Originally posted by cjc84
We recently got a second 6412 for one of our analog TVs with yellow-red-white RCA cables. I noticed a bug that if you turn off the cable box and then turn it back on (maybe wait a little because I looked in the setup menu / diagnostic menu to change TV type etc), the audio does not output thru the RCA cables, but the video outputs fine.

Any ideas? Ahem... Don't turn off the cable box. Seriously, there is no real advantage, and there are many disadvantages to turning it off. Basically, leave it on all the time unless you need to use the diagnostic menus, which should only be on rare occasion.

Gary,

Actually none of the Lexicon processors will work with a sample rate of less than 44.1 kHz.

I had the exact same problem with one tuneron the 6412 putting out a 48 kHz signal and the other one won't.

To get the digital output on all channels I had to "downgrade" to the Panasonic. It's digital section has no problem with a 32 kHz sampling rate.

Well, I guess that answers the same question I had concerning the lack of audio on one tuner for analog channels and my Lexicon DC-2. It's curious that the problem only manifests itself on one tuner, though. You'd think that it'd be consistent across both tuners for analog channels....

My solution is to wait for Comcast to complete the rollout of ADS. Once that's done, all the "analog" stations will be transmitting Dolby Digital 2.0 and the problem will simply vanish (I hope).

Originally posted by Justins123
If set to 480i, does the 6412 output 480i through DVI? I was under the impression DVI does not support 480i, so I assume the 6412 ends up putting 480p out.

Yes it does, I tested this on my HDTV a while ago on the 480 override on the digital and analog stations. It can either put it out at 480i or 480p.

(Picking my jaw up off the floor) Fascinating . . ., just fascinating. Didn't know that about Lexicon - Thanks Wayne!
Why on earth would one tuner drop the PCM rate?

Bring on ADS!

Gary, if you're tuned into the Comcast-Boston thread, you'll see that most towns are already partially through the ADS rollout. Shouldn't be too much longer (maybe a month or two) before the rest is complete.

I wish this problem had been sussed out a little earlier, cuz it was a pain in the butt to swap out my box and reprogram all of my Season Passes (a.k.a. Series Recordings).

is there a way to do this? i know you can use firewire to capture live TV, but what about the shows that i already have recorded? i just want to move these recorded shows to my PC so i can make some room on the 6412 for more recordings.

thanks,

I just got my box today. Everything is working well from what I can tell except for one issue I was hoping someone here could diagnose the problem.

One tuner works perfectly on both analog, digital and HD channels.
However, the other tuner works perfectly on digital and HD channels but not on analog channels. When I am on an analog channel I get a snowy line of static on the top of the picture. It is so annoying.

As I said the other tuner doesn't have this problem, just one of the tuners and only on the analog channels.

Anyone have an idea what this can be due to?

My settings are a follows:

16:9
1080i
4:3 overide= stretch

I have a 56" Samsung DLP widescreen. I have tried all different settings but it stays the same no matter what setting.

My guess is that I need a signal booster, but that is just a complete guess.

Thoughts?

AudioNoob

I am also having one other issue with finding a recording. For example I want to set a series recording for 24. I search for 24 and twenty four in the alphabetical search and it doesn't come up.

So then I tried to search via the tv guide thingy. But it doesn't show recordings more than one day in advance. Is this because my box is brand new and needs time to download? Anyone know what is going on?

Originally posted by AudioNoob
I am also having one other issue with finding a recording. For example I want to set a series recording for 24. I search for 24 and twenty four in the alphabetical search and it doesn't come up.

So then I tried to search via the tv guide thingy. But it doesn't show recordings more than one day in advance. Is this because my box is brand new and needs time to download? Anyone know what is going on?

Yes, it takes forever to download all the data. Let it sit another day and then you should have 1.5 to 2 weeks in advance of guide data.

Steve

that is what I thought. Thanks Demanas

Originally posted by musicnyman
is there a way to do this? i know you can use firewire to capture live TV, but what about the shows that i already have recorded? i just want to move these recorded shows to my PC so i can make some room on the 6412 for more recordings.

thanks, Yes, when you playback recorded shows those will output to the firewire outputs and you can capture them - this is the preferred way of firewire capture since you can do it on your own schedule.

Originally posted by moyekj
Yes, when you playback recorded shows those will output to the firewire outputs and you can capture them - this is the preferred way of firewire capture since you can do it on your own schedule.

thanks, i'll give it a try.

Originally posted by maggiefan
Q: How do I program the 30 second skip?
A:
1. Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote.
2. Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3. Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button again blinks twice.
4. Hit (Do Not Hold) the "Setup" button
5. Enter in 00173 (for 30 second Skip)
6. Press whatever button you want “30 Second Skip� to be.

That only works if you have a One-For-All universal remote control. Your remote may be a branded One-For-All. I happen to have a Motorola remote and it does not work.

If it doesn't work for your remote, you will have to go out and buy a One-For-All universal remote.

Originally posted by dabhome
That only works if you have a One-For-All universal remote control. Your remote may be a branded One-For-All. I happen to have a Motorola remote and it does not work.

If it doesn't work for your remote, you will have to go out and buy a One-For-All universal remote. Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

It works with the remote Comcast gave me.

Check this site for more details...
http://cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dct6412remote.htm

Originally posted by dabhome
That only works if you have a One-For-All universal remote control. Your remote may be a branded One-For-All. I happen to have a Motorola remote and it does not work.

If it doesn't work for your remote, you will have to go out and buy a One-For-All universal remote.

It worked fine with my gray Comcast remote......

Originally posted by markjrenna
Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

It works with the remote Comcast gave me.

Check this site for more details...
http://cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dct6412remote.htm

Really? Hmmmm.... I am going have to check this out. That would be so Spiffy to be able to fast forward in 30 sec increments. Right now I just fly through the commercials and then back up 15 sec.

Question? markjrenna, are you a couple? Am I talking with a female, male or both? I am so confused. :confused:

the silver/grey remote that comcast hands out is OEM'd by One-for-All

if you have a harmony remote it's already built into the database also (works great)

I just came over to Comcast from Voom. I have a 6412 running through DVI to my Samsung DLP. Here is my problem, on certain analog stations, I have a thin white bar on top of the screen that looks as if it's filled with static/noise. It's like the DVI doesn't like the analog signal on that particular station. HD and Digital Channels look great and most of the analog channels look decent too (i.e. it's not happening on every analog channel.)

Months ago, I had a HD box for Comcast and I had the same problem and the tech told me it was due to the DVI. Seems like he plugged up component and it worked fine but I noticed the decreased picture quality from the loss of DVI.

I don't want to give up my DVI connection. Anyone else have this "noise looking white bar all the way across the top of the screen with static looking in it?" Can't seem to find mention of a similar problem. Pretty sure all my connections are tight.

Originally posted by Workindood
Question? markjrenna, are you a couple? Am I talking with a female, male or both? I am so confused. :confused: Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

Hunh? Why the interest? And what is the relevance?

Coastal it sounds like maybe you are seeing the closed captioning signalling at the top of some analog channels. This will look like flickering white bars at the very top of the picture. Normally this is not seen on TVs because they overscan the picture so all the edges are cut off. Perhaps your DLP display is setup to have zero or negative overscan when you use the DVI input. You can try to modify the overscan on it to properly hide the closed captioning, or use the component input if that one overscans properly.

Or I could just be completely wrong and your 6412 is broken. Could you take a picture of the screen to show the problem? Or, if you switch to using component do you notice that a very slight amount of the edges of the picture are cut off? Are the channel logos closer to the corner? Does the DVI seem to be showing you those missing edges and changing where the channel logos appear? If so then there is a difference in the amount of overscan between those two inputs on your DLP.

Touchy-Touchy

It was just friendly banter. No offense intended....

Originally posted by CoastalMXer
I just came over to Comcast from Voom. I have a 6412 running through DVI to my Samsung DLP. Here is my problem, on certain analog stations, I have a thin white bar on top of the screen that looks as if it's filled with static/noise.

As mr2828 mentioned, it definitely sounds like an underscan problem.

I've started to have a weird problem with my 6412 the past couple of days. Everytime I turn it on I get no video or audio. If I screen up a saved recording and start playing it, then stop it, I get my video and audio back for the regular channels.

I guess I will finally have to start leaving the box on all the time. Previous to this, I've never had a problem turning it "off" every night.

[Breaking Self-Imposed Silence]
LOL
[Re-Assuming Self-Imposed Silence]

I just had a Comcast tech over due to a problem with one of my 6412s. I think it was the bad power supply issue. Anyway, while he was here I asked him about the 2nd tuner breakup problem. He said Comcast is aware of the problem (finally!), has identified it as a firmware issue, and hopes to have a fix by June.

He also told me they've been having so many problems with the 6412s that they've been instructed not to replace the boxes except in extreme circumstances. (I guess my bad power supply issue qualified. :D) But he said they're trying not to replace them b/c they'll replace a box b/c of one problem but the new box will have yet another problem. He may have been exaggerating, but he did seem pretty fed up with all of the 6412s problems.

Originally posted by frankz1
[Breaking Self-Imposed Silence]
LOL
[Re-Assuming Self-Imposed Silence]

Me too, that original question was probably the oddest thing I have ever seen asked here....:confused: :p

Originally posted by keenan
Me too, that original question was probably the oddest thing I have ever seen asked here....:confused: :p

Single-male technophile seeks couples for weekend fun. Likes: Leaving my DVR on all the time and recording HD. Dislikes: Analog freeze and 4:20 PM lockups. Will connect via DVI and component. DirecTV subscribers need not respond.

Originally posted by stoli412
He also told me they've been having so many problems with the 6412s...

...they'll replace a box b/c of one problem but the new box will have yet another problem. Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

And they are just realizing this I bet. This has been going on since November 2004.

It's time they (Comcast) feel our pain!

Originally posted by frankz1
Single-male technophile seeks couples for weekend fun. Likes: Leaving my DVR on all the time and recording HD. Dislikes: Analog freeze and 4:20 PM lockups. Will connect via DVI and component. DirecTV subscribers need not respond.

HOLY S!!!!!!! I'm LAUGHING MY A** OFF HERE!!!!

That is HILARIOUS!!!

Oh man, me too, you're killing me...:D :D :D :D

Originally posted by keenan
Oh man, me too, you're killing me...:D :D :D :D

Imagine if I'd said "Guarantee that my analog will not freeze unless you turn me off." Now that would have been funny. Thought it was too suggestive, though.

Whoops.

How long until this is all deleted and we go back to copying and pasting directions on creating a 30 second skip directly from a site that cannot be mentioned?

Originally posted by frankz1
How long until this is all deleted and we go back to copying and pasting directions on creating a 30 second skip directly from a site that cannot be mentioned? Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

HA! I give it another 8 minutes! TOO FUNNY!!!

What site would that be:

www.*****************************.com

or

www.***************.net

or...

HA!!!!

Originally posted by CoastalMXer
I just came over to Comcast from Voom. I have a 6412 running through DVI to my Samsung DLP. Here is my problem, on certain analog stations, I have a thin white bar on top of the screen that looks as if it's filled with static/noise. It's like the DVI doesn't like the analog signal on that particular station. HD and Digital Channels look great and most of the analog channels look decent too (i.e. it's not happening on every analog channel.)
The problem is most likely that your TV does not support overscan on DVI (and VGA if you have a VGA input). I found out the hard way after buying my 30" LCD that it had this problem too, as do many HDTVs with DVI inputs. These same TVs do overscan on Component inputs which is why you don't see the noise using that input. To me the problem is annoyingly noticeable when viewing 4:3 programming on 16:9 channels.

What's more annoying is that the specs on these HDTVs never mention anything about overscan and you just assume they support it for all inputs. My next purchase I'm going to make darn sure of it.

The Sharp Aquos line decided against automatically figuring out what kind of input you have coming in on the DVI port and give you the option of Digital PC, Analog PC, Digital AV, and Analog AV, each with the appropriate settings and controls for the particular usage. This is the right thing to do and I think other manufacturers should follow Sharp's lead.

Originally posted by frankz1
Imagine if I'd said "Guarantee that my analog will not freeze unless you turn me off."And you didn't even mention anything about your large hard drive, or screwing male F-connectors into your female jacks.

Edited out a quote of a post pulled by the Admins.

Note if your Comcast-supplied remote doesn't have a button called "Setup," you cannot program it. Some Comcast-supplied remotes have the button and some don't.

Originally posted by keenan
I've started to have a weird problem with my 6412 the past couple of days. Everytime I turn it on I get no video or audio. If I screen up a saved recording and start playing it, then stop it, I get my video and audio back for the regular channels.

I see the exact same thing. What's interesting is that it doesn't seem to affect recording at all. Wouldn't have noticed this at all if my wife hadn't inadvertently turned the box off.

Originally posted by keenan
I've started to have a weird problem with my 6412 the past couple of days. Everytime I turn it on I get no video or audio. If I screen up a saved recording and start playing it, then stop it, I get my video and audio back for the regular channels.

I guess I will finally have to start leaving the box on all the time. Previous to this, I've never had a problem turning it "off" every night.

The same thing happened to me about a week ago. I normally leave my 6412 on all the time. When I turned the TV on it was tuned to the last channel I watched the day before, which just happened to be an analog channel, and the sound kept dropping out every 15-20 seconds. Very irritating. I tried the normal things, like changing channels Up/Down, mute then un-mute, pause, etc. Then I finally tried turning the STB off. When I turned it back on there was no picture and no sound. Like you, I had to play a recorded program to get it to work again, but I still had the sound problem. I didn't want to do a reset, or god forbid call Comcast, so while I was thinking about how to avoid that, I switched to a digital channel.....and the sound was perfect. When I switched back to an analog channel the sound was also perfect. And the really strange part, it has been perfect ever since (...knock on wood!).

Originally posted by AudioNoob
My settings are a follows:

16:9
1080i
4:3 overide= stretch

I have a 56" Samsung DLP widescreen. I have tried all different settings but it stays the same no matter what setting.

AudioNoob

Why are you using the stretch mode for 4:3 programs if you have a DLP TV? They are not susceptible to burn-in like CRT or plasma, so no reason to distort and stretch the image horizontally to get rid of the black pillar bars.

Originally posted by moyekj
The problem is most likely that your TV does not support overscan on DVI (and VGA if you have a VGA input)....The Sharp Aquos line decided against automatically figuring out what kind of input you have coming in on the DVI port and give you the option of Digital PC, Analog PC, Digital AV, and Analog AV, each with the appropriate settings and controls for the particular usage. This is the right thing to do and I think other manufacturers should follow Sharp's lead.
I think Sharp has the right idea. You can find countless posts in these forums where manufacturers get beat up for not providing 1 to 1 pixel mapping with zero overscan on DVI because people want to connect PCs to DVI. Then you see posts where they get beat up for not having overscan because people see garbage at the edges of the screen. It seems the only way to make everyone happy is to provide both options.

Originally posted by cavaniws
The same thing happened to me about a week ago. I normally leave my 6412 on all the time. When I turned the TV on it was tuned to the last channel I watched the day before, which just happened to be an analog channel, and the sound kept dropping out every 15-20 seconds. Very irritating. I tried the normal things, like changing channels Up/Down, mute then un-mute, pause, etc. Then I finally tried turning the STB off. When I turned it back on there was no picture and no sound. Like you, I had to play a recorded program to get it to work again, but I still had the sound problem. I didn't want to do a reset, or god forbid call Comcast, so while I was thinking about how to avoid that, I switched to a digital channel.....and the sound was perfect. When I switched back to an analog channel the sound was also perfect. And the really strange part, it has been perfect ever since (...knock on wood!).

Just turn off the box, wait a few seconds, unplug the power, wait a few seconds, plug it back in, wait a minute for it reboot. It will take 8-12 hours for the guide to completely fill back in (you should get near-time data within 1-2 hours). You will NOT lose any existing or scheduled recordings!

Originally posted by keenan
I've started to have a weird problem with my 6412 the past couple of days. Everytime I turn it on I get no video or audio. If I screen up a saved recording and start playing it, then stop it, I get my video and audio back for the regular channels.

I guess I will finally have to start leaving the box on all the time. Previous to this, I've never had a problem turning it "off" every night.

I had this same problem every time I turned the 6412 on. About a week ago, it disappeared! I figured it must've been fixed by a firmware update.

I still turn my off and then do the recorded show playback trick. Hopefully the problem will clear up....

Originally posted by bronowyn
I think I have a NEW problem. I've been subscribing to this thread, and reading through all of the posts, but this one is a new one for me... maybe someone was describing it differently... but lemmie try out my luck.

I have a new box, been using it without a problem for a long time now. About 3 days ago... I came home at 6pm, and I noticed that the time on the box said 4:30. I turned on the TV to see what the cable box was doing. It was sitting on light classical just like I asked it to when I left for work that morning (and every morning).

However, now, I couldn't change channels OR power down the box (I DO shut my box down, I don't like leaving it on, I can hear it writing to the hd).

I had to unplug it (for the past 3 days) when I get home from work because every day somewhere around 4:30 (today it was 4:48), the box STICKS.
I got home today at 4:30, looked at the box, and it was changing up until 4:48, and then got stuck. (it actually got stuck during a series recording today, it actually recorded three copies, two in the 50 minute range, one in the 5 minute range, all of the same show)...

Weird, huh?

Like I said, I've been following the thread, and I didn't read anything exactly like this, but maybe they were describing it differently than me.
i've had it for a LONG time now, maybe a month, maybe more... and the past THREE days this has been happening, when my box was ON in the middle of the day. I haven't been able to test if it does it when it's off, maybe I'll test that over christmas... it always seems to happen at the same time.

Well, hope someone can help.

Merry Christmas.



Well I have had my 6412 for about 3 weeks, and every thing was flawless, until 3 days ago when i started getting the EXACT same problem as above.

Box freezes up (can still watch the channel you were on but cannot change or power off, must unplug)
Happens in the afternoon anywhere from 4:18 like today to 4:50 AND in the ealy morning 4:20, 4:50. 2 times a day same time frame each day.
This happens if I leave the box on or turn it off.
A power cycle fixes things for 12 hours.
Juding by the responses to the above post I guess the consensus is to get the box swapped?

Pittsburgh, PA comcast

Does anyone have any issues with their Home Theater Master remote and using it with the 6412? It seems as if it doesn't work all the time. You have to push the button like 3-4 times before it works. Very annoying. Very annyoing. I personally have the HTM MX700.

One thing that I miss about the regular Moto HD STB is the ability to fly through the channels by using the up and down buttons. I never liked to use the guide to change channels. Just fly through the channels going up and down and pres select. But with the 6412 you can't do that. Going up and down pauses the buffer. That kinda sucks. Any way around that?

Originally posted by Night Hawk
Well I have had my 6412 for about 3 weeks, and every thing was flawless, until 3 days ago when i started getting the EXACT same problem as above.

Box freezes up (can still watch the channel you were on but cannot change or power off, must unplug)
Happens in the afternoon anywhere from 4:18 like today to 4:50 AND in the ealy morning 4:20, 4:50. 2 times a day same time frame each day.
This happens if I leave the box on or turn it off.
A power cycle fixes things for 12 hours.
Juding by the responses to the above post I guess the consensus is to get the box swapped?

Pittsburgh, PA comcast Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

*** IMPORTANT***

I just got off the phone (on Friday) with Motorola. 1-877-466-8646. I spoke to a manager named Jeff Dozier. I thoroughly explained the 4-5am/pm issue. He is going to escalate the issue to the Motorola Engineers and Comcast to get to the bottom of this. He took my personal information and he said I will receive a call back once they figure out the problem.

I urge others with this specific issue to make this call.

Hi all, I have the 6412 with the programable remote,, can the All On button be reprogrammed? specifically I want to leave the DVR on all the time and just have the All On control the TV and receiver.

I have reprogrammed the HD Zoom button to do this, but when my fiancee moves in I think she will have an easier time using the big red All On button.

I programmed the AUX button on my silver remote to operate my DVD player. Silly me. Now, for reasons I cannot determine, my remote often switches itself from CABLE to AUX. I know this because the DVR buttons stop working and the red AUX light lights when I press buttons.

I have the feeling that there must be some sequence of button presses I'm doing which cause this, but I can't seem to narrow it down. Has anyone else had this problem and know a solution?

Originally posted by bweissman
I programmed the AUX button on my silver remote to operate my DVD player. Silly me. Now, for reasons I cannot determine, my remote often switches itself from CABLE to AUX. I know this because the DVR buttons stop working and the red AUX light lights when I press buttons.

I have the feeling that there must be some sequence of button presses I'm doing which cause this, but I can't seem to narrow it down. Has anyone else had this problem and know a solution?

Strangely, yes. The AUX button on my silver remote now works your DVD player too. How can we fix this?!?

Originally posted by AudioNoob
Does anyone have any issues with their Home Theater Master remote and using it with the 6412? It seems as if it doesn't work all the time. You have to push the button like 3-4 times before it works. Very annoying. Very annyoing. I personally have the HTM MX700.

One thing that I miss about the regular Moto HD STB is the ability to fly through the channels by using the up and down buttons. I never liked to use the guide to change channels. Just fly through the channels going up and down and pres select. But with the 6412 you can't do that. Going up and down pauses the buffer. That kinda sucks. Any way around that?

I don't know why you don't like using the guide. Bring up the guide and then select the up or down arrow (not channel up or down). If you hold it, it will fly. The program you are watching will be in the upper right hand corner.

David

Originally posted by AudioNoob

One thing that I miss about the regular Moto HD STB is the ability to fly through the channels by using the up and down buttons. I never liked to use the guide to change channels. Just fly through the channels going up and down and pres select. But with the 6412 you can't do that. Going up and down pauses the buffer. That kinda sucks. Any way around that?

Nope...ever time you switch the tuner to a new channel its going to start to buffer it..its a function of the DVR...only way around is to switch back to a non-DVR box

If you know the channel you want...just punch it in and let it go straight there so it doesnt try and buffer all of the channels in between (quickest way I know)

Hopefully this is quickie for someone...

I replaced a DirecTivo with the 6412. The D*Tivo had a coax output so I could route a copy of it's output to other rooms via coax. My 6412 is missing the coax output replying on RCA, component and DVI. Is there a way to convert RCA output to coax. The set in the other room is low-tech SD so HD is not an issue.

Thanks

Originally posted by JonV
Hopefully this is quickie for someone...

I replaced a DirecTivo with the 6412. The D*Tivo had a coax output so I could route a copy of it's output to other rooms via coax. My 6412 is missing the coax output replying on RCA, component and DVI. Is there a way to convert RCA output to coax. The set in the other room is low-tech SD so HD is not an issue.

Thanks

Sure, it's easy. Just get an RF Modulator, available at RatShack for $30.

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F010%5F009%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D2526

BIngo! Thanks

Originally posted by JonV
BIngo! Thanks

My pleasure.... :)

For the information of others, greywolf in the Home Automation & Distribution forum offered an idea too obvious that I overlooked. Using my old VCR's RCA inputs and coax output for the same purpose.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=5526948#post5526948

Originally posted by AudioNoob
Does anyone have any issues with their Home Theater Master remote and using it with the 6412? It seems as if it doesn't work all the time. You have to push the button like 3-4 times before it works. Very annoying. Very annyoing. I personally have the HTM MX700.I have a HTM MX800 remote, and the 6412 responds to it just as quickly if not more quickly as it responds to the silver remote that Comcast provided. (The IR emitter on the MX800 is more powerful than the emitter on the Comcast remote.)

The remote might be the cause if: a) the batteries in it are dying; or b) you're using learned IR codes that are semi-corrupted. If the batteries are fresh and you're using the pre-programmed IR codes for the Motorola STB (listed as General Instruments in most versions of the Home Theater Master), the problem is probably the state of the 6412.

Apparently, if the 6412 is busy doing many functions, such as buffering two channels while accessing menus, etc., the processor can get bogged down and delays response to remote commands.

Anyway, before you blame the MX remote, see if the stock remote behaves any differently at the exact same time that you're having the problem.

I just got this unit set up south of Boston. First, it doesn't appear that the dual tuners are enabled as it will only allow me to schedule one show at a time. Also, it only seems to have guide data for the next few days. I currently also have Cox cable at the house I'm moving from, with the exact same box but the Passport system, I absolutely can't STAND the User Interface on the Comcast unit when compared with the cox unit! Either way, I seem to be finding people here with both tuners enabled, will this just need to get an upgrade over the wire at some point? Also, someone noted that you should have +- 2 weeks of guide data, how long does that realistically take to download into the box?
Tom

Originally posted by bweissman
I programmed the AUX button on my silver remote to operate my DVD player. Silly me. Now, for reasons I cannot determine, my remote often switches itself from CABLE to AUX. I know this because the DVR buttons stop working and the red AUX light lights when I press buttons.

I have the feeling that there must be some sequence of button presses I'm doing which cause this, but I can't seem to narrow it down. Has anyone else had this problem and know a solution?

I don't have my aux button programmed for anything but my remote does switch itself from cable to aux from time to time. It's annoying and I haven't yet figured out why.

On the Comcast remote there is a procedure to lock the volume to one of the three functions. I have a newly purchased receiver and followed these instructions to lock the volume control to the Aux button which I use to control the receiver.

When Comcast came over originally to install the 6412 he mapped the Aux to my DVD player, which was frustrating because it caused it to turn on the DVD player every time you hit the "all on" button even when you were not using it. I am going to replace all of my remotes (5 of them) with a Harmony as soon as they release their new 880 unit.

Originally posted by JBaumgart
I am going to replace all of my remotes (5 of them) with a Harmony as soon as they release their new 880 unit.

just fyi...the H880 release date has slipped again..to early June. Personnelly I'd save the money and go with the H680 which works great, is available now and cheaper (unless you really want the pretty color).

Is the only difference between the 680 and 880 the color display? My 659 really sucks; not enough hard buttons, the button I use for skip has lost it's tactile responsiveness and the select button will get stuck and fire IR signals until I hit another button. I hope the 680/880 addresses these problems.

The problem with the skip button forced me to try what others have suggested; hit FF4 to skip past the commercial then hit replay when the program begins and it works almost as good as the Tivo jumpback feature. I like it better than the 30 sec skip now.

I just got this box, and was wondering if there is anyway if the shows can be Transffered from the DVR box to a PC, I do have a tuner card on my pc and also running a Windows XP MCE 2005. I understand that the firewire port is open on the box. But how do i conect the firewire to the PC (Directly??) Do I need a special software to get the shows off. Can the shows that are already recorded on the box transfered to the pc or do the live Programs (the ones you're watching) are the only ones that can be transfered. If they can be transferred, is there any suggestions on a good editing software that can be used to edit the contents such as removing commercials, etc. and burning them on a dvd?? Please Help. Thanks

Originally posted by Shash703
I just got this box, and was wondering if there is anyway if the shows can be Transffered from the DVR box to a PC
<snip>


http://replayguide.sourceforge.net/dct6412/index.html

Originally posted by Shash703
I just got this box, and was wondering if there is anyway if the shows can be Transffered from the DVR box to a PC, I do have a tuner card on my pc and also running a Windows XP MCE 2005. I understand that the firewire port is open on the box. But how do i conect the firewire to the PC (Directly??) Do I need a special software to get the shows off. Can the shows that are already recorded on the box transfered to the pc or do the live Programs (the ones you're watching) are the only ones that can be transfered. If they can be transferred, is there any suggestions on a good editing software that can be used to edit the contents such as removing commercials, etc. and burning them on a dvd?? Please Help. Thanks

Try this thread

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=403695&highlight=6412

Originally posted by tall1
Is the only difference between the 680 and 880 the color display? My 659 really sucks; not enough hard buttons, the button I use for skip has lost it's tactile responsiveness and the select button will get stuck and fire IR signals until I hit another button. I hope the 680/880 addresses these problems.

The problem with the skip button forced me to try what others have suggested; hit FF4 to skip past the commercial then hit replay when the program begins and it works almost as good as the Tivo jumpback feature. I like it better than the 30 sec skip now.


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=489300

Originally posted by tall1
Is the only difference between the 680 and 880 the color display? My 659 really sucks; not enough hard buttons, the button I use for skip has lost it's tactile responsiveness and the select button will get stuck and fire IR signals until I hit another button. I hope the 680/880 addresses these problems.
.

880 also uses rechargeable batteries (supposedly lasts <9day) and comes with a recharging cradle to keep it in...I'd rather stick with something like the 6 Series and just replace the batteries every 2-3 months

Photo of the 880
http://www.pcworld.com/news/graphics/120438-n_041405_harmonyb.jpg

Photo of the different 6XX's
http://www.lewishq.com/images/harmony_6XX_comparison.jpg


They all use the same software, only difference is in the button layout (and number of buttons)...each is programmable however you want

works great with the 6412 and other stuff I have

Personally, I use the Harmony 676. I really like the layout in regards to the transport buttons for the 6412 and my standalone tivo.

Originally posted by d2tw4all
I just got this unit set up south of Boston. First, it doesn't appear that the dual tuners are enabled as it will only allow me to schedule one show at a time. Also, it only seems to have guide data for the next few days. I currently also have Cox cable at the house I'm moving from, with the exact same box but the Passport system, I absolutely can't STAND the User Interface on the Comcast unit when compared with the cox unit! Either way, I seem to be finding people here with both tuners enabled, will this just need to get an upgrade over the wire at some point? Also, someone noted that you should have +- 2 weeks of guide data, how long does that realistically take to download into the box?
Tom

Anybody?
Tom

Tom,

If the swap doesnt work (and you cant get to the 2nd Tuner) then its probably a bad box...there isnt a way for you to enable/disable the tuner yourself.

Takes probably 6-12 hours for the guide data to fill in the first time.

and this is the first I've seen somebody bash the Comcast Iguide in relation to the passport/echo guide.

-Steve

Can anyone recommend a sub $100 (or sub $50) universal
remote to use with the 6412, an Optoma projector, a
Norcent DVD player, and a Denon receiver?

Originally posted by davisdog
just fyi...the H880 release date has slipped again..to early June. Personnelly I'd save the money and go with the H680 which works great, is available now and cheaper (unless you really want the pretty color).

Yeah the pretty color is...pretty and attractive, no doubt. The whole unit looks fresh and more modern, IMO. Plus the color and lighted display, which comes to life as soon as you pick it up or move it, would work best in the bedroom, where this one will be used. I also like the idea of the permanent battery and charging cradle.

I have the 659 for my main system (no DVR) and it does what I need it to do there.

Tom, your description of only a single tuner and poor user interface makes me think you may have actually gotten an older single-tuner DVR from comcast. The installer may have given you the wrong type of box by mistake. Are you certain you have a 6412 model?

Originally posted by mr2828
Tom, your description of only a single tuner and poor user interface makes me think you may have actually gotten an older single-tuner DVR from comcast. The installer may have given you the wrong type of box by mistake. Are you certain you have a 6412 model?

Good point. The 6412 should say "Dual Tuner DVR" in the lower left hand corner of the face of the receiver.

Originally posted by keenan
I've started to have a weird problem with my 6412 the past couple of days. Everytime I turn it on I get no video or audio. If I screen up a saved recording and start playing it, then stop it, I get my video and audio back for the regular channels.

I guess I will finally have to start leaving the box on all the time. Previous to this, I've never had a problem turning it "off" every night.

An update on this problem I was having. As seems to be the norm for this box, the problem has disappeared. Have no idea what caused it or how it was resolved, weird. :p

Originally posted by davisdog
Tom,

If the swap doesnt work (and you cant get to the 2nd Tuner) then its probably a bad box...there isnt a way for you to enable/disable the tuner yourself.

Takes probably 6-12 hours for the guide data to fill in the first time.

and this is the first I've seen somebody bash the Comcast Iguide in relation to the passport/echo guide.

-Steve

Really... The IGuide one, this is the TVGuide one, correct? I can't imagine anybody having had a Passport/Echo guide and preferring this TVGuide one. This guide has TVGuide branded all over it, and looks exactly like the Comcast digital cable box guide. It's brand new so I'd be surprised if it's defective with dual tuners not working but I'll have to futz with it more when I'm back up in Mass, but I'm pretty sure it would only allow me to record one channel at any given time...
Tom

Originally posted by d2tw4all
Really... The IGuide one, this is the TVGuide one, correct? I can't imagine anybody having had a Passport/Echo guide and preferring this TVGuide one. This guide has TVGuide branded all over it, and looks exactly like the Comcast digital cable box guide. It's brand new so I'd be surprised if it's defective with dual tuners not working but I'll have to futz with it more when I'm back up in Mass, but I'm pretty sure it would only allow me to record one channel at any given time...
Tom

Tom,

If its got the TVGuide then they dumped an old Model 6208 SINGLE Tuner DVR on you...They shouldnt even be deploying those anymore. Have them come out an replace it with the 6412 (Dual Tuner) or goto the local comcast office and swap it.

The 6412 comes with the IGuide (and has Dual Tuners).....light years better than the old TV Guide (and I think you'll like it better than the passport)

-Steve

Originally posted by tzzoooma
Can anyone recommend a sub $100 (or sub $50) universal
remote to use with the 6412, an Optoma projector, a
Norcent DVD player, and a Denon receiver?

One-For-All URC-8810W, at WalMart for about $18-20. Then head over to http://www.hifi-remote.com/ofa/ to learn how to create or buy a JP1 cable, and download the software to program it any way you want. Even without the cable, you can do quite alot.

The 6412 will be basically usable with the Cable/0472 code. You'll need to remap keys or use the JP1 cable to upload an 'upgrade' to get full function. I have a KeymapMaster template here:
http://home.att.net/~andyross/AV/index.html

NO FRIGGIN WAY it definitely has TVGUIDE at the top in red, I thought it was the same because it looks exactly like my cox unit. I'll verify and demand a replacement if that's the case! I can say for sure it has the EXACT same guid as the POS digital cable box that she has.
Tom

Originally posted by d2tw4all
NO FRIGGIN WAY it definitely has TVGUIDE at the top in red, I thought it was the same because it looks exactly like my cox unit. I'll verify and demand a replacement if that's the case! I can say for sure it has the EXACT same guid as the POS digital cable box that she has.
Tom Your Comcast 6412 DVR should have the user interface shown in this iGuide document: broadband.motorola.com/dvr/downloads/URMD2.pdf (http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/downloads/URMD2.pdf)

I have seen the Passport UI, and it is very nice. The iGuide is pretty good, except for the poor excuse of a "search" function.

Originally posted by d2tw4all
NO FRIGGIN WAY it definitely has TVGUIDE at the top in red, I thought it was the same because it looks exactly like my cox unit. I'll verify and demand a replacement if that's the case! I can say for sure it has the EXACT same guid as the POS digital cable box that she has.
Tom

It does look the same except for it says Dual Tuner on the Front Left (and has the 6412 model # on the bottom)..but it definetly doesnt act the same..the dual tuners are nice (nor does it use the TVGuide poc)

Originally posted by d2tw4all

I just got this unit set up south of Boston. First, it doesn't appear that the dual tuners are enabled as it will only allow me to schedule one show at a time. Also, it only seems to have guide data for the next few days. I currently also have Cox cable at the house I'm moving from, with the exact same box but the Passport system, I absolutely can't STAND the User Interface on the Comcast unit when compared with the cox unit! Either way, I seem to be finding people here with both tuners enabled, will this just need to get an upgrade over the wire at some point? Also, someone noted that you should have +- 2 weeks of guide data, how long does that realistically take to download into the box?
Tom

Assuming your cable box has "Dual Tuner DVR" on the front lower left it could be the firmware. If the firmware isn't at least version 9 you cannot use the dual DVR features. If it is version 9 then you should check with the cable company because something is wrong.

To get the firmware number hit menu key, select Setup (may be on second page), select Cable Box Setup and then select "Configuration: Select to display information". Firmware will be one of the items (mine is on the right, 2/3 down).

David
Firmware: v9.17

FYI...

When I first got my 4 boxes, before they downloaded (A "DL" on the front panel) correctly they exhibited the same problem of not knowing there's a second tuner, so of course the swap didn't work. Once it was updated correctly from the headend all was well.

I think that Iguide is the TV Guide thing, maybe the firmware isn't updated or something, I'm not there to check right now but will be Weds. night, who knows maybe it'll be updated by then anyway. Either way, if that guide is the same I definitely prefer the passport system, the search is MUCH better on the passport! I'll keep you guys posted, thanks for the assistance!
Tom

Originally posted by AudioNoob
Does anyone have any issues with their Home Theater Master remote and using it with the 6412? It seems as if it doesn't work all the time. You have to push the button like 3-4 times before it works. Very annoying. Very annyoing. I personally have the HTM MX700.

I have the HTM MX1000 and I have no problems with the 6412. I taught it all the codes with the Comcast remote and I've noticed that it will learn the "duration" of the IR signal based on how long you hold down the button when teaching it (the longer you hold down the source button, the longer the MX1000 will transmit IR when parroting the original remote). You may want to try reprogramming the buttons with longer durations.

Also, I've noticed the 6412 is very susceptable to external light interference on its IR receiver. For example, if you have direct sunlight (from a window) that faces the front of the box, it may interfere with the box reading the remote signals.

Originally posted by rollerfink
I don't have my aux button programmed for anything but my remote does switch itself from cable to aux from time to time. It's annoying and I haven't yet figured out why.

This happens to me too from time to time. It seem like sometimes after turning the volume up or down (on the receiver) while watching a recorded show it will stick on aux, then when I hit stop or pause i notice the REc has turned itself to DVD or CD

I sometimes have issues with my HTM MX500 (I'm a little behind, but it works for me!), the volume doesn't respond immediately to me turning it down. I actually have to MUTE, then UNMUTE, then click the volume down. I thought maybe the door to my Entertainment Cabinet was hitting the Reciever dial. I don't think it's got anything to do with the 6412, but I thought I'd mention it. :)

Has anyone done any comparisons of the PQ with the signal going through the 6412 vs going straight into the TV?

I have a Sony rear LCD 55WF655 with Comcast cable. In general I find the cable signal going straight into the TV gives a better picture. It is subtle in HD, quite noticeable with SD (especially analog channels).

My worst results were when I had the cable box set to output SD at 480i. I had figured there was a good chance the TV would do a better job de-interlacing, but not even close. The most noticeable effect were on some stationary credits. Through the cable box at 480i, they all had horizontal stripes. Setting the cable box to 480p was a big improvement. However, going straight into the TV was best.

Have others tried similar comparisons? Any explanation for why the TV would do so badly on the 480i signal coming from the STB? Thanks for any info.

I also find the picture quality from the 6412 substandard in both SD and HD as compared with my old D* HD200 receiver. My main complaint is the lack of sharpness in the HD channels, since I don't watch much SD. But it is clear that even SD programs aren't as sharp or well deinterlaced as they could be. It's subtle, but sad that they haven't nailed it.

As far as your situation of poor quality sending a 480i signal out from the STB, I wouldn't be surprised if that was causing two deinterlaces: One when the interlaced content is converted internally to a 480p signal inside the STB, then again in the TV when the reinterlaced 480i signal is fed and deinterlaced. Just like not all receivers have a "pure direct" mode, not all STBs will do the optimum signal processing procedure, which would be leaving the signal in 480i inside the STB.

Originally posted by hsm3


Have others tried similar comparisons? Any explanation for why the TV would do so badly on the 480i signal coming from the STB? Yes, the Moto HD STB's are notorious for poor SD.

Can someone help me out with my problem...

I just got my box today. Everything is working well from what I can tell except for one issue:

One tuner works perfectly on both analog, digital and HD channels.
However, the other tuner works perfectly on digital and HD channels but not on analog channels. When I am on an analog channel I get a snowy line of static on the top of the picture. It is so annoying.

As I said the other tuner doesn't have this problem, just one of the tuners and only on the analog channels.

Anyone have an idea what this can be due to?

My settings are a follows:

16:9
1080i
4:3 overide= 480P

I have a 56" Samsung DLP widescreen. I have tried all different settings but it stays the same no matter what setting.

My guess is that I need a signal booster, but that is just a complete guess.

Can someone give me some thoughts as to the solution.

Thanks

AudioNoob

As far as my problem with my remote and the 6412, I figured it out. Don't laugh too hard, but I needed to replace m batteries. I replaced my batteries and it works like a charm everytime.

Originally posted by AudioNoob
Can someone help me out with my problem...

My settings are a follows:

16:9
1080i
4:3 overide= 480P


AudioNoob

I can't speak to the tuner issue (new box seems like the right answer to me). But... I have a Sammy 61 DLP and the setting that seem to work best for me are:

16:9

720p => this is the native resolution of the set. There is some discussion of this elsewhere. Here is the summary... If you watch sports and more ABC/ESPN/FOX then definately 720p. If you watch dramas/comedies/movies on CBS/NBC/INHD et al, then you may want to continue your 1080i. There is near universality that a "passthrough" option would be best here -- letting the set doing the work.

4:3 override = off (or none - at work, I forget what the option is). This will let your internal Faroudja deinterlacer do the work (which is better than the one in the box). Additionally, it won't stretch out 4:3 material (which seems to be generally considered bad).

I hope this helps.

JS

why can't comcast modify the firmware to allow it to change output resolutions based on the channels? it seems rather retarted that we have to set it ot 1080i or 720p even for non 720p or 1080i channels.

Yeah, native resolution output would be very nice.

Originally posted by proudx
why can't comcast modify the firmware to allow it to change output resolutions based on the channels? it seems rather retarted that we have to set it ot 1080i or 720p even for non 720p or 1080i channels.

That would be very bad for my Mits. It doesn't allow 720P. If the 6412 sent out 720P for ABC and ESPN I wouldn't get a picture on those channels.

I think what proudx wants is the ability to add native output resolution to the existing options of fixed 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i. Most external set top boxes allow you to do such a thing, and I have no idea why the 6412 doesn't allow for it.

Originally posted by proudx
why can't comcast modify the firmware to allow it to change output resolutions based on the channels? it seems rather retarted that we have to set it ot 1080i or 720p even for non 720p or 1080i channels. On my box, that setting appears to only affect the HD channels. All SD channels pass through to my TV at their native resolution.

Originally posted by Paul Simoneau
I think what proudx wants is the ability to add native output resolution to the existing options of fixed 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i. Most external set top boxes allow you to do such a thing, and I have no idea why the 6412 doesn't allow for it.
Agreed, however, note that the HD DirecTivo doesn't have 'native' as an option, either.

Here comes the software engineer in me...

I can see how implementation could be difficult if you're outputting component, because you have to do the whole D/A thing and all, but if you're outputting over a digital interface (DVI or HDMI) it should be a simple operation of outputting the bits.

Originally posted by Paul Simoneau
Here comes the software engineer in me...

I can see how implementation could be difficult if you're outputting component, because you have to do the whole D/A thing and all, but if you're outputting over a digital interface (DVI or HDMI) it should be a simple operation of outputting the bits.
Now add on "bang for the buck" to this...
In the sub-$3,000 television market, how many displays can handle both 790 and 1080 inputs? My <3 year old $4k set can only do 480i/p and 1080i. Before 6 months ago, I'm guessing the number of models on the market was closer to 0 than to 10. That is a very small minority of sets that could make use of such an option.

Originally posted by HD Rookie
Now add on "bang for the buck" to this...
In the sub-$3,000 television market, how many displays can handle both 790 and 1080 inputs? My <3 year old $4k set can only do 480i/p and 1080i. Before 6 months ago, I'm guessing the number of models on the market was closer to 0 than to 10. That is a very small minority of sets that could make use of such an option.

Same here. My set only handles 480p and 1080i.

However, my Lumagen scaler can handle all flavors with ease. :)

We're not asking that native output be mandatory, only an option. This doesn't remove the option of fixed 1080i or 720p, but simply extends the options available to the user.

firewire out allows for native output, if you can utilize it.

Using the firewire output slows the 6412 to a crawl, or so I've read on this thread. So, in either event, a bug fix is in order :

1) Fix the firewire output to not suck all the available CPU, or
2) Allow for native output over the DVI interface

Originally posted by hsm3
Has anyone done any comparisons of the PQ with the signal going through the 6412 vs going straight into the TV?

My worst results were when I had the cable box set to output SD at 480i. I had figured there was a good chance the TV would do a better job de-interlacing, but not even close. The most noticeable effect were on some stationary credits. Through the cable box at 480i, they all had horizontal stripes. Setting the cable box to 480p was a big improvement. However, going straight into the TV was best.

Remember that analog SD channels are digitized, buffered, then played back (about a 1-2 second delay). This does visibily reduce quality. The TVGuide channel, with it's scrolling program guide, shows this clearly. I used to have a standard 6200 before the 6412, and it was a bit softer than my TV's tuner, but otherwise pretty close. The 6412 is a bit noisier, especially around edges of objects.

Also, tuner sensitivity and selectivity plays a bit into this. The TV may have a better tuner than the cable box. Also, to be fair, make certain both are being fed equivalent signals. For comparison, you should have a splitter, with one half going to the box, and the other to the TV. Also, the box has one or two internal splitters to feed the two video tuners, plus the data communications tuner (I assume it is separate).

Digital channel quality will vary greatly. I don't have a digital tuner, so can't do a direct comparison. Some digital channels appear to be heavily compressed, others appear OK.

The forthcoming digital simulcasting might help things, depending on how much they compress.

On my Sony KV-30XBR910, I have it set for 1080i HD, and 4:3 override of 480i. I prefer keeping it normal, as 'converting' to 480p or HD doesn't look as good. Plus, this lets me use Zoom modes and my interlace options (I can convert to 960i, 480p, or 480p w/ 2:3 pulldown correction.) I can only do Zooms if I feed it 480p. Zoom is not available at all in 720p/1080i. The only disadavantage of allowing 480i is the second or so loss of sync when flipping between HD and SD.

Originally posted by dabhome
Assuming your cable box has "Dual Tuner DVR" on the front lower left it could be the firmware. If the firmware isn't at least version 9 you cannot use the dual DVR features. If it is version 9 then you should check with the cable company because something is wrong.

To get the firmware number hit menu key, select Setup (may be on second page), select Cable Box Setup and then select "Configuration: Select to display information". Firmware will be one of the items (mine is on the right, 2/3 down).

David
Firmware: v9.17

It definitely says Dual Tuner on the front of it, firmware is 9.15. If I am recording something and I try to record something else at the same time, it asks me if I want to change channels and cancel the recording or to keep recording, so dual tuners definitely aren't working. I don't like this guide compared to the Passport, that's for sure!
Tom

Originally posted by d2tw4all
It definitely says Dual Tuner on the front of it, firmware is 9.15. If I am recording something and I try to record something else at the same time, it asks me if I want to change channels and cancel the recording or to keep recording, so dual tuners definitely aren't working. I don't like this guide compared to the Passport, that's for sure!
Tom

does your remote have a small "swap" button at the bottom? Your remote should look like this
http://www.cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dct6412remote.htm

Originally posted by Kaiser-Soze
does your remote have a small "swap" button at the bottom? Your remote should look like this
http://www.cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dct6412remote.htm

Exactly, use the swap button. This box is relatively "dim-witted" when it comes to this sort of thing.

Originally posted by HD Rookie
...In the sub-$3,000 television market, how many displays can handle both 790 and 1080 inputs?...

As your handle here on AVS suggests, you must be an HD Rookie. Last I checked it was 720, not 790:rolleyes:

Just busting on you of course;) I'm sure it was a typo:)

I have four 6412's and don't have nearly the problems you guys do, if any at all. Maybe I should knock on wood now:eek: I haven't missed my TiVo one bit.

I think the confusion by d2tw4all is that with the Passport software it automatically figures out to use the available tuner for a new recording instead of having to swap tuners manually first. Must say that would have been very confusing and annoying to me too if I were to switch to Iguide.

Originally posted by DHarp193
As your handle here on AVS suggests, you must be an HD Rookie. Last I checked it was 720, not 790:rolleyes:
No wonder I can't get 790 to work, I'm using a non-existing resolution!
Just busting on you of course;) I'm sure it was a typo:)
Getting my balls busted is the story of my life
:D

Originally posted by moyekj
I think the confusion by d2tw4all is that with the Passport software it automatically figures out to use the available tuner for a new recording instead of having to swap tuners manually first. Must say that would have been very confusing and annoying to me too if I were to switch to Iguide.

The 6412 with the i-guide does automatically use the available tuner to record. I think he has a bung box.

Originally posted by rollerfink
The 6412 with the i-guide does automatically use the available tuner to record. I think he has a bung box.

Hehehehehehehehehe... he said "bung box!"

(Sorry, I just had to say it!)

Ok guys, maybe I'm getting it wrong but I think the way the 6412 works is you select the output resolution for your type of tv. I believe any TV has just one native resolution and that is what you select in the 6412 set up menu. What signal coming into the box doesn't matter as it's the output you're selecting. It converts whatever it's getting to the native resolution of your set. Most if not all CRT's are going to be 1080i and most fixed pixil displays are 720p, so that is what you would set it for and leave it there no matter what the station you are watching is sending out. Am I off base here?

If you care about getting optimal results, there is a lot more to consider. The 6412 has essentially two output settings: The "general" one you're talking about, and an "override" setting for 4:3 material. You can choose to have the 4:3 stuff sent the same way as the HD content, or force it to be 480i (which you'd like to think means "just pass it through as it came in"), or force it to 480p. It's in the manual.

One reason these choices make a difference is that they determine whether the STB or the TV is deinterlacing and scaling the signal. The reason people would like to have a blanket "pass through" setting is so their TV can do all the work in all cases, since the STB isn't the best quality piece of gear in the rack.

Also some sets that are thought of as 720 are actually 768 or other oddball numbers (Sony rear LCDs), so it's not clear without trying it whether scaling up from 720p or down from 1080i will yield the best visual result.

I am having problems getting component and dvi to work at the same time. It comes on with the dvi for a few seconds and then blanks out. Component works 100% of the time. I verified dvi to my hs-10 projector is working ok by using my hdtv dtv tuner.

Is anyone else doing this with success? This seemed to have started when I added the component connection to a new aquos I installed upstairs with a 50ft component cable.

We actually took that override setting and compared the way that it was going through the box and into our TV on multiple settings (480i & 480p). You sometimes have to play with this in order to get the picture clarity you want.

For our TV... we actually liked the 480p better than the 480i, but you have to try it and find out for yourself.

Any idea what the ideal settings for an Optoma H30 projector would
be for the 6412?



Originally posted by hsm3
If you care about getting optimal results, there is a lot more to consider. The 6412 has essentially two output settings: The "general" one you're talking about, and an "override" setting for 4:3 material. You can choose to have the 4:3 stuff sent the same way as the HD content, or force it to be 480i (which you'd like to think means "just pass it through as it came in"), or force it to 480p. It's in the manual.

One reason these choices make a difference is that they determine whether the STB or the TV is deinterlacing and scaling the signal. The reason people would like to have a blanket "pass through" setting is so their TV can do all the work in all cases, since the STB isn't the best quality piece of gear in the rack.

Also some sets that are thought of as 720 are actually 768 or other oddball numbers (Sony rear LCDs), so it's not clear without trying it whether scaling up from 720p or down from 1080i will yield the best visual result.

I am using a Panasonic plasma 42PA25U with the 6412 and best PQ on my set is with the box outputing 1080i in what I presume is the "general" setting, which the Panny rescales to 480p of course, and with great results. How does one set or access the override setting for SD? BTW, I watch most SD via my TV tuner, a Replay PVR or a Panasonic E80H HDD-DVD recorder.

One more question - does anyone know if a larger HDD version is in the works?

Originally posted by maggiefan
Ok guys, maybe I'm getting it wrong but I think the way the 6412 works is you select the output resolution for your type of tv.

OK so far...


I believe any TV has just one native resolution and that is what you select in the 6412 set up menu.

Most if not all CRT's are going to be 1080i and most fixed pixil displays are 720p, so that is what you would set it for and leave it there no matter what the station you are watching is sending out. Am I off base here?

Not too far off base. Sure, lots of TVs have one native rate, as you pointed out in your later sentence about 1080i and 720p. Those of us with scalers and/or TVs capable of dealing with multiple resolutions find this solution not optimal for reasons I'll get into below.


What signal coming into the box doesn't matter as it's the output you're selecting. It converts whatever it's getting to the native resolution of your set.

There's the crux of the matter right there. A "conversion" has to occur when the program source and display's native resolution differ. I'd much rather have my scaler, which is dedicated to exactly this task, performing this task than some $2 part in the 6412 to do so. Because it's been tuned to provide optimal results, rather than an bolt-on solution in the DVR's set design.

Any conversion that has to occur will result in a loss of picture quality. It's inevitable. I'd just like to be able to minimize that loss.

Same reason that you seen the fixed pixel people say that 720p sources look better to them than any other 1080i source, and the CRT people say 1080i sources look better than 720p sources.

Originally posted by Paul Simoneau


There's the crux of the matter right there. A "conversion" has to occur when the program source and display's native resolution differ. I'd much rather have my scaler, which is dedicated to exactly this task, performing this task than some $2 part in the 6412 to do so. Because it's been tuned to provide optimal results, rather than an bolt-on solution in the DVR's set design.

Any conversion that has to occur will result in a loss of picture quality. It's inevitable. I'd just like to be able to minimize that loss.

Same reason that you seen the fixed pixel people say that 720p sources look better to them than any other 1080i source, and the CRT people say 1080i sources look better than 720p sources.

An SDI modification to this box would be cool, never going to happen of course, but we can dream...:)

I believe any TV has just one native resolution and that is what you select in the 6412 set up menu.
I have a 720p (native) set, and if I set the 6412 to output 720p, I see some sort of mild interference on the screen. On the screen where you set the resolution, the text on the screen gets slightly squiggly. I get a much clearer image when I set it to 1080i. Kind of strange as I was expecting 720p would give me my best image.

On my 768p Sony LCD, 1080i works best.

Keenan,

I had the same problem as you. Exactly.

When first installed it worked fine. Then started having no audio or video when turned on. I also discovered the same work around you did, (start playing something recorded then stop/quit and go back to live).

And then it started working fine again a few days ago. Wierd!

Originally posted by Erebus1954
Keenan,

I had the same problem as you. Exactly.

When first installed it worked fine. Then started having no audio or video when turned on. I also discovered the same work around you did, (start playing something recorded then stop/quit and go back to live).

And then it started working fine again a few days ago. Wierd!

Bizzare huh? It's a good thing Motorola doesn't supply equipment for the space shuttle...or do they?!?! :eek:

I see what you mean. Wanting a better quality conversion that that in the 6412. Anyway I have heard a lot of complaining about the PQ being poor on the analog channels viewed through the 6412. I don't know if it's because I have a 34" CRT, but my picture is great on all channels. HD is better of course, but they all look good, maybe I just got lucky there. That's really odd that some of you are getting a better picture with the box set to the "wrong" resolution, wonder what's with that.

Originally posted by maggiefan
I believe any TV has just one native resolution and that is what you select in the 6412 set up menu.
True of digital displays such as plasma, LCD, DLP, etc. But not true of CRT displays. A CRT is capable of displaying several resolutions depending on how it sweeps the beam across the screen. This is what was meant by "multiscan" CRT computer monitors. CRTs can also display interlaced formats without converting to progressive, as is necessary for digital displays. A CRT may have an optimum resolution based on the beam spot size, but is not limited to one.

I live in the Detroit area (Troy) and just switched from HD Directv to a 6208 today. I immediately went to the Comcast office to try and get a 6412 and was told that only the 6208 works with the 2-cable input that we have here in Troy. Is this BS or is the 6412 incompatible when the channels are split between 2 coax cable?

Thanks, Ron

Originally posted by moyekj
I think the confusion by d2tw4all is that with the Passport software it automatically figures out to use the available tuner for a new recording instead of having to swap tuners manually first. Must say that would have been very confusing and annoying to me too if I were to switch to Iguide.

OH how I miss my passport OS! This thing has been really flaky on me, the remote incessently goes to aux all the time! The dual tuners are working now and the guide data looks ok, except when it loses power the guide data appears to wipe and then come back. I'm PISSED that I missed survivor this week because of the presidential crap and the DVR didn't pick up on it! I can't wait to get my HDTV here from the other house and get back in business fully. I'm quite annoyed at this thing though, I turned it on today and somehow the cable box was muted, I have NO idea how and I couldn't figure out how to unmute it until I examined the remote control instructions closely and saw the volume and channel locks, I disabled BOTH of those and could finally unmute the cable box, there's 15 minutes of my life I'll never get back. I don't know how anybody can like this OS better than passport, pathetic would be a compliment for the search functions of this, the conflict resolution is crap (on passport, if you are trying to record something and both tuners already have something scheduled, it shows you BOTH other recordings and lets you pick which one you want to skip). Also, I don't like the fact that it doesn't rewind a speck when you are fast forwarding and hit play like Passport does... I really don't care for the recording priority screen, some shows you can move up and some shows you can't, wtf is up with that! Also, I like in passport how you can view all series and pending recordings, it just has a lot more ways to view and manage your recordings I'm finding. Also this thing won't let me turn it off while it's recording, it warns me that the action I'm trying to take will stop the recording, wtf is up with that exactly! I don't think this is the box but also I noticed that if you pause something from indemand longer than a couple of minutes it completely boots you out, and you can't resume from where you were. I do like that comcast has more HDTV channels than stupid Cox had, once I have my HDTV up here I'll be glad to have more content to watch, but I'm REALLY going to miss passport. At least these things are upgradeable so I know they will make improvements and hopefully make things work better. Thanks for the info guys, at least I know I have the right box, etc. Oh and I know for sure it was trying to make me cancel a recording if I wanted to change the channel and only one tuner was in use, I think it wanted me to use the swap button as described above, though for some reason it seems to be working ok now and will let me change channels. I'm sure I'll be lurking about as I use this more, thanks again for the input guys.
Tom

Originally posted by rreichen
I live in the Detroit area (Troy) and just switched from HD Directv to a 6208 today. I immediately went to the Comcast office to try and get a 6412 and was told that only the 6208 works with the 2-cable input that we have here in Troy. Is this BS or is the 6412 incompatible when the channels are split between 2 coax cable?
Unforunately, it is true. Until your area is updated to a single-cable system, no 6412 or decendents. I assume the second 'B' tuner is now used for the 6412's second tuner.

I have another question. I use the s-video out and converter to send the signal to coax channel 4 for my regular tv in the bedroom/kitchen. I have a mx-700 universal remot. I need to be able to switch to 480i, from 720p or 1080I. Are there any discrete codes for making this happen? If not, I think I will have to program a bunch of macros and hope the remote doesn't move while it sends all the signals.

Alright, I've gone through almost every page and no one is really talking about this.

Is there any way possible to change the 120 gb hard drive to a bigger drive (say 300gb!) This would solve so many problems. There may be a way to ghost the important files off the origional disk to a much larger one or maybe no one has even tried it at all? comcast might even be able to write the info back from home base to get it to operate. What do we need to do to get this experiment going!!!

KL

Originally posted by superbad748
Alright, I've gone through almost every page and no one is really talking about this.

Is there any way possible to change the 120 gb hard drive to a bigger drive (say 300gb!)The reason no one is talking about it, is because it can't be done at this time.

At some point, outboard hard drives connected via Firewire or USB will be enabled.

Has anyone ever gotten a Samsung SIR-T165 to sync up and recognize the 6412 via firewire? I have never been successful and I don't remember reading about this issue in this or any other thread. I tried doing a search but it said there were no results. I find that hard to believe as I am sure there is someone else here that has the 6412 and the 165 and has tried this:rolleyes:

Originally posted by superbad748
Is there any way possible to change the 120 gb hard drive to a bigger drive (say 300gb!) This would solve so many problems. There may be a way to ghost the important files off the origional disk to a much larger one or maybe no one has even tried it at all? comcast might even be able to write the info back from home base to get it to operate. What do we need to do to get this experiment going!!!KL
And if you did it, Comcast would VERY quickly find out. Remember that these boxes have two-way communications. Also, you RENT the box, not own it like a Tivo or ReplayTV. Not only could they cancel your service, but they could charge you the cost of replacing the box ($500+), or even sue you.

Originally posted by rreichen
I live in the Detroit area (Troy) and just switched from HD Directv to a 6208 today. I immediately went to the Comcast office to try and get a 6412 and was told that only the 6208 works with the 2-cable input that we have here in Troy. Is this BS or is the 6412 incompatible when the channels are split between 2 coax cable?


Unforunately, it is true. Until your area is updated to a single-cable system, no 6412 or decendents. I assume the second 'B' tuner is now used for the 6412's second tuner.


Thanks Andyross63,
I wonder if another local Comcast center will swap me a 6412 for my 6208 since I only plan on recording my digital cable feed? I don't care about recording analog anyway due to poor PQ; it goes right into my TV. Has anyone ever pulled this off? 7hrs of high def recording and a single tuner is not acceptable.

Thanks, Ron

Originally posted by andyross63
And if you did it, Comcast would VERY quickly find out. Remember that these boxes have two-way communications. Also, you RENT the box, not own it like a Tivo or ReplayTV. Not only could they cancel your service, but they could charge you the cost of replacing the box ($500+), or even sue you.

I highly doubt that comcast is going to sue for trying this...
I am just wondering if any has attempted it yet!

Has anyone had the need and been able to program the DCT 6412 volume to mimic the Microsoft MCE volume control?

Because of limited space (and no room for a TV), I am watching the 6412 programming thru the S-Video connection on my PC ATI card. Have not been able to control the PC volume with the 6412 remote. I have learned that one thing that complicates this is that the MCE remote sends like 2 signals each time a key is pressed - not sure how that works.

Any help will be much appreciated by this brand new member to this great forum.

Thanks

I just got a Samsung HLP 5663 and the 6412 box. I can output 1080i and all other resolutions over component from the 6412 to the TV but 720p (native res of the Samsung DLPs) gives essentially no picture with lots of interference.

Is 720p output supported by the 6412 over component on Comcast in Chicago? I'm wondering whether there's something wrong with the TV. I have nothing else that outputs 720p to test it. (I know that I may want to use 1080i anyway and I will also try DVI when I get a cable, but I'm concerned that something is wrong on the TV.)

(I also posted this on the local Chicago thread. Apologies if that was not appropriate. I wasn't sure which was right forum to post.)

Originally posted by DanielPZ
I just got a Samsung HLP 5663 and the 6412 box. I can output 1080i and all other resolutions over component from the 6412 to the TV but 720p (native res of the Samsung DLPs) gives essentially no picture with lots of interference.

Is 720p output supported by the 6412 over component on Comcast in Chicago?

Don't know for sure about Chicago, but here I have my 6412 set to 720p that I output via component to a Sampo CRT that can dispaly 720p (most CRT's don't have the bandwidth). Works fine for me.

- Phil

Don't recall seeing this bug reported:

It doesn't appear possible to setup two separate series recordings on two different channels if the show is named identically. Only one will appear on the priorities list.

Originally posted by Philip Klein
Don't know for sure about Chicago, but here I have my 6412 set to 720p that I output via component to a Sampo CRT that can dispaly 720p (most CRT's don't have the bandwidth). Works fine for me.

- Phil

Yes, the 6412 will convert the Comcast native 1080i signal to 720p, unless there is a problem with the 6412.

Originally posted by DanielPZ
I just got a Samsung HLP 5663 and the 6412 box. I can output 1080i and all other resolutions over component from the 6412 to the TV but 720p (native res of the Samsung DLPs) gives essentially no picture with lots of interference. Well, I helped my neighbor purchase an HDTV, and we settled on the same TV and he has the same problem using the 6412. I just left it on 1080i for him.
So I'd say your problem isn't unique. Hopefully someone has some better info on this besides just our two sightings. Maybe there is some subtle timing thing that's just barely outside the Samsung's range.

It should definitely be supported from the YPbPr outputs. I ran it this way for awhile now into numerous 720p DLP projectors.

It could be a Tri-level/bi-level sync issue. Does the Samsung accept a tri-level sync on it's YUV inputs???

Originally posted by DanielPZ
I just got a Samsung HLP 5663 and the 6412 box. I can output 1080i and all other resolutions over component from the 6412 to the TV but 720p (native res of the Samsung DLPs) gives essentially no picture with lots of interference.

Is 720p output supported by the 6412 over component on Comcast in Chicago? I'm wondering whether there's something wrong with the TV. I have nothing else that outputs 720p to test it. (I know that I may want to use 1080i anyway and I will also try DVI when I get a cable, but I'm concerned that something is wrong on the TV.)

(I also posted this on the local Chicago thread. Apologies if that was not appropriate. I wasn't sure which was right forum to post.)

This is a known problem with Samsung HLP and 720p over component inputs. You can either (a) switch the box to 1080i over component or (b) set the box to 720p and use the DVI output.

You'll find more info on this in both the Samsung HLP threads and in the old moto 6208 box thread.

Brad

I am just wondering if any has attempted it yet!

As I recall from earlier in this thread (search to find out for sure), it's been tried and it didn't work. It likely has to do with the software not being programmed to recognize a second hard drive or larger hard drive.

I can't find any information about this, I am trying to delete channels that I don't use on the program guide. I have the 6412 and love it so far. I've have both ReplayTv and Tivo, liked both of those, just no HD recording.

Anyone with any ideas for deleting channels I don't want? I know I can take away the adult channels. What about others?

Thanks! Maybe I just missed it somewhere....

One other question. I have lost power a few times and notice it takes a while for the HD channels to come up with program data. Has anyone noticed this? If so, does it affect recording if there is a quick power outage close to a recording scheduled?

Originally posted by mattpattberg
I can't find any information about this, I am trying to delete channels that I don't use on the program guide. I have the 6412 and love it so far. I've have both ReplayTv and Tivo, liked both of those, just no HD recording.

Anyone with any ideas for deleting channels I don't want? I know I can take away the adult channels. What about others?

Thanks! Maybe I just missed it somewhere....

One other question. I have lost power a few times and notice it takes a while for the HD channels to come up with program data. Has anyone noticed this? If so, does it affect recording if there is a quick power outage close to a recording scheduled?


You can not remove ch listed in the guide (yet!)

After any loss of power to the STB, the Unit must redownload the guide info. It takes anywhere from 20 min - several hours to regain all 14+ days of info.

Thanks scanpa!

Do you know if losing the program data would cause a missed recording because it wouldn't 'see' the program?

It's been my experience that the 6412 will still record something that it "knew" about before losing power and the listings, even if the recording starts before it gets any listings back. But I wouldn't test it out if you can avoid it.

Originally posted by mattpattberg
Thanks scanpa!

Do you know if losing the program data would cause a missed recording because it wouldn't 'see' the program?

Depends on the type of recording you have set. Some series recordings might not record due to the guide not having proper time slot info for the show. However if the program matches the "to be announced" time slot, you should be ok...

Anyone experiencing this problem:

I left tonight, and turned the box off. When I came home about four hours later or so, I turned the box on. There was no picture or sound or anything there. I was able to change the channel and everything, just nothing came up.

I had the same problem earlier today when I turned the TV on in the morning.

The bar on the bottom pops up displaying the channel, show, and info, but no picture at all.

This is a known issue I do believe. 6 months ago I just started to leave my box turned on all the time.

Work around is to play a DVR show you recorded... Hit stop...then the picture and sound will return.

Originally posted by etoop
This is a known issue I do believe. 6 months ago I just started to leave my box turned on all the time.

Work around is to play a DVR show you recorded... Hit stop...then the picture and sound will return.

This IS a known issue & playing a DVR show does not always work. Sometimes you just gotta unplug to re-boot!!

Originally posted by etoop
This is a known issue I do believe. 6 months ago I just started to leave my box turned on all the time.

Work around is to play a DVR show you recorded... Hit stop...then the picture and sound will return.

Dorn, I experienced this very bug a couple of weeks ago and the DVR trick worked everytime. It did this about 4-5 times and eventually it stopped doing it, the box works normally again. Hopefully this will be the case with you. I have turned my box "off" everyday since Nov and this is the only problem that I have had with it.

The general consensus is to leave the box "on" at all times though.

It did it again this morning, then realized that the last two times it did it, I started playing something I had recorded, and all worked fine again.

Would just power cycling it fix the problem, or is it something that'll fix itself in time? I don't really want to keep it on all the time since it does heat up a good amount.

The following is an excerpt from an actual OnStar call...

OnStar Rep: "Hello, how can I help you?"
Caller: "I have an unbearable headache."
OnStar Rep: "Do you have any idea why?"
Caller: "I keep banging my head on the wall."
OnStar Rep: "Hold on, I'm connecting you with a professional..."
OnStar Rep: "Hello, Doctor?"
Doctor: "How can I help you?"
OnStar Rep: "I have a headbanger on the line who has an unbearable headache."
Doctor: "Stop banging your head on the wall and life will be good."
Caller: "Thank you Doctor. And THANK YOU OnStar."

:rolleyes:

If you mean power cycling just the front power button, I don't think that works, but if you mean pulling the plug, waiting 15 seconds then plugging it back in, that works but I wouldn't recommend it as it will cause it to reset also and you'll have to wait God knows how long for it to reload all your guide data:rolleyes:

Originally posted by Dorn
It did it again this morning, then realized that the last two times it did it, I started playing something I had recorded, and all worked fine again.

Would just power cycling it fix the problem, or is it something that'll fix itself in time? I don't really want to keep it on all the time since it does heat up a good amount.

In my case it fixed itself in about a week.

You can try unplugging and plugging it back in but you will have to wait for guide data to reload as DHarp193 indicated.

Turning the unit "off" really only shuts off the display. If heat is a concern then you may want to have it swapped for another box. Personally, I wouldn't worry about the heat as long as it's ventilated properly and the unit is working correctly. You can check the HD temp by going into the diagnostic menu and scrolling down to d13 PVR/HDD STATUS and checking the temp, mine runs about 115 to 117.

Yeah, I meant unplugging it and plugging it back in.

Speaking of the diagnostic menu, what's the proper way to get into that menu? I watched a tech do it when we were trying to get our VOD working, but I forgot how now.

One more question. Anyone have anything sitting on top of the box itself?

Originally posted by Dorn
Yeah, I meant unplugging it and plugging it back in.

Speaking of the diagnostic menu, what's the proper way to get into that menu? I watched a tech do it when we were trying to get our VOD working, but I forgot how now.

One more question. Anyone have anything sitting on top of the box itself?

Hit the power button to turn the box off, then immediately hit OK/SELECT, the diag menu should come up. Use the up, down and select keys to navigate. When done, hit the power button twice and the box will turn back on.

I would not put anything directly on top of this box. I would give it at least 2" of space, preferably more.

Alrighty, my box is running about 117 degrees.

I was just checking to see if anyone had anything sitting on top of the box. I have the box sitting on top of a DVD player for right now, until I figure out something else. Haven't used the DVD player since I got the box.

i went from a single tuner to duel last week and had major problems

1st box had big green flashes
2-4 box i have no VOD or PPV movies

the came out yesterday for the 5th time and said there is nothing they could do but the interesting part is they said im about the only one complaining about these problems

also when i put the first program to record its already at 3% even though it only recorded for 1 min

any help in how to get VOD Or PPV or is it a major bug . ALso has comcast gave anything to people as in a discount or free month to people how have had these problems. THe tech said yesterday they will not replace the box anymore cause they had 2 boxes in their truck yesterday and both of them wouldnt work with VOD

and one last question as time in the hard drive .. how much time can you record .. im guessing around 70 hours on digital and around 43 on analog. i was getting 32 hours on the single turner on analog and around 50 on digital and that was only a 80 gig hard drive since this is 120 i should get 50% more RIGHT??

thanks for the help

Originally posted by slidecage
also when i put the first program to record its already at 3% even though it only recorded for 1 min

My box seems to be working fine, and I have recorded just a ten second clip or so and it said 3% was taken up. I think it is still fine. If I go on to record an hour HD show it takes up about 9%.

From them not replacing the box. Maybe just cancel DVR and in a week call up and say you can't live without it, and try again? I don't know...

I am so pissed. I had Lost set to record last night and it recorded everything else but Lost. I had checked the scheduled recordings list two days ago and it was there. I had originally had a conflict where I had Lost, Alias and Smallville set to record - when I went to schedule Jack & Bobby it said there was a conflict with Lost. I got around the conflict by setting a manual recording to begin at 9:01. All four were set to record. It's times like these that I wish the DVR had a history function so I could see what went wrong. Not that it would help matters, but it would help in figuring out that I didn't screw something up.

The Lost/Alias/something else problem is well known, and it often crops up on the day of the recordings. I always check the scheduled recordings page on Wednesdays just to make sure it still looks ok. About once a month or so it will be messed up. Sometimes it will actually show 3 shows set to record at the same time - when you see that you know it is time to rebuild the timers yet again. I have 4 events set up for the 9pm Eastern Wednesdays slot and the 6412 doesn't always sort them out right even though I have the priorities clearly set.

I always check my Wednesday night schedule -- Lost/Alias/Smallville/Revelations are all being recorded, and although all 4 can be scheduled with just 2 tuners, occasionally one gets dropped. Usually, just shuffling the order in the series recording priority list will correct the issue, although I haven't quite figured out the logic behind it (if there is any, that is. ;))

Call me crazy. I record everything on my VCR in the other room as a back up.

Funny my VCR...

A. Doesn't lock up
B. Show a blank screen with no audio when I turn it on
C. Doesn't have any FF or RW issues
D. Doesn't take two seconds to figure out I hit a button on the remote
E. Doesn't have to be rebooted. At all.
F. Doesn't Mute when it is off and records.
G. Doesn't need a day to load any data

You know what my VCR is? Reliable.

Hello? Hello??? Is this thing on???? Hello???

Anyone having any problems with their DVR lately? For some odd reason when I switch tuners the picture on one of the tuners goes black and I have to switch the channel to get the picture back. The same thing happens when I watch a recorded program, the previous program I was watching comes back frozen. I'm wondering if this is a poor signal issue or something else.

I know this has been mentioned several times here but I want to add my two cents. I've only had my 6412 for a couple months and I was about ready to throw it back in favor of my good 'ol TiVo because of it's unreliability and quirkiness. I was lamost scared to leave the house when a recording was going to happen due to fear of errors when changing channels.

I then read here about the Motorola cable booster two weeks ago. I put one in right before splitting the signal around the house and I haven't had one problem since.

Good point JonV. I have a RS two way digital amp in line right at the drop and I have the same results. I think maybe some of these issues can be rectified with a good signal.

I hate vcr recordings... I would have to buy a DVHS to get the HD... I hate sd...

I will build a HTPC before I buy a dvhs though...

Originally posted by markjrenna
Call me crazy. I record everything on my VCR in the other room as a back up.

Funny my VCR...

A. Doesn't lock up
B. Show a blank screen with no audio when I turn it on
C. Doesn't have any FF or RW issues
D. Doesn't take two seconds to figure out I hit a button on the remote
E. Doesn't have to be rebooted. At all.
F. Doesn't Mute when it is off and records.
G. Doesn't need a day to load any data

You know what my VCR is? Reliable.

Hello? Hello??? Is this thing on???? Hello???

What is a VCR? :rolleyes: :D

Originally posted by Mike20878
I am so pissed. I had Lost set to record last night and it recorded everything else but Lost. I had checked the scheduled recordings list two days ago and it was there. I had originally had a conflict where I had Lost, Alias and Smallville set to record - when I went to schedule Jack & Bobby it said there was a conflict with Lost. I got around the conflict by setting a manual recording to begin at 9:01. All four were set to record. It's times like these that I wish the DVR had a history function so I could see what went wrong. Not that it would help matters, but it would help in figuring out that I didn't screw something up.

I do not know if it's the same across the country, but on the west coast Lost ends at 9:01 and Alias starts at 9:01 and ends at 10:01. This means that you can only record ONE other program at 8, 9 and 10. So if you schedule 2 other recordings at 8 or 9 manually or series, and they have higher priority than Lost, Lost is lost.

Blame ABC not the DVR software...!

Excellent point!!! That makes total sense and I am surprised no one thought of that, including me:rolleyes:

Originally posted by JonV
I then read here about the Motorola cable booster two weeks ago. I put one in right before splitting the signal around the house and I haven't had one problem since.

I also installed the Motorola booster about 2 weeks ago (before a three way split of my signal). It solved my HD breakup issues that rendered some HD channels and recordings unwatchable at times. I have not had a single breakup since.

It also significantly improved the analog channel quality. On most channels, I can no longer tell the difference between analog and digital channels.

About the only problem I still have is the occasional loss of audio on analog channels (and yes, I leave the box on all the time). Usually the problem is solved by switching to a HD channel and back. If this doesn't work, turning the box off and back on fixes the problem.

Anyone care to give out some actual model numbers on both the Motorola and Radio Shack Booster?

Originally posted by markjrenna
Anyone care to give out some actual model numbers on both the Motorola and Radio Shack Booster?

Mine is a Motorola 484095-001-00 Signal Booster. I ordered from Amazon for a pretty good price.

Originally posted by keenan
I would not put anything directly on top of this box. I would give it at least 2" of space, preferably more.
According to the instructions, Motorola would agree. :)

Originally posted by markjrenna
Anyone care to give out some actual model numbers on both the Motorola and Radio Shack Booster?
I use the Radio Shack Cat # 15-2505.

Originally posted by ptchristensen
I do not know if it's the same across the country, but on the west coast Lost ends at 9:01 and Alias starts at 9:01 and ends at 10:01. This means that you can only record ONE other program at 8, 9 and 10. So if you schedule 2 other recordings at 8 or 9 manually or series, and they have higher priority than Lost, Lost is lost.

Blame ABC not the DVR software...!

A little from column A, a little from column B...

In my case, it's something wonky with the DVR's scheduling logic. I have Lost (8:00->9:01 on ABC), Alias (9:01->10:01 on ABC), Smallville (8:00->9:00 on WB), and Revelations (9:00->10:00 on NBC.) Nothing at all at 10:00, and no other shows between 8:00 and 10:01. Despite this, sometimes the DVR sees a conflict that isn't there and fails to schedule one of them, which is corrected by mucking about with the priorities. It's not always the lowest-priority show that fails to schedule, either.

Not that I think the off-by-a-minute scheduling tricks are anything other than evil, of course. ;)

Originally posted by keenan
I would not put anything directly on top of this box. I would give it at least 2" of space, preferably more.

I've always found it ironic that most high-tech components want plenty of ventilation on all side, but all have very short feet.

anyone know why VOD and PPVS dont work with this DVR

Originally posted by Kaiser-Soze
I've always found it ironic that most high-tech components want plenty of ventilation on all side, but all have very short feet.

Heat rises. :)

Originally posted by markjrenna
Anyone care to give out some actual model numbers on both the Motorola and Radio Shack Booster?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000066E6Y/002-1360710-6409623?v=glance
Amazon.com: Electronics: Motorola 484095-001-00 Signal Booster

Originally posted by slidecage
anyone know why VOD and PPVS dont work with this DVR

You have to be a little more specific on what you have done so far...

First of all it takes one to two hours before all the basic menu information is downloaded - then another 12-24 hours for the 2 weeks programming.

You should then see a ON icon in the fast menu and an ON DEMAND button in the main menu.

Second - do you know for a fact that VOD is available in your area.

Originally posted by keenan
Heat rises. :)

OK, I'll give you that :p

So the heat of the receiver can come into the cablebox?

Guys please help me out, I recently bought the new westinghouse 30 inch tv's. It is 1280 X 768. I had my 6214 outputting 1080i and 4:3 overide to off. Now what *should* i be setting these to. I read through 40 pages of this thread didnt really see anything and when i saw there were 210 pages i said screw it i'll just ask.

PLEASE NOTE I HAVE NOT CALIBRATED THE TV WITH AVIA OR DVE, just with my eye i will be picking up the dick this weekend.

Now according to my eyes:

1080i and 720p look the same. Only difference is 720 makes my picture jump occasionaly and i get flickering at the top of the screen (like some lines will flicker at the very top, like first 3 lines of the pic) when i am viewing a high def channel. On All other channels it looks fine, no flickering. 1080 is flawless on high def channels. I called westinghouse and they said they have had people calling about this problem when used with a moto box. He says its not the tv if it was all channels would flicker at all times not just when the moto was set to 720? BS or what, should i be concerned?

For the 4:3 overide:

Off produces a regular 4:3 image
480i produces a lighter picture
480p produces what seems to be more detail but also darker colors. Wish i could have the light colors of the 480i with detail of 480p.

Will i be able to fix this if i calibrate the colors with the avia or dve disc?


PLEASE HELP

VOD is here but when i got to the Main VOD channel

gets to active press okay then it goes please wait channel will be shortly but then it just right back to active service press okay. This is has been going on for over a week and i was never able to get VOD Or PPV ever since i got the DVR none of the cable techs can figure it out they gave up

Totally bizarre 6412 behavior...

OK, I know lots of others have the problem where they get no video or audio when they turn on their 6412 until they play a recording. I had this problem for several weeks. As I reported on this thread, the problem suddenly went away! I never leave my 6412 on, so I attributed the fix to a middle-of-the-night firmware upgrade. (I'm not sure if such things happen, but I'm willing to believe they exist, if they explain otherwise miraculous events!) After a few weeks of working perfectly, however, the video and audio is gone again! WTF?!?!?!?!?!?!

Originally posted by pollofrito22
Guys please help me out, I recently bought the new westinghouse 30 inch tv's. It is 1280 X 768. I had my 6214 outputting 1080i and 4:3 overide to off. Now what *should* i be setting these to. I read through 40 pages of this thread didnt really see anything and when i saw there were 210 pages i said screw it i'll just ask.

PLEASE NOTE I HAVE NOT CALIBRATED THE TV WITH AVIA OR DVE, just with my eye i will be picking up the dick this weekend.

Now according to my eyes:

1080i and 720p look the same. Only difference is 720 makes my picture jump occasionaly and i get flickering at the top of the screen (like some lines will flicker at the very top, like first 3 lines of the pic) when i am viewing a high def channel. On All other channels it looks fine, no flickering. 1080 is flawless on high def channels. I called westinghouse and they said they have had people calling about this problem when used with a moto box. He says its not the tv if it was all channels would flicker at all times not just when the moto was set to 720? BS or what, should i be concerned?

For the 4:3 overide:

Off produces a regular 4:3 image
480i produces a lighter picture
480p produces what seems to be more detail but also darker colors. Wish i could have the light colors of the 480i with detail of 480p.

Will i be able to fix this if i calibrate the colors with the avia or dve disc?


PLEASE HELP

Sounds like maybe an overscan adjustment. If everything looks good at 1080i that's what I would run.

As far as 480p, try adjusting the contrast a bit to lighten up the colors. And yes, doing a bit of calibration certainly couldn't hurt.

Originally posted by slidecage
VOD is here but when i got to the Main VOD channel

gets to active press okay then it goes please wait channel will be shortly but then it just right back to active service press okay. This is has been going on for over a week and i was never able to get VOD Or PPV ever since i got the DVR none of the cable techs can figure it out they gave up

The just gave up?? Has a tech come out to the house and checked for signal strength?

Do you have any splitters in the cable feed that do not go up to at least 860MHz? Make sure you are using ones that are capable of 860MHz or even 1GHz.

Originally posted by slidecage
anyone know why VOD and PPVS dont work with this DVR
Comcast in Massachusetts told me that mine doesn't work because VOD and PPV is only available with the Digital Channels package. I've only paid for basic cable, which include HD OTA channels digitally.

Perhaps your service package just doesn't include VOD and PPVS.

Originally posted by pollofrito22
..., just with my eye i will be picking up the dick this weekend...


PLEASE HELP



Don'tcha think that's just a little bit too much personal information for this forum:eek: :p

Damn, impotence sucks:(!!!

Originally posted by pollofrito22

For the 4:3 overide:

Off produces a regular 4:3 image
480i produces a lighter picture
480p produces what seems to be more detail but also darker colors. Wish i could have the light colors of the 480i with detail of 480p.

Will i be able to fix this if i calibrate the colors with the avia or dve disc?


PLEASE HELP

All kidding aside, the reason 480i is lighter is because it uses NTSC setup of 7.5 IRE for the black level, therefore giving you a brighter pix.

For 480p, it's still NTSC per se', but it uses a black level of 0 IRE, like DVDs offer now, and like PAL, SECAM and Japanese NTSC have used for years. Hence the darker pix and colors. Just recalibrate and all will be well.

Thanks guys for the specific signal booster model numbers. Not sure I have a signal problem since I don't experience audio drop outs or pixelization issues.

My only real problem is my 4-5am/pm lock up. I don't know what more to try so maybe the signal booster as a last resort.

I am getting the DVR tomorrow. They will be replacing a um 5100 STB. Will I see a better or worse HD Picutre? I know from reading the forum that SD will not be as good right? I do have the Cablecard so watching live tv will still look great. I have comcast in NJ near NYC.

I am getting the DVR tomorrow. They will be replacing a um 5100 STB. Will I see a better or worse HD Picutre? I know from reading the forum that SD will not be as good right? I do have the Cablecard so watching live tv will still look great.

Originally posted by markjrenna
My only real problem is my 4-5am/pm lock up. I don't know what more to try so maybe the signal booster as a last resort. Hey mark, did you ever try swapping out the box? One of my 6412s had the 4:50/4:20 freeze problem and I replaced it a month or so ago and no freeze ups since. The problem developed after 4-5 months of trouble free operation and the other 6412 is still trouble free. btw..They are both plugged into the same UPS and have the same cable feeding them.

Originally posted by TooLittleTimeZZZ
Comcast in Massachusetts told me that mine doesn't work because VOD and PPV is only available with the Digital Channels package. I've only paid for basic cable, which include HD OTA channels digitally.

Perhaps your service package just doesn't include VOD and PPVS.
That is the statement I've been waiting to hear. I think it sucks, but at least they have admitted it. I have your same setup and have suspected this for a while, but never found any proof.

The last tech that came out told me EVERYONE gets VOD. So I asked, where is mine? He said it might not be in my neighborhood yet. I said, my neighbor has it. He said, he's probably on a different head end. I said, thanks for that insightful information. I thought, I don't know what you get paid, but it is way too much.

Originally posted by iblaineman
I am getting the DVR tomorrow. They will be replacing a um 5100 STB. Will I see a better or worse HD Picutre? I know from reading the forum that SD will not be as good right? I do have the Cablecard so watching live tv will still look great.
I thougt my SD got better. With the 5100 and the single tuner dvr, the pq was so bad I couldn't/wouldn't watch SD. With the 6412, it still stinks, but at least it is watchable. I haven't noticed any HD difference.

Originally posted by tall1
Hey mark, did you ever try swapping out the box? One of my 6412s had the 4:50/4:20 freeze problem and I replaced it a month or so ago and no freeze ups since. The problem developed after 4-5 months of trouble free operation and the other 6412 is still trouble free. btw..They are both plugged into the same UPS and have the same cable feeding them. Yes. This is the second 6412. Should I get a third?

Maybe you could PM me your serial numbers. Maybe there will be some telling difference compared to mine. Just a thought.

Originally posted by markjrenna
Yes. This is the second 6412. Should I get a third?

Maybe you could PM me your serial numbers. Maybe there will be some telling difference compared to mine. Just a thought. Will do when I get home tonight. Too bad I didn't record the serial number of the one that was swapped out. I thought it was telling that one started to have all the weird problems that have been posted countless times here and one has worked perfectly.

no VOD here

they came out 5 times with 4 different boxes and not 1 of the boxes would allow VOD so they just gave up and said either pick the DVR box or VOD though a normal box. I have everything comcast has to offer and paynig around 110 per month i think its kind of bull that comcast has the right to tell people either pick the DVR or VOD cause you cant have both.

they even called the main boss and they couldnt figure out what the problem is, the lied new lines check the signle and the boxes and everything is working they just have no clue why VOD wont work

im going to call them back in june and see if they got it fixxed yet if not im going to try to request that they Wave the DVR box fees until they get the problem fixxed

Originally posted by thommy
No video/audio when turning box on, even with perhaps latest firmware ...

It's a bug. The solution is to never turn the box off. Turning it off only turns off the front display and outputs, anyway. The hard drive keeps going, the guide keeps updating, messages keep incoming and recordings keep happening.

Originally posted by nielloeb
It's a bug. The solution is to never turn the box off. Turning it off only turns off the front display and outputs, anyway. The hard drive keeps going, the guide keeps updating, messages keep incoming and recordings keep happening.

But it's a bug that was 100% reproducible for many weeks and then went away completely for many weeks and now is back again.

What could've happened during those several weeks when the bug was nowhere to be seen???

Originally posted by slidecage
no VOD here

they came out 5 times with 4 different boxes and not 1 of the boxes would allow VOD so they just gave up and said either pick the DVR box or VOD though a normal box. I have everything comcast has to offer and paynig around 110 per month i think its kind of bull that comcast has the right to tell people either pick the DVR or VOD cause you cant have both.

they even called the main boss and they couldnt figure out what the problem is, the lied new lines check the signle and the boxes and everything is working they just have no clue why VOD wont work

im going to call them back in june and see if they got it fixxed yet if not im going to try to request that they Wave the DVR box fees until they get the problem fixxed

I would fight them for TWO boxes then. It is not your fault that their tech does not work. They should give you TWO boxes for the same price as if you had everything on one box.

Originally posted by slidecage
no VOD here

they came out 5 times with 4 different boxes and not 1 of the boxes would allow VOD so they just gave up and said either pick the DVR box or VOD though a normal box. I have everything comcast has to offer and paynig around 110 per month i think its kind of bull that comcast has the right to tell people either pick the DVR or VOD cause you cant have both.

they even called the main boss and they couldnt figure out what the problem is, the lied new lines check the signle and the boxes and everything is working they just have no clue why VOD wont work
By no VOD, do you have menus, but nothing will play (just a blank screen?) If so, it's some sort of incompatibility. I had the same problem for 2-3 months after getting my 6412, and then it suddenly started working. I think it was the same time the preview video became a continuous loop you pick up in the middle of on instead of starting from the beginning every time.

If you do have the blank screen, try sending the box's MUTE command twice (if you don't have a specific key set, press and release setup, then type 00141 to turn on mute, then do it again to unmute.)

Someone once posted their original box worked. That was replaced for something, and VOD didn't work. Another replacement also didn't work. Finally, the 4th one did.

Originally posted by thommy
Totally bizarre 6412 behavior...

OK, I know lots of others have the problem where they get no video or audio when they turn on their 6412 until they play a recording. I had this problem for several weeks. As I reported on this thread, the problem suddenly went away! I never leave my 6412 on, so I attributed the fix to a middle-of-the-night firmware upgrade. (I'm not sure if such things happen, but I'm willing to believe they exist, if they explain otherwise miraculous events!) After a few weeks of working perfectly, however, the video and audio is gone again! WTF?!?!?!?!?!?!
Don't PANIC! Just turn off the box, wait a few seconds, then unplug it. Wait a few more seconds, then plug it back in. Wait a minute, then turn it on. You will only lose your guide data, and that will fill in over a few hours.

Originally posted by andyross63
Don't PANIC! Just turn off the box, wait a few seconds, then unplug it. Wait a few more seconds, then plug it back in. Wait a minute, then turn it on. You will only lose your guide data, and that will fill in over a few hours.

I'm not panicking. I just think it's highly strange that the problem was resolved... apparently... for a few weeks and then came back suddenly! It's actually not that much work to start a DVR recording and then stop it to get the picture and sound back. Much less annoying than losing the Guide for a couple of hours!

You're lucky you don't have my 4:20am/4:50pm lockup problem. I used to have a nice head of hair before I got this DVR.

Originally posted by slidecage
no VOD here

they came out 5 times with 4 different boxes and not 1 of the boxes would allow VOD so they just gave up and said either pick the DVR box or VOD though a normal box. I have everything comcast has to offer and paynig around 110 per month i think its kind of bull that comcast has the right to tell people either pick the DVR or VOD cause you cant have both.

they even called the main boss and they couldnt figure out what the problem is, the lied new lines check the signle and the boxes and everything is working they just have no clue why VOD wont work

im going to call them back in june and see if they got it fixxed yet if not im going to try to request that they Wave the DVR box fees until they get the problem fixxed

This totally sux... I would definitely demand something in return. It's not your fault. I myself don't care too much for the VOD... It hardly ever works just right for me. Always seems to freeze up. Plus in my area all the HD VOD is more money... don't care for that either. I hate SD....

Originally posted by mattpattberg
This totally sux... I would definitely demand something in return. It's not your fault. I myself don't care too much for the VOD... It hardly ever works just right for me. Always seems to freeze up. Plus in my area all the HD VOD is more money... don't care for that either. I hate SD....
I got our 6412 a few weeks ago. The few times I tried VOD it froze the box everytime I tried to do something I was watching, like pause, switch to something else, etc. Once or twice I could watch a program stright thru.
In a way glad I saw this post and now know it isn't just me. (Misery loves company?<G>)
I have become addicted to the other functions on this box. We try to watch nothing but HD. We timeshift almost everything. The few network programs we watch are much easy to skip thru than our old VCR method. Programming the remote to do 30 second skips has made that skip the most used button.
I now watch "live" sports by setting the event to record. Just got thru watching the A's beat the Yankees. Started at 4. I didn't start watching until about 4:45. I skip thru all the between inning commercials and pitching changes. Since it takes about 30 seconds between an out and the next ptich to the new batter, I sometimes skip then also - altho sometimes miss the first pitch. By the end of the 3hr. 25 min. game (10 innings). I was virtually caught up to real time - mainly because the start was delayed by 20 min. by rain.

Comcast's rates are much higher than sat. If BEV (Canaddian DBS) gets a DVR in the next few months, will upgrade that. (Just have their basic HD box that isn't used much now w. the 6412 available.) Now that VOOM is gone, they offer the most HD. If D* starts offering more HD, may go with them. DISH still doesn't offer much at all. I don't consider the few VOOM channels they added worth much.
...mike

Originally posted by markjrenna
You're lucky you don't have my 4:20am/4:50pm lockup problem. I used to have a nice head of hair before I got this DVR. Mark, if you get to the point of wanting to swap out the box (losing all your recordings and settings) then instead try the full erase sequence (I think you know it or can find it here). The results will be the same as a box swap, you'll lose everything and have to start over, but I'll bet it also fixes the lockups the same as a box swap would. My theory is that something gets corrupted and the full erase will probably clear it.

Originally posted by technut Canada
Mark, if you get to the point of wanting to swap out the box (losing all your recordings and settings) then instead try the full erase sequence (I think you know it or can find it here). The results will be the same as a box swap, you'll lose everything and have to start over, but I'll bet it also fixes the lockups the same as a box swap would. My theory is that something gets corrupted and the full erase will probably clear it.

Yeah. I am thinking that that is my next option. That is the only thing I have not tried.

I turned the box off at 12am to find it locked today at 4:29am.

I'm 50% full and trying to watch everything and or dump it to VHS so I'll have to try and expedite my viewing. I'll report back, of course.

Originally posted by thommy It's actually not that much work to start a DVR recording and then stop it to get the picture and sound back. Much less annoying than losing the Guide for a couple of hours!
Unless you watch TV 24 hours, just find a time to do it. I've had it happen twice in the morning. I just do it before I leave for work, and everything is back to normal by the time I'm back home. You can also try it overnight. I've done it only 5 minutes before a scheduled recording, and that started even though the guide hadn't even gotten the channel names yet!!

Just got the 2 tuner dvr--love it. HD stations are great pq but channels 1-99 seem to have splashy noise at the top. I tried centering on my display (didn't solve it) and I tried on my cable set top box adjustment. This did not seem to even have an effect.

Anybody have this issue

Did anyone ever figure out how to delete a phantom 1999 recording? I've had one sitting in my box for a couple of months now. I tried deleting all other recordings but still couldn't delete it. I tried unplugging. It's not a big deal but I don't want the box to feel all smug because it outsmarted me.

I think a full factory re-set is the only thing that will get rid of those phantom recordings.

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.

Originally posted by markjrenna
You're lucky you don't have my 4:20am/4:50pm lockup problem. I used to have a nice head of hair before I got this DVR.

Lucky? Maybe, but I haven't had a nice head of hair in years! :D

Originally posted by andyross63
Unless you watch TV 24 hours, just find a time to do it. I've had it happen twice in the morning. I just do it before I leave for work, and everything is back to normal by the time I'm back home. You can also try it overnight. I've done it only 5 minutes before a scheduled recording, and that started even though the guide hadn't even gotten the channel names yet!!

Good suggestion! I will give this a try!

Originally posted by theob
Just got the 2 tuner dvr--love it. HD stations are great pq but channels 1-99 seem to have splashy noise at the top. I tried centering on my display (didn't solve it) and I tried on my cable set top box adjustment. This did not seem to even have an effect.

Anybody have this issue
The screen adjustment on the box is for the MENUS, not the video. I've found on my box that analog channels on tuner 1 are a bit low (tuner 2 seems to be perfectly centered, compared with the TV's own tuner). That 'splashy' noise you see is the closed captioning information, and maybe other stuff. Either you box is WAY off, or your TV has very low overscan. I have about 3%, and it's just barely off the screen.

Before I had the 6412, I had a 5100 with a similar issue. I used the TV's vertical position adjustment to tweak it up just enough to hide it. Luckily, it was only 1 or 2 clicks up to hide it, but even maximum up wasn't quite centered. Hopefully your TV has that ability. Otherwise, either see if a different box will fix it, or wait for digital simulcasting, which will hopefully fix it. On my box, digital channels are very slighly shifted UP (both tuners are the same).

Originally posted by markjrenna
Yeah. I am thinking that that is my next option. That is the only thing I have not tried.

I turned the box off at 12am to find it locked today at 4:29am.

I'm 50% full and trying to watch everything and or dump it to VHS so I'll have to try and expedite my viewing. I'll report back, of course.

Well after 1 month of flawless operation. I had the 4:20/50 am/pm lockup problem...for about 7 days straight no matter if I left the box on or off.
The day I posted here about it the next morning it did not lock up and hasn't since. I just got back from a weeks vacation and it had everything recorded fine, the only problem was I ran out of space and I lost a CSI from 2 weeks ago that it erased because I manually recorded it as 'with out a trace' because of the Presedential news Conf.

So I have no idea why it fixed itself, I am still on Firmware 9.12.

The only possible thing I can think of was we were going through a warm spell for those 7 days, then the day it stopped locking up it was a bit cooler. But I kind of ruled that out because it was very hot the week after they installed it. I have good ventilation on the sides and top.

just crossing my fingers for now.

Duh on my part. The comcast tech reset my 'non hd channel' box setting to 480p. I've always had it set at 480i on my non dvr box. I reset it to 480i and all is well again.

Originally posted by markjrenna
You're lucky you don't have my 4:20am/4:50pm lockup problem. I used to have a nice head of hair before I got this DVR.

I have the exact same problem. Any solutions found this as yet?

I did some research on the ethernet jack.

When the 6412 is plugged into a switch or router, the connection light is lit. -> it has power

When a pc is connected to a 6412 with a crossover cable and the pc is set to have an ip 1 greater or less than the 6412, there is no connection. Attempts to ping it or port scan it fail.

same results when a router is configured to the same subnet as the ip of the 6412 and the pc is given an ip on the same subnet.

So I dont understand, what does the ethernet port do? I can find an ip address in the diagnostics screen. Interstingly, it is a 10.xxx.xxx.xxx address. I thought these were not routable on the net. So why does my box have a non-routable ip?

unless the ethernet port is really not for the internet and has nothing to do with tcp/ip but some other proprietary protocol. How does one go about analyzing thiis thing?

stefan


PS: video on demand just started working here for me 3 days after switching to comcast in MA. The VOD quaality is quite compressed with obvious artifacts (ringing, macroblocking) but on a par with what i was seeing in my directivo. The regular channels are way clearer than what i was getting with the directivo. Homer simpsons face has a better complexion, no ringing or artifacts now on the hdtv. The directivo was giving me a headache.

I think the IP address listed in the diagnostics screen is the one the box is using on its cable modem connection for VOD type stuff. (yes the 6412 has a cable modem built in too I think). I think also that Motorola is working on some system for letting the 6412 work as a video server so you can watch recordings on other TVs in the house by transferring data using this cable modem setup... I saw something on their website about this a while back.

I have a question. I am using the 6412 and set a "series" recording schedule for the show "24". So far it has been flawless, however I believe the season finale will be a 2 hour special. Will the 6412 record for the full 2 hours or do I need to set up a manual recording to capture the entire show?

Thanks,

Originally posted by JTMav
I have a question. I am using the 6412 and set a "series" recording schedule for the show "24". So far it has been flawless, however I believe the season finale will be a 2 hour special. Will the 6412 record for the full 2 hours or do I need to set up a manual recording to capture the entire show?

Thanks,

It should record it. I have Enterprise set on series and I checked last night, it is recording both hours.
The same should be true for 24. You can look at the guide, or go to settings - dvr- future recordings and look.

The 6412 goes off the information in the guide to schedule recordings so, yes, it will see that the finale is a different length and record the whole show with the extra time and all. It has no problem with American Idol, which switches between 1 hour shows and 30 minute shows on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, respectively.

Just be careful if there should be a last minute change in the guide. The recording schedule won't update automatically. There was an issue with "American Idol" (at least I think that was the show) where the show for a certain day changed from 30 minutes to 1 hour after it had already appeared in the guide as a 30 minute show. The guide was updated a day or two in advance but the scheduler didn't change the length of the recording. An issue like that might be cleared up if you were to cancel and then reschedule the recording. Or it might not :|

The 6412 has been very reliable for me and has never failed to record a show, but it doesn't seem as "smart" as our DirecTiVo about schedule changes and such things.

Originally posted by beanagee1
I have the exact same problem. Any solutions found this as yet? No solution yet. I'm going to try the hard reset as soon as I clear my DVR. You can try it if you want. The instructions are a few posts back.

Please report back if you do.

yeah, i had a similar problem. I had it set to record 'tomorrow never dies' in HD but i got 'ronin' instead. same channel, same time slot so i imagine it was a programming change that the guide never picked up. Still its better than the hd guide that the directivo used to produce-that one was full of blanks.

Note too you have to keep an watch for news programs that pre-empt regularly scheduled programming. The preident's news conference a couple weeks ago threw my recordings for that night into disarray because the guide didn't get it in time.

In various forums the frustration with networks scheduling not standard start/stop times (with say 62 and 58 minute broadcasts) has been discussed.

On a one tuner DVR this makes it impossible for a season paas to automatically record a competitors show with a slight overlap. This may be the reason the networks do this.

On a two tuner DVR like the 6412 that problem is somewhat relieved, since it can record both even if there is an overlap. That said, there seems to be an annoying bug on the 6412. In the case:

Network A: 62 MIN | 58 MIN
Netowrk B 60 MIN | 60 MIN

With season passes to all 4 shows, it should be able to record all 4 automatically.
In practice I find it does not record the 58 MIN show.

Apparenlty the 6412 scheduler checks hour by hour and sees 3 programs scheduled in the second hour. It doesn't seem to help to manually toggle the 58 minute entry.

Actually in that case I find my 6412 will record all 4 shows if things are "arranged" correctly. It seems to have something to do with what order the series recordings have been created, or perhaps their priority. Sometimes it will stop working and only show 3 shows to be recorded in that situation, but I find that if I delete the series recordings of the off-hour shows and then recreate them that that will fix the problem and let all 4 get recorded again.

By the way, thanks to the person who mentioned that adjusting the screen position on the 6412 doesn't actually affect the position of the video. I used this successfully to move the flipbar up high enough so that it isn't covering up a useful part of the cable news feed I fast forward through every morning. This is a good hack until they fix the flipbar so you can actually move it to the top of the screen.

Originally posted by markjrenna
Call me crazy. I record everything on my VCR in the other room as a back up.

Funny my VCR...

A. Doesn't lock up
B. Show a blank screen with no audio when I turn it on
C. Doesn't have any FF or RW issues
D. Doesn't take two seconds to figure out I hit a button on the remote
E. Doesn't have to be rebooted. At all.
F. Doesn't Mute when it is off and records.
G. Doesn't need a day to load any data

You know what my VCR is? Reliable.

Funny my DVR...

A) Doesn't eat Tapes
B) Records with great picture and sound quality
C) FF and RW's really fast and smoothly without lines
D) Can't argue with this one :)
E) Might need to be rebooted every couple of months (but it is a lot more sophisticated then my VCR
F) I don't turn mine OFF Issue resolved
G) Stores days of information in the unit for me to search and record from.

You know what my DVR is a great invention
You know what, I don't own a VCR anymore!!!!
:D

I am looking for a inexpensive remote control that will work well with the Motorola 6412 DVR. I want to keep one in the bedroom and one in the kitchen so I can control the DVR remotely over my A\V distribution system that has IR over the coaxial so I don't need any kind of RF capability. I searched and saw one recommendation for the OneForAll 8810. Wanted to see if there were any other recommendations.

Thanks in advance.

Originally posted by karos
I did some research on the ethernet jack....
I have never messed with the ethernet jack on the 6412, but one thing you might try. Unplug the 6412, connect it to your router using a regular cable (not cross over) then plug in the 6412.

A long shot, but I have a Sony HS-51 projector which has an Ethernet port on it. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out why it would not connect to my router, then someone in these forums reported that it would only broadcast and connect to a router right after it it was plugged in! Cycling the power is not enough, you actually have to unplug it. I tried it and it immediately connected to my router and showed up in the list of connected devices.

Originally posted by karos
I did some research on the ethernet jack
I've read it is a standard DOCSIS cable modem. It just isn't enabled and authorized. It's like the A/V inputs, USB ports, card slots, etc... It's up to Comcast to enable and support them if they see a need and a profit.

I just recieved my DVR and so far so good. Without changing any of the settings on my Panasonic ED Plasma the Cable Card looks a lot better.

I watched the video on how to use the DVR and it said only 15 minutes of HD buffering. It seems to be quit a bit more then that.

A buddy of mine just had a 6412 installed the other day and it came with firmware v9.17. Mine still has 9.12. Does anyone know if the latest firmware (either 9.15 or 9.17) has addressed any of the known issues with the 6412 (freezing to be specific)?

Originally posted by Skarpachi
A buddy of mine just had a 6412 installed the other day and it came with firmware v9.17. Mine still has 9.12. Does anyone know if the latest firmware (either 9.15 or 9.17) has addressed any of the known issues with the 6412 (freezing to be specific)? I'm curious myself. Anyone with 9.17. Are there any obvious difference/fixes???

Originally posted by markjrenna
I'm curious myself. Anyone with 9.17. Are there any obvious difference/fixes???

markjrenna,

Did you ever have 9.12? If so, have you noticed any differences with 9.15?

And a related question: How does one get an upgrade in firmware? Must we wait for Comcast to push it?

Originally posted by Skarpachi
markjrenna,

Did you ever have 9.12? If so, have you noticed any differences with 9.15? Yes I did. 9.15 mainly corrected issues with Analog channels in regards to freezing and run away FF/REW.

FW is pushed by each HE. FW is sent incrementally so systems can report positive and or negative feedback. Once all seems well with a particular version of FW then it will be sent to everyone.

Originally posted by markjrenna
Yes I did. 9.15 mainly corrected issues with Analog channels in regards to freezing and run away FF/REW.

FW is pushed by each HE. FW is sent incrementally so systems can report positive and or negative feedback. Once all seems well with a particular version of FW then it will be sent to everyone.
I also think a lot has to do with your headend and/or neighborhood. I am still at v9.12 and don't have most of the problems that have been reported in this thread. Through this site, I have heard from a couple people in my neighborhood and they also report the same "lack" of problems.

I got my 6412 with 9.12 a couple months ago. I kind of thought I'd be receiving a FW push after I was up and running for a while since I saw so many here with 9.15 but I'm still at 9.12. Does a geographical area then get pushed and they just haven't gotten to the western Chicago 'burbs?

(What's HE?)

Originally posted by JonV
(What's HE?)
Head End
The NW Chi burbs are also still at 9.12.

Those of us in the Nashville area are still at 9.12 as well.

Originally posted by Skarpachi
A buddy of mine just had a 6412 installed the other day and it came with firmware v9.17. Mine still has 9.12. Does anyone know if the latest firmware (either 9.15 or 9.17) has addressed any of the known issues with the 6412 (freezing to be specific)?

What cable company?