BTW, the earliest we will see the new i-Guide "Mosaic + VRN" is second quarter 2006. We might see the TiVo guide sooner.

From http://www.cedmagazine.com/ced/2005/0505/05b.htm

--
Comcast plans to make the enhancement available alongside the "A-24" release from GuideWorks, which is slated to enter pilots following its emergence from Acadia testing in the late summer, according to CMC Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Gary Traver. The VRN is designed to run on digital set-tops as technologically thin as the widely-deployed Motorola DCT-2000.
--

I would have thought we would be seeing VRN sooner than Q2 2006, if the pilots really started late summer.

As far as the Tivo guide for Comcast, the press releases always seem to say "mid to late 2006". No one seems to be talking about what features it will have. For example, will they keep a database on disk of program schedule as Tivo does, or will they start from scratch at every reboot like the IGUIDE does?

The other interesting date would be the deployment of the standalone HD Tivo with cablecard for which I've seen no date.

My 6412 DVR doesn't offer the series recording option anymore when I try to record a new program. I have one series recording set that records every program that comes on.
Called Comcast CS, they said do a power recycle. I did that with no help.
Comcast then reset the box themselves and still no series recording option.
Is there any way to get this option back short of replacing the DVR.

My 6412 DVR doesn't offer the series recording option anymore when I try to record a new program. I have one series recording set that records every program that comes on.
Called Comcast CS, they said do a power recycle. I did that with no help.
Comcast then reset the box themselves and still no series recording option.
Is there any way to get this option back short of replacing the DVR.

Do a HD reset,

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

When you do an HD reset, you DO lose all of your presets and whatever you had recorded. Just wanted to mention that.

When you do an HD reset, you DO lose all of your presets and whatever you had recorded. Just wanted to mention that.

Correct, I forgot to post that, this will clear all Flash Memory, and DVR settings!

Thanks bobby94928...

Is Comcast implementing these upgrades at the same time in their system? Or is this also bandwidth dependent? In other words, are some markets going to be getting these features a year or 2 later than the rest.I would doubt Comcast would do it across the board at the same time. They rarely do anything major system wide at once.

I can't see the web scheduling requiring much bandwidth at all. And the Whole Home option will require an update to the software (i-Guide). I know this works since I have seen it.

I don't know factually, but I am hoping the next i-Guide includes this. I'll see what I can dig up and post back once I know something concrete. :)

BTW, the earliest we will see the new i-Guide "Mosaic + VRN" is second quarter 2006. We might see the TiVo guide sooner.Is Tivo realistically ever going to happen? Tivo seems to run counter to their iGuide/Home Media Option. It seems more likely comcast was buying their way out of a lawsuit and possibly acquiring some intellectual property from Tivo to accelerate iGuide R&D. Even if a Tivo version is released, my guess is it would look more like iGuide than Tivo. I also find it hard to believe comcast would want to support Tivo and iGuide. But this is based on nothing other than naive observations.

Searched but couldn't find the answer:

Never used to have a problem recording two shows at once. Last few weeks, whenever the shortest show finishes, the 6412 turns itself off and the second recording is cut off prematurely. Tough to cope when NASCAR and the NFL overlap.

Anybody know a fix?

Searched but couldn't find the answer:

Never used to have a problem recording two shows at once. Last few weeks, whenever the shortest show finishes, the 6412 turns itself off and the second recording is cut off prematurely. Tough to cope when NASCAR and the NFL overlap.

Anybody know a fix?Were these timed recordings both started with the STB power set to standby / or set to on?

Standby.

I should point out that I've been using the same method for more than a year, but just started having the problem of cutting off after the first show recorded and before the second finished.

I suspect, but can't confirm, that the problem started when my box was upgraded to firmware 9.19. I can live with the "mute when recording" bug, but cutting off recordings in mid-show is ridiculous.

Any suggestions other than leaving it on all the time, which I would like to avoid if possible. The 6412 is in my bedroom, and I prefer standby to leaving it on all the time because of the distraction of the LEDs in a dark room when I'm not watching TV.

Any suggestions other than leaving it on all the time, which I would like to avoid if possible. The 6412 is in my bedroom, and I prefer standby to leaving it on all the time because of the distraction of the LEDs in a dark room when I'm not watching TV.
Leaving it on all the time is the solution. Maybe just put a piece of cardboard in front of the display when you're not using it?

Well Comcast tech came out today & had to switch out boxes, this box was fried. We lost a lot of recorded shows. Wish we could have saved them, but nothing we could do.

Leaving it on all the time is the solution. Maybe just put a piece of cardboard in front of the display when you're not using it?

Maybe that would work in your bedroom. In mine, there's a wife who thinks that electronics should be invisible when not in use, and that the best way to do that is to stuff everything that requires a plug inside a piece of antique furniture. I wouldn't put up with it for a second if she wasn't gorgeous ;>)

I understand the logic that mutes the audio when recording from standby (though I think it's a major pain not to have a choice.) I can't for the life of me figure out why any engineer would think it was a good idea for a twin-tuner device to turn off both while one is still recording.

I was hoping there was a workaround other than never turning the damn thing off.

I understand the logic that mutes the audio when recording from standby (though I think it's a major pain not to have a choice.)

New to this thread, but I'm with you entirely on this. I understand why it would default to muted when recording from standby, but for the life of me I don't know why I cannot unmute it. Major pain when I come home in the middle of a recording and have to wait for a commercial to break the recording. God help me if I'm recording a movie on a premium station with no breaks.

I was hoping there was a workaround other than never turning the damn thing off.
The piece of cardboard was my workaround!! :p

New to this thread, but I'm with you entirely on this. I understand why it would default to muted when recording from standby, but for the life of me I don't know why I cannot unmute it. Major pain when I come home in the middle of a recording and have to wait for a commercial to break the recording. God help me if I'm recording a movie on a premium station with no breaks.
You can unmute it - you have to program the 6412's "mute" function into your remote control. Here's the instructions:
Program an unused button on your remote for Mute/Unmute or 30 Second Skip (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5327687&&#post5327687)

Ok, this is what you do:
1 press cable button.
2 press setup untill two flashes.
3 enter 994.
4 press setup again.
5 enter 00141.
6 press mute botton.
This is assuming the silver remote is the one you have. This sequence locks the mute botton to the cable box and you can unmute it anytime you want. You do not have to leave it on all the time.

You can unmute it - you have to program the 6412's "mute" function into your remote control. Here's the instructions:
Program an unused button on your remote for Mute/Unmute or 30 Second Skip (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5327687&&#post5327687)


Thank you, I'll try this once I get home. :)

Thanks,
Will try this before replacement. Either way loses all recordings.

Thanks,
Will try this before replacement. Either way loses all recordings.
Wlbandy, just a tip from one "newbie" to another - the post that you're referring to was quite a ways up the page. In this case make sure to use the "quote" function when you post so that other people know what you're referring to. So many questions & answers develop on these forums that it's easy to lose track otherwise. Happy posting! :p

Love this thread. Has anyone else found their 6412's firewire output disabled? I used to be able to offload content to my computer that way, but then suddenly I couldn't. Not on any channel. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm in Boston.
Thanks.

I used to be able to offload content to my computer that way, but then suddenly I couldn'tDid you happen to change from one firewire port to the other?? Some have reported that the port towards the power cord worked while the port nearest the center of the box didn't.

Did you happen to change from one firewire port to the other?? Some have reported that the port towards the power cord worked while the port nearest the center of the box didn't.

No, no port change. Are there any quick diagnostic tests I could do to see if the problem is an inactive port (hardware) vs. a DRM issue?

There was a problem with our cable in the area today and I had a show scheduled to record that seems to have messed up my DVR. When I go into my DVR programs it shows with no title, a length of 60 minutes, and a record date of 12/31/1989. When I try to play it it pretty much hangs the box and I CANNOT delete it (I've tried and nothing happens). How can I get this off of my box? It was a HD broadcast and its now wasting space on the DVR. :(
After reading everyones replies to this, it turns out I got off easy. Our power went out last night and when it came back on, the phantom recording turned into CSI:NY (which is what I was recording at the time). The whole episode was there (although it looked like crap) and I was able to watch the whole thing and delete it when it was finished. I guess I got lucky with it.

Had the same problem with The West Wing from this week. Ended up solving it by unplugging the box, waiting a minute, and plugging it back in. Cleared the phantom show.

Gotta say, love the HD video, but I miss my ReplayTV for its interface and its reliability. Had two of them for two years and never had these kinds of glitches.

how do you get the video input jack on the front panel to work? :confused:

how do you get the video input jack on the front panel to work? :confused:

Comcast has the RCA input jacks set to disable on most of the 62xx & 64xx series of STB......

The Local Cable Head End, controls all of the settings that allow / disalow a feature via the F/W...

Same here. Ex-UltimateTV user. My god, this is the buggiest box I have ever seen. So unstable. Are they planning on fixing ANYTHING or are we waiting for TiVo?


love the HD video, but I miss my ReplayTV for its interface and its reliability. Had two of them for two years and never had these kinds of glitches.

I have read in this post that the 30 second skip still works with the 6412 and i guide. I have tried the procedure in this guide using code 173 but it didnt work. has any one got the 30 sec skip to work with i guide and if so how?? thanks

The time on my 6412 is 30 seconds off so i miss the first 30 sec of each show. Is there anyway to adjust the time on this box. I called the cable company and they were no help.

I have read in this post that the 30 second skip still works with the 6412 and i guide. I have tried the procedure in this guide using code 173 but it didnt work. has any one got the 30 sec skip to work with i guide and if so how?? thanks
Absolutely. I use the 30 second and 3 minute skip macro as defined in this thread. People with iguide v10.? have reported that their skip functionality no longer works. What version is your software? It seems to work in all versions before 10.?

I have read in this post that the 30 second skip still works with the 6412 and i guide. I have tried the procedure in this guide using code 173 but it didnt work. has any one got the 30 sec skip to work with i guide and if so how?? thanks

Not sure why you are having problems, but if you have the silver remote and program the 30 skip onto an unused button it wourks just fine. I have had the skip working now for over a year with absolutly no problems. I have the iGuide but I don't know what you mean about the skip working with the guide.

You need to use the leading zeros to get this to work. The code is 00173, not just 173.



http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5327687&&#post5327687

The time on my 6412 is 30 seconds off so i miss the first 30 sec of each show. Is there anyway to adjust the time on this box. I called the cable company and they were no help.
Not that I know of. The headend controls the time. My neighborhood was off by about a minute earlier in the year, but has since been fixed.

The time on my 6412 is 30 seconds off so i miss the first 30 sec of each show. Is there anyway to adjust the time on this box. I called the cable company and they were no help.

The time is pushed by the head end. Nothing you can do to fix it. Used to be a problem here in NJ but our head end now keeps the time consistant so the shows start on time.

You should contact your local Comcast support and ask them to fix the time. Ask to speak to a "tier 2 / advanced" support, and also email them your complaint using their web problem submission system and ask that they forward it to someone who can fix it.

As for adjusting recording times, yes the 6412 allows you to set recordings to start one or more minutes early and end one or more minutes late.

...and 3 minute skip macro as defined in this thread.

Is this a single command or is it a multiple of 30 sec skips. I assumme it is multiple 30 sec skips since you said macro. Can it be learned as a 3 minute skip by other remotes (Harmony, MX, etc). I guess I'l try it tonight

The time is pushed by the head end. Nothing you can do to fix it. Used to be a problem here in NJ but our head end now keeps the time consistant so the shows start on time.You can thank me for that :D

As for adjusting recording times, yes the 6412 allows you to set recordings to start one or more minutes early and end one or more minutes late.Just be careful with your Series Recordings if you do that. You may get the 4:20 am / 4:50 pm lockup.

Getting your time corrected...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=426107

You can thank me for that :D

And a very big thanks it is. It makes a world of difference. ;)

Is this a single command or is it a multiple of 30 sec skips. I assumme it is multiple 30 sec skips since you said macro. Can it be learned as a 3 minute skip by other remotes (Harmony, MX, etc). I guess I'l try it tonight
Multiple 30 second skips. Look here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5825579&highlight=3+minute#post5825579

And a very big thanks it is. It makes a world of difference. ;)

Amen to that.

Absolutely. I use the 30 second and 3 minute skip macro as defined in this thread. People with iguide v10.? have reported that their skip functionality no longer works. What version is your software? It seems to work in all versions before 10.?

My firmware ver is 10.10 so I guess im out of luck. The 30 sec skip used to work ontill they upgraded the guide. thanks for the quick replys.

I have read in this post that the 30 second skip still works with the 6412 and i guide. I have tried the procedure in this guide using code 173 but it didnt work. has any one got the 30 sec skip to work with i guide and if so how?? thanksYou should use 00173, or even 000173 as some have reported. Plain 173 will not work.

My firmware ver is 10.10 so I guess im out of luck. The 30 sec skip used to work ontill they upgraded the guide. thanks for the quick replys.
If your cable company has the new phase 3 6412's (with HDMI and SATA ports), just have them swap out your current box for the new one. Then 30 second skip will work again - it works on mine (firmware 12.22).

My firmware ver is 10.10 so I guess im out of luck. The 30 sec skip used to work ontill they upgraded the guide. thanks for the quick replys.

Are you a Comcast customer, and if so in what city? I don't think we have seen any confirmed sitings of Comcast deploying firmware with 30 second skip disabled.

Are you a Comcast customer, and if so in what city? I don't think we have seen any confirmed sitings of Comcast deploying firmware with 30 second skip disabled.

There have been multiple reports of No 30 Sec. Skip allowed in in early 6412 p3's.

As of Comcast F/W 09.21 Beta here in PA, the P2 box still allows the 30 Sec. Skip.

There have been multiple reports of No 30 Sec. Skip allowed in in early 6412 p3's.

As of Comcast F/W 09.21 Beta here in PA, the P2 box still allows the 30 Sec. Skip.

I would have to assume that the missing skip was temporary until the early P3's got the 12.18 release that seems to be standard on the P3, and has the skip.

I still don't think there has been any confirmed report of Comcast deploying a production release without skip. Most of the reports of it here seem to be with other cable providers.

I would have to assume that the missing skip was temporary until the early P3's got the 12.18 release that seems to be standard on the P3, and has the skip.

I still don't think there has been any confirmed report of Comcast deploying a production release without skip. Most of the reports of it here seem to be with other cable providers.

If the reports here are from the other cable co's., what makes anyone think that Comcast isn't far behind on removing the skip function?

We have so much more than I even dreamed of when I first started to surf the web in 1990 uising Mosaic

Not to nitpick, but Mosaic was released in 1993 :)

On another topic - what is the purpose of the "HD Zoom" button on the 6412 remote? I assumed that it would allow me to "zoom" 4:3 content that I get on my HD channels to fill the full screen of my 4:3 TV, but that doesn't seem to be the case. So when I record shows on my HD channels that are not widescreen, I get "double letterboxing" effect. Any ideas on how to get around this?

Not to nitpick, but Mosaic was released in 1993 :)

On another topic - what is the purpose of the "HD Zoom" button on the 6412 remote? I assumed that it would allow me to "zoom" 4:3 content that I get on my HD channels to fill the full screen of my 4:3 TV, but that doesn't seem to be the case. So when I record shows on my HD channels that are not widescreen, I get "double letterboxing" effect. Any ideas on how to get around this?

Record your non HD shows on there SD Ch. :) then you have no black bars.

Now that most areas are simulcasting the Analog Tier in Digital, you would still get DD5.1 Audio on the SD Ch, as long as it is in DD5.1

This is what I do for shows like survivor, BB, Aprentice, ect........

I would have to assume that the missing skip was temporary until the early P3's got the 12.18 release that seems to be standard on the P3, and has the skip.

I still don't think there has been any confirmed report of Comcast deploying a production release without skip. Most of the reports of it here seem to be with other cable providers.

The Microsoft guide s/w in Washington State has always had the 30-second skip capability disabled, apparently at the request of Comcast. I don't know why, or why they've allowed it in the iGuide s/w, but that's the way it is.

I have both the Tonight Show and David Letterman setup for series recording.

6412 PVR with SATA port, F/W 12.18 S/W 71.44-1203

If I don't want to recod either for one night only I can not cancel both recordings. If I cancel Leno it works, but then if I cancel Letterman at the same time, it cancels Letterman but re-enables Leno.

Has anyone else seen this problem with two shows start at the same time?

Unrelated, it drives me nuts that the 2 or 3am reruns of Leno and Conan are both flagged as "First Run" and get recorded. UGH.

Regards,

Steve

I have both the Tonight Show and David Letterman setup for series recording.

6412 PVR with SATA port, F/W 12.18 S/W 71.44-1203

If I don't want to recod either for one night only I can not cancel both recordings. If I cancel Leno it works, but then if I cancel Letterman at the same time, it cancels Letterman but re-enables Leno.

Has anyone else seen this problem with two shows start at the same time?

Unrelated, it drives me nuts that the 2 or 3am reruns of Leno and Conan are both flagged as "First Run" and get recorded. UGH.

Regards,

SteveThis is the whack-a-mole bug. The only way around it is to delete the series or manual recordings and set them up again the next day.

Because the guide info sucks you have a choice to make with Leno/Letterman; 1) setup a series recording and delete the extra 2am recordings and deal with the whack-a-mole bug 2) set up a manual recording to avoid the extra 2am recording and again deal with the whack-a-mole bug 3) setup individual recordings for each show. I use method 3 and every monday I individually select the shows I want to record based on high babe factor etc. Then if I decide I want to record something else, I can easily delete the individual recording.

I would have to assume that the missing skip was temporary until the early P3's got the 12.18 release that seems to be standard on the P3, and has the skip.

I still don't think there has been any confirmed report of Comcast deploying a production release without skip. Most of the reports of it here seem to be with other cable providers.
It was definately reported/confirmed in this thread. I don't know that the P3 had anything to do with it. It seemed like everybody reporting "no more skip" was using early versions of 10.x (maybe v10.10 only). Sounds like later versions have re-enabled skipping???

See: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6278650&&#post6278650

This is the whack-a-mole bug. The only way around it is to delete the series or manual recordings and set them up again the next day.

Because the guide info sucks you have a choice to make with Leno/Letterman; 1) setup a series recording and delete the extra 2am recordings and deal with the whack-a-mole bug 2) set up a manual recording to avoid the extra 2am recording and again deal with the whack-a-mole bug 3) setup individual recordings for each show. I use method 3 and every monday I individually select the shows I want to record based on high babe factor etc. Then if I decide I want to record something else, I can easily delete the individual recording.

I just delete the 2:00 am recording of Leno and Conan. It's quite a pain in the butt but so is the box losing contact with the remote every 15 minutes. This box has so many quirks it reminds me of the Corvair.

You should use 00173, or even 000173 as some have reported. Plain 173 will not work. It depends what remote you have. On mine I just used 173 and it actually reset my "7" and "3" buttons when I tried to do "00173" (I guess it tried to set those buttons to the "001" code)

It was definately reported/confirmed in this thread. I don't know that the P3 had anything to do with it. It seemed like everybody reporting "no more skip" was using early versions of 10.x (maybe v10.10 only). Sounds like later versions have re-enabled skipping???

See: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6278650&&#post6278650


But were the reports from Comcast customers? The particular post you reference is by xandypx, which doesn't name his cable provider. However, in a different post

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6046255#post6046255

I see xandypx says

OT: CableOne's "New" firmware update has disabled the 30sec Skip function on the 6412.

Firmware ver. 10.10

Hopefully you Comcast subscribers don't get this update.

But were the reports from Comcast customers? The particular post you reference is by xandypx, which doesn't name his cable provider. However, in a different post

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6046255#post6046255

I see xandypx says

OT: CableOne's "New" firmware update has disabled the 30sec Skip function on the 6412.

Firmware ver. 10.10

Hopefully you Comcast subscribers don't get this update.
I stand corrected - maybe all the reports are from non-comcast subscribers.

If the reports here are from the other cable co's., what makes anyone think that Comcast isn't far behind on removing the skip function?

Nothing. This is in the hands of Comcast and if they want to disable they will. Other providers (E* for example) have this feature in their DVRs and it is a supported feature unlike Comcast. Since it is not supported it is not documented in the manaul so perhaps only a small percentage of the user base takes advantage of this feature. I am sure a high percentage of AVS users (who have Comcast) take advantage of this feature :D

But were the reports from Comcast customers? The particular post you reference is by xandypx, which doesn't name his cable provider. However, in a different post

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6046255#post6046255

I see xandypx says

OT: CableOne's "New" firmware update has disabled the 30sec Skip function on the 6412.

Firmware ver. 10.10

Hopefully you Comcast subscribers don't get this update. I have CableOne and was able to program the 30-second skip on my remote following the firmware upgrade. I'd have to double check when I get home, but I think I have that firmware version, but it may be a later one too.

I am currently looking at two Electroline apmlifiers/splitters to replace the 4-way 7.5dB loss splitter currently at my coax's PoP. The EDA-UG280 and the EDA-FT08100.

Both are 8-ways which is good as I have another splitter somewere in my wall for the two TVs upstairs and they both get "acceptable" sometimes "poor" signals.

My main concern seeing as the signal is already 38dB after the 7.5 dB loss and after another 2 way splitter (3dB i think) on my main HDTV downstairs and my cable modem is would feeding it too much of a signal hurt? Thats why I might go with the EDA-UG2802 which has 0dB gain on the 8 ports. But it has 10dB loss on the return path. Does return loss matter that much? Or does the 4-way i have already degrade the signal somewhat?

Thats why I also am looking at the EDA-FT08100 which has a 3dB gain on all the 8 ports and no loss on the return path.

So, long story short, would i be feeding too high a signal to the cable boxes with the EDA-FT08100? And if I got the EDA-UG280 would I loose too much signal on the return path?

So, long story short, would i be feeding too high a signal to the cable boxes with the EDA-FT08100? And if I got the EDA-UG280 would I loose too much signal on the return path?

Schedule a service call and get a tech out to measure your levels. I bought an amp because I thought "stronger is better", but during a service call the tech measured my level and it was way high and would damage the box.

I slipped the service $20 and he measured my level into the house and at each of the three drops.

I just delete the 2:00 am recording of Leno and Conan. It's quite a pain in the butt but so is the box losing contact with the remote every 15 minutes. This box has so many quirks it reminds me of the Corvair.At least the Corvair had charm even if it was unsafe at any speed. Series recordings and deleting works but the poster also wants the flexibility to not record Leno/Letterman without playing whack-a-mole. I used to delete the series recording but then I'd forget to set it up again. I also ended up deleting alot of these shows without watching because the guests were boring so now I setup recordings proactively, show by show.

Just posting to say that I recently moved and got this box whereas I used to have the Scientific Atlanta HD8300. This box is a pathetic substitute. The sloooow downloading of program material, the recording countless syndicated episodes as "new", the "swap" for switching tuners, the scant days the program guide loads at a time, the small harddrive, the black screen on start up, the sync issues when fast-forwarding, the useless program descriptions, the vague and ugly menus, the barely-functioning remote... ARG! I could go on and on, even more than I already have! I wish I could just buy an 8300 and use that instead. It's such a lovely machine.

the recording countless syndicated episodes as "new"

I have this problem too and its the thing that annoys me most about the box. Why can't they figure out when a show is new? My Tivo box never had a problem with it.

This is the whack-a-mole bug. The only way around it is to delete the series or manual recordings and set them up again the next day.

Because the guide info sucks you have a choice to make with Leno/Letterman; 1) setup a series recording and delete the extra 2am recordings and deal with the whack-a-mole bug 2) set up a manual recording to avoid the extra 2am recording and again deal with the whack-a-mole bug 3) setup individual recordings for each show. I use method 3 and every monday I individually select the shows I want to record based on high babe factor etc. Then if I decide I want to record something else, I can easily delete the individual recording.

I have the same problem with programs like the O'reilly factor, Nanacy Grace etc. which are rebroadcast more than once a day.

One way I have worked around this problem in the past is to set a repeating manual recording so that the Tonight Show only records the first time broadcast each evening. The problem with this method that in the recording list, instead of showing The Tonight Show in only shows "manual recording" @ time and date. Set up a few of these and it becomes hard to remember what each manual recording is.

A simple fix (for Comcast) would be to handle it how Microsft handles it with Windows Media Center PC's. There is an extra menu choice which defines how many times a day a program should be recorded. I just tell it to record one instance per day and Bam! problem solved.

Come on Comcast. YOU CAN DO BETTER! ;)

A simple fix (for Comcast) would be to handle it how Microsft handles it with Windows Media Center PC's. There is an extra menu choice which defines how many times a day a program should be recorded. I just tell it to record one instance per day and Bam! problem solved.

Come on Comcast. YOU CAN DO BETTER! ;)

Or just make the guide data accurate. How hard is that !! Comcast Hellooo!!!!

:D

Just posting to say that I recently moved and got this box whereas I used to have the Scientific Atlanta HD8300. This box is a pathetic substitute. The sloooow downloading of program material, the recording countless syndicated episodes as "new", the "swap" for switching tuners, the scant days the program guide loads at a time, the small harddrive, the black screen on start up, the sync issues when fast-forwarding, the useless program descriptions, the vague and ugly menus, the barely-functioning remote... ARG! I could go on and on, even more than I already have! I wish I could just buy an 8300 and use that instead. It's such a lovely machine.
You should cross post this on the SA8300 forum. We get bogged down there in all our little problems and need cheering up! :)

Does anybody know if anyone from Comcast reads these posts? Do you think any of our input will do any good in releasing future products or software upgrades? Or do all of our gripes fall on deaf ears?

Here's how I solved the problem: I cancelled my series subscriptions to Daily Show and Colbert Report. I need to not waste time deleting multiple versions of this from the recording schedule more than I need to watch them. Cost vs. benefit. Thanks a lot Comcast!

Does anybody know if anyone from Comcast reads these posts?

Yes, they do.
Also, they are working on an upgrade to the iGuide, which is the culprit for repeats being labeled as new.

Yes, they do.
Also, they are working on an upgrade to the iGuide, which is the culprit for repeats being labeled as new.

Who would be responsible for the "swap" button problem and software/program guide downloading problem? Is that Motorola? Think those issues might get ironed out?

Is iGuide same as the TV Guide? I have a 6412 with Comcast in West chicago and I am getting fed up with how often the guide info is lost. All my scheduled recordings are series recordings and on a Monday, it will have the recordings listed for Wed and on Tues 1 or more are gone from the "scheduled recording" list. And I don't know whether to trust if it will record the show or not. For example, it doesn't show ER for tomorrow to be recorded but the show is on the tv guide for that time. If I can't guarantee that it will record what I want, what good is it? I'm ready to buy the Sony hd recorder even it only has single tuner. I thought renting was a good option but this POS isn't worth the $10 a month the way it is operating.

Why would I keep loosing guide info? I know I have seen it reboot occasionally on its own. Supposedly I have poor signal strength, even the shows come in fine on my SOny SXRD. Can the signal affect the guide?

I'm finding that my 6412P3 audio gets softer and softer over time. I often find it necessary to switch to the Mitsu's internal tuner (for broadcast shows) in order to hear the audio at a reasonable level.

Does anyone else have problems with their audio fading slowly away?

Doesn't seem to be related to any other audio issues...

I'm connected via HDMI from the 6412 to the TV.

tnx
jim

Or just make the guide data accurate. How hard is that !! Comcast Hellooo!!!!

:D

It is not entirely Comcast, it is the info that is provided to the TV Guide databank in use for that cable system.

Now there are also faults in the software that IGuide uses, that TIVO does not have......


Thank Goodness the 3412 & 3416 are now beginning to become available.

3412 and 3416??

what are they?

tnx
jim

3412 and 3416??

what are they?

tnx
jim

The Digital Only 120 GB & 160 GB versions of the 6412 & 6416.

Can only be used on systems that are fully broadcast / simulcast in Digital. (Does not do Analog Cable Ch.) I have started a new Topic in this category for these new Set Top Boxes.

Any way to know where Comcast has done such a conversion?

Looks like I've got to subscribe to yet another thread! ;-)

tnx
jim

Any way to know where Comcast has done such a conversion?

Looks like I've got to subscribe to yet another thread! ;-)

tnx
jim

using the info bar look for the DD / DD5.1 emblem on any of the lower Analog tier Ch.. (02-100)

if you have the DD or the DD5.1 emblem in the CH info bar on all of the Analog Tier Ch, then you have a Digital simulcast system. & your box is using the digital feed of the corresponding Analog Ch.

You can also set the turner on any of those analog ch, and go to the diagnostic area and see if the ch is 64QAM / 256QAM :)

Lot's of threads here on the AVS board that Cover Digital Simulcast and accessing the Diagnostic menu....

Is iGuide same as the TV Guide? I have a 6412 with Comcast in West chicago and I am getting fed up with how often the guide info is lost. All my scheduled recordings are series recordings and on a Monday, it will have the recordings listed for Wed and on Tues 1 or more are gone from the "scheduled recording" list. And I don't know whether to trust if it will record the show or not. For example, it doesn't show ER for tomorrow to be recorded but the show is on the tv guide for that time. If I can't guarantee that it will record what I want, what good is it? I'm ready to buy the Sony hd recorder even it only has single tuner. I thought renting was a good option but this POS isn't worth the $10 a month the way it is operating.

Why would I keep loosing guide info? I know I have seen it reboot occasionally on its own. Supposedly I have poor signal strength, even the shows come in fine on my SOny SXRD. Can the signal affect the guide?

You have a bad box! Get them to replace it. You've seen it reboot itself and your guide data goes AWOL as a result. Everytime the box reboots due to errors, it will lose the guide data. I suspect it's rebooting itself many more times than you realize!

You have a bad box! Get them to replace it. You've seen it reboot itself and your guide data goes AWOL as a result. Everytime the box reboots due to errors, it will lose the guide data. I suspect it's rebooting itself many more times than you realize!

Thanks, I wonder if it's going to be any better than any others... The first day they came to install after I ordered the dvr, the installer tried 2 boxes and he said both were bad (couldn't even get a channel tuned) and I had to reschedule for them to bring a 3rd. Now I have to get all the shows off it or copy them to my dvd-r before I can exchange it.

I told support that once and he said it was normal to reboot in order to cool off!

Thanks, I wonder if it's going to be any better than any others... The first day they came to install after I ordered the dvr, the installer tried 2 boxes and he said both were bad (couldn't even get a channel tuned) and I had to reschedule for them to bring a 3rd. Now I have to get all the shows off it or copy them to my dvd-r before I can exchange it.

I told support that once and he said it was normal to reboot in order to cool off!
You will only be able to record from the s-video output, and then only in SD regardless of the definition of the show. I'd be shocked, yes SHOCKED, if it needed to "cool down" in normal operation. If so, it's running hot for other reasons, e.g. failing bearings, inadequate ventilation, etc.

I told support that once and he said it was normal to reboot in order to cool off!


That is hilarious....we need a comedy show made up of CSR one liners...

btw, it could also be the signal level...A tech that visits your house 'should' be able to figure that out. The 6xxx boxes are more sensitive to too little or too much signal.
The problems you are seeing are not normal...My box never reboots and never has guide data problems (as long as the power stays on at the house :)

To cut down the high level of heat in the box, The Power supply (Transformer) should be external, this would cut down most of the heat, and half the weight of the STB...

That is hilarious....we need a comedy show made up of CSR one liners...

btw, it could also be the signal level...A tech that visits your house 'should' be able to figure that out. The 6xxx boxes are more sensitive to too little or too much signal.
The problems you are seeing are not normal...My box never reboots and never has guide data problems (as long as the power stays on at the house :)

All we need is the CSR - answer book, from a call center!

That is hilarious....we need a comedy show made up of CSR one liners...

btw, it could also be the signal level...A tech that visits your house 'should' be able to figure that out. The 6xxx boxes are more sensitive to too little or too much signal.
The problems you are seeing are not normal...My box never reboots and never has guide data problems (as long as the power stays on at the house :)
I can hear it now: Abbot & Costello - "Who's on Comcast?" :D

I can hear it now: Abbot & Costello - "Who's on Comcast?" :D


At least out here in the SF Bay Area, Comcast has been running a cheesy commercial spoofing the old $10,000 Pyramid game show and extolling how Comcastic everything is (and they run the stupid thing all the time).

They need to put a CSR on the hot seat...now that would be hilarious...

If you want to see the commercial you can view it here

http://www.dhadm.com/index.php/dhadm/index/comcasts_10000_pyramid

Click on the image in the middle of the page and you can watch the 30 sec commericial they are airing :)

...ps...sorry, diverging from topic :p

To cut down the high level of heat in the box, The Power supply (Transformer) should be external, this would cut down most of the heat, and half the weight of the STB...

Yep just check the Xbox 360 and it's brick sized power supply. By doing this they were able to have a smaller form factor and reduce box heat.

http://www.gamespot.com/features/6139672/index.html

It is not entirely Comcast, it is the info that is provided to the TV Guide databank in use for that cable system.



I understand that the problem is with the guide. I don't know Motorola may also have something to do ;) To us here in AVS we can pinpoint the blame on the TV guide since we know who work behind the end product. But to the average user who does not know Motorola made the box or that the guide is coming from another company it's Comcast fault in integrating all components together. Actually I think from reading here that Comcast has a stake on TV GUIde so it goes back to Comcast

Who would be responsible for the "swap" button problem

Can you elaborate on the problem you have. I never ahd any problems with the swap button/feature

It is not entirely Comcast, it is the info that is provided to the TV Guide databank in use for that cable system.

Now there are also faults in the software that IGuide uses, that TIVO does not have......
The guide info has had this problem identifying "new" and "repeat" for 18+ months. This is very disappointing it is still incorrect.

The guide info has had this problem identifying "new" and "repeat" for 18+ months. This is very disappointing it is still incorrect.
It is extremely disappointing that TV Guide's sole job is to provide TV Guide data. Maybe if TV Guide's sole job was to make car tires then we could understand. To me, this is just unacceptable.

Who's data is the TiVo Guide going to use? Because if it uses TV Guide's then we aren't gaining much, are we.

It is extremely disappointing that TV Guide's sole job is to provide TV Guide data. Maybe if TV Guide's sole job was to make car tires then we could understand. To me, this is just unacceptable.

Who's data is the TiVo Guide going to use? Because if it uses TV Guide's then we aren't gaining much, are we.


as far as I know they have an exclusive deal between guide works, comcast and TVguide for that info. I have not read anything about guide info with the Tivo DVR program.......


I traded one of my 6412-P2 in today for a 3412....

I am now testing it.....

Comments posted in the 3412 forum.

My box crashed twice yesterday. Both times I was trying to access something in one of the menus (probably scheduled recordings) and it just clicked off. Do I have bad box? Do I need them to replace it? This box is really getting my goat.

My box crashed twice yesterday. Both times I was trying to access something in one of the menus (probably scheduled recordings) and it just clicked off. Do I have bad box? Do I need them to replace it? This box is really getting my goat.
Confused IR commands?

Confused IR commands?

But I was using the stock remote. I don't want to know what will happen when I program my Harmony universal remote to work with the comcast box. :eek:

But I was using the stock remote. I don't want to know what will happen when I program my Harmony universal remote to work with the comcast box. :eek:
Sometimes electronic gadgets get confused by things like dirty power and/or power spikes, stray EMI/RF fields and unlucky planet alignment. If that has happened, sometimes a cold reboot will bring it around. Sometimes a reflash by your cable provider will fix it. I'd try a cold reboot first.

Has it exhibited the strange behavior since the first episode?

One more thing; how are the remote's batteries?

But I was using the stock remote. I don't want to know what will happen when I program my Harmony universal remote to work with the comcast box. :eek:

No problems here using my Harmony remote - works perfectly.

No problems here using my Harmony remote - works perfectly.

Just set the Harmony up with the Moto box. We'll see if crashes occur. I think the Harmony is already working better than the Moto remote.

Just set the Harmony up with the Moto box. We'll see if crashes occur. I think the Harmony is already working better than the Moto remote.

The Harmony should neither cause or prevent crashes. It should merely duplicate the commands of your 6412 remote, plus any other remotes you use, to make it more convenient to operate your system. The most important thing is to make sure your batteries are kept fresh, so all commands are recognized.

The Harmony should neither cause or prevent crashes. It should merely duplicate the commands of your 6412 remote, plus any other remotes you use, to make it more convenient to operate your system. The most important thing is to make sure your batteries are kept fresh, so all commands are recognized.
Is it really that simple? Aren't there different quality levels of circuitry and emitters? The equivalent in speech communication would be enunciation - some people form their vovels and consonents more accurately than others making comprehension much easier. I don't know; I'm only asking.

Maybe a cheaper remote slurs its words . . .

:)

I want to connect my cable STB, Moto 6412, to my Sony using a dvi cable to free up one of the component inputs for the new Xbox 360. Can someone point me in the right direction for a cable that would work? I started to look for cables and the options were numerous, dvi-i?, dvi-d, and so on. What type of dvi output does the 6412 have? And I know somewhere in the mass amount of info here that there was a link to a couple of web sites that offered quality cables at a better price than BB, CC, and the like. Info on that would be appreciated as well. Thanks in advance.

I want to connect my cable STB, Moto 6412, to my Sony using a dvi cable to free up one of the component inputs for the new Xbox 360. Can someone point me in the right direction for a cable that would work?
Here's one inexpensive source:DVI-D cables (http://www.national-tech.com/catalog/dvivideocable.htm)

Here are "high-end" cables, which deliver the exact same data but probably have better quality connectors or housings: Higher-end DVI-D cables (http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/DVI_cables.html)

Some more budget-priced cables also from RAM:RAM budget DVI-D cables (http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/DVI_budget_cables.html)

Again, all digital cables are identical in the sense that they deliver digital data which is either "100% perfectly there" or "it's not there at all". Beyond that, you probably shouldn't get a cable that's much longer than you need it to be, and more expensive cables probably have better quality connectors that are likely more durable. Otherwise, there's no real reason to spend lots of money on a digital cable.

And you're looking for DVI-D to DVI-D (assuming your Sony accepts DVI input), else DVI-D to HDMI (if your Sony accepts HDMI). The 6412 Phase-II puts out DVI-D.

I got mine from Pacific Custom Cable: http://www.pacificcable.com/DVI.htm#DVI-D_Single_Link

It was about 80% less than a comparable cable from Best Buy or some such place. I'm using mine for my DVD player and component for the DVR but just this morning I was thinking about swapping. Oh the things we think of!

I got mine from Pacific Custom Cable: http://www.pacificcable.com/DVI.htm#DVI-D_Single_Link

It was about 80% less than a comparable cable from Best Buy or some such place. I'm using mine for my DVD player and component for the DVR but just this morning I was thinking about swapping. Oh the things we think of!
FWIW, my recommended cabling vendors are, in order of preference for reasons of quality, consistency and service:

http://www.avcable.com/
http://www.ramelectronics.net/
http://www.pacificcable.com/

I want to connect my cable STB, Moto 6412, to my Sony using a dvi cable to free up one of the component inputs for the new Xbox 360. Can someone point me in the right direction for a cable that would work? I started to look for cables and the options were numerous, dvi-i?, dvi-d, and so on. What type of dvi output does the 6412 have? And I know somewhere in the mass amount of info here that there was a link to a couple of web sites that offered quality cables at a better price than BB, CC, and the like. Info on that would be appreciated as well. Thanks in advance.


I just got a DVI -> HDMI cable from these guys and I'm very happy with it.

http://svideo.com/hdmicable.html

Here's one inexpensive source:DVI-D cables (http://www.national-tech.com/catalog/dvivideocable.htm)

Here are "high-end" cables, which deliver the exact same data but probably have better quality connectors or housings: Higher-end DVI-D cables (http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/DVI_cables.html)

Some more budget-priced cables also from RAM:RAM budget DVI-D cables (http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/DVI_budget_cables.html)

Also try svideo.com. I've purchased several inexpensive cables of various types from them, and they all worked fine. They even have free shipping!

Also try svideo.com. I've purchased several inexpensive cables of various types from them, and they all worked fine. They even have free shipping!Ram has free shipping for orders over $99, and they have much cheaper prices for longer length cables.

I needed a 30' DVI-to-HDMI and got it for $129. I also needed a 30' component video cable and got it for $103. I also got a 30' digital audio (coax) cable for $26.

None of the three cable vendors I mentioned automatically get my order. I price out everything, NOT forgetting to include SHIPPING.

I'm not patient to wait for a mail order place, I bought an HDMI<->HDMI cable for my Sharp Aquos (bedroom TV), and an HDMI<->DVI cable (for my Sony GWIII) from Walmart and they work fine.

Some questions regarding video switching between new HDMI-equipped Pioneer AV receivers and cable TV or satellite boxes have arisen in a different thread. Apparently, people with these new HDMI-equipped receivers are not getting the video switching to work with tuner boxes from DISH and Direct TV.

I just got off the phone with Pioneer Tech Support and at least have some definitive answers regarding the capabilities of their new VSX-72TXV and VSX-74TXVi AV receivers that support HDMI video switching. I don't have this information in writing, but I did take copious notes.

The new AV receivers from Pioneer are HDMI v1.1 devices that do support video switching, and any new Pioneer Receivers that might be released in the forseeable future also will be v1.1 devices. However, video switching does not currently work with first-generation satellite, cable or ATSC tuners equipped with older, HDMI v1.0 hardware. Unfortunately, these early models lack a relay that passes the digital video signal through an AV Receiver.

Does anyone know if the recently updated Motorola DCT-6412 Phase III box from Comcast uses HDMI v1.0 or v1.2? Has anyone tested one of these new Pioneer receiver's HDMI with the HDMI port on this cable TV box? I checked our DCT-6412's internal settings on screen, and could not find any mention of the HDMI version. I called Comcast, and as usual, the tech could not answer the question, but is checking for information. I called Motorola, and of course, the company referred me back to Comcast.

I found this .pdf file on the DCT-6412 Phase III DVR.

http://broadband.motorola.com/catalog/product_documents/Final%20DCT6400%20Series%20III%20Product%20Data%20Sheet%2052 4553-001-a.pdf

While it contains some valuable info on this model, it does not define the HDMI version.

Not so much help as it is a - recurring - rant of mine: HDMI is Not Quite Ready For Primetime and anyone using it is a beta tester of a crippled interface standard. What's more, present equipment almost assuredly will NOT be upgradeable. Everyone is having problems. Why this hasn't sent throngs of people into the streets with torches and pitchforks is beyond me.

Curious side-thought: With the release of a Phase III 6412, is there an HDMI/SATA version of the non-DVR DCT-6200?

Does anyone know if the recently updated Motorola DCT-6412 Phase III box from Comcast uses HDMI v1.0 or v1.2? Has anyone tested one of these new Pioneer receiver's HDMI with the HDMI port on this cable TV box? I checked our DCT-6412's internal settings on screen, and could not find any mention of the HDMI version. I called Comcast, and as usual, the tech could not answer the question, but is checking for information. I called Motorola, and of course, the company referred me back to Comcast.
The new 6412 Phase III box has a dedicated thread FYI. In that thread, Jimbo Moran reported that the P3 6412 uses HDMI v1.0. I have been staying up to date with this thread and the dedicated P3 6412 thread and so far no one has reported success using an HDMI equipped receiver with the HDMI out of the new 6412. The solution is to run a separate HDMI cable to the TV and use the optical or coaxial digital out of the 6412 for the audio output to the receiver. Many people run into 5.1 audio problems going this route, depending on what firmware version their P3 6412 is. Mine is firmware version 12.22, which solves the problem, but many people still have 12.18 and various other versions. For those with earlier than firmware 12.22, you have to choose between using the HDMI output and living with the 5.1 audio issues, or using the component video output, which doesn't have any problems.

Curious side-thought: With the release of a Phase III 6412, is there an HDMI/SATA version of the non-DVR DCT-6200?

DCT-62xx is now a out of production STB

The DCT-7xx series is the new STB w/o DVR & Duel Tuner.

Not so much help as it is a - recurring - rant of mine: HDMI is Not Quite Ready For Primetime and anyone using it is a beta tester of a crippled interface standard.

That's sure the sense that I get too, reading about all the problems here....for me it's just one more reason not to "upgrade" at this time. I'll stick with my 6412 box with DVI and keep the digital audio separate - no issues with mine.

That's sure the sense that I get too, reading about all the problems here....for me it's just one more reason not to "upgrade" at this time. I'll stick with my 6412 box with DVI and keep the digital audio separate - no issues with mine.
Check with your local cable company office and see if you can find out what firmware version they are using for the new P3 6412's. If they have firmware version 12.22 then you don't have to worry about the audio bug because that's the firmware version that fixes it. In that case I would definitely upgrade to the new P3 box because analog channels look 100% better IMHO. I've been able to see the P2 and P3 basically side by side and they looked night and day different on analog channels. Some people have described the analog picture quality on the new P3's as "soft" and "blurry" but I think that's a huge exaggeration. On the other hand I don't have an HDTV so maybe I can't see the intricacies as well as those people can. I love the new P3, but then again I have 12.22 so the major audio bug isn't an issue for me.

What with Comcast almost complete in their conversion over to all digital, I don't see any benefit, especially since I have a bug-free 6412 (which after having followed this thread for months, seems to be pretty rare). Not worth the trouble or risk, IMO.

What with Comcast almost complete in their conversion over to all digital, I don't see any benefit, especially since I have a bug-free 6412 (which after having followed this thread for months, seems to be pretty rare). Not worth the trouble or risk, IMO.
Haven't you heard the old saying, "if it ain't broke, try and fix it." :p

Haven't you heard the old saying, "if it ain't broke, try and fix it." :p
I always thought this was the difference between a manager and a programmer!
manager=it aint broke, don't fix it
programmer=try and fix it, I can make it better
;)

I don't see any benefit, especially since I have a bug-free 6412 (which after having followed this thread for months, seems to be pretty rare). Not worth the trouble or risk, IMO.

Knock on Wood! :D

DCT-62xx is now a out of production STB

The DCT-7xx series is the new STB w/o DVR & Duel Tuner.I'm confused, in the future if I want only an HD receiver; would I get a DCT700 from comcast? Does this replace the 6200? I thought the DCT700 received only the digital signals and wasn't HD capable.

I'm confused, in the future if I want only an HD receiver; would I get a DCT700 from comcast? Does this replace the 6200? I thought the DCT700 received only the digital signals and wasn't HD capable.


The DCT-700 is the first in the 7xx series. I could be wrong, but one of the upcomming model's is supposed to be able to do HD. That's why I listed the DCT-7xx series...

The DCT-700 is baseband and RF output only. It is the new basic STB for a all digital cable system....

I always thought this was the difference between a manager and a programmer!
manager=it aint broke, don't fix it
programmer=try and fix it, I can make it better
;)

Yeah, but it usually turns out:

programmer=try and fix it, I can make it better...oops...oh s**t.

Yeah, but it usually turns out:

programmer=try and fix it, I can make it better...oops...oh s**t.

Hey, I resemble that remark!

Well, my dvr is buggy as hell. it crashes all the time when navigating the menu. And it takes much longer to reload the program guide fully than Comcast says it should (unless they're lying: They say it should take 15-45 mins but it takes 5-8 hours) so I tihnk I'm going to have to swap it out. Better marathon through all those great movies I recorded first!

Well, my dvr is buggy as hell. it crashes all the time when navigating the menu. And it takes much longer to reload the program guide fully than Comcast says it should (unless they're lying: They say it should take 15-45 mins but it takes 5-8 hours) so I tihnk I'm going to have to swap it out. Better marathon through all those great movies I recorded first!

The Cable Software / Firmware / Guide ware / Your Cable settings - from your local head end, Can take up to 45 min. to download and install.

The Guide Info takes up to 24 Hours. It does go faster if you leave the STB power in the Off/standby mode.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

What he said!!!!

Well, my dvr is buggy as hell. it crashes all the time when navigating the menu. And it takes much longer to reload the program guide fully than Comcast says it should (unless they're lying: They say it should take 15-45 mins but it takes 5-8 hours) so I tihnk I'm going to have to swap it out. Better marathon through all those great movies I recorded first!
If it keeps crashing, check to see if it's hot. They seem to be sensitive to it. Otherwise, you may need a replacement.

As far as the program guide: It takes about 10-15 minutes to reload the channel names, and about 30 minutes to load near-term (6-8 hour) programming. About 12 hours to load the full 2-week programming (here in Schaumburg, it seems to be sent around 11am and pm.)

The channel/guide information is a multicast broadcast. The box does not contact a server and specifically ask for it. It just sits and listens and updates itself as needed.

Would anyone have an idea as to why one of my 6412's doesn't get two channels? On my main tv, no problems, but on the tv in my bedroom it won't get ABC HD or WGN HD. It just freezes on the pic from the previous channel and then goes to a blank screen. I have a moto amp in the line right after a three way splitter (one to the main tv, one to the modem, and one to the amp) and then on to an eight way splitter, one of which is the STB/TV in question. If it was a weak or bad signal wouldn't I have a problem with more than just those two channels? Any help is appreciated.

marvincbr, Try bypassing the eight way splitter and see if that cures your problem, Also check if your eight way splitter is capable of handling high bandwidth.

Would anyone have an idea as to why one of my 6412's doesn't get two channels? On my main tv, no problems, but on the tv in my bedroom it won't get ABC HD or WGN HD. It just freezes on the pic from the previous channel and then goes to a blank screen. I have a moto amp in the line right after a three way splitter (one to the main tv, one to the modem, and one to the amp) and then on to an eight way splitter, one of which is the STB/TV in question. If it was a weak or bad signal wouldn't I have a problem with more than just those two channels? Any help is appreciated.
Have a look here for some info...

http://www.6URL.com/073J

Would anyone have an idea as to why one of my 6412's doesn't get two channels? On my main tv, no problems, but on the tv in my bedroom it won't get ABC HD or WGN HD. It just freezes on the pic from the previous channel and then goes to a blank screen. I have a moto amp in the line right after a three way splitter (one to the main tv, one to the modem, and one to the amp) and then on to an eight way splitter, one of which is the STB/TV in question. If it was a weak or bad signal wouldn't I have a problem with more than just those two channels? Any help is appreciated.
An important thing to realize is that 3-way splitters do not have even losses across the outputs. One output will have -3.5db output, and the other two will be -7.0db. If they are not marked, the output closest to the end, and nearest the input, is usually the -3.5db output:
3.5 7.0 7.0
+-------+--------+
| |
---+--------------
IN

That 8-way splitter has -10.5db losses at each output. Are you using all 8? If not, consider a simpler setup. Each 1-2 split is about a 3.5db loss (-3db = 50%, so you get half the signal, plus a bit less due to real life losses). 1-4 is simply a 1-2 split, with two more 1-2 splits on each output, giving 7db loss. The 8-way adds yet another 1-2 split to each of the 4 outputs, totaling 10.5db. The 8-way output is less than 1/8th the original strength.

You can check signal levels by tuning into a channel, turning the box off, then hitting OK/Select within 1-2 seconds. Use the arrow keys to navigate. 'd04 INBAND STATUS' will give rough signal quality information. Ideally, both SNR and AGC should say 'GOOD'. 'FAIR' will often result in occasional glitches. 'POOR' will almost certainly mean problems. The correctable and uncorrectable errors are also a clue to problems, although even good signals can have correctable errors sometimes. If it says 'INVALID', that means it ws unable to get a signal at all. These values are only shown for digital (or digitally simulcast) channels.

My mistake, I was thinking of an earlier set up. It is actually a four way spitter with one going to each 6412, one going to modem, and one going to amp, feeding the eight way splitter. All but one of the outs is being used on the eight way. Each of the outs on the four way are -7.4db. The eight way feeds two digital boxes and five tv's just getting the basic stuff. Doesn't say what the loss is on the outs of the eight way. The only difference between the two 6412's would be that one is in the basement, maybe ten feet of cable from the spit, and one is in the master bedroom on the second floor, don't know how the cable is routed so maybe 20' to 30' of cable. Checking the signal levels and had two invalids and the others were good and fair. The errors had 000 after them. This was a quick look as it is upstairs and the computer is down in the basement, that and the wife was just going to sleep and kicked me out of the room. Is it down to the quality of the cabe run up to the room and the possibility of a bad box?

This is a very repeatable phenomenon on my 6412 (DVI connection) also. It has been ever since I've had the box. It will always occur whenever the cable box is on and tuned to an HD channel and then I switch to an SD channel via another connection (e.g. my OTA antenna on video6) and then switch back to the 6412 (video7) HD connection. Changing channels always clears it up. I've just accepted this as normal behavior for my configuration.I also have this problem and two others. Occasionally when switching back to the 6412's DVI input I get a blue hue to the picture which is also corrected by the channel up or down button. The other problem is no picture at all but I get the audio. When this happens I have to toggle back and forth between the other input and the one for the 6412 or sometimes I have to turn off the cable box and then back on again. These problems occur when switched to either the ANT1 input or the other HDMI input (DVD) for a period of time and then back to the one for the 6412 and I would bet it only occurs on sets that use DVI>HDMI. Has anyone had this problem and upgraded to the 6412 III's? I would be curious if the problem goes away using HDMI>HDMI as opposed to DVI>HDMI.

My mistake, I was thinking of an earlier set up. It is actually a four way spitter with one going to each 6412, one going to modem, and one going to amp, feeding the eight way splitter. All but one of the outs is being used on the eight way. Each of the outs on the four way are -7.4db. The eight way feeds two digital boxes and five tv's just getting the basic stuff. Doesn't say what the loss is on the outs of the eight way. The only difference between the two 6412's would be that one is in the basement, maybe ten feet of cable from the spit, and one is in the master bedroom on the second floor, don't know how the cable is routed so maybe 20' to 30' of cable. Checking the signal levels and had two invalids and the others were good and fair. The errors had 000 after them. This was a quick look as it is upstairs and the computer is down in the basement, that and the wife was just going to sleep and kicked me out of the room. Is it down to the quality of the cabe run up to the room and the possibility of a bad box?
From my experience - and in my setup - the cable line comes into the house and goes to a TAP, which is different from a splitter, the "through" output of which goes homerun to my cable modem. The tap output goes into a BROADBAND distribution amp and then on to am 8-way splitter. All runs to outlets are homerun and ALL coax is RG6. If you have RG59 and can access it for replacement, do so with RG6.

For those who don't already know, definitions of taps and splitters can be found here (http://discountcablesusa.com/rf-cables.html).

My mistake, I was thinking of an earlier set up. It is actually a four way spitter with one going to each 6412, one going to modem, and one going to amp, feeding the eight way splitter. All but one of the outs is being used on the eight way. Each of the outs on the four way are -7.4db. The eight way feeds two digital boxes and five tv's just getting the basic stuff. Doesn't say what the loss is on the outs of the eight way. The only difference between the two 6412's would be that one is in the basement, maybe ten feet of cable from the spit, and one is in the master bedroom on the second floor, don't know how the cable is routed so maybe 20' to 30' of cable. Checking the signal levels and had two invalids and the others were good and fair. The errors had 000 after them. This was a quick look as it is upstairs and the computer is down in the basement, that and the wife was just going to sleep and kicked me out of the room. Is it down to the quality of the cabe run up to the room and the possibility of a bad box?

I would try putting the amp BEFORE the 4-way splitter. You may also want to replace the 8-way with an amplified 8-way, making certain it is broadband safe as the digital boxes need 2-way communications. Also be aware that all the splitters introduce some loss going the other way, too, which can affect OnDemand and other 2-way uses.

As far as cable, you want to try using RG6 as much as possible. The other type is RG59. RG59 is OK for short runs, but more than 20-30 feet, I would try and use RG6. If it doesn't say on the side of the cable, look at the center conductor at the end. RG59 has a very thin wire, RG6 is thicker. If you find one cable marked one way or the other, you can use it to compare the others. RG6/QS (QuadShield) is RG6 with extra shielding for very long runs or electronically noisy areas.

If you cable was originally run by a cable company, it could be an enhanced RG59 if it's more than 10-15 years old.

Also, what numbers do you get for your cable modem? That can also give a rough idea of your original signal strength. For many modems, use http://192.168.100.1 and look for a diagnostics menu. Ideally, your downstream strength should be no lower than -7.5 db. As a quick test, you could temporarily try hooking the modem directly to the input, bypassing all splitters, to see how good your incoming strength is.

I used to have a communication problem with the box in the bedroom (one of the digital boxes at the time), it wouldn't get the On Demand stuff to work. That is when I added the amp to the line. Reading through these forums, it seemed the better way was to put the amp after the split so that the modem and main dvr/stb(at the time) had an uninterupted path with the main line. As far as the cable goes, everything except the line running to the modem is RG6 quad. For signal strength, are you refering to the signal to noise # or the power level #? Signal to noise # didn't change when I hooked the modem directly to the line in. The power level went from 0dBmV(through splitter) to 8dBmV(direct in) on the down side and on the up side went from 44dBmV(through splitter) to 37dBmV(direct in). I don't know how to use this information(this post and the one with info from cable box) to help with my problem. Thanks for all input and help.

An important thing to realize is that 3-way splitters do not have even losses across the outputs. One output will have -3.5db output, and the other two will be -7.0db.

While this is usually true, it isn't always, so you should check your splitter. It is possible to build a 3-way splitter that has identical losses across all three outputs (usually in the neighborhood of -5.7dB), but it's a little more expensive to do so. (the reason many 3-way splitters have dissimilar output loss is because they are constructed as a two way split, with one leg split a second time.)

Completely unmarked splitters will almost certainly have -3.5dB,-7.0dB,-7.0dB outputs as you describe.

Your other advice is spot-on, of course. Just puttin' on my "Captain Nitpick" hat... ;)

I also have this problem and two others. Occasionally when switching back to the 6412's DVI input I get a blue hue to the picture which is also corrected by the channel up or down button. The other problem is no picture at all but I get the audio. When this happens I have to toggle back and forth between the other input and the one for the 6412 or sometimes I have to turn off the cable box and then back on again. These problems occur when switched to either the ANT1 input or the other HDMI input (DVD) for a period of time and then back to the one for the 6412 and I would bet it only occurs on sets that use DVI>HDMI. Has anyone had this problem and upgraded to the 6412 III's? I would be curious if the problem goes away using HDMI>HDMI as opposed to DVI>HDMI.Does anyone have the 6412 III and can you comment?

I need to ask a colossally dumb question.
I have the silver remote and want to use it to control my DVD player. Will the directional buttons work for that? In TV mode it controls the DVR only.

I need to ask a colossally dumb question.
I have the silver remote and want to use it to control my DVD player. Will the directional buttons work for that? In TV mode it controls the DVR only.

Not a dumb question at all. You need to program your AUX button to operate your DVD player. That, of course, means that you can't use that button to control your stereo reciever. I'm unsure about the directional buttons, I've got my AUX set up to control my receiver.

EUREKA! Finally, we are getting excellent picture quality from Comcast on most channels using a Pioneer 43-inch plasma HDTV (PDP-4304) connected to the Motorola DCT-6412 Phase III using the HDMI ports and an unlikely DCT-6412 user setting!

About a month ago, we requested and received the Phase III upgrade to replace our original DCT-6412 that was connected to the Pio HDTV using a DVI-to-HDMI cable. Over Thanksgiving weekend, I found time to experiment again with various user settings for the updatd 6412 Phase III. I came up with settings that are different from those I've been using for the past year.

A Comcast DCT 6412 pamphlet (Using your built-in digital video recorder) we received with the original 6412, had recommended setting 4:3 Override to 480i or 480p for HDTVs. However, each of the setting options (480i, 480p, Stretched or Off) made staandard definition and digital channels look uniformly medicore with our system. Changing these settings had very little effect on the picture quality, although the 480p setting was slightly better. But for the most part, Comcast channels (analog 1-99) and digital channels (above 100) using the recommended 480p setting have been unwatchable for nearly 9 months now.

For my new settings, I entered the 6412 Phase III User Settings menu (Power off and select Menu), switched the HDMI/YPbPr to 1080i (previously was @ 720p). Next, I switched the 4:3 override from 480p to Off (the setup pamphlet suggests using Off for standard definition TVs only). Volia -- a great picture appeared on the analog channels AND the (non HD) digital channels above 100 on our HDTV. They now look much better (reduced noise, sharper images, better scalling). This is no minor change -- it is a substantial improvement.

I don't think choosing the 1080i or 720p setting makes much difference with this TV, but it is a 768 pixel display, and 720p is closest to the native resolution, so I would think this might be the best choice. But the 4:3 Override set to Off may well be the way to go -- at least for Pioneer plasmas.

I now wonder if the older 6412 was even changing the 4:3 Override values at all, or if some recent technical improvements in the cable signal being broadcast have resulted in the improvement. I'm certainly curious and a bit confused.

As I understand this setting, since I have the 6412's 4:3 Override set to Off, my Pioneer TV is handling the on-scren scaling, and not the 6412. Is this correct?

I'd love to know if any other 6412 Phase III users have tried new User Settings and what your results are.

As I understand this setting, since I have the 6412's 4:3 Override set to Off, my Pioneer TV is handling the on-scren scaling, and not the 6412. Is this correct?It means the 6412 is sending all channels at 1080i (or whatever you have the HDMI/YPbPr set to).

Recent 6412 Probelm

Over the last week, as I have been navigating the guide and once in On-demand, my box and my TV go off, as if the ALL ON button has been pushed, remain off for 5-10 seconds and then both come back on. Of course the guide is gone and has to reload. Anyone else experience this problem.

Recent 6412 Probelm

Over the last week, as I have been navigating the guide and once in On-demand, my box and my TV go off, as if the ALL ON button has been pushed, remain off for 5-10 seconds and then both come back on. Of course the guide is gone and has to reload. Anyone else experience this problem.
I had this same trouble and after 3 "new" 6412 I got one that works right, just get your cable co. to swap out and don't take one that looks used.

You can check signal levels by tuning into a channel, turning the box off, then hitting OK/Select within 1-2 seconds. Use the arrow keys to navigate. 'd04 INBAND STATUS' will give rough signal quality information. Ideally, both SNR and AGC should say 'GOOD'. 'FAIR' will often result in occasional glitches. 'POOR' will almost certainly mean problems. The correctable and uncorrectable errors are also a clue to problems, although even good signals can have correctable errors sometimes. If it says 'INVALID', that means it ws unable to get a signal at all. These values are only shown for digital (or digitally simulcast) channels.

I've had good signal levels for a while now and then suddenly tonight I'm getting slight breakups on ABC and no cinemaxHD at all. i checked the inband status -- when it's on ABC it is fair but when I check it on the cinemax i get the "invalid" reading. Why would i suddenly not be able to get any signal at all? It is raining pretty heavy here tonight.

I've had good signal levels for a while now and then suddenly tonight I'm getting slight breakups on ABC and no cinemaxHD at all. i checked the inband status -- when it's on ABC it is fair but when I check it on the cinemax i get the "invalid" reading. Why would i suddenly not be able to get any signal at all? It is raining pretty heavy here tonight.

I would think weather and rain could be a factor. Also: how about bandwidth?

All cable TV customers share that line with one another in each area (or neighborhood). I'n our section of Elk Grove, CA, a Comcast tech told me the company squeezed some 5000 cable TV and Internet customers onto a local 'head end' node designed for 256. This went on for a couple of years, but mercifully was finally corrected in the summer of 2005. As you can imagine, the Internet access was very slow during that period, until Comcast split the Cable and Internet customers into separate lines. On the cable side, this delayed the addition of On Demand in our area and I assume it may have contributed to longstanding poor and inconsistent signal quality for both digital and analog TV channels.

Well .. i just switched to Comcast and got 2 6412 P3s .. from directv.

I already miss my DTV guide :( Is comcast working on anything better ? Something more eye apealing .. that fits more information on the screen ? This is the worst guide I have used in at least a decade (yes the DTV guides from 10 years ago were better then this, and from what i understand this is a "new" guide design ?? )

About once a week, I get an error resembling this. Once this happens, I am unable to watch any TV or DVR until I physically unplug the 6412 Phase III and plug it back in again.

This is only very annoying because it takes so long for it to reload all the guide data and box functionality. In addition, anything I'm recording at the time is interrupted.

I am surprised that I do not see this problem mentioned in most of the boards. I have a hard time believing that it's my box, it feels more like a firmware/software bug than a physical hardware problem. Why? Because the error seems to occur when I try to play a DVR show, and the timeline below shows time well beyond the length of that show (software), and then just hangs.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

...... As you can imagine, the Internet access was very slow during that period, until Comcast split the Cable and Internet customers into separate lines. On the cable side, this delayed the addition of On Demand in our area and I assume it may have contributed to longstanding poor and inconsistent signal quality for both digital and analog TV channels.

Video and HSI on seperate lines?

I think the tech was confused. That scenario would require a complete doubling of the cable within that system. What he may have meant was they reduced the number of subscribers on a given feed.

Video and HSI on seperate lines?

I think the tech was confused. That scenario would require a complete doubling of the cable within that system. What he may have meant was they reduced the number of subscribers on a given feed.

The HSI is in a NON Cable TV section of the FREQ spectrum used on the cable line.


It does not effect Cable at all...

However a splitter on the cable can cause signal problems.

About once a week, I get an error resembling this. Once this happens, I am unable to watch any TV or DVR until I physically unplug the 6412 Phase III and plug it back in again.I got that error a couple of days ago. It was the first time I had seen it. Like you, I had to unplug the box to get it going again. I don't have any answers. Just wanted to say you're not the only one who has seen this.

I got that error a couple of days ago. It was the first time I had seen it. Like you, I had to unplug the box to get it going again. I don't have any answers. Just wanted to say you're not the only one who has seen this.
I also have seen it only one time, about a week or two ago. I don't recall what I was watching or how I fixed it, but believe I had to pull the plug. I haven't had any other issues since.

Well .. i just switched to Comcast and got 2 6412 P3s .. from directv.

I already miss my DTV guide :( Is comcast working on anything better ? Something more eye apealing .. that fits more information on the screen ? This is the worst guide I have used in at least a decade (yes the DTV guides from 10 years ago were better then this, and from what i understand this is a "new" guide design ?? )

I believe Comcast is working on something related to guide but I think we will not see something until next year (between 1/1 and 12/31) :D . As far as guide prefernces, remember that to each its own. There maybe some poeple who like this guide, or like Dish's guide better. In my opinion the guide is ok and I have used D* and E* guides. Adopting to a new guide takes sometime specially If you have been a loong time user of another guide. Welcome to the club anyways. !! and enjoy your HD-DVR

Also you have some homework to do to find out about the issues and how to deal with them. Unfortunatley most of it is in this thread. There is also another thread for the Phase III boxes

I believe Comcast is working on something related to guide but I think we will not see something until next year (between 1/1 and 12/31) :D . As far as guide prefernces, remember that to each its own. There maybe some poeple who like this guide, or like Dish's guide better. In my opinion the guide is ok and I have used D* and E* guides. Adopting to a new guide takes sometime specially If you have been a loong time user of another guide. Welcome to the club anyways. !! and enjoy your HD-DVR

Also you have some homework to do to find out about the issues and how to deal with them. Unfortunatley most of it is in this thread. There is also another thread for the Phase III boxes

Is that ferreals, cucuy? There's a new Guide coming? Hadn't heard anything, this can't be Tivo already, can it?

a) Even though Fox, NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS transmit two different formats, does Comcast send two different formats down the cable to my home?

b) Is the MPEG file created by the Motorola 6412 different for 1080i programs vs 720p shows?

c) Since the 6412 lets me send either 1080i or 720p through its DVI out, how would this affect the MPEG file from question (b)?

My TV allows either input, so I am trying to understand which DVI out setting on the 6412 makes sense.

a) Even though Fox, NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS transmit two different formats, does Comcast send two different formats down the cable to my home?

b) Is the MPEG file created by the Motorola 6412 different for 1080i programs vs 720p shows?

c) Since the 6412 lets me send either 1080i or 720p through its DVI out, how would this affect the MPEG file from question (b)?

My TV allows either input, so I am trying to understand which DVI out setting on the 6412 makes sense.
In general the 6412 has a good built in scaler so you should set the output to 1080i and let the 6412 scale 720p programming to 1080i. With my Mits set I also set the 4:3 override to OFF since the 6412 does a better job of scaling 480i to 1080i than my Mits does.

My TV allows either input, so I am trying to understand which DVI out setting on the 6412 makes sense.The one that produces the best PQ on your TV.

I believe Comcast is working on something related to guide but I think we will not see something until next year (between 1/1 and 12/31) :D . As far as guide prefernces, remember that to each its own. There maybe some poeple who like this guide, or like Dish's guide better. In my opinion the guide is ok and I have used D* and E* guides. Adopting to a new guide takes sometime specially If you have been a loong time user of another guide. Welcome to the club anyways. !! and enjoy your HD-DVR

Also you have some homework to do to find out about the issues and how to deal with them. Unfortunatley most of it is in this thread. There is also another thread for the Phase III boxes

Thanks ! Well the DTV and especially the Tivo guides gave a lot more information, both in the grid, the list guide and the info screen.

I especially LOVED the tivo's "list" guide where you can see a) everything thats currently "on" as well as the next 8-9 shows on that one channel. Now Comcast "tries" to do with this guide by channel option but it is a poor replica .. it doesnt show all the channels at once like tivo and it only shows 5 items at a time on the one channel that it does show :(

The real challenge for me is going to be to get used to Comcast's "put a channel here" "put a channel there" layout. DTV has a very very well orgnized guide it is quick to find any grouping of channels.

I must be missing something in my setup menu on my 6412 .. I do not see anywhere to set the 720p 1080i or the 4:3 output mode ??

I must be missing something in my setup menu on my 6412 .. I do not see anywhere to set the 720p 1080i or the 4:3 output mode ??
Did you power the 6412 off and then use the Menu button to activate the setup screen?

About once a week, I get an error resembling this. Once this happens, I am unable to watch any TV or DVR until I physically unplug the 6412 Phase III and plug it back in again.

This is only very annoying because it takes so long for it to reload all the guide data and box functionality. In addition, anything I'm recording at the time is interrupted.

I am surprised that I do not see this problem mentioned in most of the boards. I have a hard time believing that it's my box, it feels more like a firmware/software bug than a physical hardware problem. Why? Because the error seems to occur when I try to play a DVR show, and the timeline below shows time well beyond the length of that show (software), and then just hangs.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Is this a Series Recording program that you are watching at the time another of the same program is set to record?

Is that ferreals, cucuy? There's a new Guide coming? Hadn't heard anything, this can't be Tivo already, can it?The new i-Guide should be out in 2006. It is a Mosaic Guide with Video Rich Navigation (VRN).

The guide will have multiple Video windows and as you select one the audio will follow.

Hopefully there will be some improvements to the Guide data and accuracy as well as fixes for the many current bugs.

Here is a link with a picture:
http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/remark,14764542#14769507

I've now been twice hit by a bug with series recordings. Basically, if a program is pulled from the schedule after the box has set up recordings, AND it is not airing within the 2-week or so range of the guide, the box will NOT cancel the recordings. Instead, it will still try and record, and even shows the new program name with the series recording (triple dot) in the guide. You have to manually tell it to not record those 'episodes.'

I had this happen with 'Arrested Development', and now 'Threshold', both of which are being cancelled and were yanked from the schedule at the last second. For 'AD', it had already set up recording for the next two weeks, so was going to try and record 'Prison Break' instead. I set both of them to not record. The second one eventually cleared itself once 'AD's next airdate of 12/5 appeared in the guide. For 'Threshold', I had to tell it to not record 'Criminal Minds', which is taking it's place.

I want to make it clear these are genuine series recordings, and not single recordings set by picking from the guide.

Thanks for the info on Threshold, such a shame a good show got pulled already.

scanpa


I've now been twice hit by a bug with series recordings. Basically, if a program is pulled from the schedule after the box has set up recordings, AND it is not airing within the 2-week or so range of the guide, the box will NOT cancel the recordings. Instead, it will still try and record, and even shows the new program name with the series recording (triple dot) in the guide. You have to manually tell it to not record those 'episodes.'

I had this happen with 'Arrested Development', and now 'Threshold', both of which are being cancelled and were yanked from the schedule at the last second. For 'AD', it had already set up recording for the next two weeks, so was going to try and record 'Prison Break' instead. I set both of them to not record. The second one eventually cleared itself once 'AD's next airdate of 12/5 appeared in the guide. For 'Threshold', I had to tell it to not record 'Criminal Minds', which is taking it's place.

I want to make it clear these are genuine series recordings, and not single recordings set by picking from the guide.

I am going to be calling Comcast for HD-DVR cable installation. Based on my limited reading it appears I should be asking for the 6412 Phase III cable box. Can someone share with me the best way to communicate with the Comcast sales rep to be sure I get the right box and the proper installation? I already have Comcast cable for my analog TV, and will be getting the Pioneer Pro1130HD and VSX-72TVX A/V Receiver.

the csr i talked to when i made my upgrade request from comcast baltimore knew immediately what i was asking for when i asked for a phase iii box. she also knew what hdmi was when i confirmed with her that it was indeed a phase iii.

jim

I am going to be calling Comcast for HD-DVR cable installation. Based on my limited reading it appears I should be asking for the 6412 Phase III cable box. Can someone share with me the best way to communicate with the Comcast sales rep to be sure I get the right box and the proper installation? I already have Comcast cable for my analog TV, and will be getting the Pioneer Pro1130HD and VSX-72TVX A/V Receiver.


Tell the CSR that you want to UPGRADE your service and you wish to add DVR service with a Brand New DCT-6412 Phase 3 Set Top Box. Be sure to stress you do not want a USED box.......... :D

Good Luck, and please tell us what there reply is? I hope they give you a date in the next 7 days.

How do I determine the phase of the 6412 box?

I've had good signal levels for a while now and then suddenly tonight I'm getting slight breakups on ABC and no cinemaxHD at all. i checked the inband status -- when it's on ABC it is fair but when I check it on the cinemax i get the "invalid" reading. Why would i suddenly not be able to get any signal at all? It is raining pretty heavy here tonight.

Turns out it is a local issue. Today I only have about 7 channels coming in. I called and they said Detroit Edison (power company) is doing some repair work in the area and for some reason it is knocking the cable out. Boo.

How do I determine the phase of the 6412 box?

The back has an HDMI connector instead of a DVI. The front has a roman numeral three after the 6412.

jim

When looking at the Motorola site, I searched for the 6412 Phase III and got a PDF file about the 6400 Phase III series, and the box in this PDF has 6416 Phase III on the front. Is this the same as the 6412?

http://broadband.motorola.com/catalog/product_documents/Final%20DCT6400%20Series%20III%20Product%20Data%20Sheet%2052 4553-001-a.pdf

Sorry, answered my own question by reading the PDF. The 6416 has a 160GB hard drive, vs. the 120GB hard drive on the 6412.

Sorry, answered my own question by reading the PDF. The 6416 has a 160GB hard drive, vs. the 120GB hard drive on the 6412.
Now if they only had a 6450 . . .

:)

Well .. i just switched to Comcast and got 2 6412 P3s .. from directv.

I already miss my DTV guide :( Is comcast working on anything better ? Something more eye apealing .. that fits more information on the screen ? This is the worst guide I have used in at least a decade (yes the DTV guides from 10 years ago were better then this, and from what i understand this is a "new" guide design ?? )

I agree. Our old, original D* box lets you customize the guide in many diff. ways. The most important feature is you can eliminate channels you not only don't get, but don't watch from clutterring the guide.

Do other boxes like Tivo let you customize the guide?

...mike

All I can do is relate what a Comcast tech told me. I have no way of knowing if the info is credible or plausible. I only know that our Internet speed was less than half of what was advertised. A tech said the company "had 5000 customers on a [local] node designed for 250" and that a work order was in to "split the head end" and separate the Internet and Cable customers (whatever that means). Unfortunately, this alone did not fix our problem, and Comcast later replaced more equipment locally (not in our house) before the slow Internet access was resolved. The whole process took about a year.

Video and HSI on seperate lines?

I think the tech was confused. That scenario would require a complete doubling of the cable within that system. What he may have meant was they reduced the number of subscribers on a given feed.

I agree. Our old, original D* box lets you customize the guide in many diff. ways. The most important feature is you can eliminate channels you not only don't get, but don't watch from clutterring the guide.

Do other boxes like Tivo let you customize the guide?

...mike

The Microsoft 6412 guide s/w here in Washington State allows the user to specify which channels are displayed in the guide. It doesn't allow the 30-second skip, though.

The Microsoft 6412 guide s/w here in Washington State allows the user to specify which channels are displayed in the guide. It doesn't allow the 30-second skip, though.

Does the Microsoft 6412 guide retain the guide data between reboots (on disk), or does it take a day to relearn it like the Iguide?

What I'm really wondering is which way the Tivo/Comcast 6412 software will work.. Tivo has always maintained a persistent on disk "mfs" database that retains the guide data.

Does the Microsoft 6412 guide retain the guide data between reboots (on disk), or does it take a day to relearn it like the Iguide?

What I'm really wondering is which way the Tivo/Comcast 6412 software will work.. Tivo has always maintained a persistent on disk "mfs" database that retains the guide data.

all of the Moto DCT 6xxx, 3xxx. 7xx series STB store guide data in flash Memory. any change in power level and poof, the info is gone. a simple nice size capacitor would fix this problem, and keep the info that is stored in Memory from 5 min to 90 min......

But then again, you also have to turn the STB off, to access Video Output, CC settings, and gain access to the diagnostic settings...

let's put it this way, the designer of the GI/Moto DCT STB series was well over paid for these simple to fix short commings... :(

let's put it this way, the designer of the GI/Moto DCT STB series was well over paid for these simple to fix short commings... :(

I have always wondered what happens to the Engineering Graduates who only got C's in school....

Our old, original D* box lets you customize the guide in many diff. ways. The most important feature is you can eliminate channels you not only don't get, but don't watch from clutterring the guide. Do other boxes like Tivo let you customize the guide?
All existing TiVos allow you to customize which channels appear in the guide. The lack of this ability is my single biggest gripe with the user interface on the 6412. You can't even eliminate any of the numerous channels that don't ever change their listings, such as the Music Choice channels.

Does the Microsoft 6412 guide retain the guide data between reboots (on disk), or does it take a day to relearn it like the Iguide?

What I'm really wondering is which way the Tivo/Comcast 6412 software will work.. Tivo has always maintained a persistent on disk "mfs" database that retains the guide data.

It's (MSFT) pretty much the same as iGuide in that respect.

all of the Moto DCT 6xxx, 3xxx. 7xx series STB store guide data in flash Memory. any change in power level and poof, the info is gone. a simple nice size capacitor would fix this problem, and keep the info that is stored in Memory from 5 min to 90 min......

But then again, you also have to turn the STB off, to access Video Output, CC settings, and gain access to the diagnostic settings...

let's put it this way, the designer of the GI/Moto DCT STB series was well over paid for these simple to fix short commings... :(

Must not be even FLASH memory since FLASH memory is non-volatile, and will survive a power cycle. (FLASH memory is the type used in MP3 players, and memory cards, etc). Unless they purposely erase memory on power-on, and that would be even sillier.

It is likely stored in volatile DRAM memory, which of course will be lost when the box is unplugged.

re: thread about the "Code CUI" error and not being able to delete a file, requiring a box unplug/replug...

Is this a Series Recording program that you are watching at the time another of the same program is set to record?

Um, I think so. I say that because most, if not all, of my DVR shows are series recordings. But... I also think that the latest time, the current show I was watching "live" was hung up (frozen). I was able to go to the DVR menu and select a show at that time, and that's when I got the error.

So, while it may be the DVR creating the crash, it may also be the "live" TV buffer, since the most recent time, like I said, it was frozen (looked like it was paused).

Maybe I have a bad sector on my HD and whenever the live TV buffer gets to that point, it freezes things up? Just a thought...

I should probably try to keep both tuners on the musicmatch stations to avoid live TV buffering while I'm not using the unit (I keep the unit ON 24/7, btw).

The Microsoft 6412 guide s/w here in Washington State allows the user to specify which channels are displayed in the guide. It doesn't allow the 30-second skip, though.

I would trade the 30sec skip which i use all the time to not have to sort through 150 channels i never watch every time i hit guide :(

The incredibly stupid thing is that the 6412 iguide HAS the ability to show a favorites only guide (hit menu, select favorites) why can you not set this guide to be the default is beyond me.

re: thread about the "Code CUI" error and not being able to delete a file, requiring a box unplug/replug...



Um, I think so. I say that because most, if not all, of my DVR shows are series recordings. But... I also think that the latest time, the current show I was watching "live" was hung up (frozen). I was able to go to the DVR menu and select a show at that time, and that's when I got the error.

So, while it may be the DVR creating the crash, it may also be the "live" TV buffer, since the most recent time, like I said, it was frozen (looked like it was paused).

Maybe I have a bad sector on my HD and whenever the live TV buffer gets to that point, it freezes things up? Just a thought...

I should probably try to keep both tuners on the musicmatch stations to avoid live TV buffering while I'm not using the unit (I keep the unit ON 24/7, btw).If you are watching a Series Recording that you have set to "keep only one" of then if the same show tries to record while you are watching it then you get that error.

A few seconds before the new show records, the old show is deleted. If you are watching it, then it won't delete and you will see the CUI error. You should be able to hit OK/Select to get rid of the error. A power cycle should not be needed.

I would trade the 30sec skip which i use all the time to not have to sort through 150 channels i never watch every time i hit guide :(

The incredibly stupid thing is that the 6412 iguide HAS the ability to show a favorites only guide (hit menu, select favorites) why can you not set this guide to be the default is beyond me.

I created a Macro for that... [exit, menu, menu, enter] Of course the main menu has to have favorites selected...

It would also be nice if the Favorites was an icon on the mini menu.

JayMan

I agree. Our old, original D* box lets you customize the guide in many diff. ways. The most important feature is you can eliminate channels you not only don't get, but don't watch from clutterring the guide.

Do other boxes like Tivo let you customize the guide?

...mike

You can essentially customize the iGuide guide by viewing your favorites. Go into the main menu, select favorites, and you'll see the guide with only your favorite channels displayed.

Do other boxes like Tivo let you customize the guide?

...mike

yes I also have E* and they let you customize 4 different guides so that each familiy member has his own guide.

Tell the CSR that you want to UPGRADE your service and you wish to add DVR service with a Brand New DCT-6412 Phase 3 Set Top Box. Be sure to stress you do not want a USED box.......... :D

Good Luck, and please tell us what there reply is? I hope they give you a date in the next 7 days.


Made the call for install today and asked the CSR to note that I want the DCT-6412 Phase III STB. She told me last night that should would make it part of my work order. The install date is now set for 12-17.

This morning I called Comcast again to find out how I could best guarantee my getting the 6412 Phase III, and said I would reject the install with any other box. This CSR said she would add the info to my work order. I asked if this information was already on my work order and she said No! I relayed to her how I was told it was on my work order by the CSR the prior day, and was now concerned I would not have this info on the work order. She said I could call the day prior to the install and verify the work order. I asked if I could pick-up the unit at one of their payment centers and she said no. I am now crossing my fingers and hoping to get the right STB on installation day.

Anything else I could do to guarantee the right STB on installation day? Is it that important to ask for a new 6412 Phase III?

I have always wondered what happens to the Engineering Graduates who only got C's in school....Just remember, there is a 50/50 chance that your doctor, lawyer and investment counsellor each graduated in the lower half of their class.

Just remember, there is a 50/50 chance that your doctor, lawyer and investment counsellor each graduated in the lower half of their class.

And my Psychiatrist...

This is really a depressing discussion... I think I am screwed...

BTW, how do you know my doctor, lawyer and investment counselor? :eek:

You can essentially customize the iGuide guide by viewing your favorites. Go into the main menu, select favorites, and you'll see the guide with only your favorite channels displayed.

I realize that .. 5 button presses instead of 1 .. makes the favorites guide basically useless. When I or my wife surf the guide we hit guide, every other receiver lets you view your favorites as a default. My Sony B50 (read 7 year old directv receiver) allowed this .. its common sense and a serious design flaw that the comcast firmware does not (its certainly not a hardware limitation).

I realize that .. 5 button presses instead of 1 .. makes the favorites guide basically useless. When I or my wife surf the guide we hit guide, every other receiver lets you view your favorites as a default. My Sony B50 (read 7 year old directv receiver) allowed this .. its common sense and a serious design flaw that the comcast firmware does not (its certainly not a hardware limitation).
Your B50 was a product of competition in the marketplace; cable providers are monopolies with captive audiences.

"You are an ingrate! You should appreciate what you have!"

:)

Does anyone know if I can get a Morotorla stb with an HDMI connection without getting DVR. I think the 6412 III is the only box with HDMI but I dont want to pay the extra amount for DVR. I have Comcast and live in Boston.

Are there any plans for Comcast to upgrade the stb? someone mention the 7000 series?

Does anyone know if I can get a Morotorla stb with an HDMI connection without getting DVR. I think the 6412 III is the only box with HDMI but I dont want to pay the extra amount for DVR. I have Comcast and live in Boston.

Are there any plans for Comcast to upgrade the stb? someone mention the 7000 series?


I believe the DVR is the only one to have the HDMI so far.

I dont recall any discussion about a 7000 series...maybe you are thinking about the 700 Series that has been talked about lately...That's just a basic Non-HD box that will be giving people with Analog sets after comcast converts to all digital (so they can still get cable)

ps...I consider the $5/mth upgrade for the DVR as the best value comcast has (since most of the rest of their charges are way overpriced)...Just in case you havent tried an HD-DVR...you might try it (I could never live without one :D

Well .. i just switched to Comcast and got 2 6412 P3s .. from directv.

I already miss my DTV guide :( Is comcast working on anything better ? Something more eye apealing .. that fits more information on the screen ? This is the worst guide I have used in at least a decade (yes the DTV guides from 10 years ago were better then this, and from what i understand this is a "new" guide design ?? ) This is a new design...you should have seen it a few months ago!!

a) Even though Fox, NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS transmit two different formats, does Comcast send two different formats down the cable to my home? What do you mean they transmit different formats? Do you mean the SD and HD versions? If so it depends on your local affiliates and whether or not they agreed to show both on cable or not.

b) Is the MPEG file created by the Motorola 6412 different for 1080i programs vs 720p shows? Which MPEG file are you referring to? If you hook up the 6412 to a PC with firewire and record an MPEG that way, then yes the MPEG file it produces is different depending on 480i, 720p, or 1080i. It uses the native resolution sent from the cable company.

c) Since the 6412 lets me send either 1080i or 720p through its DVI out, how would this affect the MPEG file from question (b)? It shouldn't have any effect. You're setting the output format for that port which only affects the output from that port and not what's actually stored on the DVR.

I am going to be calling Comcast for HD-DVR cable installation. Based on my limited reading it appears I should be asking for the 6412 Phase III cable box. Can someone share with me the best way to communicate with the Comcast sales rep to be sure I get the right box and the proper installation? I already have Comcast cable for my analog TV, and will be getting the Pioneer Pro1130HD and VSX-72TVX A/V Receiver. To be 100% sure I'd just go in to the office and pick up the box there. Since you already have cable installed I don't THINK they should have to come to your house just to plug in a cable box. Just go in and say you want to upgrade to HDTV and sign all the papers and get a box and check the back for an HDMI port before signing out the box.

Does anyone know if I can get a Morotorla stb with an HDMI connection without getting DVR. I think the 6412 III is the only box with HDMI but I dont want to pay the extra amount for DVR. I have Comcast and live in Boston.

Are there any plans for Comcast to upgrade the stb? someone mention the 7000 series?

Only the 6412p3 & the new 3412p1 have HDMI ports

I realize that .. 5 button presses instead of 1 .. makes the favorites guide basically useless. When I or my wife surf the guide we hit guide, every other receiver lets you view your favorites as a default.Yes, this is clearly an amazingly poor user-interface decision made by the software designer/engineer/QA folks. Why would you NOT want "FAVORITES" to be easy to get to, if not instantaneous, when you push "GUIDE"?

Even more amazing is the waste of the very user-friendly-located FAV button on the remote! Why shouldn't THIS button have been used to get into "FAVORITES" mode directly, with 1 button press? Isn't that what "FAV" suggests???

The actual purpose and functionality to which they've pre-assigned "FAV" is so lame and worthless, but the physical button location so comfortable and convenient to the touch, that I've chosen it to be reassigned for my 30-second skip button. I can instantly find it in the dark without looking, when I want to skip past commercials. The consequent loss of the pre-assigned "FAV" functionality (which I NEVER USED) means zero to me.

I realize that .. 5 button presses instead of 1 .. makes the favorites guide basically useless. When I or my wife surf the guide we hit guide, every other receiver lets you view your favorites as a default. My Sony B50 (read 7 year old directv receiver) allowed this .. its common sense and a serious design flaw that the comcast firmware does not (its certainly not a hardware limitation).

3 button presses:

Menu (brings up Quick access menu)
Menu (goes into main menu regardless of what button is highlighted)
Enter (If Favorites is the last item you selected, which it usually is for me, then it's already highlighted)

Not ideal, but it works.

Everyone just pray, the Comcast TIVO DVR will have these features....

Has anyone opened up the box and replaced the seagate 120gig with a larger hard drive?

Is the sata external port active in any markets? If not, is there any offical word from comcast on when or if it will be activated?

Has anyone seen the 6416 which has a 160 gig hard drive?

I have always wondered what happens to the Engineering Graduates who only got C's in school....

Just remember, there is a 50/50 chance that your doctor, lawyer and investment counsellor each graduated in the lower half of their class.


Grades or education has nothing to do with it. "COMMON" sense has everything to do with it. Some of the smartest people I know have no "COMMON" sense and can screw up some of the simplest of things. When confronted with how bad they have screwed up they just don't understand why or how.

Unfortunately you can't teach common sense.

Has anyone figured out how to get to the closed captioning settings on the 6412? My girlfriend is hard of hearing and she cannot watch TV with me on the television that I have hooked up to my DVR, she has to watch regular TV on the television that is hooked up upstairs. The regular captioning (through the TV) doesn't work. Motorola's user guide shows a menu that lets you choose captioning options (including font!!), but Comcast's menu system doesn't let you access those options...

A little off topic but as a person who has been hard of hearing for over fifty years and wears hearing aids, I strongly suggest you encourage her to get a good set of quality hearing aids. Your relationship however good it may be now, will improve 100%.

I recently had a problem with double captions on my 6412 Phase III box, seems it passes a caption feed along that the tv then picks up and re captions. I turned the tv caption off and it took care of the problem.

No image visible when connecting an InFocus PJ SP4508 to Comcast dct-6200 using DVI port.
Comcast confirms that DVI port on the 6200 is active, they came out to my house and tried 3 different STB's, they all had the same issue. I tried a different DVI source (my laptop connected to it's docking station) using the DVI port and this working fine, I also tried another DVI source (LG lst-3510A HD Tuner/DVD) and this too works when using the DVI port. This confirms that my 25 ft DVI cable and M1 adapter is good. Anyone have any ideas what might be the issue here? Comcast-Boston does not have an answer.

My box has DVI on the back, so I assume it's not the newest. Is the HDMI the only update (which would be fine since my tv has DVI anyway) or is there something else about this piece of junk that would be fixed with the newer box?

By the way, whoever suggested that the box might have been crashing from overheating may have been right. I haven't closed the glass door on my stand for a while and no crashes. So I need to remove the glass door, since both the DVR and my DVD player freak out when it's closed, even though they have plenty of air coming from the back. Damn. Now I'll get pet hair all in my stuff. Oh well.

Has anyone opened up the box and replaced the seagate 120gig with a larger hard drive?

Is the sata external port active in any markets? If not, is there any offical word from comcast on when or if it will be activated?

Has anyone seen the 6416 which has a 160 gig hard drive?

Yeah...what he said...anyone?

Only the 6412p3 & the new 3412P1 have HDMI ports

I recently had a HD box (6200) swapped out for a DVR. Technician had a DCT-3412 P1. The SD quality is awful vs the 6200. Anyone else been able to compare? If the 3412 is new is it considered better than the DCT-6412 P3. Should I swap it?

Thanks in advance

If you are watching a Series Recording that you have set to "keep only one" of then if the same show tries to record while you are watching it then you get that error.

A few seconds before the new show records, the old show is deleted. If you are watching it, then it won't delete and you will see the CUI error. You should be able to hit OK/Select to get rid of the error. A power cycle should not be needed.

No, that never happens. I have yet to have multiple shows on the DVR from the same series saved at the same time. I go through my shows very diligently each week. So, there is only 1 series show saved at a time.

Again, one thing I forgot to mention is that the CIU error only shows up after the DVR shows refused to play (it's all black, with a time graphic at the bottom showing a time much longer than the recorded show, and my place in that timeline close to the end (say, 1:24 out of 1:30 show length) on a show I've yet to watch.

The CIU error happens when I escape out of this blank / black screen go to select a station from the i-guide. Selecting a new station is where the CIU error occurs.

The reason the favorites guide isn't easy to bring up is not because the engineers made a poor design, it's because that's how they were told to design it! The cable companies don't want you eliminating unwanted channels, they want you buying them. If you can't see what's on them, how will they tempt you to order? TIVO could care less how many channels you order from your service provider as long as you buy a TIVO box and pay their subscription fees.

The reason the favorites guide isn't easy to bring up is not because the engineers made a poor design, it's because that's how they were told to design it! The cable companies don't want you eliminating unwanted channels, they want you buying them. If you can't see what's on them, how will they tempt you to order? TIVO could care less how many channels you order from your service provider as long as you buy a TIVO box and pay their subscription fees.

Exactly....

They want you to see all of the Ch. they offer....

I recently had a HD box (6200) swapped out for a DVR. Technician had a DCT-3412 P1. The SD quality is awful vs the 6200. Anyone else been able to compare? If the 3412 is new is it considered better than the DCT-6412 P3. Should I swap it?

Thanks in advance

If your area is now fully Digital or Digital simulcast (Ch 1-100) then yes, the 3412 is for you. And yes the PQ is better then the 6412 fo SD. I use both the 3412p1 & 2 6412's.....

There is a Official Comcast 3412 & 3416 STB Discussion forum.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=604142

Yeah...what he said...anyone?

Comcast Tier 2 Tech support reports that Comcast will NOT be enabling / or supporting the SATA HD port on any of the Moto Series DCT-xxxx STB.

They have also dropped plans to rent external hard drives.

:mad:

Has anyone opened up the box and replaced the seagate 120gig with a larger hard drive?

Is the sata external port active in any markets? If not, is there any offical word from comcast on when or if it will be activated?

Has anyone seen the 6416 which has a 160 gig hard drive?I think the 6416 and/or 3416 is Urban Legend. The last thing comcast wants us to do is archive programming to a larger HDD. They are all about VOD and if you have a SATA drive and a big 'ol HDD in your DVR, you won't spend much time perusing VOD or buying content from PPV. Think about it, what is cost difference between a 120gb HDD vs. a 160gb HDD? It is probably negligible and a 120gb drive may even cost more because of lack of availabilty. Comcast simply doesn't want a bigass HDD in the DVRs. The DVR with a small HDD is just a stop gap until they get everything on VOD.

I think the 6416 and/or 3416 is Urban Legend. The last thing comcast wants us to do is archive programming to a larger HDD. They are all about VOD and if you have a SATA drive and a big 'ol HDD in your DVR, you won't spend much time perusing VOD or buying content from PPV. Think about it, what is cost difference between a 120gb HDD vs. a 160gb HDD? It is probably negligible and a 120gb drive may even cost more because of lack of availabilty. Comcast simply doesn't want a bigass HDD in the DVRs. The DVR with a small HDD is just a stop gap until they get everything on VOD.

Tall, I think you're right, as usual, but I wonder if they are making a mistake. I think VOD is a great alternative to watching a show live, but it's a poor one to one on my DVR. If Comcast forces people to watch programming this way I think they'll lose a lot of people to satellite or fiber, if those guys don't end up doing the same thing---which I doubt.

I think the 6416 and/or 3416 is Urban Legend. The last thing comcast wants us to do is archive programming to a larger HDD. They are all about VOD and if you have a SATA drive and a big 'ol HDD in your DVR, you won't spend much time perusing VOD or buying content from PPV. Think about it, what is cost difference between a 120gb HDD vs. a 160gb HDD? It is probably negligible and a 120gb drive may even cost more because of lack of availabilty. Comcast simply doesn't want a bigass HDD in the DVRs. The DVR with a small HDD is just a stop gap until they get everything on VOD.


There are 6416, and 3416 & 3432 STB out there by Moto.....

Comcast just does not seem to order them. But Verizon will....

Hey guys,

Quick question regarding HDMI and it is NOT the audio issue 95% of this thread discusses...

Using HDMI, when I go into the setup menu (with STB off), I see some "advanced options" for HDMI...what do these settings do? I didn't recognize any of the options/acronyms...This is on Comcast if that helps...

I'll take a look at it again when I get home and post the options...

Tall, I think you're right, as usual, but I wonder if they are making a mistake. I think VOD is a great alternative to watching a show live, but it's a poor one to one on my DVR. If Comcast forces people to watch programming this way I think they'll lose a lot of people to satellite or fiber, if those guys don't end up doing the same thing---which I doubt.


Not to mention that with a DVR I keep the program until I'm done with it and the DVR keeps a pointer as to where in the program I left off. On Demand is totaly useless as long as pointers expire in 24 hours. There are lots of things that I can't/won't watch until the kids are sleeping and if I watched half a move from 10 to 11 one night and I go back the next night at 10 , I have to fast forward to about where I left off.

Additonally, I decide when I no longer want that program on the DVR not the cable company. It really is lousy to find something that looks interesting on demand and 3 days later when you finally have time to watch it it's gone!

Not to mention that with a DVR I keep the program until I'm done with it and the DVR keeps a pointer as to where in the program I left off. On Demand is totaly useless as long as pointers expire in 24 hours. There are lots of things that I can't/won't watch until the kids are sleeping and if I watched half a move from 10 to 11 one night and I go back the next night at 10 , I have to fast forward to about where I left off.

Additonally, I decide when I no longer want that program on the DVR not the cable company. It really is lousy to find something that looks interesting on demand and 3 days later when you finally have time to watch it it's gone!

jg, you said very well what I implied. That's exactly the problem---control. Lack thereof.

Additonally, I decide when I no longer want that program on the DVR not the cable company.

Till they take that option away and set DVR recorded shows with time limits... :(

Till they take that option away and set DVR recorded shows with time limits... :(Then I'll just fire up the DVHS! Wow, we have really made alot of progress in CE in 25 years thanks to the paranoid MPAA; I'm still using video tape ;)

Even more amazing is the waste of the very user-friendly-located FAV button on the remote!

What I have done is to set the first HD channel to Favorite as well as the first of two clusters of digital channels (BBC America and PBS in my area). What this does is let me see these groupings quickly by hitting Guide and then FAV. Hit Fav again and it takes me to the second cluster. Hit Fav another time and I see the third cluster.

In my world Fav=the first favorite in a consecutive group, not each and every favorite.

Since some of the clusters of channels are too long to fit on screen, I also have set Fav to the channel at the top of the second "page" of the channels. I can walk through the Guide pretty quickly by hitting the Fav button. None of this involves reprogramming that button.

any special instructions hooking up 6412 thru firewire on mits 48-511 tv and why cant i recore 2 shows that are on at same time i have it thru comcast

any special instructions hooking up 6412 thru firewire on mits 48-511 tv and why cant i recore 2 shows that are on at same time i have it thru comcast


To test your DVR record abbility:

pick a CH, press the record button, the STB display should now show (rec)

press the button used to SWAP Tuners.

The (rec) should now be the current ch. number on the 2nd. tuner. and a red ligh should be to the upper right of the ch. number.

sellect a ch.

press the record button, the STB should now show both the (rec) and the red light to the upper right.

you are now recording from both tuners.

any special instructions hooking up 6412 thru firewire on mits 48-511 tv and why cant i recore 2 shows that are on at same time i have it thru comcast

Here is the manual that describes connecting the 6412:
Manual (http://broadband.motorola.com/noflash/customer_docs/user_guides/512659-001-a.pdf). Notice that you won't get any guide or on-screen graphics via the Firewire connection.

i have 2 programs scheduled for same time one has red full circle other has red circle with line thru it whats that mean?g

i have 2 programs scheduled for same time one has red full circle other has red circle with line thru it whats that mean?g

It is telling you that it will not record.

Did you check for any other conflicts?

Are you sure that both tuners are working?

have you checked the Diagnostic page?

power off STB, press ok/sellect to get to Diagnostic main menu

i have 2 programs scheduled for same time one has red full circle other has red circle with line thru it whats that mean?g
AFAIK, it means the box has decided there is a conflict, after the fact(setting up the recordings originally). I have seen that lately and it's annoying, it has caused me to lose a few shows even after deleting and then reseting up the recordings with solid red circles.

To further the mystery, I have had a single program to record at say, 10pm, when going to set up another, it will tell me the previous program is in conflict, even though there is no reason for it to be so.

My only guess is that the actual runtimes of some programming is not being reflected in the guide info-guide says program ends at 9:59, but in reality it ends at 10:00 or 10:01, and the box knows it but the guide does not. Nothing else really makes sense.

turned stb off pressesd ok/select on remote nothing happened

i have 2 programs scheduled for same time one has red full circle other has red circle with line thru it whats that mean?g
I've seen this when I've chosen to not record a particular program in a series recording or when there are already two programs set for recording during the start time of the one that is crossed out. The problem for me is programs such as Lost that end at 10:04 p.m. when I want to start a another program at 10:00. The only workaround I know of is to do manual time setting for the recording so there is no overlap.

turned stb off pressesd ok/select on remote nothing happened
Do it quickly, even 10-15 secs is too late.

at diag screen how do i change any of the options like the 4:3 overide i want to change from 480i to 480p

at diag screen how do i change any of the options like the 4:3 overide i want to change from 480i to 480p

with the stb on

do the following.

power off and press menu (within 2 sec.)

thanks that helped alot :)

In the initial menu options (with STB off -> Pressing menu) and I click on "Additional HDMI Settings" I have a prompt for "Color Space".

My options are RGB, TCC 4:4:4, and TCC 4:2:2

What are these options and what is the setting w/ best IQ? Isn't it TCC 4:4:4?

Thanks ahead of time!

In the initial menu options (with STB off -> Pressing menu) and I click on "Additional HDMI Settings" I have a prompt for "Color Space".

My options are RGB, TCC 4:4:4, and TCC 4:2:2

What are these options and what is the setting w/ best IQ? Isn't it TCC 4:4:4?

Thanks ahead of time!

RGB, TCC 4:4:4, and TCC 4:2:2 settings are only for computer type monitors connected via HDMI connection to the DCT models 6412p3 / 3412p1 STB.

No image visible when connecting an InFocus PJ SP4508 to Comcast dct-6200 using DVI port. Comcast confirms that DVI port on the 6200 is active, they came out to my house and tried 3 different STB's, they all had the same issue. I tried a different DVI source (my laptop connected to it's docking station) using the DVI port and this working fine, I also tried another DVI source (LG lst-3510A HD Tuner/DVD) and this too works when using the DVI port. This confirms that my 25 ft DVI cable and M1 adapter is good. Anyone have any ideas what might be the issue here? Comcast-Boston does not have an answer.
Could it be an issue of DVI-D vs. DVI-I connections? Perhaps the projector only handles analog signals on its DVI connector. The laptop might be outputting an analog RGB signal for DVI-I (as though a standard computer monitor is attached), whereas the 6200 might be outputting digital signals only (as though a digital TV must be attached).

jg, you said very well what I implied. That's exactly the problem---control. Lack thereof.

Add to that the sluggishness of the interface. It takes a while for the commands to go thru. It also only has one speed of FF and RW and no 30s skip :D

In order for them to implement a solo VOD solution with no DVR would take a lot of resources on their end. Can you imagine if everyone in their system decided to watch something at the same time. I don't see it happening but who knows

It also only has one speed of FF and RW ...

Have you pressed the FF more than once? Each press increases the FF (and RW) speed up to 4X max. Next press sets it back to Play.

Have you pressed the FF more than once? Each press increases the FF (and RW) speed up to 4X max. Next press sets it back to Play.

Ridge, I think he means VOD FF.

Sorry, took it out of context.

Has anyone opened up the box and replaced the seagate 120gig with a larger hard drive? I don't think so. I remember reading that even if you put in a bigger drive, the box will only use 120gig of it anyway, but I don't remember how they determined that. Most people aren't willing to open their box and risk big penalties from their cable company if they screw it up.

In order for them to implement a solo VOD solution with no DVR would take a lot of resources on their end. Can you imagine if everyone in their system decided to watch something at the same time. I don't see it happening but who knows

Comcast is already doing that - a while back I had a set with a QAM tuner and was able to view my several VOD (and some adult movies) that my neighbors were watching, pauses, rewinds and all! A standard STB w/o VDR can be used to get VOD movies.

Has anyone tested both Optical and Coaxial Digital Audio on their 6412?

I would think there would be no difference, is there?

I need to get an Optical cable for the new Xbox 360 I will be getting. But I can't decide what to get for the 6412 (Phase I) DVR.

Has anyone tested both Optical and Coaxial Digital Audio on their 6412?

I would think there would be no difference, is there?

I need to get an Optical cable for the new Xbox 360 I will be getting. But I can't decide what to get for the 6412 (Phase I) DVR.

Optical Toslink is a more expensive Fiber optic cable that allows No signal Loss and no interference.

Coaxial is a much cheaper shielded cable that is susceptible to signal loss and interference.

I'm thinking of signing up for Comcast DVR service with HD in Sacramento. Is the 6412 the model new customers always get today?
I have a HDTV with component inputs in the living room and a VGA LCD computer monitor in the bedroom.
Is there a way to split out the signal and use a wireless remote extender to
operate the DVR from the other room? If so, what is the maximum length the video cable to the bedroom can be?
Will the guide be accessible from either monitor?

I was able to view some adult movies that my neighbors were watching, pauses, rewinds and all! Yeeuoooo!

Ok, I'm confused...again lol.
My dual tuner HD-DVR has a DVI port on back. My 46" Samsung and 27" Sony TVs have HDMI inputs. So a simple DVI to HDMI cable will work, I assume. But, all I'm finding are HDMI to DVI cables. Is that the same? Both ends are male, right?