What is the latest firmware level?

Why can't I ever get a full menu anymore (so I can identify my firmware level)?

How can I reset my set top box to out put 720P? I know I tried shutting off the STB then pressing the menu key on the remote but it doesn't work like it used to. In fact the STB locked up and I had to reboot. Is this related to the HDMI handshake stuff now going on?

I appear to be locked into 1080i for ever and can't optimize my Monday night football.

Any suggestions?

My current software version is 1.2.03 and I have had my 360 for a month. The output resolution can be set from the remote using the 'res' button underneath the slide cover. Does pressing this button not toggle through your resolutions options of 1080i/720p/480pi/native 1,2,3 sequentially?

How are you watching Monday night football on a tuesday evening?

How are the samsung 360's these days? I have read past threads here with people mentioning some nasty bugs with these receivers, but have the majority of them since been fixed?

I currently have a hughes HTL-HD, and I noticed that the samsung has a better feature list, and it also claims a fast guide. Is it that much faster? Also, does the sammy have a format mode that switches all greater than 480 resolutions to 1080i, and all 480 resolutions to 480p (my HTL-HD does this, the sammy doesn't specifically mention it on the box)? My HDTV doesn't support 720p, and I would rather all of the programs be displayed in progressive.

I am thinking about exchanging my HTL for the sammy since they are both the same price, due both in part to the feature difference, and a problem I am having which I mentioned in another thread in this forum and can't link to. Would it be worth it?

Check the difference between the 360 and the 485 signal stregnth for OTA signals. The 360 is worthless in this regard.

mikebaby

After a few days of playing with the stretch modes on this I think I've come to the conclusion that I would rather send a 480i/p (probably using one of the native settings) signal for SD material to my TV and let it control the stretching since it seems to do it much better.

I assume the correct settings would be to set the 360 to 4:3 screen size and then set the stretch mode to Full for 16:9 material? Correct me if I'm wrong, but none of the 360's stretch modes should change anything if I set it to 4:3 screen size and I'm watching 4:3 material in SD?

What I'm hoping is that for SD material the TV will be stretching the image since its being fed a 480i signal, but when I switch to a HD source the TV will automatically switch to its "Natural" mode (no stretching) and be sent a 1080i signal in Full mode from the 360.

i hope you guys dont mind me jumping in.I've been reading about all these issues you guys are having with both the Hughes and Samsung.I have a Panasonic unit hds20 i beleive and the only issue i have is the fan noise(sometimes forgotten)and the slow channel changing but the picture is outstanding.I was thinking of getting either the Sammy or Hughes because of the Panny fan noise and slowness but maybe i should count my blessings and stay with what i got.Or are all these Sammy and Hughes issues minor compared to my issues with the Panny.P.S> i still haven"t decided.

During the olympic coverage I noticed no HD icon on the tv screen generated by my 360. The icon I am taking about should be next to the closed caption and dolby digital icons on the right of the screen under the program info. These icons should appear when the info button is pressed or when the station info appears while tuning to NBC. I am getting the HD feed, my receiver is showing 1080i on the LED on the front of the unit. The icon appears on all other HD programs except for the olympics. Anyone else having this problem or any ideas??????

Steeler,


If the Olympic programming you are receiving is from "yesterday" then yes it's HD. If it's today's programming then you are getting the SD feed.

EDIT: Man if you can't tell the difference between HD and SD on your TV, I want to know what TV you are using!!! LOL....

Mike

I have the same question.

On my 360 I get an HD icon on 'info' only on my OTA NBC feed. On D* channel 84 the HD icon is absent on the info screen. It is present on other channels like ESPN HD and Discover HD. They both indicate 1080i and are both appear to be the same HD content. Either the 360 does not think it is an HD program or that icon is sent along with the program description by D* and by local NBC PSIP OTA.

Originally posted by billt1111
I have the same question.

On my 360 I get an HD icon on 'info' only on my OTA NBC feed. On D* channel 84 the HD icon is absent on the info screen. It is present on other channels like ESPN HD and Discover HD. They both indicate 1080i and are both appear to be the same HD content. Either the 360 does not think it is an HD program or that icon is sent along with the program description by D* and by local NBC PSIP OTA.

billt1111, I am not getting the HD icon on OTA or D* ch 84...... don't know why.

Originally posted by michaeldare
Steeler,


If the Olympic programming you are receiving is from "yesterday" then yes it's HD. If it's today's programming then you are getting the SD feed.

EDIT: Man if you can't tell the difference between HD and SD on your TV, I want to know what TV you are using!!! LOL....

Mike

Mike, read my post...I know I am getting HD content. I said I am not getting the HD icon that the 360 generates to signify HD programming when I press the info button on my remote. This is just happening on the Olympics, OTA and D* Ch 84. I get the icon on all other HD content.

My guess is that the HD icon on the NBC OTA HD feed is part of PSIP. My local affiliate is broadcasting it and yours is not for some reason. The Channel 84 description is sent by D* and no one is seeing that.

But this is just a guess on my part.

I'm not receiving the HD icon on my local OTA HD feed either. No worries, I know its HD.

Sammy vs Hughes. I have 2 sammys and 1 Hughes. There are good and bad points to both but I have the Hughes on my main system. I'm getting ready to list one of the samsung receivers on ebay.

Originally posted by billt1111
My guess is that the HD icon on the NBC OTA HD feed is part of PSIP. My local affiliate is broadcasting it and yours is not for some reason. The Channel 84 description is sent by D* and no one is seeing that.

But this is just a guess on my part.

That makes sense to me.....I was just wondering why.....Thanks.

Originally posted by rocky1
.I was thinking of getting either the Sammy or Hughes because of the Panny fan noise and slowness but maybe i should count my blessings and stay with what i got.Or are all these Sammy and Hughes issues minor compared to my issues with the Panny.P.S> i still haven"t decided.

I just bought a Samsung 360 (on sale) to replace a (dying) Sony HD-100. Not only is the Samsung one-third the price I paid for the Sony (for same functionality), but it took about one-third the time to get it up-and-running--and it looks great (plus is DVI-HDCP ready). FWIW, I bought the Sony over the Panasonic a few years back (and was happy at the time).

This topic may have been covered previously. If so, someone please point me to the proper thread. Samsung 360 limits me to 2 o3 screen formats---none which will allow me to read all the text on the bottom of the screen. I had no problem with my old DTC-100 receiver which allowed me to select my screen format direct from the TV menu itself. Is there anyway I can by-pass the Samsung menu and format from my tv like the old DTC-100?

Are you connecting via DVI, or component?

mikebaby

I need some help tracking down a transponder signal strength problem. My satellite 101 transponder 5 signal is in the 40 range (tested on the signal strength menu within the installation menu) where all others are in the high 70's and it is weak enough that I will lose picture especially after dark but only on that transponder. If I go to the signal strength test matrix it shows 94 for Sat 101 Transponder 5 and in the mid to upper 90's for all other transponders.
On another receiver I have in the house (Hughes SD) the same test yields a mid 80 reading and no signal drop outs.

1. I thought the numbers should match between the two test areas within the Samsung (40 compared to 94)?
2. Do you thin this is an issue within the Samsung receiver or an LNB/Dish pointing issue?

2 things...

I have a similar thing going on in my signal matrix on the 360. When I use the matrix for sat 101 I see numbers from 94 to 100 on all non n/a transponders. If I go into installation menu and select the signal strength meter to look at individual transponders one at a time they vary from 30 to 95, with most in the mid 70s to lower 80s (RCA 485 reads in the mid to upper 80s on most transponders)...obviously not the same readings as the matrix which leads me to believe that the matrix mode is worthless.

Rain fade. As I mentioned in a previous post I have signal reading differences of around 5-10% between the 360 and the RCA 485. A day after posting that we got a nice heavy rain. The first channels to drop out were the HD channels on the 360, though they read in the 80s normally. Soon after the sat 101 channels started dropping on both the 360 and 485. So either the receiver on the 360 is more sensitive or the meter is whacked out on one of them since the 10% difference in "good" readings didn't cause one receiver to stay tuned longer than the other.

I think with the new installation I am not getting as good a signal on 101 as I had with my round dish that I installed myself. Might have to fiddle around with it this weekend. I used to get upper 90s on the 485 on almost all transponders.

Since this is my first multisat dish can anyone tell me if I will have to sacrifice some signal strength on the 101 sat to get a signal on the 110/119 sats? I don't want to waste a lot of time tweaking the dish if it's as good as it's gonna get.

Okay, I did a bunch of trouble shooting and ended up finding a kinked cable from the grounding/distribution block that was causing my problems and not the 360.
Why it only affected 1 transponder I'll never know....
I also spent a bit of time repositioning the dish since it had been a couple years and was able to get about 3-5 more points out of it.

Slug: Yes, it has been my experience (today) that you have to find a happy medium between all 3 sats. If you move it until one peaks it in turn lowers the other(s) a bit. Its quite easy to adjust it if you take a small TV out to the dish along with your receiver and connect there so you can see and hear the changes you make quite easily.

Originally posted by lgs269
Has anyone hooked up their 360 using the RGB output? On my unit when set to 1080i, the RGB output displays a dark picture. It actually becomes darker at random intervals and is very much unwatchable. In addition, the pictures sometimes takes on a blueish or pinkish tint and then suddenly blooms to an almost white image - very alarming. The only setting that displays a normal image is at 480p/480i. I have a DTC100 with RGB to compare with and the RCA has no such problems.

Yes, I have the same problem with a darker picture with my RGB output. And...like you, I had no such problem with my previous DTC 100 receiver. Also, another point of contention with this the Samsung 360 is ... I can not select my screen from my television with this unit as I could with the old DTC100.

I have a Direct Tivo (DSR 704) hooked up to my TS-360 via the S-video input on the 360 unit. The 360 is then hooked up via Component video cables to my Samsung HL-P6163 T.V. - it would "seem" like I am getting a better picture this way vs. just going direct from the Direct Tivo via S-video into the T.V. - "am I basically getting an upconversion - S- to component video" by hooking up this way? Any experts out there?

Does anybody else have audio sync problems with ESPNHD? Maybe this is a known issue, but this is the only channel I have this problem with. Is it my 360 or is it ESPN?


Johnny

It's your 360. I had audio sync issues on two 360's. I finally got one last week that seems to be working properly. 3rd time is the charm I guess.

mikebaby

But its only with ESPN. Could this be because they broadcast 720p? The other directv HD channels, and my OTA HD channels have never once had this problem. But with ESPN its several times an hour, for a few seconds each time. My TV does not support 720, so my receiver is set to convert everything to 1080i. My receiver was built in April, so its somewhat new I think.

I bought my receiver as an open box about 2 months ago, not sure if it even has a warranty on it, but with football season starting I would like to have this fixed. Whats the service like with Samsung? How long will I be without a box?

Johnny

I haven't read thru the 1500+ messages here, but did a thread search, so if this has been discussed I apoligize for not finding it...

I have a SIR-TS160. I don't use DVI out because it crops the edges of 4:3 SD content unless I stretch aspect to fill 16:9 (which I really don't like at all). I also think progressive component looks better on the 160.

I have a Sammy HLM617W DLP, which has 3 component inputs. I use them all: 2 for my DVD player (progressive and interlaced), and 1 for the TS160.

I am getting a HLP6163 to replace it, but it only has 2 component inputs, plus HDMI and DVI.

So my question is, does the TS360 DVI output also crop the vertical left/right edges on 4:3 SD content with the DVI output, like the 160 does. You can tell (for example) by looking at CNBC during the day. If the stock ticker on the right is cut off prematurely on the right, it's a problem. If not, I may get the 360 to replace the 160, so I can use the HLP's 2 comp inputs for DVD.

BTW: Please don't suggest I get a upconverting DVD player with DVI. I'm not interested in that.

Thx...

Dean

Originally posted by AlphaWolf
How are the samsung 360's these days?

I currently have a hughes HTL-HD, and I noticed that the samsung has a better feature list, and it also claims a fast guide. Is it that much faster? Also, does the sammy have a format mode that switches all greater than 480 resolutions to 1080i, and all 480 resolutions to 480p (my HTL-HD does this, the sammy doesn't specifically mention it on the box)? My HDTV doesn't support 720p, and I would rather all of the programs be displayed in progressive.

I am thinking about exchanging my HTL for the sammy since they are both the same price, due both in part to the feature difference, and a problem I am having which I mentioned in another thread in this forum and can't link to. Would it be worth it?
I had an early 360 that had all of the 'heat-related' problems. Later, I exchanged it for another that has been flawless.

Yes, it has a '480p/1080i-only' mode. (Well, it may not work that way out of its DVI port, but DVI in general seems to have its share of weird pitfalls on Samsung and maybe other HD boxes.)

The Samsung does not scroll Music Choice titles on its front panel, and its OTA tuner is not as good as the HTL-HD's. Their guides are about equal (that is, both fast). The Samsung can be set to work with 4:3 1080i or 4:3 720p displays; the Hughes has only 'temporary' settings for such screens. The Samsung stock remote control has full access to all output modes, aspect ratios, and signal types. It also has some built-in games, and it can accept 480i video inputs and output them in HD modes-even being able to use 'crop' modes, possibly, but I haven't tested any of that.

I just revieved a replacement TS360 yesterday and I had a couple questions. I have found a lot of relevant info in this thread but a lot of it seems like it might be out of date.

My original TS360 arrived about 3 months ago. I had lip-synch problems on several channels, audio drop outs (for only a fraction of a second at a time) every few minutes on many channels, and occasionally I would turn on my reciever to find it had totally locked up and needed to be unplugged/replugged to work again. I only use this reciever for every few days for HD broadcasts (I have a SD DirecTivo unit for everything else) so it is really hard to tell how often the problems really occur. I would guess every other time I used it there was a problem.

I convinced DirecTv to replace the unit and the new one arrived yesterday. I noticed a terrible lip-synching problem on ESPN HD but I did not see the other problems (at least not in the few hours I watched last night.

Are the original problems all likely to come back? Should I get another replacement unit? Will I be able to talk DTV into sending me a different brand (Hughes)? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. This is starting to get aggrivating.


On a related topic... I did not recieve any instructions to return the orginal "faulty" unit. I asked the DTV rep about it when I called to activate my new box and he said I did not have to send it back. Can that be correct? I do not want to get billed for it but I'd gladly keep it. If you recieved a replacement box, did you have to send it back? What was the procedure??

Thanks for your help on this one. I really appreciate it!

-Mike

I noticed ESPN HD had lip sync problems last night during the game as well.

I'm on my third 360 since I got high def about 4 weeks ago.

A They won't send you another brand of equipment.
B They did always want my old gear back, but not the remote or cables, just the box itself.
C If you are having problems with lip sync on ESPN-HD I'd send it back. My third box seems to not have the lip sync issues I had, even on ESPN.

mikebaby

I also have the lip sync problem on ESPN HD. I thought it was just a problem with this channel. Other than that the unit has been rock solid.
I got the unit at bestbuy. Should I go and replace the unit just for that? I might get a unit that has worse problems.

RE: RGB Output

I've been using my new 360 for a couple days - and have been using the RGB output since my HLN5065W has it's DVI input already in use by my DVD player. I did notice it was darker when I initially plugged into the RGB, but corrected it via my HLN's custom picture settings. The output from RGB is on par with that of the DVI (I switched from one to another a couple times to make sure - which I also did from Component to DVI - what a difference there!).

My $0.02.

I'd like like use a 360 for component video -> RGB transcoding so I can use my JVC D-VHS VCR with my Sony VPH-7210Q video projector. I know the 360 can transcode 480i and 480p component video to RGB, but what does it do if you feed the component inputs with 720p or 1080i?

Any information would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Colin

I am using a 165 and also saw the problem on ESPN lipsync problem. I belive it was with the channel and had to do with the audio feed from the Refs.

I notice it mostly during commercials on ESPN-HD. Am I the only one?


Johnny

I've noticed it only on commercials-but it's not just ESPN. I have seen it on several stations.

Regular programming appears to be just fine.

I've seen it on several stations lately too with ESPN being the worst. Has anybody called D* about this or could it originate in our players? I cant compare with my other receiver because its not HD and the sync problems seem to be worse on those stations.

Same thing here, but only on ESPN-HD's commercials.

I have been a D* SD subscriber since '96 and never saw an audio sync problem before upgrading to HD and the 360 last month. I see it on more than one channel from time to time but predominantly on ESPN HD in both commercials and programming. It happened this weekend on the Olympic OTA feed in DFW, which eliminates D* in my opinion.

One of the remedies below have always worked so far;

1 - Wait for it to go away, which it does frequently.
2 - Power cycle the 360 and/or my plasma TV. This usually works.
3 - If it is still present I reset my 360 and that has always worked so far

Usually it happens during a game or other sports action and I just ignore it since a 500 ms difference in audio has no effect when the voice over announcers are in the background of a game.

FWIW, I've seen/heard the sync problem on both of my sets, one with a 360 and one with a HTL-HD.

No audio sync problems for me tonight.

On another note...I'm getting channels added to my favorites list mysteriously! My old Hughes SD receiver did this and they eventually fixed it through a firmware upgrade, but I was wondering if anybody else was experiencing this?

This may sound like a minor problem but I have kids in the house and it added one of the D* adult PPV channels to the kids list! Of course they couldnt watch it but they can read the title and that's bad enough sometimes!

I heard a while back that when NEW channels are added to the lineup then they get added to the favorites. Since some PPV channels come and go that would happen occasionally. I don't remember if there was a fix for it tho.

Johnny

Johnny,
The added adult PPV channel wasnt recently added, but was added a while back with my old receiver and I didnt want it to happen again with this one. The channels that were recently automatically added were a bunch of ESPN ticket channels, BravoHD, and some shopping network channel. These sound like all new channels so that may be the very thing that is happening.
I'll just keep my eyes open for the Adult channels being added :)

I'm assuming your profiles are locked. Are they?

So you are saying even if the profiles are locked, new chans can get in?

I would think if the profiles were locked, the channels could only be added by unlocking the profile.

After all, that's the point.

Eric

Yes. they're locked.

On the TS-360:
I searched but I could not find the answers to the following:


-Does it accept standard analog cable input?
-Will the channel list be one long list (OTA, Cable and D*)?
-How does the program guide work to integrate the OTA HD Channels (I have Panny HD400 which puts OTA channel 65 to Channel 4-1, does the Samsung do this?)


My panny box is tweaking out on me, will this be a suitable replacement?

Thanks,

Reed

The answers are:
Yes (I think)
Yes
Yes

:)

I 2nd that.

I 3rd it.

I 4th it.

:)

Johnny

Originally posted by Kyle Richardson
Yes. they're locked. I'll add that to my list...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=439827

Does D* care if they are locked?

I've read through the last 5 or 6 pages and didnt find my problem.

I can't recive 1 of my OTA channel (CBS), it say something like "searching for signal". I know the OTA signal meter is usless but I can recive all the other OTA channels in my area and they are broadcasting form the same set of towers. I thought it might be my antenna but i just upgraded to DB4 froma antennas direct and it still cant find the 3 DTV stations broadcast from my CBS affilate. I was thinking I migh need a pre-amp, but I'm 26 miles from the towers and can pick up the other stations just fine.

Anybody have any clue about my problem??

Thanks

Well, I just had a 360 installed yesterday and am having some issues. I too have read thru several pages of this thread and have found that this box is having the same problems as many of you are having. First off from what I can tell the sat channels seem to work fine. However, the OTA is where I'm getting pic freezes, audio drops, pixelization, and an automatic rebooting of the receiver. I guess what I'm looking for here is, should I just assume I received a "bad" unit or is there something I should try before calling D*.

I was referred to this site from the Tivo community so I'm not a total newb to this stuff. Any advice is much appreciated.

Billy, if your box is showing all the symptoms you mentioned, your best bet it to replace the unit. there are bad units out there but there are some solid ones as well.

Originally posted by OneArchitect
Does D* care if they are locked? I'm sure D* doesn't care, but Samsung should. :)

That is the point of the feature. To create user profiles, i.e. for the children, with a fixed set of channels that does not change (so you can protect them from the harsh reality of the world).

-ew

It seems that if they are locked and new channels are appearing, then they are not locked from D*. That might ease some minds about HOW they are getting there. I didn't intend to speak of the nuisance of it all.

Quote: *(so you can protect them from the harsh reality of the world).*
and some of the harsh unreality of television. 8-)

PS It is a *pain* to get those channels out of all the various profiles...would be nicer if they only went to the main one or something like that.

Anyone figured out how to add an OTA digital channel manually on the TS360?

I've got 1 problem local (WBUI in central Illinois) that I only get on occasion. Problem is when I get WBUI I usually can't get others. So a scan never really gets all my locat OTA digitals.

What I would like to do is preform a scan and then add in WBUI manually so I can tell when I'm getting it..

Anyone know how to do this?

Bill

Originally posted by OneArchitect
PS It is a *pain* to get those channels out of all the various profiles...would be nicer if they only went to the main one or something like that. Totally agree with that... Would be nice to put them in a "holding profile" rather than adding them to ALL the profiles. My system is unlocked (no children) so I just took it at face value that it slides all new channels into all profiles. When I put up the triple LNB, man that sucked. I still have the odd unsubscribed channels in the wrong place... I'm going to add this to my list too. ;)

Originally posted by BillCook
Anyone figured out how to add an OTA digital channel manually on the TS360?

I've got 1 problem local (WBUI in central Illinois) that I only get on occasion. Problem is when I get WBUI I usually can't get others. So a scan never really gets all my locat OTA digitals.

What I would like to do is preform a scan and then add in WBUI manually so I can tell when I'm getting it..

Anyone know how to do this?

Bill
Switch to 'no dish' and then watch any OTA channel... i.e. you do not want to be in the Guide. Then, punch in the channel number for the channel you want to get... xx-x. If it's strong enough to lock in, you will then see it. Go back to '3 lnb dish' and it will be there if it was strong enough to lock in.

Originally posted by BK EH
Switch to 'no dish' and then watch any OTA channel... i.e. you do not want to be in the Guide. Then, punch in the channel number for the channel you want to get... xx-x. If it's strong enough to lock in, you will then see it. Go back to '3 lnb dish' and it will be there if it was strong enough to lock in.

I did this on my problem stated abouve and it found the channels but when i went back to the 3lnb dish they did not stay htere the said the same bulls**t "searching for digital singnal", Im thinking of returing this P.O.S (with the all the audio sync and dropout problems added to this one) before my 30 days are up at Best Buy if I can.

Originally posted by billyd88
Well, I just had a 360 installed yesterday and am having some issues. I too have read thru several pages of this thread and have found that this box is having the same problems as many of you are having. First off from what I can tell the sat channels seem to work fine. However, the OTA is where I'm getting pic freezes, audio drops, pixelization, and an automatic rebooting of the receiver. I guess what I'm looking for here is, should I just assume I received a "bad" unit or is there something I should try before calling D*.

I was referred to this site from the Tivo community so I'm not a total newb to this stuff. Any advice is much appreciated.

I've gone through two of these boxes and they both had problems with OTA. Signal meter doesn't work and my local ABC channel freezes up and the audio drops out when they broadcast HD. It took me over an hour on the phone arguing with D* but I finally found a supervisor who agreed to send me a new RCA DT210. I should have it by Friday. I'll let you know how it works out.

Who did you talk too? They told me they have no control over what units go out?

mikebaby

Originally posted by mikebaby
Who did you talk too? They told me they have no control over what units go out?

mikebaby

I had to talk to several low end people who all repeated the same BS to me. I just kept asking for a supervisor and would not let them off the phone until they put one on. I got a hold of a guy in Alabama that seemed to at least understand my problem and didn't just dismiss me as some lunatic. You've got be persistent. It took me over an hour fighting with various people. I believe I called the main customer service # and just kept getting transferred until I got someone sympathetic. Be prepared to be on the phone for a long time...

I'm on my third 360 and the lip-sync problems are starting to resurface again.

mikebaby

Can someone answer this question, please:

What type of DVI cable is included with the 360 (i.e. DVI-I or DVI-D)?

I didn't get ANY kind of DVI cable with mine, but then again it was an open box.
However mine can't read a D* access card. Tried 2 new ones and even a third from a working receiver. Keep getting "Please Insert A Valid Access Card
Receiver =xxxx". Antenna HD works fine, have good satellite signal, and even tried it on a known good sat. cable. I've been using it on a CRT projector for the RGB out and upsampling of component in (DVD). D* says take it back to Bestbuy. Anyone else see this problem?
lo

You have to call D* and have the card activated for that receiver. You can't just take a working card from 1 receiver and use it with another, D* has to associate the receiver to the card.

Johnny

Originally posted by mikebaby
I'm on my third 360 and the lip-sync problems are starting to resurface again.

mikebaby

mikebaby,

Got the RCA DTC210 today. OTA works perfectly on the first shot. No video stuttering or audio drop outs on my local ABC channel. Signal coming in strong at 90% with antenna in my attic. So far so good. If I were you I'd try and swap out that Samsung.

I have the 360 coming in a week, from D*. Does anyone know if the installation guy will have an hdmi/dvi cable? My tv only has hdmi in. Or should I just order one on my own?

The retail box 360 comes with component, DVI-D, composite, and coax cables.

HTH

"Some" retail box 360's come with DVI-D. Some don't.

Originally posted by drunkpenguin
You have to call D* and have the card activated for that receiver. You can't just take a working card from 1 receiver and use it with another, D* has to associate the receiver to the card.

Johnny

I did that twice with D*. They sent the cards and I called them to activate. They were the ones that told me to get a known good card out of a working receiver to see if the error message would change. I really like this box, but I guess it's going back to BB.

I had the Hughes HTL HD and never got a chance to checkout OTA reception here at my new location before it crashed. I used it for a month in the DC area and liked it other than a few things with the remote. Expert Satellite sent me the Samsung 360 as a replacement (Hughes is no longer available, but they are trying to find me one) and after a week of using it I hope like heck they find me the Hughes. The biggest drawback (next to not picking up certain local stations during scanning or manually adding them) is the screen format when watching local OTA channels. With the Hughes it was punch one button twice and it adjusted the screen. The 360 is way to time consuming as you must enter the setup mode and select certain choices, then when you want to watch satellite programming, you have to do the same stuff all over again. Either I missed something in the instruction book or this was manufactured with 60’s technology. Either way I want my Hughes back.

Do you mean zoom, panarama, etc? There is a format button on the remote, if you slide the bottom cover down. there is also a resolution button.

Johnny

Originally posted by drunkpenguin
Do you mean zoom, panarama, etc? There is a format button on the remote, if you slide the bottom cover down. there is also a resolution button.

Johnny

Thank you! Man, that sure makes life easier and ups the Sammy a notch, now if I could just get it to add a local station. Reading the Richmond thread there are others with various Samsung STB’s that are having problems locking in on a particular station. Those with the Hughes appear to lock without a problem. I get analog on that station but no digital.

I will say the Hughes remote was a pain in the rear, primarily because of the cursor.

No problem, its amazing how well Samsung hid those extra buttons. I've seen a few posts here where people did not know they existed.

Maybe the remote was designed to good? :)

Johnny

DTV has just installed new Samsung. I decided to compare it side by side to a just bought, used beat up Hughes E86, that I thought was going out. Although the picture was pretty nice, it is my opinion that the “hot” running E86 gives sharper colors and better detail during “The Tonight Show” & a few other OTA programs. The 86 picked up a couple of OTA stations that the 360 couldn’t. Also some OTA stations that were experiencing pixations with the E86, the 360 could not pick up a signal. It lost some HD sat stations the first 2 nights of use, one time during a recording. Today I noticed some lip sync errors & it completely froze and went black during a channel change. I had to reset it. It then took 4 minutes to reboot!! What a joke.
The 86 is more compatible with my Phillips 4x3; one setting seems to accommodate most gen situations on both outputs. With the 360, I constantly have to adjust ratios & zoom with it & the 4x3 TV. The remote is slow as hell compared to the very fast 86 and you must stand straight on & not too far away. The menus will run outside the screen in full or 2x mode. And it has no ‘post it size’ favorite station menu. Seems the only things it has over E86 are more inputs and the simultaneous running outputs. This unit is definitely not a step forward from an old 86 and I’ve called D to come check out all the other problems, with luck maybe can convince them to change to different brand. I think Samsung should stick to making phones

I notice you're a new poster, so I would assume you're new to HDTV (although you had an "old" HDTV receiver).
Before you bash the Samsung unit, I would invest in an actual 16:9 HDTV monitor. Not only will it solve your apparent menu problems, but you'll probably notice a big improvement in ALL your video sources.
I can say without a doubt that my 360 is better than the "old" receiver it replaced.

FYI - There's a known bug with the Samsung TS-360 and the new FOX Splicer system - They are working on a fix that hopefully will be implemented before the start of HD tomorrow. If you notice any glitches with FOX OTA - please note them here.

Panther - thanks for the tip on Fox HD starting tomorrow.

Panther, can you be a little more specific on the nature of the issue so we know what we are looking for?

While watching the HD NFL feeds on D* yesterday I did notice a lip-synch issue on the FOX feeds during the halftime show. When I switched over to the standard def feed there were no issues.

Originally posted by Stanton
I notice you're a new poster, so I would assume you're new to HDTV (although you had an "old" HDTV receiver).
Before you bash the Samsung unit, I would invest in an actual 16:9 HDTV monitor. Not only will it solve your apparent menu problems, but you'll probably notice a big improvement in ALL your video sources.
I can say without a doubt that my 360 is better than the "old" receiver it replaced.

I am quite happy with my Phillips 9401, thank you, but unforturtunely I have joined many others that are not so happy with the Samsung 360. Though a newbie to HD and these forums, I doubt there is a thread anywhere so critical of a product. There are 80 pages and 7 months of problems reported here. And you are recommending that I change my TV? Are all your other posts so helpful? If my post may have been a little over zealous it is probably because I was expecting much more from the 360. Admittedly I have been spoiled by the older Hughes menus and remote functionality; it makes life much easier and in my case almost a necessity. I don't like waving my arms around or running to center of the ird to get a signal to receive.

Samsung, obviously wants to be one of leaders into the HD era. They would be better served to come up with a replacement quickly or they might lose lots of future customers. Do you think Sony, Panasonic, or RCA would flood the market with a faulty product? They think a little more about their reputation. The way it looks, Samsung & DTV will keep sending these units out to those unknowing consumers & this thread could possibly go on for another 7 months. Maybe it is as another member suggested that these bad ones are primarily from DTV special purchases, who knows? All I know is I wish for something different and it is not what you suggest.

IMHO I think this thread does illustrate that there are some issues with some 360s. However I think to be fair to Samsung and clear to new individuals reading this thread there are a large number of informed and experienced 360 owners who have never had a problem with their 360 and are quite happy with it. I had a HIRD-E86 before the 360. I much prefer the 360.

Well I'm still having major issues with lipsync problems on the HD feeds, and not just on ESPN-HD. So I'm on hold with the idiots at DirecTV right now trying to get some resolution.

It's funny how nobody at DirecTV seems to have a phone number, and that nobody seems to know who their manager reports too.

They are lucky that they are the only ones in town that have the NFL Sunday Ticket, becuase they are going to loose alot of customers, if they let that one get away from them.

mikebaby

With the amount of problems reported with this unit, it makes me wonder whether a good majority of the ones they are shipping out are ones that have been returned for repairs and are being sent back out again without any problem being resolved. If they can’t duplicate the problem in the shop, they certainly aren’t going to just pitch those out.

I returned my Hughes HTL HD to Expert Satellite because it crashed after a month and they sent me the 360 in its place, and from all indications (the way it was boxed) it looked like it was previously owned (gotta love that used auto lingo). I called and requested what I originally ordered and they said the Hughes is no longer available thru Expert because they're not being manufactured anymore (in response to D* gearing up to make their own). At this point, the only problem I’ve encountered is its inability to lock on a particular digital station. I receive all other stations from Richmond, but this one (CBS) will not find the digital signal, only the analog. Others in the Richmond area with various Sammy’s have the same problem, and those with the Hughes can lock….frustrating.

Well, my TS160 is dying, so D* is sending me a replacemnt for $99 (after a $50 rentention credit I negotiated). I wanted to just get one locally, but all they offered was the same $50 credit if I do that, so it was either pay an extra $100 locally, or go with the luck of the draw on what they send me. I chose the latter.

So I'll see whether I get a Hughes or a TS360.

It should show up about the same time as my new Sammy HLP6163 (to be delivered Friday).

Dean

Originally posted by billt1111
Panther, can you be a little more specific on the nature of the issue so we know what we are looking for?

There's a variety of symptoms that have been described, but generally it's something to do with the timing of the video being off. Short pauses, etc.

Preface: I am not an electronics expert and certainly not a digital electronics expert. However, the following occurs to me over and over.

Something I think we should all keep in mind during this development of Digital Television is that there are a thousand(s of) electronic circuits that the signals pass through from the lens/microphone to the display/speakers. And, even in the digital domain, there are the electronic qualities of 'tolerance' and 'specifications'. Tolerance from unit to unit may vary between even same model number units. Signals that may vary from standards can be corrupted or become out of spec at many places along the line.

I don't think at this time in the development of the Digital Television system we can always expect a pixel on a capture device of a camera or a sound wave striking a microphone to always map into the exact same thing on our displays and speakers. There is quite a bit of electronics and processing between source and destination.

A signal that is not quite up to snuff may show irregularities on one unit while not showing up on another similar unit. Units may differ in their ability to deal with variance or out of spec signals.

And, we with STB's are but one small link in the chain of the digital signal. I suspect that many of the problems experienced may iron themselves out as the signal path is cleared up. We are dealing with new equipment and new technology all up and down the chain. Also, inexperienced equipment operators and technicians.

I know the feeling of having new equipment and not having it work properly. And, I know I make mistakes that may contribute to that at times. I have known frustration upon frustration.

I hope that those who have difficulties can find a way to live with them or find some workable solution. I also hope that as 'the chain' develops, many of these problems will sort themselves out. If you are having problems at your location, you may not really have a 'bad box' (but then again, maybe you do). It may merely be a unit that is having a difficult time dealing with out of something out of spec or similar in the data flowing into it.

I wouldn't expect most of the people on the phone at D* to know what might be causing a lot of the specific problems at a given time...even 'qualified' technicians. While I do not follow the threads on other STB's, I understand that most have some degree of problems. And the fact that many Samsung 360's receive steady and successful results is evidence that the design is not overwhelmingly flawed.

I hope this thread can help resolve the problems that we can and helps us all to better understand our units and the experience of digital A/V better. We early adopters are guinea pigs and Digital Television isn't 'official' for a couple of years yet. I suppose the real test is when the bulk of products pass out of this 'roll your own' phase.

If I have mis-spoken the circumstances of digital A/V, I admit to much ignorance. I leave it to others more knowledgeable to explain why we should or should not expect unblemished operation from any given unit, at this point in development of Digital Television.

Enjoy what you can,
One Architect

"Duck...hide...run for cover." - Chuck Berry

I received a refurbed TS360 from D* with a manufactured date of 12-Feb-2004. Should I expect problems with this receiver based on that build date? They also sent a Universal Remote, should I press for an original Samsung from customer service? Thanks.

Originally posted by Aliens


I returned my Hughes HTL HD to Expert Satellite because it crashed after a month and they sent me the 360 in its place, and from all indications (the way it was boxed) it looked like it was previously owned

This statement may be wrong. After reading JAKEJ’S post I double-checked, WITH GLASSES ON, and my manufacture date is 24 Jun 2004 - I thought it was 24 Jan 2004. I don’t want to cast any aspersions on Expert Satellite by saying they were sending me a regurgitated unit because they have been fantastic. Buying as many electronics as I have over the years, this was the poorest wrapped piece of equipment I’ve ever bought – one piece of foam laying on top of the STB – no tape, no wrapping and sealing of the STB. I’m still suspicious, but I wanted to at least say my statement might be wrong.

Originally posted by JAKEJ
I received a refurbed TS360 from D* with a manufactured date of 12-Feb-2004. Should I expect problems with this receiver based on that build date? They also sent a Universal Remote, should I press for an original Samsung from customer service? Thanks.

Modern electronics is electronics: either it works or it doesn’t. If everything works for you, I don’t see any need to worry. Be glad you got the universal remote. My remote has four, count them, four, codes for Panasonic TV’s. Guess who’s not on the list? One key feature for me is: the less the remotes the better. One remote = cool: three = way to many.

For what it's worth, I have a Toshiba DST-3000, and have noticed lip sync issues over the past few weeks with different HD channels. I don't think this issue is a problem with just the Samsung, more likely Directv.

I'm noticing what I will call a sparkling effect in the video that lasts for a second or more and then disappears. Random pixels (maybe 5-10) throughout the screen will change colors to red, white, etc. This may occur for several seconds and then disappear for a minute or two. Is anyone experienceing something similar to this? The effect even occurs when the menu is on the screen and when changing channels. The box is well ventilated.

I do not see this when I use my Zenith DTV1080. To be thorough I tested the 360's with three different HDTV's using two satellite feeds and all video inputs and the problem appears on all tvs and inputs.

Component-Component
DVI-HDMI
DVI-DVI

The two 360's were bought over the weekend from two different stores.

Any input welcome...

The DST-3100 and DTC-210 are not exhibiting this problem. Information from insiders is that D* has up'd compression on the HD pak to accommodate NFL HD Ticket channels in full PQ, and some HD receiver models are not handling compression in the pak well.

I am having a problem getting my DVI connection to work between my Sony Grand Wega KF-50WE610 LCD display and my recently acquired Samsung SIR-TS360. I purchased a Belkin DVI-D cable and hooked it up only to get absolutely no picture at all.

The Samsung TS360 owners manual says something about making sure your TV's DVI input has HDCP compatibility and I believe the KF-50WE610 does provide this.

So anyone having similar DVI display problems with the the TS360?

Thanks for the help!

I have been using my 360 via component cables just fine. I hooked up a dvi cable today and the color is messed up. I'm seeing neon colors for skin tones! Is it the cable or the 360 or the monitor?

I've noticed that when I hook up D* to my projector via component no either my 360, or my Hughes SD box, that all the colors were very green. I had very little adjusting to do with the DVI hookup on my 360.

mikebaby

Originally posted by mikebaby
I've noticed that when I hook up D* to my projector via component no either my 360, or my Hughes SD box, that all the colors were very green. I had very little adjusting to do with the DVI hookup on my 360.

mikebaby

Anytime I've seen that, it's because the component cable wasn't connected well.

What about DVI? Why would colors be messed up with that?

Originally posted by gillum
What about DVI? Why would colors be messed up with that?

Hmmm...possibly a bad cable? Can you try a different one? Maybe the set is miscalibrated on the DVI input. Do you have another DVI device you can try? If the STB works for component, it should--offhand--also be fine for DVI.

It wasn't because my cables aren't hooked up on my end. Or because they were bad. It was the reciever.

mikebaby

Originally posted by Mr. Foo
I am having a problem getting my DVI connection to work between my Sony Grand Wega KF-50WE610 LCD display and my recently acquired Samsung SIR-TS360. I purchased a Belkin DVI-D cable and hooked it up only to get absolutely no picture at all.

The Samsung TS360 owners manual says something about making sure your TV's DVI input has HDCP compatibility and I believe the KF-50WE610 does provide this.

So anyone having similar DVI display problems with the the TS360?

Thanks for the help!
There is a button on the front of the 360 you have to press. It's the "Output Mode" button on the bottom right corner. When you press it, notice the display will change to DVI. Yes, I had the same problem until I read the owner's manual and I was that frustrated.

The timing issues on this thing drive me crazy. I'm on my second one and DTV is gonna send me another next week. I really hope it's not a 360.

Have being reading this thread and it seems like it took a couple of days to read most of the posting's, anyways StevenJW posting on 3/9/04 was asking for a specific information with the Toshiba RPTV.

Yesterday had the Samsung DIR-TS360 installed and after the installer left , started messing around with the receiver and to my surprise the DVI connection did not work with my Toshiba 65HDX82, it would only read the 480P mode, so started to look at this site (should had looked first and would had not been in this so called mess).

Called DTV and they stated that a new receiver would be sent to me within 3-5 business day's and that it would have a DVI mode, asked which model and he did not know, does anyone knows which kind of receiver DTV has besides the 360 with DVI?

Is their any fixes for the Tosh & 360?

I originally bought the Sony HD-300 receiver. It picked up all the over the air signals great, and I would get my normal DirecTV stations, but it wouldn't pull in the HD stations even though the signal strength for A, B and C were in the high 80s to low 90s. Sony said something was wrong with the receiver.

Sony sent me a "refurbished" HD-300 receiver. I take it that means they take one of the old broken ones they got back and send it out to a different customer without fixing anything. This receiver didn't work at all when I got it.

I got tired of dealing with Sony, so I had DirecTV send me a replacement receiver. They sent me the Samsung TS360. There are about half a dozen features I liked better on my old Sony, but I was able to get HD signals from the dish and over the air so I was going to live with it. Within a few days though I've learned that this TS360 can't pick up over the air signals as well as the Sony. One channel constantly breaks up no matter the weather, and the rest break up with a few clouds or if someone sneezes outside. I'm only 12 miles away from the TV station towers too. This receiver blows. I haven't decided yet if I should try a different antenna or call DirecTV again. From what I've read, I haven't seen many antennas that people are sold on either.

My experience was the opposite. My 360 was excellent at picking up OTA stations. Definitely better than my dst3000 was. And my HD-TiVos are at least as good or slightly better at OTA than my 360 was.

I picked up the 360 yesterday and noted a couple of issues with it. First, I use it primarily for OTA broadcasts. I don't have D* but I wanted the unit for cable and OTA.

The first problem is with the "clock" which it won't let me set. It mentions changing the time but only in reference to the D* subscription. Does this mean I can't adjust the local time without a D* subscription?

The second problem is much more important to me. I have my antenna pointed in the direction of the tower for 90% of my local digital/hd broadcasts. When I use the 360 to scan it only "finds" 4 stations no matter what I do. I have discovered that I can manually select the other stations and voila, they are there but for some reason the 360 didn't "find" them and include them in the channel line up. Now for the crux of the problem. I can't find a way to add these additional digital/hd channels to my lineup. Is that simply not possible with the 360?

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. If I can't add the channels manually then this unit is going back.

Thanks,

Joe ->

Forgive me if this has been hashed and rehashed but, after reading page after page of HTL-HD posts before taking back box # two and replacing it with this Samsung, I'm not too keen to read all 81 pages of THIS thread today...
What's the current version of software for this receiver? Is there another one on the way?
Feel free to link me to a thread or whatever.

Thanks,
Cory
finally watching Discovery HD and happy as a lark.

FWIW,

I am on my second SIR-TS360 shipped from DirecTV.

I have experienced Lip Sync issues on both and intermittent loss of video with sound still active. Both units ran exceptionally HOT, so I installed 2 computer fans in the back of the Armoire drawing out. I have not lost picture since I've installed these fans, so that has solved ONE of my problems.

Anyone have any input of the lip sync problems?

I also have another SIR-TS360 from DirecTV in my bedroom that has exhibited neither of these problems.

They all have the same SW and release date.

Thanks,
Rich

This subject may have been covered but not in the first 28 pages of this thread. I like to watch the news and ESPN and read the script at the bottom of the page. The only format that doesn't cut off the top and bottom of the screen and allows me to read the script is the "panoramic" which is completely unacceptable. This format skews both ends of the screen and it gives me a headache to watch it. Is there anyway I can bypass these formats and use my television format instead? My old DTC-100 would allow me to do so but I can't seem to do it with the Samsung 360. In fact, I am seriously considering going back to my old DTC-100 if I can't correct this annoying problem.

You can if your TV has video zoom options. If not you may have to recalibrate your tv. Your tv could be cutting off too much of the top and bottom. Once mine was calibrated, the zoom options work really well for me. I use zoom2.

Johnny

I use zoom 2 on my Panny plasma 6UY as well for SD formats. Works great, looks great.

CRWaters - I am not aware of another Samsung HD D* receiver on the way. I bought mine 2 months ago and it has version 1.2.03 with a load date of 06/05/2003. I am very happy with my 360, but I did not get a recycled one from D*. I just went out and bought it new. No problems, no issues, great PQ and SQ.

Originally posted by joewagner501
The first problem is with the "clock" which it won't let me set. It mentions changing the time but only in reference to the D* subscription. Does this mean I can't adjust the local time without a D* subscription?

The second problem is much more important to me. I have my antenna pointed in the direction of the tower for 90% of my local digital/hd broadcasts. When I use the 360 to scan it only "finds" 4 stations no matter what I do. I have discovered that I can manually select the other stations and voila, they are there but for some reason the 360 didn't "find" them and include them in the channel line up. Now for the crux of the problem. I can't find a way to add these additional digital/hd channels to my lineup. Is that simply not possible with the 360?

Joe,

I believe the unit gets the time off the OTA reference channel or D*. All I can set is the time zone and daylight savings.

I assume it is the digital stations you are referring to having problems acquiring. I am 40 miiles from the transmitters at Cedar Hill and I have 90% signal strength on all local DFW OTA HD channels broadcast there. I am using a Terk TV32 antenna in my attic and it works great (forget about the signal quality of the SD OTA channels which suck). My 360 found all of them the first time when I installed it 2 months ago.

Did you try pulling the power plug and making it go through channel acq again? Also there is a scan function under the setup. Make sure the scan type is 'All' or 'Digital'. Then rescan. Or you can add them yourself in the add/remove channels option in the antenna and cable section.

Originally posted by drunkpenguin
You can if your TV has video zoom options. If not you may have to recalibrate your tv. Your tv could be cutting off too much of the top and bottom. Once mine was calibrated, the zoom options work really well for me. I use zoom2.

Johnny

I may have solved my problem. I went to the Samsung menu and changed from the 16:9 format to the 4:3 format and set the screen to zoom 2. In my TV menu, I used the "full" format. This seems to work much better and does not cut off the script at the bottom of the screen. BTW, the "panoramic" format stinks. As far as I am concerned, Samsung could have left that format off its menu.

Originally posted by billt1111
Joe,

I believe the unit gets the time off the OTA reference channel or D*. All I can set is the time zone and daylight savings.

I assume it is the digital stations you are referring to having problems acquiring. I am 40 miles from the transmitters at Cedar Hill and I have 90% signal strength on all local DFW OTA HD channels broadcast there. I am using a Terk TV32 antenna in my attic and it works great (forget about the signal quality of the SD OTA channels which suck). My 360 found all of them the first time when I installed it 2 months ago.

Did you try pulling the power plug and making it go through channel acq again? Also there is a scan function under the setup. Make sure the scan type is 'All' or 'Digital'. Then rescan. Or you can add them yourself in the add/remove channels option in the antenna and cable section.

Billt,

Thanks for the information. I will look in the channels option again when I get back home (out of town for the rest of the week). I remember looking in there but wasn't able to find out how to add a channel. It only let me remove channels after they had been found during the channel scan. I tried rescanning several times to no avail but I will look again. If you can add a channel to yours then I must be missing something. It is the digital channels I am referring to. I'm actually closer to the tower than you are. I am about 27 miles away from it. They come in great, I just don't want to have to manually enter the station number for 10-15 digital channels. That would be an inconvenience I won't pay for. Thanks again. I will let you know how it goes when I get home this weekend.

Joe ->

Originally posted by joewagner501
They come in great, I just don't want to have to manually enter the station number for 10-15 digital channels. That would be an inconvenience I won't pay for. Joe ->

Its only 19 digital channels, but half are Spanish speaking, and half of the remaining channels are not HD. :)

I did a search and didn't immediately find anything:

Has anyone experienced improper video "sizing" with the Sammy 360? Mine has been installed since Friday and all of the channels through the component or DVI connection are "too large". The bottom (and presumably the top) are being cut off several percent and the sides are much too wide for a 4:3 image on a 16:9 TV.

The s-video connection does not behave this way. Unfortunately I don't have another component video device at the moment to test if it's an issue with the TV itself. I have a tough time believing the TV has different overscan for a 480i/p signal between the s-video and component inputs.

Oh, and I'm also experiencing the audio-sync issues. Amazing that a manufacturer can release a product with so many bugs and never fix them over the manufacturing cycle.

Thanks.

I apologize if this has been discussed already, but I couldn't find anything.

I just got a SIR-TS360. I've used Netcommand on my Mitsu 62525 DLP to be able to run it from the TV remote. I used the Learn feature to program it since there wasn't already a preset for this unit. Netcommand has worked great for all other devices (directivo, DVD, A/V receiver, cable box, etc.), but with the Samsung, I often have to hit a button on the remote several times before it recognizes it. I might work fine for a few button presses and then quit for a few seconds.
At first I thought it was problem with Netcommand since the Samsung remote works fine with the unit, but since this is the only device I've had problems with, I'm not so sure now.

Anyone else experience anything like this and/or have a solution?
Thanks.

well i'm using the stock remote but i do notice you pretty much have to point it right at the 360 to get it to work.

johnny

Rufhausen: The Sammy apparently uses borderline IR codes -- it took my almost an hour to program my Marantz RC2000 MkII. Almost every key took multiple attempts to learn the IR code. Just another suspect aspect of this receiver....

I have a Pronto 3000 and it took a bit of patience to learn the IR codes as well. But at least I don't have to point the thing at the receiver any longer.

mikebaby

Just found a glitch in the receiver. I was on a pay per view channel with no picture and changed the sound from pcm to dolby digital and all of a sudden I had sound on the pay per view movie. It worked when I switched it back to pcm also. Maybe if I leave it on dolby digital it will fix the lip sync problems. Then again, maybe not.

Well received the new HDSTB from Direct TV, 3 day's process real good on DTV part but they send me the 360 receiver again, when I specifically told them that it would not work with a Tosh HDX82 DVI mode. :(

Will have to recontact DTV and see what happens.

Just had to get a 360 replacement for my 160. The ole 160 started crappin gout on OTA HD and was just too hot. Anyway add me to the list of screeching audio. I am going to try unsing Digital Coaxial and see if it returns. If so, D* can keep replacing this until pigs fly.

Originally posted by Veander
Just had to get a 360 replacement for my 160. The ole 160 started crappin gout on OTA HD and was just too hot. Anyway add me to the list of screeching audio. I am going to try unsing Digital Coaxial and see if it returns. If so, D* can keep replacing this until pigs fly.

If you use the reset button next to the card slot the screeching
should go away. It did on mine anyway. A real PIA!

DirecTV just replaced my aging and problematic TS160 with a TS360. The first time they sent a 360 refurb with a D* remote, no cables, no access card, etc. The case wasn't even re-assembled correctly, and was so warped it wouldn't come close to sitting flat on my equipment stand. I didn't even bother hooking it up. I called them and asked for a replacement.

They send me another, but this one is brand new and included the DVI cable. So far it has worked just fine. On the old TS160 I didn't use DVI because it had several problems with video on that output. This one works much better with DVI, so now I can use my two component inputs on the TV for my DVD player (progressive + interlaced).

I also don't have the synch issues I had with the TS160, where I would get different delays with different channels. Now eveything seems fine., at least so far.

Please forgive if this has been asked,did a search and video dropouts could be the answer. I will lose HD OTA channels,the channel lock window will show up,and i have to go into the set up mode to add the channel back in.Any answers will be appreciated.

No sound on one digital station problem.

I have the TS360 hooked up to a Samsung HLP using DVI with the associated audio inputs. I get sound on every Direct TV and OTA station except the local NBC HD digital station. I get the sound on the same station's SD digital and non digital feed. I also get sound on other network's HD signal.

I have another HD setup using a Zenith box and I get the NBC HD digital station's sound. The picture itself is perfect.

I have unplugged the box, hit the reset button, rechecked the cables to make sure they were all the way in.

Any ideas why I would be having sound problem with just one station? Thanks for any ideas!

Originally posted by TAR61704
No sound on one digital station problem.

I have the TS360 hooked up to a Samsung HLP using DVI with the associated audio inputs. I get sound on every Direct TV and OTA station except the local NBC HD digital station. I get the sound on the same station's SD digital and non digital feed. I also get sound on other network's HD signal.


Had the exact same problem on my local CBS station. Channel 5-1 HD no sound, 5-2 SD had sound.

Experimenting, I removed the zip code from "local Networks" and let the STB get it's stuff OTA and not from DirecTV and the sound works perfectly.

Only problem is that not all local stations broadcast a complete guide menu listing.

J C

Thanks for the information JC WEST.

I cleared the zip code and now I have sound on 25-1. My other system doesn't bring in the local digital guides either so it may not be a Samsung specific problem afterall.

Strange that entering in a zip code, which did populate many of the local guides, would impact sound not coming in on one channel.

Let me know if you figure anything else out and I'll do the same.

Thanks again for the help.

I have a New Sony KD-36XS955 and It only has a HDMI Interface to connect pure Digital to a Receiver. I have a Monster DVI to HDMI Cable connecting my receiver to the TV. I see the DVI indicator lit up on my Receiver but No Input on the TV Side. Is there something I should be doing that im missing. Oh also does anyone else have o keep a fan blowing on their 360 to keep it from overheating ?

Jason

Originally posted by AkaStp
Are brand-new TS360s (just purchased from Circuit City) supposed to include a DVI cable?
I think so. Because someone I know just bought one from them yesterday, and it had a DVI cable in the box.

I got a TS360 from CC last weekend and it did NOT have a DVI cable with it. I asked the sales clerk before I purchased it and he said it didn't come with one, so it wasn't like it was luck of the draw on which box I got.

I've read that some retail boxes have them and some don't, but you would think it would be all one way or another at CC stores.

Originally posted by AkaStp
Are brand-new TS360s (just purchased from Circuit City) supposed to include a DVI cable?

The manual says it's not included, but D* sent me a new one (in original sealed box) and it inlucded a 2 meter DVI cable sealed in a bag with the other cables.

Dean

Originally posted by AkaStp
Are brand-new TS360s (just purchased from Circuit City) supposed to include a DVI cable?

Purchased new from Best Buy last weekend, manufacturing date on unit 10 August 2004, did NOT have DVI cable included. Maybe the newer units do not include it?

BTW, SD looks better through this unit than previous component hook up, a RCA SD unit.

Question for anyone that can answer.

I have a new TS360, ran a few tests I don't understand.

First, running a signal test produced these results...

101 A all transponders reported 97+
119 B transponders 1-8 n/a ; transponders 9-16 n/a ; transponders 17-24 n/a except the last 3 reported 100 - n/a - 97 ; transponders 25-32 87, then rest mid 90's
110 C transponders 1-8 n/a except last was 97 ; transponders 9-16 n/a except a couple reported 97 and 100 ; transponders 17-24 n/a ; transponders 25-32 n/a

Doing a system test on channel 70, HBOHD i got readings between 73 and 80%, ESPN HD was 96%, Discovery HD was 89%.

My question is why would the HBO signal strength be so much lower than what the numbers that were showing for the satellite tests? The signal strength numbers overall seem pretty good, not sure why HBO is so much lower.

Thanks!

Salukis,

For starters HBOHD does not have its own transponder. It shares with others. For current transponder program sharing try this web site and scroll to the bottom, http://www.widemovies.com/dfwbitrate.html.

How are you measuring the signal strength of a single program on the 360? A 'signal strength' test of a specific program has no meaning. Signal strength is a function of an RF carrier coming from a satellite on a given frequency and transponder. Many channels can be carried on that frequency/transponder. A program by itself has no 'strength'.

To probably change the subject but was in BB today and they had $100 off the Samsung 360.

CC also had a $100 off last week, but you had to purchase a Samsung TV with it.

Originally posted by mangopony
To probably change the subject but was in BB today and they had $100 off the Samsung 360.

$100.00 - ? = ?

Yes, $100.00..they had a table set up with a group of Samsung HD Set Top boxes.

Originally posted by steeler
$100.00 - ? = ?

$100.00 - ? (selling price) = ? (final price)

AT CC it was $299 - $100 = $199, but you had to be purchasing a Samsung TV at CC. I was so it worked out.

Originally posted by billt1111
Salukis,

For starters HBOHD does not have its own transponder. It shares with others. For current transponder program sharing try this web site and scroll to the bottom, http://www.widemovies.com/dfwbitrate.html.

How are you measuring the signal strength of a single program on the 360? A 'signal strength' test of a specific program has no meaning. Signal strength is a function of an RF carrier coming from a satellite on a given frequency and transponder. Many channels can be carried on that frequency/transponder. A program by itself has no 'strength'.

Sorry, I didn't specify where these numbers came from.

The signal strength measurement I get for the HBOHD channel is from the following path:

360 menu
Setup
System
system test
tuning shows the % (I'm assuming this is a signal strength measurement?)

The Transponder and Satellite numbers are from:

Setup
system
Signal Strength Test Matrix

After checking out the link you provided, it appears HBOHD and HDNet Movies share C-10. I re-ran the signal strength test matrix and C-10 is reporting 96.
However, HDNet Movies reports an identical reading (74%) as does HBO in the tuning section under system test.

Sorry if I'm new to this, but could the lower number reported in the tuning % be because of that that particuilar transponder sharing bandwidth with two other channels? I'm just curious if I need to do any more fine tuning.

Thanks again...

Salukis,

Ok here is my rambling diatribe on the issue...

The signal strength of the RF carrier signal of the transponder has nothing to do with how many programs are being compressed within frequency band of that transponder. You cannot measure the signal strength of a specific program. You can only measure the signal strength of the RF Carrier coming from a transponder.

1 - The signal strength of any RF carrier varies from day to day and moment to moment.
2 - Few, if any, of the transponder signal strengths are equal at any given time. They vary widely and it is normal for them to be anywhere from the 70s to the 90s. I have some transponders in the 90s and some in the 60s on the same satellite (101).
3 - The signal is usable by the receiver all the way down into the 20s. Anything above the 20s renders a 'perfect' picture, or at least as good as it is going to get. The only reason you want as much transponder signal level as possible is to have a margin for fading during rain and snow storms.
4 - The consumer satellite receivers are not scientific instruments. They are driven by software and algorithms that we cannot know anything about. Many of them are wrong or inaccurate. The readings you get are just a guide, not scientific fact. I have three brands of receiver on the same satellite dish and they show readings very different from each other on the same transponder.

My 360 came with a VGA RGB cable. I wonder if some people are confusing this with the DVI cable.

Originally posted by GeorgiaHT
My 360 came with a VGA RGB cable. I wonder if some people are confusing this with the DVI cable.

I assure you mine came with a DVI cable because I'm using it, and know the difference.

My 360 (all three of them for that matter) came with S video, component, and DVI cables.

mikebaby

Originally posted by AkaStp
I purchased a TS360 from CC on Friday (June build date). It did not have a DVI cable. Not that it really matters now because we've decided not to keep it. The lack of Tivo and dual-tuners is a big deal for the wife (I knew it would be - he, he ;-) so I've got the blessing to purchase the HR10-250 instead. Which brings up the subject...does the HR10-250 include a DVI cable?


My HR10-250 came with both an HDMI cable and an HDMI-DVI cable.

SMK

I've started experiencing dropouts with one particular HD OTA channel, as well as delayed audio when it's not dropping out. The signal is fine (9 out of 10) using the built-in tuner on the TV with no dropouts or audio sync issues.

I know this is not a new issue. My question is - is it worth even trying to get this receiver replaced by Directv or is this type of problem inherent in this box?
Does Directv only send out these units or do they offer any from other manufacturers?

I can live with it the way it is, but this particular channel was fine for a while, so I'm worried it will crop up with other channels off and on over time.

Originally posted by Rufhausen
I've started experiencing dropouts with one particular HD OTA channel, as well as delayed audio when it's not dropping out. The signal is fine (9 out of 10) using the built-in tuner on the TV with no dropouts or audio sync issues.



I have a problem with audio sync on one OTA HD channel and I took out the zip code in local network setup and the problem went away.
Only problem with this is that the HD guide is incomplete.

J C

Originally posted by JC West
I have a problem with audio sync on one OTA HD channel and I took out the zip code in local network setup and the problem went away.
Only problem with this is that the HD guide is incomplete.

J C

I'll certainly give that a try when I get home, but I can't help but wonder why that would make a difference. Any thoughts?

I have the same issue Rufhausen. It doesn't make any sense to me, but when I removed the ZIP Code the sound came back. It was 25-1. 25 and 25-2 worked fine. I also have 17, 17-1, and 17-2, but they all had sound. I haven't played with it, trying to add the ZIP Code back and seeing if the sound still works.

According to my 360’s system information, I got a software update at 1:30 AM on 10-5. The version goes from 1.2.03--à 1.2.12. Anyway my 360 now seems to loose all channels now and claims I need to subscribe….rebooting cures then a while later it does it again,

Originally posted by grizbear
According to my 360’s system information, I got a software update at 1:30 AM on 10-5. The version goes from 1.2.03--à 1.2.12. Anyway my 360 now seems to loose all channels now and claims I need to subscribe….rebooting cures then a while later it does it again,

Great! A new feature!

HA! I have enough of those 'features'!

mikebaby

Do you know the details of the upgrade - like what issues it addressed?

I am almost afraid to look.

I tried to find a box other than the Samsung or Hughes, but nobody I went to carried anything but those two. I have had good luck with the Zenith (LG), but CC doesn't carry it anymore.

I have a TS-360 that isn't connected to DirecTV. If I just hook it up to a dish for a while would it get a firmware upgrade or would I have to activate it?

I'm having the same problem as grizbear. Three reboots and it just quit again.

Originally posted by Michigan Golfer
Do you know the details of the upgrade - like what issues it addressed?

Got my upgrade at 330 am this morning.......Just got off the phone with level-2 D*CS. He told me this upgrade does not fix any existing problems. The upgrade is to prepare the box for more HD channels that are shortly going to launched. He told me that D* is going to launch a new sat before the end of the year and more HD channels will be coming down the pike after the launch.......I thought D* wasn't going to launch a new sat until next year.... I am just passing on what CSR told me. Comments?

I also got the 1.2.12 upgrade (was 1.2.03) this morning (10/5) at 3am.

And I'm also getting the same problem as being reported above ... "For ordering info call customer service x745." So I too have rebooted a couple of times with the service immediately coming back on, but only staying on an hour or so before getting the same message again.

So I called, reported the message and told them the SW was upgraded overnight and it looked like it broke my box. They had me reboot the box w/o the card, reinstalled the card and like before sevice immediately came back on. So I hung up, it worked for another hour and quit.

So I called again, and told them I believe the SW broke my box. They said no one had reported any problems with the upgrade and want to first replace the card and if that don't fix it then the box gets replaced. So I'll get a new card tomorrow.

I also got the upgrade today. The box has had no problems (before or after the upgrade) - hope I didn't just jinx myself!

I'm a 360 owner and it just makes me sick that they're (both Samsung and DirecTV) allowing these problems with this box to occur. It also makes me sick that when people call up and complain about the audio dropouts and lip sync issues, they totally deny the problem. If they keep it up, I'm dropping DirecTV and never buying anything Samsung again (with makes me kind of sad because I really like Samsung and own a lot of their products). But I certainly pay them way too much to put up with this kind of ****!

[/rant]

Originally posted by blackngold75
I also got the upgrade today. The box has had no problems (before or after the upgrade) - hope I didn't just jinx myself!

Ditto.

I have not received the firmware "upgrade" and I am not sure I want to. If and when the new HD channels come on line I'll deal with it then. In the meantime why go through the potential problems and destroyed units? Are these upgrades done via the phone line or through the dish? If it is the phone line I will disconnect.

I got my upgrade at 3:30am as well.

I am one of the lucky ones that has not had any of the major problems with my TS360. But I did check to see if they addressed anything with the bouncing OTA HD Meter - just for the heck of it.

Since the upgrade I have had no probs (* crosses finger *), and when I did check the OTA HD Meter, it still bounced, but at a slower frequency. Before the upgrade it bounced almost every second, now it seems to stay at 45% then 69% then 84% then back to 45% (staying at each one for about 4-5 seconds). Not sure if it had anything to do with the upgrade.

Also, why would a software upgrade be required if DirecTV wanted to add more stations? They have changed and added stations in the past without any software upgrades.

Originally posted by milacqua
Are these upgrades done via the phone line or through the dish? If it is the phone line I will disconnect.

Keep your phone line plugged in.......downloads come via the dish. Phone line is mostly used for PPV info.

I apologize now for asking this but after doing several searches I still have not seen a definite solution to the problem.

I got dropouts and x745 messages yesterday. I called Dtv and they are sending a new access card. My 360 is in a small enclosed cabinet with little ventilation. I noticed it was warm but not as warm as my TiVo in the next cabinet over. I was already researching ventilation methods such as fans prior to reading parts of this thread.

Is there a solution to these problems?

Thank you!

Originally posted by VA Ringer
I apologize now for asking this but after doing several searches I still have not seen a definite solution to the problem.

I got dropouts and x745 messages yesterday. I called Dtv and they are sending a new access card. My 360 is in a small enclosed cabinet with little ventilation. I noticed it was warm but not as warm as my TiVo in the next cabinet over. I was already researching ventilation methods such as fans prior to reading parts of this thread.

Is there a solution to these problems?

Thank you!

Can't help you with the fan.....but the first thing I would do is get your 360 out of the cabinet and put it in a well ventilated area. I have not experienced this but the over heating problem is very common on this thread. I doubt it's a problem with your card....Cowher Power!

Thanks for the response! Cleveland is in for a spankin this weekend!

The alternative offered by Dtv is the Hughes receiver. Is that box problematic like the 360?

Originally posted by VA Ringer
Thanks for the response! Cleveland is in for a spankin this weekend!

The alternative offered by Dtv is the Hughes receiver. Is that box problematic like the 360?

YES...........Just different problems

Originally posted by VA Ringer
I apologize now for asking this but after doing several searches I still have not seen a definite solution to the problem.

I got dropouts and x745 messages yesterday. I called Dtv and they are sending a new access card. My 360 is in a small enclosed cabinet with little ventilation. I noticed it was warm but not as warm as my TiVo in the next cabinet over. I was already researching ventilation methods such as fans prior to reading parts of this thread.

Is there a solution to these problems?

Thank you!

Did you try a reset??? Did you get the software download??

Originally posted by VA Ringer

The alternative offered by Dtv is the Hughes receiver. Is that box problematic like the 360?

I had my Hughes sitting on a shelf that was open front and back, but it only had about a 1" clearance from the top shelf, and it crashed in about 2 days. When I was with Dish, I was using the 6000 in the same setup and never had a problem, but it did run pretty hot. I may have been lucky.

They replaced my Hughes (it was/is no longer available*) with the 360 and I prefer the Hughes. I didn't like the remote, which has been a common complaint, but other than that, I liked everything about it better than the 360.

Edit: *I should say it is very difficult to find.

Got the upgrade with no problems noticable as yet. Only had few video/audio dropouts before hand. Never a x745 message.

For those who are wondering whether the upgrade came via dish or phone, I have just checked my version number. It is 1.2.12 and I do not have it connected to the telephone outlet. It has not been connected for some time.

I got 1.2.12 and keep getting the call ext 745 msg with the sirt360.. a reset and it comes back in.. I changed access cards and same problem... no phone line either.. just dish.... :(

I wonder why I haven't got the update yet, I've had the box on every night. At this point though I'm not complaining.

Update...

Had several encounters with the DTV folks today. After unplugging, resets, removing the card, etc. I thought that all was OK. But after 6 hours the dropouts came back, followed by the blank screen with the "X745" message.

The tech I spoke with tonight admitted there was a problem with some 360s after the new software download. They don't have a solution yet. By Tomorrow PM they told me they would have a fix or a new box for me. Doesn't sound good.

Originally posted by TAR61704
I wonder why I haven't got the update yet, I've had the box on every night. At this point though I'm not complaining.

In my Setup>System>System Upgrades menu, it shows my upgrade is scheduled for 2:24AM, 10/7/04.

Hopefullly I won't have a problem. It's a brand new 360.

Dean

Thanks dwette. I just checked and mine says the same thing. Mine is also a new box. Less than 2 weeks old from CC. If the upgrade bombs out and it's not an easy fix I think I'll take it back.

It seems at this point only the Hughes and the TS360 are available anywhere.

as I search this thread for a solution I'll ask a simple hook-up question. I'm using the supplied DVI-DVI conector with a HDMI adapter at one end to connect to my new Toshiba 52HMX84 DLP. I get no picture with my tv turned to the HDMI input. As far as I can tell I'm using the right adaper and everything is set correctly. Is there something I need to do to the Samsung 360 to enable DVI?

David Scott, hit the "Output mode" button on the front of the 360, once. It's the bottom right button. See if that fixs the problem. It comes defaulted for component I think.

thanks, did the trick.

Originally posted by TAR61704
Thanks dwette. I just checked and mine says the same thing. Mine is also a new box. Less than 2 weeks old from CC. If the upgrade bombs out and it's not an easy fix I think I'll take it back.

It seems at this point only the Hughes and the TS360 are available anywhere.

My upgrade came down last night. Have had the TV on for 2 hours and no issues so far. My 360 has a 4/23/04 build date.

Originally posted by dwette
My upgrade came down last night. Have had the TV on for 2 hours and no issues so far. My 360 has a 4/23/04 build date.

Do you have the OTA signal strength meter problem?????

When I got home last night I had the call x745 message. I called and while I was on hold I rebooted. The reboot fixed the problem. CSR didn't say anything about it, just thanked me for calling. I didn't think to check if an upgrade had come through. I don't think I actually even watched DirecTV last night, I left it on 7-1 and I recorded "Lost" off air. Plus, I didn't turn the TV on this morning, so I probably have that call x745 on my screen again....Anyone know if DirecTV will swap out with the HDTivo + Cash?

CJS

Originally posted by cjs2000
....Anyone know if DirecTV will swap out with the HDTivo + Cash?

CJS

Good question and I don't have the answer. Did you call D* and ask them your question? If you didn't, try calling the retention dept.

Steeler,
Reset works but only temporarily. I have not checked the upgrade. Is the latest 1.2.12? I should get a new access card today. I really do not want to permanently move my receiver out of the cabinet.

Aliens,
Thanks for the response!

Well mine has been upgraded and I dont notice any changes. Espn still looks like crap when they show SD or commercials, and the OTA signal meter still doesnt work. Havent watched enough tv to notice if the lipsysc problem still exists or not.

Johnny

I too am now getting the X745 message after the so called upgrade hit my box on Tuesday…funny I didn’t start seeing problem until early this morning. My box and at least one television stay on 24/7.

So far I have tried the reset with the card in and out of the box, I also have tried unplugging the unit for 10 mins with zero luck.

This is a bummer the box is only a couple a months old and I can no longer return the box at the retail store I purchased at.

Call D*, lie and tell them you were watching tv when it started to download the new software and it hasnt come back on since.


Johnny

Just got off the phone with DirecTV…to make a long waited story short they told me I would have a new card by tomorrow. I told girl on the phone that I don’t seem to be the only person with this problem after reading all about it on a message board; she said it’s been a known problem with the Sammy units not reading the card properly after the upgrade. I asked if anyone has received a new card yet and found this to cure the problem, she said “we have a few of the same units in our testing facility and using a new card did fix the problem”

I will cross my fingers and hope for the best, I will post my results tomorrow after my new card has been up for a few hours.

This IS funny, both my 360's updated last night (10-07-04) at 2:30+/- AM, one of which I was watching and said YES, seems like a firmware upgrade in as much as it said don't turn it off etc, etc. It got the patch, ran it, then re-did the guide. Seems version 1.2.12 (from 1.2.03) After which it came back all OK, but have NO IDEA what this patch does/did, that would be too much to ask? Today at lunch I checked the other unit, and it just got the guide and came back all OK too, so unless you were watching and said NO you got it.

For the life of me, I don't understand these issues, like any firmware you need to NOT shut it off, while in progress. I guess cards do fail, I had one in a DTS3000 that was DOA, but of all the receivers I've had none failed while using? With the one that did, they had me try a card out of another receiver I did and figured out the card (in question) was in fact BAD. This is to say why do D* (CSR's) want to replace the damn card right off the bat before actually doing local basic troubleshooting? Question of the hour.

Take care, and follow the on screen instructions, mostly they know what their talking about. ;-)

I have my TS360 hooked up to a Panasonic PT-50DL54 DLP via DVI/HDMI cable. Also had it hooked up via Component with the same results. I have the 360 output set to 720P for all modes including SD channels. For 4:3 mode, I have selected Pillars.

The problem I see is that the screen width for SD isn't quite a 4:3 ratio. The screen width for regular SD channels is 36 inches. In order to have a true 4:3 ratio, based on the height of the set, the screen width (before the black bars kick in) should be around 33 inches.

Now, on the ESPN HD channel, the width of the display before the HD bars kick in is 34, not exactly 33, but still better than 36.

If I change the display output on the 360 to 480i, the SD channels now display in 4:3 mode at 30 inches (everything looks obviously really skinny this way).

If anyone has a 50 inch 16:9 TV, or better yet the same Panny model - would you mind taking a few measurments to see what width the 4:3 mode SD channels are for comparison to my set? I'd like to see what other's have so that I can definitively say I have a defective 360.

Thanks!

Received new card. Rebooted without card in unit. Installed card and all seems well after about 6 hours of play.

I also received a new card and it also fixed x745 problem, but created a new one. Now the picture decodes fine for about 5 minutes then it goes completely blank for 3-5 seconds, then comes back on and runs for 5 minutes then goes completely blank for 3-5 seconds, ad nauseum...

So called and got a Level2 Tech which claimed to know nothing about a problem with the firmware upgrade causing widespread problems with this box. His next step was to swap out the box.

Since I was barely inside the 30day window, I went back to BB and got a new one with the old software (1.2.03) and everyting is now working fine like it was .... until the next upgrade.

After the upgrade, the OTA signal meter on my 360 seems to be behaving in a more meaningful way, but only with signals it has locked onto with picture & sound. More meaningful in that it helps when tweaking the antenna for maximum signal strength. With signals it's trying to lock in, the meter behaves as it always did.

Originally posted by Volunteer
I went back to BB and got a new one with the old software (1.2.03) and everyting is now working fine like it was .... until the next upgrade.
Which will happen to you again in just a matter of days, if not hours. Because when they send down new firmware upgrades they usually do it for around a month or more, and usually frequently during that time.

Originally posted by salukis
I have my TS360 hooked up to a Panasonic PT-50DL54 DLP via DVI/HDMI cable. Also had it hooked up via Component with the same results. I have the 360 output set to 720P for all modes including SD channels. For 4:3 mode, I have selected Pillars.

The problem I see is that the screen width for SD isn't quite a 4:3 ratio. The screen width for regular SD channels is 36 inches. In order to have a true 4:3 ratio, based on the height of the set, the screen width (before the black bars kick in) should be around 33 inches.

Now, on the ESPN HD channel, the width of the display before the HD bars kick in is 34, not exactly 33, but still better than 36.

If I change the display output on the 360 to 480i, the SD channels now display in 4:3 mode at 30 inches (everything looks obviously really skinny this way).

If anyone has a 50 inch 16:9 TV, or better yet the same Panny model - would you mind taking a few measurments to see what width the 4:3 mode SD channels are for comparison to my set? I'd like to see what other's have so that I can definitively say I have a defective 360.

Thanks!

Just a question.. do you have to watch 4:3 content in pillar-box mode with the 360? I haven't taken the plunge yet, but I love the way my
Tosh 50HDX82 stretches 4:3 material..its one of the reasons I bought the set. Are you not able to stretch 4:3 material using the TV stretch modes when using the 360? Because this would influence my decision greatly

Thanks

tweaking the antenna for maximum signal strength

The tweaking the antenna option is grayed out on the setup menu for me. Is there some other option I need to turn on for that to work? I haven't entered my local ZIP Code, so I'm not sure if that's the reason.

Thanks

The upgrade did come down again this morning at 3:30. Thankfully this new box seems to have survived it.

Hows everybodys 360 holdingup with a new card or reciever?Is the warranty just 90 days through dtv?Should I wait for a better reciever and return this one?

My success report with a new card was premature. Got the X745 message again this morning so a new box is on the way.

Originally posted by taboni
Just a question.. do you have to watch 4:3 content in pillar-box mode with the 360? I haven't taken the plunge yet, but I love the way my
Tosh 50HDX82 stretches 4:3 material..its one of the reasons I bought the set. Are you not able to stretch 4:3 material using the TV stretch modes when using the 360? Because this would influence my decision greatly

Thanks

The 360 does have 4:3 stretch modes. Depending on your TV, you may have to control the stretch mode with the 360. Since I upconvert everything to 720P, my TV won't stretch anything. I do think that in my case, SD looks better upconverted to 720P via the 360.

Still getting drop out with picture & sound after receiving my new card in the mail today. I also just got a message “insert access card now”

This is total BS…freaking idiot’s over at DTV.

I noticed that the first update was done on my reciever on 06/2003.I just bought it in august 2004.Could this be a refurbished unit with the old code?Did they take the stuff out of a 160 and make a 360 out of it?My replacement card didnt work.Has anybody had luck with thier replacement ts 360?D** said that it was because of the firmware download.I was having video dropouts every few minutes even before the download.Anybody had luck with any other hd recievers from dtv?I dont want to get another samsung and have it crap out,especially after the 90 day warranty! Any suggestions out there?

Just got off the phone with DTV…after going back and fourth girl finally told me to give the new card 24 hours and if my problem(s) persist I should call DTV and they will ship me a new box.

I forgot to ask her if I was qualified to receive a replacement from DTV even though I purchased the original unit retail. Seeing how they screwed the pooch on this upgrade they defiantly should be liable for a replacement unit.

I got a refurbished 360 unit from D* protection plan when I started having trouble with my old Hughes 86 a couple of weeks ago. Received the firmware upgrade night before last. So far, the upgrade has not affected the unit's operation. No call x475 msgs, no problems with signal strenght monitor, no sound drop outs. I'm not sure why the upgrade would affect some units differently than others. Maybe it has to do with the way the units are set up (what options are selected)? I don't know. All I can say at this point is that the upgrade has not caused any problems on my refurbished T360, fwiw.

I keep having to unplug my 360 the last two days as I keep getting the x745 message. I just got the receiver through D* one week ago. So far resetting it works, but it keeps popping up. Very disappointing considering I just got the darn thing. When I called D* they told me they haven't heard of any complaints with the Samsung....what a joke.

Originally posted by David Scott
I keep having to unplug my 360 the last two days as I keep getting the x745 message. I just got the receiver through D* one week ago. So far resetting it works, but it keeps popping up. Very disappointing considering I just got the darn thing. When I called D* they told me they haven't heard of any complaints with the Samsung....what a joke.

You don't have to unplug a 360 to reset it. Open the card slot door.
Then push the little red button. That will reset it.

I have received the 745 message yet again with the new card I received tonight about 7-8 hours after I activated it.

Anyone know if DTV will include a new access card when they replace your unit under warranty?

Card does not fix it .... got my new yesterday within five minutes same problem x745 error message. Looks like the update earlier in the week is bad !!!!

Have any of you checked your upgrade or update history in you 360's memory?My 1st was back in 06/2003 and I just got it. Anyboby got a reciever with a recent update?P.S. I had an older sony standard box I went back to and I seemed to like the colors better immediately.What do you think of you 360 color onscreen?

I asked them yesterday and they said the new unit will come with a new card.Question is,do I dare download the new software when it comes available?Why doesnt d** jump all over samsung to get this problem solved . Anybody like the new hughes?

This is not a Samsung problem,it is a D* issue. They sent a crap upgrade that was not fully tested . Called Samsung yesterday they claim to have nothing to do with the upgrade . They did send a tech to D* to help.D* could only offer to send me a new card overnight , which is stupid. If the problem started after a software upgrade then fix the damn thing with a patch or return to the original software.:mad: :confused:

"This is not a Samsung problem,it is a D* issue........"

Except, while my two receivers took this update all OK (like any firmware update), as far as I can tell, what are the others here doing that has caused SO much heart burn? And what does the "CARD" have to do with anything? OTOH; if these guys are using some sort of hacked card, and D* nukes it, shame on them!

The truth is out there, some where. I mean this is sounding as bad as the historical JVC 30k deal. The TRUTH never was told with that one either......
;-O

Mickey,

No hacked cards here…Got one 360 that is fine with the new software, another that is sick since the download. . I will wait till next week and if no fix is on the horizon, DTV can replace the 360 they broke [and have offered to do it with a $149 credit].

"No hacked cards here…Got one 360 that is fine with the new software, another that is sick since the download. . I will wait till next week and if no fix is on the horizon, DTV can replace the 360 they broke [and have offered to do it with a $149 credit]."

Understand, but still wonder why some were trashed some not. Trust me I have done a lot of firmware updates to computer equipment I and have never trashed anything, YET (hint; read and follow on-screen instructions). I guess I got luckey, I got my second HD receiver (a 360) due to a additional HD set, then my Tobby (E-86) failed, and got another 360, been happy with both and they seem to have better OTA receivers too? (vs the E-86)

I hope you have good luck getting your issue resolved, in the mean time I still wounder what really is going on here, I would blame D* way before the vendor, but why is D* making firmware upgrades to something they don't build, unless it built to a OEM design? (I may have not said that just right but the folks in the know can get the idea)

Would someone mind checking the width of a 4:3 SD channel vs. HD 4:3 on a 16:9 TV?

My HD 4:3 is a couple of inches narrower than SD channel. I'm beginning to suspect I have a defective unit, but would like to know if anyone else sees a difference.

Thanks.

my cards came with the unit and the other came fedex.I was under the impression that the card readers are going bad in the samsung?My main problem initially was the frequent video black screens.

Originally posted by salukis
Would someone mind checking the width of a 4:3 SD channel vs. HD 4:3 on a 16:9 TV?

My HD 4:3 is a couple of inches narrower than SD channel. I'm beginning to suspect I have a defective unit, but would like to know if anyone else sees a difference.

Thanks.

I am not sure I understand. You need to give more specifics about what aspect your 360 is in and exactly what type of programming and resolution you are trying to compare to. There are too many variables to guess at without more info. I think your chances of having a 'defective' 360 that shaves an inch or two off of your feeds are just slightly above zero.

I have a 16:9 plasma but a true HD picture from the 360 is always displayed at full 16:9, not 4:3, bypassing the aspect ratio set on the 360. Therefore there is no such thing as 'HD 4:3'. The only exception is ESPN HD that has the SD box between the gray bars. My Panny 42" 6UY 'locks' full aspect ratio when it sees 1080i and 720p. I almost always output SD from the 360 on 'zoom 2' which also implies full 16x9 aspect on the plasma.

If I put the 360 on 'pillar box' (which I would NEVER normally do) aspect on an SD OTA feed and output 1080i however, the 360 will output a 4:3 picture that measures 29"wide x 20 1/2" high (give or take) on my 42" plasma.

If I tune to ESPN HD the stupid 'columns' are there no matter what aspect the 360 is put into. The viewable screen there measures 28w x 20h. There is a little bit of variability but relatively insignificant.

You might be talking about OTA HD channels that output SD programming but its hard to tell. Maybe there is some other test scenario you are referring to?

Originally posted by billt1111
I am not sure I understand. You need to give more specifics about what aspect your 360 is in and exactly what type of programming and resolution you are trying to compare to. There are too many variables to guess at without more info. I think your chances of having a 'defective' 360 that shaves an inch or two off of your feeds are just slightly above zero.

I have a 16:9 plasma but a true HD picture from the 360 is always displayed at full 16:9, not 4:3, bypassing the aspect ratio set on the 360. Therefore there is no such thing as 'HD 4:3'. The only exception is ESPN HD that has the SD box between the gray bars. My Panny 42" 6UY 'locks' full aspect ratio when it sees 1080i and 720p. I almost always output SD from the 360 on 'zoom 2' which also implies full 16x9 aspect on the plasma.

If I put the 360 on 'pillar box' (which I would NEVER normally do) aspect on an SD OTA feed and output 1080i however, the 360 will output a 4:3 picture that measures 29"wide x 20 1/2" high (give or take) on my 42" plasma.

If I tune to ESPN HD the stupid 'columns' are there no matter what aspect the 360 is put into. The viewable screen there measures 28w x 20h. There is a little bit of variability but relatively insignificant.

You might be talking about OTA HD channels that output SD programming but its hard to tell. Maybe there is some other test scenario you are referring to?

Thanks Bill for taking the measurements. By looking at your numbers, it appears your 4:3 SD feed is a bit wider than a 4:3 HD (viewable in ESPN HD) as is the case in mine. I also took measurements of a few HBO HD shows that were in 4:3 mode and the visible screen size was identical to the ESPN HD visible area.

This all stems from the fact I thought the 4:3 mode in SD channels looked a bit wide to me. When I measured the width of the viewable image, the ratio isn't 4:3, it's closer to 4.4:3 (1.46 ratio, not 1.33).

As for my settings on my Panny 50 inch DLP:

On the TS360:
I set the TV screen type 16:9 and the 4:3 option set to Pillar Box in Preferences menu.
Output to TV: 720p for everything (TV's native resolution). By having output to TV at 720p for everything, I do think the resolution for SD channels look a little better. Also, changing channels in this mode seems faster. If I select a Native mode on the 360, there is a noticable delay in when switching back and forth between HD and non HD channels AND the 4:3 format drops to 3.8:3.

I haven't had any of the problems people are describing with the firmware update. My update came through a few days ago without any problems.

On just a couple of occasions did I notice any audio synch issues, shutting the 360 off and back on again seemed to fix this.

So the real issue is whether I should live with the extra width in SD 4:3 mode, given all of the problems some have reported. It looks like your SD 4:3 viewable is wider than the ESPNHD viewable so maybe I should just live with it.

If anyone else has noticed this, please reply.

Thanks!

I posted about this on page 16 of this thread.

4:3 SD programming is stretched horizontally roughly 10%. It's always been that way, on all of them.

Originally posted by Cheezmo
I posted about this on page 16 of this thread.

4:3 SD programming is stretched horizontally roughly 10%. It's always been that way, on all of them.

I knew I should have done my homework. :)

Thanks for the reply, looks like I can stop obsessing over it.

Done and done.

Originally posted by yzf750r
Hows everybodys 360 holdingup with a new card or reciever?Is the warranty just 90 days through dtv?Should I wait for a better reciever and return this one?

I have the same problems - occasional dropout, followed by the x745 error. Rebooting the reciever with the red button by the access card fixes it for a while, but it comes back. Thought it was maybe a loose connection problem caused by adding a new power conditioner to my rack, but everything checked out.

So now I'm on hold with DirecTV, waiting for level 2 support. (The first rep transferred me to a fast busy/disconnect, so I had to call back.) Level 1 said that they would replace my (scarcely 2 month old) unit with a new DirecTV branded model, and that they will have to replace <b>ALL</b> the TS360's out there because of this "glitch"! They said that because of this situation they are receiving a huge number of calls, and to be patient, hanging up puts you back to the end of the queue. But Level 1 support couldn't complete the transaction. Guess a lot of folks are in for the same headache.

Given that my reciever is only a couple months old, the new DTV unit better have the same length warranty, or I'll be really angry.

Orin

Just to add to the misery I am now getting HUGE audio sync issues along with drop outs and the x745 error after a new card.

Needless to say I am on hold rite now for a level 2 tech (message says we are experiencing a higher level of calling…go figure). The girl I spoke with yesterday told me to wait for 24 hours and if the problem persists to call back and they will ship me a new unit. She gave me a direct number to level 2 techs and said I would not have to go trough the normal prompts to speak with level, this is a direct line to level 2 support
1-800-695-9251

My new box is on its way via FedEx ground, they say I should have it 3-5 business days.

Side note for worried people who bought receiver retail:

I bought my box from Best Buy about two months ago and DTV is shipping me a new one zero charge. The lady only asked me how old the current faulty receiver is, I said it bought when I originally signed up for DTV about 2 months ago, she said ok we will be sending you a replacement.

Talked to Samsung bad upgrade ill be fixed next week.

When DTV replaces a unit under warranty do they require you to ship old defective unit back to them, also do they cover the shipping costs?

@scapi
Who is doing the fix/replacement Sammy or DTV?

Hi,
I am trying to control the 360 using the serial cable from ReplayTV but doesnt seem to work. The Replay changes channel but the 360 does not. I am controlling all these units from another room using IR blasters. Any ideas?

Thanks

-Rajesh

Originally posted by coda304
When DTV replaces a unit under warranty do they require you to ship old defective unit back to them, also do they cover the shipping costs?

FWIW, I can tell you that when they replace a defective unit under their service plan, they do tell you to return the defective unit and they pay for the shipping costs. If you fail to do so, you are only charged $49. Whether this is the same if you don't have their service contract, I don't know.

I got my 360 from DirecTV as part of their $99 deal. The first one arrived DOA, and tney promptly replaced it but told me I'd be on the hook for $400 if I didn't return the one that didn't work. They don't want people claiming that something doesn't work (when it really does), having DirecTV ship them a new one, and then being able to sell a working unit for more than DirecTV charges if they don't get it back.

My HD DirecTiVo was one of the one's "killed" by the recent software upgrade. DirecTV replaced it, but told me I'd have to pay $1000, the retail price, if I didn't return the defective one.

SMK

It appears that they've at least made some progress today. My 360 is still skipping/pausing occasionally, but for much briefer periods and it hasn't had any x745 lockups today. At least I don't have to reset it all the time like I did yesterday. <Sigh>

Originally posted by coda304
My new box is on its way via FedEx ground, they say I should have it 3-5 business days.

Side note for worried people who bought receiver retail:

I bought my box from Best Buy about two months ago and DTV is shipping me a new one zero charge. The lady only asked me how old the current faulty receiver is, I said it bought when I originally signed up for DTV about 2 months ago, she said ok we will be sending you a replacement.

Until they fix the problem caused by the 1.2.12 upgrade, it appears new cards or new 360's will not help. Horrible.

Originally posted by Bandito
It appears that they've at least made some progress today. My 360 is still skipping/pausing occasionally, but for much briefer periods and it hasn't had any x745 lockups today. At least I don't have to reset it all the time like I did yesterday. <Sigh> well they have not stopped, i had one today with the upgrade...still say these things for the most part are heat related... Samsung really came out with a real bummer...:mad:

So far, mine is still behaving normally after getting the upgrade on Thursday. Could it be that Samsung didn't use the exact same components in all the boxes and this is why the upgrade is causing this problem in some and not others? I mean if its the upgrade that's the problem, it would be causing the same reaction in all of them, if they all have the exact same components, wouldn't it?

Good question JIFISH. I don't know the answer. I haven't had any problems either so I'm not sure what the variable is that cause some to have problems.

Originally posted by lobsterdevil
I have the same problems - occasional dropout, followed by the x745 error.
...snip...
replace my (scarcely 2 month old) unit with a new DirecTV branded model,
...snip...


Here's what they said - because the unit is less than 90 days old they will supposedly ship me a brand new DirectTV 250 receiver, that allegedly has the same features as the ts 360. FedEx ground, arrival in 3-5 business days.

Orin

Here is my problem with the 360 and some I have read is simular some I haven't seen mentioned yet. I got the lastest 12.1.2 update and I get the x745 message, do all the resets and it still happens, but when I get picture, on ESPN HD some of the commercials have the picture skipping to keep up with the sound and it was also happening on their original movie Hustle. I notice on other channels that my screen will go black for one second then find the video feed. Just thought I would let you know what I see on my receiver. It is frustrating, just got the receiver on friday.

Originally posted by coda304
Just to add to the misery I am now getting HUGE audio sync issues along with drop outs and the x745 error after a new card.


Interesting...I had some audio sync problems with HD CSI:Miami two weeks ago...not on the 360 but on a Mits box in another room. This was OTA from WRAL Raleigh.

Orin

My TS 360 is roughly 3 weeks old and I have the video dropouts and x745 message. Resetting solves problem temporarily. New access card did not help. I thought it might be heat related as well because my receiver was located in a fairly small cabinet. I moved recr to top of stand in free air but problems persist. Dtv is sending me a new unit FOC; although they could not verify which I would get.

I have a TS-360 that I've just been using for OTA for a few months. I decided to reactivate it today and it just gets a black screen on all the D* channels (OTA works fine). They are sending me a new access card.

..just a comment in passing: I see all these problems with a new, advanced STB and I wonder..why we have moved backward in producing reliable set top boxes? I have a Mitsubishi STB (Directv and OTA) from 4 or 5 years ago. It never gets warm and has always worked 100 percent with zero problems. I just hope it stays working for I do not want a new box..that is for sure!

I also just got a TS-360 about a month ago. It is experiencing all of the wonderful effects that every one is describing(SHould have read this first). Called DirecTV. They are thinking I need a new access card. If the have tried that with every one else and it did not work why are they still sticking with that line?

My brother just bought a 360 a few days ago. He was told a new software upgrade will be available 10/12 via DirecTV download.

I called back DirecTV. I told them that I knew the access card they had sent me wasn't going to work. They said they were going to issue me a credit for the week+ I've been experiencing the problem and are going to fedex me a new receiver. They also gave me the 6 months free HD even though I was locked into a contract.

Hmm, now after I read the posts, I know my having the same problem after 3 mons. May be the firmware update overnight is the cause. I am fighting with this problem for a few days now. Today, it is getting better since I completed unplug, it came back better. I also called D*, but waitting for too long. I call them back tomorrow.

Bummer DTV.

i also have the same problem ,they send me a new card but it didn't work,later i call transfer to tech 2, they will send me a new receiver,my question is what kind of receiver is directv sending? anyone

now i get the X745 message at least once a day... good thing i watch my VOOM more then my D*>>