Official Comcast 6412 w/ iGuide Discussion [Text View] - Page 27

Steve McD

01-07-06, 06:13 PM

Hi, I just found this Forum. Does any one know if there is a way to up grade from the 120 MB hard drive to a 500MB hard drive? The 15 hours of HD recording is almost useless. Craig

It looks like Comcast's way to upgrade this model, is to shift to some advanced DVRs from Panasonic. They will have at least 250GB in their HDDs (maybe more).
Comcast has an option to buy up to 1,000,000 of them over the next year.
Read the press release on Panasonic's website that is linked on another thread in this HDTV Recorder Forum.

HealeyGuy

01-07-06, 06:43 PM

scanpa

01-07-06, 07:37 PM

TurboGadget

01-07-06, 09:43 PM

Hi, I just found this Forum. Does any one know if there is a way to up grade from the 120 MB hard drive to a 500MB hard drive? The 15 hours of HD recording is almost useless. I up graded my TIVO to to 465 hours and that was easy enough. I figure I could get 60 Hours of HD and that would be fine .... so I say today.
Has any one found any use for the USB port?
Thanks in advance for any help any one can give me.

Craig

You can't and don't try it unless you're happy to pay Comcast the full price for the machine if you open it up and break it! With Tivo, you own the machine and pay for a service which the Tivo hardware connects to once a day. You don't own the Comcast DVR and it is digitally signed to only work if it has very regular connection to a registered head-end.

I'm afraid we are all at the mercy of Comcast with respects to what the DVR can and can't do. :(

Dorn

01-07-06, 09:51 PM

Alrighty, well I'm a little bummed.

I got my HDMI cable today, and went in to hook it up with the my Phase III box. Got it hooked up, turned the to the correct input, and nothing. No signal at all. My component output still works, and I unplugged those just in case. Is there something that needs to be set here?

scanpa

01-07-06, 09:57 PM

Dorn

01-07-06, 09:58 PM

did you turn the TV & STB on in the correct order for the HDMI signal to handshake properly?
There's a correct order to this? Explain.

scanpa

01-07-06, 10:24 PM

There's a correct order to this? Explain.

Try this,

Turn off the TV & then your STB,
wait a few seconds
turn on the Tv and then the STB.

Dorn

01-07-06, 10:33 PM

I think my cable is screwed up or something. If I tilt the cable a bit that goes into the TV, it works. If I put that end into the box, it won't work at all. If the cable is plugged into the TV normally, it won't work.

DavidParker

01-07-06, 11:49 PM

snidely

01-08-06, 12:56 AM

Not at this time!

Comcast has also dropped plans to support the SATA port and rent external Hard Drives.

At CES I asked the Motorola guy if they (for their clients) ever planned on activating the port w. thich to attach an external drive. He sympathized and agreed that the present method did not allow much room for storage, but, there were no plans that he knew of, at least in the forseeable future, to allow for external drives.
Motorola was demoing a "home media center" based on the 6412. It looked like a work in progress. The demonstrator said all data was stored on the central 6412 box w. the "media center unit" attached and the "slave" 6412 units they had were not being used to store anything.

...mike

bigscreen hdtv

01-08-06, 03:17 AM

At CES I asked the Motorola guy if they (for their clients) ever planned on activating the port w. thich to attach an external drive. He sympathized and agreed that the present method did not allow much room for storage, but, there were no plans that he knew of, at least in the forseeable future, to allow for external drives.
Motorola was demoing a "home media center" based on the 6412. It looked like a work in progress. The demonstrator said all data was stored on the central 6412 box w. the "media center unit" attached and the "slave" 6412 units they had were not being used to store anything.

...mike
So is there any work around or drivers / programs to dump drive data via the sata to a xp computer

andyross63

01-08-06, 10:36 AM

I just picked up a couple of Comcast DCT6412 III boxes (DVR-HDTV w/HDMI) and both boxes have a noticble "hum" with what sounds like a faint "scratching" sound. Never noticed this at all with our earlier versions of the 6412.

Obviously not noticable when watching programming, but with the TV off the one in the bedroom is audible. I can live with it but my wife seems to be able to hear "everything" when she is trying to sleep. Good thing we live in the country....

Anyone else have this box...and is it normal? They are both like this and seem to work fine...
What you are hearing is the hard drive, and possibly a small fan. Unfortunately, it's hit or miss if you get a noisy drive or not, as they use multiple vendors. In the past, you could end up with either a Maxtor or a Seagate, and there is little correlation as to one being noisier or quieter.

scanpa

01-08-06, 12:31 PM

So is there any work around or drivers / programs to dump drive data via the sata to a xp computer

NOPE!

bmel

01-08-06, 12:39 PM

I have had the phantom 12/31/89 recording on my box for a month or so, but never been able to clear my recorded shows to try erasing it. I had ~8 recording and all of the sudden last night the DVR stopped playing recordings. I would go to a recording and press play and it would display the time bar for Ch 62 (Scifi here) and then go blank. If I tried to change the channel, the screen would be black like the box was off, but I could still see the info bar at the bottom. If I powered on and off the box, I could now change channels without a problem.

I had the same problem that same night. Unplugged the unit a few minutes. I was then able to play back all dvr recordings without difficutly.

Brian

aud19

01-08-06, 12:53 PM

So is there any work around or drivers / programs to dump drive data via the sata to a xp computer

It sure would be nice to be able to dump shows to an external drive enclosure and/or XP machine via firewire or something..... What about a firewire input on a computer? Granted you may have to "play" the info from the 6412 as though your PC was a firewire equipped "display"... but there HAS to be some way!?!? :confused:

scanpa

01-08-06, 01:10 PM

It sure would be nice to be able to dump shows to an external drive enclosure and/or XP machine via firewire or something..... What about a firewire input on a computer? Granted you may have to "play" the info from the 6412 as though your PC was a firewire equipped "display"... but there HAS to be some way!?!? :confused:

Why does there have to be a way to download them? The files are not viewable via pc or mac....

If you want to archive stuff, use a PVR not a DVR. A PVR has a built in DVD-R. :)

aud19

01-08-06, 01:52 PM

Because a PVR won't work with my cable provider ;) And why wouldn't they be viewable, they're just MPEG files?

cavu

01-08-06, 02:47 PM

Why does there have to be a way to download them? The files are not viewable via pc or mac.If you capture the files through the firewire port (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695) (while playing them) you can save them (in .ts format), play them on the PC (don't know about MAC) and burn them to DVD.

Kracko

01-08-06, 02:48 PM

Because a PVR won't work with my cable provider ;) And why wouldn't they be viewable, they're just MPEG files?

A PVR won't work or you wouldn't be happy with the quality of the recordings using the analog outs?

aud19

01-08-06, 03:03 PM

If you capture the files through the firewire port (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695) (while playing them) you can save them (in .ts format), play them on the PC (don't know about MAC) and burn them to DVD.

See there is an, albiet "clumsy", way of doing it :D

Kracko, by PVR won't work I mean it won't decode digital, HD channels to watch/record programs like the 6412. It just seems like an awkward, antiquated way to do things and an unnecessary expense if you already own a DVR and a computer.

Now if I could just get the sound to work on those analog channels :mad:

scanpa

01-08-06, 03:11 PM

Because a PVR won't work with my cable provider ;) And why wouldn't they be viewable, they're just MPEG files?

Buy a PVR w/ Cablecard & QAM decode.

like someone else said you would have to play the file and then capture it while it plays.

simpler to either buy the DVD, or download off the internet.

fender4645

01-08-06, 03:12 PM

Because a PVR won't work with my cable provider ;) And why wouldn't they be viewable, they're just MPEG files?

That's the problem...they're not "just MPEG files". They're MPEG-based files that have a propietary "wrapper" around them that will prevent PC/Mac-based players from playing them. The only commercial PVR that I've seen that actually outputs "pure" MPEG-2 video files is ReplayTV, and even then you sometimes had to use WOMBLE to sync up the audio/video.

scanpa

01-08-06, 03:15 PM

When the Comcast/Tivo DVR comes out this year, let's hope they include the TivoToGo feature...... :)

aud19

01-08-06, 03:43 PM

Buy a PVR w/ Cablecard & QAM decode.

like someone else said you would have to play the file and then capture it while it plays.

simpler to either buy the DVD, or download off the internet.

MY SP doesn't suport cable card ;) And it would seem "easier" to playback to your computer than attempting to download it nevermind the lower risk of adware and viruses. As for movies, that's not really what I want it for. I mean if I wanted that I'd just rent the DVD and copy it. But we used to have the option to record and have a physical copy of a TV show or special etc that we could then take to a freinds house to watch. Be nice if you could still do that.

EDIT: Oh I forgot, cablecard sucks as well. No two way communication etc.

HealeyGuy

01-08-06, 04:16 PM

But we used to have the option to record and have a physical copy of a TV show or special etc that we could then take to a freinds house to watch. Be nice if you could still do that.
And back in those days you recorded the show on a VCR and nothing is stopping you from doing that now via the 6412's line outputs. Or you can get a DVD recorder and record to SD DVD instead of tape. Or you can get a D-VHS and record HD to digital tape via Firewire.

As for the Firewire link to a PC or Mac, Comcast blocks this from working except for the analog and Network HD channels. At least that's the case in Eugene, Oregon.

cavu

01-08-06, 04:31 PM

As for the Firewire link to a PC or Mac, Comcast blocks this from working except for the analog and Network HD channels. At least that's the case in Eugene, Oregon.There are no such restrictions here (Shaw). Also, in the USA, the FCC requires that the Firewire port be active!

IFLYSWA

01-08-06, 04:55 PM

This is one of the trivial, sidebar kinds of things, but recent posts in this thread got me wondering...when did the 'definition' of PVR change to be the DVD-included HD recording device? I'm not really arguing that point, I just hadn't seen it described that way before. ReplayTV was touted as one of the original PVRs...at that time, anyway, a DVR was thought to be a time-based digital recording device (VCR-type functionality), where the PVR had a show-based (ReplayTV, TiVo) component to it. Again, just curious...

Thanks!
-Randy

HealeyGuy

01-08-06, 05:01 PM

There are no such restrictions here (Shaw). Also, in the USA, the FCC requires that the Firewire port be active!
The Firewire port is active but my Mac refuses to record any 5c-protected channels. A few months ago Comcast here added the 5c protection to all digital channels except for the Network HD channels. Still, this has no effect on my recording from the S-Video jack nor would it affect ability to record via Firewire using a D-VHS deck.

Yeedog

01-08-06, 08:11 PM

If you capture the files through the firewire por (while playing them) you can save them (in .ts format), play them on the PC.

This might be a dumb question but when you record something on the DVR is the show you are recording compressed further while it's saved or would be exactly what was sent from comcast?

Thus would it be better to capture a program via firewire as it's aired to get the best quality or does it not make a difference?

HealeyGuy

01-08-06, 08:24 PM

This might be a dumb question but when you record something on the DVR is the show you are recording compressed further while it's saved or would be exactly what was sent from comcast?

The digital channels are captured as transmitted. The analog channels get MPEG encoded (and badly so, IMHO).

Thus would it be better to capture a program via firewire as it's aired to get the best quality or does it not make a difference?

Irrelevant in any case because what comes out the Firewire is coming off the hard drive.

Yeedog

01-09-06, 07:38 AM

The digital channels are captured as transmitted. The analog channels get MPEG encoded (and badly so, IMHO).

Irrelevant in any case because what comes out the Firewire is coming off the hard drive.

ahh, so if capturing to pc then ideally you would just record the digital/hd channel to the DVR first since there is no quality difference and then you can transfer to the pc after the fact.

I always thought best results would be doing it live, but i guess i was wrong.

Thanks for the reply :)

twnpks05

01-09-06, 11:53 AM

I have the 6412 Series III connected to my Panasonic Plasma via component.
Same problem happend with HDMI. Never happened with the Original 6412 box that I had for close to 10 months.

Twice now this has happened, when the box was first installed about two months ago, and again this weekend. It mostly happens when I am watching Hi Def programming, either live or recorded. This weekend it happened on TBS, which is not HD in my location. The video is jerky. The audio is fluid but the picture gets jittery. No pixelation just jerky enough that you can get sea sick watching the content. The fix I have found is to go into the menu on the cable box and cycle through the video output options, 1080i, 720P, 480P, 480i and back to 1080i. After that the problem clears right up. Could this be a TV problem or do you think its a box issue.

Thanks

ceccacci

01-09-06, 12:29 PM

fender4645

01-09-06, 12:40 PM

[QUOTE=I always thought best results would be doing it live, but i guess i was wrong.[/QUOTE]

Remember, ALL content that comes through the STB will technically be recorded so you can properly buffer the live program. There really is no difference between watching Live TV and a recorded a program...it's all recorded as far as the DVR is concerned.

markjrenna

01-09-06, 12:59 PM

DeathRay

01-09-06, 01:04 PM

Replay, DVR, DVR, DVR, Live should lick the 1989 recording.

I have not heard this before. It didn't work for me. By "DVR" do you mean "My DVR"?

scanpa

01-09-06, 02:47 PM

I have not heard this before. It didn't work for me. By "DVR" do you mean "My DVR"?

DVR Hard Drive reset of the DCT-- 6208, 64xx & 34xx STB

NOTE *** This will delete all stored shows on the Hard Drive!
This will also delete all Guide Data & Any type of scheduled recording settings!

1. STB 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), My DVR, My DVR, My DVR, Live.
4. Your STB should now show "Clr" in the LED display.
5. Press ok/Select to proceed with the reset (and presumably Exit to cancel).
6. The STB should now reformat the HD & then reboot and begin to download the Guide data from the Local headend...

DeathRay

01-09-06, 04:08 PM

Thanks, I guess I'll just keep it on there for now. I don't want to lose all my unwatched programs/series recordings. From that other post I thought maybe there was a quick and easy way to do it without re-setting the box.

mike789

01-09-06, 04:30 PM

I've had the same problem, but it just started this week. I wonder if comcast did an update that broke the audio on analog channels. I have a receiver connected with coax to the 6412, and until this week I had audio no matter what channel I was watching. But now the analog channels don't send audio over the coax, although they are sending some sort of carrier because my receiver can automatically switch to a analog connection if the digital is off and it isn't switching (I tried hooking up the analog outputs of the 6412 to the receiver).

If I force the receiver to use the analog outputs it works, so there seems to be some problem with the 6412. And also if I unplug the 6412 the audio works over the digital connection for about 1 minute, then stops. Comcast has scheduled a service call.

Well I "solved" my problem. I took my box in and exchanged it for a phase-III box. I've read in the forum that the analog channels look better on a phase-III 6412, and I agree. And the audio problem went away.

aud19

01-09-06, 04:34 PM

And back in those days you recorded the show on a VCR and nothing is stopping you from doing that now via the 6412's line outputs. Or you can get a DVD recorder and record to SD DVD instead of tape. Or you can get a D-VHS and record HD to digital tape via Firewire.

As for the Firewire link to a PC or Mac, Comcast blocks this from working except for the analog and Network HD channels. At least that's the case in Eugene, Oregon.

Yeah but this is the year 2006, not 1986. If I wanted to use a VCR I wouldn't have got the 6412! Technology has improved but our ability to record and share it hasn't...beyond DVR's that is, which are great but only allow us to record, not share.

D-VHS is an intermediate format that's a waste of money and was dead before it got off the ground IMO. Even if I wasted money buying one, the chances of having a friend/relative with one to watch something at their houses is practically non existant.

With all this supposed technology we SHOULD be able to utilize our exixting computer and DVR and just make 5C compliant copies. Why is that too much to ask?

I realize you could sit here all day giving expensive/lower quality/already obsolete alternatives... but that's my point! We shouldn't HAVE to deal with expensive/lower quality/obsolete alternatives when completely workable, easy, modern solutions are a small step away!

Cucuy

01-09-06, 04:38 PM

Hey Comcast!

I want Motorola's Whole Home. You know, where I can play my recorded DVR (6412/3412) content on any other STB (DCT700).

What do you say??? Come on guys! I'm not going to be on this planet forever, get a move on it!

Pst, pst, Comcast are you there? Me too. I don't know who is leaving this planet first markjrenna or me but it would be nice if you got your whole home solution to us

01-09-06, 05:04 PM

Pst, pst, Comcast are you there? Me too. I don't know who is leaving this planet first markjrenna or me but it would be nice if you got your whole home solution to us

I wonder how committed Comcast really is to actually deploying the Motorola whole home solution.
They just annonunced a deal with Panasonic, and its not clear to me they would do that if were buying into a Motorola proprietary scheme.

http://www.digitalmediaasia.com/default.asp?ArticleID=12385

Bruce Blakeslee

01-09-06, 06:17 PM

With all this supposed technology we SHOULD be able to utilize our exixting computer and DVR and just make 5C compliant copies. Why is that too much to ask?

The answer to this is that it is not Comcast's call. The 5c flag is there to PREVENT YOU from sharing. The movie studios and content providers generally do not want free copies of high quality content from their creative minds floating around. So, I guess the answer is "Yes, that is too much to ask."

You are free to copy all the content that does NOT have the 5c flag set to your computer through the firewire connection. I think that is the whole point of the 5c flag.

aud19

01-09-06, 06:48 PM

The answer to this is that it is not Comcast's call. The 5c flag is there to PREVENT YOU from sharing. The movie studios and content providers generally do not want free copies of high quality content from their creative minds floating around. So, I guess the answer is "Yes, that is too much to ask."

You are free to copy all the content that does NOT have the 5c flag set to your computer through the firewire connection. I think that is the whole point of the 5c flag.

Well first of all I'm not on comcast. But I realize what you're saying and I agree, as I mentioned in an earlier post I'm looking to be able to do this with 5c compliant programs, specials, tv shows etc. And while some people have found a "mickey mouse" way of getting 5c compliant media to their PC's, my point is that this should be much easier and user-friendly circa 2006. I can't believe you guys are arguing against this! ....lol

Bruce Blakeslee

01-09-06, 06:58 PM

Well first of all I'm not on comcast. But I realize what you're saying and I agree, as I mentioned in an earlier post I'm looking to be able to do this with 5c compliant programs, specials, tv shows etc. And while some people have found a "mickey mouse" way of getting 5c compliant media to their PC's, my point is that this should be much easier and user-friendly circa 2006. I can't believe you guys are arguing against this! ....lol

Easier, yes. Even simple for the user to copy compliant content. Tivo to go I guess has moved in that direction. Perhaps later this year when the tivo interface is ready it will be here as well (On Comcast that is) perhaps not. There are now an explosion of devices that are TV content ready and the systems will need to provide the content in a stright forward and simple interface.

stevehof

01-10-06, 06:24 AM

while some people have found a "mickey mouse" way of getting 5c compliant media to their PC's, my point is that this should be much easier and user-friendly circa 2006. I can't believe you guys are arguing against this! ....lol
I don't think anyone one this forum is arguing against the idea that copying should be easier. They are merely pointing out that it is not easier by design. Arguing that such copying should be easier is like arguing that copying copy protected DVDs should be easier. The system is deliberately set up to prevent such easy copying, so it will inevitably involve "mickey mouse" workarounds. I'm not saying I like it that way. It's just a fact of life.

jimmerpro

01-10-06, 10:50 PM

HD Rookie

01-11-06, 09:26 AM

Hi - The signal quality on my 6412 is showing up much worse than tuner two - pixelization and sound cutting out. On diagnostics it shows a poor to fair signal and errors. Is something wrong with this box I just got (replacing one with a bad DVR) or is there something I can do. Is tuner 2 normally weaker for some reason?
thanks,
Jim
Yes, this is normal. You probably have a marginal signal going into the box which is just strong enough for tuner 1, but not tuner 2. As a test, remove any splitters that lie on the cable line to the cable box and make sure all connections are secure.

DavidParker

01-11-06, 01:50 PM

I am having an issue with HDMI connecting to my STB to my Vizio LCD. Works fine with this box using component cables, but not with HDMI. My question is whether there may be a hidden menu or setting that is screwing up my HDMI output. Below is an email I just sent to Vizio tech support detailing my problem. Would appreciate any advice or input as to whether the STB may be set wrong.

I just connected the set with a new HDMI cable (in order to wall mount it) and the picture formats differ substantially from what is displayed with the component cables.

With HDMI, none of the "wide, normal, zoom" formats display correctly. Output has not changed. Is connected to a Comcast DCT 6412 III DVR-HD box.

In "wide" mode, 4:3 pictures are displayed as "normal". No stretching, no compaction, usual bars on the sides. Should be stretched to fill the screen as was with component connection.

In "zoom" mode, 4:3 pictures are displayed in the same format as above, same size black bars, but zoomed, resulting in compaction of the picture.

In "normal" mode, 4:3 pictures are compacted with extra black bars on the side. Heavily distorted. Should be a non-distorted picture with the usual black bars as was displayed with component connection.

6:9 in each of these modes display correctly, but any other aspect displays poorly and in contradiction to the component results. In addition, the picture quality of standard (non HD) programming is noticeably poorer with digital HDMI vs analog component. I have connected with a Comcast box via HDMI to our other set (Sony SXRD) with none of these issues.

Questions:

1) Are there reported issues with HDMI connection to these sets, or is my unit defective?

2) Are there work-arounds or solutions for this problem?

Dave Harper

01-11-06, 02:40 PM

Have you checked the menu to make sure it is set to 16x9 and an HD resolution, as well as whether you want the box to scale to set HD resolution, send 480i/480p or "STRETCH"???

DavidParker

01-11-06, 03:20 PM

Have you checked the menu to make sure it is set to 16x9 and an HD resolution, as well as whether you want the box to scale to set HD resolution, send 480i/480p or "STRETCH"???

Wow...thank you! I think that fixed it. Had to dig around in this thread to find the menu access instructions...worked just fine.

TV type says: 16:9
HDMI/Comp Output says: 1080i
4:3 Override said: OFF....I changed that to "stretch" and the picture formats seem to display correctly now.

I did notice that 480i and 480p were also options for 4:3...any advantage to these?

THANK YOU very much for the fix!!!

cavu

01-11-06, 03:51 PM

4:3 Override said: OFF....I changed that to "stretch" and the picture formats seem to display correctly now.If you are watching 4:3 content 'stretched' into a 16:9 format, that is not "displaying correctly".

The "correct" way of viewing 4:3 content on a 16:9 display is as a 4:3 image with black bars on the two sides. Circles should be circles, not ovals.

Using the "stretch" option is a gimmick and is like looking at life through a carnival mirror ...

http://www.carnivalmirror.com/jef.jpe

DavidParker

01-11-06, 04:03 PM

If you are watching 4:3 content 'stretched' into a 16:9 format, that is not "displaying correctly".

The "correct" way of viewing 4:3 content on a 16:9 display is as a 4:3 image with black bars on the two sides. Circles should be circles, not ovals.

Using the "stretch" option is a gimmick and is like looking at life through a carnival mirror ...

http://www.carnivalmirror.com/jef.jpe

Yup...I understand. Having the cable box option at "stretch" simply allows my view modes to operate correctly. "wide" stretches the pic and distorts it, "normal" gives the correct 4:3 mode with side bars, and "zoom", uh...zooms it.

With this setting on "OFF", nothing worked right.

bigalw22

01-11-06, 04:18 PM

I wonder how committed Comcast really is to actually deploying the Motorola whole home solution. They just annonunced a deal with Panasonic, and its not clear to me they would do that if were buying into a Motorola proprietary scheme.
With so many problems with the Moto boxes, I'm not surprised Comcast is tossing them. The article doesn't say if Motorola is out completely, or when the Panny boxes start coming in. Al

01-11-06, 04:54 PM

With so many problems with the Moto boxes, I'm not surprised Comcast is tossing them. The article doesn't say if Motorola is out completely, or when the Panny boxes start coming in. Al

I doubt that they are going to abandon the Motorola boxes. At their last press conference Tivo said they were porting their software to the 6412 and 3412, and nothing else. Comcast has always said that the Tivo option would be just a matter of a new software download to your existing box.

I still don't see how Panasonic fits into their broader plan, with either Whole Home or Tivo options.

trickd

01-11-06, 05:05 PM

Has there been any sugggestion (or is there any educated speculation) that the Tivo service available through Comcast on the 6412/3412 will include features such as Tivo-to-Go, in-house networking of multiple boxes and Home Media feature? I sure hope so for $10 per month on top of the current price.

John Williams

01-11-06, 05:12 PM

km,

I too was a bit surprised by the Panasonic announcement. I just can't figure it out -- if they've got TiVo working so hard on the x412 platform then they yank that out and drop in another one, that certainly wouldn't help get it to market sooner.

Only thing I can think of is that the new Series 3 TiVo might come from Panasonic as the OEM mfg., and the Comcast DVRs might be a non-Cablecard (embedded) version of this same box.

Now that would make sense -- deliver "basic TiVo" for the x412s, and "enhanced TiVo" for the new boxes which are S3 clones.

-John

froll

01-12-06, 05:26 AM

Yes, this is normal. You probably have a marginal signal going into the box which is just strong enough for tuner 1, but not tuner 2. As a test, remove any splitters that lie on the cable line to the cable box and make sure all connections are secure.

So So true. When I redid my setup I removed the splitter and then 1 direct line into the 6412. Checking tuner strength from the service menu I went from weak to Good on both tuners 1 and 2. What a difference. Now, if I could only resolve the lack of 5.1 playback from DVR recordings I'd be a happy camper.

Steve McD

01-12-06, 08:30 AM

When I redid my setup I removed the splitter and then 1 direct line into the 6412. Checking tuner strength from the service menu I went from weak to Good on both tuners 1 and 2. What a difference. Now, if I could only resolve the lack of 5.1 playback from DVR recordings I'd be a happy camper.

I split my Comcast signal once, with one side going directly to the 6412 box and the other going to a Radio Shack amplified splitter. The 4 outputs from the amplifier go to VCRs and HDD/DVD recorders with NTSC tuners. I get a strong signal on both my HD tuners in the 6412. I don't think you could use a standard amplifier on a line going to a digital HD tuner, as it probably wouldn't handle that type of signal very well. I wonder if there is a good HD-digital home amplifier that would solve the weak signal problems some people are having with these DVRs?

scanpa

01-12-06, 08:34 AM

I split my Comcast signal once, with one side going directly to the 6412 box and the other going to a Radio Shack amplified splitter. The 4 outputs from the amplifier go to VCRs and HDD/DVD recorders with NTSC tuners. I get a strong signal on both my HD tuners in the 6412. I don't think you could use a standard amplifier on a line going to a digital HD tuner, as it probably wouldn't handle that type of signal very well. I wonder if there is a good HD-digital home amplifier that would solve the weak signal problems some people are having with these DVRs?

Steve,

This is the Signal Amp you should use with any of the DCT STB.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000066E6Y/002-2509772-1444859?v=glance&n=172282

UncD2000

01-12-06, 09:05 AM

This seems to be a superior product. What is its gain figure, and how does it compare with the amp that Comcast supplies (sometimes $50, sometimes free) which I believe has 10dB gain?

bobby94928

01-12-06, 10:21 AM

I think it is the same amp that Comcast supplies. I bought one and it worked wonders on my reception to my 6412.

scanpa

01-12-06, 11:17 AM

This seems to be a superior product. What is its gain figure, and how does it compare with the amp that Comcast supplies (sometimes $50, sometimes free) which I believe has 10dB gain?

specs

http://broadband.motorola.com/catalog/productdetail.asp?image=large&productID=207

it is the same one that Comcast charges the customer to install. Out here it is $59.95 for Comcast to install one.

new2hometheater

01-12-06, 11:30 AM

ceccacci

01-12-06, 11:34 AM

Now, if I could only resolve the lack of 5.1 playback from DVR recordings I'd be a happy camper.You can. But you have to stop using the HDMI output.

trickd

01-12-06, 11:40 AM

RE: AMP

Have the comcast tech measure the signal strength before installing it. I installed one with the idea that "stronger is better". A later Comcast visit measured my signal strength so high that I could damage the box.

I can attest to this. I am currently working closely with Comcast to correct recurrent pixellation/tiling/drop outs on both of my 6412s which appear to be caused by the fact that the signal coming into my house is too strong. There are apparently many steps along the way, both before and at my house, which could be to blame.

aud19

01-12-06, 12:00 PM

I can attest to this. I am currently working closely with Comcast to correct recurrent pixellation/tiling/drop outs on both of my 6412s which appear to be caused by the fact that the signal coming into my house is too strong. There are apparently many steps along the way, both before and at my house, which could be to blame.

Well this is interesting....I have an older amplifier I picked up from my cable co on the line....perhaps this is causing my signal hiccups? Looks like I'll have to check the signal strength when I get home tonight!

crxb

01-12-06, 10:50 PM

TurboGadget

01-12-06, 11:02 PM

is it normal for the box to crash almost daily? I can be recording 2 channels and searching the guide for a future show to record - and it will crash and restart. --- losing and having to rebuild the guide in the process. Today I turned on my tv to find the comcast box frozen. I had to unplug and plug it back in to restart it? Is this normal? Or do i have a bad box?

thanks for helping a newbe to this site

only had the comcast 6412 for a few weeks

Sounds like you have a bad box! I think mine has crashed twice in 2 years of continual use (I have never switched the box off!). I'm still using an original Phase I box. I've been thinking about swaping it for a new Phase III box, but I'm a little scared that I might get a less reliable box instead! :D

Mark

Phil Tomaskovic

01-13-06, 12:00 AM

Sounds like you have a bad box! I think mine has crashed twice in 2 years of continual use (I have never switched the box off!). I'm still using an original Phase I box. I've been thinking about swaping it for a new Phase III box, but I'm a little scared that I might get a less reliable box instead! :D

Mark

mine crashes often too. sometimes just while watching a recorded show, other times when doing different things like going back and forth between different screens using the "last" button on the remote.

Jim Miller

01-13-06, 08:48 AM

my only crashes occurred when i din't have enough ventillation and it was getting too hot.

is yours open air or closed in somehow?

jim

Phil Tomaskovic

01-13-06, 12:46 PM

Mine is open at the top and back, it is fairly closed in on the sides by the tv stand and a dvd-r but there is some space. But I can make it crash by repeating some key sequences on the remote so that shouldn't be heat related.

ceccacci

01-13-06, 12:59 PM

jmont24

01-13-06, 01:40 PM

How do I get the Close Captioning working on a 6412 Phase 3 and Is there a way to change between 1080i and 720P on the box?

Thanks in advance.

Jason

scanpa

01-13-06, 04:12 PM

How do I get the Close Captioning working on a 6412 Phase 3 and Is there a way to change between 1080i and 720P on the box?

Thanks in advance.

Jason

Turn the STB off and press Menu. within 2 sec.

this user menu has both options you want.

crxb

01-13-06, 04:30 PM

my only crashes occurred when i din't have enough ventillation and it was getting too hot.

is yours open air or closed in somehow?

jim

I thought maybe it was getting too much heat from the receiver on the shelf below it. I moved it and the comcast box should be well ventilated. Didn't seem to decrease the crash rate. Sits on a shelf - open on all sides. So if recording on 2 channels and I work the guide pretty hard is a crash to be expected? I just wonder if a replacement box would be any better (I don't want to go thru the hassle of reprograming the season passes with out any gain in reliablity w/ a replacement comcast box.

My old series I tivo hardly ever crashed - but of course only 1 tuner and no hd.

thanks in advance

ceccacci

01-13-06, 04:32 PM

I thought maybe it was getting too much heat from the receiver on the shelf below it. I moved it and the comcast box should be well ventilated. Didn't seem to decrease the crash rate. Sits on a shelf - open on all sides. So if recording on 2 channels and I work the guide pretty hard is a crash to be expected? I just wonder if a replacement box would be any better (I don't want to go thru the hassle of reprograming the season passes with out any gain in reliablity w/ a replacement comcast box.

My old series I tivo hardly ever crashed - but of course only 1 tuner and no hd.

thanks in advanceI certainly wouldn't accept regular crashing, whether or not it was considered normal. But I don't think it is... mine's crashed once, but that's all.

CSonntag

01-13-06, 04:36 PM

crxb

01-13-06, 04:41 PM

I certainly wouldn't accept regular crashing, whether or not it was considered normal. But I don't think it is... mine's crashed once, but that's all.

thanks for the reply , a friend at work said his has crashed maybe once in 6 months

now I just have to figure when to get the cable guy back

Should I ask for a new box ? (instead of someone else's returned box??)

Does the "phase III" have any advantages? and how do u recognize one?

thanks

leebo

01-13-06, 05:30 PM

OK, I have a Moto 6412 Ser III hooked up to a Sony SXRD (1080) tv. ... does anybody know if it's beter to set the STB to output 720p and let the tv do the scaling up to 1080? I would assume it depends on whether the STB or the tv has the better scaler/deinterlacer. Has anybody played with these settings and have an opinion?

I'm no expert, but if you set the PVR to 720p, wouldn't it downscale NBC from 1080i, then your Sony would upscale it back to 1080i?

ceccacci

01-13-06, 05:46 PM

OK, I have a Moto 6412 Ser III hooked up to a Sony SXRD (1080) tv. The 6412 is currently set up to output a 1080i signal to the tv, which seems to work good for most HD programming. But for 720p sports programming (e.g. Superbowl on ABC), does anybody know if it's beter to set the STB to output 720p and let the tv do the scaling up to 1080? I would assume it depends on whether the STB or the tv has the better scaler/deinterlacer. Has anybody played with these settings and have an opinion?It's too bad the box doesn't have an option to output the same signal it receives. I would think yes, setting the box to 720p and letting the TV scale to 1080p would be better for 720p sports programming, but of course then you are losing detail in 1080i programming. You'll have to choose one or the other, or keep switching the 6412's output.

snidely

01-13-06, 09:37 PM

thanks for the reply , a friend at work said his has crashed maybe once in 6 months

now I just have to figure when to get the cable guy back

Should I ask for a new box ? (instead of someone else's returned box??)

Does the "phase III" have any advantages? and how do u recognize one?

thanks

III has HDMI out. II had DVI out. I don't crash - just have the famous long delay in acknowledging commands from the remote - and then 30-60 seconds later executing them all at once.

...mike

andyross63

01-14-06, 10:09 AM

skinsfan05

01-14-06, 01:24 PM

Steve,

This is the Signal Amp you should use with any of the DCT STB.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000066E6Y/002-2509772-1444859?v=glance&n=172282

My SNR is 33.9 or higher on my HD channels but my AGC is FAIR (around 73%) on some of my HD channels. Sometimes the picture on the channels that have the fair AGC will break up. Would this amp help that problem?

Also on the diagnostic menu number 3 OOB status my SNR is FAIR (19.1) What is OOB status?

scanpa

01-14-06, 02:19 PM

My SNR is 33.9 or higher on my HD channels but my AGC is FAIR (around 73%) on some of my HD channels. Sometimes the picture on the channels that have the fair AGC will break up. Would this amp help that problem?

Also on the diagnostic menu number 3 OOB status my SNR is FAIR (19.1) What is OOB status?

OOB: Out of Band

This is the Frequency Band area that the STB uses to comunicate with the head end. All of the STB Data, downloads, guide info ect... TX/RX in this area. These STB must be able to have a very good connection to the head end to work correctly.

If your AGC is high, then the box is working too hard to maintain a useable signal.

oleus

01-14-06, 02:27 PM

both of my 6412's crash every few days. neither one of them is overheating, they are both well-ventilated. i've had them out several times to check on the issue to no avail.

scanpa

01-14-06, 02:35 PM

both of my 6412's crash every few days. neither one of them is overheating, they are both well-ventilated. i've had them out several times to check on the issue to no avail.

To access the diagnostic menu, start with your STB on.

turn off the STB and press ok/select within 2 sec.

To exit the Diagnostic screen just hit the power button.

go down to d03 and look at your OOB stats: are they: Good, fair, poor ???

now look at your in-band stats d04, for each tuner? are they: Good, fair, poor ???

How many splitters do you have inline on the coax from the drop point on the outside of your house to the STB?

DaylightSM

01-14-06, 03:19 PM

Hi all:

I just got a 6412 from Comcast, and am so far impressed, but am really surprised (though I shouldn't be, having read this thread) with how darn hot the unit gets.

I'm experimenting with ways to cool the unit off, given that I'm dealing with a relatively inflexible entertainment center that essentially necessitates placing a DVD player on top of the cable box (or on top of my HK AVR, which also gets hot).

One simple way to pull air off the top of the 6412 and push it out the back of the unit (and out the back of the entertainment center) would be to use a laptop "chill mat," which I've used with much success for my laptop. If I sandwich one of these above my 6412 and below my DVD player, would this type of thing would move a sufficient amount of air (and move it in the right direction) to help everything cool adequately?

An example of what I'm talking about is here:
http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=AWE01US

Since the cable box does seem to get hotter than the AVR does, I could also consider sandwiching the chill mat between the AVR and the DVD player, and leave the 6412 on its own small shelf. In that case, the same question applies ...

Thanks in advance ---

cavu

01-14-06, 04:47 PM

a relatively inflexible entertainment center that essentially necessitates placing a DVD player on top of the cable boxThe STB manual (you do have a copy, right?!) is quite specific and you should believe it ... do not place ANYTHING on top of the STB!!

If it is enclosed in a cabinet, mount a fan to exhaust the air from around the STB.

Monitor the operating tempurature once stable and make sure it doesn't go overtemp. To see the temp, from the remote, with STB "ON":
Power OFF
OK/Select
Down Arrow to PVR/HDD Status
Right Arrow
Down Arrow

DaylightSM

01-14-06, 04:53 PM

The STB manual (you do have a copy, right?!) is quite specific and you should believe it ... do not place ANYTHING on top of the STB!!

If it is enclosed in a cabinet, mount a fan to exhaust the air from around the STB.

Monitor the operating tempurature once stable and make sure it doesn't go overtemp. To see the temp, from the remote, with STB "ON":
Power OFF
OK/Select
Down Arrow to PVR/HDD Status
Right Arrow
Down Arrow

cavu:

Thanks for the tip ... Unfortunately, the cable guy didn't leav me a manual for the unit, so I'm only just now becoming aware of how crucial the heat issue is. I've just located a PDF of the manual online, and read up... Thanks for your quick response --

cavu

01-15-06, 06:50 AM

I'm only just now becoming aware of how crucial the heat issue is. For those who don't have a copy of the manual:

http://flying-colors.org/DCT64xx-HEAT.jpg

crxb

01-15-06, 10:40 AM

[QUOTE=cavu]For those who don't have a copy of the manual:

I did have a center speaker covering the front left corner of the top of the comcast box (less than 25% of the surface area). I moved the speaker (even though the speaker was raised about an inch above the comcast box w/ spacers) and with out anything above the comcast box - it hasn't crashed since !

aud19

01-15-06, 12:40 PM

Ok another question. As I understand it the 6412 converts everything, including analog SDTV, to Mpeg on the fly, correct? As such there should be a PCM 2-ch or the like output via the coax/optical outputs should there not?

It seems this worked initially when I first plugged the 6412 in, I was watching and HD channel with DD output to my pre/pro, switched to an analog station and the pre/pro switched to DPL II automatically. However since that initial time it hasn't seemed to work, I just hear my pre/pro clicking seemingly trying to pick up a digital signal that's no longer there.

Is there a setting in the 6412 that I'm missing? The only audio related setting I've been able to find are for "Stereo", "TV Speakers" and "Advanced" which then offers options for "Compression" and a choice betweem "Mono", "Stereo" and "Matrix". None of these options seem to make a difference to the digital output however.

Turns out I had a flaky box. Tech came out yesterday and swapped it for a series III unit with HDMI :) The analog channels now transmit audio over the digital coax and on a side note, it seems to tune channels faster and the analog stations seem to be less noisy as well... Can't complain about that! :D

kwd1

01-15-06, 09:13 PM

megakilljoy

01-15-06, 09:25 PM

Can someone tell me what advantages/disadvantages a phase 111 has over the phase 11? I have a phase 11 and have had the phantom 12/31/89 recording issues (still have 3 recordings with this date stuck on the drive) the issue of having to start a recording and stop it in order to get the cable box to work and a few other issues. Just wondering if any of these issues have been corrected with the phase 111 and if the phase 111 has any new problem associated with it.

scanpa

01-15-06, 09:28 PM

Hi all,
I've got the dual tuner motorola box from Comcast. CAn someone tell me how to record a show while wathing another. Once a recording starts, I'm unable to change channels without stopping the recording. A comcast phone tech told me to enter teh channel number then hit 'swap' on the remote, but that did not work. I then noticed that none of the PIP buttons on the remote produce any IR from the remote (by viewing it with a camcorder). IS there a way to activate PIP on the remote?
TIA
Ken

How To Add A Tuner Swap Button
The following technique can be used to map an unused or unneeded button on the "silver" remote to the tuner swap command. The Motorola 6412 contains two tuners. Some versions of the "silver" remote lack the DVR-specific buttons, including the "swap" button that tells the 6412 to swap the "background" tuner (which can record but does not display on-screen) with the "foreground" tuner (the tuner that is actively displaying on your TV). A common use for this command is to switch to a tuner that is not currently recording a program in order to watch another live program.

Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice.
Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button.
Type in the code 00236.
Press whatever button you want to map the tuner swap command to. (PiP swap)
Note: This does not work on boxes with the Microsoft TV Foundation Interface (currently Washington State).

scanpa

01-15-06, 09:31 PM

Here is the link to the 6412 WIKI

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_6412

bronowyn

01-15-06, 11:36 PM

Zack Allen

01-15-06, 11:52 PM

Is it true that first 6412's let you record in 5.1 when the original material is in 5.1 while the next phase units do not? Even when I reset the box and get the 5.1 turned back on, none of the recorded shows are in HD.

cavu

01-16-06, 12:03 AM

Is it true that first 6412's let you record in 5.1 when the original material is in 5.1 ?Yes. All 6412s record and playback DD5.1 when it is present.

Phase III units have a bug which disables DD5.1 SPDIF output when playing back video via HDMI but if you change the video connection to component, S-video or composite, you will find the DD5.1 is actually recorded; hopefully this HDMI bug will be cured soon. The supposed firmware fix has not yet reached most of us! :(

none of the recorded shows are in HDHuh? I don't know what you are talking about. Did you mean DD?

scanpa

01-16-06, 12:29 AM

donnyb

01-16-06, 05:21 AM

stevehof

01-16-06, 10:05 AM

I'm experimenting with ways to cool the unit off, given that I'm dealing with a relatively inflexible entertainment center that essentially necessitates placing a DVD player on top of the cable box (or on top of my HK AVR, which also gets hot).

One simple way to pull air off the top of the 6412 and push it out the back of the unit (and out the back of the entertainment center) would be to use a laptop "chill mat," which I've used with much success for my laptop. If I sandwich one of these above my 6412 and below my DVD player, would this type of thing would move a sufficient amount of air (and move it in the right direction) to help everything cool adequately?

An example of what I'm talking about is here:
http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=AWE01US

Some 6412 users have reported success with these laptop cooler pads. One of the nice things about them is that if you get one powered by the USB, you can run it right off the USB port on the 6412. Even though the USB port on the 6412 is not active as an interface, it does have power. I can't tell from the Targus specs whether or not the fans in that one are powered by the USB, but many other models of laptop coolers do work that way.

aud19

01-16-06, 12:28 PM

Yes. All 6412s record and playback DD5.1 when it is present.

Phase III units have a bug which disables DD5.1 SPDIF output when playing back video via HDMI but if you change the video connection to component, S-video or composite, you will find the DD5.1 is actually recorded; hopefully this HDMI bug will be cured soon. The supposed firmware fix has not yet reached most of us! :(

Huh? I don't know what you are talking about. Did you mean DD?

Yeah now that I have the Series III box with HDMI I now also have the 6412 muting bug as well :mad:

cavu

01-16-06, 01:36 PM

now that I have the Series III box with HDMI I now also have the 6412 muting bugI sincerely believe that the "muting bug" has nothing to do with the series III box, per se. As has been discussed, endlessly here, the "muting bug" is not a bug at all. Reprogram an unused button on your remote to deal with it. If I "unlock" the audio controls on my DRC800 remote, the mute button works with the STB, then I simply re-lock the audio to my receiver.

scanpa

01-16-06, 01:44 PM

I sincerely believe that the "muting bug" has nothing to do with the series III box, per se. As has been discussed, endlessly here, the "muting bug" is not a bug at all. Reprogram an unused button on your remote to deal with it. If I "unlock" the audio controls on my DRC800 remote, the mute button works with the STB, then I simply re-lock the audio to my receiver.

Like I have posted before I don't have this problem on any of my current 3 STB.

Power went out Sat night due to heavy winds. Came back on durring the late morning hours. Box was in the off / standby mode but came on and recorded all my kids shows and then went back to standby / off mode.

When I played the DVR shows back for my kid at noon, they all played back with audio.

Only on my old 6208, and the first 6412p1 STB both with F/W before 9.15 had the auto mute problem. I have never had it in any of the last 5 STB's......

BSTNFAN

01-16-06, 03:50 PM

Like I have posted before I don't have this problem on any of my current 3 STB.

Power went out Sat night due to heavy winds. Came back on durring the late morning hours. Box was in the off / standby mode but came on and recorded all my kids shows and then went back to standby / off mode.

When I played the DVR shows back for my kid at noon, they all played back with audio.

Only on my old 6208, and the first 6412p1 STB both with F/W before 9.15 had the auto mute problem. I have never had it in any of the last 5 STB's......

You did not describe the auto mute "feature" as you said it went back to standby mode. If you had turned on the TV while it was still recording, then it would have been in mute.

weldon

01-16-06, 04:00 PM

Power went out Sat night due to heavy winds. Came back on durring the late morning hours. Box was in the off / standby mode but came on and recorded all my kids shows and then went back to standby / off mode. When I played the DVR shows back for my kid at noon, they all played back with audio.
You won't see the mute bug in this scenario. The box is muted when it wakes itself up (out of standby) to record something. Once it goes back to standby and you turn it on manually, the sound will not be muted.

nssteve

01-16-06, 04:17 PM

When the box wakes up and starts recording, can you watch tv unmuted by using the swap to change tuners?

ceccacci

01-16-06, 04:27 PM

When the box wakes up and starts recording, can you watch tv unmuted by using the swap to change tuners?Nope. Far as I know it's the only STB on the planet with this annoying so-called "feature."

roreman

01-16-06, 04:46 PM

When the box wakes up and starts recording, can you watch tv unmuted by using the swap to change tuners?

Many of us just don't turn "the box" off. Since the hard drive still spins anyway, there's not much of a reason to turn it off.

cavu

01-16-06, 04:54 PM

When I played the DVR shows back for my kid at noon, they all played back with audio.It's not that there is no audio, it's that it is PCM instead of DD5.1 !

cavu

01-16-06, 04:58 PM

When the box wakes up and starts recording, can you watch tv unmuted by using the swap to change tuners?You can swap tuners or watch a prerecorded program. But you have to 'unmute' the STB.

To repeat: Reprogram an unused button on your remote to deal with it. If I "unlock" the audio controls on my DRC800 remote, the mute button works with the STB, then I simply re-lock the audio to my receiver.

JonDeutsch

01-16-06, 05:13 PM

I am experiencing some unnerving behavior from my Phase III unit:

1. Periodic "freezing" -- while watching live or recorded TV, box will freeze. Most of the time, in about 60 seconds, the playback continues. Sometimes it won't, and a quick flip to another channel unfreezes it.

2. Periodic "faulty record" -- show appears recorded. Total minutes of recorded content seems correct. But, when I hit play or play from beginning, I get about 2 seconds of video, and then a prompt to delete or not. It is hard to assess whether the "beginning pointer" is broken and stuck at the end of the recorded show, or if in fact, only 2 seconds of the show was recorded.

3. Periodic "missing content" -- show is recorded. Total minutes of recorded content seems correct. But, midway through program, a large 15-20 minute gap appears, and no matter how you navigate, the DVR will skip over a large gap of content. Again, not sure if it actually crashed during recording, or if it's just skipping ahead for some reason to a specific part of the show.

There are other issues as well but I can't recall the details right now. With the above issues, it makes it very difficult to rely on my otherwise great box to record shows that I really care about! For instance, I am a big Battlestar Galactica fan, but this week's show on Friday gave me a "faulty record"! This is really bad.

I've had a ReplayTV for over 5 years, and it never crashed, never missed a recording that was scheduled, and never froze.

I could go replace my box, of course, but...

I would lose all my recorded show (there always seem to be something on there that I want to see), and others in my area (MontCo, PA) experience similar issues, so I'm afraid I would be trading in for just another buggy box.

Thoughts? Advice?

Thansks,

ExDeus

01-16-06, 10:58 PM

HI, I just recently jump ship from Directv to Comcast. With D* I had the HD Tivo box that was connected with HDMI to my Denon 4806 then was connected with HDMI to my plasma tv. Everything worked great. When I went to Comcast I got the Phase III 6412 and connected it the same way; Phase III 6412->Denon 4806-> Plasma. Now I get a message that states that the contents are protected. Is anyone else having the same problem? Thanks
I don't know what scheme D* equipment might use. The 6412 uses HDCP (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDCP) to protect the DVI/HDMI output (perhaps D* Tivo box just didn't have it activated). Unless it's just confused, my suspicion is that one of your downstream components is not actually HDCP compliant. Try connecting the 6412 directly to your plasma TV. If it works, then your Denon 4806 has pass-thru ports that are not HDCP compliant, or not working properly. If it doesn't work, then your TV is the culprit.

Check out the link (http://www.engadget.com/2005/07/21/the-clicker-hdcps-shiny-red-button/) at the end of the Wikipedia article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDCP). The device mentioned could solve your HDCP issue. Note that HDMI and DVI are electrically equivalent, so while you may have to route your audio another way if it gets lost in the conversion, HDMI and DVI are interchangeable with a simple adapter (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041902&p_id=2080&seq=1&format=2&style=).

JonDeutsch

01-16-06, 11:15 PM

Dawgdaes

01-16-06, 11:29 PM

Many of us just don't turn "the box" off. Since the hard drive still spins anyway, there's not much of a reason to turn it off.

how do you not turn the box off. If you press "all on" everything goes on or off.

Is there a way to reprogram the remote so the cable box does not turn off?

IFLYSWA

01-16-06, 11:48 PM

6412 Phase III update -- I started watching 24 while it was recording the two-hour episode. While it said it was recording all the way up to 10, the DVR only allows me to watch the first hour, saying it recorded 61 minutes. So, lost an entire hour of 24.

This is not a heat issue. I believe these are bugs. I can only assume since we all have the same hardware and software, that we'd all experience the same issues if we used the devices the same way?

It is more likely just a bad box...otherwise you'd have a lot more people reporting the same problems. I doubt that anyone uses the box significantly differently than anyone else...just my $.02...

-Randy

ExDeus

01-16-06, 11:59 PM

how do you not turn the box off. If you press "all on" everything goes on or off.

Is there a way to reprogram the remote so the cable box does not turn off?
The All On button is always going to activate the power for the individual devices you have programmed for Cable, TV and Aux. Therefore, if you reprogram the Cable button, you'll lose all control of the cable box.

Instead, I would turn off your TV and Aux devices individually: Hit the Aux button, then the Power button. Hit the TV button, then the Power button. Don't use the All On button at all.

JBaumgart

01-17-06, 12:03 AM

Or use a universal remote like a Harmony and teach it to always leave the 6412 on - just one button push.

TurboGadget

01-17-06, 02:42 AM

Or use a universal remote like a Harmony and teach it to always leave the 6412 on - just one button push.

This is exactly what I do! I can't tell you how many universal remotes I've gone through, trying to find the one that really works well with all my equipment. The Harmony 880 is the business!

It has just the right layout of tactile buttons (I hate touch screens!) and it's really easy to setup the way you want it. It's not perfect, but it's the closest thing to remote nirvana that I've found so far! :D

Mark

Steve McD

01-17-06, 06:00 AM

You can swap tuners or watch a prerecorded program. But you have to 'unmute' the STB.

To repeat: Reprogram an unused button on your remote to deal with it. If I "unlock" the audio controls on my DRC800 remote, the mute button works with the STB, then I simply re-lock the audio to my receiver.

Somewhere on page 3 of this thread, there's a post describing how to reprogram the Mute button to control the DVR, rather than to be in its default role of muting a TV set. I did mine and it works. There's also a post nearby that tells how to set unused buttons for forward skips of different lengths. These small tricks make a big difference in the usefulness of the DVR. Why don't the cable companies have the courtesy to describe exactly how these buttons are reprogrammed?

My DVR is not always on, not even in standby mode. I have power-disconnect switches for all my equipment on my video desk and I turn off everything when I leave the house or go to bed. It takes about 1 hour for the 6412's program guide to reload enough programming to cover the rest of the day, when it gets erased
by the power shutoff. Of course, if I have a recording scheduled for when I'm gone, I have to leave on the power to the DVR.

crxb

01-17-06, 06:01 AM

"that I really care about! For instance, I am a big Battlestar Galactica fan, but this week's show on Friday gave me a "faulty record"! This is really bad."

Thansks,[/QUOTE]

At least that show repeats

I just want to know when the scifi chanell goes HDTV

lax01

01-17-06, 09:30 AM

Any word on Comcast getting the new firmware out?
I'm sick of PCM when its really DD 5.1 on HD-DVRed stuff...I want my 5.1!!!

ceccacci

01-17-06, 11:24 AM

Any word on Comcast getting the new firmware out?
I'm sick of PCM when its really DD 5.1 on HD-DVRed stuff...I want my 5.1!!!Depends on where you are; some people already have it. If you want 5.1 in the meantime, switch to component. For me at least, the difference between HDMI and component is a lot less noticable than the difference between 2-channel and 5.1

lax01

01-17-06, 11:32 AM

Depends on where you are; some people already have it. If you want 5.1 in the meantime, switch to component. For me at least, the difference between HDMI and component is a lot less noticable than the difference between 2-channel and 5.1

I guess I'll have to...do you have to unplug the HDMI from the monitor/projector?

ceccacci

01-17-06, 11:59 AM

I guess I'll have to...do you have to unplug the HDMI from the monitor/projector?I found I had to unplug it from the 6412. As long as there was a cable plugged in I had the bug, regardless of whether there was equipment on the other end.

Steve McD

01-17-06, 12:05 PM

I guess I'll have to...do you have to unplug the HDMI from the monitor/projector?

You probably don't need to unplug the TV set end of the HDMI plug, but there might be some models that require you to do so, to receive any other input. That's the way it is with S-Video on most units. The S-cord has to come out, before composite can be activated. You'll find out fast enough when you plug in your component lines.

I've said this before, but it seems worth repeating: On the Motorola 6412, specifically the Phase III model, with 12.18 firmware, you can use the HDMI connection to an HDTV and still receive 5.1 audio on your audio receiver. It's simple-----use a coaxial digital audio cord, instead of an optical one. On my Yamaha receiver, I can't get any audio to come through from my 6412 #III, on an optical connection, if the HDMI cord is used to my TV. But, with a coaxial cord, 5.1 passes through nicely. Of course, if your receiver doesn't have a coaxial input, it's either wait for the 12.22 firmware, use component for the video or buy a new receiver that's got a coaxial jack.

My Yamaha HTR-5760 is not an expensive model-----I got it for less than $400. But, this receiver has so many different audio/video connections, that it's spoiled me. I actually have to use the manual now and then, to keep things figured out. My older, non-digital Yamaha is still doing fine after 10 years, but it's now pumping my speakers out in the garage, so when I'm working, I get nice surround-sound accompanyment. In other words, this brand seems to hold up well.

lax01

01-17-06, 12:30 PM

ceccacci

01-17-06, 12:32 PM

I've said this before, but it seems worth repeating: On the Motorola 6412, specifically the Phase III model, with 12.18 firmware, you can use the HDMI connection to an HDTV and still receive 5.1 audio on your audio receiver. It's simple-----use a coaxial digital audio cord, instead of an optical one. On my Yamaha receiver, I can't get any audio to come through from my 6412 #III, on an optical connection, if the HDMI cord is used to my TV. But, with a coaxial cord, 5.1 passes through nicely. Of course, if your receiver doesn't have a coaxial input, it's either wait for the 12.22 firmware, use component for the video or buy a new receiver that's got a coaxial jack. I remember one person tried this after you posted this before, and it didn't work for them. I would have tried it myself, but I've also got the control bug with HDMI connected. I think I'll still give it a shot tonight; I've got a similar Yamaha receiver to yours. The typical bug though is a little different than you report: it's not that there is no audio at all from optical, it's just not 5.1. Not certain we're all seeing the same problem.

lax01

01-17-06, 12:34 PM

and to be clear, this is only with recorded material

live material is 100% fine

rpoffen

01-17-06, 12:56 PM

Has anyone noticed their guide data disappearing sometimes? Lately, there are times when the box (a 6412 P2) pauses before responding to a command. When I check the guide data and my scheduled recordings, there are tons of 'To Be Announced' showing after 1 week. This is even recordings picked off the guide to be recorded, but suddenly losing the title.

The box can pause before responding to a remote command if it is very busy. This is most noticeable when downloading the guide data. You are probably getting this situation either because the box crashed and reset, if it does it frequently, you should call and have it replaced. It would also happen if the box loses power, are you having a problem with power outages? I have heard that these boxes are sensitive to power glitches also, try to find an outlet that doesn't have many other things on the circuit.

rpoffen

01-17-06, 01:01 PM

6412 Phase III update -- I started watching 24 while it was recording the two-hour episode. While it said it was recording all the way up to 10, the DVR only allows me to watch the first hour, saying it recorded 61 minutes. So, lost an entire hour of 24.

This is not a heat issue. I believe these are bugs. I can only assume since we all have the same hardware and software, that we'd all experience the same issues if we used the devices the same way?

I successfully recorded the full 2hrs of 24 in HD with no problem.

I have had other shows record less than what it was supposed to though, but at least 24 was OK. Hope they replay the missing hour for you sometime.

cavu

01-17-06, 02:00 PM

use a coaxial digital audio cordI use a coaxial SPDIF connection to my Yamaha receiver and the HDMI via a DVI adapter to my projector. The DD5.1 works fine on live material but drops to PCM on recorded material (including paused and restarted "live" material")! The Yamaha is particularily helpful as it instantly displays the audio mode it is receiving. My STB is 12.13 (Shaw).

JonDeutsch

01-17-06, 02:08 PM

I successfully recorded the full 2hrs of 24 in HD with no problem.

I have had other shows record less than what it was supposed to though, but at least 24 was OK. Hope they replay the missing hour for you sometime.

I suspect that if I didn't start watching 24 while it was recording, I would have been able to watch all 2 hours on the DVR.

I was wondering if others had done the same, and if they experienced the same result?

I will exchange my box when I can, but there are two problems:

1. I will lose all shows on the box, and clearing it out is difficult.
2. Comcast is out of them for at least 3 weeks, at least in my area.

What firmware is everyone running now?

CA-HT

01-17-06, 03:37 PM

I too have the same problem with recorded material. Live is DD5.1, but when playing back recorded material it is PCM. I have the HDMI running to my projector, and optical to my receiver.

jimmerpro

01-17-06, 10:54 PM

The weak #2 tuner signal does not happen all the time. I'm not sure how much it really happens - but I've seen it about three times in two weeks - it last for hours.
I played around with splitters - I don't think that is the issue.
During the "issue" second tuners SNR is was about 5dB less than number 1. Doesn't that seem like a big difference?
1 = 33.5 db and AGC 54%; Good and Good
2= 27.1 dB and AGC 43%; Poor and Good When the picture is fine on the #2 tuner iit s about 2-3dB diff. Around 30dB+. That is the majority of the time.....
Thanks,
Jim

ceccacci

01-18-06, 12:13 PM

On the Motorola 6412, specifically the Phase III model, with 12.18 firmware, you can use the HDMI connection to an HDTV and still receive 5.1 audio on your audio receiver. It's simple-----use a coaxial digital audio cord, instead of an optical one. On my Yamaha receiver, I can't get any audio to come through from my 6412 #III, on an optical connection, if the HDMI cord is used to my TV. But, with a coaxial cord, 5.1 passes through nicely.
You're lucky Steve. Wish I knew what was different about your setup. Tried last night- coaxial digital from a 6412/III 12.18 to a Yamaha RX-V595a, HDMI->DVI cable from the 6412 to a Panasonic PT50LC13. Still have the audio bug, just like with optical. Oh well, it was worth a try.
My older, non-digital Yamaha is still doing fine after 10 years, but it's now pumping my speakers out in the garage, so when I'm working, I get nice surround-sound accompanyment. In other words, this brand seems to hold up well.Have to agree with you there. My old Yamaha receiver was still working fine after about 25 years when I replaced it with my current AV model.

Hoops2U

01-18-06, 12:23 PM

I currently have a Phase I 3412, a Phase III 6412, and a older 6412 (6412/2005) so if anyone needs any comparison done between the three, ask.

I currently have a 6412. I was trying to get a 6412 Model III from Comcast because I heard it provides a better SD pix. They are telling me they do not have them and instead they have a model 3412 which they say is newer, better and smaller. I have been told that it is smaller because the analog tuner has been removed and SD pix is better because it now uses a digital tuner for analog stations. Can you confirm that I would get better SD pix? Can you list for me the differences between the two? Can you tell me what is the newer product? Finally, on the 3412 can the hdmi connection be used? I tried hooking it up and received a message to use Ypbr connection. Then the screen went all green. Thank you for your assistance!

Sundance

01-18-06, 08:04 PM

Has anyone noticed that Fast Forward with a HD recording (on the 6412 Phase III) is not much faster than play, even at 4x or is just my unit?

Thanks

cavu

01-18-06, 08:09 PM

Has anyone noticed that Fast Forward with a HD recording Get your cableco to reset your box.

scanpa

01-18-06, 08:20 PM

Has anyone noticed that Fast Forward with a HD recording (on the 6412 Phase III) is not much faster than play, even at 4x or is just my unit?

Thanks

Depends on the bitrate of the recording. Some High Bitrate HD shows will take some time to rewind or fast forward. Also, Several Users have reported that there STB FF speeds have been slowed down....

A reset might not do anything, You might need to have a complete Factory reset & Box Authorization done and reload all of the STB Software, IPG software, DVR Firmware.

Let me know if you wish to do this and I will repost the instructions.

Sundance

01-18-06, 08:35 PM

Yes Please post the directions to do this. The reset might do it but if not I will want to do the factory reset.

Thanks

Steve McD

01-18-06, 09:10 PM

Steve, are you saying you get 5.1 with HD-DVRed material? I can get 5.1 threw my optical connection if the stream is live. If I recorded something with 5.1 to the DVR, it will only playback in PCM (one of the HDMI-bugs)...you saying that the coax connection works fine with DVRed material?

Since I'm not getting any audio through my optical line, either live or recorded, when I'm using HDMI, indicates that there's something different about my 6412's operation. There are so many different descriptions of these limitations, you'd think that they've randomly thrown half a dozen different versions of the box out to their customers.

I've just now switched my 6412 #III to a CBS program, played back from the DVR. I'm seeing that the full selection of advanced DD and DTS versions are available on the front panel of my Yamaha. This also seems to be the case with an ABC program, although until recently, nothing but standard Dolby would come from that network. Oddly, the absolute best sound on all types of programs I get is from the DTS Neo 6 Music mode. As I stated before, I'm connected using HDMI and coaxial digital audio.

scanpa

01-18-06, 09:14 PM

Yes Please post the directions to do this. The reset might do it but if not I will want to do the factory reset.

Thanks

A reset is just unplugging the box and plugging it back in.

To reset the 62xx - 64xx / 34xx STB back to a New/Fresh Install, follow these steps.

*** Be warned this will erase all STB Settings & Your Cable Account Info from the STB ***

*** This will normaly (some reports that it will on the 34xx series) not delete your DVR settings or Stored Shows on the Hard Drive. ***

Reset procedure

Step 1

Unplug Power Cord from STB.

Step 2

on the STB, Press & Hold {Power & Menu} Keys while plugging the Power Cord back into the STB.

The Display should now say (BOOT)

Step 3

Let Go of the {Power & Menu} Keys and press the up or down arrow keys till you see (n DL) on the Display.

Step 4

Push the {Select} Key To begin Downloading STB software, IPG software, DVR Firmware & Your Account Settings from your Cable Head End. Could take up to 20 min to download.

After it completes this Download the STB will Reset and then begin to download the Time setting info for the STB Clock & begin to populate the IGuide info. Keep your STB on Standby/Off to speed up the IGuide info download.
Could take up to 24 Hours to fill in all 2 weeks of IGuide info.

crxb

01-18-06, 10:28 PM

Has anyone noticed that Fast Forward with a HD recording (on the 6412 Phase III) is not much faster than play, even at 4x or is just my unit?

Thanks

wish it would allow u to skip ahead 15min at a time like tivo

lax01

01-18-06, 10:41 PM

wish it would allow u to skip ahead 15min at a time like tivo

my 4x is blazing...get threw commercials in a few seconds

Sundance

01-18-06, 11:07 PM

the reset worked, mine is blazing now as well!

leebo

01-18-06, 11:10 PM

scanpa

01-18-06, 11:21 PM

Please don't kill me for asking this, but can anyone direct me to some instructions for using this thing? I thought it had the option to record a whole season, skip re-runs, etc. I just got mine tonight and they didn't give a manual. I can't find these options.

go to your guide, and select the show you want to setup as a series.

press Ok/Select

move to the red dot & hit Ok/Select

you should see 4 options. The bottom one should be create a series recording.

LongRufus

01-18-06, 11:24 PM

Please don't kill me for asking this, but can anyone direct me to some instructions for using this thing? I thought it had the option to record a whole season, skip re-runs, etc. I just got mine tonight and they didn't give a manual. I can't find these options.

What you are looking for is called Series Record. The easiest way to get there is to choose the show in the guide and press the Record button twice. You get a popup with Series Record as an option. Your cable company website should have exact details.

leebo

01-18-06, 11:26 PM

DAB

01-19-06, 10:35 AM

{can you pm- back i have a hard time getting to this thread}
with the 6412 III, the monoprice hdmi cable fall out very easly( a friend -same box -same cable said the same thing). it does not fit the box well/ . Anyone else with this issue ?
It fits the plasma HDMI input fine...
db

ceccacci

01-19-06, 12:08 PM

Please don't kill me for asking this, but can anyone direct me to some instructions for using this thing? I thought it had the option to record a whole season, skip re-runs, etc. I just got mine tonight and they didn't give a manual. I can't find these options.Don't know about your area, but Comcast here has a long instructional video on the thing in the On Demand stuff. You might look for one, or call your cableco.

cavu

01-19-06, 12:43 PM

the monoprice hdmi cable fall out very easlyThe HDMI connector is an asinine design. I have a DVI-HDMI adapter plugged into my P3 unit and it won't stay in. I'm going to jury-rig a cable tie with the stickon pads to hold the whole assembly in place.

It might be OK with some wimpy POS cable but anything substantial, and particularily with an adapter involved, it is just a stupid design !! :( Twits.

bobby94928

01-19-06, 01:21 PM

Please don't kill me for asking this, but can anyone direct me to some instructions for using this thing? I thought it had the option to record a whole season, skip re-runs, etc. I just got mine tonight and they didn't give a manual. I can't find these options.

This link will get you a copy of the manual.

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

Cucuy

01-19-06, 02:35 PM

Thanks for the quick reply!

I think my box needs to download a bit more for all the functions to appear. After my post, I went to set a recording for "Criminal minds" and the fourth option was there. But it still doesn't show up for "Lost".

I assume it will eventually.

Edit: The box lets me set up a series recording for the show immediately after Lost, but it wont let me set one up for Lost.
Is it possible there is a restriction for Lost? (Though that doesn't make any sense to me).

It is likely that at the time you tried there was only one instance of Lost (since your guide was still downloading) and maybe the software does not let you do a series recording if there is only on ocurrence in the guide.

ExDeus

01-19-06, 04:16 PM

wish it would allow u to skip ahead 15min at a time like tivo
I read, and now I cannot find where, that the box was designed so that if you were fast forwarding at any speed, and hit the right arrow button, that it would skip ahead 15min. I will try to find where I read it, but it doesn't work for me, and from what I've read around here, the left and right arrows control the RW and FF functions on everyone's box. But, my thinking is perhaps there is a (unknown?) code to reprogram the remote with.

scanpa

01-19-06, 04:50 PM

Would people please help fill in all of the tricks and codes for the 6208, 6412 & 3412 on the wiki page.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_6412

Thank You.

cavu

01-19-06, 05:15 PM

Would people please help fill in all of the tricks and codes for the 6208, 6412 & 3412 on the wiki page.I actually started a few days ago. :cool:

keenan

01-19-06, 05:51 PM

scanpa

01-19-06, 05:56 PM

scanpa, I know the USB port on these units is inactive as far as data goes, but does anyone know if it carries voltage? I'm thinking about getting a USB laptop fan to assist in cooling my 6412P2. I cleared the HDD awhile back and it seemed to solve the image break-up problem, but now it's back, and all signal indicators are fine. I did notice that the HDD temp had reached 131 degrees and is currently around 120. The fan is only around $20 or so, so I was thinking of trying it.

Any thoughts?

Do you have a USB mouse that has a little light inside that glows when in use and dims when not in use? Try that in the USB ports in the back of the 6412, as the ones in the front of the 64xx series are not conected....

someone once told me that his USB mouse worked connected to the rear USB..

Kaiser-Soze

01-19-06, 05:58 PM

The HDMI connector is an asinine design. I have a DVI-HDMI adapter plugged into my P3 unit and it won't stay in. I'm going to jury-rig a cable tie with the stickon pads to hold the whole assembly in place.

It might be OK with some wimpy POS cable but anything substantial, and particularily with an adapter involved, it is just a stupid design !! :( Twits.

www.hdmi.org has a contact page in which you may be able to voice some concern. With luck, they will listen and check if your cables/adapters are truely complient, etc..

keenan

01-19-06, 06:08 PM

Do you have a USB mouse that has a little light inside that glows when in use and dims when not in use? Try that in the USB ports in the back of the 6412, as the ones in the front of the 64xx series are not conected....

someone once told me that his USB mouse worked connected to the rear USB..
Great idea!! I'll try it in a few minutes.

keenan

01-19-06, 06:19 PM

Nope, doesn't work. :(

scanpa

01-19-06, 06:21 PM

Nope, doesn't work. :(

just tried it here, not even a small glow :mad:

keep the reciept for that USB fan, and give it a try.

keenan

01-19-06, 06:27 PM

just tried it here, not even a small glow :mad:

keep the reciept for that USB fan, and give it a try.
I don't think I'm even going to bother with it, if there is no voltage. I may try a AC powered USB port and the USB fan, depends on how it much it will cost, and how noisy the fan is.

I'm trying to avoid going with the PIII box as the audio issues have not been addressed in my area yet.

cavu

01-19-06, 06:34 PM

Well you are all WRONG!! Your test is flawed.

There definitely is voltage on the rear and the front USB ports.

I took a "USB Hub" and plugged it in to all of the USB ports on the 6412 and it lit up on all of them.

scanpa

01-19-06, 06:36 PM

keenan

01-19-06, 06:58 PM

ceccacci

01-19-06, 07:10 PM

I guess I'll will, but I'll have to try it with the hub. In fact, I'll try ot both ways. I'll post results later this evening.

cavu, is that hub you used powered soley by the 6412? If so, why wouldn't the mouse light up...maybe the mouse lights up only when there is a data stream...?An optical mouse should light up as long as there is power on the USB port. But then, maybe not all of these boxes have power to the USB ports. It would hardly be the first variation.

keenan

01-19-06, 07:28 PM

An optical mouse should light up as long as there is power on the USB port. But then, maybe not all of these boxes have power to the USB ports. It would hardly be the first variation.
That is probably case here, Comcast didn't activate the port.

scanpa

01-19-06, 07:36 PM

leebo

01-19-06, 07:36 PM

It is likely that at the time you tried there was only one instance of Lost (since your guide was still downloading) and maybe the software does not let you do a series recording if there is only on ocurrence in the guide.

apparently thats what happened, because this morning I was able to. It doesn't make sense though, because it let me do it for other shows.

And thanks, bobby94928. I downloaded it.

Zack Allen

01-19-06, 07:54 PM

scanpa wrote, in part: "A reset is just unplugging the box and plugging it back in. ...

....

To reset the 62xx - 64xx / 34xx STB back to a New/Fresh Install, follow these steps.

*** Be warned this will erase all STB Settings & Your Cable Account Info from the STB ***

and then he kindly gave us the procedure.

Can scanpa or anyone tell us whether Comcast needs to resend your account info in order for the box to know whose abode it's in? :confused: Thanks.

scanpa

01-19-06, 08:03 PM

cavu

01-19-06, 10:10 PM

is that hub you used powered soley by the 6412?Yes. It is a D-Link DSB-H4 USB hub with a wall-wart jack but we use it self-power from the USB port on my wife's iBook.

http://www.flying-colors.org/USB-power.jpg

jmont24

01-20-06, 02:55 AM

Ive recently Switched from DirecTV to Cable and am having a bit of fun fiddling with my CableBox. Ive been able to install the Moto 6412 Drivers onto my Laptop and I can connect Firewire and ive noticed something intresting. When I switch between a 1080i,720p, and 480i signal the resolution coming out of the Firewire port changes depending on the source but the Component going into my HDTV only flips between 480i and 1080i. Before the firewire test I was assuming that Comcast was sending everything down in 1080i format but now I can see there are different formats on the wire its the Box that isnt switching the resolution for the TV Set.

Is there a way to force the STB to output 720P when watching Fox or Espn?

Jason

ps. My other Half is not happy about the lack of CC and/or Garbled CC information on the Digital channels and the simple lack of CC on any of the HD channels. Do i need to complain to comcast or is there a way I can activate the convert box built in CC Decoder?

scanpa

01-20-06, 08:03 AM

crossbeaux

01-20-06, 01:24 PM

HD Rookie

01-20-06, 01:33 PM

I have a problem with my series priority list. That is, I can't change the priorities any more. Some entries move when using PgUp and PgDn, but then when I exit and come back, they're in they're old slots. Other entries won't move at all (i.e. PgUp and PgDn act simply as PgUp and PgDn buttons, moving the highlight up or down). I also noticed that two of the entries in the list have the same priority number (15, 16, 16, 17...).

I've searched this list and haven't seen exactly this problem. But my apologies if it's there and I missed it.

Any clue about solving this. I would hate to have to reformat and lose recordings.

Thanks.
Yes, it has been an ongoing problem in this thread. If you have two 16s, you probably also have a missing number lower in your list. I also ran into it. I had to remove all series recordings, exit, then add them all back. In the future, when you remove a series recording, make it the highest priority in your list, then delete it.

ceccacci

01-20-06, 01:45 PM

You know, it seems every day I read about another bug in this thing. I work in software QA, and I can't believe a company as large as Motorola (and with the reputation they used to have) ever released this thing, let alone let so many software revisions out without fixing the issues. I don't think I've ever seen a piece of consumer electronics this flaky.

scanpa

01-20-06, 01:51 PM

keenan

01-20-06, 02:39 PM

Yes. It is a D-Link DSB-H4 USB hub with a wall-wart jack but we use it self-power from the USB port on my wife's iBook.

I'm fairly certain that the USB port on the Comcast box I have is not active. I will be picking up some stuff today to try it though, probably end up with and AC powered solution, shouldn't be too much coin. I'm not even sure if heat is an issue, but it should be inexpensive to try it and find out. I'm just not ready to try a new STB with all the fun problems it may bring to the table. :D

andyross63

01-20-06, 05:34 PM

I have a problem with my series priority list. That is, I can't change the priorities any more. Some entries move when using PgUp and PgDn, but then when I exit and come back, they're in they're old slots. Other entries won't move at all (i.e. PgUp and PgDn act simply as PgUp and PgDn buttons, moving the highlight up or down). I also noticed that two of the entries in the list have the same priority number (15, 16, 16, 17...)
After making changes, are you using the CONFIRM button (checkmark icon below the list) to end? If you simply exit, it may not save the settings.

Also, I think it's best to only make ONE change at a time, CONFIRM, then go back to the list and make the next change. The software is VERY buggy in handling changes to the list. You may have to write down all your entries, then delete and re-enter them.

andyross63

01-20-06, 05:39 PM

Yes. It is a D-Link DSB-H4 USB hub with a wall-wart jack but we use it self-power from the USB port on my wife's iBook.

http://www.flying-colors.org/USB-power.jpg
I love the picture of reel-to-reel tape sitting just above a high-tech digital cable box and a DVD player! :D

crossbeaux

01-20-06, 06:34 PM

After making changes, are you using the CONFIRM button (checkmark icon below the list) to end? If you simply exit, it may not save the settings.

Also, I think it's best to only make ONE change at a time, CONFIRM, then go back to the list and make the next change. The software is VERY buggy in handling changes to the list. You may have to write down all your entries, then delete and re-enter them.

Thanks to those who responded to this. I do have a missing entry (it goes 14, 16, 16, 17). And I don't believe I did use the Confirm button. I will try the suggestions, perhaps just trying to delete the last few (the ones starting at the duplicate) and entering back in. If that doesn't work, I'll delete all the series and re-enter.

I didn't have any trouble ordering the list before. I'd move several items around in one session without confirming. But I suspect that when I recently deleted an item from the list (without moving it to the top as previously suggested), a bug of some sort was triggered.

Again, thanks.

keenan

01-20-06, 08:16 PM

Yes. It is a D-Link DSB-H4 USB hub with a wall-wart jack but we use it self-power from the USB port on my wife's iBook.

That's a pretty tight fit for that STB, hopefully you haven't had any heating problems..?

scanpa

01-20-06, 08:19 PM

That's a pretty tight fit for that STB, hopefully you haven't had any heating problems..?

Not to mention the Audio AMP is below it. You know that is a Major Heat source....

cavu

01-20-06, 08:29 PM

That's a pretty tight fit for that STB, hopefully you haven't had any heating problems..?I use the following 27dB 8cm 12v 37CFM fan to cool the STB. It keeps the temp at 102F. Click on the pic for specs:
http://startech.com/ProductPhotos/FANBOX.small.jpg (http://startech.com/ststore/ItemDetail.cfm?ProductID=FANBOX&tab=b&mt=)

keenan

01-20-06, 08:39 PM

I use the following 27dB 8cm 12v 37CFM fan to cool the STB. It keeps the temp at 102F. Click on the pic for specs:
http://startech.com/ProductPhotos/FANBOX.small.jpg (http://startech.com/ststore/ItemDetail.cfm?ProductID=FANBOX&tab=b&mt=)
I thought about doing something like that as well. What are you using for power? And how noisy is it?

cavu

01-20-06, 09:12 PM

I thought about doing something like that as well. What are you using for power? And how noisy is it?First, it's rated at 27dB which is amazingly quiet for the amount of air it moves. At the moment I am using an HP power supply intended for an external CD-Writer but have have recently found a variable DC supply (from an old bread-board kit) and am thinking of trying a lower voltage - lowering the speed/noise. I will experiment and see what works.

My AV rack actually has a glass door on the front (and has more gear than you saw). With the fan mounted on the back of the cabinet at the top, and with the door closed, I cannot hear the fan at all.

keenan

01-20-06, 09:25 PM

ExDeus

01-20-06, 10:48 PM

I read, and now I cannot find where, that the box was designed so that if you were fast forwarding at any speed, and hit the right arrow button, that it would skip ahead 15min. I will try to find where I read it, but it doesn't work for me, and from what I've read around here, the left and right arrows control the RW and FF functions on everyone's box. But, my thinking is perhaps there is a (unknown?) code to reprogram the remote with.
I found the site, which is well-known, but seems to have some tidbits that aren't widespread: http://replayguide.sourceforge.net/dct6412/DCT6412_Passport.html. As it happens, I have the iGuide box myself, but I was reading about the Passport Echo version.

I wasn't able to get these to work with my 6412-PII/2005 (iGuide), but I was curious if they might work for a PI or PIII box with iGuide, or if they are only for the Passport version:

http://replayguide.sourceforge.net/dct6412/DCT6412_Passport.html#Unofficial_DCT6412Passport_Echo_Featur e
Navigation
Skip forward/back in 15 minute increments in a program. To do this, start ff (any speed) and then press the Right Cursor/Menu key. This skips you to the next 15 minute "tick mark" on the timebar of the program. The same thing works in reverse with the rew key and Left Cursor/Menu key.

http://replayguide.sourceforge.net/dct6412/DCT6412_Passport.html#Tips_and_Tricks
Rebooting the 6412
Easiest way to reboot is to hold down the Power button on the front panel for 5 seconds. Of course you can also unplug the power and plug it back in.

Force Guide Data Download
You can force the unit to purge the current Guide data from DRAM and download the latest available guide data from the headend by holding down the Guide button on the front panel for 5 seconds.

Adjusting DCT6412 internal Volume level
1. Press Cable, Setup, 1, 4, 3 for volume UP. (repeat for further increase)
2. Press Cable, Setup, 1, 4, 5 for volume DOWN. (repeat for further decrease)

ExDeus

01-21-06, 12:31 AM

Would people please help fill in all of the tricks and codes for the 6208, 6412 & 3412 on the wiki page.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_6412

Thank You.
I updated several sections.

Added ADS reference link.
Added DVR reference link.
Added STB reference link.
Added notes and references to the fact that a macro can be created.
Added "How To Add a Macro Button" section.
Added the usage note, "The "Cable" button will blink twice if successful", to the end of each of the remote remapping procedures.
Added link to the SourceForge ReplayGuide DCT6412 Firewire capture and HD/SD to DVD guide (http://replayguide.sourceforge.net/dct6412/).
Added to and reorganized the External Links section.

Complete changes here: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Motorola_6412&diff=36054604&oldid=35920503

scanpa

01-21-06, 07:45 AM

I updated several sections.

Added ADS reference link.
Added DVR reference link.
Added STB reference link.
Added notes and references to the fact that a macro can be created.
Added "How To Add a Macro Button" section.
Added the usage note, "The "Cable" button will blink twice if successful", to the end of each of the remote remapping procedures.
Added link to the SourceForge ReplayGuide DCT6412 Firewire capture and HD/SD to DVD guide (http://replayguide.sourceforge.net/dct6412/).
Added to and reorganized the External Links section.

Complete changes here: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Motorola_6412&diff=36054604&oldid=35920503

Thanks, ExDeus!

stevehof

01-21-06, 09:44 AM

I don't think I've ever seen a piece of consumer electronics this flaky.
You must not have used a Buffalo LinkTheater. If you're willing to wade through a 40+ page thread, you can read lots of gory details about the bugs with that POS here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=495915). I've got one, and by comparison, the Moto 6412 is a model of virtue.

andyross63

01-21-06, 10:24 AM

Adjusting DCT6412 internal Volume level
1. Press Cable, Setup, 1, 4, 3 for volume UP. (repeat for further increase)
2. Press Cable, Setup, 1, 4, 5 for volume DOWN. (repeat for further decrease)
[/list]
These is just the standard way of sending EFC (Extended Function Codes), just like using 173 for the 30-second skip. 143 and 145 are the volume codes. Depending on your remote, you might need to add two zeroes to the front (00143 and 00145).

If you want some fun, try 144. ;)

andyross63

01-21-06, 10:30 AM

I use the following 27dB 8cm 12v 37CFM fan to cool the STB. It keeps the temp at 102F. Click on the pic for specs:
I have a fan, rated for 12V, I took out of an old PC power supply (about 3.75" or 90cm?). It's running off of a multi-voltage power adapter. I currently have it at 4.5V.
http://home.att.net/~andyross/DCP_0734.JPG

cavu

01-21-06, 12:56 PM

I have a fan, rated for 12V, I took out of an old PC power supply (about 3.75" or 90cm?). It's running off of a multi-voltage power adapter. I currently have it at 4.5V.Uhhh ... that would be 9cm ... or 90mm ... ;)

I assume at 4.5v its pretty quiet! What temp does your DVR run at? I was thinking I'd try my 12v fan at 5v and run it off the USB port.

scanpa

01-21-06, 01:09 PM

I have a fan, rated for 12V, I took out of an old PC power supply (about 3.75" or 90cm?). It's running off of a multi-voltage power adapter. I currently have it at 4.5V.
http://home.att.net/~andyross/DCP_0734.JPG

andyross63,

Is the Dr. Who Box DVD or Video? If it is video, I would move them away from the STB, the power supply has a strong magnetic field that can erase Video Tape after extended exposure.......

ExDeus

01-21-06, 05:24 PM

These is just the standard way of sending EFC (Extended Function Codes), just like using 173 for the 30-second skip. 143 and 145 are the volume codes. Depending on your remote, you might need to add two zeroes to the front (00143 and 00145).

If you want some fun, try 144. ;)
Yeah, I understand. I know they're just remote codes; I'm curious about the idea that there is an "internal volume level" that can be adjusted. I've always read that the audio output levels are fixed by the hardware/firmware, and don't depend on what software the box is running.

tigrediosa

01-22-06, 02:25 AM

So it only just occurred to me today that I could do more with my cable box than simply watch, record, and delete tv shows. thanks for all the awesome tips on how to use firewire with the box!!

if someone could enlighten me on the following i'd really appreciate it!
1) is there any capturing software (I'm using CapDVHS right now) that will automatically start & stop recording when a show is complete? i'm not talking about scheduling a recording of live tv, exactly - i just want to get all my previously recorded stuff off the hard drive, but i don't want to have to hang around and watch each one in succession. it'd be great if i could just press play, go away, and the sofware would stop recording when the show is done playing, however long that happens to be.

2) i guess i'm in the minority here, judging by some of the previous posts, but i can't stand i-Guide. is there anything better out there (closer to TiVo functionality & UI) - how's Microsoft's thing? is there any way I can uninstall i-Guide and install a new OS on the thing? the motorola booth at ces had a pretty slick UI on their demo boxes that was way cooler than the one comcast gives us...would love to get ahold of that!

3) was anyone ever able to get an external hard drive to work?

think that's it for now, sure i'll come up with more later :)

andyross63

01-22-06, 12:10 PM

Uhhh ... that would be 9cm ... or 90mm ... ;)

I assume at 4.5v its pretty quiet! What temp does your DVR run at? I was thinking I'd try my 12v fan at 5v and run it off the USB port.
The drive temp typically shows in the low 100's. That fan is pretty quiet, although it has a bit of a rumble at that speed. Only noticable when it's totally silent in the room, though. I also have two smaller fans that keep my amp cool.

Sundance

01-22-06, 12:40 PM

Is there a post here or a web site dedicated to all the little hacks and remote codes one can do to their Moto 64xx to make it a better monster?

Thanks

scanpa

01-22-06, 12:46 PM

Is there a post here or a web site dedicated to all the little hacks and remote codes one can do to their Moto 64xx to make it a better monster?

Thanks

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_6412

several links there.

DaylightSM

01-22-06, 02:19 PM

scanpa

01-22-06, 02:22 PM

I had asked about using a laptop chill mat on this thread about a week ago, but didn't get any interest... But I went ahead and tried my Targus Chill Mat ( http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=PA248U ) this morning... and it works! My Comcast 6412 is indeed sending voltage over the front USB port (haven't tried the back one).

I'll let you know how much it actually lowers the temp of the unit ... prior to adding the chill mat to the mix, it was running around 125-130 degrees.

What temp's are you getting now??

DaylightSM

01-22-06, 02:24 PM

What temp's are you getting now??

I'm not near the unit right now, but it had lowered it from 123 degrees to 115 after only about 15 minutes... previously, I had never seen it below 120. I'll post again later when I'm back home...

Sundance

01-22-06, 02:30 PM

Is temp. only a problem if the unit is enclosed as it appears to be in the picture or is this a on-going problem with the 64XX in general?

scanpa

01-22-06, 02:36 PM

Is temp. only a problem if the unit is enclosed as it appears to be in the picture or is this a on-going problem with the 64XX in general?

They run Hot. but if you lower the temp, the better the unit will work.

cavu

01-22-06, 03:31 PM

Is temp. [an] on-going problem with the 64XX in general?Motorola stresses the need for proper ventilation for all installations. Comcast apparently does not provide a copy of the manual so here, again, is the pertinent section (this should be posted to the Wiki listing!):

http://flying-colors.org/DCT64xx-HEAT.jpg

DaylightSM

01-22-06, 04:32 PM

For those who have more of an engineering background than I do, why did Motorola design this unit without a powerful built in fan?

keenan

01-22-06, 04:37 PM

For those who have more of an engineering background than I do, why did Motorola design this unit without a powerful built in fan?
The Phase III model does have a fan. The above posted pic with the recommended clearances is pretty much standard for any electronic device that's expected to produce any sort of heat.

Sundance

01-22-06, 04:38 PM

Why, that can be answered by a non-engineer:

$$$$

Instead of installing a fan they tell you in the manual (that doesn't get distributed) to make sure there is good ventilation. :eek:

keenan

01-22-06, 05:08 PM

Just figured out where to get USB power, from my Dish 942. :p

I think I'm going try one these, I listened to one at CompUSA today and they are whisper quiet while moving a fair amount of air. I think someone posted something similar here or in another thread.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000BVYTV/qid=1137807906/sr=8-2/ref=pd_bbs_2/103-3305120-7843842?n=507846&s=electronics&v=glance
Amazon.com: Antec USB-Powered Notebook Cooler: Electronics

Turns out my Comcast 6412 does have power at the USB port. I plugged the above unit in and it works, I don't know why the mouse didn't light up.

In any case, my preliminary results are impressive. When I checked the HDD temp before placing the fan unit, the temp was reading 111. After placing the fan and checking about an hour later, the temp is 100. The current hight temp mark for my unit was recorded at 131 degrees. I'm not recording anything other than the normal buffer stream but I'm going to try recording 2 programs and watch a third and see what the results are.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/keenanj/fan.jpg

The unit works by sucking air into the perforated, silver side and excavating it out two vents on the back side. I placed the unit directly on top on the 6412 and I was concerned that it might cause air to be trapped, but so far it works better than I had expected. I had considered opening the fan unit up and reversing the polarity of the fan power leads so it would blow instead suck, but even though it's held together by 4 screws it also has some plastics clips molded into the 2 sides holding it together and they would present a problem so I tried it as it was.

The unit could be used underneath the 6412 as well, but I don't think it would quite as effective as heat rises and it doesn't fit flush with the bottom surface of the 6412.

I have an infrared temp reader and I'm going to take some readings in the next few days on portions of the 6412 to see if any areas are getting hotter with the fan placed as it is without it. This will be done since the only menu temp we get is from the HDD, there may be other areas that are getting hot as well.

scanpa, you might try checking your USB ports with another device to see it they are live, it surprised the hell out me when I checked with the fan unit and it worked.

Sundance

01-22-06, 05:18 PM

I missed it somewhere, how do you get the temp of the HD in the 6412?

DaylightSM

01-22-06, 05:19 PM

Okay, I'm back home now, and can--like keenan--confirm that notebook chill mats seem to do a good job of cooling the 6412. As I noted above, my temps were running around 125-135 (I've only had Comcast for about a week and a half).

I've had my Targus Chill Mat (see link above... the premise is very similar to the one keenan has) sitting on top of the 6412 all afternoon, and the temp of the 6412 is now reading at 104, with the 6412 also powered on all day.

Quite impressive, and an easy solution to my cramped entertainment center. Glad I was fortunate enough to have working USB ports...

DaylightSM

01-22-06, 05:22 PM

The Phase III model does have a fan. The above posted pic with the recommended clearances is pretty much standard for any electronic device that's expected to produce any sort of heat.

Okay, so a follow-up question: My TiVo (now upstairs in another room) has a built in fan, and never kicked off a lot of heat at all. I've been under the impression that it's the DVR function that is responsible for much of the 6412's heat... so why the huge heat difference between the Moto HDD and the TiVo one?

keenan

01-22-06, 05:30 PM

I missed it somewhere, how do you get the temp of the HD in the 6412?
Go into the diagnostic menu by pressing POWER(to turn unit off) then immediately press OK/SELECT. Down arrow to d13 and press OK/SELECT. You'll see a screen that lists HDD info, DOWN ARROW will get you to second screen which shows the current and high temp readings for the HDD.

To get out of the menu just press POWER twice and the unit will turn back on.

keenan

01-22-06, 05:38 PM

Okay, so a follow-up question: My TiVo (now upstairs in another room) has a built in fan, and never kicked off a lot of heat at all. I've been under the impression that it's the DVR function that is responsible for much of the 6412's heat... so why the huge heat difference between the Moto HDD and the TiVo one?
Could be a lot reasons why, the chips they use, how things are placed in the case can all contribute to heat issues. Impossibly to say why one gets hotter than the other.

scanpa

01-22-06, 06:03 PM

I've had my Targus Chill Mat (see link above... the premise is very similar to the one keenan has) sitting on top of the 6412 all afternoon, and the temp of the 6412 is now reading at 104, with the 6412 also powered on all day.

The STB is always on, unless you remove the power cord. Turning the STB to standby (off) does nothing but shut down the A/V outputs and the display to blank or clock.

cavu

01-22-06, 06:14 PM

I missed it somewhere, how do you get the temp of the HD in the 6412?To see the temp, from the remote, with STB "ON":
Power OFF
OK/Select
Down Arrow to PVR/HDD Status
Right Arrow
Down Arrow

cavu

01-22-06, 06:21 PM

Turning the STB to standby (off) does nothing but shut down the A/V outputsNote, that it does not completely shut down the audio on "Music" channels. If you leave the STB on a music channel when you power it "off", after about a minute the audio will return (at least on the SPDIF output ... I haven't used the analog audio ouput but assume it's the same).

ExDeus

01-22-06, 07:32 PM

Motorola stresses the need for proper ventilation for all installations. Comcast apparently does not provide a copy of the manual so here, again, is the pertinent section (this should be posted to the Wiki listing!):
Can't include the pic from the manual on the Wikipedia page --- it's copyrighted by Motorola.

But I did update the Wiki page to include a new temperature section, including a note about the required ventilation.

@scanpa: Do you want a link to your "AVS Downloads" added to the Wiki?

Updates:
Moved the firewire transfer procedure out of the Bugs section (it's a procedure, not a bug).
Added a temperature section to the Hardware section, including how to check the temp and keep the box cooler.
Reorganized and added to external links.
Added a pic of the silver remote.
Added DVR HDD Reset section.
Added Factory Reset section.
Added 'split display' bug.

Complete changes here: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Motorola_6412&diff=36293905&oldid=36238862

Sundance

01-22-06, 10:38 PM

To see the temp, from the remote, with STB "ON":
Power OFF
OK/Select
Down Arrow to PVR/HDD Status
Right Arrow
Down Arrow

This does nothing on my 6412 Phase III. The power is off, I press the OK/Select button and nothing happends. I tried doing it right after turning off the power as another post said and I still get nothing. It seems simple enough, do I need to stand on one leg or something? :)

Thanks

cavu

01-22-06, 11:10 PM

I tried doing it right after turning off the power as another post said and I still get nothing.Well ... I believe I said that too. Let's review what I said the first time:To see the temp, from the remote, with STB "ON": ("STB"="Set Top Box"=DCT6412)
Power OFF
OK/Select (This is the button in the middle of the arrow keys)
Down Arrow to PVR/HDD Status
Right Arrow
Down ArrowThat's it. There is no other way to describe it. That is the procedure. Follow the instructions.

Sundance

01-23-06, 12:20 AM

I didn't have any problem with your directions, they are simple and to the point. It just didn't work and I don't think your directions are the problem. What I find is this works from the STB (I know what that was as well) but does not from the remote for some reason.

Anyway the point was to find my HDD temp. and it's just fine, 93 with a max of 104.

Thanks,

Steve

keenan

01-23-06, 02:58 AM

Well ... I believe I said that too. Let's review what I said the first time:To see the temp, from the remote, with STB "ON": ("STB"="Set Top Box"=DCT6412)
Power OFF
OK/Select (This is the button in the middle of the arrow keys)
Down Arrow to PVR/HDD Status
Right Arrow
Down ArrowThat's it. There is no other way to describe it. That is the procedure. Follow the instructions.
Possibly the missing element would be that after you do No.1, you must immediately do No. 2, otherwise nothing will happen, the unit will just stay "off". A delay between No.1 and No.2 steps of maybe 3-5 secs will result in nothing happening.

Sundance, that 93 reading is the lowest I have seen. :)

cavu

01-23-06, 03:01 AM

A delay between No.1 and No.2 steps of maybe 3-5 secs will result in nothing happening.I've read that many times but the fact is that you can press the SELECT or the MENU button up to at least several minutes after shutting it off. I haven't had the patience to sit and wait to see how long before it fails to respond.

keenan

01-23-06, 03:08 AM

I've read that many times but the fact is that you can press the SELECT or the MENU button up to at least several minutes after shutting it off. I haven't had the patience to sit and wait to see how long before it fails to respond.
Interesting, I just tried it and the only menu that comes up after waiting 5-10 secs is the User setting menu, the diagnostic menu will not display. Maybe a little different firmware on the boxes.

scanpa

01-23-06, 10:11 AM

Interesting, I just tried it and the only menu that comes up after waiting 5-10 secs is the User setting menu, the diagnostic menu will not display. Maybe a little different firmware on the boxes.

not firmware, these codes are embedded into the STB ROM. There in every model since the DCT 2000 by GI, before Moto took them over

bobm

01-23-06, 10:19 AM

not firmware, these codes are embedded into the STB ROM. There in every model since the DCT 2000 by GI, before Moto took them over

ROM code = firmware

scanpa

01-23-06, 10:43 AM

ROM code = firmware

The firmware in the DCT series is for the DVR only. The STB ROM is hardcoded and has nothing to do with the firmware..

DAB

01-23-06, 10:54 AM

anyone who has Mono Price 28gauge 10' HDMI cable (purchased in the last 20 days) have HDMI input connection isssues w/ the Comcast 6412 III box?. { HDMI cable input will NOT staying iin the hdmi port}.
A buddy and i purchased these cables together and have the same box. We are just trying to see where the problems lay.
{MP price said just mail them back= no issue} but i want to see if its the box or current cables. $$$ of cable is not the issue.
db

edmc

01-23-06, 11:57 AM

I, too, have opted for the simple solution of using a Laptop Cooler. I chose the Vantec LapCool4 because it came with a "wall wart" - not realizing at the time I could have used the USB connector with one of the cheaper LapCool3's. Oh, well.

My question to you all is which orientation do you use?

I'm placing mine on the top of the unit - where all the air holes are - with the air blowing downward (i.e. "push" model). But I've still had a reboot (after about a week). The temp is reading as 111, but doing a "push" means that I might have some hotspots (since I've definately changed the airflow/heat exchange designed into the unit).

So now I'm toying with flipping the LapCool4 over - still on top of the 6412, but sucking air out ("pull" model).

Anybody else have any experimentation results here?

TechieFan

01-23-06, 12:26 PM

scanpa

01-23-06, 12:50 PM

ExDeus

01-23-06, 01:58 PM

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.
Curious, how is it handling your SD pictures while scaling? Do you have black bands on the side of the picture? Do you set it to 'wide' or zoom? (Don't have Pioneer, but hopefully it has similar settings to mine.)
The 4:3 Override setting applies to the default output resolution, so if you have the box set to output 1080i, and 4:3 content is received, then the 1080i setting is "overrode" with the 4:3 Override setting.

So, in essence, if 4:3 Override = Off, then the signal, no matter the aspect ratio, is upconverted to the main output resolution (1080i or 720p) by the box.

So with the setting off, or set to stretch, you are not using the scaling feature of your Pioneer TV.

Set the override to 480p or 480i if you want to use the scaling feature of your TV. Then all 4:3 content will be output in 480p/480i for your TV to scale to 1080i/720p.

While the scaler in my TV may be superior to that of the STB, I don't want to wait for, or put the strain on the TV of, switching back and forth between resolutions.

rxlouie

01-23-06, 03:49 PM

Sundance

01-23-06, 03:51 PM

I had almost the same problem but it was a standard box not a DVR. A box switch fixed it in my case.

rxlouie

01-23-06, 03:54 PM

I had almost the same problem but it was a standard box not a DVR. A box switch fixed it in my case.

Awesome, Thanks for the quick response. I'll give Comcast a call.

cavu

01-23-06, 03:56 PM

Could it be that I just need to get a new box from Comcast or is there a setting I accidentally activated?This is not uncommon. Call your cableco and get them to 'hit' (reset) your box. It does not require a new box!

scanpa

01-23-06, 03:56 PM

I tried searching for this, but no luck, sorry, I'm a noob.

Whenever I turn on my DVR, I get the TV station guide at the bottom and even get a full menu guide, but there is no picture or sound. :mad:

I have to activate "MY DVR" and selected a recorded program and then go to live before the picture finally comes in for normal viewing of stations.

Has anyone experienced this? I guess I could leave my STB on all the time, but normally I just hit the All Off button to turn everthing off.

Could it be that I just need to get a new box from Comcast or is there a setting I accidentally activated?

TIA! :)

The video card did not come out of hibernation correctly, it is a normal occurrence with the Motorola DCT series. It happens on most 6208, 6412, 3412 Series STB. The correct thing to do is just start a DVR program, this will wake the Video card up from it's sleep state.

Leaving the box on is the solution to to prevent this from happening. There is no need to put the box in standby mode....

scanpa

01-23-06, 03:58 PM

Call your cableco and get them to 'hit' (reset) your box.

No need to waste your time calling the cable co. There is nothing they can do to fix this.

All reseting the box will do, is cause the user to wait till his guide data and main functions are restored.

If you want to reset your box, just unplug it and plug it back in. same thing.

rxlouie

01-23-06, 04:00 PM

The video card did not come out of hibernation correctly, it is a normal occurrence with the Motorola DCT series. It happens on most 6208, 6412, 3412 Series STB. The correct thing to do is just start a DVR program, this will wake the Video card up from it's sleep state.

That's what I do today. It's just a pain. It used to come out of its sleep state just fine until about a month ago.

TechieFan

01-23-06, 04:00 PM

The 4:3 Override setting applies to the default output resolution, so if you have the box set to output 1080i, and 4:3 content is received, then the 1080i setting is "overrode" with the 4:3 Override setting.

So, in essence, if 4:3 Override = Off, then the signal, no matter the aspect ratio, is upconverted to the main output resolution (1080i or 720p) by the box.

So with the setting off, or set to stretch, you are not using the scaling feature of your Pioneer TV.

Set the override to 480p or 480i if you want to use the scaling feature of your TV. Then all 4:3 content will be output in 480p/480i for your TV to scale to 1080i/720p.

While the scaler in my TV may be superior to that of the STB, I don't want to wait for, or put the strain on the TV of, switching back and forth between resolutions.

So if I understand, you use 1080i and leave 4:3 override set to Off. Then you have black bands on the sides of 480i content, and that's normal. When it's set to 480i you should be able to use 'wide' setting in TV and scale (but you don't). (Sorry, newbie to this. Just thought that the black bands were not normal and related to my HDMI input, when another set I have seen with standard coax input is indeed scaled but not distorted like mine is when set to 480p/zoom on the box.)