The Master Samsung 360 topic [Text View] - Page 8

Crwaters

10-13-04, 04:21 PM

Originally posted by AkaStp
If its a "BAD software upgrade" then how will getting a new hardware unit solve the problem? Surely if you get a new unit and its the software thats bad then the new unit won't work either, right? So, you could up getting new unit after unit and the problem will perist (and D* or BB or CC etc) will end up with lots of "defective" boxes that really aren't defective. That begs the question...if D* get lots of "defective" units back as a result of sending out replacements, what are they going to do with them all? Are they going to change the software and send them back out again? Curious minds just need to know (I'm a software engineer ;-).

This has been a problem for Direc TV for ever. They (in conjunction with the box makers OR all on their own) make a change to their system or send up a software "upgrade" and the boxes don't always take the flash very well. This scenario has been around as long as I've been a customer (six or seven years). They "upgrade" something and a percentage of the boxes fail to work afterward. It's obviously a risk their willing to take.
In a more controlled environment (e.g. one where the new firmware and the recipiant aren't seperated by a trip to SPACE and back) the "upgrades" would probably all work fine but then again, these boxes seem to be living on the hairy edge of stability anyway.
If I were D*, I'd be pretty sick of hearing the throngs of coustomers who call the day after the upgrade to box X made it take a dump. Maybe they'll fix this problem when they take over branding of the boxes but, sadly, I doubt it.

Cory Waters

lobsterdevil

10-13-04, 09:52 PM

Originally posted by raoul5788
Has anyone received anything except a 360
as a replacement? What did you get?

They've sent me another 360. Don't have it out of the box yet but would bet a wooden nickel that it doesn't have 1.2.12 firmware. :)

Orin

Bastian12

10-14-04, 08:55 AM

I have got to tell you all this is scary. I just signed up for DTV HD last night and they said I would most likely got the 360. I said Ok whatever. Had I read this a day before I may have said...is there anything else...?!
So far when people are getting a new unit does this seem to fix the problem? Maybe Samsung/DTV has worked out the bugs?? Fingers Crossed.......

ncsu4life

10-14-04, 10:21 AM

Well i too got a 360 replacement yesterday... hooked it up and everything worked. got the message that there was an upgrade available and i applied it to make sure this box is going to work in the future... so far so good after leaving the box on all night with the new upgrade as i was still getting service this am.

as for the manufacture date the box they sent out was a may 04 date i think and the previous one was a march 04 date.

good luck!

GPC2

10-14-04, 11:56 AM

Two things:

1) I am getting an intermittent X711 error in addition to the x745 error, I didn't read all the way back in the thread, but I didn't see anyone else mention it. The x711 comes up with a blank screen and then after maybe two seconds the picture comes back. The x745 error doesn't seem to happen while I'm watching, only when I first turn the unit on (sometimes).

2) When I called D*, the CSR told me that they were having trouble with the 360's and that they would need to replace my box. When she transferred me, the lady told me they are not immediately replacing boxes, rather they are sending out new access cards to see if the problem is corrected first. I should be getting my new card today.

drunkpenguin

10-14-04, 12:21 PM

Hmm, I have a bunch of PPV movies stored on my card that were never sent to D* because I never plugged my telephone line in. Maybe I should call them and request a new card because my box is "acting up". :D

Johnny

bjohn34

10-14-04, 12:28 PM

Quick Question. Can the 360 just be used for OTA and not D* service? Or did they make so the OTA tuner only works if you have D* service?

drunkpenguin

10-14-04, 12:32 PM

By default when you first turn it on it requires you to activate it. Somebody in a post in this thread found a solution, but I don't remember it. I think he said he entered the menu system and when selecting dish type he chose no dish. Not sure tho, read backwards a dozen pages or so and you should find it.

Johnny

billt1111

10-14-04, 02:47 PM

Where in the 360 User Interface does it list a manufacture date?

drunkpenguin

10-14-04, 02:48 PM

I dont think its in the menus. Its printed on the back however.

Johnny

raoul5788

10-14-04, 03:22 PM

Anyone having trouble getting a replacement 360 from D*?
I ordered one on Tuesday, they said I would get it the next
day. Now they are saying 2-5 business days.

macbd1

10-14-04, 03:43 PM

I'm a new subscriber having had problems with D* and the Sammy TS360 IRD, and have not read this entire string due to its length. Here are my experiences for possible help to others:

No problems were experienced with my 6-week old 51" projection TV and Samsung TS360 IRD until the D* download of upgrade 1.2.12 on Thurs Oct 7 (for me.) Problems included momentary video-audio 'blanks' and other instability problems -- the most serious being the X745 'crashes' that required rebooting for obtaining reception that might last 10 minutes to two hours before recurring. I spent extensive time Friday with D* cust. svc and their 'Tier Two' Tech Spt -- to no avail except to hear they were working on the download problem that somehow strangely affected only 'some' Samsung receivers. When no downloaded 'fix' was present by Sat afternoon I called D* again and subsequently spent four consecutive hours with various D* cust svc and tech spt folks. Some rep's were familiar with the download problem while others had no clue, including a Tier Two supervisor. Several said that D* would provide a warranty replacement receiver but 'nobody' would take responsibility for doing so -- I was forwarded to many different phone extensions (after a long wait each time)where I was assured the next 'extension, party or group' was authorized to help me. It never happened and when the final 'forward' turned out to be an installation sub-contractor to D*, I gave up.

I subsequently called Circuit City where I purchased all of my equipment asking for their possible help in contacting D* about the problem since the 30-day return policy with CC had expired. Ya know, CC was so great about this, after hearing of my experiences with D* they freely offered to replace my receiver even though I wasn't sure at that point whether the Sammy 360 was indeed defective (I'm still not certain.)

CC asked whether I wanted another TS360 or their one only Hughes receiver in stock. I checked at the Hughes Network Systems web site only to learn that they are no longer manufacturing receivers. (I later was told by a D* employee that D* will now manufacture the Hughes product under the D* name.) At any rate, D* Tier Two said the 1.2.12 downloads had been stopped and that a replacement TS360 should work fine. So I selected another TS360 from CC.

Upon finishing setup in preparation to reactivate service with D*, and after the Guide data had downloaded, I was very surprised to see a 'window' suddenly appear wishing to download software version 1.2.12 (select either yes or no.) I of course selected 'No' only to find this 'window' to reappear at about 15 minute intervals.

Upon calling D* to reactivate I quickly learned the agent was very aware of the 1.2.12 download problem but who said these downloads had been stopped and even if I had selected 'Yes' at the 'window,' no download would likely have occurred. However, he suggested I leave the telephone line disconnected for a few days. The activation only required a few minutes and reception of my satellite and 'air' channels once again appeared. (I have my rotorized roof antenna coax-connected to the TS-360 IRD in order to receive HD local air channels if or when they are available.

Normal (to me) reception of satellite and air channels appeared and all seemed ok. However, upon returning to the TV room after a brief absence, the system was in the process of rebooting, and yes, when the picture returned I checked 'Setup>Upgrades' and found the 1.2.12 download had indeed been installed. Yeau, what a surprise but I guess I should have realized an upgrade would be via satellite, not the telephone line.

The good news is that the 1.2.12 upgrade did 'not' cause any of the prior reception problems to return. In fact, about seven new HD, DT and SD digital channels magically appeared in my scanned channel list of 'air' channels. As an example for air channel 17, I now have 17-1 HD and a 17-2 SD local weather channel. The HD reception is great and the other DT and SD digital channels greatly enhance reception -- reception of all are virtually perfect even when the normal air channel has a little snow or is somewhat 'grainy.'

On Tuesday Oct 12, several of the 'extra' channels had disappeared including the 'normal' Fox channel. However, after rebooting and re-scanning all channels, all of the missing channels reappeared, including the normal Fox air channel 55, plus 55-1 DT and 55-2 SD digital channels. No further problems have occurred since Tuesday Oct 12 (cross fingers and knock on wood!)

So...it's hopefully a happy ending. My guess is that a programming error in some of the early 1.2.12 downloads was not readily 'fixable' via satellite resulting in the need to replace hardware. However, I suppose it is possible that only 'some' of the Samsung receivers could not process the new upgrade data, for some reason?, even though they worked fine prior to the download....????

In a follow-up call received from a D* Tech guy or agent, he said the 1.2.12 upgrade was intended to fix problems that some users were previously experiencing, but also to provide the additional HD and digital 'air' channels.

I have great empathy for the D* programmers and other technical guys and gals who have likely lived a nightmare for many days. But D* management certainly needs to review their in-house 'mis'-communications and those with customers -- also to improve staff training and management directives and accountability. Web site or email notices of factual information to customers would also help.

Hope this helps someone.
Mac

VA Ringer

10-14-04, 03:49 PM

Received my first 360 about 2 weeks ago. Within a week, I had dropouts and x745 problem. Dtv sent a new access card -- no help. Received brand new 360 yesterday from Dtv. Prior to even activating the receiver, the tier 2 support guy said he was gonna go ahead and order me a new receiver. (Yes, a third one.) Obviously I was surprised by his action since I had yet to try out the first replacement. Well.... I activated the new receiver and left it on overnight after receiving the latest upgrade. This afternoon the wife calls to tell me x745 message is showing on the first replacement 360. Unbelievable. I think that if the 2nd replacement receiver goes bad then I will ask for a credit to buy a different receiver from CC/BB. Any thoughts?

drunkpenguin

10-14-04, 06:14 PM

Well I've seen no errors or lockups on mine. But today around noon I turned on the TV and noticed the box was in the middle of rebooting itself. Its possible that could have been a breif power issue, hopefully my good luck streak has not ended.

johnny

billt1111

10-14-04, 06:34 PM

Three months of use and 1 firmware upgrade and still no issues on mine either. I checked out the Hughes before I bought the 360 and the User Menu was pathetic. I really don't want to return the 360 for another unknown receiver brand and model just to trade problems. I really don't know (think) that there is a better HD D* receiver out there.

coda304

10-14-04, 07:18 PM

Got my replacement box up and running…so far after about 5 hours I haven’t noticed any problems. DTV sent me a retail box with a shrink wrapped card, remote, manual, DVI cable and other cables. I now have 3 cards total one of which being a virgin card and two remotes. They said I would get a credit of 1 week and I will be getting 3 months of Showtime for my troubles.

macbd1

10-14-04, 09:06 PM

In response, a quick peek says my replacement receiver's mfg date is 23 June 2004. Sorry, I never bothered to check the date of the first receiver that I purchased 28 Aug 2004 at the same CC retail store. However, I still suspect a software design problem is the root cause here, either due to an error in one of several 1.2.12 upgrades being sent out for download, or that some Sammy TS360 receivers had a slightly different configuration which somehow couldn't process the download -- and a downloadable 'fix' could not readily be devised making the hardware unusable (this is still a software problem in my mind.) What a boondoggle, where was the testing? What was D* management's impact here? Maybe Dilbert will have the answer in his next cartoon? D* certainly is not telling us anything.
Mac

billt1111

10-14-04, 09:23 PM

If 999 out of 1000 receivers worked properly after the upgrade they probably were willing to take the risk. I would think 999 out of 1000 companies would consider that acceptible. Lets assume that there are 50,000 HD 360s that were upgraded. A 1% failure rate is 500 unhappy customers and swaps. That is a lot for customer service, but not completely unacceptable.

Without knowing for sure how many receivers there are in total, and the overall failure rate, and (more importantly) the benefits that D* gained with the upgrade it seems plausible to speculate that it was a good move on their part.

macbd1

10-14-04, 11:15 PM

Yes, Bill, that's one way of looking at this. But, as you say, without knowing how many receivers are affected, how meaningful are your words, I'm wondering. I haven't seen posts here and elsewhere to indicate anywhere near 99% of total Samsung receivers have been downloaded trouble-free with 1.2.12. But who knows? -- Yes, only a few at D* and maybe Samsung. I still am more inclined to believe it's a D* boondoggle. Also see my earlier post -- D* management has failed with communication and training to say the least, like the guy in charge is Willy Nilly.
Mac

billt1111

10-15-04, 12:09 AM

Just a reality check for all the people who just cannot fathom D's point of view on this. I have seen a dozen or two posts from individuals who are just stunned that a software upgrade does not work for 100% of the targeted subscribers.

Possibly they have made a 'mistake'. Maybe not. Either way they were/are willing to take the chance, now and in the future with this receiver and other receiver brands and models, if it suits their purpose.

D* has ~10,000,000 subscribers with an average bill of $75 per month. That is ~$750,000,000 in accounts receivable per month. Sending out a few hundred or a few thousand cards and receivers is peanuts if they achieve a desired objective.

By the way, their desired objective may be in our best interests and worth the problems, like adding future capabilities, bandwidth, RAM allocations, and features. We just don't have any way of knowing that for sure.

JIFISH

10-15-04, 12:35 AM

The manufacture date of my refurbished unit that I received from DirecTv and have had no problems with, either before or after the upgrade, is April 2004. Actually, I had a problem when I first got it, in that they sent the wrong remote, or an inadequate remote for that unit. But in less than a week, they sent me the right one.

JIFISH

10-15-04, 12:38 AM

Originally posted by raoul5788
Anyone having trouble getting a replacement 360 from D*?
I ordered one on Tuesday, they said I would get it the next
day. Now they are saying 2-5 business days.

I think you got bad advice from the first CSR. They send the units by FedEx ground, and that's not overnight service. I was told 3-4 business days, fwiw.

JAKEJ

10-15-04, 01:05 AM

Just a few comments on my Refurbished 360 with a Feb. 04 manufacturer date.

1. Standard feature set is a big improvement over the Zenith SAT520 it is replacing. My biggest complaint and main reason for swapping was that the Zenith could not save a custom channel list for more than a few days at a time.

2.PQ is just as good as the Zenith if not better. I might agree that for D* SD it is a little softer than the Zenith but I actually prefer it.

3.I have had no audio dropouts and only one sync issue on FOX OTA that was resolved by switching to a different channel then back again. Again, this happened only once in the month I have had the unit. I am using the optical out on the receiver.

4. No problem receiving the latest D* firmware download. No lockups or messages.

5. The OTA reception meter is not very useful for optimizing antenna direction, the Zenith was much better, but overall the reception capabilities seem to be on-par with it.

6. The name and number caller ID is a nice feature and has worked flawlessly.

7. I can change the various stretch modes with the remote, but it would be nice to be able to change the mode from 16:9 to 4:3 via the remote as well. If this can be done, please tell me how.

8. I would like the receiver to automatically change the stretch mode to FULL for true 16:9 HD content, why Samsung chose not to do this I don't understand.

All in all I am quite happy with this unit. It has been rock solid and I have not had any lockups or reboots in the month or so I have owned it. A couple improvements could be made, but I have no intention of sending his one back.

Just my 2cents. Jake.

P.S. - Why does D* send the blue universal remote they know is not compatible with the 360? Push them for an original remote and they will send it.

cjs2000

10-15-04, 09:04 AM

My wife just called and said my replacement receiver has arrived. And it is a brand new, get ready for it:

LG LSS-3200A

Wow, I wasn't expecting that at all. I can't wait to hook it up.

CJS

VA Ringer

10-15-04, 12:08 PM

PREVIOUS POST:
Received my first 360 about 2 weeks ago. Within a week, I had dropouts and x745 problem. Dtv sent a new access card -- no help. Received brand new 360 yesterday from Dtv. Prior to even activating the receiver, the tier 2 support guy said he was gonna go ahead and order me a new receiver. (Yes, a third one.) Obviously I was surprised by his action since I had yet to try out the first replacement. Well.... I activated the new receiver and left it on overnight after receiving the latest upgrade. This afternoon the wife calls to tell me x745 message is showing on the first replacement 360. Unbelievable. I think that if the 2nd replacement receiver goes bad then I will ask for a credit to buy a different receiver from CC/BB. Any thoughts?

UPDATE:
Contacted Dtv last night. They told me a LG 3200A is on its way. I checked a thread with LG 3200A in the subject line to possible find out if there are any known problems with it. Does anyone have any info on this receiver? I found this review online for those who may be getting this box.

http://www.***************.com/html/reviews/techreview.php?rev=40

macbd1

10-15-04, 12:40 PM

Bill, your beliefs and reminder of 'reality' posted above are somewhat different than mine. Firstly, I don't believe D* executives have a 'point of view' that they are willing to discuss like we do. They are simply willing to take certain risks and manage all resources to grow D* competitively in order to improve its ROI for stockholders, while demonstrating their personal management skills in order to obtain the greatest personal bonus possible. For example, Chase Carey, the new Prez-CEO at D* this year makes $2Mil annually plus opportunity for up to 150% bonus.

My view or speculation is that this TS360 upgrade problem was a surprise to D* and Samsung, that its impact has been larger than 'minuscule' in terms of customers affected, and that the upgrade was not tested sufficiently to recognize more than a normal minuscule risk of problems even existed. This is based on my experiences in observing all of the knowledge shorts, confusion, errors, mis-communications, etc on the part of most Customer Svc and Tier Two employees, including Tier Two supervisors and one low to mid-level manager. No plan was obviously developed to prepare these employees for an onslaught of calls concerning one specific receiver being so affected by a software upgrade. Most, including at least a couple of Tech Spt supervisors, were not even aware of an upgrade problem for several days.

Discussion about the cause of this download problem, and why it is affecting previously good functioning receivers in some cases, like mine, and not others is for another time.

My other point concerning 'reality' is that all of the 'mis'-communication problems with customers would still not have occurred had these employees been properly directed by management and routinely trained for dealing with different field problems that might arise. I don't believe any decent executive manager would stand for even one customer being treated the way I have been (see prior posts), and I doubt that my experiences were exceptional. That said, D* must recognize some management shortcomings needing to be addressed, or at least that's the view in my mind's eye.

Evaluation of bonuses should involve more than ROI count, and did in at least one company that I used to know a little about, which had membership in a group of companies who shared salary-bonuses-benefits info.

Regards,
Mac

cjs2000

10-15-04, 01:05 PM

Originally posted by VA Ringer

UPDATE:
Contacted Dtv last night. They told me a LG 3200A is on its way. I checked a thread with LG 3200A in the subject line to possible find out if there are any known problems with it. Does anyone have any info on this receiver? I found this review online for those who may be getting this box.

http://www.***************.com/html/reviews/techreview.php?rev=40 [/B]

From what I've read it is the same as (or similar to) the Sony HD300 and the Hughes HTL-HD. They're all made by LG. My first HD receiver was the Zenith HD-SAT520. It died and DirecTV replaced it with the Samsung SIR-TS360. The LG was supposed to be the Zenith HD-SAT530, but LG decided to brand it themselves (they own Zenith). I liked the picture from my original 520 and I'm kind of happy that I'll be going back to that product line. I think the differences between the 360 and this are:

No extra video inputs like on the Samsung
Has RF video out/antenna passthough for your TV
the LG might have an RF remote control
I've heard there are discrete remote control codes for output resolution and stretch modes (I have a pronto, so this is good)
The panoramic stretch mode doesn't mess up HD video

That looks to be about it. I liked the video inputs on the Samsung because I could run a DVD through it, upconvert to 1080i, and display the Avia test patterns, very useful.

When I was dealing with DirecTV I asked (nicely, might I add) to not get a Samsung replacement. They said they couldn't guarantee what I would get, but would note my comments in their computer. I tried to get an HDTivo, but all they would give me was a $200 credit to buy one at a retailer....I said no thanks.

CJS

VA Ringer

10-15-04, 02:17 PM

cjs,

From what I've read it is the same as (or similar to) the Sony HD300 and the Hughes HTL-HD.

I have seen the Sony @ ~$625; LG at ~$575. Hughes at ~$349. Seems like a big price difference given they are similar items. Am I missing something?

raoul5788

10-15-04, 02:22 PM

Originally posted by VA Ringer
cjs,

I have seen the Sony @ ~$625; LG at ~$575. Hughes at ~$349. Seems like a big price difference given they are similar items. Am I missing something?

A brand name!;)

cjs2000

10-15-04, 02:46 PM

Some might come with DVI cable, the RF remote, and certain functions (stretch, resolution) being on the remote as well. I think that's how the LG clones differed. Does the Hughes have the channel display on the front? I can't remember anymore.

And the brand thing. The Sony was always more IIRC.

CJS

cnz

10-15-04, 02:46 PM

I was old by a distributor that I purchased several 360s from that there was a new software upgrade coming Monday to repair the bad upgrade. True or not? I guess we will see.

VA Ringer

10-15-04, 04:08 PM

Lets say the 360 problems are fixed Monday with a new upgrade. Which reciever is preferred? LG or Samsung? Or is there very little difference?

Ed Dixon

10-15-04, 04:50 PM

I am supposed to be getting a Samsung SIR-TS360 as part of a DirecTV locals receiver upgrade. I have an RCA DTC-100 today.

Any comments on the comparison/differences between these two units?

Ed

ironchef

10-15-04, 06:25 PM

Just wanted people to know that our THIRD samsung receiver is working fine with the dreaded upgrade (it's been one day so far). I'll leave it to the tech folks to figure out why.

The third receiver was manufactured in Aug 04, sorry don't know the dates of the first two. We did get the third from a different CC, so maybe it's a different batch. Believe me, getting a third receiver defied alll logic on our part and was part of desparation only.

By the way I cannot disagree more with billt1111's post on this matter and error. As a senior member of a software design company, the almost total ignorance and attitude of D*'s customer service and website is severely negligent. I would wager that his opinion comes from having the good fortune of having a receiver that works. If he can maintain this opinion in the face of having to return a receiver, then my hat is off to him.

Until then, I would agree wholeheartedly with mac.

Now to really incite folks... with D* taking over production of the Hughes boxes, one wonders what there is to stop them from sending out faulty upgrades to all other competing boxes or at least to the those companies that won't play ball.

steeler

10-15-04, 06:46 PM

Originally posted by cnz
I was old by a distributor that I purchased several 360s from that there was a new software upgrade coming Monday to repair the bad upgrade. True or not? I guess we will see.

I called Samsung yesterday and talked to a 360 product specialist, he told me the same thing. Actually he said early next week.

dcstager

10-15-04, 06:48 PM

Can anyone tell me if the 360 can receive and display unscrambled QAM cable TV HDTV signals?

Second question, will it display in SD and HD simultaneously?

patjensen

10-15-04, 07:38 PM

I've started a new topic for the new Samsung 1.2.16 upgrade which has is now spooling on DirecTV. This should hopefully alleviate the problems TS360 owners have been experiencing (drop outs, losing channels, receiver hangs).

You can reach it via the following post:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=458433

drunkpenguin

10-15-04, 08:29 PM

I just noticed I was missing some guide data so I thought maybe my box reset or something, but then I checked and see I now have 1.2.16 installed. Ill have to see if it changes anything.

Johnny

Unrealtard

10-17-04, 04:59 PM

Samsung TS-360. Anyone else experiencing periodic loss of OTA channels from their "want to watch list"? I live in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and every now and again I just lose FOX (KMSP 9-1) and WB (KMWB 23-1) for no reason. I go to the setup menu and they are there, I just have add it back to the "want to watch it" list on both the setup and profile menu. I don't have to re-scan, just add them back in to my lists.

It doesn't happen with any other channels, just these two. Anyone else having this type of anomoly?

ironfoot995

10-17-04, 06:04 PM

Unrealtard, I'm having the same problem with two different OTA channels. I live in Norman, OK, about 26 miles from the towers and have a RS roof-top antenna for all OTA HD channels. The problem with FOX 25-1 is regular and the same problem with KFOR 4-1 is rare. If I use the channel up or channel down buttons on the remote and go past Fox-25, it has disappeared from my "View" channels to "Block" channels, or maybe all the way to "Remove" channels in setup. This is very frustrating. I have noticed that if I use the Guide to navigate to 25-1 and select it by using the cursor to highlight the channel number/name and then use the select button, it doesn't disappear immediately. Any suggestions?

John

Cheezmo

10-17-04, 09:03 PM

Well, DirecTV solved my TS-360 problems by replacing it with an LG. See you over on that thread...

raoul5788

10-17-04, 09:47 PM

Originally posted by Cheezmo
Well, DirecTV solved my TS-360 problems by replacing it with an LG. See you over on that thread...

They are replacing mine with the LG 3200a, too.
It is basically the same as my Sony HD200, so I
am sure to like it better than the Samsung.

mike442

10-18-04, 10:35 AM

Samsung TS-360. Anyone else experiencing periodic loss of OTA channels from their "want to watch list"? ...

It doesn't happen with any other channels, just these two. Anyone else having this type of anomoly?sing OTA channels

I've been having that issue as well (for me, its 4-1). I don't know if its related to the upgrade since I only had my receiver a few days before the upgrade ran.

I can still navigate to the channel by typing it in with the remote, instead of going to it with the guide.

Have you called D* to report it?

VA Ringer

10-18-04, 12:57 PM

LG or Samsung. I have both and one has to go back to Dtv. Can anyone tell me which is better? Thanks!

raoul5788

10-18-04, 01:08 PM

Originally posted by VA Ringer
LG or Samsung. I have both and one has to go back to Dtv. Can anyone tell me which is better? Thanks!

Keep the LG and dump the Sammy!

lenbo

10-18-04, 07:50 PM

Originally posted by raoul5788
Keep the LG and dump the Sammy!

Can you explain why from you're personal experience's .

raoul5788

10-19-04, 06:58 AM

Originally posted by lenbo
Can you explain why from you're personal experience's .

You have read through this thread, yes? The Sammy has ALOT of trouble
with audio dropouts, a weaker tuner, useless signal strength meter, no
favorite channel list, shall I go on? :rolleyes:

aaronwt

10-19-04, 08:41 AM

My experience was just the opposite. It has several channels lists. One can be made for your favorites. I made one list all the HD channels, and I made another list my favorite SD channels. That worked perfectly. I had no audio dropouts. It's tuner was much better than my DST3000 and my HiPix cards. The signal meter was the only problem I had with it. I had to use the signal meter from my HiPix cards to aim it for OTA. It was an excellent HD receiver for the few months I used it. But I replaced it with a couple of HD TiVos.

Patrick Collins

10-19-04, 03:33 PM

On the Sammy 360, has anyone experienced "boot fail" at initial power up? I've had two since Sunday do this. You're dead in the water until you get rid of that message on the 360. I tried five different stores in the Silicon Valley and theirs all did that. I've tried it with/without an activated card and with/without the dish hooked up. I have a Satellite Finder signal strength meter. It showed my triple lnb oval dish has a strong signal. I installed it right where my old NTSC dish was. Since Sunday I've been on the phone with level two tech support three times for a total of 2 1/2 hours. I've yet to see a hi def signal on my new Mits 62525 DLP!!!!!!

D* is sending a tech Wednesday. I want to be fully prepared.
Has anyone got any ideas?

Johnla

10-19-04, 06:07 PM

Originally posted by raoul5788
You have read through this thread, yes? The Sammy has ALOT of trouble
with audio dropouts, a weaker tuner, useless signal strength meter, no
favorite channel list, shall I go on?

And you seem to think that the others are trouble free....... If so, you are dreaming.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=398862&highlight=LG+3200

EricJRW

10-19-04, 06:15 PM

in my experience "boot fail" on the 360 means no dish or satellite signal. you can still get to the setup menu and select "no dish" and then at least you have local SD & HD chans...

eric

raoul5788

10-19-04, 07:28 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Johnla
[B]And you seem to think that the others are trouble free....... If so, you are dreaming.

Thanks for the link, it will make for interesting and
informative reading. Now, do I think the Sammy is
the only one with problems, of course not, but the
Sammy has alot. I have a Sony HD 200 that has
been virtually perfect. The LG 3200a is nearly the
same product, made by the same company. I think
it is reasonable to expect similiar results.

rajeshh

10-19-04, 11:51 PM

-------------
Samsung TS-360. Anyone else experiencing periodic loss of OTA channels from their "want to watch list"? ...

It doesn't happen with any other channels, just these two. Anyone else having this type of anomoly?sing OTA channels
---------------

This was happening to me..when I called Samsung, they told me to take the zipcode out from the setup..Since then, it has not happened.

bjohn34

10-20-04, 12:20 PM

Do you lose your guide info by taking the zipcode out?

Veander

10-22-04, 05:15 AM

Originally posted by Johnla
And you seem to think that the others are trouble free....... If so, you are dreaming.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=398862&highlight=LG+3200

Hmm, in my dream I see 6 pages for the LG 3200a in a whole year compared to the 62 here since only last February. D* is turning out these 360s like it's supposed to happen or something. Very few are happy and those who aren't turning them in are probably just living with the problems because they fear dealing with the system (or don't know they can get it done for free).

I just turned in my 160 and now I am doing it again with the 360. With the money I am spending one of these machines will get it right or else I am going to keep switching. That's the way I look at it. Anything else I buy has to operate properly or else it gets returned and replaced, it's just too bad we have to deal with this leading egde stuff.

/end rant

Veander

Veander

10-22-04, 05:31 AM

Originally posted by cjs2000
That looks to be about it. I liked the video inputs on the Samsung because I could run a DVD through it, upconvert to 1080i, and display the Avia test patterns, very useful.
CJS [/B]

I don't think the output is really upconverted though. The COmponent input back there says it's 480i/480p. So in terms of PQ, I don't think it's any better if that's what you mean. Certainly an interesting feature that I didn't even see, though I wonder if it's more for DVD recorders (still too pricey for me).

Sincerely,

Mike Boozer

mikebaby

10-22-04, 08:17 AM

If you plug into the component inputs in the back, and then hook up to your display device via DVI, then it is upconverted. I have my Xbox hooked up that way, and my projector is set to dot-by-dot resolution, so my projector is not doing any scaling, and it is recieving a 720p signal.

mikebaby

VA Ringer

10-22-04, 08:31 AM

My 360 works fine now with the upgrade. I cannot decide which I want to keep. Picture quality seems equal.

3200A
NEG - The program guide w/ picture window is SO small. The 360 fills the whole screen and seems more user friendly. No coax audio out.
POS - Auto Programming, Signal Strength Indicator (although no OTA now), Surf’s Up Favorite Channel Selection

360
NEG - Front panel too bright. Past history is not good.
POS - Program guide. Newer model. More rear inputs (possibly for DVD/Xbox?).

Anything I missed?

billt1111

10-22-04, 11:08 AM

Originally posted by VA Ringer
My 360 works fine now with the upgrade. I cannot decide which I want to keep. Picture quality seems equal.

3200A
NEG - The program guide w/ picture window is SO small. The 360 fills the whole screen and seems more user friendly. No coax audio out.
POS - Auto Programming, Signal Strength Indicator (although no OTA now), Surf’s Up Favorite Channel Selection

360
NEG - Front panel too bright. Past history is not good.
POS - Program guide. Newer model. More rear inputs (possibly for DVD/Xbox?).

Anything I missed?

VAR,

My 360 worked fine before the upgrades and after each one. The only issue I have noticed that persists is the audio synchronization of ESPN HD commercials. Does the 3200A have this problem? I have long assumed that it was ESPN or D* and not the 360.

EricJRW

10-22-04, 11:32 AM

I have many comments (pro and con) on the 360 here -> http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=439827

VA Ringer

10-22-04, 11:37 AM

billt1111,
I will check the ESPN HD commercials tonight on the LG. I have noticed them on the 360 also.

EricJRW,
Nice thread. I have printed it out and will read tonight.... Thanks!

bjohn34

10-22-04, 06:13 PM

Has anyone been able to get the VCR control to work on their T-360? For some reason it is not working with my Sony.

sixtiesstereo

10-23-04, 09:28 AM

About a month ago my 160 died, called DirecTV, after a lot of hassles,
recieved a replacement for it, which was a 360. Unlike most here, after
the upgrades I had no problems with the 360, and thought some of the
additional features in it were great.
However, one of the first things I noticed (and I think one or two
postings in this thread a while back referred to this) was the MUCH
softer picture quality on SD programming. Since I watch everything in
FULL mode on my 60" Sony LCD rear projection, this got to be very
annoying, to the point that I felt it was unacceptable.
Since my 160 was still under the one year warranty though Samsung,
I sent it in to their service center and yesterday received a refurbished
160. Swapped it out with the 360, set it up, and IMMEDIATELY saw a major
upgrade in picture quality. Much crisper picture and text. Even the
Guide looks much better.
I am going to stick with the 160 and keep the 360 as a backup. There
is simply too much of a degradation in picture quality on the 360.
My point here is, has anyone else noticed this, and what is it that
Samsung changed in the 360 that is causing this unacceptable low picture quality?

bellyboater

10-23-04, 12:46 PM

Originally posted by bjohn34
Has anyone been able to get the VCR control to work on their T-360? For some reason it is not working with my Sony.

Neither can I. Sony SLV-N50 VCR. It worked with my old Tosh DST-3000

Gerald C

10-23-04, 03:49 PM

sixtiesstereo-

When you observed the softer SD picture on the 360, were you connected via the HD outputs (DVI, component) or were you watching through NTSC connections (S-video or composite) into your set?

sixtiesstereo

10-23-04, 07:05 PM

DVI....sorry, I was going to mention that in my original
post but left it out. I am also now connected using DVI
with my 160. So yes, same connection, radically different
picture quality.

Tonedeaf

10-23-04, 11:50 PM

Originally posted by sixtiesstereo
About a month ago my 160 died, called DirecTV, after a lot of hassles,
recieved a replacement for it, which was a 360. Unlike most here, after
the upgrades I had no problems with the 360, and thought some of the
additional features in it were great.
However, one of the first things I noticed (and I think one or two
postings in this thread a while back referred to this) was the MUCH
softer picture quality on SD programming. Since I watch everything in
FULL mode on my 60" Sony LCD rear projection, this got to be very
annoying, to the point that I felt it was unacceptable.
Since my 160 was still under the one year warranty though Samsung,
I sent it in to their service center and yesterday received a refurbished
160. Swapped it out with the 360, set it up, and IMMEDIATELY saw a major
upgrade in picture quality. Much crisper picture and text. Even the
Guide looks much better.
I am going to stick with the 160 and keep the 360 as a backup. There
is simply too much of a degradation in picture quality on the 360.
My point here is, has anyone else noticed this, and what is it that
Samsung changed in the 360 that is causing this unacceptable low picture quality?

So D* did not want a receiver back?

sixtiesstereo

10-24-04, 10:54 AM

Originally posted by Tonedeaf
So D* did not want a receiver back?

I didn't even mention all that I went through with D*
on getting a replacement. After I informed them of my dead
160, they said they would send me a refurbished unit FedEx
(next day delivery), which never arrived (after five days).
Afer calling them, they determined that the order was "lost"
(not in their system), and agreed to let me buy a replacement
(360) at Circuit City, (which I did), and they would credit our
account for the full cost (which after a lot of billing dept.
follow up, they finally did).
Next day, you guessed it, the "lost" replacement arrived FedEX.
Oddly, it was a 360, not a 160. They told me to just take it back
to FedEx as a refused shipment, which we did.
I was able to get a new unit, with no return of my old unit involved.
And since my 160 was still under the one year warranty,
I dealt directly with Samsung to have it replaced, which they did (within 4 days I might add).
So yes, I lucked out, and D* was very fair with me, but I think they
realized the total mess this whole 360 thing has turned into, and are willing
to go a long way to keep customers (as they should). We've been with D* since
it first came on the scene (8 or 9 years), and they do want to keep long
term customers. (I told them I have the option now of HD cable or Voom, and
would have no problems switching to one if this wasn't resolved.)
So after all is said and done, I'm back to a good quality picture with my
160, and have a 360 as a backup when that dies again (which will probably
happen sometime soon.......).

mikey p

10-24-04, 01:47 PM

"I didn't even mention all that I went through with D*......"

Bet you use a hacked card too, sorry!

Opinions vary.......... and "the TRUTH is out there" some where.

drunkpenguin

10-24-04, 04:13 PM

Why not use it? Its 5 bucks a month to activate it. Could use it in another room or maybe hook both up to 1 tv for picture in picture.

Johnny

sixtiesstereo

10-24-04, 07:25 PM

Originally posted by mikey p
"I didn't even mention all that I went through with D*......"

Bet you use a hacked card too, sorry!

Opinions vary.......... and "the TRUTH is out there" some where.

What exactly is that supposed to mean? No I don't use a hacked card,
exactly what opinions vary, and what "Truth" are you referring to "out there".
D*'s support, ordering service, and warehouse in Memphis are ALL in dire
need of upgrade. They have major problems. They know it. If you work
with them, they WILL help you out, but that doesn't change the fact that
they have problems.
If you want to know ALL of the problems I've had with DirecTV (which
really doesn't concern THIS forum), then e-mail me.

VA Ringer

10-25-04, 11:33 AM

Are there any fixed to the video lag on the 360s? I see it constantly during commercials on ESPN HD. I watched the same channel on a LG 3200A and did not see the delays so its not the source.

Has anyone had any dropout or x745 problems since the .16 upgrade?

VA Ringer

10-26-04, 12:32 PM

Anyone experiencing video dropouts when changing sources? I change from Tivo to the 360 and sometimes the video drops out but audio remains.

Any of you with the LG 3200A come across any problems yet?

raoul5788

10-26-04, 12:43 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by VA Ringer
[B]Anyone experiencing video dropouts when changing sources? I change from Tivo to the 360 and sometimes the video drops out but audio remains.

Any of you with the LG 3200A come across any problems yet?

I got an LG3200a to replace the Samsung. It has been rock solid.

Tonedeaf

10-26-04, 01:43 PM

Originally posted by VA Ringer
Anyone experiencing video dropouts when changing sources? I change from Tivo to the 360 and sometimes the video drops out but audio remains.

Any of you with the LG 3200A come across any problems yet?

No issues when I switch back from my Tivo on the 360. I have the Tivo going into the s-video on my 360.

VA Ringer

10-26-04, 02:30 PM

Tonedeaf,
No issues when I switch back from my Tivo on the 360. I have the Tivo going into the s-video on my 360.

I have my Tivo input going to TV. Does going thru the 360 improve PQ?

raoul5788,

I hate the small program guide on the LG. Have you found any ways to enlarge it?

billt1111,
My 360 worked fine before the upgrades and after each one. The only issue I have noticed that persists is the audio synchronization of ESPN HD commercials. Does the 3200A have this problem? I have long assumed that it was ESPN or D* and not the 360.

Its definitely the 360. The LG has no delays on ESPN HD commercials or any other channels for that matter.

raoul5788

10-26-04, 04:09 PM

Originally posted by VA Ringer
Tonedeaf,

I have my Tivo input going to TV. Does going thru the 360 improve PQ?

raoul5788,

I hate the small program guide on the LG. Have you found any ways to enlarge it?

No, but I have not had to. I have a 55" Mits
and the guide is large enough for me.

VA Ringer

10-27-04, 08:57 AM

No, but I have not had to. I have a 55" Mits

I guess I am just used to seeing the Samsung fill the whole screen on my 50" HLP. The picture window is tiny on the LG also.

I am leaning toward keeping the LG because of the video lag and dropouts on the 360.

Has everyone been required to return there defective 360s to Dtv?

drunkpenguin

10-27-04, 11:21 AM

How small is the guide on the LG? I think I spend more time in my guide than I do watching TV :), that just helped me decide to keep my 360. My only problem is ESPN and since sports rarely show the commentators face while they are talking its no big deal to me.

Johnny

VA Ringer

10-27-04, 11:45 AM

How small is the guide on the LG? I think I spend more time in my guide than I do watching TV , that just helped me decide to keep my 360. My only problem is ESPN and since sports rarely show the commentators face while they are talking its no big deal to me.

The lags are on commercials and some shows such as "The Making of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Calendar" and "Hustle". It is irritating to hear the words then a second later see their mouth move. Similar to watching a Japanese movie w/ translations.

There are black bars around the program guide on the LG. I think they are about 4 inches wide all the way around. I would say the picture window is no more than 4"x5".

I think the video dropouts I am having is due to the output mode being native. Sometimes when the receiver tries to switch to 720p the video never appears and a reset is necessary.

raoul5788

10-27-04, 06:36 PM

Originally posted by VA Ringer
The lags are on commercials and some shows such as "The Making of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Calendar" and "Hustle". It is irritating to hear the words then a second later see their mouth move. Similar to watching a Japanese movie w/ translations.

There are black bars around the program guide on the LG. I think they are about 4 inches wide all the way around. I would say the picture window is no more than 4"x5".

I think the video dropouts I am having is due to the output mode being native. Sometimes when the receiver tries to switch to 720p the video never appears and a reset is necessary.

I think the picture window is a little smaller on the LG than
the Sammy, but there are no black bars around my guide.
Maybe you have a setting wrong.

Tonedeaf

10-27-04, 06:52 PM

Originally posted by VA Ringer
Tonedeaf,

I have my Tivo input going to TV. Does going thru the 360 improve PQ?

I did not try going direct to my TV, I looked at it as a convenience being able to switch inputs via one remote.

VA Ringer

10-28-04, 11:19 AM

raoul5788,
I think the picture window is a little smaller on the LG than
the Sammy, but there are no black bars around my guide.
Maybe you have a setting wrong.
Are you saying the program guide fills your entire screen on the LG 3200A? I haven't seen anything in the menus or manual that deals with guide sizing????

EricJRW

10-28-04, 12:44 PM

I need to pay closer attention, but yesterday I noticed that it seemed the the HD over-the-air was fine, it's only the HD over satellite that has the audio/video sync problem.

raoul5788

10-28-04, 04:08 PM

Originally posted by VA Ringer
raoul5788,

Are you saying the program guide fills your entire screen on the LG 3200A? I haven't seen anything in the menus or manual that deals with guide sizing????

That's what I'm saying! I use component connections.
If you don't, maybe that's why. I can't think of anything
else that would make a difference.

Veander

10-28-04, 09:52 PM

I am having my 360 replaced right now (745 messages every day!) but apparently there is a DirecTV situation with shipping out replacements. I have been waiting since the 15th of this month for something to ship, but the CSRs are telling me there is some snafu. What that snafu is I haven't a clue, but the CSR tongiht said that she has had a lot of calls from customers in my situation lately (specifically from the 15th). My 160 was replaced extremely fast, so this is starting to get on my nerves. Also I asked about this "buy unit for BB/CC and get reimbursed" situation and two CSRs have told me that isn't ever done. Ever. Do I have to threaten to go to another company (retention department) before I get anything done, or am I dealing with something I can't control at all?

Sincerely,

Veander

VA Ringer

10-29-04, 09:45 AM

That's what I'm saying! I use component connections.

Here is a pic of my guide. LG is emailing Korea about the issue. I use component also. I tried DVI as well.

scapi

11-03-04, 01:06 PM

Just received a replacement receiver RCA DTC-210 from D* sent over 2-weeks ago because of the x745 problem on my TS-360 that now seems to be fixed. Question should I switch to the RCA or stay with the TS-360 now that the problem has been fixed? Concerns would be PQ with RCA currently using the DVI connection and very pleased with the D* PQ but OA is not that good can only pick up one local channel.

Veander

11-03-04, 01:28 PM

Just got my 210 too scapi. My 360 is already shipped out. Samsung needs to be out of my house. I had tons of connections issues OTA with the 360 so my decision was easy especially when the 210 gives me a better PQ.

Bluecrow

11-05-04, 06:58 PM

I have a 2 week old Samsung 360 from the local CC with a build date of Aug 04 and the latest software update from ??? Sorry but do not know if it came with version 1.2.16 from factory or was updated by Direct. But continue to get audio drop outs on audio and video/audio synch problem from both digital feeds coax and glass. The stereo RCAs seem OK.
Will be returning the Samsung to CC Monday...

toddytime

11-08-04, 04:34 PM

The samsung SIR-TS360 RF remote control kit is now available.

oreder from www.samsungparts.com

part number SRCS401RF

cost is $59.00 plus $7.95 shipping and handleing

ccrutch

11-08-04, 10:36 PM

Originally posted by Veander
Just got my 210 too scapi. My 360 is already shipped out. Samsung needs to be out of my house. I had tons of connections issues OTA with the 360 so my decision was easy especially when the 210 gives me a better PQ.

I sent my Sammy back in for a replacement and got a used and broken HTL-HD. I am sending the HTL in for another replacement.

raoul5788

11-08-04, 10:37 PM

Originally posted by ccrutch
I sent my Sammy back in for a replacement and got a used and broken HTL-HD. I am sending the HTL in for another replacement.

That sucks. I got lucky when they sent me an LG3200a.

JAKEJ

11-09-04, 08:45 AM

I haven't had any issues untill now. For the last three nights I have fallen asleep on the couch only to wake up a few hours later to find the reciever "locked-up." I have to pull the plug for it to reset. I will leave it on for the a few more nights to see if it continues.

raoul5788

11-09-04, 10:46 AM

Originally posted by JAKEJ
I haven't had any issues untill now. For the last three nights I have fallen asleep on the couch only to wake up a few hours later to find the reciever "locked-up." I have to pull the plug for it to reset. I will leave it on for the a few more nights to see if it continues.

Which receiver? If you have the Sammy, there is a reset
button inside the card cover on the front of the receiver.

Oops! Of course it is the Sammy. I didn't know which
forum I was posting to! :o

drunkpenguin

11-09-04, 11:27 AM

I think Star Wars sucks!

oops, wrong thread too! :)

Johnny

raoul5788

11-09-04, 12:03 PM

Originally posted by drunkpenguin
I think Star Wars sucks!

oops, wrong thread too! :)

Johnny

Funny, VERY funny! ;)

mikey p

11-09-04, 06:48 PM

"The samsung SIR-TS360 RF remote control kit is now available."

Thanks for this info, as it is here with a 360 and a 165 together it was getting to be a bit of a pain, this addition should solve that issue, thanks! ;-)

BTW; 165 = firewire to a JVC D-VHS recorder. 360 = D* plus OTA no firewire sad as that is. Maybe I need a HD-TiVo but still NO firewire out BUMMER!

splechy

11-12-04, 09:47 AM

any box with directv will not have firewire.. directv prevents it

Tonedeaf

11-14-04, 10:13 PM

I have to say that since the last upgrade of firmware from DirecTV on this box, it has been flawless. I only had some video and audio dropouts prior to the last upgrade so it wasn't a huge problem for me. Since then I haven't had any issues to speak of.

JC West

11-17-04, 07:34 AM

Got my RF remote operational last evening and it works well. The only problem is that the buttons are really close together however the "format and Res." buttons are on top and not hidden by a slide.

I too have the 160 and the 360 in the same room and it's been a problem because the IR remote sorta works them both.

J C

mike442

11-17-04, 11:57 AM

Got my RF remote operational last evening and it works well. The only problem is that the buttons are really close together however the "format and Res." buttons are on top and not hidden by a slide.

What does the remote look like? Is it the RCA unit?

D* sent me a RCA DTC-210 to replace my 360 that miraculously healed itself before the RCA arrived and I'm trying to decide which to keep. The 210 has the RF remote already...

thanks

ExtremePCs

11-17-04, 01:26 PM

Question.

With this receiver is it possible to input my DVD player via Component video, and use the DVI output to my Mitsubishi WD-52725(with DVI to HDMI cable of course) set to upscale to 720p? Has anyone tried this? Does it look any better than taking the dvd player straight to the tv via component inputs at 480p? I looked through the manual online and it looks like this will work, but I was curious if anyone had any real world experience with this type of setup.

DirecTV is coming to install this box tomorrow and I am trying to decide if I should just buy another component video cable or buy the DVI to HDMI cable that is about $100 more.

Thanks in advance.

mike442

11-17-04, 02:06 PM

With this receiver is it possible to input my DVD player via Component video, and use the DVI output to my Mitsubishi WD-52725(with DVI to HDMI cable of course) set to upscale to 720p? Has anyone tried this? Does it look any better than taking the dvd player straight to the tv via component inputs at 480p? I looked through the manual online and it looks like this will work, but I was curious if anyone had any real world experience with this type of setup.

I use my receiver to upconvert my DVD player to 1080i from its 480p. PQ is real good - but, I only watched 1 DVD on my TV at 480i before I received my 360. It will also upconvert a VCR input (haven't tried that though).

My 360 came with a big bag of cables, including a DVI and component cables. Not "monster" cables, but OK ones...

Tonedeaf

11-17-04, 02:28 PM

Originally posted by ExtremePCs
Question.

With this receiver is it possible to input my DVD player via Component video, and use the DVI output to my Mitsubishi WD-52725(with DVI to HDMI cable of course) set to upscale to 720p? Has anyone tried this? Does it look any better than taking the dvd player straight to the tv via component inputs at 480p? I looked through the manual online and it looks like this will work, but I was curious if anyone had any real world experience with this type of setup.

DirecTV is coming to install this box tomorrow and I am trying to decide if I should just buy another component video cable or buy the DVI to HDMI cable that is about $100 more.

Thanks in advance.

Yes. The 360 is a good source switcher. I have my DirecTivo hooked up to the S-video input and it looks great. I have my DVD going direct to my Mitsu set, but whatever you decide it will work just fine.

rynberg

11-17-04, 03:43 PM

Originally posted by AkaStp
I don't think the TS3260 will upconvert a 480p source on its component input to 720p on its DVI output....

Yes, it does.

mike442

11-17-04, 04:37 PM

It will upconvert - my TV displays the new resolution whenever its changed (like if I change the 360 to output 720p instead of 1080i). Nothing changes when you change source(s) to a lower resolution one on the receiver.

mikey p

11-17-04, 10:01 PM

"Got my RF remote operational last evening and it works well."

Likewise, neat stuff issue solved! Wonder why they did not follow the JVC lead and let you have two units with different code's? No matter problem solved.

dum_71

11-18-04, 01:57 PM

Just received a 360. Couple of things. Upconverted 480P to 1080i from my Pioneer 563 does look improved over the straight 480P. Display device is a Infocus X1. Image is less "soft". Took some significant recalibration from my previous 480P settings. I am hopefull this upconversion is now giving me more accuracy when calibrating a 1080i signal. We will see how well these settings transfer to 1080i D* programming!

Also regarding the remote; when changing the volume the remote defaults to the TV mode. Is there a way to tell it to change volume on the AUX mode(receiver) as opposed to the TV? Thanks Adam.

wmcneil

11-18-04, 05:29 PM

There is a button on the 360 box that selects between DVI-RGB/Component
outputs being active (It's labeled output mode, if I remember correctly). Has anyone found a remote control code that will access this function? Also, has anyone been able to find discreet remote codes for the input source selection
(i.e. codes that will directly select a given input source, instead of having to
cycle through them)

mikebaby

11-20-04, 08:17 AM

wmcneil,

Have you tried remotecentral.com?

mikebaby

toddytime

11-20-04, 05:48 PM

Received my rf remoter and NO GO no code for toshibia TV does not work my sony VCR and after inputing the 8 digits code for the rf remote it WILL NOT DO anything. Yes remote receiver is plugged in and receiver is set to ir/rf remote control even tried it on rf only NO GO.

elove

11-21-04, 04:24 PM

What resolution do I set the Samsung 360 output at (e.g, Native 1, Native 2, Native 3, etc.,). I have it connected to a Samsung HLP 5063 DLP TV.

grizbear

11-21-04, 05:58 PM

Since your Sammy HLP 5063 is 1,280 x 720 Pixels, it would like the 360's 720p output real well. Check the 360 manual.; it explains what is sent out in each output mode. Then again experiment. The HLP 5063's scaler may do a better job in your eyes than the 360.

My 1280 x 720 Panny 500 PJ does very well with the 360's 720p output

wmcneil

11-21-04, 08:09 PM

Originally posted by mikebaby
wmcneil,

Have you tried remotecentral.com?

mikebaby

Thanks for the suggestion....I gave it a try, but no luck...I also tried the JP1 forum, and no luck there either....I wouldn't be surprized if the SIRTS360 does not have a remote code for the output mode, and probably no discrete codes for the input source selection.

splechy

11-22-04, 10:41 AM

You can set resolution from the res button on remote and also you can set screen format from the format button on the remote but no output mode from remote

splechy

11-22-04, 10:41 AM

You can set resolution from the res button on remote and also you can set screen format from the format button on the remote but no output mode

splechy

11-22-04, 10:41 AM

You can set resolution from the res button on remote and also you can set screen format from the format button on the remote but no output mode from remote

sdg72

11-22-04, 06:37 PM

Using ST360 without a dish.

I would like to know if any one is using this unit without the SAT input (dish). I would like to use this STB for receiving OTA channels, Cable Channels and component up converting. I cant get a clear view to the sat so my only choice is Cable and OTA channels. I also need the RGB output for my Sony 1272q since I don’t have a component input. Is there any one using it this way ? Do the local HD channels on cable tune in ok or not ? Also how do the channel menus work ? Do you still get good channel info without the sat input ? How is the aspect control ? Does it work well when the STB is set to 720p or 1080i, like some hi def local channels output 16:9 in 16:9 so you need to zoom to correctly fit the image.
Well any feed back on this would be great.

Thanks

ChrisW6ATV

11-23-04, 03:43 AM

sdg72-

Yes, you can use the 360 without a satellite connection, but you will not get any guide data (which comes from the satellites for this box). If your Sony is a 4:3 projector, you can set the 360 to 4:3 also and have 'letterbox' bars for 16:9 content and full-screen zoomed video for 4:3 content shown within 16:9 signals.

sdg72

11-24-04, 04:21 PM

Thanks ChrisW6ATV

So the STB will tune in the Cable Local HD channels ? I just wont have any guide info for any of the OTA or the cable channels ?
Hmmm perhaps this is not the unit for me, is there a STB that has RGB output with just OTA and Cable tuning ?

Regards Grant

RoyGBiv

11-24-04, 05:18 PM

No current DirecTV STB will tune in cable HD channels.

One older STB that will fit your bill is the RCA DTC-100 which is still available on e-bay. It has RGB out and can accept regular (unscrambled and not HD) cable channels.

SMK

sdg72

11-25-04, 04:00 PM

Thanks RoyGBiv

I will check it out.

Grant

nmyeti

11-28-04, 02:39 PM

Anyone else have dot crawl issues with their TS360 in SD broadcast? I have some issues with my Samsung DLP and am having the guts replaced this week, but I am starting to think that some of my problems are related to the TS360. The PQ of my combo when watching SD, even OTA SD on a digital OTA channel, is really poor.

AggiePilk

11-30-04, 12:00 PM

Just purchased 360 and am waiting for delivery of Mits WS65615 on Saturday. I have elected to go DVI/HDMI cable to connect to the Mits. However, before I spend any more on cables, should I hook my progressive scan DVD player through the 360 or go directly to the TV? If I go to the TV, I will have to buy a longer component cable. Finally, which output resolution would you recomend that I set the 360 to?

chrisb3

11-30-04, 12:41 PM

Originally posted by AggiePilk
Just purchased 360 and am waiting for delivery of Mits WS65615 on Saturday. I have elected to go DVI/HDMI cable to connect to the Mits. However, before I spend any more on cables, should I hook my progressive scan DVD player through the 360 or go directly to the TV? If I go to the TV, I will have to buy a longer component cable. Finally, which output resolution would you recomend that I set the 360 to?

Putting the DVD player through the 360 is fine. Just don't put the DVD player on top of the 360. The 360 gets pretty hot when the air vents are blocked.

TWD

12-04-04, 10:26 PM

These questions may have been answered in this monsterous thread, but I can't find them.

1. Does the 360 crush blacks out of the DVI output like the 160?
2. Does the 360 have overscan in 4:3 like the 160?
3. Is the any difference in the pic quality?

Thanks

EricJRW

12-05-04, 05:00 PM

Has anyone noticed an increase in the number of "lockups" since the firmware was upgraded (to 1.2.16)?

Seems every once in a while (every couple of days) my 360 will stop responding to the remote. I know the remote is still sending because the TV (5063) blinks when it "sees" and I/R signal. I don't think buttons on the 360, save the reset, work either, but I'm not sure.

Most times it will "clear" after a few minutes, but sometimes I must press the reset button on the 360.

I'm off to search other threads now, but this seemed like the place to start. Searching this thread for "lockup" only came back with three hits, none newer than 5/24/04, well before the October upgrades.

Oops, I thought I was posting to the "Master 360" thread, but I inadvertently created a new thread... I have now added this to the correct thread...

jmont24

12-05-04, 05:48 PM

Lately the only problems ive had with the unit are when Its tuned into a Weak OTA HD station and the image is constantly bouncing in and out. That will cause the unit itself to lock up tight.

At those points I hit the reset button and everything runs fine.

Jason

EricJRW

12-06-04, 10:49 AM

Interesting... picture is always good. Actions would typically be switching channels or going to the guide (what else would a person watching TV be doing?). Perhaps the next "upgrade" will fix it?

DanHuff

12-06-04, 03:34 PM

EricJRW:

I see the same thing with my 360. Right now it is pretty slow when looking at the Guide and before I had to re-set the box to get it back to normal. I have never had dropouts or anything like that so this is a pretty minor issue. I've heard that eventually all DTV boxes have to be re-set to clear the "memory" or something like that.

You are correct in that I don't think it ever happened before the recent upgrades.

Eric Giles

12-06-04, 11:01 PM

Sorry I have not dug thru this entire thread, but I had a question. I picked up a 360 for my mom a while back. Before I purchased it, I first wanted to test for the ability of her OTA antenna to pick up the few local digital OTA signals. So, off to Walmart we go for the USDigital box. The USDigital picked up basically all of the local digital channels-I was very impressed (especially since she is 50-80 miles from the transmitters). Since we now knew she could receive the signals, we returned the USDigital and bought the 360 so all tuning (D* and OTA) could be done with one box and not have to switch inputs.

Well, to sum it up, the reception of the 360 OTA section is terrible compared to the USDigital! She can sometimes get maybe one digital channel (compared to about 5 before) and the reception of regular analog signals is way below par.

Has anyone else experienced this, and is there a way to improve it? I have also found the PQ of SD channels to be worse than the old RCA SD D* receiver she had been using-and yes, the 360 is set to 1080i output to her Sony 34XBR910. Luckily, the HD PQ is great!

kucharsk

12-07-04, 02:05 AM

You could do what I did and just get two boxes for the time being until there's a HD D*/ATSC box that actually works well. :(

dm145

12-07-04, 12:00 PM

"The Making of 3" last night on ESPNHD had the same problems "Hustle" had. Stuttering and freezing. Not good.

dacarter

12-08-04, 03:54 PM

I too have noticed increased lockups and non-response to remote commands. Didn't know the firmware was updated, I'll check my version. I still haven't installed a fan, maybe that will help.

greenelucky

12-10-04, 02:29 PM

In the Boston area there are a few of us with 360's and having trouble with Fox HD shows OTA. Video slow downs and audio sync issues. Is anyone else having this issue?

dm145

12-14-04, 05:30 PM

My 360 rebooted twice during the Giants game (FOX OTA) Has not do so since.

mikey p

12-14-04, 06:57 PM

"The Making of 3" last night on ESPNHD had the same problems "Hustle" had. Stuttering and freezing. Not good."

No not good at all, same here but seems I still had a working DST3000 when Hustle was on (same same), which points to D* (provider) as the problem, well at least per "NetworkTV" over in the programing forum here. I actually wanted to watch the #3 movie, but could not on D*, never thought of switching to the SD channel. ;-O OTOH; there is a 480P DVD release.

Snowhunter

12-15-04, 04:54 PM

Mine rebooted at least 3 times that I saw during the Giant game. Hasn't happened since as far as I can tell. (NOTE: I've had mine for just over a week).

Diode1

12-15-04, 05:37 PM

This thread is huge and I did not have the time to read each page.
Can someone tell me if the Samsung 360 has the means to change output format via remote such as the Sony HD300 has?
I see they placed the format switch in the front, I also have the t165 that has this switch on the backside.
Does the 360 have the means to toggle 480i-480p-720p-1080i via remote?

Jerry

Diode1

12-15-04, 09:35 PM

AkaStp,
Thank you... :)

lcrim

12-16-04, 11:56 AM

Sorry, but I have had 2 360's for more than 6 months each. I posted way, way back that when plugging my component inputs into the 360 from my (denon 2200) progressive scan DVD player into the Samsung 360 and then from the 360 to my TV via DVI cable, the DVD played for a short time and then audio only, the video quits. It happened on both 360's with different progressive scan players. I ended up running the components and switching at the TV but it would be nice to get the uprezzing.
Any body else have this problem? Did I miss something in configuration?

kbtv

12-16-04, 01:17 PM

This may be a stupid question but I just got the 360 and was wondering what the short connector (for coax; male one end; female other end) with the number "5" on it is for - I don't see it mentioned in the manual. Does it go on the sat in connection between cable and box?

SJinBoise

12-17-04, 07:43 PM

Hello there,

I've acquired a used TS 360 to use with my Barco 1101 CRT projector. I went with the 360 because I hooked up my TS160 to it to watch a high def football bame on ESPN-HD (Go, BSU Broncos!) and I liked how the 720p output looked. I wanted to also run my SA Tivo and DVD player at 720, hence the 360 with its video inputs.

(I know there's an HD TiVo. I'm not getting one for a while...this is my solution for now.)

Alas...

1. Connecting the "RGB out" to the Barco's RGB in (using a DB15 to BNC breakout cable), I get no picture at 720p or 1080i - only 480p. How come I had a picture at 720 with my TS160 but not the 360? Is this the infamous positive/negative sync issue?

2. I have no idea with firmware version it has because I don't have a dish hooked up yet and the darn thing blacks out the "System" menu if there's no dish. How stupid is that?

3. I wanted the handy format choices available via the menu. But... looking at any SD source, the only format that works is "Pillar box". Every other choice gives me a screenfull of fine vertical lines - a different pattern every time.

Is anybody else having these problems? Will running a cable to my 3 LNB dish and waiting for a firmware upgrade solve my problems?

Marshall F

12-17-04, 08:44 PM

SJ,

The 360 outputs pos sync. Your Barco I believe, needs negative sync. You need a converter to make it work. They can be had for cheap. Check out the CRT Forum, and look at Pete's (Z-Photo) setup.

You should be able to tell the firmware version. Get a converter, hit reset, and choose "no Dish" in setup. Should work fine.
I'd fix this before tackling the other problems.

I've got one hooked up to an NEC, and I haven't had even a hiccup. (And I don't have a dish/DTV)

pti711

12-18-04, 09:43 AM

I have searched the forum but still have no clear answer for this question.
How do you manually add OTA digital channels on the samsung 360. I know you can scan for them but some channels are 60 degrees apart, do I have to keep moving my antenna and rescanning? Or is there a manual add channel screen. This could be the deciding factor in my purchase.

Crwaters

12-19-04, 10:55 AM

STILL no relief from this totally crappy performance with ESPN HD. What a drag.
CW

mikey p

12-19-04, 02:37 PM

"STILL no relief from this totally crappy performance with ESPN HD."

YES, but while the MOVIES are my major problem, (#3 in question) seems what little football (or other live ball sports events) I watch on ESPN-HD seems all OK, granted I don't watch much, OTOH; I do watch a lot of the other D* HD channels, all seems mostly OK (if down-rezed) to me plus my OTA via the 360 is fine!

They "should" fix all the issues, receiver and / or provider! But most likely they will continue to blame each other or we will be told we don't understand anything! ;-O

Have a great day................. watch a MOVIE

Crwaters

12-19-04, 06:09 PM

Yeah, it's my only real problem with the box but it's an annoying one. It's not a problem when watching sports except at half-time or when watching SportsCenter.
CW

plasmamaniac

12-19-04, 06:12 PM

I move my antenna as I scan to be able to lock onto channels that are further to the right of my other channels.

plasmamaniac

12-19-04, 06:16 PM

What is the "BEST" HD STB that supports D* and OTA (that actually works without alot of problems or issues? Or can you rank the available boxes from Best to Worst?

Crwaters

12-19-04, 06:53 PM

Well, I had two Huges boxes that didn't get two of the HD channels for no apparent reason and now have this Samsung that has all the channels but hs this glitch with ESPNHD and the signal strenth meter doesn't work.
So, I wouldn't recomend either of these...

drunkpenguin

12-20-04, 01:13 PM

why is espnHD the only one with a problem? i just dont get it.

johnny

Marshall F

12-20-04, 09:08 PM

Originally posted by sdg72
Using ST360 without a dish.

I would like to know if any one is using this unit without the SAT input (dish). I would like to use this STB for receiving OTA channels, Cable Channels and component up converting. I cant get a clear view to the sat so my only choice is Cable and OTA channels. I also need the RGB output for my Sony 1272q since I don’t have a component input. Is there any one using it this way ? Do the local HD channels on cable tune in ok or not ? Also how do the channel menus work ? Do you still get good channel info without the sat input ? How is the aspect control ? Does it work well when the STB is set to 720p or 1080i, like some hi def local channels output 16:9 in 16:9 so you need to zoom to correctly fit the image.
Well any feed back on this would be great.

Thanks

I'm using mine for the same thing -- no DTV dish. Works great. I haven't haf DTv with which to comper, but if the station pushes program info - it will tell you what's on. The guide works, but it doesn't give secific program info such as "tonight on scrubs, Turk gets married" but it will list "scrubs" as the program. Depends on what the station sends out. This is for OTA. Pic looks great in HD.

Haven't run a cable coax to it yet. So far, I prefer 1080i with a NEc 6PG+. RGB out to 5 bnc.

Marshall

sdg72

12-21-04, 03:58 PM

Thanks Marshall

Thanks for the feedback, could you let me now how the cable input works when you get it hooked up :)... I’m hoping that there will be more channel info with the cable input ?. I have my 1272Q setup for 16:9 output is your setup the same ?. I have Comcast cable here and the high def box will only output 16:9 when set to 720p, or 1080i mode :( So I had to set the Sony to out put 16:9, I would like to set the Sony for 4:3 when using 720p or 1080i and have the high def channels be letter boxed, but this can't be done with the cable box :mad: have you tried this type of setup with the 360 does it allow you to do this ? does it let you control the aspect in these output modes ? I know that has been discussed before but with front CRT projectors there is no aspect control as you know and we have to rely on the cable/sat boxes to do this.

Thanks again for the feedback.

Grant

charger822

12-21-04, 08:12 PM

Does anyone know how to lock the transponder to the strongest signal ?

I did a search on this thread but couldn't find any answers.

During a rain storm I was losing my picture, I went to the settings menu to change the transponder ,every time I would change it to a stronger signal it would revert back to the first transponder number,I never had a problem changing to the strongest signal with my old non HD RCA box .
Just wondering if there is something wrong with the receiver or is there something else I have to do.

willy wonka

12-21-04, 09:30 PM

Originally posted by mikey p
"STILL no relief from this totally crappy performance with ESPN HD."

YES, but while the MOVIES are my major problem, (#3 in question) seems what little football (or other live ball sports events) I watch on ESPN-HD seems all OK, granted I don't watch much, OTOH; I do watch a lot of the other D* HD channels, all seems mostly OK (if down-rezed) to me plus my OTA via the 360 is fine!

They "should" fix all the issues, receiver and / or provider! But most likely they will continue to blame each other or we will be told we don't understand anything! ;-O

Have a great day................. watch a MOVIE

I have owned this box since Aug. 2004 and I have seen the problem with two channels. ESPN-HD and KDNL-ABC 30 St. Louis OTA. Like you, I also have noticed the problem on pre-recorded programs and commercials. Live programs like MNF or Sports Center are OK. Since no other channels (D* or OTA) have the problems, it must be something in the pre-recorded programs that causes this box grief. I have read other threads where the folks at ABC 30 say they are just passing through the feed. Could it be that there is a problem at Disney then? I wish someone would find out. Most likely, they will blame it on the box.

Marshall F

12-21-04, 09:41 PM

Hey Grant,

I don't think there will be any program info for cable on 'analog' cable, but there should be info on digital cable, if pushed. Do you have an antenna hooked up? If not, run to a store immediately and pick up something as cheap as a silver sensor indoor antenna ($30)or a fancy channel master 4228 (something like that) outdoor antenna ($100) and hook it up. OTA HD looks 5x better than any upconverted DVD, and ( I would guess) cable.

I have mine set up to 4:3, letterbox, This seems to give the larger and more correct geometry. Give it a try. That's on 16:9 source material, anyway. Are you using the vga out thru 5bnc?

Marshall

Marshall F

12-21-04, 09:44 PM

Concerning the drop outs - I think ESPN is one of the few to broadcast in 720P versus 1080i. The former takes a bit more bandwidth, so a bottleneck would affect it more so than 1080i, I would think. But that doesn't make since when the program (720P) is OK, but the commercials (480i?) drop out. Strange.

Marshall F

12-21-04, 09:46 PM

Grant, since I haven't hooked up cable, I can't say for sure, but I don't think you can input HD cable into the cable input. I don't think the 360 will act as an HD cable box, or pass through such a signal. May be wrong.

gkurcon

12-21-04, 10:07 PM

Originally posted by willy wonka
Could it be that there is a problem at Disney then? I wish someone would find out. Most likely, they will blame it on the box. [/B]

You are seeing this OTA on ABC, while me and others are seeing the problem direct over the satellite feeds, in particular on ESPN-HD and FOX-HD. It has got to be something in the way that the box handles 720P deconding during 24 FPS presentations. I noticed this on ESPN-HD first, but I didn't really care because the live sports look fine. I'm not one to get upset if commercials look like crap. But then I noticed it happening during the movie "Hustle". Now that FOX-HD is on the Sat, I'm seeing it there too. I called D* and tried to explain the problem, I was then sent to another queue. The CSR put me on hold-when she came back she claimed they saw it on their recievers too, and would have to escalate it to the network. Whatever that means...I'm sure this is the start of the finger pointing.

Johnla

12-21-04, 11:49 PM

Originally posted by charger822
Does anyone know how to lock the transponder to the strongest signal ?

You can't. And if you could, then your available channels selection would also be VERY limited!

Because all the channels are mapped to use a certain transponder, and you can not change that.

Each transponder only carries a certain set of channels, and no more. And that is why you have so many different transponders, as each one can only operate a set amount of channels before it runs out of room for any more. And many times when you change a channel, even if it's only one channel up you are also switching to a entirely different transponder from the one you were just on.

http://richardk.digitalrice.com/transponders.asp

And before you even ask, no you could not do it with your old RCA box either.
It just showed them in a different way, in which you thought you were doing so.

sdg72

12-21-04, 11:57 PM

Marshall

I am inputting the component out of the STB to a Transcoder to convert to RGBHV then its via 5bnc cables to pj. This works ok but the transcoder can push the reds, so I really would like to get a STB that has RGBHV for much better picture quality, so no I don’t have this unit yet, but am researching to make the best choice. As you now with the front CRT units were a bit limited as to input type ( RGBHV ) or some form of it, but this is really the best type of input for picture quality, anyways just need to get the right gear. The other option I’m considering is the use of a HTPC since the 1272q will do any computer input up to 1600 x 1200, probably best at 1280 x 768 or something close, but I’m not the best with comp software and HTPC’s are still a bit touchy, that is “the WAF factor“, she would probably kill me :eek:. But it is looking like there getting much easer to use and setup. Well thanks for the info let me know if you ever use the cable input and how the channel info works “for SD cable that is” I know it doesn’t tune in the cable HD channels. :)

Thanks

Grant

Crwaters

12-22-04, 08:24 AM

Originally posted by Johnla
<snip>
And before you even ask, no you could not do it with your old RCA box either.
It just showed them in a different way, in which you thought you were doing so.

my old Sonys made it look like I could switch transponders too. I didn't figure out how it really worked for a long time.

CW

Tonedeaf

12-22-04, 02:04 PM

I am seeing other threads, here at AVS and at SatGuys with people having trouble watching some 720p based content on the 360. This has arisen since Fox HD has now gone live on D*.

We knew there was issues with ESPNHD, during commercials specifically for me, and with the 2 movies that they produced. Live sports has always been good.

I know others have complained to D* regarding this but wanted to be sure that others with the issues do the same. I will be calling this evening to complain about this issue.

charger822

12-22-04, 02:11 PM

Originally posted by Johnla
Each transponder only carries a certain set of channels, and no more. And that is why you have so many different transponders, as each one can only operate a set amount of channels before it runs out of room for any more. And many times when you change a channel, even if it's only one channel up you are also switching to a entirely different transponder from the one you were just on.

Thanks Johnla for clearing that up for me and for the link.

TAdams

12-22-04, 10:07 PM

Originally posted by Tonedeaf
I am seeing other threads, here at AVS and at SatGuys with people having trouble watching some 720p based content on the 360. This has arisen since Fox HD has now gone live on D*.

We knew there was issues with ESPNHD, during commercials specifically for me, and with the 2 movies that they produced. Live sports has always been good.

I know others have complained to D* regarding this but wanted to be sure that others with the issues do the same. I will be calling this evening to complain about this issue.

Add me to the list. I have a 360 and FOX HD feed is jumpy as hell, just like ESPN commercials. I have it outputting 1080i though since my Mits upconverts everything to 1080i.

I guess I'm lucky because I really have no issues getting the digital signal from the Chicago affiliate.

jburroughs

12-22-04, 10:41 PM

I am starting a petition online to get this fixed....I need 5 posts before I can link a URL though....Ughh!

Johnla

12-22-04, 10:53 PM

Originally posted by charger822
Thanks Johnla for clearing that up for me and for the link.

No problem.
One of the main reason why you can even "pick" any transponder in the setup menus. Is so that when you setup/adjust your dish for the best signal, is that you should pick one of the middle ones. And then adjust it on that one for the highest peak signal that you can get, and then many of the other ones will often be lower than that one. But they will also work out to hopefully be as the best 'average' all across the board that way, than if you "peaked it" at one of the highest or lowest ones

drunkpenguin

12-23-04, 09:30 AM

So the problem is with the 360 and 720p content? Thats what I thought since ESPN looks so bad during comercials. But why is it Fox OTA looks absolutely fine? Its just the 720p sat signals having the problem?

Johnny

gkurcon

12-23-04, 09:35 AM

For most users, yes. There are a few that say they are also seeing the problem OTA as well.

Crwaters

12-23-04, 09:49 AM

Mine is only on ESPN HD, not FOX ota football (720p). I'll admit though that I have no idea what res most of the other ota network shows are. It does seem to be mostly comercails and the shows like Sports Center. But then again, audio sync isn't really a problem when watching the football game, is it?

CW

Tonedeaf

12-23-04, 09:56 AM

The issue, just so everyone is clear, is with ESPNHD and FOX HD over the satellite(NY & LA) feeds. The OTA's are fine, I haven't read one complaint about the OTA having these issues.

gkurcon

12-23-04, 09:56 AM

Even on the D* national Fox feed, anything live looks fine. Nanny 911, which looks like it was either shot in 480P or 720P native was fine last night. On the other hand, earlier in the evening Seinfeld was jumping all over the place.

willy wonka

12-23-04, 11:10 AM

Originally posted by Tonedeaf
The issue, just so everyone is clear, is with ESPNHD and FOX HD over the satellite(NY & LA) feeds. The OTA's are fine, I haven't read one complaint about the OTA having these issues.

I have the problem with KDNL ABC 30 in St. Louis OTA using this box. Live programs, like "MNF", are fine. Programs like "Lost" are unwatchable.

gkurcon

12-23-04, 12:42 PM

I'm developing my own theory now. This issue is apparently not just isolated to those viewing 720P over the Sat, so that eliminates it as an OTA decoding issue vs. a Sat decoding issue. My thinking is that certain networks (the Fox national feeds and ESPN-HD included) are doing something with 3:2 pulldown. For an explanation of what this is, go here (http://www.projectorpeople.com/tutorials/pulldown-2.asp) . Now whatever it is that these stations are doing differently than others, who knows. Maybe they are doing something that isn't affecting other boxes, but doesn't play nicely with the Samsung.

willy wonka

12-23-04, 02:01 PM

Well, I spent 45 mins on the phone with D*, talked with 5 CSRs. For the 360 problem, they suggested that I turn off Dolby Digital output to correct the problem? The HD CSR did admit they are having some issues with this model, I asked that she kindly add me to the list of people having issues with it.

While on the phone with them, I asked them to add the Fox HD channel. The local Fox channel here in STL is owned by Fox but for some reason they never turned me on when Fox HD came up recently. I will check out the D* broadcast of FOX HD today to see if I am seeing the same thing as others on the forum.

gkurcon

12-23-04, 10:30 PM

Originally posted by willy wonka
Well, I spent 45 mins on the phone with D*, talked with 5 CSRs. For the 360 problem, they suggested that I turn off Dolby Digital output to correct the problem?

Did they also suggest you hit the power button on your TV as well? That would fix it, right? No picture, no jitter. :rolleyes: Is there anyone at D* that understands the basics of troubleshooting. If smoke is coming out of my furnace, I'm not going to go upstairs and shut off the kitchen sink...cripes.

willy wonka

12-23-04, 11:06 PM

Watching D* Fox HD has the jitter. The local Fox HD OTA is fine.

dgordo

12-23-04, 11:21 PM

Originally posted by gkurcon
Did they also suggest you hit the power button on your TV as well? That would fix it, right? No picture, no jitter. :rolleyes: Is there anyone at D* that understands the basics of troubleshooting. If smoke is coming out of my furnace, I'm not going to go upstairs and shut off the kitchen sink...cripes.

Lol, it sure would be nice if someone reading this message board who works at D* would help us out.;)

Aliens

12-27-04, 07:06 AM

Anyone have this problem during yesterdays Colts/Chargers game on CBS?

Coming out of the halftime show, in between every commercial they aired there was the usual thumping sound, the same you get when they leave the game and return to the studio for an update as they switch from 5.1 to 2.1. Only in this instance all commercials were 2.1 and it still thumped every time. I’ve experienced this during games and on other HD programming where audio remained at 5.1 but there was that usual thumping sound as if they were switching back and forth as above. I suspect it is the 360 (surprise, surprise) not processing the signal, but I was interested in knowing if anyone else experienced this.

I’ve also had an occasional problem with the sound being ‘tinny’ like you’ve blown a speaker, and I’ve had to unplug the 360 to reset it and this corrects the problem.

JC West

12-27-04, 07:54 AM

Originally posted by Aliens
Anyone have this problem during yesterdays Colts/Chargers game on CBS?

No.

BigVideo

12-27-04, 03:44 PM

Looks like my 360 is no longer sending 5.1 surround to my DD audio receiver- I just get two channel audio over the link. This was working fine previously. Tried both the optical and coax outputs of the 360. Tested the audio receiver with my DVD player and the audio receiver is detecting 5.1 from the DVD on both coax and optical. Swapped cables, rebooted the 360, went through setup- toggled DD off and on, etc.

Is it safe to assume if D* lists "Surround" in the program information that the program is actually being broadcast in 5.1? Or are other 360 users experiencing this problem since last night? Reasonably certain it was all fine during the Soprano's on HBO-HD last night.

Gerald C

12-28-04, 08:15 PM

Sorry for asking if this has been covered (could not find via a search..new owner here):

I can't figure out how to directly enter the channel numbers for analog OTA stations. When I just enter a channel number "xx", the receiver tunes the satellite-feed local-in-local station (which I don't subscribe to). Am I missing something? There is no mention in the manual. Right now, the only way to tune an OTA analog is to get to it via the guide.

For OTA digitals, direct tuning works fine. I simply enter the format xx (dash) 1, etc.

Gerald C

herb s.

12-29-04, 09:19 AM

Gerald C, go into the menu of the 360, select antenna and cable and have the 360 do a channel scan both digital and analog. Any channels that your antenna can pick up will now show in your guide and you will be able to tune them directly.
You will see a duplication of satellite and analog(OTA) in the gude.

Gerald C

12-29-04, 09:40 AM

Herb,

Thanks for the reply. But I already have the local channels added to the guide. What I'm trying to figure out is how to directly go to a local analog channel using the number keys on the remote (and without going through the guide).

For example, I have a local analog channel 7. If I enter "7" on the remote, then press select, the receiver tries to tune the satellite-provided local channel 7. I don't subscribe to the local channel package, so I just get a blank screen.

So at the moment, the only way I can tune OTA analog stations is by scrolling through the guide and selecting from there. Very cumbersome...

tigerarch

12-29-04, 05:46 PM

Gerald C, there is a dash at the lower left hand corner of the number pad. Enter the channel number then the dash, then the subchannel. It will tune to the digital channel.

dgordo

12-29-04, 06:55 PM

Originally posted by tigerarch
Gerald C, there is a dash at the lower left hand corner of the number pad. Enter the channel number then the dash, then the subchannel. It will tune to the digital channel.

He's trying to get the analog channels.

Gerald C

12-29-04, 08:43 PM

Originally posted by dgordo
He's trying to get the analog channels.
Correct. I even tried entering a "0" after the dash to see if that would tune the analogs, as in "7-0", but again without success.

herb s.

12-29-04, 10:17 PM

Gerald, I see the problem, the only other that works is hit the channel #, that will bring the D* channel on the screen, then hit I forget which, channel up or down, it works, but there is still a extra keystroke. There is one other possibility is to make a favorite list using only analog channels not sure how to do it, I remeber reading something in the manual about it.

Herb

JC West

12-30-04, 07:33 AM

Originally posted by Gerald C
Herb,

Thanks for the reply. But I already have the local channels added to the guide. What I'm trying to figure out is how to directly go to a local analog channel using the number keys on the remote (and without going through the guide).

For example, I have a local analog channel 7. If I enter "7" on the remote, then press select, the receiver tries to tune the satellite-provided local channel 7. I don't subscribe to the local channel package, so I just get a blank screen.

So at the moment, the only way I can tune OTA analog stations is by scrolling through the guide and selecting from there. Very cumbersome...

I have the locals activated and the 360 defaults to DirecTV channels when the 07 is pressed. I don't know anyway around this.
I have my local channels in a sepatete profile so all I look at is my OTA and local stuff in that profile.

J C

smcapilo

12-31-04, 10:43 PM

Does anyone have the TS-360 Remote controlling their Sony LCD GWIV. I have a 55XS595 and when I enter the remote key 001 the TV turns off, but I can not turn it back on with the TS-360 Remote. Thanks to anyone that can help.

nostar

01-02-05, 11:17 AM

Is anyone having trouble with the TS-360 OTA digital scan skipping known, strong channels in their area.

I am, and I know that it is not a signal strength/multi-path problem because my Zenith digital tv, using the same antenna, recognizes the channel and shows a strong reading on it's strength meter.

The skipped full power station in question is 31-1 from Ocala Florida. The only difference in the signals that I can determine is that the other two stations that I receive are HD capable and are both transmitting a sub-channel. The ts-360 hesitates when it get to 31 but then continues with the scan. I've repeated this scan several times with the same result.

Also the ts-360's digital ota strength meter is wildly erratic on the digital stations that it does detect.

mikey p

01-02-05, 02:23 PM

"The skipped full power station in question is 31-1 from (fill in the blank)".

This is called a PSIP issue, some receivers deal with it some don't the up side is they (the station) may fix it themselves, but just don't hold your breath.

BTW: I have 4 different receivers, and guess what, their all different as to dealing with the digital stations I can receive (something like 16 different DT's) The Sammy, is not the best, but it mostly works fine OTA, and YES I had a station here doing the same, the difference was it's a Spanish station and SD only, at this time, so it was a don't care, since then the Sammy is now displaying it correctly, go figure (PSIP issue).

The 360 D* issues {ESPN-HD (any MOVIES), ABC-HD, and FOX-HD (prim time shows)} are of much more interest and importance to me for sure.

OTOH; I can guess your rub with this, I'd be upset too if it was a network station too.

nostar

01-02-05, 04:04 PM

Mikey p,

The station is Fox O&O and only transmits in SD. I think they will never fix it. Their analog station still doesn't have stereo sound if that tells you anything.

I just received this equipment and I'm waiting for the install people to hook me up.

I assume that I will be eligible for the Direct TV FOX HD Network and this won't be an issue.

Thanks for the info!

TAdams

01-02-05, 06:31 PM

Anybody notice that the guide response time has slowed to a crawl. When I punch up the guide, then punch in a channel number it is very slow to react all of the sudden.

And no it is not the remote batteries, I just put fresh ones in.

plain fan

01-02-05, 07:01 PM

I just bought this box. To go to your local channels w/o using the guide just key in the local channel number. For me the local NBC affiliate is channel 4 so I key "004" on the remote and hit select. Goes straight to that channel. If I want their hd channel I key "007-01" which goes to their hd channel.

Anyone using an extron box with the Sammy? Trying to troubleshoot some issues I'm having.

dervari

01-02-05, 08:56 PM

Why do you use leading zeros? 2-1 works fine for me.

plain fan

01-02-05, 09:08 PM

Didn't think to try no leading zeros.

Crwaters

01-02-05, 09:27 PM

Originally posted by TAdams
Anybody notice that the guide response time has slowed to a crawl. When I punch up the guide, then punch in a channel number it is very slow to react all of the sudden.

And no it is not the remote batteries, I just put fresh ones in.

I was just about to change my batteries. I have the same problem these last few days. Seems like the 360 has to wake up every time I hit a button...

Cory

thaxx

01-03-05, 08:04 AM

Originally posted by Crwaters
I was just about to change my batteries. I have the same problem these last few days. Seems like the 360 has to wake up every time I hit a button...

Cory
To fix the slow down just press the green reset button inside the door of the receiver.

thaxx

01-03-05, 08:12 AM

Originally posted by nostar
Is anyone having trouble with the TS-360 OTA digital scan skipping known, strong channels in their area.

I am, and I know that it is not a signal strength/multi-path problem because my Zenith digital tv, using the same antenna, recognizes the channel and shows a strong reading on it's strength meter.

The skipped full power station in question is 31-1 from Ocala Florida. The only difference in the signals that I can determine is that the other two stations that I receive are HD capable and are both transmitting a sub-channel. The ts-360 hesitates when it get to 31 but then continues with the scan. I've repeated this scan several times with the same result.

Also the ts-360's digital ota strength meter is wildly erratic on the digital stations that it does detect.
The Fox station will show up as 51.1 even though the frequency is 31. Go to your set up /install/local stations, and put in the zip 32607. (Gainesville).It will download all of the Gainesville area stations, including FOX 51. The thing that sucks is, Fox 51 is one of the O&O stations that are suppose to be HD . But I called them, and was told, their the only Fox O&O station not to be up and running in HD.
Hope this helps