Im sorry, and I appreciate the help, but im still totally confused....right now i have my STB set to 4:3, 16:9 letterbox and this is the only way i can get my SD viewing to be without any bars without having to stretch the picture...im really lost.If you found the setting you like, just ignore anything I said. I was only offering that the use of the video source or # button on the remote may cause the PASSPORT aspect controls under the setting menu to operate in a non-intuitive way.

Although I took your intent to mean "without having to [manually select something to] stretch the picture" instead of [automatically filling the screen without image molestation], Riverside_Guy pointed out that any time 4:3 content is displayed in a 16:9 area without the sidebars it will be molested in some manner: stretched (FULL), smart/wide/proportional stretch (JUST), or zoomed+cropped (ZOOM).

Background information Page 15 and 40 of your Plasma's user guide would provide more background information on how your Plasma will display the images sent to it. Page 10 of the PASSPORT Quickstart Guide (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9459938&&#post9459938) and
Page 73-76 (Acrobat® page 79-82) of the Customer Service Guide (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8234469&&#post8234469) provide information about how the 8300HD settings affect the images
Although the PASSPORT documents are from 2004 and the options have changed somewhat.

v/r,
C-F

Back in early January I posted about a problem with my aged SA8000HD not being able to simulaneously output HD (via HDMI) and SD (via composite, S-Video or cable-out connectors). So I was able to get a replacement SA 8300HD, but unfortunately I have the same problem...If I have the HDMI cable connected, all I get out of these outputs is a message on the screen that HDCP isn't supported and to please use the Component outputs instead (which I would if the box I was trying to conenct to had Component in, but...).

The other strange thing I've noticed is that every once in a while, I'll get this same message on the display that's connected to the HDMI as well, though warm/cold starting the SA8300 will clear the problem on the HDMI output).

So, am I just out of luck here, or just doing something dumb? I really think using both SD & HD outputs simultaneoulsy oughta work...

Back in early January I posted about a problem with my aged SA8000HD not being able to simulaneously output HD (via HDMI) and SD (via composite, S-Video or cable-out connectors). So I was able to get a replacement SA 8300HD, but unfortunately I have the same problem...If I have the HDMI cable connected, all I get out of these outputs is a message on the screen that HDCP isn't supported and to please use the Component outputs instead (which I would if the box I was trying to conenct to had Component in, but...).

The other strange thing I've noticed is that every once in a while, I'll get this same message on the display that's connected to the HDMI as well, though warm/cold starting the SA8300 will clear the problem on the HDMI output).

So, am I just out of luck here, or just doing something dumb? I really think using both SD & HD outputs simultaneoulsy oughta work...
Apparently, the component output is disabled on the 8300 when the HDMI is connected, at least mine is. However, I can switch to S-Video and this works. I don't know if that is the way it is suppose to work, but that's the way mine does.

Apparently, the component output is disabled on the 8300 when the HDMI is connected, at least mine is. However, I can switch to S-Video and this works. I don't know if that is the way it is suppose to work, but that's the way mine does.
In most cableco markets where the SA8300HD is used, you CANNOT use both HDMI and component video ports simultaneously. Use of either port WILL disable the other. I say most markets, because there have been reports of a cableco(?) in Western, NY where this is allowed.

But, you should be able to use s-video, or composite without problems as many of us have reported. What's odd... the message you are getting says for you to use the component-video port with the HDMI in order to be HDCP compliant. :confused: Clearly the wrong message to be displayed from the STB. I would double check your s-video and composite ports again while the HDMI cable is plugged in - just to be sure. :)

Good luck,

My guess is that when you change inputs on your TV to the S-Video/Composite/Cable-Out, you lose your HDCP handshake and that's why you get the HDCP error. As long as the HDMI is connected, there has to be a valid HDCP handshake.

My guess is that when you change inputs on your TV to the S-Video/Composite/Cable-Out, you lose your HDCP handshake and that's why you get the HDCP error. As long as the HDMI is connected, there has to be a valid HDCP handshake.
That sounds plausable... but he still should have had some signal displayed from the s-video, or composite ports of the 8300. HDCP handshake is not required for 480i/p, correct?

Back in early January I posted about a problem with my aged SA8000HD not being able to simulaneously output HD (via HDMI) and SD (via composite, S-Video or cable-out connectors). So I was able to get a replacement SA 8300HD, but unfortunately I have the same problem...If I have the HDMI cable connected, all I get out of these outputs is a message on the screen that HDCP isn't supported and to please use the Component outputs instead (which I would if the box I was trying to conenct to had Component in, but...).

The other strange thing I've noticed is that every once in a while, I'll get this same message on the display that's connected to the HDMI as well, though warm/cold starting the SA8300 will clear the problem on the HDMI output).

So, am I just out of luck here, or just doing something dumb? I really think using both SD & HD outputs simultaneoulsy oughta work...
Can you be more specific? Are you trying to output to 2 different displays simultaneously, or alternatively just having them both connected simultaneously and using one at a time?

Also, are you making any changes via settings, Audio out when doing this (HDMI, DD or 2 channel)?

I have both connected simultaneously and watch only at a time, but flip the audio out when doing this. I also NEVER turn off my 8300 and the handshake works fine. I think if I turn the 8300 off and then turn the TV on first followed by the 8300, I stumble on the HDCP handshake.

In most cableco markets where the SA8300HD is used, you CANNOT use both HDMI and component video ports simultaneously. Use of either port WILL disable the other.

When I 1st got my 8300HD 18 months ago, component & HDMI were both active at the same time. With a firmware update last fall, that is no longer true.

I have both component & HDMI connected to my Samsung plasma. I care watch either by:

1) turn on the TV, make sure HDMI is selected as input, wait for the "no input signal" message, turn on the 8300, switch to component and watch thru component

2) turn on the 8300, turn on TV, select HDMI input, watch thru HDMI

I also have a composite connection to TV just for backup. It seems to always work even if the 8300 gets confused (like selecting only 480I when the TV doesn't support it)

When I 1st got my 8300HD 18 months ago, component & HDMI were both active at the same time. With a firmware update last fall, that is no longer true....

Well it is still true here in Raleigh. I'm on v2.6.002 and this has led me to double check and find something new (I think).

Firstly both are active simultaneously to one display (as I cycle through the video sources). I have the audio out set to HDMI in "Settings" and get audio through the TV. My Receiver (when I also turn that on) shows 2 channel with these settings.

Now to get DD from my Receiver, I would normally change "Settings" for Audio Out to DD from "HDMI" and then the TV source to component. Well, it looks like you don't have to make that settings switch with v2.6.002 (unless I missed something earlier).

With the Audio Out Setting to HDMI, I can now flip through the video sources and when Component is on, my Receiver flips to DD 5.1 when detected. This is WITHOUT having to go into settings any longer.

Now that is very nice. All I need to do is switch video source and turn the Receiver on/off. The only thing easier would be if using the video HDMI source also allowed my Receiver to output DD.

These tweaks and small software pushes have corrected some annoying aspects of using HDMI (remember the snow issue?).

If I'm late in noticing this, then just ignore this post :)

When I 1st got my 8300HD 18 months ago, component & HDMI were both active at the same time. With a firmware update last fall, that is no longer true.

I have both component & HDMI connected to my Samsung plasma. I care watch either by:

1) turn on the TV, make sure HDMI is selected as input, wait for the "no input signal" message, turn on the 8300, switch to component and watch thru component

2) turn on the 8300, turn on TV, select HDMI input, watch thru HDMI

I also have a composite connection to TV just for backup. It seems to always work even if the 8300 gets confused (like selecting only 480I when the TV doesn't support it)
It seems you've found a way to 'trick' the 8300 into outputting through either port while hardwired. I've never tried this and it may well work with my SA8300HD from TWC in Upstate, NY. I'm not home so I can't try it. I haven't had my DVR for the past 18 months, so I don't know if it was possible back then. Perhaps some other TWC users in the Albany, NY market can comment. That said, I did caveat my statement with 'most' markets. There may be other cableco markets where it is still is allowed.

I would say you've discovered a way to manipulate the use/signal of the 8300 - never intended by the firmware designers. However, after reading your post, I suspect at some future time another firmware update will take place that will unfortunately eliminate this trick from working. I'm sure SA and the Passport and SARA designers monitor these forums on a regular basis.

BTW, what DVR OS are you using and what market/location are you? Passport, or SARA? Just curious. This may work with one OS and not the other.

That sounds plausable... but he still should have had some signal displayed from the s-video, or composite ports of the 8300. HDCP handshake is not required for 480i/p, correct?He does, the HDCP error message. Unless using the Copy To VCR function, whatever is displayed on one output is displayed on all outputs. Therefore, if he loses his HDCP handshake and gets the HDCP error, it will be displayed on all outputs and that is what he's seeing on the S-Video/Composite/Cable-Out. His particular setup appears to lose the handshake when TV Inputs are switched, other setups don't. If he uses Component instead of HDMI, he should be able to do what he wants, have HD on Component and SD on all others. I don't believe he is the first or only user to see this problem, but there aren't that many users trying to use both HDMI and S-Video/Composite/Cable-Out at the same time with an HDTV that loses the handshake, if that is really the cause.

When I 1st got my 8300HD 18 months ago, component & HDMI were both active at the same time. With a firmware update last fall, that is no longer true.

I have both component & HDMI connected to my Samsung plasma. I care watch either by:

1) turn on the TV, make sure HDMI is selected as input, wait for the "no input signal" message, turn on the 8300, switch to component and watch thru component

2) turn on the 8300, turn on TV, select HDMI input, watch thru HDMI

I also have a composite connection to TV just for backup. It seems to always work even if the 8300 gets confused (like selecting only 480I when the TV doesn't support it)

Hmm, for me the same is ALMOST true. Before my last software update, I COULD switch my TV input to either component from the 8300 or HDMI from the 8300 (both cables attached). After the update, I can not do this. I have to actually pull the HDMI cable out to be able to go component from the 8300 to the TV. Plug it back in and ONLY the HDMI input on the TV yields a picture.

It seems you've found a way to 'trick' the 8300 into outputting through either port while hardwired. I've never tried this and it may well work with my SA8300HD from TWC in Upstate, NY. I'm not home so I can't try it. I haven't had my DVR for the past 18 months, so I don't know if it was possible back then. Perhaps some other TWC users in the Albany, NY market can comment. That said, I did caveat my statement with 'most' markets. There may be other cableco markets where it is still is allowed.

I would say you've discovered a way to manipulate the use/signal of the 8300 - never intended by the firmware designers. However, after reading your post, I suspect at some future time another firmware update will take place that will unfortunately eliminate this trick from working. I'm sure SA and the Passport and SARA designers monitor these forums on a regular basis.

BTW, what DVR OS are you using and what market/location are you? Passport, or SARA? Just curious. This may work with one OS and not the other.

Charlotte NC - Passport Echo 2.6.002

The ability to do this might depend on the TV. In the 18 months I've had the 8300 & the Samsung Plasma, I have NEVER seen any message on the TV screen with HDCP in it!

The odds are that there have been changes in the HDCP code that virtually everyone is using to eliminate some compatibility issues, as well as to "tighten" up some security holes. Recent versions of SARA have brought some new HDCP issues too.

Hmm, for me the same is ALMOST true. Before my last software update, I COULD switch my TV input to either component from the 8300 or HDMI from the 8300 (both cables attached). After the update, I can not do this. I have to actually pull the HDMI cable out to be able to go component from the 8300 to the TV. Plug it back in and ONLY the HDMI input on the TV yields a picture.

I wonder how the 8300 senses that an HDMI cable is plugged in. Is it physical, in other words when the cable is inserted does it trigger some sort of contact switch. OR, does the 8300 see some sort of electrical signal from the TV. If it's an electrical signal, perhaps some TV's kill the signal when turned off and/or it's HDMI input is not selected while other leave the signal high. I really have no idea other than the fact that my particular 8300/TV combo seems to imply the 2nd guess.

I wonder how the 8300 senses that an HDMI cable is plugged in. Is it physical, in other words when the cable is inserted does it trigger some sort of contact switch. OR, does the 8300 see some sort of electrical signal from the TV. If it's an electrical signal, perhaps some TV's kill the signal when turned off and/or it's HDMI input is not selected while other leave the signal high. I really have no idea other than the fact that my particular 8300/TV combo seems to imply the 2nd guess.I understand that it is pin 19 on the connector. If the device "sees" a signal, it knows that the cable is connected.

... 1) turn on the TV, make sure HDMI is selected as input, wait for the "no input signal" message, turn on the 8300, switch to component and watch thru component...
...If it's an electrical signal, perhaps some TV's kill the signal when turned off and/or it's HDMI input is not selected while other leave the signal high...Sure seems like it might be the latter, maybe that TV does not [signal over] pin 19 (or equivalent). What happens if you do not wait for the TV's "No Input Found" message?I would say you've discovered a way to manipulate the use/signal of the 8300 - never intended by the firmware designers. However, after reading your post, I suspect at some future time another firmware update will take place that will unfortunately eliminate this trick from working. I'm sure SA and the Passport and SARA designers monitor these forums on a regular basis.I do not understand why there would be a restriction on using both at the same time, I thought without HCDP encryption the digital signal would be downgraded to 480p? Maybe the discrete analog signals help out someone [with appropriate high-dollar equipment] trying to sniff through the HDCP encryption?

v/r,
C-F

Yesterday I got some mail from Time Warner, and in it described the price changes for 2007. Also inside was a brochure about the upcoming Navigator software that we are going to get, looks very nice, and if you guys want I'll scan it for you....

...I do not understand why there would be a restriction on using both at the same time, I thought without HCDP encryption the digital signal would be downgraded to 480p? ...v/r,C-F
I don't either, but that's the way it is - at least with my 8300HD from TWC. I often would like to keep both ports(HDMI and component) connected, so that I could route the HDMI to my TV and the component to my DVDR - which does accept component video in. But, the way the box is currently configured(read dumbed down) does not allow me to do that. I personally don't think it has anything to do with HDCP compliance, just a limitation imposed by the designers. :(

If it can send 480i to the composite and s-video ports - concurrently with the HDMI port - why not make 480p available on the component-video port? Alas, the mysteries of HDTV, HDCP, HDMI, DVRs, STBs and everything else in the video chain... :confused:

Yesterday I got some mail from Time Warner, and in it described the price changes for 2007. Also inside was a brochure about the upcoming Navigator software that we are going to get, looks very nice, and if you guys want I'll scan it for you....
Yeah, I'd be interested in a scan. Send it via PM. I'd like to know if and when they might be considering rolling it out in Upstate, NY. Thanks.

I understand that it is pin 19 on the connector. If the device "sees" a signal, it knows that the cable is connected.

Oh, it's far smarter than just that! It can "detect" if the "receiving" equipment has a DD decoder, if it doesn't, it sends PCM, if it does, it sends AC/3.

Yeah, I'd be interested in a scan. Send it via PM. I'd like to know if and when they might be considering rolling it out in Upstate, NY. Thanks.

TWC has publicly said it would replace Passport areas first, so you're going have to be patient!

Oh, it's far smarter than just that! It can "detect" if the "receiving" equipment has a DD decoder, if it doesn't, it sends PCM, if it does, it sends AC/3.
That's interesting info, but I think you missed the context of davehancock's comment. This discussion was trying to assess what determined if an HDMI cable was connected to the 8300HD or not. Some kind of mechanical switch or electrical signal? Pin 19 has been suggested. However, if I remember correctly, I don't think it matters at all what the other end of the HDMI is connected to. I'm not at home so I can't try it again, but if memory serves several weeks back when I was reconfiguring my equipment for this very reason, I believe I took one end of an HDMI cable and plugged it into the 8300 without the other end connected to anything, and it cut out the component-video connection. I'm going to test it again this weekend when I get home to be sure. Other STBs (w/different OSes) may be different and act differently.

Oh, it's far smarter than just that! It can "detect" if the "receiving" equipment has a DD decoder, if it doesn't, it sends PCM, if it does, it sends AC/3.Oh sure - but he was just asking how the equipment knows it is plugged in! So I simply answered the question that he asked. :cool:

Thanks redjr for pointing that out. :)

Oh sure - but he was just asking how the equipment knows it is plugged in! So I simply answered the question that he asked. :cool:

Thanks redjr for pointing that out. :)
You're welcome!

I seem to have a myriad of issues regarding my 8300HD (twc-columbus, ohio). The problems seem mostly confined to viewing HD broadcasts and recordings. Broadcasts feature occasional pixelization (is that a word?) with accompanying brief distorted audio. Recorded HD programs will lock up with the frame remaining frozen for a few seconds before resuming play. I am unable to identify a pattern to these occurences. The device will function fine one day and not the next. Are these types of issues to be expected with this technology? I have a tech scheduled to visit. However, initial contact with TWC Customer Service leaves me with the impression that these issues are mine alone. The box is fairly new (last month or so) and is hooked up via component cables to a new (couple months old) Sony Grand Wega HDTV. I can view HD broadcasts via antenna without issue on the set.

I seem to have a myriad of issues regarding my 8300HD (twc-columbus, ohio). The problems seem mostly confined to viewing HD broadcasts and recordings. Broadcasts feature occasional pixelization (is that a word?) with accompanying brief distorted audio. Recorded HD programs will lock up with the frame remaining frozen for a few seconds before resuming play. I am unable to identify a pattern to these occurences. The device will function fine one day and not the next. Are these types of issues to be expected with this technology? I have a tech scheduled to visit. However, initial contact with TWC Customer Service leaves me with the impression that these issues are mine alone. The box is fairly new (last month or so) and is hooked up via component cables to a new (couple months old) Sony Grand Wega HDTV. I can view HD broadcasts via antenna without issue on the set.

On the surface these sound like signal quality issues. The tech will likely check the signal strength as part of the troubleshooting, but if it looks like he isn't going to, I'd ask him to do that.

On the surface these sound like signal quality issues. The tech will likely check the signal strength as part of the troubleshooting, but if it looks like he isn't going to, I'd ask him to do that.
I agree wholeheartedly, with the further addition there is either not enough signal or there is ingress ("foreign" RF entering the cable), or both. A tech visit is your next step, jimsites. Don't let him/her diagnose your ills without checking the signal and signal level.

Sure seems like it might be the latter, maybe that TV does not [signal over] pin 19 (or equivalent). What happens if you do not wait for the TV's "No Input Found" message?

I'll give it a try and see (not waiting fro message). The main reason I wait is that it takes a few seconds for the TV to be "fully on". If the 8300 is on before the TV, then HDMI becomes active, so I wait.

I do not understand why there would be a restriction on using both at the same time, I thought without HCDP encryption the digital signal would be downgraded to 480p? Maybe the discrete analog signals help out someone [with appropriate high-dollar equipment] trying to sniff through the HDCP encryption?

As I said, for the 1st year or so that had the box, both were active. Then a firmware upgrade and it's either/or. Being a software developer myself, I can only assume that sending a signal to both requires more program cycles and/or memory. They needed both (cycles/memory) to smooth things out or to add new function(s) so they killed one output.

I seem to have a myriad of issues regarding my 8300HD (twc-columbus, ohio). The problems seem mostly confined to viewing HD broadcasts and recordings. Broadcasts feature occasional pixelization (is that a word?) with accompanying brief distorted audio. Recorded HD programs will lock up with the frame remaining frozen for a few seconds before resuming play. I am unable to identify a pattern to these occurences. The device will function fine one day and not the next. Are these types of issues to be expected with this technology? I have a tech scheduled to visit. However, initial contact with TWC Customer Service leaves me with the impression that these issues are mine alone. The box is fairly new (last month or so) and is hooked up via component cables to a new (couple months old) Sony Grand Wega HDTV. I can view HD broadcasts via antenna without issue on the set.

I am in TW-Columbus too and have the same problem on both my DVR and regular HD receiver. I would be interested if TWC can fix the problem.

On the surface these sound like signal quality issues. The tech will likely check the signal strength as part of the troubleshooting, but if it looks like he isn't going to, I'd ask him to do that

That's assuming that the tech has the equipment to check the signal. In my area (charlotte,nc) the tech is often a sub-contractor. I was told by a TW tech that only the TW tech's carry the test equipment.

Just curious, are any of you guys with the TWC signal problems running the coax through your surge suppresser? I was told by the last contractor that was out here that it would cause problems with the signal. Somone else here also mentioned it. I was not brave enough to disconnect it from the surge suppresser, but I have been thinking about it since I too am having intermittent problems. The one common element is that it occurs on HD and during high traffic time periods coinciding with highly watched events - superbowl, local basketball games, etc. I am going to try taking the surge suppressor out of the mix, but I also fear that there is simply some bandwidth problem in this neighborhood.

It's got nothing to do with being brave :) , just disconnect it temporarily and see if your problems subside. I had problems when I had my 3250 going through a surge suppressor/conditioner and my problems went away when I disconnected it. YMMV.

He means "being brave" by risking zapping his equipment due to a surge through the coax. Also note that connecting the coax directly renders your surge-supressor/power conditioner's replacement insurance guarantee null and void.

I was the one who mentioned it briefly. A cable tech came to install two CableCARDs in my TiVo S3 and removed the cable from my power conditioner first thing. (He then proceeded to connect it to a second coax connection on the TiVo--one marked for antenna only--inexplicably leaving the connection from the power conditioner in place, thereby to waste an afternoon trying to get CableCARDs to work on a device not connected to the cable system :rolleyes: ). I've since reconnected it and have seen no problems, though I'd try unconnecting it if I did see any.

Supposedly, any recently built home (or old home with a recent cable installation) will have surge protection installed with the cable at the point of entry, so its not too big a risk.

I seem to have a myriad of issues regarding my 8300HD (twc-columbus, ohio). The problems seem mostly confined to viewing HD broadcasts and recordings. Broadcasts feature occasional pixelization (is that a word?) with accompanying brief distorted audio. Recorded HD programs will lock up with the frame remaining frozen for a few seconds before resuming play. I am unable to identify a pattern to these occurences. The device will function fine one day and not the next. Are these types of issues to be expected with this technology? I have a tech scheduled to visit. However, initial contact with TWC Customer Service leaves me with the impression that these issues are mine alone. The box is fairly new (last month or so) and is hooked up via component cables to a new (couple months old) Sony Grand Wega HDTV. I can view HD broadcasts via antenna without issue on the set.


Because I can get to diagnostics by tuning to channel 611 I forget what 3 buttons you can push on the converter to get to diagnostics. Can somebody else reply to the 3 buttons? When you get to the diagnostics see what the signal level is. Anything below about -9 dbmv will cause all kinds of problems. Signal ingress is a bit hardr to diagnose but, usually, goes hand in hand with weak signal which can be caused by connection problems causing weak signal or non contnuous shielding.

I agree wholeheartedly, with the further addition there is either not enough signal or there is ingress ("foreign" RF entering the cable), or both. A tech visit is your next step, jimsites. Don't let him/her diagnose your ills without checking the signal and signal level.My highlighted portion of your post is all to often ignored. When there is ingress, a lot of people can be effected (the offending signal gets into the system through YOUR surge supressor). That's a major reason that cable people will disconnect them. Reducing the signal strength only effects YOUR reception. Ingress effects EVERYONE's reception!

Because I can get to diagnostics by tuning to channel 611 I forget what 3 buttons you can push on the converter to get to diagnostics. Can somebody else reply to the 3 buttons? When you get to the diagnostics see what the signal level is. Anything below about -9 dbmv will cause all kinds of problems. Signal ingress is a bit hardr to diagnose but, usually, goes hand in hand with weak signal which can be caused by connection problems causing weak signal or non contnuous shielding.Ingress goes hand in hand with poor S/N ratio.

Supposedly, any recently built home (or old home with a recent cable installation) will have surge protection installed with the cable at the point of entry, so its not too big a risk.
Surge protection on the cable signal, or a simple lightning arrestor (relatively) heavily wired to a metal post in the ground?

Ingress goes hand in hand with poor S/N ratio.
Indeed, a low S/N ratio can be due to low signal or HIGH noise. (Or a combination of both.)

has anyone here had any luck sending the HDMI out from the 8300 into an HDMI splitter to two displays? i keep getting the "your tv doesn't support HDCP" screen but it works fine if i hook the box up to each tv separately

has anyone here had any luck sending the HDMI out from the 8300 into an HDMI splitter to two displays? i keep getting the "your tv doesn't support HDCP" screen but it works fine if i hook the box up to each tv separately

Interesting. I've never seen an HDMI splitter. Which TV is responsible for the HDCP handshake, or is the spitter responsible? And if the resolutions reported by the TVs are different, does the splitter try to find the highest common resolution? This splitter needs to be pretty intelligent. If it's not, then I suppose that's the problem.

Interesting. I've never seen an HDMI splitter. Which TV is responsible for the HDCP handshake, or is the spitter responsible? And if the resolutions reported by the TVs are different, does the splitter try to find the highest common resolution? This splitter needs to be pretty intelligent. If it's not, then I suppose that's the problem.
I think the problem is the HDCP handshake, since that requires two-way communication (which shouldn't work with a dumb-splitter), as for the resolution, i have the output device forced to 720p which both displays support, but i have a feeling the splitter wont work, any ideas if i can use a 2x1 switch as a 1x2 switch? that way i can just hit a button to control which tv the STB is hooked up to?

I think the problem is the HDCP handshake, since that requires two-way communication (which shouldn't work with a dumb-splitter), as for the resolution, i have the output device forced to 720p which both displays support, but i have a feeling the splitter wont work, any ideas if i can use a 2x1 switch as a 1x2 switch? that way i can just hit a button to control which tv the STB is hooked up to?

Yeah, a real switch would work because only one TV would be connected at a time. But to be honest I didn't know such things existed for HDMI and therefore don't have any first-hand experience.

That's interesting info, but I think you missed the context of davehancock's comment...

I was expanding on his answer to the question and providing what I thought was good additional information...

I was expanding on his answer to the question and providing what I thought was good additional information...
It was good information. Thanks!

Yeah, a real switch would work because only one TV would be connected at a time. But to be honest I didn't know such things existed for HDMI and therefore don't have any first-hand experience.
Someone in another forum said that i couldn't use a simple 2x1 switch as a 1x2, he stated that they are "one-way" do the pins in an HDMI cable go through some sort of cross-over in a switch? I can't imagine that a simple 2x1 switch is one-way (except maybe for powered switches that boost signal, etc...) anyone?

Someone in another forum said that i couldn't use a simple 2x1 switch as a 1x2, he stated that they are "one-way" do the pins in an HDMI cable go through some sort of cross-over in a switch? I can't imagine that a simple 2x1 switch is one-way (except maybe for powered switches that boost signal, etc...) anyone?

Assuming that you're talking about crossover in the sense of transmit and receive in RS232 or Ethernet, then, no, I don't think that HDMI is crossover'ed. It's more like SCSI, with bi-directional data signals and clock signals.

So it's hard to see why a 2:1 or 1:2 switch wouldn't work, as long as only one leg of the "2" was connected at once.

has anyone here had any luck sending the HDMI out from the 8300 into an HDMI splitter to two displays? i keep getting the "your tv doesn't support HDCP" screen but it works fine if i hook the box up to each tv separately
Although this thread concentrates on "under $100" 2:1 HDMI switches,
the same manufacturers also make 2:2, 3:2 and 4:2 type HDMI switches:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=569022&page=1&pp=30
Check the manufacturer's webpages carefully wrt what they can and cannot do....
esp. wrt to handling HDCP encryption protocol...
You should also search the avsforum for further info re user experience with a particular product...

Although this thread concentrates on "under $100" 2:1 HDMI switches,
the same manufacturers also make 2:2, 3:2 and 4:2 type HDMI switches:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=569022&page=1&pp=30
Check the manufacturer's webpages carefully wrt what they can and cannot do....
esp. wrt to handling HDCP encryption protocol...
You should also search the avsforum for further info re user experience with a particular product...
oh, why didn't i think of that! "search the forum" it was simple brownian motion that led me here... :rolleyes:
but seriously, i have a 2x1 on the way, and the guy at monoprice said the manual 2x1 should work as a 1x2 w/HDCP (since both devices on the "2" side are never connected at the same time)

Interesting. I've never seen an HDMI splitter. Which TV is responsible for the HDCP handshake, or is the spitter responsible? And if the resolutions reported by the TVs are different, does the splitter try to find the highest common resolution? This splitter needs to be pretty intelligent. If it's not, then I suppose that's the problem.I'm using a Gefen 2x2 HDMI Splitter/Switcher which sends the signal to both my TVs simultaneously and it works perfect. First i had my two SA8300HDs connected to the Splitter, and now i have one 8300HD and my Tivo Series 3 connected to it and it's always worked flawlessly together and i never get the "Your TV is not HDCP Compliant" message.

Gefen 2x2 HDMI Splitter/Switcher (http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=2757)

I'm using a Gefen 2x2 HDMI Splitter/Switcher which sends the signal to both my TVs simultaneously and it works perfect. First i had my two SA8300HDs connected to the Splitter, and now i have one 8300HD and my Tivo Series 3 connected to it and it's always worked flawlessly together and i never get the "Your TV is not HDCP Compliant" message.

Gefen 2x2 HDMI Splitter/Switcher (http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=2757)
cool, but i'd rather have the extra $150 for beer

cool, but i'd rather have the extra $150 for beer
With that much beer you wouldn't need a splitter as one display becomes two displays.

With that much beer you wouldn't need a splitter as one display becomes two displays.
true, but that theory has been disproven in the world my wife occupies

With that much beer you wouldn't need a splitter as one display becomes two displays.

"$150 for beer" reminds me of college days, where the frats stock up on 30-40 kegs and run out by the middle for Saturday night (frats were 30-40 members). Then they used to start on "ooobie-doobies." It was a fruit drink (enough grape juice so it was purple) that was 151 rum and grain alcohol and the coloring. A couple of THOSE and it would be several IMAXs... and this was in 1965! It was an engineering school, so the concept COULD have started there...

"$150 for beer" reminds me of college days, where the frats stock up on 30-40 kegs and run out by the middle for Saturday night (frats were 30-40 members). Then they used to start on "ooobie-doobies." It was a fruit drink (enough grape juice so it was purple) that was 151 rum and grain alcohol and the coloring. A couple of THOSE and it would be several IMAXs... and this was in 1965! It was an engineering school, so the concept COULD have started there...
My college days were a few years later and oobie-doobies had morphed into something else.

My college days were a few years later and oobie-doobies had morphed into something else.


But did you inhale?

But did you inhale?
Bill and I took different paths.

My college days were a few years later and oobie-doobies had morphed into something else.

It was funny because the start of the change over (oobies to doobies) came with my entering class (probably me and another bearded hippie from Brooklyn played a big role); the school was HEAVY into frats (1500 students, 4 nationals founded there). By my second year, the RAs used to say there would be no busts, "they" would just come and put bars on the doorway to each floor.

But we DO stray from topic a tad!

Can you be more specific? Are you trying to output to 2 different displays simultaneously, or alternatively just having them both connected simultaneously and using one at a time?

Also, are you making any changes via settings, Audio out when doing this (HDMI, DD or 2 channel)

First, thanks for all the replys & sorry for not being more specific about my connections and what I'm trying to do.

I have the HDMI output of the 8300HD connected to my Fujitsu plasma via an HDMI-DVI adapter (my circa-2003 plasma doesn't have an HDMI input). I have the optical audio output connected to my HT receiver (which sounds incredible compared to what I got out of my Moto STB from Comcast back in NJ).

My goal is to be able to connect one of my Replay TV DVRs to either the S-Video, composite or analog cable output on the 8300HD to simultaneously record (in SD, obviously) whatever the 8300HD is tuned to. I know that the 8300HD is a HD-capable DVR. However, in my old home I had three Replay TV units throughout the house which allowed me to record shows on one unit and watch them on any other unit. I'd like to still be able to do that if possible; even if I shelled out for 3 8300HDs AFAIK they can't do this. Beides, after paying for 3 service-activated Replay TVs, I'd like to get as much out of them as I can.

So in this case, I am generally not switching inputs on my display; the display's DVI input is always connected to the 8300HD, the Replay TV is always connected to an SD output and I generally try to always leave the STB turned on. But I always seem to get the HDCP message on all of the 8300HD's SD outputs. The part I really don't get is why I'm getting a message about HDCP on the standard definitation outputs? I'm beginning to think that my mix of gear is resulting in weird handshaking transitions leading to this behaviour.

Maybe if I "step down" to using component out from the 8300HD it will solve my problem, but that means I'll either have to disconnect my DVD player or find one with a DVI output.

Just reporting in from TW Desert Cities...

Couple nights ago my SA8300HD had 2.6.002 installed. Took a couple cold boots in the morning to get things sorted out, but otherwise I don't notice anything different.

Prior to the cold boots I could not get any of the DVR functions to work on live recording (no I don't have a external drive attached).

Is there any way to spin down the hard drive (other than unplugging the unit)?
When watching a DVD, the noise from the 8300 is distracting.

My 8300 actually sits on top of my DVD player and I never hear it. :) But, be that as it may, you can try tuning both tuners (using PIP) to non-bufferable channels, like the music channels, and see if that helps.

so i hooked up the 2x1 manual switch backwards as a 1x2 and it "kinda" works, if i turn my STB off when i switch it outputs properly, but one of the legs i have is a 10 ft HDMI to DVI cable which doesn't work through the switch (the HDCP seems to be happy though because i still get audio out of the STB) i have about 6ft of HDMI from the STB to the switch and then the 10 ft of HDMI-DVI to the display that doesnt work (if i hook the display up directly with the HDMI-DVI cable it works fine) anyone have any idea what limits there are on signal loss over a distance of DV cable? is 6 ft, then a switch, then 10 ft pushing the limits?

Is there any way to spin down the hard drive (other than unplugging the unit)?
When watching a DVD, the noise from the 8300 is distracting.
I don't think there is no way to spin down the internal drive when the 8300HD is turned on.

edit: But it can't hurt to try DoubleDAZ' suggestion!

Curious about something... I know that the PIP function on out 8300's have to do with a view from each of the two tuners. I seem to recall that whatever each was "tuned into" when the 8300 was shut down was there when it was turned back on. And i DO know that a scheduled recording will switch one of them to itself, then when you turn the 8300 back on one should be as before and one should be that channel from the last recording. All of which makes perfect sense.

So how come I hit the PIP button and 80 shows up in the inset image (80 is "prime" HBO SD channel on my system)? 80 is a SD channel that I never, ever watch or tune to. Pretty sure it doesn't happen ALL the time between turning the 8300 on and off, but seems the majority of the times.

I don't think there is no way to spin down the internal drive when the 8300HD is turned on.

edit: But it can't hurt to try DoubleDAZ' suggestion!

Actually, his way DOES work! Music channels or any of the VOD channels. It's kind of a pain because you have to "quell" both tuners... and that means going into the PIP function of the 8300 to access each tuner.

Funny, my 8300 also sits on top of my DVD player! The DVD player doesn't get used much at all, so no heat issues. But I sure CAN hear the drive ticking away, I've gotten so used to it that it's automatically tuned out by a few remaining good brain cells).

I'm sure that holl_ands will drop in to bring details (I read his announcement of it (http://hdtv.forsandiego.com/cgi-bin/show.cgi?tpc=2&post=27846#POST27846) in the TWC subforum at hdtv.forsandiego.com), but apparently he got pushed Passport Echo 4.3 last night, which has an OCAP platform in it.

Curious about something... I know that the PIP function on out 8300's have to do with a view from each of the two tuners. I seem to recall that whatever each was "tuned into" when the 8300 was shut down was there when it was turned back on. And i DO know that a scheduled recording will switch one of them to itself, then when you turn the 8300 back on one should be as before and one should be that channel from the last recording. All of which makes perfect sense.

So how come I hit the PIP button and 80 shows up in the inset image (80 is "prime" HBO SD channel on my system)? 80 is a SD channel that I never, ever watch or tune to. Pretty sure it doesn't happen ALL the time between turning the 8300 on and off, but seems the majority of the times.Does Passport have a Power On Channel setting like SARA does? Could it be set to Ch 80 for some reason?

Actually, his way DOES work!
Arrghh, I should have waited to see how DoubleDAZ was going to answer before posting. :D

Does Passport have a Power On Channel setting like SARA does? Could it be set to Ch 80 for some reason?
It probably still has it, but new owner Comcast has hidden it on ours and now it defaults to their stupid CN8 channel. Grrrr!

Does Passport have a Power On Channel setting like SARA does? Could it be set to Ch 80 for some reason?Yes, you can set it to whatever channel you want, or set it to Last Channel (which is what i use).

Yes, you can set it to whatever channel you want, or set it to Last Channel (which is what i use).
Damn, I miss that feature. I'm calling Comcast right now to complain!

Actually, his way DOES work! Music channels or any of the VOD channels. It's kind of a pain because you have to "quell" both tuners... and that means going into the PIP function of the 8300 to access each tuner."Going into the PIP function"? Just hit the SWAP button on the remote and it'll switch to the other tuner without opening the PIP inset.

Yes, you can set it to whatever channel you want, or set it to Last Channel (which is what i use).Well, you might try setting it to a specific channel just to see what happens. There could be something wrong with the Last Channel setting, though I doubt it. FWIW, I just double-checked mine with SARA. I had it set for Ch 3 and both tuners came on to Ch 3. I then changed both tuners to different channels and reset it to Last Channel. Both tuners then came on to the last channel tuned on each tuner.

My 8300 actually sits on top of my DVD player and I never hear it. :) But, be that as it may, you can try tuning both tuners (using PIP) to non-bufferable channels, like the music channels, and see if that helps.

Thanks for the tip. After a bit of experimentation, I got this to work and may have discovered something else kinda' cool.

First off, for me the music channels don't work. They actually record (surprisingly). I'm using Time Warner in New York City, if that has any relevance.

The VOD channels do work, but not all of them. The ones that do work are the VOD channels that play previews in the corner. The VOD channels that do not play previews don't work.

So if I tune to two VOD channels with previews, I can hear the hard drive spin down. Unfortunately, the fan stays on. It seems you have to unplug the unit to turn off the fan. :mad:

Now the interesting thing: After the hard drive spun down, I then turned off the unit. After just a few seconds I heard the hard drive spin-up again. I think it may have been de-fragmenting!! I know that this procedure to de-fragment is outlined in the "8300 Tips" thread, but most people seemed to believe that it did not work with the Passport software.

I could be wrong about this, of course. Is there any way I can check if the drive did de-fragment? Is there something in the 8300 diagnostic menu I could check?

I'm sure that holl_ands will drop in to bring details (I read his announcement of it (http://hdtv.forsandiego.com/cgi-bin/show.cgi?tpc=2&post=27846#POST27846) in the TWC subforum at hdtv.forsandiego.com), but apparently he got pushed Passport Echo 4.3 last night, which has an OCAP platform in it.
OCAP HD Edition 1.6 "middleware" under Passport 4.3 build 005 OS was for SA3250HD (my Firewire source)....
but still same ol' Navigator Guide (vice Digital Navigator)....which is a GOOD THING....
Other users should check their non-S/A STB's....

AFAICT, SA8300HD DVR isn't running OCAP. It's running the recently distributed Passport Echo 2.6.002
(dtd 21Dec2006) with "Home Server Ed 1.8" (same as before and same as SARA DVR's!!!)

BTW: The Diagnostic Menu still sez the "OS" is "POWER TV", same as always---except for later version numbers.
This is the primary software core, incl. Real-Time Kernel, I/O Drivers and Graphics sub-routines.

Ooops! I thought that it was your DVR that got the push. Oh well.

Yeah, PowerKey is the RTOS, OCAP is a stack of middleware comprising an execution environment which include the Virtual Machine for a Java profile and Passport is an application.

Aptiv Digital demonstrated Passport running on an OCAP stack at a show last April (see this (http://www.aptivdigital.com/presscenter/pressreleasesdetail.asp?ID=8)). I wonder if that's what's running on your 3250HD? What was its previous revision of Passport?

I have not been able to get to the advanced menu option on my 8300. I followed the instructions and left the TV on and turned the 8300 off, then held down the guide and info button at the same time and nothing happens.

Can anyone shed any light on this?

I have not been able to get to the advanced menu option on my 8300. I followed the instructions and left the TV on and turned the 8300 off, then held down the guide and info button at the same time and nothing happens.

Can anyone shed any light on this?
You're posting on the Passport thread; do you have Passport?

If so, try it again and be patient. It may take 3-4-5 seconds. And this accesses the 8300HD's DIAG screens, not "advanced menu options." There are no setting s there, only information.

You're posting on the Passport thread; do you have Passport?

If so, try it again and be patient. It may take 3-4-5 seconds. And this accesses the 8300HD's DIAG screens, not "advanced menu options." There are no setting s there, only information.

Yes I have TWC in Dayton Ohio and my 8300HD has the passport software.

I've held the buttons down for well over a few seconds and nothing seems to happen.

If it helps my TV is a Mitsubishi 57732.

My manual says it supposed to take me to through a walkthrough process setting up the box. If it's just an information screen that will do me little good.

Does anyone know how to check your signal strength also?

Yes I have TWC in Dayton Ohio and my 8300HD has the passport software.

I've held the buttons down for well over a few seconds and nothing seems to happen.

If it helps my TV is a Mitsubishi 57732.
Try EXIT and SELECT.

Try EXIT and SELECT.

O.K. I'll give it a shot.

Do you know how to check signal strength?

I have not been able to get to the advanced menu option on my 8300. I followed the instructions and left the TV on and turned the 8300 off, then held down the guide and info button at the same time and nothing happens.

Can anyone shed any light on this?What instructions are you following?

Note that the 8300HD doesn't have to be turned off (in fact, I'm not sure that it works when it's turned off). Also note that the SEL and EXIT buttons have to be on the STB (not the remote). Hold them down until "dIAG" (or "dIAGnO") appears in the LEDs, then release them and press EXIT again to tune to the diag channel. Note the channel number (or press INFO to get it)--while the diags are enabled, you can tune it to return to them. You can exit the diags by simply tuning another channel. You can also get into the diags at any time by pressing the EXIT button on the STB, even when both tuners are in use for recording (although getting out under those circumstances is difficult :)).

The diags will become disabled by placing the unit into the standby (i.e. "OFF") by pressing the POWER button or on any warm or cold restart.

What instructions are you following?

Note that the 8300HD doesn't have to be turned off (in fact, I'm not sure that it works when it's turned off). Also note that the SEL and EXIT buttons have to be on the STB (not the remote). Hold them down until "dIAG" (or "dIAGnO") appears in the LEDs, then release them and press EXIT again to tune to the diag channel. Note the channel number (or press INFO to get it)--while the diags are enabled, you can tune it to return to them. You can exit the diags by simply tuning another channel. You can also get into the diags at any time by pressing the EXIT button on the STB, even when both tuners are in use for recording (although getting out under those circumstances is difficult :)).

The diags will become disabled by placing the unit into the standby (i.e. "OFF") by pressing the POWER button or on any warm or cold restart.

The instructions I'm following came with box when I picked it up. It to me seems like it's the instruction manual for the 8300HD as no other booklets came with it. The manual starts with a numbered process that starts with hooking up all the cables then it gets to the last step which describes setting the box up. It basically says before turning the box on, turn the tv on, the press and hold the info and guide button down on the STB and follow the instructions on the screen. When I do this nothing happens.

I just don't want the box doing any conversion of the signal that is coming in. When I go to the advanced settings via the remote it gives me the option to pick signal outputs but I'd rather bypass the box doing anything at all.

As far as signal strength goes I just got off the phone with TWC and they said there is no channel to check it they could do it. While she wouldn't tell me the strength of my signal she did make an appt for a guy to come out and check things out. :mad:

The instructions I'm following came with box when I picked it up. It to me seems like it's the instruction manual for the 8300HD as no other booklets came with it. The manual starts with a numbered process that starts with hooking up all the cables then it gets to the last step which describes setting the box up. It basically says before turning the box on, turn the tv on, the press and hold the info and guide button down on the STB and follow the instructions on the screen. When I do this nothing happens.

I just don't want the box doing any conversion of the signal that is coming in. When I go to the advanced settings via the remote it gives me the option to pick signal outputs but I'd rather bypass the box doing anything at all.

As far as signal strength goes I just got off the phone with TWC and they said there is no channel to check it they could do it. While she wouldn't tell me the strength of my signal she did make an appt for a guy to come out and check things out. :mad:
I'll be darned! I never noticed those instructions before now, but they are there. To me - a Passport user, that sounds like SARA instructions. But I could be wrong.

If you activate all of the "signal outputs", the box will pass the signal allowing something downstream to handle scaling/deinterlacing.

While she wouldn't tell me the strength of my signal she did make an appt for a guy to come out and check things out. :mad:

First thing he is going to do is hold down exit and select. (Sometime you have to do it twice) and read the signal strength. All you have to do to exit diagnostics is pick a channel or channel up or down. It's just not a big deal.

Thanks everyone for your help.

I will go home after work today and give the exit and select a try.

Several versions ago, I found I had to FIRST press and hold the EXIT key on the front panel and while still holding EXIT,
THEN I could press and hold the SELECT key for several seconds.

A DIAGNOSTIC channel number (other than the one mentioned by M. Scott) is frequently found on PASSPORT systems.
It lists the PASSPORT version number, as well as signal strength and SNR for the channel previously tuned.

You can enter the channel number directly, without entering the Extended Diagnostic Menu.
Unfortunately, various systems chose different numbers (ours is CH998).

You might find it in your channel guide (it's probably a very high number).
If not, you may be able to stumble onto it by trying various "unassigned" channel numbers.

========================================
You local thread sez TWC-Dayton has been PASSPORT territory.
However, just in case they just started testing something else, try the fol. SARA procedures:
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/sciatl/3.1_Using_diagnostic_screens#11880
If you have been converted to SARA, note the extensive screen explanations....

BTW: Depending on which STB/DVR you have, I've found that in general, the first button you push is either
EXIT, GUIDE OR DIAMOND and the second button is SELECT (which may be in center of cursor array).

On my box, after pressing/holding SELECT and EXIT until DIAG shows and the boing sounds, I press EXIT again to enter the screens. At that time, the channel number displays. Once you know that number, you can bypass the second EXIT press and simply enter the channel number on the remote.

========================================
You local thread sez TWC-Dayton has been PASSPORT territory.
However, just in case they just started testing something else, try the fol. SARA procedures:
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/sciatl/3.1_Using_diagnostic_screens#11880
If you have been converted to SARA, note the extensive screen explanations....

Figured it out from the link. Thanks :D

"Only works on SARA OS"

So my manual says to do it but my OS is Passport so it won't work.

Right-o! Not w/Passport.

Yup beat me to the punch. :D I edited my post.

Thanks

On my box, after pressing/holding SELECT and EXIT until DIAG shows and the boing sounds, I press EXIT again to enter the screens. At that time, the channel number displays. Once you know that number, you can bypass the second EXIT press and simply enter the channel number on the remote.This does not work on my 8000HD or my two 8300HDs. When i do the SELECT/EXIT + EXIT sequence the DVR tunes itself to channel 1999, but if i try to manually tune to that channel it does not tune to it and i get the ???? instead.

This does not work on my 8000HD or my two 8300HDs. When i do the SELECT/EXIT + EXIT sequence the DVR tunes itself to channel 1999, but if i try to manually tune to that channel it does not tune to it and i get the ???? instead.
Is your box running Passport? When it shows 1999 on the box, what is on your display?

Manually tuning to 611 - my 8300HD's DIAG channel - only works after doing the two-finger salute.

On my box, after pressing/holding SELECT and EXIT until DIAG shows and the boing sounds, I press EXIT again to enter the screens. At that time, the channel number displays. Once you know that number, you can bypass the second EXIT press and simply enter the channel number on the remote.Notice that my post said:Note the channel number (or press INFO to get it)--while the diags are enabled, you can tune it to return to them.Entering the number to get back is convenient, since you can do it with the remote, but pressing EXIT on the box always works, even when both tuners are being used to make recordings and you can't "tune" the diag pages.

If you enter the diags when both tuners are in use it can be tricky to exit them; I'm thinkin' that maybe SWAP on the remote might work.

From post #5057 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8576779&&#post8576779):...Now I'm getting just a few channels .After watching any of the channels for a few minutes the screen switches to screen saver mode. Oh, well... I guess I have to wait until they fix whatever it is they're fixing.My mom has an SA8300HD running Passport (not sure what s/w version) in Shreveport, LA with Comcast (who took over from TWC last October). Comcast has been changing some things in her area in recent weeks (channel lineups and such). This afternoon, her STB started randomly entering screen saver mode while she was watching live TV--the video continued to play live (with audio), but it was moving around the screen in a small screen saver window.

I tried to search this thread to see if others have reported this behavior, but tamanaco's post was the only one I could find, so it doesn't seem to be a common occurrence.

Mom tried rebooting the box, and that seemed to fix it for a few hours, but then it started doing it again. I told her I was outta ideas, and she'd have to call Comcast, but she's had two miserable experiences with Comcast's customer service, and is very reluctant to make the call.

Just curious if anyone else has seen this behavior, especially if they know what causes it and how to resolve it. I'm trying to figure out if this is likely to clear up shortly if Mom just waits it out, or if I should push her to bite the bullet and face the aggravation of calling Comcast customer service. If she does have to call, it'd be nice to arm her with as much data as possible...

This does not work on my 8000HD or my two 8300HDs. When i do the SELECT/EXIT + EXIT sequence the DVR tunes itself to channel 1999, but if i try to manually tune to that channel it does not tune to it and i get the ???? instead.
So it appears to be entering the Extended Diagnostic Menu mode---
but for some reason the Menus aren't being displayed.

Do it again, and after Ch1999 is displayed, try hitting the "A" key a few times.
This normally controls the "transparency" of the display.

If it still doesn't work, they may have disabled this feature at the headend...

While RandyWalters is posting on the Passport thread, I haven't seen him confirm that he's running Passport. I'd like to hear him reply on that.

While RandyWalters is posting on the Passport thread, I haven't seen him confirm that he's running Passport. I'd like to hear him reply on that.FWIW, when pressing/holding Select/Exit using SARA, the Mail LED lights after a few seconds. Pressing Exit again simply turns it back off, but pressing Info displays the first diagnostic's page.

FWIW, when pressing/holding Select/Exit using SARA, the Mail LED lights after a few seconds. Pressing Exit again simply turns it back off, but pressing Info displays the first diagnostic's page.
So "we" think that he's on Passport, but something is amiss? If so, then maybe a cold reboot would fix it.

So "we" think that he's on Passport, but something is amiss? If so, then maybe a cold reboot would fix it.Yeah, "think" being the operative word. :)

While we're on the subject, what happens when you simply press List on the front panel? As expected, I get my list of recorded programs. There is no indication that I'm using SARA, but is there any chance that you get something specifically saying Passport? Always looking for an easier way to tell which software is being used.

While we're on the subject, what happens when you simply press List on the front panel? As expected, I get my list of recorded programs. There is no indication that I'm using SARA, but is there any chance that you get something specifically saying Passport? Always looking for an easier way to tell which software is being used.
Same here for LIST on the box. When my recorded programs are listed, the graphics say Passport Echo. I believe I remember others on Passport NOT having that, so it is strictly in the grahic itself.

With the talk of a daylight savings time bug and new versions being pushed, I just checked my version. (I last checked on 2/19.) Well, I now have Pasport 2.6.002. The last cold boot is listed as 5:04:22 2/20/07, so I'd say that's when "they" pused and rebooted my box. It appears that no settings were changed, and my recorded content is still intact.

O.K. the select and exit tandem worked for me last night. It said DIAG on my box then a menu popped up on my screen. On the left was a major amount of different areas to scroll through.

Not really sure what any of it is yet so I need to read the stuff posted in the link earlier.

Does anyone know what an acceptable signal range is? I want to say my FDC was -3dbmV.

Does anyone know what an acceptable signal range is? I want to say my FDC was -3dbmV.Accepted norm is anything between +10 and -10 with closer to 0 being best. There is an explanation of signal levels in the first 2 posts of the SARA thread, and that applies regardless of the software being used.

Same here for LIST on the box. When my recorded programs are listed, the graphics say Passport Echo. I believe I remember others on Passport NOT having that, so it is strictly in the grahic itself.

With the talk of a daylight savings time bug and new versions being pushed, I just checked my version. (I last checked on 2/19.) Well, I now have Pasport 2.6.002. The last cold boot is listed as 5:04:22 2/20/07, so I'd say that's when "they" pused and rebooted my box. It appears that no settings were changed, and my recorded content is still intact.

Only goes to show the ONLY person you can count on is the guy in the next apartment/house! On my 8300/Passport the "list" screen does NOT have any indication of what software is running. The graphics say "DVR" and Time WAR... blah, blah. They don't even say they just raised rates so they could hand out 5 million buck bonuses to the top 2 guys!

Seems 002 is all about DST, which is amusing as the cold boot sequence here shows them acquiring the time from the head end before the software load even starts. I heard about 002 a month or so ago and my first question (solve the trick play bug) got a "no" response much to my chagrin!

Oh, back to my thing about the second tuner ending up on 80 VERY often... yes I had thought about the channel setting, yes I have it set to "last channel," and yes, THAT seems to function 100% correctly (except for a cold boot when it's channel 1). And yes I know all about 80 and 201, when I used to set a recording for 201, it tuned and recorded at 80, but that's a non-factor as I ONLY record/watch HBO on 701 (HD) in the past 9 months.

O.K. the select and exit tandem worked for me last night. It said DIAG on my box then a menu popped up on my screen. On the left was a major amount of different areas to scroll through.

Not really sure what any of it is yet so I need to read the stuff posted in the link earlier.

Does anyone know what an acceptable signal range is? I want to say my FDC was -3dbmV.
Here's the specs re "acceptable" signal levels:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8138883&highlight=QAM+FDC+dBmV#post8138883

Here's the specs re "acceptable" signal levels:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8138883&highlight=QAM+FDC+dBmV#post8138883


Which, if any, of those signal levels would effect picture quality?

If it states that a particular signal carries "data", is that non-video data? Like programming info, etc?
For instance in the "8300 Tips" thread it states that FDC (Forward Data Channel) is used to download software and program guide info to the DVR.

Which, if any, of those signal levels would effect picture quality?

If it states that a particular signal carries "data", is that non-video data? Like programming info, etc?
For instance in the "8300 Tips" thread it states that FDC (Forward Data Channel) is used to download software and program guide info to the DVR.

Tuner 1 and Tuner 2 are the channels carrying the video and audio.

Which, if any, of those signal levels would effect picture quality?

If it states that a particular signal carries "data", is that non-video data? Like programming info, etc?
For instance in the "8300 Tips" thread it states that FDC (Forward Data Channel) is used to download software and program guide info to the DVR.
Digital cable uses QAM carriers, with 2 or 3 HD video programs ("channels") per QAM
and up to about 13 SD programs per QAM.

FDC downloads software and Guide data to STB.
RDC sends Guide data update requests and other info to headend.
I frequently see errors on FDC--probably cuz it's contention access type protocol.

The "single page" screen most Passport users seem to get lists to things I'm curious about:

Control RF 89.5MHz -11dBmV
Reverse RF 25.0MHz 39dBmV

Could some please explain exactly what we are being told here, what it's implications are?

The "single page" screen most Passport users seem to get lists to things I'm curious about:

Control RF 89.5MHz -11dBmV
Reverse RF 25.0MHz 39dBmV

Could some please explain exactly what we are being told here, what it's implications are?
Those are within the acceptable signal level limits.

so my 8300 is acting screwy right now, (can't reboot it cuz it's recording grey's for the wife) it won't let me change the output format (it's stuck on 1080i only, fortunately my tv can handle it) i can get to the menu and change the formats but when i push "accept" (yellow 'A' button for me), it it's shows just 1080i again, also it doesn't seem to be output PCM48 audio over HDMI anymore (so i had to dig out an optical cable), i can switch the digital audio back forth from HDMI, DD, two-channel, but no luck getting audio through the HDMI, i will reboot once the box has finished recording grey's and report back but has anyone here seen behavior like this? i'd like to be able to set the box to 720p and have it permanently on 720p, it seems like every once in a while it sporadically switches back to 1080i (one of my displays is a monitor that can only take 720p)

Those are within the acceptable signal level limits.

Oh I knew they were OK from what I read, I just want to know more specifically what they mean, all I really know is there are 2 frequency specs and 2 levels/signal strength specs. One of the "levels" seems to be a negative number, how come?

Oh I knew they were OK from what I read, I just want to know more specifically what they mean, all I really know is there are 2 frequency specs and 2 levels/signal strength specs. One of the "levels" seems to be a negative number, how come?


Negative dbmv numbers still have a real voltage value. The system was set up to use the 0 dbmv value to be the nominal target to feed a TV.

Strong enough to be full quieting but low enough to minimize adjacent channel interference. Using a db scale also makes it easy to calculate devcie loss. For instance a 2 way spliiter takes about 3.5 db away from your signal path (3 db is 1/2 power and .5 db for splitter component loss) a 4 way splitter leavees each leg about 6.5 down.

Oh I knew they were OK from what I read, I just want to know more specifically what they mean, all I really know is there are 2 frequency specs and 2 levels/signal strength specs. One of the "levels" seems to be a negative number, how come?
The term "dBmV" is a logarithmic measure of VOLTAGE level,
where the measurement is RELATIVE to "1 millivolt":

dBmV = 20 * log (measured voltage / 1 millivolt)

So negative values of dBmV are less than 1 millivolt.
And a measured value of 10 millivolts is +20 dBmV.

======================================
Also, "dBm" is a logarithmic measure of POWER level,
where the measurement is RELATIVE to "1 milliwatt":

dBm = 10 * log (measured power / 1 milliwatt)

=======================================
Note that voltage uses 20 * log ( ) and power uses 10 * log ( ).

This is because POWER is the SQUARE of the VOLTAGE divided by the RESISTANCE (75 ohm for coax).

long time since the last time
can anyone tell my if the trick play w/ external drive problem is being addressed or our we stuck until twc navigator hits our set-tops?

long time since the last time
can anyone tell my if the trick play w/ external drive problem is being addressed or our we stuck until twc navigator hits our set-tops?External drive support in Passport hasn't been formally announced--people just discovered that it started sort of working in some 2.5 release (I think). Officially, it doesn't work at all.

Thanks to those that responded to my issue re: 8300HD. The TWC technician indicated that the signal level entering my residence was within acceptable range but that the signal strength recorded by the 8300HD indicated a reduction in signal strength. The tech replaced the box. After swapping out the box, the signal strength indicator within the 8300HD diagnostics menu showed a 5dbmv (?) increase which apparently put the signal strength back in the acceptable range. This is condensed (and surely muddled) version of events. Bottom line, I have not yet had any of the issues I was encountering with the other HD DVR since having the unit replaced.

I just got a new DVD burner (LiteOn LVW-1107HC1) and I am trying to hook it up to my TWC 8300HD. I've got it hooked up via the composite cables currently. When tuning the 8300 to a SD channel it fills the whole screen on the LiteOn with the picture - but as soon as I switch to a HD channel it has gray bars on the top and bottom. I've also checked the s-video output of the 8300 by connecting directly to my TV (DVD recorder doesn't have s-vid in) and that looks the same. I then also tried a coax cable from the 8300 to DVD burner - with the same results.

The DVD burner is setup with 16:9 widescreen formatting (its other options are 4:3 Pan or 4:3 letter box). Changing those do not seem to effect the gray bars on the top and bottom. The 8300 is setup is for Widescreen (16:9), Stretch 4:3. The output format on the 8300 is set to 480i over that cable (when I use my HDMI to my TV I have all output formats selected).

Is this just something I have to live with and when I watch my DVDs I've created off my HD recordings I have to change the TV's aspect to zoom so it removes the gray bar? I would prefer not to so when I take the DVDs to other's houses their TVs might not have that ability. Any help would be great!

Thanks!

I'd like to be able to take a show recorded on an 8300HD and view it on a video iPod. Is that possible and if so how?

thanks


I appologize if this question has already been answered. I searched and did not find the answer. :)

I'd like to be able to take a show recorded on an 8300HD and view it on a video iPod. Is that possible and if so how?

thanks


I appologize if this question has already been answered. I searched and did not find the answer. :)
wow, um, i'd put that right up there with completely impossible, i'm sure a dedicated enough nerd could eventually figure out a way to do it, and if they do i'll buy them a beer, but i'm sure it's more trouble than it's worth, not sure what video formats ipod plays guessing it's only some kind of quicktime variant, if it handles mpeg2 you might try dl/ing tv shows from b*tt*rr*nt...

I'd like to be able to take a show recorded on an 8300HD and view it on a video iPod. Is that possible and if so how?

The easiest way would be to hook up the composite video and stereo RCA output of the 8300 to a Analog->Digital Converter connected to your computer.

If you're using a mac, you could get an EyeTV product (the Hybrid or the 250):
http://www.elgato.com/

The EyeTV software has a feature that will digitize the video/audio and load it into iTunes. Then it goes into your iPod.

It was suggested that i post this here:

I have an SA8300 through cablevision. This morning upon changing the channel to an HD channel the TV said, "Your TV is not authorized for use, please call (the phone number)".

I called them and they reset it but everytime I changed the channel to an HD channel, it would not work (i would also see 4 dashes on the DVR). Now the cable company is coming to replace my DVR box which is upsetting because there are quite a few hours of recorded programming I have not watched. This is the SECOND time this has happened to me in the past year and the last time this happened they blamed it on me running it through a monster 3500 line conditioner (which i think is BS since how can that cause that and without it i have a ground loop issue).

Anybody know what is causing this? The cable company blames the HDD but right now I'm watching recorded material without a hitch. Instead they are just replacing it. Ugh. They also said on the call that 3 other people called about this issue today.

Also, anybody have any issues with cablevision and the TiVO series 3? I'd hate paying that much money for one but maybe I won't have this issue anymore.

I recently picked up the SA8300 HD DVR from Time Warner cable. I have a similar issue to hormy_83. I'm trying to record HD programs to my DVD recorder.

I want to record an HD program to my dvd recorder in its true 16:9 state (Stretched look on 4:3 tv). The problem is, the S-Video output on the SA8300 Doesn't stretch the picture for proper recording. Instead I'm stuck with a 4:3 letterboxed signal.

The component output on the SA8300 Stretches the video with no problem, but my Recorder doesn't have a component input.

I've tried just about every combo of picture settings on the box. Is there any solution to this?

The easiest way would be to hook up the composite video and stereo RCA output of the 8300 to a Analog->Digital Converter connected to your computer.

If you're using a mac, you could get an EyeTV product (the Hybrid or the 250):
http://www.elgato.com/

The EyeTV software has a feature that will digitize the video/audio and load it into iTunes. Then it goes into your iPod.
sorry, i went a little overboard, my previous reply was wrt/getting HD content from the 8300 onto the ipod

Anyone having problems with the 8300HD DVR with a Sony RPTV? For instance, last night I had sound from the box but the picture would flash for a millisecond and then go to black screen for about 5 seconds, then flash, etc. Turning the box on and off and the tv on and off, cycling through tv inputs, etc. didn't work...this only corrected once I did a hard reset on the 8300 HD DVR (and lost a program that was recording). Is this a bad box (DVD input worked fine at the same time on the TV)? I also have had occasional problems when the tv screen reads something akin to the TV doesn't support the signal and to use the component cables (I use HDMI), also requiring a hard reset. For the record, I use digital optical audio to the receiver for sound. Thanks for any help!

Hi

I have a SA 8300HD from TWC. The physical connectivity is as follows:

8300HD <---> HDMI <---> SONY KDL-46V2500

I'd like to add an AVR receiver to the mix to free myself from the speakers of my SONY. It looks like most people are adding an AVR to the mix and pulling the 5.1 audio from the HDMI connection.

If I want to be frugal and use the connections on the back of the SONY can I use the optical output from the 8300HD to feed into a receiver to provide dolby 5.1?

Is anyone actually doing this?

Hi

I have a SA 8300HD from TWC. The physical connectivity is as follows:

8300HD <---> HDMI <---> SONY KDL-46V2500

I'd like to add an AVR receiver to the mix to free myself from the speakers of my SONY. It looks like most people are adding an AVR to the mix and pulling the 5.1 audio from the HDMI connection.

If I want to be frugal and use the connections on the back of the SONY can I use the optical output from the 8300HD to feed into a receiver to provide dolby 5.1?

Is anyone actually doing this?



I feed my TV with HDMI and feed my AVR with the Toslink optical. Make sure you go into settings/more settings/audio output and change to Dolby Digital.

Wow!! Thanks for the quick reply Rich in ILM.

Is it all working well?

Wow!! Thanks for the quick reply Rich in ILM.

Is it all working well?

No problems.
Before the last software revision you would see the converter output 2 channel instead of 5.1 after a reset, and you would have to change it back. But that doesn't seem to be a problem now.

BTW, this is the ONLY way. HDMI looks at what the first device that's connected to see if it supports DD 5.1, if it doesn't, it doesn't even send it.

That's part of the reason for all the interest in HDMI switching AVRs, all the source devices feed it, so it always CAN do DD 5.1 AND only one input be switched. You (and I) have to switch video and audio separately my 2 sources are the cable STB and my DVD player).

anyone have any idea if the integration ban will make it so i can just buy one of the many SA 8300's off of ebay, and tell my cable co to authorize it (i'm assuming it would already have to have appropriate software on the box passport or sara)

anyone have any idea if the integration ban will make it so i can just buy one of the many SA 8300's off of ebay, and tell my cable co to authorize it (i'm assuming it would already have to have appropriate software on the box passport or sara)No - it won't. The ban is on cable installing a NEW STB after July 1,2007 with integrated security. The FCC ban is intended to encourage cable to work with various consumer electronics manufacturers to enable people to buy new products that will work fully and seamlessly with cable. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE A MARKET FOR STOLEN STBs!

BTW: The software is downloaded from the cable company. It does not come on the box (the cable company the box ws stolen from probably was running different versions anyway).

Ebay probably wouldn't sell obviously stolen property, except that people in Canada normally do purchase them.

anyone have any idea if the integration ban will make it so i can just buy one of the many SA 8300's off of ebay, and tell my cable co to authorize it (i'm assuming it would already have to have appropriate software on the box passport or sara)
The integration ban is intended to make it easier for users to buy
TiVo Series 3 type devices....although it can only use the one-way CableCARD.

Equipment manufacturers have apparently been waiting for the new OCAP
software release so that they can use the TWO-WAY capable M-CARD,
which will also support a DUAL-TUNER configuration.....or wait for DCAS
(Downloadabe Conditional Access System), which doesn't require encryption cards.

Cable MSO's are supposed to accept user owned equipment
(with OCAP/M-CARD) by 1Jul2007.....tests are underway at about a dozen MSO's...
But I doubt that we'll see very many OCAP/M-CARD type HDTVs, HD-DVRs and STBs
for sale until end of this year....they are new designs to accept M-CARD....

DCAS is perhaps a year later....which will significantly lower the cost....

No - it won't. The ban is on cable installing a NEW STB after July 1,2007 with integrated security. The FCC ban is intended to encourage cable to work with various consumer electronics manufacturers to enable people to buy new products that will work fully and seamlessly with cable. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE A MARKET FOR STOLEN STBs!

BTW: The software is downloaded from the cable company. It does not come on the box (the cable company the box ws stolen from probably was running different versions anyway).

Ebay probably wouldn't sell obviously stolen property, except that people in Canada normally do purchase them.
did i say stolen? or are you an irrational paranoid lunatic?

did i say stolen? or are you an irrational paranoid lunatic?
where's your smiley?

where's your smiley?
:rolleyes:

did i say stolen? or are you an irrational paranoid lunatic?
No, I'm just one who has been around these forums for quite some time and know that most of the 8300s on ebay are essentially stolen (sold by people who moved and took "their" cable box with them - only to find that they couldn't use them in the new cable system - so they are attempting to unload them (either dierectly or indirectly) on e-bay. So, my response was to point out that likelihood, and to directly answer your question.

So tell me:
1) How is that Irrational?
2) How does that make me an Paranoid Lunatic?
:rolleyes:

No, I'm just one who has been around these forums for quite some time and know that most of the 8300s on ebay are essentially stolen (sold by people who moved and took "their" cable box with them - only to find that they couldn't use them in the new cable system - so they are attempting to unload them (either dierectly or indirectly) on e-bay. So, my response was to point out that likelihood, and to directly answer your question.

So tell me:
1) How is that Irrational?
2) How does that make me an Paranoid Lunatic?
:rolleyes:



Considering these boxes are only sold to cable systems and are never "owned" by customers..... I would say you are not only rational, but right on target.

No, I'm just one who has been around these forums for quite some time and know that most of the 8300s on ebay are essentially stolen (sold by people who moved and took "their" cable box with them - only to find that they couldn't use them in the new cable system - so they are attempting to unload them (either dierectly or indirectly) on e-bay. So, my response was to point out that likelihood, and to directly answer your question.

So tell me:
1) How is that Irrational?
2) How does that make me an Paranoid Lunatic?
:rolleyes:
I believe "somewhere" i read that some viewers in canada may own them depending on the cable co, also i'd estimate that any box that is not returned to the cable co buy a viewer should incur a hefty charge on the viewers closing bill (unless the cable co is completely incompetent), so some of these people may have the box, and owe money it on it that their previous cable co is still trying to collect;

the point of my question was if the integration ban was going to facilitate owning one of these boxes AND having it authorized by my cable co, or will the only options besides leasing a box be limited to cablecards

I believe "somewhere" i read that some viewers in canada may own them depending on the cable co, also i'd estimate that any box that is not returned to the cable co buy a viewer should incur a hefty charge on the viewers closing bill (unless the cable co is completely incompetent), so some of these people may have the box, and owe money it on it that their previous cable co is still trying to collect;

the point of my question was if the integration ban was going to facilitate owning one of these boxes AND having it authorized by my cable co, or will the only options besides leasing a box be limited to cablecards

The 8300 would be seen as 'in violation' of the integration ban. It has the decryption 'integrated'. The cablecard is the vehicle by which decryption can be decoupled from the device.

I believe "somewhere" i read that some viewers in canada may own them depending on the cable co, also i'd estimate that any box that is not returned to the cable co buy a viewer should incur a hefty charge on the viewers closing bill (unless the cable co is completely incompetent), so some of these people may have the box, and owe money it on it that their previous cable co is still trying to collect;

the point of my question was if the integration ban was going to facilitate owning one of these boxes AND having it authorized by my cable co, or will the only options besides leasing a box be limited to cablecardsSo this answers my question:So tell me:
1) How is that Irrational?
2) How does that make me an Paranoid Lunatic?
how?

Oh yes, my original post to you did indicate that Canadians could purchase these. ;)

So this answers my question:how?

Oh yes, my original post to you did indicate that Canadians could purchase these. ;)
it just seemed that you really quick to use the s-word (no not "swords" for all you sean connery celebrity jeopardy on SNL fans), considering you said people in america jr could buy the boxes

it just seemed that you really quick to use the s-word (no not "swords" for all you sean connery celebrity jeopardy on SNL fans), considering you said people in america jr could buy the boxes
And you were quick to insult him. Now let's get back on topic.

The 8300 would be seen as 'in violation' of the integration ban. It has the decryption 'integrated'. The cablecard is the vehicle by which decryption can be decoupled from the device.
so does that mean that before the end of the year the cable co's are going to replace all the STB's with boxes that take cable cards? if the goal of the integration ban is to incease competition in the STB market as well as give consumers more choice, i would think that if a consumer purchased an 8300 he should be able to use it even after the ban (although he would be limited to cable areas that use SA hardware)

so does that mean that before the end of the year the cable co's are going to replace all the STB's with boxes that take cable cards? if the goal of the integration ban is to incease competition in the STB market as well as give consumers more choice, i would think that if a consumer purchased an 8300 he should be able to use it even after the ban (although he would be limited to cable areas that use SA hardware)No, cable companies cannot install NEW cable boxes after July 1, 2007 that include Integrated Security. They can "recycle" ones with Integrated Security that had previously been in service. The FCC did not mandate that this be accomplished with CableCards - that just is currently the only viable alternative.

The real goal was to force the cable companies to enable all types of devices to work with the cable system in an integrated fashion. Though this would include devices such as the TiVo, it also includes TVs themselves. This was the original driving force behind CableCards.

As I commented in my post that you objected to (where I used the "S"(tolen) word) the software is downloaded by the cable company - so SARA or Passport is not really the issue - the issue is that they do not want to support a market for stolen property.

As I commented in my post . . the software is downloaded by the cable company - so SARA or Passport is not really the issue - the issue is that they do not want to support a market for stolen property.
Are you saying that any "loose" boxes that are in the US are either stolen or imported, or both? If they accept cable card, could they not be used on a cable system that supported cable cards?

Are you saying that any "loose" boxes that are in the US are either stolen or imported, or both? If they accept cable card, could they not be used on a cable system that supported cable cards?"Loose"- that's a good term. ;)

I would say that any "loose" boxes that are in the US are either stolen (most likely) or imported from Canada (from someone who purchased the box from their Canadian cable company). I would doubt that any are both.

Currently, I don't think there are any CableCard versions (SA8300HDC) deployed - so you wouldn't see them out there. I don't think that Canada has followed the Integrated Deployment ban - so SA8300HDs would continue to be distributed there.

Even if (or should I say when) SA8300HDCs were sold on ebay, I would sort of doubt if they would work without authorization from the cable company (that is apart from the CableCard authorization, that must be done on a Cable Company provided Cable Card). Some of the issue is downloading compatible (Passport or SARA) software, so the unit ID number is needed.

"Loose"- that's a good term. ;)

I would say that any "loose" boxes that are in the US are either stolen (most likely) or imported from Canada (from someone who purchased the box from their Canadian cable company). I would doubt that any are both.

Currently, I don't think there are any CableCard versions (SA8300HDC) deployed - so you wouldn't see them out there. I don't think that Canada has followed the Integrated Deployment ban - so SA8300HDs would continue to be distributed there.

Even if (or should I say when) SA8300HDCs were sold on ebay, I would sort of doubt if they would work without authorization from the cable company (that is apart from the CableCard authorization, that must be done on a Cable Company provided Cable Card). Some of the issue is downloading compatible (Passport or SARA) software, so the unit ID number is needed.
"loose" that's how i like my cable boxes....and my WOMEN! i thought you said it wouldnt matter if the box originally had passport or sara? that the appropriate software would be downloaded accordingly, if i find a canadian cable co that uses passport 8300's, and i buy one from them somehow, should i be able to make my cable co authorize it once the int ban hits?

"loose" that's how i like my cable boxes....and my WOMEN! i thought you said it wouldnt matter if the box originally had passport or sara? that the appropriate software would be downloaded accordingly, if i find a canadian cable co that uses passport 8300's, and i buy one from them somehow, should i be able to make my cable co authorize it once the int ban hits?No - there is nothing in the law requiring them to do so.

Jeez, do you all work for the Cableco? Sure the customer walked with it, or it was stolen, or imported.

Personally, I believe they fall of the back of trucks....:)

Jeez, do you all work for the Cableco? Sure the customer walked with it, or it was stolen, or imported.

Personally, I believe they fall of the back of trucks....:)
they do fall off the back of trucks and add large dents to my already worthless car

Some of the issue is downloading compatible (Passport or SARA) software, so the unit ID number is needed.
These boxes all have MACs and IP addresses. Perhaps there'll be a way (in the future) to have STBs updated automatically (a la Windows and other apps).

I recently picked up the SA8300 HD DVR from Time Warner cable. I have a similar issue to hormy_83. I'm trying to record HD programs to my DVD recorder.

I want to record an HD program to my dvd recorder in its true 16:9 state (Stretched look on 4:3 tv). The problem is, the S-Video output on the SA8300 Doesn't stretch the picture for proper recording. Instead I'm stuck with a 4:3 letterboxed signal.

The component output on the SA8300 Stretches the video with no problem, but my Recorder doesn't have a component input.

I've tried just about every combo of picture settings on the box. Is there any solution to this?
the box is putting out a 4:3 letterboxed signal and the dvd recorder is taking in a 4:3 letterboxed signal...via s-video...so you have a double whammy. neither are set up to record enahcned 16:9 to a dvd recorder. dvd's for 16:9 tv's are done anamorphically when mastered by the film company. you cannot stop letterboxing when recording from the 8300 to a dvd recorder. they are still in the 4:3 world.

and i dont know of any consumer dvd recorders with component inputs.

Got up this morning and saw grey side bars in my LCD TV while watching and SDTV channel. I looked at the Advanced settings and found that my 8300 settings had changed to only output 1080i. (It was set to output all resolutions) I found it a bit strange and so I checked the Passport version and viola!.. it was updated overnight to version 2.6.002 from 2.5.066. I'm in NYC (Upper West Side). What good/bad should I be looking for in this new version?

Got up this morning and saw grey side bars in my LCD TV while watching and SDTV channel. I looked at the Advanced settings and found that my 8300 settings had changed to only output 1080i. (It was set to output all resolutions) I found it a bit strange and so I checked the Passport version and viola!.. it was updated overnight to version 2.6.002 from 2.5.066. I'm in NYC (Upper West Side). What good/bad should I be looking for in this new version?

That update happened stealthily in the recent past; we've got it now, too. As far as I can tell, there are no functionality changes at all.

Look, let's just be grateful that we've still got Passport. They could have snuck Navigator in on us instead and we'd be crying the blues now... Every month that goes by where we get to hang on to Passport and keep Navigator out of our boxes counts as a win in my book.

can someone tell me whats so bad about navigator? we are going to be getting it soon in northeast ohio, so i am curious as to why passport is so much better. of course the time warner reps think its going to be great.....

can someone tell me whats so bad about navigator? we are going to be getting it soon in northeast ohio, so i am curious as to why passport is so much better. of course the time warner reps think its going to be great.....
Check out this AVS (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=723830&page=1&pp=30) thread.

These boxes all have MACs and IP addresses. Perhaps there'll be a way (in the future) to have STBs updated automatically (a la Windows and other apps).

God forbid our STBs have ANYTHING to do with wi...z. The fact that Redmond is nosing around scares the frak out of me!

It's actually the MAC (Media Access Control) address, that's essentially a kind of serial number built into the hardware. IP numbers are very malleable, MAC address not. The fact of an IP address says to me they are using a very good, open, non-proprietary network protocol.

IP RULZ!

Got up this morning and saw grey side bars in my LCD TV while watching and SDTV channel. I looked at the Advanced settings and found that my 8300 settings had changed to only output 1080i. (It was set to output all resolutions) I found it a bit strange and so I checked the Passport version and viola!.. it was updated overnight to version 2.6.002 from 2.5.066. I'm in NYC (Upper West Side). What good/bad should I be looking for in this new version?

Whoa, you scared me there... I want all scaling done in my display so I have always had the STB to pass all resolutions. That did NOT get reset with 2.6.002 (we be in the same 'hood).

2.6.002 seems to be all about the change in DST in 07. Which as I understand it, only affects those with series recordings that are set for specific times.

I just got a plasma with an HDMI input and I get no picture and no sound when it's connected to the SA 8300HD HDMI Output. TWC-NYC was no help. Component works fine except when HDMI is connected -- then I lose picture and sound. How do I fix this?

I just got a plasma with an HDMI input and I get no picture and no sound when it's connected to the SA 8300HD HDMI Output. TWC-NYC was no help. Component works fine except when HDMI is connected -- then I lose picture and sound. How do I fix this?
If you're asking about "fixing" it so you get both HDMI and component output simultaneously, it's not "broken." That's the way it is designed.

I just got a plasma with an HDMI input and I get no picture and no sound when it's connected to the SA 8300HD HDMI Output. TWC-NYC was no help. Component works fine except when HDMI is connected -- then I lose picture and sound. How do I fix this?
try checking what input formats the tv supports, if it says it supports 720p AND 1080i over HDMI then that's not the problem, is there a message complaining about HDCP? if so make sure to power the tv on first and then the STB (you may need to reboot the STB first though) also, the boxes have some kind of autodetection for the connections that are made, so maybe try it with only the HDMI connected for video output, and maybe try to hook something else up to the tv that has an HDMI output to verify if it's the TV's problem or the 8300's problem

I just got a plasma with an HDMI input and I get no picture and no sound when it's connected to the SA 8300HD HDMI Output. TWC-NYC was no help. Component works fine except when HDMI is connected -- then I lose picture and sound. How do I fix this?

Agree with Pepar, if you are trying to get feeds from both HDMI & Component. My experience with an SA8300HD through Bright House Networks is that the 8300 will not put out simultaneous signals when the Component and HDMI are connected. Other posts suggest that just connecting the HDMI cable to the 8300 will disable the component feed.

can someone tell me whats so bad about navigator? we are going to be getting it soon in northeast ohio, so i am curious as to why passport is so much better. of course the time warner reps think its going to be great.....

our software got updated earlier this week - I'm in a suburb of Cleveland. the only differences we even noticed were that we can get 4-triangle fast-forward now, and we can watch a show that's currently being recorded 1) from the beginning without having to rewind, and 2) without it "bouncing out to live" when the recorded time elapses.

both good things.

haven't noticed any bad things.

try checking what input formats the tv supports, if it says it supports 720p AND 1080i over HDMI then that's not the problem, is there a message complaining about HDCP? if so make sure to power the tv on first and then the STB (you may need to reboot the STB first though) also, the boxes have some kind of autodetection for the connections that are made, so maybe try it with only the HDMI connected for video output, and maybe try to hook something else up to the tv that has an HDMI output to verify if it's the TV's problem or the 8300's problem

There is no HDCP error message. I realize now from other posts that the STB doesn't let component and HDMI work together but it doesn't work even with the HDMI connected ONLY. I have not verified that the HDMI cable (Blue Jeans) and the TV's HDMI input (Panasonic 50" plasma 60u) works by hooking up another source device (I don't have one), so maybe I need to do that.

Before I do anything else, is there a plugging in/out, powering up/down, rebooting, etc., sequence for the STB and the TV that anyone could recommend to make sure it's setup properly?

In Manhattan TWC are you sure that the HDMI output is active? Could there be a software upgrade that I need to request?

There is no HDCP error message. I realize now from other posts that the STB doesn't let component and HDMI work together but it doesn't work even with the HDMI connected ONLY.
Well now, that's a problem. You could try removing AC from the box - yank the plug. Wait a few minutes, hook it up and turn it on. HDMI connections can be very dodgy, and that may not fix it.

our software got updated earlier this week - I'm in a suburb of Cleveland. the only differences we even noticed were that we can get 4-triangle fast-forward now, and we can watch a show that's currently being recorded 1) from the beginning without having to rewind, and 2) without it "bouncing out to live" when the recorded time elapses.

both good things.

haven't noticed any bad things.cleveman, Welcome. It looks like you are on the SARA software system. There are two or three operating systems on the SA8300: PASSPORT (which this thread is devoted to), SARA (which has it's own thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=471859&page=2&pp=30) here) and (unfortunately, for those few who have it) Navigator.

BTW: Though one might guess your location from your screen name, it sometimes helps if you put your location in your profile. That way, anytime you make a post, people will understand "where you are coming from".

Agree with Pepar, if you are trying to get feeds from both HDMI & Component. My experience with an SA8300HD through Bright House Networks is that the 8300 will not put out simultaneous signals when the Component and HDMI are connected. Other posts suggest that just connecting the HDMI cable to the 8300 will disable the component feed.

For Passport systems, this was a change starting with the 2.5.066 release. Prior, both HDMI and component were live at the same time. Of historical interest only, 2.6.002 is necessary for dealing with the changed DST dates, so it's a fair assumption ALL Passport systems have 2.6.002 by next week at least.

In Manhattan TWC are you sure that the HDMI output is active? Could there be a software upgrade that I need to request?

100% sure. It CAN get a TAD squirrley if you are plugging and unplugging it, but once it's set, it will stay that way.

BTW: Though one might guess your location from your screen name, it sometimes helps if you put your location in your profile. That way, anytime you make a post, people will understand "where you are coming from".

Better yet, the correct city in "Location" listed under you nick and cable company, cable box and software rev in your sig.

I have Passport and I am in the southern California area with TWC. I pass both component and HDMI to my TV and they both work

I'm sure my issue has been addressed before, but I haven't seen it. Frequently, when I'm watching a sports program (usually a Rangers game) on delay, while it is currently still recording, and the recording ends, my box jumps forward to live. Generally this brings me to the post game show where I usually learn they have blown a 2 goal lead and lose again. Any reason this (the jumping to live) happens? It's quite annoying. My personal fix is during the moment the jump is occuring, during the black screen, I grab the remote, mute the audio and then quickly go into the program list and play the game from the beginning...after which I have to fast forward back to where I was. PITA.

I have Passport and I am in the southern California area with TWC. I pass both component and HDMI to my TV and they both work
Software version? exactly what TWC area? southern california is a big place, i'm in north america by the way :p
(san fernando valley according to TWC's channel lineups)

I'm sure my issue has been addressed before, but I haven't seen it. Frequently, when I'm watching a sports program (usually a Rangers game) on delay, while it is currently still recording, and the recording ends, my box jumps forward to live. Generally this brings me to the post game show where I usually learn they have blown a 2 goal lead and lose again. Any reason this (the jumping to live) happens? It's quite annoying. My personal fix is during the moment the jump is occuring, during the black screen, I grab the remote, mute the audio and then quickly go into the program list and play the game from the beginning...after which I have to fast forward back to where I was. PITA.
yeah....um i think you're best bet is to throw the 8300 in a lake and just use a VCR :rolleyes: that's what i'm about to start doing for my analog recordings (well not a lake, i'm going to throw it at the counter person at my time warner cable cust service office, well not throw it but hand it to them in an angry manner :mad: ), this "feature" is even more frustrating when you have money on the game

yeah....um i think you're best bet is to throw the 8300 in a lake and just use a VCR :rolleyes: that's what i'm about to start doing for my analog recordings (well not a lake, i'm going to throw it at the counter person at my time warner cable cust service office, well not throw it but hand it to them in an angry manner :mad: ), this "feature" is even more frustrating when you have money on the game

Well it happened again this afternoon. The game was in the shootout and Jagr was about to go, and he needed to score to keep the Blues from winning...and the next thing I see is a post game interview with Rangers goalie Stephen Valiquette. So I at least figured we got the win this time since they're not going to interview the losing goalie after the game...but talk about a bad time for it to cut out. Why does this happen? Seems like an obvious glitch that should have been fixed long ago.

Well it happened again this afternoon. The game was in the shootout and Jagr was about to go, and he needed to score to keep the Blues from winning...and the next thing I see is a post game interview with Rangers goalie Stephen Valiquette. So I at least figured we got the win this time since they're not going to interview the losing goalie after the game...but talk about a bad time for it to cut out. Why does this happen? Seems like an obvious glitch that should have been fixed long ago.


Are you sure you aren't missing the fast forward button and hitting the live button instead? I have had the 8300 for quite some time and haven't had any problems other than hitting the live button.

Are you sure you aren't missing the fast forward button and hitting the live button instead? I have had the 8300 for quite some time and haven't had any problems other than hitting the live button.

I don't think I mentioned anything about hitting the fast forward button. In every instance I'm just watching the game behind live (could be 5 minutes behind or 2 hours behind), and the moment the 8300 stops recording the program I'm automatically brought to live. I'm not pressing anything when it happens.

Are you sure you aren't missing the fast forward button and hitting the live button instead? I have had the 8300 for quite some time and haven't had any problems other than hitting the live button.
If I remember right, Passport systems do not have this problem, but SARA do. So, I think you two have different systems (I don't remember by Passport ever doing it).

Dan

I don't think I mentioned anything about hitting the fast forward button. In every instance I'm just watching the game behind live (could be 5 minutes behind or 2 hours behind), and the moment the 8300 stops recording the program I'm automatically brought to live. I'm not pressing anything when it happens.

Tune the converter to another channel while you are watching your recording. When you go live it will go to the other channel and you can just resume watching your recording. You don't have to come live to the channel you are recording.

So did anyone figure out how to use the inputs on the front of the box? I'm out of inputs on my AV receiver and I don't want to do anything extraordinary just for my VCR.

Tune the converter to another channel while you are watching your recording. When you go live it will go to the other channel and you can just resume watching your recording. You don't have to come live to the channel you are recording.

I'm not sure I follow...I can't tune the converter to another channel as the box is still recording on the same channel that I'm watching. Or do you mean I should do something with the 2nd tuner?

I'm sure my issue has been addressed before, but I haven't seen it. Frequently, when I'm watching a sports program (usually a Rangers game) on delay, while it is currently still recording, and the recording ends, my box jumps forward to live. Generally this brings me to the post game show where I usually learn they have blown a 2 goal lead and lose again. Any reason this (the jumping to live) happens? It's quite annoying. My personal fix is during the moment the jump is occuring, during the black screen, I grab the remote, mute the audio and then quickly go into the program list and play the game from the beginning...after which I have to fast forward back to where I was. PITA.This happens to me on occasion but not all of the time. I haven’t figured out how why or when it will happen. I’m usually so mad and too frazzled when it happens to take notice of my situation. Since this also usually occurs (for me as well) during a sporting event, I’m more concerned with trying to lose the live image.

If I were to guess I’d assume that it happens when the tuner I’m watching is the tuner I’m recording with. This is why ILM suggests tuning to another channel. The problem is, when watching something that I recorded (like a Knicks game) and I start watching it about 45 minutes past the actual start time, in order to determine what tuner is recording I have to use the PIP. But I don’t check this because I don’t want to see the game live.

I'm not sure I follow...I can't tune the converter to another channel as the box is still recording on the same channel that I'm watching. Or do you mean I should do something with the 2nd tuner?


Anytime after the recording starts tune to another channel. Push the green button and highlight the recording show. Watch the recording show. If you happen to go back "live" you are going to the second channel you picked and not the one of interest.
Basically you are using both tuners but going "live" on the one you don't care about.

Well it happened again this afternoon. The game was in the shootout and Jagr was about to go, and he needed to score to keep the Blues from winning...and the next thing I see is a post game interview with Rangers goalie Stephen Valiquette. So I at least figured we got the win this time since they're not going to interview the losing goalie after the game...but talk about a bad time for it to cut out. Why does this happen? Seems like an obvious glitch that should have been fixed long ago.

That has happened to me when I'm viewing the same show (delayed) as it is being recorded. The instant it happened was when the planned "end time" for the recording arrived. Instead of just no longer recording, it brought me to the live moment on that channel.

In your case, did the game run a little longer than originally timed for in your recording?

Anytime after the recording starts tune to another channel. Push the green button and highlight the recording show. Watch the recording show. If you happen to go back "live" you are going to the second channel you picked and not the one of interest.
Basically you are using both tuners but going "live" on the one you don't care about.

Gotcha. I'll have to try that. Thanks.

That has happened to me when I'm viewing the same show (delayed) as it is being recorded. The instant it happened was when the planned "end time" for the recording arrived. Instead of just no longer recording, it brought me to the live moment on that channel.

In your case, did the game run a little longer than originally timed for in your recording?

My situation is exactly the same as yours. I'm watching the show delayed, while it is still recording. The "end time" for the recording comes, and the box fast forwards me to that spot, live at the point just after the end time.

I have the box set to automatically run the "live" recording 30 minutes after the scheduled end time, because hockey games are often listed as 2 and a half hours, but in reality they usually go about 15 minutes longer, depending on overtime and shootout. So my recordings are usually 7-10pm, and I generally start watching between 8 and 9. The problem occurs when the recording ends before I catch up with live...in which case the penalty is I'm unwillingly brought to live (at 10pm.) The game has already ended at this point, and they are usually some point in the post game show...I have to mute the audio and look away from the screen so I don't see or hear the final score.

That has happened to me when I'm viewing the same show (delayed) as it is being recorded. The instant it happened was when the planned "end time" for the recording arrived. Instead of just no longer recording, it brought me to the live moment on that channel.

In your case, did the game run a little longer than originally timed for in your recording?

Ah, I was struggling to understand what was going on here (I've never had this happen to me), the "reached the scheduled end time" made the light go on.

Here's something that might work as long as the differential is less than an hour. Make SURE your tuner is tuned to that channel. So you're watching a recording and you're 1/2 hour behind. The "normal "stop" time arrives and bingo, the ONLY place you can go it to live. Immediately hit rewind to rack back through the one hour of recorded buffer.

Pretty much any time that I'll record and start watching some sporting event while it still is going on, by using a lot of fast forward through all the junk, I'll almost always get to a spot in the recording where the recording and live match, so I'll watch live and delete the recording.

I have Passport and I am in the southern California area with TWC. I pass both component and HDMI to my TV and they both work

I think you misunderstood, we're talking about both those connections coming FROM the same source, the 8300. I did my in initial "evaluation" of each connection method before the 2.5.066 release hit me. Once that did, such a test was no longer possible. So it seems pretty sure this behavior is 100% in the software.

Of course it COULD be possible they decided to branch off an entirely different version only for that area, but that just makes no sense whatsoever.

100% sure. It CAN get a TAD squirrley if you are plugging and unplugging it, but once it's set, it will stay that way.


But that's the problem -- I can't get it "set" to begin with. Is it possible the TV isn't reading it? The cable is bad (Blue Jeans)? The fact that the picture and sound (from component) go dead when I plug the HDMI in must mean that there is some kind of signal recognized; right?

i'd just like to wish all of you good luck with your 8300's, i dropped mine off at TW's customer service place to day, and don't plan on getting another one (or similar equivalent box) until at least football season (unless cable manages to have MLB extra innings this year)

But that's the problem -- I can't get it "set" to begin with. Is it possible the TV isn't reading it? The cable is bad (Blue Jeans)? The fact that the picture and sound (from component) go dead when I plug the HDMI in must mean that there is some kind of signal recognized; right?

Can't recall the exact circumstances, but if both component AND HDMI are connected between the 8300 and the set, only ONE of those will be recognized by the TV AND I'm sure it has to do with the 8300 and not the TV. Try using HDMI as the ONLY connection.

i'd just like to wish all of you good luck with your 8300's, i dropped mine off at TW's customer service place to day, and don't plan on getting another one (or similar equivalent box) until at least football season (unless cable manages to have MLB extra innings this year)

Wow, no DVR at all! Among my group of friends, I think I was the last one to go DVR, now I just can't see giving it up. Seems clear to me the benefit far outweighs the foibles.

Wow, no DVR at all! Among my group of friends, I think I was the last one to go DVR, now I just can't see giving it up. Seems clear to me the benefit far outweighs the foibles.


Same here, a few quirks but overall, it adds immesurably to the home video.

Can't recall the exact circumstances, but if both component AND HDMI are connected between the 8300 and the set, only ONE of those will be recognized by the TV AND I'm sure it has to do with the 8300 and not the TV. Try using HDMI as the ONLY connection.
Yes, "TV's" have selectable inputs and will accept signals on all of them - one at a time of course. But I believe the 8300HD deactivates the component when the HDMI connection is active.

Wow, no DVR at all! Among my group of friends, I think I was the last one to go DVR, now I just can't see giving it up. Seems clear to me the benefit far outweighs the foibles.
i didnt say i didnt have a dvr, i'm just not paying TW 15 bones a month for one, i have a toshiba 160 gig 1394 AV/HD that can record from the digital tuner in my tv, AND i'm putting a tuner card in my PC (maybe, i'm still debating if i wanna spend the money, or just use my vcr to record analog until there's a better picture of what will happen when the analog shutoff gets here, although i'll probably make something over the next few months since i'll probably miss pausing, rew, ffwd of live, the toshiba is only good at real-time recording) the only thing that i really liked about the 8300 was the PIP function with HD, my tv can do it by itself, but only if the PIP window isnt using the digital tuner, so i may get another 8300 come college football season, but otherwise it might be a while

i didnt say i didnt have a dvr, i'm just not paying TW 15 bones a month for one, i have a toshiba 160 gig 1394 AV/HD that can record from the digital tuner in my tv, AND i'm putting a tuner card in my PC
Neither of those will allow you to record protected hi-def content, e.g. movies from HBO, SHO, MAX, Starz, etc.

Neither of those will allow you to record protected hi-def content, e.g. movies from HBO, SHO, MAX, Starz, etc.
i'm pretty sure i can record those with the AVHD, not positive though since i dont have those anyways and i really dont care about them, i have a cablecard in the tv and can record other encrypted HD stations (ESPNHD, FSN-HD, INHD, etc...), i believe i already had a discussion about this in another forum, all the premium content is still flagged as copy once (AFAIK), it's just the on-demand stuff that can't be recorded, i'll check and get back in a month (TW is having a HBO for free for like a week in early april)

Hello,

I am in Los Angeles and use an Explorer 8300HD from Time Warner cable. A couple of weeks ago the box developed a problem (occasional flickering) so I switched to a new box. The new box indicates date of manufacturer as 2/2/2007, i.e. it's a new one. The problem is that the menu now is different from before, and unfortunately, the audio option setting, between HDMI and Dolby Digital, no longer exists!

In the old box, this option allows me to choose the audio out setting as either HDMI or Dolby Digital. The former (HDMI) will pass both sound and picture through the HDMI connection. Since this option is no longer available, I cannot pass audio to my Panny plasma anymore.

Did Time Warner Los Angeles recently change their STB's menu? Any suggestion for this problem please?

Thanks and regards,
Can

Hello,

I am in Los Angeles and use an Explorer 8300HD from Time Warner cable. A couple of weeks ago the box developed a problem (occasional flickering) so I switched to a new box. The new box indicates date of manufacturer as 2/2/2007, i.e. it's a new one. The problem is that the menu now is different from before, and unfortunately, the audio option setting, between HDMI and Dolby Digital, no longer exists!

In the old box, this option allows me to choose the audio out setting as either HDMI or Dolby Digital. The former (HDMI) will pass both sound and picture through the HDMI connection. Since this option is no longer available, I cannot pass audio to my Panny plasma anymore.

Did Time Warner Los Angeles recently change their STB's menu? Any suggestion for this problem please?

Thanks and regards,
Can
I just got rid of my 8300, but i know for the last month or so it wouldn't output audio over the HDMI any more (which was how i had it hooked up for almost a year) so i had to dig out an optical cable, they may have some kind of auto-detection going on that tries to determine how to output the audio, or you could try to get to the service menu and dig around to see what you find, will the box output audio over just 2xRCA connection in stereo? just to see if the audio works at all

Sorry I can't search for anything useful about entering "service menu." (I am a newbie so it doesn't help and this forum has many many posts.) Would you show me how or better yet, point me to a URL of how to enter service menu and what do once I am there?

Audio is still coming out of the rca analog out and rca digital out. Only HDMI is affected: now no longer has audio.

Thanks in advance.

I just got rid of my 8300, but i know for the last month or so it wouldn't output audio over the HDMI any more (which was how i had it hooked up for almost a year) so i had to dig out an optical cable, they may have some kind of auto-detection going on that tries to determine how to output the audio, or you could try to get to the service menu and dig around to see what you find, will the box output audio over just 2xRCA connection in stereo? just to see if the audio works at all

Sorry I can't search for anything useful about entering "service menu." (I am a newbie so it doesn't help and this forum has many many posts.) Would you show me how or better yet, point me to a URL of how to enter service menu and what do once I am there?

Audio is still coming out of the rca analog out and rca digital out. Only HDMI is affected: now no longer has audio.

Thanks in advance.
Follow these links:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9923263#post9923263

My sister just got an 8300, but I think the hard drive is bad. The picture will freeze or break-up (become digitized) every few minutes. Is this something that might be solved by reformatting the had drive? Has anyone here done that before?

It's a hassle to get the cable guy to come back out.

My sister just got an 8300, but I think the hard drive is bad. The picture will freeze or break-up (become digitized) every few minutes. Is this something that might be solved by reformatting the had drive? Has anyone here done that before?

It's a hassle to get the cable guy to come back out.

That could also be a signal strength issue.

Best bet is to call the cableco.

I am in Los Angeles and use an Explorer 8300HD from Time Warner cable. A couple of weeks ago the box developed a problem (occasional flickering) so I switched to a new box. The new box indicates date of manufacturer as 2/2/2007, i.e. it's a new one. The problem is that the menu now is different from before, and unfortunately, the audio option setting, between HDMI and Dolby Digital, no longer exists!

In the old box, this option allows me to choose the audio out setting as either HDMI or Dolby Digital. The former (HDMI) will pass both sound and picture through the HDMI connection. Since this option is no longer available, I cannot pass audio to my Panny plasma anymore.

Did Time Warner Los Angeles recently change their STB's menu? Any suggestion for this problem please?First of all you're not with Time Warner Los Angeles, you're with Time Warner South Bay which is very different than the Los Angeles divisions (of which there are dozens). They use different software and the menus are very different then ours so it's important to say what actual city you're in (Torrance).

Your division consists of El Segundo, Gardena, Hawthorne, and Torrance, and we all currently use the Passport software. I have two 8300HDs and one old 8000HD and all of em have the same software (Passport Echo version 2.6.002) so yours should have the same software. Tune your DVR to channel 199 and see if you have the same software. Both my 8300HDs have the HDMI and Dolby Digital settings and i'm using HDMI for sound and video on both of em.

I think that if i disconnect the HDMI cable the HDMI choice disappears from the menu so maybe your connection may be bad, or the cable may be bad.

Time Warner South Bay just announced they'll be switching to the new and awful Navigator software so i wonder if your new 8300HD is running that now? Is the menu and guide designs completely different? Or do you just have some other or older version of Passport? Let us know exactly which software your 8300HD has, it's important to know.

Wow Randy, thanks for taking the time to answer. I am a newbie to cable but am fairly technically oriented (set up my own HTPC runnning JVC Dila projector a few years ago, plus I am an over-the-edge audiophile) and yet still at a complete loss as to what had happened. And I have gone through the advanced settings so many times to make sure I didn't miss anything.

I have gone to the diagnostic screen and am 99% sure I saw something like Passport 2.6. So I am pretty sure I have the same Passport version as you.

I have 4 HDMI cables: All work on the DVD player. All used to work on the older 8300 box. Plus currently the 8300 is passing video signal (just no sound--since I could not access the audio option) so I don't think the HDMI cable is the problem, but I will go home tonight and check again.

The guide looks the same as before, just no audio option, so I am 99% sure it's not navigator.

Maybe the problem was I did NOT have HDMI cable plugs in the FIRST time I turned the 8300 on? How do I perform a reset on this machine so that it goes back to original factory status please? If I could do that, I would then have HDMI cable plugged in when turning it the 8300 on the first time after the reset.

First of all you're not with Time Warner Los Angeles, you're with Time Warner South Bay which is very different than the Los Angeles divisions (of which there are dozens). They use different software and the menus are very different then ours so it's important to say what actual city you're in (Torrance).

Your division consists of El Segundo, Gardena, Hawthorne, and Torrance, and we all currently use the Passport software. I have two 8300HDs and one old 8000HD and all of em have the same software (Passport Echo version 2.6.002) so yours should have the same software. Tune your DVR to channel 199 and see if you have the same software. Both my 8300HDs have the HDMI and Dolby Digital settings and i'm using HDMI for sound and video on both of em.

I think that if i disconnect the HDMI cable the HDMI choice disappears from the menu so maybe your connection may be bad, or the cable may be bad.

Time Warner South Bay just announced they'll be switching to the new and awful Navigator software so i wonder if your new 8300HD is running that now? Is the menu and guide designs completely different? Or do you just have some other or older version of Passport? Let us know exactly which software your 8300HD has, it's important to know.

Has anyone opened up the 8300HD and replaced the internal drive with a larger one. Lots of postings regarding the external SATA connector and using an external drive, but I haven't seen anything about replacing the internal drive.

When I had an early Dish Network DVR with a 17gb hard drive, I replaced it with a 40gb drive and after downloading software automatically and formatting and setting up the drive, I had more than twice as much space.

I'm now wondering if I get a 500gb or 750gb SATA bare drive and open up the box whether I can replace the original drive and get more space; and solve some of the problems posted on this thread regarding limitations using an external drive (or not working at all.)

Mike

Has anyone opened up the 8300HD and replaced the internal drive with a larger one. Lots of postings regarding the external SATA connector and using an external drive, but I haven't seen anything about replacing the internal drive.

When I had an early Dish Network DVR with a 17gb hard drive, I replaced it with a 40gb drive and after downloading software automatically and formatting and setting up the drive, I had more than twice as much space.

I'm now wondering if I get a 500gb or 750gb SATA bare drive and open up the box whether I can replace the original drive and get more space; and solve some of the problems posted on this thread regarding limitations using an external drive (or not working at all.)
In the US, we do not own our STBs - we lease them from our cable companies. If you have not read anything about a user replacing the internal hard drive, it's most likely because no one has done it. Or no one is talking. I'd put my money on the first one. Though there is some adventurous, umm . . member on the "Ext SATA - It Works!" thread right now claiming he's done it.

In the US, we do not own our STBs - we lease them from our cable companies. If you have not read anything about a user replacing the internal hard drive, it's most likely because no one has done it. Or no one is talking. I'd put my money on the first one. Though there is some adventurous, umm . . member on the "Ext SATA - It Works!" thread right now claiming he's done it.
Thanks. I am in the U. S. and know that I lease the unit, but still am considering opening up the unit (if it isn't booby trapped) and seeing if I can take out the internal hard drive and replace it with a larger one. If/when I turn the unit in for repair/replacement/termination of service, I'd put the original hard drive in again. I'm sure there are probably seals I'd break, but I'm not going to worry about that...at least unti the time comes.

Just wanted to know if anyone has attempted this and whether it worked or not.

Thanks. I am in the U. S. and know that I lease the unit, but still am considering opening up the unit (if it isn't booby trapped) and seeing if I can take out the internal hard drive and replace it with a larger one. If/when I turn the unit in for repair/replacement/termination of service, I'd put the original hard drive in again. I'm sure there are probably seals I'd break, but I'm not going to worry about that...at least unti the time comes.

Just wanted to know if anyone has attempted this and whether it worked or not.
Read the first and LAST TWO pages of this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=516559&page=1&pp=30). Follow Scarlett's links and the links you find there as well.

Thanks. I am in the U. S. and know that I lease the unit, but still am considering opening up the unit (if it isn't booby trapped) and seeing if I can take out the internal hard drive and replace it with a larger one. If/when I turn the unit in for repair/replacement/termination of service, I'd put the original hard drive in again. I'm sure there are probably seals I'd break, but I'm not going to worry about that...at least unti the time comes.

Just wanted to know if anyone has attempted this and whether it worked or not.You do realize that doing this is vandalism? I think that they may be allowed to deny service to you in perpetuity for it, should they find out.

Thanks. I am in the U. S. and know that I lease the unit, but still am considering opening up the unit (if it isn't booby trapped) and seeing if I can take out the internal hard drive and replace it with a larger one. If/when I turn the unit in for repair/replacement/termination of service, I'd put the original hard drive in again. I'm sure there are probably seals I'd break, but I'm not going to worry about that...at least unti the time comes.

Just wanted to know if anyone has attempted this and whether it worked or not.
Even if your cableco found out about it, I doubt very seriously they would make a Federal case over it. The worst that I could see happening would be to cancel your service, but more likely like a stern warning first.

Even if your cableco found out about it, I doubt very seriously they would make a Federal case over it. The worst that I could see happening would be to cancel your service, but more likely like a stern warning first.
Another poster mentioned a sizable charge for the adulterated box. In any event, nothing seems to have fazed those here with this agenda.

Even if your cableco found out about it, I doubt very seriously they would make a Federal case over it. The worst that I could see happening would be to cancel your service, but more likely like a stern warning first.I am not encouraging "hacking" someone else's property either - BUT, it's interesting to note that the article on doing this is still on the Popular Science web-site and the cable companies have not doe anything about getting it taken down. And I know for a fact that Time Warner corporate legal department does know about the article.

I am not encouraging "hacking" someone else's property either - BUT, it's interesting to note that the article on doing this is still on the Popular Science web-site and the cable companies have not doe anything about getting it taken down. And I know for a fact that Time Warner corporate legal department does know about the article.
yeah, i'm sure they'll get around to fixing this problem right after they give me ESPN2HD :rolleyes:

I am not encouraging "hacking" someone else's property either - BUT, it's interesting to note that the article on doing this is still on the Popular Science web-site and the cable companies have not doe anything about getting it taken down. And I know for a fact that Time Warner corporate legal department does know about the article.
Maybe that's part of their plan to get out from under a lot of obsolete boxes - bill subscribers an exorbitant amount when they mod the box. :D

Maybe the problem was I did NOT have HDMI cable plugs in the FIRST time I turned the 8300 on? How do I perform a reset on this machine so that it goes back to original factory status please? If I could do that, I would then have HDMI cable plugged in when turning it the 8300 on the first time after the reset.This could be your problem - i had a similar problem when i was installing my Gefen 2x2 HDMI splitter/switcher - i got no signal at all until i rebooted the 8300HD then everything worked fine. I'm not sure about this but i think anytime you disconnect the HDMI cable, you have to reboot the DVR after connecting it again.

The easiest way to reboot is to simply pull the wall plug, wait about a minute, remember to connect the HDMI cable at both ends, then plug the DVR back in and let it boot up.

This could be your problem - i had a similar problem when i was installing my Gefen 2x2 HDMI splitter/switcher - i got no signal at all until i rebooted the 8300HD then everything worked fine. I'm not sure about this but i think anytime you disconnect the HDMI cable, you have to reboot the DVR after connecting it again.

The easiest way to reboot is to simply pull the wall plug, wait about a minute, remember to connect the HDMI cable at both ends, then plug the DVR back in and let it boot up.
I've had mixed success with just making sure the 8300 was off when i was tinkering with the HDMI, although it's never actually "off" if it's plugged in, in fact mine would output a black screen over HDMI, and occaisionally it would output the outter bars of a 16x9 parts of the TV signal hitting the tuner that were outside of a 4x3 box when the box was "off" before i dumped the 8300 it got very crabby about the HDMI/HDCP, i had to leave it unplugged overnight to finally let me watch fricking tv, it'd be nice if the HDCP issue would only come up when watching an encrypted channel (so you can still watch clear channel even if the HDCP handshake didnt work, or more importantly schedule recordings, that way you wont miss a show, and you could straighten out the HDCP issue later when you don't need the box to be recording)

I had done a comparison between component video out versus HDMI from the 8300 to my Panasonic plasma. The component cables were therefore still plugged in even though I was using HDMI. I had given up on my no-audio in HDMI problem until your post/suggestion that the problem might be cable related got me thinking again in the right direction. So yesterday I unplugged the components cable and voila!, audio out option (dolby digital vs. HDMI) for HDMI magically appears on the menu!

Even as I am a little "embarrassed" about this; I think this is an example of bad engineering: Issues that intuitively are unrelated to each other (using component video out would cut off audio from HDMI) are linked without any warning. Or is there a warning in big red block letters somewhere in the manual? :o
(Now that I think about it, what manual? :p)

Thanks again Randy.


This could be your problem - i had a similar problem when i was installing my Gefen 2x2 HDMI splitter/switcher - i got no signal at all until i rebooted the 8300HD then everything worked fine. I'm not sure about this but i think anytime you disconnect the HDMI cable, you have to reboot the DVR after connecting it again.

The easiest way to reboot is to simply pull the wall plug, wait about a minute, remember to connect the HDMI cable at both ends, then plug the DVR back in and let it boot up.

Totally believing what you are saying - How do it Know?

Does the 8300 have a sensor on the component out connectors? Component out, unlike HDMI is a one way path out of the device.

I had done a comparison between component video out versus HDMI from the 8300 to my Panasonic plasma. The component cables were therefore still plugged in even though I was using HDMI. I had given up on my no-audio in HDMI problem until your post/suggestion that the problem might be cable related got me thinking again in the right direction. So yesterday I unplugged the components cable and voila!, audio out option (dolby digital vs. HDMI) for HDMI magically appears on the menu!

Even as I am a little "embarrassed" about this; I think this is an example of bad engineering: Issues that intuitively are unrelated to each other (using component video out would cut off audio from HDMI) are linked without any warning. Or is there a warning in big red block letters somewhere in the manual? :o
(Now that I think about it, what manual? :p)

Thanks again Randy.

If not too much of a problem, with the HDMI now working, can you re-connect the Component and tell us what happens? If so, does the "HDMI" choice disappear again? I'm curious if there may be a chicken/egg situation here, where once the HDMI handshake occurs, then the Component works.

I ask because I have both connected and get audio from HDMI at present.

I posted this in another forum, but was advised maybe this would be a better spot since it is specific to TWC and passport, and there are many GURU's here! :)

About 2 weeks ago I noticed the audio signal on both of my cable boxes suddenly decreased by a pretty noticible amount. I know this because my TV volume needs to be much higher for the same comfortable listening level that it used to be. I verified that the cable box is still set to 100% viewing and recording volume (as it always has been). My other TV and cable box behave the same way, and I also notice this because I have a DVD recorder hooked up to that one and all the DVD recordings made in the last 2 weeks have audio levels that are much lower than recordings made prior to that. Again, I checked the cable box settings to make sure the levels we set as expected. Another odd thing is that I also remember noticing around the same time is that the guide color scheme seemed to have changed by itself on one of the two boxes (SA2100) and no one else in my house could have possibly made any changes.

I checked the 8300HD box and it is running now Passport 2.6.002 OS 6.14.74.1sp and had a cold boot back on 3/1/2007.

The other box is an SA2100 and I have Passport 4.3 build 005 on that. Does anyone else notice this audio issue?

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=868377#post868377

I checked the 8300HD box and it is running now Passport 2.6.002 OS 6.14.74.1sp and had a cold boot back on 3/1/2007.

The other box is an SA2100 and I have Passport 4.3 build 005 on that. Does anyone else notice this audio issue?
Yes I had the same change with the audio and have the same version (2.6.002 OS 6.14.74.1sp) as you do.

No changes on any of my boxes with 2.6.002.

Does anyone use a Sling box with an SA Explorer 8300HD running Passport? Does it work? I'm considering buying a Sling box but not sure if it will work with my cable box.

If this issue has already been discussed I apologize, but I cannot find a solution to my problem.

I just got my 8300HD from TWC a couple weeks ago. Using HDMI everything works great, both SD and HD. However, my TV has limited HDMI ports and I need them for my DVD player and console. When I use 8300HD component output the picture color is extremely off. It looks as if there is no red, only greens and blues.

What I know:

I have tried this with both the provided set of component cables and an alternate set, both of which work when tested with a dvd player.
The component inputs on the back of my HDTV also work when tested with another device.
This color problem occurs on both SD and HD channels.


The only thing I can figure is that either my box is incorrectly configured or the box has faulty hardware.

Customer support was no help and I am getting desperate. Anyone have any ideas/solutions?

If this issue has already been discussed I apologize, but I cannot find a solution to my problem.

I just got my 8300HD from TWC a couple weeks ago. Using HDMI everything works great, both SD and HD. However, my TV has limited HDMI ports and I need them for my DVD player and console. When I use 8300HD component output the picture color is extremely off. It looks as if there is no red, only greens and blues.

What I know:

I have tried this with both the provided set of component cables and an alternate set, both of which work when tested with a dvd player.
The component inputs on the back of my HDTV also work when tested with another device.
This color problem occurs on both SD and HD channels.


The only thing I can figure is that either my box is incorrectly configured or the box has faulty hardware.

Customer support was no help and I am getting desperate. Anyone have any ideas/solutions?
It does seem that there is a problem with the 8300HD. Have you tried a cold reboot? (Pull the power cord for 15 seconds and plug it back in. When the display shows the time, turn it on with the front power button.) If that doesn't fix it, then you are back to dealing with technical support as there is nothing more you can do.

If this issue has already been discussed I apologize, but I cannot find a solution to my problem.

I just got my 8300HD from TWC a couple weeks ago. Using HDMI everything works great, both SD and HD. However, my TV has limited HDMI ports and I need them for my DVD player and console. When I use 8300HD component output the picture color is extremely off. It looks as if there is no red, only greens and blues.

What I know:

I have tried this with both the provided set of component cables and an alternate set, both of which work when tested with a dvd player.
The component inputs on the back of my HDTV also work when tested with another device.
This color problem occurs on both SD and HD channels.


The only thing I can figure is that either my box is incorrectly configured or the box has faulty hardware.

Customer support was no help and I am getting desperate. Anyone have any ideas/solutions?
You could try getting a 2x1 HDMI switch, i got one from monoprice and was actually using it backwards as a 1x2 (i had a single video source and i switched back/forth to 2 different tvs), i think just the simple manual 2x1 switch is like 20 bux, although the cold reboot and maybe swapping it for another 8300 is probably worth trying first, unless you enjoy the idea of having both devices going to the tv in digital

Or go component on the DVD player and use HDMI for the 8300, that's how I'd do it.

As for TWC's boasts, the woman quoted does NOT have or use a HD display in her home. That they will have SDV deployed in all their markets but year's end strains credibility.

Look at the "10 more than cable" channels Dish carries, anyone ever heard of ANY of them? Where do they come from? What possible exclusive deals have the satellite guys made with them?

And finally, excuse, me but TWC makes me PAY for ESPN HD and does NOT carry ESPN2 HD, yet 100 miles away in the same state, their customers get both as part of their normal digital package. AND I'm in what is probably in the top 2 of their biggest urban markets to boot!

It does seem that there is a problem with the 8300HD. Have you tried a cold reboot? (Pull the power cord for 15 seconds and plug it back in. When the display shows the time, turn it on with the front power button.) If that doesn't fix it, then you are back to dealing with technical support as there is nothing more you can do.

Tried cold reboot, no go. I am wondering if it has something to do with me being in SD mode instead of HD mode. In the other 8300HD thread to tells you how to switch, but how do I change modes with the passport software? the guide+info trick doesn't work.

If this issue has already been discussed I apologize, but I cannot find a solution to my problem.

I just got my 8300HD from TWC a couple weeks ago. Using HDMI everything works great, both SD and HD. However, my TV has limited HDMI ports and I need them for my DVD player and console. When I use 8300HD component output the picture color is extremely off. It looks as if there is no red, only greens.I'd go with the HDMI switch solution. I have a 2-into-1 Belkin PureAV switch which I got for half of the list price, but the Monoprice switches are even cheaper.

I ended up routing all three of my HDMI devices through my receiver, so I could avoid running audio cables from them, so I'm only using one of the two HDMI connections on my television. Of course, you have to have an HDMI switching receiver to do that.

If this issue has already been discussed I apologize, but I cannot find a solution to my problem.

I just got my 8300HD from TWC a couple weeks ago. Using HDMI everything works great, both SD and HD. However, my TV has limited HDMI ports and I need them for my DVD player and console. When I use 8300HD component output the picture color is extremely off. It looks as if there is no red, only greens and blues.

What I know:

I have tried this with both the provided set of component cables and an alternate set, both of which work when tested with a dvd player.
The component inputs on the back of my HDTV also work when tested with another device.

The only thing I can figure is that either my box is incorrectly configured or the box has faulty hardware.

Customer support was no help and I am getting desperate. Anyone have any ideas/solutions? This color problem occurs on both SD and HD channels.

It sure sounds like it is a bad box. One of the MAJOR problems is many cable systems just "recycle" their cable boxes with no reasonable degree of testing. So, it is likely that a bad box got thrown in the same pile as one returned by a customer who was terminating service.

Advice, take box back and INSIST on a new one!

...And finally, excuse, me but TWC makes me PAY for ESPN HD and does NOT carry ESPN2 HD, yet 100 miles away in the same state, their customers get both as part of their normal digital package. AND I'm in what is probably in the top 2 of their biggest urban markets to boot!
this is one of the reasons i have cancelled my cable service, since i get basic for free through my apartment complex (and this includes all the locals in unencrypted qam), it just didnt make sense to shell out 50-60/month just for espnhd especially without espn2hd, and considering the limited amount of content coming from FSN-HD

I've asked this before but I'm trying again.

I get no picture or sound from a direct HDMI output to my HDMI input on my Panasonic Plasma (60u). (I've tried two different cables.)

I use that connection alone. I've tried rebooting and calling TWC-NYC 6 times and they've done absolutely nothing. Why does this work everywhere else? Any suggestions? Get a new box?

I always got HDMI video. Last night I started to use the HDMI audio where prior to that I was taking the audio out of the digital audio connection. To make the audio appear on the HDMI cable I changed setup (advanced) to set the output format to HDMI from Dolby Digital.

Audio then came out on the HDMI cable as it was supposed to.

I've asked this before but I'm trying again.

I get no picture or sound from a direct HDMI output to my HDMI input on my Panasonic Plasma (60u). (I've tried two different cables.)

I use that connection alone. I've tried rebooting and calling TWC-NYC 6 times and they've done absolutely nothing. Why does this work everywhere else? Any suggestions? Get a new box?I'm a SARA guy, so I can't provide details for Passport, but I strongly suspect that your box is set-up only to deliver 480i. The Panny plasmas, as I recall, don't accept 480i at all. You need to check you box settings to make sure that 480i is NOT enabled, but 480p, 720p and 1080i are.

I've asked this before but I'm trying again.

I get no picture or sound from a direct HDMI output to my HDMI input on my Panasonic Plasma (60u). (I've tried two different cables.)

I use that connection alone. I've tried rebooting and calling TWC-NYC 6 times and they've done absolutely nothing. Why does this work everywhere else? Any suggestions? Get a new box?


Hmm, did you
1) go into setup, more settings, audio output to Dolby/digtal?
2) Did you trying rebooting the box by unplugging the power cable and holding down the power button while connecting the power?

Sorry for not reading all 200 pages of this thread, but I did make a good faith effort to find the answer I needed.

The first thing I noticed with my new SA 8300 from TWC was the grey bars on either side of the SD picture. I tried to use the TV to stretch or zoom the image and discovered that it did not work properly. I have to go through 3 layers of menu to manually change the 4:3 behavior. On SARA they call the setting I am looking for "Pass-Through". Is there anything on the Passport software that will allow me to be rid of these bars or at least make them black? I would rather have my TV format the image than my cable box.

Thanks.

*Edit* Corrected the model number of the box.

Gargoyle,

Regarding changing the stretch/zoom/full on the 8300, just use the # key on the remote. It is a great time saver.

Gargoyle,

To get to "Pass-thru", simply go into settings and enable all the video outputs (480i/p 4:3,16:9 720p, 1080i, etc.).

To set up the aspect controls, the Settings (More Settings) has an aspect control section to control how you want the output framed.

(Personally unverified by me) To potentially limit problems with non-intuitive operation of the Settings menu aspect controls, use the # key on the remote to change to "Normal" and leave it there -- only using that key as a one-off sort of thing that you return afterwards. The report from (FL?) indicated that the # key video adjustments operate after the Settings aspect controls, so things could get a bit confusing.

v/r,
C-F

I've asked this before but I'm trying again.

I get no picture or sound from a direct HDMI output to my HDMI input on my Panasonic Plasma (60u). (I've tried two different cables.)

I use that connection alone. I've tried rebooting and calling TWC-NYC 6 times and they've done absolutely nothing. Why does this work everywhere else? Any suggestions? Get a new box?

Try this, make sure you only have the HDMI connection and no component connection. Do some reboots on the TV and the box, you may have to play a bit, but my experience is that you will eventually get a HDMI connection.

I'm a SARA guy, so I can't provide details for Passport, but I strongly suspect that your box is set-up only to deliver 480i. The Panny plasmas, as I recall, don't accept 480i at all. You need to check you box settings to make sure that 480i is NOT enabled, but 480p, 720p and 1080i are.

Wonder if he tried both SD and HD channels?

Actually, I can NOT select 480i on my 8330, it will always default back to 480p. Which I think tells me that TWC-NYC is sending 480p to my 8300. Then again, I suppose it could be the TV sending back data via the HDMI cable that it is inherently progressive. Still I'm curious to know exactly why!

Sorry for not reading all 200 pages of this thread, but I did make a good faith effort to find the answer I needed.

The first thing I noticed with my new SA 8300 from TWC was the grey bars on either side of the SD picture. I tried to use the TV to stretch or zoom the image and discovered that it did not work properly. I have to go through 3 layers of menu to manually change the 4:3 behavior. On SARA they call the setting I am looking for "Pass-Through". Is there anything on the Passport software that will allow me to be rid of these bars or at least make them black? I would rather have my TV format the image than my cable box.

Thanks.

*Edit* Corrected the model number of the box.

There is a "trick" that in some cases you can change the gray to black. I think it depends on exactly how the TV works. This DOES work for me:

Tune to a SD channel. On the TV, set it for 4:3. I'll then see black bars, and inside that 4:3 "box," I'll get a horizontally squeezed SD image with gray bars. I select "4:3 Stretch" on the 8300 and bingo, a correctly proportioned 4:3 image with black sidebars.

It's also true that at times this "default" seems to revert on the 8300 to plain 4:3, so I just hit the button on the 8300's remote to stretch.

This will only work for TVs that will force the output from the 8300 into a 4:3 box. AFAIK, Samsung LCD will do that. It may or may not work for your set, but it's worth 5 minutes to try...

Actually, I can NOT select 480i on my 8330, it will always default back to 480p. Which I think tells me that TWC-NYC is sending 480p to my 8300. Then again, I suppose it could be the TV sending back data via the HDMI cable that it is inherently progressive. Still I'm curious to know exactly why!
I have a Samsung Plasma connected via HDMI to a SA8300HHD, that does basically the same thing. I can select 480i but the setting won't stick. When I go back into settings 480i is no longer selected. My Samsung owners manual says it doesn't support 480i via HDMI

I haven't had much time to play with the settings at home since I posted, but I did get to use the # key. That works quite well and is much less annoying than flipping through menus.

I will try enabling only 480i this weekend to see if that does away with the ugly grey bars. It's kind of upsetting to be more impressed with my old cable box and OTA than with the new HD box.

Hello All,

Recently I have noticed that when I have "pass-though" enabled (basically enabling all formats in the settings menu->Advanced Settings->Output Formats on the HD8300 from TWC with passport s/w) and using HDMI interface that between some adverts the format changes from 1080i to some other format (usually 480p) and then changes back to 1080i when the programme/show returns. I can confirm that this is happening on the TNT HD channel (#710) but probably on others too.

This is very annoying because a few seconds of picture/sound is lost while the DVR is selecting the output and if it happens to be the last ad in the break then it's a few seconds of the programme/show that is lost...

I can obviously force the 8300HD to output in 1080i only but I thought that the optimum was to give the HDTV the raw format and let it decide which format to output or convert to.

Has anyone else started seeing this behavior?

I'm not sure why TWC would change the format in mid-stream for just a couple of ads, perhaps saving capacity?

Thanks for reading my post.

There is a "trick" that in some cases you can change the gray to black. I think it depends on exactly how the TV works. This DOES work for me:

Tune to a SD channel. On the TV, set it for 4:3. I'll then see black bars, and inside that 4:3 "box," I'll get a horizontally squeezed SD image with gray bars. I select "4:3 Stretch" on the 8300 and bingo, a correctly proportioned 4:3 image with black sidebars.

It's also true that at times this "default" seems to revert on the 8300 to plain 4:3, so I just hit the button on the 8300's remote to stretch.

This will only work for TVs that will force the output from the 8300 into a 4:3 box. AFAIK, Samsung LCD will do that. It may or may not work for your set, but it's worth 5 minutes to try...

Brilliant!!! I have a Samsung LCD and this worked great. I was a bit sceptic that the settings might revert when swithing from an HD channel to an SD channel but TV seems to remember the 4:3 setting and the 8300HD seems to remember the stretched setting... so great!

Thank you for the tip :)