Sasem never expired I have been using it for a year without the tuner, but the features are limited.

VLC can be used for live or playback.

The best playback method is with Zoomplayer Pro, using custom filters, as discussed in this thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=395039

I would like to experiment these if possible. If you have done this and have suggestion on drivers and set up, please advise...

I have no problem with previous chain from 6208>pc recording non-premium channels then use myhd or zoomplayer to play back , now that i have mits and mit, i would love to do these...

FYI, it takes a while (few minutes even on rather small file) for myhd to read the file but once it done with that, it’s all go. Zoomplayer, on the other hand, it read the file just fine ( in second seconds) and playback is good but have problem sync when ff or using control bar to jump scene.

Anyway, I don’t use PC for hd anymore just premium channels recording is what I like to do now.

Daisy chain : 6208>Mits1100U>MIT MDR200>PC hdd XPsp1
Use MDR200 to control 6208, use capdvhs to capture program into hdd. Is it possible to use MDR200 later for playing back hdd recording or jvc 30-40k?

What I think I should be doing, correct me if I am wrong.
1) Uninstall previuos capdvhs installation.
2) Reinstall capdhvs but which device driver should i use? Should I try the modified driver for 620x as well?

Any suggestion?

has anyone been able to get connect a motorola 6412 to their PC via firewire?

I downloaded Sasem and it won't play anything. Seems it wants the OnAir hardware to be present. For those that hav this working what is the secret ???

Just added another 512 RAM in a wasted attempt to get HD to playback smoothly live via VLC. VLC is not ready for prime time.

How are you guys scheduling recordings? Is there some PVR software out there that supports recording via firewire and the you use an IR blaster to change the channel on the cable box?

Originally posted by dwalton22
How are you guys scheduling recordings? Is there some PVR software out there that supports recording via firewire and the you use an IR blaster to change the channel on the cable box?

scheduled tasks
batch file
girder
usbuirt


:cool:

So what you are saying is that it is a highly polished very user friendly process :)

depends on your point of view..... now that I have it set up, I only need to modify one of my existing "scheduled tasks" to pass the correct parameters to the batch file....

:D

That said, I have yet to be able to record a drop-out-free recording... SA3250HD....

:(

I'm on TWC and would be using a SA3250 so I'm glad you mentioned that.

This is sweet! Setup to recording in just a few minutes. HBOHD, InHD 1/2, PBSHD, DiscoverHD...all record great! No dropouts or lost frames. To play, I just rename the file with a MPEG extension, double-click and WinDVD plays it perfectly.

Thanks so much. On to more recording....

:)

Be sure to watch the ENTIRE recording before saying they're dropout-free!! I was fooled on 90% of my recordings by making some "quick checks" !!

:cool:

ok I am a bit confused.

Are people actually recording 5c enabled channels using that daisy chain method since I see people are recording HBO HD or do these places not have 5c enabled yet?

hey im a newbie to all of this and have been trying to do some recording from my motorola 62xx model and was able to track down all the necessary files except for the link to the core drivers...if anyone could help me out i would appreciate it...

To: bdraw
Re: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...threadid=395039

I did as the instructions show but when i use the zoom player, i still see nearly 100% cpu utilization where as Sasemis around 30%. the only difference is with zoom i am using the spdif output. Can you please help me on this? is it possible to use spdif with the Sasem player? that would help me a lot!

thanks

I was having problems getting this to work reliably. CapDVHS worked perfectly the very first time for me, but after that I kept getting zero-length recordings (with no data showing on the data tab). I un-installed & re-installed the drivers several times following all the steps exactly, certain they were correct. Verified my 6200 has firmware 7.15. Verified that I was recording from a 5C=0 channel.

So what was the problem? It appears to be a quirk of my 1394 topology:

PC <----> JVC 30K <----> 6200

For it to work, I found that the JVC 30K MUST be turned on and TUNED to the 6200 firewire (channel I-1 in my case). If not - then I get zero-length recordings. I had assumed the 2 fireports on the 30K formed a "passive" bus - but apparently not. Not sure if this helps anyone else, but something to try at least...

SA3250HD in phoenix, az (on cox) working!

I had to really monkey with the meitape.inf file to get this going, so I'm attaching the file here.

basically I had to change the class and class guid in the inf file to match what was appearing in the registry (xp pro sp2 rc something). Prior to that I had also made some changes to some of the hardware ID entries in the panasonic section also, so they may be necessary too. I'm not sure. Anyhoo, this is based on the modified inf posted for motorola 62xx boxes. you can check the two for differences if you're interested in why it works.

Originally posted by stgdz
ok I am a bit confused.

Are people actually recording 5c enabled channels using that daisy chain method since I see people are recording HBO HD or do these places not have 5c enabled yet?

No 5C on my HD channels. I checked all of them in the setup screen. Still no problems with complete movies.

"Seabisquit" from HBOHD...perfect...front to back...

Thanks again!

I followed the instructions and recording is working great but playback is an issue. My PC just is not keeping up (P4 1.2 Ghz, video card on Mobo). Does anyone have any suggestions as to waht processor and video card will allow error free playback of these HD video files? Also, can anyone tell me which connection to my television will result in the highest quality uotput, VGA or component? I happened to have a Hitachi 36" digital with VGA input. I am presently using that TV as my computer monitor. Any help would be grreatly appreciated.

to: cpalcott

the sasam player should work with your pc. it has low demands on a pc. i have used it with a 1ghz p3 with geforce 3 card & works great.

info on the sasam player can be found in this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=395039&perpage=20&pagenumber=1

also, VGA is always better than using component (each color is seperate as is the sync which uses 5 signals where as component is a combinec system using 3 wires).

hope this helps.

I found a good way to play back HD streams If you have PowerDVD. You can use MediaPlayer Classic 6.4.8.2 and Block any other MPEG decoders in the Overide panel. The Cyberlink/SP decoder, at least the one from PowerDVD Pro Ex does a fantastic job decoding HD streams to my Zenith C32V37 at 1080i using only 50 to 60% CPU though that is on a AthlonXP running at 2200Mhz.

http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=82303&package_id=84358

cpalcott--

You may be able to get acceptable playback of HD streams using a 1.2-GHz CPU but not with your on-mobo video hardware. You'll need a video card that supports DxVA hardware acceleration (e.g., Nvidia GF4 MX or ATI Radeon cards) and software that uses it (such as ZP, PowerDVD, etc., that others have mentioned). I suspect, however, that if you're at all a critical viewer you'll want to have a 2+ GHz CPU for full HDTV (1080i or 720p) play.

For a lot less than replacing processor and MB you can get the MyHD card, which absolutely CRUSHES software palyback in quality and hardly uses any resources. In addition, it can now be your HD recorder for OTA.

I have a AMD Mobile 2200+ (o.c.'ed to 2.3 GHz) with a GeForce Ti4200. I use WinDVD 5 to play the streams from disc. I'm watching Star Wars II: AotC right now (perfect capture, BTW) w/ 36% cpu usage.

Having trouble getting it to work: With Motorola 6200 with FV7.10, CapDVHS would recognize it, but when I hit record, it gives me a sample grabber error.

The Motorola screen says that 5C is set to 0.

Help needed...

Originally posted by Ryan1
Having trouble getting it to work: With Motorola 6200 with FV7.10, CapDVHS would recognize it, but when I hit record, it gives me a sample grabber error.

The Motorola screen says that 5C is set to 0.

Help needed...

Hmmm...I have the 6208 with 7.15, so I might not be much help.

So, the Panasonic driver exists fine and you have set it up in CapDVHS?
Have you tried using VLC to view the stream?

Thanks. I uninstalled and installed the drivers a few times and it finally worked:-))

Now the big problem is that none of the three HD channels I tried to record (incl. PBS) play. CapDVHS recods, but nothing shows in the info fields and then I get errors regardless if it is a .ts or .mpg file. Unless I am doing something wrong, it looks like 5C. VLS allows viewing on HBO, but if I try to save the stream to file it stops working.

Originally posted by Ryan1
Thanks. I uninstalled and installed the drivers a few times and it finally worked:-))

Now the big problem is that none of the three HD channels I tried to record (incl. PBS) play. CapDVHS recods, but nothing shows in the info fields and then I get errors regardless if it is a .ts or .mpg file. Unless I am doing something wrong, it looks like 5C. VLS allows viewing on HBO, but if I try to save the stream to file it stops working.

Grrrrrrr....Keep hacking at it!

Noticed that the 5C flag for the channels that do not record is set to 5C=1. So I am out of luck and can't timeshift anything.

But guess what, I think HBO and SHO are out of luck too, since I am about to call and cancell them and just stick with DVDs for movies.

Maybe if more of us did this, they woould wise up.

Hey guys, I've got the SA 4200HD recording to the computer over firewire, and I'm using snapstream to change the channels on the cable box when needed. Capdvhs works great, but the problem is that after an hour or so of it being up (using the timer mode instead of just 'record now) it locks up and says "invalid date!" for timer dates that are past or future.. in 10 recordings that i've setup, it only worked for 2 before it bombed out... it keeps doing this endlessly with the invalid date stuff. i'm so close, yet so far.. anyone else having problems like this? can anyone point to a download location of a stable working version of capdvhs? thanks.

When I use CapDvhs i get a mpeg stream

but when I open it in my video editing software
it doesn't show the audio track ?
Is the firewire only transporting Video ??

General
Name: ali.mpg
Folder: Y:
Size: 15.65 MB (16,026,624 bytes)
Created: Tuesday, August 31, 2004, 2:17:14 PM
Modified: Tuesday, August 31, 2004, 2:14:19 PM
Accessed: Tuesday, August 31, 2004, 2:17:41 PM
Attributes: Archive

Streams
Video: 00:00:03.253, 23.976 fps progressive, 1920x1080x32, MPEG-2

I notice that 1920x1080 is hard to open with alot of programs..
it opens in WM but crashes at the end, and the INHD programs I record
are huge files which I expected but they wont open at all.. and when
i record the straight .tp files and convert with HDTVtoMPEG2 the files come
out as 3kb instead of 120,000+ that the .tp file was ... any tips..
Im very good with rendering many formats of video and DVD authoring
but im new to recording with the Moto 6208

Thanks

Originally posted by Ryan1
...But guess what, I think HBO and SHO are out of luck too, since I am about to call and cancell them and just stick with DVDs for movies.

Maybe if more of us did this, they woould wise up.

Yep! The funny thing about this is that you have to be a techno-geek (present company excluded, of course) to extract these streams. So HBO and SHO are simply buckling under to the studio pressure. It sure wouldn't make sense for them to do this if their subscription list boosted dramatically (assuming mainstream adoption of HD recording). I feel the same way, though. If they "5C" me, out goes the HBO.

Originally posted by festivalman
...anyone else having problems like this?

Yeah. I found a way around it. After entering the recording schedule, make sure the "time reserve" checkbox is unchecked. Then close CapDVHS, then rerun it. I haven't had this problem since.

Originally posted by Cable Guy73
...Is the firewire only transporting Video ??

Nope.

Originally posted by Cable Guy73
...I notice that 1920x1080 is hard to open with alot of programs...

So right you are. We need to get the word out...we will purchase the software that is happiest with HD transport streams...

Anyone found one yet?

Originally posted by Ryan1
Noticed that the 5C flag for the channels that do not record is set to 5C=1. So I am out of luck and can't timeshift anything. Not with a PC, anyway. You can certainly timeshift 5C=1 material with a DVHS tape deck, since those are 5C-compliant. Unfortunately, since they *are* 5C-compliant, they won't let you copy those recordings back to your PC - you have to watch them from tape.

Can this be done with this model? I called Comcast and they told me this is my option. They did however say that they also have a HDTV-DVR (didn't specify model).

UPDATE: Used the Live Chat feature with Comcast and they told me the HDTV-DVR is the DCT6200/6208. So I can get it. Now, I don't have an HDTV, but I want to use this with my computer. Will this be a problem with the cable installer that comes out?

I also have the Motorola 5100 from Comcast. I am thinking of calling Comcast to ask for a 6200 and citing the FCC mandate if necessary. Has anyone had experience asking Comcast to swap cable boxes? Any advice?

I just got the firewire hdtv box from cablevision; the guy had no problem giving it to me, but was about to take it back when he saw that I didn't have a tv with firewire, but instead was going to use it with my computer. I mentioned that I'd be getting a dvhs deck soon to go with my big front projection setup, so he left it with me.. point being, that he said they only have a few of them so they're probably going to give you a hassle if you don't have a TV or dvhs unit already there for it to plug into, because they want to have it up and running by the time the installer leaves.

Has anyone had experience asking Comcast to swap cable boxes? Any advice?
From what i heard and been questioning this to the CSR, just go to local customer service center to swap the box. No charge for upgrading same functional or future upgrade box but regular to DVR is another story.

Originally posted by festivalman
...they're probably going to give you a hassle if you don't have a TV or dvhs unit already there for it to plug into, because they want to have it up and running by the time the installer leaves.

"My HDTV is on backorder..." :)

I'm running Windows 2000 and I was wondering if anyone has seen drivers for this OS instead of XP?

I think im going to try this.


Is all the information I need on the first page? I really dont want to spend the time browsing threw all the other pages if I dont need to.

Originally posted by EC-EXCURSION
I think im going to try this.


Is all the information I need on the first page? I really dont want to spend the time browsing threw all the other pages if I dont need to. I was able to get it running using the first page but follow the instructions carefully. If it doesn't work, try it again and again...you will eventually get it to work. If I can do it anyone can. Also, if you get the "grabber" error when you first try recording, click on the pull down and select the #2 panasonic recorder. Good luck!

Also, this will only work with XP. There are no drivers for 2K.

never mind - need to read the instructions more carefully. Thanks guys!

Later,
Bill

anyone know if the older panasonic dst 51A with firewire can record to
pc using this procedure i have one stored away,i could find some use for it .
thanks

Originally posted by E Jackson
"My HDTV is on backorder..." :)

"No problem, give us a call to set up a new installation appointment after your HDTV is delivered!!!"

:p

Has anyone gotten this to work with the LG LST-3410a, by any chance?

Later,
Bill

Sorry for a really stupid question, but...

The way to get started is to first plug a firewire cable into my SA 3250HD box. Then I plug the same firewire cable into a firewire port on my Dell. At that point, the "found new hardware" wizard in WinXP should pop-up. Is that correct?

Do I need a special kind of firewire cable? Thanks!

I took my Motorola 5100 down to the comcast office to get it exchanged for a 6200. The lady there told me that the 5100 is the only model available. Is Utah the only place stuck with the 5100?

Here is the e-mail I received from comcast:
Dear Patrick,

Thank you for contacting Comcast Cable.

You can take the current box to a full service payment center and explain what you are needing and if that converter is in stock they will provide it to you.

You can find a payment center in your area by going to https://www.comcast.com/Localization/default.asp?*********/membership/Locate_Payment_Center.asp
and entering your ZIP Code and clicking on Check Availability. You may need to clarify your location further by selecting the city or county in which you live. If you do, please select that city or county and click Check Availability again.

Thank you for choosing Comcast.

Sincerely,
Dawn
Comcast Customer Care Specialist

Nobody should have any problems getting an HDTV box without an "HDTV".
The reason I say this is because anybody with a computer monitor has an HDTV. The cable company will even give you the cables. I put my 8 year old 21" inch monitor in my living room and said that's my HDTV. They gave me the Component to VGA transcoder and the cables. The cable installer was clueless and I was the one that hooked everything up, but it all worked out fine. The Time Warner website even showed the transcoder and cables in their FAQ. Don't tell them it's a computer monitor when you call them up, just say your HDTV uses VGA or RGBHV for the connection and to make sure the cable guy brings the transcoder and cables. I was absolutely floored at how good the picture was on that old monitor. I actually left it hooked up for awhile before I went back to my SDTV 36" Sony.

TechDreamer
My local cable company had no idea what a transcoder was 6 months ago...and I doubt much has changed. I wanted to hook up a 24inch CRT pc monitor to HD Cable box but didn't want to pay 250$ for a transcoder! I ended up getting a X1 projector and I use component for now. anyways...what is a good add on card for firewire? Eric

Thanks for the excellent instructions, got this up and working in about 5 minutes. Thought I was going to have to beg for some help, then I realized I was trying to record INHD! Changed to CBSHD and of course it worked without the 5C protection. :)

I want to just watch HDTV on projector through a pc. I got the driver installed and can watch all channels 1-99. but if I go over that, I get about 5 seconds then VLC locks up.

Does anyone have an Idea?

Darren

I have the same issue with VLC.

I can view all channels but when I get to HD content or
Digital COntent VLC shows a couple seconds then freezes.

I open VLC select open capture device from File
and refresh and select Pan. DVHS

and I can watch the video streaming, but locks up on HD and Digital
Content.

I think my biggest issues is that on my capturing PC I am using
a onboard video card, but in my server and gaming PC I use
a FX5200 and FX5900 Nvidia card. I am going to buy a card for my
capturing PC , cause certain video streams I record from the box will
crash the video (black screen) and finally come back with 16 color
safe mode look and ask to save and restart . Sometimes the PC
will just reboot . I know thats a video issue. But not sure why
VLC freezes on the HD and Digital stuff.

I originally posted this question in a different thread that really didn't match the subject. Hopefully this is a better thread...

I am using Sony Vegas 5.0 to create 720p/60 TS output. Then I use DVHSTools to send the output to a 30K. I'm also using Vegas 5.0 to make DVDs.

The latest DVD I made includes an 6.1 AC3 ES audio file. This was created as a separate file from the video which rendered down to a 480p MPEG2 file.

What I would like to do now is to embed that AC3 audio file into the 720p/60i version of the video. Unfortunately Vegas 5.0 does not allow for AC3 audio to be embedded (only LPCM audio). Does anyone know of a way to either,

1) Combine 720p/60 TS MPEG2 video file (no audio) with an AC3 audio file or,

2) Replace the LPCM audio in a 720p/60 TS MPEG2 file with an AC3 audio file.

None of this has to be done in real-time - creating a new TS file would be fine which could later be played with DVHSTools.

Any help is greatly appreciated! Unfortunately Sony just confirmed that Vegas does not have the capability to do this (they assume you would have a separate audio file). That is wonderful for PS operations but just doesn't work for streaming operations.

I've had the same issue as cable guy 73 for a month now with no resolution. Anyone?

I have everything up and running, but I can not get the HD channels to play back. I record some data, which is about 3 times the file size of the digital lo def channels. The data is there, but I cant get it to play back in any software. The data recorded from analog channels and regular digital channels seems to work fine. Are these channels copy protected or something keeping me from recording them? I do not have digital HD PBS to test this. I only have HDNET HDNET movies and HDHBO. Thanks in advance.

In almost all Comcast areas, as far as I know, all HD channels except locals are 5C-encrypted (as of firmware ver. 7.10). You will not be able to record them on a PC, period - only on a 5C-compliant device like a D-VHS deck. Don't know about other cable providers, but if it's not already encrypted it probably will be soon...

Actually jimre, the current topic involved only watching HDTV not recording.

Does the same hold true for 5c an just watching? What about firmware 7.15? (on my box)
Is anyone working on a software hack for that. The content is supposed to be watch anyway, not recorded, as copyright laws are supposed to protect that.
Why is the firewire stream protected and yet the coax ooutput of the cable box is not?
If this is the case, is the only way of watching HDTV content through a computer by use of a HDTV PCI card?

Darren

Originally posted by Wadsbrau
Actually jimre, the current topic involved only watching HDTV not recording. Silly me.... that's what I get for reading the thread title, which clearly says "HOW TO RECORD...". Not to mention the previous post (you know, the one I was actually replying to?) where the poster said he had RECORDED some data & was having problems. Geez.

I wrote that the current "topic" was viewing. Not what the thread title was about. As in Cable Guy73's message. The 5c stuff was covered earlier in the thread regarding recording

It wasn't meant as a judgement. Just looking for help regarding watching content only.

Thank you,
Darren

Then perhaps you should start your own thread, rather than trying to hijack this one.

And BTW - if you're trying to watch over firewire, then almost certainly you will NOT be able to watch 5C-encrypted channels on a PC. There is no 5C-compliant hardware or software for PCs, nor will there likely ever be. HD locals are not encrypted - at least not here in Seattle - but all other digital and HD channels are.

I was able to capture HBO-HD content to my PC with firmware 7.10, but have not been able to do so since the 7.15 firmware was uploaded a couple weeks ago. The 5C value reported in the 6208's menus still reports a value of "0" for all channels -- including HBO-HD. No change there.

Clearly something else -- not related to the 5C value -- has changed in the 7.15 firmware in relation to the data sent out the firewire port. Or perhaps the 5C value reported in the service menu really isn't channel-specific as has been suggested here, but instead implies something else entirely?

Perhaps 5C encryption was totally disabled under firmware 7.10, but is now enabled? This would suggest that the data is now encrypted but flagged as "copy freely" (which is I believe implied by the "0" value)? Perhaps it's time to reconnect my Mits D-VHS recorder and hope that it will record the HBO-HD content.

Originally posted by jimre
Then perhaps you should start your own thread, rather than trying to hijack this one.

And BTW - if you're trying to watch over firewire, then almost certainly you will NOT be able to watch 5C-encrypted channels on a PC. There is no 5C-compliant hardware or software for PCs, nor will there likely ever be. HD locals are not encrypted - at least not here in Seattle - but all other digital and HD channels are.

Why does S-video out from a HD satellite receiver, like the Dish Network 811, input into a PC and displayed on a HDTV through a PCI HD Tuner Card like MYHD look better then the original HD satellite picture?

The HD picture from the Dish 811 has a slight haze where the S-video picture doesn't.

robertpcx

Originally posted by skriefal
I was able to capture HBO-HD content to my PC with firmware 7.10, but have not been able to do so since the 7.15 firmware was uploaded a couple weeks ago. The 5C value reported in the 6208's menus still reports a value of "0" for all channels -- including HBO-HD. No change there.

Clearly something else -- not related to the 5C value -- has changed in the 7.15 firmware in relation to the data sent out the firewire port. Or perhaps the 5C value reported in the service menu really isn't channel-specific as has been suggested here, but instead implies something else entirely?

Perhaps 5C encryption was totally disabled under firmware 7.10, but is now enabled? This would suggest that the data is now encrypted but flagged as "copy freely" (which is I believe implied by the "0" value)? Perhaps it's time to reconnect my Mits D-VHS recorder and hope that it will record the HBO-HD content. What are the actual symptoms you're seeing?

Originally posted by robertpcx
Why does S-video out from a HD satellite receiver, like the Dish Network 811, input into a PC and displayed on a HDTV through a PCI HD Tuner Card like MYHD look better then the original HD satellite picture?

The HD picture from the Dish 811 has a slight haze where the S-video picture doesn't.

robertpcx Gee, that's really relevant to "How to record via 1394/Firewire to WindowsXP"...

Originally posted by jimre
What are the actual symptoms you're seeing?

Recording from HBO-HD: CapDVHS doesn't display anything about the stream being captured -- i.e. all of the various textboxes (resolution, frame rate, etc) are blank -- and a zero-byte file is generated. If I start the recording within a second of tuning to the channel then it'll seem to lock on and produce files of appropriate size, but those files will not play back under MyHD or WinDVD. Same thing happens with INHD1/2, and Discovery HD. Haven't tried ESPN-HD.

Recording from the local HD channels: Everything seems to work perfectly. CapDVHS displays all data about the stream being captured, and the files play back fine with MyHD and WinDVD.

Again, this started immediately after the 7.15 firmware upgrade. Prior to that, I was able to record from any of the HD channels.

Sounds like expected behavior. HBO-HD is supposedly 5C-encrypted on all Comcast systems by now - so you should *not* be able to record it with any PC hardware or software. The "bug" here - if anything - is your 6208 diagnostics not properly displaying "5C=1" when tuned to this channel.

I am trying to download the correct Meitape.inf file but the link will not work I am receiving this error

Not Found
The requested URL /~balazer/files/Meitape.inf was not found on this server.

does anyone else have it. I appreciate any help I can get

I use Ifoedit to mux my extractions from Dish HardDrive. It will mux meg and ac3 together..

The download link for Meitape.inf is broken.

Could some one please share the file with me?

email id : enaveen@usa.com


Thanks in advance!

Originally posted by flyersfan854
I am trying to download the correct Meitape.inf file but the link will not work I am receiving this error

Not Found
The requested URL /~balazer/files/Meitape.inf was not found on this server.

does anyone else have it. I appreciate any help I can get The link in the first post has been broken for a long time. That was reported on the 4th page of this thread. The alternate download location is also reported on that page:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3859266#post3859266

Originally posted by jimre
The link in the first post has been broken for a long time. That was reported on the 4th page of this thread. The alternate download location is also reported on that page:
postid=3859266#post3859266[/url]

Thank you

There is a seperate link to support motorola 620x device. I am looking for this Meitape.inf. Is it included in the core_driver.zip link that's in the 4th page. Please advice. Thanks!

"If you are using a Motorola 620X you will need to replace your Meitape.inf from the zip file with this one.
......engin.umich.edu...les/Meitape.inf"

Yes, that's where I got it from.

I am having the exact same problem as skriefal. I can record the locals though. My 5C status is also 0. I always get recorded files, but they can't be opened. If I use VLC to view the channels, the locals come in fine, and when it switches to StarzHD, it shows it for a moment, then goes blank.

I have a Mitsubishi DVHS deck, but no HDTV. I can't find a way to tell the Mits to record from the firewire input. I also would have no way of playing back the tapes if they are 5C encrypted. It seems like the JVC is the only way to go at this point for both recording and playing back. :(

Thanks to these instructions, got the software and hardware connected and recorded my first movie...thanks...

Now next step if possible....anyone know how to copy the file over to a dvd to play in a standalone dvd player??


If anyone can help, I'd like to know what it takes to do this....thanks again.

Perhaps I'm in the wrong forum to ask this question. If so, sorry.

Is it practical/possible to get a Motorola 6208, attach a firewire-driven external hard drive (which Motorola says it will take), and then use the recorded signal as if it had been made on a PC? Or is there some encoding involved?

To record with the Mitsu DVHS, connect the stb to the DVHS, and then hit the IEEE button on the front of the VCR, and hit record.

Originally posted by E Jackson
So right you are. We need to get the word out...we will purchase the software that is happiest with HD transport streams...

Anyone found one yet?

I have had no problem viewing with Zoomplayer 4.03 using the open source splitter, intervideo video decoder, and AC3filter.

bdraw - Thanks! I could not find the button on the front of the VCR (2000u) but I found it on the remote. It appears to work, but I have no way of knowing because I can't play back the tapes through my PC.

What is the cheapest DTCP/5C compliant device I can hook up to the Mits with firewire to component out conversion?

Thanks again,
Mike

Originally posted by thorr
What is the cheapest DTCP/5C compliant device I can hook up to the Mits with firewire to component out conversion?Uh...Mike, I think that would be a JVC DVHS player. :(

Yeah, that's what I thought. I did some research, and that seems to be the only cheap option. I just picked up a JVC 30K for $259 on ecost. I will probably still use the Mits as the tape recorder/player due to the reported reliability differences with the Mits/JVC decks, and use the JVC as a "transcoder" from firewire to component.

It works!

All you need to do is follow the intructions;)

It took me about 3 hours becasue I didn't understand the instructions, but now that it is working I can clearly see that the instructions make perfect sense!

I have a Comcast 6208 and I was able to record several different channels.

I'll do some more testing tonight. I can use AccessDTV or VLC to play back. I don't know if VLC supports 5.1 sound. You also need to set VLC to "bob" de-interlace to get a watchable picture.

Based on bit rate it seems that Comcast doesn't re-compress HDTV. I forgot the bitrate for PBS, but it was quite high.

Is there an easy way to tell which channels can not be recorded? So far I am just doing trial and error.

BIG thanks to all involved for the hard work to find such a simple solution for a simple person like me;)

My next task is to figure out how to make a widescreen DVD with dolby 5.1 out of the .ts files. Any ideas?

~Jay

I have tried and tried to get my XP pc to see my 6208. I see 2 device AV/C panel and unknown. I can never seem to find Tuner AV/C Device. Has anyone else run into this problem?

Thanks.

Jay M
There are a few thread on how to convert to DVD, but I find it the easiest to just use TMPGenc.
You may need to convert to mpeg with HDTVtoMPEG2 first.
You can get a free trial of TMPGenc and HDTVtoMPEG2 is free.

So there is no way to record a show onto the box then transfer it over to a PC later? That would be ideal....

Hello all,
I have reviewed all 335 posts, but I can't say that I have found my answer so here goes, I would like to archive shows off of the LG lst-3410a HD pvr to my pc to make room on the drive for more shows, then when ready move show back to the pvr for viewing.
Would the process outlined in this thread support that function, I'm also looking at the JVC 30K for that function, I believe I have read where it will support the copying off and writing back of the shows?
Any ideas would be helpful....

Thanks
Rick

Guess I'm also wondering what Ricmac is in the post just above, but I'd even settle for being able to transfer files to my PC and/or to an external hard drive with playback from a PC. This way, I could take files via laptop or external HD to another location-- to play back on a PC. I've perused this thread and others and, as usual for me, am confused as to what's working for folks and what isn't. Expert summary/findings would really help me! Thanks, Tim

also, fyi, my 3410a went in for what I thought was a simple firmware update, but the invoice indicates also included replacement of a Gemstar-related part. Mine was an early unit that became unable to program, clear, or change date/time. After two weeks with it repaired, all seems perfect (given it's inherent design limitations). I love the thing!

I'm sure this is a stupid question but if I get a DVHS deck like the JVC 30k, hook my cable box to it and then output firewire from the JVC to my computer will I be able to watch/record 5C encoded programming on the computer?

Thanks,
Steve

Can someone please post a new link for the 'hacked' meitape.inf file for the motorola 620x?? The link on the first post doesn't work. :(

Or send it to gokou88@hotmail.com

Thanks!!

hey guys, long time reader but first time posting....

trying to get this right, but I think I'm having an issue with the motorola box...in the system screen it shows 1394 as "INST" but "0" active ports?? What's the issue here? I have firmware 7.15. No "new hardware found" when connected to my PC.

Thanks

I found a new link to the modified meitape.inf for the 6208 . I cant post the link yet due to newbie restrictions but i found it doing a search on "6208" the link started yesterday.

I don't have a LG DVR so it is hard for me to figure out if it is possible.
If there is a way to output via 1394 then this method should work.

This method does not allow data to be sent back. Unless the DVR can emulate a DVHS.

A DVHS might make it possible, I would post your question to a new thread, concerning the DVHS questions. There are plenty of experts that read the forum, but not this thread.

Hiller131
no you will not be able to watch 5C protected content.

Sorry N3W813 but I don't have the drivers anymore, but I think you only need them if you have the old firmware. I don't have a 62XX reciever and don't know much more than that, sorry.

Rickmac & Giveout--

From just reading the review I see on the web, I'd say that it's likely the 3410a will transfer non-5C encrypted files to/from a PC over firewire. I expect that the method given in this thread would work in the "to" direction and perhaps DVHSTool would work in the other?

Originally posted by bdraw
capDVHS is made for a DVHS deck. So it will only work for playback to a DVHS deck. We are lucky it works for what we use it for. Even if we had a piece of software that would allow playback we wouldn't still have everything we needed. We would need the correct driver that would allow us to send a command up the line and let the 3410 know it was coming. On top of that your 3410 would have to be a 1394 monitor device. You can tell if it is or not by the devices XP detects when you plug the 3410 in. If one of the devices is a monitor then it atleast has the ability to playback. I would bet it does not. Mitsubishi TV's do have the ability, and I still can not play back.

Are you saying that it is impossible to reverse the process, i.e. stream the raw .ts file back via firewire to my Mitsu 52525 for display? I'm having no problems with recording, but on playback (via the aforementioned software) I either get very smooth with horrible interlacing artifacts or very jerky with de-interlacing filters applied :mad: Any suggestions? If I am OT, please direct me to the correct thread that discusses playback of HD .ts streams, as I am a noob and in need of direction. I've done many a search, and either find myself awash in technical jargon I don't understand, even if it does apply, or in threads that just don't apply at all. Oh, and if it helps: Athlon XP2100+, 512MB PC 2100 DDR, Radeon 9100-based video card. It's a modest system, all i can afford (or all my wife says I can afford ;)) for HTPC after my "big" tv purchase.

Morning,
I'm not a home this weekend, but I think I remember reading in the LST-3410 manual that it can support bi-directional data placement to and from the drive, I'll verify when I get back home.

hithere

If you want to send data back via 1394 then you want DTVRecorder (AKA firebus) from vividlogic.com it is far from perfect, but the best right now for that application.

As for playing via DVI or VGA from your HTPC, I woudl see the HTPC forum.
I am in a similair situation with my HTPC. I have a P3 1.0ghz with a radeon 9500, and although it wasn't easy I was able to make it work with help from this thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=395039

It is not easy but it has good results.

Originally posted by AlterEcho
I am not sure if you have the same model.....but I have three i.link (1394) jacks. Actually, my jacks act just like a firewire card (IN/OUT). When I hook up my JVC 4K I can record to it (HS) and play back to the TV, through the i.link jacks. I just recorded 5 minutes of the Olympics and then played it back through the firewire jacks. So they are bidirectional......if I could only get the correct inf files, I probably could stream to my PC.

-=AE=-

I've got the same problem with my Sony KD-34XBR960. If only someone could write some PC drivers to facilitate communication with the Sony i.Link/Firewire standard I bet they could be used with many different Sony TVs with iLink. I'd be willing to invest some time to try to create these drivers myself. I've just got no idea how to begin. Any help in this area would be appreciated.

Originally posted by wookatok
Thanks for this thread. I got the my laptop to record the OTA firewire stream from the LG 3410a. I recorded CSI Miami last night without any problems.

It appears that programs recorded to the Hard Disk do not stream to tjhe firewire port on playback. When I try to do a DVSH out dump, of recorded programs from the 3410a hard drive the 3410a does not recognize the laptop.

wookatok

What software and/or drivers were you using on the laptop to capture the LG 3410's stream?

Originally posted by wookatok
Thanks for this thread. I got the my laptop to record the OTA firewire stream from the LG 3410a. I recorded CSI Miami last night without any problems.

It appears that programs recorded to the Hard Disk do not stream to tjhe firewire port on playback. When I try to do a DVSH out dump, of recorded programs from the 3410a hard drive the 3410a does not recognize the laptop.

wookatok

What software and/or drivers were you using on the laptop to capture the LG 3410's stream?

Originally posted by mkerdman
wookatok

What software and/or drivers were you using on the laptop to capture the LG 3410's stream?

Murray, I used the exact software and drivers used listed in the first post, core drivers and CapDVSH. Since I am using the LG 3410, I did not replace the Meitape.inf from the zip file that is used for the Motorolo 620X.

As I mentoned in my eairler post, I am able to record OTA HD, but unable to record anything form the cable or hard drive.

I would be nice if we had a software interface that presented itself as a DVSH player so we could do dumps to and from the LG3410a hard drive.

Originally posted by wookatok
I would be nice if we had a software interface that presented itself as a DVSH player so we could do dumps to and from the LG3410a hard drive.

This is one of the features of the DTVRecorder. (aka firebus)

Originally posted by bdraw
This is one of the features of the DTVRecorder. (aka firebus)

Ben

Do you have interoperability between your PC and the 3410 using FireBus v1.0?

If so, please describe what functionality you have enabled.

Originally posted by bdraw
hithere

If you want to send data back via 1394 then you want DTVRecorder (AKA firebus) from vividlogic.com it is far from perfect, but the best right now for that application.

As for playing via DVI or VGA from your HTPC, I woudl see the HTPC forum.
I am in a similair situation with my HTPC. I have a P3 1.0ghz with a radeon 9500, and although it wasn't easy I was able to make it work with help from this thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=395039

It is not easy but it has good results.

Just want to say thanks for being one of the "good guys"...I'll give the suggestions in that thread a try when i get a chance (work full time+school full time=need recording/playback capability but don't have a lot of time to set up and learn).

Hopefully, i'll have good luck with firebus and my mitsu.

Am I right in saying that the main problem is that during record, the computer just has to write straight to the hard drive, but during playback is forced to actually decipher what the recorded data means and translate to display at whatever resolution, and it simply gets bogged down? I was hoping for a program like firebus to stream the raw data right back to the tv as if it were "live" to the tv so the middleman (my comp's display capabilities) was eliminated.

Originally posted by mkerdman
Do you have interoperability between your PC and the 3410 using FireBus v1.0?

If so, please describe what functionality you have enabled.

I don't have a 3410 or Firebus.

I have a HDTivo now so I don't use firewire at all.
But I did at one time use Firebus, with my Mitsu ws55813 Tv, with a DVHS. And I was able to use the Firebus as a DVHS deck. You simply switch the mode in the software and it looks like a DVHS to the othe firewire devices.

Try out firebus it has a free demo, you can check it out.

Originally posted by hithere

Am I right in saying that the main problem is that during record, the computer just has to write straight to the hard drive, but during playback is forced to actually decipher what the recorded data means and translate to display at whatever resolution, and it simply gets bogged down? I was hoping for a program like firebus to stream the raw data right back to the tv as if it were "live" to the tv so the middleman (my comp's display capabilities) was eliminated.

No Firebus just pushes the stream out. It requires almost no processor power.

Firebus woks quite well with my Mitsu TV back when I evaluated it. The only problem I had was that the controls sometimes controlled my DVHS when they were supposed to be controlling my Firebus software. They might have fixed this by now. I haven't tried a version in quite a while.

You are very welcome for the help. It is my pleasure. But I have moved on to hacking my HDTivo, but we can't discuse it here for whatever reason.

DSteve,

Can you at least "write out" the location so that we can find it?

I saw another post on the thread referring us to another thread, that pointed to the core_driver.zip archive. The problem is: the message does not mention of the inf file enclosed in that archive is the hacked one, or the original one.

Many thanks in advance

Best Regards,

Pobably a stupid question, but how do you know for sure which channels are 5c flagged and what the actual flag is set to? I'm starting to play with my 6412 and was curious.

Thanks,
MP

Originally posted by madpoet
Pobably a stupid question, but how do you know for sure which channels are 5c flagged and what the actual flag is set to? I'm starting to play with my 6412 and was curious.

Thanks,
MP Not sure if the procedure is exactly the same for a 6412 as for my 6200 but I'll bet it's pretty close:

1. Tune to the channel you want to check
2. Hit Power Off button on remote
3. Immediately (within 2 sec) hit OK button; this brings up the Diagnostics menu
4. Choose INTERFACE STATUS (#11)
5. Look at the "5C IMPLEMENTATION" field: 0 = copy freely (content not encrypted); 1 = copy once (content encrypted)
6. Repeat from step 1, for each channel you want to check

Ahh, excellent. Thanks much, I do know how to get to that menu.

FYI,
I tried using Windows Media Encoder and it crashed, gave an error, and blue screened XP Pro. I guess it doesn't like the stream it found.

Tim Huey

Well, as I expected my 2 locals are 0 and the rest of the channels are 1. Ah well ;). If only they could make a 5c compliant PC device...

Originally posted by madpoet
...If only they could make a 5c compliant PC device... I'm not sure people would really want one. The only way this would ever (legally) happen would be a secure, tamper-resistant PC that gives control over hard disk content to the movie studios (not you). See Microsoft "Palladium"...

Eh, you might be surprised. But I'd settle for the ability to expand my 6412's storage somehow ;)

Even one-time recordings via 5C to my JVC-30k wouldn't be so bad.... if I could just clean up the crud at the beginning and end, to make a nice neat tape.... :(

:cool:

The modified meitape.inf file was an experiment, and if I remember correctly it turned out to not be necessary once Motorola fixed the 62xx firmware to support recording.

The standard meitape.inf file should work. Can someone please confirm?

Just wanted to say that I got this workin on my Charter 6200 box and it only took about an hour. Woot!

just recorded a football game in HD... so now i have a 38gb file lol.. but anyway... it's interlaced really really bad since it was broadcast in 1080i... is there any way to record in 720p... or de-interlace my video file ??

Any programs that will turn on/or change the channel on the 6208 rev 7.15?

Tim Huey

There were some folks who were wondering if this works for Long Island Cablevision. It does and I didn't have to do anything special. The only thing that doesn't work is recording analog (2-99) channels. All the Digital and HD channels record. The SD channels play back fine (Video and Audio) on my Celeron 1.3GHz, but the HD stuff is chop city. I'm getting a new PC PIV 3.4Ghz this week so I'm hoping that can keep up with the 80 Mbps recordings of the HD stuff.

Help me!
I’m having software or driver problems on the 6028 to PC hookup. I bought a firewire cable, worked fine, DCT6208 recognized.

DRIVERS
First, perhaps you can tell me if the drivers are working right. I don’t see the 6028 HDD as a device under “My Computer,” or maybe it shouldn’t be there.
Downloaded all software per AVS Forum instructions. Managed to get the 6208 recognized by two drivers in “Device Drivers” under “Imaging devices.” They are called “Panasonic DVS AV/C Device” and “Tuner AV/C Device”
Both have an unnamed driver from “Matsushita Electoric Industorial” (misspellings as indicated), apparently from the Meitape drivers.

SOFTWARE
Perhaps the drivers are working, when I unplug the firewire, the CapDVHS says “No Device Connected.” If so, here is where I’m at, software-wise.
The CapDVHS program acknowledges a device: Panasonic MPEG2TS Tape Sub

Then according to instructions, I do the following(AVS Forum instructions in “quotes”)
“Select the ‘Data Info.’ tab and hit the ‘Rec’ Button
You should see the info populated.”
This used to work fine, now I don’t see the ‘info being populated’, though it keeps recording.
“Hit stop and check your file.”
I hit stop and while a file is stored, I cant get them to playback
“Elecard works well for playback or Sasem OnAir Editor or VLC”
I downloaded all three and none of them show anything to play
Also I can’t get VLC to display the video feed on my computer, though it seems to recognize something.
Can you please explain what I might be doing wrong? It is so frustrating.
Finally, is there a way to just copy non-HD TV shows that I recorded on the 6208 hard disk (DVR) without all the streaming and HD compatibility that the AVS Forum instructions supposedly lead to?


:( :(

It took me an hour to figure out that the analog channels don't output anything over the firewire port. Try a digital channel? Of course, I'm probably the only person in this thread using a Sony DHG-M55CV STB.

Thanks, I'll try it.
P.S. and FYI - Comcast, at least in L.A., is using Firmware 7.15 now. They don't give out support on copying despite the fact their sales people promote copying as a feature.
Not sure what 7.15 means in terms of copy protection and 5c yet, but I can't get capdvhs to work right yet.

Is anyone getting stutter-free live TV using VLC? I'm getting stuttering every few seconds on all Comcast HD channels.

Thanks for the guide! up and running/recording in only 10 minutes!!

Be sure to try and pause the feed for a few seconds, then playing it. That should cure any stutters.

I've been playing with the firewire from SA 3250HD to my HTPC a little bit. I've been using VLC to try and get "live" viewing working. The audio is OK but the video is a "slide show". About 1 or 2 frames per second and consistant. I do not think of this as "stuttering" since to my way of thinking stuttering are missed frames out of a normal frame rate flow. CPU consumption is only around 10%.

Anyone else run into the "slide show" thing and know the fix?

DFA

I'm noticing this as well with 1080i content. I have a pretty beefy system (p4 3.4ghz, 5900 Vid Card, 1 gig ddr 500mhz mem).

720p content seems to run pretty good, but 1080i is hosed.

I'm running default setting on VLC.

NIzZ8:

OK, good to know I'm not alone. I also let VLC run "default". What I had been looking at so far has been 1080i. I will try 720p and see how I compare with your results. I only have one (1) 720p channel (ABC) so would not be very encouraging for the long term to have only one viewable channel.

The good news for me is that EVERYTHING is CCI free. I live in a small town. When I asked for a 3250 with firewire, they said they had none. When I informed that they were supposed to be able to supply them on request, they found a small stash in a closet that had been purchased for that purpose and set aside (the 3250HD's being handed out to Joe Sixpack are sans firewire). I was informed that only one other person in my town had ever requested an STB with functional firewire.

They are not yet concerned about setting flags I guess since they know of only two jokers in the whole network messing with firewire. Probably want to toy with us. In the meantime, would be nice to get this working for real, everyday usage.

DFA

So, I've got four recordings, but nothing I've got can play them back. My DVHSCap settings are as per the original post, but nothing, and I mean nothing, will play them:

- ForceWare MultiMedia 4 crashes (it can play OTA transport streams without a hitch)
- Sasem Editor can open them, but it won't play them
- VLC is also a no-go

My guess is that my MSO is encrypting everything, but that shouldn't really matter from a FireWire standpoint, right? If the "copy never" flag is set, then nothing should come out of the FW port (making sure I'm following this). If "copy once" is set, then I should get some data on my PC, but with the stream still being encrypted? Basically, I think I'm out of luck when it comes to using a PC for this.

I'm using a Moto 6200, if that's relevant.

Thanks!

Bill

Originally posted by balazer
The modified meitape.inf file was an experiment, and if I remember correctly it turned out to not be necessary once Motorola fixed the 62xx firmware to support recording.

The standard meitape.inf file should work. Can someone please confirm?

After months of followingthis thread and just getting around to trying it out I am similarly confused.

The link to the meitape.inf file in the first thread remains broken; the modified file is apparently contained in the zip mirrored on the fourth page or so but its hard to tell if its a file that has been hacked for the 6208

And then the point above that perhaps nothing else is needed for we Motorola 6208 types with the later firmware

Can someone please confirm the correct file to use please?

Thanks

_________________________

Edit - I just installed it and got it working in a little over an hour (I am slower than some others)

Didn't copy any files over but can't be sure if the time I was successful I was pointing to the files from the first thread(I believe this is the case) or those I got from the mirror.

Now if I can only figure out why ff and reverse don't work (but pause does) when playing the recorded file back with MyHd!

Seriously - thanks for putting it together for people like me.

Originally posted by RalphArch


Now if I can only figure out why ff and reverse don't work (but pause does) when playing the recorded file back with MyHd!

Check out this post for more info on this subject.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4419725#post4419725

--Eric

Thanks Eric - you provided a fix for a problem I didn't even know I had as I had only recorded a couple minutes of an HD show to test it out.

Now off to get the necessary software to make the files proper ATSC for the MyHD playback

I am able to record non-HD content to my PC wonderfully. Whenever I try to use HDTVtoMPEG to convert to MPEG for DVD burning it looks like it works, but the file has no sound or image, or if I do get an image it is just a grey screen. Has anyone else run into this?

When I go to choose the driver after de-selecting "show compatiable hardware" I scroll down to Panasonic but "Panasonic D-VHS AV/C device" is not an available choice. The closest I can find is "Panasonic AV/C tape recorder/player" or something close to that, I don't remember. Tried that anyway but Cap DVHS cannot find a capture device.

Any ideas? Running XP Home, SP2

Thanks!

:confused:

I've read this thread with greater interest as my cable company is providing me a 6208 to beta test starting tomorrow. It will be interesting to see what the firmware version is and how 5C is set. This is a small local cable company that has been providing three network channels in HD via 8-VSB for free. I've been picking them up via a Zenith HD Sat520.

I'm curious as to what is a typical subscription rate is for the 6208 with 4 major networks, HDNet, HDnet Movies, Discovery HD Theater, and HBO-HD?

I know I should probably start another thread with this question, but with this being such an active thread I thought I could get a rapid response.

Thanks,
Tom
<><

Originally posted by az886502
Hi,

I live in Pittsburgh, PA 15213. I just had the motorola DCT 6200 installed today. I have followed the top post to install the driver with no problem. But that's it.

For CapDVHS, after following the setup steps, when I click 'Rec.', a pop up window of 'Error 80040217: Cannot connect SampleGrabber' showed up.


I am getting this error as well, I noticed you said you fixed it, but you did not say how. Can your please pass on these vitals?

thanks,
dev*

Unfortunatley for me my wife has cut off my spending allowance. I hope some of you can feel my pain.

My problem is that my Mits ws65869 has an integrated HD tuner that is able to pick up HD broadcasts OTA and the picture is great but there is *no audio*. I am about 100% sure that the audio problem is a defect in my Mits internal HD tuner (it was working fine before and suddenly went bad).

Anyways, my question is this. If I use the firewire port on my Mits set to feed the HD signal to my PC is there a way to listen to *just the audio*??? I don't want to max the cpu recording HD, I just want to hear some audio now!

I guess I am just venting. I don't even have the moolah to buy a firewire cable right now .

:p

Anyways, this is a great HOWTO. Thanks for the clear directions!

I'm not sure if this has been covered or not, since I lost track of this thread over time, but forgive me if it has.

I setup a shortcut to run VLC with the parms for picking up the stream automatically.

Target:

"C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC\vlc.exe" "dshow:// :dshow-vdev="Panasonic MPEG2TS Tape Subunit Device" :dshow-adev="" :dshow-size="" :no-dshow-config "

Start In:

"C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC"

It works great.

Also, my feed sometimes stutters on 1080i with the default deinterlacing on. After the shortcut runs and immediately pops the cable box feed to full screen, I switch deinterlace from "Bob" to "disable". Stutters are gone.

Unfortunately, VLC doesn't have a documented switch for "disable" yet. Please let me know if anyone has found one.

Attached is the core drivers file.

is there a mirror for the modified meitape? The link seems to be down :(

I searched through this thread to try to find a definitive answer, but Im not sure I found it. With a QAM tuner, I can only record unencrypted QAM channels...if I use Firewire from my STB to my PC, am I still limited to unecrypted channels? For me ESPNHD is encrypted, and Id really like to find some way I can record it, as my Wolfpack is finally playing in a game broadcast in high-def this Saturday.

Originally posted by thomasamiller
Unfortunatley for me my wife has cut off my spending allowance. I hope some of you can feel my pain.

My problem is that my Mits ws65869 has an integrated HD tuner that is able to pick up HD broadcasts OTA and the picture is great but there is *no audio*. I am about 100% sure that the audio problem is a defect in my Mits internal HD tuner (it was working fine before and suddenly went bad).

Anyways, my question is this. If I use the firewire port on my Mits set to feed the HD signal to my PC is there a way to listen to *just the audio*??? I don't want to max the cpu recording HD, I just want to hear some audio now!

I guess I am just venting. I don't even have the moolah to buy a firewire cable right now .

:p

Anyways, this is a great HOWTO. Thanks for the clear directions!

I have the same TV only 55 inch. Have tried reseting it. Get a paperclip and with the TV on press in the reset button on the front. It will turn off and the green light will flash next to the power button for a minute or so. When it stops blinking turn it back on. This may fix your problem.

Otherwise send an email to Mits asking for a software update and they will send you a flash card. This may fix it as well.

Thanks for clear instructions on how to get my PC to record 6208 data streams. The whole reason I went to this site was to find out how to copy files off of the 6208 to my firewire connected PC. I have some shows I'd like to archive to my PC and free some space on the 6208. Is there a way to do that? If it's mentioned in this thread, my apology for not finding it in my review of the various threads.

Originally posted by Jason Pastore
is there a mirror for the modified meitape? The link seems to be down :(

Are you sure you need it? I didn't think at of the 6208 had the old firmware anymore.

Originally posted by ENDContra
I searched through this thread to try to find a definitive answer, but Im not sure I found it. With a QAM tuner, I can only record unencrypted QAM channels...if I use Firewire from my STB to my PC, am I still limited to unecrypted channels?

It only works for un-encrypted programming. Even if it were possible we couldn't discuse it here.

bdraw, this may have already been answered here. If so, I apologize for asking it again. When, and if, Motorola provides the firmware (as they say they will next year) to add an external drive to increase the DVR capacity of the 6208 (&6214) via the Firewire interface, will you only be able to record unencrypted program content? If so, then it really isn't an extension of the hard drive in the unit, is it. What do you know and/or what do you think?

Tom
<><

Originally posted by ENDContra
I searched through this thread to try to find a definitive answer, but Im not sure I found it. With a QAM tuner, I can only record unencrypted QAM channels...if I use Firewire from my STB to my PC, am I still limited to unecrypted channels? For me ESPNHD is encrypted, and Id really like to find some way I can record it, as my Wolfpack is finally playing in a game broadcast in high-def this Saturday. You CAN NOT record encrypted material via firewire to a PC. You CAN record encrypted material via firewire to a 5C-compliant device - which means mainly D-VHS tape decks like the JVC 30K/40K.

Originally posted by tomrhyne
bdraw, this may have already been answered here. If so, I apologize for asking it again. When, and if, Motorola provides the firmware (as they say they will next year) to add an external drive to increase the DVR capacity of the 6208 (&6214) via the Firewire interface, will you only be able to record unencrypted program content? If so, then it really isn't an extension of the hard drive in the unit, is it. What do you know and/or what do you think?

Tom
<>< I don't think anyone really knows, except maybe the developers at Motorola trying to figure out how in the heck to implement this. The only way I think they would ever allow this is if they could ENSURE that data on the external drive is securely encrypted and can't be used on a PC.

jimre, thanks for your prompt reply. It is going to be interesting to see if they can come through with what they have advertised.

I should know this, but I don't. Here is my assumption. Correct me if I'm wrong. (Boy, I didn't really have to say that, did I?) I assume you can record to D-VHS encrypted program content via Firewire. I believe we still have the right to at least record once. If this is correct, then what prevents one from off loading a D-VHS to a PC? I'm probably showing my ignorance on this subject here; so be easy on me!

Tom
<><

Originally posted by tomrhyne
jimre, thanks for your prompt reply. It is going to be interesting to see if they can come through with what they have advertised.

I should know this, but I don't. Here is my assumption. Correct me if I'm wrong. (Boy, I didn't really have to say that, did I?) I assume you can record to D-VHS encrypted program content via Firewire. I believe we still have the right to at least record once. If this is correct, then what prevents one from off loading a D-VHS to a PC? I'm probably showing my ignorance on this subject here; so be easy on me!

Tom
<>< The D-VHS deck will prohibit offloading "copy-once" encrypted content to a PC (or anything else except maybe a display). Content flagged "copy-freely" can be copied from the tape to PC, no problem.

That's what it means to be 5C-compliant - the device dutifully obeys all copy-restriction flags and can't be easily hacked (unlike a PC). In return, the device is equipped with secret keys that can decrypt protected content.

Thanks for the info jimre...I very much disagree with the decision that was made to make ESPNHD "copy-once". If I could go out and buy a DVD of a particular game broadcast, Id do it in a minute...but since thatll never happen, I dont see why I cant be allowed to record it myself.

My hat is off to Ben too! Great post!!

Here's my current status,... I now can capture directly from my HD/DVR set top box to my XP notebook via 1394.

What I would like to be able to do ultimately is be able to leave that notebook teathered to my home theater (down in the basement) and be able to remotely (over my home lan using either Remote Desktop or Netmeeting) control not only the capture function but also the channel settings, etc, over the 1394 i/f.

When I hot plugged into one of the 6208's 1394 ports (there are two on the back of my unit) the pnp sw finds not only the tape transport unit, but also an AV control panel.

Is anyone aware of the existence of an XP compatible driver that will enumerate and configure the AV control panel, and also an XP compatible app that can be used to control the front panel?

Your help is GREATLY appreciated.

And thanks again to Ben for his empowering iniital posts.

Regards,
Gary
Acton, MA

I finally got the firmware on our 3250HD ungraded to support 1394, but when I plug it into a firewire equipped PC, the PC is still not "seeing" new hardware. I'm hoping someone here can help me out or point me in the right direction.

First of all, for those that have set up similar configurations, did you have to do anything special to the 1394 setup on the PC (it looks fine under Device Manager)?

My 3250HD configuration is as follows:
ROM Image: 1.56.5.1
Firebus: 2.5.7.1

Two issues on the 3250's configuration pages that I wonder about:

On page 14 under "Software Anomalies", I have the message:

"Warning! 960101.00.00 [SARA Main] @ba1394.c:536 (i1394_Get returned - 0x4401)"

On page 19 (1394 page) , most of the items show "unavailable".

Could someone who has a similar setup check those pages and tell me how far off my settings are?

BTW, in case it matters, my cable supplier is Cox in Northern Virginia.

Any help someone can provide would be greatly appreciated. I'm really looking forward to trying what everyone has described here.

TIA,

Craig

just in case people still want/need it, i attached the modified Meitape.inf file. Dunno if it's still necessary, but I could only find it at one place on the web (some random forum) and wanted to mirror it here.

Can someone confirm if this is still needed? I have firmware 7.15 on the 6208 box.

I'm gonna give this a shot pretty soon, thanks for the great thread!

Hi all:

Got some fundamental Q's. I'm new to dealing with TS stuff and admit my ignorance. I have been playing around with the firewire output from my SA3250HD STB into my HTPC. My STB is Sara based. Everything is free and clear from my provider.

I have a total of 6 HD channels: 4 are "network" type and 2 are HBO. The 4 "network" type are ABC, NBC, Discovery, and the other I can't remember off hand.

CapDVHS reports the bit rates for the 4 "network" channels at 80 Mbps while CapDVHS reports the 2 HBO HD streams at 13 - 14 Mbps.

I can use VLC to directly view (Live TV) the 2 HBO HD channels with no problem. Not so for the "network" channels at 80 Mbps. Super stutter garbage with just glimpses of video and snips of audio.

The 80 Mbps stream is carrying a bunch of additional content that most is not of interest I'm guessing. I imagine that there is a 13 - 14 Mbps component stream of interest contained within the 80 Mbps stream. Whether viewing directly (Live TV) or recording, it seems that it would be desirable / necessary to split out the content of interest, i.e. the HD video and accompanying audio.

My question is can this be done upfront before recording or decoding for direct view? Forgive my lameness but this just seems what one would want to do if for no other reason than recording disk space efficiency.

Provide a clue to the clueless.

DFA

You can use HDTVtoMPEG2 to extract the stream you want.
Make sure you use v1.10b

Thanks so very much. However, this looks like an "after-the-fact" tool. I was wondering if there was something that would filter out all the sub-channels, etc. of the stream in real time. Perhaps something like "nullpacketstripper" although I don't think this works real time either.

DFA

I am (obviously!) a new member here, and just wanted to say thank you for this thread. Had it up and working after 15 minutes or so.

6208 @ 7.15, Insight Cable in Columbus OH.

HBO, Cinemax and a few others are protected here, it seems, while the local PBS HD channel allows recording. Fantastic picture.

I had a crazy thought. Since the Cable HD tuner by nature HAS to decode the stream before sending it to the television, how about a set of custom cables that splits the output? One to the TV, one to the PC?

Anyone seen or done this?


O
----------------------------------
Vidi Vici Veni

Oicu812:

Welcome aboard.

What STB output are you considering for this?

The component output is analog (though good quality and HD) but has too high a data rate to be taken into the PC. We are all waiting for a PCI card that will take HD component input and compress it (encode) in hardware for storage and playback.

The DVI output: I have yet to see a DVI input on a PC and data rate is again a problem not to mention HDCP.

That leaves S-Video which a lot of us are doing but this is low res (Std Def; SD) so no great shakes.

The only other way of getting HD content into the HTPC are ATSC OTA tuner cards like MyHD and unfortunately the BC (Broadcast Flag) is coming for that next year though currently being challenged in court.

This firewire link offers the only way to get compressed, digital HD from the STB to PC but has the DTCP (Digital Transmission Content Protection) ax hanging over it. Sadly for this reason, it is doubtful that this will be anything more than an experiment.

You can thank our esteemed legislators for all this BS.

EDIT: I should say "affordable" PCI card with HD component input. There are some professional very high dollar cards that can take HD component input. You will find some affordable cards that take component input but if you read the fine print you will find they are limited to SD resolutions such as Holo3D. Check this thread for some intitial excitement due to some false claims made by the marketing writers of this product with regard to the component input: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=408823&highlight=s3+chrome. The thread will now sink into oblivion since the truth is now apparent (no HD).

DFA

i have comcast with Mot 6200 high def box with 7.15. i have it hooked up to my dell through firewire. i went through the install process, cancelling all automatic attempts. then i went back and under device manager intalled the drivers from the original post for the a/v device. now it shows up under my imaging devices as a TUNER AV/C Device. i try to use sagetv to see if it will pull it up as a source and it won't. where do i go from here?
thanks
sluri
also when i try to use d-vhs app, i get a capture device not found...

Related to recording on the PC is: playing back on the PC, and perhaps recording on another device.

Is it possible to play back a TS stream on a WinXP machine and record it to a D-VHS VCR via Firewire?

sluri

If it's any consolation I have more or less the same problem. I progress through the install process but when it comes to selecting "Panasonic D-VHS AV/C device" I can't because it isn't in my list of choices! And yes, "show compatible devices" is un-checked. Running XP Home SP2, no idea why I wouldn't have the same choices as everyone else! I do see "Panasonic AV/C tape recorder/player" and just for grins have tried installing that but Cap D-VHS cannot find a capture device.

Soooo a dumb question........How the heck do I get "Panasonic D-VHS AV/C device" to show up in the installer as a choice?????

Somebody please enlighten me.

10/25/04 - A very serious "DOH" occurence here! So serious I doubt my competency to accomplish anything more technical then replacing a power cord from this point forward.

All is working well now thanks to all.

Sluri and Muddlin'Thru:

I am no expert at this, but it is true that you must see "Panasonic D-VHS AV/C device" as the choice. As I recall, I installed the tuner and something else but turned around and removed everything and started over. I do not have a tuner driver installed as I recall. Just the tape subunit.

Not at my machine so can't say but try without installing any tuner. I have a total of three PNP things I disabled in device manager: two "unknowns" and the tuner as I recall.

EDIT: It is "AV/C Panel" that is not installed and disabled in Device Manager in addition to the two "unknown"s for what that info is worth. This is under the "Other devices" tab. "Panasonic D-VHS AV/C device" will show under "Imaging devices". meistrm.sys and meitape.sys are the only two Matsushita drivers I have installed and running.

DFA

Originally posted by nathan_h
Is it possible to play back a TS stream on a WinXP machine and record it to a D-VHS VCR via Firewire?

Yes use DVHSTool

You guys Friggin ROCK!!!

Took me 15 minutes and I'm recording my Hi-Def channels (Those that are non-5C) and everything else!!

This is PIMP.

I've got Comcast w/motorola DCT6200
Firewire to Dell D800

Now I need to know this.

I want to use a HTPC front end that will allow me to use this imaging device as my video feed, and control channel changing via IrBlaster.

I currently use SnapStream BeyondTV. I don't care about recording and watching different channels. I will mainly use this for watching TV and recording shows when I'm out.

P.S- i've also noticed the sound is kind've low. Anyway to bring up the volume at the source?

YEAAAAAHHHH!!!

-JB

Sluri and Muddlin'Thru:

I had the same problem untill i downloaded the right
Meituner.inf file. I saw a link earlier in this thread to
another link to it since the one at the beginning stopped
working. Once you get that inf file replaced i'd uninstall the
drivers and restart and then do it again from the begenning
like bdraw posted. :-)

Hey does anyone know of an app to copy the shows you
have recorded? or can we only do live video from the motorola
62xx series? Thanks

Originally posted by bdraw
Yes use DVHSTool

Thanks! Yes, it works like a charm, right down to chaining three TS files back together in my specified order.

Well, I've got it working on comcast motorola 6208 box v7.15.

Note - I used the modified meitape.inf file (I reposted it several posts above this one.) That got me the required entries in the installation box - to those above me who couldn't find them, maybe that's your problem? dunno, I didn't try it with the original file.

Some of the channels don't work at all - the boxes aren't populated when I hit Record in the D-VHS Cap program. I assume those are the 5C-ed channels. Some of them do work though, which is neat.

Thanks for the guide!

Well, it seems my previous post wasn't entirely correct -

I can sporadically record from HD channels. Sometimes, I will get the info filled in on D-VHS Cap.

-If the info doesn't fill in, the file won't open at all. (on any given channel, the info may or may not get filled in.)
-If the info fills in, and it's a local channel, the recording works.
-If the info fills in, and it's a non-broadcast channel (movie channels, etc) then the recording will play in full quality for about 4-5 seconds, then freeze. VLC's progress bar runs through the rest of the file really quickly and then closes the video.

Are they copy-protected or is this a problem with my setup? How do I tell if a channel has 5C info?

i didnt need the other file to make this work. the pproblem you are experiencing is due to the 5c encryption. to check if encrytion is set on a certain show.

- browse to channel
- turn power off motorola
- immediately press ok
- browse to interface status

note the 5c implementation if set to 0, you can copy. if set to 1, you cant

-jb

Thanks to this thread I now have my PC recording Time Warner HD through the SA3250HD firewire port. I have noticed some interesting things.

I am able to capture/record the HD feeds from all of the OTA stations that Time Warner carries, plus Discovery-HD, TNT-HD, and INHD1 and INHD2. HBO-HD, SHO-HD, ESPN-HD, HDNET and HDNET movies are appear to be flagged through 5C copy protection by TWC as "copy once" and thus cannot be recorded through firewire. This seems consistent with others on this board.

I do run into a stange problem. If I change the channel to a 5C protected channel while watching through VLC, I then cannot record or watch any non-protected channels upon switching back. It will only work again if I close VLC AND reboot the cable box. DVHS will not work either. If I do not reboot the box, I get recorded files that will not play back with any player (even though there is data in the file). I think the problem is the 5C copy protection flag gets "stuck" into the on position for the other channels, which is only fixed by rebooting the cable box. Any thoughts?

I am curious to know what ESPN HD cannot be recorded through firewire, considering Discovery and TNT can be recorded through firewire. I suspect it is somewhere in the carraige agreement bwtween TWC and ESPN.

It looks as if the copy protection battle lines are being drawn. I refuse to get the HD-DVR because there is no way to offload the material from the DVR to permanently archive it -- and the content providers are doing everything in their power to keep it that way. TWC is in the middle, but my gut feeling is they are not adequately looking out for the consumer's interest -- especially the law abiding consumer that simply wants to exercise his/her fair use rights by maintaining personal copies of HD material.

It seems to me there should be a tool for removing the 5C flag from the transport stream files that cannot be played back. Anyone know of such a tool? Or is the stream scrambled? The content providers would probably argue any such program would violate the DMCA. But Congress' power on copyrights only goes so far as the constitution allows --- and the fair use exception is based on the first amendement, and should, IMO, override any attempts by Congress to legislate otherwise.

Just an FYI - I noticed the 5C protection is not set on a station, but rather set on an individual show basis.

I.E - Some discovery shows like American Chopper are copyrighted.

-JB

Originally posted by dc10forlife
...It seems to me there should be a tool for removing the 5C flag from the transport stream files that cannot be played back. Anyone know of such a tool? Or is the stream scrambled? The content providers would probably argue any such program would violate the DMCA. But Congress' power on copyrights only goes so far as the constitution allows --- and the fair use exception is based on the first amendement, and should, IMO, override any attempts by Congress to legislate otherwise. Yes, any 5C=1 material is encrypted and no, you can't get at it. Your fair use argument won't go very far, I'm afraid. The FCC has said that fair use means you can record programs & watch them later (timeshifting). It doesn't mean you are entitled to use a COMPUTER to do this. You can easily buy a JVC D-VHS tape deck at most consumer electronics stores that is 5C-compliant. It will record & play back any 5C=1 material just fine. Don't hold your breath for a PC-based 5C implementation any time soon, if ever.

Hi, I wonder if I could request a recap from those who have had complete success with this method, which to me means consistent recording of non-5C channels and consistent, glitch-free playback of those same files on the PC.

I have been following the thread since it was new, have the drivers installed successfully, and have captured streams using CapDVHS. Playing those streams glitch-free is still an unsolved challenge. I'm plagued by audio that drops out and goes out of sync, inability to select a stream, and files that simply stop playing at random points.

This has been true with playback via HiPix, and recently with the .TS play ability added to Theater Tek 2.0. Also tried using HDTVtoMPEG2, but the resulting files were no better.

Could the members with successes please post their successful stream record / stream play combinations? I'd appreciate it.

Originally posted by drbenson
Could the members with successes please post their successful stream record / stream play combinations? I'd appreciate it.

It took a while to figure out all the little issues. This is how I have been able to get near perfect resuls.

STB: Motorolla 6200 (7.15 firmware)
Cable: Adelphia
Software: DCTRecord, TStoATSC, HDTV2MPEG
Playback, via MyHD120, (and occasionally MPC)

Details can be found here:
Post 4009296 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4009296#post4009296)

The only minor changes I've made to that process is recording in 128MB file segments, rather then 4G files segments. This keeps data loss to a minimum under a power failure. This also helps with the MyHD/non-ATSC TS format issue. Again, read that post for more details about this process with the MyHD120 card. (some things may apply to the Hipix card as well.)

At the time I was testing all of this (last summer), I came to the conclusion that VLC was a waste of time and that for playback, the MyHD card did the best job, as long as I made the streams ATSC compliant. (The only ones that come off the 6200 that way are the OTA rebroadcasts, YMMV.) When I do use a software player, I use MPC with WinDVD codecs.

--Eric

I have had varied results as well. I have gone to experimenting with direct viewing (real time live TV) using VLC and also using a filter graph I built with Graphedit.

Shows that have been recorded and play back "black" show something different when viewed real time.

I have two (2) HBO HD channels (channels 790 & 791). Both are (for now) unencrypted according to SA3250HD info. Channel 791 views perfectly in real time and records / plays back fine as well. On the other hand, channel 790 when viewed real time shows about 60% - 75% of video and audio: little stretches (snippets) of video and audio followed by pauses and hangs. A recorded file for this channel simply plays back "black" (nothing at all). Also, the CPU usage jumps up and down from 0% (pause / hang time) to 30% when info is coming through.

It seems to me that the channel 790 HBO HD stream is corrupted some how rather than encrypted. Interestingly, I can barely get anything at all out of the OTA HD channels (ABC, NBC, Discorvery, etc.) in real time and recorded files are also "black". These are unencrypted.

No problem with any of the SD digital channels but have not checked each and every one.

I will try a reboot of STB. Anyone have any thinking about this?

EDIT: The point I am trying to make here is that playback of recorded files from unencryped channels that are "black" (no valid content) may show some degree of information when viewed real time. What this means exactly I do not know.

DFA

Originally posted by jimre
Yes, any 5C=1 material is encrypted and no, you can't get at it. Your fair use argument won't go very far, I'm afraid. The FCC has said that fair use means you can record programs & watch them later (timeshifting). It doesn't mean you are entitled to use a COMPUTER to do this. You can easily buy a JVC D-VHS tape deck at most consumer electronics stores that is 5C-compliant. It will record & play back any 5C=1 material just fine. Don't hold your breath for a PC-based 5C implementation any time soon, if ever.

This is crazy YO! I don't see why it is possbile to have a hardware 5c compatible device and not a software based solution. Heck, it's just code. Someone should be able to reverse engineer the firmware.

At the same time, I feel, that it would be in good interest to develop PVR capable software. It's only an amount of time till 5c is cracked. It is inevitable.

My .02

-JB

Originally posted by jamesbender
This is crazy YO! I don't see why it is possbile to have a hardware 5c compatible device and not a software based solution. Heck, it's just code. Someone should be able to reverse engineer the firmware.

At the same time, I feel, that it would be in good interest to develop PVR capable software. It's only an amount of time till 5c is cracked. It is inevitable.

My .02

-JB Yeah sure. Thousands of developers are feverishly working on hacking their JVC 30K VCRs. Somehow I don't think the studios are too worried about that happening...

Originally posted by jimre
Yeah sure. Thousands of developers are feverishly working on hacking their JVC 30K VCRs. Somehow I don't think the studios are too worried about that happening...

Why not, DeCSS was out in no time. I'd say the studios are pretty pissed about that one.. :-)

-JB

Yeah, and they learned their lessons. DTCP/5C is not the naive, poorly implemented scheme that CSS was.

Originally posted by dc10forlife

It looks as if the copy protection battle lines are being drawn. I refuse to get the HD-DVR because there is no way to offload the material from the DVR to permanently archive it -- and the content providers are doing everything in their power to keep it that way.


Actually I extract HD from my HDTivo that is unencrypted. I simply turned off the Tivo's encryption, and enabled my usb ethernet adaptor. But for what ever reason discusing this is forbidden here.

jamesbender:

DTCP is not like wimpy CSS. Suggest you read up on it. It has a key (I forgot how many bits but is a large key) that also changes every few minutes. Without the key, you can't decrypt and the key is a moving target. Once it was known how CSS worked, CSS was finished. One of the hallmarks of a robust protection scheme is that knowing how it works in fine detail, even having the source code to analize does not compromise its effectiveness. DTCP may be such a scheme although from my reading there seems to be a "secret sauce" component that is kept under wraps. So there may yet be an Achilles heel.

Some guy was on trial for cracking it but it took a whole crap load of PC's that he harnessed across the internet to do it (called a brute force crack; no real sophistication just cosmic horsepower). In fact, I really don't consider that a crack since it is a one time, temporary thing that only proves how tough an animal DTCP is. So, that approach is not going to be a practical work around to be able to record a show.

EDIT: It has been brought to my attention that the supposed brute force crack mentioned in the above paragraph was from a mock trial and did not actually occur. The site I had gleaned this information from did not or at least clearly indicate that the expert testimony I was reading was taken out of context from a mock trial. Nevertheless, the observations (my opinions) relative to the fictitious crack I hold to be true. A brute force crack would be of little practical use.

I won't say it can't be done. But not anything like CSS by a long shot. Maybe not at all. DTCP is on a par with kerberos it seems to me. Rather than meet something like that head on and try and go through the front door, it is better to work at the back door and windows but this is not the place for such discussion.

DFA

Originally posted by DFA
jamesbender:

DTCP is not like wimpy CSS. Suggest you read up on it. It has a key (I forgot how many bits but is a large key) that also changes every few minutes. Without the key, you can't decrypt and the key is a moving target.

Some guy was on trial for cracking it but it took a whole crap load of PC's that he harnessed across the internet to do it (called a brute force crack; no real sophistication just cosmic horsepower). In fact, I really don't consider that a crack since it is a one time, temporary thing that only proves how tough an animal DTCP is. So, that approach is not going to be a practical work around to be able to record a show.

I won't say it can't be done. But not anything like CSS by a long shot. Maybe not at all. DTCP is on a par with kerberos it seems to me. Rather than meet something like that head on and try and go through the front door, it is better to work at the back door and windows but this is not the place for such discussion.

DFA


I agree, I read up and saw the presentation on DTCP. Looks very good. But being in the network security profession I've learned never to say its impossible to crack, just improbable. And yes, not the place for this discussion. (don't want to offend the moderators).

P.S- do they make a 5C compliant device that records to disk?

-JB

Back to regularly scheduled programming, any comments on my observations of real time viewing of STB Transport Streams versus the recorded TS. Reference my post about 8 posts back. Curious to get any input on this.

DFA

Originally posted by jamesbender
I
P.S- do they make a 5C compliant device that records to disk?

-JB

RCA DVR10
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000BZHBR/104-2714284-9482359?v=glance
http://www.rca.com/product/viewdetail/1,2588,PI700686-CI700335,00.html?

Originally posted by DFA
One of the hallmarks of a robust protection scheme is that knowing how it works in fine detail, even having the source code to analize does not compromise its effectiveness. DTCP may be such a scheme although from my reading there seems to be a "secret sauce" component that is kept under wraps. So there may yet be an Achilles heel.


If it were so rock solid they woudn't be scared to make a 5C compliant PC card.

Besides it will probably always be easier to hack the hardware like 169time, current HDTivo or the like.

Disable the 5C completely.

Originally posted by jamesbender
P.S- do they make a 5C compliant device that records to disk?

-JB Presumably, the cable co DVRs (like Moto 6412) are 5C compliant.

Originally posted by bdraw
If it were so rock solid they woudn't be scared to make a 5C compliant PC card. It's not so much how "solid" the system is - any cryptography system that gets embedded in consumer electronic devices is probably going to have widely-used embedded "secrets" that have to be obscured by tamper-resistant hardware, and protected by severe legal agreements. Example - in the aftermath of the Xing private key for CSS being revealed, I've read that the penalty to 5C licensees for accidental disclosure is at least $8 million & probably more. Could you get around this? Sure, but I doubt Mom & Pop really want to first go thru some kind of setup/registration process where they securely generate unique private keys - when all they want to do is watch a movie.

As for a PC implementation, this would require something like Microsoft's "Palladium" computer architecture (dead? on the back burner?) before the studios would trust it. They have a lot more trust in dedicated consumer electronic devices. Someday someone will probably figure out some 169-Time-like bypass or mod for 5C cable boxes, but it'll be expensive & therefore limited to a small audience, just like in the past.

In any case, my main point in continuing this discussion is: DO NOT expect DTCP/5C encryption to be anything like the CSS encryption system for DVDs. People now seem to have this unrealistic expectation that any new encryption system will be cracked just as easily. Don't hold your breath...

Before I installed Windows SP2, I think viewing HD thru VLC's 'Open Capture Device' is quite stable, I can change channels on DCT6200, whatever, it won't crash.

But after I installed SP2, VLC is going to crash after I change a few channels, sometimes CapDVHS will also crash(this kind of crash will lead to an immediate reboot without even a blue screen).

Has anybody else have this kind of problem? Actually I'm not sure that it's SP2, I did install some other programs onto my HTPC.

I have had trouble with BSOD channel changes with VLC and XP-SP1. I have also built my own filter graph with Graphedit to view real time and it does not crash on channel change. So, not sure what is responsible except that "stream.sys" seems to be involved according to BSOD info. I'm thinking driver not ready and up to the task of what we are trying to do. You might want to see what drivers SP2 changed with regard to IEEE 1394.

EDIT: I'm not certain and don't recall for sure but I think the installation of the MEI drivers replaces "stream.sys" with its own. Installation of SP2 may revert it back to an all MS flavor. Might want to check that out.

DFA

anyone get this working with a cablevision Sony box? My computer keeps just saying unknown can not force drivers it just will not go.

XP sp1 home: on a Compaq Presario celeron 2.7 gig

my first step.

I unplugged all other video cables from the Sony so it would use the ilink cable.

POP got the new hardware balloon.

Says welcome to the new found hardware wizard.
this wizard helps you install software for

" UNKNOWN "

I hit install from a list or specific location (Advanced)

I hit don't search

Hardware types come up and the list is

1394 Debugger device
61883 Device Class
AVC Device Class

ECT.

I hit AVC Device class
I get select the device driver.....
only thing there is AVC Device

I hit have disk
I get install from disk

I pick meidvhs
i get the specified location does not have information about your hardware

END

I can not figure this out at all, any help? please

Ok and on the 37 th time hitting update hardware It pops up avc tuner!!

good grief why would it take so long? I got a 20 sec recording of wnbc from the Sony so I guess this stb works :D

Cool looks like cablevision does not have any 5c on any of the hd channels as I just recorded starzhd fine.

Does anyone have any details on the other three devices that are found by the PnP manager when the STB is plugged into the XP system? I'm guessing that the AV/C Panel device could be used for controlling the STB if the appropriate drivers and user level code was available. Does anyone know if that is the case?

TIA,

Craig

I wanted to answer my own question of a couple of pages back, and give everyone the benefit of my 'geek week'. I can now record and play non-5C content flawlessly from my Seattle Comcast 6200 firewire output. The instructions on this thread for installing the appropriate driver do work well.

If you are getting audio glitches or video dropped frames on playback, pull out your motherboard manual and find a PCI slot for your audio card that does not share with your graphics card or HDTV card. ACPI sharing under XP DOES NOT work adequately for sharing an IRQ under .TS playback conditions, and the only way to get the audio card 'unshared' is to try slots, then look in Device Manager to see what's sharing IRQs with what. I finally found a slot for my Delta 410 that was unshared, and that cleared up all my playback glitches. XP still shares the IRQ with a couple of USB ports, but unless you're making heavy use of them during playback, that doesn't seem to matter.

So now I have my computer set up for HDTV recording capability similar to a VCR: I use CapDVHS to capture the stream, because I like the ability to schedule recordings manually or weekly. Leave it running and it does the job. The 6200 can be set to tune a particular channel at a particular time, so as long as the box is on, you're golden for recording.

For playback, I use Theater Tek 2.0. Yeah, it's a commercial product, and you have to pay for it. It's also widely considered to be the best software for playing DVDs. The new version has the unexpected (by me) ability to play .TS files. Set CapDVHS to generate files with that extension, set HD video to Overlay (not VMR) in TT, and playback is click and watch. No futzing with the captured stream is required, and you can use TT's chapter advance button to switch between programs in a multiplexed stream. How slick is that?

For reference, my HTPC is a medium-powered one- ASUS A7V333 motherboard, Athlon XP 2000+, 512k DRAM, Radeon 9600 Atlantis, Delta 410 S/PDIF out to my receiver. 480Gb of onboard hard disk, including 320Gb RAID 0 array. I did a recent 'nuke and pave' with a slipstreamed XP SP2 CD.

Last night I was watching a program previously recorded with Beyond TV 3.5 while CapDVHS was recording ER in the background. Didn't come close to maxing the system, and all was glitch-free. I'm becoming a pretty happy HTPCer- finally!

For those that have both a firewire deck and a firewire tuner... how do you have your chain run? I've only got one firewire port on my PC, two on the Motorolla 6412, and two on the 40k. Should I go Motorolla to 40k to PC? Or does it matter? And if I do it that way, are there any complications from using the modified files to install the Moto box and then have to use an actual JVC deck?

Thanks,
MP

I'm running two cables - 6200 to JVC 30K and JVC30K to computer. Seems to work ok, as long as the JVC deck is always turned on. I tried using a firewire hub, but didn't have any luck with it.

I'm running a laptop with XP SP2, and I have a Motorola 6208, firmware rev 8.12 (MediaCom upgraded it all the way from 7.09 to 8.12). The drivers that were provided at the top of this thread work fine, but whenever I try to run DVHS or DCTRECORD, they don't recognize the device. Any suggestions?

Originally posted by donquixote235
I'm running a laptop with XP SP2, and I have a Motorola 6208, firmware rev 8.12 (MediaCom upgraded it all the way from 7.09 to 8.12). The drivers that were provided at the top of this thread work fine, but whenever I try to run DVHS or DCTRECORD, they don't recognize the device. Any suggestions?
Try to unplug and reconnect the 1394 cable.

Has anybody had problems with the Comcast 6412?

I just swapped from a 6208 and can't get it working. One of the ports is dead, but the other one is live. Drivers seem to install OK, but get the samplegrabber error. Looking at the status of both a local OTA and HBOHD show both 5c=0. I seem to remember that the encrypted should show 5c=1.

fw=09.12

Working now. I must have put in the wrong drivers.

My 6412 works, but 5c definately is turned on for anything but the locals.

Originally posted by Diode1
Try to unplug and reconnect the 1394 cable.

Tried it... I've both unplugged and replugged at the source (trying both firewire outs) and at my laptop, with the same issues.

I saw in an earlier post someone had screenshots of more advanced menu items from the Moto 6208. How do you get to those? I know to hit "menu" to get to the HD menu, but what he was showing had individual port status, etc. Any help would be great.

I have been recording with DVHSCap and the SA3250HD via Comcast for a few weeks. I have the timers set up in DVHSCap, but I still need to manually check before each recording. DVHSCap will occasionally lose the ability to record network channels. It behaves like they are flagged for no copying. To fix this, I have to do a quick manual record of another channel (like Discovery HD). When I change the channel back to ABC, for example, I can then record with no problem.

Discovery HD seems to never have this problem, but CBS, ABC, and NBC all need to be "primed" to work. Has anyone else seen this behavior?

Originally posted by Mystic Pixel
How do I tell if a channel has 5C info?

also interested in how to tell what 5c level is enabled for a channel/program

using a 3250hd, trying to debug. I think i have the driver installed correctly, capvhs shows "panasonic MPEG2TS subinit unknown #1"

when i click record there is no info in any fields. The file is being created and gets large quickly, but is not playable.

also, is there any PC software to change channels via 1394?

thanks a bunch

-ds

shigaloo:

No way to change channels that I know of with this driver. Could be done if someone were to write Moto and SA specific drivers I suppose.

5c status is checked by going into the diagnostics menu for the STB. For the SA, on the box itself (not using the remote), press and hold the "+" button for a few seconds, the "envelope" light will come on blinking. (the + button is the "bulls-eye" in the middle of the 4 "arrow" keys). Press the "info" key next.

19 pages of data is available. Use the left / right navigation keys to move thru pages. Firebus port status is last or second to last page as I recall. SA will show CCI/EMI state rather than use the "5c" nomenclature but same, same. This is shown channel by channel so you must change channels to check state of the channel of interest.

Quit by pressing the "exit" key on the front panel.

DFA

DFA - THANKYOU!

guess ill go with an IR based solution for channel changing

Originally posted by drbenson
If you are getting audio glitches or video dropped frames on playback, pull out your motherboard manual and find a PCI slot for your audio card that does not share with your graphics card or HDTV card. ACPI sharing under XP DOES NOT work adequately for sharing an IRQ under .TS playback conditions, and the only way to get the audio card 'unshared' is to try slots, then look in Device Manager to see what's sharing IRQs with what.

drbenson,

THANK YOU for taking the time to come back and writeup your results! I have an HTPC with an Athlon 2200, am using CAPDVHS just as you, and was ready to give up and get a new machine, thinking I didn't have enough horsepower to avoid dropouts. Right now, I have my SB Audigy, a modem and the 1394 Host Controller all sharing IRQ 18 - I'm off to try to find another PCI slot!

NGage

OK, now for my mega-dollar question:

Background:
I have been playing with this STB Firewire TS for awhile and have some questions and some assumptions which might need dispelling. The SA3250HD STB shows everything free and clear which may or may not be true in reality. The TS of all digital SD stations will record / playback and display live w/o dificulty. I have six (6) HD channels: NBC (43), ABC (48), DISC-HD (55), TNT-HD (56), HBO-HD1 (790) and HBO-HD2 (791) (I might not quite have my channel #'s quite right but no matter). HBO-HD2 (791) captures great. HBO-HD1 (790) comes in about 50% when viewing live (audio and video starts and stops). ABC-HD, NBC-HD, TNT-HD, and DISC-HD I can't get at all except for some occassional snippets of audio (live viewing). Recorded files from these are just "black". You would think I could get ABC-HD, NBC-HD, TNT-HD or DISC-HD before either of the HBO-HD channels.

Not knowing exactly what the problem is, I decided I needed to educate myself some. I read up on Transport Streams and how they are constructed. I now know enough to be dangerous. I understand the terms (PSI, PAT CAT, PMT, NIT, PID, PCR, etc.). I understand how the header and payload of each 188 byte packet is constructed.

I downloaded TSReader Lite to analyze some of the streams. I recorded 1 minute files from some of the SD channels for reference and all six of the HD channels. I opened multiple instances of TSReader and analyzed the different files and compared. The SD files analyze OK as does the one HD channel (HBO-HD2 (791)) that also views and records OK. In fact, the SD's and the one good HD files looked very much the same. Oddly, though, they all show about 260 PAT's and only 2 PMT's for a 1 minute file although the bit rate for the PAT's and PMT's are reported the same. The PAT's and PMT's are marked with "*" meaning continuity errors. According to my reading (the dangerous part), PAT's and PMT's should be coming through at least every 0.5 second. That would mean a minimum of 120 PAT's and 120 PMT's. Very few recognized PMT's might explain slow channel change response and channel change lockups since the decoder can't lock-on until at least one PAT AND one PMT come through.

The 1 minute recorded file for HBO-HD1 (790) (the one that comes through about 50%) will analyze but shows lots of continuity errors (41,789 of them to be exact) and hundreds of "stray" PID's. Since these are SPTS (Single Program Transport Steams), there will be a limited and low number of valid PID streams and values in this application. Besides the PAT (always PID=0x0000) and the PMT (PID=0x1394), I show only one audio PID stream and video PID steam for the "good" channels. The 50% HBO-HD1 (790) channel shows also shows two defined PID streams (1 - video and 1 - audio) from the PMT but has all these "stray" packets and continuity errors. The "stray" packets can not be null packets as these should not even be in these non-ATSC type streams and even if present, would all have the same value of 0x1111 (or perhaps 0x1fff). Besides, the valid and defined video and audio streams show continutity errors (missing or wrongly ordered packets) which I take are all the stray packets that are found.

As expected, ABC-HD, NBC-HD, TNT-HD and DISC-HD analyze even worse. While I can tell what should be the video stream PID and the audio stream PID by virtue of the relative packet quantities displayed, the number of discontinuities and "stray" packets is over the top. TSReader does not even find a PAT or PMT in the analysis so does not know and is unable to display what the valid stream PID values are. In fact, TSReader seems to think it is a DSS stream.

So, finally, my question is this: Am I seeing corruption or is this encryption? I do not understand enough about DTCP to know where the encryption layer is implemented at. I would think that encryption would be at the packet level or more precisely at the packet payload level and that the fundamental structure of the Transport Stream would remain intact. Or does DTCP encryption scramble everything including the TS structure?

For anyone wanting to know more about TS, I found "broadcastpapers.com" to be very helpful; technical enough but not overly. Also, try TSReader Lite for looking at problem streams and compare this to good streams. Very informative and free! (not news for some I'm sure)

This may not be a good place to pose this question and get comments. If there is a better thread to place this post, please advise.

Regards,
Dane

DTCP/5C encrypts the whole 188-byte Transport Stream packet. I've attached a DOS shell program that is similar to TSReader, but without a graphical user interface. It also does demuxing to elementary streams.

With this program, a DTCP/5C encrypted Transport Stream will demux to 0 byte elementary streams and print a million errors.

Usage is:

xport <-pavtdszng> <infile> <program number> <video stream number> <audio stream number>

typically:

xport something.ts 1 1 1

The output files are always named bits0001.mpv for video and bits0001.mpa for audio. Unless the -n option is used, the demuxer will time align the beginning of the two elementary streams so that a remux to PS or back to TS will have correct A/V sync.

Options:

p = parse only, do not demux to video and audio files.
a = dump audio PTS.
v = dump video PTS.
t = GOP timecode mode, count repeated fields/frames.
d = dump all PID's (useful for debugging muxers, but tons of output).
s = suppress TS rate dumping (useful when piping output to a file).
z = demux to PES streams (instead of elementary streams).
n = demux all audio, don't try to cut the start of audio to match the start of video.
g = dump ATSC PSIP information.

Update 07/14/2005:

added ATSC PSIP dumping option (-g).

Ron

Thanks Ron.

It's usage is clear and I will give that a shot as well. You stated that DTCP encrypts the entire packet. Does that include the PID value of the packet? And not just the PES packets but the PAT and PMT packet PID values as well?

Thanks,
Dane

Everything is encrypted, even the 0x47 sync byte.

Ron

Comcast is pushing out firmware v8.12 for the 6200 in my area (new guide look). Has anyone been able to record via the 1394 with that firmware (I haven't tried yet)?

If I wanted to use a machine to just run CAPDHVS to capture a HD stream from a Moto6208 what type of speed requirments would it need to create the TS files. I have no intention to use this machine for playback of the files. Just want to use it to write the TS stream to the computer.

Originally posted by DFA

So, finally, my question is this: Am I seeing corruption or is this encryption? I do not understand enough about DTCP to know where the encryption layer is implemented at. I would think that encryption would be at the packet level or more precisely at the packet payload level and that the fundamental structure of the Transport Stream would remain intact. Or does DTCP encryption scramble everything including the TS structure?

Regards,
Dane

I found that certain cable systems introduce continuity errors which are not truly errors. They may repeat certain packets or incorrectly increment continuity counters in cases where they shouldn't (i.e no payload). If you want another method of checking continuity, try my MPEG2Repair utility. It ignores these false continuity errors and also checks the mpeg2 payload for actual decoding errors in the pictures. Of course, it will only work for non-encrypted data.

See this thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=442446

-Mark

Originally posted by DFA


5c status is checked by going into the diagnostics menu for the STB. For the SA, on the box itself (not using the remote), press and hold the "+" button for a few seconds, the "envelope" light will come on blinking. (the + button is the "bulls-eye" in the middle of the 4 "arrow" keys). Press the "info" key next.

DFA

is this for SARA or passport? My 3250hd is running passport 3.3 build 017 and that little envelope wont light up no matter how long i press the "+"

thanks - ds

ok figured it out...

how to check 5c flag for 3250HD w/ passport software:

go to your diagnostic channel, mine in 996

press "exit" on the stb, a new screen opens

scroll down to 1394, it will display info for the last channel you tuned to

shigaloo:

Sorry, the info I gave you was for Sara based SA3250. I should have mentioned that.

DFA

Originally posted by shankomatic
If I wanted to use a machine to just run CAPDHVS to capture a HD stream from a Moto6208 what type of speed requirments would it need to create the TS files. I have no intention to use this machine for playback of the files. Just want to use it to write the TS stream to the computer.

Shankomatic,

From what I've read, the requirements for doing the capture of the TS stream are very low (I think I've read that sub-1Ghz machines work fine.)

I'm doing it with an Athlon 2200+ (1.8Ghz equivalent) with no problems, even while also playing back another recorded stream with Zoomplayer.

NGage

Originally posted by shankomatic
If I wanted to use a machine to just run CAPDHVS to capture a HD stream from a Moto6208 what type of speed requirments would it need to create the TS files. I have no intention to use this machine for playback of the files. Just want to use it to write the TS stream to the computer.
If it's not doing anything else, any puter that can load winXP will do fine. About 400mhz should do it easily.

Thanks for the info. I will give it a try tommorow.

My 3250HD does not have firewire ports. Does anyone know offhand if TWC in Austin has the other model ?
Thanks

Originally posted by dr_steel
My 3250HD does not have firewire ports. Does anyone know offhand if TWC in Austin has the other model ?
Thanks

im not in austin, but i had to special order mine

check or ask in this thread

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=336964&highlight=austin

I've got a SA3250 with the 1394 ports but I guess they are disabled since I can't get any kind of reaction in XP when I connect the 1394 cable.

Any idea if the ports can be enabled? Does the cable company have to do it? Any way around this?

Thanks in advance

If the firmware / software is installed, the ports should be active. Check through your diagnostics screens for the 3250. Not many posts back it was stated how to get to the diagnostics for both Sara based and Passport based 3250's so look there for instructions.

DFA

hey folks I am just getting up to speed here - i read all the posts but theres a lot to digest, so a couple of quick questions

i have about 8 channels flagged "copy freely" and 2 "copy once"

in capdhvs the copy once channels record, but report no info in the fields and the file is garbage

the copy freely stuff record and report resolution, framerate and a bitrate of 80mbs. Opening the file in a player i can get alot of "tearing" and artifacts.

so i opened the file in HDTV2MPEG2 to see if there were multiple streams, but the program reported no steams

i havent tried recording by dvhs (jvc40k) yet, as i dont have any blank tapes but i could

also I am assuming i have the drivers installed correctly, but whenever i plug in the firewire cable it wants to install 3 devices, "a/v panel" and 2 others. Is this normal?

thanks -ds

Originally posted by shigaloo
ok figured it out...

how to check 5c flag for 3250HD w/ passport software:

go to your diagnostic channel, mine in 996

press "exit" on the stb, a new screen opens

scroll down to 1394, it will display info for the last channel you tuned to

FOr some reason, I can't get to the service menu directly. While the settop box is on, I press and hold exit while holding in the diamond button in the middle of the directional buttons. The STB emits a beep and then I can get into the service menu. This is for the 3250HD w/passport.

All channels are marked "copy once". However, I can record my local channels, INHD1, INHD2, TNT-HD and Discovery-HD. I cannot record HBO-HD, Shotime-HD, ESPN-HD and HDNET even though they are marked "copy once". Can anyone explain? I have a feeling the STB is not accurate.

Originally posted by dc10forlife
FOr some reason, I can't get to the service menu directly. While the settop box is on, I press and hold exit while holding in the diamond button in the middle of the directional buttons. The STB emits a beep and then I can get into the service menu. This is for the 3250HD w/passport.

All channels are marked "copy once". However, I can record my local channels, INHD1, INHD2, TNT-HD and Discovery-HD. I cannot record HBO-HD, Shotime-HD, ESPN-HD and HDNET even though they are marked "copy once". Can anyone explain? I have a feeling the STB is not accurate.

dc - i was only able to get the menu by going to the diagnostics channel and then holding the exit button. didnt try two buttons at once...

by the following progression "HD channel" -> "Diangnostics Channel" -> "Enter Menu" i was able to get the status of each "HD channel"

for example tune to 701, then 996, then entering the menu would display the status of 701. to get the status of 702 i would have to start over

For HTPC, "copy once" or "copy never" flags are death. Even "copy freely" channels can have issues (but should not).

I have been analyzing streams from my SA3250HD Sara-based STB and have been getting a little help from a more knowledgeable forum member. It seems some of my "copy freely" HD streams are full of discontinuities and stray packets having random PID values while yet some of the stream is intact and as it should be. It seems the STB is falsely handling some of the streams. I suspect others are experiencing some of this "phenomena" as well.

I have firebus rev. 2.5.7.1.

DFA

Argh! I can't get WinXP SP2 to recognize my DVHS deck properly.

At first it shows the proper Player/Recorder, but then it switches over to standard Tape Device. When I install the JVC drivers for it, it won't work.

Anyone see this problem before?

What I have discovered with my 3250HD box is interesting.

After rebooting the box, my OTA channels are listed as "copy freely." Then, if I switch to ESPNHD or HBO (which are "copy once") and return to the OTA channells, the OTA channels are then listed as "copy once." It appears that once the flag is set to "copy once" that it never reverts back to "copy freely." Rebooting the box fixes the problem so that I am able to record.

Nothing surprises me at this point. A lot of issues on the STB side, not as bad on the PC side it seems.

As I understand it, SA is using VividLogic's software for IEEE 1394 and DTCP (Firebus) in their STB's.

I tried VividLogic's DTVRecorder and found it more than a little lacking. If that product is any indication of what they have supplied SA, then that explains a lot. DTVRecorder also seems to have just simply died on the vine.

DFA

ok folks, here's another a little tidbit

base on dc10forlife's post about about holding select and exit i figured out you can get into the diagnostics menu on the 3250HD by tuning to channel 1999. I'm running passport so I would be interested to know if the same holds true for those running SARA.

definately nice to be able to do it all from the remote...

now, if only i could cap something

a bit more...

apparently tuning to channel 1999 onyl works if you have enter the diagnostics through the normal procedure at least once, i turned the power off (not reboot) and i could no longer get to the diag on 1999. After I was in once 1999 works.

I got a few channels to cap... woo hoo! but not all the are flagged "copy freely"

Sara and Passport are different animals; like Windows and Linux. The commands to access diagnostics are different.

DFA

Wizziwig:

Just saw your reply post on previous page. I have a copy of your utility (MPEGRepair) and greatly appreciate your contribution. Thank you!

The issue I am having with some HD channel streams goes beyond a few discontinuities and ordering errors. There are many stray (error) packets with random PID values that are not associated with the PMT element streams. For one HD channel, these stray packets account for about 5% of the total program stream. These "scrambled" packets should in reality had PID values that associated them with the video and audio streams since they are obviously incomplete and loaded with discontinuities. There are other channel streams that do not exhibit this behavior.

A look at the descriptor shows the DTCP_CCI=00 (copy freely) so encryption should not be occurring or be the cause.

There seems to be some issue with the STB software that is causing this but the resolution is unknown by me and the cable people seem not to have a clue.

DFA

is FireBus still available for demo?

Seems to be. Go here (http://www.vividlogic.com/products/default.html) if you dare.

DFA

I am here in Irving, Texas on Comcast Cable, using a DCT-6412, and firewire is active and recording.

Sweeeet!


I am recording HBO as I am typing this!

I followed the instructions at the top of this thread for my 6412 (never tried with my 6208). From the windows end, everything seems OK. It sees the hardware apparently and I have the Tuner AV/C device visible and working correctly in the device manager.

But CapDVHS says "cannot find capture device." I've unplugged and re-plugged numerous times and tried both 1394 ports on the 6412.

Are there changes to the instructions at the top of the thread for the new firmware? (Mine is 9.12). Any other suggestions? Thanks,

Eric

Vondo: try clicking on the pull down arrow and selecting #2

Tall1,

Do you mean under "Capture device" on CapDVHS? There is nothing in that pulldown for me, it's blank. Or do you mean somewhere else?

Eric

Vondo, you don't have the right driver installed. Remove all three in system/hardware and then refresh and watch the bottom right of the screen carefully when the wizard runs. The driver you need will be when you see (very briefly) Motorola 6412 in the yellow bubble. Force the modified meitape.inf there and disable the other two.

grittree,

I keep trying that. No luck. Can you be more specific? Sorry, I'm a linux not a windows guy.

The message about the motorola only appears after I restore the system (not just remove the hardware from the device manager). I've tried clicking on the bubble and also on the hardware icon the bubble comes from. I think I did it in time. Is that what I'm supposed to do?

Thanks for your help,

Eric

Vondo, you can restore (refresh) by just unplugging/plugging the cable after you delete the hardware items.

When you see the moto6412 bubble, just wait till the wizard completes. It will be called something else by then. Then do all the steps outlined earlier to 'don't search' , 'have disk', etc. Catching the 6412 just keeps you from wasting time installing the two unneeded drivers. IIRC, it's the 2nd wizard.

Yeah, I think that's not working for me. I can set up the second wizard (D/VC Tuner or something similar) with the customized driver. Windows says its working fine, but I still see no sources in CapDVHS.

Maybe I'm trying to capture something I can't. Can I capture anything or does it have to be analog/Digital/HDTV? Can I capture something I recorded and am playing back, ot just something I'm playing live?

Thanks for the help,

Eric

I believe it has to be unencrypted digital. The HD feed from any local station should work.

Vondo, I missed that you still have no sources showing. That means you don't have the right driver loaded. Look in device manager and you should show (with XP SP2) :
imaging devices -- Panasonic D-VHS AV/C Device
other devices -- AV/C Panel and Unknown Device.
These two should have the red X for disabled.

You're probably missing one step in the install. Check message #1 carefully. When you get to the steps:

Under Manufacturer choose. “Panasonic”
Under model choose. “Panasonic D-VHS AV/C Device”

I always get two identical entries there and pick the top one. Keep trying, you are close.

Trying to get DTVR from Vividlogic to work with Motorola 6200 box with no luck so far. 1394 driver always defaults to Microsoft driver in configuration menu, even after verifying VL driver is active in system manager.

Has anyone ever gotten this program to work with 6200 STB?

Thanks all, I am able to record now. I didn't follow the instructions at the top carefully enough. I can't seem to record any digital channels except INHD and Local HD, but I guess that's normal, due to 5C. Any possibility to remove this so I can archive shows on the computer rather than tape?!?

Thanks,

Eric