Your best solution is to call the cable company and see if they support the HDMI interface because remember HDMI usually means HDCP as well. In my experience, if the cable co doesn't use HDMI yet (and thus doesn't send HDCP codes down the line) then the box gets confused and craps out a lot.

As soon as I switched back to component things were fine. This may also be good because you gain a lot more fine picture control using component because its an analog signal. With HDMI it's essentially bit for bit, pixel for pixel, because it's all digital.

- D

I'd certainly choose Component and my fiance over HDMI, but to each his own. Since Component was used previously, I'd try a "hard" reboot to clear everything out even though I have no reason to think it will help. Even if the cableco supports HDMI, there could still be differences between the SA and Panny implementations causing the problem. Hopefully someone with the same equipment will chime in and offer some advice. In the meantime I'd still choose to keep the peace with my fiance. :)

Most likely an HDCP handshake issue. Go back to component unless you can find a workaround, but it's not likely for these kind of issues.

Well, I just read in another thread where the poster's 8300 went though it's weekly crash and when it came back up his HDMI problems were gone. I agree it looks like some kind of HDCP handshake/timing problem, but a hard reboot certainly can't hurt things. Not sure if runnning the audio directly from the 8300 to the receiver instead of going through the Panny wouldn't also help. I don't know enough about HDMI troubleshooting, so I'm just throwing out ideas here. :)

Sigh...stupid HDMI....I don't even want to think about the issues we will have with HD-DVD and Blu-Ray when they implement HDCP in the movies.....

Well, we'll all get our post counts up. :)

Sigh...stupid HDMI....I don't even want to think about the issues we will have with HD-DVD and Blu-Ray when they implement HDCP in the movies.....
Go look at the threads for HD-DVD. Many are complaining about the HDMI errors and that's from a single sourced output and not a true multi-resolution native devices.

vegggas

I just got a SA 8300HD DVR from Comcast here is southern NJ (Gardenstate cable system) and I have a couple of questions:

1. I plug in the HDMI and I lose the component output signal. Is there a menu setting to fix this?

2. Is there a way to "delete" some channels so they don't show up on the guide and/or aren't accessed when scrolling via the remote's "channel +/- key"? I've tried "blocking via parental controls" but they still show up with a "blocked" message.

I've tried a couple of searches and I apologise in advance if these questions have been answered.

I just got a SA 8300HD DVR from Comcast here is southern NJ (Gardenstate cable system) and I have a couple of questions:

1. I plug in the HDMI and I lose the component output signal. Is there a menu setting to fix this?

2. Is there a way to "delete" some channels so they don't show up on the guide and/or aren't accessed when scrolling via the remote's "channel +/- key"? I've tried "blocking via parental controls" but they still show up with a "blocked" message.

I've tried a couple of searches and I apologise in advance if these questions have been answered.

1. This is very tricky to do. If you connect the cables in the right order it is possible to get both to work but unfortunately I can't remember the sequence.

2. Again, no way to do this. Comcast wants you to see every channel they have. You can program favorite channels which you can cycle through by pressing the favorite button on the remote but no way to actually remove the channels from the guide.

1. This is very tricky to do. If you connect the cables in the right order it is possible to get both to work but unfortunately I can't remember the sequence.

2. Again, no way to do this. Comcast wants you to see every channel they have. You can program favorite channels which you can cycle through by pressing the favorite button on the remote but no way to actually remove the channels from the guide.

Thanks for your response. I don't really need #1 to work for my setup, but it confused me when I tried switching to HDMI/DVI. #2 would increase the WAF alot, I guess the favorites will be my work around.

Thanks...Mark

I have the SA8300, HDMI to Panny XR57, HDMI from XR57 to 42PX60U. Seems to work very well. I had first enabled all outputs on the 8300 (480, 720, 1080), but changed it to just 1080i, with no differences other than now takes maybe 1/4 second to change a channel rather than 1/2 second. When I had it on the multiple outputs, the 480 or 720 or 1080 would show up in the STB window, now 1080i is all that shows up (does that mean the TV upconvered the lower signals?). Picture looks the same either way.

You do have to make sure you have the receivers input on DVR, and not DVD... took me 2 hours trying to figure out why I had no cable picture yesterday, the receiver was off, but had locked to the DVD input... once I switched it to DVR, I got the picture back... must have something to do with the HDMI pass-through on the XR57 when it's off.

I do notice non-HD channels, expecially golf, looks rather pixalated in "Just" mode, wonder if component would help this, or if that's just a "Just" thing.

I do notice that some HD channels are much better at 5.1 audio that others. Like Universal HD never seems to send anything to surrounds, and TNT sounds very good. Is this normal?

its really odd. Sometimes i may get the screen to blank out 4 times in a minute. Ohter times it goes without a hitch for an hour. Each time its never longer than 2 seconds. If i run component into the receiver and then an hdmi to the TV will I run into this problem. I'd prefer to have just one wire run into the TV out of convenience.

It appears as though my panny 60U has a digital optical out and 2 or 3 hdmi ins. Can i run the HDMI into the TV from the SA8300 direct? Then run an optical cord into the receiver? Will this rectify the problem?


I'm coming a bit late to this conversation, but just found it while researching my own 8300 problems. I have had the 8300 up and running well over HDMI (connected to my Hitachi 50VX915) for over a year now. Within the past few months though, I have noticed very annoying pixelation and skipping on the HD channels, and recently has gotten to the point of unwatchability. I have tried hard reboots, and they have not helped. Last night, while fiddling with the cables, I noticed a correlation between the pixelation and simultaneous loud "clicking" noises that sound like furious writes to the hard drive.

I am thinking that my problem might be a hard drive fragmentation issue which is slowing down my disc access. Could this be? Is there a way to defrag the drive like on a PC? I am ready to switch boxes, but would like to keep my saved recording if I can fix this one with little effort. Anybody have any ideas? Thanks.

Specifically in response to the defragmentation query:

SARA users have the ability to re-format the internal HDD.

For Passport, the last time I mentioned it, I was politely reminded that watching and deleting everything should accomplish as close as you can get without firmware support.

v/r,
C-F

As I recall, the cluster size of the filesystem is several thousand sectors (2.3 MB, I think, enough for 1 second of 19 Mbps content). Given this, and the way that the drive is used (a maximum of 3 files being actively accessed simultaneously), defragmentation has little relevance.

Specifically in response to the defragmentation query:

SARA users have the ability to re-format the internal HDD.

For Passport, the last time I mentioned it, I was politely reminded that watching and deleting everything should accomplish as close as you can get without firmware support.

v/r,
C-F

I am a Passport person, so defrag is not an option. I did erase most everything, with no effect. From the post immediately above, it sounds as if this is not likely the issue anyway.

Any other ideas, or should I just declare defeat and swap boxes?

Within the past few months though, I have noticed very annoying pixelation and skipping on the HD channels, and recently has gotten to the point of unwatchability. [content deleted ...] Anybody have any ideas? Thanks.

I may be way off, but it sounds like a cable quality issue to me. I've had problems in the past with squirrels chewing on the cable, the cable coming loose, poor quality cable and an installer that used a 4 way splitter and left one of the connections unterminated. Many of these things are barely noticable with analog cable, but destroy a HD digital signal. Putting a terminator on the extra splitter connection fixed by missing bits problems.

(Comcast S. Jersey) Just received the upgrade here (4X speed, start from beginning on programs currently being recorded, etc.).

(Comcast S. Jersey) Just received the upgrade here (4X speed, start from beginning on programs currently being recorded, etc.).

What upgrade do you speak of? Is there a new firmware number I should look for (in the diagnostics I believe?

Daphoid:

I believe a release starting with 1.88 has these new features. If you're with Rogers, I haven't seen anything new from them in a long time. I don't have the new features, at least.

Just checked the DVR, looks like no updat elove for me yet:

PTV OS: OS, Home Server Edition 1.4
FLASH: 1.87.16.a11

- D

What upgrade do you speak of? Is there a new firmware number I should look for (in the diagnostics I believe?

Yes, it's a firmware upgrade. You'll have to check back through this and the other 8300HD thread for the exact designation. Some areas have had it for awhile. We just got it this week.

I'm coming a bit late to this conversation, but just found it while researching my own 8300 problems. I have had the 8300 up and running well over HDMI (connected to my Hitachi 50VX915) for over a year now. Within the past few months though, I have noticed very annoying pixelation and skipping on the HD channels, and recently has gotten to the point of unwatchability. I have tried hard reboots, and they have not helped. Last night, while fiddling with the cables, I noticed a correlation between the pixelation and simultaneous loud "clicking" noises that sound like furious writes to the hard drive.

I am thinking that my problem might be a hard drive fragmentation issue which is slowing down my disc access. Could this be? Is there a way to defrag the drive like on a PC? I am ready to switch boxes, but would like to keep my saved recording if I can fix this one with little effort. Anybody have any ideas? Thanks.
I'm a new owner of a HDTV Samsung 32" I live in Upstate NY have TWC. I've noticed the same 1 or 2 second dropouts in the signal. The worst channel is the local NBC station WSTM. I had a TWC tech over the other day. Did know much about HD signals. Said he would order a new larger drop cable from pole to house. He said that other HD customers have had new cables installed. I think when I hard booted the HD8300 it said that the HDCP disabled. That could cause a problem with getting a good signal. I'll let you know if the new outside cable helps.

I'm a new owner of a HDTV Samsung 32" I live in Upstate NY have TWC. I've noticed the same 1 or 2 second dropouts in the signal. The worst channel is the local NBC station WSTM. I had a TWC tech over the other day. Did know much about HD signals. Said he would order a new larger drop cable from pole to house. He said that other HD customers have had new cables installed. I think when I hard booted the HD8300 it said that the HDCP disabled. That could cause a problem with getting a good signal. I'll let you know if the new outside cable helps.

The 8300HD is quite sensitive to signal level. I'll bet the Tech checked that and is doing the new drop as a first step.

HDCP issues would not cause pixellation - you would either get the picture or an appropriate error message.

I'm getting quite a few "Corr Bytes" and "Uncor Blks" on the "Current FDC" channel on pg 5 of the diagnostics for my 8300HD - like a few dozen an hour. This is not the "Current QAM", but the "Current FDC" (left hand column on pg. 5). THe QAM is good with no errors, corr bytes, or uncor blks. Is this a bad thing and if anyone knows, what causes this? Thanks.

I guess my inquiry might be a little beyond the expertise of most here.

My 8300 has been working flawlessly for 2 months until yesterday. I have HDMI from 8300 to XR-57 AVR to 42PX60U. Yesterday I had to reboot the 8300 to get a picture. I reset the STB to Widescreen, 480, 720, and 1080.

It use to show 480i on an SD channel, and stretch itself, and 1080 on an HD channel, "normal" operation. Now it will randomly switch to 480i on all channels (so HD has to be zoomed) OR 1080 on all channels so SD has to be TV stretched.

I figured out it had something to do with the HDMI to AVR to TV connection, since I changed it to HDMI directly from STB to TV, it will stay on 1080 (but still won't auto-switch to 480 on SD), but so far doesn't lose the 1080 connection.

I just find it odd that I had no problems for 2 months, have not messed with cables or settings, and just started "doing it's own thing".... I just don't like the fact I know have to turn TV volume down (or off) when using the AVR. Would automatically turn off with HDMI through the AVR....

I can't figure out if this is a 8300, HDMI cable, or AVR problem.... suggestions?
---------------------------

OK, after talking to TWC, and looking at page 5 of diagnostic screen, my QAM signal was "n/a" and he could not get my diagnostics pulled up... and other signal was -14db. Scheduled tech out... In the meantime...
I decided to move the cable coax from my DVD recorder in directly to the STB. Signal jumped to -9 db, and Qam came in at -5 db... all is well. Discovered I have SARA, when I thought I had Passport... been reading the wrong thread her for a month...

Moral: Don't "T" off too many times or you won't have enough signal (not even through a VCR or DVD recorder).

Would someone be so kind as to direct me to a thread or threads that discuss how the 8300HD stacks up against other HD DVR's? I have Charter and they offer the SA and a Moxi. I've heard about a Moxi II, but noone at Charter has a clue.

Also, I could use a thread discussing the use of the HDMI port on my 8300HD. Charter says they don't support it, but when I plug it in, I get a "washed out" picture. I'd love to find out what's going on there, and if I can correct it to get it to look right.

Any help would be much appreciated. Please PM me so as not to clutter this thread....unless these questions have not been discussed for a while.

Best,

26kick

This morning I notice my once silent 8300HD had a ticking sound. I pulled the plug to reset and now it is a whirring/running sound - this is a bedroom set and so it is very annoying. Is there anything I can do to silence the unit, or do I just have to exchange it?

I just bought a Samsung LN-S4095D, it looks great. I also decided to try out the Bright House Network's HD PVR ( I believe this is the SA8300). It works fine via component cables but i want to simplify wiring and increase quality by using the HDMI. I've tried multiple HDMI cables and swapped out the PVR once, the best i have gotten is a momentary glimpse of a signal that i swear BHN let through just to tease me. The tech that came out said 'Some TVs just aren't compatible with our box' ... arrrghhh.. I called and the supervisors and they have promised to talk to the 'pvr makers' and request a list of compatable tvs... Also my dad is running the SAME DVR with HDMI and a much older tv (can't remember the model)...

Any Ideas? is HDMI so fragil that some PVRs and TV makers can't get on the same spec? thanks
~jason

I just bought a Samsung LN-S4095D, it looks great. I also decided to try out the Bright House Network's HD PVR ( I believe this is the SA8300). It works fine via component cables but i want to simplify wiring and increase quality by using the HDMI. I've tried multiple HDMI cables and swapped out the PVR once, the best i have gotten is a momentary glimpse of a signal that i swear BHN let through just to tease me. The tech that came out said 'Some TVs just aren't compatible with our box' ... arrrghhh.. I called and the supervisors and they have promised to talk to the 'pvr makers' and request a list of compatable tvs... Also my dad is running the SAME DVR with HDMI and a much older tv (can't remember the model)...

Any Ideas? is HDMI so fragil that some PVRs and TV makers can't get on the same spec? thanks
~jason

Jason,

While there have been lots of HDCP (the underlaying security mechanism that is actually causing your HDMI issue) issues, it is surprising that a newer set does not work correctly.

There are a couple of things that could have a bearing on this:
1) Many HDMI inputs will not accept 480i: If you are attempting to feed 480i via HDMI to yor set, you might see nothing.
2) There are issues when the HDMI goes from the 8300 to the display THROUGH AN AV RECEIVER.

This morning I notice my once silent 8300HD had a ticking sound. I pulled the plug to reset and now it is a whirring/running sound - this is a bedroom set and so it is very annoying. Is there anything I can do to silence the unit, or do I just have to exchange it?

It should be silent if it's not recording. Also, make sure it's powered off. If it's on, the hard drive will be busy recording the 60 minute buffer for whatever channel it's tuned to.

Thanks, Jim. My 8300HD is quiet once again. Not sure what it was doing - some kind of maintenance. I pulled the plug for the afternoon and then it was fine. Thanks for your reply, though.

You can go into the settings and set the channel the 8300 defaults to. Make it a music channel, those channels are not buffered in the 60 minute live buffer so the HD won't spin up if the unit has been powered off (when it auto shuts off at night). It should set both tunners to that channel.

Jason,

While there have been lots of HDCP (the underlaying security mechanism that is actually causing your HDMI issue) issues, it is surprising that a newer set does not work correctly.

There are a couple of things that could have a bearing on this:
1) Many HDMI inputs will not accept 480i: If you are attempting to feed 480i via HDMI to yor set, you might see nothing.
2) There are issues when the HDMI goes from the 8300 to the display THROUGH AN AV RECEIVER.

Thanks alot Dave! I did two things of which I am not sure actually did the trick:
1) The DVR was set to send 1080i only, I went in and enabled ALL formats EXCEPT 480i
2) I placed the DVR on a HD channel (don't think this did anything)

Then I unplugged the Component cables and put in the HDMI and whammo it works! The Samsung is showing 1080i over the HDMI... I think your statement about the not accepting 480i is right on the mark, my spec for the samsung says it only takes 1080i over the hdmi.... I think in the HDMI/HDCP negotiations, having the other formats enabled on the DVR, allowed the DVR to 'synch' up or maybe just changing the DVR settings actually 'applied' the settings and perhaps previously it said it was doing 1080i but not really... Wow am I surprised at the ignorance of the BHN techs I have spoken with on this issue... But this is all conjecture from a novice :)

FYI The Samsung looks GREAT! I couldn't be happier.. even though they released another tv practically exactly like mine with a highER model number, guess i'll just live with model number envy.
~jason

jskipman19

FWIW, I have the latest generation Samsung LCD panel connected to an SA3250HD box via DVI with an HDMI adapter. Quite often, the 3250 reboots when I turn both of the units on. I eventually discovered that I had to power on the Samsung first, wait for it to finish searching for a signal, then power on the cable box.

If you find this same problem with the 8300HD, give it a try.

Hi, newbie here. I just got my first HDTV (KDS50A2000) today and I'm pretty overwhelmed with everything at the moment. I did have a quick question I was hoping someone could answer for me.

I have the 8300HD box connected to my TV via the HDMI cable. What is the best setting for the output resolution on the DVR? My TV will support 1080p, which I know the box won't output.

Right now, I've gone into the advanced setup and enabled 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i. In the settings menu, I've enabled Auto mode, as I don't have a Passthrough option.

Any help you can provide would be great. I'm just looking to set things up so my TV gets the correct signal to do the proper processing to 1080p.

Thanks!!

I don't believe you have to enable any of those if you are set to "AUTO-DVI".

What is the best setting for the output resolution on the DVR?
Probably any combination of enabled formats and option will work. If you don't enable a format, then the 8300 will convert that format to something else, but if you do enable it, the TV will do the conversion. Experiment.

Hi, newbie here. I just got my first HDTV (KDS50A2000) today and I'm pretty overwhelmed with everything at the moment. I did have a quick question I was hoping someone could answer for me.

I have the 8300HD box connected to my TV via the HDMI cable. What is the best setting for the output resolution on the DVR? My TV will support 1080p, which I know the box won't output.

Right now, I've gone into the advanced setup and enabled 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i. In the settings menu, I've enabled Auto mode, as I don't have a Passthrough option.

Any help you can provide would be great. I'm just looking to set things up so my TV gets the correct signal to do the proper processing to 1080p.

Thanks!!

AUTO DVI does the same thing as pass through. If you have selected all the resolutions your panel can handle, it should work just fine. You may have trouble with 480i, as I believe it's not supported via HDMI. I'm not sure if that's specific to the display or if it's excluded as part of the HDMI standard.

AUTO DVI does the same thing as pass through. If you have selected all the resolutions your panel can handle, it should work just fine. You may have trouble with 480i, as I believe it's not supported via HDMI. I'm not sure if that's specific to the display or if it's excluded as part of the HDMI standard.

Jim, I'm pretty sure 480i being supported on DVI or HDMI is a display issue. I've seen many displays (Sony for example) that do work with 480i on HDMI and others (Pannasonic) that don't.

OK, great. Thanks for all the help guys. I enabled 480p, 720p and 1080i. I had the 480i enabled once, but I took it out. When I was initally setting it up, it made my display look like crap, sort of looked like part of it was looped over the picture.

Picture looks great on the TV. It is a little slow when changing channels, but other than that it is great.

Jim, I'm pretty sure 480i being supported on DVI or HDMI is a display issue. I've seen many displays (Sony for example) that do work with 480i on HDMI and others (Pannasonic) that don't.

Thanks for the clarification. I have a new generation Samsung LCD, which doesn't accept 480i either, so there seems to be a trend here.

recently my SA 8300 DVR has a minor glitch. I have my Power On channel set to my local PBS HD channel, and sometimes, but not always, when I first turn it on, it displays the channel in 480i instead of 1080i like it should. I have the 8300 set to 'Pass-Thru' in the output setting option. Usually, just changing to a different channel and then back to PBS HD corrects the problem. (if I change to another HD channel, the 8300 will correctly ouput 1080i or 720p)


There was one time when changing the channel did not correct the problem (all HD channels were being output as 480i), and I had to fix it by pressing the HD Zoom button on the remote (cycling thru Stretch 1, Stretch 2, and Zoom and then back to Normal).

Has anyone else encountered this little glitch?

Oh, btw I am connected through the component cables.

You don't indicate your location or provider. This is a known issue with SARA version 1.88.23.1 on Cablevision systems, if that is you, they are working on it.

oh, sorry.

I'm on Cox Cable in San Diego, CA. I'm not at home right now so I can't check what version of software its running on, but I know its SARA.

According to this (http://hdtv.forsandiego.com/messages/3/4851.html?1154073027) thread in the Cox forum of hdtv.forsandiego.com, as of June 13th, they were at 1.88.19.1.

It's been awhile, but IIRC I seem to remember having this same problem when I first got the 1.88.19.1 upgrade. A "hard" reboot fixed it and it hasn't happened since (several months now).

According to this (http://hdtv.forsandiego.com/messages/3/4851.html?1154073027) thread in the Cox forum of hdtv.forsandiego.com, as of June 13th, they were at 1.88.19.1.

ahh, thanks for the link :) Looks like many others have experienced exactly this same bug.

It's been awhile, but IIRC I seem to remember having this same problem when I first got the 1.88.19.1 upgrade. A "hard" reboot fixed it and it hasn't happened since (several months now).
I'll have to try that then. Although I've already tried unplugging the power and then plugging it back in. The display in the 8300 says 'reboot' when you plug it back in I think. Is that a hard reboot? or do I have to do something else?

Press and hold the Power button while plugging the power cord back in and then leave the 8300 off for several minutes. You can find more info in the first post of the SA8300HD Tips and Tricks thread.

The hard reboot didn't fix it for me on Cox SD. Although I thought I had narrowed it to an HDMI issue by checking the 8300 (component connection) I use at work. Guess I'll have to revisit that experiment.

the HDMI connection does look cleaner and a bit sharper than component on my TV, but sometimes, if I'm channel surfing, I lose the sound. Picture is still there on all the channels, but the sound disappears. Turning the 8300 off and then on again fixes it.

Also, I notice that I have to turn on the TV first, then the box. If I turn the box on first, then the TV, I will have the same problem - picture on all the channels, but no sound.

Does anyone else here connected via HDMI occasionally lose the sound when they are changing channels?

I am on Cox in San Diego, CA. SARA 1.88.19.1

Also, a related question about the 8300 remote. Using the power-on macro feature. I followed the instructions that came with it to try to program the power-on macro sequence to turn on the TV first, then the box, but it seems that to ensure that the TV is turned on first, I have to press the TV button on the remote first, then press and hold the power button. Otherwise, it always seems to turn the box on first, then the TV. That's the opposite of what I need it to do when I'm using HDMI.

Most HDMI sources require that the sink(TV) be on first so that when it powers up and sends its handshake to the display it gets an answer. I'm also Cox SD 1.88 but don't have any audio drops changing channels, although my audio goes dig out to my receiver, HDMI is used only for video.

say, DEIFan. What about when you turn on the box first, then the TV. What happens? Do you get a picture on all the channels, but no sound like I do? Or do you get some kind of HDCP error message?

say, DEIFan. What about when you turn on the box first, then the TV. What happens? Do you get a picture on all the channels, but no sound like I do? Or do you get some kind of HDCP error message?

FWIW, my 3250HD box often reboots unless I turn on my display first. It's connected with a DVI>HDMI cable to a latest generation Samsung LCD.

I assume the 8300 would exhibit similar behaviour. I don't use HDMI with my 8300 because I have an older plasma connected via component.

You should get in touch with the cable company and see if they're even supporting HDCP over HDMI yet. My cable co wasn't and that caused instability between my box and the projector, it would reboot every now and then (as in every other day) I went back to component video and things are just fine.

- D

Hello, I figure this was about the bets post to ask my SA question in... I currently have an SA 8000HD box which I am thinking about trading in for an 8300HD...

I got on this kick because I'm about to pick up one of the Sony 400 disc DVD changers to add to my setup, and my TV (Samsung HC-P4752W 47" HD CRT) only has 3 sets of components and 1 HDMI port. Right now I have my 8000HD, my PS2, and my DVD player taking up the component ports, so I will have to bite the bullet and use the HDMI port (I never bothered before, I always figured since it was a CRT the difference would be minimal if any). Both the Megachanger and the box have a DVI or HDMI port, but I figured since the STB actually transmits a 1080i signal instead of just upconverting everything I'd use the STB HDMI.

I figured since I had to make all these changes that if I wanted a new STB now would be a good time. I have a few gripes about my 8000HD that, after some reading, seem kind of common; the DVR functions are kind of clunky, the digital audio (TWC in Clarksburg, WV; all the channels now output digital audio) drops out fairly frequent, and I have it set to upconvert everything to 1080i instead of setting it to pass-through to avoid the slow change when going from SD to HD channels, so I have to use its stretch function which doesn't do quite as good a job as the TV's.

My main concern is the HDCP stuff that I don't have that great of an understanding on. I spoke with TWC and they said they have 8300s and that the HDMI port is active, I'm just concerned that my TV may not be HDCP-compliant (it makes no mention of it in the manual, and its a few years old). I figured the 8300 may have a better chance with the handshake since it would be HDMI--HDMI instead of DVI--HDMI with my 8000HD. It seems like alot of people have issues with the 8300's HDMI port, and if it isn't going to work for me I'd rather keep my 8000HD as all the stuff on the DVR outweighs it's negative quirks. Power-up order won't be an issue for me, I have a Harmony 676 so I can configure it to turn on the components in whatever order I want. Are all HDMI ports HDCP-compliant, or am I going to have issues with the 8300/HDMI+Samsung CRT? The audio portion of the HDMI is useless to me, I always use my reciever and never the TV speakers (I don't even remember if I ran audio to the TV), and I also doubt that I'd ever use the SATA port on the 8300.

Hello, I figure this was about the bets post to ask my SA question in... I currently have an SA 8000HD box which I am thinking about trading in for an 8300HD...

I got on this kick because I'm about to pick up one of the Sony 400 disc DVD changers to add to my setup, and my TV (Samsung HC-P4752W 47" HD CRT) only has 3 sets of components and 1 HDMI port. Right now I have my 8000HD, my PS2, and my DVD player taking up the component ports, so I will have to bite the bullet and use the HDMI port (I never bothered before, I always figured since it was a CRT the difference would be minimal if any). Both the Megachanger and the box have a DVI or HDMI port, but I figured since the STB actually transmits a 1080i signal instead of just upconverting everything I'd use the STB HDMI.

I figured since I had to make all these changes that if I wanted a new STB now would be a good time. I have a few gripes about my 8000HD that, after some reading, seem kind of common; the DVR functions are kind of clunky, the digital audio (TWC in Clarksburg, WV; all the channels now output digital audio) drops out fairly frequent, and I have it set to upconvert everything to 1080i instead of setting it to pass-through to avoid the slow change when going from SD to HD channels, so I have to use its stretch function which doesn't do quite as good a job as the TV's.

My main concern is the HDCP stuff that I don't have that great of an understanding on. I spoke with TWC and they said they have 8300s and that the HDMI port is active, I'm just concerned that my TV may not be HDCP-compliant (it makes no mention of it in the manual, and its a few years old). I figured the 8300 may have a better chance with the handshake since it would be HDMI--HDMI instead of DVI--HDMI with my 8000HD. It seems like alot of people have issues with the 8300's HDMI port, and if it isn't going to work for me I'd rather keep my 8000HD as all the stuff on the DVR outweighs it's negative quirks. Power-up order won't be an issue for me, I have a Harmony 676 so I can configure it to turn on the components in whatever order I want. Are all HDMI ports HDCP-compliant, or am I going to have issues with the 8300/HDMI+Samsung CRT? The audio portion of the HDMI is useless to me, I always use my reciever and never the TV speakers (I don't even remember if I ran audio to the TV), and I also doubt that I'd ever use the SATA port on the 8300.

Run, don't walk, to get the 8300! I absolutely LOVE mine compared w/the 8000, there's so many features. I have no problem with it and my 4 year old Sony rear projection CRT (which is HDCP compliant), but I have no HDMI input, only DVI. I use a HDMI>DVI cable and also route the audio to my receiver, and set the TV input to "Auto-DVI/HDMI". Bet you're gonna love it!

Both the Megachanger and the box have a DVI or HDMI port, but I figured since the STB actually transmits a 1080i signal instead of just upconverting everything I'd use the STB HDMI.


You may want to consider using the component connection for the 8300HD. Because that will pass 1080i over component. Whereas the dvd changer will only upconvert over HDMI/DVI.

Well, picked up an 8300HD today, which was surprisingly easy. Unfortunately, it wasn't for long, when I got it home and hooked it up (just used the same cabling I had for the 8000HD until all the new stuff arrives), it says it wasn't authorized for use. TW customer service was no help, they couldn't communicate with the box at all. I got to checking into the diagnostic pages and found that the stupid thing isn't getting an IP address, which I figure to be the cause of my issues (I work with PCS sites, its an issue I encounter pretty often). No replacement 'til Thursday :mad: .

I really wasn't all that excited about the DVD changer's upconverting capibility, I was just gonna run the 480P signal thru component, the TV handles a 480 signal well and use the HDMI port for the box since it actually can produce a 1080 signal.

What IP address? Your 8300 is on the net?

To transmit packetized data to and from TW and allow direct communication, I'm sure they require an IP address... Thats how they communicate specifically to your piece of hardware on their cable network (some sort of telnet-ing into the box). Mine shows up as 0.0.0.0 unfortunately, and if they can't talk to the box, they can't authorize it.

Sunday I had an interesting problem. When attempting to set up a manual recording of Cold Case and Without a Trace (running late from Football), my SA8300HD kept changing the time. I input 9:20PM to 11:20Pm and accept. The DVR changed the time to 8:20 to 10:20. Tried a number of times with same result. The I set the time for 10:20 to 12:20a and it changed it to 9:20 to 11:20 which is what I wanted - any ideas what is going on?
This is Comcast Alexandria, VA FW 1.87.x

Clock might be messed up from the time change. Reboot it my unplugging the power cord for 30sec and recheck.

I just got a Viewsonic N3250W 32" LCD and tried to hook up my new SA 8300HD via HDMI to it recently with a cheap hdmi cable bought from outpost. I can see a picture on it, but its all green :( Anyone have this experience? I have been searching around and it seems that a few people have posted in different places that they did see green when using a SA 8300HD, one guy said hiting the box fixed it. I am hoping its not my TV and it's the box, but I do not have any other HDMI devices. Any advice on trying to get this to work. I really need to free up the component input. Thanks!

Anyone know of a way to link two 8300's in the same house to share recordings. Right now I need to record my shows on two separate devices.

HELP!!!

Anyone know of a way to link two 8300's in the same house to share recordings. Right now I need to record my shows on two separate devices.

HELP!!!

What you're looking for is some kind of 8300 networking, not the "multi-room" function. And that's not possible, sorry. You can't even take an external drive full of recordings made on one 8300 and have them play on another.

I have verified on an ASTAR 32" LCD, that you have to remove the 480i/480p settings from the HD setup on the 8300 to get it to work over HDMI.


Previously, I was getting nothing over HDMI. Now, everything is golden.

Anyone know of a way to link two 8300's in the same house to share recordings. Right now I need to record my shows on two separate devices.

HELP!!!On a sa8300hd, Brighthouse of central florida:

I have the same versions as rlanza1054 in this post: (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9163647&&#post9163647)Feature Authorization Page:

Guide: YES
VCR Controller: YES (No Check)
Active Box: Yes
IPPV: Yes (No Check)
DVR: Yes (No Check)
MR-DVR: Yes (No Check) - not sure what this means!
SATA: Yes (No Check) - I guess this is the most important line for adding an external drive
DESC: No
Force PIN: No
Reading From NVRam: No

Versions Page:

ResApp Version: PASSPORT Echo 2.5.006
OS Version: PowerTV 6.14.74.1sp
Driver Version: 1
ResApp Date: Jun 8 2006, 01:19:45
OS Date: May 17 2006, 8:02:24pm
PowerKey: PKEY_3.93.2-p +dvrs3
Secure Micro mask=2, nvm=11
Smart Card: NoneAt the bottom of the list is an entry titled "MR-DVR".

when selected, it displays:

Multi-Room DVR
MR-DVR Status:
Last Message: Welcome to MR-DVR!


A goggle search reveals some interesting info.

I have verified on an ASTAR 32" LCD, that you have to remove the 480i/480p settings from the HD setup on the 8300 to get it to work over HDMI.


Previously, I was getting nothing over HDMI. Now, everything is golden.That's most likely due to your display (it apparently doesn't accept 480). It is not necessarily a problem with other displays (though HDMI not working with 480i is fairly common).

Howdy all, first post and obligatory sucking up ;)... I'm amazed at the technical depth & breadth some folks have in this thread. A good 95% of my questions have been answered and I'm only up to page 10 of this thread. Thanks!

A quick bit of history about myself and HDTV for frame of reference... Up until 4 days ago I had an SA8000 that my northern Virginia COX tech had hooked up to my Panasonic TH-50PX50U plasma TV last year. It was my first experience with HDTV so I was fat, dumb and happy (especially looking at the HDTV channels). Aside from that, I regarded the SA8000 as a magic black box that did its thing, well, magically. I knew nothing of its inner workings or settings and I never touched it.

That all changed last Wednesday when I went down to my local COX office and traded the 8000 in for an 8300. My main 2 reasons for upgrading were 1) an assumption that the HDMI connection to my Panasonic would give me a better picture (my HDMI cable is on order) and 2) the SATA port for expanding storage space. Number 2 seems pretty straight forward and I'm working on that now. Number 1 is what I have more questions about (especially considering I really didn't know what HDMI was about except that it was "digital"... digital's got to be better... right? :)).

Anyway, the first question is (and it might sound like a dumb one so bear with me), since my Panasonic is only capable of 720p native, should I bother to select the 1080i options when setting up the 8300? Also, my 8300 is currently connected to my Panny via component... will I get an increase in quality if I connect via HDMI? Are there objective tests and measurements than can verify PQ or is it pretty subjective for the most part?

Another thing I've read about is where folks use component or HDMI to send HD signals to the TV, but then also connect the s-video cable to their TVs to view SD channels. What is the advantage of this? Is the quality of the SD channel better over the s-video cable? Is that used as some way of avoiding the conversion of the 480i signal to 720p or 1080i for regular SD channels?

Finally, I've read and re-read the descriptions of the 4 settings (using component) to set the display (fixed, pass through, upconvert 1 and upconvert 2). Given my Panny only displays 720p natively, wouldn't upconvert 2 be the logical choice? That or what about the combination of deselecting 1080i in setup and chosing pass-through as my setting? What are the advantages or disadvantages of either one? Better quality image for one?... Less processing time for the other?

I guess, in short, the question I'm asking is: With the Panasonic TH-50PX50U HDTV, what are the best settings on the SA83000 for PQ? I hope that's not too much of a noob question... even though I've made myself aware of the mechanics of the process (ie; how to change the settings, etc), I still don't fully understand the relationship it has on PQ. Thanks for any help!

P.S. As I mentioned, I'm in Northern Virginia (Fairfax) and COX is my cable provider. The software version of my SA8300 is SARA v1.87.16.1.

P.P.S. I never read it anywhere, but I presume that COX controls the software updates. IOW, there's no way I can download the latest version of software to my 8300 is there?

P.P.P.S. Sorry for the long first post :).

.. digital's got to be better... right? :)). Yes, usually - but there can be hassles with the HDMI's associated HDCP (Copy Protection) handshake between the TV and the 8300. Cable companies usually avoid this by sticking to component. But, give it (HDMI) a try.since my Panasonic is only capable of 720p nativeWell, this is a misconception: Your set is (I think) 768p x1366 NATIVE. The BBs & CC's of this world are trying to simplify everything and have taken to calling things either 720p or 1080p. Please note on your owner manual on page 12 where it says that 1080i and 720p signals will be re-formatted for viewing on your plasma display. So this means that 1080i and 720p will BOTH be converted to 768p.should I bother to select the 1080i options when setting up the 8300?Yes Also, my 8300 is currently connected to my Panny via component... will I get an increase in quality if I connect via HDMI? Are there objective tests and measurements than can verify PQ or is it pretty subjective for the most part? It's pretty subjective. Note: the 8300HD has MUCH better PQ over component than the 8000HD - so you will be comparing something different.Another thing I've read about is where folks use component or HDMI to send HD signals to the TV, but then also connect the s-video cable to their TVs to view SD channels. What is the advantage of this? Is the quality of the SD channel better over the s-video cable? Is that used as some way of avoiding the conversion of the 480i signal to 720p or 1080i for regular SD channels? There may be lots of reasons for doing this. Too many to go into here because some of them may not apply to you. I'd suggest trying it and see if you get a better picture.Finally, I've read and re-read the descriptions of the 4 settings (using component) to set the display (fixed, pass through, upconvert 1 and upconvert 2). Given my Panny only displays 720p natively, wouldn't upconvert 2 be the logical choice? That or what about the combination of deselecting 1080i in setup and chosing pass-through as my setting? What are the advantages or disadvantages of either one? Better quality image for one?... Less processing time for the other?Ken, this comes back to what I was saying about your set's native resolution - it's not 720. If you select anything but "pass through" (it will become Auto/HDMI, or something like that, when you switch to HDMI) you will end up with TWO conversions: If you select 1080i then for 720p broadcasts (ABC, ESPN, FOX) the box will convert 720p to 1080i and then your display will convert the 1080i to 768p. If you select 720p then for the rest of the HD channels (CBS, NBC, CW, HBO, etc.) the box will convert those to 720p and your display will convert the 720p to 768p. If you select Pass-Through then the box will pass everything and the display will do the only conversion.I never read it anywhere, but I presume that COX controls the software updates. IOW, there's no way I can download the latest version of software to my 8300 is there? That's usually the case, though some have pointed out that some systems have the capability and allowing the customers to control this (to some extent). You should be due for an update soon - likely in

If you only select 720p, then you are having the 8300 convert all others. It's likely that your TV will do a better job of converting and that's why many folks enable other formats. The trade-off is a slight delay while various channels are converted while tuning.

If you only select 720p or use Upconvert2, you may lose access to the stretch/zoom features on your TV for SD channels. Again, many folks enable 480i so that they can have their TV stretch the 4:3 SD content to fill the screen and lessen the chance of uneven phosphor wear (burn-in). However, some TVs do not play nice with 480i via HDMI connections.

The use of S-Video can provide a slightly improved PQ for SD channels, but it all depends on your equipment. Earlier models of STBs were more prone to PQ problems via Component and HDMI, but YMMV, it's best to experiment if it's relatively easy to mess with cables, etc.

The cableco does control the software updates, so you are stuck with 1.87.16.1 until they decide to push the 1.88.x.x version. The features most lacking are the 4th FF/REW speed (128x) and the Start From Beginning option when selecting a recording that is still in progress. Some cableco's allow updates on an individual basis, so it might be worth a call to find out.

Just got my 8300HD a couple of weeks ago. Can't figure out how to lock TV/VCR to my television (Comcast remote). I used to have it that way on my 8000HD. I've got everything else right. Any assistance would be appreciated :)

Thanks very much for the detailed response Dave...

Well, this is a misconception: Your set is (I think) 768p x1366 NATIVE. The BBs & CC's of this world are trying to simplify everything and have taken to calling things either 720p or 1080p. Please note on your owner manual on page 12 where it says that...Yup, sorry, I knew this... was just using 720p for shorthand since its closest to 768. I'll be more accurate in the future.

There may be lots of reasons for doing this. Too many to go into here because some of them may not apply to you. I'd suggest trying it and see if you get a better picture.I'm interested in learning the reasons. Do you have a link or source handy that might explain it? Since I'm recovering from knee surgery, I've got plenty of time on my hands so I'm happy to read as much as I can get my hands on.

If you select anything but "pass through" (it will become Auto/HDMI, or something like that, when you switch to HDMI) you will end up with TWO conversions: If you select 1080i then for 720p broadcasts (ABC, ESPN, FOX) the box will convert 720p to 1080i and then your display will convert the 1080i to 768p. If you select 720p then for the rest of the HD channels (CBS, NBC, CW, HBO, etc.) the box will convert those to 720p and your display will convert the 720p to 768p. If you select Pass-Through then the box will pass everything and the display will do the only conversion.That's it? That's all there is to it? I have been known to make things overly complicated in the past ;) so I guess it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that its as simple as that.

The question I have, as I've been reading about upconverting DVD players, is a comment I read where someone said to not let the TV make any of the adjustments (whether it be up from 480i or 480p to 768, or down from 1080i to 768 in my case). The idea behind the comment was that the TV's conversion algorithm weren't on par with newer, more advanced or more expensive DVD player algorithms.

Perhaps my misconception is that I'm assuming the TV's conversion "can be turned on or off". I guess I was thinking if it could be turned off, then the sa8300's conversion could be used to better effect (assuming the sa8300's conversion was better than what the TV started with). For that matter, with regard to DVDs upconverting, why would I even be concerned with paying for a high end DVD player with the latest upconversion algorithms if my Panansoic is going to nullify them, or muddy them by doing its own conversion anyway? How is the sa8300 different from the DVD in that respect? Again, sorry if these are noob questions. I'm just trying to wrap my brain around how this all relates.

That's usually the case, though some have pointed out that some systems have the capability and allowing the customers to control this (to some extent). You should be due for an update soon - likely inThanks for clearing that up. I don't think I'm going to get too wrapped up in this that I'll be demanding the latest firmware versions. I think I can sit tight and wait for COX do to their thing :).

If you only select 720p, then you are having the 8300 convert all others. It's likely that your TV will do a better job of converting and that's why many folks enable other formats.As I mentioned in my reply to Dave, that's the first I've heard that the TV will do a better job. I guess I've been under the impression that the algorithms in the TV were bare-bones, basic converters and it was better to let dedicated components (ie; expensive DVD players) do the job.

The trade-off is a slight delay while various channels are converted while tuning.Yup, I've noticed that delay versus what I remember as an instantaneous channel switch with the 8000. I get grey/white Picaso like graphic mess for a split second followed by a black screen for 2 split seconds, then the channel tunes in. I'd prefer the instantaneous channel switch, but the delay is not something that's too bothersome.

The use of S-Video can provide a slightly improved PQ for SD channels, but it all depends on your equipment. Earlier models of STBs were more prone to PQ problems via Component and HDMI,Early STBs as in pre 8300/8000 or earlier STB's as in earlier versions of firmware for the 8300?

...but YMMV, it's best to experiment if it's relatively easy to mess with cables, etc.Will do. Easy enough to pull out an s-video cable from my box o' cables.

The cableco does control the software updates, so you are stuck with 1.87.16.1 until they decide to push the 1.88.x.x version. The features most lacking are the 4th FF/REW speed (128x) and the Start From Beginning option when selecting a recording that is still in progress.Yup, I read about that in your tips & tricks post. Very informative post.

Some cableco's allow updates on an individual basis, so it might be worth a call to find out.Easy enough to make a call. Thanks.

Early STBs as in pre 8300/8000 or earlier STB's as in earlier versions of firmware for the 8300?Both, including differences between DVRs and non-DVRS (SA3250HD). Part of it is simply a difference in boxes and then the TV settings might need to be tweaked again. I assume you've used one of the setup DVDs, like DVE, to adjust your brightness, contrast, etc.

Both, including differences between DVRs and non-DVRS (SA3250HD)I assume you've used one of the setup DVDs, like DVE, to adjust your brightness, contrast, etc.Nope, sure haven't but I've just gone off and googled DVE to see what its all about. I should've known there'd be something like this. By day, I'm a professional photographer and I calibrate all my monitors (laCie's, Eizo's, etc) with Gretag MacBeth Eye One sytems and do extensive color management from my Canon cameras through to my Epson 4800 printer (or whatever else I might be printing to). I'll be ordering the DVE stuff ASAP. Thanks for the tip!

The question I have, as I've been reading about upconverting DVD players, is a comment I read where someone said to not let the TV make any of the adjustments (whether it be up from 480i or 480p to 768, or down from 1080i to 768 in my case). The idea behind the comment was that the TV's conversion algorithm weren't on par with newer, more advanced or more expensive DVD player algorithms. Many of those comments are people talking about outboard processors (such as iScan) vs TV conversion. And they may well be right. But the point I was trying to make was that you should avoid double conversions - and you will get that if you force the 8300HD to convert to a fixed (720p or 1080i) output.

Perhaps my misconception is that I'm assuming the TV's conversion "can be turned on or off". I guess I was thinking if it could be turned off, then the sa8300's conversion could be used to better effect (assuming the sa8300's conversion was better than what the TV started with). I gather that you now realize that the only way a display's scan conversion can be turned off is to feed it the native scan rate (768 in your case). So if you had an outboard processor that could be set to output your exact resolution that would effectively turn off your display's scan conversion. For that matter, with regard to DVDs upconverting, why would I even be concerned with paying for a high end DVD player with the latest upconversion algorithms if my Panansoic is going to nullify them, or muddy them by doing its own conversion anyway? How is the sa8300 different from the DVD in that respect? Again, sorry if these are noob questions. I'm just trying to wrap my brain around how this all relates.One way to look at it is that the native scan rate of the DVD is 480.

Nope, sure haven't but I've just gone off and googled DVE to see what its all about. I should've known there'd be something like this. By day, I'm a professional photographer and I calibrate all my monitors (laCie's, Eizo's, etc) with Gretag MacBeth Eye One sytems and do extensive color management from my Canon cameras through to my Epson 4800 printer (or whatever else I might be printing to). I'll be ordering the DVE stuff ASAP. Thanks for the tip!
I've got to remind you that most HD displays have different user setting memories for each of the inputs. So setting the DVD input does not set the cable. It might help to duplicate the DVD's settings onto the cable user settings. However, when you aree using the component inputs for DVD and the HDMI inputs for cable - you are likely to find greater differences - particularly in black levels. So DVE (or one of the other ones - I recommend the "Sound & Vision Home Theater Tune Up") are a starting point.

There is also the option to use INHD's Tune Up show that is broadcast Sunday morning at 5:00am MST.

There is also the option to use INHD's Tune Up show that is broadcast Sunday morning at 5:00am MST.Good thought - however the directions that they (InHD) give for setting Brightness and Contrast are all wet. If you have HDNet, their test patterns are a little better except that, the last I knew, their (HDNet's) overscan patterns were off a bit..

My main point was that although there are/were differences between boxes like the 3250 and the 8300, that's all they were, differences, and it's a simple matter to readjust the settings. If the 8300 looks brighter, etc., it might be, but that simple fact doesn't make one "better" than another. It simply means the settings need to be readjusted for the same reasons they were adjusted initially, to eliminate the factory torch mode. :)

My 8300HD (Sara) is connected to my Sony 60" XBR2 TV through HDMI. The PVR is set to always output 1080i and Picture Format is set to Fixed. By the way, I don't understand what Picture Format is used for...

My problem: Once in a while, I start getting a big blackout flicker (image and sound) every two minutes or so for a while, then it stops. I've tried rewinding a few seconds and playing back to see if the flicker was recorded, but then it doesn't repeat, so it's a playback glitch.

Is there an explanation for this and/or a way to correct this problem?

Thanks.

Pierre

My 8300HD (Sara) is connected to my Sony 60" XBR2 TV through HDMI. The PVR is set to always output 1080i...

Why not set to output Auto DVI/HDMI?

Why not set to output Auto DVI/HDMI?
I've done this after seeing that it was set to Fixed.

Pierre

I just bought a Samsung LN-S4095D, it looks great. I also decided to try out the Bright House Network's HD PVR ( I believe this is the SA8300). It works fine via component cables but i want to simplify wiring and increase quality by using the HDMI. I've tried multiple HDMI cables and swapped out the PVR once, the best i have gotten is a momentary glimpse of a signal that i swear BHN let through just to tease me. The tech that came out said 'Some TVs just aren't compatible with our box' ... arrrghhh.. I called and the supervisors and they have promised to talk to the 'pvr makers' and request a list of compatable tvs... Also my dad is running the SAME DVR with HDMI and a much older tv (can't remember the model)...

Any Ideas? is HDMI so fragil that some PVRs and TV makers can't get on the same spec? thanks
~jason

Hey Jason, thanks for this question and bringing out some Samsung specific answers from other Samsung owners. I got my Samsung 4095 delivered yesterday and am now making the transition of the SA8300HD from my old 40" XBR Wega Trinitron to this new beauty. I kept delaying a flat panel purchase for a couple years, but when I got my PS3, I knew it was time for a 1080p TV.

I had set up HDMi at first and not had any problems but then just went with component for the hell of it. if HDMI is somewhat of a better picture, then I'll stick with HDMI for the SA8300.

This is probably a dumb question, but there's no way to use an OTA antenna with the SA8300 for DVR functionality right? After moving the SA8300 to the new TV, I was watching a Smallville I had recorded a few weeks back off the CW HD (here in Howard County Laurel, MD - Baltimore's feed). I hadn't noticed anything on my Trinitron Wega, but on the new TV, I saw some heavy pixellation during a certain scene that was fading from dark to light and light to dark in slo mo.

I'm wondering if maybe Comcast sends a subpar HD signal for this channel and maybe I should try an OTA method for getting this and maybe other HD channels (esp since the Samsung has an OTA tuner). But I do a lot of DVRing mainly for my watching so it'd be really good if I could record the OTA stuff.

If anyone can help, it'd be much appreciated (and, if anyone just wants to PM me some helpful info for the Samsung 4095, that'd be appreciated too).

I'll be scrolling through the rest of this thread to see if there's anymore helpful info.

I would reconnect the Sony back up temporarily and look at the same scene to see if you notice the same pixelation ;) If you can run HDMI on the new set and component to the old set and see both at the same time, you may be suprised at your results.

vegggas

I would reconnect the Sony back up temporarily and look at the same scene to see if you notice the same pixelation ;) If you can run HDMI on the new set and component to the old set and see both at the same time, you may be suprised at your results.

vegggas

That would be sweet. But the old tv (the 40" Sony XBR Wega Trinitron monster) is upstairs and the new tv (40" Samsung LCD 1080p 4095) is downstairs. What I may do is watch the scene a couple of times and get the clip memorized, then disconnect the 8300HD and hook it up to the old TV again via component and try to see what the difference is.

There's so many things I want to figure out and so little time to do it. I want to see the comparison just mentioned above between the new TV and the old TV.

I want to compare HDMI and Component.

I also want to compare 1080i to 720p. prior to getting my 2nd 8300HD, I had to go and exchange this Pace non-dvr HDTV STB I had. Before I disconnected it to take it back to comcast, I noticed I was able to set it the Pace box to output whatever signal it was getting , and using the Samsung's info button, I was able to see exactly what was being output. It seemed ESPN was 720p, other channels were 1080i. I wanted to try and get that set up again, I think my 8300HD is only outputting 1080i. I'm wondering if I should set up a way to let it send whatever its getting, or have my box convert to either 1080i or 720p.

I also want to figure out why my TV's not outputting digital 5.1 audio to my receiver. if I connect my PS3 or my 8300HD directly to my 5.1 surround sound system (a semi-decent panasonic HTIB), I can do surround. But when I send audio through HDMI to my TV, my TV's not sending a 5.1 signal to my receiver. I would prefer this so that I don't have to keep disconnecting my optical cable from unit to unit.

I'm going to head over to some samsung threads and see if anyone has any advice on that last one.

That would be sweet. But the old tv (the 40" Sony XBR Wega Trinitron monster) is upstairs and the new tv (40" Samsung LCD 1080p 4095) is downstairs. What I may do is watch the scene a couple of times and get the clip memorized, then disconnect the 8300HD and hook it up to the old TV again via component and try to see what the difference is.

There's so many things I want to figure out and so little time to do it. I want to see the comparison just mentioned above between the new TV and the old TV.

I want to compare HDMI and Component.

I also want to compare 1080i to 720p. prior to getting my 2nd 8300HD, I had to go and exchange this Pace non-dvr HDTV STB I had. Before I disconnected it to take it back to comcast, I noticed I was able to set it the Pace box to output whatever signal it was getting , and using the Samsung's info button, I was able to see exactly what was being output. It seemed ESPN was 720p, other channels were 1080i. I wanted to try and get that set up again, I think my 8300HD is only outputting 1080i. I'm wondering if I should set up a way to let it send whatever its getting, or have my box convert to either 1080i or 720p.

I also want to figure out why my TV's not outputting digital 5.1 audio to my receiver. if I connect my PS3 or my 8300HD directly to my 5.1 surround sound system (a semi-decent panasonic HTIB), I can do surround. But when I send audio through HDMI to my TV, my TV's not sending a 5.1 signal to my receiver. I would prefer this so that I don't have to keep disconnecting my optical cable from unit to unit.

I'm going to head over to some samsung threads and see if anyone has any advice on that last one.
When you connect SA8300 HDMI port to HDTV, the HDTV negotiates the "best" mode it is capable of--STEREO.
In order to get DD5.1, either try connecting HDMI to AVR first and then to HDTV....or feed Optical or Coax Digital Audio to AVR.

Cable STB's and DVR's only work on cable systems and are not designed to receive either analog or ATSC via OTA antenna.

I have an 8300 that is SARA, so I believe I should be all set, but I have a Maxtor Diamond Max 9 250 GB *IDE* drive - I tried putting it into a eSata case that has an IDE cable inside, and my 8300 does not recognize it. Today I tried reformatting it with maxtor tools in case there was anything strange on it, and I will also try a different SATA cable, but has anyone out there tried an IDE drive inside an SATA case?

I guess my dilemma is that I dont know if the problem is the IDE to SATA conversion, or if it is the external SATA case, which is a no-name brand, it just says USB 2.0/SATA/IDE Combe Enclosure.

Any thoughts?

I have the SA 8300 HD hooked up to my Sony 40" LCD with a HDMI cable and when you change to a HD channel it doesn't go to 1080i. Every time I have to redo the set up menu in order for it to work. It also happens everytime you turn the SA 8300 off and on. I have a second system with a component video connection and the signal passes through fine. Is this a common problem with HDMI? Any thoughts on how to correct it?

I have the SA 8300 HD hooked up to my Sony 40" LCD with a HDMI cable and when you change to a HD channel it doesn't go to 1080i. Every time I have to redo the set up menu in order for it to work. It also happens everytime you turn the SA 8300 off and on. I have a second system with a component video connection and the signal passes through fine. Is this a common problem with HDMI? Any thoughts on how to correct it?This is a bit of a "stab in the dark", but it's worth a try: Run the set-up wizard to get the right picture formats then do a hard reboot. I've had funny things happen along these lines that were fixed by this:

To do a Hard Reboot:
1) Unplug power from 8300 (easiest if you you use plug in the back)
2) Wait 30 sec
3) While holding POWER button on front panel plug in power.
4) Keep holding POWER until "boot" appears - then release.
5) Wait for time to appear before turning back on.

NOTE: This often (usually) works for SARA - not sure about Passport (or MDN).

NOTE: This often (usually) works for SARA - not sure about Passport (or MDN).
Rebooting's the same, but there is no setup wizard in Passport.

When you connect SA8300 HDMI port to HDTV, the HDTV negotiates the "best" mode it is capable of--STEREO.
In order to get DD5.1, either try connecting HDMI to AVR first and then to HDTV....or feed Optical or Coax Digital Audio to AVR.

Cable STB's and DVR's only work on cable systems and are not designed to receive either analog or ATSC via OTA antenna.

I thought that I had done that, but I'll trial and error a bit more. It's no big deal, I don't mind physically switching the optical wire from the PS3 to SA8300HD and back depending on who I want to provide me with surround sound. At least while I have a 1 optical input receiver. When I get a better 7.1 receiver, it will hopefully have 2 optical ins so that will mean no more physical wire switching but rather, only clicking the input selector button.

One of the annoying things is that I have to manually go into audio output and change from dolby digital back to HDMI whenever I'm not using my 5.1 receiver. I think because of that, I might start using component cables instead of HDMI for my 8300HD. That way, I can always leave audio output on my 8300HD set to digital out, and still get sound out of my TV. Hopefully, there's no serious picture quality differences between the two.

The hard boot didn't work, so I went back to the component video hook up and it works fine. However, this morning a strange thing happen - the picture was pink. I did another hard boot and the color was restored. Strange. I can't wait until DirecTV or Dish gets our local stations in HD. I will be going back to satellite.

The Pink color indicates a loose conection or faulty connector. Rebooting just reset any voltages across the bad connection and made it look ok, for now. Check your cables.
Go look in the new HDMI section. People are having the exact same kinds of problems with virtually all true HD and HDCP enabled equipment from sat, to cable, to HD-DVD and Blue-Ray.
... and upconverting DVD players don't count as an HD source (480), so they always work, and are never a good comparison.

vegggas

The hard boot didn't work, so I went back to the component video hook up and it works fine. However, this morning a strange thing happen - the picture was pink. I did another hard boot and the color was restored. Strange. I can't wait until DirecTV or Dish gets our local stations in HD. I will be going back to satellite.

I just went thru this (AGAIN) as I had "contaminated" by downstairs 8300HDvr by plugging a different HDTV in via HDMI, though the stupid thing had worked for 1+ years.

Anyway, I followed the "fix" post listed elsewhere.

Using component cables plug it up, set Format to Passthru. While EVERYTHING is still on, plug in HDMI and unplug the Component.

Works after that, just fine.

Do note, that the "pink" screen issue does come up when going back to component on the way to fixing this issue. I don't remember it from before.

The net is, that on the Component output the Green output doubles as Video out when the 8300 thinks there is only an SD box connected.

I went around and around (reboots, hard reboots, cussing, etc.) couldn't get it off of pink, so it would let me pick HD instead of SD.

Finally, just walked away for some amount of time, came back and it had flopped over to HD and Component out. Then followed procedure above to fix HDMI.

So must be some timing thing where it tries SD for a while, then you wait and it tries HD.

Ok, wow.. too many pages to read it all but I want to see if I have this right...
HDMI is NOT pushing DD5.1?!??? Right now I have my 8300 hooked to my Samsung LNS4695D - then have the TV audio out going to the surround.... If I hook an optical from the 8300 to the surround will that work? or.. how should I set this up best?

(i was going to use the optical in on the surround for my 360..)

and since I am also in Fairport, like davehancock , im guessing I have the same software?
Dave Hancock SARA 1.88.17.a100

Ok, wow.. too many pages to read it all but I want to see if I have this right...
HDMI is NOT pushing DD5.1?!??? Right now I have my 8300 hooked to my Samsung LNS4695D - then have the TV audio out going to the surround.... If I hook an optical from the 8300 to the surround will that work? or.. how should I set this up best?

(i was going to use the optical in on the surround for my 360..)

and since I am also in Fairport, like davehancock , im guessing I have the same software?
Dave Hancock SARA 1.88.17.a100

It does push DD 5.1 when applicable. However some televisions DO NOT push 5.1 over their TV out signals, so routing it through the TV won't work.

- D

Ok, wow.. too many pages to read it all but I want to see if I have this right...
HDMI is NOT pushing DD5.1?!??? Right now I have my 8300 hooked to my Samsung LNS4695D - then have the TV audio out going to the surround.... If I hook an optical from the 8300 to the surround will that work? or.. how should I set this up best?

(i was going to use the optical in on the surround for my 360..)

and since I am also in Fairport, like davehancock , im guessing I have the same software?
Dave Hancock SARA 1.88.17.a100
High neighbor: In all probability your Samsung can't handle the DD 5.1 from any source over HDMI. So it signals the source (8300 in this case) not to send it. I don't have an HDMI connection myself, but I believe that you will need to run an optical (coax will be OK too) from the 8300 direct to your surround sound receiver. You will also likely need to go to one of the Settings Menus for Audio and change from HDMI to DD.

If you need more help, I am in the phone book (and you know my name - PS I'm NOT the vet).

LOL, not the vet ;)

question though.. my samsung has the SRS and says in the specs it can "reproduce" the DD5.1 with just 2 speakers... is there a way to tell if its getting the 5.1 or not? Thanks!

This is how SRS is described from http://www.srslabs.com/ss-trusurroundxttech924.asp

SRS TruSurround XT® was developed to address this need. It delivers a premium virtual surround sound experience from any multichannel source over just two speakers or headphones, transforming any audio material, including mono, stereo or surround encoded content, into breathtaking virtual surround sound.

is there a way to tell if its getting the 5.1 or not?If you take the coax or optical S/PDIF output of the box and connect it to a 5.1 receiver while the HDMI is connected to your television, the display on the receiver will generally tell you if the source is 5.1 or 2.1 or 2.0.

What you get from the box depends on what your television says that it can handle, in a packet of information passed over HDMI called the E-EDID block (Enhanced Extended Display Data). If it's got this 5.1 simulation, it should tell the box that it has 5.1 channel sound capability. The 8300HD will mix whatever variety of sound the display asks for, unless you tell it differently in the settings.

Ok, sounds good. I guess I need to go get myself an optical cable then ;) (I think my dvd is using the coax)

Thanks!

Yes, the 8300 goes into power-save (unless you press any button to say you're still there, watching) sometime after 1 am and lasting until 6 am.

But if you try to burn a DVD overnight (i.e., hit Play and go to bed) from a previously DVR'd program, this feature ruins your recorded DVD, leaving you with half a movie plus a 5-minute warning banner followed by a gray screen.

Seems like a DVR firmware oversight: I think that "Playback" should defer "Power Save" until playback is completed.

Some ComCast techs have tried sending a software update or parameter override to my box to fix this problem, with no success. They say it "shouldn't happen", and are currently scheduled to replace my box next week.

I think it's built in, and that the problem will persist.

Anyone else experience the problem? Got a solution?

Service, location: ComCast, Howard County, Maryland

my samsung has the SRS and says in the specs it can "reproduce" the DD5.1 with just 2 speakers... is there a way to tell if its getting the 5.1 or not? Thanks!

This is how SRS is described from http://www.srslabs.com/ss-trusurroundxttech924.asp
I doubt that SRS does anything with DD5.1. I read over some of the reference you give, and it seems to me to be written to sound impressive at the cost of misleading. Note that 5.1 sound isn't necessarily DD 5.1 sound, because Dolby Pro-Logic can also count as 5.1. At one point your web reference says: "TruSurround XT is compatible with signals that been decoded by a Dolby Pro Logic or Pro Logic II decoder and signals that have been encoded to stereo with a matrix encoder (e.g. SRS Circle Surround or Dolby Pro Logic)." Note there is no reference here to DD 5.1.

Ok, sounds good. I guess I need to go get myself an optical cable then ;) (I think my dvd is using the coax)

Thanks!Wait a minute here! If the SRS system reduces the 5 (.1) discrete channels into two (which is what it does) I would think that the unique benefits of 5 discrete channels over a matrix multi channel system (Pro-Logic) would be noticed. I'm not necessarily knocking SRS, but even IF (which is highly doubtful) your Samsung decodes the 5.1 bitstream only to feed it to the SRS chip to have it reduced back to two channels.

SRS is just a gimmick which gives the illusion of surround sound through the set's left and right speakers. I have a Samsung LCD for casual use and SRS sounds totally crappy to me, so I never use it.

Just upgraded to an 8300HD and hooked it up through HDMI. I can't get the box to output anything higher than 480i?? Can anyone help me out. I've tried changing the "set:Picture Format" to Auto DVI/HDMI but it's still saying 480i on the PVR itself.

Apricon Launches DVR Xpander (http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070321/20070321005625.html?.v=1)

Apricorn, (www.apricorn.com) the leader in personal storage, today announced DVR Xpander, a digital video recorder solution that instantly expands the amount of content consumers can store on a DVR. From television shows to movies to sporting events, DVR Xpander will enhance the way people manage the TV shows they record by adding up to 280 hours of standard TV or 60 hours of high definition programming to your DVR. Now users no longer have to sacrifice their favorite TV shows to make room for newer shows.

Apricorn's DVR Xpander, available in two capacities, 250GB and 500GB, is the perfect companion for the Scientific Atlanta 8300 series DVR and any DVR equipped with an active eSATA port.

"We designed our DVR Xpander to be a quiet, reliable, easy to use tool which greatly increases the amount of content users can store with their DVR," said Mike McCandless, Apricorn's VP of Sales and Marketing. "In three simple steps, users are ready to start recording. It's as simple as connecting to the DVR, formatting the drive and recording your favorite show."

"Cox Communications & Time Warner customers with the Scientific Atlanta 8300HD make up the bulk of our installed base at this time," added Mike McCandless.

Yes, the 8300 goes into power-save (unless you press any button to say you're still there, watching) sometime after 1 am and lasting until 6 am.

But if you try to burn a DVD overnight (i.e., hit Play and go to bed) from a previously DVR'd program, this feature ruins your recorded DVD, leaving you with half a movie plus a 5-minute warning banner followed by a gray screen.

Seems like a DVR firmware oversight: I think that "Playback" should defer "Power Save" until playback is completed.

Some ComCast techs have tried sending a software update or parameter override to my box to fix this problem, with no success. They say it "shouldn't happen", and are currently scheduled to replace my box next week.

I think it's built in, and that the problem will persist.

Anyone else experience the problem? Got a solution?

Service, location: ComCast, Howard County, Maryland

I have a 8300, but I don't use the PVR. I noticed that Adelphia (now Time Warner) pushed out some firmware last year (or the year before) that made the box go into power save mode. It initially did not do this. NOW, I do believe the problem is corrected, as my 2 8300's stay on during the night and do NOT power-save at all. This has changed within the past month or two.

I just went thru this (AGAIN) as I had "contaminated" by downstairs 8300HDvr by plugging a different HDTV in via HDMI, though the stupid thing had worked for 1+ years.

Anyway, I followed the "fix" post listed elsewhere.

Using component cables plug it up, set Format to Passthru. While EVERYTHING is still on, plug in HDMI and unplug the Component.

Works after that, just fine.

Do note, that the "pink" screen issue does come up when going back to component on the way to fixing this issue. I don't remember it from before.

The net is, that on the Component output the Green output doubles as Video out when the 8300 thinks there is only an SD box connected.

I went around and around (reboots, hard reboots, cussing, etc.) couldn't get it off of pink, so it would let me pick HD instead of SD.

Finally, just walked away for some amount of time, came back and it had flopped over to HD and Component out. Then followed procedure above to fix HDMI.

So must be some timing thing where it tries SD for a while, then you wait and it tries HD.

Where exactly is the "fix" post? I'm getting the pink/red screen every morning when I cut my TV on. Going through the setup wizard every morning is getting old. Also, my Sony 60XBR2 TV worked for approx. 5 months using the HDMI connection, now it will only show a picture when using component connection. I've tried a different HDMI cable and still no picture.

In the Display Format Summary, I don't have an option to set "Auto HDMI/DVI". I do have the options "Fixed", "Pass Through", "UpConvert 1", and "UpConvert 2". It is currently set on "upconvert 1".

I live in Bartlett (near Memphis), TN and have Comcast cable and SARA Verion 1.88.25.1

Thanks for any help.

Alan

I think he attempted to lay out the "fix post" steps he used in his post.

One of the Dave's has mentioned that one of the [reverting] issues (HD to SD) was resolved by performing a hard-reboot between each change to a new format. you might try that. I am unsure whether or not he tested if a single hard-reboot after all steps worked as well.

The SARA page is here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=471859).

v/r,
C-F

HDMI and the 8300HD aren't always friends. In my experience it's not always the box, sometimes it's the cable company themselves. My cable company (Rogers) doesn't support HDCP yet and thus doesn't send any info down the cable to my house, so when the 8300HD tries to use 8300HD between itself and my projector it gets a little pissy and resets almost daily. I switched over to component and haven't had an issue since. I get reboots once a week sometimes due to on demand, but that's not related to this, overall I'm quite happy with my box, especially since it's my only option, and the new 1.89.x firmware fixes quite a lot of glitches/bugs.

hope this helps.

- D

HDMI and the 8300HD aren't always friends. In my experience it's not always the box, sometimes it's the cable company themselves. My cable company (Rogers) doesn't support HDCP yet and thus doesn't send any info down the cable to my house, so when the 8300HD tries to use 8300HD between itself and my projector it gets a little pissy and resets almost daily. I switched over to component and haven't had an issue since. I get reboots once a week sometimes due to on demand, but that's not related to this, overall I'm quite happy with my box, especially since it's my only option, and the new 1.89.x firmware fixes quite a lot of glitches/bugs.

hope this helps.

- DDaphoid, I'm not sure if there are any Canadian government mandates on HDMI/DVI, so it would not be surprising if Roger's support is missing.

From the posts I've seen, it appears that there has been some significant changes in the HDCP code pushed to the cable boxes earlier this year. It seemed to correspond with the daylight time change code push in February. Sets that formerly would work fine with HDMI became troublesome - yet other sets, that never did work (specifically Denon HDMI switching receivers), suddenly did. Typical: fix one thing and break another. :mad:

Hey all. Just wanted to post my question in this topic since I recently got the SA box (had the moto DVR for a long time). When I moved to my new area I was given this box cause I asked for HDMI. I have a somewhat simple question but it's bothering the heck out of me. I recently hooked up my 5.1 system and ran my optical cable from the box to the receiver. I then hooked up the HDMI to the TV and muted the TV's internal speakers. For some reason I'm not getting any DD 5.1 while the HDMI is connected. Is there any option in a hidden menu to allow for digital audio thru optical while I have the hdmi connected? I appreciate any input, thanks.

Newsguy:

Go to the extended "Settings" (hit the button on the remote twice) and make sure the "Dolby Digital" sound output is selected. Chances are it's set to "HDMI".

Newsguy:

Go to the extended "Settings" (hit the button on the remote twice) and make sure the "Dolby Digital" sound output is selected. Chances are it's set to "HDMI".

Thanks mojo, I found what you're telling me while I was searching last night, unfortunately there's no button on my remote that even says "settings." I have this remote:
http://www.iflipflop.com/uploaded_images/comcastremote-752164.jpg

There is a screen that comes up when I hit "menu" twice but the only audio option in there is for the variable or fixed. Any other way I can get into the DD or HDMI menu?

Comcast's online manual for that remote says that when it's used with a Scientific Atlanta DVR, the MENU button is used to access the Settings functions. If you're still having a problem, please post what operating system your DVR uses -- Passport or SARA or ??? -- that does matter.

Thanks for the quick response (I have my DLP on as I type). If judging by the menu system it's definitely the SARA. I tried hitting menu twice and I do get into an advanced menu, but nowhere on there does it give me the option for DD.

You should be able to verify what OS your DVR has by rebooting it and looking for a copyright message on your display identifying the OS (at least that's how Passport works). I'd then suggest taking your problem to the relevant OS-specific 8300HD thread:

For SARA Software (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=471859&page=1)

For Passport Software (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=453804&page=1)

thanks, I'll go there and check it out

Daphoid, I'm not sure if there are any Canadian government mandates on HDMI/DVI, so it would not be surprising if Roger's support is missing.

From the posts I've seen, it appears that there has been some significant changes in the HDCP code pushed to the cable boxes earlier this year. It seemed to correspond with the daylight time change code push in February. Sets that formerly would work fine with HDMI became troublesome - yet other sets, that never did work (specifically Denon HDMI switching receivers), suddenly did. Typical: fix one thing and break another. :mad:

Daphoid, Cannon-Fodder, & Davehancock,

Sorry its taken so long to reply to your comments about my problem. I've tried many different ways to "re-boot" the 8300. Something I did (or the cable company did?) allows me to now cut on the 8300/TV in the morning without the screen being pink/red!
The HDMI still won't work, so I bet that some of Comcast's programming updates must have broken the HDMI output while fixing something else.

Thanks for the help.

Alan

Newsguy:

Go to the extended "Settings" (hit the button on the remote twice) and make sure the "Dolby Digital" sound output is selected. Chances are it's set to "HDMI".
Thats interesting, I have no option in my "settings" for AUDIO: Dolby Digital out. I have to connect the 8300 via component and the optical to my Pioneer receiver to get DD. If I connect HDMI to the tv( Samsung HL-S5679) and the optical to my receiver I do not get DD, only ProLogic. Can't use the TV's digital out as it does not pass through 5.1 sound. SRS is not 5.1 it is a mimic of it. I have watched the same programs with the different setups to verify this. With component, my receivers screen says Dolby Digital ES, when I connect with the HDMI and optical it says ProLogic. There is "no" AUDIO: settings in my settings menue, whether I push it twice or once. I like the pic of the HDMI a bit better, but to have DD with programs that broadcast it I am stuck with component. I have SARA 1.88.24.2

There is "no" AUDIO: settings in my settings menue, whether I push it twice or once. I fell into this trap quite some time ago ( :o ). I suspect that the problem is the same one I had back then - on the 2nd settings menu you need to scroll up (or down) to see these settings.

Hope this works for you.

I fell into this trap quite some time ago ( :o ). I suspect that the problem is the same one I had back then - on the 2nd settings menu you need to scroll up (or down) to see these settings.

Hope this works for you.

LOL, I knew that. I scrolled through all the options. The only thing in there that even comes close to audio, is the LANGUAGE:AUDIO>English>Espanol>Francais. There is nothing scrolling through that states AUDIO: digital, or range etc. The only thing I have is the SET: Picture Format. I have the timers , color schemes Viewer, Block, CC, Display and a few others but no settings for audio :confused:

Guys,

Until recently I have been using my SA 8300 is SD only, hooked up to a Sony KV-27FV310 Analog TV. The picture quality was excellent on all cable channels both analog and digital. Saturday I purchased a Sony LCD, XBR4 and the picture in HD is excellent, the problem is the picture on the SD channels is much worse quality wise than it was on my analog set. Even the digital channels show artifacs and overall the resolution looks pasty, just not sharp. I have the 8300 hooked up to the HD the same way as I did with the analog set, using Component cabling to a component input. I ran the set up on the 8300 by pressing the guide and info buttons and activating all resolution levels. In settings I am using pass through. I tried both fixed setting, upconvert 1 & 2 with no change. Are there any other settings or tweaks that I am missing or is this just the nature of the beast. Please, opinions are needed here on this end. Thanx, MrJ

my SA 8300 is SD only

I ran the set up on the 8300 by pressing the guide and info buttons and activating all resolution levels.

Assuming you have the SA 8300HD try activating only the HD resolutions thereby forcing SD up-converting in the box.

Guys,

Until recently I have been using my SA 8300 is SD only, hooked up to a Sony KV-27FV310 Analog TV. The picture quality was excellent on all cable channels both analog and digital. Saturday I purchased a Sony LCD, XBR4 and the picture in HD is excellent, the problem is the picture on the SD channels is much worse quality wise than it was on my analog set. Even the digital channels show artifacs and overall the resolution looks pasty, just not sharp. I have the 8300 hooked up to the HD the same way as I did with the analog set, using Component cabling to a component input. I ran the set up on the 8300 by pressing the guide and info buttons and activating all resolution levels. In settings I am using pass through. I tried both fixed setting, upconvert 1 & 2 with no change. Are there any other settings or tweaks that I am missing or is this just the nature of the beast. Please, opinions are needed here on this end. Thanx, MrJPass-through is probably best to use. Then do your tweaking on the Sony. You ought to check the AVS Display section for threads on the display that you are using. Keep in mind, that you are blowing up a SD picture a lot more than you did with your old 27" set - the result is that SD will show more of its defects.

Thanx Gary! Yes, my box is the HD model. Sorry. I disabled 480i&p and now the box is upconverting to 1080i. That seemed to help a lot. Big difference. The front display now reads the picture is in 1080i. Are there any other tweaks or shall I be happy with what i have. BTW, I am set in pass-through as the upconvert settings did not seem to do anything.

Dave, good advice. I will check that section.

Thanx again guys. Much appreciated. MrJ

I previously had an explorer 8300hd and had an issue with the sound, when i turned the tv off the sound was gone on my surround sound. I went in the digital audio out settings and changed it to dolby digital from hdmi and that solved the problem, then the cable guy switched my box to an 8240 dvr hd that he said was better to solve another problem. The other problem got fixed and now I changed that same setting to dolby digital -the three options are other, dolby, and hdmi, and despite changing it, the darn sound drops off to the yamaha reciever when i power down the televison??? Im using digital coax from cable box to yamaha reciever. I can unplug the hdmi cable from the tv and the sound comes back on????????
PLEASE ASSIST ME
NELSON

:confused:

Thanx Gary! Yes, my box is the HD model. Sorry. I disabled 480i&p and now the box is upconverting to 1080i. That seemed to help a lot. Big difference. The front display now reads the picture is in 1080i. Are there any other tweaks or shall I be happy with what i have. BTW, I am set in pass-through as the upconvert settings did not seem to do anything.

Dave, good advice. I will check that section.

Thanx again guys. Much appreciated. MrJ
You are welcome.

No I've seen that change work time and again. Keep that and pass-through and that's probably about the best you can do with SD.

Hello all,
I've had TW hd service and an 8300HD for about 4 weeks now and I have been reallly frustrated. Most of the time the hd channels look great, but every now and then (about once every 2 or 3 days) the signal on random hd channels goes haywire. The audio and video cuts out and looks like a blocky mess. All kinds of glitching and stuttering.

When I called and talked to a TW rep she told me my box may not be operating at full power? or something to that effect. Is this something I can fix with a hard reboot, or do I need a tech and a new box?

Hello all,
I've had TW hd service and an 8300HD for about 4 weeks now and I have been reallly frustrated. Most of the time the hd channels look great, but every now and then (about once every 2 or 3 days) the signal on random hd channels goes haywire. The audio and video cuts out and looks like a blocky mess. All kinds of glitching and stuttering.

When I called and talked to a TW rep she told me my box may not be operating at full power? or something to that effect. Is this something I can fix with a hard reboot, or do I need a tech and a new box?She probably meant signal level. Best to schedule a service call and have them check signal levels.

Hay everyone.
I recently got the 8300HD and love it most of the time. But I was recently watching Nauto, that I had recorded previously, and halfway thru the show I start encountering problems. Naruto is replaced by a still image of an episode of South Park that I had recorded and deleted earlier in the week. The sound is still Naruto but not the visual. Does anyone else have this problem and how do I fix it?

I have a somewhat simple question but it's bothering the heck out of me. I recently hooked up my 5.1 system and ran my optical cable from the box to the receiver. I then hooked up the HDMI to the TV and muted the TV's internal speakers. For some reason I'm not getting any DD 5.1 while the HDMI is connected. Is there any option in a hidden menu to allow for digital audio thru optical while I have the hdmi connected? I appreciate any input, thanks.

Newsguy:

Go to the extended "Settings" (hit the button on the remote twice) and make sure the "Dolby Digital" sound output is selected. Chances are it's set to "HDMI".

I have a somewhat related problem/question. When I set my Audio Out to Dolby Digital, I do get 5.1, but the TV speakers stop working. Whenever I am not using my receiver for audio, I have to switch Audio Out back to HDMI. Is this a normal behavior?

Unfortunately yes, it's an either/or situation.

I have a somewhat related problem/question. When I set my Audio Out to Dolby Digital, I do get 5.1, but the TV speakers stop working. Whenever I am not using my receiver for audio, I have to switch Audio Out back to HDMI. Is this a normal behavior?When you set it to HDMI the TV controls what is sent. At least with SARA software, when you set it to HDMI it will still send sound out on the optical. Many TV's dictate that the sound then be2.0 (because that is all they can handle), but some (such as my Sony A3000) will permit 5.1.

So the correct answer is "it depends".;)

Should've made the SARA distinction.

Any other TV's that you of Dave that allow 5.1 out of optical when HDMI is connected?

Should've made the SARA distinction.

Any other TV's that you of Dave that allow 5.1 out of optical when HDMI is connected?I suspect that the Sony sets with the new chassis design (one that accepts 24fps) will be the same. Don't know about others.

BTW: Even though my set accepts 5.1 on HDMI, the optical out from the TV only puts out 2.0 from that HDMI input.

When you set it to HDMI the TV controls what is sent. At least with SARA software, when you set it to HDMI it will still send sound out on the optical. Many TV's dictate that the sound then be2.0 (because that is all they can handle), but some (such as my Sony A3000) will permit 5.1.

So the correct answer is "it depends".;)

Dave,
Thanks for the explanation. At least now I know that it's nothing that I am doing wrong. BTW, my TV set is Mits WD-65833.

When you set it to HDMI the TV controls what is sent. At least with SARA software, when you set it to HDMI it will still send sound out on the optical. Many TV's dictate that the sound then be2.0 (because that is all they can handle), but some (such as my Sony A3000) will permit 5.1.

So the correct answer is "it depends".;)Philosophically, the TVs aren't "dictating" what gets sent; their role in the decision is passive. The HDMI sources obtains the downstream device's (in this case, your television's) E-EDID (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extended_display_identification_data#Enhanced_EDID_.28E-EDID.29) block, a chunk of data describing all of the device's video and audio capabilities. If the device says that it can only reproduce 2.0 or 2.1 sound, the source has to downmix 5.1 into that--it's a violation of HDMI protocol for it to send audio or video in a format that the sink cannot reproduce. That's been a problem for people who want to directly connect HDMI to their televisions, since most HDMI sources have the ability to mix only one digital sound stream, so if they mix 2.0 or 2.1 sound for an HDMI connection, that's what they have to put out on their coax or optical S/PDIF connections as well.

The IPGs for the SA DVRs (SARA and Passport at least) were modified to add an option to not output sound on HDMI at all so that they can output 5.1 on their S/PDIF connections. So, if you want to connect HDMI directly to your television and you want 5.1 sound over coax or optical S/PDIF, find and modify that setting on the DVR and connect the S/PDIF cable from it to your AVR. The only "problem" with this is that you won't be able to listen to the DVR through your television's speakers, but if you need that option, you can probably run an analog sound cable from the DVR to the television.

What is the best setting Auto DVI/DVR, Fixed or Upconvert ? I own a Sony KDSA553000

What is the best setting Auto DVI/DVR, Fixed or Upconvert ? I own a Sony KDSA553000Auto HDMI/DVI

Quick question for you all.

Recently swapped out a non-working box for an Explorer 8300 HDC (Time Warner Cable in Cincinnati).

Everything works fine, but I cannot get my status bar to appear during playback. Instead, when I play, rewind, or FF, the info bar pops up at the bottom as if I pushed the INFO button. I've tried everything short of rebooting and nothing seems to give me back my status bar.

(I apologize for making a new thread about this. I didn't take the time to look around at how this place works.)

I am having a problem with PIP function and am unsure if this is the 8300HD or my TV's fault (Samsung HL-T5087SAX). I have TWC in KC and the software I believe is Mystro. When I am watching a program and go to the program guide, when I exit out of the program guide the picture of the program remains a small PIP box in the upper right with the rest of the screen being black. This will occur even if I don't change channels while viewing the program guide. It also is occuring when I change channels with the channel up and down keys. We had a prolonged service outage (widespread last week affecting the TWC boxes) and after coming back on line this behavior is occuring. I find that in order to get a full screen picture I have to turn on the PIP function which puts my program back up full screen and gives me a PIP of another channel. I then turn PIP off to clear the screen of the PIP box. This is very tedious. I have had the boxes for two months or so and except for a very brief occurance of this behavior earlier last month that self corrected by the next day without my intervention I have not had any other issues.

Could this be the box or do I need to be looking at my TV (4 months old)? Anyone else have this issue occur? After the outage all three of my 8300HD's rebooted and the behavior does not occur on the other two boxes.

Thanks,
Bob

I have a somewhat related problem/question. When I set my Audio Out to Dolby Digital, I do get 5.1, but the TV speakers stop working. Whenever I am not using my receiver for audio, I have to switch Audio Out back to HDMI. Is this a normal behavior?

I ran into this, too.

I have 2 Activities in my Harmony remote. One is "TV Only" and the other "TV with Stereo". For the TV only, I use component video and analog audio, for use with the receiver I use HDMI and the optical out. I figured that was easier than telling the family they have to change the HDMI audio options each time! Since I only watch it with the receiver on, I get what I want.

I have one question for the experts here.

I recently switched over to HDMI and have occasional (I believe) HDCP problems with my KDS-50A2020 SXRD. Basically, sometimes the image turns to static and I have to cycle inputs to restore the picture.

Now, do you think I will eliminate HDCP problems (or make them worse?) by plugging the 8300HD to my HDMI switch to my Onkyo 605 to my TV? The 8300HD is plugged via HDMI directly to TV right now and the optical out goes to the receiver. By daisy-chaining I can eliminate the optical and use that for something else.

Basically my question is would it be possible the Onkyo might have a "more compatible" HDCP connection than my TV?

I have one question for the experts here.

I recently switched over to HDMI and have occasional (I believe) HDCP problems with my KDS-50A2020 SXRD. Basically, sometimes the image turns to static and I have to cycle inputs to restore the picture.

Now, do you think I will eliminate HDCP problems (or make them worse?) by plugging the 8300HD to my HDMI switch to my Onkyo 605 to my TV? The 8300HD is plugged via HDMI directly to TV right now and the optical out goes to the receiver. By daisy-chaining I can eliminate the optical and use that for something else.

Basically my question is would it be possible the Onkyo might have a "more compatible" HDCP connection than my TV?I think that you might as well try it. I have a television, an Onkyo receiver, an HDMI switch and four audio/video sources, from seven different manufacturers connected via HDMI, with no extra audio cabling. This set-up has been working without a hitch for over a year, so I'm a big fan of HDMI-only :). (I do not have an SA8300HD in that configuration, though there is one elsewhere in the house).

Since there've been many reports of HDMI problems with the SA8300HD, I don't have the highest hopes that this will solve your problem, but its possible that its HDMI implementation is more compatible with your HDMI switch than with your television. You'll also be running it in the audio mode where it sends digital sound through HDMI, which will change things up somewhat.

It actually does work better connected to the switch and receiver. I've only had one HDCP issue since, and it was immediate. With the 8300 connected to the TV the connection could break at any time.

I'm going to build an input swap into the last 2 steps of the activity initialization in my harmony remote setup...that way the last step, after a short delay, will be the TV coming online and doing the handshake after everything else.

Philosophically, the TVs aren't "dictating" what gets sent; their role in the decision is passive. The HDMI sources obtains the downstream device's (in this case, your television's) block, a chunk of data describing all of the device's video and audio capabilities. If the device says that it can only reproduce 2.0 or 2.1 sound, the source has to downmix 5.1 into that--it's a violation of HDMI protocol for it to send audio or video in a format that the sink cannot reproduce. That's been a problem for people who want to directly connect HDMI to their televisions, since most HDMI sources have the ability to mix only one digital sound stream, so if they mix 2.0 or 2.1 sound for an HDMI connection, that's what they have to put out on their coax or optical S/PDIF connections as well.

The IPGs for the SA DVRs (SARA and Passport at least) were modified to add an option to not output sound on HDMI at all so that they can output 5.1 on their S/PDIF connections. So, if you want to connect HDMI directly to your television and you want 5.1 sound over coax or optical S/PDIF, find and modify that setting on the DVR and connect the S/PDIF cable from it to your AVR. The only "problem" with this is that you won't be able to listen to the DVR through your television's speakers, but if you need that option, you can probably run an analog sound cable from the DVR to the television.

I have set the audio to output "dolby digital" instead of "HDMI". This works perfectly since i don't care if i have audio from my TV speakers. However every time i turn my tv on on the DVR box resets itself to use "HDMI". Has anyone run into this problem and been able to fix it??