One time I had to do the pull the plug trick 3 times in a row before it finally fixed the 1989. Keep trying, and of course if all else fails you can just reformat the whole drive using the special sequence described previously in this thread.

Ed Bott's DVR Review (i don't think it's the ed bott from here, but I can't be sure, weird, though that another ed bott would be so interested in AVS stuff!):

Tivo vs. MCE vs. DVR (http://www.edbott.com/weblog/archives/000509.html)

After reading the article... it's not about the 6412, but it's interesting just the same. At least, I think it's not. I mean, everyone who reads this thread knows how to program the 30 second skip. *shrug*

Originally posted by jwehman
I am absolutely hooked up to my receiver via optical. I have no other inputs into it.

Now - when I'm watching shows (mainly on Fox HD), and I use the FF/RW skip buttons rapidly (like to skip through commercials) - what often happens is the audio level goes way down. The only way to fix it is to get to the audio menu (Menu -> Menu -> Setup -> Audio) and change the compression level from "Heavy" to "Light" then back to "Heavy". When I do this, the audio goes back to normal. For awhile. It happens quite frequently.

Anyone know of an issue, or if there is some way to fix this? I wish I knew exactly what those Audio settings did (Heavy - Light, Matrix, Stereo, etc) so I could tell just what I was giving up by chaging some of them. John,
I use the optical audio output on my 6412, and the Setup -> Audio settings have no effect on it.

However, here's what the settings do on my system if I use analog audio outputs:

TV Speaker - Provides the full normal output volume to the analog audio jacks. (This is the default setting.)

Stereo - Reduces the volume of the output by about 6 dB. (I think this assumes that you would be using an amplifier with a lot more power than the amplifier built into a TV set.)

Matrix - Introduces a synthesized surround sound effect, also using the reduced volume (as in Stereo setting).

Light - Slightly compresses the dynamic range of the audio. (Lowers the volume of the louder passages.)

Heavy - Substantially compresses the dynamic range of the audio.

The compression settings would typically be used if you do a lot of watching late at night, when you're concerned the volume might get too loud when a TV show or movie has explosions, etc.

The question I have for you is: why are you using Heavy as your normal setting if you're using the optical output? If you want dynamic range compression, your receiver probably has a setting for it (often called Night Mode or something similar) with more control than what the 6412 does. If you don't want dynamic range compression, then you definitely should not be using the Heavy setting at all. In either case, try setting the 6412 audio to TV Speaker and see if the problem still occurs.

Here's something new I found potentially annoying. Was watching a recording when suddenly it jumps to an Emergency Alert System test. The test completely knocked me out of my show and while it went on the 6412 wouldn't let me change the channel, or basically do anything until it finished. Then I had to go back and find the show and restart it.

Perhaps this wouldn't be that bad, but the local EAS system here appears to do a test almost monthly.

Originally posted by mr2828
you can just reformat the whole drive using the special sequence described previously in this thread.

I went back pretty far and could not find the method ... could someone re-post it, or list the page number within this thread? Also ...


Originally posted by jwehman
lately I've been having an issue with my audio ... when I'm watching shows (mainly on Fox HD) ... what often happens is the audio level goes way down

Does the audio go way down with FOX-HD or is it always way down? I find that all channels have pretty much the same audio level with the exception of FOX-HD. I normally have my volume set to 36, but FOX-HD is the exception. During actual HDTV programming on FOX-HD, I need to turn the volume all the way up to 20 to hear conversations (smaller numbers = louder volume on my receiver) but when my local FOX breaks in for advertisements and news updates, the volume skyrockets. It's the only station that does this, and it is very annoying. By the way, I have my 6412 audio settings set for no compression and I use the optical connection.

Originally posted by mr2828
Here's something new I found potentially annoying. Was watching a recording when suddenly it jumps to an Emergency Alert System test. The test completely knocked me out of my show and while it went on the 6412 wouldn't let me change the channel, or basically do anything until it finished. Then I had to go back and find the show and restart it.

Perhaps this wouldn't be that bad, but the local EAS system here appears to do a test almost monthly.
In the Chicago area the system is tested every Tuesday at 10:00am (or 10:30am). I recently had a recording that was disturbed by the test, but other than the time that the test ran, I don't recall having to find or restart the show. In fact, I thought I used the 30sec skip to jump through the test.

Originally posted by mr2828
Here's something new I found potentially annoying. Was watching a recording when suddenly it jumps to an Emergency Alert System test. The test completely knocked me out of my show and while it went on the 6412 wouldn't let me change the channel, or basically do anything until it finished. Then I had to go back and find the show and restart it.

Perhaps this wouldn't be that bad, but the local EAS system here appears to do a test almost monthly.

The EAS test is weekly in CA around 3 AM. It seems to disable all the functions on the DVR until the message is over (at least it did when we had a real EAS Amber alert around 8:30 PM the other night). Channel changes, volume control, heck even the power button was disabled. I guess it does it to get your attention (which it did).

I have been using for digital cable a Motorola HD receiver from Comcast, and had no audio problems on either digital or analog/standard channels.

I have now upgraded to the DCT6412 series HD Dual Tuner Receiver with DVR capabilities. I have had the following problem, with two different units. I have changed nothing on the Rotel receiver side:

I only get audio on the digital channels, but not the analog channels!! I have tried the the optical digital audio and the coaxial digital outputs. The "dolby" red lettering on the Rotel is flashing and I can hear some crackling in the speakers.

It's as if the audio signal is losing strength on the analog channels.

Anyone heard of this and/or know of a fix?

Thanks in advance.

Hi there-

I'm a 6412 user in San Francisco.

Before and after the 9.15 firmware update, I've been having this problem:

On most one-time or series recordings, for various analog, digital, and HD channels, the box appears to be recording (red light on), but the recording does not appear in the DVR list.

I have not seen anyone else report this issue. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Dave

Originally posted by NeoWeo
Hi there-

I'm a 6412 user in San Francisco.

Before and after the 9.15 firmware update, I've been having this problem:

On most one-time or series recordings, for various analog, digital, and HD channels, the box appears to be recording (red light on), but the recording does not appear in the DVR list.

I have not seen anyone else report this issue. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Dave

Try unpluging/pluging it and see if the recordings show up. I hope it works.

Originally posted by happydad
I have been using for digital cable a Motorola HD receiver from Comcast, and had no audio problems on either digital or analog/standard channels.

I have now upgraded to the DCT6412 series HD Dual Tuner Receiver with DVR capabilities. I have had the following problem, with two different units. I have changed nothing on the Rotel receiver side:

I only get audio on the digital channels, but not the analog channels!! I have tried the the optical digital audio and the coaxial digital outputs. The "dolby" red lettering on the Rotel is flashing and I can hear some crackling in the speakers.

It's as if the audio signal is losing strength on the analog channels.

Anyone heard of this and/or know of a fix?

Thanks in advance. One test you can try is to hook up the analog audio cables and see whether there's any audio on the analog channels through them. If you don't get audio output through the analog jacks on the analog channels, then I suspect your incoming cable signal has a problem.

Another test you can try is when the system is in the state where you don't have audio on the analog channels, power off the 6412 via the front panel button or remote control (don't pull the power plug), then after a few seconds simply power it back on again. It's not a fix, but this workaround resolves some other audio problems that people have and might help isolate the cause.

By the way, I use a Rotel home theater preamp with my 6412 and have no problems with digital audio output from the analog channels (the analog picture quality sucks, though).

Question for Comcast 6412 users: have any of you replaced the component cables that came with your box? Although I am using my DVI connection for the 6412 I wondered what some thought of the quality of the provided Comcast cables. I remember reading that they were "Monster" cables but I can't confirm that.

Thanks

Originally posted by JTMav
Question for Comcast 6412 users: have any of you replaced the component cables that came with your box? Although I am using my DVI connection for the 6412 I wondered what some thought of the quality of the provided Comcast cables. I remember reading that they were "Monster" cables but I can't confirm that. The component cables that came with my 6412 were the cheapest junk cables that I've seen. (Worse than the run-of-the-mill stuff you see at Radio Shack.) They were definitely not Monster cables.

JTMAV: I was pleasantly surprised with the component cables provided by Comcast. I had a set of monsters on-hand ready to go, but the set provided were absolutely fine. I swapped the Comcast cables with the monsters, and also with DVI...DVI provided only slightly better PQ but decided to use DVI for upscaling DVD...comcasts and monsters were virtually the same...Comcast dude also hooked me up with a variety of decent quality coax and optical digital audio cables as well...no complaints here.

Originally posted by stevehof
One test you can try is to hook up the analog audio cables and see whether there's any audio on the analog channels through them. If you don't get audio output through the analog jacks on the analog channels, then I suspect your incoming cable signal has a problem.

Another test you can try is when the system is in the state where you don't have audio on the analog channels, power off the 6412 via the front panel button or remote control (don't pull the power plug), then after a few seconds simply power it back on again. It's not a fix, but this workaround resolves some other audio problems that people have and might help isolate the cause.

By the way, I use a Rotel home theater preamp with my 6412 and have no problems with digital audio output from the analog channels (the analog picture quality sucks, though).

How would the incoming cable signal affect digital audio but not analog audio? Starting last night after a 5 second power outage in the Boston area, I now have a similar but converse problem where analog audio on all channels including recorded shows works fine, but digital audio (coax) does not work at all on any channel or during playback of recorded shows? I have tried unplugging the 6412. Also, it's clearly not the "power on mute bug" because analog audio works fine? Although they are different physical outputs, what might affect audio coming out of the analog output vs the digital output?

Originally posted by vvitiello
Although they are different physical outputs, what might affect audio coming out of the analog output vs the digital output? I don't know for sure, so this is pure speculation, but perhaps audio for the analog channels comes down the cable TV line as analog and needs to be converted to digital in the set top box for the digital outputs (but not the analog outputs), vs. digital channels where the audio is already digital and just gets passed along to the digital audio outputs of the set top without being processed (except to be output to the analog audio jacks).

VVITELLO'
How would the incoming cable signal affect digital audio but not analog audio? Starting last night after a 5 second power outage in the Boston area

Check the audio settings in the menu.
Double click on the MENU button
Cursor over to "SETUP"
Press "OK/Select"
Cursor down to "Audio Setup"
Set Audio output to "Advanced"
Set compression to "light"
Set stereo output to "Matrix"

Let us know the results.

Originally posted by NeoWeo
Hi there-

I'm a 6412 user in San Francisco.

Before and after the 9.15 firmware update, I've been having this problem:

On most one-time or series recordings, for various analog, digital, and HD channels, the box appears to be recording (red light on), but the recording does not appear in the DVR list.

I have not seen anyone else report this issue. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Dave

Neo,
I'm in the South Bay of SF and have the 9.15 firmware also. I had a similar problem with the red light being on but not recording. Are you seeing the red light ALL the time ??? I was, and to correct that problem you have to go to the set up menu and turn off the RF bypass. That worked for me.

Laters,
Mikef5

Originally posted by Red Rider
VVITELLO'
How would the incoming cable signal affect digital audio but not analog audio? Starting last night after a 5 second power outage in the Boston area

Check the audio settings in the menu.
Double click on the MENU button
Cursor over to "SETUP"
Press "OK/Select"
Cursor down to "Audio Setup"
Set Audio output to "Advanced"
Set compression to "light"
Set stereo output to "Matrix"

Let us know the results.

I tried this, however, as expected, these settings have no affect on the digital audio output from the 6412. My problem is that analog audio always works and digital audio always does not work. Something is preventing the 6412 from sending the digital audio signal out of the coax digital output.

-Vince

Hi Guys -

First, I created a workaround on my Rotel where the analog audio outputs where accesible from the remote, so I would simply use the analog input when viewing analog channels.

That worked fine last night, bit the issue still drove me crazy...and then...

This morning I turned the Motorola box off, and moved it to a different shelf on my rack. Hooked everything back up, same cables, same jacks, etc...

The digital output now works fine on ALL channels!!!

Originally posted by happydad
Hi Guys -

First, I created a workaround on my Rotel where the analog audio outputs where accesible from the remote, so I would simply use the analog input when viewing analog channels.

That worked fine last night, bit the issue still drove me crazy...and then...

This morning I turned the Motorola box off, and moved it to a different shelf on my rack. Hooked everything back up, same cables, same jacks, etc...

The digital output now works fine on ALL channels!!!

That's strange!

I thought about disconnecting the cables as well, but I was too lazy because the back of the box is not readily accessible in my setup. I don't see why this would work, but I'll try tonight and see what happens.

-Vince

It may have not been disconnecting the cables but rather turning off/powering down the box.

I had an audio problem one time where I couldn't get it to output the DD5.1 no matter what settings I used and then after powering off the box to look at the setup it all the sudden worked.

Apparently the box needs to be turned off once in awile for things to take or to glear glitches like this.

does anyone get green lines flashing through the screen periodically on the analog channels. its annoying...... i cant really explain it. everyone so often green flash or green line will appear then disappear on the screen. i cant figure out what the problem is....anyone have this problem?

Yep, that's one of the things previously discussed on this thread long ago... some people say the new firmware version 9.15 fixes it.

I just got the 6412 and love it!

One problem tho, the 6412 seems to only pick up every other button I hit on the remote and some times only get 1 of every 4 thing I put into the remote. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this and if so whats the cause and does anyone have a fix?

Also, I think Comcast Boston gave me the remote for the 6408, it has an empty box on the bottom where the swap button and other buttons are. Does anyone know the model for the 6412 remote. And is the model # under the batteries? THANKS!

Really weird problem……my father was trying to change the priority of his season passes…..he was not able to do it….a show would move a couple positions and that was it. In looking at it closer, I found that the passes went something like this:
1,2,3,4,5,8,9,10,15,16. Whenever it would hit a gap in the sequence, it would not move the show any more. Has anyone seen this? The only way that I could get around it was to delete all passes and re-create them. The box is running 9.15.

Also has anyone noticed on the HD channels like FOX that at times it will show up with the image doubled on the screen, then goes away when you change the channel?

Thanks

Originally posted by paulyahnig
Really weird problem……my father was trying to change the priority of his season passes…..he was not able to do it….a show would move a couple positions and that was it. In looking at it closer, I found that the passes went something like this:
1,2,3,4,5,8,9,10,15,16. Whenever it would hit a gap in the sequence, it would not move the show any more. Has anyone seen this? The only way that I could get around it was to delete all passes and re-create them. The box is running 9.15. Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

Someone else reported this once. Do you know the version of the i-Guide you are running?

not sure, will look tonight.....

Originally posted by HD Rookie
In the Chicago area the system is tested every Tuesday at 10:00am (or 10:30am). I recently had a recording that was disturbed by the test, but other than the time that the test ran, I don't recall having to find or restart the show. In fact, I thought I used the 30sec skip to jump through the test.
I went back and found my recording to confirm my earlier post. I was able to confirm everything I mentioned except...
Although the neighborhood sirens run every Tuesday morning at 10:00am, the test is only run on Comcast once a month at 10:20am. My dvr recorded the test as if it were part of the regular broadcast. I used my skip to jump past it.

Originally posted by Townielax5JPL
One problem tho, the 6412 seems to only pick up every other button I hit on the remote and some times only get 1 of every 4 thing I put into the remote. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this and if so whats the cause and does anyone have a fix?

I have the same problem. Sometimes it is just slow and eventually catches up to what buttons I have pressed, and sometimes it just misses a command (or more) altogether. It is incredibly annoying since you don't know whether to press the button again, or just wait for it to catch up. If you wait, it usually ends up being a case where it didn't get the command at all, so you end up sitting there waiting like an idiot. If you don't wait and press it again, then of course it will catch up and execute both your button presses, which was not what you wanted it to do. Also it seems to have gotten worse, when I first got the box 2 months ago it was not as bad as it is now. Maybe I'll try unplugging the firewire cable, since someone mentioned that may affect it.

Anyone else have any ideas about this?

Also, I have a harmony, but it works fine with all my other equipment, only have this problem with the 6412. If I use the remote that came with it I get the same problem, so it's not the remote.

Originally posted by Mikef5
Neo,
I'm in the South Bay of SF and have the 9.15 firmware also. I had a similar problem with the red light being on but not recording. Are you seeing the red light ALL the time ??? I was, and to correct that problem you have to go to the set up menu and turn off the RF bypass. That worked for me.

Laters,
Mikef5

No, my red light goes on during a scheduled recording, but the recording does not seem to exist in the DVR list, either during the recording, or afterwards.

Anyone else seeing this? The shows show up sometimes, but not most of the time...

Originally posted by one028
does anyone get green lines flashing through the screen periodically on the analog channels. its annoying...... i cant really explain it. everyone so often green flash or green line will appear then disappear on the screen. i cant figure out what the problem is....anyone have this problem?

It happens if BOTH tuners are set to analog channels (those below 100). Whenever possible, I always try to keep one tuner on a digital channel to prevent it.

Hopefully, the 9.15 firmware update will fix it.

Originally posted by one028
does anyone get green lines flashing through the screen periodically on the analog channels. its annoying...... i cant really explain it. everyone so often green flash or green line will appear then disappear on the screen. i cant figure out what the problem is....anyone have this problem?

I had/had not:

My 6 DVR's,

1st DVR, had no green lines, But lost part/whole/no recordings.
2nd DVR, had the green lines. But lost part/whole/no recordings
3rd DVR, had no green lines, But lost part/whole/no recordings.
4th DVR, had no green lines, But lost part/whole/no recordings. and no VOD.

after the 4th I ordered and have two DVR's

5th DVR, has green and white lines, But has a loud HD, and no VOD = is gone
6th DVR, has green and white lines, But has VOD
7th DVR, has green lines

I have not lost any recordings YET on #5/6, But I can wait I know they wiill...

So I predict #7/8 will be on my door step before April

In Indianapolis, NO one is at the HeadEnd, the elevator does not go to high. They do not know what word firmware means... 9.12 here.

Does anyone think we have been sold a bill of goods here?

Originally posted by paulyahnig
Really weird problem……my father was trying to change the priority of his season passes…..he was not able to do it….a show would move a couple positions and that was it. In looking at it closer, I found that the passes went something like this:
1,2,3,4,5,8,9,10,15,16. Whenever it would hit a gap in the sequence, it would not move the show any more. Has anyone seen this? The only way that I could get around it was to delete all passes and re-create them. The box is running 9.15.
I reported this issue in a post on 1/28 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=5076957) in this same thread. I still don't know how the issue is created but the solution is clear. You need to delete series from the bottom of the list until you get past the empty gap. Probably safest to delete all series and start over.

we've had our 6412 since christmas. it's worked fine for several months with a couple of glitches.

sometimes the commands lag for 5-10 seconds, then all catch up at once. these dont seem specific to any one area of control--it would happen in the guide, the DVR, even hitting 30-second skip or rewind. every once in a while the unit would hang and reboot itself--always while trying to receive remote commands. maybe once or twice in all----until last week.

i'd say the unit has rebooted itself at least once daily as a result of trying to receive commands.

it seems to be getting worse. today, i've caused it to reboot 4 times this evening...once just hitting the channel up command.

obviously this isnt right.

any suggestions? or just call comcast and get a replacement?

Originally posted by sievers
I have the same problem. Sometimes it is just slow and eventually catches up to what buttons I have pressed, and sometimes it just misses a command (or more) altogether.
Anyone else have any ideas about this?



Yes, I have suffered with this problem since the Super Bowl. It was so bad the day before that I did not even want to change the channel for fear of not being able to get back to the correct choice. Then it rebooted itself in a "fit of confusion" and all was normal.

But the problem comes back in a milder version over and over again. I noticed that the ignoring is more prevalent when multiple tasks are being performed (recording & viewing recording). It also seems to become a problem if I have about half the drive filled. When I start watching and deleting, it gets better.

It will go away for a week and then come back. Yes, very annoying and I have 2 remotes and both are the same. One is too far away for normal straight on shooting and it uses a relay with a blaster. If I hit the relay module at close range, it will register. That leads me to believe that it is the 6412's IR sensor behind all the problems.

Originally posted by sievers
I have the same problem. Sometimes it is just slow and eventually catches up to what buttons I have pressed, and sometimes it just misses a command (or more) altogether.
Anyone else have any ideas about this?

My understanding from an HD tech @ Comcast is that the interruption is caused by regular "cleaning" of the hard drive, like a very short "defragging" during which the remote commands are suspended. Motorola and MSFT are aware and are working on fixes. I am not explaining this properly but I don't think the 9.15 upgrade was designed to deal with this. It may not be fixable with software updates but by a new box.

30, 60, 90, 120 (and more) Second Skip

Create a 30 second skip using the following directions:

1) Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3) Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice
4) Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button
5) Type in the code 00173 for 30 second Skip.
6) Press whatever button you want to map the skip to.

Next, you create a macro using your new 30 second skip:

1) Press and hold down the "Setup" button until the light blinks twice.
2) Press 995.
3) Press the key you want to assign the X second skip to.
4) Press the button that you have used for the 30 second skip x times. (2 times for 60 seconds, 3 times for 90 seconds, and so on.)
5) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the light blinks twice to exit programming.

X = 30, 60, 90, 180, etc.

You now have an extended Skip button.

Courtesy to GameraFan & broadbandreports.com

Several times I have experienced that I'm missing the dialog the first 5-7 minutes of CBS HD shows. The music and the bagground noices are there, but no dialog. Tonight it was the first 7 minutes of CSI. Previously I have also experienced on CSI Miami.

My receiver will indicate that I'm not receiving 5.1, and therefore the center speaker is silent. Then after 5-7 minutes the dialog is there and the receiver is again showing 5.1 reception.

Please tell me that this is not my otherwise flawless 6412, but an error you all experience...!

Originally posted by markjrenna
30, 60, 90, 120 (and more) Second Skip



This is extremely cool!!! I'll have to try it tonight, thanks...:)

markjenna;

MOST excellent!!

Originally posted by ptchristensen
Several times I have experienced that I'm missing the dialog the first 5-7 minutes of CBS HD shows. The music and the bagground noices are there, but no dialog. Tonight it was the first 7 minutes of CSI. Previously I have also experienced on CSI Miami.

Where I live we get this on NBC... and I've seen it on ABC..

It's the HD signal (or source), I don't think it's you!

Originally posted by cudaboy_71
i'd say the unit has rebooted itself at least once daily as a result of trying to receive commands.

it seems to be getting worse. today, i've caused it to reboot 4 times this evening...once just hitting the channel up command.

obviously this isnt right.

any suggestions? or just call comcast and get a replacement? This is not normal behavior; it sounds like your box went south.

I've had mine since late December, and have had only one spontaneous reboot in that whole time.

Is your box confined in a heat-trapping space or anything like that? If so, try moving it to a cooler spot. If not, definitely call and get it replaced.

Remember, these units were shipped out in a big hurry to counter bad press and TiVo's giveaway. Many of them seem to have had, shall we say, less than perfect quality control.

Originally posted by markjrenna
30, 60, 90, 120 (and more) Second Skip

Create a 30 second skip using the following directions:

1) Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3) Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice
4) Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button
5) Type in the code 00173 for 30 second Skip.
6) Press whatever button you want to map the skip to.

Next, you create a macro using your new 30 second skip:

1) Press and hold down the "Setup" button until the light blinks twice.
2) Press 995.
3) Press the key you want to assign the X second skip to.
4) Press the button that you have used for the 30 second skip x times. (2 times for 60 seconds, 3 times for 90 seconds, and so on.)
5) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the light blinks twice to exit programming.

X = 30, 60, 90, 180, etc.

You now have an extended Skip button.

Courtesy to GameraFan & broadbandreports.com

You, dear sir, are my hero. I've been using a Replay TV with the original software that automatically skipped commercials (hands-free) so coming to the 6412 was a bit of a bummer having to skip through the commercials manually using the fast forward.

This is very awesome. Thanks!

Most of the network programming seems to use 4 minute commercial breaks....thus hit the button 8 times.

Originally posted by markjrenna
30, 60, 90, 120 (and more) Second Skip

Create a 30 second skip using the following directions:

1) Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3) Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice
4) Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button
5) Type in the code 00173 for 30 second Skip.
6) Press whatever button you want to map the skip to.

Next, you create a macro using your new 30 second skip:

1) Press and hold down the "Setup" button until the light blinks twice.
2) Press 995.
3) Press the key you want to assign the X second skip to.
4) Press the button that you have used for the 30 second skip x times. (2 times for 60 seconds, 3 times for 90 seconds, and so on.)
5) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the light blinks twice to exit programming.

X = 30, 60, 90, 180, etc.

You now have an extended Skip button.

Courtesy to GameraFan & broadbandreports.com

I am currently experiencing an issue with my 6412 box and was wondering if anyone has a solution (I did a search and couldn't find anything). Whenever I turn on the box and my TV the screen is blank. I can bring up the channel guide and the info on the channel will show but no pic. When I select a recorded show, start playing and flip back to live TV, suddenly I get a picture. Not sure what is causing it so I figured I would give a post a try.

Thx,

Matt

Matt,

That has been mentioned before... search again. I don't know what the solution was, if there was one at all. It's in the thread somewhere. :)

Thanks!

Originally posted by lobozooma
I am currently experiencing an issue with my 6412 box and was wondering if anyone has a solution (I did a search and couldn't find anything). Whenever I turn on the box and my TV the screen is blank. I can bring up the channel guide and the info on the channel will show but no pic. When I select a recorded show, start playing and flip back to live TV, suddenly I get a picture. Not sure what is causing it so I figured I would give a post a try.

Thx,

Matt

You need to unplug your box for 30 seconds and then plug it back in. This will fix your problem.

Originally posted by lobozooma
I am currently experiencing an issue with my 6412 box and was wondering if anyone has a solution (I did a search and couldn't find anything). Whenever I turn on the box and my TV the screen is blank. I can bring up the channel guide and the info on the channel will show but no pic. When I select a recorded show, start playing and flip back to live TV, suddenly I get a picture. Not sure what is causing it so I figured I would give a post a try.

Thx,

Matt Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

1. Leave your 6412 on all the time.

In my experience, 9.15 firmware does not fix the blank video problem. The only fix I know of is to leave the 6412 on.

Originally posted by dwfphils
In my experience, 9.15 firmware does not fix the blank video problem. The only fix I know of is to leave the 6412 on. Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

You are right. I thought it did. At least it did a couple times when I first got the new Firmware. I just tested it out now and it was back to no audio/video.

Only answer is to leave the 6412 on. If you do shut it off then you have to play a recording to get it back on.

Does the 6412 record scheduled shows while turned off?

Originally posted by Ian Flux
Does the 6412 record scheduled shows while turned off?

Yes. It turns itself on, mutes the audio output immediately, records, and turns itself off.
Actually, it's never off. The on/off button merely controls the front display and output.
And there is a "feature" in the system where you may turn it on and have no audio. The reason is if you set it to record in the middle of the night, have it hooked to a sound system, and have the sound system on, you would be rudely awakend if it turned itself on with sound on, too.
Other problems happen if you turn it off. The consensus is to never turn it off.
Search this thread for the link to the manual, which explains this and lots more.

I have the 6412 with the crappy remote that lacks a setup button and is therefore basically non-programmable.

That hasn't mattered much to me because I never use the 6412 remote; I use a Harmony 680. If anyone is able to program the Extended Skip onto their Harmony, please post that info here and I should be able to download the sequence from the Harmony site.

Originally posted by LHMPDX
If anyone is able to program the Extended Skip onto their Harmony, please post that info here and I should be able to download the sequence from the Harmony site. I input the code the to the Motorola remote then had the Harmony learn it.

Originally posted by markjrenna
Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

You are right. I thought it did. At least it did a couple times when I first got the new Firmware. I just tested it out now and it was back to no audio/video.

Only answer is to leave the 6412 on. If you do shut it off then you have to play a recording to get it back on.

I guess everyones is different. I have the old firmware, 9.12 I turn it on and off probably 10 times a day and never have a problem. I'll go knock on wood now.

DaveFi -

Thanks for your response. I just sent you a PM.

Originally posted by BullittMustang
I guess everyones is different. I have the old firmware, 9.12 I turn it on and off probably 10 times a day and never have a problem. I'll go knock on wood now. Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

This is what is very frustrating. Seems each 6412 has a mind of its own. I don't understand how we all have the same thing but experience so many different issues. Some issues that affect me don't affect others. All
I can say is "Very strange".

Originally posted by markjrenna
Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

This is what is very frustrating. Seems each 6412 has a mind of its own. .

They certainly do, I have turned mine "on and off" everyday since Nov and have not had a single problem as well...:confused:

I have not been able to program the extended skip into my Harmony 680. I have the 30 second skip programmed but I have not had any success getting the 3 minute skip (6, 30 second skips) into my 680. I have it on the comcast remote but when I try to get the 680 to learn it, it only learns the first 30 second skip. What am I doing wrong?

I think perhaps the extended skip is a macro within the remote itself. It mighht be hard to train the Harmony that way. Will the Harmony do macros? If so, you could do the same thing , but within the Harmony.

I could not find a definitive answer. How do I enable closed caption on the 6412 ? Can I do it on a record show ?

Originally posted by Ian Flux
Does the 6412 record scheduled shows while turned off?

No!

The Owners Guide given by Comcast says you must leave the unit on to record with the DVR.

I have tested this and my 6412 does not turn on or record shows you have set up in advanced, while the unit is set to standby mode.


When I asked a senior Tech, I was told this is a setting controlled by the Head End Programming. So it may be enabled in some areas and not others. Just like Interactive Pay-Per-View.

YMMV

Pete

Originally posted by dozens
I could not find a definitive answer. How do I enable closed caption on the 6412 ? Can I do it on a record show ?

set the STB to standby and press guide, scroll down to closed caption. It is a all or nothing.

power back on.


or use your TV / Monitor Built in Caption system.

in atlanta we're still stuck on 9.12 - i sure hope we get 9.15 sometime soon!

Originally posted by oleus
in atlanta we're still stuck on 9.12 - i sure hope we get 9.15 sometime soon!


Your area might still be having head end upgrades being done.

Does the 6412 record scheduled shows while turned off?


Originally posted by scanpa
So it may be enabled in some areas and not others.

Pete

It works in my area, northern SF bay area.

is leaving the 6412 on all the time a good practice? how about firmware updates? I was told that updates come to the receiver during its downtime. When you leave the box on, there is no downtime therefore no update.

I live in Tallahassee, FL (Comcast) and my 6412 will record in the standby-off mode, the same as my Replay PVR and my Panasonic E80H. But I leave it on at all times since it seems to behave better when I do so. The HDD is spinning regardless, so no big benefit from turning it "off" on standby.
Turning it "on" while it was recording in standby mode seemed to get it confused. Or maybe I was the one getting confused - a real possibility.

I live in Tallahassee, FL (Comcast) and my 6412 will record in the standby-off mode, the same as my Replay PVR and my Panasonic E80H. But I leave it on at all times since it seems to behave better when I do so. The HDD is spinning regardless, so no big benefit from turning it "off" on standby.
Turning it "on" while it was recording in standby mode seemed to get it confused. Or maybe I was the one getting confused - a real possibility.

Originally posted by mr2828
One time I had to do the pull the plug trick 3 times in a row before it finally fixed the 1989. Keep trying, and of course if all else fails you can just reformat the whole drive using the special sequence described previously in this thread.


The "pull the plug trick" does not get rid of my phantom recording despite several attempts. I currently have no recordings, so I want to do the reformat method, but I went back far into this thread and could not find the sequence ... can someone please re-post it here?

Originally posted by techdood
is leaving the 6412 on all the time a good practice? how about firmware updates? I was told that updates come to the receiver during its downtime. When you leave the box on, there is no downtime therefore no update. Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

1. Leave the 6412 on all the time. Less issues that way.
2. You will receive Firmware and Software updates as long as your 6412 is powered. It does not matter if it is on or off.

My 6412 does turn on and record from the "off" state. I did notice that when I accidentally hit the "Power" button during one of those recordings that the 6412 warned me that I was going to stop the recording if I proceeded.

When I hit the power off, it sure sounds like the HD stops.

Can someone tell me if the 6412 has a way of sensing the native output and format of your television. I ask because I just switched from a Toshiba 4:3 TV to a new Mitsubishi TV this weekend and when I went into the menu of the 6412 to change the settings to the correct ones they were already done. I am sure I had the box set to 1080i because that is what the native resolution of the box was but now it says 720p which is the native resolution of the Mitsubishi. Strange. I am also having a hard time accessing the menu now that I am using the DVI input. Anybody else experience any of this?

Originally posted by blackngold75
My 6412 does turn on and record from the "off" state. I did notice that when I accidentally hit the "Power" button during one of those recordings that the 6412 warned me that I was going to stop the recording if I proceeded.

When I hit the power off, it sure sounds like the HD stops.

The reason you don't hear the HD is because it no longer buffers the signal because you have put it in standby. You basically have told the unit that you are no longer viewing tv so it stops buffering and goes to standby.

Laters,
Mikef5

Originally posted by dozens
I could not find a definitive answer. How do I enable closed caption on the 6412 ? Can I do it on a record show ?

Well, scanpa says either through the 6412 or your TV, giving instructions on how with the 6412. However, my TV won't display its closed captioning if the 6412 is the source. I can use only the 6412's closed captioning.

Hey scanpa, have you seen a TV using its closed captioning instead of the 6412's? And if so, was the 6412 hooked up through the DVI cable like mine? Maybe this is a DVI cable or TV problem. I have previously stated the 6412 blocks the closed captioning signal, and no one has refuted it (it also blocks the parental controls signal).

Also, scanpa, thanks for letting us know it seems some 6412s will not record a scheduled program if turned off. I've never seen that on this thread before. As a matter of fact, I've seen just the opposite.

Originally posted by nielloeb

Hey scanpa, have you seen a TV using its closed captioning instead of the 6412's?

The TV would have to be using it's own tuner to do that.

Originally posted by Mikef5
The reason you don't hear the HD is because it no longer buffers the signal because you have put it in standby. You basically have told the unit that you are no longer viewing tv so it stops buffering and goes to standby.

Laters,
Mikef5

I realize that - I mentioned that in my post because someone earlier had said the hard drive spins whether in standby or not.

Originally posted by techdood
is leaving the 6412 on all the time a good practice? how about firmware updates? I was told that updates come to the receiver during its downtime. When you leave the box on, there is no downtime therefore no update.


The STB is always on, and can talk to the head end at any time. When My STB got the Update, it shut itself down to go into FW download mode.

when it's done, it will do a restart of the STB and begin DL the Guide Info.

Originally posted by blackngold75
I realize that - I mentioned that in my post because someone earlier had said the hard drive spins whether in standby or not.
It does always spin. When 'off', or set to unsubscribed or MusicChoice-style channels, it does not buffer. This does reduce wear and tear on the head actuator, and a very tiny bit of power and heat.

Originally posted by keenan
The TV would have to be using it's own tuner to do that.

Not true,

My Sanyo TV can decode the Caption/data info from any connection source.

It works with all Input modes. I do not use the built in Tuner. I do not even have a RF coax going to the TV. ;)

Originally posted by nielloeb
Well, scanpa says either through the 6412 or your TV, giving instructions on how with the 6412. However, my TV won't display its closed captioning if the 6412 is the source. I can use only the 6412's closed captioning.

Hey scanpa, have you seen a TV using its closed captioning instead of the 6412's? And if so, was the 6412 hooked up through the DVI cable like mine? Maybe this is a DVI cable or TV problem. I have previously stated the 6412 blocks the closed captioning signal, and no one has refuted it (it also blocks the parental controls signal).

Also, scanpa, thanks for letting us know it seems some 6412s will not record a scheduled program if turned off. I've never seen that on this thread before. As a matter of fact, I've seen just the opposite.

As my TV / Monitor does not use the DVI connection, I am unable to answer, but with Both composite & Component RCA Cables it does pass both the Parental Code info and the Caption info if the selected channel has it. Remember not all programs have caption or data available.

YMMV

Peter

Originally posted by nielloeb
Well, scanpa says either through the 6412 or your TV, giving instructions on how with the 6412. However, my TV won't display its closed captioning if the 6412 is the source. I can use only the 6412's closed captioning.

Hey scanpa, have you seen a TV using its closed captioning instead of the 6412's? And if so, was the 6412 hooked up through the DVI cable like mine? Maybe this is a DVI cable or TV problem. I have previously stated the 6412 blocks the closed captioning signal, and no one has refuted it (it also blocks the parental controls signal).




Gang,

I just did a quick test and the TV / Monitor caption feature works as the captions are displaying with my 6412 STB as the source via Component Video Cable connection to the TV / Monitor. My Kid is watching Noggin and the captions work just fine.

Guess this is another feature of a setting that can be set from your head end controller!

:)

Originally posted by gtcharlie
Can someone tell me if the 6412 has a way of sensing the native output and format of your television. I ask because I just switched from a Toshiba 4:3 TV to a new Mitsubishi TV this weekend and when I went into the menu of the 6412 to change the settings to the correct ones they were already done. I am sure I had the box set to 1080i because that is what the native resolution of the box was but now it says 720p which is the native resolution of the Mitsubishi. Strange. I am also having a hard time accessing the menu now that I am using the DVI input. Anybody else experience any of this?

The guide info will not show up if your STB is not set correctly. Comcast 6412 should be set to 1080I only.

Originally posted by andyross63
It does always spin. When 'off', or set to unsubscribed or MusicChoice-style channels, it does not buffer. This does reduce wear and tear on the head actuator, and a very tiny bit of power and heat.

I think the reduction in power loss is very tiny as you mentioned..I'll have to hook up my little power monitor to see just what the difference is for grins (I can even punch in price I pay for Kw and it will calculate the "cost savings"...bet its minimal.

Anyway, the wear and tear is minimal....HDs should be able to read/write for years (we have thousands that have been doing that in our server rooms at work...more often that not the ones that have been running for years only fail when you actually shut them down...they dont come back up gracefully after running for ages and then being powered down.)

Originally posted by davisdog
..I'll have to hook up my little power monitor to see just what the difference is for grins (I can even punch in price I pay for Kw and it will calculate the "cost savings"...

Those are cool, I have one as well...:)

Originally posted by scanpa
Gang,

I just did a quick test and the TV / Monitor caption feature works as the captions are displaying with my 6412 STB as the source via Component Video Cable connection to the TV / Monitor. My Kid is watching Noggin and the captions work just fine.

Guess this is another feature of a setting that can be set from your head end controller!

:)

CC on the TV may depend on the program res/format.
On my Mitsubishi HDTV, CC works on the TV fine for analog/480i programs from my 6412.
It also works fine for programs on other 480i inputs like Tivo, DVD recorder, etc.

It does not display any CC for HD (1080i/720p) programs, or from my DVD recorder set to Progressive-scan mode.

I think the CC info is only passed thru/understood by tv in the 480i format, since the scan-blanking interval probably changes for the other resolution formats.

This may explain the different results people are getting- from HD or 480i sources.

It's very annoying to have to turn the box off/on to change the CC settings, esp. if you are recording something...

Originally posted by cgould
CC on the TV may depend on the program res/format.
On my Mitsubishi HDTV, CC works on the TV fine for analog/480i programs from my 6412.
It also works fine for programs on other 480i inputs like Tivo, DVD recorder, etc.

It does not display any CC for HD (1080i/720p) programs, or from my DVD recorder set to Progressive-scan mode.

I think the CC info is only passed thru/understood by tv in the 480i format, since the scan-blanking interval probably changes for the other resolution formats.

This may explain the different results people are getting- from HD or 480i sources.

It's very annoying to have to turn the box off/on to change the CC settings, esp. if you are recording something...

Just got off the phone with my old Comcast Tech Manager.

He states Comcast does not carry the Closed Captions on any of there HD Ch. You have to use the STB CC feature that will then read the captions from the Analog Ch. Signal. for the Equiv Digital HD Ch.


I also tried the DVD player with the DVD Captions turned off and just the TV Caption reader turned on using HD mode and the captions were not able to be displayed in 16:9 mode. But the DVD players CC system did display via HD 16:9 mode.

Peter


:p

Does anyone have the remote code to operate a Rotel 1056?

Anyone got firmware version 9.17 yet ?
what's new in it ?
My 6412 just downloaded and updated and there are noticeable interface differences but i'd like to know what's changed under the hood.

Originally posted by wikka
Anyone got firmware version 9.17 yet ?
what's new in it ?
My 6412 just downloaded and updated and there are noticeable interface differences but i'd like to know what's changed under the hood.

Where are you located and where is the cable feed from? We can find out for you.

ex:

I live in Campbelltown Pa and have Cable from Comcast of Hershey Pa.

Originally posted by Mikef5
The reason you don't hear the HD is because it no longer buffers the signal because you have put it in standby. You basically have told the unit that you are no longer viewing tv so it stops buffering and goes to standby.

Laters,
Mikef5

I have been shutting off one of my 6412 boxes since it is in the bedroom and the HD buffering is quite noisy. Turning off the box makes it much quieter. I leave the other 6412 on all the time. I haven't had any differences in performance between the two boxes.

Anyone catch a story in the news about Comcast buying TiVo's software to use in their DVR's? I caught a brief clip here in Denver and didn't hear too many details. But I suspect a lot of people might be happier with a TiVo based interface. It wouldn't fix all of the issues that have been discussed here, though.

http://www.9news.com/acm_news.aspx?OSGNAME=KUSA&IKOBJECTID=a6a7db02-0abe-421a-01fb-65cee4025c38&TEMPLATEID=0c76dce6-ac1f-02d8-0047-c589c01ca7bf

Done deal. Should start to see TiVo product mid to late 2006.

"Comcast and TiVo will work together to develop a version of the TiVo service that will be made available on Comcast's current primary DVR platform."

I believe this translates to the 6412 (or a later Motorola platform) running TiVo software. This is a huge win for TiVo. Can't wait!

LINK (http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050315/phtu019_2.html)

Originally posted by Paul Simoneau
Done deal. Should start to see TiVo product mid to late 2006.

"Comcast and TiVo will work together to develop a version of the TiVo service that will be made available on Comcast's current primary DVR platform."

I believe this translates to the 6412 (or a later Motorola platform) running TiVo software. This is a huge win for TiVo. Can't wait!

LINK (http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050315/phtu019_2.html)

Mid to late 2006, Thats a long ways away.

Sure, it's a while. But as anyone involved in software (or embedded software) can tell you, it takes a while to port a complicated codebase to a new architecture.

I'd rather them take their time and do it right the first time, rather than the rush job we've clearly seen with the 6412.

Originally posted by scanpa
Where are you located and where is the cable feed from? We can find out for you.

ex:

I live in Campbelltown Pa and have Cable from Comcast of Hershey Pa.

I'm in Maryland on Starpower/RCN cable. I still can't find info on the 9.17 firmware.

Originally posted by Paul Simoneau
I'd rather them take their time and do it right the first time, rather than the rush job we've clearly seen with the 6412. Actually, the gawdawful UI on the 6208 was the rush job. By comparison, the UI on the 6412 is quite good, despite some obvious flaws.

So far, TiVo shares have risen about 50 percent today on the news, compared to Comcast shares which are about even. Guess which company needed this more.

Originally posted by gakon
Anyone catch a story in the news about Comcast buying TiVo's software to use in their DVR's?... I caught a brief clip here in Denver and didn't hear too many details. But I Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

My hats off to both TiVo and Comcast.

I have said this time and time again... Comcast is committed to giving us, the customer, the best experience possible. The TiVo partnership clearly underscores this credo.

I feel mine and probably many others wishes (and WishList) have been answered.

In the mean time the i-Guide team is dedicated to making the i-Guide a premier product regardless of TiVo.

Bottom line. This is certainly great news for us!

re: Comcast and Tivo

I hate to be a "nay-sayer," but I think careful reading of the article (on the NY Times web site) should give us some pause.

First of all, it says that the deal "allows TiVo to extend to Comcast subscribers the advertising it sells in the form of interactive video clips that automatically appear in the TiVo menu." Just what we need on a service we already pay for!

Second, it discusses the pricing structure of Tivo's rivals ("deep-pocketed cable and satellite operators") at $5 or $10 per month, versus Tivo's $13. One can only wonder how much this new "benefit" will cost us.

Despite all the complaints I see on this site, I think that the 6412 is a damn good deal, considering there is no cost to obtain the thing (except, in some cases, for installation), no commitment, and a monthly cost lower than Tivo or Replay. Plus, it's essentially guaranteed forever, because if it breaks, you just call Comcast for a replacement! So, let's be careful what we wish for--we might get it!

I should, in all fairness, add that I have had very few functional problems with my 6412, and Comcast here in Pittsburgh has been pretty accommodating.

If all I have to pay is an extra $3 per month to get Tivo on my 6412 instead of iGuide - I'm THERE.

You essentially have what the DirecTV HD Tivo does for a mere $3/mo extra, instead of $800+ up front. (Albeit with a smaller hard drive.)

Originally posted by markjrenna
In the mean time the i-Guide team is dedicated to making the i-Guide a premier product regardless of TiVo. Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

In no way are we losing the i-Guide but gaining TiVo to those who want it. As I stated earlier "the i-Guide team is dedicated to making the i-Guide a premier product regardless of TiVo."

Terms and pricing have yet to be made public. TiVo may cost an additional fee but we will have a choice. And being able to choose between the i-Guide and TiVo, is good.

I hope the details of the Comcast/Tivo deal turn out in our favor. I mean those of us with HD DVRs (i.e. those of us in this thread). I say that because the language of the press release says Comcast will not offer a Comcast HD Tivo.

Steve Burke, president of Comcast Cable and COO of Comcast, says "We are very excited that we will be able to offer TiVo to our customers along with our Video On Demand, High Definition and other premium services ...." By saying "along with," he leaves open the possibility Tivo on Comcast will be non-HD, leaving the 6412 as the only way to have an HD DVR on Comcast. Trust me, corporate press release language is carefully written.

However, I have no Tivo experience and maybe don't understand their offerings good enough. So I could be wrong.

Frankly, I'm happy with the iGuide, especially since they say they are working on improvements. Since Comcast uses more than one guide already, they certainly can use more than one DVR.

Originally posted by nielloeb
I hope the details of the Comcast/Tivo deal turn out in our favor... Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

The TiVo platform will work on Comcast's existing DVR. In late 2006 I would expect that to be nothing less than an HD (Motorola) box.

Remember, the i-Guide does not go away. Tivo is for those who want it.

Originally posted by docarter

First of all, it says that the deal "allows TiVo to extend to Comcast subscribers the advertising it sells in the form of interactive video clips that automatically appear in the TiVo menu." Just what we need on a service we already pay for!

This is something that's already been in place for the regular TiVo services for a long while now. The "gold stars" that pop up in the menu structure are not that intrusive. You get a line item in the menu, and if you want to look at something, you select the menu item and it'll show you a video clip for an advertisement, movie trailer, etc. If you don't want to see it, you don't have to. There's just an extra line item in the menu.


Second, it discusses the pricing structure of Tivo's rivals ("deep-pocketed cable and satellite operators") at $5 or $10 per month, versus Tivo's $13. One can only wonder how much this new "benefit" will cost us.


The $13/mo charge that TiVo has for its standalone units covers the massive array of stuff they need to have in place to support dial-up connectivity for the boxes to "phone home" to get stuff like guide data and account info.

DirecTV/TiVo is $5/month. There's no need for the dial-up infrastructure, since it gets most of its data off of the satellite.

It's likely that Comcast/TiVo will use a similar model to DirecTV/TiVo, since the box will obviously be able to pull data off of the cable line. So, I would expect a similar monthly cost.

Despite all the complaints I see on this site, I think that the 6412 is a damn good deal, considering there is no cost to obtain the thing (except, in some cases, for installation), no commitment, and a monthly cost lower than Tivo or Replay. Plus, it's essentially guaranteed forever, because if it breaks, you just call Comcast for a replacement! So, let's be careful what we wish for--we might get it!

It's an OK deal, as someone who's dumped his 99.999% reliable DirecTV w/ TiVo. When the box works, it's great. However, the random resets, the bugs, and less-than-intuitive interface make me miss my TiVo from time to time.

I'm sure Comcast will continue their return policy with the new TiVo boxes as well, that that portion of your statement is a moot point.

Originally posted by halo0
If all I have to pay is an extra $3 per month to get Tivo on my 6412 instead of iGuide - I'm THERE. If all I have to pay is an extra $0 per month, I am there...maybe. I never used wishlists or all those quirky Tivo hacks anyway so there isn't much added value over iGuide for me. And if Tivo/6412 has popup adds, no 30 second skip, time limits on stored recordings; that is negative value.

Originally posted by tall1
And if Tivo/6412 has popup adds, no 30 second skip, time limits on stored recordings; that is negative value.

The time limits that TiVo announced that it's putting into place were for Pay Per View type stuff, right ? Certainly not across the board for any type of recording. That would be a very Draconian measure that would incite even the most ardent TiVo evangelists out there...

Originally posted by tall1
If all I have to pay is an extra $0 per month, I am there...maybe. I never used wishlists or all those quirky Tivo hacks anyway so there isn't much added value over iGuide for me. And if Tivo/6412 has popup adds, no 30 second skip, time limits on stored recordings; that is negative value.

There are a lot more things missing from the iGuide that don't involve Tivo "hacks". Try the ability to seamlessly switch between tuners without user input, the intelligence to not re-record a show which has been recorded, watched and deleted within the last 28 days, the superior search interface, lack of the 6412's annoying "your recording has finished" popups, 15 minutes skips, faster FF... I could go on and on.

Well, we'll get what we get & deal with it then. Right now we are still living on the "bleeding edge" of technology with iGuide/6412 & I for one scream loudly when it doesn't work right but I'm glad I have it.
As many issues as there are, I think Comcast is working hard to make what we have work. I'm sure when Tivo becomes available, IF there is a feature or two worth more than we are currently charged, Comcast will charge accordingly. I'll personally decide then if given a choice. Meanwhile, I'll continue to record everything. My motto. "nothing live"!!....now back to our regularly scheduled moaning!

Well said, Carl.

Can someone please re-post the method to reformat the 6412 hard drive? I tried the "pull the plug while recording two HD shows" trick multiple times, and it does not get rid of my "1989 phantom recording" despite several attempts, and I currently have no recordings.

Originally posted by markjrenna
Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

In no way are we losing the i-Guide but gaining TiVo to those who want it. As I stated earlier "the i-Guide team is dedicated to making the i-Guide a premier product regardless of TiVo."

Terms and pricing have yet to be made public. TiVo may cost an additional fee but we will have a choice. And being able to choose between the i-Guide and TiVo, is good.

Just to make sure everyone is on the same page!


The I-Guide Software has nothing to do with the current Comcast DVR Software.


The I-Guide is used on all 62xx & 64xx STB even if you do not activate the DVR feature.

TiVo software will replace the Comcast DVR software not the I-Guide Software.

They are 2 separate Software / programs and have nothing to do with each other, But Work together for time shifting type of recording.

The new DVR software will be a mixture of Comcast & Tivo Features that should enhance the Comcast DVR usage.

Originally posted by RScogland
Can someone please re-post the method to reformat the 6412 hard drive? I tried the "pull the plug while recording two HD shows" trick multiple times, and it does not get rid of my "1989 phantom recording" despite several attempts, and I currently have no recordings.


power off

15-sec rewind, 15 sec rewind, 15 sec rewind, DVR, live, live, live

display should show CLR then Reset and start normal DL of account & guide info.

I think you guys should know that on the TiVo boards this issue is being discussed as well. Some are saying they think your existing boxes will support TiVo software. That would save comcast and TiVo a bunch of money if it's true.

Personally, I wish I were in your shoes. I had Direct TV with TiVo for several years and I loved it. Even if I had your Comcast box it would be an improvement over what I currently have (SA 8300).

I think once you see TiVo's software you'll love it. As mentioned above the Season Pass ability to record new shows only and not repeat anything in 28 days is fantastic. Wish List, 30 second skip and tick. Plus from what I'm reading their guide is superior to your current guide. I think it goes 21 days out but I could be wrong, it's been a while.

Originally posted by scanpa
Just to make sure everyone is on the same page!

TiVo software will replace the Comcast DVR software not the I-Guide Software.

They are 2 separate Software / programs and have nothing to do with each other, But Work together for time shifting type of recording.

The new DVR software will be a mixture of Comcast & Tivo Features that should enhance the Comcast DVR usage.

I don't see how that could work. TiVo would have to build a separate platform to support the I Guide.

I'm not saying your wrong, you may know more then I do. Can you tell me what the source of your information is?

The Tivo functionality is great, but AFAIC more storage is a higher priority.

Originally posted by DaveFi
The Tivo functionality is great, but AFAIC more storage is a higher priority.

I'm not sure what AFAIC is but isn't storage the hard drive? And why would that change if TiVo software is used?

Originally posted by hookbill
I'm not sure what AFAIC is but isn't storage the hard drive? And why would that change if TiVo software is used?

AFAIC = As far as I'm concerned

Basically what he's saying is he really doesnt care what the interface is (IGuide, TIVO etc....)....He'd rather see Comcast roll out the "6430"....(ie 300Gb Harddrive in the DVR...which by the way doesnt exist)

Originally posted by hookbill
I don't see how that could work. TiVo would have to build a separate platform to support the I Guide.

I'm not saying your wrong, you may know more then I do. Can you tell me what the source of your information is?

I use to work for comcast / suburban cable and still stay in touch with several People that work there.

Originally posted by halo0
There are a lot more things missing from the iGuide that don't involve Tivo "hacks". Try the ability to seamlessly switch between tuners without user input, the intelligence to not re-record a show which has been recorded, watched and deleted within the last 28 days, the superior search interface, lack of the 6412's annoying "your recording has finished" popups, 15 minutes skips, faster FF... I could go on and on. I doubt you could go on. I think you covered the big differences. There is also functionality in the iGuide/6412 that Tivo does not have like soft padding on the front end of a show, 1394 capability for archiving, Preview Pane in Guide, faster channel changing, faster guide, mini-Guide, VOD, boot survivable 30-second skip and a working DVI port.

Originally posted by hookbill
I don't see how that could work. TiVo would have to build a separate platform to support the I Guide.


They are merging comcast & Tivo Software together to work with current Moto - DVR STB used by Comcast. It will take over a year just to build this software and 4-6 month of testing it.

:)

Originally posted by tall1
I doubt you could go on. I think you covered the big differences. There is also functionality in the iGuide/6412 that Tivo does not have like soft padding on the front end of a show, 1394 capability for archiving, Preview Pane in Guide, faster channel changing, faster guide, mini-Guide, VOD, boot survivable 30-second skip and a working DVI port.

You can pad at the front of the show with TiVo. It has that on the menu.
TiVo has a 30 second skip.

You are very correct about the guide being much slower.:)

Oh, the Wish List on TiVo is a huge feature as well.

Originally posted by davisdog
AFAIC = As far as I'm concerned

Basically what he's saying is he really doesnt care what the interface is (IGuide, TIVO etc....)....He'd rather see Comcast roll out the "6430"....(ie 300Gb Harddrive in the DVR...which by the way doesnt exist) No, what I'm saying is external storage should be as high a priority as improving the program guide. The current drive space is inadequate for HD storage.

The box is setup to support external storage. What's the holdup?

I am pleased to see TiVo coming to Comcast. Also, it is my uneducated impression that the slow TiVo guide is due to the way the underlying service (D*TV, in my case) provides it. It appears that D*TV serves it up live whereas Comncast downloads it as a block in advance.

Bill

Just noticed tonight on my box that there is an ad at the bottom of the channel guide, Anyone else see'ing this? Maybe its been there for a while but ive never noticed it and its really anoying it takes forever to get threw the channels now :(

Originally posted by scanpa
Just to make sure everyone is on the same page!I'm not so sure we are all on the same page.
Originally posted by scanpa
The I-Guide Software has nothing to do with the current Comcast DVR Software.The i-Guide software has everything to do with the current Comcast DVR (6412) and eventually all Motorola Digital STB's.
Originally posted by scanpa
The I-Guide is used on all 62xx & 64xx STB even if you do not activate the DVR feature.The i-Guide is designed to work with all Motorola Digital STB's. We have no choice to activate or deactivate the DVR/i-Guide. If you have a 6412, then you have a DVR with the i-Guide.
Originally posted by scanpa
TiVo software will replace the Comcast DVR software not the I-Guide Software.What is the Comcast DVR software? Currently Comcast has two deployed Motorola DVR's. The 6208 (Blue Guide) and the 6412 (i-Guide) except in Washington State where it is the Microsoft Guide. The TiVo guide will not replace the i-Guide. The TiVo guide, when available, will be one of three possible guides for the 6412 or successor Motorola DVR.
Originally posted by scanpa
They are 2 separate Software / programs and have nothing to do with each other, But Work together for time shifting type of recording.The i-Guide and TiVo are two separate guides. They have nothing to do with each other.
Originally posted by scanpa
The new DVR software will be a mixture of Comcast & TiVo Features that should enhance the Comcast DVR usage. This is pure speculation. From what the press releases state is that the TiVo guide will be another guide option for Comcast DVR customers. There will be the i-Guide and the TiVo guide (and possibly the Microsoft Guide). There is some hinting that the TiVo guide may contain an additional charge for the additional TiVo features but no specific details have been released.

Originally posted by nick2003
Just noticed tonight on my box that there is an ad at the bottom of the channel guide, Anyone else see'ing this? Maybe its been there for a while but ive never noticed it and its really anoying it takes forever to get threw the channels now :(

Got my first ads today on the new I-Guide. :confused: It was for the "TV Land Awards" and while displaying the ad you lose a channel block of shows (you go from 5 channels viewable to 4). I thought these ads were gone and its the first i have seen of them with the new 6412. The graphic for the ad was really bad and the color was off so i'm guessing this was some type of "test run". The ad allows you to select the show and see the info: record, other times, reminders, etc... It also causes a significant amount of slowdown with the guide. This was at 8pm tonight, and it is gone as of 1am. Anyone else have any ads in their guides? This is in Broward County, Florida too BTW.:mad:

Originally posted by Fromanotherstate
[b] I thought these ads were gone and its the first i have seen of them with the new 6412. The graphic for the ad was really bad and the color was off so i'm guessing this was some type of "test run". The ad allows you to select the show and see the info: record, other times, reminders, etc... It also causes a significant amount of slowdown with the guide. The honeymoon is over.

I did a seach and didn't find any posts on this issue...I just got the 6412 and am having trouble deleting programs from the list of upcoming recordings. Since Simpsons is on multiple times a day (and other shows as well) and the iGuide data doesn't say the repeats are old shows, it wants to record them all. When I try to prevent the repeats from recording, magically they get recorded anyway. On the list of upcoming recordings, the ones I had marked not to record show up with the recording icon, as if I had never done anything.
A friend with the 6412 said that if you mark one episode in the series not to be recorded, the previous one in the list will then revert back to being recorded (at least for Simpsons). Really annoying! Can't wait for Tivo (which is what I had before) to fix this up in 2006.

I think it's called the "Wack-A-Mole" Syndrome, deathstroke... I think if you look up something like that you'll have other people speaking to your issue, you aren't alone.

There is, however, no soution.

Originally posted by markjrenna
The i-Guide is designed to work with all Motorola Digital STB's.

Really - Try
http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/bmc9012_bmc9022d.asp

BMC9022D running Moxi software with a DVD

Yup, that's a classic Whack-a-Mole ! You'll have to let 'em record anyways and delete them later. There's no solution right now to get them to not record.

Originally posted by 5*General
Really - Try
http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/bmc9012_bmc9022d.asp

BMC9022D running Moxi software with a DVD Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

I'm sorry. I forgot to say except the MOXI BMC Series. Thanks for pointing that out.

How about this scenario:

Tivo will be software available for Comcast to use just like they now use the Microsoft Guide in Washington and iGuide everywhere else. Different Comcast local markets will use different guides depending on their needs, capabilities, and demand.

Or Comcast will shut down Gemstar/iGuide -- which it owns -- and end its Microsoft deal and simply license Tivo nationwide in order to get out of the guide business and save resources and money.

In the meantime, Microsoft guide, iGuide and the 6412 will hold at their current versions until the launch of Comcast/Tivo/6430 in 2006.

Does this sound logical? Likely? Clarifying? Asinine?

Originally posted by nielloeb
How about this scenario:

Tivo will be software available for Comcast to use just like they now use the Microsoft Guide in Washington and iGuide everywhere else. Different Comcast local markets will use different guides depending on their needs, capabilities, and demand.

Hope not. I want my TiVo, regardless of where I live.


Or Comcast will shut down Gemstar/iGuide -- which it owns -- and end its Microsoft deal and simply license Tivo nationwide in order to get out of the guide business and save resources and money.

Who's the guide provider ? Is it Comcast, iGuide, or Motorola ? They'll likely keep the iGuide around for non-DVR platforms, and put the TiVo on DVR platforms nationwide.


In the meantime, Microsoft guide, iGuide and the 6412 will hold at their current versions until the launch of Comcast/Tivo/6430 in 2006.
Does this sound logical? Likely? Clarifying? Asinine?

I hope they don't hold at their current versions. They've got a lot of bugs to fix before then...

Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

The i-Guide will not hold its current version. Bugs will continue to be addressed and fixed in future releases. There is a new version of the i-Guide coming with new features.

The TiVo guide will be available (as an option) to all Comcast DVR customers.

A hypothetical would be:

Customer: I'd like to get a Comcast DVR.

CSR: Certainly, we have the dual tuner DVR and we can offer you the Basic Guide (i-Guide) for $9.95 or the Microsoft Guide for $11.95 or the TiVo Guide for $12.95 per month.

Customer: Ummm?

CSR: You can check our web site at (Example: http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/downloads/Tan_Blue_iGuide.pdf ) that will explain the differences with each guide. You can choose one guide now and if you change your mind later we will update your DVR with the guide of your choice.

Customer: wow!

As a customer, this is what I expect.

Originally posted by deathstroke
I did a seach and didn't find any posts on this issue...I just got the 6412 and am having trouble deleting programs from the list of upcoming recordings. Since Simpsons is on multiple times a day (and other shows as well) and the iGuide data doesn't say the repeats are old shows, it wants to record them all. When I try to prevent the repeats from recording, magically they get recorded anyway. On the list of upcoming recordings, the ones I had marked not to record show up with the recording icon, as if I had never done anything.
A friend with the 6412 said that if you mark one episode in the series not to be recorded, the previous one in the list will then revert back to being recorded (at least for Simpsons). Really annoying! Can't wait for Tivo (which is what I had before) to fix this up in 2006.

For shows like that, you will need to set individual recordings and not use the series recording. I have the same problem with Stargate SG1, it is on 5 seperate ch, and all I want are the new Episodes.

Peter

Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

More (with some substance) on the Comcast & TiVo deal:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2002208957_tivocomcast16.html

Do you have any info on when the next i-guide update will be and what features it will have?

Originally posted by markjrenna
Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

More (with some substance) on the Comcast & TiVo deal:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2002208957_tivocomcast16.html

Good Article!


Should bring a lot of good things.

Originally posted by scanpa
Good Article!


Should bring a lot of good things.

I personally can't wait to pay extra for dying, dated technology. ;)

:D Month of exile is up, eh?..:p

Some sarcastic comments are too good to pass up and it supercedes my unwillingness to contribute.

:D

We just got the 9.15 update at 3am this morning. Took about a half-hour to install and reboot. So far, things do seem a bit more responsive on the high-bit-rate channels, but the true test will come when my next Sliders timer fires on Friday (which almost never finishes to the end).

Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

That's just it. You don't have to pay for it if you don't want it. We will have the choice. And choice is good.

Some people are never happy with anything. Are they.

Lets hope that theres a new cable box with a larger drive by the time Tivo comes 'round

There are so many aspects of the Tivo that are better than the Comcast DVR functionality, that were not noted. I will do my best, to point out some of the key ones:

- Search for upcoming shows (on Tivo you can type the title (not some scrolling letter approach and find all shows, episode descriptions, channels, repeat or first run, actors, directors); once found, you can select an episode or multiple episodes or set a season pass). On Comcast guide you have very limited functionality

- Season Pass (the Comcast version is a joke. You repeat only by time that the show is supposed to be on); Tivo gives multiple options and if the network makes a scheduling change, the programming compensates;

- The Guide (Granted that this is much more subjective, but the Tivo guide gives a lot more information about the show and I find much easier to navigate - Key however is that once you find a show, you can find upcoming episodes so that if you have a conflict, you can when else the same show will be on)

- Conflict resolution (this is also key. On Tivo, for example, I had the Friday night Sci Fi channel line up scheduled, but I also had UPN for Enterprise. That created a conflict, but TIVO figured out without any user intervention that Enterprise is also on at 11pm and recorded this alternate showing)

- Networking (I have 3 Tivo boxes in my home, all connected to my home network (two hard wired and one wireless). If I record a show in the livinroom, I can watch it in my bedroom. I use this a lot.

- Tivo To Go ( I can transfer recorded shows to my laptop over my home network and watch them on my laptop at my leisure)

-Remote Scheduling (If I am out of the house and want to record something, I can use any web connected computer to schedule a program on any of my Tivos - just need an hour's advance notice)

-GUI - I can't even begin to describe the differences here. How about that on comcast you have no idea where you are in the show and with Tivo you see a simple graphical representation at any time. Too many others to get into.

I am literally scratching the surface off the top of my head, but everyone I know who has a TIVO and has used the Comcast DVR concludes, as I have, that basically all the comcast DVR is good for is pausing live TV and a must if you have HD, because TIVO has no standalone HD offering.

Originally posted by ihparker12

-GUI - I can't even begin to describe the differences here. How about that on comcast you have no idea where you are in the show and with Tivo you see a simple graphical representation at any time. Too many others to get into.


While I agree with many of your points, the one is wrong. The 6412 has the same functionality as Tivo in this respect. While watching a program you simply press the play button to see where you are at time-wise.

Ira, Mark, others;

I hear what each of you are saying but from a marketing perspective, I wonder (don't doubt - just wonder) how Comcast will market the differences. You don't know what you don't know & I wonder how many Comcast customers are going to be willing to pay yet again more money to Comcast for a better DVR interface than what they already have (remember, we're talking a year from now). I'd bet by then, a vast majoity would not have had experience with Tivo...just Comcast.

WHAT WILL COMCAST ADD TO THE TIVO INTERFACE TO JUSTIFY A PREMIUM OVER iGUIDE?? Just a better interface? I doubt it, there has to be more to it than that.

Originally posted by Carl Jones
Ira, Mark, others;
WHAT WILL COMCAST ADD TO THE TIVO INTERFACE TO JUSTIFY A PREMIUM OVER iGUIDE?? Just a better interface? I doubt it, there has to be more to it than that.
Had a tech out to the house yesterday and he confirmed they had just had a meeting that morning about the TIVO possibilities. His conversation with me sounded like everyone at the local levels are equally confused about how this might play out.

BJMoose;

ANOTHER tech out? You get your issues resolved?

OK, here's my wishlist for the future merged TiVocast platform. This is what I hope each party will bring to the table in terms of features.

From TiVo:
[list=1]
Everything!
AAC and Apple Lossless audio support for HMO (I can dream, can't I?)
[/list=1]
From Comcast:
[list=1]
Dual HD QAM tuner support
Ethernet port support for TiVo Home Media and TiVo2Go (100mbit == vastly faster transfers!!)
Firewire for video
OR -- firewire external HD support (even if it costs a bit more $ as a "branded" box)
PIM (Picture In Menu) support like current iGuide.
Program & features information downloads via cable vs. phone/Internet.
[/list=1]

-John

PS: If you hear "TiVocast" in the future, remember I made it up first!

:D

Originally posted by John Williams

PS: If you hear "TiVocast" in the future, remember I made it up first!

:D

It sure sounds better than 'ComVo'....

:D

-Randy

Well, DirecTV w/ Tivo is currently DTiVo.

How's about CTiVo ? :)

This was asked before here, but didn't see any follow-up: any idea what a "good" operating temperature range would be? I just moved my 6412 to another location - not getting as much airflow as before, I guess, as it seems be running a few degrees warmer (now in the 109 - 113 degree range). Box still seems pretty cool to me, especially compared to the Samsung 360 I was using before.

Just got this box and having switched directly from a Tivo, I can definitely list the things that could be done to iGuide to make me (and the rest of us, judging from the previous posts here) happy.

I read about the 30 second skip hack and like that ability. Will make life a bit easier. So that's good.

The box has locked up on me a couple times while adding in the 25 or so shows I want to season pass. But off/on has fixed the problem.

Reception on the analog channels isn't too bad, actually. Not as good as digital of course, and satellite at least has a one-up on that aspect, but I can live with it.

Audio: One audio dropout in the recorded Alias in HD last night. Used to get those a lot on my old HD box. We'll see if they keep up. Not sure which tuner it recorded it on.

I'm in Central Pennsylvania by the way.

So, here's the quibble list, maybe by typing this out some of the iGuide programmers will take notice and consider some feature addons:


1. The imfamous repeating program option affecting series such as (for me) The Simpsons, South Park, Chappelle's Show, and pretty much anything on MTV (Real World, etc). A few easy things to fix this in the software. First off, for any show that's indicating FIRST RUN ONLY in the series recording selection, ONLY record it if the year is the current year. If it's 2004, this obviously isn't a first run program. I realize part of the problem is that these channels aren't indicating programs are reruns, but a smart programmer can work around this. Tivo's 28 day tracking system works well, this can't be tough to do. If that show has been on there in the past 28 days, no need to record it again.

Or, best of all, let us give a channel, day, and time for these series. So I can say I want to record The Simpsons ONLY at 8 PM on Fox on Sundays. Or even, only the Simpsons on Fox on Sunday at any time. That way, those syndicated simpsons on Fox all week won't record. I really think this would be easy to add. PLEASE!!!!

2. 15 minute increment jump. This may be tougher to implement. I dunno. But Tivo screams thru fast forward and it's hard disk based, so I know this unit can do it, too. Or just give us a much faster fast forward speed.

3. A better search capability. It works ok, but Tivo's keyboard screen is a lot better that scrolling thru letter by letter, starting at A, each time. A minor quibble.

4. Wish lists? I'd love to type in the name of a movie I'm looking for and when it shows up in the Guide, ever, have the unit automatically schedule it.

5. Smarter program guide? How about the ability to eliminate all the channels I don't subscribe to from the program guide and searches? I realize its' Comcast's way to try and entice us with those channels, but still, I know they're there if I want them. I'd rather not even see listings for content I can't watch.

There may be more, but those are the top 5 that came to mind in my short time with the box (so far). Perhaps I'll post more. I realize a lot of this has been discussed, but it never hurts to get more suggestions out there.

iGuide Comcast folks: You listening?

There are several Comcast HQ Staff on this Forum and several other msg. boards. They do read this.

I too just switched from Tivo to this box. It's better than I expected and I agree with your list with just one addition: The fast forward doesn't jump back a few seconds like Tivo and >>> is too slow while >>>> is too fast.

One other minor annoyance, the disk is kind of noisy (seeking).

Oh, and the remote could be a lot better. No working codes for my Yamaha 5790 receiver.

And... it would be nice if the audio level way equalized beween digital and analog.


Originally posted by BradP
Just got this box and having switched directly from a Tivo, I can definitely list the things that could be done to iGuide to make me (and the rest of us, judging from the previous posts here) happy.

I read about the 30 second skip hack and like that ability. Will make life a bit easier. So that's good.

The box has locked up on me a couple times while adding in the 25 or so shows I want to season pass. But off/on has fixed the problem.

Reception on the analog channels isn't too bad, actually. Not as good as digital of course, and satellite at least has a one-up on that aspect, but I can live with it.

Audio: One audio dropout in the recorded Alias in HD last night. Used to get those a lot on my old HD box. We'll see if they keep up. Not sure which tuner it recorded it on.

I'm in Central Pennsylvania by the way.

So, here's the quibble list, maybe by typing this out some of the iGuide programmers will take notice and consider some feature addons:


1. The imfamous repeating program option affecting series such as (for me) The Simpsons, South Park, Chappelle's Show, and pretty much anything on MTV (Real World, etc). A few easy things to fix this in the software. First off, for any show that's indicating FIRST RUN ONLY in the series recording selection, ONLY record it if the year is the current year. If it's 2004, this obviously isn't a first run program. I realize part of the problem is that these channels aren't indicating programs are reruns, but a smart programmer can work around this. Tivo's 28 day tracking system works well, this can't be tough to do. If that show has been on there in the past 28 days, no need to record it again.

Or, best of all, let us give a channel, day, and time for these series. So I can say I want to record The Simpsons ONLY at 8 PM on Fox on Sundays. Or even, only the Simpsons on Fox on Sunday at any time. That way, those syndicated simpsons on Fox all week won't record. I really think this would be easy to add. PLEASE!!!!

2. 15 minute increment jump. This may be tougher to implement. I dunno. But Tivo screams thru fast forward and it's hard disk based, so I know this unit can do it, too. Or just give us a much faster fast forward speed.

3. A better search capability. It works ok, but Tivo's keyboard screen is a lot better that scrolling thru letter by letter, starting at A, each time. A minor quibble.

4. Wish lists? I'd love to type in the name of a movie I'm looking for

5. Smarter program guide? How about the ability to eliminate all the channels I don't subscribe to from the program guide and searches? I realize its' Comcast's way to try and entice us with those channels, but still, I know they're there if I want them. I'd rather not even see listings for content I can't watch.

There may be more, but those are the top 5 that came to mind in my short time with the box (so far). Perhaps I'll post more. I realize a lot of this has been discussed, but it never hurts to get more suggestions out there.

iGuide Comcast folks: You listening?

Originally posted by Carl Jones
BJMoose;

ANOTHER tech out? You get your issues resolved?
Hi Carl,

I wrote a lot more in depth on the Delaware thread, but to make a long story short...no, the problem still exists. I did get 2 newer boxes and all new wiring out of it, but I just checked out West Wing from NBC on the 2nd tuner and there is quite a bit of breakup on it. I also got the latest remote with the 5 small PIP buttons on the bottom. Not that PIP works, but all the buttons are programmable and the swap button was already active.

Originally posted by BradP

...

1. The imfamous repeating program option affecting series such as (for me) The Simpsons, South Park, Chappelle's Show, and pretty much anything on MTV (Real World, etc). A few easy things to fix this in the software. First off, for any show that's indicating FIRST RUN ONLY in the series recording selection, ONLY record it if the year is the current year. If it's 2004, this obviously isn't a first run program. I realize part of the problem is that these channels aren't indicating programs are reruns, but a smart programmer can work around this. Tivo's 28 day tracking system works well, this can't be tough to do. If that show has been on there in the past 28 days, no need to record it again.

Or, best of all, let us give a channel, day, and time for these series. So I can say I want to record The Simpsons ONLY at 8 PM on Fox on Sundays. Or even, only the Simpsons on Fox on Sunday at any time. That way, those syndicated simpsons on Fox all week won't record. I really think this would be easy to add. PLEASE!!!!

2. 15 minute increment jump. This may be tougher to implement. I dunno. But Tivo screams thru fast forward and it's hard disk based, so I know this unit can do it, too. Or just give us a much faster fast forward speed.

3. A better search capability. It works ok, but Tivo's keyboard screen is a lot better that scrolling thru letter by letter, starting at A, each time. A minor quibble.

4. Wish lists? I'd love to type in the name of a movie I'm looking for

5. Smarter program guide? How about the ability to eliminate all the channels I don't subscribe to from the program guide and searches? I realize its' Comcast's way to try and entice us with those channels, but still, I know they're there if I want them. I'd rather not even see listings for content I can't watch.

There may be more, but those are the top 5 that came to mind in my short time with the box (so far). Perhaps I'll post more. I realize a lot of this has been discussed, but it never hurts to get more suggestions out there.

iGuide Comcast folks: You listening?

Same here. Tivo user for 4 years and have used various other DVR's, including UltimateTV--recently switched to the 6412. I concur with all the listed items here, and emphatically concur with #1. Although, in my opinion, Tivo hasn't exactly mastered which episodes you really want to record of any given series, but it does seem to do a better job than the 6412. Very much agree that a simple option to tell it on which channel to record the series would solve 90% of my problems.

BUT--growing pains are normal and I don't regret the move. Dual-tuner timeshifting in HD has met and exceeded my expectations of greatness, and hopefully the Tivo/Comcast partnership can help spur progress in the Comcast product.

Originally posted by BJMoose
Hi Carl,

I wrote a lot more in depth on the Delaware thread, but to make a long story short...no, the problem still exists. I did get 2 newer boxes and all new wiring out of it, but I just checked out West Wing from NBC on the 2nd tuner and there is quite a bit of breakup on it. I also got the latest remote with the 5 small PIP buttons on the bottom. Not that PIP works, but all the buttons are programmable and the swap button was already active.

The PIP buttons on the cable remote are for your TV's PIP function!
:D

Originally posted by scanpa
The PIP buttons on the cable remote are for your TV's PIP function!
:D
Didn't even think about that. I'm using a Harmony remote for my living room HT setup. For the HD in the bedroom, I just saw the extra buttons as a gift for programmability. I may play around with the PIP in there although in truth, I only ever use it when I'm testing functions. Thanks for the info.

Originally posted by jvienneau
I agree with your list with just one addition: The fast forward doesn't jump back a few seconds like Tivo TiVo calls it "Automatic Playback Overshoot Correction." This great feature takes into account people's reaction time when watching in fast forward or reverse, and then compensates for it when switching to play mode. TiVo has a patent on this technique, and it will be interesting to see if the Comcast/TiVo agreement gets this feature into Comcast's non-TiVo DVRs.

Originally posted by stevehof
TiVo calls it "Automatic Playback Overshoot Correction." This great feature takes into account people's reaction time when watching in fast forward or reverse, and then compensates for it when switching to play mode. TiVo has a patent on this technique, and it will be interesting to see if the Comcast/TiVo agreement gets this feature into Comcast's non-TiVo DVRs. Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

This functionality exists in the 6208 with the Blue Guide. Supposedly there was negative feedback and it was removed in the i-Guide.

Originally posted by stevehof
TiVo calls it "Automatic Playback Overshoot Correction." This great feature takes into account people's reaction time when watching in fast forward or reverse, and then compensates for it when switching to play mode. TiVo has a patent on this technique, and it will be interesting to see if the Comcast/TiVo agreement gets this feature into Comcast's non-TiVo DVRs. You can already do an overshoot correction of sorts on the 6412. When fast forwarding, press the Skip Back button instead of Play. This will exit fast forward mode AND skip back 15 seconds.

Not quite as smart as tivo (tivo skips back a different number of seconds depending on the FF speed you were using), but better than merely pressing Play.

The FF is so unbelievably slow on the 6412 I don't even use it. It's much faster to simply press the 30 second skip over and over! This is one area that definitely needs improvement.

Yes, I lament the loss of "skip-to-tick" everytime I watch a long program.

Originally posted by halo0
The FF is so unbelievably slow on the 6412 I don't even use it. It's much faster to simply press the 30 second skip over and over! This is one area that definitely needs improvement.
Are you sure your box displays FF4 when you want to use the fastest speed? I used FF to get to the end of an hourlong program last night. Id say it took no more than one minute. Remember that the OSD will show five FF images (>>>>>), not four when you use the fastest speed.

5 minutes just elapsed...
Come to think of it, this was an analog recording. I don't recall what the top speed is like for an hd recording.

I believe the top speed is 64x. This is faster than on the 6208.

Originally posted by halo0
The FF is so unbelievably slow on the 6412 I don't even use it. It's much faster to simply press the 30 second skip over and over! This is one area that definitely needs improvement.


I have noticed on my 6412, that it takes a few seconds to build up the speed in both FF & RW. but FF4 is pretty danm fast for all recording modes.

Yes I used the FF4 (>>>>>). Come to think of it I'm not sure whether it was an HD recording or not. I just know that it was WAY slower than Tivo's "level 3" FF. I pretty much quit using it after the first several times I tried it. I will have to try it on a non-HD program and see how fast it is.

Originally posted by markjrenna
Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

This functionality exists in the 6208 with the Blue Guide. Supposedly there was negative feedback and it was removed in the i-Guide. This is the kinda R&D experience I hope Tivo engineers bring to Comcast for situations where some nitwit complains about a bug that is really a useful feature and they eliminate it.

Hi there,

I am getting ready to dump DishNetwork and sign up with Comcast. Presently we have 2 HDTV"s (a 62" Mitsubishi and a 42" Sony) that are currently hooked up to a HDTV Receiver and a regular DVR.

What do I need to get for a DVR in Comcast? I assume its this one the 6412. Do I need a separate DVR for the other TV or does this record 2 programs? Anything anyone can direct me to or give me info on my signing up would be appreciated.

TY,

Mike
Atlanta, GA

Each HD TV needs its own cable box. Comcast has them with and without the DVR option. Yes, it does record two programs at once, but they will only be viewed on the set connected to it.

Originally posted by ihparker12
There are so many aspects of the Tivo that are better than the Comcast DVR functionality, that were not noted. I will do my best, to point out some of the key ones:

- Search for upcoming shows (on Tivo you can type the title (not some scrolling letter approach and find all shows, episode descriptions, channels, repeat or first run, actors, directors); once found, you can select an episode or multiple episodes or set a season pass). On Comcast guide you have very limited functionality

- Season Pass (the Comcast version is a joke. You repeat only by time that the show is supposed to be on); Tivo gives multiple options and if the network makes a scheduling change, the programming compensates;

- The Guide (Granted that this is much more subjective, but the Tivo guide gives a lot more information about the show and I find much easier to navigate - Key however is that once you find a show, you can find upcoming episodes so that if you have a conflict, you can when else the same show will be on)

- Conflict resolution (this is also key. On Tivo, for example, I had the Friday night Sci Fi channel line up scheduled, but I also had UPN for Enterprise. That created a conflict, but TIVO figured out without any user intervention that Enterprise is also on at 11pm and recorded this alternate showing)

- Networking (I have 3 Tivo boxes in my home, all connected to my home network (two hard wired and one wireless). If I record a show in the livinroom, I can watch it in my bedroom. I use this a lot.

- Tivo To Go ( I can transfer recorded shows to my laptop over my home network and watch them on my laptop at my leisure)

-Remote Scheduling (If I am out of the house and want to record something, I can use any web connected computer to schedule a program on any of my Tivos - just need an hour's advance notice)

-GUI - I can't even begin to describe the differences here. How about that on comcast you have no idea where you are in the show and with Tivo you see a simple graphical representation at any time. Too many others to get into.

I am literally scratching the surface off the top of my head, but everyone I know who has a TIVO and has used the Comcast DVR concludes, as I have, that basically all the comcast DVR is good for is pausing live TV and a must if you have HD, because TIVO has no standalone HD offering. No but Tivo has an HD-Tivo. If you love Tivo that much, why not get an HD-Tivo? Oh right, no networking, no Tivo to Go, no web scheduling...something the 6412 will have next year.

And based on a number inaccuracies in you post, I am not sure you have a 6412 or you haven't taken the time to learn how to use it.

Why would you even bother watching analog crap recorded on your rinky dinky SA Tivo when you can record and watch HD on a 6412?

I have an SA Tivo and found the 6412 did everything I needed so the Tivo is collecting dust now.

Originally posted by tall1
This is the kinda R&D experience I hope Tivo engineers bring to Comcast for situations where some nitwit complains about a bug that is really a useful feature and they eliminate it. In the case of Overshoot Correction, more likely the Motorola engineers (or whoever wrote the software) just didn't implement it well. The TiVo version was dead on for my reaction time. I can't imagine how anyone would complain about it if it worked properly.

Originally posted by tall1
Why would you even bother watching analog crap recorded on your rinky dinky SA Tivo when you can record and watch HD on a 6412?
Why? Because by the time I record less than a week's worth of HD material on the 6412, IT'S FULL. I'm still waiting for them to tell us how to add an external HD.

So I have both. The 6412 to record HD, and my trusty 130 hour "rinky dinky" SA tivo for non-HD stuff. The tuner on the tivo (even compressed) is far better PQ than the analog from the 6412 tuner anyway. I also record on the SA tivo the SD versions of the HD shows I record on the 6412, because the 6412 can screw up sometimes and the SD version of a show is better than no version at all.

That enough reasons for ya?

Agreed Scooterboy -- My SA Tivo has saved my ass from the wrath of my SO many times since we replaced our second Tivo with the 6412. We have a problem with the second tuner (or at least I think that's what the problem is), where about half the time, HD programs are completely unwatchable because of audio/video dropouts. Basically, I can't record two HD network programs simultaneously without one of the recordings being completely screwed up.

I actually spoke to a knowledgable Comcast rep today, and they're sending a service rep on Sunday. My fear is that they'll just switch the box without checking the signal strength, which I believe is the problem. I seem to remember someone tracking signal strength through the 6412 path, and finding that the first tuner saps some signal strength from the second.

Anyway, I'll keep my SA Tivo until they work out the bugs with this thing...

Originally posted by halo0
If all I have to pay is an extra $3 per month to get Tivo on my 6412 instead of iGuide - I'm THERE.

You essentially have what the DirecTV HD Tivo does for a mere $3/mo extra, instead of $800+ up front. (Albeit with a smaller hard drive.)

I'm with ya! This is GREAT news for Comcast customers. If you're not a TiVo owner, you can't know how good this news is. The 6412 is a good machine, but with the TiVo interface, it'll be a dream machine!! Can't wait!

Originally posted by scooterboy
Why? Because by the time I record less than a week's worth of HD material on the 6412, IT'S FULL. I'm still waiting for them to tell us how to add an external HD.

So I have both. The 6412 to record HD, and my trusty 130 hour "rinky dinky" SA tivo for non-HD stuff. The tuner on the tivo (even compressed) is far better PQ than the analog from the 6412 tuner anyway. I also record on the SA tivo the SD versions of the HD shows I record on the 6412, because the 6412 can screw up sometimes and the SD version of a show is better than no version at all.

That enough reasons for ya? You sound like me 6 months ago...I've been enlightened. I have two 6412's and have on occasion recorded 4 HD programs at once (try THAT with your RD Tivo). I record alot of stuff..mostly HD. My RD Tivo is in the bedroom recording the girly TV my wife likes to watch but even she can't stand watching analog anymore. I have had up to 26 hours of HD recorded on one 6412 (ignore the meter, it isn't accurate) and I have not run out of space yet since renting them last November. I'm going to give away my RD Tivo...we never use it and at $13/month versus $20/month for two 6412s, it doesn't deliver any value now.

Originally posted by scanpa
The PIP buttons on the cable remote are for your TV's PIP function!
:D

How can the PIP buttons be for the TV if the remote can't be programmed?

I have the gray remote. It has no "Setup" or similar button to program the PIP command for your brand of TV. We gray remote owners can't program the 30-second skip or anything else. And, Motorola says "currently the Motorola product does not support PIP. We expect to support this feature in the future."

If the remote has PIP buttons and can't be programmed for individual TVs, I think the PIP buttons must be for the 6412.

We recently installed two 6412s for a single HDTV. The reason was to ensure enough recording space for the programs we watch. Sometimes its necessary to save up to a month's worth will wife is on an extended trip.

Still using the the two Tivos for backup.

The one feature on the tivos that I really would like on the 6412 is the ability for two boxes to be controlled from a single remote when in the same location.

The alum foil over the IR pickup is frustrating.

I other comments people are making about Tivo vis a vie 6412, based on my experience with both seem to reflect personal habits developed when using Tivo.

I do prefer the Tivo interface to the iGuide but find it is usable and am sure that as we use it more it will become more "natural".

Now if Comcast and Moto would just implement an ability to add storage via FW drives.

DMW

Thought I had everything figured out on my 6412 (4 months of use). Went to set things up to record to std VCR tape a couple of shows. CAN'T DO IT!

The old 6208 had a COAX out. The 6412 manual talks about a COAX out, but, of course, it isn't there.

My output is via component cables to my HDTV. I've tried coming back from the TV to the VCR, but I get some kind of huge feedback wobble. I've tried taking the Video out to my SS Receiver and bringing sound and video back from the SS Receiver to my VCR, but no go there.

GOT TO BE a simple answer, but I can't find it and I KNOW many people here are doing it! All I want is a standard VCR quality copy of the show on the 6412.

How do I do it!:confused:

I just hook up the video and audio RCA output jacks to the VCR, works great. I have the component and digital audio out going to the HD monitor and receiver. I use the PIP on the monitor when recording to navigate through the menus on the DVR.

I have 3 of the DVR's and couldn't be happier. I realize there are still a few issues, but there is NO WAY I would be happier waiting to get the DVR's until they were 100% with the software.

I have also used component video switches to run output to each of 4 HD monitors. This way I can watch content from any box on any of the monitors. As a result I have 3x's the recording space and can record 6 HD channels at once if I like. By using the MX-800 RF remotes, each box can be controlled independently from any room. Again couldn't be happier.

One last comment related to a prior post. There are very few shows I would watch in SD if the HD recording did not work. SD has become unwatchable on the HD monitors. I have kept one SD set just to watch SD on.
Kris

Originally posted by KGD_007
One last comment related to a prior post. There are very few shows I would watch in SD if the HD recording did not work. SD has become unwatchable on the HD monitors. I have kept one SD set just to watch SD on.
Kris
Yeah Kris, I have to agree with you about SD on both LCD and DLP monitors. I've especially noticed that after you watch HD for awhile, SD appears even worse by comparison. In the bedroom, I have a 32" CRT HD monitor with a standard connection from the wall to the coax of the TV. I had all new wiring put in on Wednesday...from the pole and all throughout the house. I even reduced the number of splitters up in the attic. SD still leaves a lot to be desired on most channels. Some have reported the opposite, so maybe it's just poor signal to my neighborhood.

But DVDs and HD more than outweigh the negatives of SD. I can only imagine what it will be like when HD is much more standard.

I don't watch any weekly shows that are not in HD. Some of the sports I want to see are only in SD, but usually on a HD station, so at least the picture is better than a streched regular SD channel. I have found there is plenty of good HD programming to watch during the time I have available to sit down in front of the TV. The DVR's are so great in this regard to be able to watch the HD when I want. I rarely ever watch anything live anymore. I never had TIVO, so maybe it has some better features, but I believe Comcast has done a great job with the 6412.

My biggest problem is substantiating to my wife our $200 per month cable bill (includes HSI). The first DVR is easy to take at $5 additional, but the other two are at roughly $16 a shot per month as you pay the extra receiver amount in addtion to the $10 per month (but still worth it for the convenience). I may dump whatever package gives me all the premium movie channels as I rarely watch them with Netflix (right behind the DVR in the must have catagory), but hell, when you are at $160 per month whats another $40!

Once they get the firewire working for an external hard drive it will be perfect for my needs.

Kris

Pittsburgh, PA - Ross Township - Comcast

Apologies if this was already covered somewhere in this thread.

I just received the new 6412 the other day, i had an old black mototola for the last 3 years.

Everything is working great, except one minor thing.

All my local channels are in analog. ex ch 6 cbs, 8 abc. Comcast has them in digital/hd though too up at channels 212, 220 ect. My old motorola did not let me view the digital/hd channels.
The new 6412 does though!! Even though I do not have an hdtv, the picture is still 1000x better!
I dont mind the black bars whatsoever.

The only thing is up on these digital/hd channels I cannot get any menu or info to show up when i am viewing the channel. Regular digital channels and the analog ones are fine. Any way I can fix this??

Originally posted by Night Hawk
All my local channels are in analog. ex ch 6 cbs, 8 abc. Comcast has them in digital/hd though too up at channels 212, 220 ect. My old motorola did not let me view the digital/hd channels.
The new 6412 does though!! Even though I do not have an hdtv, the picture is still 1000x better!
I dont mind the black bars whatsoever. Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

You don't have to live with the black bars. One option is to use PAN/SCAN on a 4:3 TV.

See pages 9 & 10 in the 6412 manual.

http://broadband.motorola.com/noflash/customer_docs/user_guides/512659-001-a.pdf

Originally posted by Night Hawk
The only thing is up on these digital/hd channels I cannot get any menu or info to show up when i am viewing the channel. Regular digital channels and the analog ones are fine. Any way I can fix this??
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4896485#post4896485

Thank guys:) Its working now

Originally posted by tall1
You sound like me 6 months ago...I've been enlightened. I have two 6412's and have on occasion recorded 4 HD programs at once (try THAT with your RD Tivo). I record alot of stuff..mostly HD. My RD Tivo is in the bedroom recording the girly TV my wife likes to watch but even she can't stand watching analog anymore. Ah, that brings up two important points.

1) "I record alot of stuff..mostly HD." That's a personal preference. I record a lot of stuff too, but a lot of it isn't on HD channels. So I need a good amount of disk space to record these SD shows, and I don't want to use any of the precious disk space on the 6412 for non-HD programming. I think there's only one timeslot per week that I would like to record more than 2 HD programs simultaneously, so 4 HD tuners isn't really a need for me.

2) Analog picture quality. Of course SD pales in comparison to HD - that's a given. But I find that sending a good analog signal to the Farjouda (sp?) chip in my IF 4805 projector gives a very watchable picture on a 6 foot wide screen. But what passes for tolerable PQ is purely subjective.

As for cost, my 6412 costs me $15 per month ($5 for HD service, $10 for the box rental). I don't know what a second 6412 would cost me ($10? another $15?) but either way it's only a couple of dollars more or less than the tivo monthly fee.

So I think it boils down to viewing habits and analog PQ tolerance, which are both highly subjective. Different people need different solutions. Until I can expand the HD space on the 6412, this solution works for me - as I'm sure yours works for you. :)

Partial confirmation of a series of points by the Comcast Chair/CEO, link HERE (http://www.whatsupatlanta.com/database/view_post.php4?id=755)

So we made a deal with TiVo that’s going to allow us to offer it as a premium product for a couple of extra dollars a month. We have about a year's worth of work before we hit the ground and have it integrated. You won’t need a new box.

Originally posted by markjrenna
Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

The i-Guide will not hold its current version. Bugs will continue to be addressed and fixed in future releases. There is a new version of the i-Guide coming with new features.

The TiVo guide will be available (as an option) to all Comcast DVR customers.

A hypothetical would be:

Customer: I'd like to get a Comcast DVR.

CSR: Certainly, we have the dual tuner DVR and we can offer you the Basic Guide (i-Guide) for $9.95 or the Microsoft Guide for $11.95 or the TiVo Guide for $12.95 per month.

Customer: Ummm?

CSR: You can check our web site at (Example: http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/downloads/Tan_Blue_iGuide.pdf ) that will explain the differences with each guide. You can choose one guide now and if you change your mind later we will update your DVR with the guide of your choice.

Customer: wow!

As a customer, this is what I expect. Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

Some supporting information:

http://www.technewsworld.com/story/Suddenly-Its-Fast-Forward-at-TiVo-41514.html

Originally posted by scooterboy
Ah, that brings up two important points.

1) "I record alot of stuff..mostly HD." That's a personal preference. I record a lot of stuff too, but a lot of it isn't on HD channels. So I need a good amount of disk space to record these SD shows, and I don't want to use any of the precious disk space on the 6412 for non-HD programming. I think there's only one timeslot per week that I would like to record more than 2 HD programs simultaneously, so 4 HD tuners isn't really a need for me.

2) Analog picture quality. Of course SD pales in comparison to HD - that's a given. But I find that sending a good analog signal to the Farjouda (sp?) chip in my IF 4805 projector gives a very watchable picture on a 6 foot wide screen. But what passes for tolerable PQ is purely subjective.

As for cost, my 6412 costs me $15 per month ($5 for HD service, $10 for the box rental). I don't know what a second 6412 would cost me ($10? another $15?) but either way it's only a couple of dollars more or less than the tivo monthly fee.

So I think it boils down to viewing habits and analog PQ tolerance, which are both highly subjective. Different people need different solutions. Until I can expand the HD space on the 6412, this solution works for me - as I'm sure yours works for you. :) I agree, it is a personal preference but my preferences changed when I got HD. I found alot more interesting content to watch in HD and now, even if I still could bear to watch SD programs, I simply don't have time after viewing all the HD content. This isn't rationalizing, just a fact.

I don't often record 4 HD shows simultaneously but having 2 6412s also doubles your recording time. One other thing, when Comcast begins Digital Simulcast this year (it is already happening in some areas of the country), you will need less disc space to record SD and SD picture quality becomes moot.

I think you are getting screwed if you are paying $15/month for the DVR. I pay $9.95 x 2 = $19.90 per month. I was paying that HD fee but that is when I had the 6200. I upgraded to the 6412s and they began charging me $10 for HD. I called months later and they credited me for 6 months of bogus charges.

Not a huge deal, but a bit annoying. Last night I fired up the HDTV to watch CSI Miami about 15 minutes after it had started--love that. (I have it as a series recording). Anyway. The box would NOT put out 5.1 surround, only PCM. Checked the receiver, checked the show OTA, all was fine. Couldn't turn the box off and on or check the user menu as it was still recording the show. As soon as the recording ended I turned the box on and off and it was back. Watched the show without a glitch at that point, 5.1 and all.

I haven't seen this one talked about yet, but I bet I'm not alone. And it may be way behind me in the other 30 thousand posts. So...

Have just noticed a new icon in my 6412 info bar.

For true HD shows, you will now see HD next to the Rating & Sound mode icon.

JonM in MN,

I've been noticing this on-and-off over the past few weeks, and I also discovered that powering the box off and back on restores DD output, and even "fixes" shows already recorded.

So the normal DD bitstream is being recorded by the 6412, but for some reason it feels it has to transcode that to PCM all of the sudden -- and keeps doing so until you power-cycle.

I'm still on v9.12 -- anyone else seen this with v9.15?

-John

I've got 9.15. Odd, isn't it?

Well I finally got a 6412 installed last night to replace a 6200 that I've had for about 2 years. When setting it up the Comcast installer ran into a problem in that he couldn't totally erase a program series that had been recorded by a previous owner. Yes, it was a used 6412, and even a second re-initialization hit didn't do the trick. He left after we arranged for an exchange to a different unit, but couldn't find a time that worked for both of us until Friday evening.

After he left my wife started watching a NCAA basketball game on analog ESPN2, and it quickly became apparent that this unit has more serious problems (which just might explain why it was returned by the previous owner). Every half minute or so there are audio dropouts that totally cut out the sound for about a half-second. Worse, there are intermitant, very loud popping sounds that are very annoying, and sound like they could even damage the speakers if the volume was loud enough. What's up with that? We connected everything the same exact way as it was before with the 6200, and used the same cables. By the way, it seems that this problem only occurs on analog channels, as the audio on all channels above 99 seemed to play fine. The only conclusion is that this IS a defective box. Hopefully the replacement unit they bring on Friday will be a NEW one that doesn't suffer from these problems.

My other initial impression is that the picture quality on analog channels, while still watchable, is not as good as it was with the 6200. I hope this too is a function of this unit only and that the replacement box will be more comparable to the 6200.

And finally my wife did not like the fact that analog channels could not be accessed directly by hitting the channel number on the remote. With the 6200 you could hit "28" and Channel 28 would come up. With the 6412 remote you also had to hit "Enter" in the middle upper portion of the remote where the cursor buttons are. Sorry if this has already been asked in this long thread, but is there a way to change this?

Originally posted by JBaumgart
Well I finally got a 6412 installed last night to replace a 6200 that I've had for about 2 years. When setting it up the Comcast installer ran into a problem in that he couldn't totally erase a program series that had been previously recorded by a previous owner. Yes, it was a used 6412, and even a second re-initialization hit didn't do the trick. He left after we arranged for an exchange to a different unit, but couldn't find a time that worked for both of us until Friday evening.


The unit must be taken back to your local comcast office and cleaned, checked for problems, then factory reset before it is to be re-issued. You can reset the unit yourself if you want. Beware this will erase all DVR recordings stored on the HD, and will require the unit to re-download your Account info and your Guide data.

use the remote:

power off (then quickly hit)

15 second rewind
15 second rewind
15 second rewind
my dvr
live
live
live

The unit should display CLR for about 2 seconds. and then reset itself and go into download mode and begin to aquire your Account info and guide info.

Originally posted by JBaumgart


After he left my wife started watching a NCAA basketball game on analog ESPN2, and it quickly became apparent that this unit has more serious problems (which just might explain why it was returned by the previous
owner(s)). Every few half minute or so there are audio dropouts that totally cut out the sound for a half- second or so. Worse, there are intermitant, very loud popping sounds that are very annoying, and sound like they could even damage the speakers if the volume was loud enough. What's up with that? We connected everything the same exact way as it was before with the 6200, and used the same cables. By the way, it seems that this problem only occurs on analog channels, as the audio on all channels above 99 seemed to play fine. The only conclusion is that this IS a defective box. Hopefully the replacement unit they bring on Friday will be a NEW one that doesn't suffer from these problems.

Do you use the toslink or Dig-coax Audio? ot just the analog audio red / white rca connections?

Originally posted by JBaumgart


My other initial impression is that the picture quality on analog channels, while still watchable, is not as good as it was with the 6200. I hope this too is a function of this unit only and that it will be more comparable to the 6200.

This is normal for the 6412.

Originally posted by JBaumgart

And finally my wife did not like the fact that analog channels could not be accessed directly by hitting the channel number on the remote. With the 6200 you could hit "28" and Channel 28 would come up. With the 6412 remote you also had to hit "Enter" in the middle upper portion of the remote where the cursor buttons are. Sorry if this has already been asked in this long thread, but is there a way to change this?

Yes, you can change this in the iguide menu settings.

Originally posted by JBaumgart
Well I finally got a 6412 installed last night to replace a 6200 that I've had for about 2 years. When setting it up the Comcast installer ran into a problem in that he couldn't totally erase a program series that had been recorded by a previous owner. Yes, it was a used 6412, and even a second re-initialization hit didn't do the trick. He left after we arranged for an exchange to a different unit, but couldn't find a time that worked for both of us until Friday evening.

After he left my wife started watching a NCAA basketball game on analog ESPN2, and it quickly became apparent that this unit has more serious problems (which just might explain why it was returned by the previous owner). Every half minute or so there are audio dropouts that totally cut out the sound for a half- second or so. Worse, there are intermitant, very loud popping sounds that are very annoying, and sound like they could even damage the speakers if the volume was loud enough. What's up with that? We connected everything the same exact way as it was before with the 6200, and used the same cables. By the way, it seems that this problem only occurs on analog channels, as the audio on all channels above 99 seemed to play fine. The only conclusion is that this IS a defective box. Hopefully the replacement unit they bring on Friday will be a NEW one that doesn't suffer from these problems.

My other initial impression is that the picture quality on analog channels, while still watchable, is not as good as it was with the 6200. I hope this too is a function of this unit only and that it will be more comparable to the 6200.

And finally my wife did not like the fact that analog channels could not be accessed directly by hitting the channel number on the remote. With the 6200 you could hit "28" and Channel 28 would come up. With the 6412 remote you also had to hit "Enter" in the middle upper portion of the remote where the cursor buttons are. Sorry if this has already been asked in this long thread, but is there a way to change this?

I does sound like you have a defective unit. The fact that you had a unit with recordings which could not be deleted is a clear indication that this unity was not even refurbished before it was given to you. Not good customer relations.

The PQ on my 6412 on the analog channels is OK. Not great, but for me, quite watchable. I have very rare audio drop outs and have never had the loud pops you are getting.

I have never had to hit enter. I am using the old silver remote that came with the 6208 but when I enter 28 for channel 28 it jumps to 28 after a couple of seconds wait. I think this is to give you the option of entering a third digit. It waits to see if you are going to do that. When no third digit comes along it then jumps to the channel. The other way you can check this is to hit 028 rather than 28 to see if it picks up more quickly.

Get a new box. It should at least be clean and have no previous recordings on it. Its like getting a used car. There had to be a reason why the person prior to you returned it. You don't want someone else's problems.

Well, my 6412 (9.15 firmware, btw) outputs 5.1 surround which I can verify from my receiver's display (HK AVR-525). However, on Sunday I started to get a crackling sound from my surround channels on 5.1 material... I called Comcast and they reset the box which appeared to clear the problem. The sound's OK but on the info bar display I only see the ratings mode... no longer do I see either the Dolby or Dolby 5.1 logos for such audio signals. Comcast sent a tech out today... he had no clue what was going on with that and said it was a function of what TVGuide is sending as info. Have not tried power-cycling the box but that's probably next. Anyone else run into this?

Originally posted by stugove
Well, my 6412 (9.15 firmware, btw) outputs 5.1 surround which I can verify from my receiver's display (HK AVR-525). However, on Sunday I started to get a crackling sound from my surround channels on 5.1 material... I called Comcast and they reset the box which appeared to clear the problem. The sound's OK but on the info bar display I only see the ratings mode... no longer do I see either the Dolby or Dolby 5.1 logos for such audio signals. Comcast sent a tech out today... he had no clue what was going on with that and said it was a function of what TVGuide is sending as info. Have not tried power-cycling the box but that's probably next. Anyone else run into this?

power off
press menu
cursor down to restore all defaults
press enter/ok

then reset any of the video settings at the top of the page to your systems settings.

press power

this should restore the DD2.0, 3.0 & DD5.1 on your 6412.

Peter

Originally posted by JBaumgart
And finally my wife did not like the fact that analog channels could not be accessed directly by hitting the channel number on the remote. With the 6200 you could hit "28" and Channel 28 would come up. With the 6412 remote you also had to hit "Enter" in the middle upper portion of the remote where the cursor buttons are. Sorry if this has already been asked in this long thread, but is there a way to change this? Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

Select "Setup" from the Main Menu

Select "Guide Setup" and then "Auto Tune"

Make sure it is set to Yes.

See page 25 of the manual:

http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/downloads/URMD2.pdf

Thanks to scanpa, Bruce and Mark for your suggestions. I'll try them tonight when I get home, but still plan to have it exchanged for a new box on Friday. Maybe Motorola has made some quality control improvements since this one was manufactured. I'm skeptical, though, that a total reset will fix the audio "pops" that we're now getting, but we'll give it a shot.

Bruce, I am using a simple Toslink cable connection for audio. This is a bedroom set that's connected directly to the TV. The only other audio component being used here is an M&K subwoofer that's connected directly to the sub output on the TV.

If I ever end up liking the 6412 I'm thinking about adding another one to my main A/V system in the family room, where I've been using a 6200 also, but so far I'm not off to a good start! Since this is a very large screen I'm especially concerned about the quality of the picture on analog channels - too bad if it's typical for the 6412 to be worse than the older 6200.

Originally posted by JBaumgart
Thanks to scanpa, Bruce and Mark for your suggestions. I'll try them tonight when I get home, but still plan to have it exchanged for a new box on Friday. Maybe Motorola has made some quality control improvements since this one was manufactured. I'm skeptical, though, that a total reset will fix the audio "pops" that we're now getting, but we'll give it a shot.

Bruce, I am using a simple Toslink cable connection for audio. This is a bedroom set that's connected directly to the TV. The only other audio component being used here is an M&K subwoofer that's connected directly to the sub output on the TV.

If I ever end up liking the 6412 I'm thinking about adding another one to my main A/V system in the family room, where I've been using a 6200 also, but so far I'm not off to a good start! Since this is a very large screen I'm especially concerned about the quality of the picture on analog channels - too bad if it's typical for the 6412 to be worse than the older 6200.

I have had a 5100, 6200, 6208. and now a 6412. I would have to say that after a recent tweak---I don't even think it was firmware, but it was something---the analog PQ on my 6412 is better than any I've had on the others. It could be your box, it could be your cable system, I don't know. But I'd give the 6412 a good long look if I were you. I think you'll find it overall to be a huge improvement.

Originally posted by JBaumgart
Thanks to scanpa, Bruce and Mark for your suggestions. I'll try them tonight when I get home, but still plan to have it exchanged for a new box on Friday.

If you plan to exchange it you might as well try the factory reset..it might do the trick..

Originally posted by JBaumgart
If I ever end up liking the 6412 I'm thinking about adding another one to my main A/V system in the family room, where I've been using a 6200 also, but so far I'm not off to a good start! Since this is a very large screen I'm especially concerned about the quality of the picture on analog channels - too bad if it's typical for the 6412 to be worse than the older 6200. Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

Comcast will have all Analog channels Digitally Simulcasted by years end.

See page 15:

http://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/irol/11/118591/presentations/cmcsa_120904.pdf

Fingers crossed.

PS. I'd exchange and make certain they give you a new one.

I just got comcast digital/HD installed but the tech had to unhook my 1-8 cable splitter in the OnQ panel in order to get a good enough signal. He said I need a signal amplifier if I'm going to split the signal that much. Can someone suggest the kind of signal amplifier I need?

Thanks
Nick

Originally posted by NickFromWA
I just got comcast digital/HD installed but the tech had to unhook my 1-8 cable splitter in the OnQ panel in order to get a good enough signal. He said I need a signal amplifier if I'm going to split the signal that much. Can someone suggest the kind of signal amplifier I need?

Thanks
Nick

You need a Motorola Bi-Directional Cable Amp w/ low signal to noise ratio.

Motorola 484095-001-00 TV Cable Signal Booster

First of all, this booster will NOT increase your docsis cable modem speeds, no matter what you hear. This amplifier, installed correctly (at the entry point of your home) will boost your forward signal by +15db (allowing return signals to pass). Most cable modem operating level ranges are +15 to -15, so if your within that range on your cable modems operating frequency (for example 705mhz) there is no need for a booster. If you are on the treshhold of signal, like -17db, then this amp will be beneficial to you. Your GUI on your cable modem will give you this reading (http://192.168.100.1 for example). As for your cable reception, and amplifier can be helpful if you have multiple TV's, to make up for the loss that your splitters create. But again, this amp MUST be installed @ your cables entry point to your home. If you have a bad connection though, you will only amplify noise. So your outside drop connection from the pole must be good for an amp to work properly. In conclusion, your modem downloads a config file from your ISP which tells that modem what speeds to run at, and your ISP's router capacities determine what kind of speeds you get. So this amplifier will NOT boost speeds :-)

Peter

Originally posted by keenan
If you plan to exchange it you might as well try the factory reset..it might do the trick..

I tried the factory reset, using the procedure that scanpa posted above:

[i]
use the remote:

power off (then quickly hit)

15 second rewind
15 second rewind
15 second rewind
my dvr
live
live
live

The unit should display CLR for about 2 seconds. and then reset itself and go into download mode and begin to aquire your Account info and guide info.
[/B]

and I couldn't get it to work! Is this the exact reset sequence, or are there any tricks to get it to take?

The other tip to access analog channels directly using the setup menu did easily take care of that issue. Surprised that's not the default option.

I tried various audio settings (and Restore Defaults) but was not able to eliminate the audio dropouts and clicking/popping noises on analog channels. As people here have suggested, I'm getting a new one.

Originally posted by JBaumgart
I tried the factory reset, using the procedure that scanpa posted above:



and I couldn't get it to work! Is this the exact reset sequence, or are there any tricks to get it to take?

As people here have suggested, I'm getting a new one.

I don't know, never had to do it. Getting a new one is probably the best solution. There are "good" ones out there, I have had mine since Nov and have had maybe 2-3 weird problems that immediately cleared up. And I turn it off every night...

I stumbled upon a new menu tonight. It allowed me to see all kinds of settings.. including the amount of hard drive space used and the cable box's IP address, MAC addresses and lots of other settings. The menu had about 13 options, with the last one being "exit." I have no idea how I pulled this menu up.. anyone else ever see it? It was a plain white menu on a black background.. looked similar to the "power off/menu" menu.

Originally posted by LSpera
I stumbled upon a new menu tonight. It allowed me to see all kinds of settings.. including the amount of hard drive space used and the cable box's IP address, MAC addresses and lots of other settings. The menu had about 13 options, with the last one being "exit." I have no idea how I pulled this menu up.. anyone else ever see it? It was a plain white menu on a black background.. looked similar to the "power off/menu" menu.

Power off then hit select / ok within 2 sec.

Originally posted by keenan
I don't know, never had to do it. Getting a new one is probably the best solution. There are "good" ones out there, I have had mine since Nov and have had maybe 2-3 weird problems that immediately cleared up. And I turn it off every night...

My Mistake on the last post. but have looked up my original files on the 6412 and have found this to be the correct Factory reset procedure for the 6412

**NOTE** This will erase & Delete & Reformat the DVR HD, and all account & IGuide Data/info



Try this

Factory reset of the 6412

1. DCT6412 should be turned on
2. Press Cable, Power off, ok/Select, to bring up the Diagnostics Page
3. With diagnostics page showing press Replay (15-sec rewind), DVR, DVR, DVR, Live.
4. 6412 now should show "Clr" in the LED display.
5. Press ok/Select to proceed with the reset (and presumably Exit to cancel).
6. The 6412 should now reset and download Your account settings & Guide data from the Local headend

Let me know if this one works.

:)

Peter

Originally posted by scanpa
My Mistake on the last post. but have looked up my original files on the 6412 and have found this to be the correct Factory reset procedure for the 6412

**NOTE** This will erase & Delete & Reformat the DVR HD, and all account & IGuide Data/info



Try this

Factory reset of the 6412

1. DCT6412 should be turned on
2. Press Cable, Power off, ok/Select, to bring up the Diagnostics Page
3. With diagnostics page showing press Replay (15-sec rewind), DVR, DVR, DVR, Live.
4. 6412 now should show "Clr" in the LED display.
5. Press ok/Select to proceed with the reset (and presumably Exit to cancel).
6. The 6412 should now reset and download Your account settings & Guide data from the Local headend

Let me know if this one works.

:)

Peter

Yes with one slight modification this procedure did work. After doing Step 2 above the Diagnostics Page does not come up directly but it's just a matter of using the cursor (one push) to get to it. Then after pushing the buttons in Step 3 "Clr" does come up in the display. It seems that pushing ANY button (OK/Select or whatever) at that point will turn the 6412 off, and there is no indication that the download has begun. I did this several times until I realized (after turning the box back on again and accessing any channel) that the Guide data was no longer available and therefore new info must be downloading.

The problem on my box is that this reset procedure did not do anything to fix the audio problem, or make the SD picture any better. As I said before anything digital (above 100) looks and sounds fine. Hopefully the replacement box to be delivered Friday night will solve these issues and we'll be good to go. If it at least doesn't fix the audio problem then I'm going to go back to a 6200 until Comcast starts simulcasting all channels in digital.

P.S. One correction to an earlier post that I made is that my audio to the TV is with RCA cables only (not Toslink) as I was going from memory and confused this set with our main A/V system which is Toslink to the receiver. I know the cables are good because the audio was fine with the 6200.

I'd like to know how to use the 2nd tuner in my 6412 DVR. I hear it has one but I have no documentation on how to access it or how to hook up the DVR box to my TV (Pana Onyx) to take advantage of it.

I also hear the 6412 does PIP? My Comcast remote has no PIP buttons or 2nd tuner buttons.

Where can I get info on these things?

I would like to program my HTM MX-850 remote with these options.

thx

Can someone explain what this is?

thx

Originally posted by nrgarvin
I'd like to know how to use the 2nd tuner in my 6412 DVR. I hear it has one but I have no documentation on how to access it or how to hook up the DVR box to my TV (Pana Onyx) to take advantage of it.

I also hear the 6412 does PIP? My Comcast remote has no PIP buttons or 2nd tuner buttons.

Where can I get info on these things?

I would like to program my HTM MX-850 remote with these options.

thx

You need to ask Comcast for the correct remote, it will have a very small `swap' button on the extreme lower left.

Originally posted by nrgarvin
I'd like to know how to use the 2nd tuner in my 6412 DVR. I hear it has one but I have no documentation on how to access it or how to hook up the DVR box to my TV (Pana Onyx) to take advantage of it.

I also hear the 6412 does PIP? My Comcast remote has no PIP buttons or 2nd tuner buttons.

Where can I get info on these things?

I would like to program my HTM MX-850 remote with these options.

thx

The 6412 uses the two tuners automatically. If you want to record 2 programs at the same time all you need do is choose the programs in the iguide and set them up to record. If you want to watch one program while recording another you set one program to record and then, using the guide, jump to the program you want to watch.

Time Shifting is just the ability to watch a recorded program at your leasure any time you want. You record it at, say, 9PM and then watch it the next day at 10AM because you have some free time.

In the thread there is a way to program the remote to allow you to jump between tuners but I have found only a few occasions where this came in handy. Generally the use of the tuners is all handled in the 6412 itself.

Bruce

Originally posted by KGD_007
I just hook up the video and audio RCA output jacks to the VCR, works great. I have the component and digital audio out going to the HD monitor and receiver. I use the PIP on the monitor when recording to navigate through the menus on the DVR.

I have 3 of the DVR's and couldn't be happier. I realize there are still a few issues, but there is NO WAY I would be happier waiting to get the DVR's until they were 100% with the software.

I have also used component video switches to run output to each of 4 HD monitors. This way I can watch content from any box on any of the monitors. As a result I have 3x's the recording space and can record 6 HD channels at once if I like. By using the MX-800 RF remotes, each box can be controlled independently from any room. Again couldn't be happier.

One last comment related to a prior post. There are very few shows I would watch in SD if the HD recording did not work. SD has become unwatchable on the HD monitors. I have kept one SD set just to watch SD on.
Kris

Can you explain this in a little more detail for me. I am trying to understand the 6412, 2 tuners, recording and viewing another channel etc. just got the 6412 DVR in Feb and haven't found any good docs on how to hook it up and doo this kind of stuff.

thx


thx

When I'm recording with the 6412 and i go to change the chanel or select another from the iGuide, it pops up a window warning me that recording will stop and to confirm.

"Free time" Not since TV was invented.

Originally posted by nrgarvin
When I'm recording with the 6412 and i go to change the chanel or select another from the iGuide, it pops up a window warning me that recording will stop and to confirm.

"Free time" Not since TV was invented.

Please see earlier post---you can only change tuners via remote, it sounds like you have the wrong one. Call Comcast and get it.

Let's try this tack: Two tuners in the 6412 does not mean you can connect 2 TVs and receive different programs on each. The tuners are there for the convenience of the user to record one show while watching another or record 2 different shows whose run time overlap. Another benefit is that you can "pause live TV" even while another show is being recorded - lot's of combinations like this exist with a 2-tuner system. You'll discover different benefits as you use the 6412. Did you get a user guide from the installer? It has some good tips on use.

Originally posted by nrgarvin
When I'm recording with the 6412 and i go to change the chanel or select another from the iGuide, it pops up a window warning me that recording will stop and to confirm.

"Free time" Not since TV was invented.

So goes the notion that a DVR is an idiot proof device. If only they provided manuals online or something. ;)

Originally posted by nrgarvin
When I'm recording with the 6412 and i go to change the chanel or select another from the iGuide, it pops up a window warning me that recording will stop and to confirm.

"Free time" Not since TV was invented.

This is the link to the Manual for the 6412:

http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/downloads/URMD2.pdf

It should answer many of your questions.

Originally posted by frankz1
So goes the notion that a DVR is an idiot proof device. If only they provided manuals online or something. ;)

The manual is online:

http://broadband.motorola.com/noflash/customer_docs/user_guides/512659-001-a.pdf

Don't be confused by the 6400 titling it's the same manual.

Originally posted by tall1
I agree, it is a personal preference but my preferences changed when I got HD. I found alot more interesting content to watch in HD and now, even if I still could bear to watch SD programs, I simply don't have time after viewing all the HD content. This isn't rationalizing, just a fact.
I'm sure it's not rationalizing, but it's only a fact for you. Everyone's different. Since I got HD with the 6412, I watch the same shows I always watched but in HD instead of SD whenever possible. Sure, there have been a few shows on Discovery HD, INHD, and INHD2 that I wouldn't have watched normally, but not so many that I didn't have time to watch other favorite shows that were still in SD. And again, for me the analog PQ (even compressed from the tivo) wasn't so bad that I couldn't bear it. I still think it's pretty good. That may depend on one's display device though.

As I said earlier, your viewing habits are best served by your solution and mine by my solution. We're both right. :)

I think you are getting screwed if you are paying $15/month for the DVR. I pay $9.95 x 2 = $19.90 per month. I was paying that HD fee but that is when I had the 6200. I upgraded to the 6412s and they began charging me $10 for HD. I called months later and they credited me for 6 months of bogus charges. Well thanks for that info - I'll definitely be calling Comcast to inquire about the $5 HD fee!

Originally posted by JBaumgart


The problem on my box is that this reset procedure did not do anything to fix the audio problem, or make the SD picture any better. As I said before anything digital (above 100) looks and sounds fine.

These boxes are not very good with the analog stations. If your display has a tuner you might try sending a pre-DVR cable feed to the display, it will probably be a much cleaner picture.

I have 5 cable outlets in my apartment, but I'm only using 3 of them. Would my signal improve if I unplugged the cables to the 2 unused outlets, from the splitter?

Originally posted by ptchristensen
I have 5 cable outlets in my apartment, but I'm only using 3 of them. Would my signal improve if I unplugged the cables to the 2 unused outlets, from the splitter? Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

Get yourself a one in three out splitter

http://www.hometech.com/video/splitters.html#split

Never have more splits than necessary.

Originally posted by nrgarvin
I also hear the 6412 does PIP? My Comcast remote has no PIP buttons or 2nd tuner buttons.

The 6412 does not do PIP. It's capable, but Comcast has not activated it. There is a rumor, though, that at least one Comcast franchise has activated it. Press "PIP" on your remote. If it works, it works. If it doesn't, it doesn't.


Where can I get info on these things?

Info and three manuals are at

http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/dct6412.asp

Originally posted by keenan
These boxes are not very good with the analog stations. If your display has a tuner you might try sending a pre-DVR cable feed to the display, it will probably be a much cleaner picture.

Unfortunately, even though it does have a built in analog tuner, this TV only has one Antenna input. So unless you know of a solution I don't think I can get both a Pre-DVR feed and a direct analog feed to the TV simulaneously.

Originally posted by JBaumgart
Unfortunately, even though it does have a built in analog tuner, this TV only has one Antenna input. So unless you know of a solution I don't think I can get both a Pre-DVR feed and a direct analog feed to the TV simulaneously.

Why not? Your DVR feed to the TV from the 6412 should be on one of the HD outputs, Component, DVI, or IEEE 1394. You simply put a splitter in front of the Cable IN and run one coax to the 6412 and the other to your TV.

Something I did was to run an S-Video cable from the 6412 to one of my inputs on my TV, a Mits 65908, and I get a passable analog image, not great but better than over the component. When I'm watching HD or the digital channels I simply change inputs.

Originally posted by nrgarvin
Dual-tuner timeshifting in HD
Can someone explain what this is?

thx

I believe that is just watching 2 shows at once, one on each tuner. When you hit a commercial on one, swap to the other, then you watch the second channel until it hits a commercial, then you swap back and rewind (or pause it ahead of time) to the end of the last commercial.

Or some variation of that, basically using the buffer feature on both tuners to avoid commercials.

Or just recording 2 shows in HD?? not sure how what HD or not HD has to do with timeshifting.

I did my due diligence and could not find an answer, so I humbly request some more forum knoweldge.

I was looking through the new panasonic 50u's manual trying to formulate a "wife-friendly" plan for operating the 50u and the Motorola STB/DVR. I think its fair to say I need a programmable remote, but that discussion is for a different day. So, the panny manual does not provide a code for a motorola cable box. I find this a bit unsettling, but not catastrophic. It would be nice if I could at least change channels on the stb with the panny remote. In reality, I would really like to have some pvr functionality with the panny remote.

So, my question to panny users is:

For those of you who are using a Motorola stb, how do you manage controlling both units? Have you been able to make the panny remote work for any of the motorola 6412 functions?


Thanks

Originally posted by jspirate
I did my due diligence and could not find an answer, so I humbly request some more forum knoweldge.

I was looking through the new panasonic 50u's manual trying to formulate a "wife-friendly" plan for operating the 50u and the Motorola STB/DVR. I think its fair to say I need a programmable remote, but that discussion is for a different day. So, the panny manual does not provide a code for a motorola cable box. I find this a bit unsettling, but not catastrophic. It would be nice if I could at least change channels on the stb with the panny remote. In reality, I would really like to have some pvr functionality with the panny remote.

So, my question to panny users is:

For those of you who are using a Motorola stb, how do you manage controlling both units? Have you been able to make the panny remote work for any of the motorola 6412 functions?

Thanks

Try the General Instruments or gerold cable box codes.

Peter

Originally posted by bobby94928
Why not? Your DVR feed to the TV from the 6412 should be on one of the HD outputs, Component, DVI, or IEEE 1394. You simply put a splitter in front of the Cable IN and run one coax to the 6412 and the other to your TV.

Something I did was to run an S-Video cable from the 6412 to one of my inputs on my TV, a Mits 65908, and I get a passable analog image, not great but better than over the component. When I'm watching HD or the digital channels I simply change inputs.


Bobby94928 (and anyone else),

Which way is better?
1. Split coax and run one to 6412 and the other to coax input on DPD, or
2. USe two different inputs from the 6412 (ie component and s-video)

I know there are many variables for this scenario and that its probably better to try and see what works best for my setup, but I like to hear the opinion(s) of others. You seemed to have picked option 2. Why did you got that way?

I have been leaning toward splitting the coax and running option 1 (outlined above). Both my DPD and the cable guy are coming on Friday so if I want to split the cable it would be a good time to do it when the cable guy is here (he can test signal ect). The again, maybe I should consider option2 :confused:

Please feel free to ignore me as I know this is not the first time this issue has been discussed. I should probably just be content with responses that have been posted prior to me asking the question :p

BTW, before I forget... a big thank you to Peter (scanpa) for providing the steps to restore the DD2.0, 3.0 & DD5.1 on my 6412. Tried it last night, worked like a charm!

Also, thank you to Mark for pointing out the AutoTune feature in the Guide Setup menu... I had previously been told by a Comcast CSR that there was no way to change this behavior with the new i-Guide!

Thanks again!

Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

A. Comcast CSR's are not as knowledgeable as the members of this forum. Try here first.

B. The 6412 is INCAPABLE of displaying two simultaneous video screens, other wise known as PIP. It can't do it. Maybe a successor DVR will, but not the 6412.

You're welcome stugove.

Originally posted by jspirate
Bobby94928 (and anyone else),

Which way is better?
1. Split coax and run one to 6412 and the other to coax input on DPD, or
2. USe two different inputs from the 6412 (ie component and s-video)

I know there are many variables for this scenario and that its probably better to try and see what works best for my setup, but I like to hear the opinion(s) of others. You seemed to have picked option 2. Why did you got that way?

I have been leaning toward splitting the coax and running option 1 (outlined above). Both my DPD and the cable guy are coming on Friday so if I want to split the cable it would be a good time to do it when the cable guy is here (he can test signal ect). The again, maybe I should consider option2 :confused:

Please feel free to ignore me as I know this is not the first time this issue has been discussed. I should probably just be content with responses that have been posted prior to me asking the question :p

The best effort is to try both ways. I picked option 2 because I was already set up that way from when I had DishNetwork. My analog channels on cable are comparable to what my local channels looked like on satellite.

I could be misunderstanding option 2, but doesn't that limit your watching/recording options? I mean if you use option 1, you can watch one program on the TV's tuner while recording 2 through the DVR. With option 2, if you're watching something through the s-video connection, that's using one of the tuners and you can only record one other show then. Maybe I'm missing something though.

Originally posted by BJMoose
I could be misunderstanding option 2, but doesn't that limit your watching/recording options? I mean if you use option 1, you can watch one program on the TV's tuner while recording 2 through the DVR. With option 2, if you're watching something through the s-video connection, that's using one of the tuners and you can only record one other show then. Maybe I'm missing something though.

you can record 2 shows and watch a previous recorded DVR show. Thats how you get 3.

Pete

Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

Anyone notice the i-Guide automatically corrected the time slot for Idol tonight. And it looks like it is going to correct it for tomorrow as well. Very cool!

Originally posted by markjrenna
Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

Anyone notice the i-Guide automatically corrected the time slot for Idol tonight. And it looks like it is going to correct it for tomorrow as well. Very cool!


so far my iguide now shows to be anounced for Thursday at 9pm & 930pm

Hope my series record settings will auto select the 2 time slots for both Idol & LoStick.

Peter

Originally posted by scanpa
you can record 2 shows and watch a previous recorded DVR show. Thats how you get 3.

Pete
I understand that, but with a direct lead to the TV coax input you can watch a live analog program while recording two others. This is helpful during NFL playoffs, March Madness, etc. You could still record two weekly programs while watching the game on analog.

Originally posted by BJMoose
I understand that, but with a direct lead to the TV coax input you can watch a live analog program while recording two others. This is helpful during NFL playoffs, March Madness, etc. You could still record two weekly programs while watching the game on analog.

yes you can or you use the coax to your VCR or DVD recorder's tuner ect...

Peter

Originally posted by bobby94928
Why not? Your DVR feed to the TV from the 6412 should be on one of the HD outputs, Component, DVI, or IEEE 1394. You simply put a splitter in front of the Cable IN and run one coax to the 6412 and the other to your TV.

Something I did was to run an S-Video cable from the 6412 to one of my inputs on my TV, a Mits 65908, and I get a passable analog image, not great but better than over the component. When I'm watching HD or the digital channels I simply change inputs.

Well, a big "duh" here, I don't know what I was thinking. I'll try it both ways and see what works best.

Just figured out how to get into the menu of the 6412 but am not sure how it should be set on my Panasonic PT47X54, I just got the set about a week ago and am not sure it looks right. It should be set to 1080i for component, right? What about the setting for 4:3 overide, 480i, 480p, Stretch or off?

Thanks
Andy