Originally posted by Kipp Jones
Thanks for the info. Can you be more specific on the above quote???

I assume it means it has a feature like TiVo (finally) to where it will not record a re-run of an episode if you ask it to record it every week. It will only record it when it's a new episode.

This has been one of the TiVo features I love!

Oh yeah, I just got off the phone with the CSR and I'm getting my box put in on Thursday. Man i cant wait I'm so excited. Anyways now that I'm thinking about it i don't think they said how much they are going to charge me. Oh well it will be worth it

Are analog channels still not as good with the 6412, as they were with the old Moto 2000 series boxes? I remember this being a complaint about the 5100 and was wondering if Motorola had reprogrammed some of the algorithms.

Thanks

OK I haven't seen anyone post in awhile - anyone in 60611 having good luck with HDTV? So far I just have the silver box, not the DVR, and am getting "Not Authorized" and "Sub. Service XYZ Channel" on the Starz HD, Cinemax HD, INHD2, Discovery HD, etc. Comcast has reset my box over the cable many times, I even had the box swapped last weekend and the new box worked - for about a day.

Then, even my normal cable boxes lost some platinum channels (TMC, some Cinemax and Starz) saying Sub Service, X channel, for ordering info press ok.

I know we are not in a "rebuild" area, so some CSR's say hdtv is just not available (despite my having seen it fully working in my house with my own two eyes) but now losing my normal channels is ridiculous.

Anyone have similar problems? Anyone have good ideas for a resolution, other than just hounding customer service? We're in a new building, the condo ass'n hasn't formed yet to get us DTV or Dish wired into the building.

UPDATE: I called again and got a tech who was a little more knowledgeable. She said she filled out a form for me to have a "rebuild" done on my account, which is done by engineering on a first come, first serve basis (would be completed probably by 930am). This would basically re-do all my channel authoriztions including HDTV - and maybe they will stop telling me I'm not in a "rebuild" area that is hdtv-ineligible.

I also called back and had my 11/13 install of 6208 upgraded to 6412. Thanks to everyone who gave their input.

Question for those who have the 6412 installed at this point...

In an earlier post, MstJohn stated that his I Guide listed "To be Determined" rather than the actual program info.

Is this still happenening John? How about the others who have the 6412?
In general, how has the 6412 functioned at this point?

Thanks

My install is this Friday, and I am debating whether to keep the 6208?

Originally posted by Kipp Jones
Thanks for the info. Can you be more specific on the above quote???

Check this out:

http://comcast.com/newguide/flashdemo.html

I just had mine installed. The guide data is still downloading. I will report more later.

Firmware version is 09.12
Software version is 71.44 - 1203

Just called Comcast now and they are coming tomorrow to install my DVR between 1 and 5. YEah Boy I will let u all know how it goes.

One note to everybody. Make sure that they give you a new remote. It has "Picture in Picture" buttons on the bottom which is how you switch between tuner 1 and tuner 2. They let me keep the old remote as well so I have 2 remotes now.

The guide and channel changing seems much faster and it doesn't seem to be nearly as noisy as 6208.

Originally posted by jsjames
I assume it means it has a feature like TiVo (finally) to where it will not record a re-run of an episode if you ask it to record it every week. It will only record it when it's a new episode.

This has been one of the TiVo features I love!

Thanks for the clarification Jeff, I understand now. :) :) :)

Originally posted by kblee
Check this out:

http://comcast.com/newguide/flashdemo.html

Thanks.

First impressions. While not TIVO, this box will make a lot of people happy. This finally looks like a functional DVR.

You can watch 2 programs at the same time. There is a Swap button to switch between the two. If you use Swap button it should be buffering on both tuners so you can rewind and check what you missed.

90 minute guide is a plus. Ability to go throu the guide while watching the program (it doesn't take the whole screen) is a plus. If you are in the menu or in the full screen guide there is a small preview window so you can still view the channel you are tuned to.

Much better than the 6208.

Anyone who is receiving the 6412, can you please test the functionality of the 1394 ports and post.

I just called and they're coming tomorrow 1-5 to swap 2 6208s for 6412s. Initially the retention CSR said no charge, then she called back and said she was told they have to charge me. She got it down to 15.99 total for both so I figured not bad for next day service.

Originally posted by Kipp Jones
Anyone who is receiving the 6412, can you please test the functionality of the 1394 ports and post.

I couldn't wait. I'm getting two tomorrow morning.
After the guide downloads, the Firewire ports will be the first thing I check.

They better work! I'll be upset and calling back to see if I can get my 6208s back. I'm taking a risk, my 6208 firewire functionality worked perfectly.

EDIT: Bertwoo, you got a good deal, I'm paying $31 for two to get installed. But it's next day also (8-10am).

Thanks Jeff, I do not mind waiting on my install just in case there are issues. I have been so busy lately that I really have not had time to deal with any issues if any came up. Fortunately everything has been good except the master control at WLS switching to HD when they are supposed to. ie Desperate Housewives 10/24. I called them and convinced them to turn it on.

I didn't have too much time tomess with it. When I pluged it in to my computer it recognised a av/c tuner, av/c panel and avc device.

This is the id for it AVC\MOTOROLA&DCT-6412&TYP_5&ID_0

I tried recording, but I was in a hurry so I don't know if I modified mei drivers correctly. CapDVHS recognized it but I didn't record anything. I will try again later when I have more time.

All in all, it was a quick, amusing swap.

The Comcast tech (a new guy) swapped the boxes and then proceeded to pull out a printout of a Powerpoint presentation that covered the features of the 6412. He'd read a page, tell me about some new feature on the remote, then go on to the next page. After a few minutes of this I told him that I already downloaded the manual from Motorola's web site and started answering questions for him. It was his first install of the 6412 and apparently they didn't get a lot of hands-on train before hand.

The box fired up and the freebie HD stations came up immediately. Good news for Kipp and other 1394 fans: FireWire works flawlessly. My Mits set immediately detected the new tuner and identified it correctly as a Motorola 6412 Tuner. I did a brief one minute HD recording to my Mits DVHS set (PBS) and it works fine. Haven't had a chance to dump a recorded file to DVHS yet - I'll do that in a bit.

The tech just left and the box just got a hit - I'm in the midst of a firmware download, so I'll leave it here for now and post again after the set comes back up.

Thanks for the info buddy. One outstanding issue with the 62XX series boxes is that the 1394 is functional for recording/dumping but not networking. When you try to network, it causes a bus error. I would like to see the next level of functionality supported. If it happens, you could watch programs from any DVR in any room of your home...pretty cool. It would essentially give you (#of DVRs X 120gigs) for quite a bit of total storage space.

Crap, hold on a sec. The firmware downloaded and my Mits TV can't see the 6412 or Mits DVHS. I had this problem a long time ago and had to change around the cabling order to fix it.

I'll have to screw around with this when I get home from work tonight.

It works using CapDVHS on all channels that don't hav 5c enabled. I am guessing you will not have any problems with DVHS.

I called and changed my appointment. They had originally scheduled me for next Tuesday from 10-12, but I can't make that now. Mondays are the best day for me because I'm off on that day. Since they didn't have any appointments available for this coming Monday, my appointment is now Monday 11/15. Wish it could be sooner, but that's life.

tim

Did anyone else notice that in channel description for INHD2 (channel 175, not 208) it is listed as INHD2 + Comcast SportsNet?

I am still trying to figure out what will they use 208 for besides Game of the week. It seems that NBATV games will be on 174.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by vj9999
[B]One note to everybody. Make sure that they give you a new remote. It has "Picture in Picture" buttons on the bottom which is how you switch between tuner 1 and tuner 2."


I just got my 6412 but they left me a remote without the PIP functions. Now I need a pcf. to dump into my Pronto. Anyone?

b

Not sure if you can use any of this, but maybe if you follow the instructions for how to add 30 second skip (there is a link to it on page 110- I think) and instead of 30 second skip code you use the code for one of the "Reserved" buttons from this list http://www.hifi-remote.com/cgi-bin2/ueic.cgi?cbl_0476 maybe it will work. I am guessing those might be it since there are 5 buttons in Picture in Picture section (although the only one functional is Swap button which switches between tuner 1 and tuner 2)

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

b

I can't believe I let this happen, but the installer gave me a 6208 instead of the promised 6412. I didn't catch it until after the installer was gone. I am on hold with Comcast right now trying to get it fixed. If this is your first box (as it was mine), you have to check the box very carefully. It's not easy to find, but obviously from my mistake, you do have to verify. Hope this saves someone else the hassle I'm about to go through.

The service rep. just got back to me. It looks like I'm out of luck for tonite.:( :( :( :mad:

Sorry to hear that. At least the 6208 will hold you over until they bring the right box.

Well I just moved into a new apartment and the comcast guy showed up to "move my service", I asked him if he had any word on the 6412's yet and he mentioned that they are accidently handing them out instead of the 6208's...arnt labled correctly, work order said i was a new customer, etc etc.

Needless to say, 6412 is in downtown Chicago (Fremont & Armitage to be exact)!!! Just took my 6208 and gifted me the 6412. No charge, etc.

Here is something strange that I noticed. I have the box connected to my TV via the DVI connetor, and at first, the analog channels looked horrible. I left to go vote, and when i returned I am assuming i received an update since the channels looked 10000% better, like they did with my original 6208. the 5100 analog channels looked like crap too. Must be the firmware. Anyone else confirm/deny this claim?

Also, the Hard Drive makes more noise when the box is on, and less noise when the box is off. Unlike my 6208, the drive powers down when the box is off, however it now makes a clicking noise, almost like a clock. Unsure if that means my box is broken or that everyone's sounds like that. If any one could advise that would be great.

SW: 71.44 - 1203
Firmware: 09.12
NEW Remote, its longer than the old one.

Unsure on the 30 second skip as of yet, I wanted to get this post out so I could feel cool.

Originally posted by bkozlowski
[QUOTE]Originally posted by vj9999
[B]One note to everybody. Make sure that they give you a new remote. It has "Picture in Picture" buttons on the bottom which is how you switch between tuner 1 and tuner 2."


I just got my 6412 but they left me a remote without the PIP functions. Now I need a pcf. to dump into my Pronto. Anyone?

b

Don't know what kinda of Pronto you have, but if you find a pcf. would you let me know. I have been looking for one to control my 6208, and now my upcoming 6412. BTW, I have a ProntoPro.

Thanks

Just scheduled a swap out for a 6412. They'll be here Thursday morning. Sounds like some significant improvements over the 6208!

Have they fixed the pq problem for analog channels? The last tech I talked to said that was supposed to be done.

Originally posted by hibs99
Unsure on the 30 second skip as of yet, I wanted to get this post out so I could feel cool.

The 30 second skip works. I just programmed the remote and voila! - works great.

Originally posted by Hopeless
Just scheduled a swap out for a 6412. They'll be here Thursday morning. Sounds like some significant improvements over the 6208!

Have they fixed the pq problem for analog channels? The last tech I talked to said that was supposed to be done.

Yes, to my knowledge they have fixed the analog problem (after an update, let me repeat, an update happened after my 6412 was installed, before the update, the analog still looked TERRIBLE. I use the DVI interface and this is where my testing took place. Over the component cables, the analog still looks better now than it did before, but not as good as the analog over the DVI.

My two cents: analog looks the best over DVI

Originally posted by RayB
I can't believe I let this happen, but the installer gave me a 6208 instead of the promised 6412. I didn't catch it until after the installer was gone. I am on hold with Comcast right now trying to get it fixed. If this is your first box (as it was mine), you have to check the box very carefully. It's not easy to find, but obviously from my mistake, you do have to verify. Hope this saves someone else the hassle I'm about to go through.

Here's a tip: the 6412 has the words "Dual Tuner DVR / HDTV Capable" printed on the lower left corner of the front face.

the 30 second skip function was secessfully programmed into the new remote that came with the 6412.

on another note, anyone know how to program the FAV key back to FAV functions? :)

I also don't have a pip or swap button on the remote they gave me. If anyone has the code for this function for a JP1 remote, please post! Without the swap button I don't think I can utilize both tuners. Thanks Comcast!

For all those who didn't get the new remote, here you go.

FOllow the same procedure as for 30 second skip, but program 00236. This is the code for Swap button functionality. Don't ask me how I found it, I was bored and went through every code from 00210-00236 until I got it :)

Woohoo! You the man vj! Swap button works perfectly.

Is anyone still waiting for their guide data to load? I don't have any data beyond today. Also, I still can't watch 173,174 and 175. Installed at 5:00 today.

I had mine installed at 8:30 this morning. 173,174 and 175 wera available right away. It did take a little while to load all of the guide (maybe 3-4 hours)

Originally posted by mck024
Woohoo! You the man vj! Swap button works perfectly.

Is anyone still waiting for their guide data to load? I don't have any data beyond today. Also, I still can't watch 173,174 and 175. Installed at 5:00 today.

All of my channels worked right after the firmware download. The guide data took about an hour to load the first day's worth of info.

One nice thing about the 6412 - it seems much more reliable than the 6208. I had occasional break-ups on certain HD channels before, but I've had rock-solid pictures and sound on the 6412.

Another nice thing about the 6412 - you can set the 4:3 override to stretch mode. I lock the output of the box at 1080i (because my Mits TV takes too long switching from 480i to 1080i and vice versa), but then SD channels would leave the black bars on the sides and my Mits can't stretch or alter 1080i signals. If you set the 4:3 override to Stretch the box will automatically stretch the SD picture to full 16:9 and fill the screen. It may be a little thing, but those whose sets are vulnerable to burn-in will probably appreciate it.

The one thing I miss in the guide is the ability to list upcoming shows from a single channel. With the 6208 you could hit the guide button and see the usual schedule matrix, and if you hit the button again it would list upcoming shows from a single channel. I haven't figured out how to get the same listing on the new box - I always see at least two channels and have to scroll horizontally to see more than 90 minutes into the future.

That one nitpick aside, I really like the 6412. I'm going to work on my FireWire issues later tonight, so hopefully I'll be a completely satisfied customer afterwards.

I just called last night and set an appointment to have my 6208 switched to the 6412 on Friday. I can't wait! Also, this is another in the downtown area.

I still couldn't watch 173-175 and 205 this morning although the guide data is now visible. I called and had the CSR force a download. Hopefully that fixes it.

Originally posted by mlx52
Don't know what kinda of Pronto you have, but if you find a pcf. would you let me know. I have been looking for one to control my 6208, and now my upcoming 6412. BTW, I have a ProntoPro.

Thanks

I am replacing my remote for the one with PIP today (hopfully) and will learn the codes tonight. (I have a TSU-3000) I will post my pcf. here when I'm done (I already have the 30 sec. skip in there).

b

Originally posted by FSugino
Another nice thing about the 6412 - you can set the 4:3 override to stretch mode. I lock the output of the box at 1080i (because my Mits TV takes too long switching from 480i to 1080i and vice versa), but then SD channels would leave the black bars on the sides and my Mits can't stretch or alter 1080i signals. If you set the 4:3 override to Stretch the box will automatically stretch the SD picture to full 16:9 and fill the screen. It may be a little thing, but those whose sets are vulnerable to burn-in will probably appreciate it.

Just got scheduled for Friday morning in Downers Grove - Kipp, not sure why yours was so much later.

FSugino, what type of stretch mode is it? As I recall, Mits TVs have pretty good stretch modes, and I like my Tosh TW1 stretch mode for 4:3 material. How does it compare to your stretch modes on the TV? Is it strictly a horizontal stretch, a zoom, or a non-uniform/non-linear stretch.


hibs99, what kind of TV do you have. I've read many mixed reviews of the DVI and they seem to relate to the type of TV.

Thanks.
Dave

Originally posted by FSugino
The one thing I miss in the guide is the ability to list upcoming shows from a single channel. With the 6208 you could hit the guide button and see the usual schedule matrix, and if you hit the button again it would list upcoming shows from a single channel. I haven't figured out how to get the same listing on the new box - I always see at least two channels and have to scroll horizontally to see more than 90 minutes into the future.

FSugino. You can go to Menu->Search->Listings by Channel to get the listings for a single channel.

Originally posted by dbernhard
FSugino, what type of stretch mode is it? As I recall, Mits TVs have pretty good stretch modes, and I like my Tosh TW1 stretch mode for 4:3 material. How does it compare to your stretch modes on the TV? Is it strictly a horizontal stretch, a zoom, or a non-uniform/non-linear stretch.

I believe it's just a straight horizontal stretch to fill the width of the screen. I believe my Mits set does it a little better, but when I channel surf I hit both HD and SD channels, and the Mits takes several seconds to switch modes and I always get an error message on the screen. I can easy get rid of the error message by hitting the Cancel button on my Mits remote, but I don't want to handle two remotes just to change channels. That's why I lock the output at 1080i - that way, the 6412 upconverts the signal and there's no mode switch on the TV. Unfortunately, I have an older Mits set that won't let me stretch/zoom the picture in 1080i mode.

Originally posted by vj9999
FSugino. You can go to Menu->Search->Listings by Channel to get the listings for a single channel.

Thanks, I was hoping for a shortcut method like the 6208 but I'll settle for this.

Dave -

Panasonic Tau Series Pure Flat CT-32HL43 purchased a year and 2 months ago from Tweeter. Always used the component cables until the DVI was active with the 6208. Used a spare DVI cable that came with a dell computer monitor and WOW the difference...

Does anyone have a link to a dvi cable that I can use? I don't know which one to buy

Called Comcast today to complain about the lock ups and lip sync issues with Cinemax HD. They were aware of the problem and have been receiving complaints. I was told it was being worked on.

Anyways, I inquired as to the 6412 DVR and its availablity. To my surprise, I was told that they just received several of them yesturday and today. The CSR then told me that if I wanted one that they could be out tomorrow!! Not only will it be out tomorrow, I got them to agree to a $15.99 install fee!!! I also had her make a notation to the tech that I want the correct remote for it.

Gov

I just got my 6412 today, a couple questions. The swap button works to swap bewteen the 2 tuners, but the pip button does nothing. Also is it worth my while to use a dvi cable instead of the component cables ? And will the dvi cable display all channels, hd, digital, and analog ? Thanks.

i'm still not very familiar with the dual tuner concept (never had DirecTV). are there two video outs? is there an indicator to tell which tuner you're currently viewing? and when you set up a recording, do you assign it to a specific tuner?
i am considering tying one tuner to a TiVo so i can still take advantage of better trick-play and network scheduling. how could i achieve this?

Originally posted by acaoacao
Does anyone have a link to a dvi cable that I can use? I don't know which one to buy

I did quite a bit of research before buying my DVI cable. There are those who say "a $10 DVI cable will give you the same picture as a $100 DVI cable" and then there are those who say "you get what you pay for". There was some good info in other forums here at AVS and one individual who was an av equipment tester recommended Liberty cables as the best bang for your buck. See the link below - I opted for the 2 meter:

http://www.audio-direct.com/cgi-bin/pgen_asp/catdisp.asp?category=hom_cab_video_dvi&manu_name=LIBERTY

Patrick134 - DVI cables are worth the investment and you'll be able to receive all signals from your 6412.

I just tried dumpig a new recording to tape and noticed a lot of pixelation on the resulting tape :mad:

I think my box is still downloading though, so I hope that's the problem.

I have firmware
9.12
software version
71.44-1203

Originally posted by memnoch
i'm still not very familiar with the dual tuner concept (never had DirecTV). are there two video outs? is there an indicator to tell which tuner you're currently viewing? and when you set up a recording, do you assign it to a specific tuner?

Having two tuners allows the box to process two channels simultaneously. Here's an example of why this comes in handy.

Let's say your two favorite programs are on at the same time, say Lost and Smallville. You want to watch one while recording the other for later viewing. With a single tuner box like the 6208, you can only process one channel, so you can either watch one channel or record one channel. You can't do both at the same time. With a dual tuner box, you can use one tuner to watch Lost while the other tuner is used to record Smallville.

There's only a single set of video outputs from the box. There's no indicator for which tuner is in use - the box manages that by itself. If you're watching one channel and another channel is scheduled to be recorded, the box will automatically use the unused tuner for the recording job. The only time you have to worry about the second tuner is if you start a recording session and want to watch another channel. Then you hit the Swap button on the remote to switch to the second tuner, and then you can switch channels while the first tuner is recording. You can use the Swap button to switch between the two tuners that way.

I'm trying to get some HDTV in my dorm in Evanston. I could throw up an antenna inside my room, or I could try to use the comcast cable down in the TV lounge. Am I correct in understanding that the HDTV channels are in the clear, so that even with only the basic cable package, I should be able to pick up HD channels if I have the proper equipment? I'm going to use a FusionHDTV 3 QAM card in my PC. Anyone have experience with this?

Edit: Some research shows that this should be possible... I understand that Comcast broadcasts in QAM256, in the clear, which the FusionHDTV 3 QAM card will decode. Anyone have contrary evidence?

How is the picture quality on cable? Is it significantly better with OTA, enough to justify messing around with an antenna in my room?

Originally posted by FSugino
Having two tuners allows the box to process two channels simultaneously. Here's an example of why this comes in handy.

Let's say your two favorite programs are on at the same time, say Lost and Smallville. You want to watch one while recording the other for later viewing. With a single tuner box like the 6208, you can only process one channel, so you can either watch one channel or record one channel. You can't do both at the same time. With a dual tuner box, you can use one tuner to watch Lost while the other tuner is used to record Smallville.

There's only a single set of video outputs from the box. There's no indicator for which tuner is in use - the box manages that by itself. If you're watching one channel and another channel is scheduled to be recorded, the box will automatically use the unused tuner for the recording job. The only time you have to worry about the second tuner is if you start a recording session and want to watch another channel. Then you hit the Swap button on the remote to switch to the second tuner, and then you can switch channels while the first tuner is recording. You can use the Swap button to switch between the two tuners that way.

It wasn't stated, so just to make things clear.
You can also record both Lost and Smallville even when they air at the same time also.
I recorded Lost and LAX tonight and watched Lost as it was recording. No pixelation!
I always had a hard time watching a show as it was getting recorded on the 6208. It was like it couldn't keep up or something.

Now, I need to see if they will dump to tape with no pixelation. Hopefully the downloads are done.

BTW - When you hit a button the get the Info for a show, it does not go to the recording on tape. I read in the last manual that if you have any on screen menus come up during the time you are recording it to DVHS, those menus will end up in the recording. That wasn't so today. Maybe they fixed it? I never actually tried it with the 6208, I didn't want to ruin a recording.

While I'm talking about that, is there a way to display the time bar during playback without actually pausing or fast forwarding? What was nice on TiVo is when it's playing, you can hit Play to see where it is in the show. Well, now the Play and Pause are the same buttons.

So i got my 6412 installed this afternoon, and from what i can see i think i will like it, but it doesnt seem to want to load the channel guide or let me in the menu. Anyways just got off the phone with tech support and they did a reauthorization hopefully this will work. AHH comcast makes me so mad sometimes

I just got 2 6208's and now it looks like the 6412's are available in the Chicagoland area. Does anyone know if they are available in the Woodridge/Downer Grove area?

6208 is 9.95 a month, how much are the 6412's?

Originally posted by LaxStar18
So i got my 6412 installed this afternoon, and from what i can see i think i will like it, but it doesnt seem to want to load the channel guide or let me in the menu. Anyways just got off the phone with tech support and they did a reauthorization hopefully this will work. AHH comcast makes me so mad sometimes

My 6412 was installed this morning (replacing a 6208 that I got by mistake on Tuesday). Any time I try to access the guide, menu, info., etc. the box goes off and then seems to "recycle" several times and eventually comes back on with sound and picture. I can usually change channels by pressing in the new channel number. The Channel +/- key causes the same problem as the guide and menu buttons. After speaking to a couple of COMCAST service people, they finally told me that they are having some "signal problems" and that they will try to fix it and will call me back later tonite???? I don't know if our problems are related. Anyone else experiencing these problems with their 6412???

Did anybody else notice that WGN is sending out 5.1 now on everything? Is this just in time for LOTR? I don't remember them sending out 5.1 on anything but baseball games.

Originally posted by RayB
My 6412 was installed this morning (replacing a 6208 that I got by mistake on Tuesday). Any time I try to access the guide, menu, info., etc. the box goes off and then seems to "recycle" several times and eventually comes back on with sound and picture. I can usually change channels by pressing in the new channel number. The Channel +/- key causes the same problem as the guide and menu buttons. After speaking to a couple of COMCAST service people, they finally told me that they are having some "signal problems" and that they will try to fix it and will call me back later tonite???? I don't know if our problems are related. Anyone else experiencing these problems with their 6412???

Ray, I am having the same problem with the 6412 I picked up today. When I click through using my remote too many times in a row, I "reboot". Its irritating.

I am hoping to figure out what the problem is.

John

Originally posted by cvillacci
I just got 2 6208's and now it looks like the 6412's are available in the Chicagoland area. Does anyone know if they are available in the Woodridge/Downer Grove area?

6208 is 9.95 a month, how much are the 6412's?

The 6208 is being retired by Comcast; anyone from hereon out asking for a DVR will receive the 6412 at the same monthly price as the 6208.

Originally posted by FSugino
The 6208 is being retired by Comcast; anyone from hereon out asking for a DVR will receive the 6412 at the same monthly price as the 6208.

FSugino, don't be misinforming people :) There is a $0.04 increase a month.

Is there tax on the 4 cents??:D :D

Originally posted by jsheldon_us
Ray, I am having the same problem with the 6412 I picked up today. When I click through using my remote too many times in a row, I "reboot". Its irritating.

I am hoping to figure out what the problem is.

John

John,

Thanks for posting your problem. It helps to know I'm not alone. If I do get a call back from COMCAST, I'll post the resolution. In the meantime I tried unplugging and replugging the box. This didn't solve the problem, but it does seem to be less severe. It does not reboot as frequently and comes back faster when it does. I can usually change channels now, but it still reboots everytime I try to acess the guide. Maybe it's a problem with the guide software itself.

Originally posted by RayB
John,

Thanks for posting your problem. It helps to know I'm not alone. If I do get a call back from COMCAST, I'll post the resolution. In the meantime I tried unplugging and replugging the box. This didn't solve the problem, but it does seem to be less severe. It does not reboot as frequently and comes back faster when it does. I can usually change channels now, but it still reboots everytime I try to acess the guide. Maybe it's a problem with the guide software itself.

Ray - we definately have the same issue. Stay on it. I will work to fix it on my end.

John

I had my install today and am having the same problem as well!!! I was informed by a Comcast DVR employee that ALL the 6412 the brought out today in this area are having these problems!!! They waived all installation charges and will be out with another 6412 tomorrow.

The funny this is it seemed to work right after the inital download, then after about 20 minutes it started the "rebooting" after pressing anything on the remote.

They must have got a bad batch of 6412's? I hope this isn't a bad sign!!

Gov

Is everyone with the 6412 having this issue or is it just location specific?

I don't have any issues with mine so far. 2 days and running smoothly. Very pleased so far.

Mine is working very well. Heck, I'm recording Soundstage and Without a Trace right now while watching this week's episode of Lost. Every recording has been smooth and glitch free, and I've had absolutely no problems with the box locking or rebooting.

Of all the various cable boxes I've had through the years, I have to say this is the best performing and easily my favorite.

Sure rub it in!!!!:p :p :p

Seriously though, as far as I know, John Sheldon, Gov, and I are the only ones having problems. The only thing that I know for a fact that we have in common is that we all got our boxes today. I just called COMCAST again and made an appointment to get the box replaced tomorrow afternoon.

This will be my third attempt this week.:mad: :mad: :mad:

I'm looking forward to swapping my 6208 for a 6212, but I think I'll let you guys work out all the bugs before pulling the trigger.

Thanks for all the advance work :D

Mike K.

I also got my box today but i have not had any rebooting issues. All my channels are coming in fine and the manual record to time works perfect. My only problem seems to be the guide, it just will not load, they have reset the box a couple times had me unplug it and plug back in, reactivate it but still no luck. Also the menu is unable to come up, it says feature is being restored but I'm sure this is related to the guide as on my 6208 if i would unplug it the menu would be unavailable until the guide came back online. Ive been told that sometimes it could take as much as 24 hours for the guide to load, so I'm supposed to call back tomorrow if my guide is still MIA and they will send me a new box. The only thing i can think is maybe it is a problem with the new iguide? oh well not really sure but we will see in the mourning

I also forgot to say that they tried another download after I started having the problem, and the STB did not even accept the additional download. I just tried watching TV again with it, but am still having the same shut down and reboot problems.

Weird behavior.

My 6408 was swapped out for a 6412 today without any problems at all.

A few observations on the 6412...

Overall, I'm very impressed. On a scale from 0-10 where 0 is no dvr and 10 is a TiVo, the 6208 was a 4 or 5, and the 6412 is a 7.5 or 8.

Compared to the 6208, the 6412 operates much more smoothly and more reliably. I noticed 5 ff and review speeds now, and it seems to scan a good bit faster. The video isn't nearly as choppy during scanning. Thank god they added a time bar!

The two tuners are a godsend. Besides the obvious benefits, they make padding much easier. It looks like padding is going to become much more important, since networks are playing with start and stop times more than ever.

The iguide is a nice improvement too. It's not great, but it's a step in the right direction. And the addition of series recordings is huge - HUGE! Comcast finally has a very useful hd dvr.

Setting up and managing series recordings isn't as easy as it should be, but it's acceptable. This is the area where I most long for TiVo functionality. Now the big question is how reliably it will record. I'll keep the TiVos going for quite a while as backups, and for recording analog programming.

I finally feel how I expected to feel when we got the 6208 - we can now use our hdtv the way we want. The 6208 was a disappointment, but the 6412 is a nice surprise.

Analog channels still look pretty bad, but I think there's some improvement. Fortunately, I can use another input for those, bypassing the 6412.

If you have a 6208 call Comcast right away! You'll love the improvements!

Kipp:
I've been calling the past few days to see if I could get an earlier time. I got mine switched to this coming Monday from 4-6 instead of the following Monday. You might want to do that.

Now I need to dump the 2 saved programs from the 6208 to my hard drive. The first program is the Soundstage with Nickelcreek on it, the second is the Star Wars Episode 3 preview that my wife taped for me yesterday!!! :D :D :D :D In case you missed it, it is attached to the Incredibles and will be on the website for free on Monday. Can't wait for May 19!!! :D :D :D

tim

I had my 6208 swapped out yesterday. The first 6412 that was installed was DOA. Fortunately, he had a few more in the truck and was able to replace it with one that functioned properly. It works great. The GUI is much improved and I'm quite pleased.

seems as though i just got a bum box, oh well i guess its time to call comcast back and have them send out another box. Hopefully I can convince them to get here tomorrow between 12-3 otherwise I'm gonna be waiting till next Wednesday at earliest.

I too swapped out my 6208 for the new box but I also am having the problem getting the program guide to load and therefore the menu to come up. This pretty much make the box unusable. They have sent hits to the box a couple of times but to no avail. Anybody have any ideas. They are sending a tech out tomorrow but if he is anything like the past techs it would be good if I could lend him some assistance.

Could someone with the 6412 explain how it is hooked up to the TV and records to 2 tuners? Is the connection different than the 6208 connection? How do you go from one tuner to another? Are there specs or a diagram on a website I can look at?

Originally posted by cvillacci
Could someone with the 6412 explain how it is hooked up to the TV and records to 2 tuners? Is the connection different than the 6208 connection? How do you go from one tuner to another? Are there specs or a diagram on a website I can look at?

One cable line in, one component cable out to TV, just like the 6208. Does not require 2 lines in from signal like my Ultimate TV for D*.

Originally posted by Gov
I also forgot to say that they tried another download after I started having the problem, and the STB did not even accept the additional download. I just tried watching TV again with it, but am still having the same shut down and reboot problems.

Weird behavior.

Gov and others having the guide/menu problem:

I just had my service call and the problem seems to be fixed w/o swapping boxes. The service technician (a great guy btw) noticed that I had an old splitter in my hookup that I had forgotten was even there. He removed it and the box began to work!! When he first came, he accessed a service menu and saw that the box was not linking properly via the modem and therefore could not access the guide software. Once the splitter was removed, the service menu showed the connection was there and everything was working fine.

I don't know if this is the cause of the problem others are having, but apparently the 6412 needs a very good quality 2-way connection to the cable feed. So...It might be worth checking to make sure your connection is solid and removing any splitters, if you have them.

UPDATE:
Problems have returned although they are somewhat less frequent. I have another call in to try to get the service technician back. Now I can get to the guide sometimes but it still isn't stable (reboots still occurring albeit less frequently). I suspect that my connection is still not clean/strong enough for some reason???

Originally posted by cvillacci
Could someone with the 6412 explain how it is hooked up to the TV and records to 2 tuners? Is the connection different than the 6208 connection? How do you go from one tuner to another? Are there specs or a diagram on a website I can look at?
Just got mine installed. I haven't played with the recording, yet, as I am 'working from home' today.

The guide is still a bit sketchy in the information that is available (ie not TBA). Oh - I spoke too soon - just got a download to the box, so now the guide is all TBA again.

Cindy,
The hookup is the same as the 6208 - cable from the wall to the box, component out to the TV. This box does not have an RF out to connect to the TV, though. Only component, S-Vid, DVI, and composite.

The swap button on the remote allows you to switch between the two tuners. Piece of cake. Having the two tuners and the swap so simple, I may never need to watch another commercial again (except for the Super Bowl).

Just curious. I don't suppose the 6412's have an external SATA connector on the back do they?

Andy

Here is the back of the 6412.

back of 6412 (http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/images/dct6412_back.jpg)

No SATA - why would you need one?

Originally posted by RayB
I just had my service call and the problem seems to be fixed w/o swapping boxes. The service technician (a great guy btw) noticed that I had an old splitter in my hookup that I had forgotten was even there. He removed it and the box began to work!! When he first came, he accessed a service menu and saw that the box was not linking properly via the modem and therefore could not access the guide software. Once the splitter was removed, the service menu showed the connection was there and everything was working fine.

I don't know if this is the cause of the problem others are having, but apparently the 6412 needs a very good quality 2-way connection to the cable feed. So...It might be worth checking to make sure your connection is solid and removing any splitters, if you have them.


A few months back I was having a ton of pixilation / tiling on the HD channels through my 6200. The tech came and replaced my old splitter with a 1,000MHZ splitter and it cured everything. Definitely seems like the newer technology needs that quality signal...

Just a couple of quick questions for you guys now that I'm looking to upgrade to an HDTV:

Has anyone gotten hooked up via Cablecard?

The Comcast person told me that they are charging $24 for the Cablecard installation w/ no monthly fee. I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons vs. a box at $5/month.

If I go w/ a box plus DVR like the 6412, do you guys just ask for it by name when you order your service?

Thanks.

I like the idea of the cable card with the 6412. I'd absoutly pay the $ for that.

My understanding is that the cablecard is one way communication only, so you can get the channels, but there is no VOD or PPV.

If you order DVR, just mention dual tuner DVR, and you should get a 6412.

hogues -why would you want a cablecard with a 6412 ?? The cable card takes the place of the digital set top box, so with a cablecard there is no DVR capability (unless you buy one like tivo or replay), and with the 6412 you have the tuners in the STB, so you don't need a cablecard.

Originally posted by MarcL
Here is the back of the 6412.

back of 6412 (http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/images/dct6412_back.jpg)

No SATA - why would you need one?

External hard drive for additional storage.

Andy

Well......Comcast came out about 3 hours ago with my replacement 6412. Everything so far is GREAT!! No problems!! The guide even downloaded quickly. Its too bad the "picture in picture" feature is not active yet. I hope Comcast activates this feature soon. Now to get more aquainted with this new toy!

Had my 6412 installed yesterday and it's working fine. After initial power-on it worked for about five minutes (no guide data or menus, since they were still loading in) then it rebooted and began downloading new firmware. Took about 15 minutes for the firmware update to finish, then it was working and the guide data began to populate. Initial guide load takes a day or so to fully complete a full 2-3 weeks of data, but it's done now. I've used the Series Record (aka "Season Pass") to get all my favorites in there and adjusted their priority. The Series Record coupled with the 30-second skip that I enabled, pretty much make this equivalent to my old Tivo (Tivo is still a but cleaner around the edges, but this will do fine :)

Someone was mentioning the networks playing around with start-stop times. More and more it seems that HD programs run "long" and my recordings clip the last minute or so. What I've noticed is that not only is the HD channel for most networks delayed by about 5 seconds from the analog counterpart, BUT the Comcast HD channel is delayed by about 10 seconds or more from the OTA HD signal. So the Comcast HD channels seem to be about 10-15 seconds off from the analog ones, which might account for the ends of some recordings being chopped. Methinks the delay is due to the 8VSB to QAM256 recode/conversion that is done by Comcast. I think the clock on the boxes is locked to the correct time for the Analog channel start time, not the HD/digital channels. I suspect that even the QAM64 digital channels have some amount of clock offset due to re-encoding overhead, but it is likely only a few seconds there...

...then again, some shows *are* pushing outside their timeslots (i.e. Lost, ER, etc.)

dumb question but I'll ask, how do you program this "30 second skip" into the 6412's remote? Do I need a JP1 cable?

Thnx

Originally posted by Gov
dumb question but I'll ask, how do you program this "30 second skip" into the 6412's remote? Do I need a JP1 cable?

Thnx

No JP1 cable needed - just follow the instructions in this message (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=4565223#post4565223) .

Well. The 6412 came installed.

I have the silver with HBO and Starz


MY HD lineup is messed up. Can't get WGNHD or ABCHD

INHD is on MAXHD
INHD2 is on STARZ HD

174,174, 208 said will be available shortly.

Those are the negatives...

Here are the positives

I get SHOHD. Plus all the regular showtime channels
I get all regular max channels
I get all regular TMC channels
I get all regular HBO channels
I get all regular STARZ channels...

So will this go away? Will my HD lineup be fixed?

Originally posted by LYU370
External hard drive for additional storage.

Andy

If they ever enable external hard drives (please Comcast - are you listening??) it will be firewire external hard drives.

Marc

Originally posted by MarcL
If they ever enable external hard drives (please Comcast - are you listening??) it will be firewire external hard drives.

I thought so, too, but if you look at the docs for the 62/6400 series from Motorola they seem to indicate that external drives will hook up via USB ports, not 1394.

Originally posted by timdgibson
Kipp:
I've been calling the past few days to see if I could get an earlier time. I got mine switched to this coming Monday from 4-6 instead of the following Monday. You might want to do that.

Now I need to dump the 2 saved programs from the 6208 to my hard drive. The first program is the Soundstage with Nickelcreek on it, the second is the Star Wars Episode 3 preview that my wife taped for me yesterday!!! :D :D :D :D In case you missed it, it is attached to the Incredibles and will be on the website for free on Monday. Can't wait for May 19!!! :D :D :D

tim

Tim,
you were reading my mind, I am set for four 6412s to be installed on 11/10. I am picking up my fourth HDTV, an LCD display in the next few days. It took me an hour on the phone to get the right deal and date. I am sure it will be worth the effort.

FSugino......Thanx a lot for that link to the "30 second skip" procedure, I appreciate it!!! :D

Gov

i just read that WPWR-DT'S going HD sometime next week any word on when comcast'll pick up the DT/HD channel?

OK well i got my box swapped out today. Works perfectly, must have just been a bad 6412 the first time. Also for those of you who do not have VOD it according to the tech, so take with grain of salt, the there is some problem at the Elmhurst head-end that is causing them to not be able to enable the VOD there as of yet. The tech was not really sure as to when it would be fixed either so be patient

I remeber seeing that some one figured out the remote code for the swap button. If anyone would be kind enough to put it up so i can put in my harmoney remote that would be great. Thanks in advance

Just had the tech out at my house this morning. Unfortunately I had to leave before he was finished but the bottom line is he still couldn't get my menu system or program information to load. After a hit or two(after which I had to leave) I guess he talked to headquarters for a while and determined that the problem was at the "head end". What does that mean? Everything worked fine when I had the 6208 box. Why would the 6412 have problems downloading the program information? Has anyone in the Evanston area switched to the 6412 and got the program guide to load successfully? I'm not even sure what to do next. He told my wife they would work on things but it has been my experience with Comcast that if you wait for them to do something it just doesn't get done. Any other ideas. I had him test the signal and he said it was plenty strong enough to connect and download information so I guess that is not the problem. Any help would be appreciated.

Box swap happened today. 6412 up and running great. No such luck on the free install, 15.99 fee :(
Also noticed we have VOD now:D

Steve

Originally posted by LaxStar18
Also for those of you who do not have VOD it according to the tech, so take with grain of salt, the there is some problem at the Elmhurst head-end that is causing them to not be able to enable the VOD there as of yet. The tech was not really sure as to when it would be fixed either so be patient

It is interesting that you say that because JSJames who lives in Elmhurst has VOD and has for awhile. However I who also live in Elmhurst have not been able to get it (just the channel will be avail shortly message) and cust service just wants to send a tech out, but i have been too busy to schedule an appt. It will be interesting to see if this clears up on its own.

Anyboy have any ideas?

Originally posted by acaoacao
Well. The 6412 came installed.

I have the silver with HBO and Starz


MY HD lineup is messed up. Can't get WGNHD or ABCHD

INHD is on MAXHD
INHD2 is on STARZ HD

174,174, 208 said will be available shortly.

Those are the negatives...

Here are the positives

I get SHOHD. Plus all the regular showtime channels
I get all regular max channels
I get all regular TMC channels
I get all regular HBO channels
I get all regular STARZ channels...

So will this go away? Will my HD lineup be fixed?

Originally posted by LaxStar18
I remeber seeing that some one figured out the remote code for the swap button. If anyone would be kind enough to put it up so i can put in my harmoney remote that would be great. Thanks in advance

It's 00236.

Originally posted by acaoacao
Well. The 6412 came installed.

I have the silver with HBO and Starz


MY HD lineup is messed up. Can't get WGNHD or ABCHD

INHD is on MAXHD
INHD2 is on STARZ HD

174,174, 208 said will be available shortly.

Those are the negatives...

Here are the positives

I get SHOHD. Plus all the regular showtime channels
I get all regular max channels
I get all regular TMC channels
I get all regular HBO channels
I get all regular STARZ channels...

So will this go away? Will my HD lineup be fixed?
looks like you have an old or grandfathered package. AFAIK, the Silver package only comes with one premium channel-plex. i have Silver, too, but only with HBO. people with grandfathered packages always report problems with their lineups and channel accessibility. if you call a CSR and have them switch you to their "new" Silver package, then your problems might clear up. of course, you might lose some channels you previously received, and you might pay more. it's up to you.
regarding the 6412, i just might be able to live with it. the time bar and additional fast forward and rewind speeds were must-adds. and so far it looks very stable.

6208 issue.

This may have been discussed before so forgive me but on two of my 6208s, I have a problem at times where I will have three SD programs recorded and it takes up 80% of my drive space. After I unplug the box, the issue goes away. Anyone else have this happen???

I swapped out two 6208s for two 6412s on Friday. For the most part, the 6412s rock! The iGuide interface is much improved, dual tuners are fantastic, and I was really excited about Series Recording...

Until I actually used it. It seems to do an OK job on most shows, but it has a real problem with shows that are also syndicated on the same channel.

For instance, I tried setting up a Series Recording of the Simpsons on Fox HD. I selected "First Run Only", but instead of just picking up the Sunday evening episode, it selected every Simpsons broadcast on Fox. Given that it's on three times a day during the week (5:30, 6:30 and 10), plus miscellaneous other times, I ended up with 33 scheduled recordings!

To add insult to injury, I can't seem to find any way of doing the "6208" version of Series Recording - pick a show, go to options, and select "Every week". That option is gone now - it's either new-style Series Recording or nothing. :mad:

I ended up just creating a Manual Recording for Fox HD from 7-7:30pm on Sunday (Every Week) - but this isn't exactly a convenient way of doing things.

I can't imagine what setting up a series on a cable channel like FoodTV or TLC would be like. Imagine trying to record new "Trading Spaces" or "Good Eats" episodes - I'd probably fill up my hard drive in two days! :D

Has anyone else had this experience? I'm guessing that the guide data is wrong and has a "new episode" tag on each of the entries.

As I understand the system, "First Run" should give me only new, non-syndicated episodes. "First Run and Repeats" should give me new episodes plus repeats occupying (essentially) the same timeslot (e.g., it would record the Simpson on Sunday evenings even if that episode was a rerun). "All Episodes" should snarf up the ten-bazillion episodes of the Simpsons running in syndication. Am I missing something?

I had the same problem recording the Wire on HBO (reruns on Saturdays were picked up), and SNL on NBC (rerun at 3 am picked up). I did however program about 10 other shows on NBC that sheduled correctly (L and O, SVU, Third Watch, West Wing, ER etc), but I don't think these are ever rerun on NBC in the same week, so who knows.

In my case it appears to be a problem with the TV guide data, as the reruns are labeled as NEW in the info section (they have the same description as the first run episodes). I sorely miss the "record this show at this time every week" option already.

On the plus side, I did notice that if you press record 10 minutes into a show, it starts the recording and includes the buffered first 10 minutes as well in the saved recording (the 6208 just started at the point you pushed record).

Marc

I had my box 6208 for 6412 swap on Friday. The installer also put a new box on the back of the house and removed the ADCAM? filter that was there. He said that they were phasing these out.

I'm not sure what that thing was for, but it seems that since that has been removed, I have more 'noise' or graininess in my picture on all of my TVs. I've alleviated some by turning my sharpness way down, but as low as I've got it now (15 on a Tosh 46H83 down from 40), everything looks very 'soft'.

Was this filter thing a noise filter that he removed, or is this noise my imagination?

I love the 2 tuner box, and am happy with the guide an performance, but my picture just doesn't seem as clear. Since it's all of my TVs, not just the big screen hooked up to the new box, I think that the culprit is that missing filter.

Any suggestions? Can I pick up a noise filter from radio shack like this:
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=15-678

I do believe the adcam filter was a trap used to filter pay channels for ppl with analog level service. Now that they are moving all the pay channels off analog and onto digital they are no longer needed as the STB takes care of authorization

Originally posted by MarcL
I had the same problem recording the Wire on HBO (reruns on Saturdays were picked up), and SNL on NBC (rerun at 3 am picked up). I did however program about 10 other shows on NBC that sheduled correctly (L and O, SVU, Third Watch, West Wing, ER etc), but I don't think these are ever rerun on NBC in the same week, so who knows.


I'm having the same problem with CSI. Who knows what they're using to have the dvr distinguish between first run and repeats, but whatever it is, it isn't reliable!


On the plus side, I did notice that if you press record 10 minutes into a show, it starts the recording and includes the buffered first 10 minutes as well in the saved recording (the 6208 just started at the point you pushed record).
Marc [/B]

Yeah, I tested that today, and was pleasantly surprised that they'd changed it. That's one of many nice TiVo-like features missing on the 6208.

One problem I'm running into is that some shows that should be recorded on the 2nd tuner aren't being scheduled to record. It's like the dvr thinks there's a conflict, but I don't see any reason for it. Anybody else noticing this?

About the only other problem so far is the occasional delay in responding to commands. I can live with it though. The 6412 is a HUGE improvement over the 6208.

Originally posted by kevin j
i just read that WPWR-DT'S going HD sometime next week any word on when comcast'll pick up the DT/HD channel?
Does Comcast carry UPN in other areas? I'm hoping they add it right away cause I'm only staying with them till my 6 month deal is up.

Is this (http://www.audio-direct.com/cgi-bin/pgen_asp/pagegen.asp?itemnum=CAB-DVI2HDMI-6MM) the best bang for my buck or can a decent DVI to HDMI cable be had for less?

I called yesterday to get my 2 6208 changed to 6412. Comcast said it would not be able to come out until Dec 3. Also, the set up cost is around $33 for each box. Has anyone been able to get around the set up/delivery costs? Why the month delay in coming out? Anyone else run into this?

Well my guide finally showed up late Saturday night/early Sunday morning. Everything seems to be working well now. Pretty much everything about the box is an improvement over the 6208 as far as I am concerned except one thing. This new box is much noisier. Is this a unit to unit thing or a problem with the 6412 in general? I noticed some people saying they thought the dual tuner was actually quieter but it certainly is the case with mine.

It must be your box. Mine is much, much quieter.

Originally posted by LaxStar18
I do believe the adcam filter was a trap used to filter pay channels for ppl with analog level service. Now that they are moving all the pay channels off analog and onto digital they are no longer needed as the STB takes care of authorization
I don't think that is the case. A friend of mine was an installer for AT&T before the buyout. He said that that filter was up on the pole (my utils are delivered overhead, not buried), this one was for noise.

On a different note, I had the box spontaneously reboot itself last night, too. Never had that happen with the 6208, either.

Originally posted by cvillacci
I called yesterday to get my 2 6208 changed to 6412. Comcast said it would not be able to come out until Dec 3. Also, the set up cost is around $33 for each box. Has anyone been able to get around the set up/delivery costs? Why the month delay in coming out? Anyone else run into this?

They originally wanted to put me out until Dec. but I haggled. They said the delay was due to equipment availability and strong demand.

Originally posted by cvillacci
I called yesterday to get my 2 6208 changed to 6412. Comcast said it would not be able to come out until Dec 3. Also, the set up cost is around $33 for each box. Has anyone been able to get around the set up/delivery costs? Why the month delay in coming out? Anyone else run into this?

A friend of mine in Orland Park called on Saturday morning and they said they'd be out on Tuesday.

In my case, I called to inquire about replacing my 6200 with the 6412. They were out the next day and I negotiated the install fee down to $15.99. My first 6412 was defective, so they brought out another one the following down. Because of my inconveinence, they gladly waived all installation charges
:D

Ya know I got charged

$15.99 for the install

and then another $15.99 for the change/activate service.. bogus.

i called and they corrected.

Channel 208 is showing some 80s movie right now. It is not on INHD2 (inhd2 - 175 has The Pretenders concert on) and INHD 1 has NBA.

edit. It was Mannequin: On the Move .

Originally posted by vj9999
Channel 208 is showing some 80s movie right now. It is not on INHD2 (inhd2 - 175 has The Pretenders concert on) and INHD 1 has NBA.

The movie is Mannequin 2, and according to the channel guide it's scheduled to show on INHD later this month (Nov. 21). They are showing the usual INHD ads after the movie...

[edit] I just checked, and Mannequin 2 was on INHD2 earlier today. It's almost like Comcast is running a tape-delay of INHD2 on channel 208.

Does anyone know how to get the 6412 off of mute mode. I noticed if it turns on for a scheduled recording it is in a mute mode that i can not figure out how to get out of short of turning off box (which would cancel recordings) and i wanted to use the other tuner. This is really annoying, kinda a stupid feature if you want my opinion

INHD2 schedule show that this movie was on today around 2:45 pm.

Originally posted by LaxStar18
Does anyone know how to get the 6412 off of mute mode. I noticed if it turns on for a scheduled recording it is in a mute mode that i can not figure out how to get out of short of turning off box (which would cancel recordings) and i wanted to use the other tuner. This is really annoying, kinda a stupid feature if you want my opinion

Try this: un-mute 6412 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=4627408#post4627408)

Does Comcast offer HD PPV in Chicagoland or anywhere for that matter? All the bandwidth they must have in my area and I can think of many things they are lacking.

The installer came yesterday and swapped out my 6208 for the 6412. He was about 15 minutes late. Not only did he call that he was running late, but he waived the $15 fee!! I did get the new remote.

About 5 minutes after he left the box starting the download, so my wife and I went out to run some errands. When we came back, the guide info was updated.

Everything seems to be working fine. We really like the new box and guide. Channel changing is definitely faster and the box seems to be a little quieter. I'm going to check to see if DVI looks better than component (on all the previous boxes, component looked better on my tv). Sorry, I don't have a use for the firewire port right now.

BTW, 208 still has the HDSE logo on it and the info matches INHD2.


tim

I think the channel 208 issue may have been caused by the Dallas-Golden State basketball game last night. It was shown on 174 (INHD). I don't know why they don't show the NBA TV games on 208 and leave INHD/INHD2 alone. What exactly qualifies as a special event to Comcast?

Originally posted by dbernhard
I had my box 6208 for 6412 swap on Friday. The installer also put a new box on the back of the house and removed the ADCAM? filter that was there. He said that they were phasing these out.

I'm not sure what that thing was for, but it seems that since that has been removed, I have more 'noise' or graininess in my picture on all of my TVs. I've alleviated some by turning my sharpness way down, but as low as I've got it now (15 on a Tosh 46H83 down from 40), everything looks very 'soft'.

Was this filter thing a noise filter that he removed, or is this noise my imagination?

I love the 2 tuner box, and am happy with the guide an performance, but my picture just doesn't seem as clear. Since it's all of my TVs, not just the big screen hooked up to the new box, I think that the culprit is that missing filter.

Any suggestions? Can I pick up a noise filter from radio shack like this:
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=15-678
OK, the box rebooted again last night. Which is twice in two days. Each time it rebooted, I swapped between the two tuners.

I went in and looked at some of the diagnostics based on this website:
http://cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dctdiag.htm

My SNR (signal to noise ratio) is consistently at around 20-25dB, which was classified as 'good' or 'fair'. My AGC (automatic gain control) is at around 75% which was classified as 'fair'.

For Monday Night Football, the correctable 5 second error couns were in the 2500 - 3500 range which seems like a LOT of errors for a 5 second sampling.

It would seem that my signal is too low (or there is too much noise). Will a signal booster help this out? Any ideas?

I would say normal is the sound of a PC running. My 6412 is actually a tad quiter than the 6208 I had. Its the hard drive spinning or whatever that is the source of the noise.
I am very happy with my 6412 and am looking forward to Sunday when Gregg Loewen, a ISF calibrator from New England makes his quarterly Chicago tour and visits me and my four month old Hitachi 57X500.
I am anxious to see the difference with a full calibration.

Originally posted by radarblip
Here is another data point for you re 5-second error counts.

My ABC-HD ch.187 is currently bouncing between 3500 to 4500 correctable errors and zero uncorrectables. A few weeks back there was a problem with the fiber optic feed to my neighborhood causing repeated picture breakup, tiling and even loss of picture for minutes at a time every twenty minutes or so. During the worst periods of time, my correctable errors ranged from 5,000 to 60,000 with 15,000 being typical. Simultaneously my 5-second uncorrectable error counts ranged from 5 to 30. A few times both went to zero because there was insufficient period of good signal to even measure. Meanwhile my best channel, ch.173 which always had a good picture was consistently around 300 to 400.

These problems can also be cause by too high signal level as well as too low. I can only speculate the system is designed to operate on the edge of failure to discourage piracy.
OK, I don't feel that bad.

I just noticed that all of my channels (on all of my TVs) look worse (grainy/noisy) since the swap. I posted earlier that the Tech did some work on the back of the house, too, removing a filter/trap. I tried the signal attenuator already - much worse, so I don't think that it is too much signal. I'm going to try the booster tonight.

I know that I should call Comcast to fix this, but my wife already thinks I'm crazy, and I don't want to take another day off of work if I can address it myself. If the booster doesn't help, I'll have to suck it up and bring them back out. I knew I should've stopped the tech, but I got greedy thinking that maybe my picture would be even better. No such luck.

Originally posted by radarblip
My Motorola 6412 makes a lot of noise. I posted this description (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4624742#post4624742) on the HDTV Recorders thread yesterday but no replies as yet.

Can someone please tell me what is normal for noise? Mine is faintly audible at fifteen feet. Within four feet it would definitely interrupt a conversation to ask "why must this be so loud?" It sounds like a hamster wheel spinning and double clicking at full speed.

Comcast tells me it is "unfortunately" normal.

Surely that is not normal. No one else seems to be commenting on this issue.

Should I ask for another unit or learn to live with it. Do HDTV-TIVO's make such a racket? My picture on SD channels with my Panasonic ED plasma is so much better than my old DCT-5100 that I hope it is not a luck of the draw thing.

FYI, my 6412 also makes the noise you describe, but it's not as loud as you describe.

tim

Got 2 6412s last Friday. After the usual Firmware and guide downloads all was good. Was able to record and playback without any issues. Never had the 6208, but am a previous TIVO owner. Although the 6412 is not quite TIVO caliber, I am quite pleased.

I really appreciate this forum and this thread specifically. Hearing all of the issues and solutions that have been figured out have been great (30 second skip, etc.) Hats off to all who have posted here.

I am curious if anyone had breakup problems in my area last night. I was trying to record CSI:Miami, while trying to watch MNF, or Catch Me If you Can on HBO-HD, and the pixelation, freezes, breakups, etc. made both shows un-watchable. I tried stopping the recording, but that didn't help. Neither did a re-boot. I hope it wasn't just my box.

Also, does anyone have information on an ISF Calibration person in this area?

Thanks in advance.

Is it true you have to subscribe to one of the digital packages to get the HD PVR?

The DVI output on my 6208s sends out an unwatchable signal. Is there anything special to do to get it working correctly??? I tried on two different displays and 6208s and the output resolution in the service menu was set correctly.

Originally posted by LaxStar18
Does anyone know how to get the 6412 off of mute mode. I noticed if it turns on for a scheduled recording it is in a mute mode that i can not figure out how to get out of short of turning off box (which would cancel recordings) and i wanted to use the other tuner. This is really annoying, kinda a stupid feature if you want my opinion


So if the 6412 is off and a scheduled recording comes on and turns the STB on, it goes into a mute mode? Meaning that if I turn on my TV and a/v receiver, I will get no sound? If so, I can press the "mute" button on the 6412's remote to un-mute it? I am confused! Help!

Originally posted by mck024
Try this: un-mute 6412 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=4627408#post4627408)

?

Yes if your STB turns itself on for a recording it will be in mute mode. The only way to turn this off is either by turning off the STB and back on effectively killing your recordings or to program a remote button with the unmute button. I used the motorola remote and reprogrammed the live TV button with the unmute then used that to teach it to my harmony remote. Now with the swap and the unmute on my remote all is well, at least till they implement the PIP, which i think could be real cool, as i have not used PIP since i got Digital Cable oh so long ago. And with pip i would think we could could pip to HD channels, oh the fun.

SO PIP hasn't been enabled for the 6412?

Also, what unverisal learning remote are ppl using for thie 6412?

No PIP has not be turned on yet. The remote that i was talking about was just the one that came with the STB but i am sure you will find ppl using a large variety of remotes. My full time remote is a Harmony 659. I think a lot of ppl probably have JP1 remotes of some kind along with a bunch of Prontos, and Theater Masters if i had to guess

Comcast made it out today with 4 6412s. The only problem is they did not give me new remotes ( I still have the 6208 remotes with the on-demand button). I was told to expect 4 remotes via UPS in the next 7-10 days. Anyone know how to toggle between tuners without the swap button???

1) Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3) Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice
4) Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button
5) Type in the code 00173 (for 30 second Skip) or 00236 (for Swap).
6) Press whatever button you want to map the skip or swap function to.

Marc

Originally posted by MarcL
1) Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3) Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice
4) Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button
5) Type in the code 00173 (for 30 second Skip) or 00236 (for Swap).
6) Press whatever button you want to map the skip or swap function to.

Marc

Thank you.:cool: :cool: :cool:

Radar,
all four of mine are extremely quiet.

I also did not get the new remote, but called today, and they agreed to UPS a remote when they arrive (I will however only believe it when I see it). Anyway - better than another service call just to get a remote. And now I will have two remotes.

Thanks for the tip Kipp.

Marc

Originally posted by Drifty
I would say normal is the sound of a PC running. My 6412 is actually a tad quiter than the 6208 I had. Its the hard drive spinning or whatever that is the source of the noise.
I am very happy with my 6412 and am looking forward to Sunday when Gregg Loewen, a ISF calibrator from New England makes his quarterly Chicago tour and visits me and my four month old Hitachi 57X500.
I am anxious to see the difference with a full calibration.

I would say my 6412 is loud also, makes a noticeable clicking noise. It can be heard from about 15 ft away with the tv volume on low. My wife noticed right away and she is usually oblivious to my AV changes. I recently switched from DTV to comcast so I can't compare to the previous 6208. otherwise it has been functioning great and I am pleased with the switch from satellite.

My experience is the opposite. My 6208 was really loud, but my 6412 is MUCH quieter - more like a computer. 6208 was annoyingly loud (even over moderate TV volume), while I only hear 6412 when TV is off and room is quiet.

marc

Originally posted by LaxStar18
Yes if your STB turns itself on for a recording it will be in mute mode. The only way to turn this off is either by turning off the STB and back on effectively killing your recordings or to program a remote button with the unmute button. I used the motorola remote and reprogrammed the live TV button with the unmute then used that to teach it to my harmony remote. Now with the swap and the unmute on my remote all is well, at least till they implement the PIP, which i think could be real cool, as i have not used PIP since i got Digital Cable oh so long ago. And with pip i would think we could could pip to HD channels, oh the fun.

Thanx...I got it to work now.
As far as the implementation of PIP. I spoke to a "DVR specialist" from Comcast last week and I inquired as when this will be working. He said it is atleast a year or so off before its functionable.


:rolleyes:

I have tested the 1394 firewire for viewing and recording and all is working perfectly. I was able to a flawless recording off of StarzHD with my Mits 55613, 6412, Mits DVHS 2kU. Great news!!!

I will be testing for networking capabilities when I have more time hopefully in the next few weeks.

Originally posted by Gov
Thanx...I got it to work now.
As far as the implementation of PIP. I spoke to a "DVR specialist" from Comcast last week and I inquired as when this will be working. He said it is atleast a year or so off before its functionable.


:rolleyes:

My installer said the PIP was already active but I take what installers say with a grain of salt.

Originally posted by Kipp Jones
My installer said the PIP was already active but I take what installers say with a grain of salt.

LOL :D :D :D :D :D :D

Gov,
is that you in your avatar???

You guys that have multiple DVRs . . .

Do you pay an extra fee for each one? Does it make any sense to get one for a non-digital TV? I have a Toshiba Cinema Series that has component inputs, but is not progressive-scan compatible, in the living room. I'd like to get the extra channels when I sign up for Digital Cable. THe other TVs can run off the analog.

Got five tvs in the house. Don't want to pay extra box fees since they all run free now.

Eric

Originally posted by Kipp Jones
Gov,
is that you in your avatar???

Ya, I look a lot like Pacino don't I?

:D

Originally posted by MarcL
1) Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3) Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice
4) Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button
5) Type in the code 00173 (for 30 second Skip) or 00236 (for Swap).
6) Press whatever button you want to map the skip or swap function to.

Marc

Along with the above procedure that Marc kindly listed, make sure to program in 00141 for the un-mute option.

Originally posted by Gov
Ya, I look a lot like Pacino don't I?

:D

Exactly, I hear "say hello to my little friend" when I see the pic. :cool: :cool: :cool:

Originally posted by Gov
Thanx...I got it to work now.
As far as the implementation of PIP. I spoke to a "DVR specialist" from Comcast last week and I inquired as when this will be working. He said it is atleast a year or so off before its functionable.


:rolleyes:

In one of the recording threads, someone has mentioned that the hardware does not support PIP, so I wouldn't count on it being functionable any time soon :)

Has anyone had a problem with their 6412s shutting down automatically? At 10pm CST every night, both my 6412s turn off. I've tried in vain to find some sort of "auto shutdown" setting in the cable menus, to no avail.

So far, it's just been an annoyance, but I'm sure I will eventually record something spanning the 10 o'clock hour and I'll end up with a truncated recording.

I've also had the muting problem, but reprogrammed the remote to add the STB's mute. The Pip + is now 30-second skip, and Pip - is STB mute. I can't believe how much more enjoyable TV watching is when I can zap commercials with 5 flicks of my thumb!

So I just got my 6214 box. I also got a nice new sparkly remote.

Pity it doesn't come with an A/B switch on it. Or any documentation about how to use (or not use) the dual tuner support.

Thank-goodness for the good people of this forum ! I was able to reprogram the "Help" button to "switch".

Does anyone know if I am using the DVR funtion of the box to record a program and my Tivo changes channel, will the new channel request be moved to the other tuner ?

Thanks,

Colin

Anyone experiencing pixelation on their HD channels? I am getting several pixelation on all channels

Originally posted by acaoacao
Anyone experiencing pixelation on their HD channels? I am getting several pixelation on all channels

Test your signal strength. A signal that's too weak OR too strong can cause that problem. Also try eliminating any splitters you have connected to the HD signal. I don't know why, but they can cause intermittent pixelization.

Maybe someone here can tell you the range for a good signal. I think the high end is 18db.

Problem with my 6412:

I decided that it would be a good idea to check the status screen on my box, so I turned it off, hit 'select' and went into the status screen. Browsed around, checked a few things out, no big deal right?

Wellllllllllll, when i exited the screen and went back to an "off" box, and I turned it on again, no picture. It would display the guide info, change channels, go into the guide, etc. ONLY when i played a saved program from the dvr section and then exited it would the picture come on.

I unplugged it for 30 seconds, plugged it back in, and that seemed to fix it b/c I was able to turn it on and get a picture...but now it is back to its old tricks, and I have not gone into any status screens.

Any advice?

Originally posted by hibs99
Problem with my 6412:

I decided that it would be a good idea to check the status screen on my box, so I turned it off, hit 'select' and went into the status screen. Browsed around, checked a few things out, no big deal right?

Wellllllllllll, when i exited the screen and went back to an "off" box, and I turned it on again, no picture. It would display the guide info, change channels, go into the guide, etc. ONLY when i played a saved program from the dvr section and then exited it would the picture come on.

I unplugged it for 30 seconds, plugged it back in, and that seemed to fix it b/c I was able to turn it on and get a picture...but now it is back to its old tricks, and I have not gone into any status screens.

Any advice?

I am having the same problem. Turn on the box, guide and channel info work fine, but no picture. If I watch something on DVR it works fine and returns my channels to me. But turn it off and back to the same.

Originally posted by Hopeless
Test your signal strength. A signal that's too weak OR too strong can cause that problem. Also try eliminating any splitters you have connected to the HD signal. I don't know why, but they can cause intermittent pixelization.

Maybe someone here can tell you the range for a good signal. I think the high end is 18db.

How do I check the signal strength?

Originally posted by glowkiss
I am having the same problem. Turn on the box, guide and channel info work fine, but no picture. If I watch something on DVR it works fine and returns my channels to me. But turn it off and back to the same.

I've had the same problem as well. Like you said, going to DVR and starting a recorded program and then going back to live TV fixes the problem.

I don't know if it has been mentioned yet, but the new remote for the 6412 with the PIP section at the bottom has the B and C buttons labeled with day+ and day-. And they actually work in the guide!

Slow but sure, watch out tivo here we come (plus or minus a decade:D )

Steve

Originally posted by radarblip
Sounds like a glitch.

My 6412 also lapses into a no output mode when left on overnight while my AV receiver is off. Also happens if I hit the wrong button for a menu selection sequence.

It seems to me the simplest way to wake it up consistently is to hit "play" even if that would otherwise not make any sense.

I have also learned to live with the fact that it does not respond to that or any keystroke for up ten seconds or so at random times.

My 'old' DVR (don't know the model number) is doing the same things as you are describing. Last night it record Joey but didn't record Will & Grace. At one point it said "changing to channel 11105".

I am calling today to get the 6412. A coworker of mine is dumping D* for Comcast just because of the DVR. He just dropped 5K on a plasma and doesn't feel like dropping another 1K for the TiVo.

Just finished talking with Comcast DVR support and they sent some sort of reset to my box. Seems to be ok now. Of course now I have to wait for my guide to load.

Originally posted by acaoacao
Anyone experiencing pixelation on their HD channels? I am getting several pixelation on all channels



I have the same problem on both my 6412s. First 2 days all was good. Since then severe pixelation, freeze ups, dropouts, etc.

They swapped one of the boxes, but it still happens. So, they are coming out on Monday and re-doing the wiring from the pole all the way to my HDTV.

glowkiss, please keep me posted, this is a very annoying "bug" that we have seem to discovered. I hope a hit is enough to solve the problem.

it was working perfectly until i got curious and of course i HAAAAD to know my SNR and attuniation, etc blah blah blah, why couldnt i just sit there and be happy with it working! arg! haha

to everyone else offering advice, i have personally changed nothing. the box works with my tv perfectly in all modes. no modes were changed, interfaces work fine, HD,SD etc

No matter what I do, it does not display picture when first turned on until i play something in the dvr menu...

Originally posted by MrByteHead
I have the same problem on both my 6412s. First 2 days all was good. Since then severe pixelation, freeze ups, dropouts, etc.

They swapped one of the boxes, but it still happens. So, they are coming out on Monday and re-doing the wiring from the pole all the way to my HDTV.

The severe pixelation sucks.

I wonder why it is like that. It was working terrific from Last Friday to yesterday. Pissed me off. I called and they want to send to resets to my box but i am sure that could not be it.

Originally posted by Kipp Jones
I have tested the 1394 firewire for viewing and recording and all is working perfectly. I was able to a flawless recording off of StarzHD with my Mits 55613, 6412, Mits DVHS 2kU. Great news!!!
kipp, are you able to control firewire recording thru the Mits? i tried this once but it did not change the channel on the Comcast box.
one thing i hate about the firewire connection is that it turns the Comcast box off when the TV is turned off. this is an issue when the box is currently recording something.

No, I have not tried to control the box via the Mits. My time has been limited to play around.

I tried it last night and it did not control the box. Comcast was out this morning to swap one of my 6412s that would not activate my channels greater than 120. All is fine now.

It is funny how this thread became so quiet. It must mean everyone is playing with their new equipment...

Originally posted by Kipp Jones
It is funny how this thread became so quiet. It must mean everyone is playing with their new equipment...

That's the case for me. Oh yeah, and working crazy hours and having some well deserved time with my wife.

But we are definitely enjoying the 6412 with the bigger HD & 2 tuners. In fact I'm going to recommend it to my in-laws tonight when we have dinner with them.


tim

There has been some talk on different remotes for the 6412. Comcast will be coming out to install my PVR tomorrow. Can anyone describe or point me to a post that describes the newer remote? I want to be able to recognize if Comcast gives me an older remote (for 6208) or the newest remote.

Thanks

I am having a problem connecting my new 6412 via DVI. I have it connected to my Samsung DLP. Basically a picture will show up for 5-10 seconds and then go black. If I turn the box off and turn it back on it does the same thing. The component outputs work fine.

It seems like the box can not sustain an image via DVI for more than the 5-10 second period. I am using acoustic research cables. I have tried to reseat them multiple times, turned the box on and off etc. I don't think it is the cable because the picture shows up fine for the 5-10 seconds. Seems more like the box.

Any help would be appreciated. I called comcast and they have no known compatibility issues. On the other hand these boxes are so new.

Originally posted by kdeleon
There has been some talk on different remotes for the 6412. Comcast will be coming out to install my PVR tomorrow. Can anyone describe or point me to a post that describes the newer remote? I want to be able to recognize if Comcast gives me an older remote (for 6208) or the newest remote.

Look at the very bottom set of buttons on the remote (right above the Comcast logo). It's in a section labelled "Picture-in-Picture" and the buttons are: On-Off, Swap, Move, PIP channel +, PIP channel -. I believe these buttons are specific to the 6412 remote; I don't remember them on the remote I had with my 6208.

Originally posted by acaoacao
The severe pixelation sucks.

I wonder why it is like that. It was working terrific from Last Friday to yesterday. Pissed me off. I called and they want to send to resets to my box but i am sure that could not be it.


Tried again Saturday and now it's all good again. No more pixelation, or freeze ups. I knew it must have been something on their end. Don't know what it was, but I'm just glad it's fixed. I came very close to cancelling, and switching back to D*.

So now, its back to enjoying the 6412.

Anyone know if there is a way to add a bigger hard drive, or swap out the one they installed for a bigger one?

Thanks in advance.

I wish my end was better.

I am still getting pixelation. Somes it is okay. Then other times, it is really bad.

I currently have 1/2 of all the space used? Would the amount of disk space usuage make a difference?

Anyone else got an idea?

I hooked up my 6412 with a dvi monster cable, and it works great, no problems at all.

Originally posted by kdeleon
There has been some talk on different remotes for the 6412. Comcast will be coming out to install my PVR tomorrow. Can anyone describe or point me to a post that describes the newer remote? I want to be able to recognize if Comcast gives me an older remote (for 6208) or the newest remote.

Thanks
I got lazy and scanned it to skip a step with the digital camera so it's a little blurry at the top and bottom, but that bottom section is the PIP section that has been referred to. And before you think I'm crazy, I didn't copy it 222 times. I just hit random numbers each time as I found a good size and quality in Photo Shop.

I had my 6412 installed on Saturday and specifically requested the new remote. The installer brought out a brand new remote, but it did not have the PIP section at the bottom. He indicated that they had "reprogrammed" all of the existing remotes to work with the 6412.

After examining the remote, there was a clear overlay sticker at the bottom with the "new" swap button labled. I was able to switch between tuners with this button and only had to program in the 30 sec skip feature.

Not sure if I'm missing anything else if PIP isn't going to be functional anytime soon.

Originally posted by kblee
I had my 6412 installed on Saturday and specifically requested the new remote. The installer brought out a brand new remote, but it did not have the PIP section at the bottom. He indicated that they had "reprogrammed" all of the existing remotes to work with the 6412.

After examining the remote, there was a clear overlay sticker at the bottom with the "new" swap button labled. I was able to switch between tuners with this button and only had to program in the 30 sec skip feature.

Not sure if I'm missing anything else if PIP isn't going to be functional anytime soon.
I don't even know how they would make PIP function seeing as how the remote doesn't even seem to acknowledge it. The button on top doesn't even light up when you press any of those buttons other than swap.

During the Bears game yesterday on Fox I was experiencing something strange and am wondering if it was the new 6412, or flaw in the broadcast. Every few minutes the picture would "jog-back" about a half second and then reset. I originally assumed it had something to do with the 6412, but I did not experience it at all on Saturday or on any other channel on Sunday? If anyone else saw this please let me know...

Originally posted by kblee
During the Bears game yesterday on Fox I was experiencing something strange and am wondering if it was the new 6412, or flaw in the broadcast. Every few minutes the picture would "jog-back" about a half second and then reset. I originally assumed it had something to do with the 6412, but I did not experience it at all on Saturday or on any other channel on Sunday? If anyone else saw this please let me know...

I was thinking that was a Fox glitch. I have a 6208 & that was happening to me as well.

I just ordered 2 DVR's, and they are charging me an install fee of $31.98 for EACH box, even though they are coming out only once. Is this correct? Anyone else get charged for each box if ordering more than one?

Also, I guess the packages changed. They told me that the Gold package does NOT include Digital Plus (or Encore). You just get Digital Classic with the 2 premiums. Is this correct? My poor cable bill...that's just ridiculous to charge me $64 to install the DVR's...all they are doing is swapping the boxes I currently have.

Originally posted by kblee
During the Bears game yesterday on Fox I was experiencing something strange and am wondering if it was the new 6412, or flaw in the broadcast. Every few minutes the picture would "jog-back" about a half second and then reset. I originally assumed it had something to do with the 6412, but I did not experience it at all on Saturday or on any other channel on Sunday? If anyone else saw this please let me know...
I experienced the same little glitch that you guys are talking about. I'm using the 6412.

Originally posted by timmo
I just ordered 2 DVR's, and they are charging me an install fee of $31.98 for EACH box, even though they are coming out only once. Is this correct? Anyone else get charged for each box if ordering more than one?

Also, I guess the packages changed. They told me that the Gold package does NOT include Digital Plus (or Encore). You just get Digital Classic with the 2 premiums. Is this correct? My poor cable bill...that's just ridiculous to charge me $64 to install the DVR's...all they are doing is swapping the boxes I currently have.

If you are just swapping then you don't have to change your programming package. If you are changig level of your service (i.e. from silver to gold) then you loose your grandfathered package and you will be switched to the new version of the package (which doesn't include Encore, etc.)

For installation fee, look back ifew pages in this thread and see what others have reported about installation charge for swapping multiple boxes. Installation charge should be $15.99 as it is a DVR install not a regular install and DVR installation charge should apply.

Originally posted by kblee
During the Bears game yesterday on Fox I was experiencing something strange and am wondering if it was the new 6412, or flaw in the broadcast. Every few minutes the picture would "jog-back" about a half second and then reset. I originally assumed it had something to do with the 6412, but I did not experience it at all on Saturday or on any other channel on Sunday? If anyone else saw this please let me know...
I had the same problem and am using a 5100 so i'm pretty sure it was a fox issue!

Originally posted by kblee
During the Bears game yesterday on Fox I was experiencing something strange and am wondering if it was the new 6412, or flaw in the broadcast. Every few minutes the picture would "jog-back" about a half second and then reset. I originally assumed it had something to do with the 6412, but I did not experience it at all on Saturday or on any other channel on Sunday? If anyone else saw this please let me know...

I had the same issue and was watching it OTA, so it was definitely a Fox issue. Not sure if it was Fox local or Fox national, but it wasn't limited to Comcast.

There was another glitch in the broadcast. Somehow, the Bears actually won. That couldn't have happened, could it? :confused: :D

Originally posted by vj9999
If you are just swapping then you don't have to change your programming package. If you are changig level of your service (i.e. from silver to gold) then you loose your grandfathered package and you will be switched to the new version of the package (which doesn't include Encore, etc.)

For installation fee, look back ifew pages in this thread and see what others have reported about installation charge for swapping multiple boxes. Installation charge should be $15.99 as it is a DVR install not a regular install and DVR installation charge should apply.

Thanks for the info. I just called Comcast back and got a different representative. He just confirmed that they are indeed charging $31.98 for each box they install, even if it's multiple boxes. I explained that it's not a regular install, that all I'm doing is a swap of my 2 current boxes for DVR...doesn't matter...$31.98 per install. He asked me for a name and phone number of someone that is getting it for $15.99, because that shouldn't be happening. Of course I had none...I just told him that several people in a Comcast newsgroup are getting it for either $15.99 or $31.98 in total for multiple boxes to be swapped. I guess I give up...ridiculous. I don't see the charges published anywhere that says this.

Originally posted by timmo
Thanks for the info. I just called Comcast back and got a different representative. He just confirmed that they are indeed charging $31.98 for each box they install, even if it's multiple boxes. I explained that it's not a regular install, that all I'm doing is a swap of my 2 current boxes for DVR...doesn't matter...$31.98 per install. He asked me for a name and phone number of someone that is getting it for $15.99, because that shouldn't be happening. Of course I had none...I just told him that several people in a Comcast newsgroup are getting it for either $15.99 or $31.98 in total for multiple boxes to be swapped. I guess I give up...ridiculous. I don't see the charges published anywhere that says this.
You are getting ripped off. See if there are any local offices that will allow walk-ins. If you just recently had something switched out, shot in the dark, bitch about having to pay another install fee so soon just to give them more money every month. That's how I got my fee of $15.99 waived. Of course in my case it was a matter of days. Call the number on your bill, not 1-800-Comcast, those people seemed more willing to help (not sure if the call is routed differently, maybe I just got lucky).

Installation Charge(s)
11/13 Dual Tuner DVR Install 15.99
11/13 Activate/Chge Exist Serv 15.99
11/13 Free Act/chg -15.99
Subtotal 15.99

Sorry for the half response, but above is a section of my last bill. I never asked for the Free Activation, and when called they quoted 15.99 installation price

I guess it's just hit or miss with the CSR you get. I had mine installed on Saturday and the whole thing was free (swapped 6200 for 6412). I just reviewed my bill online and the same line items are listed there with "0" amounts on each.

The only adjustment was a prorated portion of the $9.95 monthly fee.

Go figure...

timmo don't give up. These are the same CSR who used to tell us that INHDs are pay per view channels or that we should be paying $5 for hdtv service on top of dvr service fee. Just be persistent and maybe try asking for customer retention department if you are getting nowhere with CSRs.

It is always hit or miss with CSRs. Some will be willing to help and some are so dumb and in their own world that they think they know the best and customer is never right. When I switched from 5100 to 6200 they wanted to charge me installation charge so I called back again and got some lady who swas willing to help and she said it her self "there is no reason to charge you again when you got charged installlation the first time."

I have a DVI cable running from my 6412 to my Sharp LC-26GD6U (720p LCD display). I have the 6412 set for 720p out HD and 480p for sd. When I try to view HD, I get a pink snowy picture that flashes on and off, when viewing an sd channel, the picture is fine. Any ideas??? Component works just fine.

Originally posted by Kipp Jones
I have a DVI cable running from my 6412 to my Sharp LC-26GD6U (720p LCD display). I have the 6412 set for 720p out HD and 480p for sd. When I try to view HD, I get a pink snowy picture that flashes on and off, when viewing an sd channel, the picture is fine. Any ideas??? Component works just fine.
HDCP? Does component work just fine while the DVI cable is plugged in? Cause the component was blocked by a message when I had a DVI cable connected and the HDCP handshake failed. I had to turn the TV on first and then the cable box. Or simply turn the cable box off and on when I got failure messages.

Tried it with no luck. I am using a DVI-D dual link cable. I get the same results on my other two displays with DVI. Am I missing something??? Maybe I have a bad cable....

Just had my 6412 installed and i have to say the difference between this box and the 6208 is unbelievable. The 6412 is light years ahead of the 6208. The gui is so much better(although still not up to Tivo standards) and the dual tuner and extra hd space is the icing on the cake. Plus, my install was free and this box is a lot more quiet. It took me five calls to Comcast to even get someone to admit that there was a dual tuner dvr (although I got it for free on the fifth time). Keep trying to get a good csr. It really is a crap shoot. Now, if Sony would only deliver my new tv....

I asked Comcast about getting a cable card for my LC-26GD6U and they said it was free, I just had to pay the trip charge for the delivery which was $31.99. I may go for it since there is no monthly fee just to play around with it even though I already have a 6412 connected to the display. I am thinking of using the card when I want to take my display outside in the summer on the deck and not have to worry about connecting the stb out there. Just plug in the power and connect the cable.

Originally posted by Kipp Jones
Tried it with no luck. I am using a DVI-D dual link cable. I get the same results on my other two displays with DVI. Am I missing something??? Maybe I have a bad cable....
Maybe it won't work with a dual link or its a bad cable.

A little update here. 10 hours later and the guide is no where near up to date. Is it supposed to take this long?

Has anyone bought any of the HD on demand programs? If so how was the pq?

Originally posted by Kipp Jones
Has anyone bought any of the HD on demand programs? If so how was the pq?

Do you have HD on demand option? It showed up in Schaumburg area about a month ago and it had movies section but no listings available. They took it off next day and it hasn't been available since.

Originally posted by Kipp Jones
I have a DVI cable running from my 6412 to my Sharp LC-26GD6U (720p LCD display). I have the 6412 set for 720p out HD and 480p for sd. When I try to view HD, I get a pink snowy picture that flashes on and off, when viewing an sd channel, the picture is fine. Any ideas??? Component works just fine. .

Kipp - I had the opposite problem with my 6200. On mine, I would occasionally get the pink snowy picture when watching SD channels or VOD, but never on HD. I was also using the DVI connection to my Sammy DLP. I got the 6412 on Saturday and have yet to see this phenomenon (still using DVI), so I'm guessing it is a box specific issue.

Originally posted by vj9999
Do you have HD on demand option? It showed up in Schaumburg area about a month ago and it had movies section but no listings available. They took it off next day and it hasn't been available since.

Yes, Passion of the Christ is on there along with a bunch of Imax movies.

Originally posted by Kipp Jones
Yes, Passion of the Christ is on there along with a bunch of Imax movies.

That's good news. Are they charging $6.99? Kind of pricey for PPV, but if they show them OAR and people can record than it would be worth the money :)

I saw charges anywhere from $3.99 to $5.99.

Originally posted by kblee
.

Kipp - I had the opposite problem with my 6200. On mine, I would occasionally get the pink snowy picture when watching SD channels or VOD, but never on HD. I was also using the DVI connection to my Sammy DLP. I got the 6412 on Saturday and have yet to see this phenomenon (still using DVI), so I'm guessing it is a box specific issue.

The problem is a sync issue between the television and the DVI output. The cable box has to go on before the television. If you are using some sort of universal remote, you have to make sure you sequence the box on first in your macro. I have had the problem on my 6208 since connecting the DVI cable. It does not affect component inputs.

If you run in to the problem (it happens to me when I change inputs on the TV, from DVD to cable) simply turn the TV off and on.

Mike K.

Originally posted by mikek747
The problem is a sync issue between the television and the DVI output. The cable box has to go on before the television. If you are using some sort of universal remote, you have to make sure you sequence the box on first in your macro. I have had the problem on my 6208 since connecting the DVI cable. It does not affect component inputs.

If you run in to the problem (it happens to me when I change inputs on the TV, from DVD to cable) simply turn the TV off and on.

Mike K.

The pink snowy screen has nothing to do with the synch problem (that was fixed by a firmware upgrade several months ago). At least for me, the pink snowy screen would just pop up in the middle of a show for 1 - 3 seconds and then return to normal. No changing of inputs or channels was involved. As I stated previously, I believe it was a box specific issue as it only happened on 1 of my 2 6200s and I have yet to see it on the 6412.

Originally posted by Derf
Has anyone had a problem with their 6412s shutting down automatically? At 10pm CST every night, both my 6412s turn off. I've tried in vain to find some sort of "auto shutdown" setting in the cable menus, to no avail.

So far, it's just been an annoyance, but I'm sure I will eventually record something spanning the 10 o'clock hour and I'll end up with a truncated recording.

I've also had the muting problem, but reprogrammed the remote to add the STB's mute. The Pip + is now 30-second skip, and Pip - is STB mute. I can't believe how much more enjoyable TV watching is when I can zap commercials with 5 flicks of my thumb!

I have the same problem. Not exactly at 10 central though. 2 nights in a row. The first all into the CRS kept trying to send a re-boot to the box on the 1st night. I left the box alone all night to download. Then the next night it happened again. The box reboots as you are changing channels, randomly. You lose all the guide info, etc. The picture comes right back though.

Well I called a CSR again and this person told me if I get this reboot signal while watching a program that I should not 1) turn off the box and 2) change the channels, until all the new data is downloaded. I then asked, How do I know its done downloading? Answer: It could take from 2mins to 2hours, no indicator. This really sux. I know if this happens again I will be calling for a new box. Anyone else experience this?

Originally posted by AssyrianEd
I have the same problem. Not exactly at 10 central though. 2 nights in a row. The first all into the CRS kept trying to send a re-boot to the box on the 1st night. I left the box alone all night to download. Then the next night it happened again. The box reboots as you are changing channels, randomly. You lose all the guide info, etc. The picture comes right back though.

Well I called a CSR again and this person told me if I get this reboot signal while watching a program that I should not 1) turn off the box and 2) change the channels, until all the new data is downloaded. I then asked, How do I know its done downloading? Answer: It could take from 2mins to 2hours, no indicator. This really sux. I know if this happens again I will be calling for a new box. Anyone else experience this?
Yes, this has happened to me 4 times now in the week and a half that I have had this box. Each time it has been at night, but not at any set time. Twice it rebooted when I swapped between tuners. Admittedly I was really playing around with the box where I would be watching one program, it would go to a comercial so I would pause it, swap tuners to go to another paused program that I was watching, and fast forwarding through the comercials until I hit the next one, then swap back. Like I said, I was playing/testing the box. I figured I put some undo load on the box and it rebooted. The last two times, I was just scrolling through the guide when it shut down.

When it came back on (by itself, mind you), I went ahead and flipped through the channels as normal, only without any guide info for at least half an hour. I am hesitant to swap the box because there are recordings on there that the kids expect to see - EVERY DAY.

Edit: Make that 5 times - happened last night at around 10:30 - I pressed the Menu button. Fortunately this has happened only when channel surfing, but this coupled with my noisy/grainy picture is getting annoying.

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I am scheduled to get my 2 new 6412s instead of my 6208s Dec 8. Now I am worried that I will have problems taping shows like what was mentioned above. So far, the 6208s have been very reliable. I have not missed anything that I taped. Should I wait until Comcast fixes the problem?

Cindy,

I've had mine for almost a week now and haven't had any problems at all. I highly doubt Comcast is actively doing anything to correct the problems that some people are experiencing. It's seems to be luck of the draw as to whether you get a good box. If not, have them come back until you get one that works properly.

Originally posted by cvillacci
I am scheduled to get my 2 new 6412s instead of my 6208s Dec 8. Now I am worried that I will have problems taping shows like what was mentioned above. So far, the 6208s have been very reliable. I have not missed anything that I taped. Should I wait until Comcast fixes the problem?

I have had the 6412 for almost 2 weeks now and have not had any problems.

tim

I too have had the 6412 for a couple of weeks now without a problem.

Originally posted by vj9999
timmo don't give up. These are the same CSR who used to tell us that INHDs are pay per view channels or that we should be paying $5 for hdtv service on top of dvr service fee. Just be persistent and maybe try asking for customer retention department if you are getting nowhere with CSRs.

It is always hit or miss with CSRs. Some will be willing to help and some are so dumb and in their own world that they think they know the best and customer is never right. When I switched from 5100 to 6200 they wanted to charge me installation charge so I called back again and got some lady who swas willing to help and she said it her self "there is no reason to charge you again when you got charged installlation the first time."
I finally got both my DVR's installed today. :O) Of course, the first time he came they only brought ONE! So a different technician came later with 2 in his hand. I got the remotes without the OnDemand button or the PIP/Swap buttons. That is pretty stupid to issue new remotes without these buttons, especially when the remote user guide even has these buttons pictured in it. Hopefully I can get the correct remotes someday if they make them available. Sure enough, on the work order I got charged $31.98 for each box, so I'm paying $64 just to swap out my 5100 and 2200 boxes. To help make me feel better, I kept the component cables they brought for both boxes to kind of "justify" the exorbitant fees. I plan on making xmas decorations out of them.

I re-programmed the remotes to add the Swap and 30-second skip...sweet! Now I'm just waiting for OnDemand to start in my neighborhood! Anyone have it in the Edgewater area? I hope it comes soon, but the DVR's will help in the meantime. FYI...they are very quiet machines...overall, very impressed!

My Comcast payment was due today so I called them up to pay over the phone. I mentioned how I talked to some people and that installation charges are incosistent (I paid 15.99). I told the CSR that some people are having their installation charges waived and some are paying double what I paid. He came back after 30 seconds and was able to reverse my installation charge. I should have 15.99 credit on my next statement.

Originally posted by cvillacci
I am scheduled to get my 2 new 6412s instead of my 6208s Dec 8. Now I am worried that I will have problems taping shows like what was mentioned above. So far, the 6208s have been very reliable. I have not missed anything that I taped. Should I wait until Comcast fixes the problem?

Mine was installed 11/2. No problems at all!:)
Go for it.

I called this morning to swap out my hi-def cable box for the dual tuner DVR and the rep was awesome.

"Is tomorrow between 8-noon good?" Hell yeah!

I asked about the install charge and she said it would be the $15.99.

Also, I asked about my cost per month (because the hi-def cable box rental was $5 a month) and she said that the $5 would go away, and the $9.99 would be added, bringing my total bill up $4.99 a month.

This was the most painless, quick phone call I've ever made to Comcast. Now let's hope the install goes as well.

Take Care,
Grey

Originally posted by Greyhawk68
I called this morning to swap out my hi-def cable box for the dual tuner DVR and the rep was awesome.

"Is tomorrow between 8-noon good?" Hell yeah!

I asked about the install charge and she said it would be the $15.99.

Also, I asked about my cost per month (because the hi-def cable box rental was $5 a month) and she said that the $5 would go away, and the $9.99 would be added, bringing my total bill up $4.99 a month.

This was the most painless, quick phone call I've ever made to Comcast. Now let's hope the install goes as well.

Take Care,
Grey

Interesting. They must work out of a different office for Joliet. I called yesterday and my install is scheduled for Monday.

No one was more surprised than me :-) I really wanted the appt. to be on Sat. so I could actually be home, but the first saturday available wasn't until Dec. So I figured the wife can take care of it.

They had an opening on Monday too... So I dunno...

Originally posted by Greyhawk68
I called this morning to swap out my hi-def cable box for the dual tuner DVR and the rep was awesome.

"Is tomorrow between 8-noon good?" Hell yeah!

I asked about the install charge and she said it would be the $15.99.

Also, I asked about my cost per month (because the hi-def cable box rental was $5 a month) and she said that the $5 would go away, and the $9.99 would be added, bringing my total bill up $4.99 a month.

This was the most painless, quick phone call I've ever made to Comcast. Now let's hope the install goes as well.

Take Care,
Grey
Sigh...I can't believe the rotten luck I've had regarding the installation charges. They were absolutely adamant about charging me $64 for 2 boxes. I will complain to the Billing department when I get the bill, though I'm not hopeful. I think the cable gods have it in for me for some reason.

A quick question. I have had a 6412 for a month and it's worked perfectly. one small recent glitch...i taped a show monday and when i went to watch it the time bar was only 4 minutes long, and the show didn't nor subsequently has it been viewable. Now when i try to delete it it says something like " file in progress, close and try again, code CIU".

It continues to do that days later. The dvr still works perfectly otherwise, It's just annoying not being able to delete this thing.

Originally posted by Kipp Jones
I have a DVI cable running from my 6412 to my Sharp LC-26GD6U (720p LCD display). I have the 6412 set for 720p out HD and 480p for sd.

How do you configue your Comcast 6412 box to output 720p for HD and 480p for the regular channels? Can you please walk me through the menu to set this up.

Thanks in advance,

My second TV is a Toshiba Cinema Series 32" tube model that won't accept a progressive scan input. I want to get the digital channels package on both this TV and my Sony GWIII.

Will the output from the digital box be compatible with this TV? Is there more than one box available or are they just offering the 6412 now?

I know I asked a similar question about two weeks ago, but no one answered.

Eric

6412 will work fine with any TV. It outputs all channels, and VOD from component or DVI in HD, and from composite and s-video in SD. It does not however have a RF out.

Marc

Noticed an odd problem on the 6412 yesterday when I got home. it was around 9:30 and I turned on the TV and box to watch something stored on the machine. It was in the middle of taping ER at the time. At 10pm when the taping for ER finished it kicked me out and turned off the box. I was able to turn it on and continue but it was odd to be shut off in the middle of watching something.

For those of you who called to swap boxes or were charged the 15.99 fee, what number did you call? I called 2 weeks ago and could only get an appointment Dec 8 with a $60+ charge. I think I need to call the number you guys used.

I called the same number I always call. 866-594-1234

Update on my install. The installation guy came today and swapped out the box. My wife said it took all of 7 minutes and everything is working great. The gave me a window of 8-noon and showed up before 11AM.

She said that a manual that describes how to use the remote shows like 5 extra buttons that OUR remote doesn't have. I've seen references to people having to "program" their remote to add Swap and 30 second skip. Is this common, or should I contact Comcast to bring me a new remote?

One last thing, she said she can really tell a huge difference between the HD and SD channels, and I know that initially the SD was bad on this unit until a download made things better.

Should that download happen automatically? Because she said it hasn't happened yet.

Man I cannot WAIT to get home... :)

And Cindy, the number I called was the 866 number on my bill. 1-866-594-1234. Good Luck.

Take Care,
Grey

Originally posted by sixty2hm84
How do you configue your Comcast 6412 box to output 720p for HD and 480p for the regular channels? Can you please walk me through the menu to set this up.

Thanks in advance,

With the box turned off but your display on, press menu on the 6412. The setup menu will appear and you can arrow around to make the necessary changed to your liking.

Originally posted by glowkiss
Noticed an odd problem on the 6412 yesterday when I got home. it was around 9:30 and I turned on the TV and box to watch something stored on the machine. It was in the middle of taping ER at the time. At 10pm when the taping for ER finished it kicked me out and turned off the box. I was able to turn it on and continue but it was odd to be shut off in the middle of watching something.

Check out posts 2477, 2478. We are both experiencing the same thing. In fact I have had it happen 4 more times now. I called and they will have someone out tomorrow to replace the box. Stay tuned I will let you know if it resolves my problem.

Hi, I'm new here and based in Chicago, I have standard (non-digital) comcast basic cable... even with this can I get HDTV for particular shows that advertise that they broadcast in HDTV? You know when they flash on the bottom of the screen "Broadcast in HDTV" or "Simulcast in HDTV" like some football games and sitcoms. I am thinking of getting a Samsung or Toshiba DLP HDTV. Thanks, glad to be part of this community.

you don't need digital cable to get HD on comcast but in order to get espnHD,INHD/INHD2,HBOHD and discovery HD theater you do

So I don't need to order their HD service either? So I can stick with my basic cable and still watch some shows in HD? Thanks for your help.

if your tv has a qam tuner you're good to go as far as the local HD channels are concerned[they don't scramble them]

sorry I don't mean to be annoying but what is a "qam tuner", is that just a built in HD tuner? So basically you're saying I need a tv with the HD tuner built in not a HDTV ready monitor.

Originally posted by Ragingbull2380
sorry I don't mean to be annoying but what is a "qam tuner", is that just a built in HD tuner? So basically you're saying I need a tv with the HD tuner built in not a HDTV ready monitor.

Bull,
Let me give you my 3 cents (1 cent for each of my hd tuners). HD-Ready is the way to go. There are only a few qam tuners available (all over priced). I have one built in to my Mitsubishi rptv (which I paid a premium for). The concept is that you can get hd programming from your cable company, without a cable box. In the Chicago area, it is a pipe dream (in my opinion).

1) I have a Mitsubishi rptv with a built-in tuner. You can find a few unscrambled channels, if you pay for comcast basic cable, but they are a PITA to find since comcast has at least 100 fake chanels that get regestered with your tuner when you scan for channels. The Mits tuner also tunes in OTA channels, but CBS (my favorite) is a real pain to recieve.
2) I also have a Samsung Over The Air tuner (antenna in my attic), which works great, except for cbs (my favorite).
3) After paying for the Mits builtin tuner and the Samsung ota tuner, I still opted for the comcast "locals only" hd package. I pay under 10 bucks a month to rent the 6208 cable box (hd box which also records, like a tivo). The Comcast box is usually all I use for hd and I am very happy with it.

JMHO

As for the problem ppl are having of the box turning off after a recording even though they are using it, it is known and was the same on the 6208. Your box is not defective it just is not smart enough to realize that you are using it. Anytime it turns itself on it will end up turning itself off after recording whether you like it or not

Hey guys,

Had some wierdness here, and I was wondering if anyone else experienced the same thing.

Today I was trying to set up a season pass to a show, and when I clicked the more options button, the box crashed and re-booted. Not unheard of, but what did happen is that I lost ALL my guide data. Everything was gone, and it's now reloading. Anyone else see this? VERY bizarre...

Also, every once in awhile the receiver just stops acknowledging the OK/Enter button. Powering off and back on resolves it, but that seemed strange too. I'm going to try new batteries just in case.

Lastly, I did get a remote that has the On Demand button on it (that doesn't work yet), but it doesn't have the swap and PIP buttons at the bottom. Is this the remote they are giving out now, or should I clamor for the one WITH those buttons. It's not a huge deal as I mapped swap to another button, I was just wondering.

Oh and one more thing, what firmware level should I be on? We never noticed a firmware download happen, so I want to make sure that I'm where I should be.

Take Care guys, hope you are experiencing less quirks than I.

Grey