCT1000/2000/5100 all use the same remote control signals and configuration and the DCT2000 is a lot slower than the 5100. I was on channel 150 on the 5100 when the DCT2000 is still on 60 if I use the channel up button and started from channel 2.

As for the RF Bypass, my cable connects to the input of the RF Bypass Module and then I have the To TV/VCR out of the RF Bypass Module going to the VCR's input B. The RF Bypass Module doesn't look anything like the one in the picture in the manual as it only has an input and a output and not jumper cables like the DCT2000. Basically, when the box is off or when I press the RF Bypass button on the remote - it will let my VCR change channels from 2-82 if I had the VCR in Video mode and my TV change it if the VCR is in TV mode.

Actually, my VCR is passing the RF return fine because the RF Modulator on this VCR is unique as it has 3 jacks. Input A comes from the wall and then there is a loopthru that goes to the cable box and then input B is the cable box output so basically on the VCR, I can choose input A which will not use the box at all and unless I put it in video mode, the TV will do the channel changing. When I choose input B, the VCR channel has to be on 3 and then the box will be the one doing the signal to the tv. I've verified the RF Return working with the DCT2000 which is easier to verify as this was the original one I had:

09 Upstream Modem shows the following:

STARVUE II DIAGNOSTICS

STATUS : -
FREQUENCY : 11.552Mhz
LEVEL : 25
IPPV : ENABLED

LAST POLL REQ : 48
11-25-2003 07:43:11
LAST POLL ACK : 75
11-27-2003 09:26:11

This basically shows a 25db level for the return path at the 11.552Mhz frequency. The REQ date never changed until I did the automated box authorization. The ACK is the acknowledgement of the poll which updates every 48 hours at GMT as only the ACK sequence number and the date and timestamp would change every 2 days at around 9AM.

When I did a automated box reauthorization, this is what happened...

STARVUE II DIAGNOSTICS

STATUS : -
FREQUENCY : 11.552Mhz
LEVEL : 25
IPPV : ENABLED

LAST POLL REQ : 112
12-01-2003 21:05:25
LAST POLL ACK : 112
12-01-2003 21:06:45

The FREQUENCY started at 11.552Mhz and then it changed to 8.096Mhz while the Level went from 25 38 24 40 48 56 41 49 57 and then back to 25. Both the REQ and ACK started at 108 so that's the sequence number. When the FREQUENCY and LEVEL changed, the REQ went up one at a time to 109, 110, 111, 112 while the ACK still stayed at 108 and didn't change until the REQ made it to 112 so it's like the sequence number where it's the 112th REQ and 112th ACK.

The DCT5100 when I do a automated box reauthorization completely clears the EPG and then the diagnostics screen does show the last attempt time in GPS which I haven't figured out how to translate yet but it's working as originally Comcast didn't have the DCT5100 in their system and when I was on the phone 30 minutes after the installer left, it shut off all the channels with Please wait a moment for the channel thing. They couldn't get the signal to the box and then 30 minutes later, I guess their system takes some time to update - all box hits have been responding and successful.

There is no VOD yet but I know they are still doing construction between the headend and my building and it may be like the FAQ says, there is a tap somewhere that is affecting the return path. According to some people who works for various cable companies, they told me the following:

An RF level of 24/25 is very low suggesting I am connected to a low
attenuation tap with a more or less direct connection to that particular
outlet. There seems to be little return loss to overcome. It's possible
that 11.552mHz is a very clean spot in the sub-band, but they doubt it.
Because return noise is cumulative it is very common to see return levels at
55 dBmV or higher. It's possible, if RF return is a new feature in my
plant, that system balancing has yet to be fully fleshed out.

I can agree that RF return is a new feature because on the DCT 2000, prior to November 24, 2003 which is less than 24 days ago, it still said Telco Return. November 24, 2003 was when the rebuilt was launched and the DCT2000 changed to RF Return in the Show Configuration in the setup menu. The other thing is that I live in a big building complex with 60 apartments. There is one big cable that runs to the roof where it goes to a few gigantic Lindsay amplifiers which were recently installed a few weeks ago and then out comes 8 cables, each one going to a 8 way 1Ghz splitter
with each one of those outputs going to one apartment each where it ends up on the inside of the living room window on each apartment so it may be the way of how the cable is distributed and wired inside the building after the amplifier.

I have a Samsung DLP, and it was a pain in the ass getting it to play nicely with my Motorola 5100 cable box. Note that you must use either component 2 or component 3 for HD signals. Component 1 only displays 480i/480p, and is meant for a DVD source. Unfortunately, the Samsung will not display 480i on Component inputs 2 and 3 (480p, 720p, 1080i only). By default, the Motorola box outputs 480i for SD channels. This basically means that the cable box (in its default mode) can output SD channels to component 1, and HD channels to 2+3, but none of the inputs support both. Soooo what you have to do is modify the cable box setup to translate all SD channels to 480p. This allows you to hook up to component 2 or 3 and watch any channel you want without switching inputs. Some people say that you are actually better off watching the SD channels via the antenna input (using a splitter) since the TV will have a better deinterlacer, but the difference is not that noticeable to me.

Originally posted by srinivos
I had an installer at home yesterday to install the HD box which i need only for locals(can't pick up with antenna). The installer had very little information about the box and whether it support simultaneous output(on dvi & component). Anyways, he said that comcast office would be resetting the box via the cable line. After 2 calls to comcast & resetting the box, i still don't have any picture on either of the local channels(650-651). Infact, i only see a no-signal message on the DVI/component inputs.

Anyone here having a similar experience ? Can i connect the box with both outputs to my samsung dlp ? Is there any additional setup ? I am a basic cable (11$) customer so i don't subscribe to hbo or showtime. I am only looking for local channels broadcast in HD.

Thanks
Nivas

Don't have a voltmeter handy.

I was dusting my components (and my cable box) and while hooking up the coax cable to the wall felt a tingling sensation (electricity of course).

Obviously this is the cable box sending a signal back to the cable company.

I am just curious as to what kind of power (volts, amps, etc) is being used to send the return signal to the cable company.

There is something wrong if your box is "tingly"!!!!!!!!!!! The box generates an RF return signal measured in dBMv this is "microvolts", which you wouldn't feel by touching the box......It is disturbing that you think this is "obvious". If you don't have a VOM then you should get one........Disconnect the input cable to see if it goes away, and keep disconnecting cables one by one until you find out where its coming from......and Obviously, Be careful!!!!! Good Luck

The tingling was felt on the connector of the coax that was hooked up to the coax input of the cable box. The cable box was on, tuned to a digital movie channel, Starz I believe, Volcano was on.

The cables that were hooked up were power going to TV, power from wall (of course) TOSLINK, S-Video, RF Out was hooked up to RF In (felt tingling from coax hooked up to cable-input when this cable was hooked up and when it was not), cable out to TV, and yellow/white/red RCA cables.

This tingling was felt only on the coax cable hooked up to the cable input of the box.

Will report what kind of power is being output as soon as I measure it, should be Sunday night.

Do you have any new superpowers?

I expect you will be probably seeing some type of AC voltage. It most likely going to be what is called a "Hot Chassis". Where a piece of equipment is defective in your house. But it could be another TV in your house or VCR cable box, ect. This is caused by a malfunction inside of the unit that sends AC power onto the F61 connector on the back of a TV. Start unplugging other TV's & VCR's from AC power until you read no voltage on the Cable Line. Good Luck....

i have felt the same thing in various coaxial cables

Originally posted by wackymann
I have a Samsung DLP, and it was a pain in the ass getting it to play nicely with my Motorola 5100 cable box. Note that you must use either component 2 or component 3 for HD signals. Component 1 only displays 480i/480p, and is meant for a DVD source. Unfortunately, the Samsung will not display 480i on Component inputs 2 and 3 (480p, 720p, 1080i only). By default, the Motorola box outputs 480i for SD channels. This basically means that the cable box (in its default mode) can output SD channels to component 1, and HD channels to 2+3, but none of the inputs support both. Soooo what you have to do is modify the cable box setup to translate all SD channels to 480p. This allows you to hook up to component 2 or 3 and watch any channel you want without switching inputs. Some people say that you are actually better off watching the SD channels via the antenna input (using a splitter) since the TV will have a better deinterlacer, but the difference is not that noticeable to me.

Same setup here, and I agree that it was a pain trying to get everything to work right. Last hurdle, (which took FOREVER to figure out), was that Fox DT Chicago looked horrible when using component 3. I finally realized, by accident, that switching to component 2 fixed the problem. Based on the documentation, it doesn't seem like it should make a difference, but it sure did!

Now that I'm past that nightmare, I have to say that I'm blown away by the dlp set. Can't say enough good things about it.

I have the same set-up with a splitter before the Moto5100. For me, the Antenna input is somewhat to significantly better than Component2 for SD and I often do switch when I'm going to watch SD for any period of time.

Rich N.

After doing further comparisons between my Dish 6000 and the Moto 5100, I really believe the HD black levels are too high on the 5100 through component. Certainly they are substantially higher than from the 6000. I'm losing shadow detail and getting "black crush."

Curious if others are having the same issues, or whether the output from DVI is much different.

Originally posted by wackymann
I have a Samsung DLP, and it was a pain in the ass getting it to play nicely with my Motorola 5100 cable box..................

The use of the setup menu is something that should be done at every installation, its actually part of the process. Samsung is notorious for not allowing 480i on their HD inputs. Phillips, Akai, & a few others are also notable for this. This the whole purpose of the 480 override, it allows you to view all of your channels without having to change the input on your TV. Just be glad that you don't live in a cable system that uses Scientific Atlanta cable boxes, as you have to switch back and forth for analog & HD......compared to that, The Moto is a work of art.....

...Think about it, this was the first implementation in the cable industry, of a STB that automatically adjusts the output of the cable box depending on what channel you are tuned to. I think they did a really good job of trying to cater to everyones needs, and they did this on the fly......

I wouldn't think of this as "it was a problem because the box sets the 480 override to 480i by default", I would say "Thank God, the box allows me to switch the 480 override to 480p".........

Originally posted by JohnFR
After doing further comparisons between my Dish 6000 and the Moto 5100, I really believe the HD black levels are too high on the 5100 through component. Certainly they are substantially higher than from the 6000. I'm losing shadow detail and getting "black crush."

Curious if others are having the same issues, or whether the output from DVI is much different.

Does your Dish 6000 have adjustments for "Black Level", just wondering if the 6000 might be setup for lower black levels....

Originally posted by miatasm
......compared to that, The Moto is a work of art.....
Add the fact it has simultaneous HD & SD output, which most other STB still don't have.

Originally posted by miatasm
Does your Dish 6000 have adjustments for "Black Level", just wondering if the 6000 might be setup for lower black levels....

There are no user settings that I'm aware of. It is certainly possible that the Dish outputs lower black levels as you suggest.

I now have the new firmware, but I'm not sure how to hook up DVI. I have an older RCA 36" HDTV with a "high res" vga input. Can I run a DVI to this and get a picture?

http://www.pacificcable.com/photos/DVIVGA.jpg

As you can see the DVI cable will not fit into your HiRes input........You only hope would be to buy a DVI to RGB convertor.....which from the ones I've seen are pretty expensive about $300......maybe someone has another solution...

Originally posted by miatasm
As you can see the DVI cable will not fit into your HiRes input........You only hope would be to buy a DVI to RGB convertor.....which from the ones I've seen are pretty expensive about $300......maybe someone has another solution...

Wouldn't this DVI to VGA cable work?
http://www.pacificcable.com/Picture_Page.asp?DataName=DVIVGA-3

I don't thinks so because the DVI output of the DCT is a DVI-D and that cable is DVI-A.........

It seems that there is an incompatibility between the 5100 optical out put the the Denon AVR-3200 A/R receiver. For some unknown reason the optical will not work on this receiver. This has been confirmed by a few others and myself. This is also true of the 6200 that I just got.

There has been discussion on the topic here.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=335530

Originally posted by asutor
As an FYI, I am in the Philadelphia Area (Montgomery county to be exact). I had called Comcast last Friday to inquire about the 6208. The CSR did not know what I was talking about -- but she said that she would ask her supervisor. After a few minutes she came back and told me “You Got One.” She said that I needed to take me 5100 to the Comcast office on Levering Mill Road in Bala Cynwyd. On Saturday morning, I went to the Comcast Office with my 5100 in hand but to my chagrin they had no 6208 (or 6408) and in fact they had not received any for customer distribution. They person told me the only people with those boxes (in that area) were the techs who were testing them in their homes.

I specifically asked for either a 6200 or a 6208 for my HD install yesterday, and the tech brought a 5100. I live right down the street from the Levering Mill Rd. office, do you know when they plan to have these available in our area?

First thank you Ken for suggesting the re-boot to retrieve cbs and espn hd. That worked. However this am I must have a gotten a pre 7.01 firmware on the reboot because all I can get now is component out from the 5100.

I was spoiled by the dvi capability. How do I get it back?

Originally posted by raidbuck
I have the same set-up with a splitter before the Moto5100. For me, the Antenna input is somewhat to significantly better than Component2 for SD and I often do switch when I'm going to watch SD for any period of time.

Rich N.

On my Pioneer Plasma Display, the Component picture quality for SD on the DCT5100 was as good as it was on the RF out of the DCT2000 so maybe it has something to do with the scaler on my Plasma's receiver box as well.

Originally posted by miatasm
As you can see the DVI cable will not fit into your HiRes input........You only hope would be to buy a DVI to RGB convertor.....which from the ones I've seen are pretty expensive about $300......maybe someone has another solution...

I don't think that will work either as VGA is a Analog signal while DVI is pure digital. VGA requires Video D/A conversion. Atleast that's the way computer video cards work for VGA output versus DVI output to monitors.

Originally posted by theob
First thank you Ken for suggesting the re-boot to retrieve cbs and espn hd. That worked. However this am I must have a gotten a pre 7.01 firmware on the reboot because all I can get now is component out from the 5100.

I was spoiled by the dvi capability. How do I get it back?

How do I reboot the 5100 ? Is it as simple as unplugging it ?

Originally posted by Barrybud
It seems that there is an incompatibility between the 5100 optical out put the the Denon AVR-3200 A/R receiver.

Fortunately, the 5100 also has a coaxial digital output. Have you tried it instead of the optical?

Unfortunately, the Coax will do the same thing, there is a known compatibility problem between the 2 units.........There was someone in this thread, that was going to try a anti-jitter device to correct this, but I'm not sure they ever reported their findings......Do a search for "Denon" in this thread only

Well it was fun while it lasted. Who understands why comcast puts out a firmware that works fine with DVI, at least for me it did.. Then takes it away.

Howell Michigan- No DVI NOW.

Firmware- Back to 05.03 :(

Probally most of SE michigan's dvi is off too now...

Originally posted by Barrybud
It seems that there is an incompatibility between the 5100 optical out put the the Denon AVR-3200 A/R receiver. For some unknown reason the optical will not work on this receiver. This has been confirmed by a few others and myself. This is also true of the 6200 that I just got.

There has been discussion on the topic here.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=335530

I have a DCT2244 "L" model with Optical audio out and S-Video.

I have the same problem with my KLH HA9000 HTIB. When hooked up directly to the receiver using optical audio, my box switches to down-mixed stereo when switching between channels that broadcasts in DD5.1 and those that do not (i.e. from TechTV (not DD) to Showtime (DD)). Thus making it louder and not sound as good.

I recently purchased a 6 input 2 output S-Video, red/white/yellow RCA, and optical audio Radio Shack switch, model number 15-1987 for $100. It is no longer on Radio Shacks web site. My store had a few in the back, not out on display.

Ever since I used this switch, I have not had the problem.

Does a good job of converting analog RCA audio to optical audio (I even think it makes it sound better, like it adds the sub-woofer .1 channel or something).

I tried to set the component output on the 5100 to 720p. The digital stations worked, but the HD stations had only a white background with flashing bars.

I have software 51.22 and Firmware 02. My set is a Sammy HLN 5065W firmware 2.04

Any ideas as to what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks for any help.

Rich N.

Sounds like your Sammy doesn't support 720p.......

Originally posted by raidbuck
I tried to set the component output on the 5100 to 720p. The digital stations worked, but the HD stations had only a white background with flashing bars.

I have software 51.22 and Firmware 02. My set is a Sammy HLN 5065W firmware 2.04

Any ideas as to what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks for any help.

Rich N.

You need to set the menu option (on screen display) on the 5100 to something other than 480i. The HD component input does not accept 480i.

Originally posted by PaulGo
You need to set the menu option (on screen display) on the 5100 to something other than 480i. The HD component input does not accept 480i.

This is not his problem....he said his other cable channels are working, His HD channels are not.......


Actually I just read the spec on the Sammy.....It should support 720p on its HD input, but it will not on its Component inputs (480p, 480i DVD only)

Make sure you have all of your cable connected properly.

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

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

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

Thanks again.

Rich N.

Originally posted by miatasm


Actually I just read the spec on the Sammy.....It should support 720p on its HD input, but it will not on its Component inputs (480p, 480i DVD only)

Make sure you have all of your cable connected properly.

The Sammy does accept HD on its component 2 & 3 inputs, which accept 480p, 720p, and 1080i. Component 1 only accepts 480i/480p.
I have the 5100 box hooked up to component 3 on my TV (Sammy HLN507W) with it set to 720p with no problems. I did have to set the 4:3 override in the 5100 service menu to "off" in order to get the SD channels to come through on that component input since it doesn't accept 480i.

Jeff

Originally posted by CCx
I specifically asked for either a 6200 or a 6208 for my HD install yesterday, and the tech brought a 5100. I live right down the street from the Levering Mill Rd. office, do you know when they plan to have these available in our area?

The Comcast tech at the service center said that they would be starting to give then out "some time in January." [Not that I would take that to the bank]. He said that they had been receiving few and few 5100s recently in anticipation of the new 61 series boxes. He also said that they had not yet received a "rate card," so he does not know how much it will cost.

raid,

jed has your answer... Sammy DLP sets have limits depending on which component input you use.

I called Comcast today asking them about digital and HD converters (Im new to all this) since I just bought a 51h83. He was telling me that it would be connected throught the DVI input on my TV.

You guys are all talking about component but I thought DVI was the way to go? Again, Im new to all this and Id like to know what will be coming this Friday.


Thx