Jason,

I responded in the other thread - the samsung won't accept 480i over HDMI so that's the source of the problem. Unfortunately it sounds like your STB is running SARA software while this thread is dedicated to Pioneer Passport software so not sure how helpful people here can be regarding the various preset output modes on your STB - may want to try the 8300 SARA thread.

Thanks Eric, just saw your post on the other thread and responded. Can't find the 8300 SARA thread though. Can any of you guys help me with a link? Thanks

First test to see if the Samsung accepts 480i over HDMI. If it does than leave it on - can't hurt. That way 480i channels will be passed through and 480i channels which the box converts to 480p will pass through as 480p.

If 480i doesn't work over HDMI than just enabel the other 3.

EricScott... played around with this a bit last night and found the following...

With my SS 6168 (1080P), I can't really discern any PQ differences whether I pass though all of the formats vs only passing 1080i and forcing the SA to upconvert. What does seem to me to be very significant is that when I pass all formats and the Sammy has to upconvert everything (instead of simply converting 1080i to 1080p), it takes a couple of seconds and lots of screen shifting/changing/static stuff before the channel tunes in correctly. But when the SA only sends 1080i, the channels tune in almost immediately.

The other thing I noticed this morning on Good Morning America where the "ticker" thing runs along the bottom of the screen - there seems to be a slight overscan where maybe a third of the lettering is cut off at the bottom. (Maybe this is a source issue?) - but anyway when I send all of the formats to the set, the overscan is worse (over half of lettering cut off).

Am I missing anything here? Am I getting a degraded image by letting the SA upconvert everything to 1080i and maybe I'm just not looking close enogh to see it?

Thanks for all of your help!

wmrose,

Technically you are probably better off not having the STB do any converting and letting the Samsung do the scaling, esp. since the Samsung has to do a conversion to 1080p no matter what. However, your point about improved channel changing is a relevant one, although having oversacan issues def isn't ideal.

Back to the scaling - for a 720p channel for example you have the STB doing one conversion to 1080i and the Sammy doing another to 1080p - doesn't sound ideal but who knows. And for an SD channel I'd imagine it would be worse - converting 480i to 1080i in the STB seems like it would get ugly.

You really just need to let your eyes be the judge. If you can't see a noticeable difference and it's easier to change channels then leave it at 1080i only. As for the overscan, don't know what to tell you there.

With my 8300HD, letting the STB convert everything to 1080i produces a much higher quality, sharper image... however my television's native format is 1080i, not p.

This thread is getting a bit unwieldy. How about separate threads for 8000 and 8300?

Although I started the thread, I might seem biased, but I don't think it's necessary. We're seeing less and less posts about the 8000. When it started, there was no 8300HD. As people started asking about it, correctly realizing that they're very similar boxes, they asked in this thread. After a short time, the title was revised to reflect that.

Then again, it ain't my call.... Start a new thread and see how it goes.

I agree w/ hall - a lot of the topics are common to both the 8000 and the 8300. Plus I for one don't want to have to track two separate threads - I already track this one plus one for TWCNYC and I another 8300 related thread.

This thread is getting a bit unwieldy. How about separate threads for 8000 and 8300?

????

My vote-

I agree with Eric, Keep it as one.

Keep it one thread.

I say eliminate the words "Time Warner", There are a lot of us who have the 8300 with another cable company.

Let's gather a list of nationwide/large cable systems so that we can post a poll. As this *is* a TW thread, it should probably be posted in the HDTV Recorders & Players forum.

I say eliminate the words "Time Warner", There are a lot of us who have the 8300 with another cable company. IMO, no way. The reason the threads around here (there's threads for Comcast, Cox, etc, etc) include the cable provider is presumably because there can be unique "setups" with each one.

IMO, no way. The reason the threads around here (there's threads for Comcast, Cox, etc, etc) include the cable provider is presumably because there can be unique "setups" with each one.

Yes, there can be, but there are more problems/issues in common than not. I'm not on TW, but I needed to be here to get my questions answered. My cable provider - Suscom/York PA - is no where big enough to support a unique thread. So, as I have an 8300HD & Passport, here I am. IMO, there should be two threads for the 8000/8300; one for SARA and one for Passport. As it stands now, I'm monitoring three or four threads and that would simplify things immensely. I doubt if I'm the only one in this position.

As competitive as the delivery business has become, it's my observation that all cable providers implement the newer firmware and features as they become available. Some deploy quicker than others, but they all come around sooner, rather than later, making the issues much more "nationwide" than provider-unique.

Just my $.02.

Who cares if Time Warner is in the name or not? Pepar - you obviously knew to come to this thread b/c you had an 8300HD w/ Passport - both of these terms are in the title as well. Given that the vast majority of people w/ Passport boxes are Time Warner customers, having "Time Warner" in the title is helpful IMO - it provides another pointer to let people know to check out this thread.

I have Time Warner cable in Southern California but I think that when you call their support number you can get a rep anywhere in the country. I called and talked to 3 different customer support reps on Sunday to find out about the SATA port on the back of the 8300. 2 of them told me it was not active and the 3rd rep said that it was. I made a suggestion to the reps (it more than likely went thru one ear and out the other) that if a port was not currently active that either Time Warner or Scientific Atlanta should put a plastic plug in that port and then when it becomes active the support team can tell the customer to just pull out the plastic plug and use that port. I have been in the customer support field for over 30 years and when I know more about the unit than the people supporting it makes me wonder. I even interviewed with Time Warner for a support position but more than likely scared the interviewer because I knew more than her about their products. I purchased an exteral SATA case and drive and put it together and tried to plug the SATA cable into the 8300 but the plug on the cable was too big. I just got through talking with Scientific Atlanta and they told me that the SATA port in the back of the 8300 is a SATA II type of plug. I am going to the local Fry's store to see if they have a SATA I to SATA II cable to try it out (even though SA says that that port is not active) and let everyone know what the outcome is.

It is only active with SARA sopftware, not Passport.

See http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=516559

Who cares if Time Warner is in the name or not? Pepar - you obviously knew to come to this thread b/c you had an 8300HD w/ Passport - both of these terms are in the title as well. Given that the vast majority of people w/ Passport boxes are Time Warner customers, having "Time Warner" in the title is helpful IMO - it provides another pointer to let people know to check out this thread.

"Who cares?" Well, that's rather snotty, isn't it? And where'd you get your facts - you do have facts, don't you? - on "the vast majority of people w/ Passport boxes are Time Warner customers"? :D

"8300HD" and "Passport" are inclusive terms - something we all have in common; having Time Warner in the thread topic can be exclusive.

"Who cares?" Well, that's rather snotty, isn't it? And where'd you get your facts - you do have facts, don't you - on "the vast majority of people w/ Passport boxes are Time Warner customers"?

"8300HD" and "Passport" are inclusive terms - something we all have in common; having Time Warner in the thread topic can be exclusive.

Easy there - wasn't trying to be snotty. I just think there will be more confusion rather than less by removing Time Warner.

Do I have facts - of course not - how could I possibly know the exact number of people on each cable system. What I do know is that it seems that most people who post to this thread have Time Warner. I can assure you most people don't have Susquehanna.

I apologize if I offended you but I really think you are getting all worked up over nothing.

I can assure you most people don't have Susquehanna.



:D Too funny!
Best line in this thread.

Easy there - wasn't trying to be snotty. I just think there will be more confusion rather than less by removing Time Warner.

Do I have facts - of course not - how could I possibly know the exact number of people on each cable system. What I do know is that it seems that most people who post to this thread have Time Warner. I can assure you most people don't have Susquehanna.

I apologize if I offended you but I really think you are getting all worked up over nothing.

You're probably right - I went back and added a BF Grin. :D

I'll try it again: Have you considered that it seems like most of the people who post here are TW because that's what's in the topic, and that others not on TW, but with 8300 & Passport, haven't come here because they were dissuaded by TW in the topic? As simple as that sounds, I think the topic could be self-fulfilling.

You're probably right - I went back and added a BF Grin. :D

I'll try it again: Have you considered that it seems like most of the people who post here are TW because that's what's in the topic, and that others not on TW, but with 8300 & Passport, haven't come here because of the TW name? As simple as that sounds, I think the topic could be self-fulfilling.

Fair point. And thanks for the smiley - really not trying to offend anyone.

But if I was using another cable provider and had an 8000HD or 8300HD and had a question I would check out all of the threads - Passport, SARA, Cox, Time Warner, etc. I had no idea what Passport or SARA even was until I read about 50 posts. And back then there weren't dedicated threads so the nuances of which suggestions work for which software weren't explicitly clear.

So there are two solutions - (1) either take Time Warner out of the title or (2) include every other cable company in the title. Clearly 2 isn't doable so those customers who don't have TW are going to end up having to read through all of the other threads anyway. So the question is, do you make it more difficult for Time Warner customers by excluding that other piece or information? Probably not, but maybe.

Your point is a fair one though and I think it should be up to hall and the moderators to decide.

Your point is a fair one though and I think it should be up to hall and the moderators to decide.

Forum categories and thread topics get changed, combined and split all the time; it is the natural evolution of discussion. I think a poll in HDTV Recorders & Players would be a good idea - a poll for a breakdown of cable providers, maybe even of cable providers supplying HDTV. If someone can give me the names of major and minor providers, I'll post it myself.

I'm positive there are others from the Dayton area, who have posted here, that they're using HDMI. Personally, I'm using the HDMI port but I'm going to DVI with it (HDMI-to-DVI cable). If I turn the box on before the TV, I get an error message saying my TV isn't HDMI-compliant or something. If I turn the TV on first, then the 8300HD, all works fine.

One person from Dayton can't get his to work but it seems to be related to his projector. The two can't sync up.

Anybody else in Dayton have success with this? Still no success with HDMI. Any help? I also am HDMI to DVI on SA8300 to Samsung TXP3264. I turn TV on first, on DVI input, hook up HDMI>DVI, reboot SA8300, turn on 8300, No dice, nothing on DVI input. :confused:
Thanks in advance!

Nobody seems to have their Firewire activated, though in my diagnostics it says "always activate." I am in Memphis and just got a new 8300HD box with two activated firewire ports on the back. It only allows pass through of digital channels (which is all I wanted), so I am very happy with the results.

Just got SA8300HD-Passport-Sara software..connected it with my component cables...nice picture..decided to try HDMI to DVI cables..even better...However the other day when I turned my tv on first..there was a message on the screen that basically said HDMI was not supported..it suggested that I use component cables..when I turn tv on everything worked fine..did that message come from my TV or cable box? TV is a Sony 46" model KP-46WT510

Just got SA8300HD-Passport-Sara software..connected it with my component cables...nice picture..decided to try HDMI to DVI cables..even better...However the other day when I turned my tv on first..there was a message on the screen that basically said HDMI was not supported..it suggested that I use component cables..when I turn tv on everything worked fine..did that message come from my TV or cable box? TV is a Sony 46" model KP-46WT510

It probably said "Your TV does not support HDCP. Please use the YPbPr output." and it came from your SA. Turn on all of your devices - TV/projector, receiver or pre/pro and if you have one, DVI/HDMI switching device BEFORE powering up the 8300HD.

I know this because I just went through it two days ago when I switched from component to HDMI/DVI. Also, if your TV or video switch is turned off while watching, you will need to turn the box off, make sure everything else is on and then power the box back up.

BTW, my PQ improvement with HDMI/DVI over component was incredible - much improved black level with the attendent richening of color, and MUCH more picture detail (on hi-def material).

Just got SA8300HD-Passport-Sara software.. No you didn't. You got either Passport *or* SARA, not both.

No you didn't. You got either Passport *or* SARA, not both.

Hey, maybe it's dual boot! ;)

I hooked up my new HLR5678 1080P Samsung last week to my TWC SA8300 (using Passport) here in Raleigh, NC. I have HDMI to HDMI cable. Sound is currently running through Denen. A few observations/questions:

1. If I tune in Music Choice channel (900's) and turn off the TV, after a minute or so, the 8300 drops signal, but stays powered on. On my other TV I could turn it off and leave 8300 on with no problem. I suspect HDMI issue, can anybody confirm?

2. I read a lot about not getting 5.1 out of HDMI, well I cannot get ANY sound out of my HDMI connection to my TV speakers. Is anybody able to get sound via HDMI?

3. I set 8300 to output only 1080i, seems to really help PQ. The only exception is the local channels that broadcast in 720. I see a lot of PQ issues, not sure correct name, but looks like jaggies, shimmers, etc., especially on scenes with movement. When picture is stationary, it doesnt look too bad. I tried changing 8300 to output both 720p and 1080i, but no improvement. Any ideas on how to improve the 720 PQ?

4. Lastly, I had to output audio using RCA cables, as optical out of 8300 to Denon was obnoxious. The volume level changes between some channels was incredible, it was like 50db louder when tuning to weather channel, and commercials on Comedy Central were way loud. Analog audio to my Denon really helped levels, but of course is not digital. Any experiences with this issue and how to level using Optical out? I know the TV has a volume leveler, but can't get any sound to the TV speakers.

Thanks!!

GeoMetro, I am in Cary NC and I have the 8300HD hooked up to a 55” SONY LCD via component and HDMI. I use the optical output to my Yamaha receiver. I have almost the same problem with the sound as you. When I use component I can get the Dolby Digital to my receiver. However, the sound volume varies tremendously if I go to any of the channels that were previously non digital(They are all digital now). I have a night mode on my receiver that I use now. The night mode will do volume leveling and remove all of the bass. Now this really sucks for audio but I have a two year old and a wife who insist on me keeping the TV at barely audible levels. I guess you have to compromise on some things. If you want analog sound then you can use the rca outputs. There is a setting in the advanced settings menu of the cable box that lets you adjust analog output volume. Make sure that is not zero and not 100%. Does your TV have analog audio inputs with the HDMI input? If it doesn’t then you will not be able to get analog input with HDMI. I have noticed that the HDMI audio is even louder than the loudest optical audio with components. For me HDMI is not an option right now until they update the software so that we can use optical out with HDMI. That is a shame because the picture quality is noticeably better with my Sony and HDMI. As far as the 1080i output goes. I leave my cable box set to output 1080i only. That looks the best with my TV. I do not see any interlaced artifacts with that setting on any of the channels. Check your TV and see if it has a setting for deinterlacing or interlaced input. Maybe your TV is treating the signal as a progressive source.

SA8300HD on Suscom, York PA - Just switched from component to HDMI/DVI. BIG PQ improvement - better black levels w/ the attendent richening of color and way more detail on hi-def material. My Sony HS20 has HDMI and DVI (and component, s-video and composite0, but I choose to use an HDMI-to-DVI cable and perform source video switching on my DVI switch. IMO, HDMI is Not Quite Ready For Primetime yet, at least not for audio. I use the coaxial digital output, which btw, is what everyone should be using over the optical out unless you are in a high RFI environment. Optical connections require a conversion from electrical to "light" and then another one back again at the receiver/pre-pro.

GeoMetro, I am in Cary NC and I have the 8300HD hooked up to a 55” SONY LCD via component and HDMI. I use the optical output to my Yamaha receiver. I have almost the same problem with the sound as you. When I use component I can get the Dolby Digital to my receiver. However, the sound volume varies tremendously if I go to any of the channels that were previously non digital(They are all digital now). I have a night mode on my receiver that I use now. The night mode will do volume leveling and remove all of the bass. Now this really sucks for audio but I have a two year old and a wife who insist on me keeping the TV at barely audible levels. I guess you have to compromise on some things. If you want analog sound then you can use the rca outputs. There is a setting in the advanced settings menu of the cable box that lets you adjust analog output volume. Make sure that is not zero and not 100%. Does your TV have analog audio inputs with the HDMI input? If it doesn’t then you will not be able to get analog input with HDMI. I have noticed that the HDMI audio is even louder than the loudest optical audio with components. For me HDMI is not an option right now until they update the software so that we can use optical out with HDMI. That is a shame because the picture quality is noticeably better with my Sony and HDMI. As far as the 1080i output goes. I leave my cable box set to output 1080i only. That looks the best with my TV. I do not see any interlaced artifacts with that setting on any of the channels. Check your TV and see if it has a setting for deinterlacing or interlaced input. Maybe your TV is treating the signal as a progressive source.

Thanks for reply neighbor! Unfortunately, no night mode on this Denon AVR model. No analog inputs with HDMI on Samsung either. I only see a Recording volume set to 92db on settings. I suspect the interlaced artifacts are from my set scaling to 1080p. However, 1080i stuff looks awesome :)

SA8300HD on Suscom, York PA - Just switched from component to HDMI/DVI. BIG PQ improvement - better black levels w/ the attendent richening of color and way more detail on hi-def material. My Sony HS20 has HDMI and DVI (and component, s-video and composite0, but I choose to use an HDMI-to-DVI cable and perform source video switching on my DVI switch. IMO, HDMI is Not Quite Ready For Primetime yet, at least not for audio. I use the coaxial digital output, which btw, is what everyone should be using over the optical out unless you are in a high RFI environment. Optical connections require a conversion from electrical to "light" and then another one back again at the receiver/pre-pro.
Hey pepar, interesting comment. I always figured Optical would give best audio signal. One thing I am confused on is the cable to use. The 8300 cable out is screw in type coax, while on my AVR, i have RCA stlye coax connector. Is there a cable that both kind of ends?

Thanks!

I made a thread about this, but then I read more of this thread and found I didn't need to make one.. sorry

Ok, I recently got an HD cable box to hook up to my 2405fpw. I live in Orlando, FL and brighthouse is my service provider. The monitor plays xbox and gamecube games great, but it's having problems with the SA 8300HD. I know other people that have both the monitor and the same cable box, and theirs work fine.

When the box is off, there are these big ugly purple scan lines going up the blank screen. And when it's on, I can still see a scan line going up the screen. It doesn't matter if it's playing HD or standard cable stuff.

Also when I hook it up to my Audio Authority HD selection box... the color is completely washed out. And I don't mean by a little bit, I mean a LOT. Like almost everything but the darkest colors are white. =\

I just took one cable box back because of the same thing because I thought "Well other people love this box, so it's got to be something wrong with this one." But it doesn't seem to be the case. I've also tried plugging it in to different outlets thinking it might be some sort of electrical interference. I just don't know what to do.

Any help, please?

Hey pepar, interesting comment. I always figured Optical would give best audio signal. One thing I am confused on is the cable to use. The 8300 cable out is screw in type coax, while on my AVR, i have RCA stlye coax connector. Is there a cable that both kind of ends?

Thanks!

The "screw in type coax" you're referring to is the cable TV (RF) output, not coaxial digital audio. The cable you need, and you DO need one specifically for coaxial audio, will have RCA phono plugs on both ends. Got a manual for the 8300? Either look there, or take a good look at the unit.

The "screw in type coax" you're referring to is the cable TV (RF) output, not coaxial digital audio. The cable you need, and you DO need one specifically for coaxial audio, will have RCA phono plugs on both ends. Got a manual for the 8300? Either look there, or take a good look at the unit.

Doh! I see it now: http://www.timewarnercable.com/columbus/customer/sa8300hddvr.html

Thanks!

Doh! I see it now: http://www.timewarnercable.com/columbus/customer/sa8300hddvr.html

Thanks!

Bingo!

Bottom row, middle connector.

I just tried connecting Coax cable from 8300 out to my 1080P Cable in. I have sound, but, the picture has bars on top/bottom of letterbox image. The 8300 is set to 1080i out, and 16:9, 4:3

The 1080P shows 16:9 - but when I switch from cable to HDMI the picture fills the screen with no bars. Any idea why Cable is not filling screen?

Thanks

Bingo!

Bottom row, middle connector.

So this will output 5.1?

So this will output 5.1?

Yes, the coaxial digital audio will pass it all.

You should be connecting your 8300 to your display with HDMI/DVI or component.

Yes, the coaxial digital audio will pass it all.

You should be connecting your 8300 to your display with HDMI/DVI or component.

Yes, I have HDMI --> HDMI on display.

I assume the coax digital audio still has channel volume level issues same as Optical, right?

Yes, I have HDMI --> HDMI on display.

I assume the coax digital audio still has channel volume level issues same as Optical, right?

Honestly, I've noticed volume level differences between channels, but never considered is an "issue." 'Tis just the way 'tis.

I have an 8300HD hooked up to a Sharp Aquos LCD TV. The Sharp has a DVI port so I bought a Monster Cable DVI-HDMI dongle which does work.

The only problem I have is when powering up the TV and 8300HD I get a message that HDMI not supported and to use the component RGB input.

BUT -- if I hit the 8300HD power key again with the TV already on it recognizes the HDMI cable.

Is this normal behavior? If not is there a way to fix it?

Thanks...

I have an 8300HD hooked up to a Sharp Aquos LCD TV. The Sharp has a DVI port so I bought a Monster Cable DVI-HDMI dongle which does work.

The only problem I have is when powering up the TV and 8300HD I get a message that HDMI not supported and to use the component RGB input.

BUT -- if I hit the 8300HD power key again with the TV already on it recognizes the HDMI cable.

Is this normal behavior? If not is there a way to fix it?

Thanks...

Have you tried powering up the TV first and the 8300HD second? The 8300's seem to be real finicky about the handshake.

I use the coaxial digital output, which btw, is what everyone should be using over the optical out unless you are in a high RFI environment. Optical connections require a conversion from electrical to "light" and then another one back again at the receiver/pre-pro.


Err, why is the coaxial digital connection better than an optical one? Both have to be changed back into an analog signal to be output at the speakers. Either are nothing more than bit streams of '0' and '1'. So both need to be converted in the end. The copper/coaxial I would think would be even worse because of db loss by resistance vs. fiber optic, specially in long runs.

That combined with RF like you stated and maybe grounding.

The only difference or benefit I could see in using coaxial over optical is if your AVR has crappy optical converters vs. the ones used by the coaxial.

Have you tried powering up the TV first and the 8300HD second? The 8300's seem to be real finicky about the handshake.

Thanks.... Is this behavior present even with pure HDMI -- HDMI connections. I was thinking it might be because I am using a DVI -- HDMI connection.

Well, after some experimenting it does seem if the HDTV is turned on first and I wait about 10 seconds before turning on the 8300HD it does recognize it as an HDCP device. That works.

The only (minor) inconvenience is not using the power button to turn on both at the same time. In looking back I think it has to do with the HDCP verification. The manual says the 8300HD does not support HDTV's that don't have HDCP. Mine does but it seems to take the 8300HD a few seconds to figure that out.

I had to have my 8300 replaced this week. The HDMI output failed. I was getting intermittent pink screens and then all snow screens and finally it went to solid 'your monitor isnt HDCP'. New cable didnt resolve. New 8300 did resolve it. Wonder if the 8300 uses the same HDMI tranceiver that the HDTivo used and had so much trouble with.

Err, why is the coaxial digital connection better than an optical one? Both have to be changed back into an analog signal to be output at the speakers. Either are nothing more than bit streams of '0' and '1'. So both need to be converted in the end. The copper/coaxial I would think would be even worse because of db loss by resistance vs. fiber optic, specially in long runs.

That combined with RF like you stated and maybe grounding.

The only difference or benefit I could see in using coaxial over optical is if your AVR has crappy optical converters vs. the ones used by the coaxial.

Sure, the signal is zeros and ones with both coaxial digital and optical digital, and you might think that that's the whole story. But it's not. There's the matter of timing, i.e. just when the zeros and ones are sent. Variation from the precise timing, otherwise known as jitter (http://searchenterprisevoice.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid66_gci213534,00.html) can cloud the subtleties that give the sound depth, width and layers at best and, at worst, introduce distortions. Optical connections require two extra conversions and that increases the chance for the introduction of timing errors.

With regard to cable loss, you refuted your own point; if the zeros and ones arrive, that's all that's necessary. And besides, o you or anyone you know have LONG interconnect length from source to receiver/pre-pro? For the most part, two meters is the max. And if I had a high RF environment, picking up radio signals on my digital audio connections would probably be the least of my problems.

Sooo, generally, optical is not necessary because of cable loss or RF rejection, and it comes down to: Why have two extra converions?

Just my $.02.

Anyone have any news on the Passport update?

Still waiting on a fix for my HDCP handshake issues over HDMI/DVI.

Anyone have any news on the Passport update?

Still waiting on a fix for my HDCP handshake issues over HDMI/DVI.

We are still waiting for the next software rev. since Echo 1.8.110 proved to be unstable and would reboot the box too often for wide release. The good news is once they release this software it should work with your Infocus 4805 because the HDCP handshake now works smoothly on my 7200.

Anyone have any news on the Passport update?

Still waiting on a fix for my HDCP handshake issues over HDMI/DVI.

My cable provider has placed the firmware update PRECISELY in "the 4th qtr." Nyuk, nyuk.

well they better hurry up or I am going to er....eh...wait quietly since there's no competition...

I've been reading this thread for about four weeks and have seen many posts with firmware version mentioned. It's usually 1.8 something or other. I just checked mine tonight and it's Passport Echo 2.2.020. Did I miss posts from others with that version number?

I've been having a handshake annoyance with the 8300HD. Every time I switch to another input and go back to DVI on the Olevia, it tells me the TV doesn't comply with HDCP. I either have to reboot the box, restart both devices, or re-plug the cable to get my picture back.

Does the new firmware fix these kinds of issues or what? When does it come out, btw?

It's usually 1.8 something or other. I just checked mine tonight and it's Passport Echo 2.2.020. Did I miss posts from others with that version number?

Interesting... it looks like you have a later rev of Echo. Pepar, besides the ResApp Version, can you tell us what OS Version (PowerTV) and the ResApp date? I could not find an option in the Diags that tells me when the last firmware upgrade occurred. Does anyone know if there is place in the Diags where I can find this information?

Interesting... it looks like you have a later rev of Echo. Pepar, besides the ResApp Version, can you tell us what OS Version (PowerTV) and the ResApp date? I could not find an option in the Diags that tells me when the last firmware upgrade occurred. Does anyone know if there is place in the Diags where I can find this information?

On the "Versions" page -
ResApp Version: Passport Echo 2.2.020
OS Version: POWERTV 6.8.9.4sp
Driver Version: 1
ResApp Date: March 16, 2005
OS Date: August 11, 2004

There are times - hours|minutes|seconds - behind the App and OS dates; would they be the actual upgrade dates as opposed to the dates the version was released?

On the "Versions" page -
ResApp Version: Passport Echo 2.2.020
OS Version: POWERTV 6.8.9.4sp
Driver Version: 1
ResApp Date: March 16, 2005
OS Date: August 11, 2004

There are times - hours|minutes|seconds - behind the App and OS dates; would they be the actual upgrade dates as opposed to the dates the version was released?


Pepar, all the lines above, except for the ResApp Version, are the same in the Versions page of my 8300HD. You only checked your Echo version recently, so we don't know if your 8300HD had that revison level of Echo when you got it. Correct?

Barry928, do you see any differences besides the ResApp Version in your Versions Page while running Echo 1.8.110? I'm curious if there is a date in the Diags menu associated with the firmware upgrade date. Do you upgrade your 8300HD yourself or are you getting these beta releases pushed to your DVR by TWC? In either case, can you tell if there is a specific date in the Diags Menu that corresponds to the firmware update date?

Thanks...

Since Barry928 was beta-testing 1.8.110, which has problems, so let's assume the current beta version is still in the 1.8.xxx range, it seems that the jump to 2.2.020 is suspicious.

Wait though, pepar, you're not with Time Warner, are you ?? That could certainly explain it.

Pepar, all the lines above, except for the ResApp Version, are the same in the Versions page of my 8300HD. You only checked your Echo version recently, so we don't know if your 8300HD had that revison level of Echo when you got it. Correct?

Barry928, do you see any differences besides the ResApp Version in your Versions Page while running Echo 1.8.110? I'm curious if there is a date in the Diags menu associated with the firmware upgrade date. Do you upgrade your 8300HD yourself or are you getting these beta releases pushed to your DVR by TWC? In either case, can you tell if there is a specific date in the Diags Menu that corresponds to the firmware update date?

Thanks...

I did only check it last night, but then I only picked it up from the local cable mongers about five weeks ago. The upgrades do get pushed to the clients. From my conversation with the tech manager - about an upgrade coming in the "4th qtr", I'm sure the present version was there when I got it.

Since Barry928 was beta-testing 1.8.110, which has problems, so let's assume the current beta version is still in the 1.8.xxx range, it seems that the jump to 2.2.020 is suspicious.

Wait though, pepar, you're not with Time Warner, are you ?? That could certainly explain it.

Hall, good observation...

Still, I think we would like to hear what Barry928 has to say about version dates since he's the only TWC user (that "I" know) who has been testing later revs of Echo.

Since Barry928 was beta-testing 1.8.110, which has problems, so let's assume the current beta version is still in the 1.8.xxx range, it seems that the jump to 2.2.020 is suspicious.

Wait though, pepar, you're not with Time Warner, are you ?? That could certainly explain it.

Right, I'm on Suscom/York, but it shows that there are later versions available. What the differences are, I have no idea. What we need here are some SA tech people who can illuminate this issue.

Hall, good observation...

Still, I think we would like to hear what Barry928 has to say about version dates since he's the only TWC user (that "I" know) who has been testing later revs of Echo.

Evidently, what's "beta" on some cable systems is long gone on others, or never existed to begin with; my cable company only *just* started offering the 8300HD. Before that they had the 3250HD, a hi-def but non-DVR box.

I am on vacation out of state and away from my 8300 until August 30. The Beta updates are pushed to me by engineering. Our cable system was built under the TWC system specs but has since gone private under the name of Brighthouse Networks or BHN. The Orlando BHN system runs Passport but some are SARA.

Right, I'm on Suscom/York, but it shows that there are later versions available. When you've got a "small" cable company, it's easier to keep up with revisions from Pioneer (not SA, by the way). Why ?? You likely only have one headend to deal with. With systems like TW, there may be multiple headends throughout the franchise, if not individual cities. There's a huge compatibility factor to consider there. Sure, my headend might be able to handle v2.2.xxx but people in a neighboring city can't. The last thing TW wants is customers with nine different software levels out there.

When you've got a "small" cable company, it's easier to keep up with revisions from Pioneer (not SA, by the way). Why ?? You likely only have one headend to deal with. With systems like TW, there may be multiple headends throughout the franchise, if not individual cities. There's a huge compatibility factor to consider there. Sure, my headend might be able to handle v2.2.xxx but people in a neighboring city can't. The last thing TW wants is customers with nine different software levels out there.

Not only software, but technology in general; I've had a cable modem in my residence for about six years. At the time of introduction, I was one of only 100,000 cable modem users nationwide.

plan and simple question. I have twc in NYC and have the SA8300 HDDVR.

When using HDMI cable to tv and optical audio cable to receiver, can I get 5.1 surround sound.

Or will 5.1 surround sound only work via component to tv and optical audio cable to receiver.

Is this correct.

I am using component right now becuase I couldnt find how you get 5.1 via HDMI

When using HDMI cable to tv and optical audio cable to receiver, can I get 5.1 surround sound.


No - not unless your TV supports 5.1 and even then I'm not sure if it will work


Or will 5.1 surround sound only work via component to tv and optical audio cable to receiver.

Is this correct.


In order to use optical or coaxial digital audio and get 5.1 you need to use either component or an HDMI/DVI hybrid cable. If you TV has a DVI in (in addition to an HDMI in) use the hybrid cable and you will get great results - video is just as good as HDMI and audio works fine. If you don't have a DVI in you have to use component to get the 5.1 - at least until TWC enables some sort of DD audio option in the menus.

damn TWC, why are they doing this to us.

On an brighter note, I am just as happy using component on my tv.

great HD picture.

damn TWC, why are they doing this to us.

On an brighter note, I am just as happy using component on my tv.

great HD picture.

Actually I would blame Pioneer for not incorporating some of the setup options that SARA software has. Passport is way better than SARA in terms of day to day use but the lack of the Dolby Digital audio option and the sidebar color option are major oversights in my opinion. Component does look really good on this box so don't sweat it - eventually they will release a software update w/ the menu option.

not sweating anything. enjoying component, just would like the option to use both HDMI and component.

The biggest problem with the Passport software, IMO, is the lack of support for external expansion drives, which I need so badly. Has anyone heard if it's even possible for Passport, with modifications, to support expansion drives? Has anyone done this yet??

The biggest problem with the Passport software, IMO, is the lack of support for external expansion drives, which I need so badly. Has anyone heard if it's even possible for Passport, with modifications, to support expansion drives? Has anyone done this yet??

As I've posted here recently, my cable company - I'm not on TWC - tells me there is a firmware update coming "in the 4th qtr" that will activate the SATA port. Have you contacted your cable provider? You may have to get around the CSR and get right to the tech people.

Also, FWIW, my provider is beta testing the multi-room version of the 8300HD.

As I've posted here recently, my cable company - I'm not on TWC - tells me there is a firmware update coming "in the 4th qtr" that will activate the SATA port. Remember, you're way ahead of us TW people already on software version level. At this rate, expect TW to have an updated Passport build that supports SATA in a year or two....

Also, FWIW, my provider is beta testing the multi-room version of the 8300HD.

That FWIW is a big one for me. I'd really like multi-room 8300HD. I assume that means multi-room HD support. Hooray!

That FWIW is a big one for me. I'd really like multi-room 8300HD. I assume that means multi-room HD support. Hooray!
what exactly is "multi-room"??? I currently have 2 8300 boxes, so whatever 'multi-room' means, i think i want it!!

That FWIW is a big one for me. I'd really like multi-room 8300HD. I assume that means multi-room HD support. Hooray!

Yes, but it will be quickly joined by "multi-room systems have a multiplying effect the total storage space for our movies." That's 50 or so hi-def movies - with a 500GB expansion drive attached - per unit times the number of units. With three of the buggers, that's 150 movies. True, that's not like our present DVD libraries which can easily reach 500 - 1000 movies, plus season's of our favorite - sci-fi in my case - TV series, concerts and documentaries, but it's mind-blowing HIGH DEFINITION that makes our present displays absolutely come alive with incredible detail and color. And that is well worth the chore of maintaining a "core group" of gotta have movies.

Based on this, I'll bet that some of us will pay the per month charge for multiple boxes that never even get turned on, but will add another 50 or so movies to our repetoire - ~$10 or so to "lease" 750GB of online storage.

And hopefully then, very quickly, the cable operators will realize that THEY could HOST our additional storage capacity and our costs would go down while their margins got up; a truely win-win situation. The content would stream through our boxes - ANY of our boxes - just as smoothly as it presently does from our drives.

Just my $.02.

Just my $.02.


Now we’re talking! This is very interesting.

And hopefully then, very quickly, the cable operators will realize that THEY could HOST our additional storage capacity and our costs would go down while their margins got up; a truely win-win situation. The content would stream through our boxes - ANY of our boxes - just as smoothly as it presently does from our drives.


Hopefully, they will buffer this stream through our boxes, so it flows more smoothly than video on demand.

-barry

Based on this, I'll bet that some of us will pay the per month charge for multiple boxes that never even get turned on, but will add another 50 or so movies to our repetoire - ~$10 or so to "lease" 750GB of online storage.

Believe it or not, I occassionally want to record more than two shows at a time, so it would be nice to be able to record in the office and playback in the living room.

-barry

what exactly is "multi-room"??? It's a setup that allows your Scientific-Atlanta set-top(s) (note: they do NOT need to be DVR set-tops) to "see" the main DVR in your home and share it's content. It's effectively a LAN within the cable company's WAN. They even have to install a device (effectively a filter) outside of your home to keep other "multi-room" customers from seeing your DVRs.

And yes, it's supposed to allow viewing HD programming on non-HD boxes/TV (down-converted, of course).

Believe it or not, I occassionally want to record more than two shows at a time, so it would be nice to be able to record in the office and playback in the living room.

-barry

You can record two programs right now - and watch a 3rd at the same time - with the 8300HD. If you have two boxes, then you can record 4 at a time.

Hopefully, they will buffer this stream through our boxes, so it flows more smoothly than video on demand.

-barry

Maybe we could keep some stored locally for instantaneous viewing w/o tying up bandwidth, deleting or "returning" them when we want to rotate our stock. The fresh downloads would happen at the cable provider's convenience - probably overnight - in the background. I think podcasting works like that; you subscribe to certain podcasts and they "appear" on your iPod (that has been docked and online) ready for listening.

You can record two programs right now He said "more than two". :) That requires a 2nd box... If you have two boxes, then you can record 4 at a time. And pay an add'l DVR fee each month. With the multi-room capability, you only need a digital set-top box, not a DVR. My TW does not charge for the set-top box with digital service (yeah, yeah, it's built into the total price, I know). I'm paying for an 8300HD and a standard 8000 currently. My package gets me the 8300HD for $4.95/month but I still pay the full DVR fee on the 2nd box, $8.95/month (ouch ! :eek: ).

He said "more than two". :) That requires a 2nd box... And pay an add'l DVR fee each month. With the multi-room capability, you only need a digital set-top box, not a DVR. My TW does not charge for the set-top box with digital service (yeah, yeah, it's built into the total price, I know). I'm paying for an 8300HD and a standard 8000 currently. My package gets me the 8300HD for $4.95/month but I still pay the full DVR fee on the 2nd box, $8.95/month (ouch ! :eek: ).

So, for an extra $4.00 per month, you can lease storage for 50 more hi-def movies, right? If I go MR, I'll make sure I've got a DVR w/external SATA at EACH location to maximize my "networked" storage space.

Even if you're willing to pay for a second 8300HD (which I am), without MR, you still have to decide which shows you want to watch in which room BEFORE you record the show. MR allows you to decide, after the fact, where you want to view the recorded shows.

-barry

pepar and hall, a few things. Sight your sources and im guessing one of yous works for a cable company or Scientific Atlanta, as i do. I think one of you works for Comcast. ;)
Hall, you can not view HD content on non-HD boxes, the software is just not there.
Theres two systems running on this, one with HD DVR and set top boxes and a service with non-HD DVR and set top boxes. You cant mix and match. The 8000/HD series DVR units are not compatible with the MR DVR service, so an upgrade to the 8300/HD MR series is required. As the current DVR units, both 8000 and 8300 are not compatible with MR functionality, they will need to be replaced with MR labled units. The MR is currently being reviewed by certain cable companies at this time. It is designed to use the pre existing wiring in your home so that its simple to use and install. A required firmware upgrade to version 2 or later for all pre existing non-DVR set top boxes is needed for activation of the MR service. As of right now, there has been little talk of the HD system being in place. Only the SD has been spoken of by the company. There is more information at http://www.scientificatlanta.com/Demo/mr_module/mr.htm

Comcast may go with the TiVo system, so i dont know how that may play out with the mulit room stuff.

pepar and hall, a few things. Sight your sources and im guessing one of yous works for a cable company or Scientific Atlanta, as i do. I think one of you works for Comcast. ;)
Hall, you can not view HD content on non-HD boxes, the software is just not there.
Theres two systems running on this, one with HD DVR and set top boxes and a service with non-HD DVR and set top boxes. You cant mix and match. The 8000/HD series DVR units are not compatible with the MR DVR service, so an upgrade to the 8300/HD MR series is required. As the current DVR units, both 8000 and 8300 are not compatible with MR functionality, they will need to be replaced with MR labled units. The MR is currently being reviewed by certain cable companies at this time. It is designed to use the pre existing wiring in your home so that its simple to use and install. A required firmware upgrade to version 2 or later for all pre existing non-DVR set top boxes is needed for activation of the MR service. As of right now, there has been little talk of the HD system being in place. Only the SD has been spoken of by the company. There is more information at http://www.scientificatlanta.com/Demo/mr_module/mr.htm

Comcast may go with the TiVo system, so i dont know how that may play out with the mulit room stuff.


Mike, Mike, Mike! It's good to have you on board here. We need more people who are plugged in and can shed some light on all of this and steer us in the right direction.

I do not work for a cable company or manufacturer, but I have a good technical background. And I ask a lot of questions and do research on the internet. Many times I will even email the manufacturers, who are usually more than eager to reply.

FWIW, I've been told by my cable provider that they are internally testing the multi-room system, and I'm pretty sure they are referring to the hi-def MR system.

Sight your sources and im guessing one of yous works for a cable company or Scientific Atlanta, as i do. Out of respect for my source, I won't say who he is or works for. I feel 100% confident though that his information is accurate (and has been).

Hall, you can not view HD content on non-HD boxes, the software is just not there. That part was told to me by someone other than my normal source. He works or worked for a cable provider. He also was referring to the SARA side and not Passport. I assume he stated that based on they'd want to be able to do this. That said, if it's not possible, and I am NOT replacing my non-HD sets with HD sets, it's a disappointment. Strange thing is though, I can watch an HD program via S-Video out... It is NOT HD when I do that... That's all I'd want if I were to watch something on the non-HD set.

Out of respect for my source, I won't say who he is or works for. I feel 100% confident though that his information is accurate (and has been).

That part was told to me by someone other than my normal source. He works or worked for a cable provider. He also was referring to the SARA side and not Passport. I assume he stated that based on they'd want to be able to do this. That said, if it's not possible, and I am NOT replacing my non-HD sets with HD sets, it's a disappointment. Strange thing is though, I can watch an HD program via S-Video out... It is NOT HD when I do that... That's all I'd want if I were to watch something on the non-HD set.

You could easily stream standard definition MPEG2 files around your house with a network and PCs at your TV locations, but that would certainly be a kludge - and more expensive - compared to the MR system.

question: I have the SA 8300 HD DVR stb and the Sony Kdf-e50a10 (native resolution is 720p). What should I set the output to on the stb box.

I am using the HDMI. Should it be set to:
1. only 720p
2. only 1080i
3. 480p and 720p
4. 480p and 1080i

which one should it be set to. Please help.

I normally have my 8300HD connected via HDMI/DVI to my Samsung DLP. I am having my DLP ISF calibrated tomorrow and wanted to also have the component input calibrated for the 8300 (in addition to the DVI). So I tried hooking up component at the same time as HDMI and the box kind of bugged out. I know the older SA STBs didn't let you hook up DVI or HDMI at the same time as component but I thought the 8300 did. Anyway, the I got the "Your TV doesn't support DVI/HDMI" message.

I tried unhooking the HDMI cable (while component was active on the display - I was seeing the error message on component) and the message wouldn't go away. Tried unhooking the DVI end of the cable from the TV and still nothing. Tried rebooting the 8300 and still the same message. Even unplugging the power briefly didn't work. Finally I fixed the problem by doing the following:

1) Powering off the 8300
2) Completely disconnecting the HDMI/DVI cable on both ends and removing the component cable from the 8300
3) Unplugging the 8300 and waiting a few minutes and also powering down the TV
4) Hooking both ends of the HDMI/DVI cable up, unconnecting and reconnecting the cable-in coax, hooking up the 8300 power cord and powering on (shortly after powering on the TV).

So now HDMI works fine but I really would like to be able to "quickly" switch to component tomorrow to get both inputs calibrated. Any suggestions? Thought that maybe if I totally disconnect the HDMI/DVI cable first b/f even hooking up component that it could work. Wondering if leaving the STB and or TV on matters.

If anyone has a surefire way to do this I'd appreciate it, otherwise I'll just go the trial and error route.

Thanks

I have both HDMI and component connected from my stb to tv and it works fine between the two if I switch them

can you have both hdmi and component plugged into the stb at the same time

I have both HDMI and component connected from my stb to tv and it works fine between the two if I switch them

can you have both hdmi and component plugged into the stb at the same time

So you have both plugged in to the STB and your display at the same time and it works fine?

Maybe I'll try again - it's possible that you need to connect everything w/ both the TV and STB off.

Anyone else able to connect component and HDMI at the same time? Any chance that the HDMI/DVI cable is introducing the problem here? I temporarily moved the 8300 a few weeks back into my bedroom and definitely had it connected via HDMI/HDMI and component at the same time to my Samsung LCD.

question: I have the SA 8300 HD DVR stb and the Sony Kdf-e50a10 (native resolution is 720p). What should I set the output to on the stb box.

I am using the HDMI. Should it be set to:
1. only 720p
2. only 1080i
3. 480p and 720p
4. 480p and 1080i

which one should it be set to. Please help.

I have a Sony HS20 LCD projector (native 1366x768) and a Sony 30XBR910 (hi-def capable, but analog) and both my boxes are set to output 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i. Whatever the source is, that's what goes to the displays. Where the source is hi-def, the box passes it. Where the source is less, my displays handle de-interlacing and/or upscaling. I believe Sony DRC is a better solution for this task than whatever is in the box. Anyway, that's my $.02.

So you have both plugged in to the STB and your display at the same time and it works fine?

Maybe I'll try again - it's possible that you need to connect everything w/ both the TV and STB off.

Anyone else able to connect component and HDMI at the same time? Any chance that the HDMI/DVI cable is introducing the problem here? I temporarily moved the 8300 a few weeks back into my bedroom and definitely had it connected via HDMI/HDMI and component at the same time to my Samsung LCD.

Eric --

I have my 8300HD simultaneously connected with both HDMI and component to my Samsung HL-R5668W and can cycle between the inputs without problems. Sometimes when I turn the TV on with the DVR already on, I do get the error message, but it goes away when I play around with which device prefers to have the other turned on first.

Eric --

I have my 8300HD simultaneously connected with both HDMI and component to my Samsung HL-R5668W and can cycle between the inputs without problems. Sometimes when I turn the TV on with the DVR already on, I do get the error message, but it goes away when I play around with which device prefers to have the other turned on first.

Ok. Will give it a shot. I have a feeling the DVI is messing things up.

it might not be the dvi, maybe the handshake between the two. Mine is setup the same as Manatus. Both HDMI and component connected to the stb so I can filter between the the inputs when need be.

Well after some fiddling, here is what I've discovered - I cannot connect component and HDMI/DVI at the same time. I tried various sequences of powering the STB and TV on; tried unplugging the cables on one or both ends; tried powering off the 8300 and again the only way to reset the box was to totally unhook the HDMI/DVI cable from both ends, unplug the 8300 and let it sit for while.

I'm guessing the handshaking b/t the TV (DVI) and the STB (HDMI) is more complicated than a straight HDMI/HDMI connection.

However, if I power the 8300 off and remove the HDMI end of the cable before connecting the component cables to the 8300, then I can get component working. The key is to make sure HDMI is removed first. Then if I power the box off, unplug the component cables and plug HDMI back in, I don't get HDCP errors and HDMI/DVI works again. So not an ideal solution but it only takes a few seconds to make the switch.

Just as an FYI, the error messages I was seeing when I had both component and HDMI/DVI connected at the same time were:

When the display was on DVI - "Not Supported Mode" would continuously flash on the screen

When the display was on Component - the 8300 was sending a "Your HDTV does not support HDCP, please use the component connections" message.

it might not be the dvi, maybe the handshake between the two. Mine is setup the same as Manatus. Both HDMI and component connected to the stb so I can filter between the the inputs when need be.

But I've never had any handshake problems whatsoever. I've never had an issue where the STB is on before the TV or vice versa and I get HDCP errors. This is the first time I've encountered them. I do agree that the it must be a handshaking complication that DVI to HDMI adds vs. HDMI to HDMI.

But I've never had any handshake problems whatsoever. I've never had an issue where the STB is on before the TV or vice versa and I get HDCP errors. This is the first time I've encountered them. I do agree that the it must be a handshaking complication that DVI to HDMI adds vs. HDMI to HDMI.
I'm using an HDMI-DVI cable to a DVI switch and then on to my projector. (Coaxial digital for audio.) I need to have the projector and switch on before I power up the 8300HD. And even then, sometimes, I get the "doesn't support HDCP, use the component out" message and need to hit the 8300HD's power button; the unit does't power down, but it seems to retry the handshake. It is always successful on the second try. My upscaling Denon 3910 never even hiccups over the handshake, regardless of the power up sequence.

I'm using an HDMI-DVI cable to a DVI switch and then on to my projector. (Coaxial digital for audio.) I need to have the projector and switch on before I power up the 8300HD. And even then, sometimes, I get the "doesn't support HDCP, use the component out" message and need to hit the 8300HD's power button; the unit does't power down, but it seems to retry the handshake. It is always successful on the second try. My upscaling Denon 3910 never even hiccups over the handshake, regardless of the power up sequence.

But you can't hook component up at the same time as DVI can you?

Also, as I mentioned above, I've never once had a handshake issue until I hooked HDMI/DVI and component up at at the same time. I think the need to power on the display first (which I definitely don't have to do; in fact I never power off the 8300) is really dependent on how sensitive your display is.

Fortunately I don't plan to have HDMI and component hooked up at the same time but since I'm paying $400 to have my display calibrated, may as well have all of the inputs done.

Received v 1.8.111 dated July 29, 2005 pushed overnight by TWC. I now have the Digital Audio Menu with choices for 2 channel, DD and HDMI.

I have a setup with HDMI to TV and Component to TV, with optical out to my receiver. I chose "HDMI" and was expecting that HDMI would carry both sound and video to TV and that when I turn on the Receiver I'd get DD, too.

Nope. Instead I get sound from the TV and only 2 channel from the Receiver. If I change STB to DD, I get no sound from TV and DD from Receiver. The latter is identical to the Component setup (before the firmware arrived).

I was hoping the update would allow for DD via HDMI to TV and DD to Receiver. I'll try routing the audio from the TV to the Receiver with HDMI activated, but I'm not optimistic that DD will come out when I do this.

But you can't hook component up at the same time as DVI can you?

Also, as I mentioned above, I've never once had a handshake issue until I hooked HDMI/DVI and component up at at the same time. I think the need to power on the display first (which I definitely don't have to do; in fact I never power off the 8300) is really dependent on how sensitive your display is.

Fortunately I don't plan to have HDMI and component hooked up at the same time but since I'm paying $400 to have my display calibrated, may as well have all of the inputs done.

Actually, when I connected the HDMI/DVI I did not disconnect the component connection. I haven't used it, but it's still there. I should probably remove it.

Why would one want both digital and analog video connections?

Received v 1.8.111 dated July 29, 2005 pushed overnight by TWC. I now have the Digital Audio Menu with choices for 2 channel, DD and HDMI.

I have a setup with HDMI to TV and Component to TV, with optical out to my receiver. I chose "HDMI" and was expecting that HDMI would carry both sound and video to TV and that when I turn on the Receiver I'd get DD, too.

Nope. Instead I get sound from the TV and only 2 channel from the Receiver. If I change STB to DD, I get no sound from TV and DD from Receiver. The latter is identical to the Component setup (before the firmware arrived).

I was hoping the update would allow for DD via HDMI to TV and DD to Receiver. I'll try routing the audio from the TV to the Receiver with HDMI activated, but I'm not optimistic that DD will come out when I do this.

Is the goal here to be able to just use the TV speakers instead of always firing up a surround system?

Received v 1.8.111 dated July 29, 2005 pushed overnight by TWC. I now have the Digital Audio Menu with choices for 2 channel, DD and HDMI.

I have a setup with HDMI to TV and Component to TV, with optical out to my receiver. I chose "HDMI" and was expecting that HDMI would carry both sound and video to TV and that when I turn on the Receiver I'd get DD, too.

Nope. Instead I get sound from the TV and only 2 channel from the Receiver. If I change STB to DD, I get no sound from TV and DD from Receiver. The latter is identical to the Component setup (before the firmware arrived).

I was hoping the update would allow for DD via HDMI to TV and DD to Receiver. I'll try routing the audio from the TV to the Receiver with HDMI activated, but I'm not optimistic that DD will come out when I do this.

IamtheWolf, You made my day! I have been waiting for the audio menu for months! Do you have a one of the newer 8300’s? I have one from the first week they came out last year so I am afraid that they won’t push the menu to mine. I will have to check when I get home. As far as how the audio works I don’t think you will ever achieve what you are trying to do with the HDMI 1.0 spec. What TV do you have again? I have a Sony 55” WF series LCD. My understanding is that the optical output from the TV will carry DD from the built-in ATSC and Cable Card Tuner however I don’t think that the version of HDMI that is on my TV and most others will carry full DD. From what I have heard it will only carry 2 channel audio right now. Basically HDMI has been all hyped up over DVI for nothing. It can offer a slightly better picture than component but carrying the sound to the TV is pointless. Your TV speakers should not be anywhere near as good as your stereo speakers so why would you want to go to the TV anyway. You are just putting extra stops in the path Why not just set it to optical output and use the receiver?

Received v 1.8.111 dated July 29, 2005 pushed overnight by TWC. I now have the Digital Audio Menu with choices for 2 channel, DD and HDMI.

I have a setup with HDMI to TV and Component to TV, with optical out to my receiver. I chose "HDMI" and was expecting that HDMI would carry both sound and video to TV and that when I turn on the Receiver I'd get DD, too.

Nope. Instead I get sound from the TV and only 2 channel from the Receiver. If I change STB to DD, I get no sound from TV and DD from Receiver. The latter is identical to the Component setup (before the firmware arrived).

I was hoping the update would allow for DD via HDMI to TV and DD to Receiver. I'll try routing the audio from the TV to the Receiver with HDMI activated, but I'm not optimistic that DD will come out when I do this.

Hello Everyone,

This is my first post to this forum.

I live in TWC land in Canton, Oh. Two weeks ago I bought my first HDTV, Panasonic 50" Plasma TH-50PX50U. I have an outdoor amplified antenna with rotor (installed 12 years ago). The antenna picks up all Cleveland and Akron HD signals (3.1,3.2,5.1,8.1,21.1,21.2,33.1,43.1,43.2 & 50) except WVIZ HD 25.1 channel 26 (I beleive they are on low power, soon to go full power) and WOIO HD CBS on channel 10 which would be 19.1. I believe the antenna amp has a problem with channel 10. Further trouble shooting is required to find the problem.

Last night the TWC cable guy installed the 8300HD DVR with Passport software version 1.8.111.

The 8300HD is connected via Component & RF cable to the Panny & works great. I want to connect an HDMI and optical audio cable tonight. So here are my questions:

1. HDMI from 8300HD to Panny should work (audio and video)? The speakers in the Panny are OFF and audio is via surround sound receiver which is stero currently. This configuration would give me a better picture and stero audio.

2. To get 5.1 audio to receiver, connect optical cable from HDTV to receiver or 8300HD to receiver?

3. Where do I configure the audio on the 8300HD?

As a side note, I figured out how to determine how much HD recording time is left on the 8300HD. Go to the 611 screen, go all the way to the bottom screens and see how much HD space is FREE. Then divide that by the 60 minute recording size. For example my 8300HD has 133.7GB FREE (Maxtor drive is only 150GB with approximately 17GB used for OS and schedule) and the HD recording size is 8.4GB for 60 minutes (the 8300SD version used 2.6GB). So I have approximately 16 hours of HD availabe on the 8300HD.

Last question:

4. From reading the posts I believe the SATA connection is not active on the 8300HD with the Passport software version 1.8.111 yet? Will TWC of Canton, OH have this function working in Q4 2005?

I have done my homework on a 300GB SATA box.
Listed below are all of the hardware items necessary to build the external SATA drive. Total price for 300GB drive is $208 plus shipping.


Western Digital Caviar SE WD3000JD 300GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM - $151

SanMax HD-338-SS 3.5" Aluminum Slimline External SATA Case for SATA HD - $32

SATA I to SATA II cable - $25

PS - I am a new guy and must submit 5 posts before I can include any URL's to the above sites for reference. If anyone wants to know post/e-mail me and I will send you the web sites to purchase the above equipment.

Thanks for you help.

Hello Everyone,

This is my first post to this forum.

Welcome!

2. To get 5.1 audio to receiver, connect optical cable from HDTV to receiver or 8300 to receiver?

I'd choose the coaxial digital output over the optical one.

I have done my homework on a 300GB SATA box.
Listed below are all of the hardware items necessary to build the external SATA drive. Total price for 300GB drive is $208 plus shipping.


Western Digital Caviar SE WD3000JD 300GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM - $151

SanMax HD-338-SS 3.5" Aluminum Slimline External SATA Case for SATA HD - $32

SATA I to SATA II cable - $25

Why not hold out for the upcoming Seagate external SATA II drive (http://www.seagate.com/cda/newsinfo/newsroom/releases/article/0,,2733,00.html)?

Last night the TWC cable guy installed the 8300HD with Passport software version 1.8.111. Hmmm, NEO TW has the newer version too ?? I'll bet my box has been updated to that version too then.... I'm in Western Ohio (WOH).

As a side note, I figured out how to determine how much HD recording time is left on the 8300. Go to the 611 screen, go all the way to the bottom screens and see how much HD space is FREE. Then divide that by the 60 minute recording size. For example my 8300 has 133.7MB FREE and the HD recording size is 8.4MB for 60 minutes. So I have approximately 16 hours of HD availabe on the 8300. That's a rough way to do it but it's all there is.... I would hope that most HD is much higher than 8.46mb/s bitrate though. Discovery HD Theatre is up on the 15+ range. The analog channels take up a disproportionate amount too.

You'll know when you're running low because the unit will add an icon to older programs warning that it's going to be deleted in "x" days. That's a guess on the DVR's part, I believe, based on scheduled, i.e. upcoming, recordings. I mean, if I record NOTHING for 5 days, I wouldn't expect that program to be auto-deleted.

4. From reading the posts I believe the SATA connection is not active on the 8300 with the Passport software version 1.8.111 yet? Will TWC of Canton, OH have this function working in Q4 2005? Q4 of this year ? Fat chance.... I've NEVER heard or read any committment to when that will happen with Passport. Pepar has much newer software than us TW customers and it's not enabled in it either.

Why not hold out for the upcoming Seagate external SATA II drive

The Western Digital 300GB internal SATA drive is only $150. A 500GB internal SATA drive is $350. I have not seen prices yet for the external Seagate 500GB SATA.

So the question you have to ask yourself is 200GB more storage worth $200?

With the internal 150GB drive in the 8300HD DVR I get approximately 16 hours of HD recording. Adding the external 300GB SATA drive you gain another 32 hours of HD recording for a total of approximately 48 hours of HD recording.

I believe the total SD recording time for the above configuration would be 150 hours. If you mix and match SD & HD the equation is not a simple solution. :)

Now all we need to have is TWC update the software to support the SATA drive ;)

As a side note, I figured out how to determine how much HD recording time is left on the 8300. Go to the 611 screen, go all the way to the bottom screens and see how much HD space is FREE. Then divide that by the 60 minute recording size. For example my 8300 has 133.7MB FREE and the HD recording size is 8.4MB for 60 minutes. So I have approximately 16 hours of HD availabe on the 8300.


I think you are confusing MegaBytes with GigaBytes. Your 8300DVR has a 160 GIG capacity and I guess you were trying to say that 60 minutes of HD takes up about 8.4 Gigabytes. That sounds about right to me.

I think you are confusing MegaBytes with GigaBytes. Your 8300DVR has a 160 GIG capacity and I guess you were trying to say that 60 minutes of HD takes up about 8.4 Gigabytes. That sounds about right to me.

THANKS for pointing out my typo which I have corrected :)

Just incase anyone is interested. My SA8300HD DVR got a software upgrade lastnight. There's a new Audio Digital Out option in the setup. I'm on TWC just 40 miles South of Fayetteville NC (part of Raleigh/Durham/Fayetteville devision). Info below.

[NEW on 8-25-05]
Versions:
ResApp Version: PASSPORT Echo 1.8.111
OS Version: PowerTV 6.14.43.3sp
Driver Version: 1
ResApp Date: June 29 2005
OS Date: July 6 2004
PowerKey: PKEY_3.8.4.1-p +dvrs3
PowerKey Date: June 22 2004

[NEW on 6-28-05]
Versions:
ResApp Version: PASSPORT Echo 1.8.098
OS Version: PowerTV 6.8.9.4sp
Driver Version: 1
ResApp Date: Jan 25 2005
OS Date: Aug 11 2004
PowerKey: PKEY_3.7.5.110-p +dvrs3
PowerKey Date: Oct 20 2004

[OLD Came on Box]
Versions:
ResApp Version: PASSPORT Echo 1.8.095
OS Version: PowerTV 6.8.9.4sp
Driver Version: 1
ResApp Date: Dec 14 2004
OS Date: Aug 11 2004
PowerKey: PKEY_3.7.5.110-p +dvrs3
PowerKey Date: Oct 20 2004

two questions:

1) how can you tell what passport version you are using on the stb. I currently have the 8300HD DVR.

2) I live in NYC, does anyone know who lives in NYC or has heard anything if we got the firmware upgrade yet or if we are getting it soon. I mean to get DD while using HDMI because before we couldnt. Only could get DD thru component. Please respond.

2) I live in NYC, does anyone know who lives in NYC or has heard anything if we got the firmware upgrade yet or if we are getting it soon. I mean to get DD while using HDMI because before we couldnt. Only could get DD thru component. Please respond.

There is no way to know when or whether TWCNYC will ever upgrade its 8300HDs to fix the DD5.1 bug --assuming that Pioneer ever issues a bug-fix. TWCNYC's official line is that it "doesn't support HDMI," and I would be astounded if anyone at the cableco is working this issue.

Is the goal here to be able to just use the TV speakers instead of always firing up a surround system?
Yes, but without having to switch to another video input on my TV. I just want to turn on the Receiver and then lower the TV's volume. Trying to make it user friendly for the others in the house.

mpgxsvcd asked: What TV do you have again? ...so why would you want to go to the TV anyway.

55XS955. See above post.

mpgxsvcd asked: What TV do you have again? ...so why would you want to go to the TV anyway.

55XS955. See above post.

Perhaps we just don't grasp why one would want to use TV speakers when we have full-blown surround systems. Yes, I read what you say about lowering the volume, but wouldn't your main system accomplish that with a fuller, more evenly distributed and easier to hear sound? The "making it simple" part is understandable, though.

two questions:

1) how can you tell what passport version you are using on the stb. I currently have the 8300HD DVR.

2) I live in NYC, does anyone know who lives in NYC or has heard anything if we got the firmware upgrade yet or if we are getting it soon. I mean to get DD while using HDMI because before we couldnt. Only could get DD thru component. Please respond.

Again, it's my time to seek enlightenment; why is it some are so eager to use HDMI for sound? To have only one cable? That it's still problem-ridded doesn't seem to have dissuaded anybody. Honestly, I think it's Not Quite Ready For Primetime yet.

If I've somehow missed the point, please splain it to me. :)

two questions:

1) how can you tell what passport version you are using on the stb. I currently have the 8300HD DVR.

Different cable systems do it different ways. On my TWC system pressing ch.999 takes you to the Diagnostic screen. From there I scroll down to the Version page. Not the same as going into Diagnostic mode though.

I dont want to only use HDMI just for sound. Right now I have optical audio cable running from stb to receiver.

If I use component cable from stb to tv and optical audio cable from stb to receiver, I can get 5.1 coming from the receiver. But if I use HDMi and optical audio cable from stb to receiver, I cant get 5.1

I read on this website that TWC now was offering 5.1 via the HDMI and optical audio cable. This is what I am using now, but not getting the 5.1. It was a new firmware upgrade. Just wondering when the people in NYC will be getting this.

Perhaps we just don't grasp why one would want to use TV speakers when we have full-blown surround systems. Yes, I read what you say about lowering the volume, but wouldn't your main system accomplish that with a fuller, more evenly distributed and easier to hear sound? The "making it simple" part is understandable, though.

I'm with you. From your posts its apparent you have a technical background, so here is my situation in a nutshell:

Its like being the System Administrator for the other users. I prefer simplicity for them vs the help desk calls.

I dont want to only use HDMI just for sound. Right now I have optical audio cable running from stb to receiver.

If I use component cable from stb to tv and optical audio cable from stb to receiver, I can get 5.1 coming from the receiver. But if I use HDMi and optical audio cable from stb to receiver, I cant get 5.1

I read on this website that TWC now was offering 5.1 via the HDMI and optical audio cable. This is what I am using now, but not getting the 5.1. It was a new firmware upgrade. Just wondering when the people in NYC will be getting this.

The answer is: TWCNY will install the firmware upgrade when they have decided that it has been sufficiently tested for their environment. As was previously said, they will most likely not tell us when that will be. In fact, they will most likely not tell us even after they have done it. The best way to find out that it has been done is to keep reading the NY-TWC thread.

An update on my DVI / component saga. Turns out that if component is connected first and then you connect HDMI/DVI, both outputs will work at the same time. Just need to make sure you don't fiddle w/ the component cables while HDMI is connected.

Still have 1.8.103 here in TW-WOH (Western Ohio) territory on my 8300HD...

I have 1.8.111 here in Cary, NC on my 8300HD with TW as my operator.
Do we know what version is the holy grail (for external recording).
I'm going to go ahead and order my cable and keep trying 'till I hit pay dirt.

Again, it's my time to seek enlightenment; why is it some are so eager to use HDMI for sound? To have only one cable? That it's still problem-ridded doesn't seem to have dissuaded anybody. Honestly, I think it's Not Quite Ready For Primetime yet.

If I've somehow missed the point, please splain it to me. :)


Don't see why this would be too hard to see:

1) Non-technical members of house or visitors just want to turn the TV on and have it work. Did you ever see the face of someone not techical that just wants to listen to the TV and you tell them anything than to push the on button? Babysitters are definitely in this category.

2) It is late at night and everyone else in the house is asleep, but you want to hear Leno's monologue. The Surround system is too loud, especially the ".1" part of the system :) Barely audible through the TV's speakers that adequately put out the frequency of the male human voice is great. No booming subwoofer, no extra noise from the surround speakers.

3) If I come home from work, and want to listen to the news, I really don't find it any more enjoyable through the sound system.

Luckily I have had the sound menu on my 8300HD since I got it.

Don't see why this would be too hard to see:

1) Non-technical members of house or visitors just want to turn the TV on and have it work. Did you ever see the face of someone not techical that just wants to listen to the TV and you tell them anything than to push the on button? Babysitters are definitely in this category.

2) It is late at night and everyone else in the house is asleep, but you want to hear Leno's monologue. The Surround system is too loud, especially the ".1" part of the system :) Barely audible through the TV's speakers that adequately put out the frequency of the male human voice is great. No booming subwoofer, no extra noise from the surround speakers.

3) If I come home from work, and want to listen to the news, I really don't find it any more enjoyable through the sound system.

Luckily I have had the sound menu on my 8300HD since I got it.

I think you replied to my other post, but that's OK as I get your point.

Don't see why this would be too hard to see:

1) Non-technical members of house or visitors just want to turn the TV on and have it work. Did you ever see the face of someone not techical that just wants to listen to the TV and you tell them anything than to push the on button? Babysitters are definitely in this category.

2) It is late at night and everyone else in the house is asleep, but you want to hear Leno's monologue. The Surround system is too loud, especially the ".1" part of the system :) Barely audible through the TV's speakers that adequately put out the frequency of the male human voice is great. No booming subwoofer, no extra noise from the surround speakers.

3) If I come home from work, and want to listen to the news, I really don't find it any more enjoyable through the sound system.

Luckily I have had the sound menu on my 8300HD since I got it.

Your Best bet is to get a receiver that has a night mode. That is what you are looking to do. My Yamaha receiver will level out all of the sound across all of the speakers and remove all of the bass in Night mode. I think it also boosts the center channel slightly. With one button click I can turn it back to regular mode and the full surround sound will come alive. I bought the receiver specifically for this feature. Works perfectly for me. You might find that using the TV speakers just complicates things. Now you have to have the remote control volume buttons control two different devices(TV and receiver). Just get a good universal remote and program it so that all component buttons control just the receiver sound. Then program a macro button so that it turns all of the devices on and off in sequence. Along with the night mode, that works best for me.

Your Best bet is to get a receiver that has a night mode. That is what you are looking to do. My Yamaha receiver will level out all of the sound across all of the speakers and remove all of the bass in Night mode. I think it also boosts the center channel slightly. With one button click I can turn it back to regular mode and the full surround sound will come alive. I bought the receiver specifically for this feature. Works perfectly for me. You might find that using the TV speakers just complicates things. Now you have to have the remote control volume buttons control two different devices(TV and receiver). Just get a good universal remote and program it so that all component buttons control just the receiver sound. Then program a macro button so that it turns all of the devices on and off in sequence. Along with the night mode, that works best for me.

I was going to mention that, but thought I was wearing the subject a bit too thin. But it is the ultimate solution for late night viewing. Doesn't address the non-techie issue though.

My 8300HD rebooted spontaneously yesterday (or maybe the day before) and it didn't even occur to me that maybe that was the new firmware. I'll check tonight, but it does sound like us Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area folks (and Fayetteville too) got the new firmware.
My 8300HD was SO well behaved for the first few months, then TWC converted those low series channels to digital and for a few weeks I had massive glitches and it rebooted fairly often. Glitches seem to have disappeared and smoothed out, I am hoping that this new update further stabilizes performance. I am also hoping (as I know many others are) that they will add support for an external hard drive. I'd buy one immediately. Here's to hoping that they do this sooner rather than later.

I was going to mention that, but thought I was wearing the subject a bit too thin. But it is the ultimate solution for late night viewing. Doesn't address the non-techie issue though.

Night mode doesn't help the non-techies. However, a good macro programmable remote can!

Night mode doesn't help the non-techies. However, a good macro programmable remote can!

Another good point, mpgxsvcd. A new receiver with night mode and now a programmable remote - let's keep the economy moving forward. Otherwise, the terrorists win.

"Honey, it's my patriotic duty to buy this new receiver."

"Honey, it's my patriotic duty to buy this new receiver."

Ok, I tried this approach. Anyone got a spare couch, else I am sleeping in the yard tonight :D

Believe me, I tried the programmable remote - I am the only one that will use it.

2 channel audio thorugh the TV speakers must stay - by a vote of 3 to 1.
Good thing my 8300HD allows me to switch to 5.1 audio programmed into a single button on my remote.

Now I just hope I survive the mosquitos and the coyotes.

I had to have my 8300 replaced this week. The HDMI output failed. I was getting intermittent pink screens and then all snow screens and finally it went to solid 'your monitor isnt HDCP'. New cable didnt resolve. New 8300 did resolve it. Wonder if the 8300 uses the same HDMI tranceiver that the HDTivo used and had so much trouble with.


Well... 9 days later and Im back to the same problem... Two units with the exact same failure? Has anybody heard of anything similar to this? Component outputs are fine. Attaching HDMI-DVI to monitor results in either pink screens and flashing followed by HDCP message. Denon 3910 works perfectly thru the DVI port.

You can record two programs right now - and watch a 3rd at the same time - with the 8300HD. If you have two boxes, then you can record 4 at a time.

Actually that's not true. If you are recording two separate programs, and want to watch TV, you have to watch one of the programs being recorded. There are only two tuners on the 8300HD, not three.

Actually that's not true. If you are recording two separate programs, and want to watch TV, you have to watch one of the programs being recorded. There are only two tuners on the 8300HD, not three.

Technically yes you can. You can record 2 seperate programs while watching an already recorded program (3rd).

"Record two live programs while watching a third program you recorded earlier"

True and true mreg and Darryl L. I misspoke though, as I read it quickly and thought it had three tuners.

The Copy Protection Policy page of my DIAG says:

1394 port: enable 1394 port always

I've not seen where anyone is using the Firewire ports, but then I may be the only one here with Passport v2.2.020. So, I am going to experiment. I've ordered an external Firewire drive that should be here the end of the week, or early next week, which I am going to connect and see what happens. No big deal if it doesn't work as the drive will be - ultimately - for my laptop and DV work. If it does work, I'll be picking up two 500GB Firewire drives. Wouldn't that be sweet!!!

If someone has some insight into this, I'd love to be enlightened; what can that DIAG info mean if it doesn't mean the 1394 ports are activated?

EDIT: Shucks, I answered my own question: the manual says it's for "display devices equipped with a 1394 input."

The Copy Protection Policy page of my DIAG says:

1394 port: enable 1394 port always

I've not seen where anyone is using the Firewire ports, but then I may be the only one here with Passport v2.2.020. So, I am going to experiment. I've ordered an external Firewire drive that should be here the end of the week, or early next week, which I am going to connect and see what happens. No big deal if it doesn't work as the drive will be - ultimately - for my laptop and DV work. If it does work, I'll be picking up two 500GB Firewire drives. Wouldn't that be sweet!!!

If someone has some insight into this, I'd love to be enlightened; what can that DIAG info mean if it doesn't mean the 1394 ports are activated?

EDIT: Shucks, I answered my own question: the manual says it's for "display devices equipped with a 1394 input."

It must be your Passport version because we just lastweek got updated to ResApp Version: PASSPORT Echo 1.8.111 and in the Diagnostic screens IEEE-1394 page my box says IEEE-1394 not supported.

The Copy Protection Policy page of my DIAG says:

1394 port: enable 1394 port always

I've not seen where anyone is using the Firewire ports, but then I may be the only one here with Passport v2.2.020. So, I am going to experiment. I've ordered an external Firewire drive that should be here the end of the week, or early next week, which I am going to connect and see what happens. No big deal if it doesn't work as the drive will be - ultimately - for my laptop and DV work. If it does work, I'll be picking up two 500GB Firewire drives. Wouldn't that be sweet!!!

If someone has some insight into this, I'd love to be enlightened; what can that DIAG info mean if it doesn't mean the 1394 ports are activated?

EDIT: Shucks, I answered my own question: the manual says it's for "display devices equipped with a 1394 input."

Interesting point: When Firewire is enabled, how will the 8300 software let you use it:

1) Interface to Display (like Pepar's edit).
2) Mechanism to archive programs to external device. There are lots of copy protection issues to be resolved.
3) External expansion of hard drive (like Pepar hoped at first).

Interesting point: When Firewire is enabled, how will the 8300 software let you use it:

1) Interface to Display (like Pepar's edit).
2) Mechanism to archive programs to external device. There are lots of copy protection issues to be resolved.
3) External expansion of hard drive (like Pepar hoped at first).

:D I'm an optimist, davehancock, so I *still* hope it works.

I've got the darn drive on order from Newegg and am going to try it anyway. What's the worst that can happen? Blow up the 8300HD. :eek:

My understanding, though, of Firewire devices is that they have some sort of self-awareness of what they are and how they interact with other Firewire devices. I'm betting the worst is that it simply won't work and the drive will go on it's way to holding DV for my laptop and the 8300HD will merrily continue to be an HD-DVR.

Another part of my thinking is that there's the presence of TWO Firewire ports; what's up with TWO? I can't think of ANY displays with a Firewire video input, much less why there'd be two ports to connect a "Firewire display."

It's just gotta be for external storage . . .

I will post my results, even if I blow up the 8300HD . . .

An interesting footnote: A lot of SA8300HDs out there don't even have the physical Firewire jacks. I don't know if all Passport based boxes have them. I do know that a lot of SARA boxes don't (but then the SATA ports on most SARA boxes do work!)

Prior to July 1st, cable providers didn't HAVE to provide their boxes with Firewire (IEEE 1394) ports. Because of that, SA had different configurations available for providers to purchase (one of the PDF datasheets at SA's site details these). The FCC did have a requirement of cable providers that they had to supply a firewire-equipped box to a customer if the customer requested/demanded one. In those cases, my local TW was supplying the Pioneer 3250HD. No, that's not a DVR, but it meets the FCC's requirement.

After July 1st, the FCC requires ALL set-top boxes to have firewire ports.

(July 1st or August 1st, I'm not positive, nor is it relevant today as we're past both dates)

My understanding, though, of Firewire devices is that they have some sort of self-awareness of what they are and how they interact with other Firewire devices.

Another part of my thinking is that there's the presence of TWO Firewire ports; what's up with TWO? I can't think of ANY displays with a Firewire video input, much less why there'd be two ports to connect a "Firewire display."

It's just gotta be for external storage . . . D-VHS tape decks will frequently have a Firewire input connection. These devices are also copy-protection aware.

Prior to July 1st, cable providers didn't HAVE to provide their boxes with Firewire (IEEE 1394) ports. Because of that, SA had different configurations available for providers to purchase (one of the PDF datasheets at SA's site details these). The FCC did have a requirement of cable providers that they had to supply a firewire-equipped box to a customer if the customer requested/demanded one. In those cases, my local TW was supplying the Pioneer 3250HD. No, that's not a DVR, but it meets the FCC's requirement.

After July 1st, the FCC requires ALL set-top boxes to have firewire ports.

(July 1st or August 1st, I'm not positive, nor is it relevant today as we're past both dates)

Does the FCC say what those mandated IEEE 1394 ports are supposed to do? With your follow-up mention of D-VHS it sounds like the ports are for D-VHS decks. This just gets more and more interesting. Yes, there is D-Theater encryption, but to the best of my knowledge, the decks only decrypt D-Theater encoded movies, and apply no encryption to what they record. I could be wrong about that last part though. Anybody else know anything about this?

External Firewire hard drives have no encryption or decryption; they would record whatever bitstream they were fed. This would rely on the 8300HD to handle encryption/decryption, just like it does for SATA.

Curiouser and curiouser.

I know literally NOTHING about D-VHS decks but it's my understanding that they honor "copy-once", "copy-never", "copy-freely", and so on settings that are passed to it. Then again, I could be completely wrong about this.

I really doubt that the FCC gets into what the ports are used for. I'm sure the main goal at the time was for D-VHS decks though, not external HDDs.

I know literally NOTHING about D-VHS decks but it's my understanding that they honor "copy-once", "copy-never", "copy-freely", and so on settings that are passed to it. Then again, I could be completely wrong about this.

I really doubt that the FCC gets into what the ports are used for. I'm sure the main goal at the time was for D-VHS decks though, not external HDDs.

Those are what the broadcast flag is used for - to signal to external "recorders" (I think D-VHS are the only compatible units) what the recorder is allowed to do. But that's OTA and I don't think it's present in cable delivered signals, at least not the ones that were never "broadcast" in the first place. And the law never went into effect as the court ruled the FCC overstepped it's authority in mandating a hardware spec.

Guess I'll know later in the week or first thing next week whether the IEEE 1394 works on external drives. And then we can stop speculating about it. And speculate about something else. :)

Guess I'll know later in the week or first thing next week whether the IEEE 1394 works on external drives. And then we can stop speculating about it. Don't worry, you'll be run out of this thread if you get it working. Why ?? 'cause no one with TW will be able to do the same.

You should start your own "Podunk Cable Co and SA8300HD questions" thread. Then again, it will be really lonely with just you and yourself posting in it. :D

After July 1st, the FCC requires ALL set-top boxes to have firewire ports.

I'm pretty sure that the reg is that any boxes that the cable companies BUY after July 1st must have a firewire port. This means that all their old inventory is still legit even without the port.

-barry

I had been patiently waiting since last December for SA/TW to enable the DVI port on my SA8000HD but became restless after finding this on the SA web site:

Q: When will the DVI port on my Explorer 8000HD be activated?

A: The software which activates the DVI port with HDCP is complete and has been made available to cable operators. Please contact your cable operator for availability in your area.

Could it be that the DVI port was already enabled and I wasn't aware of it? I wanted to find out before buying an expensive cable so it was time to do some research which led me to this thread. Last week I spent many hours reading each and every post (yes all 55 pages). It has been a real goldmine! Thanks to all who have posted thus far.

After figuring out how to access the diagnostic info I was able to conclude that, no, TW Milwaukee had not upgraded the firmware to enable DVI. :( However, a few posters from my area indicated that the 8300 was now available! :) I was delighted to hear that, especially since I was told early on that TW had no plans to deploy that model. I was aware of it from the SA web site and had asked about it when I had some glitchy troubles with my original 8000. Gee, it sure would have been nice if someone would have mentioned the 8300 now being available during one of those phone calls that I made inquiring about the 8000 DVI port. GRRRR!

So after reading this thread I'm all psyched that I can get the 8300, the HDMI port can be adapted to drive the DVI port on my projector and the picture will be at least a slight improvement to boot! On Friday morning I made a few calls and found out I could take in my 8000 and exchange it over the counter for the 8300 at my local payment center! I was there in minutes. I hooked it up, called in to have my subscription tier enabled and did a quick check. I only had time before going to work to view the S-video output on a standard def RPTV. The picture looked very bright and the colors were a little hot but it seemed to function ok. Now the bad news: After coming home from work I was anxious to check out the HD signal on the component outputs with the projector...Oh My God! It looked horrible, very bright and overblown contrast. Blooming obliterated any detail at all. It had less detail than the standard def output. Color was also jacked up and very cartoonish looking (reds leaning to magenta, etc). Maybe this could be adjusted out with the video picture controls on the projector but it really seemed extreme and I doubted it. I recorded a program on a SD channel while I was at work so I checked that out. It recorded ok but the picture had more problems. In addition to obliterated detail it had geometry and overscan problems. When viewed on the 16:9 projector the pillarboxed image was shifted to the left and had a vertical black bar on the right edge of the active picture area. I went back to the RPTV connected to S-video and the image was also shifted left with quite a bit of image lost to overscan. Graphics during commercials, etc were obviously not centered. The image also had a look like it was being magnified or zoomed slightly. I think there was some vertical overscan as well. It just plain sucked! :mad: It didn't take me long to decide that this box is going back. If it isn't defective and this is the nature of the beast I don't want it. Saturday morning I took it back to the payment center to exchange for another 8300. Yup, you guessed it..."out of stock, just gave out the last one, don't know when we will get any more, manufacturer is having trouble with supplies, etc"! Luckily, they did have the 8000 available so I swapped the bad 8300 for another 8000. So now I'm right back where I started. But of course this one is all scratched up and I lost all my recorded programs. Boy am I frustrated!

Sorry for being so wordy but I needed to vent a little and tell my story to someone who would understand. Thanks, I feel better now.

Mark

What SA tells you about the 8000HD or 8300HD may have ZERO relevance to the box that TW supplies. Hardware, which SA builds and supplies, requires software to support said hardware. In the case of the DVI/HDMI connection, yes, SA supplied it, but TW's software vendor, Pioneer in this case, doesn't support it.

manufacturer is having trouble with supplies, etc"!
Mark

Sorry for your pain man - but I bet that the reason that they don't have more boxes is not due to SA having trouble with anything but lack of timely orders from the cable company. These boxes are expensive (cost them around $400 each) and they need to be in the budget.

;)

(TWC) - I have the 8300 with no physical connector on the firewire pads (no hole in the case either) but have always had "always enable" in the software diagnostics page (095 Passport). I have always wondered if there is an IC missing, or if they just leave off the connector. It does not seem cost effective if it is only the connector missing on them.

v/r,
C-F

http://www.scientificatlanta.com/customers/Source/7004920.pdf

Note page 5 and the various configurations available from SA.... Also note the reference to July 1st and what's available or NOT available after that date.

What SA tells you about the 8000HD or 8300HD may have ZERO relevance to the box that TW supplies. Hardware, which SA builds and supplies, requires software to support said hardware. In the case of the DVI/HDMI connection, yes, SA supplied it, but TW's software vendor, Pioneer in this case, doesn't support it.


Understood.

Sorry for your pain man - but I bet that the reason that they don't have more boxes is not due to SA having trouble with anything but lack of timely orders from the cable company. These boxes are expensive (cost them around $400 each) and they need to be in the budget.

;)


I tend to agree. I was just quoting what THEY told me.

When viewed on the 16:9 projector the pillarboxed image was shifted to the left and had a vertical black bar on the right edge of the active picture area. I went back to the RPTV connected to S-video and the image was also shifted left with quite a bit of image lost to overscan. Graphics during commercials, etc were obviously not centered. The image also had a look like it was being magnified or zoomed slightly. I think there was some vertical overscan as well. It just plain sucked! :mad: It didn't take me long to decide that this box is going back. If it isn't defective and this is the nature of the beast I don't want it.

Did you know the 8300HD can zoom and that it is controlled by the # key?

http://www.scientificatlanta.com/customers/Source/7004920.pdf

Note page 5 and the various configurations available from SA.... Also note the reference to July 1st and what's available or NOT available after that date.

Yes, it seems pointless for me to even try the external Firewire drive on the 8300HD Firewire port, but what friggin' displays could they possibly be referring to as having a Firewire video input?

Yes, it seems pointless for me to even try the external Firewire drive on the 8300HD Firewire port, but what friggin' displays could they possibly be referring to as having a Firewire video input?

Actually there are quite a few firewire input TV’s now. I think the Mitsubishi TVs have had them for over 1 year now. That is their big thing they told everyone who bought the first gen HD TVs that they would guarantee that these TVs would work with any future standard video connection.

My Toshiba has 2 Firewire inputs, and that is a last year model...

My Toshiba has 2 Firewire inputs, and that is a last year model...

OK. Sounds like it's become an appendix - evolution has passed it by and it now has no function.

FWIW.

I got through to someone knowledgeable at TWC here in Dayton. She said the manager she spoke with said they were hoping to deploy new software in the next 30-45 days.

I would not take this to the bank...nor even the corner store.

FWIW.

I got through to someone knowledgeable at TWC here in Dayton. She said the manager she spoke with said they were hoping to deploy new software in the next 30-45 days.

I would not take this to the bank...nor even the corner store.

That jives with my non-TWC operator telling me "in the 4th qtr."

I need some help and hope I can get it without having to read through all 57 pages of this thread.

I've had a TWC 8300HD box in my system for many months and it looked great but I had to swap it due to a skipping hard drive. Well, my replacement 8300HD is sending a picture through its component outpts that looks like a 16-color CGA image, it's just awful.

I checked the settings menu and made sure I had my output formats set to 1080i and 480p, but it's no help. The user manual says I should run the HD Setup Wizard but I can't seem to get into that menu. When I press the Info and Guide buttons simultaneously with the DVR tured Off, I get no HD Wizard, even after a reboot. The only thing that looks OK is the SD signal coming through the SVHS output.

This seems like it should be really basic initial setup but I just can't get it to work. I even took my replacement box back to TWC and swapped it for another one, but it's the same. What am I missing?

Perhaps you need a replacement for your replacement.

Thanks, but I already got a second replacement and it's behaving the same way. Is there a way to get into the HDTV Setup Wizard on this box? This is for TWCNYC.

The "Setup Wizard" is a function of Scientific Atlanta's SARA software, it doesn't exist in the Pioneer Passport versions. The settings are simply the screens that are available by hitting the "Settings" button on the TWC supplied remote.

Well it's really frustrating. I've tried every setting in the menu and it looks terrible. Why would two replacement boxes in a row have exactly the same problem? Seems like it should be a menu item but I can't find anything. I double checked all the cables and other settings in my system too, all are fine, and nothing should have changed anyway since I left all the cables and settings in place and only swapped out the box.

Well, my replacement 8300HD is sending a picture through its component outpts that looks like a 16-color CGA image, it's just awful.

This sounds like what I just went through only I wasn't able to try a second unit because they didn't have any more. And the S-video output wasn't quite right either with geometry and overscan problems. This is not encouraging. Seems like we may have a quality control problem at SA.

I have a wild guess what may be happening...page 9 of the manual indicates that the Y/V connector on the component patch bay will output composite video when in SD mode. Well that worked fine on the 8000 but the 8300 outputs SD and HD simultaneously. To the best of my knowledge the Pioneer Passport version of the 8300 doesn't have SD or HD modes. Or if it does I have no idea how to select them (I tried the CH+ & Vol- simultaneous button press on the STB but that did not work like it does on the 8000). Could it be that the Y/V output is mixing a composite signal with what should be the green component signal???

Carnivore,

Were you able to try the hdmi output? Just curious if that was working ok? I didn't have a cable available to try with mine.

OK. Sounds like it's become an appendix - evolution has passed it by and it now has no function.

I'm getting into this discussion a little late, but I have to say that firewire is alive and well. There has been speculation that firewire will be the only way to record HD from a STB on the new Blu-Ray or HDDVD recorders. Cost effective technology simply doesn't exist yet to allow the real time compression of DVI, HDMI or component recording from a STB.

Currently, I use firewire to record HD to my computer from an SA3250. It can only record stations where 5c encryption is set to "copy freely". Future HDDVD and Blu-Ray drives will most certainly comply with the 5c content protection scheme if firewire recording is allowed. Thus, for stations like HBO-HD, where the 5c flag on my TWC system is set to "Copy once", you will be able to record HD to your Blu-Ray drive but you will not be allowed to make additional copies of your recorded Blu-Ray disk.

I am patiently waiting TWC-Western Ohio to get a firewire enabled 8300HD. According to TWC Western Oho. they ave not ordered any 8300Hds with firewire outputs.

I'm getting into this discussion a little late, but I have to say that firewire is alive and well. There has been speculation that firewire will be the only way to record HD from a STB on the new Blu-Ray or HDDVD recorders. Cost effective technology simply doesn't exist yet to allow the real time compression of DVI, HDMI or component recording from a STB.

Currently, I use firewire to record HD to my computer from an SA3250. It can only record stations where 5c encryption is set to "copy freely". Future HDDVD and Blu-Ray drives will most certainly comply with the 5c content protection scheme if firewire recording is allowed. Thus, for stations like HBO-HD, where the 5c flag on my TWC system is set to "Copy once", you will be able to record HD to your Blu-Ray drive but you will not be allowed to make additional copies of your recorded Blu-Ray disk.

I am patiently waiting TWC-Western Ohio to get a firewire enabled 8300HD. According to TWC Western Oho. they ave not ordered any 8300Hds with firewire outputs.

How would you interpret "copy once" in the context of a DVR? If, for example, you recorded an HBO-HD program to the DVR first could you still dump it to the external firewire recorder? If not, you would only be able to record live programming to the external recorder making archiving a pretty convoluted endeavor.

Carnivore,

Were you able to try the hdmi output? Just curious if that was working ok? I didn't have a cable available to try with mine.
I don't have HDMI on my set, I was an early adopter. Component only. And I've given up on getting a decent HD picture for tonight. Guess I'll go back again tomorrow and get a third replacement box. Crazy.

I am patiently waiting TWC-Western Ohio to get a firewire enabled 8300HD. According to TWC Western Oho. they ave not ordered any 8300Hds with firewire outputs.
According to to the link provided by hall on 8/29 SA won't be shipping any units without firewire after 7/1/05. So, they have apparently not ordered any SA8300HDs!

Having the physical connector there is one thing, having the software to support it is another!

I am patiently waiting TWC-Western Ohio to get a firewire enabled 8300HD. According to TWC Western Oho. they ave not ordered any 8300Hds with firewire outputs. This is what my contact at TWC-Western Ohio told me some time ago:

The rule is any set top manufactured after July 1, 05 must support the both the 1394 and DVI/HDMI interfaces. We will be receiving set tops of all makes/models with both ports starting in mid July. Until then, we can provide the SA 3250HD with a 1394 interface if a customer requests a set top with the 1394 interface.

FWIW.

I got through to someone knowledgeable at TWC here in Dayton. She said the manager she spoke with said they were hoping to deploy new software in the next 30-45 days.

I would not take this to the bank...nor even the corner store.

When you talk about "new" software are we talking about enabling the SATA port for external drives?

When you talk about "new" software are we talking about enabling the SATA port for external drives? I think I can answer for him as I've had contact with them about the "next" software release for TWC customers. It does NOT address anything related to the SATA interface. The primary issue is HDMI handshaking and DD5.1 over HDMI, I believe.

I think I can answer for him as I've had contact with them about the "next" software release for TWC customers. It does NOT address anything related to the SATA interface. The primary issue is HDMI handshaking and DD5.1 over HDMI, I believe.


Maybe I don't understand all of the issues with TWC and the 8300HD but from my point of view fixing the DD5.1 over HDMI should be lower on the priority list for the following reasons:

1. Connect the 8300HD Optical Output to your receiver/amp to get your DD5.1. Now maybe this connection is not working. I can live with stero audio but would really like to have SATA working

I have the latest released software version 1.8..... but have not tried to get DD5.1 yet. A project for tonight.

2. To me, the MOST important upgrade would be the SATA external hard drive.

Now if we just had a way to get TWC to give the customers a choice on what features we want fixed/implemented first. :rolleyes:

1. Connect the 8300HD Optical Output to your receiver/amp to get your DD5.1. Now maybe this connection is not working. I can live with stero audio but would really like to have SATA working

The problem is the optical connection won't work if you connect HDMI/HDMI to your display and your display can't handle 5.1. So it is a pretty major problem for many people.

Look everyone has their own priorities but I think not being able to get 5.1 out of an HD STB should be pretty high on the list.

The problem is the optical connection won't work if you connect HDMI/HDMI to your display and your display can't handle 5.1. So it is a pretty major problem for many people.

Look everyone has their own priorities but I think not being able to get 5.1 out of an HD STB should be pretty high on the list.


I didn't say it shouldn't be high on the list but if I had to chose between the following two items to be #1 on the list:

1. Use Component connections with Stero audio and fix SATA for external hard drive.

2. Fix HDMI with DD5.1.

I chose #1 for the TOP of my list.

According to to the link provided by hall on 8/29 SA won't be shipping any units without firewire after 7/1/05. So, they have apparently not ordered any SA8300HDs!

Having the physical connector there is one thing, having the software to support it is another!


Yes, they have not ordered any 8300HDs at least since 7/1/05.

My hope would be I can record 5c "copy once" on the 8300HD before the software update, and unload it off onto a Blu-Ray recorder once they are released and after TWC gets around to upgrading the software.

How would you interpret "copy once" in the context of a DVR? If, for example, you recorded an HBO-HD program to the DVR first could you still dump it to the external firewire recorder? If not, you would only be able to record live programming to the external recorder making archiving a pretty convoluted endeavor.


Nothing is for certain, but from what I understand people with DVHS decks can record "copy once" material previously recorded by certain Comcast DVRs. Since the DVR is a closed system it should not count as the first copy for 5c purposes.

Yeah I want the SATA too but I need the HDCP handshake issue resolved so I can put my DVD Player back on component.

I ended up buying a component AB switch. It's a bit of a pain (I have to walk all the way over to the TV to switch inputs), but it works fine.

-barry

I use the HDMI output to a DVI input on my projector and I use the coaxial digital output to my pre-pro and get perfect DD. Except for the hassles, I get everything (and more) that you pure HDMI-ers are getting. Sorry, I just couldn't resist.

I have the 8300HD connected to a Sharp Aquos LCD HD TV using a DVI cable with a Monster HDMI dongle. Sometimes when tuning to an HD channel the signal gets "lost" in that all I get is wavy lines. If a tune to an SD channel the picture comes back. Then if a try an HD again it works.

Is this an 8300HD software issue or HDMI->DVI conversion problem or something else? :confused:

Pepar,

Yeah I need a new receiver and was going to buy one with component switching (didn't see point in investing in a switch when I know I need an AVR). With all the new formats coming, I have decided to wait and make do for another year.

My previous SA3250 worked great over DVI so the 8300 was a a step backwards in that respect.

If its not fixed by 4th quarter, I may step up and get switching capability.

Sometimes when tuning to an HD channel the signal gets "lost" in that all I get is wavy lines. If a tune to an SD channel the picture comes back. Then if a try an HD again it works.

Could it be a problem with the TV trying to sync to the changed resolution?

If you're ok with the scaler in the 8300, a possible workaround would be to fix the output of the DVR to only one that's the best match for your display resolution. That way the resolution going to the TV isn't changing.

I have the same issue with my Sharp 55R-WP4H. It happens when going from 480p to 1080i. However, if I fix the output of the 8300 to 1080i it looks fine to me on all channels.

Now I have another problem though.

I just replaced my 8300HD after my first one developed a stuttering hard drive. At first I thought the replacement box was defective, but it turns out the component signal isn't passing through my Yamaha receiver. If I connect it directly to my set it looks fine but if I route it through my receiver, it looks like a Macrovision effect -- the picture is dim, blurred, and the colors flare. I had no such problem with my previous 8300HD, the component signal passed through my receiver just fine, but that was one of the earliest units from TWCNYC. Did they add some kind of copy protection to the component outputs on the newer units?

Could it be a problem with the TV trying to sync to the changed resolution?

If you're ok with the scaler in the 8300, a possible workaround would be to fix the output of the DVR to only one that's the best match for your display resolution. That way the resolution going to the TV isn't changing.

I set it to 1080i. This seems to fix the lost signal or synch problem. The only issue remaining is power on. The Sharp must power-up before the 8300HD otherwise it does not see it and displays the HDCP error message.

My 27" 4:3 Panny HDTV and SA8300HD (passport) receiver is giving me black bars above and below every HD channel, no matter if I set it to 4:3 stretch, zoom or letterbox. When I choose 4:3 stretch, the picture is 4:3 but smaller and centered on my screen (black bars above, below and on either side). All of the SD channels fill the entire screen. How do I get HDTV full screen on a 4:3?

Thanks for any replies.

I believe that is the way HD on a 4:3 set usually works. My Sony XBR700 is the same.

Passport aspect controls have always been a little wonky here in KC (on the Pioneer STB as well).

For the best piture on my 32", I usually use the STB set a 4:3 TV, SQUEEZE and set the TV to WIDE. This will give a full 4:3 too-tall signal to the TV which then shortens into the 16:9 area (bars top/bottom).

To get approximately the 4:3 center section out of a 16:9 signal, you can use 4:3 TV, ZOOM on the STB and NORMAL on the TV. This isn't quite right, but it is pretty close. My problem is that I have to 'trick' the STB into giving me that aspect ratio, as normally the STB will only send out a SQUEEZE picture no matter what you select...

Off to watch Blade Runner on HDNet...

v/r,
C-F

Off to watch Blade Runner on HDNet...

v/r,
C-F

Am watching it right now on the bedroom system and recording it on the home theater system. Truly imo, a must-have hi-def movie.

So if the FCC mandates that cable operators be able to provide a STB with Firewire support, then what happens if I request one and they just tell me "we dont have any"?. I feel like they should try to find one at another office, or is my only option to wait until they have one available? I have 2 boxes so getting a 3250 to replace my Pace box is an option, although Id prefer a DVR with Firewire instead, and I think one person mentioned he had one already?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Carnivore
Well, my replacement 8300HD is sending a picture through its component outpts that looks like a 16-color CGA image, it's just awful.



This sounds like what I just went through only I wasn't able to try a second unit because they didn't have any more. And the S-video output wasn't quite right either with geometry and overscan problems. This is not encouraging. Seems like we may have a quality control problem at SA.

I have a wild guess what may be happening...page 9 of the manual indicates that the Y/V connector on the component patch bay will output composite video when in SD mode. Well that worked fine on the 8000 but the 8300 outputs SD and HD simultaneously. To the best of my knowledge the Pioneer Passport version of the 8300 doesn't have SD or HD modes. Or if it does I have no idea how to select them (I tried the CH+ & Vol- simultaneous button press on the STB but that did not work like it does on the 8000). Could it be that the Y/V output is mixing a composite signal with what should be the green component signal???


<shameless bump>

Does anyone care to comment on my guess at what is happening with these defective component outputs? Also can anyone confirm whether there is a distinct HD vs SD mode for the 8300HD box with Passport?

Also can anyone confirm whether there is a distinct HD vs SD mode for the 8300HD box with Passport?

You can manually switch between SD mode and HD modes by simultaneously pressing the Vol- and Channel+ keys ON THE BOX (not the remote). The display will show either HD or SD to indicate which mode it is now in. My SA8000HD takes a few tries to get the switch to stick, probably because i'm hitting the buttons to quick or too slow . . . .

You can manually switch between SD mode and HD modes by simultaneously pressing the Vol- and Channel+ keys ON THE BOX (not the remote). The display will show either HD or SD to indicate which mode it is now in. My SA8000HD takes a few tries to get the switch to stick, probably because i'm hitting the buttons to quick or too slow . . . .


As I mentioned previously, that doesn't work on the 8300HD like it does on the 8000HD. That's why I'm asking the question if there really are two different modes of operation on this model. I wouldn't think it would need two different modes since the composite and S-video outputs are active all the time. It only seems pertinent in the context of the component outputs with the shared Y/V jack (and possible defective operation).

I think the simple way to test if the STB is sending composite information erroneously over the Y jack would be to plug or split it to a composite input and see what you get.

I think that Carnivore mentioned that his problem was [compatability] with his Yamaha receiver, and that the output looked fine when directly connected. Just talking out loud... Maybe there is a connection, or those may just be three weak output'ed STB.

v/r,
C-F

So if the FCC mandates that cable operators be able to provide a STB with Firewire support, then what happens if I request one and they just tell me "we dont have any"?. I feel like they should try to find one at another office, or is my only option to wait until they have one available? I have 2 boxes so getting a 3250 to replace my Pace box is an option, although Id prefer a DVR with Firewire instead, and I think one person mentioned he had one already?

I got the same pushback. I finally got ahold of the tech responsible for the 3250HD boxes and he said I had one of ten ordered for my area. My best advice would be to check your local thread in the "local hdtv info and reception" forum, and ask for help there.

As far as firewire enabled 8300HD, I have heard that certain non-TWC boxes have firewire enabled. No TWC customer that I know of has it enabled on their 8300HD.

I think the simple way to test if the STB is sending composite information erroneously over the Y jack would be to plug or split it to a composite input and see what you get.


v/r,
C-F


I had the same thought except if the signals are "mixed" then a composite connection would be screwed up too. Either way I am unable to test this out as I returned the box for a working 8000HD while I wait for more 8300HD's to become available.

I think that Carnivore mentioned that his problem was [compatability] with his Yamaha receiver, and that the output looked fine when directly connected.
That's right, the problems I mentioned with my 8300HD occur when I route its component outputs into my Yamaha RX-V2200, and then send the Yamaha's component outputs to my TV. When I connect the 8300HD directly to the TV's component inputs, the picture looks fine. I can't figure out why that's happening though, because I was able to route my *previous* 8300HD box through my Yamaha receiver with no such problem and I didn't change any cable routing when I swapped it out -- I just pulled the existing cables out of the 8300, and plugged them right back into the replacement box.

Since then, I've replaced all the component cables in the video signal path to rule out a defective cable, but it still refuses to pass through my Yamaha. It's as if some kind of copy protection was added to the new box, very annoying. My direct-to-TV workaround gets the job done but I would have rather left it routed through the receiver. FWIW, the reason I had to replace that original 8300HD was due to a stuttering hard drive, not any trouble with PQ.

Hmmm. Interesting. My component outputs were also routed through / switched by my pre-pro. I never tried it direct. And I still don't have any trouble routing the 8000HD component outputs that way.

If and when I get a replacement 8300 and it acts the same way I am going to do alot more experimenting with it.

If it does turn out to be some kind of Macrovision like copy protection on the component outputs that would be an incredibly stupid design decision. <I'm biting my tongue here!>

Hmmm. Interesting. My component outputs were also routed through / switched by my pre-pro. I never tried it direct. And I still don't have any trouble routing the 8000HD component outputs that way.

If and when I get a replacement 8300 and it acts the same way I am going to do alot more experimenting with it.

If it does turn out to be some kind of Macrovision like copy protection on the component outputs that would be an incredibly stupid design decision. <I'm biting my tongue here!>

I've run the component directly to my projector and switched the component with my pre-pro. Now I use a HDMI-to-DVI cable and switch it with a DVI switcher. It's worked fine all ways.

I've run the component directly to my projector and switched the component with my pre-pro. Now I use a HDMI-to-DVI cable and switch it with a DVI switcher. It's worked fine all ways.

Carnivore never had a problem either until he replaced his with a "new" one. It would be interesting to compare the hardware and firmware versions. Either the STB is defective or a running change has been made that introduces this behavior.

Carnivore never had a problem either until he replaced his with a "new" one. It would be interesting to compare the hardware and firmware versions. Either the STB is defective or a running change has been made that introduces this behavior.

My money's on a defective STB, or at least a scrambled flash.

My money's on a defective STB, or at least a scrambled flash.
I thought it was a bad STB too, that's why I took it back to TWC and swapped it again...twice. That makes three in a row that all behave the same way. I have a hard time believing that they added something to the STB that interferes with it passing through my receiver's component switching too, but I can't figure out what else it could be. My DVD player is still passing through the Yamaha just fine.

is it possible to control the quality at which the 8300HD records programming - good, better, best - etc. ?

I thought it was a bad STB too, that's why I took it back to TWC and swapped it again...twice. That makes three in a row that all behave the same way. I have a hard time believing that they added something to the STB that interferes with it passing through my receiver's component switching too, but I can't figure out what else it could be. My DVD player is still passing through the Yamaha just fine.

Was it just a simple "doesn't work, gimme another", or did you get to talk to a tech? They've GOT TO have a way to check them - ask them to do so.

is it possible to control the quality at which the 8300HD records programming - good, better, best - etc. ?

No. It records the stream as it is delivered to the box. Hi-def is recorded in HD and standard def in SD.

I thought it was a bad STB too, that's why I took it back to TWC and swapped it again...twice. That makes three in a row that all behave the same way. I have a hard time believing that they added something to the STB that interferes with it passing through my receiver's component switching too, but I can't figure out what else it could be. My DVD player is still passing through the Yamaha just fine.


I just picked up a new 8300HD this morning but I'm at work now. I only got the S-video hooked up before I had to leave but even that looks better. So I do have some hope for this one. I'll report my findings by tomorrow morning as to how the HD output looks on component and HDMI.

thanks, I thought you could for some reason - I'm loving it so far tho.

Was it just a simple "doesn't work, gimme another", or did you get to talk to a tech? They've GOT TO have a way to check them - ask them to do so.
No, it was a nightmare, they just kept telling me to schedule an appointment -- like I have nothing else to do but skip work and sit at home all day waiting for some minimum-wage cable installer to show up with another box. No joy on the phone either. Grr.

Carnivore,

Have you tried swapping the DVD and 8300HD inputs on the Yamaha. (Just to be sure to rule out a bad input or switch on the receiver.)

Have you tried swapping the DVD and 8300HD inputs on the Yamaha. (Just to be sure to rule out a bad input or switch on the receiver.)
I won't have time to mess with it again until this weekend but I actually did swap those two inputs and it didn't make any difference. I was hoping maybe you or somebody on TWCNYC would be able to report their experience with hooking up a *new* 8300HD box in a similar configuration, to see if it happens to anybody else besides me.

We just got a Qualia and have the 8300 from TW. Is there a way to make it so the cable box doesn't upconvert the signal and instead just passes it through? It's going through an HDMI cable if that matters. It seems like it's always outputting 1080i and I'd prefer to be using the scaler on the TV

We just got a Qualia and have the 8300 from TW. Is there a way to make it so the cable box doesn't upconvert the signal and instead just passes it through? It's going through an HDMI cable if that matters. It seems like it's always outputting 1080i and I'd prefer to be using the scaler on the TV


HDMI will pass all resolutions, both SD and HD. You need to go to Settings|More Settings|Output Formats on the 8300HD and turn all of the resolutions - 480i, 480p, 720p & 10870i - "on." That way the box will pass whatever it receives. This will mean your display will handle all de-interlacing and scaling; with a Qualia, this is A Good Thing.

And congratulations on your purchase!!!

I just picked up a new 8300HD this morning but I'm at work now. I only got the S-video hooked up before I had to leave but even that looks better. So I do have some hope for this one. I'll report my findings by tomorrow morning as to how the HD output looks on component and HDMI.


Sorry for the delay...thanks to my wife and a dropped earring, a little plumbing problem took priority. :rolleyes:

Carnivore,

I thought the 8000HD box was quirky but this thing is just plain maddening. I want to like the 8300HD but it is proving very difficult. This new box acts just like yours! :mad: When component outputs are connected through the pre-pro (Outlaw 950) the picture quality is garbage. I am currently at a loss to explain this behavior. When the 8000HD was connected this way it worked fine. The 8300HD wired straight to the projector looks good. Whether it is any better than the 8000HD I can't say just yet as I haven't spent enough time with it and I don't have the 8000 here anymore. TWC wouldn't give me the new box until I turned in the old one. I'd like someone from SA explain the behavior with the component outputs to me.

Not being able to use my pre-pro for switching is simply unacceptable and inexcusable on SA's part. How do they expect us to use these boxes. Sometimes I think the Cable TV industry has a very simplistic view of their customer base, designing products and marketing to the least commom denominator (simple hook-up straight to the TV) and completely ignoring the sizable and already mainstream home theater user base.

HDMI hook-up was not all peaches and cream either. While the picture quality was VERY good it occasionally had a randomly flashing band along the bottom (about 10% of the screen area). Several channels, usually SD content on an HD channel, would exhibit noise on the very top edge caused by a bit of underscan. I guess it would be hard to fault the STB for this, it's really more of a broadcaster or head-end issue, but it was a disappointing distraction nonetheless. So using the HDMI connection alone is not a workable solution for this reason but also because if the projector is turned off then ALL the other video outputs are shut down by the 8300, thanks to the implementation of HDCP. This prevents me from using the SD RPTV for casual daytime use without physically pulling the HDMI cable. That is BS, pure and simple. So thanks to the paranoid Hollywood studios and their lawyers I, an honest legitimate consumer, can't even watch SD content, much less HD, on my TV. I don't think I have an uncommon hook-up configuration but it seems these various usage scenarios haven't been thoroughly thought out by the powers that be.

So the conundrum I'm faced with now is to try and figure out some other switching scheme that is user (family) friendly and doesn't involve cable swapping (unlikely) or take this box back and just stick with the 8000HD and all of it's operational quirks.

My 27" 4:3 Panny HDTV and SA8300HD (passport) receiver is giving me black bars above and below every HD channel, no matter if I set it to 4:3 stretch, zoom or letterbox. When I choose 4:3 stretch, the picture is 4:3 but smaller and centered on my screen (black bars above, below and on either side). All of the SD channels fill the entire screen. How do I get HDTV full screen on a 4:3?

Thanks for any replies.

I have a 32: 4:3 Panny HDTV and to have HD fill the 4:3 I must select 4:3 in the Aspect control menu of the TV's Settings. On my set, it is under Picture -> Other settings -> Aspect. It resets every time the set is powered off and is only available by going through the menu - no aspect button on the remote, so it's not convenient. Tune to a HD channel and select 4:3 from the Aspect control and you will have full screen. Then you need to play with the combination of the TV's aspect control and the STB's aspect control to see what looks/works best for you.
Good luck.

Sorry for the delay...thanks to my wife and a dropped earring, a little plumbing problem took priority. :rolleyes:

Sometimes I think the Cable TV industry has a very simplistic view of their customer base, designing products and marketing to the least commom denominator (simple hook-up straight to the TV) and completely ignoring the sizable and already mainstream home theater user base.

So the conundrum I'm faced with now is to try and figure out some other switching scheme that is user (family) friendly and doesn't involve cable swapping (unlikely) or take this box back and just stick with the 8000HD and all of it's operational quirks.


Your post seems to contradict itself. On the one hand you want the cable co.s to accomodate high-end users, yet you yourself talk about having to come up with a "family friendly" solution. Considering most cable customers are of the plug-and-play stripe (the majority are still analog), it makes sense to me that that's where the providers would invest most.

Considering most cable customers are of the plug-and-play stripe (the majority are still analog), it makes sense to me that that's where the providers would invest most.

With the 8300HD having vid outputs from composite through HDMI/DVI and analog and digital audio outputs, what more would it need?

Your post seems to contradict itself. On the one hand you want the cable co.s to accomodate high-end users, yet you yourself talk about having to come up with a "family friendly" solution. Considering most cable customers are of the plug-and-play stripe (the majority are still analog), it makes sense to me that that's where the providers would invest most.


I was admittedly venting a little because of the frustration I have. The ideal "family friendly" solution would be for the box to work properly when connected to a pre-pro or A/V receiver. I don't think that's unreasonable or contradictory for that matter. Part of my point is that people with home theater equipment are not just "high end users" anymore, they're mainstream, and the cable companies haven't caught up to that fact. Witness how difficult it is to obtain one of these boxes at times, local providers are have difficulty meeting demand. And while it may be true that a large number of users (majority?) are still using SD analog, Joe Six-Pack isn't using this box. My other family members are able to accomodate a fairly complex operation, but asking them to get behind the cabinet and engage in cable swapping would be asking too much. What's more, if the 8000HD integrated into my system well, why can't the 8300HD? Hence, my frustration. :(

I was admittedly venting a little because of the frustration I have. The ideal "family friendly" solution would be for the box to work properly when connected to a pre-pro or A/V receiver. I don't think that's unreasonable or contradictory for that matter. Part of my point is that people with home theater equipment are not just "high end users" anymore, they're mainstream, and the cable companies haven't caught up to that fact. Witness how difficult it is to obtain one of these boxes at times, local providers are have difficulty meeting demand. And while it may be true that a large number of users (majority?) are still using SD analog, Joe Six-Pack isn't using this box. My other family members are able to accomodate a fairly complex operation, but asking them to get behind the cabinet and engage in cable swapping would be asking too much. What's more, if the 8000HD integrated into my system well, why can't the 8300HD? Hence, my frustration. :(

I think I've missed something. What's different about the 8300HD from the 8000HD and why is cable swapping necessary? :confused:

anybody know why my aspect keeps changing as I change channels with the 8300hd when it is connected via hdmi? I was flipping through my HD channels and everytime I change the channel the aspect ratio changes (letterbox, full, small 4:3 square). Really weird and annoying. It seems like it is changing my preferences cause I went into settings and made sure it was set to 16:9 widescreen and 4:3 stretch. After I change some channels it changes my settings to 16:9 widescreen and 4:3 sidebar.

Anybody else having this problem?

Also, anybody get the audio to work with hdmi cable?

anybody know why my aspect keeps changing as I change channels with the 8300hd when it is connected via hdmi? I was flipping through my HD channels and everytime I change the channel the aspect ratio changes (letterbox, full, small 4:3 square). Really weird and annoying. It seems like it is changing my preferences cause I went into settings and made sure it was set to 16:9 widescreen and 4:3 stretch. After I change some channels it changes my settings to 16:9 widescreen and 4:3 sidebar.

Anybody else having this problem?

Also, anybody get the audio to work with hdmi cable?

Based on what I read here, you will NOT be able to get DD5.1 through HDMI. It's Not Quite Ready For Primetime yet.

On hi-def resolutions, and probably 480p as well, your display will show exactly what it's receiving. On 480i, your display will let you determine how it's diplayed - stretched, zoomed, etc. If your display is set to anything but "normal", you will see A/R changes as you scan from HD to SD and back.

I think I've missed something. What's different about the 8300HD from the 8000HD and why is cable swapping necessary? :confused:


Try re-reading the last few pages of posts by myself and Carnivore. Here's the problem one more time: When the component outputs are connected through my pre-pro or his Yamaha receiver the picture quality is crap! If it's hooked straight to the display it's ok. Gee, consider me selfish but I might like more than one source device connected to the display and if I can't use the pre-pro for switching I'm left with cable swapping.

Try re-reading the last few pages of posts by myself and Carnivore. Here's the problem one more time: When the component outputs are connected through my pre-pro or his Yamaha receiver the picture quality is crap! If it's hooked straight to the display it's ok. Gee, consider me selfish but I might like more than one source device connected to the display and if I can't use the pre-pro for switching I'm left with cable swapping.

Ahh, yes, it's all coming back to me now. I also remember asking you if you had gotten a chance to talk to a tech at your cable provider, or was it a "this doesn't work, gimme a new one" kind of thing. Did I miss your answer too? :)

I was able to successfully switch the component output of my 8300HD before I changed to an HDMI-to-DVI cable, which I now switch with an external DVI switcher.

Ahh, yes, it's all coming back to me now. I also remember asking you if you had gotten a chance to talk to a tech at your cable provider, or was it a "this doesn't work, gimme a new one" kind of thing. Did I miss your answer too? :)

I was able to successfully switch the component output of my 8300HD before I changed to an HDMI-to-DVI cable, which I now switch with an external DVI switcher.


Umm, you asked that of Carnivore, not me. See post #1713 for his response.

He also was able to switch component outputs with an older box. It's only with a recent replacement(s) that he ran into the problem. I'm new to the 8300HD and neither of the two boxes I've gotten have worked properly when connected to my Outlaw 950 pre-pro. So it seems there may be some kind of recent change to the boxes.

I understand I can't get 5.1, I just wanted to get audio through my tv speakers. Any tricks with the 8300hd to get audio through the hdmi and output through the tv speakers?

Was there not some talk of problems with the 8300HD HDMI port functionality with an HDMI repeater? Hard to see that component outputs could sense a receiver vs. a display though. Does Macrovision output act the same way across video switching devices and not just de-sync something in the recording process itself?

v/r,
C-F

Umm, you asked that of Carnivore, not me. See post #1713 for his response.

He also was able to switch component outputs with an older box. It's only with a recent replacement(s) that he ran into the problem. I'm new to the 8300HD and neither of the two boxes I've gotten have worked properly when connected to my Outlaw 950 pre-pro. So it seems there may be some kind of recent change to the boxes.

Well, you're catching me at all sorts of lapses here . . .

I have two of the 8300HD boxes and have been able to switch component with both - still do with one - w/o drama. That's what makes me think that there has to be something wrong with yours/his. And I'll hold that position even though he/you went through two boxes.

In order to cut through the crap/red tape at my provider, I bitched up a storm - calmly - about having to ask the same question three times (Does the eSATA port work?) without getting an answer. I was provided with the manager's direct number and he gave me the technical director's number. One phone call later I had my answer.

Yes, it truly sucks that normal customer service channels provide no satisfaction to those of us who actually have a clue as to what's going on with our technology, but they are wired to operate just one way - as if we DON't have a clue and need to led by the nose - blindly.

I am of the opinion that if you call your provider and calmly and rationally explain that you are unhappy with the service you are getting and ask if there's someone in management that you can talk to to help solve your problem you will get results.

Well, you're catching me at all sorts of lapses here . . .

I have two of the 8300HD boxes and have been able to switch component with both - still do with one - w/o drama. That's what makes me think that there has to be something wrong with yours/his. And I'll hold that position even though he/you went through two boxes.

In order to cut through the crap/red tape at my provider, I bitched up a storm - calmly - about having to ask the same question three times (Does the eSATA port work?) without getting an answer. I was provided with the manager's direct number and he gave me the technical director's number. One phone call later I had my answer.

Yes, it truly sucks that normal customer service channels provide no satisfaction to those of us who actually have a clue as to what's going on with our technology, but they are wired to operate just one way - as if we DON't have a clue and need to led by the nose - blindly.

I am of the opinion that if you call your provider and calmly and rationally explain that you are unhappy with the service you are getting and ask if there's someone in management that you can talk to to help solve your problem you will get results.


Actually Carnivore tried 3 boxes in a row with the same result and I've tried 2 so if this turns out to be some kind of manufacturing defect there must be alot of them out there! (We are not in the same geographic area either.)

I agree with you comments about customer service. I also like to arm myself with as much technical knowledge as I can dig up (note my username) about the subject before I make that call. That's one of the reasons I'm in this forum now. I've also found it sometimes helps to cut through the fog by telling them that I'm a technician with a degree in electronic engineering.

Try re-reading the last few pages of posts by myself and Carnivore. Here's the problem one more time: When the component outputs are connected through my pre-pro or his Yamaha receiver the picture quality is crap! If it's hooked straight to the display it's ok. Gee, consider me selfish but I might like more than one source device connected to the display and if I can't use the pre-pro for switching I'm left with cable swapping.

Let me add a possible explanation for what is going on (it's just a thought). I wonder if you are experiencing a loading issue. In this potential scenario the (Yamaha/Outlaw) receivers have a lower input impedance than most TVs while the 8300HD has a higher source impedance than the 8000HD had - result, problems like you are seeing. Yes I know that video is supposedly at something like 72 ohms - but from often the input impedance is higher than that and outputs are often lower (a lot lower). Matching is not really critical at video (even HD) frequencies at the cable lengths that we deal with.

If this wild theory is close, no amount of changing 8300HD boxes will solve the problem. For those willing to throw money at the problem - trying a component distribution amplifier might solve the problem.

Again, just a threory! ??????????????

Actually Carnivore tried 3 boxes in a row with the same result and I've tried 2 so if this turns out to be some kind of manufacturing defect there must be alot of them out there! (We are not in the same geographic area either.)

That's why I think it's imperative that you both get to speak to a tech supervisor at your respective providers.

I understand I can't get 5.1, I just wanted to get audio through my tv speakers. Any tricks with the 8300hd to get audio through the hdmi and output through the tv speakers?

Should work, but....if you have the recent software that allows for Digital Audio selection via settings, then you'll need to select "HDMI" and not Dolby Digital.

DD was the default when I received my software push. I woke up and the TV had no sound due to the overnight push. Once I realized I had the new settings option, I changed the setting to HDMI and the TV audio worked.

HDMI will pass all resolutions, both SD and HD. You need to go to Settings|More Settings|Output Formats on the 8300HD and turn all of the resolutions - 480i, 480p, 720p & 10870i - "on." That way the box will pass whatever it receives. This will mean your display will handle all de-interlacing and scaling; with a Qualia, this is A Good Thing.

And congratulations on your purchase!!!

Hmm... When I go to to the Settings-->More settings I am not seeing output formats anywhere... the closest is something that lets me choose between "Upconvert 1", "Upconvert 2", "Fixed", and "Auto HDMI/DVI". The cable box came set at fixed and changing it to auto doesn't seem to change it at all. Is there setting there and I am missing it, or am I looking at the wrong thing altogether?

Watching the NFL game on thursday I noticed that when it switched to a new camera the signal would initially come in blocky and it would take a second or two before it would clear up. It seemed to be a very consistent problem throughout the entire game.

Anyone have any ideas on either of these two issues?

When I go to to the Settings-->More settings I am not seeing output formats anywhere... the closest is something that lets me choose between "Upconvert 1", "Upconvert 2", "Fixed", and "Auto HDMI/DVI". That's odd. Search this thread and find out how to get into your box's 'diag' mode so you can check the software version and post that.

Upconvert1, Upconvert2 sounds like SARA software. If you are not having any luck getting the Passport diagnostic screen up, try:
SA 8300 HD Tips & Tricks -- SARA (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=471859) .

Also: SA 8000HD - Time Warner Cable (SARA Software) (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=352604) Some Time Warner regions have this software.

v/r,
C-F

Upconvert1, Upconvert2 sounds like SARA software. If you are not having any luck getting the Passport diagnostic screen up, try:
SA 8300 HD Tips & Tricks -- SARA (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=471859) .

Also: SA 8000HD - Time Warner Cable (SARA Software) (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=352604) Some Time Warner regions have this software.

v/r,
C-F

That must be it, C-F.

Upconvert1, Upconvert2 sounds like SARA software. If you are not having any luck getting the Passport diagnostic screen up, try:
SA 8300 HD Tips & Tricks -- SARA (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=471859) .

Also: SA 8000HD - Time Warner Cable (SARA Software) (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=352604) Some Time Warner regions have this software.

v/r,
C-F

From that thread:


Display Format Summary. Press the Settings button twice to get to the General Settings. Then scroll up to Set: Picture Format.

* Fixed - Displays all content at whatever resolution you selected, based on what you selected in the wizard. You force the output to a single output and the box scales to that input. Easily changed in the settings menu of the box.
* Pass Through - Passes the input signal through to the output with no change, unless you disable certain resolutions. For example 480i in to 480i out, 480P in to 480P out, 1080i in to 1080i out, 720P in to 720P out. If you disable 720P, 720P in will go to 1080i out.
* Auto HDMI/DVI - If you are using the HDMI port, you will see this option instead of the Pass Through option. Resolution is automatically formatted to the scan rate supported by the TV.
* UpConvert 1 - All 480i and 480P signals get upconverted to 480P. All 720P and 1080i signals get upconverted to 1080i.
* UpConvert 2 - All 480i and 480P signals get upconverted to 480P. All 720P and 1080i signals get converted to 720P.

That looks exactly right. It looks like I have to go into a different setup menu to enable the resolutions, and once that is done use the "Auto HDMI/DVI" setting?

I have the 8300hd running through a hdmi to dvi cable to my samsung dlp. Problem is, whenever I'm watching a SD show in 480P, there is a nice black outer ring all the way around the picture. In HD content i have no problem. If I hook the box up through component and select pass through, this problem is eliminated and it fills 480P to the edge of the screen. I've played with every setting and still nothing.

I have the same setup as you. Looks like your Samsung display mode is Wide PC or Expand. Change it to Wide TV and see if this helps.

IIf I hook the box up through component and select pass through, this problem is eliminated and it fills 480P to the edge of the screen. I've played with every setting and still nothing.

What are the edges being filled with?

I have the 8300hd running through a hdmi to dvi cable to my samsung dlp. Problem is, whenever I'm watching a SD show in 480P, there is a nice black outer ring all the way around the picture. In HD content i have no problem. If I hook the box up through component and select pass through, this problem is eliminated and it fills 480P to the edge of the screen. I've played with every setting and still nothing.


If you have a "pass through" option on your 8300, then your cable system is probably running the Sara software. This thread is for Passport software users, so any advice you get may be suspect. There's a similar thread for Sara software, and you'd probably get better answers there.

-barry

I have the same setup as you. Looks like your Samsung display mode is Wide PC or Expand. Change it to Wide TV and see if this helps.

Thanks, I forgot to even try to mess with that feature on the tv. That did the trick it was set on Wide PC.

One other question, I'm sorta of a noob at this stuff. My tv (HLN-5065) from what i've researched natively takes 720 and I guess converts all 1080 stuff down to 720. So my question is, should i eliminate 1080i out of the cable box as an acceptable format and just have 720?

Thanks, I forgot to even try to mess with that feature on the tv. That did the trick it was set on Wide PC.

One other question, I'm sorta of a noob at this stuff. My tv (HLN-5065) from what i've researched natively takes 720 and I guess converts all 1080 stuff down to 720. So my question is, should i eliminate 1080i out of the cable box as an acceptable format and just have 720?

Maybe it's just me, but I prefer to send a display "too much" information rather than not enough. I trust them to do a better job of discarding data than to have to "make it up." This is only true if the SOURCE is 1080i and not upconverted by the cable box.

Thanks, I forgot to even try to mess with that feature on the tv. That did the trick it was set on Wide PC.

One other question, I'm sorta of a noob at this stuff. My tv (HLN-5065) from what i've researched natively takes 720 and I guess converts all 1080 stuff down to 720. So my question is, should i eliminate 1080i out of the cable box as an acceptable format and just have 720?

There isnt a 'universal correct' answer to that question. It really depends on where the best scaler is (TV or Cable box) and whether you connection to the set is component or DVI/HDMI.

For the Sammy DLP... If you are digitally connected from the cable box to the TV then 'I' would set the cable box to allow both 720 and 1080 and let the TV do the scaling. That is exactly the setup I am using with my Loewe. If you are component connected... I would experiment and see what looks best... The basic question becomes 'Does the TV scaler outweigh the analog connection or not.' My expectation is that it will and thus the answer is the same... 720 and 1080 and let the TV do the scaling. YMMV.

Appreciate the help.

Ok, I know it's probably buried somewhere in this huge thread but what is the latest feelings on picture quality HD and standard on the 8300 vs. the non-DVR box (particularly the Pioneer model which i have)?

I know at one point people thought the HD was softer. Is this still true or is this corrected in the newer models?

Thanks for any insight.

Ok, I know it's probably buried somewhere in this huge thread but what is the latest feelings on picture quality HD and standard on the 8300 vs. the non-DVR box (particularly the Pioneer model which i have)?

I know at one point people thought the HD was softer. Is this still true or is this corrected in the newer models?

Thanks for any insight.

I've only ever used the 8300HD (DVR), but from what I've seen, they are the same box with and w/o the hard drive.