I am only getting channel information on some (not all) OTA channels. Any idea with this one. Some have information such as CBS and couple NBC and ABC do not. I live in New York. I just recently had the 160 swapped out for this 360. Any ideas....

:confused:

UPDATE THERE IS A FIX:
- Hold menu and right arrow
- Choose commands, default settings
- Re-detect dish
- Go to local networks in the menu and enter zip
- In the list of cities displayed select the right one and push select

Did you plug in your Zip code in the setup menu? This will also get you guide info for your locals OTA.

Hope this helps.

Originally posted by Tonedeaf
Did you plug in your Zip code in the setup menu? This will also get you guide info for your locals OTA.

Hope this helps.

Yea tried both ways: zip code and also digital channel scan. I just spoke to a Samsung tech. He said give it 48 hours. If I still have the problem to call back. The box is so new and they are just getting people calling about various enhancements (bugs). He said this might be one.. LOL:D

Did you set up the dish settings yet? I had the smae problen on my 160 when I tried to do the OTA before the D* set up.

Andy

Yeah, I think this is the issue. I also received TS360 last Friday and installed it with my OTA antenna in the attic without waiting for DirecTV guys to install the new dish. I just could not resist :). So, I am watching OTA HD-locals right now (without the dish) and I also don't have programming info.

I called D* today to replace my TS 160.....What do you think my chances are to receive the TS 360...Tks,Don

Originally posted by freeness
Did you set up the dish settings yet? I had the same problem on my 160 when I tried to do the OTA before the D* set up.

Andy
D* all set up. All channel information is present for all D* channels and some OTA digital HD channels. About half have no information. Real weird...

what did they say when you got off the phone with them?

I had my 160 replaced with the 360 just yesterday..

While I can't speak directly to your problem now, if you only use the unit w/ OTA and no dish, you will only get guide info from those stations that send PSIP info OTA. In Dallas, for example, only the ABC local does that.

Try doing a hard reset (unplug) and then do a complete digital channel scan again and see what happens.

When you guys are seeing channels w/o information, are you saying the channels are in the guide, but that the program data simply says DTV program, or something like that?

My 160 was set up a week or so back, and thats what I am seeing for certain OTA digital locals as well. The major stations (Fox, NBC, PBS, ABC, CBS) have correct data, but the WB and UPN do not.

I didn't think this was a bug, and assumed that it was a fault with the guide data provided to D*TV.

FWIW, my box is set-up for digital OTA nd D*TV is enabled.

BGL

Originally posted by BGLeduc
When you guys are seeing channels w/o information, are you saying the channels are in the guide, but that the program data simply says DTV program, or something like that?

My 160 was set up a week or so back, and thats what I am seeing for certain OTA digital locals as well. The major stations (Fox, NBC, PBC, ABC, CBS) have correct data, but teh WB and UPN do not.

I didn't think this was a bug, and assumed that it was a fault with the guide data provided to D*TV.

FWIW, my box is set-up for digital OTA nd D*TV is enabled.

BGL
On the 160 I had I had all the local OTA digital information. After the swap out I am only missing some, not all OTA digital HD major local stations (NBC, ABC) is missing channel information. It does say the name of the station in the guide that is correct. I thought you get the guide from D*. Even the OTA stuff. AM I right or wrong on that assumption? :confused:

Originally posted by BK EH
While I can't speak directly to your problem now, if you only use the unit w/ OTA and no dish, you will only get guide info from those stations that send PSIP info OTA. In Dallas, for example, only the ABC local does that.

Try doing a hard reset (unplug) and then do a complete digital channel scan again and see what happens. DId the reset and zip code and rescan thing.. same. I use the receiver for D* and OTA digital HD programming.

Chrome,They said they didn't know they were sending out the 360...as far they knew..they were still sending out the Hughes and the Sammy 160...This came from Level 2 support person...

DMOODY,

what issues were you having with the 160? I am having just the lock-ups and a few audio drops.

I was thinking of calling them to replace mine but not sure if they would for just that.

Id say your chances are VERY GOOD. Called on my 160 Friday, 360 showed up today.

Another question. How is the replacement handled? Do you have to pay shipping at all. Sending the 160 back?

I called the Retention Dept at 1-800-600-8977 and told them my unit was locking up all the time...so I told them I wanted a new unit since it was in their 90 day warr. period....They said no problem and connected me to Level 2 support to get my unit replaced...should have new unit by friday...They pay for the shipping both ways....Hope this Helps

i am so tempted to call but knowing my luck i will get back the E-86

Yes, when using a dish, you get the PSIP info for OTA's via DTV.

I am afraid it's a mystery to me now. Do you still have your 160? Plug it in and see what it gets... you will have to use the 360's card if you deactivated the 160. There could be a coincidence working here and the PSIP info from DTV is bad for the past couple of days.

Got my 360 replacement for the 160 today. I don't think anyone is receiving an E86 are they?

Chrome,they only send out the new Hughes or Samsung....you will not get the E86

Originally posted by BK EH
Yes, when using a dish, you get the PSIP info for OTA's via DTV.

I am afraid it's a mystery to me now. Do you still have your 160? Plug it in and see what it gets... you will have to use the 360's card if you deactivated the 160. There could be a coincidence working here and the PSIP info from DTV is bad for the past couple of days.

Yea I might give that a try, but I really hate hooking the 160 back up. I might have to to see what is going on.

working on them to send me a 360
i hope they dont send me the new hughes

got off the phone and i am getting a replacement
i asked for the 360 and i hope to see it this thursday
if not then i am sending it back and i will live with the 160

Are you guys getting these replaced because you have the Directv protection plan that's $7.99?

Getting my 160 replaced. D* told me that it would take 7-10 days. Is this just a CYA thing or did they tell those that are getting/already received the same thing?

Hopefully I get the 360 and not the HTL-HD.

BlackMax - don't have the protection plan.

Originally posted by Tonedeaf
Getting my 160 replaced. D* told me that it would take 7-10 days. Is this just a CYA thing or did they tell those that are getting/already received the same thing?

Hopefully I get the 360 and not the HTL-HD.

BlackMax - don't have the protection plan.

How long have you had it?

I have had it for about 3 weeks.

I also have had it for three weeks, hopefully they will replace it with a 360 but i am hearing that its having issues with ota?

Chrome,

Did D* quote you 7-10 days for delivery?

no two days max
i will get it this thursday
last time it was the same thing two days the max
it will be shipped via fedex with return slip and all which makes it so easy to send back

Just hooked up my 360 tonight that is replacing my 160. There's good and bad news.

The Bad, I'm getting no OTA programming info like someone else here posted. I've entered my zip and activated the receiver. I'll give it some time. Another weird thing, the menu asked you to pick the stretch mode you want when watching 4:3 material, but I picked panaramic and it screws up and distorts HD! So basically it looks like you have to change that manually, made more difficult by the fact that the format button is hidden under a door on the remote. Overall I'm not too impressed with the additional stretch modes.

The Good, there's no empty boxes on the left side of the guide like the pictures in the manual show. I was not wanting to give up guide width for possible future advertising. There's also been some confusion on the remote. Is it IR or RF or both, some said the RF remote was optional. It's one remote that can do both and you can do either or both selectable in the menus. The unit is a good 3/4" thinner than the 160. The screen that moves the picture left and right now works for component too, not just DVI and RGB.

Also there's no coax out jack like the 160 has (modulated to 3 or 4). Probably not an issue for most folks.

I've got the same problem. Just hooked up my 360, no programming info for OTA, 160 did have it.

Smells and sounds like a bug to me .. did you call D* to report it yet?

I have the same Bad issues as you. I think we are not alone...:D

I got the 360 Saturday not getting the new dish installed until Friday. Too cold for me to do it. LOL. I can't compare to the 160 because I have never had it. The first thing I did was setup an antenna (4 bowtie) in the living room and hooked it up. I'm in Central Illinois about 50 miles East of the Quad Cities and I was happy to see I was pulling the ABC, NBC, FOX, PBS, and WB with the antenna in my living room. I turned it toward Rockford also about 50 miles away and pulled a strong signal from the ABC affiliate. I hope I can pull a CBS once I acutally mount the antenna either outside or in the attic. Either WIFR from Rockford or WHBF from Rock Island.

I did pull the guides for the locals and they all worked except the NBC affiliate. I'm still learning my way around the 360 and I'll be watching the thread. For the last week everyone I have heard from has gotten the 360.

Bump..

Anybody else call D* or experiencing this issue?:confused:

No, I'm thinking of calling Samsung first since I have no faith that DTV will have any fixes or know what they are doing. I'll spend half an hour on the phone with DTV while some tech takes me step by step through some procedure in a book, and in the end I'll still have the problem.

I'm surprised it's just you and me so far. I would think there would be more with this issue.

Originally posted by dacarter
No, I'm thinking of calling Samsung first since I have no faith that DTV will have any fixes or know what they are doing. I'll spend half an hour on the phone with DTV while some tech takes me step by step through some procedure in a book, and in the end I'll still have the problem.

I'm surprised it's just you and me so far. I would think there would be more with this issue. I did see where some others posted that they had the same problem also...

I did call Samsung and talked to a tech yesterday. He said they were getting calls on all sorts of things with the 360. That made me feel real good.. He also said this was a new one and to wait 48 hours and then call back. So now I will call back..

I have had no such problem with my 360 rec'd on Monday, no problems at all, much better than the 160. All positive so far. OTA much better, no problems with guide info. Time will tell about OTA signals change so much depending on the weather.

Just got a new ts-360, and a new 3 lnb dish hooked up. I can get a 95 signal on sat 101, but 110 and 119 are a flat 0. I've hooked up an old reciever that can look for 3 sats also and I get great signal on all 3 birds. It also allows me to see 99 and 400 on the old reciever but not the new one. Has anyone run into this problem yet? Is it a bad box or what? I would think using the other reciever to verify would eliminate a pointing or cableing issue.

sg

I recall folks occasionally had a similar problem with the TS-160 if they tried to 'auto-detect' the dish type. Manually selecting it made it work right.

Good luck!

Sounds like it could be a "settings" issue in the menu for the 360. You might look at the menu to see if the setup for the dish is set for oval dish, 3 lnb.

thanks for the reply. Yes I went in and manually set my dish to "oval 3".
I also unplugged the reciever for about an hour and started over, still didnt work.

one more day till hopefully i get the 360
does anyone know if they are still shipping 160's?
i hope i dont get the 160 again.

Spoke to a rep on Sunday to have a 160 replaced, and I just confirmed with D* that I'm getting a 360 tomorrow.

how did you confirm? did you call them they told you that yes a 360 is on its way?

Originally posted by dcbag
I have had no such problem with my 360 rec'd on Monday, no problems at all, much better than the 160. All positive so far. OTA much better, no problems with guide info. Time will tell about OTA signals change so much depending on the weather. It is a weird thing some have the information and a couple do not... I am glad your ok though !:)

Chris, I agree with you but I cant find any setting that has an affect and I have the Dish type set to oval 3. My installer didnt know what to do and had never installed a 360 before, the people I have spoken with at D* dont even know what a 360 is. I was hoping to find someone on here that has experienced the same thing.

Too make things even more confusing, my installer just called me from his house because he has a hughes like my old reciever and he says that it is picking up a signal on all 3 birds with just a round dish, so is my old reciever giving me false information??

It is not as simple as selecting Oval 3. You must first select Round Dish, allow the receiver to re-boot without interruption and complete the EPG download, then select Auto Dish Detect. Do you have a new Oval 3 dish with built in multi-switch, or an upgraded Oval Dish with Sat-C LNB and combiner?

Aquacure:
The installer is dreaming in technicolor. You cannot pick up all 3 birds w/ a round dish, unless he is up there moving it each time!

Gary Whitaker:
No, you do not have to set to 'round' first. If you are aiming right, then the 3 birds are picked up. EPG has nothing to do with picking up a signal for all 3. EPG is EPG (the guide download only comes from 101 or 110... can't remember this late) and has nothing to do with getting a lock on all 3, per se. Also, he has a new install... integrated 3 LNBs come with that, and have for the past year.

Aquacure:
Your installer is a hosed rookie... I doubt it is the box. Do not do auto-detect, as a hosed alignment will never work with that. Get your coordinates and work from there.

Search this forum on "sat b" or "sat c" as there are detailed troubleshooting tips to correct your issue.

This is not about "having" a Round Dish, this is "about" fixing a software glitch in the product. Ultimatly you end up on Oval-3 if you follow the instructions, and should get all your channels. Please re-read my post... If you are receiving 101/119 but not 110, this is not an alignment issue but if the procedure does not work, could be an upgraded legacy Oval-3 dish config issue or a former E* customer that re-aligned their Dish 500 but did not
replace the 110 LNB with a DirecTV compatible Sat-C LNB w/Sat-C combiner.

There are two software versions that shipped on the 360. The question is, when *D will spool the latest version or will they wait for a major release before spooling.

According to the tech at Samsung the update on the software only took care of a DVI problem.. LOL who knows with these guys...

It's one remote that can do both and you can do either or both selectable in the menus.

I don't think this is true. From reading the manual, I think the remotes look different. The remote I received does not have the RF code described in the manual.

The manual is not very clear, however.

Yup, welcome to my life dealing with them on these issues. I do not believe however, the chroma bug has yet to be fixed. Just remember the initial software release for TS160, page & pages of complaints...

Samsung's history is; they only fix the issues when *D puts the pressure on. *D CSR's are expensive with $ time on the phones spent over issues they can't resolve. G forbid, Sammy actually listens to their customers.

"Feature not as designed" by the customers interpretation?

QA, now there is a concept.

What are the 2 software versions?

I'm making progress. Got guide info for the local CBS channel, but that's it, just one.

Better OTA than the 160? I thought the tuners were identical.

1.2.03 is the base, 1.2.06 (DVI upgrade). The TS360 is currently a step back from the TS160 OTA signal meter, tuner is the same, and is in every HD "enabled" product they make.

I hate the word "ready", what does that mean again? Enabled, empowered, capable, competent, prepared, equipped, able... -sigh-

Does the 360 have an OTA signal meter? Do you guys have an outside antenna? I have the 360 and it currently has video and audio problems. I am about to get an OTA antenna installed and I hope I dont have this issue to add to the problem list!

Called to find out if the unit had shipped out yet. When they said yes, I asked for a fedex tracking number and if they could confirm which unit it was.
Took a few minutes, but it "appeared on their system" and they told me it was a Sammy 360.
Hope that helps.

The OTA signal meter does not behave the same as the 160 . The readings all look lower with the 360 then in the 160...LOL Go figure that one out. The make a new model then take a step back in the OTA signal meter. The channels do pull in the same as the 160. I am using an indoor SS. I can pull in all my locals just fine with it.:D

My OTA reception is about the same with the 360, and the meter seems about the same except that the audible beeps works on the 360 and never worked on the 160, dish or OTA.

I've still got both receivers and it's a real tough call at this point which one to send back. I like the looks and remote of the 160 better, then there's the 360 guide info problem.

Originally posted by dacarter
My OTA reception is about the same with the 360, and the meter seems about the same except that the audible beeps works on the 360 and never worked on the 160, dish or OTA.

I've still got both receivers and it's a real tough call at this point which one to send back. I like the looks and remote of the 160 better, then there's the 360 guide info problem. I hear you, but I think you hav eto go with teh newer 360. You know at least they will keep more up to date with software fixes wit the newer modle rather then the older one...

did the same thing in level 2 and all i got back from them was uhhh sorry i dont know....
lame:confused:

I just got my 360 and to tell the truth it is just okay. I got it fast, hooked it up (within a week of my call) but I notice it needs to be rebooted daily. I am giving it a week, if it continues I'll trade it in. I rarely had this problem with my E-86, my panasonic, or my dtc 100. Is this a samsung problem?

i called again to find out it will be another 7 to 10 business days??? the order had to be placed manually?:confused:
a second level says that only two types are being sent out the new hughes and the 360.
they are trying desperately to find out what model was sent to me....:mad:
knowing my fortune a hughes box will arrive instead of the new samsung...

Finally a supervisor verified that a 360 has been sent and will arrive tomorrow instead of 7 to 10 business days....
:D :D :D

They also told me that my order had to be placed manually. I told them that they tried that one on me last time and that I want the problem resolved. She said she could try to place the order. Surprise Surprise...the system took the order.

I have no idea why they do this.

I had the same "manual entry" problem with d*, but staying on top of them seems to get things resolved.
I get mine today (according to fedex website it's "on Fedex vehicle for delivery).
I'll post some comments once I hook it up.

D* is telling me the same thing. Something about their order system going down a day or two ago and then having to manually enter the order after because they had to hand write the orders.

I got this answer yesterday. I am going to try again today and see what they say.

It stinks that I have to follow up and make these people follow up and complete the order or to track something down...
What I hate is that you the consumer has to complain like a little kid to get your way and I am exhausted of doing that...
ehhh

All you have to do is stay on the phone. They arent going to hang up on you. Eventually your order will be placed because they want to go on to the next call.

They use 'THE COMPUTER IS DOWN' very often. My response is THATS ODD. I CAN HEAR YOU TYPING. They usually respond with silence.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^:D

Originally posted by Gary Whitaker
1.2.03 is the base, 1.2.06 (DVI upgrade). The TS360 is currently a step back from the TS160 OTA signal meter, tuner is the same, and is in every HD "enabled" product they make.

I hate the word "ready", what does that mean again? Enabled, empowered, capable, competent, prepared, equipped, able... -sigh- I was told by somebody to try something to fix the no guide information issue. I will try it tonight and let you know how I make out...

I just got a TS360.

On page 20 of the manual (the packing list) it says "Remote Control (IR)".

So it appears the included remote is IR only, there must be an optional RF one.

Very true on the updates. You probably just talked to Steve at tech support as did I. He's monitoring this thread. I'll go ahead and post what he said to do, but I have not tried it yet either.

-Hold menu and right arrow
-Choose commands, default settings
-Redetect dish
-Go to local networks in the menu and enter zip
-In the list of cities displayed select the right one and push select

When I originally entered my zip, Houston, TX popped up and I never selected because it isn't obvious that you are supposed to. I'm going to try that first before losing all my settings.

^^^^^^^^^^^ I got a question for you please, I just got a Hitachi 57XWX20B and I want to know if Avia is ok to use to calibrate? Or do I need a pro to come in and do it? Have you had any experience with this particular hitachi.

You can and should do the basic things that Avia lets you do. Getting contrast, brightness, color, tint, and sharpness set properly is a good start.

But, to really make the colors accurate you need a grayscale calibration and that is best done by a professional with the right equipment. They can also do manual focus, overscan, geometry, advanced convergence, and fix some more esoteric things (color decoding, edge enhancement, etc.) in the service menus that you might be able to do yourself but only if you invest quite a bit of time researching everything feel comfortable enough.

Originally posted by dacarter
Very true on the updates. You probably just talked to Steve at tech support as did I. He's monitoring this thread. I'll go ahead and post what he said to do, but I have not tried it yet either.

-Hold menu and right arrow
-Choose commands, default settings
-Redetect dish
-Go to local networks in the menu and enter zip
-In the list of cities displayed select the right one and push select

When I originally entered my zip, Houston, TX popped up and I never selected because it isn't obvious that you are supposed to. I'm going to try that first before losing all my settings. Too funny yep that be him. Let me know how you make out. When my zip cam up I did select New York. So I think it needs the factory reset. Steve did it and it worked...

Have the same randon lockup problem with my 160 that I got last month. Just called retention, passed me along to tech support and they told me I will be getting a replacement unit by Friday or Monday. Hopefully the Hughes or the 360. I was surprised to see how easily everything went. I don't have the protection plan and I they really didn't ask me any quesitons.

Sorry for the confusion, yes I have the new oval 3 dish with built in multi-switch, D* sent it to me with this new reciever.

Gary, I’m going to try your instructions tonight but previously when I have run auto detect it has failed and I just selected it manually.

I talked to the installer again this morning and I was mistaken, he was picking up 101 and 119 on his round dish but not 110. I believe this is possible. The thing that makes me different is that my old reciever on this new dish is picking up 110 also which still leaves me to believe it is something with the new reciever itself.

thanks for the help guys, if anybody thinks of anything else to try ...I’m game.

Sg

I just got my TS360 and a few quick observations. I hjave Hughes HTL but I was unhappy with the Hughes because the audio keeps clipping out, so I got D* to send me another STB, the 360.

The DVI connection doesn't work right. It won't work with any 1080/720 output. If I set the output to 480 it's fine. Using native mode, only SD programming will work, all HD programming comes up all snow. Samsung says it's a problem with the HDCP handshake. I have a Toshiba 65HDX82 which is HDCP. On the Hughes HTL the DVI works fine on that.

2nd the OTA sensitivity is inferior to the Hughes. I can get 4-6 OTA HD channels with my Hughes and only 1-2 with the Samsung without moving the antenna at all.

Also the OTA signal meter is a joke. It goes 43, 10, 0, 65, 73, 10, 45, 45, 45, 63, 10, 0, 91, etc regardless of how the antenna is pointed. It does this on all OTA HD channles. Again Samsung tech support is looking into it, but they think it's a firmware problem.

It just happens that I live pretty close to Samsung headquarters in NJ and they asked if I'd let them send a product engineer over to see the problems first hand, so I'll keep people posted.

This unit really seems to be a minor upgrade from the TS160. It has a small display (much smaller then the HTL) and output and resolution buttons on the front instead of behind and 3 variable output modes, but overall it's pretty much the same.

Originally posted by Cheezmo
You can and should do the basic things that Avia lets you do. Getting contrast, brightness, color, tint, and sharpness set properly is a good start.

But, to really make the colors accurate you need a grayscale calibration and that is best done by a professional with the right equipment. They can also do manual focus, overscan, geometry, advanced convergence, and fix some more esoteric things (color decoding, edge enhancement, etc.) in the service menus that you might be able to do yourself but only if you invest quite a bit of time researching everything feel comfortable enough.

thanks for the advice because the avia helps out somewhat but when it comes to sharpness and contrast there is no difference on the screen when doing the tests...
the tv has a mind of its own

Another 360 thread? Geez...

I see the same problem with the OTA signal meter have reported same both to Samsung and D*. Bigger problem is audio and video dropouts on the satellite signals. D* level two tech. support said give them a few days to resolve problem. Will be calling them Sat. for new box if problems are not resolved by then. By the way this is my 2nd STB, i sent back a 160 due to frequent lockups. Don't they Beta test these things before releasing to public.

Can we have a sticky or just have one thread on the issues that the 360 is having?

I agree.

Originally posted by patrickpiteo
Too funny yep that be him. Let me know how you make out. When my zip came up I did select New York. So I think it needs the factory reset. Steve did it and it worked...

WELL SUCCESS !!!! IT WORKED ! THE OLD FACTORY RESET TO DEFAULTS WORKED !!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Originally posted by patrickpiteo
I am only getting channel information on some (not all) OTA channels. Any idea with this one. Some have information such as CBS and couple NBC and ABC do not. I live in New York. I just recently had the 160 swapped out for this 360. Any ideas....

:confused: UPDATE THERE IS A FIX:
- Hold menu and right arrow
- Choose commands, default settings
- Re-detect dish
- Go to local networks in the menu and enter zip
- In the list of cities displayed select the right one and push select

Topics merged.

Originally posted by Ken H
Topics merged.

Ken, Thanks for the merge...

Thought I was going crazy reading all of these posts I had seen in a different topic. To find out in the end that they were merged. Should get my 360 tomorrow or Monday.

Thank you Patrick for hinting that we don't need a dozen 360 threads, by renaming this one.

The fix worked for me, but I didn't have to reset to factory defaults. All I did was go back into the local networks screen, reenter my zip in the primary, when "Houston, TX" appeared at the bottom of the screen, I selected it which added in a box in the upper part of the screen. After that there was a msg that it was going to reboot, then a minute or so of downloaded guide info and it was all fixed. It's not at all obvious that you need to select the city so I think this is going to be an ongoing problem for lots of folks.

I'd also like to say that Samsung tech support, Steve specifically, has done a great job at tracking down this issue and returning calls.

Originally posted by Cheezmo
I just got a TS360.

On page 20 of the manual (the packing list) it says "Remote Control (IR)".

So it appears the included remote is IR only, there must be an optional RF one.

Anyone know if the codes are the same as the earlier boxes? (e.g. my remotes control both my TS160 and T165 at the same time, which has ruined any number of recordings.) Any more on an RF remote?

A few more observations...

Compenent output looks fine. Compares very favorably to (but slightly softer than) my Panasonic TU-DST50.

My OTA signal strength meter also bounces around wildly. No sense to it.
I did not have problems with local channel info. It had all be set up and activated before I read about putting the zip in. When I did it rebooted and acquired all the info.

I'm also seeing frequent dropouts on satellite HD channels. Watching DiscoveryHD this evening it when blank, pixelated and recovered about every 5-10 minutes.

I like that component and S-Video are both active at the same time. Did the 160 do that?

The panaroma mode (yech, who would ever use that!) does indeed scrunch up HD which it shouldn't.

Seems to be a bug in channel blocking. I set up a channel list, then tuned manually to a channel not on the list after "locking". It told me I need to enter my password to view the blocked channel. I did so and 2 minutes later it asked me again. It kept asking me every 2 minutes.

That's enough bugs for the first day ;)

Originally posted by dacarter
Thank you Patrick for hinting that we don't need a dozen 360 threads, by renaming this one.

The fix worked for me, but I didn't have to reset to factory defaults. All I did was go back into the local networks screen, reenter my zip in the primary, when "Houston, TX" appeared at the bottom of the screen, I selected it which added in a box in the upper part of the screen. After that there was a msg that it was going to reboot, then a minute or so of downloaded guide info and it was all fixed. It's not at all obvious that you need to select the city so I think this is going to be an ongoing problem for lots of folks.

I'd also like to say that Samsung tech support, Steve specifically, has done a great job at tracking down this issue and returning calls.

Yes BIG BIG Kudos to Steve. I will be calling him tomorrow to thank him. it never hurts to have friends like that LOL. Hew said to call him and let him know and to post it if it worked.. The zip code thing did not work for me. I had tried that before. It was the Factory reset that did it...:D

Originally posted by Cheezmo
I like that component and S-Video are both active at the same time. Did the 160 do that?

The panaroma mode (yech, who would ever use that!) does indeed scrunch up HD which it shouldn't.

Yes, Steve, the 160 does that.

Search for the 4:3 trick, and, if I have understood your posts on DHTG and the SPot correctly for the past 3 years, you will appreciate the results.

PS: there was not a cities list on the 160 after you selected your zip. Obviously an enhancement on the 360, and not a bug. Wonder if this is in the manual, as I have not read to that detail either... :p

Originally posted by BK EH
Yes, Steve, the 160 does that.

Search my moniker for the 4:3 trick, and, if I have understood your posts on DHTG and the SPot correctly for the past 3 years, you will appreciate the results.

Signed,
A 160 user porting to 360, AKA Mr. Bill

PS... when we move from Lower Greenville to White Rock Lake next fall, expect a 46807 HD-move ISF call... :cool:

PSS: there was not a cities list on the 160 after you selected your zip. Obviously an enhancement on the 360, and not a bug. Wonder if this is in the manual, as I have not read to that detail either... :p
I had the 160 also and I did get a cities list after I put in my zip.. at least it worked for my zip..

Also getting dropouts on all channels (locals, sat, and HD).....averaged every 20 seconds or so, hit the reset button next to the card slot and it lessened the dropouts to about once every 15 mintues or so.

This occurs for both DVI and Component equally as much.

Sound goes off, screen goes black blinks/drops out and comes back in a second or so...every 3rd time or so there is pixelation.

Called Samung and said they will call back tomorrow. Called Directv and they are shipping a new receiver out.

I will receive a 360 tomorrow to go along with my DST-3000 and Comcast 5100. With a desire to do PIP I was considering running the Component Video of my DVD player through the 360 input. Has anyone noticed a degradation of the PQ?
Since I have a B&K 307 I was considering attaching the Coaxial Digital of the Sammy into the Coax SAT input of the B&K and going with the optical from the DVD player into the corresponding Sat input of the B&K. I would not attach the audio from the DVD into the Sammy. In this way I should be able to process all of the surround from the DVD player. At any time I could also enable the analog DVD-A setup to this input of the B&K.
The DST-3000 box will grab the other component input into the B&K.
The Comcrap will go direct into the second directly into the 2nd component input of the TV for PIP purposes, though that may swap with the DST when HD football time comes around. (Or when Directv ramps of the HD and I send Comcrap packing. I have them for basic as I am screwed OTA)
Any thoughts on this proposed setup before I rip the SOB apart tomorrow?
I'm so glad I insisted on a 5x8 as a part of my install with the retention deal. My installer is gonna freak when he sees two Tivo's, Two HD receivers and a A-50 all co-located!
:D

Originally posted by aquacure
Sorry for the confusion, yes I have the new oval 3 dish with built in multi-switch, D* sent it to me with this new reciever.

Gary, I’m going to try your instructions tonight but previously when I have run auto detect it has failed and I just selected it manually.

I talked to the installer again this morning and I was mistaken, he was picking up 101 and 119 on his round dish but not 110. I believe this is possible. The thing that makes me different is that my old reciever on this new dish is picking up 110 also which still leaves me to believe it is something with the new reciever itself.

thanks for the help guys, if anybody thinks of anything else to try ...I’m game.

Sg

aquacure, when you select auto-detect when Oval-2 or Oval-3 are already configured, it does not fix the problem. When you select Round dish alot happens. Running Auto detect "after" the Round Dish auto reboot, and EPG download, should detect an Oval-3 and prompt to reboot.

And yes, this issue haunts the Dish Alignment menu as well, until this procedure is performed.

When I change my channel to a channel that has a program with Dolby Digital, the samsung clicks. It is quite annoying when channel surfing.
Does anyone have this annoying issue? Is it just how the box works?

I get the same clicking noise.

I also get the clicking noise. I got it on my Sammy 160 as well that went back to D*.

Originally posted by freeness


The DVI connection doesn't work right. It won't work with any 1080/720 output. If I set the output to 480 it's fine. Using native mode, only SD programming will work, all HD programming comes up all snow. Samsung says it's a problem with the HDCP handshake. I have a Toshiba 65HDX82 which is HDCP. On the Hughes HTL the DVI works fine on that.




I had a 160 about a year ago that did something very similar to that with the DVI connection and a Sony plasma screen when set to 1080/720. Samsung couldn't resolve the problem and Sony said they would have to take the plasma apart to change out the DVI board. Didn't like that idea at all, so returned the 160 and went with a Sony H-200. The HD-200 died after 4 months. Now in the market for a new HD receiver and I was hoping that the 360 would not have the same handshake problem with DVI. Hopefully I 'll be able to give it a try and it'll work. Otherwise, I guess I wait for the RCA DTC 210.

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

Has anybody came up with a solution to the dropout problem yet.. It just goes black for a second or two and comes right back on. Sometimes picture is pixulated and sometimes not..

I don't believe my clicking noise on my box is related to DVI as I have my unit setup under component video. I do have a DVI cable setup, but I do not use the ouput. I will remove the cable just in case and see if it does anything. I wonder if this is a defect or how it is designed. I have seen this posted somewhere else with the 160 but I can not find it. Anyone who knows how to verify this, please post. I am not abount to believe anything D* TVor Samsung will tell me.

Jungle you said you returned the 160, did they send you a new one? And if so was this resolved?

I just had a strange audio problem.

I had been experimenting with reception on several OTA digital channels.

When I finished, I tuned to DirecTV 355 (CNBC) and the audio was all "tinny". Same thing on all SD DirecTV channels. I had to unplug it and after booting up, everything is back to normal.

I also had the 'tinny' sound. It was a very high pitched ringing during speech. When I switched to OTA it stopped.

Well after palying around a little. It is not my samsung box that is clicking. It is my AV receiver that clicks when when it makes a handshake for DD 5.1.
Still very annoying.

So it seems that all D* receivers have issues. To date, I have been through 3 HTL-HD; for audio problems, 1 TS 160; pixilation and lock up, and 1 TS 360; pictures goes black. It seems that D* correct the problems with their vendors before they release products to the public. I called D* and they credited my bill for the purchase price. But they won't take the equipment back. Anyone have a recommendation for a HD receiver, since I'm back to watching my old Tivo, never skips a beat.

Mark

I just received the 360 today. Already had to reboot it twice and am getting the picture dropouts. I called DirecTV and they had no technical info on the 360. They transferred me over to Samsung and they said they had no reports of the picture dropout problem. In fact he said they monitor the forums and while I was on hold looked and said they saw nothing. So if this is an issue, call them.

Scratch that, now having to reboot again. The 3rd time the service has gone out with a call x745.

this is great news, so far i have little issues with the 160 and it seems that the 360 is just the beginning of problems.
maybe i'm better off staying with the 160?
it doesnt matter because D* said that the 360 was supposed to be here by yesterday and now it is confirmed that i have to wait until next week.

Originally posted by LCC
I just received the 360 today. Already had to reboot it twice and am getting the picture dropouts. I called DirecTV and they had no technical info on the 360. They transferred me over to Samsung and they said they had no reports of the picture dropout problem. In fact he said they monitor the forums and while I was on hold looked and said they saw nothing. So if this is an issue, call them.

Both samsung and D* are aware of audio and video dropout problems. D* level two tech. support admitted to me a few other people have complained re same problems. This was either tues or wed. Keep pestering both companies maybe they will have a fix, hopefully soon.

Originally posted by chrome
this is great news, so far i have little issues with the 160 and it seems that the 360 is just the beginning of problems.
maybe i'm better off staying with the 160?
it doesnt matter because D* said that the 360 was supposed to be here by yesterday and now it is confirmed that i have to wait until next week.

Bummer. We were both in the same boat with being told that the orders had to be submitted manually, or that their system was down. I have a tracking number for mine and should be at my house tomorrow. With all of these issues I'm not sure I want the newer 360. May have to do what you suggest and stick it out with teh 160. Will see what happens when I get my 360 tomorrow.

Originally posted by LCC
Scratch that, now having to reboot again. The 3rd time the service has gone out with a call x745. I thought I had seen where some people had either bad cards or a bad card reader. My 360 other then the guide problem has been rock solid. The 160 I had did lock up...

For the record, I've had no dropouts with either the 160 or the 360. After getting the guide info fixed I'm pretty much happy with the 360. Still wondering about the RF remote question, and confused by the stretch modes, but I guess I'll figure it out eventually.

The manual does pretty clearly state that the R/F remote is an optional accessory. Look at the section of the manual on the bottom of page 35.

"You can operate the Digital Satellite Receiver when installed in a cabinet or from another room in your house using the RF remote control. (Optional)"

It then shows where to plug the R/F receiver into the back. R/F receivers are not part of the included items on the Box Contents on page 20.

I've seen random dropouts on D* HD channels only (1 every 5-10 minutes). OTA HD has been fine.

Originally posted by roccol

Jungle you said you returned the 160, did they send you a new one? And if so was this resolved?

They sent me my 360 as a replacement. I sent the 160 back for a flaky card reader, not because of the popping. I get the popping on my new 360 as well.

I have not had any of the problems currently being listed. Had 360 up since Monday, only issue I have is figuring out which stretch mode to use

Originally posted by dacarter
For the record, I've had no dropouts with either the 160 or the 360. After getting the guide info fixed I'm pretty much happy with the 360. Still wondering about the RF remote question, and confused by the stretch modes, but I guess I'll figure it out eventually. So far I'm with you here...:cool:

Just an update on my situation for those that had tried to help. Just to remind you I had a 360 that would only pick up sat A no matter what I tried.

It turned out to be a bad reciever as far as I can tell. I hooked up the new one today and it worked perfectly.

I'm off to watch some HD finally.

sg

Received my 360 and noticed that the software version is not the .06 version that Gary had referred to, it's .03.
He mentioned that the .06 was a DVI upgrade.
Anyone know about how to get this updated on my receiver, and what exactly the upgrade does?

I too have the drop out / blink / flickering issue with the 360. I've called D* level 2 tech support, they've sent me a new card, but that still didn't fix the issue. Now they are sending me a new 360, but the tech sent it to my business address and didn't change the FedEx delivery to business hours. I hope I don't spend too much time chasing this thing around.

A peculiar thing that I noticed about the dropout is that it only happens to the picture. When I'm the guide, I can see the picture drop out in the preview screen, but guide is never effected. Anyone think this is relative?

bsh117 what type of TV do you have?

Originally posted by DigiMan
bsh117 what type of TV do you have?

I have a 50" Sony Grand Vega. I didn't know the TV itself had anything to do with the 360 problem.

I have a Sony 57WV700 and have already replaced a 160 for an issue that I still have with the new 360. This only occurs when using the DVI output, component works perfectly. The TV will out of the blue just take the entire picture and shrink it to the center of the screen and it becomes wavy and illegible. Sound still works though.
Called Sony and they are aware of certain model TV's having this type of issue.
More info on this link http://www.hometheaterspot.com/htsthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=460663&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=31&fpart=1

Let me know if your issues sound similar to mine.

It seems that the 360 has a better OTA tuner than my 160 did. When I had the Silver Sensor hooked up in my basement to the 160, I could barely pick up any stations. With the 360, I'm picking up all of my digital stations without any dropouts. Of course, I have no idea what the signal strength is since the OTA meter jumps all over the place.

For the record, my "bugs" are
- popping sound when moving from PCM to Dolby digital audio
- Periodically losing my Fox digital stations. I have to go back and add them in in the Add/Remove Channels screen, then go add them to my custom list - kind of a hassle
- bouncing signal strength meter for OTA
- Audio dropouts on the digital output (OK on analog audio outs)

I don't have any of the following problems:
- Video dropouts
- Lockups
- Sattelite recognition

Originally posted by DigiMan
I have a Sony 57WV700 and have already replaced a 160 for an issue that I still have with the new 360. This only occurs when using the DVI output, component works perfectly. The TV will out of the blue just take the entire picture and shrink it to the center of the screen and it becomes wavy and illegible. Sound still works though.
Called Sony and they are aware of certain model TV's having this type of issue.

Let me know if your issues sound similar to mine.

Actually, I've never had the issue that you've been experiency. The dropout / flicker / blinking problem that I have occurs whether I use the component or the dvi connection.

Uggh, this is so frustrating. I called D* on Tuesday and they said I would receive the new 360 on Thursday. Well, FedEx now tells me since the D* tech didn't specify business delivery (despite me reminding them to do so) I won't get the receiver until Monday. Generally, I've been happy with D* customer service, but they are really letting me down here!

For those of you w/ the guide not showing OTA details: when you did the zip entry and it searched and returned a city location, did you do an 'OK' or did you simply do a 'back?' It's not intuitive, but you have to do an OK and then you will see the city lock in. Then do a rescan.

FWIW: the channel fine tuning is now enabled for OTA.. it was greyed on the 160. Have not tried it yet. Also, there is a signal strength matrix too, for all transponders, not on the 160

TIA!

Video dropout update:

I 2nd bsh117, also see the guide fine and have the preview screen experiences the dropout.

Also have a dvd player into one of the inputs of the 360. When I play a dvd thru this input (change tv/video from sat to video on 360) it does not experience the dropouts.

Lastly, not sure if I'm seeing things (and probably lose all my credibility) but on HD channels seems like the screen is rippled. If the screen is a football field, at both 20 yard lines the picture kind of has a bend/ripple. See this on hockey and basketball games where the camera is moving fast side to side. Anyone else see this or am I getting delusioned by the dropouts.

Another TS360 owner here with intermittent video dropouts and X745 messages. I called DirecTV 4 times since yesterday. They are sending me a new card, but based on responses here I don't think the card will solve it. (Unless they produced a whole batch of bad cards specifilaclly for TS360.) Anyway I better give them a call back and ask them to send me the new receiver immediately or otherwise ithis whole mess will be delayed by at least a week.

Anybody who requested a replacement receiver for TS360 because of video dropouts/X745 problems and already got it, is the problem gone?

Anyone tried the RGB output of the 360 yet?

I tried it and the display is very green. Not sure if it is the 360 or my TV (Pioneer HD 510 PRO), as I have never used the RGB input on my TV before. There is also no way to adjust the color/tint on my TV for the RGB input. Anyone know if there is a way to adjust the color on the 360, perhaps through a service menu?

Gil

Chalk another one up for video and audio dropouts. No rebooting though. Thank goodness this sucker a while to boot.

Yeah I set mine up today and I'm having the video and audio dropouts too! I'm pissed off as my DST-6000 won't hold a sat C signal at allfor the last 3 months. Sat C on my two other receivers are perfect. It is not the lines from the dish. WTF?

Anybody who requested a replacement receiver for TS360 because of video dropouts/X745 problems and already got it, is the problem gone?

Yes, I had the X745/video/audio dropouts on my first 360. I got my new 360 a couple of days ago and no more dropout problems. It still has the jumping OTA signal strength problems though.

I do have another problem. While viewing Non HD programming - most channels, but not all, at the very top of the screen the picture is distorted. Hard to describe, but you see a bar running side to side. It will do it if a non HD commercial comes on while watching HD. All HD pictures are great and some non HD channels are fine. Any ideas on this?

Just installed my 360 last night. Have the OTA signal strength meter problem, but local guide was fine.

Then I got up this morning. Most guide info was gone, OTA or D* it did not matter. Did not seem to be a pattern to it.

What is the procedure for a soft reboot of this model to force a guide re-load? TIA.

Mark

Originally posted by Gib
Anyone tried the RGB output of the 360 yet?

I tried it and the display is very green. Not sure if it is the 360 or my TV (Pioneer HD 510 PRO), as I have never used the RGB input on my TV before. There is also no way to adjust the color/tint on my TV for the RGB input. Anyone know if there is a way to adjust the color on the 360, perhaps through a service menu?

Gil

You may have to go into the menu and tell the TV that the RGB input is receiving RGB and not component. The TV has to know which type of input itis receiving to set the color/tint properly. The change should be one of the regular menu items in setup and not something in a service menu. This may well fix your problem. You still won't be able to adjust color and tint, but the picture should look good. I know someone who has this TV and the RGB input looks great.

SMK

Follow-up to the above post. I found a roundabout way to reload the guide. But if I go out 3 or 4 hours everything is TBA.

??? Not happy!

Mark

Originally posted by mm2003
Lastly, not sure if I'm seeing things (and probably lose all my credibility) but on HD channels seems like the screen is rippled. If the screen is a football field, at both 20 yard lines the picture kind of has a bend/ripple. See this on hockey and basketball games where the camera is moving fast side to side. Anyone else see this or am I getting delusioned by the dropouts.

If you have a CRT rear projector, it is most likely your TV, and not the Samsung. Geometry problems like that are very common. About half the Mitsubishi's made around year 2000 were really bad at the 1080i scan rate. Depending on what TV you have there may be a geometry template available that you or an ISF calibrator could use to fix the problem.

I noticed that the guide doesn't go out very far when you first initialize it (such as when you unplug it and plug back in). It seems to fill out the later parts over time, so I think you will be OK. Mine was like that yesterday, but goes out to next Saturday now.

I guess I'll leave it alone and see. I went to bed about 1AM with a guide, got up at 7AM with no guide. Rebooted and now have a guide for the next 6 hours or so.

I don't have a good feeling about this.

Mark

Welcome to the world of Samsung's D* HD receivers. I got the TS160 a year ago around the time it first came out. It had numerous problems/bugs. D* blamed Samsung; Samsung blamed D*. 3 software releases and six months later everything was working fine. And the unit has been flawless since then. Expect the same here.

What is the X745 issue?

I just don't understand why are they doing this? (I mean releasing hardware that is not ready for primetime by a long shot.) It costs a lot of money to replace/ship defective receivers back and forth multiple times. They tell me they credit my account for days I was not watching DirecTV, but I would rather pay and have the receiver that is stable and working perfectly...

Well, this TS360 is only in my living room until the HDTIVO I have on order arrives in April.

Of course that will be an entire new set of problems. :)

Originally posted by Cheezmo
The manual does pretty clearly state that the R/F remote is an optional accessory. Look at the section of the manual on the bottom of page 35.

"You can operate the Digital Satellite Receiver when installed in a cabinet or from another room in your house using the RF remote control. (Optional)"

It then shows where to plug the R/F receiver into the back. R/F receivers are not part of the included items on the Box Contents on page 20.

Anyone know the price of the optional RF remote and where it can be obtained?

Originally posted by vvrok
I just don't understand why are they doing this? (I mean releasing hardware that is not ready for primetime by a long shot.) It costs a lot of money to replace/ship defective receivers back and forth multiple times.

I could not agree more!

I am now getting the dropouts on audio on the music channels. I also get a momentary dropout of pic and sound when I go from the guide to a channel. I have had call x:745 3 times and had to reset... just while surfing the guide or changing channels

Can anybody also check this: Get a talking head channel. Bring up the info bar. When that happens on mine the audio and mouth seems slightly out of synch. it's OK once I kill the info again.

I see that the system software is 1.2.03 from 6/5 2003. That means they were working on this the same time they released the last 1.1.10 rev for the 160. Since they have the same tuners, and the 160 has greyed out menu options that are now enabled on the 360, I do not know why they did not shake all this out on it first.

Oh, wait... more sales.. yea... :mad:

I am going to reactivate my 160 and get a replacement 360 and see.

FWIW, there really is no difference between the 2 units that affect me.

Hi Roccol,

Search for 745 at the forum level and you will find an entire thread on it.

bert

I've had my TS-360 running for two days. I also have gotten the 745 reboots and the picture blinks to black while watching D*.

I'm going to wait a week and see if people say that the replacement 360's really fix the problem or if this is software and we just have to wait for D* and Samsung to sort out the software bugs and push us some new code.

Allen

Well...here is my latest ordeal. I still haven't received my replacement 360, and therefore still have the flicker / dropout / blink issue.

But another issue I've had is I can't get the D* HDNet channel. When I spoke to the D* level 2 rep, they said that my dish wasn't pointing correctly to the 119 satellite and they would send a person out to realign my dish. Well that installer came about 2 hours ago, realigned the dish and replaced the LNB.... but, still can't hit the 119 satellite. The installers believes that it's an issue with the 360 receiver. I spoke to another level 2 rep about ten minutes ago and he agreed that the installer did all that he could do. The level 2 rep agreed that I should wait until the new 360 is delivered to see if I have any more problems. Has anyone else had this issue too?

Originally posted by Cheezmo
If you have a CRT rear projector, it is most likely your TV, and not the Samsung. Geometry problems like that are very common. About half the Mitsubishi's made around year 2000 were really bad at the 1080i scan rate. Depending on what TV you have there may be a geometry template available that you or an ISF calibrator could use to fix the problem.

Thanks for the info, it's a sony GWIII, and it doesn't do this with the cable box input and also works fine with the old 160 I'm sending back to D*
Seems to be an issue with the 360 and I've tried all settings 720p/1080i/native1/2/3......will see if it is fixed with the new box D* is sending out.

While talking to samsung tech support, they had me press the button next to the card slot....said this is the preferred way to reboot the 360 box instead of pulling the plug out. This fixes my 745 issues each time they occur...still getting dropouts.

119 is the satellite where all HD channels are, right? I do have receiption of HDNet and HDNet Movies, but with the same issues as on other satellite channels -- intermitemt dropouts with eventual X745 message. However, I noticed that my OTA loacals do not have these issues. I think it is because they do not have to go through access card/card reader. In fact, I was watching my OTA locals for 5 days on TS360 before installing the 3-LNB dish and activating the card and I never had issues with my locals. So this issue seems to be related to either the access card itself or the card reader.

Anybody having the problem where all of a sudden the picture color goes real bad. i mean it almost goes off. This happened on two separate occasions. When I changed output settings on the front it cleared up..:(

Also, has anyone had their guide colors "wash out?" I switched to winter/dark after first install and 5 minutes later they washed out... lighter blue and much less vibrant orange.

It's not cables, as it's the same on s-vid as component. Turns out that now I can't even change theme colors... it stays that same washed out winter no matter what theme I choose. They are replacing the box due to that alone... at first they were going to send a new card for the x:745 issues.

Returning to my own question above, samsungparts.com lists a remote control for the SIR-TS360 at $48.95 (Model # MF59-00250A). It is not described as the RF Remote, and there's no picture or specs. I think the parts supplier is J & J International (800-627-4368).l

I got my replacement 360 last night and hooked it up.. I did the thing with setting it with round dish first and then using auto detect after it rebooted, but it still would not find the dish.. I set it to 3lnb and rebooted it.. It has been working fine everysince.. no dropouts at all.. Watched about 4 hours last night, both hdtv and sd.. got my fingers crossed..

Originally posted by BK EH
Also, has anyone had their guide colors "wash out?" I switched to winter/dark after first install and 5 minutes later they washed out... lighter blue and much less vibrant orange.

It's not cables, as it's the same on s-vid as component. Turns out that now I can't even change theme colors... it stays that same washed out winter no matter what theme I choose. They are replacing the box due to that alone... at first they were going to send a new card for the x:745 issues. DId you try to change the output or turn it off and on to fix it. That sounds like the problem that I have been having with the colors fading....

Originally posted by patrickpiteo
DId you try to change the output or turn it off and on to fix it. That sounds like the problem that I have been having with the colors fading....

I went through hard and soft resets myself, and then with tech support at DTV... no dice.

Well I had the color fade out happen for a third time. So I will call Samsung first...:mad:

Originally posted by vvrok
119 is the satellite where all HD channels are, right? I do have receiption of HDNet and HDNet Movies, but with the same issues as on other satellite channels -- intermitemt dropouts with eventual X745 message. However, I noticed that my OTA loacals do not have these issues. I think it is because they do not have to go through access card/card reader. In fact, I was watching my OTA locals for 5 days on TS360 before installing the 3-LNB dish and activating the card and I never had issues with my locals. So this issue seems to be related to either the access card itself or the card reader.

I still get the other hd channels...discovery, espn, etc. I was told that the 119 satellite has the hdnet channel and some of the hbo channels. I hope the new 360 takes care of all these issues.

Since I called Samsung and they said they read the forum and they reported nothing on problems with the 360.....

FIX THIS POS NOW!

READ THIS THREAD CAREFULLY, THERE ARE MANY REPORTS OF ISSUES.

I am sick of this thing blacking in and out and giving me the x745 message. I put my HD200 up on my main TV and this thing is sitting until they fix it with a firmware upgrade. I have replaced the card from DirecTV, and will send it back, but according to everyone else it will not work either.

Got my 360 today. Got a chance to experience the video drop outs that everyone had described. I was hoping that I got a unit that wouldn't do that. The general look of the receiver is alot nicer than the 160 and about half the height of it.

My receiver has firmware of 1.2.03, how do I go about getting the .06 version? Will it be loaded automatically?

Here's my story, it's sad but true....


I got my 360 Thursday evening and finally got a chance to install it yesterday. I followed the directions to the letter regarding attaching all cables and inserting the DirecTV access card before plugging it in. When I plugged it in, I got no picture (is it supposed to show a progress bar regarding downloading info?) and thought this isn't good. The display said "booting" for about 30 seconds, then said "boot fail" and died. I have tried unplugging it, replugging it in, pushing reset, etc. The people at DirecTV were really no help in trying to get it started and are sending me a new one, but does anyone have any ideas that may get it resurrected? Every time I plug it back in it does try to boot and I get the same "boot fail" message.

TIA

SMK

I got this receiver installed yesterday.

The first one the installer brought was defective. I hooked up all the cables, the receiver would start to acquire guide data, get a couple of bars and then immediately reboot. It did this endless reboot until we unplugged it. He had his guy bring out another one from the warehouse and it worked just fine.

So a 10 minute install took 1 1/2 hours :( but at least I got a working receiver.

Originally posted by Tonedeaf
I was hoping that I got a unit that wouldn't do that. The general look of the receiver is alot nicer than the 160 and about half the height of it.
Interesting enough, I am think the opposite. Yes, it is about half the height but it is bright silver instead of the 160's more sedate smoked silver. And the blue display panel is really obtrusive in a dim room.

[My receiver has firmware of 1.2.03, how do I go about getting the .06 version? Will it be loaded automatically?
Where did you see anything about .06? I have not... it seems weird they woul have something 10 days after release of the product.

Originally posted by RoyGBiv
Here's my story, it's sad but true....


I When I plugged it in, I got no picture (is it supposed to show a progress bar regarding downloading info?) and thought this isn't good.
SMK

Do you have it connected with the DVI cable?

The default output is component video. Look carefully at the upper right of the display. Press the output button and toggle to RGB DVI to get the DVI output.

I had this problem and it took me a bit to fiqure out why no display.

BOOT FAILED is usually an antenna setting problem. Once you get the display you'll see an INSTALL button youc an select to set your dish type.

Good luck.

Allen

I've never seen a 745 message, but the "blinking out" problem is getting pretty annoying. I really only sat down today to watch a 1 hour show in earnest and my daughter started asking me what was wrong with the TV. It just goes black and pixelates for a second every 5-10 minutes. Only seems to affect satellite HD channels.

Originally posted by ajw22
Do you have it connected with the DVI cable?

The default output is component video. Look carefully at the upper right of the display. Press the output button and toggle to RGB DVI to get the DVI output.

I had this problem and it took me a bit to fiqure out why no display.

BOOT FAILED is usually an antenna setting problem. Once you get the display you'll see an INSTALL button youc an select to set your dish type.

Good luck.

Allen

Thanks for the help, but I did try changing the output. I don't remember if the initial was RGB or component, but I pressed it until I made sure it said YPbPr on the display as I am using component. It didn't have any picture. I was thinking about connecting a composite cable and see if I get anything.

In terms of the antennas (both sat and OTA) this unit is replacing a DTC-100. Both those cables work perfectly with the DTC-100.

SMK

Originally posted by BK EH
Where did you see anything about .06? I have not... it seems weird they woul have something 10 days after release of the product.

In this thread page 3 second post from the bottom.

Originally posted by Gary Whitaker
1.2.03 is the base, 1.2.06 (DVI upgrade). The TS360 is currently a step back from the TS160 OTA signal meter, tuner is the same, and is in every HD "enabled" product they make.

I hate the word "ready", what does that mean again? Enabled, empowered, capable, competent, prepared, equipped, able... -sigh-

Originally posted by RoyGBiv
When I plugged it in, I got no picture (is it supposed to show a progress bar regarding downloading info?) and thought this isn't good.

Mine did the same, After switching around the connections for awhile, DVI nor Component would come up on the screen, but S-vid would. I then unplugged it and let it reboot again and pushed the output button and then it worked.

Can someone tell me where I check the firmware version on the 360...I must have missed it?

thanks in advance.

Menu
Setup
System Information.
1.2.03 on mine...been installed for 3 days

RE: Where did you see newer .06 software... for the 360??

Originally posted by Tonedeaf
In this thread page 3 second post from the bottom.

OK... on the 160, the .06 upgrade was the upgrade that allowed the centering of the pic when using DVI input.

I think I am going to wait on the validity of that comment as far as the 360 is concerned, as the only other place where this is mentioned is in the post you are referring to: .06 s/w?? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=3375575&highlight=.06#post3375575)

And that post is referring to a comment made by a 'Gary.' And the only 'Gary' making any comments in this 360 thread has said nothing about a newer 360 software rev to .06. Tech support would be saying 'wait for the upgrade' if past history w/ the 160 is any indication. Instead, they are replacing units.

A few items to avoid confusion. The 12.03 that shipped in the 360 on units that have been sitting in the warehouse for 6 mo's prior to release, is probably not the 12.03 that is in current production. Typically when Samsung is ready to release all the patches, then they will re-label the latest 12.03.#.# to 12.06. In the meantime, *D will not spool these hidden patches unless there is a catastrophic problem with the product.

Returns are being given these patches and the distributors are reseting the units to Oval-3 using the Round Dish trick, validating that special upgrade is set, and turning them back around. So if you receive a replacement or new unit preset to Oval-3, where as the first batch was sent preset to None or Round, you will know you have the latest.

If you are curious to see if *D has spooled any ERP's. Press and hold down the menu button on the front panel and press the right arrow key twice. Navigate to IRD info to verify your current software release and then press back, navigate to patches. "Do not select commands, reset to default". You will become a very unhappy camper as this removes your local subscribed channels and will be subject to 100 questions by *D to send a smart card refresh signal. This is typically an indication of hacking. If you need to reset the receiver use the button below the smart card. Press exit on your remote to exit the service menu.

Getting a replacement for my 360, had the frequent video and audio dropout problems as I previously posted. Also had problems with OTA signal meter. I hope they send me something other than a Samsung as I also had a problem 160 that went back to D*. I don't have a lot of confidence that the problems with the buggy Samsung boxes will be solved soon.

Considering the 160 issues of past & feature upgrades that where never delivered, I am a bit surprised that so many signed up to be beta testers for the 360. I am patiently waiting for the RCA DTC 210 for personal use, which is the Toshiba DST-3100 in a different case, so distributors are telling retailers as of recent, and surprise, it actually comes with a UHF remote.

Ok, I've had the 360 hooked up for 3 days also and I'm still at 1.2.03 also. After I got this second unit hooked up and recongnized the sat's I've had no problems
No audio or video dropouts after hours of watching many different channels. I'm using the DVI and no problems there either, everything is bright and crisp.

Then you received the same 12.03 possibly w/software patches, and it "was" pre-configured to Oval-3 for you. This is why the *D CSR's and/or Samsung simply will not spend 2h's on the phone, it's just easier to replace the unit instead of arguing with a customer who questions the instructions nor follows them.

Gary,
Is there a way to do the "software patch update" on our end? Or do we keep ordering replacement boxes until we get the "updated" and oval-3 version?
Thanks.
Tim

My 745 errors have gone away WITHOUT having the set replaced. (The replacement set was sent FDEX home delivery - ground) and wont be here till Wed. Did D* do something on their end to make it go away?

bert

Most of the units returned to distribution have been re-flashed with 12.03 and re-configured for Oval-3. A minimal number of units have been returned to Samsung unless DOA. I would suggest even if you are receiving HD programming, to manually select Round Dish proceed with the reboot then select Auto Dish Detect. If the issues do not go away, try Round again, but upon reboot, select Oval-3 on the 2nd pass. If you do this tonight, I suggest turning off the receiver from the remote before you go to bed, to get any patches or upgrades by morning.

There are few instances where the Oval-3 is not properly aligned or the sub has an older Oval-2 with the Sat-C upgrade kit not properly installed and/or behind a non-cascadable multi-switch, and/or they self installed a standard LNB in the 110 slot in an older Oval-2 and/or has not correctly installed the Sat-C combiner and/or the 360 has not been installed with allowances for proper ventilation, and/or lastly the receiver was shipped in standard upgrade mode.

Only after attempting passes at the Round Dish config and removal of the unit from a non ventilated environment, should an RMA be requested. As I stated before, D* does not consider these issues worthy of emergency patches, yet. I also cannot confirm what the sub patch releases are, for 12.03, that the distributors are currently flashing on returned 360's. So if self redemption fails, then do RMA the unit to get the latest.

You can also follow my prior post instructions to see if *D has in fact spooled any patches. If you only see 12.03 and no patches, *D may have re-spooled 12.03 with patches, but that would be transparent to the user, except suddenly your problems went away, an old Microsoft trick. I would not be surprised to see 12.06 show up in new product by this Spring and *D officially spooling it to all by this Summer. Remember, it is simply a service pack release w/rolled up patches.

I may have understated the importance of ventilation, but this may be effecting a larger number of subs than first thought. No piece of equip should ever be stacked on top of each other or enclosed behind doors w/out rear ventilation.

Still Happening to me.. I have a build date of Jan 29 2004. You think this would have the latest and greatest software. I will reboot with the method that was suggested, If its still there in the morning I will be calling D* tomorrow.

Joe

My manufacturer date is also 1/29/04. I have 12.03 with no patches per the procedure described above. I do have the periodic blinking out problem on HD satellite channels, but no other problems. Would the Round Dish procedure above possibly offer me any benefit? I will try turning it off over night and see if any patches show up.

Build date of 1/26 here with no patches per above procedure.

Having good luck with it tonight. No audio or video drops at all. Hope this continues.

I too had the audio and video drop out and the message to call for the x745 error. They sent a replacement card and it dropped while on the phone with cust. service to activate new card. Will recieve a replacement in a few days, meanwhile I placed a fan on my unit and it has not dropped audio or video for about two and a half hours.

The key is actually performing the procedure "and" insuring that the unit is not stacked on top or below another AV component, rule 6" between AV components (see owners manual). Remember to turn off the receiver tonight when you go to bed, but from the remote. Don't guess, don't hope, or assume, follow the procedure and then call *D if unresolved, but do perform the Round dish procedure regardless.

To many calls come in from retailers to distributors and/or *D. Again, some people simply do not follow instructions. Usually when an installer is dispatched, the AV stacking problem is realized or the installer performs the procedure and the customer is left speechless...

Tonight in Gary's email;

Q: "I have an Oval-3, selected Oval-2 and rebooted, then selected Auto Detect, now my receiver can't see any HD channels".
A: Did I say anything about selecting Oval-2 in my last correspondence?

Q: "My receiver is on top of an Aragon amp, why would spacing have anything to do with an 741 error message"?
A: Even the Aragon owners manual states that it has to be separated by 12" from any other component. It's a 200w per side amp. Heat?

Q: "I went ahead and selected default settings, now my customer is complaining they lost local channels and *D will not restore them".
A: Did I not state to "not" select restore to default?

Q: "I was a Dish sub and added a 18" dish for 101 on Direct, I cannot get the 360 to even see 110, what is the problem?"
A: Did you install a Sat-C kit on the Dish 500?

Q: "Your suggestion to configure for Round does not make any sense, I have an Oval dish".
A: If you have an Oval-3 dish, you "can" re-config to Round, you will only receive programing for 101 upon reboot, until you re-config for Auto Detect or Oval-3.

Q: "Gary you are fool, I received a replacement receiver tonight, connected the Sat RF and after Guide downloaded everything worked... I did not have to do anything, plug and play".
A: You received a pre-configured replacement w/possible software patches. For the few that followed the re-config procedure, they did not have to wait for a replacement receiver.

Please understand why *D or Samsung CSR's would simply prefer to replace your unit on the first pass or send an installer.

Originally posted by Gary Whitaker
Most of the units returned to distribution have been re-flashed with 12.03 and re-configured for Oval-3. A minimal number of units have been returned to Samsung unless DOA. I would suggest even if you are receiving HD programming, to manually select Round Dish proceed with the reboot then select Auto Dish Detect. If the issues do not go away, try Round again, but upon reboot, select Oval-3 on the 2nd pass. If you do this tonight, I suggest turning off the receiver from the remote before you go to bed, to get any patches or upgrades by morning.

There are few instances where the Oval-3 is not properly aligned or the sub has an older Oval-2 with the Sat-C upgrade kit not properly installed and/or behind a non-cascadable multi-switch, and/or they self installed a standard LNB in the 110 slot in an older Oval-2 and/or has not correctly installed the Sat-C combiner and/or the 360 has not been installed with allowances for proper ventilation, and/or lastly the receiver was shipped in standard upgrade mode.

OK, Gary, please bear with me, as this will be my Part A, after reading all your followup stuff late today, and I will post my Part B tomorrow morning.

I do not have any 'hidden' patches as per a previous post of yours. I have done all the above... exactly. No changes... still a washed out winter theme in the guide that I cannot change. Still audio/video breakups and pixallation on DTV channels.

I have a perfectly aligned, 6 month old, 18" triple LNB that had 90%+ on all DTV birds with my old 160. It, and the 360 now, are on a top shelf by themselves. I powered it off via the remote and will report that part in the morning.

So now that you know that I am one of many people here that actually know how to follow your valued suggestions, please fill us in, as this has always been a forum of open sharing.

Specifically: where are you getting this stuff? The 'round dish trick' and the 'hidden version' stuff? Do you work for Samsung or DTV? Help us understand while we jump through your hoops, please.

And finally, for you to post earlier in this thread:
Considering the 160 issues of past & feature upgrades that where never delivered, I am a bit surprised that so many signed up to be beta testers for the 360. ...I have to tell you that I find that a completely disingenous statement. Be specific w/ regards to the 160, please, as it *works* now.

And do you really think that the people here that have 360s acquired them, via DTV for the most part, expecting to be guinea pigs or beta testers?!? Pulleeease... the newbies struggling here will especially be wondering why they see such cracks against the product!

I am done for now, but will be back in the AM with my Part B.

TIA!

I can't tell you which side of the fence I work for, but understand, I am very close to the product and well beyond Samsung's ATS's displeasure over my posts. 160 issues are no CID name, no large cell EPG, but promised as feature upgrades, but never delivered. The fact that they compress 16:9 format (HD & SD) into 4:3, when the receiver is configured for 16:9, causes an unreadable EPG via composite or RF on slaved SD 4:3 TV's.

The fact that Samsung advertises 480i/p, means interlaced only through S-Vid, but then funny, they offer 480i component on the SIR-75. So let's just say, I expected nothing more or less of the 360. But then, do you have a UHF remote for the experience? That is why I am holding out for the RCA 210 re-labeled Toshiba DST-3100. As for newbies, this is an advanced forum. If they happen on to this forum, they will learn much.

As far as product and support, I rate it as A, for Asinine. As far as QA, I would have given my entire development staff the product to take home for QA, obviously that is not an approved procedure at Samsung.

I fixed my 745 message by taking my access card out and rebooting. Then put the card back in. It has been working for 2 days now. However, I still get the video and audio black outs on all of Dave's channels.

Originally posted by Gary Whitaker
Most of the units returned to distribution have been re-flashed with 12.03 and re-configured for Oval-3. A minimal number of units have been returned to Samsung unless DOA. I would suggest even if you are receiving HD programming, to manually select Round Dish proceed with the reboot then select Auto Dish Detect. If the issues do not go away, try Round again, but upon reboot, select Oval-3 on the 2nd pass. If you do this tonight, I suggest turning off the receiver from the remote before you go to bed, to get any patches or upgrades by morning.

There are few instances where the Oval-3 is not properly aligned or the sub has an older Oval-2 with the Sat-C upgrade kit not properly installed and/or behind a non-cascadable multi-switch, and/or they self installed a standard LNB in the 110 slot in an older Oval-2 and/or has not correctly installed the Sat-C combiner and/or the 360 has not been installed with allowances for proper ventilation, and/or lastly the receiver was shipped in standard upgrade mode.

Only after attempting passes at the Round Dish config and removal of the unit from a non ventilated environment, should an RMA be requested. As I stated before, D* does not consider these issues worthy of emergency patches, yet. I also cannot confirm what the sub patch releases are, for 12.03, that the distributors are currently flashing on returned 360's. So if self redemption fails, then do RMA the unit to get the latest.

You can also follow my prior post instructions to see if *D has in fact spooled any patches. If you only see 12.03 and no patches, *D may have re-spooled 12.03 with patches, but that would be transparent to the user, except suddenly your problems went away, an old Microsoft trick. I would not be surprised to see 12.06 show up in new product by this Spring and *D officially spooling it to all by this Summer. Remember, it is simply a service pack release w/rolled up patches.

I may have understated the importance of ventilation, but this may be effecting a larger number of subs than first thought. No piece of equip should ever be stacked on top of each other or enclosed behind doors w/out rear ventilation.

I would think if heat was such a big issue then Samsung would include fans to help cool the system off. Perhaps the people at Samsung need to invest in some R&D. I would say unplug the ird for a few hours and then plug it back in. If the blackouts reoccur within a few minuets then it is not a heat related issue.

How do I "manually select Round Dish" on the 360 setup menu? I can't find it.
Thanks.
Tim

Well, horrible for me to be off fact, but if Echostar & Samsung development merged product units together, I still picture a lemon. I am hoping the RCA 210 will be so much more, considering it has been delayed for 6 mo's for political reasons, Toshiba OEM in the past "has" improved their product.

This is not being ugly against Samsung, but Samsung has conveyed on the the 160 and non returned phone calls on the 360, that they simply do not stand behind their product. If I do get connected and talk to a general CSR, the "Not as designed feature", encourages me to switch manuf.

I have a green picture, "that was as designed". -click-

Originally posted by timatraw
How do I "manually select Round Dish" on the 360 setup menu? I can't find it.
Thanks.
Tim

Press menu on the remote, select setup, installation, set dish, select dish type, right arrow, select up/down to select Round, then right arrow and select OK.

Originally posted by BK EH
Also, has anyone had their guide colors "wash out?" I switched to winter/dark after first install and 5 minutes later they washed out... lighter blue and much less vibrant orange.

It's not cables, as it's the same on s-vid as component. Turns out that now I can't even change theme colors... it stays that same washed out winter no matter what theme I choose. They are replacing the box due to that alone... at first they were going to send a new card for the x:745 issues.
My new 360 has not been able to change colors nor translucency at all, right from the start. (Should I assume that I would see the changes 'on the fly' as soon as I move to, or at least 'select', the different options?)

I am also getting the x745 problem (which seems to be just the next progression of A/V dropouts), but I do have the receiver in a stack of components. (I already did the 'round then oval' trick; my receiver did come preset to 3-LNB oval anyway.) I put in into standby for the night now, just to see if anything 'hits it' overnight, but tomorrow I will move it out of the stack. Is the menu color problem likely to be a bad box, since every other menu feature and operation seems fine, including changing gray bars to black? Thanks for all the tips, Gary and others.

Does the 360 have caller ID?
If so does it display name and number?

Thanks J C

Yes, it has caller ID and displays name and number.

I left it off over night and no patches showed up.

Ventilation problems were mentioned a few posts ago. My neighbor got his 360 about a week ago. After a week, he began having the problems many are describing here. Turns out he bought a new cabinet and the 360 was placed behind glass doors with no rear ventilation. He now cracks open the door to allow some circulation and the problems went away.

I had the 360 installed Friday.

The first problem that I experienced was like many of you the DVI connection would work for 10 seconds or so then would go to a snowy screen. The installer said that he had already seen two bad recievers that day. So he installed a second reciever. Same problem. The temporary solution was to use the component cable instead.

Second problem was the intermittent picture and sound drop. I contacted Tier 2 Tech support they said that I had a connection problem between the dish and the reciever. So after running a new cable directly from the dish to the reciever I still have the same problem. D* will not admit that it is a problem with the reciever they think that it is the instalation. When I have a tivo reciever in another room that works fine. If any of yo find a solution please let all of us know.

Extremely frustrated,

Snyder4x4

I have a tech guy coming out on Saturday to check my black out problems. They said the same thing about my wiring being bad even though the other receiver is ok. I guess I will humor them and let the guy look at it. I think that the black outs are caused by a software glitch in the IRD. It will just be a matter of time before a fix is out. Meanwhile I will ask dave to credit my account for programing and the $99 because the dish is not worth watching right now.

Well, I have finally received my 360 this is replacing a 160. I took it out of the box and realize it is thinner than the 160.
I hooked up using DVI and I turned it on without the access card in it. Then the nightmare began....

After I realized that I didn't have the access card inside I turned it off and put it in and turned it back on. I then got error messages that I didn't have the right card etc...
I called D* and they told me to use the old access card and he did what he did on his end and then it started working. But when I started scanning for OTA channels it bought them in but it eliminated my local channels from D*
I have 1.2.03 with no patches...
I reset the box twice using both the red button and also by unplugging it.
Still no locals and now the OTA channels had a static sound whenever you change the channel. So I am like "great this is going well", so I called back D* and found out that I needed the New Access Card and she did something else and everything so far works fine and locals and OTA channels come in fine and no static sound is heard.

One thing I noticed is that I used two dual link DVI cables and none of them work. I used several single link DVI's and they work. Does anyone else had this issue?
BTW - DVI looks great, no darkness, color is fine and so far I do not have any issues.
A little nerve racking in the beginning but all is well now....

I wonder if anyone would be interested in doing an experiment on the "blackouts". We could agree to watch HDN or DSHD (the two channels I've noticed it the most) for a 1/2 hour segment and log how many and at what time the glitches occur. I'd just be curious if they happen at the same time or with similar frequency.

I'm home today. Anyone else?

Originally posted by ChrisW6ATV
My new 360 has not been able to change colors nor translucency at all, right from the start. (Should I assume that I would see the changes 'on the fly' as soon as I move to, or at least 'select', the different options?)

Yes, Chris... they should change as soon as you arrow down to the new season from the drop-list and OK. That, combined w/ yopur x745, means a video problem., not an access card issue... call them.

Gary: here is my Part B. Thanks for the earlier info. I have no software patches today and I am still at 1.2.03 in the IRD info. I followed your thread exactly before going to 'standbye' via remote last night.

BK EH,
This is not a video problem, it is a tier problem with the cam ID falling off the tier. (hacker message). Yet another glitch in the 360. I fixed mine by rebooting the IRD w/o the card in and then put the card back in and turn back on.

Originally posted by Cheezmo
I wonder if anyone would be interested in doing an experiment on the "blackouts". We could agree to watch HDN or DSHD (the two channels I've noticed it the most) for a 1/2 hour segment and log how many and at what time the glitches occur. I'd just be curious if they happen at the same time or with similar frequency.

I'm home today. Anyone else?

Me too we can start at 12:00 and leave it until 12:30 and compare notes....
I will leave it on beyond the 30 mins....
I live in the East Cost, Long Island....

How about HDNet (I'm not remotely interested in the Wedding show on discovery).

Start at 12:00 eastern time (should be HDNet World Report). Log time of each blink. Report at 12:30.

Originally posted by JC West
Does the 360 have caller ID?
If so does it display name and number?

Thanks J C It displays the name and the number if you subscribe that way with your local telephone company.

I must be one of the lucky ones. I have not had any blackouts or audio problems. The only problem I have had is the flaky OTA meter.

I have noticed something strange with the component-in. I connected my DVD player to the component-in and selected 1080i output so I could calibrate with Avia. Well the black level seems to be doing odd things. Only 1 of the 2 bars is visible for the black level test. If I turn the brightness WAY up I can see the second bar but it not sliding parallel with the first. At times they actually go in opposite directions and overlap one and other. WAF. Can anyone explain this?

Does anyone know if the default black level is 0 IRE or +7.5 IRE.

I dont know of any other way to calibrate the TV for HD.

Originally posted by Gary Whitaker
Then you received the same 12.03 possibly w/software patches, and it "was" pre-configured to Oval-3 for you. This is why the *D CSR's and/or Samsung simply will not spend 2h's on the phone, it's just easier to replace the unit instead of arguing with a customer who questions the instructions nor follows them. Gary, have you heard of the color fade out problem. This has happened 6 times. Without any waring the picture goes almost pale. I have to change inputs, or turn off and on, or once even reboot to get the color back...any ideas...

Wait a minute, I thought it was common knowledge that the 160 and 360 only have the number in the caller ID. I am fully subscribed and my E86 used to show name/number but not the Samsung. Did I miss something?

As for heat, the E86 got MUCH hotter to the touch than the Samsung. I keep mine on top of the stereo cabinet so it's well ventilated, but I would think there would be far fewer heat problems than the E86.

Not common knowledge here, my TS-360 definitely shows names.

my 360 doesn't do anything for caller ID even though I have it turned on and subscribe to caller ID from the phone company. Of course, my unit really blows ace and hopefully the replacement will fix everything (fingers crossed way too hard).

Gary: I'm sure i speak for others when I say thank you for your help and patience:
Here is my situation:
Audio and video blackouts are consistent finally gets me X745.
I have done the following:
Rebooted for a round dish.
Re-run auto detection.
Set the receiver to "Special Upgrade" in the service menu. Left the receiver off Saturday night and awakened Sunday to X745.
Sunday night I rebooted again on Round, followed by a reboot on 3-oval. Checked to verify we were still in special upgrade mode. Awakened this morning to x745. Checked and no software patches or new software was present.
Could it be that I still have an old style 3 LNB dish? I can assure you that the Sat C Kit is properly assembled running to an external 4x4 switch. Do I need to switch the Dish to an integrated switch or get a cascadeable 4x4?
While I have your attention. I have an installtion appointment for this coming Saturday to add aonther Tivo and hopefully to fix this problem. Are there any 5x8 multiswitches you strongly suggest I use or avoid?
If my current dish/switch is the problem, would my current dish be acceptable if I removed the old 4x4 and went direct with the Sat C combiner running into the 18v Sat B input of a 5x8?
Plenty of ventilation.
Thanks for your help!

As luck would have it, I didn't have any blackouts watching HDNet from 12-12:30 ET.

I guess we should try again later on another channel.

Not sure if this has been mentioned before, but regarding these blackouts, is the entire video output blacking out, or just the DirecTV broadcast? For example, if you have the program guide on the screen, does the program guide stay visible while the video in the background blacks out? If so this sounds like a problem with how the unit is decrypting the sat stream. Maybe an access card or card reader issue?

I'm not sure I've seen it when the program guide was up, but the way it pixelates during recovery, it certainly seems like a decoding issue.

Originally posted by Darrin_R
I must be one of the lucky ones. I have not had any blackouts or audio problems. The only problem I have had is the flaky OTA meter.

I have noticed something strange with the component-in. I connected my DVD player to the component-in and selected 1080i output so I could calibrate with Avia.

I tried hooking up my DVD to my component in on the 360 and it looked like complete crap. Looked almost like a VCR when I played a movie on it. Had to change it back to the component in on my RPTV and all was better again.

Chris,
I have noticed the blackout problems on both satellite and over the air signals (anything high def #-1). The blackouts are both sound and video.

Originally posted by Cheezmo
As luck would have it, I didn't have any blackouts watching HDNet from 12-12:30 ET.

I guess we should try again later on another channel.

Yeah nothing on my end either...
But this is new....
Whenever i go to a 1080 signal it locks in and the samsung adjusts itself but if I go to a local channel if it is 480 it then changes aspect to accomodate the 480 signal meanwhile the info screen is big and chuncky.
I go into the setup screen and the the tv screen is still at 16x9 and in full screen mode.
I go back to hdnet or any other channel in HD and it locks it in 1080 or 720(abc) and the info screen shrinks...
Anyone else having this problem?

Well, I received my replacement access card from DirecTV this morning. (I did not know FedEx is working on President's Day.) Put the new card in right away and almost immediately (withing the first two minutes) experienced couple of dropouts. So, I called DirecTV Level II support team and explained the situtation. I said I did all the tricks they suggested before (unplugging, resetting, etc.) and it did not help. They did not have choice but to send me a new receiver. Hope the new one will be better.

Originally posted by ccrutch
BK EH,
This is not a video problem, it is a tier problem with the cam ID falling off the tier. (hacker message). Yet another glitch in the 360. I fixed mine by rebooting the IRD w/o the card in and then put the card back in and turn back on.

Thanks... the tech told me is was the 'video head' ...go figure!?

He had me do exactly what you did. It did not fix mine. I also still got more x:745's.

It's now unhooked and waiting for the replacement.

Originally posted by snyder4x4
Chris,
I have noticed the blackout problems on both satellite and over the air signals (anything high def #-1). The blackouts are both sound and video.

Have had the audio and video dropouts, but only off the satellite. The OTA signals have have been solid both standard and Hi-Def. The more I read about this box the weirder it gets. Hope my replacement is something other than a 360.

Tonedeaf

I really dont notice any difference in PQ with the DVD going thru the 360. The black level just seemed to be very odd. Although I should have mentioned that I didnt have the issue with the Avia disk (sliding bars) when I changed the DVD player to output interlace. It was only in progressive mode.

Gary,
What glitch does the "round disk trick" attempt to solve?
What exactly are the steps in the trick?
Thanks.
Tim

Originally posted by Darrin_R
Tonedeaf

I really dont notice any difference in PQ with the DVD going thru the 360. The black level just seemed to be very odd. Although I should have mentioned that I didnt have the issue with the Avia disk (sliding bars) when I changed the DVD player to output interlace. It was only in progressive mode.

I'll have to try it in interalaced mode then. My player is set at Prog now.

Thanks.

I just did some experiments with a DVD Player through the component inputs.

With the DVD player in progressive mode, picture looks pretty good, but black level is too low and clipped (looks like it expects a 480p signal with 7.5 IRE black level which is not standard, but some DVD players can do). Overscan is off, image stretched horizontally about 2%.

With the DVD player in interlaced mode, the picture is pretty bad, lots of edge enhancement and loss of resolution. But, the black level is OK.

My dvd looks better through the t360.

oops, I thought you said my DVD is BETTER than the t360.

sorry.

It is absolutely possible for DVD to look better through the Samsung than hooked up directly.

If all the scan rates of the TV have not been calibrated, the "look" of each one can be very different. On many RPTV's the convergence could be way off on one and good on the other. Color and tint, edge enhancement, all kinds of things can be different. If you have a TV that happens to be set up pretty well for 1080i, but isn't reproducing 480i or 480p very well. Well, there you are.

I looked through the manual but couldn't find anything. Does anyone know if the 360 has a built-in diplexer?

Has anybody had a 160 and now a 360? Can you give me a comparison of the two? Which do you think is the better choice at this time? Alternate choices?

My old E86 had a built-in diplexer. My new 360 does not unfortunately.

Mark

Neither! just turn around and run, don't look back.....save yourself, your money and your time. Maybe some day all of these HD receivers will work.

Originally posted by john_r_1
Has anybody had a 160 and now a 360? Can you give me a comparison of the two? Which do you think is the better choice at this time? Alternate choices? pick your poison. both have about the same problems as you can see....

Anybody have the HTL-HD or LG 3200. Are they any better? I actually have a TS160 and it works with no problems. Just that the switches and card is in the back. Any suggestions?

Well just got off the phone with D* and their crack troubleshooting staff on 360 technical issues. Concerning the color fade problem (which it seems that I am the only one having). Took me about 40 minutes to finally get them to say it must be the box. So here we go again. They are sending me another box.....

Anybody!
What glitch does the "round disk trick" attempt to solve?
What exactly are the steps in the round disk trick?
Thanks.
Tim

Originally posted by john_r_1
Has anybody had a 160 and now a 360? Can you give me a comparison of the two? Which do you think is the better choice at this time? Alternate choices?

It depends.

On a Mits TV, my 160 works great, both DTV and OTA, for over a year. My 360 went flaky 90 minutes out of the box, but we'll see what happens with the replacement.

However, picture, on my Mits, is exactly the same. Tuner is the same. Guide is exactly the same. You can fine tune the OTA on the 360, but not the 160, but it does nothing for me. The screen centering on the 360 does all inputs; on the 160 it does only DVI. But, my Mits is ISF'ed and screen centering was never a component 1080i issue to begin with. Caller ID on the 160 has number, no name, but I do not use it so no big deal.

When I get the new 360, and it's working, I'll sell it... it's too silver for me and I personally do not care for the bright blue display... ;)

So, it boils down to aesthetics for me... I did the 99 deal and tried it. Someone will get a very nice, never used unit, brand new 3LNB dish and 100 ft of twin-cabled RG6 for one heck of an eBay price compared to retail.

I just got my first "call cust. serv. X745"

Now I have to go read how to get out of that one...

anyone able to get to the botton of the video dropouts? I just started having them and have reset the box with the card in and out. They were gone for awhile, but now they are back. This is my 2nd 360, and I have a 160 that powered off by itself before that. What is D* saying?? I'm about ready to ask for my $$ back until they can provide a box that works. Anyone done that yet?

I haven't tried connecting my DVD to the 360 as I think the picture is excellent as it is through a Zektor switcher. But, I tried a VCR via both s-video and composite connections to see how that would look as it would be convenient to have one VCR connected that way. It looked like crap. There was a lot of color bleeding, and in different parts of the screen one color would look reddish while in a different part the same color would be orange (it was supposed to be orange). I reconnected the VCR through my Yamaha receiver to the TV, and it looked a lot better.

SMK

Here is a list of all DirecTV error messages (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/learn/OnScreenMessages_Q.jsp)

According to DTV, the 745 error means:

On-screen message: For ordering information, please call customer service, ext. 745.
What it means: Your access card may be invalid and has been removed from service. Or your receiver may not be reading the information on your access card.
What to do: Make sure the access card is fully inserted in the receiver with the arrows facing up and into the machine. If the message still appears, turn off the receiver and then unplug it from the outlet or power strip. Wait 15 seconds, then plug your receiver back in and turn it on. If the message appears again when you reconnect the receiver, call customer service at the phone number on your DIRECTV bill and select the option for technical assistance.

According to hacker sites, 745 means:
Your receiver may not be reading the information on your access card or The CAMID on your Access Card has been Blacklisted by DTV.

So basically these 745 errors (and probably the blackouts too) are the result of the receivers inability to properly read the card and decode the datastream.

I have had the 745 errors and the blinking to black like it seems many have had. I was a bit skeptical that removing the 360 from a stack of equipment like Gary Whitaker suggested would help but I gave it a try.

First I tried fixing the 745 problems that would hit me two or three times a day by doing the following:

- Powered the 360 down to standby with the remote
- Removed the access card
- Pressed the reset button to the right of the access card slot
- Let the 360 boot up and say to insert the access card
- Slid the access card in and got channels displayed

Since I did that 48 hours ago I have not been hit with a 745.

I had my cable TV box sitting above the 360 and the top of the 360 felt warm. I removed the cable TV box from over the 360. I also put books under the 360 to elevate it about an inch to give airflow under it. The top of the 360 feels much cooler now and I have had no blinks during about 8 hours of viewing. I used to get a blink every 20 to 30 minutes.

I have lot's of AV equipment from different vendors. None of my equipment has the temp sensitivity that the 360 seems to have. I don't think this is normal for a piece of consumer electronics gear. This experience sours my view of Samsung consumer electronics.

Put your hand on the top of the 360 if your getting the blinks. If it feels hot to warm then you need to try to place it where it gets better airflow and runs cooler.

We'll see if this fixes my problems or if I've just been lucky the last 2 days.

Allen

I went 3-4 days with occassional blinking but no 745's. Now I've had two 745's in two days. It's kind of hard to determine when things are "fixed". But, I think I will definitely try the "open air" approach.

Wow, my 360 does have name/number callerID, how did I miss that? Now I'm VERY happy that I moved up from the 160.

Went the few hours I watched TV last night with no Video drops.

I did also try hooking my DVD up to it again and it still looked like crap. Both 480p and 480i. Much better connecting through my Mits.