Originally posted by rb5505

...snip...
... new lg lss3200 locally for $299 less a future $200 directv credit when activated.
... snip...


FYI, the Hughs HTL-HD is also selling around here for $299 (/w free 3 LNB dish if you are lucky, I was), but when I actually went to buy it I had to sign an agreement to activate DTV within 90 days or the seller would add $200 to my CCard. Apparently this $299 pricing is part of an agreement with DTV... the HTL-HD were selling for $349 w/o dish until just recently.

Since I wanted DTV I did the deal, swapped the 2 LNB dish for the new one, and had HD, all within about 1 hr. DTV did give the $200 HW credit plus free HD and $2 HBO for 6mos.

The HTL-HD has one thing which is quite different than my older Sony DTV receiver: the local stations are tuned by entering 002, 004, etc. whereas before they started at 886, 887, etc. This is nice, but...

... since I now get NTSC, ATSC, and DTV locals all from the HTL-HD, when I do a chan-up or -down the channels sequence from, for example, 7(NTSC), 7(DTV), 7-1 (ATSC), 7-2(ATSC), etc. Since these all mostly have the same programming (there are some exceptions on other channels) I must press the chan-up 4 times to get to the next real channel. I now need to figure out how to disable the NTSC channels (at least)... back to the book...

Just hide all the NTSC channels in your custom guide. Then leave the receiver on the custom guide if you want to see them in the guide or leave the guide on All if you want to see them in the guide. Either way the channel up/down will skip them (channel up/down is based on the channels in the custom guide no matter which guide you are viewing)

Thanks Chris, saved me some time.

Originally posted by Chris Loker
Just hide all the NTSC channels in your custom guide. Then leave the receiver on the custom guide if you want to see them in the guide or leave the guide on All if you want to see them in the guide. Either way the channel up/down will skip them (channel up/down is based on the channels in the custom guide no matter which guide you are viewing)

Just wondering when I can expexct to get the 2.0 upgrade? I've had the box for almost 48 hours. I'm on 1.0.7 i believe which is what came out of the box.

I have the same question - how long does it normally take D* after activation to send out the latest firmware update?

Also, is it possible to tell whether or not one has a brand new box or a used one? Is there something unique about the first time one powers up one of these units? Thanks.

The HTL-HD I got had 1.07 (or something like that). I found this once the box was hooked to the TV and would display the setup menus.

I hooked the box to the DTV antenna and activated the same PM... 9pm or so. By the next AM the box was updated to 2.0.

Good luck

I activated the Hughes HTL HD last Friday after my LG 3200a blew out, but used the same card as I had been using in the LG. I've still got the 1.07 software; no download yet. Could this be because I didn't activate a new card? Maybe the receiver thinks I've already got the new software?

Hate to ask such a "newbie-type" question, but I bought an HTL-HD (early version 1.06) for OTA HD (and future satellite use) and have ZERO experience w/D*.

My D* card is still in its sealed envelope. If I want to upgrade my firmware to 2.0 as ellisr63 described, do I need to use that card or can I use another card that is in someone else's (non-HD) receiver?

Are there any issues with unsealing my card and using it? I DO intend in the future to get a dish and subscribe, just dunno when I will feel comfortable taking the plunge ($-wise).

Use the card that came with your HTLHD and connect the box to your friends D* RG6. Make certainy ou get a picture on channel 100 and thats all you need to get the V2.0 firmware.

Its no big deal to use your non activated card. Using your friends activated card might be more troublesome sicne its assigned to another receiver S/N.


Originally posted by Laserfan
Hate to ask such a "newbie-type" question, but I bought an HTL-HD (early version 1.06) for OTA HD (and future satellite use) and have ZERO experience w/D*.

My D* card is still in its sealed envelope. If I want to upgrade my firmware to 2.0 as ellisr63 described, do I need to use that card or can I use another card that is in someone else's (non-HD) receiver?

Are there any issues with unsealing my card and using it? I DO intend in the future to get a dish and subscribe, just dunno when I will feel comfortable taking the plunge ($-wise).

Originally posted by HD_JUNKIE
...Its no big deal to use your non activated card....Thanks! I'll give it a go!

Has anyone received the firmware update since Friday August 13th?

I've had my htl-hd hooked up since the 13th but system info still shows firmware v1.07 with no upgrade scheduled. I've left it tuned to channel 201 every night. I've tried with power on and power off. It hasn't been activated yet and I don't have the phone line connected, but from what I've read here that doesn't matter.

Any thoughts?

I got my HTL-HD on 8/16 with v1.10, activated it the same day. I also haven't received the 2.0 update.

Got my Lss3200A last week... still no update..

T\W D* yesterday afternoon. THey had me unplug... disconnect from sat. (the standard drill)... I didn't have time to look this AM.

THey also gave me a direct number to the next level of tech service...I do not have it with me, but if anyone needs it, I'll post it around 5:00 PM CST today.

Best
Dave

Was on the phone last night with the Tech services guy at D*. I still have no upgrade for the LSS-3200A.

We went thru the whole drill again (unplugging...disconnect from Sat..ad nauseaum).
He finally said that he would fill out a problem tracking # for my specific sat box.

Anyway, if anyone else can not seem to get the download, CAll D* Tech service direct at 800-695-9251 and start one of these tracking deals. Maybe they will figure out what is going on.


Best
Dave

I, too am having problems.

Installed my new Sony SAT-HD300 - the last unit the place had -
was able to tell that the receiver had v 1.06 firmware. When I called Direct
to have them switch service from my old receiver to the new one, asked about the firmware download. The CSR didn't have a clue and immediately told me I would have to bring this up with Sony.

After explaining about the 1:14 a.m. PT feed, I was connected to a HD technical "expert." Well, after the "expert" had to speak to a supervisor to find out about this "thing," I was advised to unplug the receiver for at least 15-seconds and the download would update the receiver.

Well, this morning - no dowload had occurred and there's no information telling me when the next or any download is scheduled.

It is now twice that I've been told by Direct that the download is sent every morning at - they say 1:15 a.m. PT, and this will be happening until November 14th.

I've been asked to disconnect the receiver again and see what happens.

By the way, I was also told to push the TiVo button, because the hard drive needed to get information! I then, after not being sure if I should laught or cry, told the "expert" that the HD300 didn't have TiVo capabilities.
The "expert" also said that if this second attempt didn't work it could be a problem with my receiver.

Hey, with so many of us having problems since the successes upto and including Friday, the 13th of August - this has got to be a Direct problem.

Anyone with any thoughts, ideas, insights???

Gary Press

Originally posted by jcardani
thanks everyone,

Got the update OK last night.

Joe

The last confirmed download was Monday 8/9/04.

Thanks for posting the 800 number....I guess I'll give that a try.

I tried that number - somehow I was connected to a regular CSR.

I was then put on hold waiting for a Tier 2 representative - finally got through. the Tier 2 rep was useless, so I asked to speak to someone who knew about the issue. This was after I was told by the Tier 2er that a possible reason I didn't get the download this a.m. was that they hadn't gotten to my area - I was told that all programming on DirecTV was transmitted via spot beam. I then told the Tier 2 rep, in the nicest way, that he didn't know what he was talking about. I was put on hold for a supervisor. I don't know how many choruses of music I listened to - then the line went dead.

Called back Tier 2 rep insisted on hearing the whole story- and wanted to know if I was still having trouble with my TiVo? Once again, told Direct -
"I don't have a TiVo!" Finally got to a supervisor - all any of them do is read off of a list of answers to Frequently Asked Questions. They have no technical background or understanding - they clearly are in over their heads!

She offered to replace my brand new Sony SAT-HD300 with an unnamed receiver. I said "NO!!!!" She asked me if I wanted her to take this problem up the line? "YES, a million times, Yes!"

I told her about this forum and that I'm not the only one and it might very well be a DirecTV problem. That stopped her!

Rupert is doing one helluva job!

Gary

I find it interesting that at exactly the 3 month mark the updates stopped coming.

May 11th - Aug 9th = 90 days.

It would appear to me that they had the updates on a schedule which has now since ended. I guess they need to turn it back on again. That shouldn't be too hard to convince someone at D* of. :rolleyes:

Oh, and I have an HD300 too and when I am on directv.com I am given a notice that says I have a TiVo yet I haven't signed up for TiVo service, would I like too. Really? Wow! When did I get a TiVo? :eek:

As indicated above, my HTL-HD updated on 8/18. after being on for less than 6 hours.

Originally posted by sonofjay
I find it interesting that at exactly the 3 month mark the updates stopped coming.

May 11th - Aug 9th = 90 days.

It would appear to me that they had the updates on a schedule which has now since ended. I guess they need to turn it back on again. That shouldn't be too hard to convince someone at D* of. :rolleyes:

Oh, and I have an HD300 too and when I am on directv.com I am given a notice that says I have a TiVo yet I haven't signed up for TiVo service, would I like too. Really? Wow! When did I get a TiVo? :eek:

Originally posted by jaime2221
As indicated above, my HTL-HD updated on 8/18. after being on for less than 6 hours.

jaime2221,
I'm confused....On 8/13/04 at 10:53 AM you posted that you had already purchased your htl-hd and it was up and running.

Well, it's Thursday morning, 8/26 and still no update!

Is 8/18 the last update any of you received?

It really sounds as if Direct has just stopped sending the signal.

All of us who bought our receivers with the expectation and promise from
Direct that they would continue to provide the update, must continue to call and speak to the highest level we can find to demand this promised service.

Please, let's all try to help each other!

Gary

You are right... I was confused... I looked at the date of the wrong posting.
I must be watching too much TV :rolleyes:
Sorry.

Originally posted by lfmthree
jaime2221,
I'm confused....On 8/13/04 at 10:53 AM you posted that you had already purchased your htl-hd and it was up and running.

jaime2221,
Thanks for the clarification. So that means your update would have been on or before the morning of Friday 8/13. Do you recall which day it was? My htl-hd has been connected since the evening of 8/13....it would be just my luck if I missed it by one day.

My update happened between 9pm on 8/12 and about 6am on 8/13.

Originally posted by lfmthree
jaime2221,
Thanks for the clarification. So that means your update would have been on or before the morning of Friday 8/13. Do you recall which day it was? My htl-hd has been connected since the evening of 8/13....it would be just my luck if I missed it by one day.

I also have a Hughes HTL-HD that I connected on August 22 and have yet to receive an upgrade. I called D* and they gave me the runaround. Finally I talked to someone that said that the upgrade only gets sent once per month. Dont know whether to believe this or not.

Satman69 -

As you can tell from my postings, I'm thoroughly frustrated with Direct on this issue.

Last time I spoke to them - yesterday - they continued to claim that the signal was being sent out on a daily basis - they say 1:15 a.m. Pacific Time.

When I asked a supervisor about this information and that I thought that she was merely reading off of a screen that had answers to Frequently Asked Questions, she became somewhat indignant. I asked her if she or I could talk directly to a technician, engineer, a person who is specifically involved in the signal being transmitted? I was told that was impossible.

All I think we can do is to call these people daily until we get the download.
I refuse to believe that the fault is with my receiver.

We've got to let these people know that we spend a lot of money with them, that we have other choices in getting reception and that they owe us good information and way to update our receivers.

Gary

Gary Press,

I am convinced that the CSRs and their managers are completely inept at answering questions that you or I cannot find on D*'s website. They read off of a prompt and have no interest in learning about their product. It is so frustrating. I have been on the phone with these people for a month and one of them is dumber than the next. It is IMPOSSIBLE to talk to anyone over there that has the inkling of a clue. I will keep calling.

I too have had a Sony SAT-HD300 activated since 8/14 and no update as yet. I have contacted D's CSR and was transferred to a tech who told me the same as others have heard, the updates are still being sent until Nov 14th and the update should happen between now and 11/14. He also suggested the std fix of unplugging the receiver for several minutes. For what its worth I expressed concern that I purchased a receiver model from the list on their website and now I'm left with out support. He reassured me that was not the case. I hope he knew what he was talking about.

Jerry -

Haven't they offered you a replacement? That's what they tried to foist on me. I told them I would only be interested in a brand new Sony HD-300 -
which I bought for several reasons. If I had wanted to get something else, I could have readily called the Retention department and had gotten whatever unit they wanted to ship me.

The latest craziness from Direct is the so called "new" receiver. It's being misrepresented as the first DirecTV branded receiver. It isn't!
It's really a Samsung TS-160 sometimes in an RCA DTC-210 guise. Talk about being screwed up. If Direct has reasons for taking firmer control of the manufacturing of receivers and total control of distribution, then they should have had new-generation product available to the public once LG and Sony were out of the race.

Additionally, under the category of "these people don't know what they're doing," when I called to have them activate the new receiver, the CSR told me that I had to contract to a year of service. I told him that I bought the new receiver through an outside retailer, not through Direct getting a special price and that in no way was he warranted in asking for such a commitment.

I realize they're very busy dealing with the aftermath of devastating storms in the South, but that's no excuse for their ignorance!

Gary

Just spoke to someone at Directv. I told them that there was a group of us that were not receiving the upgrade and that something was wrong. He said that he was aware that they were working on an even newer upgrade. He also said that they probably were not sending out 2.0 anymore and were waiting to send the newer upgrade. He did say that he would foward this complaint to the engineering dept.

From what I heard, Download has stopped as of 08/14 but it will be back soon. In regards to newer code, don't think so, 2.0 will start again.

Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Supervisor. She claims her information, of 8/23, is that they are sending the upgrade signal each morning. I don't believe it!

Once again, the way to fix things with me was to offer me a God knows what receiver. No way!

She has no ability to call engineering and find out what's going on.

Voom is looking better every moment. Only kidding.

She was astonished to hear about the 27 pages on this forum!

We must all keep calling them and have them send reports and complaints up the line.

Gary

Gary,

I didn't get the replacement offer and none needed. Like you, I choose the HD-300 for its features, picture quality and build quality and other reasons and would like to keep it even if we don't get the 2.0 upgrade.

I too was told I would have to commit to another year just for activating a new receiver. NONSENSE!! I told them, I'm a 6 year customer, just invested in a $600. (OUCH!!) receiver, have 2 other receivers active and if that isn't commitment enough then you can............ At any rate I convinced the CSR to waive the reqm't. After all I did not require any help, installation or cause DTV any expense. He said the outside retailer should have warned me. I told him I did not mind committing to another year but it's the principal.

What's worse is I emailed Sony Tech support and explained the upgrade dilemma and asked if there were any alternative methods to upgrading the firmware/software like using a pc via the serial port on the back of the HD-300, but they completely missed my point and question. The answer was "possibly in the future there may be chips and technology to allow equipment upgrades". Weird, huh? They did not address the HD-300 firmware or even confirm if the upgrade was up to 2.0 as I asked. I don't think the person who responded could read or understand English very good.

I guess we have to keep hoping D will come through.

Gary,
Try calling 800-695-9251. Ask to speak to Jeremy. He is the one that knew what was going on.

I love how their answer to everything is did you try resetting your receiver?

I would listen to HDDJ

Originally posted by Satman69
Gary,
Try calling 800-695-9251. Ask to speak to Jeremy. He is the one that knew what was going on.

I love how their answer to everything is did you try resetting your receiver? People, I would advise not to waist your time calling customer service in regards to the download. The flowdown of information is not all that great but name a corporation that does have great information flowdown to all it s depts.? Anyhow, as I stated above, I heard that the download will restart but it may take a few more days. Also, I have not heard anything in regards to a different SW code. Everyone should start getting the 2.0 SW Download as soon as D* gets it going again. Have faith in them (D*) that is ....

Chris & HDDJ,

Although, I agree that you two have given reliable information in the past, I feel that if I was in these guys shoes I would be doing the same thing. If the D* CSRs/Retention/Techs/Etc were to just say "sorry about that, the download will be turned but on by Friday of next week." then that would go a loooooooong way to keeping being happy. Keep in mind the fact that people in here only know you guys a just other board member.

Information if a powerful thing.

Now having said that. I would throw out my $0.02 in and say that if HDDJ says that D* are aware of the problem and the update will be turned back on then it will. If Chris or HDDJ have a timeframe I'm sure that would help too but fear not it will be done.

I actually know nothing about the download - I just know who's information can be relied upon. Honestly, I hate playing CSR roulette. I would be mad at D* as well if I had to jump through hoops to get any kind of information.

The fact is that HDDJ gave more information than you are going to get from pretty much any CSR - so they are going to have to be a little patient. Heck I was patient for about 8 months waiting on 2.0 - they can relax if it is only going to be a few days. I don't think they have a problem in having to get 2.0 this minute but their problem is they want accurate information. And accurate and up-to-date information I believe is now what they have.

is the hughs HTL-HD a rec that i should get or is the rec from d-tv good enough?what advantages do i get with one over the other thanks

There is a new D* HD receiver and I actually think the HTL-HD and 3200A are all now discontinued (as has been the Sony version). The new D* HD receiver adds caller ID if that is something you are interested in. However, I haven't seen any information as to the reliability or bugs in the new receivers (which I assume are RCA/Thomson produced).

Originally posted by Chris Loker
Heck I was patient for about 8 months waiting on 2.0

Yeah, I remember those 8 months....but I was far from patient :)

Originally posted by Jswan
he updates are still being sent until Nov 14th and the update should happen between now and 11/14.

I find this interesting as well. If indeed true, how much do you want to bet we'll be having this exact same conversation again 3 months from now.

A few points -

Yes, a little honesty, telling me that the download will be back on line on such and such a date would go a long way.

I will not accept that large corporations don't have the ability to share information. Rupert is in the communications business. There is no excuse for this - and paying customers, who now have many choices of where they will spend their hard earned money, have every right to have high expectations. Maybe all of us have been letting companies get away with ineptitude for way too long.

Yes, I am also impatient! And I have every right to be. I specifically held-off buying my Sony HD300 until firmware "fixes" were available.

I didn't want the receivers that the Retention Department offered.

Concerning the "new" receiver. In a previous posting I mentioned that in actuality it's a Samsung TS-160 that is being branded by RCA/Thompson and as supposedly DirecTV's first branded receiver - it ain't!

With the LG 3200A gone, the Hughes HTL-HD and the Sony SAT-HD300 (in reality, all the same machine manufactured by LG) for DirecTV to position the latest receiver as something that it's not. It really isn't right!

I thank those with some insight, connections, knowledge, whatever - in giving us a bit of hope with more substantive information than countless calls to Direct have been able to produce.

Thanks,

Gary

i can get the Hughes HTL-HD at my local BB and CC they both carry the models so should i get the hughes or just get the d tv's brand i don't need the caller id

If similiar in price - I would get the HTL-HD. With the 2.0 software it is a pretty solid and reliable performer.

can i get the free hd signal from my locals without odering d-tv package?

nice pics of barbados chris now the wifey wants to go DAMN :D

Okay, folks. Check your receivers!

My HTL-HD says that it will update to version 2.0 tonight at 3:14 am Indiana time (I think that's Central, never sure whether we're Eastern or Central because Indiana doesn't "spring forward" or "fall back".)

Regardless, be sure your receiver's tuned to a sat channel tonight, and not an OTA channel.

Finally!!!

Snoo

Originally posted by ithrill
can i get the free hd signal from my locals without odering d-tv package?

Yes with an external antenna. The IPG will not be available though as the programming info is pulled down the via the Sat

Originally posted by Snoo

My HTL-HD says that it will update to version 2.0 tonight at 3:14 am Indiana time


Nice! Does it feel like the night before <insert holiday here>? :D

Originally posted by sonofjay
Nice! Does it feel like the night before <insert holiday here>? :D


Hmmm... maybe I should string a few Christmas lights about to enhance the feeling. :)


Nah! Without my parents around to yell at me to get to sleep, the feeling just isn't the same.

Snoo

:D :D

Just checked, 2.0 Update scheduled for me also. :)
I hope all goes well with it.

YES!

It happened - wonders of wonders, miracles of miracles!

The download took place at 4:14 a.m. ET.

Thanks to everyone who cared and gave us information and also - to those, who along with me, persisted and called to complain. I'm sure it helped tremendously.

I am a happy camper!

Gary

Apart from (or I should say in addition-to) the OTA signal-strength meter, what is in 2.0 anyway? Does there exist a definitive list somewhere of bug fixes/enhancements from 1.0X to 2.0?

Just purchased and activated my HTL-HD yesterday. Came with 1.07, and updated overnight to 2.0

Man, that 8 hour wait was killing me....

Yippee...

My upgrade happened last nite too!

Should we send flowers, candy & nylons?

Best
Dave

ithrill - thanks for the compliment on my Barbados pics - it really was the nicest of the Carribean islands I have been to.

As for what you get with the update, if your box comes with less than 1.07 you don't have the signal meter on the pause button (HTL-HD only). 1.07 and up has the signal meter.

Going from 1.x to 2.x you get some reception improvements, fix to audio drop problem, fix to audio drop when entering guide, fix to guide so that it stays on last used guide (like custom) instead of defaulting to ALL every time you enter the guide.

Originally posted by Chris Loker
...Going from 1.x to 2.x you get some reception improvements, fix to audio drop problem, fix to audio drop when entering guide, fix to guide so that it stays on last used guide (like custom) instead of defaulting to ALL every time you enter the guide. Thanks, Chris! Good enough!

Originally posted by Gary Press
YES!

It happened - wonders of wonders, miracles of miracles!

The download took place at 4:14 a.m. ET.

Thanks to everyone who cared and gave us information and also - to those, who along with me, persisted and called to complain. I'm sure it helped tremendously.

I am a happy camper!

Gary Actually, the constant complaing did not help, it just annoyed, J/K ;)

you forgot to thank the academy and the viewing audience.

There is an ever increasing problem of logos not being displayed in Favorites menu my HD 300. Instead of a logo I get the channel number. Examples are HD Net I get 78, Showtime HD I get 71, Bravo HD I get74, NASA I get 376. There are others. I talked to Sony Tech support and they say it is a Direct TV problem. Yesterday I spoke with Direct and although they did not admit anything they did indicate they made some changes that might cause this and were not sure if it would be corrected unless they received a number of complaints. So my question is do others see this? If so please call Direct and let them know. If others do not see this I will go back to Sony.

Thanks.

Yes, my HD300 started out this way after I first activated last month. Now the missing logo issue seems to come and go on some channels. I'm still new to the receiver so I didn't give it much thought other than thinking its strange some have logos and some not, when I first setup a few favorites.
I'll watch it more closely going forward and call D.

So if I just purchased and activated a Hughes HTL-HD yesterday (v1.10), how long could/should it take for me to get updated to the 2.0 firmware??? Does DirecTv send the update daily or sporadically?

Thanks in advance for your reply!
-Stach

I bought my box just last week from Best Buy, and got the update the day after I activated it. Of course, more than likely, you'll have to wait till Tuesday, as I don't think DirecTV sends updates like that over the weekends.

Anyone know if D* is still transmitting the 2.0 update? I just purchased an HTL-HD 1 week ago and hope I'm not stuck with the old software as it hasn't updated from v1.10 that came with the box. What's the best phone # to call at DirecTv to try and get this resolved?

Thanks in advance for your reply!
-Stach

Anyone get the update last night? Purchased the HTL-HD last week, activated it on Friday .... last night before going to bed it said it was going to upgrade to 2.0 @ 3:14am (I'm on central time) .... turned off the receiver as people have mentioned in this thread and left it tuned to a DTV station (HDNET I believe).

Wake-up this morning and no upgrade .... I go to the system menu, and I'm still stuck on 1.07 with no upgrade scheduled.

Any ideas?

After calling DirecTv support, since my receiver never showed that a firmware update was scheduled (after one week), they claimed that everything was set and that the firmware updates go out nightly. She claimed to do nothing, but shortly after hanging up on the phone with her, my receiver finally showed that an update was scheduled for last night at the typical time. Well, I wake up this morning and once again, no update (firmware still at v1.10).

Has anyone gotten a firmware update to v2.00 in September yet (the last successful posts were at the end of August)?

Thanks in advance for you replies!
-Stach

stach,

i think we're having the same problem .... my htlhd -- activated on Friday -- has shown scheduled updates each of the past 2 nights .... i tune my receiver to a DTV station and turn it off as people have described in this thread, but so far the upgrade has not happened .... still stuck on 1.0.7

anyone else have any luck???

I spoke with DirecTv again today, and they claim that the update is being sent nightly (they even put me on hold and checked with engineering for 5 minutes). And to give me a warm fuzzy they said that if I don't get the upgrade by November, when they stop sending it from the satellites, to give them a call again (now that's service)! I plan on calling them daily until it my box, or others, get updated. Please do the same as I believe they won't look into it until enough "noise" is made.

Also, if anyone's box gets/got successfully upgraded to v2.00 from September 1st on, please post here so that we know that DirecTv is actually sending the update.

Thanks all!
-Stach

Should I expect V2.0 software on my HD200 also? I think it was v1.04 last time I looked. I also don't have the phone line connected -- I wonder if that's needed to trigger/ask for an update.
EDIT: Never mind. Search this thread found my answer!

No update on my LSS3200 that I hooked up last week...
still have a 1.0x version from '03 that was originally loaded.

Originally posted by stach
I plan on calling them daily until it my box, or others, get updated. Please do the same as I believe they won't look into it until enough "noise" is made. I believe the issue is known by D*. As stated in an earlier post, the CSR does not get "all" the info. Typical of most "big" corporations I guess. I feel for you that you really want this SW now but I am pretty sure this is being looked in to. You can continue calling but honestly, I don't think there is much a CSR can do in this case. Let's give D* some time to fix the problem, whatever it may be. I would not be surprised if we start getting the download again around 09/20 lets say ;)

Should I expect V2.0 software on my HD200 also?

No, the 2.0 update is for the HD300 only...

—Dan

Thanks for the reply/update HDDJ, you definitely appear to have "ESP" in the past, so I'll trust you.

-Stach

was scheduled to receive the update last night- but it appears that it didnt go through.

Originally posted by stach
Thanks for the reply/update HDDJ, you definitely appear to have "ESP" in the past, so I'll trust you.

-Stach No problem. If I "hear" anything new, I'll try & update. These things just kind of come to me ;), a "gift" of sorts I guess.

Ok HDDJ, I may have to take my "ESP statement" back as I got the v2.0 upgrade last night! Seriously though, thanks for the response.

-Stach

I turned on my TV this morning and saw that my HTL-HD receiver had a message on the screen about a software update. I clicked YES and now there's a message on my screen saying:

Version Info: (09/11/2004 03:14) HD3 2.00
Software upgrade begins after -23900 seconds (and this number just keeps going into the negatives)


I can't do anything with the receiver other than shut it off. Any idea when this thing will be done or what the problem is??

Edit: Well I unplugged it because I was tired of watching the dumb thing count, and now the System Info says I'm using version 1.10 with no upgrade scheduled. Do I have to actually sit there and babysit the upgrade and click "Yes" when it asks on the screen at like 3 in the morning?

Axiant, read back through this thread as I remember others experiencing exactly what you are describing, and see what they did to resolve.

Hope this helps.
-Stach

Got my upgrade last night also!

Axiant,

IIRC, the "fix" was to turn the receiver off instead of leaving it powered on like you did. That way you will not be presented with message box and the download will happen automatically.

The the receive it cannot tell if you are watching something or not so it needs to ask you if you want the update to happen.

Bottomline, turn the receiver off every night, at least until you get the update.

Turning the receiver off overnight (HTL-HD) was the solution for me. Got the 2.0 upgrade last night.

Darn...I just purchased the Hughes HTL-HD STB and I intend to hook it up as a "second" unit for bedroom TV. I do not have a telephone jack in that bedroom...so without phone connect, I think I'm in trouble in terms of getting a software update, right? Suggestions? I'm just not clear as to if the upgrade comes thru the phone connect or via satellite.

BTW, if I wanted to order PPV, etc., I would be viewing in my rec room on another unit, so I had not considered this Hughes for a phone jack, originally.:confused:

looks like i got my update last night as well!

Software update comes via satellite - no phone line needed. I actually don't even have mine hooked up to a phone line and it has never had any effect on my box (although I don't order PPV).

Originally posted by Chris Loker
Software update comes via satellite - no phone line needed. I actually don't even have mine hooked up to a phone line and it has never had any effect on my box (although I don't order PPV).

Hey thanks Chris.
BTW, I hope things are (and will be) OK to the "southwest" down there w/ all the rain I heard you got.:(

We did get a bunch of rain - but no Richmond type storm. Luckily, my house is on top of a hill so all the water runs down to my neighbors.

upgrade

I have a Sony HD300 with the 2.0 software. Really the only thing I've watched with 2.0 is NFL broadcasts. Watching a couple of games I've noticed that there's a lip-sync problem. Even when they show the guys in the booth the words were obviously not synched with the video. Also, like with a punt or kickoff it was clear that the sound wasn't in sync with the video.

Anyone else experience this? It's an early revision of the hardware if that matters.

Thanks

B

Do not attempt to adjust the picture...there is nothing wrong with your set...

The lip synch issue has been noted by many folks on CBS and NBC HD channels...the current thinking is a network problem.

The biggest things (for me) with the 2.0 opgrade is that the Guide will stay where you want it (stays on Custom instead of always defaulting to Full) and the sound cut-out when you change channels is gone.

—Dan

I have just purchased a Hughes HTL-HD STB (hope I made the right choice) yesterday and noticed that I received the update to 2.0 last night.

I have not had much couch time to fully check this unit out but I have noticed that the Hughes is unable to receive some of the off-air signals that my previous receiver could (Samsung TS 160). Has anyone else had similar problems related to this? Should I exchange the Hughes for a different receiver that can get these signals (Sammy 360 or RCA)?

Any help would be appreciated.

Quick question, I purchased a Hughes HTL-HD the other day, the update was suppose to take at 04:14 09/25/04 - but it did not happen. Well an hour ago, I was watching D* and left the room (6PM) and I came back and there the download screen was, but at 0% -- after watching for 10 minutes or so it did not move and shortly after another screen came up and said the download failed and another attempt would be rescheduled.

Should I be concerned, I am sure I shouldn't but thought I would ask.

Thanks

Its been my experience that the Hughes/LG/Sony has better OTA reception than the TS160 or 360. You might need to adjust your antenna a bit to compensate for the different multipath circuitry/software in the Hughes but in th end you should be able to get the same or more channels with the Hughes. If not, I'd say you have a receiver problem and should exchange it.

Originally posted by bbartschi
I have just purchased a Hughes HTL-HD STB (hope I made the right choice) yesterday and noticed that I received the update to 2.0 last night.

I have not had much couch time to fully check this unit out but I have noticed that the Hughes is unable to receive some of the off-air signals that my previous receiver could (Samsung TS 160). Has anyone else had similar problems related to this? Should I exchange the Hughes for a different receiver that can get these signals (Sammy 360 or RCA)?

Any help would be appreciated.

HD_JUNKIE,
I have tried to adjust my antenna to get a better signal with no luck. I can receive the signal in the early morning hours and late in the evenings but during prime time I get total breakups and pixelization and most of the time I don't have a signal at all.

The station that I am having trouble with is transmitting at the lowest signal strength of all my local stations. In the past with my Sammy 160 I was able to get the signal all day (at about 20-30% on the signal meter) with very few break-ups. The station has indicated that they will be boosting power at some point but they have been saying that for over a year now.

This is very discouraging because I had the impression that the newer receivers were able to get OTA signals better that older models but I have found that is not the case. I hesitate to exchange the Hughes for the same one that may have the same problem.

I have noticed that when I had my Sammy 160 hooked up it picked up other channels at 100% where the Hughes indicates them as just barely in the good range.

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Hello,
can someone explain the channel mapping to me? For example, when I try to get ABC in the bay area, that is channel 7-1, and 7-2. Both do not come in right now for me, but regardless, they are channel 24 I think. when I click on pause, I see channel 24, then BAD, and that is it.

So, I run a quick scan, going to Prefernces, then System check, ATSC channel scan. I run the 3-33 scan first, that tells me that I only get 28 on 24, so that is why there is no ABC right now.

But, and here is the BUT, on channel 12 and channel 33, I get 67, which is the same for NBC, which is 28 I think, or 11-2 here in the bay area.

going back to guide, I simply cannot find these channels 12, and 33, which come in STRONG, but I cannot see them on the menu.

Does the ATSC tuner pull in channels, that may not be listed in the quide? How can I get to these channels? When I type in 33, or 33-1, or 33-2 for example, all I get is channel not availble.

Sure would like to know where they are, and what they are coming in.

thanks

Originally posted by danco
Do not attempt to adjust the picture...there is nothing wrong with your set...

The lip synch issue has been noted by many folks on CBS and NBC HD channels...the current thinking is a network problem.



I mainly noticed it on ABC Monday Night Football broadcasts but I guess the same could still be true...

Thanks
B

Originally posted by brentsg
I have a Sony HD300 with the 2.0 software. Really the only thing I've watched with 2.0 is NFL broadcasts. Watching a couple of games I've noticed that there's a lip-sync problem. Even when they show the guys in the booth the words were obviously not synched with the video. Also, like with a punt or kickoff it was clear that the sound wasn't in sync with the video.

Anyone else experience this? It's an early revision of the hardware if that matters.

Thanks

B

I have had nothing but lip sync problems since my HD was installed two weeks ago. I tried a Sammy 360 and now am auditioning a Sony 300. It's especially bad on Yes Network's Yankees pre and postgame shows, but seems to be everywhere. It's worse when I use my ReplayTV, but I hear/see it even straight into the TV with component video and RCA audio cables. So, is this hopeless? The sounds appears to be slightly ahead of video. Do I keep trying new receivers until one works right, or am I simply supposed to accept this mess and pretend it's okay. :mad: Is there anything that can be done:confused:

Originally posted by tivoboy
Hello,
can someone explain the channel mapping to me? For example, when I try to get ABC in the bay area, that is channel 7-1, and 7-2. Both do not come in right now for me, but regardless, they are channel 24 I think. when I click on pause, I see channel 24, then BAD, and that is it.

So, I run a quick scan, going to Prefernces, then System check, ATSC channel scan. I run the 3-33 scan first, that tells me that I only get 28 on 24, so that is why there is no ABC right now.

But, and here is the BUT, on channel 12 and channel 33, I get 67, which is the same for NBC, which is 28 I think, or 11-2 here in the bay area.

going back to guide, I simply cannot find these channels 12, and 33, which come in STRONG, but I cannot see them on the menu.

Does the ATSC tuner pull in channels, that may not be listed in the quide? How can I get to these channels? When I type in 33, or 33-1, or 33-2 for example, all I get is channel not availble.

Sure would like to know where they are, and what they are coming in.

thanks

Anyone have any comments on this?

My HD 300 was update to 2.01 any ideas what this update is about?

Hughes HTL-HD also upgraded to 2.01 last night but I have no idea what the update contains.

When did this happen? I looked at the software upgrade schedule on my LG LSS 3200 A the other day and didn't see any notice about going from 2.0 to 2.1.:confused:

Originally posted by s2silber
When did this happen? I looked at the software upgrade schedule on my LG LSS 3200 A the other day and didn't see any notice about going from 2.0 to 2.1.:confused:

Update took place this morning at 4:14 AM Eastern.

I also received the update.

Does anyone have any idea what the update is supposed to do/correct?

Maybe for locals for the 72.5 bird?

Originally posted by tivoboy
Anyone have any comments on this?

I personally cannot tell exactly what problem you are having (for example how do you know a channel is coming in strong if you cannot get your receiver to display it?). Also I have an HD-300 and I think you have the HD Tivo.

You may want to ask this question on one of the SF Bay Area reception threads (like this one http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=369015&highlight=san+francisco) in the HDTV Local info and reception forum.

Many people throughout the Bay Area are experiencing difficulties tuning in the digital channels from Sutro, especially KGO, including myself and I can see the tower with my naked eye from my place on Nob Hill. I find I have to turn my motorized rooftop antenna minutely to get a fine tune.

Originally posted by veganfred
I have had nothing but lip sync problems since my HD was installed two weeks ago. I tried a Sammy 360 and now am auditioning a Sony 300. It's especially bad on Yes Network's Yankees pre and postgame shows, but seems to be everywhere. It's worse when I use my ReplayTV, but I hear/see it even straight into the TV with component video and RCA audio cables. So, is this hopeless? The sounds appears to be slightly ahead of video. Do I keep trying new receivers until one works right, or am I simply supposed to accept this mess and pretend it's okay. :mad: Is there anything that can be done:confused:

People are experiencing lip sync problems on certain channels like the CBS national feed I think, just mentioned in this thread. I have the HD300 and I can attest that I am not seeing this in general. I do not however watch baseball nor am I very interested in the current batch of network programs but I can say that in general this is not an HD300 problem. I hope that helps.

Originally posted by GregF
I personally cannot tell exactly what problem you are having (for example how do you know a channel is coming in strong if you cannot get your receiver to display it?). Also I have an HD-300 and I think you have the HD Tivo.

You may want to ask this question on one of the SF Bay Area reception threads (like this one http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=369015&highlight=san+francisco) in the HDTV Local info and reception forum.

Many people throughout the Bay Area are experiencing difficulties tuning in the digital channels from Sutro, especially KGO, including myself and I can see the tower with my naked eye from my place on Nob Hill. I find I have to turn my motorized rooftop antenna minutely to get a fine tune.

hey, thanks for the response. No, I have the HTL-HD, not an HDTIVO, whichi I would love.

The way I can see how a station is coming in, is through the ATSC station signal strength test. Since these units are pretty much the same, I would imagine you have it on your unit too. Under the bottom prefernces, then signal test, and ATSC SS test. One can run throuhg all the channels and get a # read out for how strong the signal is.

Granted, I cannot get some signals from sutro, but I am getting something on 33, VERY strong, and don't know how to see it. Funny that a station would be listed as coming in strong, but no station is visible?

Tivoboy - I was unclear about what you meant as well (actually I am still unclear)

But, you do realize that digital station numbers are different than analog (most of the time) for example here is Jacksonvlle - CBS is on channel 47 (analog) but they transmit digitally on channel 19 - so my HTL-HD shows 19 on the ss meter, but it remaps the station to 47-1.

Have you checked antennaweb.org to see what digital channel numbers are assigned to the analog stations in your area - for instance if 33 is a digital channel and it comes in strong, but when you enter 33-1 or 33-2 etc and it does not remap, then look on antennaweb.org and find out what is the analog channel for that station and type in ??-1 -- sorry that this might not help.

after looking at anetennaweb.org - I noticed that 33 digital is KMTP-DT, but 32 is KMTP analog - Independent station - why not try 32-1

I guess my description of the issue was not well written,
I tried antennaweb.org, and saw the same as you. Currently here, I don't get anything on 33, or 33-1, 33-2 32-1, 32, or 32-1, 32-1.

I understand the channel mapping thing, but find it strange that I would get such a strong signal on 33, but cannot seem to find out what channel that is. It is certainly not showing up in my GUIDE, does anyone know another way to do a scan?

Wish I knew what it was, since it is the third channel that is coming in strong enough for me here in SFO, but I can only view two of them.

Originally posted by Gary Press
I also received the update.

Does anyone have any idea what the update is supposed to do/correct?
Believe it, or not, I actually got what sounded like authoritative information from a CSR when I called to ask about 2.1. He told me that they were getting the HD receivers ready for new programming coming early in October! Amazing, huh?

Communication flow seems to be improving at D* ;) 2.01 does indeed have something to do with 72.5.

Originally posted by tivoboy
I guess my description of the issue was not well written,
I tried antennaweb.org, and saw the same as you. Currently here, I don't get anything on 33, or 33-1, 33-2 32-1, 32, or 32-1, 32-1.


32 is KMTP San Francisco (PBS) and SF32 is directv's broadcast.

All I get on 32.1 is "no signal". on the directv guide it says "regular schedule". I don't know what that is all about but I do seem to get every available local channel both analog and their digital signal if they have one.

I don't have a guide listing or a signal for anything 33 so I don't think you're missing anything there.

When you check you ATSC signal strengths, are you getting high signal on 33?

Aren't we all suppose to to be discussing upgrades and not how to interpret "signal strength"? Unless signal strength is related to upgrades,
I would think there are other places to post.

Just figured, since this thread was about these HD units, all of them the same - the original question about signal mapping for these specific units only would be appropriate. As noted above, I have moved the query to OTA reception in SFO, although that doesn't seem to be the best place either.

I think it was more an orignial question about, how one with such a unit, could have a signal coming in at such high strength, but not apparently be mapped to any particular station.

As can be found in the ATSC SS test on these units only, I get such a high signal on a channel 33, which appears NOT to exist.

Originally posted by Gary Press
Aren't we all suppose to to be discussing upgrades and not how to interpret "signal strength"? Unless signal strength is related to upgrades,
I would think there are other places to post.

Fair enough. BTW I get no signal strength on 33. Feel free to notify of another thread if I can help you further. You might want to try one of the San Francisco threads or start a new one in the Local Area Reception and Info forum.

On my SAT-HD300, the system version screen says:

Current Version
(03/10/04 15:00) HD3 2.00.00

Next Upgrade
(09/29/2004 04:14) HD3 2.01

Does this mean the upgrade was supposed to happen early this morning but didn't for some reason, or does this mean I will get the upgrade tonight? Last night the unit was tuned to an OTA channel when I turned it off.

CST around 3:20 AM 2.01 was applied. Quicker Guide surfing and searches.

Got the 2.01 update last night.

Current Version
(09/30/2004 (not sure of the exact time) ) HD3 2.01

My HD300 has been stuck on a screen that says Version info (9/30/04 01:14) HD3 2.01
Software upgrade begins after -13993 seconds.

The timer keep increasing in the negatives. It's been doing this from at least 2:30am. I cannot change the channel its stuck on ch. 11. Anyone else have this issue?

Originally posted by rickypicky
Last night the unit was tuned to an OTA channel when I turned it off.
That's why you didn't get the upgrade. Leave it tuned to a DirecTV channel tonight.;)

Originally posted by s2silber
That's why you didn't get the upgrade. Leave it tuned to a DirecTV channel tonight.;)

Not so, I have received the upgrade fine. I was last tuned to an OTA station before turning the unit off. When I turned it back on it was back on the OTA same OTA station with the upgrade applied.

Originally posted by XBRSteve
My HD300 has been stuck on a screen that says Version info (9/30/04 01:14) HD3 2.01
Software upgrade begins after -13993 seconds.

The timer keep increasing in the negatives. It's been doing this from at least 2:30am. I cannot change the channel its stuck on ch. 11. Anyone else have this issue?


This happened to a few people during the last upgrade. Unplug the unit and it will reset itself back so you can use it again. You'll get the upgrade the next time it is pushed down.

Originally posted by sonofjay
Not so, I have received the upgrade fine. I was last tuned to an OTA station before turning the unit off. When I turned it back on it was back on the OTA same OTA station with the upgrade applied.
Sorry. I hadn't noticed your subsequent post. I guess you don't have to have it tuned to a Sat' channel.
Anyway, to me, the new software hasn't changed anything. As posted previously, a CSR told me it was mainly to prepare the receiver and its guide for soon-to-be provided new HD programming.

Both of my HD300's took the 2.01 firmware upgrade without problems tuned to an ota channel.

Quick question for you guys with the Hughes HTL-HD boxes - I have had the box for a little under two weeks, I received the upgrade from 1.07 to 2.01 the other night.

My question actually is related to an audio glitch/problem with this unit. I did a search on the Audio issues in this thread and the large HTL thread and there was mention of "Audio Dropout" but that does not sound like what I have heard on my unit both when the software was 1.07 and now 2.01.

I am using an Harman Kardon AVR300 reciever with the HTL-HD (I previously had a Hughes E-86 clone - and this problem did not exist) when I change channels I notice a brief garbled sound at each channel change - is this an issue anyone else has noticed or something else?

Also, not that I set the box to "native" on the video format, but when I tested it out is it typical that when changing from 480i to 720p or to 1080i etc that the video goes garbled/blacked out for a second or so before the picture returns?

thanks for the help

Originally posted by Diode1
Both of my HD300's took the 2.01 firmware upgrade without problems tuned to an ota channel.

I got mine after shutting it off last night and it was on MTV2 (333).

Originally posted by Gator99
Also, not that I set the box to "native" on the video format, but when I tested it out is it typical that when changing from 480i to 720p or to 1080i etc that the video goes garbled/blacked out for a second or so before the picture returns? With the HTL-HD in native mode the receiver passes through whatever resolution it receives to the TV. It is normal for the unit to go to a garbled output momentarily as it changes the output. Also, your TV may not be capable of using one or more of the formats. My Mits doesn't support 720p so I just set the HTL to 1080i and upconvert everything.

Back to the topic at hand. My HTL received the 2.01 update with no problems. So, it seems that this update is to allow the receiver to get programming from future other satellites.

My HTL-HD went into the -countup also. I called DTV and they escalated the issue and would call me within 24 hrs.

Glad to know I'm not the only one.

I did notice that my date on my last software update went from 5/14/04 to 3/10/04 but the version was still 2.00.00

I got my dsownload here in Daytona area FL on Tues nigiht. My unit locked up at 61%. I had to reset it, unplug it and the connection to the dish for one hour. Then reconnect it...after the night it recycled and downloaded 2.01 withoout any difficulty.. Dont know what it changed or added though.. Everything seems to be working normal... Oh I have the Hughes HTL When I called D* they told me they were having a lot of unit lock up at 61% and that the above actions fixed it and they all downloaded later ok..

I swapped a dish cable over from the HDTivo to my HTL-HD last night, turned it off and went to bed. This morning it's on 2.01, swapped cable back to HDTivo.

My update was downloaded yesterday afternoon successfully. It failed on the first attempt at 30% then said it would retry later. About 15 minutes later, it started again and completed ok. I was tuned to an ota channel at the time.

Is anyone using the RF output to another tv?
I'm doing this, going to a 4:3 tv and the image is squished, with bars on the sides. Is there an adjustment somewhere that I am missing?
The main tv is 16:9 but I'd like to be able to use the rf output on an older 4:3 set without the aspect ration being affected.

I also use the std def outputs to drive a 4x3 TV in addition to the HD TV. The RATIO button gives you the ability to alter the output so that you can get a picture that will provide the correct proportions on a 4x3 TV. (RATIO is the name of the button on the Hughes' remote - I don't know what the button is called on the LG & the Sony remotes.)

The display options will vary based on the source (HD or std def) and based on the output format (1080i, 720p, 480p, etc). The control affects both the HD outputs and the std def outputs, so if both TVs are going to be watched at the same time, one of them may not have the correct proportions.

It would be nice if it would have been possible to independently control the std def outputs and the HD outputs. But compared to other STBs that I have used, this line is the best in terms of aspect ratio control and simultaneous std def output.

Originally posted by Brian Corr
Is anyone using the RF output to another tv?
I'm doing this, going to a 4:3 tv and the image is squished, with bars on the sides. Is there an adjustment somewhere that I am missing?
The main tv is 16:9 but I'd like to be able to use the rf output on an older 4:3 set without the aspect ration being affected.

With a HD 300 set to Native 2, I send signal through coax to other sets just fine.

Got the update on a Sony 300, but haven't noticed anything different.

Are there any major picture quality type differences between the Hughes HTL-HD and the Sony 300? I am testing a Sony someone wants to sell me, but wonder if I should bother getting a Hughes, too, before I decide. I hear they are built the same. Will I see or hear any differences to make a switch worthwhile. I think he'll sell me his 10-month old Sony for around $200, while the Hughes is $299 new. Thanks for any input.

There are comments in this thread that the Sony is better overall. I cannot make that assessment however I have the HD-300 and I have always been happy with it.

A 10-month old Sony for around $200 is a steal.
Just get a copy of his sales receipt for warranty if ever needed.
The Sony has a longer warranty as well.

A warranty longer than a year?

In terms of PQ, there would be no difference between the Sony HD 300 and the Hughes HD box; they are exactly the same LG manufactured product. The Sony adds a couple of functional features, e.g., resolution chaning from the remote and and RF remote.

My problem is that occasionally the audio is out of sync, ahead of the video. Same happened with the Samsung 360. This is mostly on Yes and MSG, but elsewhere as well. I have gone direct to the TV with RCA audio, used a coax cable (ch. 3), and gone thru a receiver as well, but it happens with each connection method. I just don't get it. I have a Panny LC-50 14, and am stumped. :mad: Never had the problem with SD Sony receiver and this same TV. :confused: :confused: :confused:

I need help. I just called direct tv and asked them about upgrading to a hd receiver. They have a package for $399 gets you the off air antenna - they guaranteed works in my area for local channels, hd receiver, and installation.

I already have the hd dish.

They could not say what model hd receiver they will send. They said it's up to the tech person. I don't want them to bring a crappy hd receiver.

What should I do? I have a sony gwIII.

Is the receiver to get now the RCA DTC-210 or Hughes HTL-HD?

Should I call the tech guy who installed my direct tv a year ago and talk to him directly maybe?

Originally posted by abarsami
I need help. I just called direct tv and asked them about upgrading to a hd receiver. They have a package for $399 gets you the off air antenna - they guaranteed works in my area for local channels, hd receiver, and installation.

I already have the hd dish.

They could not say what model hd receiver they will send. They said it's up to the tech person. I don't want them to bring a crappy hd receiver.

What should I do? I have a sony gwIII.

Is the receiver to get now the RCA DTC-210 or Hughes HTL-HD?

Should I call the tech guy who installed my direct tv a year ago and talk to him directly maybe?

As far as I know, they are only using the Samsung 360 now. I am returning mine, mainly because I could not get ReplayTV to communicate with it. You can get a credit for buying your own in the store, and as for their antenna, it's cheap, mine didn't work. Buy a good one at Radio Shack, at least then it'll be easier to return if it blows.

Also, I hope you're not planning on paying the full $399 price. If you haven't already read thru the topic below, entitled "D* Extends $399 HDTV Offer - Now it's $99! And more," stop, drop, and READ! :D You will save a ton of dough!!! Just go to the last couple of pages, and look for a list under my name and instructions of what to do. Read thru several postings to see how it works. All it takes is a couple of calls, three at most. I saved $595 on my programming and equipment costs. Most people have gotten at least $400 off.

Hughes HTL-HD vrs Samsung TS 160:
Has anyone had experience with these to models?
I have recently upgraded to the Hughes from the Samsung and have noticed a problem with the new Hughes.
On my previous Samsung receiver I was able to receive a local FOX network (running at low power) via OTA antenna at a signal strength of 20-30% with only occasional pixelation and breakups.
After switching to the Hughes I am unable to get a lock on the same network and get constant pixelation and breakups which make the channel unwatchable.
I have tried to tweak my antenna to get a better picture to no avail.
This has been very frustrating because I would have assumed that the newer Hughes with supposedly newer technology would be able to receive and hold this channel better than the older receiver.

Does anyone have any information or suggestions on this matter?
Any help would be appreciated.

I have had the same problem with mine. It actually improved with the 2.0 upgrade but still has problems from time to time. I believe the Hughes/Sony/LG rejects more multipath but in some cases this hurts the signal strength. My older Samsung would always lock on.

However, it is very atmospheric, as sometimes my LG locks on rock solid.

I'd try playing with the antenna a little.

Chris Loker
I have spent a couple of hours re-aiming, relocating and repositioning my antenna over the weekend with no luck. I have tried it with my pre-amp connected and also disconnected, no change.

I am in a area that is notoriously difficult to get OTA signals. My current set-up is a roof top mounted Channel Master 4228 w/ a 7778 pre-amp on a 10 foot mast. I do not have line of sight to the towers (to many large trees in the neighborhood) but I am able to get the other local channels at near 100%. The network that I am having trouble with (FOX) is running at a much lower power than the other stations at this time.

When you say that the Hughes rejects more multi-path signals does that mean that it may just disregard most of the available signal that it is receiving?

Thanks for your help in advance.

I like the features of the HTL-HD and the SAT-HD300 (I have 2 of each), but they are noticeably inferior to my old 1st generation (built-in) DTC-100 in both weak signal reception and multipath rejection. Even worse is the OTA/QAM tuner in my new LG LST-3410A DVR; it has severe multipath problems with WPWR-DT51 that all the other OTA tuners receive perfectly.

does everyone else have 2.01.00?? or just 2.00.00 - I just noticed the version updated on 9-29-04 to 2.01.00.. interesting.. Hughes HTL-HD. Didnt really notice any new features :)

jim

Much discussed. It is believed to make the unit more compatible with new satellite transmissions in coming months and years.

ok thanks - I am assuming its somewhere in this thread

Originally posted by jim tressler
I just noticed the version updated on 9-29-04 to 2.01.00.. interesting..
Originally posted by GregF
Much discussed. It is believed to make the unit more compatible with new satellite transmissions in coming months and years.
Well, now, that was a surprise! I just checked both of my units and found that, indeed, both of them updated to 2.01 on 9/30 (one an LG 3200A and the other a Sony HD300).

Just where has this been "much discussed"? Some other thread?

I, too checked my Hughes and found that it updated to 2.01. What did it improve/change?

I'm pretty sure it's in this thread hehe. To my knowledge the software update makes no visible changes. It is merely in anticipation of the new satellites that Directv is positioning, so that the receiver will be able to talk to those satellites.

Look at signal strength under set up for changes?

bearmur, did the new upgrade somehow change signal strength for the OTA meter?

Added 3 nets.

bearmur, what do you mean it 'added 3 nets'?

Menu /directv/ Initial setup/Signal strength
SatA SatB Satc Net Net Net

bearmur, yes I see them now. But they are 'grayed out', they can't be selected. Any clue as to what they are for? Maybe new Sats for upcoming local channels?

Directv is filling the sky with satellites, in anticipation of new programming choices from HDTV nationals to HDTV locals to foreign language. Rollout will probably be slow over time. To my knowledge there have been no firm announcements. However, your software update will allow your equipment to receive those signals if/when they become available.

Originally posted by hoops10
bearmur, yes I see them now. But they are 'grayed out', they can't be selected. Any clue as to what they are for? Maybe new Sats for upcoming local channels?

72.5 + 95 + [61.5?] :p

Looks like that is right. D* will turn them on in the Markets that need them.

ramcm7, what do those numbers mean that you posted?

Originally posted by hoops10
ramcm7, what do those numbers mean that you posted?

Sat orbital locations. 72.5 deg West Longitude for the new small market locals, 95 deg West Long for the new International programming (has anything beyond the Vietnamese channel started on that sat for D*?), and 61.5 deg West is just a tease at adding Voom's capabilities.;)

Does anybody know where I could buy an HTL-HD? CC is currently out of stock.

I got mine on ebay, new and at a great price!

Originally posted by rickypicky
Does anybody know where I could buy an HTL-HD? CC is currently out of stock. y

you've got pm about HTL-HD

How much is the HTL-HD going for now, just curious?

I think, that you can still get some credits from D* though, regardless of avenue purchased. They never asked me for a receipt when I got credits after a purchase.

I have one HTL-HD right now, maybe looking at getting another one when I buy my new HD set. My question is this: Can I somehow use my current DirecTivo and the HTL-HD together on the same HD set abd hook them up so that I can still use the Tivo (for tivo-ing SD material)?

Thanks, tivoboy. I'm primarily looking for a new HTL-HD.

Originally posted by hoops10
I have one HTL-HD right now, maybe looking at getting another one when I buy my new HD set. My question is this: Can I somehow use my current DirecTivo and the HTL-HD together on the same HD set abd hook them up so that I can still use the Tivo (for tivo-ing SD material)?
Sure, but you'd have to have 3 sat feeds coming from your dish/multiswitch - two to feed the 2 tuners in the DTiVo and one for the HD receiver. (You'll also need an antenna feed for the OTA tuner in the HD receiver).

Each unit will get connected to a different input on your TV - then you can choose which source you want to view, simply by switching inputs from your TV remote.

Like Vin said.. will work fine as long as you have at least 2 (3 is would be best) sat feeds and enough inputs on the tv.. I do that for sunday football games.. get pic in pic goin - works great.. I also ran 4 rg-6 lines to the home theater when we finished the basement and added an 5x8 cascadable multiswitch to go with the triple lnb dish.. best extra $60 I spent!!

jim

Originally posted by hoops10
I have one HTL-HD right now, maybe looking at getting another one when I buy my new HD set. My question is this: Can I somehow use my current DirecTivo and the HTL-HD together on the same HD set abd hook them up so that I can still use the Tivo (for tivo-ing SD material)?

Right now on my triple LNB dish I have 4 feeds, I think. Two are going to the DTivo and 1 is going to the HTL-HD downstairs in the home theater. If I add another HTL-HD upstairs (for the new HD rptv), I would only need that 1 extra feed that is still available on the dish, right?

yep.. the non-tivo hd receivers (hughes htl-hd) only require 1 sat feed

Is this how the program guide is supposed to look? It seems like it should fill the screen but I have black bars all the way around. My Sammy 360 guide filled the whole screen. Anybody know how to fix this? I am using component cables at the moment. DVI did not fix problem.

change your resolutions settings to something other than what it is. 1080i will give you full screen, so does 720p I htink.

This happens when you are viewing 720p content. There are two different sized guides (480i/p and 1080i) so when you view 720p programming the smaller guide does not fill the screen.

I "handled" this but setting my receiver output 720p as 1080i. My Sony set does not display 720p natively so it was and easy decision for me. If your set displays 720p natively then and you want to view it that way then the guide will always be smaller when on these channels.

I will play with the settings tonight. I had the HD receiver set to 720P cause that is the DLPs native setting. If I set the receiver output to 1080i, should the menu fill the screen?
Thanks for the inputs!

it really depends on your tv and what you like better - I have mine set to variable 1 - where 1080i is output at 1080i and 720p is output at 720p - and 480i/p is always done at 480p - I like the scaler in the hitachi tv better than the hughes.. that being said - I live with the "smaller" guide when I am on a 720p station - technically you see the same amount of info on the screen, its just smaller.

jim

I just got a new Sony LCD tv that has a native resolution of 720p (I think.) Should I use Variable 2 or Variable 3 on the HTL-HD? Variable 2 outputs 720p/1080i as 1080i and Variable 3 outputs 720p/1080i as 720p. They both output 480i/480p as 480p. My question is if my tv is 720p native will 720p/1080i outputted to 720p look better than 720p/1080i outoutted as 1080i? Thanks.

I just use the 1080i alwasy, looks good and doesn't impact perofrmance. For ESPN and ABC, you might do better with 720p.

hoops, it boils down to which converter you like better.. the hughes or the sony.. for me, I like the converter in my hitachi 51f510 - so I leave it set to variable 1 - 1080i is sent 1080i by the hughes and 720p is sent 720p by the hughes and the hitachi does the converting.

I don't know if it's just me, or maybe just coincidence, but since the 2.01 upgrade, my HD300 seems to have more video garbage and audio glitches (loud static) and audio dropouts. I watched Scrubs & "Law & Order" in Tampa, FL , and both had a few glitches despite having a steady "Good" signal level.

I noticed it soon after the upgrade, but figured it was a fluke, or I'ld see posts here reporting the same issue. I just don't recall these issues with 2.0.

Hey everyone. I'm new to these boards. I have a problem with my hughes HTL-HD reciever. I'm subscribed to Directv. When watching Fox News (which i watch on a regular basis), a black box pops up after a while. I covers roughly a third of the lower screen, right in the center. Sometimes it will be filled with what looks like programmers code, and other times it will be blank. I basically know its not the tv, because when i switch channels then switch back, the box is gone. And also, this only seems to pop up on Fox News. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks for any help you can provide.

Originally posted by thesandman00
Hey everyone. I'm new to these boards. I have a problem with my hughes HTL-HD reciever. I'm subscribed to Directv. When watching Fox News (which i watch on a regular basis), a black box pops up after a while. I covers roughly a third of the lower screen, right in the center. Sometimes it will be filled with what looks like programmers code, and other times it will be blank. I basically know its not the tv, because when i switch channels then switch back, the box is gone. And also, this only seems to pop up on Fox News. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks for any help you can provide.

Sounds like the closed captioning is on.

Why would it only be on the one channel though? And, also, it doesnt happen right away, all the time. Sometimes it will take an hour or whatever, other times it takes minutes.

Originally posted by thesandman00
Why would it only be on the one channel though? And, also, it doesnt happen right away, all the time. Sometimes it will take an hour or whatever, other times it takes minutes.

Close captioning isn't always on, and isn't on every
channel all of the time.

There are MANY closed caption modes. Other than CC1, they are not transmitting most of the time. It sounds like your HTL-HD is set on of those CC "data" modes and FOX happens to be sending some data on that band some of the time.

Originally posted by raoul5788
Close captioning isn't always on, and isn't on every
channel all of the time.

I've got the same issue and it only happens on NBC-HD, every other channel is fine and I don't have closed captioning on. I have the Hughes model....Everything was fine probbly before the firmware upgrade.

And what I see looks like Computer command line statements. I can see drive letters for chrisakes. That is not closed captioning. That's a friggin issue.

napa_newbie,

Any chance you could post a picture of what you're seeing?

Yeah, this sounds interesting. I've never seen any of the various modes do anything except CC1...

perhaps it's in some type of service mode. is it still warrantied? I've never heard of one doing that before.

Originally posted by thesandman00
When watching Fox News (which I watch on a regular basis), a black box pops up after a while. I covers roughly a third of the lower screen, right in the center. And also, this only seems to pop up on Fox News.
If it's on Fox News, it must be some sort of brainwashing device for the transmission of right-wing distortion. :D

Originally posted by KRB
napa_newbie,

Any chance you could post a picture of what you're seeing?
KRB,
I'll take a pic this weekend......I already have all the HD channels on another system, but this is really weird. It looks like a real time monitor of the SW code being run real time.
I may also call up directv because it seems to have coincided with their update.....

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking in this forum for many months. I have always found the information here to be extremely useful. This is my first post in this forum, so please be patient. Anyway...

I bought a HTL-HD back in the middle of March (v1.07). Pretty much from the beginning I had the same black box issue that napa_newbie is describing. I kept hoping that the firmware upgrades would fix the issue. The upgrades came and went, but still the black box. Sometimes there were spurious characters, sometimes not. I could easily get rid of it by pressing the info button, so it wasn't too irritating. I experienced this on many channels including fox, espn, cbs, and nbc. I should say that it wasn't too irritating until I woke one morning up last month to discover that the rest of the Red Sox-Yankees playoff game I had taped had the black box over it. (Yes, I watched it anyway!) Well at that point I went to the menus and started looking. In the closed caption menu I found it set to "text2" (whatever that is). I changed this to off, and the black box has not come back. It's been about a month so far. Hope this helps!

I don't have this equipment or this problem but

Way to go newbie!!!!!!

And a local too!

Originally posted by s2silber
If it's on Fox News, it must be some sort of brainwashing device for the transmission of right-wing distortion. :D

Well, if thats the case, im just fortunate that its on fox news, and not every other one, which would send leftist liberal garbage.

By the way, newbie, thats what im getting is the code looking stuff.

MWAGNER,
that was it.....I'm not having that issues anymore, but I'm pretty sure it started after the new downloaded patch....it must have defaulted to the text setting....even though it is oddly random when the box appears.......sorry to have alarmed everyone.......but there is a recount in New Hampshire, Ohio and New Mexico.....and more states to come. :D

Back to the *ahem* subject of this thread, last evening I took my unsubbed HTL-HD v1.06 to my sister's, who has a dish mounted on her house but no receiver or service. I acquired a satellite in seconds, checked channel 201 as suggested here and found D*TV's ongoing "commercial" station, and turned off the box to let it sit for a couple days to get the update.

A few minutes later, while we were having dinner, I could see that the display of the HTL-HD was showing DOWNLOAD (already)!!!!!?!!! The display had returned to blank by the time dinner was done, and it was with some considerable skepticism that I checked the version and it read 11/04/2004 v2.01. So I disconnected it and brought it home with me, and sure enough it had been updated in only a few minutes and at least the OTA/ATSC signal strength feature that I had been interested in was working great. Heck, the picture even looked better (probably my imagination).

In any case, it didn't take "overnight" and in fact the download only took a few minutes. A big "thank you" to those here who advised how to update an unsubbed box...

Although it's been mentioned here several times that this is for HD300s and sisters, HD200/520s received what seems to be functionality identical software upgrade starting 11/4/2004. It is marked v2.00.00 though.

Laserfan,
When you say unsubbed HTL-HD do you have the access card as well? I got an HTL-HD the other day but I have no access card for it. I'm hoping I can get the update without the card.
If that's not possible anyone think if I tried using the card from my normal D* box it would let me get the update?

I get a 200 credit , 6 months free HD pack and some other discount *WHEN* I activate my box. Guy at the retention number said it just had to be before the end of the year.

Since I don't have an HDTV yet I was going to let a friend use the box for OTA HDTV until I get my TV. If I have to order a card and activate it to get the upgrade then I'll be wasting a month or so of my free HD pack.

Thanks for any input,
Brad

Yah I unwrapped the access card that came with my HTL-HD and plugged it in prior to the update. Sorry I don't remember what if anything demanded that I do this at the time. My sister did also have a regular D*TV receiver with a card in it, but from what I'd read here folks thought the card was linked to the receiver somehow. So I used the card I had...

Honestly the only functionality difference I've noticed with the new software is the OTA signal strength meter. In my opinion, your friend should be grateful enough to get the use of your box, and not need the upgrade!! At least, wait until you have a good *reason* to upgrade to do it.

I found that the upgrade also increased the speed of the quide a bit, and moving between menus,

and, the OTA signal strength meter helped me quite a bit being in such a marginal area. In a strong area, one shouldn't have any problems.

Well I put my card in from my current sony rcvr and even though it said wrong card it took the update within 5 minutes. So now it's updated to version 2.01.

It wasn't that my buddy wanted or cared about that, it was that I was worried the updates might not be sent out much longer so I wanted it updated while I still could. I didn't use the HTL-HD for more than a couple hours before the audio drop outs drove me crazy.

Brad

Originally posted by fraDcat
Well I put my card in from my current sony rcvr and even though it said wrong card it took the update within 5 minutes....That's good to know.

I never experienced audio dropouts so dunno about any fixes there. I see <now> that my OTA signal strength is Good so maybe that's why I've never seen them.

BTW even though you don't have an HDTV that doesn't mean necessarily that you can't benefit from the HTL-HD. Digital TV is radically better-looking than analog xmissions, at least where I live. Better for watching & recording (Tivo in my case) for sure.

Does anyone know where one can pick up (other than online) a new Sony Sony HD-300 or Hughes HTL-HD in RI/MA area? I know that the HD-300 is discontinued but is the HTL-HD too? The only HD receiver I've been able to find in the box stores, Circuit City, Best Buy, Tweeter, etc is the Samsung TS360. I currently have a friend visiting and was going to go out with him to pick-up on of these LG clones and help him get is setup. He's only in town until Sunday. I guess I didn't realize that the HTL-HD where no longer sold in the box stores or did I miss something?

Thanks!
-S

Starts with e rhymes with eBay.

Originally posted by sonofjay
... where one can pick up **(other than online)** a new Sony Sony HD-300 or Hughes HTL-HD ....The only HD receiver I've been able to find in the box stores, Circuit City, Best Buy, Tweeter, etc is the Samsung TS360.
-S
Originally posted by GregF
Starts with e rhymes with eBay.

anyone know?

oh apologies, not online, missed that.

Originally posted by sonofjay
**(other than online)** a new Sony Sony HD-300 or Hughes HTL-HD ....
Originally posted by GregF
hehe holy crap it was a joke. ebay. just search for sony hd300 you'll get about 10 listings

ebay = online
Anyone have any ideas? Thanks for your help!

If you've already checked all the local electronics stores, and can't even find an open-box of one of these, then you are probably out of luck, if you won't go the ebay route.

Thanks. Yes I did check the for open boxes. The problem is we wanted to get one in hand this weekend and get it setup. Ordering online and it won't be here until next week now.

Have they discontinued the HTL-HD too? I'm not a big fan of Samsung products and don't want to start troubleshooting another flaky HD box (as they all have their problems but I know the problems the LG clones have).

Thanks.

Yes as far as I know the HTL-HD is discontinued. Nobody around here seems to have anything other than display models or open box buys.

I gotta mention this, while I was looking I found a display model but they couldn't sell it to me because they had a dealer card in it. I told them take it out so I could by it.
Was told if they remove the dealer cards it fries the receiver. It's to help stop theft of the cards. Now I'm not exactly sure how all this stuff works but that's gotta be one of the biggest loads of crap I've ever heard. If someone is stealing the stupid card why are they gonna care if the receiver is ruined?

Brad

they are full of crap.. a card cant fry the ird like they say.. however, the ird can fry the card

Picked up an open box Sony HD300 at Best Buy, but I only got the receiver. No cables or remote. Looks like Sony wants about $80 for a replacement remote. Anyone that uses a third party remote willing to part with the Sony remote? Or can someone recommend a universal remote that provides all the Sony buttons. I can do most with my TV remote (Sony), but it doesn't have buttons for Favorite, Exit, Signal, or Wide Mode.

Thanks,
Rob

get the mx-500 from Amazon.
currently, 66$ shipped

damn 80 bucks for a relatively basic remote. If you go to remotecentral.com you can find among others the Harmony line of remotes that allow you to program the remote via an extensive online database. The company has amazing support too.

wow.. $66 for an mx-500, thats a fantastic deal!!!

I just did a search and am surprised no one has commented on this setting under preferences. I just installed my Sony SAT-HD300 and was disappointed in the noise level see from my Infocus 4805 projector. After searching for the problem i discovered (under advanced settings) an adjustment labeled "DVI Level." I changed it from "Standard" to "Expand" and what a difference that made. Before the black level was not black and looked like it had a small amount of noise. After changing this setting the black level looks like the black from my DVD player. Over all, the picture still look just a hair darker than my DVD player but is very crisp. So, for those of you using a projector display unit with your Sony SAT-HD300 and not feeling like your getting the best picture you can, try changing this setting and see if it makes a difference. You'll be happy you read this.:p

I use my LG3200A, of which the Sony HD 300 is an exact clone, with a Sony LCD rear projection TV. My experience with the two "DVI Level" settings is the opposite: In Advanced mode, the color was oversaturated. In Standard setting, it's just right. Oh well, YMMV.

I've actually posted asking what that DVI setting does and no one answered.

GregF,
Sorry I didn't find your post earlier. This adjustment only effects the DVI output. If your using component, RGB, S-Video or composite video you will not see any difference.

s2silber,
Based on what you said the switch looks to be working correctly. Heres what the manual says;

Select the DVI level between "Standard" which is recommended for most TVs and "Expand" which is recommended for most digital monitors.

This comes from the owners manual page #95.

oh i have DVI. it's a Sony KV34XBR910. But is that a TV or a digital monitor, those seem like ambiguous terms?

A KV23XBR910 is a TV.

I too have a 34xbr910 hooked to in my case the HTL-HD. I keep it on Standard setting, Expand is much too dark and I lose detail. The manual is a bit ambiguous but I took it to mean Expand can be used for projectors and probably Plasma/LCD digital displays that might help their black levels.

As pretty as the 34xbr910 is, its analog :)

It would seem that by "digital monitors" they are NOT talking about "TVs," whether digital or HD capable.

This is another example of why the entertainment/consumer electronics industry has to develop clearer language. A case like this with receiver settings is just as confusing to alot of people as the difference between "Full" screen and "Widescreen" movies. Someone in another forum had suggested the following terms for the different aspect ratios of DVD movies:

Standard: 4:3 Aspect Ratio
Widescreen: 1:85 or 16:9/1:78, both of which fill a "widescreen" TV
Super Widescreen: 2:35 Aspect Ratio DVD movie which letterboxes movies to different degrees on both 4:3 and 16:9 TVs.

Originally posted by Dearth
I too have a 34xbr910 hooked to in my case the HTL-HD. I keep it on Standard setting, Expand is much too dark and I lose detail. The manual is a bit ambiguous but I took it to mean Expand can be used for projectors and probably Plasma/LCD digital displays that might help their black levels.

As pretty as the 34xbr910 is, its analog :)
Dearth;
I could not agree with you more. When the switch was made from SVGA to digital monitors for computers some people had the same problem trying to understand. It seems clear to me and it works just as it should. Adjustments when made then as they are now. There ARE differences in digital monitors and analog displays. It makes sense to have an optimum setting for each one. Connected to a 110" DLP projector it makes all the difference in the world and the "Expand" selection IS the right on for this type of setup.

Has anyone had a problem with the UHF tuner on this device. Mine failed three days ago, I have contacted Sony and they will repair the box. I was just wondering if anyone has had this problem before, I can still receive OTA VHF signals, but have lost all OTA UHF.

Thanks

Could be a reception issue. Sure it's not your antenna?

I turned on the unit today and the grid guide had nothing shown. Just channel numbers, no titles or descriptions. The INFO button did bring up some descriptions but still no titles. I did a complete channel scan and everything reappeared. This is first time that this has happened with this unit. All system tests check fine. Anyone know why this may occur? Or have seen this?

It's happened to me. The guide always eventually re-populates itself. I've always presumed there was a gap in the data stream coming from the satellite.

I have a problem similar to this, well I don't call it a problem. What happens is for some reason all the paid advertising programs are blank but all the other programming is still in the guide.

I also have a question for everybody that owns a HTL-HD. I know there are problems with channels that keep returning to the guide after you hide them. Just curious if it is the same channels for everybody. With me it is 3 or 4 of the shopping channels 228(Gems),340(Direct Shopping),341(Shop),190(PPV),599(spiceHD),and a couple other I can't remember at this time. I think it's a conspiracy;)

Same channels for me too with a Sony HD200 (as I mentioned in this thread/post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=4677096#post4677096) ). Other channels that constantly get re-added to my custom guide:

Sunday Ticket HD games (90's)
Here (183)
PPV (189) {occassionally}
DSN (340) {lately}

i have the htl-hd also, hughes network was working on fixing the channel problem months ago, now since they are gone, Directv is working on the fix. Really the problem is with Directv, and not the unit. I think that the marketing department keeps adding those channels ( i keep getting 189, 236 over and over again, not to mention all the NFL Package channels in the 90 91, 92 etc. range). I delete them, and wow, it says "CHANNEL REFRESHING, PLEASE WAIT" and then boom, they are back again. the other problem they are working on is that the unit will not change to the correct channel anymore, screen says a timed event will start in xxx seconds, shows the correct channel it SHOULD change to, but does not. Still have two months of warranty left and i have repeatedly asked for a new receiver... (sorry to be so long winded)

Greetings folks,

2 days ago I purchased a HD300 from a local retailer. It did not come with an access card as it was an open box so I had to purchase one of those through DirectTV.. It does have a full warranty.

Yesterday my access card came and I tried to setup the card with my new (to me) fancy HD 300 tuner..

Of course a problem was waiting for me.. Error 711. It seems the vendor that I purchased it from still had the box on their account so it wouldn't\couldn't move over to my account.

I had picture on channel 100 and I was please at least that that box worked.

I wasn't positive on the 711 error so I decided to call Direct TV and verify..

about 15 minutes into my wait I was notified on the screen of a software update.. Was this the magical 2.0 software that I recall folks so giddy about last year?

I selected yes and the upgrade process seemed to begin. It took ~ 20 minutes for it to even move off of the 0%. It proceeded to 60% and then it was stuck there for over 2 hours..

In the mean time.. Yes I was still on hold.. I eventually made it to level 1 support. I explained to them I had this error 711 and now I have a box stuck at 60% of a software update.. He didn't know how to handle this so he escalated it..

Fine no problem I thought.. Think again.

The support person wanted me to unplug the box even after I told her that the screen said NOT to unplug the box from AC.. I should have asked to speak to her supervisor to have them verify the instructions.. Any ways I unplugged the box and now I am stuck..

When I turn the box on the heading says 'Software Verification Check' and it tells me that I should try to unplug the box for 30 min and then plug it back in...

I have tried this with the combination of taking the feed from the Dish out as well as leaving it in.. No luck there.

Meanwhile this LVL 2 person did the obvious thing.. Escalate it to the next level...

20 more min on wait....

This lady told me that I was to not unplug the box and that I may have damaged it. She told me to contact Sony.

Super...


I contacted Sony this morning and they told me that I need to contact Direct TV...

ok I can see where this is going now and I don't like it.. not another door stop...


I have read through this entire thread and I saw how folks dealt with the same problem when it came around last year. They basically just waited and the software was re-pushed to them..

The main question that I have is will the software be repushed to my HD-300 or was that nightly repush something that was just occurring during the mass upgrade of Sony\LG boxes to version 2.0 last year?

I haven't seen anybody report any software upgrade failure in this thread since last year and God knows that the support staff of both Sony and Direct TV has probably turned over about 3 times since then so nobody has any first hand knowledge of the issue there..

Help please.

Thanks,
George Trilikis

Originally posted by mrivers
I don't know if it's just me, or maybe just coincidence, but since the 2.01 upgrade, my HD300 seems to have more video garbage and audio glitches (loud static) and audio dropouts. I watched Scrubs & "Law & Order" in Tampa, FL , and both had a few glitches despite having a steady "Good" signal level.

I noticed it soon after the upgrade, but figured it was a fluke, or I'ld see posts here reporting the same issue. I just don't recall these issues with 2.0.

I have same problem since the 2.01 upgrade with OTA channels only.

...patrick

Well well.. It seems to have resolved itself.. Thankfully so..

Now the only issue is for Fry's Electronics here in San Diego to remove the damn receiver from their account so that I can assign an access card to it and place it in mine.. What a fiasco that has been...

And of course Direct TV can't do this for them on the weekends as the Dealer lines are not open then. Oh well another weekend of Highdef NFL shot to hell..

At least the box isn't dead.. =-)

George

Originally posted by gptrilik
Well well.. It seems to have resolved itself.. Thankfully so..

Now the only issue is for Fry's Electronics here in San Diego to remove the damn receiver from their account so that I can assign an access card to it and place it in mine.. What a fiasco that has been...

And of course Direct TV can't do this for them on the weekends as the Dealer lines are not open then. Oh well another weekend of Highdef NFL shot to hell..

At least the box isn't dead.. =-)

George

George - why don't you connect your 300 to an antenna and view the games OTA, you don't need the access card for OTA.

So what is the deal with the NFL sunday ticket channels, Gems shopping network, even some digital OTA stations adding themselves to my so called Custom guide? Who is the $sshole causing this?

Originally posted by Jim Myers
So what is the deal with the NFL sunday ticket channels, Gems shopping network, even some digital OTA stations adding themselves to my so called Custom guide? Who is the $sshole causing this?

It's a software thing and we can't do anything about it.
"If" there is a software upgrade in the future hopefully it will fix this, but don't hold your breath. They could have fixed this in the last two upgrades and they didn't, just be glad that when you go the guide it don't default to All like it used too before upgrade 2.0.0.

Thanks for the reply

Now I can put my 2 cents with Sony

my big complaint on the hughes is not so much the custom channels, but lack of a logo guide or trubo tune like the other hughes ird's..

jim

Originally posted by Jim Myers
Thanks for the reply

Now I can put my 2 cents with Sony It's probably more with D* than with Sony. Every time a channel is setup on a tp (new channel or channel moves) it appears in all guides. Supposedly, some of the shopping channels pay D* extra to have this done on a regular basis.

That would explain the two shopping channels and the NFL sunday ticket
and PPV's but not OTA's 67.4, .5, .6 and 36.2, .3, .4, .5 and 22.4, .5
All the OTA's added are PBS channels!

Very Interesting, ............But stupid! :confused:

Adding local channel would be PBS changing their PSIP.The receiver is programed to add new channel that come on. Changes in PSIP cause it to add.

Originally posted by Gator99
George - why don't you connect your 300 to an antenna and view the games OTA, you don't need the access card for OTA.



That is exactly what I did for the FOX Atlanta falcons game.. Today (8 days after I purchased the box) I finally was able to sucessfully receive a HD signal over the Direct TV system.... 8 days, 3 visits to Fry's 9 calls to Direct TV wasting over 10 hours on the phone.... WOW! Just happy to have it all working at this point...


Thanks,

George

I'm considering D* HDTV and any of these 3 HD STB's looks like they "might" work with my pre-existing SD TIVO, but I would like clarification on some questions that I have... FYI, I have a Phillips Series 1 HRD31201 TiVo that has been upgraded (PTVupgrade) with 100 hrs at "best" quality.

1. Does the serial "low-speed data" port on any or all 3 units (LG, Sony, or Hughes?) work with TiVo? Meaning, can the TiVo change channels and record my SD channels as it is programmed?

2. Does any or all 3 units simultaneously output SD signal out composite or S-Video outputs?

If Yes.. Does it do this even though I'm watching an HD SAT channel such as HBOHD or DiscoveryHD? Does it downconvert the HD SAT signal to SD for simultaneous output via S-video or composite?

If Yes... Does it do this even though I'm watching a local OTA HD digital channel? Does it downconvert the OTA HD digital signal to SD for simultaneous output via S-video or composite? I understand that the TiVo will not recognize the OTA HD channels.

Thanks in Advance,