To beat a dead horse even further, this is the only bit of credible "evidence" that I've seen that lends credence to the "conspiracy theorists" out there. LINK (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5111563#post5111563)
If the guide data was improperly flagged, that could possibly explain how it was localized, and only pertained to those two shows...

As a developer, I can see how it could be really easy to code something up like this even though it's never likely to be turned on. Similar to what DirecTV has with their MacroVision solution. It's implemented, but never turned on.

Originally posted by Paul Simoneau
To beat a dead horse even further, this is the only bit of credible "evidence" that I've seen that lends credence to the "conspiracy theorists" out there. LINK (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5111563#post5111563)
If the guide data was improperly flagged, that could possibly explain how it was localized, and only pertained to those two shows...

As a developer, I can see how it could be really easy to code something up like this even though it's never likely to be turned on. Similar to what DirecTV has with their MacroVision solution. It's implemented, but never turned on.

Comcast definately has that capability, because they use it on MusicChoice. They are also very upfront that this is the way MusicChoice works. That's why I find it hard to believe anyone there would suddenly underhandedly and intentionally throw it onto a few shows in a few markets totally undermining their own business interests.

:) :D ;)

I've been giving this matter considerable (happy, pleasant, non-confrontational) thought. We all have the same hardware, the same firmware, and the same software. The only thing that is different is the state of each of our individual boxes (i.e. has some part of the software crashed?). Even in the same market, some people had the issue and some didn't.

Logically, the most reasonable reason would be that something was going on in those boxes where the problem occured that made the box think this flag was there when it wasn't (or was there and active rather than there and not active). This is what leads me to believe that the much maligned step of rebooting the box would solve the problem.

Like I said, I had a recording a while back where I could not use DVR functions. This coincided with my internet going down for a while and was also in the general time frame of when DD was suddenly not being passed through the optical output. Rebooting solved all the problems.

I could have sworn I read a news article either in wired magazine or at wired.com 2 or 3 months ago that talked about how Comcast and some other cable cos were working with content providers on providing the option to disable skipping commercials. I think it was in exchange for greater VOD offerings or something like that.

I have searched around a bit and can't find this article, but I don't think I'm imagining it.

Well, there is this article (http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/8.09/mustread.html?pg=7) that makes that very statement. However, it's almost 2 1/2 years old.

I've plowed through 100 + pages of this thread and have seen repeated reports of the problem that the DCT 6412 sporadically changes a series recording from the HD channel to the Analog equivalent channel.

In the SF Bay area, I have regularly experienced this with CBS and ABC (705 to 5 and 707 to 7), but not with any other HD channels.

I observed that what is different about these two channels is that the call letters for both the Analog and HD channels are identical (KPIX and KGO). On other HD channels where I don't see this problem, the HD channel has a different call sign (KNTV and DKNTV, for example).

I suspect that the Series recording is set up to tie "This channel only" to the call sign of the channel, and not to the channel number. That would allow Comcast to reassign channel numbers without destroying series recordings (such as when they reassigned the HD channels to the 700-725 numbers a few months ago). Then when the channel guide is refreshed and the series are scheduled, it is finding the first channel with the matching call sign and setting the series to record that channel.

Can someone in another service area that has experienced this Series recording channel shift problem confirm or deny that the call signs for the two channels are the same in your area?

If this is indeed the problem, the i-Guide team could implement an almost immediate fix by changing the call letters for the HD channels to make them distinct (such as prefixing them with a "D"). No set-box updates are required!

Originally posted by frankz1

I've been giving this matter considerable (happy, pleasant, non-confrontational) thought. We all have the same hardware, the same firmware, and the same software. The only thing that is different is the state of each of our individual boxes (i.e. has some part of the software crashed?). Even in the same market, some people had the issue and some didn't.

Logically, the most reasonable reason would be that something was going on in those boxes where the problem occured that made the box think this flag was there when it wasn't (or was there and active rather than there and not active). This is what leads me to believe that the much maligned step of rebooting the box would solve the problem.

Like I said, I had a recording a while back where I could not use DVR functions. This coincided with my internet going down for a while and was also in the general time frame of when DD was suddenly not being passed through the optical output. Rebooting solved all the problems. [/B]

One other variable that shouldn't be discounted is the guide data that we each receive. I can't imagine that there's one "master" guide data file that gets dispersed to everyone. It's gotta be localized. If one were to receive a corrupted (or incorrectly marked) batch of guide data, it could pose problems.

Don't get me wrong. I agreed that a large portion of the bug reports we see here can be remedied by : 1) leaving the box on all the time, 2) power cycling the box when it gets in a funky state, or 3) swapping the box out.

Here is a slightly more complex iGuide/6412 scheduling problem.

Jeopardy is on three channels that I get. A local affiliate has the new syndication, the game show network has older shows, and a Fox station from Birmingham supposedly also has the new syndication, but it is "blacked out" (actually replaced by public service scrollers from Comcast) due to syndication rights.

So, I want to tape Jeopardy. If I say, tape it everytime it comes on on every channel, I get three copies a day, one of which is 30 minutes of PSAs. If I say tape it on my NBC affiliate only, I can't create another recording to tape it off GSN (because both shows are called "Jeopardy". I can set up daily scheduled recordings, but then it's a pain to figure out which is which in the DVR list.

I chose the first option and just delete the blacked out one, but it frustrating.

Originally posted by Paul Simoneau
One other variable that shouldn't be discounted is the guide data that we each receive. I can't imagine that there's one "master" guide data file that gets dispersed to everyone. It's gotta be localized. out.

It's my understanding that each local Comcast market has their own channel number identifications. Isn't that enough to make each area's guide unique ?

Originally posted by buzgz
It's my understanding that each local Comcast market has their own channel number identifications. Isn't that enough to make each area's guide unique ?

Not necessarily, but extremely likely.

Originally posted by Kevin Golding
Well, there is this article (http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/8.09/mustread.html?pg=7) that makes that very statement. However, it's almost 2 1/2 years old.

Not to bicker, friend, but the article you link to is from Sep 2000 and concerns XTV technology. I could not find a reference to this technology making it past 2001 in this form or any evidence that it's been employed as the article describes in the US at all ever. Granted, my searching was not very extensive.

Originally posted by MaxH
Try going into the menu, choose Setup, then Audio, then change Audio Options to Advanced. Under "Compression", change it to Heavy. I know, my first instinct is always compression=signal loss, but I believe they are referring to dynamic range. So before this change, I had to turn the digital channels up to half my TV's volume, and on the analog channels about 10-15% of the volume bar achieved an equivalent volume. Switching from a digital channel to an analog channel got me in trouble a few times late at night. After changing this setting, they are much closer, although still not equal.

Try that, see if it helps.

Thanks for the tip. I did try that and it helped but only a little bit. I got a much better response than earlier however I still seemed to get no signal out of the center channel. In order to hear the dialouge I had to increase the volume on the TV set itself....Strange isn't it?

Originally posted by buzgz
It's my understanding that each local Comcast market has their own channel number identifications. Isn't that enough to make each area's guide unique ?

I'd say the channel mapping is unique while the guide data and coding are uniform. They probably have unique identifiers for each channel nationwide that index to different channel lineups locally rather than reprogramming the entire guide at each local head end.

Originally posted by JRodTig
Thanks for the tip. I did try that and it helped but only a little bit. I got a much better response than earlier however I still seemed to get no signal out of the center channel. In order to hear the dialouge I had to increase the volume on the TV set itself....Strange isn't it?

I had this issue a while back on channels with DD 5.1. For some reason, it started sending the stereo signal out of the optical output and the dd 5.1 signal out of the stereo outputs (i.e. just the left and right fronts of the 5.1). I either corrected the problem by rebooting or turning the box off and on again (The more I think about it, I'm fairly sure it was the second in spite of what I posted earlier).

Others had reported this, too. Don't know why it happened or how to prevent it or if this is even what's causing your issue.

Originally posted by frankz1
I'd say the channel mapping is unique while the guide data and coding are uniform. They probably have unique identifiers for each channel nationwide that index to different channel lineups locally rather than reprogramming the entire guide at each local head end.

Remember, time of day is a local issue, also, making it more probable that different areas have unique guides.

Originally posted by Terry_L_G
I've plowed through 100 + pages of this thread and have seen repeated reports of the problem that the DCT 6412 sporadically changes a series recording from the HD channel to the Analog equivalent channel.

In the SF Bay area, I have regularly experienced this with CBS and ABC (705 to 5 and 707 to 7), but not with any other HD channels.

I observed that what is different about these two channels is that the call letters for both the Analog and HD channels are identical (KPIX and KGO). On other HD channels where I don't see this problem, the HD channel has a different call sign (KNTV and DKNTV, for example).

I suspect that the Series recording is set up to tie "This channel only" to the call sign of the channel, and not to the channel number. That would allow Comcast to reassign channel numbers without destroying series recordings (such as when they reassigned the HD channels to the 700-725 numbers a few months ago). Then when the channel guide is refreshed and the series are scheduled, it is finding the first channel with the matching call sign and setting the series to record that channel.

Can someone in another service area that has experienced this Series recording channel shift problem confirm or deny that the call signs for the two channels are the same in your area?

If this is indeed the problem, the i-Guide team could implement an almost immediate fix by changing the call letters for the HD channels to make them distinct (such as prefixing them with a "D"). No set-box updates are required!

I'd venture to say you are onto something here. I know that ReplayTVs use the station name (usually KXXX or WXXX for locals) rather than channel numbers for series recording...this is why channel lineup changes don't blow up your whole recording schedule...as long as the channel guide is updated at the correct time. If there were two channels with the same name, that could be problematic. And there is probably an algorithm (like take the lesser number) that would make the decision which channel to record. If those folks having the problem do confirm that the channel names are the same, I'll bet the SD channel is always a lower channel number than the HD version. That isn't exactly a stretch since I've never seen it otherwise. I'm just sayin'.... :D That could make it a relatively easy fix...I'm anxious to see if this turns out to be the cause. Nice catch!

-Randy

Has anyone else had a problem with this STB always switching to channel 8 when you turn it on? I have looked through all the menus and options and cannot find any way to prevent this. I would like it to stay on the last channel I was watching if that is possible.

Regarding the issue with the 2nd tuner and FOX HD problems...I am experiencing this as well. When I change to FOX HD (channel 234) on the 2nd tuner (or at least, the opposite tuner to what it defaults to when the machine is first turned on), it has picture and sound drop outs every couple of seconds and is basically unwatchable. It only happens on this tuner and only with this channel. Other channels on this tuner are fine, and FOX HD on the other tuner is fine. If I change both tuners to FOX HD and then swap tuners, the problem remains on the tuner that it was originally on, while the other one is perfectly fine. I went into the diagnostic menu and looked at the d04 values and both tuners said SNR and AGC were "GOOD" and had very nearly the same values, so it doesn't seem like there is an issue with the incoming signal. Has anyone figured out any definite fix for this yet, or what exactly the problem is?

wow you people are quick with the replies--thanks re which button to use for swap and 30 second skip.

never got a reply to my other question so I will take a stab and maybe someone will take pity on me.

Help

6412 connected to TV using component cables and audio (on video 4);
DVD to Receiver using S-video and coax audio
Dvd to TV using s-video AND rca audio on Video 1

CD's play with either or both speakers from stereo or tv

DVD ONLY plays with TV speakers

Don't understand why! Also would like option of using Receiver speakers with or without when watch TV or DVR. and yikes haven't even tried to hook up the VCR yet--really just want it for playing kids tapes not for recording.

Sure would appreciate some very simple advice (geez left myself open for that one.)

Thanks

sorry,

that was I would like to use either or both speakers from tv and receiver when watching tv or dvr recorded show.


btw--if i set up to record on a HD channel and I presently don't have HD set (it comes Monday) does it take up the additional room that HD records do on the dvr? I would think not but am not sure.

Originally posted by ticman

btw--if i set up to record on a HD channel and I presently don't have HD set (it comes Monday) does it take up the additional room that HD records do on the dvr? I would think not but am not sure.

Yep...it records the actual bitstream on digital channels, so it will take up the same amount of space on the hard drive regardless of how you'll be sending it out to your display...and it really can't know what kind of display you'll be sending it to. :D The good news is that it will look better than a recording of the analog version would...

-Randy

Randy,
Thanks for the info. You also answered another question for me that I was too embarrassed to ask and that was "it sure looked to me that the same station in HD was sharper than the analog version." and that of course was without the HDTV

Now help me with my connection problem lol

Originally posted by ticman
wow you people are quick with the replies--thanks re which button to use for swap and 30 second skip.

never got a reply to my other question so I will take a stab and maybe someone will take pity on me.

Help

6412 connected to TV using component cables and audio (on video 4);
DVD to Receiver using S-video and coax audio
Dvd to TV using s-video AND rca audio on Video 1

CD's play with either or both speakers from stereo or tv

DVD ONLY plays with TV speakers

Don't understand why! Also would like option of using Receiver speakers with or without when watch TV or DVR. and yikes haven't even tried to hook up the VCR yet--really just want it for playing kids tapes not for recording.

Sure would appreciate some very simple advice (geez left myself open for that one.)

Thanks

Well, not knowing what capabilities (or types of connectors) your receiver has, some of this might be wrong, but..

To get TV audio from your stereo speakers, connect the digital coax audio or optical cable from your 6412 to your receiver. This assumes your receiver can decode 5.1 audio (and you implied it should because you have digital audio out from your DVD connected that way).

Why you can output sound from CDs and not DVDs to your receiver's speakers is baffling unless you are actually switching inputs on your receiver (i.e. switching from the CD input selection to the DVD input selection) when actually playing from the same device. Apologies if this is too elementary (don't mean to insult), but the input selection on your receiver must match how the cables are connected. If you plugged the coax cable from your DVD into the CD input connector on your receiver, then leave the setting on CD even when you play DVDs.

Originally posted by crossbeaux
Well, not knowing what capabilities (or types of connectors) your receiver has, some of this might be wrong, but..

To get TV audio from your stereo speakers, connect the digital coax audio or optical cable from your 6412 to your receiver. This assumes your receiver can decode 5.1 audio (and you implied it should because you have digital audio out from your DVD connected that way).

Why you can output sound from CDs and not DVDs to your receiver's speakers is baffling unless you are actually switching inputs on your receiver (i.e. switching from the CD input selection to the DVD input selection) when actually playing from the same device. Apologies if this is too elementary (don't mean to insult), but the input selection on your receiver must match how the cables are connected. If you plugged the coax cable from your DVD into the CD input connector on your receiver, then leave the setting on CD even when you play DVDs.


Hey never too elementary and certainly not insulted. I appreciate your trying to help.

Ok, this is what I have by way of info

Sony TV to be replaced with sony HDTV on Monday--no coax or optical audio

Sony receiver 1 coax IN; 2 Optical IN 1 to tv and 1 to dvd (I didn't see coax from 6412 duh but if i find it and connect from 6412 to Receiver then how do I connect receiver to dvd--obviously not by coax

Sony DVD 1 coax OUT; 1 Optical OUT

The DVD/CD (one unit 6 disc DVP NC_600 is connected to receiver using s-video and coax audio. I DO NOT change input selection when playing dvd or cd. Use DVD input only.

Hope this gives you some ideas as to what i screwed up.

Mike

Originally posted by buzgz
Remember, time of day is a local issue, also, making it more probable that different areas have unique guides.

Remember, your box knows GMT if you look at your diagnostic menus. One would imagine it would be easier to set the offset than to reprogram the guide for different time zones all over the place. This is how online guides work.

If you've ever done any work with XMLTV or anything, you'll see that guide times are generally in GMT and you set the offset.

That said, someone has to be putting local shows into the guides. My last best absolute speculation on this is that there is a master list maintained by IGuide that has all programs for the entire nation in it with unique channel identifiers (i.e. some kind of key like WPVIDT06PHI for example) for each local channel with all times in GMT and local comcasts pull down what they need from this master list and map it to their channel mappings and offset the time according to the time zone. This is the most efficient way I can think of that it works, given what I know about how tv listings work in general and given that we know IGuide does as far as movie ratings and the like.

Originally posted by Terry_L_G
I've plowed through 100 + pages of this thread and have seen repeated reports of the problem that the DCT 6412 sporadically changes a series recording from the HD channel to the Analog equivalent channel.

In the SF Bay area, I have regularly experienced this with CBS and ABC (705 to 5 and 707 to 7), but not with any other HD channels.

I observed that what is different about these two channels is that the call letters for both the Analog and HD channels are identical (KPIX and KGO). On other HD channels where I don't see this problem, the HD channel has a different call sign (KNTV and DKNTV, for example).

I suspect that the Series recording is set up to tie "This channel only" to the call sign of the channel, and not to the channel number. That would allow Comcast to reassign channel numbers without destroying series recordings (such as when they reassigned the HD channels to the 700-725 numbers a few months ago). Then when the channel guide is refreshed and the series are scheduled, it is finding the first channel with the matching call sign and setting the series to record that channel.

Can someone in another service area that has experienced this Series recording channel shift problem confirm or deny that the call signs for the two channels are the same in your area?

If this is indeed the problem, the i-Guide team could implement an almost immediate fix by changing the call letters for the HD channels to make them distinct (such as prefixing them with a "D"). No set-box updates are required!

Come to think of it all my HD series recordings that switched are 705 and 707. I haven't switch my series records for 2 over to 702 yet and everything else I record isn't on HD. I'll try to set up some other HD series records on ESPN and 702. I'll also check the call signs.

Originally posted by frankz1
Do you think it'll come before or after the firmware update you (WRONG: Midranger) said we'd get last week?

Edited to correct my faulty memory. Get it right bucko.

I was clear and stated the analyst was unsure if it was a patch or firmware upgrade. If you would polish up on your reading skills as well as your memory skills you might be able to distinguish as much.

Additionally I'm sure you're aware (well not sure because maybe you have other faulty brain functions) a patch would not be readily identified when pushed to the STB. That is unless you have some magical way to know as much.

It seems clear to me however that something has happened because magically my STB has not had a single freeze issue since shortly after the date the analyst provided me in this regard.

On Demand response time has been sluggish of late and it is a problem I've observed in three separate homes now in my area.

Maybe we can check on demand response time at your home Frank considering I'm in the 19054 zip code and see if you're observing similar behavior?

Originally posted by Midranger4
Get it right bucko.

I was clear and stated the analyst was unsure if it was a patch or firmware upgrade. If you would polish up on your reading skills as well as your memory skills you might be able to distinguish as much.

Additionally I'm sure you're aware (well not sure because maybe you have other faulty brain functions) a patch would not be readily identified when pushed to the STB. That is unless you have some magical way to know as much.

It seems clear to me however that something has happened because magically my STB has not had a single freeze issue since shortly after the date the analyst provided me in this regard.

On Demand response time has been sluggish of late and it is a problem I've observed in three separate homes now in my area.

Maybe we can check on demand response time at your home Frank considering I'm in the 19054 zip code and see if you're observing similar behavior?

Of all the times I was trying to be provocative, that wasn't one of them. I had misidentified who posted the info, and corrected it (WRONG was referring to me, not the info). I actually was wondering when we were going to see some updates and improvements and trying to get a timeframe. I also regularly ask about the transition to digital simulcasting. Those are three things I look forward to.

That said, I never had a freeze issue and have noticed nothing different about OnDemand (I used it last night).

Originally posted by hdfan29
Has anyone else had a problem with this STB always switching to channel 8 when you turn it on? I have looked through all the menus and options and cannot find any way to prevent this. I would like it to stay on the last channel I was watching if that is possible.

When turned on, it usually starts on Tuner 1. Also, if you have any recordings, they will change the channel.

Threat noted? LOL

You must have forgotten your paranoid as well.

Lighten up there Frank was just offering to compare notes on the area.

Originally posted by Midranger4
Threat noted? LOL

You must have forgotten your paranoid as well.

Lighten up there Frank was just offering to compare notes on the area.

I'll edit that part out. Didn't mean to misconstrue. Should have known anyone using the term "bucko" couldn't be all bad.

Originally posted by frankz1
Here ya go, friend. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4636291#post4636291) Have a super day!:)

Nuts! I think the Moderator put a shiver in Frankz1!!! Bring back the old Frank....

Originally posted by frankz1
Here ya go, friend. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4636291#post4636291) Have a super day!:)

:D

i just got home with my 4th box.
i now have 2 in the house.

this one seems to be working better then the one i got yesterday.
(freezing and shutting of.)

but i still have the pixilating on dig fox and wb nets.

must be in the wires somewere.
this is 3 different boxes doing this now.

frank you just cant win, even when you try to be polite.

In trying to understand some of the different behaviors we all see, I'd like to know more about how the Comcast digital cable system actually works. Here's what I think is going on:

A network like Fox sends out shows I assume digitally by satellite which gets to my local Fox affiliate KTVU Channel 2 in SF. KTVU does some modifications to this like add the "2" in the corner, insert local commercials, etc. KTVU then converts this to analog NTSC and broadcasts RF over the air, which I can pick up with an antenna and watch on my analog TV receiver. My old cable system used to pick up the local stations with their own antenna and send essentially the same analog signal down the cable to my analog TV (they didn't use a STB).

Now, Comcast in the Bay Area gets the show, I assume digitally (?), from KTVU. They must convert to analog to send down the cable since I can still watch these stations on my analog TVs. I presume Comcast might also gets some (e.g. local) stations analog and just sends that analog down the cable as well (?).

I suspect that the Bay Area Comcast entity further redistributes these signals to town-by-town Comcast (head end?) entities, who operate my particular physical cable and I assume mostly just pass the signals along.

I know an analog signal for Channel 2 comes down my cable since I can watch it on my analog TV without the STB. At the same time the SD (>100) and HD (7xx) digital channels come down the cable as well. But I also understand that the analog stations are reencoded as a digital signal QAM 256 which is what the 6412 reads (?). The 6412 somehow from this recovers the analog channels (?) and then apparently redigitizes them back to a digital (MPEG) data which it records on my disk. This encoding isn't as efficient so analog channels burn up about 2X the space on the disk as SD channels. I've heard that eventually Comcast intends to simulcast the digital (SD?) Channel 2 down the cable as well as the analog, (in addition to HD) which would let the 6412 record the digital signal direct to the disk, like it currently does for SD and HD (?). Please help straighten me out on all this.

If I'm correct, then there are opportunities at the Fox affiliate and at one or more local Comcast entities to augment and convert signals from digital to/from analog, in such a way that the results we get across the country and even town-by-town could be different. Plus each of us has a signal of varying quality coming into our homes, which even if our boxes were identical might well result in different behavior. There's also the guide. The guide content is probably produced in part nationally but must be customized locally for the Bay Area. So some local (Comcast? iGuide?) entity can cause the guides to be different, creating another opportunity for locally varying behaviors.

Originally posted by jayjay06
Come to think of it all my HD series recordings that switched are 705 and 707. I haven't switch my series records for 2 over to 702 yet and everything else I record isn't on HD. I'll try to set up some other HD series records on ESPN and 702. I'll also check the call signs.


Just a note...I am in the SF Bay Area too (Pleasanton) and the only network channel that does not have a separate identifier for their HD equivalent on my iguide is KGO (7 and 707) All the rest have separate call signs

KTVUD 702
DKNTV 703
KPIXD 705
etc

and KGO is both 707 and 7 ...not sure if this helps or muddies the water. I have given up on series recording for the time being until the bugs get worked out.

just a observation.

2, 1 hr eps of 24 hd after deletion yields 9% space return.
so i guess 1 hr of fox hd is about 4.5 % space usage.
deleting 1 hr of smallville hd, gave me back 6% space.

Originally posted by ticman
Hey never too elementary and certainly not insulted. I appreciate your trying to help.

Ok, this is what I have by way of info

Sony TV to be replaced with sony HDTV on Monday--no coax or optical audio

Sony receiver 1 coax IN; 2 Optical IN 1 to tv and 1 to dvd (I didn't see coax from 6412 duh but if i find it and connect from 6412 to Receiver then how do I connect receiver to dvd--obviously not by coax

Sony DVD 1 coax OUT; 1 Optical OUT

The DVD/CD (one unit 6 disc DVP NC_600 is connected to receiver using s-video and coax audio. I DO NOT change input selection when playing dvd or cd. Use DVD input only.

Hope this gives you some ideas as to what i screwed up.

Mike
Not sure, but here's something to test, if you've got the cables.

Audio: 6412 to receiver using optical
DVD player to receiver using other optical input
Remove the audio cable from the 6412 to TV, at least for this test
You don't need optical to the TV (and I doubt your TV really has an optical connector)
Video: Leave as is

Try and see if DVD, CD, and TV (especially a channel with 5.1 audio, like INHD) all play through your stereo speakers. If not, your receiver might be faulty.

Originally posted by crossbeaux
Not sure, but here's something to test, if you've got the cables.

Audio: 6412 to receiver using optical
DVD player to receiver using other optical input
Remove the audio cable from the 6412 to TV, at least for this test
You don't need optical to the TV (and I doubt your TV really has an optical connector)
Video: Leave as is

Try and see if DVD, CD, and TV (especially a channel with 5.1 audio, like INHD) all play through your stereo speakers. If not, your receiver might be faulty.

I rather doubt that the receiver is faulty as all the options I was looking for I had before I got the 6412. I had TIVO and connections were either s-video or RCA didn't have component cables and didn't have coax audio set up. more than willing to try your suggestions but I don't have any optical cables. hate to buy them unless I know they will work. Might see if i can borrow some.

Maybe someone else will pick up on this issue and have some more ideas.
thanks for you help. I will let u know how it works out.

Does anyone know how accurate the disk space meter (% full) in the 6412 is?

My installer told me to ignore it because it didn't work right - but he also told me that it would sound much better if I used optical instead of coax spdif and that I would see more pixels if I used component instead of DVI...

I'm in San Francisco and have had the box for about 2 weeks now.

Thanks!

Originally posted by shooks
Does anyone know how accurate the disk space meter (% full) in the 6412 is?

My installer told me to ignore it because it didn't work right - but he also told me that it would sound much better if I used optical instead of coax spdif and that I would see more pixels if I used component instead of DVI...

I'm in San Francisco and have had the box for about 2 weeks now.

Thanks!

The disk space meter seems mostly accurate to me. When it says 99% full, it starts to delete things. Don't pay attention to what it tells you with just one, short show recorded. I've never seen it under about 3-5%.

Most of the rest of what he told you is garbage. Generally the installers and the CSRs know almost nothing and give out bad info. Most audiophiles will tell you coaxial is better than optical and cheaper to boot, so go that way if you can. Whether you should use component or DVI depends on the type and quality of your display, I'd guess.

Originally posted by frankz1
I had this issue a while back on channels with DD 5.1. For some reason, it started sending the stereo signal out of the optical output and the dd 5.1 signal out of the stereo outputs (i.e. just the left and right fronts of the 5.1). I either corrected the problem by rebooting or turning the box off and on again (The more I think about it, I'm fairly sure it was the second in spite of what I posted earlier).

Others had reported this, too. Don't know why it happened or how to prevent it or if this is even what's causing your issue.

Unfortunately I've had this issue since day one. Now I've had to resort to changing the audio settings to output to the TV Speakers when viewing a HD channel. Then after I disable the DD 5.1 effect on the reciever I'm finally able to hear dialouge without having the background effects drown them out. All other channels operate as intended (ie..Heavy Compression, Matrix, and DD 5.1 decoded properly when broadcast that way)

Between this and the lousy picture on any channel other than HD I'm starting to regret switching from Direct TV. I was pretty happy with Direct TV DVR but didn't want to invest in the HD model. This was a much cheaper alternative. So now I'm starting to second guess this decision.

Originally posted by whotony
just a observation.

2, 1 hr eps of 24 hd after deletion yields 9% space return.
so i guess 1 hr of fox hd is about 4.5 % space usage.
deleting 1 hr of smallville hd, gave me back 6% space.

I seem to get an accurate read of disk space by figuring:

720p programs = 5.25% per hour
1080i programs = 7.50% per hour

Figure that the meter rounds the grand total upwards, i.e. if you calculate a total of 41.25%, the meter will read 42%. The grand total is usually within 1%-2% of being accurate. This works well for calculating if there is enough room for future recordings.

I know ABC and FOX are 720p. I assume HBO is also, since it fits the above method of calculation.

Originally posted by avic
or why not get rid of tivo altogether? on top of the comcast dvr fee you're paying tivo an additional $12.95 for a single tuner box that can't time-shift hd. if u get another 6412 and you'd still be ahead. imo with the new iguide tivo has lost it's only edge, software. and as a former customer i have to say i actually think i like iguide better.

But then I would lose Tivo's great search and "wishlist" capabilities.

Are there websites that can show me what shows certain actors are on? (both movies, TV series and talk show appearences).

Steve
(new 6412 owner today, and longtime TiVo owner)

Originally posted by PhillyC
I seem to get an accurate read of disk space by figuring:

720p programs = 5.25% per hour
1080i programs = 7.50% per hour

Figure that the meter rounds the grand total upwards, i.e. if you calculate a total of 41.25%, the meter will read 42%. The grand total is usually within 1%-2% of being accurate. This works well for calculating if there is enough room for future recordings.

I know ABC and FOX are 720p. I assume HBO is also, since it fits the above method of calculation.


but doesnt the 6412 convert anything thats on to whatever you hav it set for in the user menu?

i dont have 720p ability so everything is 1080i for me.

Originally posted by whotony
but doesnt the 6412 convert anything thats on to whatever you hav it set for in the user menu?
It only converts the show on display. It stores the program in the original form on the hard drive. When you playback, the 6412 will decode the video recording and then the video hardware will upconvert the display to 1080i (or whatever).

Originally posted by PhillyC

I know ABC and FOX are 720p. I assume HBO is also, since it fits the above method of calculation.

HBO is 1080i, but they do some compressing prior to sending the signal on the satellite so its not as much b/w as some other 1080i carriers

ABC, FOX, ESPN are 720p

CBS, NBC, PBS, InHD, DSCHD, Show, HBO are 1080i

I just noticed one of my tuner doesn't have Dolby logo. Does 6412 only record DD5.1 from one of the tuner or both? I don't have a DD5.1 system yet but will get one just before the superbowl.

Originally posted by andyross63
When turned on, it usually starts on Tuner 1. Also, if you have any recordings, they will change the channel.
I realize that, but it doesn't matter what tuner or what channel I was last on, it always switches back to channel 8 when I turn it on. I don't have any recordings scheduled for this channel and I have never recorded or even watched anything on this channel. The box is doing this all on it's own for no apparent reason.

I have talked to several Comcast reps and as most people here seem to know already, they are clueless. The only answers they know are "unplug it" or "let me send a hit", neither of which ever do anything to solve the problem.

But my bigger issue is still the problem with FOX HD on tuner 2, because it seems when a scheduled recording starts it always switches to this tuner to record the show and I end up with a useless recording.

Quick question. An installer is coming this afternoon with a 6412. Will he/she provide DVI or HDMI cables or do I need to buy them myself?

Originally posted by troll565
Quick question. An installer is coming this afternoon with a 6412. Will he/she provide DVI or HDMI cables or do I need to buy them myself?
My experience has been that they have standard component cables that they can sell you. I have never seen them have any DVI or HDMI cables, at least not here in Indy.

Ken

Originally posted by troll565
Quick question. An installer is coming this afternoon with a 6412. Will he/she provide DVI or HDMI cables or do I need to buy them myself?

My installer left a big old package of cables labeled "DCT 5100 Install Kit." Had seemingly every possible cable for this...except DVI (did the 5100 have DVI?).

Originally posted by troll565
Quick question. An installer is coming this afternoon with a 6412. Will he/she provide DVI or HDMI cables or do I need to buy them myself?

I picked my 6412 up at Comcast office. They gave me set of component cables. LOL asked for a second pair but no luck

For all of you that are having problems with Fox HD Programing in Chicago and elsewhere, (including myself) here is a post from the Comcast Chicago Thread.

FOX problems
To All,

I don't have a definite answer to the reception problems I see in all these messages (particularly WFLD), but I have some clues that might explain some of what you are experiencing.

First of all, FOX has not implemented any sinister scheme to inhibit your DVR from FF/RW mode. I suspect that is a 'bug' issue with your DVR, being triggered by changes we've instituted. Read on.

Beginning about 2/1/05 we began sending out the EPG. This is a change in the content of the data stream. Some of your boxes and maybe even the Comcast headend equipment that translates the 8VSB/ATSC OTA signal to QAM could have reacted negatively to this change. I am aware of a past incident a year and a half ago where another broadcaster in Chicago updated the software in their HD encoder that feeds their transmitter. It was a minor rev., but it caused all kinds of problems for the Comcast viewers. The broadcaster had to uninstall the rev until the problem between their encoder mfgr and the Comcast's translator mfgr became "software compatible". Transmitting these FCC mandated program guides might have triggered something.

In conjunction with the start of transmitting Program guides, there was another change we had to do to the numbering of the PIDs. This change we suspect has caused splicer lockups. That's why you lost the last part of American Idol, and I understand from the discrepancy reports on previous nights we had splicer lockup issues also. On Thursday we conferenced with FOX Corporate Engineering on this splicer lockup and discovered we're not the only station having a problem. Some stations are having no problems. Under further investigation, we disabled a Closed Caption PID to eliminate a piece of data in the stream, and we'll see how Thursday night goes. Just in case, we have a backup splicer on its way for Superbowl.

When the splicer locks up, we bypass the splicer and send our upconverted encoded signal out direct, like we did before we got the splicer. Obviously, the content of the data stream changes somewhat. I think what we're all discovering is that these digital boxes are sensitive to unexpected changes. It's called "field testing"

Again, I repeat that I don't know if this will solve your problems, but I wanted you to know that we were making changes in our transmitted stream to include the mandated EPG and that we've had some hardware lockup problems. I would suspect some of the other Chicago stations have been getting their EPG's online about now also.

My boss and I will try and check into this forum again tomorrow to see how things are going. Please understand we can't account for what the Comcast converter or the Comcast DVR box might do, that is a Comcast issue. We're responsible for transmitting a valid OTA signal only. I will try and contact Mark W. over at Comcast headend and see if he is having any problems reprocessing our current signal's data content. The OTA viewers don't seem to be having this sort of problem.


__________________
Bob Olsen
WFLD-TV/DT & WPWR-TV/DT
Chicago, IL

My opinions are my own, and are not representative of any of my employers, their parent companies, or subsidiary companies.

Originally posted by troll565
Quick question. An installer is coming this afternoon with a 6412. Will he/she provide DVI or HDMI cables or do I need to buy them myself?
This may depend on your local Comcast service. I got my 6412 in the beginning of November and I received a 15' combo component/audio cable, and an assortment of other cables (rca, s-video, etc), but no DVI or HDMI cables.

Originally posted by Alvis
I just noticed one of my tuner doesn't have Dolby logo. Does 6412 only record DD5.1 from one of the tuner or both? I don't have a DD5.1 system yet but will get one just before the superbowl. Alvis,
It is a known bug that the Dolby indicator only works on one tuner. The box will record and play back 5.1 on either tuner as you will find out when you get your new gear. Have fun!

Originally posted by Chuck Mullen
Alvis,
It is a known bug that the Dolby indicator only works on one tuner. The box will record and play back 5.1 on either tuner as you will find out when you get your new gear. Have fun!

For some reason, after about two months, my DD indicator now appears on both tuners when I hit "INFO" or change the channel. I didn't do anything to get it working that I know of. Just one day I hit SWAP and it was there. Hit SWAP again, and it was there on the other one. Now it's always present where DD is present on both tuners when watching live TV. Weird.

Originally posted by pleasanton
Just a note...I am in the SF Bay Area too (Pleasanton) and the only network channel that does not have a separate identifier for their HD equivalent on my iguide is KGO (7 and 707) All the rest have separate call signs

KTVUD 702
DKNTV 703
KPIXD 705
etc

and KGO is both 707 and 7 ...not sure if this helps or muddies the water. I have given up on series recording for the time being until the bugs get worked out.


I'm tired of this bug...
I fixed my series recordings yesterday morning, from ch5 back to 705, come home last night, it was reverted back to ch5 SD.
This time I couldn't cancel the old recordings! I couldn't schedule new HD recordings, since both tuners used (2x record SD.) I tried turning it off/back on (just power, no unplug) , no effect.

I unplugged the box, (Cheers frankz1 :) ) - it still had my recordings set (TBA...), I let the guide data reload... finally was able to cancel the old ones (set one manually, from the TBA no-data guide earlier)...yay!
and 5 minutes later, it reverted back to SD :( I finally was able to cancel it all.

But, now it wouldn't record the HD channel! I clicked record multiple times, etc... tried a manual recording for immediate/right now... nothing.

Finally I waited for an ad, powered off (not unplug, just power), tried again...
and finally it recorded.
Sheesh!

I can understand bugs of shifting it around, but why wouldn't it even record when I hit "rec" on live?!?

Checking my schedule data:
702 KTVUD
703 DKNTV
704 KROND
* 705 KPIX
* 707 KGO
709 KQEDH
INHD1, etc...

I think this is indeed the pattern / bug source (channel naming.)
Only the *ones have this bug.

*Pleasanton, my guide has "KPIX" for Ch705... yours has different name for CBS/KPIX!
Do you get the revert bug on CBS, or only ABC/KGO?
If you only get it on KGO, then it's definitely a name bug... and no idea why your guide/channel naming is slightly different than Foster City..?

Hmm, I notice that 730 is HBO-W ... let me check the SD version...

736 SHOw (checked, foster city still has DiscHD and ShowtimeHD, thanks guys)
SD versions are 551 HBO-W, and 576 SHOw... same name.

* Would be an interesting test, to schedule a recording for HD HBO and/or Showtime, and see if they revert also!

Originally posted by cgould

702 KTVUD
703 DKNTV
704 KROND
* 705 KPIX
* 707 KGO
709 KQEDH
INHD1, etc...

I think this is indeed the pattern / bug source (channel naming.)
Only the *ones have this bug.

I have to tell you that, even though I do not have it (TG), I find this bug especially offensive. It would take about 3 seconds of typing to correct and there is no question that it is a direct issue with Comcast (not hardware, not software and not signal related). It shouldn't go on for one more day. Has anyone called Comcast on it?

Originally posted by frankz1
I have to tell you that, even though I do not have it (TG), I find this bug especially offensive. It would take about 3 seconds of typing to correct and there is no question that it is a direct issue with Comcast (not hardware, not software and not signal related). It shouldn't go on for one more day. Has anyone called Comcast on it?

I've tried my local office and the CSRs, they seem ignorant of the problem (they do know & mention the analog crash/hang)... no real progress getting it fixed.
So far all they've wanted to do is hit the box w/ a refresh (even though I told them I already unplugged it), send out a technician, etc...

I tried calling the corporate office, I got #s for the Director of Biz Operations (Western Div), and the AA for VP of engineering (Wester Div), but that # seemed wrong. I'll try calling Biz Operations later today from work if possible...


On a hunch, I checked the "HD schedule" (eg tv listing by HD category), and suspiciously, KGO & KPIX (ABC/CBS) are also missing from that list! as are HBO & Showtime. Those have the same SD/HD channel names, and the revert bug. Pattern??
However, KQEDH (PBS hd) also is NOT listed in the HD category, but DOES have a different name, and I do NOT have the SD-revert bug with it.

I'll try to get them to fix the HD category listing at the same time as channel names, if possible, fix 2 annoyances w/ one call...

Originally posted by frankz1

I have to tell you that, even though I do not have it (TG), I find this bug especially offensive. It would take about 3 seconds of typing to correct and there is no question that it is a direct issue with Comcast (not hardware, not software and not signal related). It shouldn't go on for one more day. Has anyone called Comcast on it?

After talking to 4 customer service reps, one finally put me through to a manager at my insistence. I proceeded to rattle off the usual list of complaints with series recordings and freezing, including the HD->SD problem, and was told that they are aware of some of these issues and are working on it (others, like the delete unwanted series recordings and then when setting a new recording, having them all want to record again, were new to her). She said that swapping the box would be of no use, since all boxes have these problems. No time frame was given for a fix. She suggested I just delete all series recordings and only set up individual recordings for the time being, but not sure if that will fix the HD->SD problem without babysitting this box. Perhaps if people call in and insist on speaking to a manager to make Comcast more aware of specific issues they need to fix, progress will be made. It seems like the front end CSRs are useless and just want to either zap your box or swap it.

3 quick questions from a newbie;

I have a Philips 42PF9956 Television hooked up to the DVR with a HDMI-DVI cable. When I set the DVR to 480i instead of 480p so I can control the aspect ratio from my TV, the picture is all garbled and messed up. If I leave the setting on 480p or stretch it comes out OK, but I cannot change the aspect ratio except for 4:3 or widescreen. What am I doing wrong?

Also, when I have the black bars on the side for non-HD programming, is there any way to change the bars to gray or something so I don't have to worry about burn in -if I do at all?

Finally, is there anyway to make analog channels look better. I heard by turning the sharpness all the way down helps, is there anything I am missing?

Thanks for any help!

Hi all,

I searched the forums but wasn't able to find a clear answer to these questions.

A little background on my setup

Comcast 6412 connected to Panasonic 42 EDTV Plasma (5U) via component

1.) When I had dish connected via s-video I really liked the "just" mode much better than the 6412 "stretch" for SD content. Is there anyway I can set the outputs so I can use the TV's stretch mode for SD and still get the best possible resolution for HD?

2.) Is there any way to stretch the 4:3 conent on HD channels. (My wife refuses to watch anything 4:3, she prefers the analog channels. Yuck)

Thanks and sorry if I missed an earlier answer.

Originally posted by pex
Hi all,

I searched the forums but wasn't able to find a clear answer to these questions.

A little background on my setup

Comcast 6412 connected to Panasonic 42 EDTV Plasma (5U) via component

1.) When I had dish connected via s-video I really liked the "just" mode much better than the 6412 "stretch" for SD content. Is there anyway I can set the outputs so I can use the TV's stretch mode for SD and still get the best possible resolution for HD?

2.) Is there any way to stretch the 4:3 conent on HD channels. (My wife refuses to watch anything 4:3, she prefers the analog channels. Yuck)

Thanks and sorry if I missed an earlier answer.

On 1, I think turning your 4:3 override to 480i will do it.

On 2, some TVs will stretch 4x3 content on HD Channels, most will not. It's a question about your TV and most likely answered in it's manual (or forum here, if there is one).

Originally posted by pex
Hi all,

I searched the forums but wasn't able to find a clear answer to these questions.

A little background on my setup

Comcast 6412 connected to Panasonic 42 EDTV Plasma (5U) via component

1.) When I had dish connected via s-video I really liked the "just" mode much better than the 6412 "stretch" for SD content. Is there anyway I can set the outputs so I can use the TV's stretch mode for SD and still get the best possible resolution for HD?

2.) Is there any way to stretch the 4:3 conent on HD channels. (My wife refuses to watch anything 4:3, she prefers the analog channels. Yuck)

Thanks and sorry if I missed an earlier answer.

frankz1 is right but he didn't tell you how to enter the user menu. power down the 6412 and press "menu"

Originally posted by pex
Hi all,

I searched the forums but wasn't able to find a clear answer to these questions.

2.) (My wife refuses to watch anything 4:3, she prefers the analog channels. Yuck)




WHAT?:confused:

Originally posted by Alvis
frankz1 is right but he didn't tell you how to enter the user menu. power down the 6412 and press "menu"

Sorry. Assumed general manual (http://broadband.motorola.com/noflash/customer_docs/user_guides/512659-001-a.pdf) perusal before posting. My bad, I guess. I'll remember manual perusal (http://broadband.motorola.com/noflash/customer_docs/user_guides/512659-001-a.pdf) is a faulty assumption.

Originally posted by frankz1
Sorry. Assumed general manual (http://broadband.motorola.com/noflash/customer_docs/user_guides/512659-001-a.pdf) perusal before posting. My bad, I guess. I'll remember manual perusal (http://broadband.motorola.com/noflash/customer_docs/user_guides/512659-001-a.pdf) is a faulty assumption.

Did you get that manual when your cableco installed your 6412? Mine gave me nothing. Only thing installer told me is to watch channel 999.

Originally posted by Alvis
Did you get that manual when your cableco installed your 6412? Mine gave me nothing. Only thing installer told me is to watch channel 999.

Google gave it to me.

Would this setup work?

6412 Video via DVI to TV
6412 Audio via Optical to A/V receiver

DVD Video via Components to TV
DVD Audio via Optical Coax to A/V receiver

PS2 via S-Vid and RCA's

i have a Sammy HLP5063W TV

Originally posted by troll565
Would this setup work?

6412 Video via DVI to TV
6412 Audio via Optical to A/V receiver

DVD Video via Components to TV
DVD Audio via Optical Coax to A/V receiver

PS2 via S-Vid and RCA's

i have a Sammy HLP5063W TV

Yes. For the A/V receiver, if you have a 3rd. optical Connection, use this for the PS2.....

Originally posted by scanpa
Yes. For the A/V receiver, if you have a 3rd. optical Connection, use this for the PS2.....

I don't, unfortunatley. But I was toying with the idea of getting the compnents for the PS2 to minimize the lag time. All my kickoffs in Madden keep going out of bounds. :(

Originally posted by scanpa
Yes. For the A/V receiver, if you have a 3rd. optical Connection, use this for the PS2.....

in a previous post the following was asked.


Would this setup work?

6412 Video via DVI to TV
6412 Audio via Optical to A/V receiver

DVD Video via Components to TV
DVD Audio via Optical Coax to A/V receiver


could the following also work

6412 video via component to TV

Originally posted by scanpa
Yes. For the A/V receiver, if you have a 3rd. optical Connection, use this for the PS2.....

in a previous post the following was asked.


Would this setup work?

6412 Video via DVI to TV
6412 Audio via Optical to A/V receiver

DVD Video via Components to TV
DVD Audio via Optical Coax to A/V receiver


could the following also work

6412 video via component to TV

Originally posted by ticman
in a previous post the following was asked.


Would this setup work?

6412 Video via DVI to TV
6412 Audio via Optical to A/V receiver

DVD Video via Components to TV
DVD Audio via Optical Coax to A/V receiver


could the following also work

6412 video via component to TV
6412 audio via optical to a/v receiver

dvd video via 2- video to tv
dvd audio via coax to a/v receiver


sorry for the double post--fingers got carried away.

Originally posted by JRodTig
Thanks for the tip. I did try that and it helped but only a little bit. I got a much better response than earlier however I still seemed to get no signal out of the center channel. In order to hear the dialouge I had to increase the volume on the TV set itself....Strange isn't it?

Yeah, it's annoying. Is your cable box volume at "optimal stereo", where that little arrow shows up above the volume bar (for the CABLE BOX volume)?

remember that the audio settings on the cable box only effect the RCA Audio outputs. They have no effect on the digital audio out connections.

Originally posted by frankz1
Sorry. Assumed general manual perusal before posting. My bad, I guess. I'll remember manual perusal is a faulty assumption.

Just to set the record straight, I did read the manual, I just didn't realize what the 4:3 overide was for.

Now I have 720p for the hd channels and 480p for 4:3. I get to use "just" and
the tv handles it perfectly. No more wide heads!

Thanks for the help. (Just need to wait for my Harmony 680 to get here on Mon. and I'll be in heaven)

Originally posted by pex
Just to set the record straight, I did read the manual, I just didn't realize what the 4:3 overide was for.

Now I have 720p for the hd channels and 480p for 4:3. I get to use "just" and
the tv handles it perfectly. No more wide heads!

Thanks for the help. (Just need to wait for my Harmony 680 to get here on Mon. and I'll be in heaven)

Great news. Plus, looks like my assumption you knew how to get to the user menu wasn't faulty at all.

Originally posted by hdfan29
Has anyone else had a problem with this STB always switching to channel 8 when you turn it on? I have looked through all the menus and options and cannot find any way to prevent this. I would like it to stay on the last channel I was watching if that is possible.

Regarding the issue with the 2nd tuner and FOX HD problems...I am experiencing this as well. When I change to FOX HD (channel 234) on the 2nd tuner (or at least, the opposite tuner to what it defaults to when the machine is first turned on), it has picture and sound drop outs every couple of seconds and is basically unwatchable. It only happens on this tuner and only with this channel. Other channels on this tuner are fine, and FOX HD on the other tuner is fine. If I change both tuners to FOX HD and then swap tuners, the problem remains on the tuner that it was originally on, while the other one is perfectly fine. I went into the diagnostic menu and looked at the d04 values and both tuners said SNR and AGC were "GOOD" and had very nearly the same values, so it doesn't seem like there is an issue with the incoming signal. Has anyone figured out any definite fix for this yet, or what exactly the problem is?

Are you recording something on CH 8? I leave mine on 24/7 now to avoid the mute issue and blank screen. BUT before I started doing this, the STB woul come up on the last channel watched or the last channel recorded.

Originally posted by SilverHemi03
Are you recording something on CH 8? I leave mine on 24/7 now to avoid the mute issue and blank screen. BUT before I started doing this, the STB woul come up on the last channel watched or the last channel recorded.

I think C'Cast programmed the boxes this way in our area. Channel 8 is "CN8" which is comcast's local programming (news, talk, etc).

Originally posted by Terry_L_G
I observed that what is different about these two channels is that the call letters for both the Analog and HD channels are identical (KPIX and KGO). On other HD channels where I don't see this problem, the HD channel has a different call sign (KNTV and DKNTV, for example). It IS related to the call sign because I have the same problem with 707 which is "KGO", the same as 7, but I don't have the same problem with 705, which is "KPIXD" on our system.

And it is not only a Series Recording, but any Scheduled Recording whatsoever on 707 that is subject to this bug. (And, in your case, also on 705.)

I am attempting to pursue a correction for this ASAP and I will let you know if I hear anything.

Received in the mail today a pamphlet with a local return address (Atlanta) entitled “2005 Customer Update.” It touts lots of things we’ve heard before and has an up-to-date channel chart. It also has price changes taking effect March 1 (none for DVR Service, DVR/HDTV Combo Service or HDTV/DVR Install).

But most important for this thread, it says coming in 2005 “New & Improved Interactive Guide.” A picture shows the current guide.

Also “coming in 2005,” 100% Digital Package Options and Comcast Digital Voice (VOIP).

And while I have your attention, they continue to propagate against my pet peeve by lying and saying “we offer a comprehensive parental control system . . . .”

Originally posted by nielloeb
But most important for this thread, it says coming in 2005 “New & Improved Interactive Guide.” A picture shows the current guide.

I beleive they will be updating the non-DVR boxes (those with the 'tan' guide) to iGuide sometime this year.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
It IS related to the call sign because I have the same problem with 707 which is "KGO", the same as 7, but I don't have the same problem with 705, which is "KPIXD" on our system.

And it is not only a Series Recording, but any Scheduled Recording whatsoever on 707 that is subject to this bug. (And, in your case, also on 705.)

I am attempting to pursue a correction for this ASAP and I will let you know if I hear anything.
I hope you tell them that they need to correct the Digital channel labels in possibly every market. They have to check any channel that has an Analog equivilent, not just Locals.

Here, all of our Analog locals use the local call letters. It would make sense, if the Digital Locals used the local call letters plus '-D'.

Just to echo what others have said, my Analog and Digital ABC channels both use the local call letters, and have the revert to Analog bug.

Here, other Locals use either local call letters plus 'D' or network affiliation plus '-D'. The lack of consistency (local vs. network) is annoying, as well.

Also, the local ABC has two sub channels that are correct, using local call letters plus 'N' for news, and plus 'W' for weather.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
And it is not only a Series Recording, but any Scheduled Recording whatsoever on 707 that is subject to this bug.

SonomaSearcher:
By "scheduled", do you mean programming manually with the menus and/or using the remote 1-button quick-record? I'm asking because on Monday night I scheduled a Wednesday night program to record on channel 707 using the guide advance and remote 1-button "red dot" record function. The picture quality of the recording was so bad that now I'm assuming it recorded the analog (7) feed versus the digital (707). I had thought this only applied to series recordings before reading your post. If this applies to all recordings, then this is even worse than previously thought......

Originally posted by mds54
SonomaSearcher:
By "scheduled", do you mean programming manually with the menus and/or using the remote 1-button quick-record? I'm asking because on Monday night I scheduled a Wednesday night program to record on channel 707 using the guide advance and remote 1-button "red dot" record function. The picture quality of the recording was so bad that now I'm assuming it recorded the analog (7) feed versus the digital (707). I had thought this only applied to series recordings before reading your post. If this applies to all recordings, then this is even worse than previously thought......

It would likely be any guide-based recording...

-Randy

Originally posted by scanpa
Yes. For the A/V receiver, if you have a 3rd. optical Connection, use this for the PS2.....
I wouldn't bother using the optical connection for the PS2 as it doesn't do 5.1 during the game. I would recommend it if you have an Xbox.

Originally posted by IFLYSWA
It would likely be any guide-based recording...

-Randy

Yes. It's any guide recording, not just series. It's happened to me many times for both.

I'm not sure if it also impacts "manual" time-based recordings, though I doubt it. I haven't gone to that length yet :)

SonomaSearcher, big big thanks if you can help get this fixed!!
(and ask them about the missing channels in the "HD category" listing, too)

Are there websites that can show me what shows certain actors are on? (both movies, TV series and talk show appearences).

Internet Movie Database http://www.imdb.com/

It won't have talk show appearances or all guest appearances on regular shows (it does have quite a few of them), but it's quite complete otherwise.

for my 6412?

Originally posted by mcody
for my 6412?

1) turn cable box on

2) turn cable box off and press select within 2 - 4 seconds

3) cursor down to code modules, and press the right directional key.


or you can look in up under the I-menu in the

1) setup
2) cable box setup,
3) configuration --- show to display ---

Originally posted by efball
Internet Movie Database http://www.imdb.com/

It won't have talk show appearances or all guest appearances on regular shows (it does have quite a few of them), but it's quite complete otherwise.

I didn't see anything about TV schedules there, just what things an actor had been in. I use TitanTV.com which does do what the original poster wanted and will show you which shows are in HD.

Here's a question about the 6412's "silver" remote functionality:

I've looked on the "cjhengineering" page, but haven't found a solution to my partucular issue:

The FF, PLAY, REW etc controls are locked to the AUX function (well, they're not "locked" but they default to that setting). Since I'm not using this remote to control an "AUX" component I would like to set these buttons to default to controlling the 6412 DVR functions. Is there a way to do this?

Originally posted by ed_in_nj
Here's a question about the 6412's "silver" remote functionality:

I've looked on the "cjhengineering" page, but haven't found a solution to my partucular issue:

The FF, PLAY, REW etc controls are locked to the AUX function (well, they're not "locked" but they default to that setting). Since I'm not using this remote to control an "AUX" component I would like to set these buttons to default to controlling the 6412 DVR functions. Is there a way to do this?
I believe you will find that if you press the "cable" button at the top of the remote before using the FF, PLAY, etc buttons, they will, indeed, control the 6412. That's the way mine was set up when I got it, at least.

Ken

Thanks Ken, you are correct. I should have noted that in my original post, what I'm trying to do is streamline the usage of the remote. Any time I change the mode from "cable" to "TV" in order to use some TV specific functions, the DVR control buttons are remapped under the "aux". This causes me to have to explicitly select "cable" again to get the DVR transport functions back.

It certainly isn't a major problem, I was just wondering if there was a way to redefine the "defaults" to save a few clicks.

Hope this makes sense...

-Ed

Originally posted by ed_in_nj
Thanks Ken, you are correct. I should have noted that in my original post, what I'm trying to do is streamline the usage of the remote. Any time I change the mode from "cable" to "TV" in order to use some TV specific functions, the DVR control buttons are remapped under the "aux". This causes me to have to explicitly select "cable" again to get the DVR transport functions back.

It certainly isn't a major problem, I was just wondering if there was a way to redefine the "defaults" to save a few clicks.

Hope this makes sense...

-Ed

Actually, in either mode, the cursor controls work as transport for the DVR also-
left is Rewind, right is FFwd, and up is Pause/Play. I use them a lot since they're easier to reach w/ thumb than the real keys :)

Just to add data:

Another Bay Area user here. After reading through the discussion regarding KPIX and KGO I decided to lock channels 5 and 7 (but not 705 and 707).

The result? 705 and 707 both ended up locked. This would seem to verify that the iGuide cannot distinguish between the HD and SD versions if the call letters are the same.

Does anyone know if this shifting of Series (scheduled) recording from HD -> SD occur in any other markets besides the Bay Area?

I also reported this problem to ComCast via email, along with the observation that it only appears to hppen when the call sign is the same on the two channels. Their response said that they would pass the information along to the appropriate department. We'll see if anything becomes of it.

I've had this happen once on Desperate Housewives (704 --> 4) in the Portland, OR area. I deleted the series, set it up again, and the last one recorded fine.

Originally posted by Terry_L_G
Does anyone know if this shifting of Series (scheduled) recording from HD -> SD occur in any other markets besides the Bay Area?
Yes, the Digital to Analog bug is occuring everywhere. I just mentioned it, again, yesterday in this thread, and I am PA.

Sorry if this has been covered - I'm just looking into the Comcast DVR's now and can't seem to locate (in this thread) the following answers:

1.) Are USB or Ethernet Enabled?

2.) Can people move content from the 6412 to an external hard drive? Directly to a network computer? Can any other devices play the recordings the 6412 is able to make?

Thanks and sorry if this has been asked 1,000 times. Ideally I want to be able to archive my recordings - but I'm highly doubting anything would be that simple for us end users!

Originally posted by Rebies
Sorry if this has been covered - I'm just looking into the Comcast DVR's now and can't seem to locate (in this thread) the following answers:

1.) Are USB or Ethernet Enabled?
No.
Originally posted by Rebies

2.) Can people move content from the 6412 to an external hard drive? Directly to a network computer? Can any other devices play the recordings the 6412 is able to make?
My understanding is that you can transfer to another device via the firewire output.

Ken

Originally posted by KBandy
My understanding is that you can transfer to another device via the firewire output.

The only known way. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=403695) They can be played back using VLC (Video Lan Client) and probably some other sofware I don't know about.

Originally posted by frankz1
The only known way. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=403695) They can be played back using VLC (Video Lan Client) and probably some other sofware I don't know about.
What I was referring to was transferring to a HD video tape recorder. I thought I had read where that was possible via the firewire output.

Ken

Originally posted by QZ1
Yes, the Digital to Analog bug is occuring everywhere. I just mentioned it, again, yesterday in this thread, and I am PA.

This is not a problem in the Hershey Pa. Comcast area, since all local HD Channels are seperate from the analog ones. No Simulcasting yet on the local Ch. I have 8 Series recording setup and they are working flawlessly.

The only problem pccurs when the program guide info does not state First run, Encore, repeat in the program info...


However, I am unable to record a full program from the scifi channel (51) due to the DVR analog ch. freeze problem caused by the faulty firmware for the DVR.

Originally posted by KBandy
What I was referring to was transferring to a HD video tape recorder. I thought I had read where that was possible via the firewire output.

Ken

OK. But that's not what he asked directly above your answer. I answered his actual question, which I'm hoping he found more helpful than what you think you read somewhere.

Originally posted by QZ1
Yes, the Digital to Analog bug is occuring everywhere. I just mentioned it, again, yesterday in this thread, and I am PA. I haven't had this problem in Philadelphia. All of our HD channels are labeled differently from their analog counterparts. I don't understand why Comcast doesn't have the sense to do this everywhere.

Thank you both for helping answer my question. I truly appreciate it as I have not been following this thread and your quick responses take you less than a minute, while searching could have taken me another 40 minutes to even get started here!

frankz1:

Yes, that is exactly what I was asking. It seems like a lot of work - but at least it's possible. I'll have to set aside some time on Monday to read though all of that and understand it better. Now I have to see if Firewire can be transported from the front of my house (where the TV is) all the way to the back (where the office / computer room is).

Can I ask you one more thing - knowing the amount of work it takes to record this, is there a better DVR device that I might consider using? I'm not well versed in the DVR / TiVo sector - but I really want the ability to archive my recordings. I know TiVo has a DVR with a DVD-Recorder, but it's fairly expensive and not as easy as simply copying to my PC. (which has way more than 4 GB of storage - ala a blank DVD+/-R!)

Andrew

I'm in the central MI area and the local hd station call letters are followed by a "d". No problems recording the hd programs, no reverting to the analog station.

I apologize if this has been asked before. I tried doing a search of messages but nothing came up. I am new to HDTV and presently have the Motorola 6208 DVR. My cable company finally got the 6412 in and I'm going to pick one up next week. My question is this: With the 6412 can you record a HD or SD program at the same time that you are viewing a DVD?

Originally posted by sharonf
I apologize if this has been asked before. I tried doing a search of messages but nothing came up. I am new to HDTV and presently have the Motorola 6208 DVR. My cable company finally got the 6412 in and I'm going to pick one up next week. My question is this: With the 6412 can you record a HD or SD program at the same time that you are viewing a DVD?


Did you mean a DVR recording? or watching a DVD from your DVD player?

One of the features on TiVo allows you to search for programs by catagory. For example:

Pick Program By Title > Movies > Science Fiction

This will bring up a list of all SciFi movies in the guide (ie. next two weeks)

Is there anyway to do this on the 6412? When I go to the search menu and choose movies, it shows me the current movies that are playing. The only way to search the whole guide seems to include every title of every program.

Am I missing something? I've search this thread and others, but nobody seems to have mentioned this.

Originally posted by scanpa
Did you mean a DVR recording? or watching a DVD from your DVD player?

Watching a DVD from my DVD player..

crossbeaux: can you verify that the call sign letters for 704 and 4 in Portland are the same? It appears that this bug is caused by the guide using the same call sign letters for multiple channels. In markets where the HD channels are different (usually with a D prefix or suffix) there does not seem to be any problem like this.

Originally posted by sharonf
Watching a DVD from my DVD player..

The answer would be yes. Your DVD player is independent of the 6208 STB, and they have nothing to do with each other. Do you somehow have them connected together somehow?

Originally posted by sharonf
IMy question is this: With the 6412 can you record a HD or SD program at the same time that you are viewing a DVD?


I am confused by your question. So let me clarify.

The DVR and DVD are two totally different video sources.
The DVR will get it's signal coming from the coax cable from outside your house.
The DVD will get it's source from the DVD title you choose to play from your DVD library or collection.

The 6412 will record two programs HD and/or SD while you watch a previosly recorded program. It will also allow you to watch a live channel while recording another.
At the same time you can play your DVD player (which is not included nor part of the DVR 6412).
what I think you meant to ask is can you view these two sources on your monitor? You can if your set has multiple video inputs and PIP.

Anyone use this DVI cable for their 6412?

Acoustic Research (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1087340589368&skuId=6733092&type=product)

Originally posted by sharonf
I apologize if this has been asked before. I tried doing a search of messages but nothing came up. I am new to HDTV and presently have the Motorola 6208 DVR. My cable company finally got the 6412 in and I'm going to pick one up next week. My question is this: With the 6412 can you record a HD or SD program at the same time that you are viewing a DVD?

i miss the old frank.

i was just able to fill my dvrjust for fun.
i recorded 21 h 54 m of INHD yesterday, at that point it stopped recording and said it was full.

Originally posted by troll565
Anyone use this DVI cable for their 6412?

Acoustic Research (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1087340589368&skuId=6733092&type=product)
that should work.

50 bucks :eek:

glad i still have the one the voom guy left.

Originally posted by SilverHemi03
Are you recording something on CH 8? I leave mine on 24/7 now to avoid the mute issue and blank screen. BUT before I started doing this, the STB woul come up on the last channel watched or the last channel recorded.
No, I'm not, nor have I ever. I purposely change the channel on both tuners everytime I turn it on and it still reverts back to channel 8 when I turn it on the next time.

Originally posted by frankz1
I think C'Cast programmed the boxes this way in our area. Channel 8 is "CN8" which is comcast's local programming (news, talk, etc).
If they have done this on purpose it is even more annoying than if it was just a bug in the software. Trying to force me to watch something I have no interest in isn't exactly a good way to gain my loyalty as a customer.

Originally posted by hdfan29
If they have done this on purpose it is even more annoying than if it was just a bug in the software. Trying to force me to watch something I have no interest in isn't exactly a good way to gain my loyalty as a customer.

It's been this way on both digital cable boxes they've given me over time, although it only does it on tuner 1 here. It puts tuner 1 to 8 and active and leaves tuner 2 on whatever it was tuned to previously in the background.

You should teach them a lesson, cancel your account, and go out and get an HD TiVo. That'll show 'em your loyalty is at risk.

It's annoying, but it seems kinda trivial to get ultra worked up over.

Originally posted by petersw
One of the features on TiVo allows you to search for programs by catagory. For example:

Pick Program By Title > Movies > Science Fiction

This will bring up a list of all SciFi movies in the guide (ie. next two weeks)

Is there anyway to do this on the 6412? When I go to the search menu and choose movies, it shows me the current movies that are playing. The only way to search the whole guide seems to include every title of every program.

Am I missing something? I've search this thread and others, but nobody seems to have mentioned this.

The closest is to hit MENU twice, then go to Movie, then SciFi. Use the right-arrow to scroll through Sci-Fi movies from the current time forward.

Originally posted by andyross63
The closest is to hit MENU twice, then go to Movie, then SciFi. Use the right-arrow to scroll through Sci-Fi movies from the current time forward.

Thanks...That's what I thought.

I guess I'll have to hope that Comcast will add this in a future version, along with keyword searches and wishlists. Searching just by all titles or paging through the guide is not the best solution!

Originally posted by maggiefan
I'm in the central MI area and the local hd station call letters are followed by a "d". No problems recording the hd programs, no reverting to the analog station.
When I said the Digital to Analog bug is occuring in all places, I obviously meant, any place that has both Digital and Analog channels with the same labels will have this bug.

Originally posted by QZ1
When I said the Digital to Analog bug is occuring in all places, I obviously meant, any place that has both Digital and Analog channels with the same labels will have this bug. This bug is so pervasive, and has gotten so annoying, it's incredible that Comcast hasn't fixed it.

Does anybody know of a useful communications channel to use to register our displeasure with this problem?

Originally posted by bweissman
This bug is so pervasive, and has gotten so annoying, it's incredible that Comcast hasn't fixed it.

Does anybody know of a useful communications channel to use to register our displeasure with this problem?

It seams that this is a local Comcast issue. Here in the Union County NJ area all HD stations have a HD, D, or another descriptive letter at the end of the call sign.

Call your local Comcast and ask to speak to a superviser in the technical staff.

Originally posted by MaxH
Yeah, it's annoying. Is your cable box volume at "optimal stereo", where that little arrow shows up above the volume bar (for the CABLE BOX volume)?

I honestly cannot say. When I adjust my volume it seems that only the TV or Stereo itself raises or lowers (depending on which remote I use) I have not seen a white arrow above the volume bar that appears? Is this a feature I need to enable?

FWIW, I haven't had either of my 2 6412s switch a HD recording to a SD channel as some have been reporting. It certainly isn't a system-wide issue.

One of my 6412s gave me a "loading data, please wait" error message when I turned it on last night at 1130. It wouldn't display any shows and wouldn't let me access my recorded shows. So I called up comcast and they reset the box remotely and it worked fine.

My point is that if anyone has this problem that isn't fixed with a reboot of the machine call comcast and have them reset it from their end. It's a bug, but it's only happened to me once, I don't know what triggered it, but I was very impressed to find out that comcast has 24 hr live customer support.

I've had nothing but good things to say about comcast support. Now, if you call them and ask about upcoming products, forget it. But have a problem with an exisiting system and they will fix it.

Originally posted by Terry_L_G
crossbeaux: can you verify that the call sign letters for 704 and 4 in Portland are the same? It appears that this bug is caused by the guide using the same call sign letters for multiple channels. In markets where the HD channels are different (usually with a D prefix or suffix) there does not seem to be any problem like this.

The call sign letters listed in iGuide for the HD stations NOW are all variations on the original call letters. That is either an H, D, or HD added to the beginning or end of the original. But I can't guarantee what they were when the problem occurred, because I wasn't paying attention. It's possible, I suppose, that the Portland office became aware of that issue and adjusted them. But I'm really not sure. Sorry I can't add to the communal intelligence here.

Originally posted by JRodTig
I honestly cannot say. When I adjust my volume it seems that only the TV or Stereo itself raises or lowers (depending on which remote I use) I have not seen a white arrow above the volume bar that appears? Is this a feature I need to enable?

Most remotes can be setup so that the Volume Up/Down "Pushs thru" or not, e.g. that they control, say the TV even if the remote is set to control the DVR. If you look at the User Manual for the remote, I think that you will see how to set or unset this.

On the other hand:

. 1) I find in general, I like to have the volume control the TV even if I am set to otherwise control the DVR, and I have the DVR set to Maximum volume and then use the TV to adjust the sound level.

. 2) I think that you may be able to get the DVR controls from its front buttons to set it once, even if your Remote only is set to control the TV/Stereo.

Note: There are pointers to the online manuals for the DVR and many of the remotes over at: http://www.wematter.com/comcast-dvr in case you have lost them.

Originally posted by mll
Most remotes can be setup so that the Volume Up/Down "Pushs thru" or not, e.g. that they control, say the TV even if the remote is set to control the DVR. If you look at the User Manual for the remote, I think that you will see how to set or unset this.

On the other hand:

. 1) I find in general, I like to have the volume control the TV even if I am set to otherwise control the DVR, and I have the DVR set to Maximum volume and then use the TV to adjust the sound level.

. 2) I think that you may be able to get the DVR controls from its front buttons to set it once, even if your Remote only is set to control the TV/Stereo.

Note: There are pointers to the online manuals for the DVR and many of the remotes over at: http://www.wematter.com/comcast-dvr in case you have lost them.

Thanks, I know for a fact that my remote is set to 'push' so that when I use the volume buttons the TV volume is raised/lowered regardless of what mode I'm in on the remote itself.
I'll check the DVR manual to see if I can figure out how to make sure my DVR is set to full volume. I'm using the dual tuner 6412. Perhaps I'll be able to access those settings using the front buttons as suggested. That's what I'd like to have it set at anyhow, I'd much rather control the volume from the TV or stereo depending on what I'm playing through at the time.
Thanks Again!

Hello,

I am brand new to this forum, and since I don't have the time to go through 145 pages of insight, I thot i would post some thoughts/questions, and hope people comment as they see fit.


I got my 6412 about 2 months ago, and it has been hit or miss at best. I am getting plenty of freezing, and terminated recordings. I know plenty others are getting this. I called comcast CS and got the standard 'we are working on this, and going to download new software next week.' Should i buy this answer, or call back and see if there something more someone else can do. I heard of you all talking about rebooting, and I am guessing I should try this... is there any process, or just power down, and unplug?

Also, the thing rebooted itself twice last night (in the middle of american dad no less) after the second reboot, it seems to have stopped, anyone else encountering random reboots themselves?


One last thing, is there any functionality to the AV inputs on the front? or the USB slot? I cannot seem to find a way to access them.

Thanks, also, thanks to who ever reposted the 30 second skip post, I had been wondering about that (and jealous of TiVO users)

Geoff

Originally posted by ggoss3
Hello,

I am brand new to this forum, and since I don't have the time to go through 145 pages of insight, I thot i would post some thoughts/questions, and hope people comment as they see fit.


I got my 6412 about 2 months ago, and it has been hit or miss at best. I am getting plenty of freezing, and terminated recordings. I know plenty others are getting this. I called comcast CS and got the standard 'we are working on this, and going to download new software next week.' Should i buy this answer, or call back and see if there something more someone else can do. I heard of you all talking about rebooting, and I am guessing I should try this... is there any process, or just power down, and unplug?

Also, the thing rebooted itself twice last night (in the middle of american dad no less) after the second reboot, it seems to have stopped, anyone else encountering random reboots themselves?


One last thing, is there any functionality to the AV inputs on the front? or the USB slot? I cannot seem to find a way to access them.

Thanks, also, thanks to who ever reposted the 30 second skip post, I had been wondering about that (and jealous of TiVO users)

Geoff


sounds like your cable signal is poor, this causes problems with using the DVR, and can also cause the STB to reboot.

Comcast is telling the truth about the DVR freeze problem, it is a firmware problem. The fix is in testing at Motorola, and should be sent to Comcast next week, expect up to 2 more weeks till it is sent to all STB......

Geoff, it sounds to me like you have a hardware issue rather than a software issue if you are getting frequent interrupted recordings and freezes. I don't get either of these. I doubt if rebooting is going to solve anything but it's easy enough to do, just unplug it.

Are you having freezing more than say once or twice a week? I will occasionally have a HD channel that is frozen but it resolves itself after a few hrs, is due to head-end issues rather than the cable box, and has only happened maybe 10 times since I got HD 18 months ago.

Originally posted by ggoss3
Hello,

I am brand new to this forum, and since I don't have the time to go through 145 pages of insight, I thot i would post some thoughts/questions, and hope people comment as they see fit.

Not to bicker, friend, but I hope in hindsight you'll realize it's a bit obnoxious to say "my time is very valuable, so can you waste your valueless time reiterating everything you've been discussing for months to save me the trouble of searching the thread"

Citing the length of the thread as a reason to contribute a question that does nothing but contribute to the length of the thread?

"Search this Thread" appears at the top and botton of each page. Your answers are there.

poor signal? Is there anyway to test this... it looks great, though.. so maybe its something i can't see as far as signal strength

sorry, didn't mean to say my time was more valuable than yours... i just know this is a rather topical issue and was wondering if people had more recent insights... sorry!

Originally posted by ggoss3
poor signal? Is there anyway to test this... it looks great, though.. so maybe its something i can't see as far as signal strength

with your tv & Cable box on. Do the following.

On the cable remote,

1) cable power off
2) press the select button (must be done within 2 - 4 seconds of turning the power off.

scroll down to inbound status, and press the right directional key.

it will show the info for both tuners.

press the left directional key to go back to the menu.

thanks for the info on the signal... i've been checking out how to do this.... The other places ive seen this say its pretty much only for the digital cable, and I am getting most of the freezing on analog channels, would this still be due to poor signal?

Haven't gotten much feedback in the Remotes section, so I figured I'd ask here.

Which Harmony remote do you like better for the 6412, the H680 or H676?
I am interested in what you think of the different button types.

Also, if you got the H680, where did you program the Page Up and Down buttons? I was hoping it would not be on the LCD.

Any commands on the H676 that have to be on the LCD?

Originally posted by ggoss3
thanks for the info on the signal... i've been checking out how to do this.... The other places ive seen this say its pretty much only for the digital cable, and I am getting most of the freezing on analog channels, would this still be due to poor signal?

I've just PM'd you this, but since we're going down this trail again in the thread...

There's a known problem on recording analog channels, and Comcast's reply to you was right. Don't let yourself get into this signal strength tail-chasing, because that's not the issue when it comes to analog freezes.

Originally posted by QZ1

Which Harmony remote do you like better for the 6412, the H680 or H676?
I am interested in what you think of the different button types.

Also, if you got the H680, where did you program the Page Up and Down buttons? I was hoping it would not be on the LCD.


I have the 680. Haven't used the 676 so i can't compare. I really like the 680. It works well with the Motorola boxes.

I programmed my Pg Up and Dn to the LCD for now. I considered the Channel Up/Dn button since I rarely use that but I am trying the LCD for now. I thought the Channel Up/Dn button might be confusing to guests. THe LCD works great it is just a bit of a reach.

It's pretty well accepted that analog PQ on these boxes suck... But really, one should be able to attain at least the quality that the 6200 has. Any further degradation to that quality would be due to the recording of the digitized signal, rather than to just poor tuner quality.

There's an MPEG quality setting in the diagnostic menu (one of the pages near the bottom of the list, 13 or 14 I think)... Mine is set to 'HIGH2'. Someone mentioned that analog PQ seems to have increased about a month ago... Can a few people check what their's is set at?

I'm wondering if anyone knows how to change certain configuration items like that. It would be nice to have options on the quality setting, because I'd have no problem using a little more disk space in order to encode analog with a higher bitrate.

It would also be nice to specify how much live buffer to use.... But that's for another day.

i posted a separate message about this, but yesterday i set my 6412 to record the IMAX marathon on INHD....and it recorded the whole 23 hour block!!!! i couldn't believe it.

it filled it up to 98% but prior to that recording the most HD i'd been able to store on one of my 6412's was 12-13 hours.

how is it possible that if it's one block of a show, that the 6412 seems to be able to handle DOUBLE the amount of HD? it was in full 5.1 also......you would think it would have run out of space by the 15 hour mark but it just kept going and going.....

unfortunately i am going to have to erase it before 24 comes on tonight, which is a shame, because it just looks so cool to see a 1400 minute recording on my 6412!!!!

Originally posted by QZ1
Haven't gotten much feedback in the Remotes section, so I figured I'd ask here.

Which Harmony remote do you like better for the 6412, the H680 or H676?
I am interested in what you think of the different button types.

Also, if you got the H680, where did you program the Page Up and Down buttons? I was hoping it would not be on the LCD.

Any commands on the H676 that have to be on the LCD?

Personally, if I decide to go with a universal remote, I'm waiting for this one:
Harmony 880 (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/detailsharmony/US/EN,CRID=2084,CONTENTID=9933)

I would assume it will work as well with the 6412 as the others (lame attempt at staying on topic), and it definitely seems to have the cool factor covered....

-Randy

Originally posted by frankz1
Not to bicker, friend, but I hope in hindsight you'll realize it's a bit obnoxious to say "my time is very valuable, so can you waste your valueless time reiterating everything you've been discussing for months to save me the trouble of searching the thread"

Citing the length of the thread as a reason to contribute a question that does nothing but contribute to the length of the thread?

"Search this Thread" appears at the top and botton of each page. Your answers are there.

I don't always agree with your methods, Frank, but on this all I can say is, "Hear, hear!"...

-Randy

Originally posted by oleus
i posted a separate message about this, but yesterday i set my 6412 to record the IMAX marathon on INHD....and it recorded the whole 23 hour block!!!! i couldn't believe it.

it filled it up to 98% but prior to that recording the most HD i'd been able to store on one of my 6412's was 12-13 hours.

how is it possible that if it's one block of a show, that the 6412 seems to be able to handle DOUBLE the amount of HD? it was in full 5.1 also......you would think it would have run out of space by the 15 hour mark but it just kept going and going.....

unfortunately i am going to have to erase it before 24 comes on tonight, which is a shame, because it just looks so cool to see a 1400 minute recording on my 6412!!!!

INHD (as well as HBO, ABC, and FOX) appears to record at slightly more than 5 GB per hour. So 23 hours to fill up a 120 GB HDD is just about right.

Originally posted by cgould

Checking my schedule data:
702 KTVUD
703 DKNTV
704 KROND
* 705 KPIX
* 707 KGO
709 KQEDH
INHD1, etc...


Mine are the same. I have set 24 to series on 702 for tonight. If the call sign theory is correct, 702 should record in HD. I will post with the results.

Does anyone know who controls the call signs in the guide? Is it comcast, or those iguide folks. I remember someone posting an Iguide contact, I'll have to do a search and see if I can't find it.

Originally posted by ggoss3
Hello,

I am brand new to this forum, and since I don't have the time to go through 145 pages of insight, I thot i would post some thoughts/questions, and hope people comment as they see fit.


I got my 6412 about 2 months ago, and it has been hit or miss at best. I am getting plenty of freezing, and terminated recordings. I know plenty others are getting this. I called comcast CS and got the standard 'we are working on this, and going to download new software next week.' Should i buy this answer, or call back and see if there something more someone else can do. I heard of you all talking about rebooting, and I am guessing I should try this... is there any process, or just power down, and unplug?

Also, the thing rebooted itself twice last night (in the middle of american dad no less) after the second reboot, it seems to have stopped, anyone else encountering random reboots themselves?


One last thing, is there any functionality to the AV inputs on the front? or the USB slot? I cannot seem to find a way to access them.

Thanks, also, thanks to who ever reposted the 30 second skip post, I had been wondering about that (and jealous of TiVO users)

Geoff

My box locks up and reboots at least once a night. Comcast has come out 5 times so far and my signal is very strong, according to them anyway. I'm about out of answers and about to just return the boxes as I'm tired of it. Happened once during the Super Bowl, once tonight watching the news, and I'm sure it'll happen during 24 tonight again.

Originally posted by extremegamer
My box locks up and reboots at least once a night. Comcast has come out 5 times so far and my signal is very strong, according to them anyway. I'm about out of answers and about to just return the boxes as I'm tired of it. . . .

You know, I had all sorts of problems with my 6412 (random reboots, static pops, color flashes on analog stations, green flashes via s-video and an odd vertical split-screen effect sometimes when turning the TV on.)

All of these problems have seemingly gone away ever since Comcast came out and replaced my box with a different one. It has been 2 weeks and none of those earlier problems have shown up.

You may wish to try swapping boxes and see if that helps. Once I explained all my issues and the steps I had done to try and diagnose, the Comcast tech rep who called me back was very willing to give it a shot. Thankfully, it seems to have made things much better.

im trying to program the ICX ENT-6412 button to do 30 sec skip... but there is not easy to find programming feature, anyone know how to do this remote? Thanks!

Originally posted by ggoss3
im trying to program the ICX ENT-6412 button to do 30 sec skip... but there is not easy to find programming feature, anyone know how to do this remote? Thanks!

1) I have not seen any way to re-program the ICX remote, and was not able to get any help from them, but when I called up Comcast they were willing to replace it with the the URC-1068BG0 Comcast Remote, Note get the one with the bottom set of buttons for the DVR, which has some reprogramming and can, I have read, be set for the 30 second skip. see: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4636291#post4636291

2) Personally: I have an "One For All URC 8811" which seems to be more flexable and since I had additional needs, I have re-programmed it and am quite happy with it. I see it on Amazon @$20.00, http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000069K8L/ref%3Dnosim/shophub39-20/002-2007428-3701632 ...

It has lots of buttons, I have programed it so that I have 30 second skip, and some macros that provide a 2 and a 3 minute skip = (4 and 6 30 second skips). (and even controls my ReplayTv also)

NOTE: It can be set for the ComCast DVR, but it takes some time, est. 1/2 hour, to add the "advanced" features. There are other universal remotes, but I have not found one that is both as flexable and inexpensive. see:
http://www.wematter.com/comcast-dvr#oneforall and in general: http://www.hifi-remote.com/ofa/

Just called comcast about getting a 6412 to replace my 6208 and they said that it's no problem, but they are out of the new boxes and that I should call back in about a week.

Should I trust this information? Or should I just call back?

Originally posted by QZ1
Haven't gotten much feedback in the Remotes section, so I figured I'd ask here.

Which Harmony remote do you like better for the 6412, the H680 or H676?
I am interested in what you think of the different button types.

Also, if you got the H680, where did you program the Page Up and Down buttons? I was hoping it would not be on the LCD.

Any commands on the H676 that have to be on the LCD?

I just got the 680 specifically for the 6412 and it works beautifully. I have the 30 skip and the review programmed to their own hard buttons, independent of FF and REW, there are hard buttons for recorded shows and live TV. The day up down and page up down are on the LCD screen, not commonly used.

FYI, My 6412 just did a firmware download. took 11 min. New Firmware on the 6412 is now 9.15

I will test everything out and report if any fixes to the DVR Freeze on CH-1 -- 100.....

Originally posted by ewolf72
You know, I had all sorts of problems with my 6412 (random reboots, static pops, color flashes on analog stations, green flashes via s-video and an odd vertical split-screen effect sometimes when turning the TV on.)

All of these problems have seemingly gone away ever since Comcast came out and replaced my box with a different one. It has been 2 weeks and none of those earlier problems have shown up.

You may wish to try swapping boxes and see if that helps. Once I explained all my issues and the steps I had done to try and diagnose, the Comcast tech rep who called me back was very willing to give it a shot. Thankfully, it seems to have made things much better.

That's my other issue, I have 2 dual tuner DVR's. One in the living room that we have replaced 4 times already and one in family room with the HDTV and that's now going on it's 2nd replacement. Comcast is coming out today..again. I think I am just going to scrap the whole DVR idea, and get a cable card in the back. Then hopefully the one in the front finally begins to work properly.

Originally posted by QZ1
Haven't gotten much feedback in the Remotes section, so I figured I'd ask here.

Which Harmony remote do you like better for the 6412, the H680 or H676?
I am interested in what you think of the different button types.

Also, if you got the H680, where did you program the Page Up and Down buttons? I was hoping it would not be on the LCD.

Any commands on the H676 that have to be on the LCD?

I'm considering the 680 right now...From talking to Harmony tech, I think the "replay" and "skip" buttons below the "OK" and joystick are used for page up and down. Is that not the case?

Originally posted by scanpa
FYI, My 6412 just did a firmware download. took 11 min. New Firmware on the 6412 is now 9.15

I will test everything out and report if any fixes to the DVR Freeze on CH-1 -- 100.....

I still have 9.12 on mine. How did you get it to do it manually? Did you have to yank the plug and let it reboot?

Just noticed a new problem with my 6412, has anyone else seen this?

Today I powered up my TV and the 6412 as usual but the following occurred.

I could view all aspects of the guide and the menu system on the TV but the actual TV broadcast picture would not display on all channels and there was no sound

I found that if I selected a previously recorded show from the DVR menu and selected it to play, the picture and sound operated normally. Then I'd stop the play back and voila the TV shows now displayed properly on all channels.

If I then turn the cable box and TV off, then turn them on again. The same problem occurred, no picture no sound but the channel menu/guide system appears.

To view TV again I'd have to again select a previously recorded show then stop it.

After dreading a visit from a sub-par cable guy in the next 2 weeks sometime between 8am - 5pm, I decided to unplug the cable box and let it restart.

Well...as with most cable problems the problem is gone for the mean time.

Comments?

Originally posted by gzing2
Just noticed a new problem with my 6412, has anyone else seen this?

Today I powered up my TV and the 6412 as usual but the following occurred.

I could view all aspects of the guide and the menu system on the TV but the actual TV broadcast picture would not display on all channels and there was no sound

I found that if I selected a previously recorded show from the DVR menu and selected it to play, the picture and sound operated normally. Then I'd stop the play back and voila the TV shows now displayed properly on all channels.

[...]

Comments?

About every 4th post on this thread is a comment on this issue, the most helpful of which can be found here. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4847147#post4847147)

Originally posted by IFLYSWA
Personally, if I decide to go with a universal remote, I'm waiting for this one:
Harmony 880 (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/detailsharmony/US/EN,CRID=2084,CONTENTID=9933)

I would assume it will work as well with the 6412 as the others (lame attempt at staying on topic), and it definitely seems to have the cool factor covered....

-Randy

OT indeeed, but I was looking at a true universal and started drooling when I saw this picture. I signed up to be notified on the release of it, and hope that it comes out before I spend my tax refund elsewhere...

Hey, I just had the "1989" blank recording show up in my recordings list, but amazingly enough I was able to delete it right away without any issues....so far.

I thought the general consensus was that you had to delete everything to whack it...??

I'll check my firmware rev. when I get home and see if it got moved up to the new version. Maybe the fix is now in.

-John

I agree that the 880 looks cooler than the 680, but if you like to use your remote by feel, pretty icons don't really matter. I used a TiVo for 5 years before I got my 6412. I then bought the Harmony 680 because the 6412 remote sucked.

After a few days, the main functions of the 6412 can be used on a 680 without looking at the remote, including 30 second skip, listing of all shows on the DVR, pause, FF, REW, etc.. It looks like that would be more difficult on the 880.

I got my first 1989 recording last night while recording american chopper (csi miami in HD was recording on other tuner, and I was watching another show previously recorded).

I turned the box off later and pulled the plug and when it came back up the recording was properly named and everything seems fine.

That's the second time in 3 months I've had to dig for the power cord... hope new firmware/software comes and cleans up these dangling bugs.

Originally posted by LHMPDX
After a few days, the main functions of the 6412 can be used on a 680 without looking at the remote, including 30 second skip, listing of all shows on the DVR, pause, FF, REW, etc.. It looks like that would be more difficult on the 880.

I recently bought a new AV receiver, the Pioneer 1014, and it's remote is a 'learning' remote. I have been able to map all the the common functions of the Comcast remote (listed above) to the 1014's remote (as well as those of Denon 2910 dvd player and the tv itself), so this is the only remote I now need to touch (except when I'm wanting to make picture adjustments, etc., for the tv or dvd).

Hi there. I currently have an SD setup with a DirecTivo. I've hacked it to have about 150 hours of recording time, unscrambled the recording, put it on my network, and enabled ethernet transfers.

But I want HiDef, and Comcast seems to be the only cable provider in my neighborhood. Has anyone figured out how to do the same thing with the Comcast boxes? I'm looking primarily for information regarding adding storage, but I would also like to be able to talk to it over a network and extract shows.

Thanks.

NOTE: It can be set for the ComCast DVR, but it takes some time, est. 1/2 hour, to add the "advanced" features.

Where can I find the advanced codes for the 6412 and a OFA 6131 remote?

Originally posted by troll565
I still have 9.12 on mine. How did you get it to do it manually? Did you have to yank the plug and let it reboot?

We did nothing! My wife and I, were watching a DVD Movie when we saw the 6412 STB Display start flashing all of the LED's... It then flashed FRM DL in the display, then changed to a rotating LED Sq with the letters DL next to it.

Took a little over 10 min. It then flashed Error Free, and some other things before the box then reset and began to download the TV Guide Iguide info..

When it was done, the firmware listed was 09.15


Comcast will send out the updates on there own, and as long as your box is setup & has a connection to comcast's local head end. you should get the firmware update.

Is there anyone that feels like setting up/hosting a forum dedicated to the 6412?

I'm thinking of something linked to avsforum and set up like the TiVocommunity.com forum. There are soon going to be enough of us using it to keep it pretty active and it would be a much more readable and useable format than trying to follow a thread with thousands of posts. It seems like the 6412 is a significant enough product to merit it.

Any takers??

Originally posted by rodneyremington
Is there anyone that feels like setting up/hosting a forum dedicated to the 6412? ...

I find that the people running AVS Forum are doing such a good job that I'd prefer a separate area in this forum. Perhaps they would tell us what it would take to add the storage, bandwidth, etc... required to have "our own" area.

BUT, I do agree that the 6412 (and other minor varients if they exist) had enough traffic that it would be nice to separate its comments.

Re: Re: 6412 Remote Control

quote:Originally posted by Kaiser-Soze
http://www.cjhengineering.com/hdtv/...t6412remote.htm Scroll down to Volume lock. Its not my website, but its invaluable (and still a work in progress)



Thank you so much!! That's exactly what I needed.

Which device button did you use so your receiver's volume would control - the Aux button?

Originally posted by scanpa
We did nothing! My wife and I, were watching a DVD Movie when we saw the 6412 STB Display start flashing all of the LED's... It then flashed FRM DL in the display, then changed to a rotating LED Sq with the letters DL next to it.

Took a little over 10 min. It then flashed Error Free, and some other things before the box then reset and began to download the TV Guide Iguide info..

When it was done, the firmware listed was 09.15


Comcast will send out the updates on there own, and as long as your box is setup & has a connection to comcast's local head end. you should get the firmware update.

Do you leave your box on all the time, or was it off when it started to update?

Originally posted by rodneyremington
Is there anyone that feels like setting up/hosting a forum dedicated to the 6412?

I'm thinking of something linked to avsforum and set up like the TiVocommunity.com forum. There are soon going to be enough of us using it to keep it pretty active and it would be a much more readable and useable format than trying to follow a thread with thousands of posts. It seems like the 6412 is a significant enough product to merit it.

Any takers??

I like the idea. If there's enough interest, let's do it.

~ Lauden

Originally posted by troll565
Do you leave your box on all the time, or was it off when it started to update?


The Cable box is always on! The only way to shut off the cable box is to pull the power cable out of the wall or the cable box.

The power on / off only turns the audio / video off & on going to your monitor / tv ect.

But to answer your question, I had it on at the time of the update.:)

I've been having lots of problems with the success of my 6412 recording series programs. It happens with many different shows, but the most prevalent are on TLC (Analog Channel 50). There are several hour long shows (Overhaulin & Clean Sweep) where the program appears to record properly. It's in the programs list and the guide info says an hours length program, but then the recorded show is usually 11-14 minutes long. This happens more often than not, but occasionally I do get a complete show. Is this due to the TV Guide info being wrong?? Firmware in the 6412?? Any help would be appreciated.

Originally posted by scanpa
The Cable box is always on! The only way to shut off the cable box is to pull the power cable out of the wall or the cable box.

The power on / off only turns the audio / video off & on going to your monitor / tv ect.

But to answer your question, I had it on at the time of the update.:)

So if my box is "plugged in", but I have it "powered off" at the time of a firmware update, will the update be successful or does the box have to be "powered on"?

Originally posted by scanpa
The Cable box is always on! The only way to shut off the cable box is to pull the power cable out of the wall or the cable box.

The power on / off only turns the audio / video off & on going to your monitor / tv ect.

But to answer your question, I had it on at the time of the update.:)

One more thing, did you lose all your guide data after it was finished and reset?

Originally posted by Skarpachi
So if my box is "plugged in", but I have it "turned off" at the time of a firmware update, will the update be successful or does the box have to be "turned on"?

having the cable box set to on or off will not effect the cable box from getting updates. It is always comunicating back and forth to the cable head end.


I did notice, that it shut my box off before it did the firmware download and update!

Originally posted by LHMPDX
I agree that the 880 looks cooler than the 680, but if you like to use your remote by feel, pretty icons don't really matter. I used a TiVo for 5 years before I got my 6412. I then bought the Harmony 680 because the 6412 remote sucked.

After a few days, the main functions of the 6412 can be used on a 680 without looking at the remote, including 30 second skip, listing of all shows on the DVR, pause, FF, REW, etc.. It looks like that would be more difficult on the 880.

I have the 688 and havent set it up yet as new hdtv just arrived as did 6412 box. Can you get your Harmony to switch between the 2 6412 tuners?

Originally posted by scanpa
having the cable box set to on or off will not effect the cable box from getting updates. It is always comunicating back and forth to the cable head end.


I did notice, that it shut my box off before it did the firmware download and update!

Thanks. How do I find out what firmware version I currently have?

Originally posted by mll
I find that the people running AVS Forum are doing such a good job that I'd prefer a separate area in this forum. Perhaps they would tell us what it would take to add the storage, bandwidth, etc... required to have "our own" area.

BUT, I do agree that the 6412 (and other minor varients if they exist) had enough traffic that it would be nice to separate its comments.

i think it's a great idea. so many different discussions it would be nice to separate different threads by topic

Originally posted by troll565
One more thing, did you lose all your guide data after it was finished and reset?


Yes, It had to reload the guide info after the firmware update. DVR recordings stored in the HD were not effected. DVR schedual & Series recording settings were also not effected.

Originally posted by ticman
I have the 688 and havent set it up yet as new hdtv just arrived as did 6412 box. Can you get your Harmony to switch between the 2 6412 tuners?

I have the tuner "swap" button programmed on my Harmony 680 to the "clear" button, but you can set it up however youwant.

The 680 is clearly the best Harmony remote for the 6412 IMO. The 880 looks cool but I'm not sure that the color screen is really going to increase functionality of the device. I'd rarther have dedicated hard buttons, as the 680 does for most of the 6412 functions, than a color screen.

Originally posted by troll565
I still have 9.12 on mine. How did you get it to do it manually? Did you have to yank the plug and let it reboot?

could you tell me where to look to see what version firmware I would have.

thanks--newbie if you didn't figure it out. lol

Originally posted by dmlove51
Which device button did you use so your receiver's volume would control - the Aux button?

could you post that link again. can't find orginal message and the link in your quote didn't work for me.

thanks

Originally posted by ticman
could you tell me where to look to see what version firmware I would have.

thanks--newbie if you didn't figure it out. lol

I'm at work but it goes something like this...
hit menu twice, pick cable box setup, then choose something like display settings or display conifguration, and it will show you all the vital stats for your box including the FW version.

Originally posted by rodneyremington
I have the tuner "swap" button programmed on my Harmony 680 to the "clear" button, but you can set it up however youwant.

The 680 is clearly the best Harmony remote for the 6412 IMO. The 880 looks cool but I'm not sure that the color screen is really going to increase functionality of the device. I'd rarther have dedicated hard buttons, as the 680 does for most of the 6412 functions, than a color screen.

thanks for the reply.

from what i have seen I would have to agree with you. I want something that "I" can learn by feel and don't need "pretty" to get functionality.

the 2 days i have had the 6412, I find i don't mind the remote. but all my other components are a pain with too many remotes to juggle.

thanks again

Originally posted by scanpa
Yes, It had to reload the guide info after the firmware update. DVR recordings stored in the HD were not effected. DVR schedual & Series recording settings were also not effected.

I'm hoping they have some way to tell if the box is in use at the time. I'd be mighty steamed if I was recording or watching a show during usual prime-time viewing hours and Comcast decided it was a good time to shut my box down.

Anytime I've ever seen this it's been during the 2-3 AM time frame. I hope they stick with that.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=5097904&highlight=volume+lock#post5097904 (http://)

http://www.cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dct6412remote.htm (http://)

could you post that link again. can't find orginal message and the link in your quote didn't work for me.

Above are the links to the thread (January 31st messages) and to the link within one of the responses. I hope this works.

Originally posted by dmlove51
Which device button did you use so your receiver's volume would control - the Aux button?

I'm the person that had originally asked for this help. I have a Yamaha Sound Processor that I wanted to control the volume with my 6412 remote, rather than the volume button defaulting to the TV.

Following the intructions on the website that Kaiser-Souze provided, I was able to remove the volume button defaulting to the tv, and reassigining it to my Yamaha processor. Now, pressing the AUX button, then volume, I can control the volume on my system.

Is that what you were asking?

Originally posted by dmlove51
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=5097904&highlight=volume+lock#post5097904 (http://)

http://www.cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dct6412remote.htm (http://)



Above are the links to the thread (January 31st messages) and to the link within one of the responses. I hope this works.

How about this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=5097904&highlight=volume+lock#post5097904) and this (http://www.cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dct6412remote.htm).

Homey was posting the link where the text should have gone, and nothing where the link should have gone.

Is that what you were asking?

Yes, I think so, thanks. I'll try it when I get home. (although using my OFA 6131, I programmed volume lock so it would always be my receiver's volume regardless of what device I'm in, and I don't have to hit another button (before I locked the volume, I had to hit "Aud" on the 6131 to control the receiver's volume).

Thanks to all of the responses on the Harmony H680.

BTW, any comments on the 'gem' type buttons as opposed to the 'gel' type buttons on the 676, (and almost all other remotes)?

How did you map the following?

These would be my guesses:

Day + and - to LCD
Favorites to LCD
Page Up to Sound
Page Down to Pic
My DVR to Rec'd
Info to More
Swap to Next

Are there any, that don't already have correctly labeled buttons, that I missed?

Is there any preset scheme like this?

Originally posted by rodneyremington
I'm at work but it goes something like this...
hit menu twice, pick cable box setup, then choose something like display settings or display conifguration, and it will show you all the vital stats for your box including the FW version.

your directions were right on thanks i still have 9.12 firmware

Here are my settings for the Harmony 680:

there are 2 FF and 2 REW buttons. I have one set up for 30 sec skip/15 sec rew, and the others set up for regular FF and REW.
Rec'd=MY DVR
LIVE=Live
clear=swap tuners
the circular arrow button is the PREV button
MENU=menu
guide=guide
the "I" button is info
EXIT=EXIT

on the LCD screen I have day forward/back and page fordward/back

So, basically, 95% of the 6412 buttons are directly transferred to corresponding hard buttons and the few that aren't are on the LCD screen.

As for the hard buttons, they aren't my favorite as I prefer the soft buttons like TiVo remotes have, but that's my only beef.

Re: Harmony H680

Well, I thought that 'Replay' and 'Skip' were obvious as they are labeled as such.

Yes, 'Clear' makes more sense for 'Swap'.

Looking at the H680 photo, I see a circular up arrow labeled 'More', is that what you used for 'Prev.' I would think the left arrow labeled, 'Back' would make more sense.

I don't see an 'I' button, where is it?

BTW, do you use the 'Media' and 'Next' buttons, if so, for what?

Had my first unexpected box reset on SuperBowl Sunday. It happened as I was flipping through my scheduled recordings to make sure I was all set for the game. The box is on a UPS, so it's either heat related (somewhat likely) bug related (more likely) or a firmware update (unlikely).

Box came up fine after that. Took a day or two to fill in all of the guide data. Interestingly, it was shortly after this that I also suffered my first incomplete recording (Battlestar Galactica on SciFi, 1hour duration, 23 minute recording).

i've read through a bit of this thread, but i cannot find my answer. i apologize if its been addressed.

i just checked my recordings last night and i noticed that all my 24 recordings (60 minutes) were not 60 minutes long. the DVR shutoff recording at 32 minutes, 48 minutes, and 49 minutes. is there something we can do to fix this? has anyone else run into this?

second problem. i set recordings for HD channels. series recordings. the DVR "intelligently" switched the channel that should be recorded from the HD channel to the analog channel. what gives? again, has anyone run into this and how do we resolve it?

thanks,
Gareth

Gareth,

Did you only read a page or two ? You should read the whole thing if you have a chance. If you did, you'll see that both problems are well known, and there exist no workarounds for either one.

I had some major problems with my box last night - basically I got home and expected the box to be recording, but it wasn't. So I started trying to figure out what was wrong - there was a lot.

1) All of my series scheduled recordings had been erased - they were there after the superbowl, but last night, not a single one was listed.
2) I couldn't even get into mydvr by pushing the button on the remote, I had to go in from the menu. Once I was able to get in, I found that all of my old recordings had been erased.
3) I couldn't use the swap button - I took at look at the diag menu and found that tuner 1 was not available, but tuner 2 was working fine.
4) I tried to get a recording to start manually, but that didn't even work.

I then figured I'd try a power cycle - since nothing was really working didn't seem to be much harm in it...or so I thought. After I rebooted the box, I think it started downloading a new firmware version(showed dl). That took about 10-15 minutes, once it finished the box booted and basically just died. It never came back up, the screen on the cable box was blank when off and just showed 0 on the far left digit when on. Both tuners showed up as unavailable in the debug menu.

I was just curious if anyone had ever seen this happen before(I tried a search but didn't see anything that looked similar). I called comcast and I'm swapping out the box again - this will be number 3(first had a hard drive die).

Thanks,
Josh

thanks paul. yes, 2 pages and i did a search. i'll read further....

Gareth

Originally posted by QZ1
Re: Harmony H680

Well, I thought that 'Replay' and 'Skip' were obvious as they are labeled as such.

Yes, 'Clear' makes more sense for 'Swap'.

Looking at the H680 photo, I see a circular up arrow labeled 'More', is that what you used for 'Prev.' I would think the left arrow labeled, 'Back' would make more sense.

I don't see an 'I' button, where is it?

BTW, do you use the 'Media' and 'Next' buttons, if so, for what?
The MEDIA and NEXT buttons are used to navigate the internal SW of the remote and are not customizable.

My ciruclar arrow is labelled BACK and is used as the PREV button.

Originally posted by rodneyremington
The MEDIA and NEXT buttons are used to navigate the internal SW of the remote and are not customizable.

My ciruclar arrow is labelled BACK and is used as the PREV button.

do you do most of the program changes on your harmony? or does the harmony customer service do it for you? if you do it, where is a good place to go to know how to program the different buttons.

thanks

Originally posted by scanpa
FYI, My 6412 just did a firmware download. took 11 min. New Firmware on the 6412 is now 9.15

I will test everything out and report if any fixes to the DVR Freeze on CH-1 -- 100.....


Anyone else get firmware 9.15??

Any news on if it resolves any of the many issues that have been found with the 9.12 firmware (mute bug/feature, random freezes, no picture-only menus bug, HD to analog switch during series recording, etc)

Any other new features of 9.15??

Thanks (and eagerly awaiting my download of 9.15).

Marc

Originally posted by MarcL
Anyone else get firmware 9.15??

Any news on if it resolves any of the many issues that have been found with the 9.12 firmware (mute bug/feature, random freezes, no picture-only menus bug, HD to analog switch during series recording, etc)

Any other new features of 9.15??

Thanks (and eagerly awaiting my download of 9.15).

Marc

Marc,

Comcast DCT-6412 Firmware update to 09.15
After getting the firmware update at 3am in the Comcast - Hershey PA feed area, I set the box to record multiple Shows on multiple analog ch. Specifically the ones in my area that would never complete there DVR recording due to the STB Freeze up problem in Firmware 09.11 & 09.12.

Sci-Fi (CH-51), TLC (CH-45), Lifetime (CH-42), TBS (CH-5), UPN-15 (CH-3) were all the cable channels that I was unable to DVR a full show.

After recording 8 hours on both tuners. I can happily report that all shows came out with no problems and the unit did not freeze up once!

Thanks Motorola & Comcast! So far it looks to be a good firmware update that worked!

Originally posted by ticman
do you do most of the program changes on your harmony? or does the harmony customer service do it for you? if you do it, where is a good place to go to know how to program the different buttons.

thanks http://www.logitech.com/harmony

The web page walks you through the programming of the remote, it's very easy and done through a USB cable connection from the remote to the computer.

I have bought both my harmony remotes at www.surfremote.com and been happy with their service and cheap price. And no, I don't work there.

For those that care, I am in discussions with both the owners of avsforum and comcast to allow us to make a dedicated forum on avsforum for comcast DVR users.

Having used the tivocommunity forum and found it invalable at times for information and trouble-shooting as well as getting feedback to the company, I think it would be a great resource, better than searching through an endless thread like this one.

I'll let you know what comes of it.

Originally posted by scanpa

Comcast DCT-6412 Firmware update to 09.15
After getting the firmware update at 3am in the Comcast - Hershey PA feed area, I set the box to record multiple Shows on multiple analog ch. Specifically the ones in my area that would never complete there DVR recording due to the STB Freeze up problem in Firmware 09.11 & 09.12.

Sci-Fi (CH-51), TLC (CH-45), Lifetime (CH-42), TBS (CH-5), UPN-15 (CH-3) were all the cable channels that I was unable to DVR a full show.

After recording 8 hours on both tuners. I can happily report that all shows came out with no problems and the unit did not freeze up once!

Thanks Motorola & Comcast! So far it looks to be a good firmware update that worked!

Any news on whether the 09.15 FW upgrade has fixed the bug where series recordings don't distinguish between reruns and first broadcasts?

I'd like to be able to get just new shows instead of reruns like I used to with my TiVo.

Anyone with 09.15 notice this change?

Originally posted by rodneyremington
Any news on whether the 09.15 FW upgrade has fixed the bug where series recordings don't distinguish between reruns and first broadcasts?

I'd like to be able to get just new shows instead of reruns like I used to with my TiVo.

Anyone with 09.15 notice this change?

This is not realy a Iguide / STB / DVR problem.. It all depends on the info provided to TV Guide.

If the show desc does not state one of the 3 words.

New
Encore
Repeat

Not all of the shows have this info listed in the shows description. That is why the DVR will sometimes record a series show's episode that you may not want. It can only work on the info provided by the ch: provider.

For Example.

I have Star Trek Enterprise set to record on UPN, only new episodes.

New episodes are shown on Friday at 8pm and also sunday 8pm. the description says NEW for both showings.... They are working on getting the providers to use the word Encore for any second showing of a New (non Repeat Episode).

But a lot of the program provided to the guide, does not mention New, Repeat or encore and without this info, the dvr will record anything...

I hear what you are saying about the new show-repeat issue being related to guide data, but my TiVo is much better than my 6412 at recording only new shows, and they would seemingly be working from the same guide data.

I was assuming that there was some other bug in the software itself that was contributing to the problem, but maybe it is just bad guide data.

Originally posted by rodneyremington
Any news on whether the 09.15 FW upgrade has fixed the bug where series recordings don't distinguish between reruns and first broadcasts?

I'd like to be able to get just new shows instead of reruns like I used to with my TiVo.

Anyone with 09.15 notice this change?

The firmware update is like updating the BIOS or Windows drivers on your computer. It is the low-level code that the high-level software (iGuide) talks to. This firmware update is presumably mostly for the dual-analog issues (green flashes, lockups, halted recordings, etc..) and hopefully the blank screen/muted audio on power-up problems.

Problems such as series recordings changing channels and such are iGuide software issues.

No update here in the Chicago area, yet.

Originally posted by mll
2) Personally: I have an "One For All URC 8811" which seems to be more flexable and since I had additional needs, I have re-programmed it and am quite happy with it. I see it on Amazon @$20.00, http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000069K8L/ref%3Dnosim/shophub39-20/002-2007428-3701632 ...

WalMart sells the URC8810. It is IDENTICAL to the 8811, but is generally cheaper (about US$18.something). It has the JP1 connector and RAM chip in it so you can program it with your computer.

Originally posted by rodneyremington
I hear what you are saying about the new show-repeat issue being related to guide data, but my TiVo is much better than my 6412 at recording only new shows, and they would seemingly be working from the same guide data.

I was assuming that there was some other bug in the software itself that was contributing to the problem, but maybe it is just bad guide data.

Actually Tivo does have a different strategy that does eliminate many of the repeat recordings without an "encore" listing. It uses a 28 day rule. If the specific episode has been recorded in the last 28 days, it doesn't record it again. This is true even if you have already watched it and deleted it.

This doesn't help with shows that just have generic guide listings without episode info to identify them.

In the example of "Enterprise" the Tivo would not record it twice, since they to give episode info. In the case of "The Daily Show", they often do not have episode info and the Tivo keeps recording them.

The philisophy that the I-Guide seems to use is that it will save very little history or guide info to disk. I think it comes out of a cable box mind set.

The main problem I am having with the iGuide & repeats is syndicated episodes rerun on the same channel as the main show. Tivo goes by "original air date" and ignores those, it only has problems with generic guide listings like "The Daily Show". The iGuide will record syndicated shows even with specific episode information.

So for these shows I am having to cancel recordings a lot (+ annoyed if I adjust series priorities I have to cancel again), or resort to manual record.

in the past few days i've had about 7 or 8 new "1989" recordings.....they are (mostly) easier to delete than before, but they're getting very annoying and popping up on both of my boxes.

Originally posted by gdebruyn
i've read through a bit of this thread, but i cannot find my answer. i apologize if its been addressed.

i just checked my recordings last night and i noticed that all my 24 recordings (60 minutes) were not 60 minutes long. the DVR shutoff recording at 32 minutes, 48 minutes, and 49 minutes. is there something we can do to fix this? has anyone else run into this?

second problem. i set recordings for HD channels. series recordings. the DVR "intelligently" switched the channel that should be recorded from the HD channel to the analog channel. what gives? again, has anyone run into this and how do we resolve it?

thanks,
Gareth

Hi, Gareth. Search/look for posts by me since Jan 1, I've been telling my ongoing saga here about "24" getting cut off every time I've recorded it since the beginning. I've used series record and manual record both to no avail. I've witnessed the record light on for the whole hour but what gets saves is still chopped off. All other shows I am recording are fine.

Which leads me to my update on what happened with "24" last night. It did a complete recording for the first time! It was a weekly manual record starting and ending a minute early (same setup which has failed in the past). I assume that I just got lucky and the signal stayed true the whole time. BTW, I'm still on firmware 9.12. Of course now that it finally worked, I'm sure when I get 9.15 it will stop working again :)

I've noticed another programming snafu. I set up a series recording of NBC Nightly News, saving one episode. The first thing I noticed is that this got me Mon through Fri but not Sat and Sun, as though the weekend version is a different "show". So I set up a second series recording starting on the Saturday guide entry and sure enough it "dots" Saturday and Sunday. But then 2-3 times I experienced that it simply failed to record Saturday, though Sunday was fine. So I've resorted to setting up manual weekly recordings for both Saturday and Sunday. All this I interpret as indicative of more logic errors in series recording based on the Guide information.

Originally posted by andyross63
Problems such as series recordings changing channels and such are iGuide software issues.

While the observation that firmware (from Motorola) and software (from iGuide) are distinct was right on, I don't think the above statement is correct.

Folks across the land seem to have narrowed down this little "feature" to cases where the SD and HD stations have EXACTLY the same call letters. In my area, for instance, the local ABC affilliate, KGO, is carried in Analog SD on Ch. 7 and Digital HD on Ch. 707. When an EPG "event" happens (e.g. Comcast updates the EPG channel lineup, power-cycled DVR, etc...), the iGuide goes to its scheduled recordings list and re-searches BY CALL LETTERS for scheduled programs when "This Channel Only" is selected. Presumably this catches the case where a particular broadcasted station is reassigned to a new Channel Number. Anyway, the search apparently starts from Ch. 2 and goes up. The search STOPS when it finds an exact match. So if there are two channels that share the exact same Call Letters, the scheduled recording will be (re-)assigned to the lowest channel number with the matching Call Letters. In my case, that means everytime I have one of these EPG Events, any scheduled recordings on KGO's Digital HD Channel (707) get re-scheduled on KGO's Analog SD Channel (7) if the program also appears there (as is certainly usually the case).

The problem isn't iGuide's... Rather, it's a feature of iGuide which allows Stations to be reassigned to new Channel Numbers that is being "confused" when Comcast has two or more Channels with the exact same Call Letters.

I prefer iGuide to leave in this feature lest we lose scheduled recordings whenever channel number assignments change.

I prefer Comcast to do the same thing they do for all the other paired stations in my area - i.e. use DISTINCT CALL LETTERS (e.g. "KGO-DT" for Channel 707 to distinguish it from "KGO" on Channel 7).

One more thing - the problem isn't just for Series Recordings. It's for any Scheduled Recordings (i.e. one-time vs. series). I don't know about so-called Manual Recordings... Never saw this happen and haven't grok'd some peoples' posts discussing it...

newbie here

i just looked and I am on firmware 9.12

is there a way I can force an upgrade? or do I just wait for it to happen ?

Originally posted by walshja
newbie here

i just looked and I am on firmware 9.12

is there a way I can force an upgrade? or do I just wait for it to happen ?


You have to wait until comcast sends it out over the local network. It will happen on it's own time.

The 09.15 firmware update was only issued in a lmtd. area for final testing.

On my 6412 it does fix the Analog DVR recording problems and the DVR / STB Freeze up problem.

I have my 6412 connected to a Syntax Olevia 30" LCD TV via a DVI cable.

HD Channels look fine. In the Setup menu I have 16:9, 1080i with 4:3 Override set to 480p (although it doesn't make a difference).

Unfortunately on non HD channels, there is a thin (maybe 20 pixels) area that runs the length of the top of the screen. It also runs across the left of the screen. It is mainly black and white and moves with the screen. It appears i need to move the screen position up and left.

It does not have the problem when I connect with Component Cables (but I need them for my DVD player). I really want to use the DVI port if possible.

Is there any way to adjust the screen position with the DVI port, or is this something I need to research with my LCD TV? (I haven't found anything yet).

No firmware upgrade here in the Denver area. Although I don't use my DVR as much as most of you seem to (primarily record HD, usually don't simultaneously record and watch), I have not experienced any of the glitches in this thread except having a series recording mysteriously switch from the HD channel to the SD channel. And that was only for a show that was not an HD broadcast (Amazing Race). I hope I don't jinx myself.

Originally posted by walshja
i just looked and I am on firmware 9.12

is there a way I can force an upgrade? or do I just wait for it to happen ?

Around 2:00am my box seemed to shut down and showed "dl" and a "spinning" indicator for about 1/2 hour. Presumably it was downloading something? When it was all done I checked the f/w version and it was 9.12.

BUT I now have an "On Demand" menu choice which I did not have before. I poked around in there and the VOD worked, I checked out some of the free selections. (Personally I'd rather have more HD content than VOD)

Steve

Originally posted by demenas
Personally I'd rather have more HD content than VOD

I agree

Originally posted by loungesong
I have my 6412 connected to a Syntax Olevia 30" LCD TV via a DVI cable.

HD Channels look fine. In the Setup menu I have 16:9, 1080i with 4:3 Override set to 480p (although it doesn't make a difference).

Unfortunately on non HD channels, there is a thin (maybe 20 pixels) area that runs the length of the top of the screen. It also runs across the left of the screen. It is mainly black and white and moves with the screen. It appears i need to move the screen position up and left.


I have the same LCD TV with a 6208. Since the LCD is a fixed resolution device you may get better results outputting everything at 720p. That more closely matches the native resolution of the Syntax. I have mine set to 720p and 4:3 override OFF. I have the same thin line on one or two channels but most are fine with those settings. You might try it and compare.

As far as adjusting the picture up, I have not found a way to do that. I used to have Dish and there was such an adjustment in my Dish 6000 receiver which was nice.

Originally posted by jmorton
As far as adjusting the picture up, I have not found a way to do that. I used to have Dish and there was such an adjustment in my Dish 6000 receiver which was nice.

Try "Screen position setup" from the setup menu?

Or you could just read page 26 of the manual (broadband.motorola.com/dvr/downloads/URMD2.pdf).

Sorry, AVSforum won't let me post an actual link since I'm new here. Where is Frank when we need him?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by drdr
[B]Try "Screen position setup" from the setup menu?

Or you could just read page 25 of the manual (broadband.motorola.com/dvr/downloads/URMD2.pdf).

Thanks guys for the replies, but as far as I can tell, "Screen Position Setup" only adjusts the screen position of the i-guide window, and not the actual TV broadcast. Is there anther "Screen Position Setup" area I'm missing?

yes

There is a window with 4 arrows to move the screen around.

I can move my picture around to show video noise on any side or just center it so no noise shows on the edges.

However, you may have some overscan issues as well.

It's page 28 of the manual:
Motorola Manual (http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/downloads/URMD2.pdf)

I thought that the broadcast itself would be adjusted using your TV's controls. It's that way on my TV.

Originally posted by lewlew
yes

There is a window with 4 arrows to move the screen around.

I can move my picture around to show video noise on any side or just center it so no noise shows on the edges.

However, you may have some overscan issues as well.

Again, thanks so much for the help. Unfortunately, I just adjusted the "Screen Position Setup" menu and shifted everything all the way up and to the right to test, and all it does is move the i-guide window. The actual broadcast has the same problem. This does not happen with the Component Video cables, but like i said, I REALLY want to avoid using them (or I'll have to buy a DVI DVD player) :(

I'm also having this problem when I set the Motorola box to broadcast 720p.

Anyone else with a Syntax Olevia 30 LCD have this problem or a work around?

Originally posted by loungesong
Again, thanks so much for the help. Unfortunately, I just adjusted the "Screen Position Setup" menu and shifted everything all the way up and to the right to test, and all it does is move the i-guide window. The actual broadcast has the same problem. This does not happen with the Component Video cables, but like i said, I REALLY want to avoid using them (or I'll have to buy a DVI DVD player) :(

I'm also having this problem when I set the Motorola box to broadcast 720p.

Anyone else with a Syntax Olevia 30 LCD have this problem or a work around?

If your comfort level with doing technical things is up to it, you most likely need to adjust this in your TV's service menu (information on getting to it most likely can be found here on AVS or over at HomeTheaterSpot.com). OBLIGATORY WARNING: DOING THE WRONG THING IN THE SERVICE MENU CAN WRECK YOUR TV FOR GOOD.

If not, your other choices are to live with it or pay an ISF trained technician to calibrate your TV.

In either event, this is most likely not an issue with your 6412.

Any idea why comcast doesn't have the favorites enabled in the quick menu? It's shown in the manual, but described as a feature which may be available, "depending on the services your cable provider offers." The favorites button is also missing from the main menu, so this feature is fairly worthless when perusing the guide. It will skip to the next favorite channel, but still shows all of the other unsubscribed and PPV channels.

Is this just so they can make us look at all the PPV garbage in the guide more often, as was suggested in an earlier post? Or is this just a feature they haven't enabled yet since the software is so new?

Originally posted by loungesong

Anyone else with a Syntax Olevia 30 LCD have this problem or a work around?

Yes, I have the same setup and same problem. As you report, the screen positioning from the 6412 did nothing for the DVI source material.

Syntax told me that the DVI is meant for a PC not video, and does not overscan like the component input. I just live with using the non progressive component input on my dvd player, and use the progressive on the cable box.

Originally posted by km
Yes, I have the same setup and same problem. As you report, the screen positioning from the 6412 did nothing for the DVI source material.

Syntax told me that the DVI is meant for a PC not video, and does not overscan like the component input. I just live with using the non progressive component input on my dvd player, and use the progressive on the cable box.

Noooooooooo! :(

Thanks for the reply, I had a feeling it was going to be something like this.

One of the reasons I bought the TV was because I didn't want to deal with having to use an external component input switch, like I've had with my old Sony Wega...major bummer :(

Do you notice a difference in DVDs when using non-progressive vs. progressive?

I almost want to dump the TV now, what a disappointment.

Anyone else find a work around? Do you think a DVI-Component Adapter is worth trying?

Originally posted by drdr
Any idea why comcast doesn't have the favorites enabled in the quick menu? It's shown in the manual, but described as a feature which may be available, "depending on the services your cable provider offers." The favorites button is also missing from the main menu, so this feature is fairly worthless when perusing the guide. It will skip to the next favorite channel, but still shows all of the other unsubscribed and PPV channels.

Is this just so they can make us look at all the PPV garbage in the guide more often, as was suggested in an earlier post? Or is this just a feature they haven't enabled yet since the software is so new?

I have the 6412 box. The convoluted way of having just Favorite channels show in the guide is to

Hit menu on remote
Hit main menu button on tv screen
Hit favorites.

favorite channels ONLY will appear in the guide--but you have to go through the process each time.

Originally posted by ticman
I have the 6412 box. The convoluted way of having just Favorite channels show in the guide is to

Hit menu on remote
Hit main menu button on tv screen
Hit favorites.

favorite channels ONLY will appear in the guide--but you have to go through the process each time.

How hard is it to have multiple favorite lists and to show them in the quick guide buy pressing "guide"? DBS DVRs have this for years. My guess is Comcast just does not pay enough for the right people to work on the features and bugs.

>I'm looking primarily for information regarding adding storage, but I would also like to be able to talk to it over a network and extract shows.

You cannot add a larger hard drive or an additional hard drive. You can take recorded shows and transfer them to DVHS or a computer.

Search this thread for details. This topic has been covered before.

Originally posted by ticman
I have the 6412 box. The convoluted way of having just Favorite channels show in the guide is to

Hit menu on remote
Hit main menu button on tv screen
Hit favorites.

favorite channels ONLY will appear in the guide--but you have to go through the process each time.

you could create a macro to do the steps identified above, and assign it to a free button on your remote !

I just programmed the skip feature on my remote, it is pretty easy. programming macros seems pretty easy as well.

I've been pretty lucky and not suffered most of the issues with the 6412 that others have.
I did have the problem with only one of the tuners indicating DD5.1, but as was noted earlier, it was resolved.
I just noticed last night it was back again.
I still have firmware ver 9.12

Earl

Originally posted by earletp
I've been pretty lucky and not suffered most of the issues with the 6412 that others have.
I did have the problem with only one of the tuners indicating DD5.1, but as was noted earlier, it was resolved.
I just noticed last night it was back again.
I still have firmware ver 9.12

Earl

I have the same problem, shows audio on one tuner and not the other. I got the update to Firmware 9.14 but still the same. How did you fix the problem?

Originally posted by walshja
you could create a macro to do the steps identified above, and assign it to a free button on your remote !

I just programmed the skip feature on my remote, it is pretty easy. programming macros seems pretty easy as well.

LOL easy for you ; difficult for me.

btw I tried to program the 30 second skip and wanted to use the "help" button--it didn't take. wonder if help button is not up for grabs re reprogramming!

Originally posted by dcfox
I have the same problem, shows audio on one tuner and not the other. I got the update to Firmware 9.14 but still the same. How did you fix the problem?
I didn't fix the problem.
About the same time others in this thread mentioned it was fixed for them, it was for me too and both tuners displayed correctly. Something happened that changed that and I now have only one tuner indicating audio again.
Pretty minor compared to some of the other problems I see posted though. :)

Originally posted by ticman
btw I tried to program the 30 second skip and wanted to use the "help" button--it didn't take. wonder if help button is not up for grabs re reprogramming!

Works perfect for me, are you using the silver remote? Or are you talking about programming a uni-remote like the Harmony?

Originally posted by loungesong
Unfortunately on non HD channels, there is a thin (maybe 20 pixels) area that runs the length of the top of the screen. It also runs across the left of the screen.

I'm surprised a bit by the "left of the screen" part, but I also see the narrow band across the top. Suffice it to say that the Analog broadcasters have made use of the Overscan of CRT-based TVs and that is what you are seeing.

Originally posted by loungesong
It does not have the problem when I connect with Component .

This is no doubt because the Analog section of your LCD "assumes" the Component Signal has data that would otherwise be overscanned and compensates for it.

Originally posted by loungesong
Is there any way to adjust the screen position with the DVI port, or is this something I need to research with my LCD TV? (I haven't found anything yet).

On my Sharp LC-45GX6U, I have a 4-selection menu on the DVI connector settings:

1 - Analog PC
2 - Digital PC
3 - Analog AV
4 - Digital AV

The difference btwn. Analog and Digital is simply which signals are selected from the DVI-I connector (i.e. both Analog and Digital are present on the "integrated" DVI-I connector).

The difference btwn. PC and AV is, you guessed it, simply a "canned" overscan scaling.

I have no idea if your LCD panel has this option or not, but you might check there - rather than on the DVR.

One pieve of mine is that while some of the GX's settings are not only per-input but also per-resolution (i.e. detects when it is receiving 480p vs. 720p etc...), this one is not. So I only have two choices:

A - Hide the overscan on Analog broadcasts and live with "clipping" on Digital/HD programs, or
B - Get the full picture on Digital/HD programs and live with the "noise" at the top of the screen on Analog broadcasts.

I chose option A :-(...

I have this real problem with my 6412 PVR. About 40-50% of the recordings I make in HD are completely unwatchable because the audio skips every few seconds followed by some video corruption. Then its ok again, and then it repeats. Some shows are fine but others are totally messed up. However, one week, the HD show will record just fine, and then the next week, its all messed up again.

Anyone else seeing this? I don't have any problems watching live HD content, its only when playing back from the HD. Its like the HD isn't fast enough to record HD content so during the record its dropping frames causing all the corruption and audio skips.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Originally posted by keenan
Works perfect for me, are you using the silver remote? Or are you talking about programming a uni-remote like the Harmony?

using silver remote from comcast box (I have they 6412 box and 6280 remote).

I have a harmony 688 but have too many setup issue right now to worry about universal remote. new hdtv, box etc .

i am programming like this

hit cable
hold set up till cable blinks twice
enter 994
hit cable once
enter 00176
press "help" button

what am I doing wrong??
thanks

Hello,

Since the 6412 does weird things when you turn it off and on again, I would like to never bother turning it off. The problem is that to turn my TV on and off, I have to hit the TV button. Then to use the DVR ff, rew, etc, I need to hit the Cable button, which I often forget. Is there a way to program the remote that when it is set to Cable, the power button controls the TV instead of the DVR? I still want Aux power to control my amp, as well. I know, I want it all!! Thanks for any input.

Originally posted by ticman
using silver remote from comcast box (I have they 6412 box and 6280 remote).

I have a harmony 688 but have too many setup issue right now to worry about universal remote. new hdtv, box etc .

i am programming like this

hit cable
hold set up till cable blinks twice
enter 994
hit cable once <<<
enter 00176
press "help" button

what am I doing wrong??
thanks

I'm not sure, I would have to look back through this thread, but I think you hit setup instead of cable on your fourth line listed above..plus I think you have two commands mixed up in there. do a search back in this thread for the sequence..

Where's Frank, he probably has this tattooed on his hand...:p

Hello,

Since the 6412 does weird things when you turn it off and on again, I would like to never bother turning it off. The problem is that to turn my TV on and off, I have to hit the TV button. Then to use the DVR ff, rew, etc, I need to hit the Cable button, which I often forget. Is there a way to program the remote that when it is set to Cable, the power button controls the TV instead of the DVR? I still want Aux power to control my amp, as well. I know, I want it all!! Thanks for any input.

The only keys that can be locked to all modes of operation are the Vol + / - & Ch + / -

Sorry!

Originally posted by edmc
While the observation that firmware (from Motorola) and software (from iGuide) are distinct was right on, I don't think the above statement is correct.

Folks across the land seem to have narrowed down this little "feature" to cases where the SD and HD stations have EXACTLY the same call letters. In my area, for instance, the local ABC affilliate, KGO, is carried in Analog SD on Ch. 7 and Digital HD on Ch. 707. When an EPG "event" happens (e.g. Comcast updates the EPG channel lineup, power-cycled DVR, etc...), the iGuide goes to its scheduled recordings list and re-searches BY CALL LETTERS for scheduled programs when "This Channel Only" is selected. Presumably this catches the case where a particular broadcasted station is reassigned to a new Channel Number. Anyway, the search apparently starts from Ch. 2 and goes up. The search STOPS when it finds an exact match. So if there are two channels that share the exact same Call Letters, the scheduled recording will be (re-)assigned to the lowest channel number with the matching Call Letters. In my case, that means everytime I have one of these EPG Events, any scheduled recordings on KGO's Digital HD Channel (707) get re-scheduled on KGO's Analog SD Channel (7) if the program also appears there (as is certainly usually the case).

The problem isn't iGuide's... Rather, it's a feature of iGuide which allows Stations to be reassigned to new Channel Numbers that is being "confused" when Comcast has two or more Channels with the exact same Call Letters.

I prefer iGuide to leave in this feature lest we lose scheduled recordings whenever channel number assignments change.

I prefer Comcast to do the same thing they do for all the other paired stations in my area - i.e. use DISTINCT CALL LETTERS (e.g. "KGO-DT" for Channel 707 to distinguish it from "KGO" on Channel 7).

One more thing - the problem isn't just for Series Recordings. It's for any Scheduled Recordings (i.e. one-time vs. series). I don't know about so-called Manual Recordings... Never saw this happen and haven't grok'd some peoples' posts discussing it...

Manual Recordings = Menu -> DVR -> DVR Schedule -> Create a manual recording. This lets you set up a scheduled recording not by show name but for any time interval on any day, with options to repeat every day, same day each week, or Mon-Fri. You select the channel off a list of channels, not the guide. The channel list has both numbers and names so I don't know whether it has or overcomes the same number vs name mapping problem.