Official Comcast 6412 w/ iGuide Discussion [Text View] - Page 22

JRad

08-31-05, 02:25 AM

Sorry for my bump...

My 6412 is pretty full and there are a few shows that I'd like to keep but at the same time don't warrant being kept live on the box. At present I don't have SQUAT to record my stuff to except a few old (gasp) VCRs.

I'm curious how others have done this, especially if there's some relatively inexpensive ways to do so. I'm considering picking up a cheap DVD burner for this purpose, but would have no problem picking up a vid capture card and storing the shows on my PC if that's a cheaper option. I'm not concerned about top notch quality since I'd just go buy the DVDs of stuff that I'd truly add to a permanent collection. Obviously none of the recordings are HD...

I use my Panasonic DVD Ram burner to archive shows to my pc. I then stream them back with my Avel Linkplayer back to my tv, this solution works great. I just copy and paste the files off of the ram disk to my hard drive. There is a couple drawbacks, the first being either you record them with the burner as the show is being aired, or record it with the 6412 and then record the show during playback. the other of course is the DVD recorder does not record HD or DD 5.1. However, you can record HD shows with the DVD burner and they look great, just in SD though. I do alot of my recording late at night so I just set the timer on the burner to record when I want instead of playing the shows back and then recording them. In a perfect world, Comcast would enable the ethernet port and we could just move the files through the network.

JRad

MerkurFAN

08-31-05, 10:25 AM

kenvt

08-31-05, 02:39 PM

JRAD:

Doesn't the dvd burner letterbox the widescreen content in 4:3 ?

-Ken

andyross63

08-31-05, 06:02 PM

Unplugging it for a few minutes worked.... briefly. It did the reboot thing again after about 10 minutes and reverted to no DVR functionality. I'll try the hard reset eventually and/or just wait for the cable guy.
Another thing to try:
Turn the box off
wait a minute
unplug it
wait a minute
plug it back in
LEAVE IT ALONE for a few hours. Go to work, sleep (or both at the same time!!!)

scanpa

08-31-05, 06:07 PM

Another thing to try:
Turn the box off
wait a minute
unplug it
wait a minute
plug it back in
LEAVE IT ALONE for a few hours. Go to work, sleep (or both at the same time!!!)

Only thing this does is clear the RAM Memory.

keenan

08-31-05, 06:09 PM

scanpa, thanks...

JRad

09-01-05, 12:33 AM

JRAD:

Doesn't the dvd burner letterbox the widescreen content in 4:3 ?

Ken,
I am not sure I understand your question, I am not an expert on aspect ratios. I thought letterbox and 16:9 are the same. If I record an HD signal, when I play it back, it is the same as the original source, which is usually letterboxed. In SD it plays back as 4:3. hope this answers your question.

JRad

gsmayes

09-01-05, 08:15 AM

Try the DVD with the Cable STB set to standby (power off, but power plugged in.) The rear RCA input Jacks only work when the STB unit is turned off.... (pass through)

They might be disabled. It is controled via the cable providers head end settings.

I turned off the 6412 to have the signal pass through, but I only got audio and no video. Suggestions?

tennberg

09-01-05, 10:26 AM

Ken,
I am not sure I understand your question, I am not an expert on aspect ratios. I thought letterbox and 16:9 are the same. If I record an HD signal, when I play it back, it is the same as the original source, which is usually letterboxed. In SD it plays back as 4:3. hope this answers your question.

JRad

"Letterbox" is usually applied to material that is formatted for a 4:3 screen but has kept its original aspect ratio. So, if you were watching a "letterbox" DVD on a 4:3 TV, you'd get black bars on the top and bottom.

If you were watching that same DVD on a 16:9 set, you'd get black bars on the top, bottom, left, and right. This is why you want to get DVDs that are anamorphic widescreen. They will usually say "Enhanced for 16x9 sets" or "Widescreen".

Unfornutately, some DVDs are still letterbox widescreen (like some of the Clint Eastwood western's). Fortunately, there are plans to release this in anamorphic format.

BousquetP

09-01-05, 10:54 AM

Is there a key combination on the remote that will download updated i-guide information?

In general how often is the i-guide updated?

tennberg

09-01-05, 11:00 AM

Is there a key combination on the remote that will download updated i-guide information?

In general how often is the i-guide updated?

I don't believe there is a way to "trigger" an update. As far as I know, they are simply pushed out if you are at an older version.

From what I can tell, the version of software on the 6412 has been at 71.44 - 1203 since I got the box back in September 2004. I haven't noticed any changes since.

kwd1

09-01-05, 01:49 PM

Hi all,

I'm trying to find out how to tell the box to output the HD channels in non 480p in 4:3. (I'm running a non HDTV monitor) I've found the setup screen by powering down and pressing ok, but I can't change anything. Comcast help desk has been no help. A tech set it up previously, but the box died and the second tech didn't know how to do it.

Also, I can't for the life of me get it to consistently record the ABC nightly news. I've set a series recording and tried all manner of combinations of recording settings, and all I seem to get is one recording a week (I think on Tues.) Has anyone successfully recorded the news every day?
thanks

scanpa

09-01-05, 01:51 PM

Cucuy

09-01-05, 01:57 PM

Hi all,

Also, I can't for the life of me get it to consistently record the ABC nightly news. I've set a series recording and tried all manner of combinations of recording settings, and all I seem to get is one recording a week (I think on Tues.) Has anyone successfully recorded the news every day?
thanks

I think this has to do with your record settings. Make sure you have the series recording settings to record all epsisodes which includes repeats. Sometimes it also depends on how the program is flagged. For instance, I told my DVR to record only new shows for Rome but missed the premiere episode IMO maybe cuz it was flagged "debut" and not "new".

cuyahoga

09-01-05, 04:27 PM

The 6412 supports simultaneous output of analog and digital, but regardless of what output you use, the analog channels are still poor quality.

What about simultaneous analog? I know it must sound crazy, but I was going to use component for HD content and S-Video for Standard Def. My thought is that I want to continue to use my TiVo for standard def recording and the 6412 for the occasional HD recording.

I will go digital eventually, and use the DVI out on the box to the HDMI on the monitor but I'm not quite ready to do that yet.

andyross63

09-01-05, 05:11 PM

Only thing this does is clear the RAM Memory.
My main idea was the last step to LEAVE THE BOX ALONE for a few hours so it can fully update itself without interruptions. If anything, do it before going to work, or before going to bed at night.

Some have speculated that a 'new' box does some sort of disk scan in the background for a few days to check for bad sectors or similar.

pmacafee

09-01-05, 06:22 PM

TheGreatWent

09-01-05, 06:36 PM

Using the Firewire output of my Motorola 6412 connected to the firewire input of my HD-TV(Sony 34XBR2) I am able to secure audio and video on all channels I have subscribed to with the exception of the HD channels for HBO, Showtime and Starz. On these 3 channels I receive only audio not video.

Does anyone have a suggestion for remedying this problem. Several conversations with Comcast CSR's and E-mails to Comcast have not been helpful.

Do you have other premium HD channels (Cinemax for example)? If so, and you get video on those, I'm going to have to probably point back at Comcast. Tell them to fix the 5c flags on the problem channels.

There's a slim chance your TV might have compatibility issues and the streams are flagged correctly. You might want to also call Sony tech support and see if they can be of any assistance. But if you can get other premium HD channels fine over the firewire this is even less likely a possibility.

launche

09-01-05, 07:26 PM

I just got two 6412 Phase III HD DVR boxes installed yesterday and I am in hog heaven. My old cable company was some piggy back operation using some sat. feed and it's what my HOA struck an agreement with. I really didn't mind too much since it was cheaper than the others and I worked a lot and we had all the movie channels. But my work hours have scaled back and after getting a 42" Panny 8UK EDTV, I responded to one of the many Comcast advertisements in my mailbox.

Apparently I was living in the dark ages of TV. Comcast is so much better that what I had. PQ is better, SQ is better, content is better etc... etc... Now my bill will be much higher but I'll pay it with only a small frown. This DVR has changed my TV experience completely and On Demand is a nice feature too, I'm very pleased so far. My wife said that we should have upgraded a long time ago. So coming from someone who didn't have it so good, I can appreciate this service as a new customer. I may feel different once the glee has worn off. I did have customer service issues regarding getting my cable internet up and running. Seems you have to go through 10 people to actually find someone who can really help you, thanks Bobbie. I got passed around like a freshmen cheerleader at a frat party. One person had me on hold for an hour but I was engrossed in learning the new cable that I didn't get pissed off too much. I've had my fill of customer service to last a year.

I took the advice from the forum and insisted on the new 6412 phase III boxes and had the rep make detailed notes on my order. When the installer came he said how did you know about these boxes, not many people do, do you work for Comcast and I said no, but I have friends in high places :D . Thanks fellow forum members because otherwise he surely made it seem like I would have gotten whatever he happen to pick off the shelf. In fact, I only ordered one HD DVR and one regular DVR and he actually bought me two HD boxes. I only have one EDTV but I figured I could at least use the extra hard drive space on the extra unit as I plan to put these babies to work.

kwd1

09-01-05, 09:13 PM

SCANPA, thanks that was it, documentation by omniscience

I think this has to do with your record settings. Make sure you have the series recording settings to record all epsisodes which includes repeats. Sometimes it also depends on how the program is flagged. For instance, I told my DVR to record only new shows for Rome but missed the premiere episode IMO maybe cuz it was flagged "debut" and not "new".

I've tried everything to get it to record the ABC nightly news. Are you able to record it?
thanks

markjrenna

09-01-05, 09:54 PM

Apparently I was living in the dark ages of TV...Very nice write up.

It can be very frustrating dealing with some CSR's/CAE's. Some are very good and very helpful. But others, well... You have to get beyond them to the quality people at Comcast. Sometimes you have to be persistent.

And being persistent, I to have made friends in high places.

I had an issue recently where I spoke directly to the North Jersey Engineer in charge. He had 3 Lead techs at my home the same day, and their supervisor (Field Engineer in charge) on the cell with them. I also received two calls from a their personal assistant and was given a special number to call if I have any issues.

Needless to say my issue was resolved shortly thereafter.

And my happiness with Comcast continues for nearly 10 years now in three different communities.

DeathRay

09-01-05, 11:30 PM

SCANPA, thanks that was it, documentation by omniscience

I've tried everything to get it to record the ABC nightly news. Are you able to record it?
thanks

If you can't get the series recording to work you could setup a manual recording for every day at that time on that channel.

MerkurFAN

09-02-05, 07:38 AM

Do you have other premium HD channels (Cinemax for example)? If so, and you get video on those, I'm going to have to probably point back at Comcast. Tell them to fix the 5c flags on the problem channels.

There's a slim chance your TV might have compatibility issues and the streams are flagged correctly. You might want to also call Sony tech support and see if they can be of any assistance. But if you can get other premium HD channels fine over the firewire this is even less likely a possibility.

Thanks GreatWent for the suggestion. I do not subscribe to any other premium HD channels. I will see if I can get an answer from Sony.

MickeyGee

09-02-05, 02:58 PM

My 6412 of 4 months just stopped working one day and showed a big "0" on the display. I switched out the unit yesterday, and the replacemnt box now allows access to a few new HD premium channels.

Is there a promotion going on or what? I thought the cable package was controlled by Comcast, not at the box. I don't want to filch anything.
This often (maybe always) happens when Comcast initializes a new box. It takes a day or two to filter out the premium services that you are not subscribing to. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Mickey

kwd1

09-02-05, 04:36 PM

If you can't get the series recording to work you could setup a manual recording for every day at that time on that channel.

DOH!! that's a good idea, thanks

on this note however, I have a second box that had a manual recording set up and I deleted the manual recording and the box STILL records the show!?!? At least it did the first week after I deleted the recording, we'll see what happens next week.

tennberg

09-02-05, 05:29 PM

Does anyone know about pending updates to iGuide? I'm not sure if I'm in the majority or minority, but I am not a fan at all of this software. Remote IR delays, shows being cut short when recorded, shows freezing during playback, etc.

Although I haven't used much of anything else, it seems like there are much better options out there.

keenan

09-02-05, 05:34 PM

I don't know about other areas, but this is a post about an update in the SF bay area and it does include an update to correct un-responsive remote commands among other things...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6126653#post6126653
San Francisco, CA - Comcast - AVS Forum

cavaniws

09-02-05, 05:48 PM

I have the latest 6412 Phase III unit. The S/W version is 71.44 - 1203. Firmware is 12.18

I noticed you have F/W 12.18. Does the 30-second skip work with it?

Also, does the Phase III unit have any noticeable improvements over the Phase II units?

We are all quite anxious hear a review of the Phase III box. So any info you can provide will be greatly appreciated. :D

Yus

09-02-05, 06:07 PM

davisdog

09-02-05, 07:02 PM

In the last day my box has started becomming totally unresponsive after being on a for a few hours. I'm not talking about the bug where commands are delayed on the remote, I mean even the buttons on the box don't work--at all. I have to unplug it.

I've had the box for about 6 months, and this just started happening yesterday. But it's happening every time I reboot it. It's rather frustrating.

Should I call Comcast and have it replaced?

My original box worked great for 9 months (with almost no problems at all), then it started getting all flaky, random reboots, failed recordings, slow response...I did a hard reboot figuring I'd let it start from scratch and within a day it was acting up again...After that I just drove to the local comcast office and swapped it at the front desk in 5 minutes...plugged the new one back in and havent had a problem..

so short answer...yes, either call for a new one or goto the office (at least around hear they have lots of payment offices you can goto and swap)...

btw...I think mine was having heat issues that caused the failure..it started running hotter than I remembered (too the touch)...and the new one seems back where I remembered the original to feel like

SneakyPete

09-02-05, 10:18 PM

I noticed you have F/W 12.18. Does the 30-second skip work with it?

Also, does the Phase III unit have any noticeable improvements over the Phase II units?

We are all quite anxious hear a review of the Phase III box. So any info you can provide will be greatly appreciated. :D

Hello cavaniws,

Yes. The 30-sec skip does work on the phase III units. In another thread, fellow forum members Keenan and Erics were kind enough to share some great tips on how to program the remote for 30, 60, 90, or whatever second skips.

I haven't had the phase III long enough to make a more comprehensive comparison to the previous generation 6412 (phase II). However, so far, here are my observations.
1. The PQ on HD channels is about the same. Initially, I thought the HD channels looked slightly worse (screen jitter and some jaggies) on the phase III with HDMI compared to the phase II with DVI connection. However, it appears these PQ problems were broadcast related issues from either Comcast or the HD station, rather than the digital box itself.
2. Cannot tell any difference in PQ on standard digital or analog channels.
3. The tuner is definitely slower on the phase III, especially the audio (which lags the video by about 3 seconds when changing channels). I personally find this annoying and am disappointed Motorola still can't develop a box that has a faster tuner.
4. Phase III has a cooling fan, which is completely silent, even when standing directly in front of the unit. Despite this, I still feel that the phase III runs just slightly hotter than my previous phase II. Regardless, the perceived difference is slight and really a non-issue.

Hope this helps.

JoeBloggz

09-03-05, 12:19 AM

I recently swapped my phase II for the newer Phase III. I have noticed some differences between the two.
When switching from SD to HD it seems to take a considerable amount of time before the pic is displayed. Is this the box or from the HDMI? It does not take as long when using component.
Also, when the box is powered OFF, it keeps powering on and off(losing display clock and reseting). I did not have this issue with the previous model. It seems to be a problem with this particular box. I called COX, and they said it could be from a weak signal, and suggested that someone come out and look at it, which will inevitably carry a visit charge($) I'm sure. Should i just bring it back and swap it?

cyben

09-03-05, 03:03 PM

I've got the 6412 and I can't get Marc's 30 sec skip thing to work.
setup
994
setup
00173
key

keenan

09-03-05, 03:33 PM

I've got the 6412 and I can't get Marc's 30 sec skip thing to work.
setup
994
setup
00173
key
Did you press CABLE first? Did you press and hold SETUP until it blinked twice? When you type in the 994 did the CABLE button blink twice?

mikemi

09-03-05, 04:10 PM

In the last day my box has started becomming totally unresponsive after being on a for a few hours. I'm not talking about the bug where commands are delayed on the remote, I mean even the buttons on the box don't work--at all. I have to unplug it.

You can go into the diagnostics of the DVR (Power Off & then 'OK' on remote) go to option 13 -> OK, then arrow down one screen. There should be a max temp & current temp. Max temp will be somewhere in the 138-140 degree range. When the box gets too hot, it will start shutting down components. I think the hard drive is the first to go. You may want to get it better ventilation.

keenan

09-03-05, 04:20 PM

You can go into the diagnostics of the DVR (Power Off & then 'OK' on remote) go to option 13 -> OK, then arrow down one screen. There should be a max temp & current temp. Max temp will be somewhere in the 138-140 degree range. When the box gets too hot, it will start shutting down components. I think the hard drive is the first to go. You may want to get it better ventilation.
That's fairly warm, mine is currently at 118 and highest has been 129.

ReD-BaRoN

09-03-05, 11:40 PM

Hi,

I'm having trouble getting audio to the TV when using a DVI to HMDI cable between the 6412 to my Samsung HL-R5078W.

Which audio output is paired with the DVI out on the 6412?

Thanks!

ReD-BaRoN

09-04-05, 12:05 AM

Hi,

I'm having trouble getting audio to the TV when using a DVI to HMDI cable between the 6412 to my Samsung HL-R5078W.

Which audio output is paired with the DVI out on the 6412?

Thanks!

Nevermind I figured it out.

Yus

09-04-05, 12:07 AM

You can go into the diagnostics of the DVR (Power Off & then 'OK' on remote) go to option 13 -> OK, then arrow down one screen. There should be a max temp & current temp. Max temp will be somewhere in the 138-140 degree range. When the box gets too hot, it will start shutting down components. I think the hard drive is the first to go. You may want to get it better ventilation.

Mine currently says Temp: 108, Max Temp: 126. Early today I just unplugged it for an hour or so, and it hasn't locked up yet. We'll see what happens.

andyross63

09-04-05, 09:11 AM

asutor

09-05-05, 10:11 AM

andyross63

09-05-05, 10:39 AM

I have a 6412. When I had the 6208 I used the RF out to run to a second TV in the kitchen. The main TV is an HDTV - I use the component out for this TV. I use the fiber optic out to my receiver.

The 6412 does not have an RF out so purchased an RF convert and run Svideo and the composite L/R audio to the RF converter. This has worked well for months (since Jan/Feb when I set up this configuration). Recently, the L/R audio out does not work. I tested the RF Converter and it works if I run another audio source - I have no picture problems. I am sure that the problem is the audio output since I tested on another receiver and I cannot get any sound. The fiber optic sound does still work. Anyone have any ideas?

The volume is controllable by the box. It isn't full fixed. It's possible it was turned down by mistake. With the Comcast silver remote, you can temporarily disable volume lock (if it's locked to your TV or other amp), and check the volume level:
Press CABLE
Press and hold SETUP until 2 blinks
Type 993, then VOL -

With cable mode selected, volume will now control the box's volume. You can see this as bars near the top of the screen.
To re-enable volume lock:
Press the device key of whatever controls your volume (probably TV or AUX)
Press and hold SETUP until 2 blinks
Type 993, then press that device key again.

There are also some audio settings in the cable box setup menus. These settings only affect the analog output, not the digital.

As an aside, I am not sure what Phase it is - how do I figure this out and what is the difference?

The new Phase III have HDMI and SATA (Serial ATA, for hard drives) ports in back. I'm not certain how to tell Phase 1 or 2 apart. Mine doesn't have any 'phase' number on it.

asutor

09-05-05, 11:52 AM

The volume lock is not the issue since I do not use the remote for the 6412. I use the Logitech Harmony 676. I get audio from the fiber optic cable out - I just get no out put from the analog L/R from the box.

Andy

M Diddy

09-05-05, 10:33 PM

Need some help with this one guys.... My 6412 is hooked up via DVI to my Sony K46PWS-510. I have the box set to display HD in 1080i and the 4:3 override is set to 480P.

Basically, the screen position of my 6412 is off by alot. By this I mean many shows are "off center" while watching. When watching SD, either analog or digital, the entire screen is pushed over to the right. So much so, some words actually get cut off and are unreadable on some channels such as the ESPN ticker. I've gone into the setup menu and corrected this with the screen position. I move it back over to the left, and it fixes the picture, however, now the menus are pushed all the way over and are off center and when I go into the Guide menu, you can see the "preview" screen (upper right conrer) is now pushed over too far left (Black veritcal bar on the right of the picture)!

To make it worse, when I have the SD screen picture straightened out (the menus are still off mind you) and go into HD, it's gets even worse! When in HD, we all know the Info Guide bar at the bottom of the screen should be centered. Mines is off to the left about 2 inches. This one I can't fix. No matter how I move the screen postion, this does not change. Also, the preview Guide preview picture when in HD is pushed almost all the way to the left.

I would like to get a centered picture and not have to mess with the screen anymore. Are there some settings somewhere I can move this stuff back and get it straightened out? Or is this something to do with my TV itself. Thanks for any help!

M Diddy

09-05-05, 11:15 PM

ptchristensen

09-05-05, 11:17 PM

I would like to get a centered picture and not have to mess with the screen anymore. Are there some settings somewhere I can move this stuff back and get it straightened out? Or is this something to do with my TV itself. Thanks for any help!

Would love to help...but you need to supply a little more info...!

1) What kind of TV is it. I tried to google it, nothing showed.??
2) When you say "setup menu", do you mean the service menu?
3) Did you try to set the 4:3 override to 480I?
4) Is it a 16:9 or 4:3 TV?

scanpa

09-06-05, 12:20 AM

M Diddy

09-06-05, 01:02 AM

1) What kind of TV is it. I tried to google it, nothing showed.??

2) When you say "setup menu", do you mean the service menu?
The setup menu in the on screen guide. When yougo to cable box setup, there's a screen position option.

3) Did you try to set the 4:3 override to 480I?
Yes, but the picture is a lot worse this way, so I wanto to keep it on 480P.

4) Is it a 16:9 or 4:3 TV?
16:9

Sorry guys, It's a Sony KP-46WT510. 46" Widescreen RPTV.....

ptchristensen

09-06-05, 01:21 AM

1) Sorry guys, It's a Sony KP-46WT510. 46" Widescreen RPTV.....

1) Do you have other signals going directly to the TV, DVD or VCR?. Are they also horisontally shifted?

2) Have you tried with component cable from the 6412 to the TV. Is the signal also horisontally shifted?

3) If answers to the above are No and No...are you sure that your DVI cable is a DVI-D and not a DVI-I cable?

For the difference see: http://www.dvigear.com/education/connref.html

xeenman

09-06-05, 02:32 AM

Just an update....

I set the 4:3 Override to stretch. This DID give me a slightly better picture the 480P, however, noe the menu guide bar is still pushed over to the left slightly. This is casuing a line going up the screen when I come out of a menu and the guide bar is at the bottom. I tired adjusting the screen position again, however, this doesn't seem to move the guide bar.

This is really irking me.... :(

I have this exact problem. I think maybe the best thing to do at this point is to totally reset your box. Not sure how to do it, but if you search, you should be able to find the way to do it.

Next time, don't adjust the position of the screen :)

wil

Yus

09-06-05, 04:25 PM

I haven't gotten around to exchanging my box yet, but I've noticed that it always locks up between 4 and 5 am/pm. I wonder what the signifigance of that could be.

comp98

09-06-05, 05:07 PM

I have had my 6412 for about a week now and the rewind and fast forward features have never worked correctly on either live tv or recorded programs. It attempts to rewind or fast forward but only goes frame by frame and basically does nothing, regardless of the selected speed. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can try to correct this?

Thanks,
Ryan

keenan

09-06-05, 05:57 PM

bronowyn

09-06-05, 06:18 PM

I haven't gotten around to exchanging my box yet, but I've noticed that it always locks up between 4 and 5 am/pm. I wonder what the signifigance of that could be.
I had that problem, too. If you were from PA, I might suspect you got the box that I exchanged.

That is, btw, the only solution. I wonder if that's when they push down the program guide.

scanpa

09-06-05, 06:43 PM

I had that problem, too. If you were from PA, I might suspect you got the box that I exchanged.

That is, btw, the only solution. I wonder if that's when they push down the program guide.

The Program guide Data is always flowing on the Cable system, Your STB updates as needed, it sends request for guide data all day long.

cavu

09-06-05, 09:43 PM

I'm not certain how to tell Phase 1 or 2 apart. Mine doesn't have any 'phase' number on it.

Model DCT6412/2000 = Phase 1
Model DCT6412/2005 = Phase 2
Model DCT6412/2300 = Phase 3

M Diddy

09-06-05, 09:47 PM

1) Do you have other signals going directly to the TV, DVD or VCR?. Are they also horisontally shifted?

2) Have you tried with component cable from the 6412 to the TV. Is the signal also horisontally shifted?

3) If answers to the above are No and No...are you sure that your DVI cable is a DVI-D and not a DVI-I cable?

For the difference see: http://www.dvigear.com/education/connref.html

1. The other inputs are fine. There's no shifitn at all.

2. Component isn't really an option as I'd like to keep my DVI cable just for piece of mind knowing I have the best connection possible.

3. It's defintly a DVI-D cable. I work with in IT and know the difference.... ;) :)

One thing, with the 4:3 Override set to 480i, the picture DOES straighten itself out! However, as previously stated, the PQ is noticably worse then when set to 480P....

Dorn

09-07-05, 03:17 AM

Has anyone had a problem of their recorded shows freezing at certain points? I've been running into this lately. Sometimes they'll freeze only for a second or two, sometimes 20 seconds.

I leave the box on at all times, and it does get a little hot up in my room (two story condo), so I'm wondering if that doesn't have anything to do with it.

Joe Linn

09-07-05, 08:03 AM

mikemi

09-07-05, 12:23 PM

Just a note that the temperature listed is for the HARD DRIVE. It will go up while working hard (both tuners on HD channels for example), and go down while idling (off or on music channels.) It's not very reliable as a guide to the box's temperature.

So would the max temp flag hurt the fuction of the dvr. If I loose my recording functions, is it just a bad DVR?

daverph1

09-08-05, 12:56 PM

I am no longer able to archive shows from INHD and INHD2 to my JVC 30K DVHS recorder. This had been working fine. I don't get an error message on the 30K, either on the on screen display or on the front panel of the 30K. It just records a gray screen. I've gone into the setup menu on the 6412. It lists a number of three letter acronyms describing the state of the tuners. I've searched this thread but cannot find descriptions of them. DRM is set to 0x01. Is this the 5c flag? Comparing a channel I am able to record with INHD, one has CCI 0x02 and the other has CCI 0x00. I'm not positive which is which since they are listed as tuner 1 and tuner 2 and I'm not sure how to tell which tuner is which. Do these represent copy twice and copy never?

I am in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. If this information does indicate that they have set copy never, is that their perrogative or does the FCC require them at least to allow copy once? What should I tell customer service so they understand what I am requesting?

I've also tried to see if there is a difference betwen archiving something I've recorded on the 6412 and archiving a live broadcast from INHD. In both cases, I get a gray screen recorded.

Thanks for any assistance.

JoeHere is a link from an Albany thread CCI specs (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5846166&highlight=CCI#post5846166) and one from the Pittsburgh Comcast thread 6412 firmware & DVHS (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6158313&highlight=CCI#post6158313). From what I read on a different thread (didn't bookmark), the 0x02 means copy once and 0x00 means copy freely. I also think from my own experience that tuner 1 is the channel you were on before bringing up the diagnostics menu, and tuner 2 is what you would have gotten by swapping.

HD Rookie

09-08-05, 02:03 PM

2. Component isn't really an option as I'd like to keep my DVI cable just for piece of mind knowing I have the best connection possible.

Since your tv is a crt rptv, the "best connection possible" is probably component.

murraymcleod

09-08-05, 06:22 PM

scanpa

09-08-05, 07:43 PM

Regarding using the diagnostics to check the 6412's operation; I'm still trying to improve my non-digital stations’ reception, so I went into the diagnostics menu on my 6412 box, and both SNR's looked "Good" at 33.9 and 33.2, and both AGC's (whatever that is!) were also "Good" at 53% and 44%...But, looking further, I went into the OOB diagnostics (whatever that is!) and the SNR there was 20.4 ("Good"), but the AGC there was only rated "Fair" at 42%. Is this a significant value that might account for poor analog reception?? All HD and digital channels look pretty good to me...Thanks

AGC = Auto Gain Control
OOB = Out of Band

On any of your analog ch, does it show the Dolby Digital Symbol? Do you know if your area has Digital Simulcasting setup?

UncD2000

09-08-05, 07:44 PM

This should help: http://cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dctdiag.htm

Mallego

09-08-05, 09:09 PM

murraymcleod, as mentioned, OOB is Out Of Band. It is the data carrier that talks to the DCT from the cable system headend. It carries data such as TV GUide info. What channels you are allowed to see, ect. AGC is a measure of signal strenght OOB, by itself, has no bearing on the picture quality. However, since it is usually positioned between channels 4 and 5, if it is low, it might indicate that the analog channels are low going into the DCT, hence poor analog pictures. Have the cable co measure signal levels. You should have a minimum of 0 dBmV, preferably more on analog channels. 256 QAM signals should be no less than -6 dBmV , 64 QAM -10 dBmV.

Having said all this, the DCT and/or TV sets do a poor job of displaying standard definition analog pictures on an HD set.

kcbob79clone

09-09-05, 09:03 AM

I have a really annoying random recording problems (pixelization and audio drops) on TNT-HD and FOX-HD, for the most part the other channels are OK and were OK throughout the regular TV season. As a caveat I should mention that I don't recall any TNT-HD or FOX-HD recording during the regular TV season, we only started watching these channels in the summer for Closer, Wanted and House reruns.

It was random because some time the playback was fine and other times not, but when there were problems it was acute enough to make the program unwatchable. Earlier this week while watching Closer live I decided to switch during the commercials to the other tuner that I then set to record Closer. The 'live' tuner experienced no problems while the 'recording' tuner had problems. Thinking I had the problem solved and that is was while the tuner was recording I went to the other 6412 that we have and repeated the test. On this 6412 the 'recording' tuner had no problems and the 'live' tuner had problems. If this happened only one 6412 I might think it is a bad box and swap it out but since it is both boxes I'm not so sure.

I reviewed this forum again and found more information on using the onboard diagnostic screens and I think I know how to do this and will attempt some more diagnostics this weekend. But that leads me to some questions:
- if the dvr is off does the dvr always record on the same tuner or does it depend on which tuner was last active?
- will I be able to use the onboard diagnostic screens to see the problem, changing from a good channel, like CBS, to a potentially bad channel like TNT?
- will I see a difference if I switch tuners for the same channel and then go back into the diagnostics?
- do the tuners have different specs or are they getting different signal strengths?
- will a service call by Comcast be worth it if they can get a more accurate signal strength?
- is 'good' good enough on the screens or is there a higher range?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me,

kmil

09-09-05, 01:35 PM

Regarding using the diagnostics to check the 6412's operation; I'm still trying to improve my non-digital stations’ reception, so I went into the diagnostics menu on my 6412 box, and both SNR's looked "Good" at 33.9 and 33.2, and both AGC's (whatever that is!) were also "Good" at 53% and 44%...But, looking further, I went into the OOB diagnostics (whatever that is!) and the SNR there was 20.4 ("Good"), but the AGC there was only rated "Fair" at 42%. Is this a significant value that might account for poor analog reception?? All HD and digital channels look pretty good to me...Thanks

I have the new 6412 Phase III (HDMI). I'd like to know how to get into the diagnostics without goofing things up. I suspect I "shouldn't" be in there but I just want to see if I can make some simple tweaks withouut messing things up.
Please put your instructions, if any, in a simple step by step basis. Thanks!

murraymcleod

09-09-05, 01:57 PM

keenan

09-09-05, 03:17 PM

Thanks for all the info. Is there any way I can measure the analog signal levels myself, rather than having a Service Rep come out? Can I just tune to analog stations and use the same diagnostics menu on the 6412? In response to another question above, we don't seem to have digital simulcast in my area yet (SF Bay area....).
No DS in the SF bay area yet. They are just completing the 64>256 QAM conversion of all digital channels.

There is a SF bay area Comcast thread here. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6165281#post6165281)

I'm pretty sure there is no readout for analog channels in diagnostics menu.

kmil, hit POWER and then quickly hit OK/SELECT. Arrow down or up and press OK/SELECT to see the various info. You can't hurt anything in here. To back out just hit POWER twice.

Bill Ball

09-09-05, 06:11 PM

RE: COMMAND RESPONSE DELAY ---

I see others here complaining of the 6412 failing to respond to remote commands for 15-30 seconds, then executing all the commands from its buffer. I had the problem rarely, but since last month, I began to experience it quite often on start-up and more frequently at other times. Seems like it could have been introduced in a recent firmware update, as at least one other post suggests.

So, is there anything I should try? I was going to call Comcast, but I would imagine they would just jolt the box. Would that help? Has anybody resolved this problem by one maneuver or another? It's become a major annoyance.

Thanks,

Bill

snidely

09-09-05, 06:40 PM

RE: COMMAND RESPONSE DELAY ---

I see others here complaining of the 6412 failing to respond to remote commands for 15-30 seconds, then executing all the commands from its buffer. I had the problem rarely, but since last month, I began to experience it quite often on start-up and more frequently at other times. Seems like it could have been introduced in a recent firmware update, as at least one other post suggests.

It's become a major annoyance.

Thanks,

Bill

I, also, noticed this happening more frequently in the past couple weeks and even more in the last few days.
In the past it would only happen infrequently.

Since the remote/box seems to be ultra-sensitive to how the remote is pointed I often wind up repeating commands because the remote wasn't aimed exactly right. This adds to the "multiple" command problem.

...mike

...mike

M Diddy

09-09-05, 07:56 PM

Since your tv is a crt rptv, the "best connection possible" is probably component.

I disagree... I know the TV is not digital, but a digital connection is better then any analog connection.

fender4645

09-09-05, 08:40 PM

I, also, noticed this happening more frequently in the past couple weeks and even more in the last few days.
In the past it would only happen infrequently.

Since the remote/box seems to be ultra-sensitive to how the remote is pointed I often wind up repeating commands because the remote wasn't aimed exactly right. This adds to the "multiple" command problem.

They are releasing a software update in the Bay Area sometime in the next few weeks that addresses this specific problem (and others as well).

gsiokis

09-09-05, 09:02 PM

Quick Question: What is the preferred resolution? 1080i or 720p?

BTW - I have a Samsung HLP-5674W

Thanks in Advance!

GUS

whotony

09-09-05, 09:39 PM

Quick Question: What is the preferred resolution? 1080i or 720p?

BTW - I have a Samsung HLP-5674W

Thanks in Advance!

GUS

whATever one is the native braodcast and your tv can display.(or whatever looks better to you)
that would be my humble opinion.

btw, for about a month i have been having serious delay response issues on both my 6412's.

bobby94928

09-09-05, 09:39 PM

Your HLP-5674W is a DLP set, it has a native 720 resolution. That would be your best bet. However, I've seen several DLP set owner swear that 1080I gives them a better picture. Give each one a try and determine what you like best and go for it.

ssusca

09-10-05, 08:56 AM

Okay, I got the 6412 a couple of days ago. I just went through the process to program the 30 second skip into the remote. I did it several times and I'm sure i followed the directions correctly.

Unfortunately it doesn't work. Maybe its some sort of firmware with Cox's setup?

Either way, my problem is that i mapped the 30 sec skip to my ff button because I never use it anyway when I have a 30 sec skip.

Now the button doesn't do anything! I can't fast forward at all.

I even tried reprogramming the remote for the motorola box alll over again (code 1376) but that hasn't worked.

Is there a code to return fast forward funcitonality to that button?

Is there a way to revert to factory defaults?

kcbob79clone

09-10-05, 05:22 PM

Random recording problems
I have a really annoying random recording problems (pixelization and audio drops) on TNT-HD and FOX-HD, for the most part the other channels are OK and were OK throughout the regular TV season. As a caveat I should mention that I don't recall any TNT-HD or FOX-HD recording during the regular TV season, we only started watching these channels in the summer for Closer, Wanted and House reruns.

It was random because some time the playback was fine and other times not, but when there were problems it was acute enough to make the program unwatchable. Earlier this week while watching Closer live I decided to switch during the commercials to the other tuner that I then set to record Closer. The 'live' tuner experienced no problems while the 'recording' tuner had problems. Thinking I had the problem solved and that is was while the tuner was recording I went to the other 6412 that we have and repeated the test. On this 6412 the 'recording' tuner had no problems and the 'live' tuner had problems. If this happened only one 6412 I might think it is a bad box and swap it out but since it is both boxes I'm not so sure.

I reviewed this forum again and found more information on using the onboard diagnostic screens and I think I know how to do this and will attempt some more diagnostics this weekend. But that leads me to some questions:
- if the dvr is off does the dvr always record on the same tuner or does it depend on which tuner was last active?
- will I be able to use the onboard diagnostic screens to see the problem, changing from a good channel, like CBS, to a potentially bad channel like TNT?
- will I see a difference if I switch tuners for the same channel and then go back into the diagnostics?
- do the tuners have different specs or are they getting different signal strengths?
- will a service call by Comcast be worth it if they can get a more accurate signal strength?
- is 'good' good enough on the screens or is there a higher range?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me,
-----
Update:
OK, I did some diagnostics myself and found that my inband status for both 6412s and for both tuners for both SNR and AGC were mostly GOOD with some flickering FAIRs and there were no uncorrectable errors. The SNR and AGC values were approximatley the same for both tuners on both 6412s. Where it got interesting is that the correctable errors on tuner 2 for BOTH 6412s was about 10-15 times the correctable errors for tuner 1.

scanpa

09-10-05, 06:58 PM

-----
Update:
OK, I did some diagnostics myself and found that my inband status for both 6412s and for both tuners for both SNR and AGC were mostly GOOD with some flickering FAIRs and there were no uncorrectable errors. The SNR and AGC values were approximatley the same for both tuners on both 6412s. Where it got interesting is that the correctable errors on tuner 2 for BOTH 6412s was about 10-15 times the correctable errors for tuner 1.

That's normal due to the signal loss from the split of the feedline to both tuners.

keenan

09-10-05, 08:15 PM

Really shouldn't be getting any correctable errors though. It sounds like he might benefit from a slight boost in signal strength.

minerat

09-10-05, 09:28 PM

I just got my 6412. It's the model with DVI-HDCP. My question is this - will DVI work on non HDCP compliant displays on unprotected channels (IE CBS-DT)? It seems like it should as output on firewire is toggled based on 5C status. I currently get HDCP authentication failed on everything.

When I called comcast no one had ANY idea what I was talking about. I was told that I'd get a call back fromt the technical department in about 15 minutes. Then when I called back a few hours later they tried to tell me I had to go to dvi(dot)com (digital voice incorporated) and that they don't support the DVI port at all and can't help me. If they don't support it, why is it enabled? Why is it in my self install guide as a valid connection (they show a cable going from dvi on the dvr to an hdtv)? I'd really just like to talk to someone who knows SOMETHING beyond what they can look up on their thin customer service knowledgebase.

fgc

09-10-05, 10:54 PM

My DCT6142 fom Time Warner Cable is giving me some frustrating problems. A number of shows I have recorded end up not playing back - I just get a black screen and I can hear the audio from the live TV channel I was watching prior to attempting to playback the recorded show. The weird thing is that once I try to play back one of these problem recordings my ability to record stops and I have to reset the box by power cycling. Has anyone experienced similar problems?

Tech support at Urban Cable Works was not very helpful. My firmware version is 9.11 (from the postings in this thread the current version appears to be 9.19) and when I asked them about updating it they had no idea. Is it something I can download and install myself?

Thanks!

Yus

09-11-05, 12:05 AM

I'm the person that was having his box lock up at certain times of the day. It seems if I have the box display the channel number instead of the time it doesn't lock up. Odd.

mr2828

09-11-05, 12:31 AM

Just replace it. I've had 5 6412s, one of them had the twice-daily lockup issue, so I replaced it. No problems since then, and the hard drive on the new one is quieter to boot. This is the big advantage of not having to own the hardware - you can swap it for free whenever you have the slightest problem.

sher

09-11-05, 09:29 AM

This is the one you want,
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/keenanj/remotesmall2.jpg

I cannot find a "swap" button.
the remote i have has 4 buttons across the top : from left to right 1. aux, 2. tv, 3. cable, 4. power and last, 5th setup
i've copied your picture and opened the pic in 2 different programs but i'm unable to read the letters from your pic.
it looks like all the top buttons in your pic, (designated in my above text), are all a dark grey.
my left 3 buttons (aux,tv cable) are a lighter grey than the powere and setup keys.
so you're saying that i do not have the correct remote?
sherry

kcbob79clone

09-11-05, 09:33 AM

Really shouldn't be getting any correctable errors though. It sounds like he might benefit from a slight boost in signal strength.

Thanks, Keenan, a tech is coming out Monday. Or should I just boost it before I do the splitting? What's a good booster to buy?

TIA

bobby94928

09-11-05, 09:46 AM

I cannot find a "swap" button.
the remote i have has 4 buttons across the top : from left to right 1. aux, 2. tv, 3. cable, 4. power and last, 5th setup
i've copied your picture and opened the pic in 2 different programs but i'm unable to read the letters from your pic.
it looks like all the top buttons in your pic, (designated in my above text), are all a dark grey.
my left 3 buttons (aux,tv cable) are a lighter grey than the powere and setup keys.
so you're saying that i do not have the correct remote?
sherry

The swap button is the second from the left on the bottom where you have four small buttons.

sher

09-11-05, 11:54 AM

WOO HOO!!!
i can't thank you enough.
i better get new glasses.
now i've gotta see if the harmony downstairs has been programmed to swap.

markjrenna

09-11-05, 12:39 PM

-----
Update:
Where it got interesting is that the correctable errors on tuner 2 for BOTH 6412s was about 10-15 times the correctable errors for tuner 1.
Errors indicate you have a problem. Check all of your cables, connectors, and splitters for obvious problems. Run a direct line if possible. You need to get your signal clean or a booster will just amplify the garbage.

Call Cable Co. to fix it if you can't, it may be outside your home at the drop. Good luck with Cable Co.

keenan

09-11-05, 01:58 PM

WOO HOO!!!
i can't thank you enough.
i better get new glasses.
now i've gotta see if the harmony downstairs has been programmed to swap.
It's not a very good picture, sorry.. :)

keenan

09-11-05, 02:05 PM

Thanks, Keenan, a tech is coming out Monday. Or should I just boost it before I do the splitting? What's a good booster to buy?

TIA
Try removing the splitter and the second DVR from the mix and hook the one DVR directly to the cable feed with no splitters in the line. See if tuner 2 still has the problems, if not, then it's a signal strength problem and a booster will probably do the trick. If tuner 2 still has problems then you have a bad and/or low signal strength problem and as Mark says, a booster will not solve that problem.

Definitely call the cablco to fix it. They may end up putting a booster on the line and that way you won't have to pay for it.

rstand

09-11-05, 02:46 PM

My box went bad today. It keeps trying to reboot. When it finally starts to download it tries for a long time and it just can't complete the download. The next appointment I can get with Comcast is on the 29th, because they have no more 6412's. Now that is great customer service!!!

mr2828

09-11-05, 03:23 PM

Sometimes the local offices will have some 6412s even if the main location doesn't. Give all the locations a call to see. If they do you can bring your old one in with you to swap it.

ThePerfectViewe

09-11-05, 04:56 PM

Comcast in central new jersey has boxes for next day delivery. Also, is it true that tech can transfer the hard drive info from one box to another? I am having a new box installed wednesday., my fourth box. I get tired of losing the saved programs. Any suggestions?

micktravis

09-11-05, 08:04 PM

weldon

09-11-05, 10:41 PM

Not really, but I can almost guarantee that the best information will be found on the tivocommunity.com forums. TiVo Community is a sister forum to AVSforum and chock full of info on all things TiVo.

fender4645

09-11-05, 11:25 PM

Does anyone have any idea when Comcast is going to replace the iguide with Tivo?

In the original announcement, they said it wouldn't be available until next year -- most likely the second half of '06. Keep in mind, up until recently Tivo has only had to support their own hardware. With the agreements they're reaching with cable companies, they now have to support many different types of hardware. For Comast, the agreement includes being able to run on existing and future Moto boxes.

bobm

09-12-05, 12:02 AM

Does anyone have any idea when Comcast is going to replace the iguide with Tivo? I'm completely sick of the bugs, the non-recording, the need to erase 15 copies of Entourage, etc. The deal was announced ages ago, but nobody at Comcast can give me an answer.

Anyone know anything?

Thanks,

mick

I wouldn't count on the interface necessarily looking like the existing Tivo UI. The agreement stated they only planned to use portions of the Tivo interface. Most likely pieces where patents are at issue.

Comcast also purchased earlier this year the assets of a bankrupt company Liberate Technologies. They were a company doing software for STBs. I would expect the eventual UI to be a hybrid of the two.

Ken H

09-12-05, 12:10 AM

Comcast also purchased earlier this year the assets of a bankrupt company Liberate Technologies. They were a company doing software for STBs. I would expect the eventual UI to be a hybrid of the two.They are also working with Microsoft, and Moxi, which along with Gemstar/TV Guide and TiVo, could mean any number of things.

Bill Ball

09-12-05, 02:20 AM

They are releasing a software update in the Bay Area sometime in the next few weeks that addresses this specific problem (and others as well).

That's excellent news. Thanks.

Bruce Blakeslee

09-12-05, 07:28 AM

Does anyone have any idea when Comcast is going to replace the iguide with Tivo? I'm completely sick of the bugs, the non-recording, the need to erase 15 copies of Entourage, etc. The deal was announced ages ago, but nobody at Comcast can give me an answer.

Anyone know anything?

Thanks,

mick

Comcast has stated that the Tivo interface, in whatever form it surfaces with Comcast, will be out sometime next year. I would think the latter part of the year would be a good bet. Many believe it will not be the primary guide but will be an extra cost option. In addition, Comcast will be upgrading the iGuide this fall, but again with no clear hints from Comcast there is no clear indication as to what it will add or cure.

Bruce

tall1

09-12-05, 07:44 AM

bronowyn

09-12-05, 08:01 AM

HD Rookie

09-12-05, 09:35 AM

I disagree... I know the TV is not digital, but a digital connection is better then any analog connection.
Ok, I can agree with the statement, but it doesn't make sense. If the component input provides the best connection for your set, why be concerned with using a digital connection?

kmil

09-12-05, 12:23 PM

Ok, I can agree with the statement, but it doesn't make sense. If the component input provides the best connection for your set, why be concerned with using a digital connection?

Right now, and I will continue to do so I'm using HDMI for the STB. Obviously if I want to use the progressive DVD I'm using COMPONENT. Here's my question. I know I'll have to buy something like the Gefen switch to use HDMI in BOTH sources (STB and DVD).........IF I decide to use HDMI on the DVD can I LEAVE the component cables in? I know on my previous DLP/Sammy there was an option for Component OR DVI. All I know is that on the new Sony 50 A10 there is only (I believe ) input 4 for the "DVD". It seems I/we don't have the capablility of using both the Component or the DVI/HDMI output. For some reason I get the feeling that if I left the component hooked up while at the same time having the DVD's HDMI output hooked up, there might be a conflict of signals. That is to say, it seems BOTH the Component AND HDMI would be active and thus conflict with each other. Someone please set the "record" straight.

micktravis

09-12-05, 01:10 PM

Don't bother recording HBO series. Go to OnDemand and pick the episode you want to watch. HBO series are all SD anyway so no need to record them, just wastes DVR space.

Deadwood, Six Feet Under, Rome, and The Sopranos are all HD. But you're right, all the other ones (!) are SD.

micktravis

09-12-05, 01:11 PM

memnoch

09-12-05, 02:09 PM

It seems I/we don't have the capablility of using both the Component or the DVI/HDMI output. For some reason I get the feeling that if I left the component hooked up while at the same time having the DVD's HDMI output hooked up, there might be a conflict of signals. That is to say, it seems BOTH the Component AND HDMI would be active and thus conflict with each other. Someone please set the "record" straight.
most units will disable the component output when HDMI/DVI is hooked up. and to enable component output, you might have to un-plug HDMI/DVI. Comcast's STB has both outputs active all the time though. I use HDMI/DVI on the main TV and the component for distribution around the house.

ashkan21

09-12-05, 02:20 PM

Hi all,

Does the 15min. advance work in the Phase III boxes? I just received one last week and it doesn't seem to work. During fast-forwarding I hit the right cursor button but all that does is increase the fast forward speed. It's tough to get through 4 hours of the US Open with just regular old fast forwarding or 30sec skip.

BSTNFAN

09-12-05, 02:32 PM

Cucuy

09-12-05, 02:47 PM

Ok, I can agree with the statement, but it doesn't make sense. If the component input provides the best connection for your set, why be concerned with using a digital connection?

Theoretically,

If your source has a digital out, the digital connection should give you better pic quality since there is no A/D conversion. That is assumming that your source has a Digital Out like DVI and your monitor has a Digital In. If any of these two are not there then yes compoenent is the next best pic quality

Cucuy

09-12-05, 02:51 PM

Deadwood was in HD. As is the Sopranos.

I don't think recording them wastes space. (of course, it's not their season, yet.)

Do you have (micktravis) your series to record a single channel, and first run only?

I've never had that same problem as you recording HBO, however, I do set it for first run only.

I also had issues with the HBO wasting space. I originally had all recordings setup for first run only but after my box missed the debut of Rome I changed them to record all airings. I rather do some cleanup once in a while than miss some episodes on Network tv this fall season. With Rome it was not a big deal since the do repeats during the week unlike network

bronowyn

09-12-05, 02:57 PM

That's exactly how I have it set, but the shows still fill up the dvr.

That's really odd. You've got me there. Does it do it with other HBO series?

I'm guessing these are all repeats? Like the same thing 5 times?

Can you set it to record that PARTICULAR Time/Channel?

Honestly, whenever I record Showtime/HBO for series, I just manually select them for each week.
So, I haven't had that happen, yet.

minerat

09-12-05, 03:11 PM

Does anyone have the 6412 hooked up to an LCD with just DVI (non hdcp compliant)? I had hoped that this would work for any 5C=0 channels, but so far no luck. No one at comcast can help, they claim that they don't support the dvi-hdcp interface.

HD Rookie

09-12-05, 03:24 PM

Theoretically,

If your source has a digital out, the digital connection should give you better pic quality since there is no A/D conversion. That is assumming that your source has a Digital Out like DVI and your monitor has a Digital In. If any of these two are not there then yes compoenent is the next best pic quality
That is almost correct. The monitor must have a Digital In AND it must be a digital monitor. CRT RPTVs are analog, not digital, even if they have Digital In. This being the case, at least one extra conversion has to take place. I have yet to read one ISF calibrator review that noted a dvi connection producing better results than component, through a crt-based rptv.

ukexpat

09-12-05, 03:27 PM

mfb

09-12-05, 04:47 PM

how do you change the output resolution of the 6412? I would like to be able to toggle between 720p (for ABC, ESPN, FOX) and 1080i for (CBS, NBC, etc).

thanks,

marty

andyross63

09-12-05, 05:53 PM

how do you change the output resolution of the 6412? I would like to be able to toggle between 720p (for ABC, ESPN, FOX) and 1080i for (CBS, NBC, etc).
The only way to change is to turn the box off, hit MENU, change the YPbPr setting, turn it off, then back on. It currently doesn't fully support any form of 'pass-thru' format. The closest is setting 4:3 override to 480i.

Night Hawk

09-12-05, 05:58 PM

I haven't heard of any 6412s having a 15 min advance.

Argh I saw that post and got excited I missed that cool feature, oh well.

ashkan21

09-12-05, 06:25 PM

I haven't heard of any 6412s having a 15 min advance.

I was browsing the net and came upon a discussion where someone mentioned that there was a 15min advance in the 6412 "just like his Tivo box".

Oh well, I'm sure if no one in these forums knows about it then it probably doesn't exist on the 6412.

Thanks.

Yus

09-12-05, 06:39 PM

That is almost correct. The monitor must have a Digital In AND it must be a digital monitor. CRT RPTVs are analog, not digital, even if they have Digital In. This being the case, at least one extra conversion has to take place. I have yet to read one ISF calibrator review that noted a dvi connection producing better results than component, through a crt-based rptv.

HDMI looks better on my CRT TV than component, but that's due to ****** component inputs.

mfb

09-12-05, 06:59 PM

Andyross,

I'm assuming that this is true for the DVI output also?

I shouild have clarified this in my original post.

marty

kcbob79clone

09-12-05, 08:57 PM

Try removing the splitter and the second DVR from the mix and hook the one DVR directly to the cable feed with no splitters in the line. See if tuner 2 still has the problems, if not, then it's a signal strength problem and a booster will probably do the trick. If tuner 2 still has problems then you have a bad and/or low signal strength problem and as Mark says, a booster will not solve that problem.

Definitely call the cablco to fix it. They may end up putting a booster on the line and that way you won't have to pay for it.

Tech just left. He found a couple of minor problems but the interesting thing is he says that the signal is too strong. Thankfully I was able to show him the problem, I was afraid that the old 'it's never broke when you take it into the shop' was going to rear its ugly head. Even after fixing the minor problems one of the two tuners on both boxes still skipped. He called other techs and his supervisor and believe it to be the signal, that too strong is as bad as too weak, and not the boxes. They are going to send someone out to check the feed into my house.

Does this sound reasonable? I'll keep you posted.

keenan

09-12-05, 09:11 PM

Tech just left. He found a couple of minor problems but the interesting thing is he says that the signal is too strong. Thankfully I was able to show him the problem, I was afraid that the old 'it's never broke when you take it into the shop' was going to rear its ugly head. Even after fixing the minor problems one of the two tuners on both boxes still skipped. He called other techs and his supervisor and believe it to be the signal, that too strong is as bad as too weak, and not the boxes. They are going to send someone out to check the feed into my house.

Does this sound reasonable? I'll keep you posted.
Yup, I had forgotten about that, those conditions could be present with too strong a signal as well. Not as common I guess, but possible.

You can test that theory out by using a few splitters in the feed line and see if the problem on the last tuner goes away.

billh03

09-13-05, 03:12 AM

Folks

I have been having problems with my box outputting Dolby Digital. I noticed a few days ago that the box was only outputting 48 KHz PCM. After a couple of frustrating calls with their "customer support" folks (including priceless "you have audio don't you? Then what's the problem?"), I did a search here and found reference to a similar problem that was solved by unplugging and replugging the power cord thereby forcing the PG to be downloaded afresh. DD output was restored for a few days. Last night I noticed that there was no DD output so again I forced the PG to be downloaded again. DD restored.

Is this a known issue with this box or do I need to have mine replaced?

Thanks.

-------------------------
My 6412 has been doing the same thing. I tried all sorts of troubleshooting, bought it a new fiber optics cable, etc. Bottom line, every week or so the box was outputting PCM only. I did find, as a good band-aid, until I could swap the box - that simply "powering off" (I used the front button) and back on again "reset" things so I got Digital output once again with 5.1 where appropriate. Today, I took the box back (my fifth) and was given a rather sorry one that couldn't read IR (remote was ignored, but front panel controls did work); swapped again and asked if I could have the "latest with HDMI output" even though I have an "old component only HDTV monitor" now. That got me a brand new box with the HDMI connector, and I noticed they put a fan on the box now, not sure how much good it can do, but what the heck. Drive still only 120 gb I think... but it was NEW. So far, "digital" pops up on everything, with the "speaker square icons" in the display showing 2.0, or 5.1 when I'd expect. Much better! And I may be crazy, but my analog channels look smoother. I'm probably crazy. So change the box out, it won't get better!
Bill Halvorsen

ukexpat

09-13-05, 08:43 AM

-------------------------
My 6412 has been doing the same thing. I tried all sorts of troubleshooting, bought it a new fiber optics cable, etc. Bottom line, every week or so the box was outputting PCM only. I did find, as a good band-aid, until I could swap the box - that simply "powering off" (I used the front button) and back on again "reset" things so I got Digital output once again with 5.1 where appropriate. Today, I took the box back (my fifth) and was given a rather sorry one that couldn't read IR (remote was ignored, but front panel controls did work); swapped again and asked if I could have the "latest with HDMI output" even though I have an "old component only HDTV monitor" now. That got me a brand new box with the HDMI connector, and I noticed they put a fan on the box now, not sure how much good it can do, but what the heck. Drive still only 120 gb I think... but it was NEW. So far, "digital" pops up on everything, with the "speaker square icons" in the display showing 2.0, or 5.1 when I'd expect. Much better! And I may be crazy, but my analog channels look smoother. I'm probably crazy. So change the box out, it won't get better!
Bill Halvorsen

Thanks Bill -- I'll look into changing the box.

jdbnh

09-13-05, 10:52 AM

Thanks Bill -- I'll look into changing the box.

I doubt that will help. I just received a new box a few weeks ago for a different problem (it was randomly resetting itself) and I still sometimes lose digital audio. This is a known problem that has been discussed a number of times on this forum. The good news is that you don't need to unplug the box to get it back. All you need to do is power it off and back on again.

chain777

09-13-05, 10:54 AM

-------------------------
< And I may be crazy, but my analog channels look smoother. I'm probably crazy. So change the box out, it won't get better!
Bill Halvorsen

You may be crazy, but your not on this one. The new boxes have upgraded chip sets that improved the analog picture quality.

chain777

09-13-05, 10:56 AM

I doubt that will help. I just received a new box a few weeks ago for a different problem (it was randomly resetting itself) and I still sometimes lose digital audio. This is a known problem that has been discussed a number of times on this forum. The good news is that you don't need to unplug the box to get it back. All you need to do is power it off and back on again.

I had this problem using the optical out, but don't have it using the coax output.

rstand

09-13-05, 11:57 AM

Comcast finally converted to an all digital mode in my area. Big difference. No more snow on the lower channels.

ssusca

09-13-05, 12:22 PM

ptchristensen

09-13-05, 01:10 PM

So I guess nobody else has had this problem?

Read 3-4 pages back and you will find your answer.

micktravis

09-13-05, 01:25 PM

MickeyGee

09-13-05, 03:54 PM

Comcast finally converted to an all digital mode in my area. Big difference. No more snow on the lower channels.
What town (or area) in Mass. are you in?

Mickey

andyross63

09-13-05, 05:10 PM

I'm assuming that this is true for the DVI output also?

I shouild have clarified this in my original post.
The YPbPr setting affects both component and digital (DVI and I assume HDMI on the Phase III) outputs.

kmil

09-13-05, 06:07 PM

Thanks Bill -- I'll look into changing the box.

P.S.........Posting in GREEN is EXTREMELY hard to read, thought you'd like to know.

Couch Patato

09-13-05, 07:38 PM

P.S.........Posting in GREEN is EXTREMELY hard to read, thought you'd like to know.

That was Bill Halvorsen that posted in green.

M Diddy

09-13-05, 10:44 PM

Cucuy

09-13-05, 10:50 PM

That is almost correct.

I guess no one is perfect :D

I have yet to read one ISF calibrator review that noted a dvi connection producing better results than component, through a crt-based rptv.

IMO, In my CRT based RPTV the DVI gives me (may be subjective) better results than component.

scanpa

09-14-05, 01:12 AM

How do you reset the box back to factory settings???

I tired the Power+Menu - pull power cord - put back in and wait for "boot" to come up method, by my box just sits at boot. It sat there for about 9 hours today while at work....

It looks like you did not do step 2:

This is a Full reset, it will then start a New Install Boot up DL

1) Hold down the Power and Menu buttons, while continuing to hold them down, remove the power cord from the DCT STB, keep holding them down for 30-45 seconds, keep holding them down and put power back to the box. Now you should see "boot" in the front panel.

2) This is the boot menu, use the STB channel up/dn to find the nu dl or some other similar indication, make sure you are connected to the cable, hit "select" this should trigger a new download from Your Cable Headend service provider to map the channels and update your firmware with theirs.

Neild

09-14-05, 03:30 AM

Andyross,

I'm assuming that this is true for the DVI output also?

I shouild have clarified this in my original post.

marty

Actually I've had two 6412's and on both the component was actually a touch sharper image than the DVI. The DVI also had some marginally flaky behavior too, like weird syncing or sometimes if you flipped the TV to the DVI input the image was all messed up in a double-split screen layout.

rstand

09-14-05, 08:40 AM

Andover

Kipper717

09-14-05, 04:42 PM

I was on the phone w/ a Comcast CSR last week and she said they will be rolling out the Tivo software around Christmas.

trickd

09-14-05, 04:51 PM

Yeah, but the CSR didn't say Christmas of which year! Someone might as well start the "Comcast-TIVO Rumor and Innuendo" thread now!!

davisdog

09-14-05, 05:20 PM

:rolleyes: we should start a poll on how many..."I heard this from a CSR" actually proved true

and yes...did the CSR happen to quote what year that was.. ;)

bronowyn

09-14-05, 06:47 PM

But, not to be hopeful, but if it WERE this year, what a great Christmas present. ;)

I know better now, though, than to get my hopes up.

Bruce Blakeslee

09-14-05, 08:30 PM

But, not to be hopeful, but if it WERE this year, what a great Christmas present. ;)

I know better now, though, than to get my hopes up.

I think the Comcast press releases were pretty clear that it would be well into 2006 before it was released.

Perhaps she ment the upgrade to the iGuide...

kcbob79clone

09-15-05, 08:34 AM

Yup, I had forgotten about that, those conditions could be present with too strong a signal as well. Not as common I guess, but possible.

You can test that theory out by using a few splitters in the feed line and see if the problem on the last tuner goes away.

If last night is any indication I think that the adjustments made by Comcast on the feed in to my house made a big difference. Watched an hour on two of the channels having problems and 1 channel didn't skip at all and the other one only had a couple, which can be considered normal. Will check it again tonight and this weekend and if the one channel is consistently skipping I'll try adding splitters. Thanks for the suggestions Keenan!

kmil

09-15-05, 12:08 PM

mikeewing

09-15-05, 01:28 PM

markjrenna

09-15-05, 02:18 PM

Is it possbile to receive a FW update without a change in the version number? (9.19)

Previously, I only had the "remote command buffer" problem every few days. Also, the last channel that I was viewing would be the channel that came up when I powered the box back up.

Now, on powerup the box defaults to channel 16 (which in Ewing is CN8) and about every hour I have to wait for the box to catch up with remote commands.

Extremely frustrating, especially since it worked a lot better a few days ago...

Regarding the power up channel... That is controlled via the "Headend" that serves you. They either enable it or they don't. Yours was not enabled and now it is. Unfortunately you have no control over this setting since it is done by the Headend.

mikeewing

09-15-05, 04:11 PM

Regarding the power up channel... That is controlled via the "Headend" that serves you. They either enable it or they don't. Yours was not enabled and now it is. Unfortunately you have no control over this setting since it is done by the Headend.

Thanks, Mark.

I know the sluggish remote command issue has been a topic for a while. Is there any fix in sight?

andyross63

09-15-05, 05:48 PM

I know the sluggish remote command issue has been a topic for a while. Is there any fix in sight?
The sluggish remote bug is one of those things that comes and goes on it's own. I had it do that for 2-3 weeks once, then work fine since, with no changes otherwise.

markjrenna

09-15-05, 05:53 PM

Thanks, Mark.

I know the sluggish remote command issue has been a topic for a while. Is there any fix in sight?

In the San Fran section it was mentioned that an update will take place today that should correct the sluggish remote issue.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6126653&&#post6126653

I am anxious to see if this corrects the problem and if the update will be deployed in all areas.

09-16-05, 09:32 AM

UncD2000

09-16-05, 10:24 AM

Comcast apparently feels that present capacity is adequate. The fact that Phase III boxes with SATA port are appearing in Comcast systems is encouraging, but may just be an evolutionary development from Motorola. Has any Comcast headend enabled the port and issued any info about the types of external drives permitted?

Bruce Blakeslee

09-16-05, 10:38 AM

Does anyone actually know what Comcast's plan is for increasing DVR disk storage?

They conceivably could do it with usb or firewire drives on any phase of 6412, or require a phase 3 and do SATA, or just provide units with larger internal drives. They could allow user supplied external drives, or force you to rent one from them.

Have they ever said which of these options they are going to actually do?

No. Comcast has been pretty quiet about this. I do remember a post in which it was a possibility that a larger hard disk would be offered at a slight increase in monthly charge. But absolutly nothing directly from Comcast about this.

Bruce

ptchristensen

09-16-05, 04:07 PM

No. Comcast has been pretty quiet about this. I do remember a post in which it was a possibility that a larger hard disk would be offered at a slight increase in monthly charge. But absolutly nothing directly from Comcast about this.

Bruce

If we could just get Comcast to let us use the Motorola's "Whole Home Media Solution" we wouldn't have to think about disk space. It's actually build around the functionality of the 6412.

http://broadband.motorola.com/whms/index.html

lucindrea

09-16-05, 05:01 PM

if comcast can find a way to licence it and gouge us for yet another 10-20 $ per month per set , they will.

alleng

09-16-05, 11:04 PM

The one thing that I noticed is different on the 6412 as opposed to the Replay is the constant recording of certain shows. If you have a series set up like the News. It records the 10:00 pm news and the 1:30 rebroadcast. When Monk was having a marathon it recorded every episode even though it only kept one because that was all I allowed. Perhaps this stuff will get worked out.

Yus

09-17-05, 02:49 AM

That's because the tv guide info is crap. Only major prime-time shows are ever properly marked as repeat/new. It's not a limitation of the box so much as lazyness on Comcast's part.

Bruce Blakeslee

09-17-05, 09:21 AM

if comcast can find a way to licence it and gouge us for yet another 10-20 $ per month per set , they will.

If Comcast would rent it to us for $10 or $20 a month it would be a bargon. At that rate it would take 40 months or so to have paid the cost of it and by then you will have had the chance to upgrade it and get new ones if it craps out.

This does not sound like gouging to me.

billh03

09-17-05, 05:26 PM

Yes, I will use a different color in future posts, it seemed legible in preview but obviously it's DARK.

To put something slightly on-topic in this post, I pulled the 6412 series III off the shelf a couple inches, shone a flashlight through the grille, and the tiny fan was spinning away. Does anyone know what it is cooling? The component that is immediately to the left (the hard drive) would be my guess... but the overall box runs warmer than the last box (second "series," I believe). The first HDD Motorola 6412 I had, the power supply area was almost too hot to touch, but I always felt it assisted the heat pump in the winter ;)

TVwillKillUsAll

09-17-05, 10:46 PM

I'm pretty sure mine is hatching an alien, what with the constant weird squiggly squooshy noises it's always making. And everyone knows alien eggs have to be kept cool. So that's my bet on the fan.

andyross63

09-18-05, 10:52 AM

To put something slightly on-topic in this post, I pulled the 6412 series III off the shelf a couple inches, shone a flashlight through the grille, and the tiny fan was spinning away. Does anyone know what it is cooling? The component that is immediately to the left (the hard drive) would be my guess... but the overall box runs warmer than the last box (second "series," I believe). The first HDD Motorola 6412 I had, the power supply area was almost too hot to touch, but I always felt it assisted the heat pump in the winter ;)
Maybe the CPU is sitting underneath the drive, and the fan is blowing over a heatsink. Since the 6412 and 6200 are virtually identical, maybe somebody with both can look at what is being covered by the HD. Or somebody can open their 6412 up and look!!

keenan

09-18-05, 02:52 PM

ThePerfectViewe

09-18-05, 04:01 PM

I have had my Comcast 6412 for a year now. Of late it has been recording shows but on play back, about 45 minutes in, all goes blank.
The complete show is still there. I power off the box, turn on and fast forward to the drop point and it continues okay. Happens on all shows greater then 30 minutes. Since I have another 6412 box I will try Rome tonight and see if the other box does the same thing. Are any others having this problem?

DSperber

09-18-05, 04:45 PM

Does the series recording function work as it's supposed to?Works fine, depending on the accuracy of the info received on the Guide.

As long as "(new)" or similar is present, a showing will qualify for "first run". This works great for network broadcasts which are on once a week, and where occasional later-in-the-week replays to generate buzz are properly identified as "(repeat)".

It doesn't work so great for HBOHD and SHOHD where "new" tends to (but not always) apply to most or all showings during the first-run week. So you may get the occasional unintended re-recording of later showings, unless you manually check your scheduled recording list and manually un-record those extras. No big deal really, as you can always just delete these extras when you notice them in your List.

Finally, there are occasional conflicts caused by scheduling of shows which run 1-2 minutes long (per the Guide), when you want to record two shows at the same time, or a collection of shows 2-at-a-time over a several hour period. If you yourself could manually figure out how to get them all scheduled for recording but the DVR can't, you can generally deal with this by adjusting "series schedule priority" to give the longer-running shows higher priority.

Otherwise, it works great.

keenan

09-18-05, 05:39 PM

Otherwise, it works great.
Great, thanks for the input. I set the series recordings up by network each night and since the shows that run over and short are usually on the same network I think I will be alright as the tuner doesn't have to change channels, hopefully. I should know how it goes by the end of this coming week.

cavu

09-18-05, 06:06 PM

Can you use another color other than Green? Its VERY hard to read you good posts.
Go to the bottom of this page and select "AVS White" instead of "AVS Dark Theatre".

You'll find it MUCH less fatiguing to read! And the 'green' text is as visible as the regular text. ;)

kmil

09-18-05, 08:28 PM

Go to the bottom of this page and select "AVS White" instead of "AVS Dark Theatre".

You'll find it MUCH less fatiguing to read! And the 'green' text is as visible as the regular text. ;)

Thanks! I truly believe you have just saved my eyesight!!!

bmel

09-19-05, 09:54 AM

Yus

09-19-05, 02:52 PM

Bah, I almost got a series III. My mom's DVR suddenly just started displaying "ONE MOMENT PLEASE" out of the blue. The service guy was just going to give me a shiney new series III, but then said "oh, they say that DVR wasn't in inventory, it should come back in an hour." But I think the guy I talked to on the phone removed it when I gave him the serial number on the box, so the guy will probably just end up being back here in an hour.

Is there any difference between the series III and previous ones, other than the HDMI?

tall1

09-19-05, 03:12 PM

Great, thanks for the input. I set the series recordings up by network each night and since the shows that run over and short are usually on the same network I think I will be alright as the tuner doesn't have to change channels, hopefully. I should know how it goes by the end of this coming week.If you are able to successfully schedule the series without any conflicts, it will record. I also read where NBC is stopping the practice of playing with the time slots (e.g. supersized "Friends" and ending shows at 7:59 etc.) but ABC will continue messing with start/end times. As far as I know, NBC and ABC were the only nets that try to jam up DVR owners.

I made the mistake of seaching for the "times" a premiere is on and I mistakenly selected the SD channel. Luckily I caught the error after recording only Bones and Supernatural in SD and even luckier they repeated the premieres and I was able to re-record in HD.

keenan

09-19-05, 03:25 PM

I As far as I know, NBC and ABC were the only nets that try to jam up DVR owners.

Yes, those were the only two that I remember from last year. While setting up this year I did see some overlapping start/stop times although I don't recall which network or night it was. Seeing that is what prompted me to set the recordings up by network each night instead of by time slots. Even so I will be a little amazed if it goes off without a hitch. It would also be nice to not have those recording reminders pop up, seems to happen at the most inopportune times..

keenan

09-19-05, 03:28 PM

I have 2 6412s. Both have remotes set up so that the volume controls operate either the tv volume or the receiver volume. A couple of times I have run into a problem where the sound output from the 6412 has been muted unexpectedly. Neither the tv or the receiver has been muted. The mute button and the volume control button on the remote cannot be used to un-mute the box. The only solution I have found is to power down the 6412 and then turn it back on which restores the sound? Why is this happening? Can I do anything other than turn the box off to correct the problem?

Brian
You need to re-program the MUTE button on the remote to un-mute the box.

How to program the remote to control the mute on the
cable box instead of the tv.

1. Press the cable button
2. Press and hold setup until it blinks twice then
let go
3. Press 994
4. Press setup and release
5. Press 00141
6. Press the mute button

Ken H

09-19-05, 03:53 PM

Maybe the CPU is sitting underneath the drive, and the fan is blowing over a heatsink. Since the 6412 and 6200 are virtually identical, maybe somebody with both can look at what is being covered by the HD. Or somebody can open their 6412 up and look!!Bad idea.

The box is owned by the cableco. It clearly says don't open. If they believe you have tampered with their equipment, you could be looking at a $500 bill.

Ken H

09-19-05, 03:56 PM

Yes, I will use a different color in future posts, it seemed legible in preview but obviously it's DARK.

To put something slightly on-topic in this post, I pulled the 6412 series III off the shelf a couple inches, shone a flashlight through the grille, and the tiny fan was spinning away. Does anyone know what it is cooling? Digital video processing takes lots of work. I don't know what specifically the fan is cooling, but I'd bet it's the MPEG2 chip set.

Ken H

09-19-05, 03:59 PM

Does anyone actually know what Comcast's plan is for increasing DVR disk storage?No.

Having said that, it's in the works. Not sure how it will all play out, but they are working on it.

Most who are serious about archiving use D-VHS or PC.

tall1

09-19-05, 04:21 PM

PugFan

09-19-05, 04:48 PM

Cucuy

09-19-05, 05:07 PM

I have a question. While I have followed this thread from the beginning I didn't really pay close attention to the series recording posts/issues as I never used that function.

So shoot me as I haven't done a search either.. :eek: :D

Well, I just got done setting up my 6412 to do series recordings on probably 10-12 different shows starting with the new fall season..am I going to regret doing that? Does the series recording function work as it's supposed to?

I think overall it works as suppossed to as long as the guide data is ok. For shows where there is often no repeats (like network prime time) I told mine to record all episodes for the series I want, just in case. I don't want to miss episodes becaue the DVR missed them. I had a missed recording on HBO probably because the guide was flagged as "premiere " or "debut" (I don't remember ecxactly but it was not "new") not new on HBOHD. But since HBODHD does repeats I did not miss the episode. For the Fall season in prime time netwrok TV I am not taking my chances for the premieres. I will just delete whatever I don't want every time and then.

keenan

09-19-05, 05:18 PM

I think overall it works as suppossed to as long as the guide data is ok. For shows where there is often no repeats (like network prime time) I told mine to record all episodes for the series I want, just in case. I don't want to miss episodes becaue the DVR missed them. I had a missed recording on HBO probably because the guide was flagged as "premiere " or "debut" (I don't remember ecxactly but it was not "new") not new on HBOHD. But since HBODHD does repeats I did not miss the episode. For the Fall season in prime time netwrok TV I am not taking my chances for the premieres. I will just delete whatever I don't want every time and then.
I set it to record first run only so I'm going to check and make sure that the "New" is in the description just to make sure. I suppose setting it to all couldn't hurt though, just in case.

andyross63

09-19-05, 05:20 PM

I think overall it works as suppossed to as long as the guide data is ok. For shows where there is often no repeats (like network prime time) I told mine to record all episodes for the series I want, just in case. I don't want to miss episodes becaue the DVR missed them. I had a missed recording on HBO probably because the guide was flagged as "premiere " or "debut" (I don't remember ecxactly but it was not "new") not new on HBOHD. But since HBODHD does repeats I did not miss the episode. For the Fall season in prime time netwrok TV I am not taking my chances for the premieres. I will just delete whatever I don't want every time and then.
Another issue is if a channel broadcasts both new and syndicated repeat episodes. I tried to set up a series recording for 'Malcom in the Middle', but the syndicated repeats have no new/repeat flag, so are treated as 'first run'. It made such a mess that I removed it. I set it to record from the guide for the first, but will probably create a manual repeating recording for it instead.
Maybe they should add "New only" in addition to 'first run'. That would only record those with 'new' flags, and ignore unflagged programs.

Cucuy

09-19-05, 05:23 PM

I set it to record first run only so I'm going to check and make sure that the "New" is in the description just to make sure. I suppose setting it to all couldn't hurt though, just in case.

Yeah you might as well delete some shows you don't want in your DVR than miss some shows you wanted because DVR/guide messed up

keenan

09-19-05, 05:25 PM

Yeah you might as well delete some shows you don't want in your DVR than miss some shows you wanted because DVR/guide messed up
Exactly. :)

09-19-05, 05:51 PM

I just can't get excited about extra storage for the 6412. I rented an additional 6412 which gives me another 120gig of storage and 2 additional HD tuners which to me at $9.95/month is a better option than purchasing additional storage or renting it from comcast. I also archive a ton of stuff to DVHS but not as much since comcast turned 5C on. The only thing that is a serious pain is not having different IR codes for each box. I could invest in some RF stuff and make this happen but for now I just block the IR on the 6412 I am not using.

In Atlanta the extra 6412 is $9.95 +$5. The first 6412 is replacing a standerd converter included in the digital package, so the $5 is not charged. So each additional 6412 is really $14.95. Atlanta is also one of the Comcast areas that won't let you add a second DVR without a $30 required house visit.

If one really just want more space connected to the same TV, one not only has to contend with the IR conflict problem, but for HD it needs dual HD inputs on your TV. I have one component and one DVI, but the DVI input picks up the annoying data line chatter at the top of the screen for SDTV. I would need to buy an external HD component switcher, which is not cheap. It would certainly be easier if the 6412 would at least allow alternate IR codes like the Tivo.

I'm not really interesting in long term archiving, just buffering. As you note the firewire is limited by 5C, and in Atlanta that is everything except the over the air stations. Even there, the transfer has to be done in real time, you lose the metadata (guide info for the program), and the 6412 can't playback anything else during the transfer. Once its transferred there is no way to send it back to the 6412, and it takes a PC to play it back, with more IR and HD input issues, let alone the limitations of the software players. Automating to batch the download is another issue.

I may very well want another 6412 for more tuners, and may want to do firewire download for long term archive, but not instead of more storage on the 6412 itself.

Yus

09-19-05, 07:15 PM

I just received a new 6412 from Comcast with an HDMI Port instead of DVI. Two calls to Comcast later, one tells me it's active, another says it's not. I am waiting on my new HDTV to arrive so I can't try it out. Does anyone have experience with this to let me know if the HDMI port actually works???..

I would almost guarantee it's enabled. Why have a disabled HDMI port when previous boxes had enabled DVI ones?

In Atlanta the extra 6412 is $9.95 +$5. The first 6412 is replacing a standerd converter included in the digital package, so the $5 is not charged. So each additional 6412 is really $14.95. Atlanta is also one of the Comcast areas that won't let you add a second DVR without a $30 required house visit.

That's odd, I pay $20 for two 6412s with no problems.

mr2828

09-19-05, 07:29 PM

The HDMI is enabled - I'm using it. See the separate "phase III SATA 6412" thread elsewhere.

Kaiser-Soze

09-19-05, 08:21 PM

I've had Prison Break set for a Series record since it's been on - and am now trying to record Las Vegas - but it says that there is a time conflict w/ PB. I can probably do a manual time record or start to watch one and press the Rec, but shouldnt I be able to have 2 series set to record at the same time?

Kaiser-Soze

09-19-05, 08:30 PM

Never mind - I Looked at "scheduled recordings" and noticed that there was a 3rd set to record at the time, but the 6412 was only showing one. Thankfully that 3rd show was something thats on at random times.

billh03

09-19-05, 09:46 PM

Digital video processing takes lots of work. I don't know what specifically the fan is cooling, but I'd bet it's the MPEG2 chip set.

Well... this is my fifth 64XX box - thought I'd be done with it for awhile, but at some point last night the box crashed. This morning it was putting out a video signal, but one of the shows it was recording was truncated, and two others inacessible (selected them, got a red status bar and a black screen). Attempts to delete last night's "problem" recordings all failed, don't remember the codes (said to call customer service, oh my freaking goodness, after some of the wonderful experiences I've had with Comcast Customer Disservice I'd rather not). Unplugged, waited a minute, and it came back quite well, let me delete last night's failed recordings, and let me access older items on the HDD.

The power is plugged into a Back-UPS 1400, I don't think it was a power company burp. My Tivo (now on my second one) just keeps trucking and the new owners of the original (what was that, 2000?) have never had a problem with it.

-----------------------------------

Update 9/21, 6412 Series III crashed again last night, perhaps standard def TIVO wasn't so bad after all. If I'm not awake or around to see a hi-def show, I'll have the reliable TIVO snag the program in standard-def.

tall1

09-20-05, 12:07 PM

Wish we could get a "cover off" picture of the 6412!!!Maybe some of our friends from the north could oblige. I know that Shaw in Canada makes subs purchase the 6412.

DSperber

09-20-05, 01:59 PM

A couple of times I have run into a problem where the sound output from the 6412 has been muted unexpectedly. Neither the tv or the receiver has been muted. The mute button and the volume control button on the remote cannot be used to un-mute the box. The 6412 will mute itself when it powers itself on from the off-state, in order to perform a timer recording. If you leave the box powered on permanently, this self-mute will never occur. If you do power the box off when it's unused, you can use the user-programmed mute/un-mute function (described below) to take the box out of mute state if you should walk up and want to watch TV with sound while it has already entered a timer recording in this fashion, from a power-off state.

Also, if you decide to watch something while it is already in this auto-muted timer recording mode (having powered itself on temporarily from off-state), don't be surprised when it suddenly powers itself off at the end of your timer recording even though you might be watching something different on the other tuner. That's simply what's going to happen and you have no control over it, because that's how it works. The box doesn't care that you might be watching (as clearly evidenced by the fact that you've manipulated the second tuner to watch something while the timer recording was progressing). This is perfectly "normal" (albeit annoying), so just get used to it.

The first time it happens you're a bit startled, but again it's normal. Even if you un-mute the box (described below), it will STILL power itself off at the end of the timer recording if it has powered itself on from off-state in order to accomplish the timer recording. Again, totally normal behavior.

If you don't want any of these behaviors to happen, just never power the box off. I, personally, prefer to have the box off when not in use (so that it is not buffering continuously to the hard drive from two tuners when I'm not even there). So I just deal with the mute/un-mute necessity, and deal with the occasional surprising power-off if I start using the 6412 to watch something after it has auto-powered-on to perform a timer recording.

Now as far as un-muting the box when it is in this state, as has already been posted you can program an unused button on the remote for this purpose. I personally did not program the official "MUTE" button, which I prefer to leave allocated to the mute/unmute function for my TV. Instead, I've chosen the currently unused "+" button down in the "picture in picture" set of buttons at the bottom of the remote. It's the end button on the right side of the row of four buttons down there.

Note that the "SWAP" button in the same PIP group (second button from the left in that row of four at the bottom of the remote) IS already programmed as active in my remote, and serves to swap between the two tuners of the 6412. You need it to swap tuners when you are recording something with one tuner and want to watch something else at the same time using the second tuner.

So, for me, the programming of the mute/un-mute function (for the 6412 itself as described above, not for my TV where I still use the official "MUTE" button on the remote) the sequence is:

(1) Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
(2) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the red LED on the "Cable" button blinks twice.
(3) Type in the code 994. LED blinks twice.
(4) Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button once (do not hold).
(5) Type in the code 00141 (for mute/un-mute).
(6) Press whatever button you want you want to map the mute/un-mute function to. (As described above, I have used the "+" button at the right end of the four PIP buttons at the bottom of the remote). LED blinks twice.

Also, you might want to also program the "30-second skip forward" function into another unused button of the remote. This function is extremely useful, as you can imagine. Instant 30-second advance from normal play speed, resuming instantly at normal play speed but 30-seconds later.

Just substitute 00173 in step (5) above, and pick some other unused button on the remote for step (6) above. I, personally, have used the "FAV" button (just to the left of the large white channel up/down rocker button) for this purpose, since it is very comfortably located and easy to find even in the dark and is otherwise currently unimplemented.

Finally, the "PAGE DOWN" button to the upper-right of the four white arrow keys (arranged in a ring around the "OK/SELECT" button) is pre-programmed in the remote to be the "15-second skip backward" function, if you didn't already know that.

So you can use "PAGE DOWN" button to skip back 15-seconds while viewing at normal play speed, and you can use the newly programmed "FAV" button to skip forward 30-seconds while viewing at normal play speed.

camelottz

09-20-05, 10:12 PM

I was trying to add the mute function as mentioned in the above post, but my remote doesnt have a setup button. I have the DRC800 with my 6412, does someone have instructions for adding it to that remote? Thanks

YesJim

09-21-05, 11:02 AM

Note that the "SWAP" button in the same PIP group (second button from the left in that row of four at the bottom of the remote) IS already programmed as active in my remote, and serves to swap between the two tuners of the 6412. You need it to swap tuners when you are recording something with one tuner and want to watch something else at the same time using the second tuner.

(1) Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
(2) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the red LED on the "Cable" button blinks twice.
(3) Type in the code 994. LED blinks twice.
(4) Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button once (do not hold).
(5) Type in the code 00141 (for mute/un-mute).
(6) Press whatever button you want you want to map the mute/un-mute function to. (As described above, I have used the "+" button at the right end of the four PIP buttons at the bottom of the remote). LED blinks twice.

Also, you might want to also program the "30-second skip forward" function into another unused button of the remote. This function is extremely useful, as you can imagine. Instant 30-second advance from normal play speed, resuming instantly at normal play speed but 30-seconds later.

Just substitute 00173 in step (5) above, and pick some other unused button on the remote for step (6) above. I, personally, have used the "FAV" button (just to the left of the large white channel up/down rocker button) for this purpose, since it is very comfortably located and easy to find even in the dark and is otherwise currently unimplemented.

The batteries on my 6412 remote quit this week and the SWAP button is no longer active (although everything else seems to work fine). Will the above technique or a variant re-enable this? With the intersection of sports seasons now I can't exist without my swap function!!!

scanpa

09-21-05, 11:23 AM

[QUOTE=DSperber]The 6412 will mute itself when it powers itself on from the off-state, in order to perform a timer recording. If you leave the box powered on permanently, this self-mute will never occur. If you do power the box off when it's unused, you can use the user-programmed mute/un-mute function (described below) to take the box out of mute state if you should walk up and want to watch TV with sound while it has already entered a timer recording in this fashion, from a power-off state.

QUOTE]

Thank you. Great post.
Brian

With Firmware 09.19 and 09.21, the STB no longer mutes when powering up from standby mode (power off) for a timed recording. Tested and works ok on both my 6412's

snuba

09-21-05, 12:05 PM

joeinma

09-21-05, 02:56 PM

Help please.
Last night I had to go out so I set my DVR to record two shows at the same time, 8-9pm. I used the TV guide thing, selected each show, and chose the record option. Both shows had that little red dot marking the selection on the guide. When I came home and tried to watch one of the shows, I saw that only one had recorded. What happened?

This happened to me Monday night, though I have a local cable company, not Comcast. I was watching Arrested Development and the show after it, while recording (so I thought) Surface on the other tuner. During the first commerical break of Arrested Development, I switched to the other tuner (I noticed the record light was not on) and NBC HD was not available as it was on the "This channel will be available shortly" message. From 8 pm until I went to bed, NBC HD was not available for whatever reason...thus the show did not record.

It's possible that you encountered a similar problem. It wasn't an NBC show you were recording was it? Last season NBC was always having problems, I assume at the head unit end, with either no picture or a picture but no HD. Luckily, the show is being reshown on Sci-Fi so I can catch it, though reviews of the show are bad.

I have Directv with Tivo also, so I know now (since this is my first week with the DVR) that I need to record "must see" shows on both units just to me save. I would be really pissed if I went to record Lost and it did not record! :eek:

snuba

09-21-05, 03:26 PM

One of the shows was NBC but that recording worked. I was recording both Biggest Loser (for the wife) and Bones on FOX for me. Loser worked but I tried to watch Bones and there was no recording to be found. Hopefully just a glitch but I wanted to confirm that the DVR CAN record two shows at once.
And I agree, losing Bones was no biggie, but if it messed up recording LOST, I would probably through the box through a window :eek:

DSperber

09-21-05, 04:01 PM

The batteries on my 6412 remote quit this week and the SWAP button is no longer active (although everything else seems to work fine). Will the above technique or a variant re-enable this?I believe that the "SWAP" function can be programmed using the above recipe by substituting 00236 for the code in step (5). Presumably, you can therefore "re-program" your SWAP button to contain its original "SWAP" function in this way.

Final note... if you decide you don't like what you've programmed (perhaps because you've used an otherwise functional button for a different purpose and have now decided you'd like things back the way they originally were), you can restore a button to its original purpose (pre-programmed or impotent, I would imagine) by using the following method:

(1) press the device key where there is a remapped key (i.e. CABLE or TV, etc.).
(2) press and hold SETUP until the red LED blinks twice, then let go.
(3) press 994. Red LED blinks twice.
(4) press the subject key (that you had previously remapped and now want to restore to its original use) twice. Red LED blinks. The key should now be restored.

MickeyGee

09-21-05, 04:36 PM

TVwillKillUsAll

09-21-05, 11:45 PM

JBaumgart

09-22-05, 12:13 AM

And now for the freakish bizarro problem of freakish bizarro problems, I have these double horizontal stripes of gigantic multicolored but mostly green pixels over my tv image on all channels which undulate and frizz out in the parts where moving action is happening behind them.

Back in college, I knew people who would have paid big money to experience what you are seeing...

;)

Seriously, I've been following this thread for quite a while, reading about all sorts of weird things that are happening to 6412 users, but I think this is a new one.

tweekerz

09-22-05, 01:07 AM

Exactly the opposite for me... The component cables look better than the DVI-D to HDMI cable I use on my Mitsubishi WD-52525 The HD signal appears live and in living color. The DVI to HDMI appears DVD lke... not live looking.

Any enlightenment?

Oh yeah, this is on a 6400 HD box, no DVR.. I hate the Comcast DVR.. small HD, no hacks, and no Tivo functionality.

HDMI looks better on my CRT TV than component, but that's due to ****** component inputs.

DSperber

09-22-05, 03:42 AM

With Firmware 09.19 and 09.21, the STB no longer mutes when powering up from standby mode (power off) for a timed recording. Tested and works ok on both my 6412'sI have 9.19 in my 6412, and it still mutes when powering up for a timer recording.

geharvey

09-22-05, 06:30 AM

I use my Panasonic DVD Ram burner to archive shows to my pc. I then stream them back with my Avel Linkplayer back to my tv, this solution works great. I just copy and paste the files off of the ram disk to my hard drive. There is a couple drawbacks, the first being either you record them with the burner as the show is being aired, or record it with the 6412 and then record the show during playback. the other of course is the DVD recorder does not record HD or DD 5.1. However, you can record HD shows with the DVD burner and they look great, just in SD though. I do alot of my recording late at night so I just set the timer on the burner to record when I want instead of playing the shows back and then recording them. In a perfect world, Comcast would enable the ethernet port and we could just move the files through the network.

JRad
JRAD

I have Moto 6412, Panny E55 burner and LCD HD. I am attempting DVD RAM recording but so far unable to record even OTA SD programs--much less archive DVR content. Would you mind telling me exactly how you have your equipment connected, i.e. TV, 6412, and DVD Recorder (at this point, I'm not transferring to computer.)

keenan

09-22-05, 11:57 AM

I have 9.19 in my 6412, and it still mutes when powering up for a timer recording.
Pretty sure mine does to, haven't checked the FW but last I looked it was 9.19 and it did the mute thing just the other day.

BSTNFAN

09-22-05, 01:55 PM

TurboGadget

09-22-05, 02:53 PM

Well, after 6+ months I got my first phantom 1989 recording. Has anyone come up with a fix for this that does not involve deleting everything? I am at 84% on the drive and it will take quite awhile before I can get it all watched and deleted.

I was in the same boat several weeks back! Had a disk full of stuff I hadn't watched yet and a fantom 1989 recording. Couldn't get rid of it! I just had to get used to it being there until I watched everything, then I did a hard reset! That nuked the sucker! :mad:

chinch

09-22-05, 05:32 PM

Originally posted by Gary Stevens
Yesterday, one tuner spontaneously lost the ability to encode analog audio to DD. If I tune a digital channel on both tuners, all is fine. If I tune an analog channel on both tuners, one tuner will output an SPDIF DD stream, and the other produces no DD audio output (but DOES produce analog audio out).

I searched this thread and found a few SPDIF problems but was hoping to get a confirmation before calling comcast.

I switched my 6412 from coax to spdif optical out yesterday (out of necessity adding another device to my receiver). The spdif is NOT outputting digital output... i'm getting an analog(PCM?) output via the spdif cable - there is sound - but it's not a digital dolby stream on channels that are very clearly labeled DD5.1.

I will test further tonight after reading this above post. In the meantime any advice is appreciated as comcast support will be useless (will no doubt schedule to send a new box) and i have SEVERAL HOURS of programming I don't want to lose on the DVR.

Thanks in advance.

scanpa

09-22-05, 06:19 PM

I searched this thread and found a few SPDIF problems but was hoping to get a confirmation before calling comcast.

I switched my 6412 from coax to spdif optical out yesterday (out of necessity adding another device to my receiver). The spdif is NOT outputting digital output... i'm getting an analog(PCM?) output via the spdif cable - there is sound - but it's not a digital dolby stream on channels that are very clearly labeled DD5.1.

I will test further tonight after reading this above post. In the meantime any advice is appreciated as comcast support will be useless (will no doubt schedule to send a new box) and i have SEVERAL HOURS of programming I don't want to lose on the DVR.

Thanks in advance.

Try this:

Turn Power off & press Menu

move the curser down and select restore all defaults.

then re select all of your Video settings at the top.

Hit power twice

This has restored both any Digital Video & Audio Problems on the 6412

JRad

09-22-05, 10:09 PM

I have Moto 6412, Panny E55 burner and LCD HD. I am attempting DVD RAM recording but so far unable to record even OTA SD programs--much less archive DVR content. Would you mind telling me exactly how you have your equipment connected, i.e. TV, 6412, and DVD Recorder (at this point, I'm not transferring to computer.)

geharvey,

I have a Panny DMR-55, hopefully it is the same as yours. From the Moto 6412, run s-video to L1 or L3 on your Panny DVD. Then just run the audio (RCA left and right from the DVR to the recorder (L1 or L3), thats pretty much it. When you play back the recording off of the 6412, make sure the DVD is on whatever line in you used L1 or L3. It will tell you on the display. I have component and optical from the 6412 to my AV Receiver, then from there to my TV. I have the cable split out of the wall to the DVD recorder and then to the 6412, because of poor analog reception through the 6412. What works well for me is recording a show in real time on the DVD recorder so not to take up space on the DVR and saving me from playing it and recording later.

Hope this helps,

JRad

geharvey

09-23-05, 09:56 AM

JRad :

I really appreciate the info. Hopefully your suggested set-up will work for me.

Thanks again,
geharfvey

cuyahoga

09-23-05, 10:29 AM

I did some searches on HD pixelization on the thread but none seemed to address the exact issue I had last night, so I though I'd throw it to the board and see what people thought.

Was watching NBC-HD last night on Comcast. The pixelization and audio dropouts got so bad that shows were unwatchable from 9 am on. I power cycled the box to no effect. I did not reset defaults (not yet, anyway).

The funny thing is that I tried watching one of the INHD channels for awhile and it was fine. perfect, in fact.

Thought it was kind of funny that one channel would freak out, then I talked with someone at work this morning, and he had CBS-HD freak out on him in the same way that NBC-HD freaked out on me.

Can one or two digital HD channels be having these kind of problems but everything else be fine?

HD Rookie

09-23-05, 10:59 AM

Can one or two digital HD channels be having these kind of problems but everything else be fine?

Any chance it could have been weather related? My hdbox is generally very stable, but last night my CBS-HD had all of the problems you mentioned. It happened on and off for about an hour, during some heavy storm activity in our area. The problem totally cleared up after the storms passed.

cuyahoga

09-23-05, 11:05 AM

Any chance it could have been weather related? My hdbox is generally very stable, but last night my CBS-HD had all of the problems you mentioned. It happened on and off for about an hour, during some heavy storm activity in our area. The problem totally cleared up after the storms passed.

Interesting...

things were pretty clear in my area last night, but perhaps upstream there was something.

I'll see how it behaves tonight (and watch the skies).

:)

snuba

09-23-05, 11:06 AM

Same thing happened to me with trying to record Surface on my 6412 III while I recorded something else.
Same thing happens to me with that stupid mute issue. Thanks for the fix.
And now for the freakish bizarro problem of freakish bizarro problems, I have these double horizontal stripes of gigantic multicolored but mostly green pixels over my tv image on all channels which undulate and frizz out in the parts where moving action is happening behind them. WTF? Never seen anything like it. Anybody?
Freakish bizarro happened to me too, and then some. Tuesday night, as mentioned earlier, dual recording didn't work. Last night, giant green pixels all over picture. Unplugged box. Plugged it back in. Green pixels gone. AND! mysteriously, lost recording of "Bones" shows up. WTF?! Well, I'm happy. Then schedule dual recording of Survivor and OC. at 8. At 9, watch recording of OC. Works great. Then try to watch recording of Survivor. The recording is there but doesn't work. So, I try previous recording of Biggest Loser. Doesn't work either. Tried Bones, well it works. Tried earlier Prison Break. Works too. So, two shows don't work. Both were recorded simultaneously with another recording. Seems like only one recording during a simultaneous recording session saves propoerly. All I get on the messed up ones when I click them is the Delete/Don't delete option. Again, WTF?! :(

JRad

09-23-05, 11:14 AM

I really appreciate the info. Hopefully your suggested set-up will work for me.

Let us know how it works for you.

JRad

sbutler76

09-23-05, 12:13 PM

I did some searches on HD pixelization on the thread but none seemed to address the exact issue I had last night, so I though I'd throw it to the board and see what people thought.

Was watching NBC-HD last night on Comcast. The pixelization and audio dropouts got so bad that shows were unwatchable from 9 am on. I power cycled the box to no effect. I did not reset defaults (not yet, anyway).

The funny thing is that I tried watching one of the INHD channels for awhile and it was fine. perfect, in fact.

Same thing happened to me in Delaware last night. I noticed from 8:00 pm until 11:00 pm really bad pixelation and sound dropouts on the HD feeds for ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, UPN, WB, PBS, and the two digital weather channels (NBC and ABC weather plus). This was a similar problem that a lot of us experienced in Delaware some time ago, that took months for comcast to finally resolve. I hope it was just a one night thing. I plan to check to see how it is tonight (Apprentice and Survivor were so bad they were almost not watchable).

Cucuy

09-23-05, 01:25 PM

Can one or two digital HD channels be having these kind of problems but everything else be fine?

Yes if they share the same frequency. I think for most cable companies two HD channels share a frequency slot

TakeFlight

09-23-05, 01:35 PM

Same thing happened to me in Delaware last night. I noticed from 8:00 pm until 11:00 pm really bad pixelation and sound dropouts on the HD feeds for ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, UPN, WB, PBS, and the two digital weather channels (NBC and ABC weather plus). This was a similar problem that a lot of us experienced in Delaware some time ago, that took months for comcast to finally resolve. I hope it was just a one night thing. I plan to check to see how it is tonight (Apprentice and Survivor were so bad they were almost not watchable).

I had the same thing last night in Coatesville, PA (Chester county). The networks I had problems with (that I noticed) were...

8-9pm - NBC - Joey
9-10pm - Fox - Reunion
11:30-12:30 - CBS - Letterman

I also tuned into CSI for a small period of time and saw the problem there as well. Also, it was so bad during Reunion that at times I would get dropouts every few seconds for many minutes in a row! But then at other times it would go for a few minutes without any problems. I wasn't sure if it was just me (maybe wiring in my house since my entire house is wired with RG-59) or Comcast since I just got digital cable and HD this past Monday. But, I haven't seen this problem Monday-Wednesday. It was just last night. And just like someone else said, the INHD channels (and possibly some others) were fine during this time (at least as much as I watched them) which is why I assumed it wasn't a problem in my house.