Yea, I reset the box. I guess I was hoping Comcast would supply me with a new box.

unless your having some other MAJOR problems, I would keep the box you have, you could always end up with a STb that has more problems! :eek:

unless your having some other MAJOR problems, I would keep the box you have, you could always end up with a STb that has more problems!I'd consider having to go through all those steps each time I turned it on a major problem. But did the reset fix it, rxlouie?

unless your having some other MAJOR problems, I would keep the box you have, you could always end up with a STb that has more problems! :eek:

Yea, I thought about it after I posted and you are probably right. I just read about the Phase III boxes and I don't think I want to end up with one of those.

I'll just keep the STB on.

Thanks.

I'd consider having to go through all those steps each time I turned it on a major problem. But did the reset fix it, rxlouie?


No the reset did not work. As stated above, I think I'll just keep the STB on full time.

No the reset did not work. As stated above, I think I'll just keep the STB on full time.Certainly a workaround. However, you said it didn't always do this. Scanpa previously posted here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6950246&highlight=reset#post6950246) instructions for reseting the box back to a new state (erasing all settings and account info). He'd know better than I if that could help your particular problem, but it might be something to try beyond just a power reset.

Certainly a workaround. However, you said it didn't always do this. Scanpa previously posted here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6950246&highlight=reset#post6950246) instructions for reseting the box back to a new state (erasing all settings and account info). He'd know better than I if that could help your particular problem, but it might be something to try beyond just a power reset.


since it is a problem more related to hardware then any software or firmware, the reset will not help. I have already sent this problem, each time I see it with users STB, to Motorola, but all I ever get back via email is the standard "we will look into it. Thank You.)

:(

since it is a problem more related to hardware then any software or firmware, the reset will not help. I have already sent this problem, each time I see it with users STB, to Motorola, but all I ever get back via email is the standard "we will look into it. Thank You.)

:(
This reset corrected the problem in my 6412P2 STB, but it came back about three weeks later. I now have a 3412 and never power it down.

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.
Well known bug. Simply unplug the box (turn it off first, to be safe), then plug it back in. It will take a few minutes to load near-term (6-8 hour) guide data, and 8-24 hours to load the full 2-week or so data. You will not lose any recordings or scheduled recordings. Until the guide fills in, the schedule will usually only show 'To Be Announced' for titles.
The only long-term fix is to always leave the box on. Turning it off only:
Turns off the front panel display
blanks the video and mutes audio (except for a weird bug with digital music channels)
stops buffering (reduces hard drive wear, noise, and heat.)

Well known bug. Simply unplug the box (turn it off first, to be safe), then plug it back in. ...
Unplug? Why? He already uses the best solution there is. Rebooting the box doesn't help reduce the frequency of the problem, it does just what the 'play recorded program' solution does, with the additional hassle of resetting all of the guide data. In my experience, the problem is related to scheduled recordings. It seems to have difficulty waking up the outputs following a scheduled recording, while not after a normal shut down.


Also, it seems a better use of everyone's time would be to direct routine questions like this to Wikipedia --- that's the point, afterall, of consolidating the information. I made each of the bugs a subsection, so now you can give out a link directly to a specific bug (like giving a link to a specific question in a FAQ). Just copy the link from the table of contents. So now we can just point to the Wiki instead of re-answering every question, no?

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! :)
Is it possible this is happening because your tv is beng turned on in advance of the STB? In other words, either you are manually turning on the box first, or your universal remote is programmed to turn on the box first, then the tv. I may be mistaken here, but if the tv is turned on first, then the box, you may solve your problem???

Is it possible this is happening because your tv is beng turned on in advance of the STB? In other words, either you are manually turning on the box first, or your universal remote is programmed to turn on the box first, then the tv. I may be mistaken here, but if the tv is turned on first, then the box, you may solve your problem???
I haven't tested that theory, but if that's true, then the Comcast silver remote is also causing it, since it turns on the box, the TV, then the Aux when All On is pressed.

interestingly I am seeing exactly the same thing. (need to go to DVR in order to get the picture to 'appear') Only started happening a week ago.

I just received this weekend a HP 4200N which the silver remote cannot control so I had backed off the problem until my new Harmony 880 comes in (tomorrow) - this home theatre lark always has something new to puchase! :)

I'll report back once I do some proper investigation later this week.

Tolax

unless your having some other MAJOR problems, I would keep the box you have, you could always end up with a STb that has more problems! :eek:
That has been pretty much my philosophy, at least until my area gets the audio bug on the P3 resolved.



Regarding the no image/start DVR'erd program problem, that issue comes and goes and I have yet to see any rational explanation for it. As scanpa, indicated, the best solution is to leave the box "on".

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.

My 6412 pII box here just started doing the same thing. Was thinking about using this as an excuse to get this box replaced with the 3412 (have one already, and also a 6412 pIII) :p

It's just another quirk in the Motorola DCT STB series..... :(

As scanpa, indicated, the best solution is to leave the box "on".

No wonder I have never seen this bug. My STB is always On

The weirdest thing about the "no picture" bug is that it seems to periodically come and go. I've had a 6412 DVR series II for over a year. Until last week, the "no picture" bug would come and go inexplicably (and did so for friends at work too). I don't know if once and a while new firmware would reset the box to temporarily get rid of it or not. I recently added another DVR in my bedroom (6412 series III) and then my living room DVR seized up and died completely, so I replaced that one too. Both new boxes have the "no picture" bug for now. Considering it's more of a pain than a real functional issue, I haven't attempted to seek a better solution than playing a second of a recording to get the box going.

On a hopeful note, the 6412 series III boxes don't seem to have as significant problem with the degradation of the signal in the second tuner (I wasn't getting several of my HD channels on the second tuner on the series II box). Someone wiser than me, of course, can figure out why the box uses the "lesser" tuner first for recordings.

On another note, with my new (series III) boxes, when I pause a program and switch tuners (like when you watch two programs at once and switch during commercials), when I toggle back to the first tuner, my box is rewinding to the beginning of the buffer rather than starting to play from the spot that I paused the program. Anyone else having this problem? I didn't have this problem on my series II box.

No wonder I have never seen this bug. My STB is always On


How does one keep their STB on all the time when it turns it's self off after a scheduled recording? (unless you mean standby as on all the time)

How does one keep their STB on all the time when it turns it's self off after a scheduled recording? (unless you mean standby as on all the time)

If it is on when a recording starts, it doesn't shut itself off after the recording....

-Randy

I bought a Sony STRDA7100ES reciever. It has HDMI switching. I have a 6412 with a DVI out that works fine with my TV. I can not get the receiver to pass the a singal from the DVI to the HDMI. The component switching works fine. But there is no sense in spending the extra $$ if I cant get the HDMI to work.

Comcast is bringing me a 6412 p III tomorrow with an HDMI output.

What experiences have you guys had with the HDMI out put from the 6412 p III. Am I wasting my time.

Just got my 6412 with DVI out and using a DVI/HDMI cable to TV. I ahev no idea if these things have been mentioned, but here goes. Possibly I'm such a newbie I should know about these things.

1. Turn off the TV after having set the recorder to record an HD show. Turn it back on and I have two of same images at top 1/2 of screen and nothing below. I hit the "swap" button twice and I'm OK. Anyone see this?

2. Try to turn off the TV and get the message, that I need to stop recording due to action I just performed. So I "SELECT" and get teh same message. Finally I hit the "TV" button and then "OFF" and I'M OK.

3. Can't stop and start action unless somehow I get into a live TV mode after swicthing tuners - Tivo was so simple.

4. Started to record a show and then cancelled and I get the Red record thing with aline through it. Doesn't cancel - just cancel it.

5. Why with some shows I set them to record in future and I see the red circle in the guide, and others I know I set to record, I see no circle?

Any links anyone can show me or any help?

And the list goes on.

Tivo was so simple..

I love my TIVO.

I was just messing around with it after not using it in a couple months because I wanted to make a complete switch to the 6412.

The 6412 is such a piece of garbage.

I love my TIVO.

I was just messing around with it after not using it in a couple months because I wanted to make a complete switch to the 6412.

The 6412 is such a piece of garbage.

ROFLMBO

Bring on the Comcast TIVO DVR....

ROFLMBO

Bring on the Comcast TIVO DVR....

2010 is only four years away.

I'm apparently one of the luckiest guys in the world as I haven't encountered the problems so often mentioned in this thread. Then again I don't use the 6412 (Series II) that aggressively - just use it to occasionally record HD movies and sporting events, and have never used the series recording feature. I also never turn it off except occasionally to check diagnostics. I've never used a TIVO so I don't have that basis of comparision, but the 6412 has served its purpose very well. The only thing I question is whether I'm getting my money's worth, as I don't have time to watch much TV, let alone get much use out of the 6412!

ROFLMBO

Bring on the Comcast TIVO DVR....

BIG BIG BIG 2nd!!!!!!!!



the 6412-III is a useless piece of crap!

BIG BIG BIG 2nd!!!!!!!!

the 6412-III is a useless piece of crap!

Well, the choices then are:

1. Keep it and make the most out of it, or
2. Keep it and continue to complain how bad it is, or
3. Ditch it and get something else that you like better

Most here seem to go for Option 2.

2010 is only four years away.

First Beta Test of the unit in next 2 months from my comcast sources.

Still due out in public if it passes beta buy Aug. 2006

Well, the choices then are:

1. Keep it and make the most out of it, or
2. Keep it and continue to complain how bad it is, or
3. Ditch it and get something else that you like better

Most here seem to go for Option 2.


LOL

Well, the choices then are:

1. Keep it and make the most out of it, or
2. Keep it and continue to complain how bad it is, or
3. Ditch it and get something else that you like better

Most here seem to go for Option 2.

So, can't anyone at least tell me if they've seen any of the problems I've mentioned above. Actually, I think this is a 6412-II.

I'm trying to see if these are either:
1. Known software glitches.
2. User errors - which could be avolided if I had a FULL Manual for the remote rather than the brief one provided by Comcast.
3. A bad unit.

Can anyone give me some nice "hints" on workarounds.

So, can't anyone at least tell me if they've seen any of the problems I've mentioned above. Actually, I think this is a 6412-II.

I'm trying to see if these are either:
1. Known software glitches.
2. User errors - which could be avolided if I had a FULL Manual for the remote rather than the brief one provided by Comcast.
3. A bad unit.

Can anyone give me some nice "hints" on workarounds.

Go HERE (http://www.scan-pa.com/AVS/) for FULL Manual for the remote and STB related Files.


Go Here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_6412) for the 6412 Wiki: This should cover the more general problems with some known solutions.


Go HERE (http://cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dct6412.htm) for advanced Remote Control info

Just got my 6412 with DVI out and using a DVI/HDMI cable to TV. I ahev no idea if these things have been mentioned, but here goes. Possibly I'm such a newbie I should know about these things.

1. Turn off the TV after having set the recorder to record an HD show. Turn it back on and I have two of same images at top 1/2 of screen and nothing below. I hit the "swap" button twice and I'm OK. Anyone see this?

I believe this is one of the DVI/HDMI glitches that have been mentioned in this thread...maybe someone that uses DVI/HDMI can elaborate or you can search back a little. Sounds like you already know the workaround.

2. Try to turn off the TV and get the message, that I need to stop recording due to action I just performed. So I "SELECT" and get teh same message. Finally I hit the "TV" button and then "OFF" and I'M OK.

Are you using the 'all off' button while it is recording something? If so, there is (in my opinion) a logic flaw in the 6412's software that causes it to want to be 'on' to record. Not sure why they did it that way. As people have mentioned sooo many times in this thread, just don't turn it off.

3. Can't stop and start action unless somehow I get into a live TV mode after swicthing tuners - Tivo was so simple.

I'm not sure I am following here...wouldn't you have to be in 'live TV' mode to start/stop live TV?

4. Started to record a show and then cancelled and I get the Red record thing with aline through it. Doesn't cancel - just cancel it.

If there is a line through it, it won't record...again, not sure what the issue is here...just the fact that there is still a red circle there?

5. Why with some shows I set them to record in future and I see the red circle in the guide, and others I know I set to record, I see no circle?

I'm not sure on this...I might have seen it, but I'm not sure. I generally check my scheduled recordings list every so often to see what is going to record rather than using the guide, so I haven't paid much attention to it if I am seeing that occur. No doubt it *should* display any shows that are to be recorded in the guide....

There are multiple links in this thread to a .pdf version of the manual...I don't have the link handy or I'd post it here again....sorry. I am pretty sure it has been referenced here within the past couple of days, so it should be easy to find.

-Randy

I'm apparently one of the luckiest guys in the world as I haven't encountered the problems so often mentioned in this thread. Then again I don't use the 6412 (Series II) that aggressively - just use it to occasionally record HD movies and sporting events, and have never used the series recording feature. I also never turn it off except occasionally to check diagnostics. I've never used a TIVO so I don't have that basis of comparision, but the 6412 has served its purpose very well. The only thing I question is whether I'm getting my money's worth, as I don't have time to watch much TV, let alone get much use out of the 6412!

You're not alone. Mine has worked very well for almost a year now. I do series recordings, etc., with no issues. I don't monkey around with the priority list since I don't want set up any conflicting schedules, so I can't really speak to those issues. I have a small issue that has cropped up recently where the volume drops down very low during playback...it clears when I stop the playback and restart it. I haven't tried switching to the analog feed to see if that is affected, too...I'll have to do that. Anyway, it's a small nuisance, and if it starts to wear on me I'll just exchange the box. All in all it has worked pretty well for me...

-Randy

First Beta Test of the unit in next 2 months from my comcast sources.

Still due out in public if it passes beta buy Aug. 2006
If the 6xxx and 3xxx boxes are any indication, the Motorola/Comcast definition of "passing beta" is pretty loose, so I guess we can expect to start seeing new hardware/software in August.

I believe this is one of the DVI/HDMI glitches that have been mentioned in this thread...maybe someone that uses DVI/HDMI can elaborate or you can search back a little. Sounds like you already know the workaround.

Are you using the 'all off' button while it is recording something? If so, there is (in my opinion) a logic flaw in the 6412's software that causes it to want to be 'on' to record. Not sure why they did it that way. As people have mentioned sooo many times in this thread, just don't turn it off.


I'm not sure I am following here...wouldn't you have to be in 'live TV' mode to start/stop live TV?


If there is a line through it, it won't record...again, not sure what the issue is here...just the fact that there is still a red circle there?

I'm not sure on this...I might have seen it, but I'm not sure. I generally check my scheduled recordings list every so often to see what is going to record rather than using the guide, so I haven't paid much attention to it if I am seeing that occur. No doubt it *should* display any shows that are to be recorded in the guide....

There are multiple links in this thread to a .pdf version of the manual...I don't have the link handy or I'd post it here again....sorry. I am pretty sure it has been referenced here within the past couple of days, so it should be easy to find.

-Randy

I appreciate you taking the time to address each question.

I tried looking for the specific split/screen issue, for #1, and couldn't find it.
1. Turn off the TV after having set the recorder to record an HD show. Turn it back on and I have two of same images at top 1/2 of screen and nothing below. I hit the "swap" button twice and I'm OK. Anyone see this?

As far as this one, this is the most confusing:
"2. Try to turn off the TV and get the message, that I need to stop recording due to action I just performed. So I "SELECT" and get the same message. Finally I hit the "TV" button and then "OFF" and I'M OK."

I hit the "OFF" button on the remote and get the message, and not the RED "ALL OFF" button. I'm wondering if the remote is "defaulting" to turning the box off when I hit the "OFF" button, and that is why I need to hit the "TV" button first and then the "OFF" to show that I am turning the "TV" only off. (Did you understand this - I hope I explained it correctly.)

"4. Started to record a show and then cancelled and I get the Red record thing with a line through it. Doesn't cancel just cancel it."

For this one, I am comparing it to my Tivo which when I cancelled a recording it was gone. Now it seems I still get the red circle, with a line through it. Does that mean the DVR thinks I'm recording a series and I have just dropped that specfic episode. How do you delete totally recording the series?

Well, the choices then are:

1. Keep it and make the most out of it, or
2. Keep it and continue to complain how bad it is, or
3. Ditch it and get something else that you like better

Most here seem to go for Option 2.

the problem is also Comcast and them not getting their firmware upgrades out...a lot of my bitching would be resolved by simply giving me the 12.22 firmware

I appreciate you taking the time to address each question.

No problem...

I tried looking for the specific split/screen issue, for #1, and couldn't find it.

I'll have to leave this to the folks using HDMI/DVI...


As far as this one, this is the most confusing:

I hit the "OFF" button on the remote and get the message, and not the RED "ALL OFF" button. I'm wondering if the remote is "defaulting" to turning the box off when I hit the "OFF" button, and that is why I need to hit the "TV" button first and then the "OFF" to show that I am turning the "TV" only off. (Did you understand this - I hope I explained it correctly.)

I think that is a pretty safe bet. I would think that if you had been using the remote to control the TV prior to hitting the power off you'd still be in that mode...but if you had been using it to control the STB, it would be in that mode and you'd need to press the TV button to change it over to control the TV....

"4. Started to record a show and then cancelled and I get the Red record thing with a line through it. Doesn't cancel just cancel it."

For this one, I am comparing it to my Tivo which when I cancelled a recording it was gone. Now it seems I still get the red circle, with a line through it. Does that mean the DVR thinks I'm recording a series and I have just dropped that specfic episode. How do you delete totally recording the series?

I can't really say why they chose to leave it there...maybe just as a reminder that you canceled it in case you don't remember doing so? :) I believe you can just go into the scheduling options for a show to delete the series recording, or to the series priority list. I wish I was home now so I could verify this...I think you can do it either way, though. Anyway, if you want to verify that it is not thinking it is a series recording, you can either go into the scheduled recordings list or go forward in the guide to see if it shows that future episodes are set up to be recorded...

-Randy

the problem is also Comcast and them not getting their firmware upgrades out...a lot of my bitching would be resolved by simply giving me the 12.22 firmware

You are so right. Comcast is the biggest problem. The people on this web site know more about the 6412 ect. then people who work for Comcast.

They have made this situation worse be giving everyone a HD DVR. If you are an HD user you are going to have more complex problems then some guy with 10 year old Zenith. But you are lumped in with the masses and get the same poor level of tech support (if you can even call it that).

Does Comcast only let engineers test thier equipment? Why dont they use focus groups made of people from sites like these? If they can make thier products work well for people like us maybe thier other customers would be better off.

Additionally how long does it take to make Tivo software work on a Motorola STB? This was announced at last years CES. When Apple was in talks with Intel about switching to their processerors they were able to change their code for OSX to work on an Intel machine in a matter of hours. How can this take Comcast 18 months?

the problem is also Comcast and them not getting their firmware upgrades out...a lot of my bitching would be resolved by simply giving me the 12.22 firmware
I feel like I've held my tongue long enough. As a fellow tech-nut, I totally appreciate the willingness of companies like Comcast to distribute advanced technology that might be not-ready-for-primetime so that people like us can start to play with it. In theory, our "beta testing" these things in real production environments is supposed to help them make better product.

Well, apparently, this is good theory. If it were true, then my phaseIII box wouldn't be demonstrating basically all of the same performance bugs that the first one did. I'm not dissing the hardware... that's neato to be able to DVR HD. And, I'm not an audiophile so the HDMI sound stuff discussed in here a lot isn't affecting my life.

But dang nabbit, last night when it decided to cut short Idol by 10 minutes and stop recording for who knows what reason, that was the straw, man.

Ok, I will not DIE not seeing the last 10 minutes of a show as unimportant to society as Idol. But the whole reason I pay for DVR service is so that i can watch the shows that I want to see on my time.

I'm not talking about how finicky the 6412 is about overlapping programs and series recordings, or how dinky the guide is, and how there aren't some of the neat features people have asked them to add (like the little back up after FF that Tivo has). I'm not talking about how you have to be sure and vent the 6412 so it doesn't get grumpy.

But this is a prime-time device, put out by a prime-time company, used by advanced technogeeks like me who have found major, major, major useability issues, and have taken these to the CSRs who don't seem to know or care what we're talking about. We have forums where we collectively validate each other with "yeah, that happens to me, too" and we put together user databanks like wiki. And still, the answers we get from the people supporting these things are: unplug it and plug it in.

I'm just very disappointed. I don't know if D*tv is better or less frustrating, and I'm sure I'd never be 100% happy.

I'm just really sad that after 2 years of forum posts and being at the Comcast office first thing when a new box is available that I'm still having these problems.

Thank you for listening. :eek:

I feel like I've held my tongue long enough. As a fellow tech-nut, I totally appreciate the willingness of companies like Comcast to distribute advanced technology that might be not-ready-for-primetime so that people like us can start to play with it. In theory, our "beta testing" these things in real production environments is supposed to help them make better product.

Well, apparently, this is good theory. If it were true, then my phaseIII box wouldn't be demonstrating basically all of the same performance bugs that the first one did. I'm not dissing the hardware... that's neato to be able to DVR HD. And, I'm not an audiophile so the HDMI sound stuff discussed in here a lot isn't affecting my life.

But dang nabbit, last night when it decided to cut short Idol by 10 minutes and stop recording for who knows what reason, that was the straw, man.

Ok, I will not DIE not seeing the last 10 minutes of a show as unimportant to society as Idol. But the whole reason I pay for DVR service is so that i can watch the shows that I want to see on my time.

I'm not talking about how finicky the 6412 is about overlapping programs and series recordings, or how dinky the guide is, and how there aren't some of the neat features people have asked them to add (like the little back up after FF that Tivo has). I'm not talking about how you have to be sure and vent the 6412 so it doesn't get grumpy.

But this is a prime-time device, put out by a prime-time company, used by advanced technogeeks like me who have found major, major, major useability issues, and have taken these to the CSRs who don't seem to know or care what we're talking about. We have forums where we collectively validate each other with "yeah, that happens to me, too" and we put together user databanks like wiki. And still, the answers we get from the people supporting these things are: unplug it and plug it in.

I'm just very disappointed. I don't know if D*tv is better or less frustrating, and I'm sure I'd never be 100% happy.

I'm just really sad that after 2 years of forum posts and being at the Comcast office first thing when a new box is available that I'm still having these problems.

Thank you for listening. :eek:

Well, is it better to have something that has some "bugs" rather than wait another 6 months until all these bugs have been ironed out, yet they have added new features, which almost certainly will have more bugs?

With all my griping above, in the end, is truly great to have a box with all of these capabilities with a SECOND tuner. You have no idea what a pain it has been having to set my two Tivos to record shows that are on at the same time.

If I can find workaround, I'll be OK.

I have a 6412-II. Wondering if I should stick with this or get a 6412-III when they come in locally

Can anyone elaborate on how to tell if you have a phase II or phase III? I have DVI out, so I'm thinking that means phase II, but I'm not sure.

Is there any difference in running DVI/HDMI than just running HDMI?

Just make your own rewind 5 seconds after FF.

What I do and it works pretty well is to hit the replay button on the remote instead of play when I see that the program is back on while FFing. Not perfect, but better than having to rewind and FF slowly until the start for ever commercial.

Maybe somebody already suggested that, but I didn't feel like reading all 250 pages again.

Can anyone elaborate on how to tell if you have a phase II or phase III? I have DVI out, so I'm thinking that means phase II, but I'm not sure.

Is there any difference in running DVI/HDMI than just running HDMI?


It will have "III" on the front (I believe) and an HDMI input and work crappy from what I hear. You have a pII it sounds like.

Well, is it better to have something that has some "bugs" rather than wait another 6 months until all these bugs have been ironed out, yet they have added new features, which almost certainly will have more bugs?I don't need new features. I just need the ones that are there to work. And it would be different if they were actually fixing bugs, but for the most part they aren't. This is the third hardware revision of the 6412; who knows how many software revisions. There is no excuse for this thing having so many problems.

I don't need new features. I just need the ones that are there to work. And it would be different if they were actually fixing bugs, but for the most part they aren't. This is the third hardware revision of the 6412; who knows how many software revisions. There is no excuse for this thing having so many problems.
...and, without saying it, I realize I can try the other company's offering for HD DVR. Before the 6412, I was a dyed-in-the-wool Tivo-ite and never, never had problems like this. The D* deal is daul tuner, but you have to buy the stuff. Maybe it's worth it. I'm conflicted. I don't mean to complain out loud, so loudly... I just think I may finally be fed up.

I don't mean to complain out loud, so loudly... I just think I may finally be fed up.

So now tell us how you REALLY feel after reading in today's Portland paper about the upcoming (annual) 7.1% increase in Comcast rates?

...and, without saying it, I realize I can try the other company's offering for HD DVR. Before the 6412, I was a dyed-in-the-wool Tivo-ite and never, never had problems like this. The D* deal is daul tuner, but you have to buy the stuff. Maybe it's worth it. I'm conflicted. I don't mean to complain out loud, so loudly... I just think I may finally be fed up.

For one, you don't buy the stuff anymore because they go to a lease program on March 1st. The argument for buying was always a bit weak because you could never recover the cost in resale.

For two, the LiL in the SF Bay Area that just rolled out is a horror show from reports on another list. D* customers are seeing bad pixelation(completely unwatchable in some cases) on shows were Comcast is not.

I don't need new features. I just need the ones that are there to work. And it would be different if they were actually fixing bugs, but for the most part they aren't. This is the third hardware revision of the 6412; who knows how many software revisions. There is no excuse for this thing having so many problems.

Send your thank you cards to Motorola, a company that has never impressed me with their hardware development and support.

Just got my 6412 with DVI out and using a DVI/HDMI cable to TV. I ahev no idea if these things have been mentioned, but here goes. Possibly I'm such a newbie I should know about these things.

1. Turn off the TV after having set the recorder to record an HD show. Turn it back on and I have two of same images at top 1/2 of screen and nothing below. I hit the "swap" button twice and I'm OK. Anyone see this?
Yep. # 2.2.9 Picture appears split, shifted, garbled or "doubled", sometimes with a vertical or horizontal bar down the center (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_6412#Picture_appears_split.2C_shifted.2C_garbled_or _.22doubled.22.2C_sometimes_with_a_vertical_or_horizontal_ba r_down_the_center).

2. Try to turn off the TV and get the message, that I need to stop recording due to action I just performed. So I "SELECT" and get teh same message. Finally I hit the "TV" button and then "OFF" and I'M OK.
As already mentioned, I believe since the remote is for the STB it defaults to operating the STB. If you don't want to use the "All On" button to turn everything off, then just hit "TV" then "POWER" like you've been doing, but do it the first time.

3. Can't stop and start action unless somehow I get into a live TV mode after swicthing tuners - Tivo was so simple.
Huh?

4. Started to record a show and then cancelled and I get the Red record thing with aline through it. Doesn't cancel - just cancel it.
If you have the red circle with a line through it, then the recording is cancelled. If a portion of the show was recorded, then you will see it show up on your recorded programs list, but only the portion that was recorded before you cancelled is there.

I don't recall if it will do this for any scheduled recording or just for series recordings. In the i-Guide, where you see the show listing with the red circle with the line through it, highlight the program, hit the INFO button, select the Record option (red circle), and see what it says. If it mentions something about modifying the series recording, then it obviously thinks it's supposed to be recording the series. You can select "View all options" to see what settings exist for the recording, or you can cancel or modify the recording(s).

5. Why with some shows I set them to record in future and I see the red circle in the guide, and others I know I set to record, I see no circle?
Using the procedure I mentioned for #4 above, or from the Main Menu > DVR > Series Priority menu, you can see what the individual settings are for that series. If "First Run Only" is selected, then reruns won't be recorded, which I suspect is happening here. If you are highlighting a show in the i-Guide and hitting the RECORD button on the remote, and then it's disappearing later, I'd check to make sure it's the correct channel and time you set before. If not, I don't know.

Any links anyone can show me or any help?

Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_6412). Always the Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_6412).

For one, you don't buy the stuff anymore because they go to a lease program on March 1st. The argument for buying was always a bit weak because you could never recover the cost in resale.

can you offer any more specifics about the Lease Program? I'm assumming you're talking about D* hardware....



For two, the LiL in the SF Bay Area that just rolled out is a horror show from reports on another list. D* customers are seeing bad pixelation(completely unwatchable in some cases) on shows were Comcast is not.

like I said, I know that nothing is perfect. The 6412 experience just seems more than usual not-perfect...

So now tell us how you REALLY feel after reading in today's Portland paper about the upcoming (annual) 7.1% increase in Comcast rates?
OUCH! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

First Beta Test of the unit in next 2 months from my comcast sources.

Still due out in public if it passes beta buy Aug. 2006

:eek: :eek: :eek:

Well if it works ok this will be the year I try TIVO for the first time. Honestly the 6412 is doing most of the things I need with a few minor things. I don't get most of the bugs some people compalin about here so perhaps I got lucky. The only two things that are the most annoying are:

1. The remote commands sometimes don't work and then when they do they all come at once (no pun intended)
2. Some guide info not being properly tagged for new/repeat on some shows.

Other than that no major complaints.

So bring the TIVO

Additionally how long does it take to make Tivo software work on a Motorola STB? This was announced at last years CES. When Apple was in talks with Intel about switching to their processerors they were able to change their code for OSX to work on an Intel machine in a matter of hours. How can this take Comcast 18 months?

Comcast+Motorola ╪ Intel+Apple

So now tell us how you REALLY feel after reading in today's Portland paper about the upcoming (annual) 7.1% increase in Comcast rates?

Assumming you have the same programming from alast year, bith D* and E* are also hiking rates but yeah I agree neither of them as high as Comcast.

5. Why with some shows I set them to record in future and I see the red circle in the guide, and others I know I set to record, I see no circle?

Possibly your two tuners are recording shows at that time who have a higher priority, in which case this lower priority show will not be recorded.

Assumming you have the same programming from alast year, bith D* and E* are also hiking rates but yeah I agree neither of them as high as Comcast.


Just wait till your area gets FIOS...... My area is planned to start digging and dropping Fiber cable in 9 Mo. W/ Service to be available Jan 2007.

Just wait till your area gets FIOS...... My area is planned to start digging and dropping Fiber cable in 9 Mo. W/ Service to be available Jan 2007.

Verizon has already laid fiber (FIOS) in my area and is offering internet now. TV won't be available until at least late 2007. The competition can't start soon enough! :(
So Comcast gets to add another 7+% next year, as well. D* and E* are not options in my topography.

can you offer any more specifics about the Lease Program? I'm assumming you're talking about D* hardware....


D* has been talking about going to a lease program for 6 months or better and recently made that official. I believe you can find details on their website. Anything announced will probably pertain to the currently available hardware, but no reason to think it won't also apply to the MPEG4 DVR once it actually hits the streets.

To be honest, I don't think D* is in the best position competitively right now. Until they launch more sats next year, they are pinched for national HD channel bandwidth. The two recent sat launches are meant for LiL service. E* is aggressively pushing into more HD now and Comcast has reserve HD bandwidth they can turn on(in most locations) if/when they start feeling the heat.

They have made this situation worse be giving everyone a HD DVR. If you are an HD user you are going to have more complex problems then some guy with 10 year old Zenith. But you are lumped in with the masses and get the same poor level of tech support (if you can even call it that).

It isn't always true that HD users have complex problems to solve. It seems to me that the vast majority of problems reported on this site are by people who are using the DVI or HDMI outputs on the DVR.

I have a 57" wide screen rear projection HD monitor, a Denon A/V amp and a stack of A/V equipment. I feed 'component' signals from all my devices to the amp and send 'component' video to my TV. Sound is handled digitally via optical and coaxial cables and I operate a full 7.1 surround sound home cinema setup.

I suffer NONE of the issue discussed here! I've had a Phase I DVR since the day they were released. I watch HD material at 1080i resolution and the picture is always stunning. My DVR is never switched off and I record tons of programs. I usually manage a list of around 20+ series records at any point in time.

Yes, the 6412 is FAR from perfect! It has tons of idiosynchronies that annoy at best and frustrate mostly, but at the core, it works. I was a Tivo user since the first day Tivo became available and I was devoted to it! I relied on Tivo so much but the draw of dual HD tuners on the 6412 DVR was just too much to ignore. I hate the interface of the 6412, but at the core, the dual HD tuners work fine and the DVR records programs with higher quality than my Tivo PVR did.

Personally, I bite my lip and live with the flaws of the 6412 so I can reap the benefits of the technology. I pray that the Tivo port to the 6412 is going to be good! Time will tell.

I suffer NONE of the issue discussed here! I've had a Phase I DVR since the day they were released. Perhaps that's why; you're using a Phase I. I think they are adding bugs as they go along. Perhaps Motorola's engineering department is just bored and looking to stir up a little excitement.

It isn't always true that HD users have complex problems to solve. It seems to me that the vast majority of problems reported on this site are by people who are using the DVI or HDMI outputs on the DVR.

I have a 57" wide screen rear projection HD monitor, a Denon A/V amp and a stack of A/V equipment. I feed 'component' signals from all my devices to the amp and send 'component' video to my TV. ...
I concede that there are probably more problems with the digital ports than with the analog ports, but that isn't reason enough to say, "Well, just use the component outputs."

I have a digital TV. I have digital cable and a digital STB. The TV and STB have a digital interface they can share; they should be able to use it. I want the best quality possible, no matter how negligible some might claim the difference is between the different interfaces. I watch a lot of HD programs, and I watch almost all of my HD content from the 6412, so I want it to use the best connection possible between the STB and the TV.

The problems involving the display output (garbled image, or the "no picture" issue) are tolerable in my opinion, and easy to fix. The only kind of issues one should expect from one's choice of video interface, are video issues. For all kinds of other issues to crop up, simply because I'm using the DVI output instead of the component outputs, would be a greater indictment of Motorola's QA process, for allowing guide, programming, and DVR functions to get polluted by A/V issues.

And of course, this is all IF there truly is a greater occurrence of issues with digital over analog outputs --- every box is different (variances in construction, assembly, quality and availability in parts), every local cable system is different, and every user's experience is different. You are fortunate that you have had, for the most part, a positive experience with the 6412. I, too, have had a mostly positive experience. While I've experienced a few bugs that have been annoying and frustrating, I still love my 6412, and wouldn't give it up for anything else currently on the market. In time, if the TiVo box is a success, I'll gladly trade up. But that doesn't preclude me from airing a few gripes or attempting to explore the issues. While a great deal of this site is rehash and pointless rambling, the rest is pure gold, and I would be lost without it.

I have a 6412 in the living room and bedroom. Both boxes are getting an echo effect in the sound. Like talking in cave. This only happens on the HD NBC channel. The local shows ,such as news, commercials etc. don't do this. If I'm watching a primetime show the network fed commercials have the echoing sound but if they play a local commercial it stops then it's back when the network feed starts back up. Has anyone else had this problem or knows what it might be.

I have a 6412 in the living room and bedroom. Both boxes are getting an echo effect in the sound. Like talking in cave. This only happens on the HD NBC channel. The local shows ,such as news, commercials etc. don't do this. If I'm watching a primetime show the network fed commercials have the echoing sound but if they play a local commercial it stops then it's back when the network feed starts back up. Has anyone else had this problem or knows what it might be.
This has only been recently, correct? If so, it's a station or network problem, NBC has been having audio issues within the last week, shouldn't be anything related to the 6412.

I

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?

This is one of my MAIN COMPLAINTS about this box. Fortunately, not hard of hearing, yet, but a couple of shows would benefit from reading dialog that is hard to understand - South Park (only watch occasionally) and West Wing. The latter is a must see. We find ourselves often hitting the 15 second "backup key" to replay a line we missed.
We don't need CC on all the time. I hate to say it, but I hope that some "do-gooder" group gets after Comcast and makes CC available w.o. the averagge person having to hire a tech to work the box.

...mike

D* has been talking about going to a lease program for 6 months or better and recently made that official. I believe you can find details on their website. Anything announced will probably pertain to the currently available hardware, but no reason to think it won't also apply to the MPEG4 DVR once it actually hits the streets.

To be honest, I don't think D* is in the best position competitively right now. Until they launch more sats next year, they are pinched for national HD channel bandwidth. The two recent sat launches are meant for LiL service. E* is aggressively pushing into more HD now and Comcast has reserve HD bandwidth they can turn on(in most locations) if/when they start feeling the heat.

At CES the D* reps were saying "no more HD in the forseeable future". Giving HD LIL is not "more HD" for an individual user. Besides, like DISH, they have no intention of offering PBS HD. At least Comcast does. If you want PBS HD via sat. you have to get one of the Canadian DBS systems. (We have BEV.)

...mike

Newbie here. I'm a big proponent of "searching before asking" but after spending the better part of an hour through hundreds of pages of this thread - I still can't find a definitive answer for this oft-asked question:

I just got my comcast 6412 installed today. My remote (inside battery case) is labeled : G054603 URC-1067ABG1. As a former die-hard Tivo guy, I want my 30 second skip back! All the instructions I've seen for entering codes refer to a setup button - I don't have this button.

Any way around? I have a harmony 680 and if I knew what to feed it for the 30 sec skip I'd be a happy man....

If it's officially been disabled in the box itself I'll be ticked but at least I'll know.

thanks all

Newbie here. I'm a big proponent of "searching before asking" but after spending the better part of an hour through hundreds of pages of this thread - I still can't find a definitive answer for this oft-asked question:

I just got my comcast 6412 installed today. My remote (inside battery case) is labeled : G054603 URC-1067ABG1. As a former die-hard Tivo guy, I want my 30 second skip back! All the instructions I've seen for entering codes refer to a setup button - I don't have this button.

Any way around? I have a harmony 680 and if I knew what to feed it for the 30 sec skip I'd be a happy man....

If it's officially been disabled in the box itself I'll be ticked but at least I'll know.

thanks all

Wasn't the skip command in the Harmony database when you added the 6412 to your system configuration? It was when I purchased a 659 two years ago and I use it all the time. I have a 680 in the bedroom, but there I have a Motorola 6200 (no DVR function) so I don't need the skip function on that remote.

Newbie here. I'm a big proponent of "searching before asking" but after spending the better part of an hour through hundreds of pages of this thread - I still can't find a definitive answer for this oft-asked question:

I just got my comcast 6412 installed today. My remote (inside battery case) is labeled : G054603 URC-1067ABG1. As a former die-hard Tivo guy, I want my 30 second skip back! All the instructions I've seen for entering codes refer to a setup button - I don't have this button.

Any way around? I have a harmony 680 and if I knew what to feed it for the 30 sec skip I'd be a happy man....

If it's officially been disabled in the box itself I'll be ticked but at least I'll know.

thanks all

You have the silver Comcast remote URC-1067ABG1 Correct?

You have the silver Comcast remote URC-1067ABG1 Correct?


Correct, sir.

Wasn't the skip command in the Harmony database when you added the 6412 to your system configuration? It was when I purchased a 659 two years ago and I use it all the time. I have a 680 in the bedroom, but there I have a Motorola 6200 (no DVR function) so I don't need the skip function on that remote.

Nope. There's a command called "advance" which I tried but nada....

Newbie here. I'm a big proponent of "searching before asking" but after spending the better part of an hour through hundreds of pages of this thread - I still can't find a definitive answer for this oft-asked question:

I just got my comcast 6412 installed today. My remote (inside battery case) is labeled : G054603 URC-1067ABG1. As a former die-hard Tivo guy, I want my 30 second skip back! All the instructions I've seen for entering codes refer to a setup button - I don't have this button.

Any way around? I have a harmony 680 and if I knew what to feed it for the 30 sec skip I'd be a happy man....

If it's officially been disabled in the box itself I'll be ticked but at least I'll know.

thanks all

This website (http://cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dct6412remote) may have what you want....

Also, here is a post from another thread that may help...(I have not tried it)

How to program the remote for 30, 60, 90, 120 (and more) Second Skip

Create a 30 second skip using the following directions:

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

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

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

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


As for the Audio settings in the IPG setup menu, those are only for the analog audio output's. These settings do not change anything on the Digital Audio outputs.

The STB is ALWAYS on. You would have to unplug the power cord to shut it off.
the power off mode is only a standby mode that shuts down the A/V outputs.

Leave the STB on at all times to avoid several potential problems.

Thanks David, but like I said in my original post, there is no "setup" button on my remote.

Thanks David, but like I said in my original post, there is no "setup" button on my remote.

At the top of the remote there should be 5 keys.

from left to right

Aux
TV
Cable
Power
Setup

this is the same remote as you have listed.

There are only 4 models of the Comcast Silver remote in use. All 4 have those 5 keys/buttons at the top.

If not, you need to replace your comcast remote. This site sells them cheap.

http://store.jce123.com/remotes/ComcastURC_1067_ABG1_02.php

My bad. I've been staring at too many remotes while setting up my 680 - didn't even see the setup button even when I was looking for it.

Thanks

My bad. I've been staring at too many remotes while setting up my 680 - didn't even see the setup button even when I was looking for it.

Thanks

No Problem Scott,

That's what the group is here for. :)

Hello everyone. I just joined here and this is my first post! I'm from Richmond, VA.

About a month ago my family got the Comcast Digital Classic package and a Motorola 6412 Phase III. We have been so satisfied with the picture quality and the dolby digital. However, we have recently noticed that there are issues when watching tv when the box is recording. This most recently happened when watching American Idol with my friends last night. The first 45 minutes or so was fine, then all of a sudden the whole thing stopped for like 1.5 minutes, just stuck on one frame with no sound. We just sat there until it started back up again. Then, it kept happening, but for shorter periods of time, like 10-20 seconds each time. It got so bad that we had to go downstairs and watch it on the old tv. That is not what HD is for! I recorded the show, but have not watched it back yet so I can't say whether or not the pauses reflect in the recording as well. This has also happened while watching previously recorded shows (in analog) while the DVR was recording another show (also in analog). Do you think we have a bad box or is this a common problem? I read somewhere that a similar bug should be fixed after firmware 9.xx, and our firmware is 12.xx. Any advice would be appreciated!

Hello everyone. I just joined here and this is my first post! I'm from Richmond, VA.

About a month ago my family got the Comcast Digital Classic package and a Motorola 6412 Phase III. We have been so satisfied with the picture quality and the dolby digital. However, we have recently noticed that there are issues when watching tv when the box is recording. This most recently happened when watching American Idol with my friends last night. The first 45 minutes or so was fine, then all of a sudden the whole thing stopped for like 1.5 minutes, just stuck on one frame with no sound. We just sat there until it started back up again. Then, it kept happening, but for shorter periods of time, like 10-20 seconds each time. It got so bad that we had to go downstairs and watch it on the old tv. That is not what HD is for! I recorded the show, but have not watched it back yet so I can't say whether or not the pauses reflect in the recording as well. This has also happened while watching previously recorded shows (in analog) while the DVR was recording another show (also in analog). Do you think we have a bad box or is this a common problem? I read somewhere that a similar bug should be fixed after firmware 9.xx, and our firmware is 12.xx. Any advice would be appreciated!


I'm pretty sure it was not the box. This happens when the box looses the signal.

I'm pretty sure it was not the box. This happens when the box looses the signal.

But even when you're watching a show that was previously recorded? The other night my Dad and I were watching a recording we made of "Match Game" (ha ha - we're dorks!) on the DVR, and it just froze for like a minute before starting back up again. Maybe we should look into getting a signal amplifier so this sort of thing doesn't happen again? Also... if the cable box has 2 tuners, does that mean that each tuner will only be half as strong - i.e. is the box essentially splitting the cable strength? Because our signal strength isn't all that great anyway. Well thanks for the response!

If it loses the signal while it is recording. It will record the blank time since the PVR is set to record a certain time. I've had this happen before a couple of times when the main local channel whent out. The pvr froze. I swapped tuners & it was fine. I swapped back & it was still froze. I then switched over to my Voom reciever to the same OTA channel & it was out. As soon as they came back on, the PVR had a signal again.


I would say research to see what a GOOD signal level is & either do an amp. or get your cable company out there to find out why your signal is so low & get it fixed.

I'm not sure if I should be starting another thread or if yhis has been answered, so please bear with me.

I have a 6412-II and have only had it a few days.

I've had Tivos for years.

Yesterday, I got the black screen and no program data, and after playing around with the panel and remote was able to get a picture, and then eventually all the program data reseloaded. May have been related to the fact that the Comcast repairman disconnected my wire and reconnected it to solve another problem.

Main problem now is when playing a recording the "PAUSE/BACK/FORWARD" buttons are not functional. Only one that works is "replay". OK with live tV and those buttons.

Is this a "box" issue - ie defective box, a s/w issue, a firmware issue, or known problem with -II boxes which has been fixed with -III boxes?

[FONT=Arial]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.


Which is making me wonder if this is the reason my Dell 50" TV does nothing when I switch from Standard to Full to Wide. If the signal from the box to the TV is always 1080i, regardless of whether the station I am trying to scale is SD or HD, this would make me think that's why you can't scale the picture (only Zoom works, and cuts off part of the picture.)

However, even when I bypass the Motorola box completely, and hook up the TV with a straight Coax to Analog input it still does not scale. Curious as to if others, Dell TV or not, are able to change the aspect ratio (think Panny calls it Full) to get a non-linear stretch with this STB?

[FONT=Arial]


Which is making me wonder if this is the reason my Dell 50" TV does nothing when I switch from Standard to Full to Wide. If the signal from the box to the TV is always 1080i, regardless of whether the station I am trying to scale is SD or HD, this would make me think that's why you can't scale the picture (only Zoom works, and cuts off part of the picture.)

However, even when I bypass the Motorola box completely, and hook up the TV with a straight Coax to Analog input it still does not scale. Curious as to if others, Dell TV or not, are able to change the aspect ratio (think Panny calls it Full) to get a non-linear stretch with this STB?

And Yes, I have tried 480i override. You either get a stretched image (with 480i/480P/Stretch) or black boxes (Override=Off). I had hoped that override=Off, and Wide setting would do a non-linear stretch for SD, but it does not. (With component or with HDMI.) Also tried changing the boxes output from 1080i to all the other settings too, same result. Unfortuantely I don't have an svideo cable, or composite, but might try those next just to see if it works (would would think it would be the same as bypassing the box and using Analog (ie full stretch.)

And Yes, I have tried 480i override. You either get a stretched image (with 480i/480P/Stretch) or black boxes (Override=Off). I had hoped that override=Off, and Wide setting would do a non-linear stretch for SD, but it does not. (With component or with HDMI.) Also tried changing the boxes output from 1080i to all the other settings too, same result. Unfortuantely I don't have an svideo cable, or composite, but might try those next just to see if it works (would would think it would be the same as bypassing the box and using Analog (ie full stretch.)I think S-Video is what I'd try next too. I've had the same problem, but in my case I was able to resolve it with one of the override settings. Can't remember for sure without looking, think it was "off." Before, I'd get all SD with black bars, which was fine except for letterboxed material. I couldn't go into zoom mode to fill the screen. Now everytime I tune an SD channel, it's in stretch mode by default and I have to manually change the TV's aspect ratio, but at least I can change the TV's aspect ratio.

Things would be much simpler if you could easily change the aspect of the 6412. Sometimes I really miss my Samsung D* box. No DVR, but it didn't have all the Motorola's little quirks.

No Problem Scott,

That's what the group is here for. :)


I appreciate the patience. I followed the instructions for the 30 second skip, the silver remote seemed to accept everything fine but...

when I press the button I assigned the 30 second skip code to while watching a recorded program it doesn't work. Something is being sent - the program seems to hiccup - but then resumes playing at the same place.

I tried to use both the hd zoom button and then A-lock button for the code assignment. I'm in Seattle and have the Microsoft version of the software - I think I read somewhere that it was perhaps disabled for these codes?

Any help appreciated!

I appreciate the patience. I followed the instructions for the 30 second skip, the silver remote seemed to accept everything fine but...

when I press the button I assigned the 30 second skip code to while watching a recorded program it doesn't work. Something is being sent - the program seems to hiccup - but then resumes playing at the same place.

I tried to use both the hd zoom button and then A-lock button for the code assignment. I'm in Seattle and have the Microsoft version of the software - I think I read somewhere that it was perhaps disabled for these codes?

Any help appreciated!

Scott,

Here is the link for the thread you need. It deals with Washington State - Comcast 6412 w/ MSFT Software.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=467203

I appreciate the patience. I followed the instructions for the 30 second skip, the silver remote seemed to accept everything fine but...

when I press the button I assigned the 30 second skip code to while watching a recorded program it doesn't work. Something is being sent - the program seems to hiccup - but then resumes playing at the same place.

I tried to use both the hd zoom button and then A-lock button for the code assignment. I'm in Seattle and have the Microsoft version of the software - I think I read somewhere that it was perhaps disabled for these codes?

Any help appreciated!
Since you are in the "6412 iGuide" forum, you should have mentioned Microsoft to save yourself extra headaches. I'm nearly certain that I remember reading that skip has been disabled in that software. I either read it in this massive thread or in a "6412 Microsoft" thread.

Sorry if this has been covered already, but I can't seem to find it using the search function:
Is there an easy way to eliminate certain channels from being displayed on the i-guide? I don't need or want to see listings for those channels for which I have no subscription, or any of the Spanish/Chinese/CSPAN/HSN, etc channels. Since I never watch those channels, it doesn't make any sense for them to show up on my i-guide. It just makes it slower to navigate through.

Also, I never seem to be able to remember which channels I do subscribe to, and sometimes I see something that looks interesting, only to find that when I try to tune it in, it's not available to me.

Is the "Favorites" the way to do this? BTW, I have Comcast Digital Gold service.
Thanks for all your help!

Microsoft disabled the hooks for the 30-second skip from the beginning at the request of Comcast, so you won't be able to get it to work.

Sorry if this has been covered already, but I can't seem to find it using the search function:
Is there an easy way to eliminate certain channels from being displayed on the i-guide? I don't need or want to see listings for those channels for which I have no subscription, or any of the Spanish/Chinese/CSPAN/HSN, etc channels. Since I never watch those channels, it doesn't make any sense for them to show up on my i-guide. It just makes it slower to navigate through.

Also, I never seem to be able to remember which channels I do subscribe to, and sometimes I see something that looks interesting, only to find that when I try to tune it in, it's not available to me.

Is the "Favorites" the way to do this? BTW, I have Comcast Digital Gold service.
Thanks for all your help!

You can NOT remove Ch. listings from the guide, however setting the Ch up as Fav. will allow you to quickly go through the list in 1 Direction only. It will just move the list to your next Fav Ch.

It sucks and is one of the major complaints about the IGUIDE IPG Software.

Microsoft disabled the hooks for the 30-second skip from the beginning at the request of Comcast, so you won't be able to get it to work.

Arrrg! :mad: Well, I guess I'll stop bashing my head against the wall.

Is there an easy way to eliminate certain channels from being displayed on the i-guide? I don't need or want to see listings for those channels for which I have no subscription, or any of the Spanish/Chinese/CSPAN/HSN, etc channels. Since I never watch those channels, it doesn't make any sense for them to show up on my i-guide. It just makes it slower to navigate through.You'd really think there'd be a way to do that, wouldn't you? You can set favorites, but I've never found a way to get the guide to display only those channels. If anyone else has, I too would love to hear about it.

I think S-Video is what I'd try next too. I've had the same problem, but in my case I was able to resolve it with one of the override settings. Can't remember for sure without looking, think it was "off." Before, I'd get all SD with black bars, which was fine except for letterboxed material. I couldn't go into zoom mode to fill the screen. Now everytime I tune an SD channel, it's in stretch mode by default and I have to manually change the TV's aspect ratio, but at least I can change the TV's aspect ratio.

Things would be much simpler if you could easily change the aspect of the 6412. Sometimes I really miss my Samsung D* box. No DVR, but it didn't have all the Motorola's little quirks.

Yes, if I use an override setting of 480i, 480P or Zoom on the box then I can get full screen SD content (stretch mode by default). I would rather have it set to off, have black boxes and live with it (or use zoom and lose part of the picture.) But what I really want is for the non-linear zoom to work. It's not distorted in the middle, only on the sides. That's what I'm after.

Dell says it's likely an issue with the 6412 iii. Don't know, but do know that no box at all and straight analog and wide does not work (it's full stretch). Using the 6412 it also does not work with any output resolution I pick, or any 480i override setting I pick, when connected via component or hdmi. That leaves s-video and composite to try (not that I would switch inputs every time I switched channels!) Then I return the TV, or I live with black boxes and/or zoom all the time on SD and unzoom when I go back to HD.

You can NOT remove Ch. listings from the guide, however setting the Ch up as Fav. will allow you to quickly go through the list in 1 Direction only. It will just move the list to your next Fav Ch.

It sucks and is one of the major complaints about the IGUIDE IPG Software.
Thanks Scanpa! God bless MotoCast! Or is that Comcorola? :D
So what you're suggesting would require me to go through and set all the channels I DO want to see as "Favorites", then remap a remote button (e.g. CH up) as a "Fav" button?

Not sure I understand. How does the "favorites" function work in the first place? Seems if you set your favorite channels, there must already be a way to get to them from the remote without having to remap a button.
What am I missing?

The mention of the Microsoft Guide in the Seattle area brings to mind a few questions. Since I live in Atlanta, its only a curiousity to me, and I'm not going to try and read through the "massive" Microsoft thread. I just thought someone here might have been tracking it and could answer:

1) Are they having similar problems to those that have been well discussed here with Iguide? Some of the problems are firmware issues, but many are in the IPG.

2) The Iguide has had virtually no incremental improvements, although we are expecting a major change in the "mosaic" version due out this year. Is the same true for MS?

3) Does Comcast have plans to deploy the MS guide more broadly? Between the Iguide and forthcoming Tivo software alternative, it would seem like over kill.

Thanks Scanpa! God bless MotoCast! Or is that Comcorola? :D
So what you're suggesting would require me to go through and set all the channels I DO want to see as "Favorites", then remap a remote button (e.g. CH up) as a "Fav" button?

Not sure I understand. How does the "favorites" function work in the first place? Seems if you set your favorite channels, there must already be a way to get to them from the remote without having to remap a button.
What am I missing?

Your remote should have a Favorites button already. It is the gray button just to the left of the Channel Up/Down rocker.


That said, the favorites is still a PITA, not worth the trouble.

Yes, if I use an override setting of 480i, 480P or Zoom on the box then I can get full screen SD content (stretch mode by default). I would rather have it set to off, have black boxes and live with it (or use zoom and lose part of the picture.) But what I really want is for the non-linear zoom to work. It's not distorted in the middle, only on the sides. That's what I'm after.

Dell says it's likely an issue with the 6412 iii. Don't know, but do know that no box at all and straight analog and wide does not work (it's full stretch). Using the 6412 it also does not work with any output resolution I pick, or any 480i override setting I pick, when connected via component or hdmi. That leaves s-video and composite to try (not that I would switch inputs every time I switched channels!) Then I return the TV, or I live with black boxes and/or zoom all the time on SD and unzoom when I go back to HD.I'm not sure I'm following you here... Are you saying that you can change aspect ratios on your TV, but that only certain ones work?

The mention of the Microsoft Guide in the Seattle area brings to mind a few questions. Since I live in Atlanta, its only a curiousity to me, and I'm not going to try and read through the "massive" Microsoft thread. I just thought someone here might have been tracking it and could answer:

1) Are they having similar problems to those that have been well discussed here with Iguide? Some of the problems are firmware issues, but many are in the IPG.

2) The Iguide has had virtually no incremental improvements, although we are expecting a major change in the "mosaic" version due out this year. Is the same true for MS?

3) Does Comcast have plans to deploy the MS guide more broadly? Between the Iguide and forthcoming Tivo software alternative, it would seem like over kill.

1) Similar problems, but there don't seem to be too many (especially since I leave the 6412 on).

2) We've had some problems that were fixed. The biggest one I recall was related to signal interference when recording overlapping programs, about a year ago.

3) I've never figured out what the future holds for MS and Comcast. I've seen no indication that the MS guide is being replaced here, other than the TiVo option to come.

Some differences:

We can specify which channels appear in the guide listings and the sequential remote tuning. You'd like that.

Tuner selection is automatic. No need (or ability) to swap tuners.

In the last s/w release they added a feature that skips back about 5 seconds when you hit play after FF.

I'm not sure I'm following you here... Are you saying that you can change aspect ratios on your TV, but that only certain ones work?

No, I change the output and 480i override on the 6412 to change the aspect ratio. And I have changed from HDMI to Analog and Component, and have tried all the output settings on the Motorola with each connection. None work with the Wide setting to do non-linear stretch. I either get black boxes (which I can zoom which does a crop), or I get full stretch mode (480i override set to 480i, 480P, and Zoom all do the same thing.)

I would have thought that if it was because I had the Motorola set to 1080i output, changing that (not the override) to 480 would have let wide in the TV work. It didn't, at least not with component or HDMI. Just to see what it does I'll get an svideo cord, then try all the output modes and overrides on the Motorola to see if wide works with any of them.

Tuner selection is automatic. No need (or ability) to swap tuners.
Really? When watching live tv, how do you watch 2 channels at the same time - pausing one channel before you watch the other channel and visa-versa? I consider my swap button a pro, not a con.

Nope. There's a command called "advance" which I tried but nada....

I have 2 Harmony remotes; a 676 and an 880. Check the code database again. You should see a code labelled '30SecSkip'. It does what it says. Both my remotes are programed with this code and it works.

The 680 is very similar to my 676. That code should be in the DB.

Mark

For me it was labeled "Advance" in the database. I have a Harmony 659.... I haven't tried it during a sporting event with a clock to see how much time it skips, but I think its the same as the 30 second skip.

For me it was labeled "Advance" in the database. I have a Harmony 659.... I haven't tried it during a sporting event with a clock to see how much time it skips, but I think its the same as the 30 second skip.
I use that remote with the 6412, and Advance *is* the 30 second skip. I've set Advance to be activated by the remote's easily-accessed Stop button (I use Exit to stop viewing playback).

Really? When watching live tv, how do you watch 2 channels at the same time - pausing one channel before you watch the other channel and visa-versa? I consider my swap button a pro, not a con.

I don't do that. You can switch back and forth using the "last" button, but it stays with the same tuner unless you're recording something. Do you have separate buffers for each tuner?

My biggest remaining problem is the sporadic lack of response of the box to queued up commands. I think this is in the Motorola firmware, and indicates a very poor implementation of a real-time system.

My biggest remaining problem is the sporadic lack of response of the box to queued up commands. I think this is in the Motorola firmware, and indicates a very poor implementation of a real-time system.Mine stopped doing that when I stopped using HDMI... but regardless of the cause, I'll agree it's a very poor implementation.

I don't do that. You can switch back and forth using the "last" button, but it stays with the same tuner unless you're recording something. Do you have separate buffers for each tuner?

My biggest remaining problem is the sporadic lack of response of the box to queued up commands. I think this is in the Motorola firmware, and indicates a very poor implementation of a real-time system.
Yes, they both buffer. Using swap is like "last" on steroids.

I use component cables and I also get the queued up command problem. Lately it happens all the time . Sounds like there are a variety of reasons that it might happen, but I think mine lately is due to my disk being over 75% full.

Hello everyone. I just joined here and this is my first post! I'm from Richmond, VA.



Welcome to the thread Chad... I'm also in Richmond, VA.
Here is a link to the Richmond VA HDTV Thread... http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=435750

JayMan

I use component cables and I also get the queued up command problem. Lately it happens all the time . Sounds like there are a variety of reasons that it might happen, but I think mine lately is due to my disk being over 75% full.

Man, if you can deduce a locally-resolvable cause to the remote command delay issue, I want to hear about it. It happens to me and I use DVI out of my P2 and my disk is only at 50% full. It does seem to be occurring more often lately than ever before. I've had the 6412 for over a year now and the issue has been with us for most of that time with disk space from -0- to 90% full. :(

Man, if you can deduce a locally-resolvable cause to the remote command delay issue, I want to hear about it. It happens to me and I use DVI out of my P2 and my disk is only at 50% full. It does seem to be occurring more often lately than ever before. I've had the 6412 for over a year now and the issue has been with us for most of that time with disk space from -0- to 90% full. :(
I agree. I get the problem no matter how full (up to 80%) or empty (down to 20%) that my disk is. I use component cables with my P2, but never felt that had anything to do with the problem. I've suspected the problem worsened if one or both of the tuners was on a hi-def channel, especially the INHD channels. But I don't have any data to back that up. I have had what I consider a related problem in pausing a hi-def channel, swapping tuners and trying to switch channels on the second tuner to another hi-def channel (in this case, I get a message telling me to wait while it tries to get the channel, and the waiting takes a long time)

I agree. I get the problem no matter how full (up to 80%) or empty (down to 20%) that my disk is. I use component cables with my P2, but never felt that had anything to do with the problem. I've suspected the problem worsened if one or both of the tuners was on a hi-def channel, especially the INHD channels. But I don't have any data to back that up. I have had what I consider a related problem in pausing a hi-def channel, swapping tuners and trying to switch channels on the second tuner to another hi-def channel (in this case, I get a message telling me to wait while it tries to get the channel, and the waiting takes a long time)
A full hdd is purely speculation on my part. I haven't paid much attention to both tuners on HD, but I will now keep an eye on it. I was able to get my HD down to about 50% yesterday, after which I only got a couple of command queued, and they didn't take more than a couple seconds to unqueue. That is much better than its been for last couple weeks. I will definately keep my eye on the sd/hd content of each tuner going forward.

This has happened to me a couple times now and it happened with Monday nights 24 and last Tusday's The Shield. The DVR will record about 10 min and terminate, then there's a seperate recording that says 24 but it's a whole different channel, and it records for about 10 hours, it's almost like the second recording got stuck somehow. Anyone have this happen ?

New question (I hope):
Is there a way to tell this box to only record a specific show on a specific day of the week?
I was to record only new episodes of Stargate, but apparently they don't provide the "new" trigger, so it records every episode, new or old. I end up with 3 or 4 recordings per week, most of them episodes from years ago.

If I could at least get it to record only the Friday airing, I'd be happy.

New question (I hope):
Is there a way to tell this box to only record a specific show on a specific day of the week?
I was to record only new episodes of Stargate, but apparently they don't provide the "new" trigger, so it records every episode, new or old. I end up with 3 or 4 recordings per week, most of them episodes from years ago.

If I could at least get it to record only the Friday airing, I'd be happy.

yup I was wondering about this too....quite annoying, but I guess because its not digital? Is there any workaround for this?

New question (I hope):
Is there a way to tell this box to only record a specific show on a specific day of the week?
I was to record only new episodes of Stargate, but apparently they don't provide the "new" trigger, so it records every episode, new or old. I end up with 3 or 4 recordings per week, most of them episodes from years ago.

If I could at least get it to record only the Friday airing, I'd be happy.

You can create a manual recording and schedule it to record a specific channel at a specific time. While you are setting that up, you can specify for it to record weekly.

New question (I hope):
Is there a way to tell this box to only record a specific show on a specific day of the week?
I was to record only new episodes of Stargate, but apparently they don't provide the "new" trigger, so it records every episode, new or old. I end up with 3 or 4 recordings per week, most of them episodes from years ago.

If I could at least get it to record only the Friday airing, I'd be happy.

Yeah this is annoying. This is due to bad guide data not tagged properly. Usually older shows or syndicated shows. You can go to the scheduled recordings and tell it to not record the ones you don't want. But that only works up to the two weeks of data. Once that is up you have to do it again. Or you can create a manual recording if only on fridays they show new shows. Remember tha a manual recording will not track the program if it moves to another day/hour though. What I do is I just delete what I don't want everyday. But If I had too many shows with this problem it would get tiresome. I only have one though.

yup I was wondering about this too....quite annoying, but I guess because its not digital? Is there any workaround for this?

I don't think it has to do with the not digital as last year HBO did not properly tagged some Rome shows and I ended up missing them. Luckily they re-aired on Tuesdays. Common denomintor I have seen for this is older shows like I said above

Go HERE (http://www.scan-pa.com/AVS/) for FULL Manual for the remote and STB related Files.


Go Here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_6412) for the 6412 Wiki: This should cover the more general problems with some known solutions.


Go HERE (http://cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dct6412.htm) for advanced Remote Control info

Is there anyway to program the AUX button for more than one device?? I have tv,cable, dvd,vcr,rec. devices. On this remote you can only program TV,CABLE,AUX buttons. I would like to program both the VCR and the RECEIVER or DVD to use the AUX button.
Thanks

Yes, they both buffer. Using swap is like "last" on steroids.

I use component cables and I also get the queued up command problem. Lately it happens all the time . Sounds like there are a variety of reasons that it might happen, but I think mine lately is due to my disk being over 75% full.

Mine is on DVI and the command queu problem is just as bad. It's sporadic but annoying. Been going on for ages. When I raised the issue 6 months ago I was told there was a firmware update fix coming in weeks. There have been a couple of firmware version upgrades, but no change in the behavior.


Bill

It's definitely not HDMI causing the command queue problems. I use the old composite a/v (yeah, I'm really up to date here!) and get the problem all the time. Phase III box, for the record. Had it since first week of Nov.

I did have an issue recently I wanted to ask about. I had a manually scheduled recording set to record an HD channel for three hours (well, technically 3 hours and 2 minutes, gotta include lead time since shows absolutely never start at the exact time the box uses - and yes, I know I said I use composite above, but I still record HD channels, because some shows are only shown wide on the HD channel, the SD channel gets a cut up "fullframe").

The recording looked like it worked, when I was in the DVR recordings page, it said it had recorded for 182 minutes, I thought everything was fine.

I started to watch my recording. At the 19 minute mark, it just stopped and popped up the delete/don't delete option. For some reason, it had only recorded 19 minutes of the recording!

Looking at the percentage full, it was consisitant with the number a 19 min HD recording would've taken up, not 182 min HD.

I absolutely was not out of space when this happened. I'd cleared plenty of room off recently and even with a full 182 min HD recording should've been well under the limit.

So, is this some sort of known issue? Is it just a random screw up of unknown origin, as I suspect, or something more? The problem hasn't repeated since, that I know of. How often does this type of thing happen to those of you who've had boxes for a while?

It's a shame that I can't trust this box, and have to have my friggin VCR record shows as a backup in case the DVR pulls this crap. Oh well, at least on the bright side, one of the hours that got killed by this is a show I can catch a rerun of soon.

For those with slow-box problems, have you tried a simple reboot? (Just pull the plug for a minute, after turning it off to prevent corruption.) I've noticed that can help when things slow down. You won't lose any recordings.

I just gave it a try. "Delayed response" has really been bad on mine recently. That and the ridiculous closed captions access are my only real complaints.

D* is planning to charge $300 upfront to rent the new MPEG4/2 DVR when it becomes available, plus at least $4.99/month rental, and maybe a DVR fee on top of that. I hope this isn't part of their plan to catch up with Comcast.

I live in Indianapolis and we have the 6412 phase III. I recently purchased a hdmi - DVI cable for the box. I turned on the dvi input and nothing.

I called comcast and they told me that the HDMI port in the back of the DVR is not active???? I asked what that means and the women responds "Well it means its not ready to be used... yet." So I then said well how do I enable it and she tells me that the port cannot be used and it wont ever be activated?? Any truth to this?

Why would motorala spend money to put the hdmi port on the box and not even utilize the advantage of it??? I hope you guys can help me out. Thanks

I called comcast and they told me that the HDMI port in the back of the DVR is not active????She's a moron. Of course it "works". Tell us a little more about what you are trying to hook it into.

She's a moron. Of course it "works". Tell us a little more about what you are trying to hook it into.

I'm just trying to hook up my 32 in LCD. I bought a hdmi-dvi cable to make the digital connection. Currently I'm using comp video and it works fine but from what i've heard this cable will make it look even better.


Let me know what else you need to know.
Thanks

Does Comcast transmit second audio? I still have Dish network (in addition to Comcast, but planning on cancelling soon) and they do. I can record Lost, then b4 playback go into setup and select "Spanish", and the show will play back in Spanish.

I have tried changing the audio in the 6412 II to Spanish, but the show still plays back in English.

Please help me to clear my head,

I am torn between Comcast and DirectTV, why C* and not D*
Please educate me with your knowledge, I am a newbie here and looking into cancel my Mediacom service to get HD from either C* or D* today. Mediacom has very limitted of HD channels and higher price. Thanks so much in advance. Good wk!

I'm just trying to hook up my 32 in LCD. I bought a hdmi-dvi cable to make the digital connection. When you say "I turned on the dvi input and nothing", I assume you are referring to the LCD unit. Perhaps try turning off any other inputs.

What make/model LCD are you using? What do you have the DVI output set to? (Press 'Menu' when the 6412 is turned off)

bigdep, here is another thought. Did you depower the 6412 and the TV before hooking up the cable? If not, do that, and while the power is off to both units, hook up the cable. Then turn everything on. Give that a try. Make sure to unplug the 6412, the off button doesn't depoer the box.

Here is the exact procedure to program a swap or 30 second skip to the remote.

1) Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3) Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice
4) Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button
5) Type in the code 00173 (for 30 second Skip) or 00236 (for Swap).
6) Press whatever button you want to map the skip or swap function to.

Marc

What if you want to cancel the program?

What if you want to cancel the program?
The restore a remote button to it's original function, just hit it twice after typing in 994:
Press/release mode key (Cable, TV, Aux) for the mode you want to restore.
Hold setup until 2 blinks.
type 994, get 2 blinks.
press key twice, get 2 blinks if succesfull.

The restore a remote button to it's original function, just hit it twice after typing in 994:
Press/release mode key (Cable, TV, Aux) for the mode you want to restore.
Hold setup until 2 blinks.
type 994, get 2 blinks.
press key twice, get 2 blinks if succesfull.

How do you cancell a macro that was assigned to a particular button? I set up a macro (cable + power + tv + power + aux + power to the picture in picture on-off button. I need the picture in picture on-off button to return to orginal mode. Thanks

Hi guys, I'm having a problem programming my remote - when I press and hold the 'setup' button, nothing happens. I can't make the cable button blink twice.

Is there something I'm missing?

Anyone use the Logitech Harmony remotes with this DVR? I've thought about getting one but I'm not sure they work well with the DVR.

Anyone use the Logitech Harmony remotes with this DVR? I've thought about getting one but I'm not sure they work well with the DVR.

Do a search for "Harmony" in this thread and you will see lots of comments. I use one as do others and they do work great. If you buy one, I recommend that during setup you configure the 6412 to remain "Always On."

Yup, the Harmony remotes work great with this DVR.

Having a new problem...when I turn on the dvr, I get the guide info just fine, but not picture and no sound...if I go to my recordings and play a second or two of something recorded, then go back to live tv, everything is fine....any ideas?

Having a new problem...when I turn on the dvr, I get the guide info just fine, but not picture and no sound...if I go to my recordings and play a second or two of something recorded, then go back to live tv, everything is fine....any ideas?
Does this happen every time, or only once in a while? I've had this happen occasionally, and doing what you did fixes it. Also, I recommend leaving your DVR on all the time. That seems to eliminate a lot of problems.

Does this happen every time, or only once in a while? I've had this happen occasionally, and doing what you did fixes it. Also, I recommend leaving your DVR on all the time. That seems to eliminate a lot of problems.


Once it started, it seems to be all the time....I've started leaving it on all the time, too...thanks!

Having a new problem...when I turn on the dvr, I get the guide info just fine, but not picture and no sound...if I go to my recordings and play a second or two of something recorded, then go back to live tv, everything is fine....any ideas?
Its been discussed repeatedly. Stop turning the dvr off and the problem will go away.

Its been discussed repeatedly. Stop turning the dvr off and the problem will go away.


Sorry--spend most of my time in other forums and missed this!!

How do you cancell a macro that was assigned to a particular button? I set up a macro (cable + power + tv + power + aux + power to the picture in picture on-off button. I need the picture in picture on-off button to return to orginal mode. Thanks

anyone??

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

anyone??

I think you actually quoted the process to restore a button to it's orignal function in your first post on this...did that not work for you or something?

I think you actually quoted the process to restore a button to it's orignal function in your first post on this...did that not work for you or something?

No... that was the instructions on the 6412 remote site (CJH Engineering) on how to set up the macro. Which is what I followed, but I the site does not show how to delete the macro does it?

No... that was the instructions on the 6412 remote site (CJH Engineering) on how to set up the macro. Which is what I followed, but I the site does not show how to delete the macro does it?
Yes... did you try it?

The restore a remote button to it's original function, just hit it twice after typing in 994:
Press/release mode key (Cable, TV, Aux) for the mode you want to restore.
Hold setup until 2 blinks.
type 994, get 2 blinks.
press key twice, get 2 blinks if succesfull.
This works to restore any button to its original function, no matter how you've reprogrammed it (for a single function, or for a macro).

As always, full info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DCT6412

Yes... did you try it?


This works to restore any button to its original function, no matter how you've reprogrammed it (for a single function, or for a macro).

As always, full info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DCT6412

Thanks will try it tonight.

How do you cancell a macro that was assigned to a particular button? I set up a macro (cable + power + tv + power + aux + power to the picture in picture on-off button. I need the picture in picture on-off button to return to orginal mode. Thanks
Hold setup until 2 blinks
type 995, should get 2 blinks
Press the key you want to clear the macro from.
Hold setup until 2 blinks.
Basically, you program an empty macro over your original macro.

Yes... did you try it?


This works to restore any button to its original function, no matter how you've reprogrammed it (for a single function, or for a macro).

As always, full info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DCT6412
I updated Wiki for the macro delete, and also added shifted-mute info, made the key unmapping more generic, and a note that macros operate across devices.

Hold setup until 2 blinks
type 995, should get 2 blinks
Press the key you want to clear the macro from.
Hold setup until 2 blinks.
Basically, you program an empty macro over your original macro.
You're certain that this works? I understand the idea of programming an empty macro, but does it restore the button to the original functionality; does it transmit the original IR code once programmed with the empty macro?

I haven't programmed a macro to a button that has a working original function to know. From what I found in practice, the procedure to restore a button to its original function worked whether for a macro or single-function button (at least it cleared out the macro, I don't know if it returned to its original functionality since the buttons were originally for disabled features).

I don't know if it returned to its original functionality since the buttons were originally for disabled features

Assuming your remote is the same as mine, there was no original functionality of any of the PIP buttons (except swap). None even sent any IR signals at all.

I'm getting audio dropouts on some recordings and it's killing me! Bleak House was unwatchable for audio dropouts every few seconds. What the hell? There are little digital picture problems that often go along with the audio problems but those I can live with. This DVR is such a piece of trash it's killing me!

Could I be overtaxing my system? I have one HD-DVR, cable modem, and Vonage. Does anyone else use Comcast for all that?

Could I be overtaxing my system? I have one HD-DVR, cable modem, and Vonage. Does anyone else use Comcast for all that?

I have all three and just have a drop out or video glitch here and there...nothing very intrusive and no more than I've seen with OTA HD....

-Randy

I'm getting audio dropouts on some recordings and it's killing me! Bleak House was unwatchable for audio dropouts every few seconds. What the hell? There are little digital picture problems that often go along with the audio problems but those I can live with. This DVR is such a piece of trash it's killing me!

Could I be overtaxing my system? I have one HD-DVR, cable modem, and Vonage. Does anyone else use Comcast for all that?

Read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DCT6412

It's all about signal strength. The link will tell you how to check the signal strength on the two tuners, on your DVR.

I'm getting audio dropouts on some recordings and it's killing me! Bleak House was unwatchable for audio dropouts every few seconds. What the hell? There are little digital picture problems that often go along with the audio problems but those I can live with. This DVR is such a piece of trash it's killing me!

Could I be overtaxing my system? I have one HD-DVR, cable modem, and Vonage. Does anyone else use Comcast for all that?

And if it's not on the website, do a "Search this Thread" for "signal strength".

I think it was in this thread I read of a front panel button sequence that was said to have the same effect as unplugging the STB. I've searched but can't find that post.
(I don't mean the usual reset holding the Power & Menu buttons.)


Can someone please advise of the button sequence? I'm just trying to avoid getting behind the entertainment center to reach the plug when the box locks up.

Thanks,
Les

I have all three and just have a drop out or video glitch here and there...nothing very intrusive and no more than I've seen with OTA HD....

-Randy

Using a high quality splitter helps immensly. My parents just built thier dream home (5000 sq ft.) I had to add a coaxial booster to get all of the 15 cable runs to get a clean signal to them. Went from -12mv to +5mv and it solved all of thier problems...

If youve got a motorola cable modem...point your web browser to 192.168.100.1. The modem should be able to tell you the current signal to noise level and power level.

If the 6xxx and 3xxx boxes are any indication, the Motorola/Comcast definition of "passing beta" is pretty loose, so I guess we can expect to start seeing new hardware/software in August.
I just returned my 6412 to Comcast , I got the first 6412 III in Nov. lasted 6 days and stopped working (Hard Drive ) Number 2 didn't work at all (7 hours to load Guide ) Number 3 one week would only record off of one tuner??? Number 4 same trouble as Number 2 Number 5 worked ok for 3 weeks then same as Number one Number 6 would record and show 125min's of program but when you play back it would show delete this program screen, and number 7 low audio on digital channels, same recording trouble as number 6. and all I get from local Comcast office is sorry we know that the 6412 has lot's of troubles, they don't even offer to give a break or refund. So I just closed my account and told them when they get thing right call me. :mad:

I just returned my 6412 to Comcast , I got the first 6412 III in Nov. ..... and number 7 low audio on digital channels, same recording trouble as number 6. :mad:


Now we know why no one else is able to get one! ;)

Assuming your remote is the same as mine, there was no original functionality of any of the PIP buttons (except swap). None even sent any IR signals at all.
Fair enough. What about for the Fav or A / Lock buttons? Do they return to original functionality, or execute the empty macro?

What I'm really getting at is whether this is an actual reset procedure, or just clearing out a macro with an empty macro.

You're certain that this works? I understand the idea of programming an empty macro, but does it restore the button to the original functionality; does it transmit the original IR code once programmed with the empty macro?

I haven't programmed a macro to a button that has a working original function to know. From what I found in practice, the procedure to restore a button to its original function worked whether for a macro or single-function button (at least it cleared out the macro, I don't know if it returned to its original functionality since the buttons were originally for disabled features).
Basically, remapping a key will override a macro. BUT, the macro still remains in memory. The macro delete information came from a One-For-All manual, as the Comcast remote is made by the same company. Bascially, you delete by recording an empty macro over the original.

Need some help. Last night I was switching from a hi def channel to an analog and the analog channel was mico blocking. If I channeled up to another analog channel it would stop. Is this a hardware problem (DVR 6412) or lack of ADS. Thanks Steve

I have a problem with my 6412 II, whenever tuned to a HD channel the guide, menu and no other commands from the remote work except to change the channel, I have to change back to a SD channel in order to access recorded programs etc., anyone else having a similar problem?

I have a problem with my 6412 II, whenever tuned to a HD channel the guide, menu and no other commands from the remote work except to change the channel, I have to change back to a SD channel in order to access recorded programs etc., anyone else having a similar problem?
It sounds like you are using the composite (yellow) or S-Video connection, but the box is configured to output HD on component/digital. In that situtation, graphics will not be visible. When watching HD, do you see the flip bar with the program information? Do you see the time bar when hitting any of the transport controls?

If your TV doesn't support HD, you need to configure the box to downconvert everything to SD:
Turn box off
Hit Menu
Scroll down to YPbPr
Use left-right to change it to 480i.
Hit Power to turn it off, then Power again to turn it on.

Setup: 6412 Phase III -> SVideo -> normal TV (non-HD)

I just traded in my 6412 Phase II for a 6412 Phase III and I am not convinced that was the right move.

Pro's for the Phase III:
- better MPEG encoding for analog
- has a fan supposedly to keep it cooler
- HDMI (if you have it - obviously I do not)

Con's for the Phase III:
- the most disturbing thing is the lag in buffering the video while it syncs with audio during a 30 second skip. With the Phase II I noticed more of an immediate skip with the video to the next 30 seconds. The Phase III skips immediately to the next 30 seconds of audio while the video lags by 1/2 a second while it buffers or syncs with the audio.
- Menu overlay exhibits flickering
- The the edges of the video are not as straight as the Phase II. Particularly, the right hand side of the video shows a large vertical concaved arc more noticeably in the top right of the screen. This is a similar problem as my video card output from my PC, but I have NVIDIA software overlay controls to adjust for this and slightly enlarge the screen in order to crop this. I suspect a similar video component is used in the 6412 - possibly even a NVIDIA chip. In other words the STB shows similar overlay issues as PC output but it appears I cannot correct for this.

Can you either help me fix these issues or confirm for me that I made the wrong move and go back and get my Phase II?

Thanks!

I just traded in my 6412 Phase II for a 6412 Phase III and I am not convinced that was the right move.

Pro's for the Phase III:
- better MPEG encoding for analog
- has a fan supposedly to keep it cooler
- HDMI (if you have it - obviously I do not)

Con's for the Phase III:
- the most disturbing thing is the lag in buffering the video while it syncs with audio during a 30 second skip. With the Phase II I noticed more of an immediate skip with the video to the next 30 seconds. The Phase III skips immediately to the next 30 seconds of audio while the video lags by 1/2 a second while it buffers or syncs with the audio.
- Menu overlay exhibits flickering
- The the edges of the video are not as straight as the Phase II. Particularly, the right hand side of the video shows a large vertical concaved arc more noticeably in the top right of the screen. This is a similar problem as my video card output from my PC, but I have NVIDIA software overlay controls to adjust for this and slightly enlarge the screen in order to crop this. I suspect a similar video component is used in the 6412 - possibly even a NVIDIA chip. In other words the STB shows similar overlay issues as PC output but it appears I cannot correct for this.One of your "pros," the HDMI output, is really more of a con because it's so buggy. For what it's worth, I've not experienced any of the other issues you describe myself, and I don't recall reading anything about other people experiencing them. Plenty of other issues with the 6412 in general and the phase III in particular, but not those.... Perhaps your particular box just has some video problems?

cons:
- the most disturbing thing is the lag in buffering the video while it syncs with audio during a 30 second skip. With the Phase II I noticed more of an immediate skip with the video to the next 30 seconds. The Phase III skips immediately to the next 30 seconds of audio while the video lags by 1/2 a second while it buffers or syncs with the audio.



Actually, I have this same problem with my phase 2 box... interesting... anyone else?

I still have both a p2 and p3 box, and the p3 30 second skip is definitely slower to show the video again once you skip. On the p2, it doesn't instantly show the video again after a skip, but the delay is a great deal shorter and seems to come back almost at the same time as the audio comes back.

On the p3 I've just gotten used to skipping-by-ear. I usually can tell when to stop just by listening to the audio.

Using hdmi on the p3 and component on the p2.

I still have both a p2 and p3 box, and the p3 30 second skip is definitely slower to show the video again once you skip. On the p2, it doesn't instantly show the video again after a skip, but the delay is a great deal shorter and seems to come back almost at the same time as the audio comes back.

On the p3 I've just gotten used to skipping-by-ear. I usually can tell when to stop just by listening to the audio.

Using hdmi on the p3 and component on the p2.This is apparently one of the issues that affects some but not all boxes. I use the 30 second skip on a PIII all the time, and have never noticed a video delay. Firmware related, perhaps? Mine is 12.18.

Setup: 6412 Phase III -> SVideo -> normal TV (non-HD)
Con's for the Phase III:
- the most disturbing thing is the lag in buffering the video while it syncs with audio during a 30 second skip. With the Phase II I noticed more of an immediate skip with the video to the next 30 seconds. The Phase III skips immediately to the next 30 seconds of audio while the video lags by 1/2 a second while it buffers or syncs with the audio.
- Thanks!

I've been surprised that no one mentioned this until now. I have a Phase 2 6412, and when I added a Phase 3 it was the first thing I noticed. Since no one mentioned it, I thought that I had a bad phase 3 box (it also had a learning disorder). Recently I had the Phase 3 replaced with a Phase 1 3412, and it has the same video delay as the Phase 3.

I notice it mostly on the 30 second skips. Can't really complain since the 30 second skips are not an advertised feature. It does sync once I stop skipping, but I don't get to see the intermediate frames. It means that I decide how many skips to do by counting or getting a clue from the audio.

I also see it coming out of a pause. It takes several seconds before the video starts playing, while its almost immediate on the Phase 2.

I imagine this is just due to different generations of firmware which will eventually converge.

This is apparently one of the issues that affects some but not all boxes. I use the 30 second skip on a PIII all the time, and have never noticed a video delay. Firmware related, perhaps? Mine is 12.18.

Same here. Firmware also 12.18. No video lag issue at all.

It sounds like you are using the composite (yellow) or S-Video connection, but the box is configured to output HD on component/digital. In that situtation, graphics will not be visible. When watching HD, do you see the flip bar with the program information? Do you see the time bar when hitting any of the transport controls?

Nope, everything is S-Video and I never had a problem on a HD channel prior to this, basically you can't access the GUIDE, menu or any other functions while tuned to a HD channel, you have to manually change the channel to a SD channel before you can pull up the menu or the DVR functions or anything.

Nope, everything is S-Video and I never had a problem on a HD channel prior to this, basically you can't access the GUIDE, menu or any other functions while tuned to a HD channel, you have to manually change the channel to a SD channel before you can pull up the menu or the DVR functions or anything.
Well that's most likely your problem, since you can't carry HD over s-video, and the 6412 is probably creating HD menus when tuned to an HD channel. It's got enough other problems it wouldn't surprise me that it doesn't downconvert them.

Well that's most likely your problem, since you can't carry HD over s-video, and the 6412 is probably creating HD menus when tuned to an HD channel. It's got enough other problems it wouldn't surprise me that it doesn't downconvert them.

With the STB on, do the following with your remote.

power off the STB and press menu.

if you are only using S-Video, then make sure you have the following settings.

TV type set to 4:3 Letterbox
output set to: 480I

press power to exit the menu and hit power again to turn on the STB

now try it.

Thank you scanpa, that fixed my problem.

Thank you scanpa, that fixed my problem.

Your Welcome. :)

Con's for the Phase III:
- the most disturbing thing is the lag in buffering the video while it syncs with audio during a 30 second skip. With the Phase II I noticed more of an immediate skip with the video to the next 30 seconds. The Phase III skips immediately to the next 30 seconds of audio while the video lags by 1/2 a second while it buffers or syncs with the audio.

I just spoke to a Comcast rep who thinks this will be fixed in this elusive 12.22 firmware update. I have firmware 12.18.

I tried getting more info on this 12.22 firmware update which is not suppose to be quoted but I do not see why not:

12.22 has been sent out to some on the east and is being tested for the west. It may be sent out in a few weeks during an area update. The firmware cannot (or won't) be sent out individually. You can only have 12.22 right now if it came preinstalled on a box - but don't ask your local Comcast office where you can pick one up because they won't know what you are talking about.

12.22 updates: (sorry for the lack in description)
- a mute issue
- a blank screen issue
- the SATA port enabled
- the video sync lag when skipping forward

Perhaps someone can add to the 6412 wiki a firmware version history list (bug fixes and features for each firmware update) - along with rumored future firmware version updates and their fixes and features.

I just spoke to a Comcast rep who thinks this will be fixed in this elusive 12.22 firmware update. I have firmware 12.18.

I tried getting more info on this 12.22 firmware update which is not suppose to be quoted but I do not see why not:

12.22 has been sent out to some on the east and is being tested for the west. It may be sent out in a few weeks during an area update. The firmware cannot (or won't) be sent out individually. You can only have 12.22 right now if it came preinstalled on a box - but don't ask your local Comcast office where you can pick one up because they won't know what you are talking about.

12.22 updates: (sorry for the lack in description)
- a mute issue
- a blank screen issue
- the SATA port enabled
- the video sync lag when skipping forward

Perhaps someone can add to the 6412 wiki a firmware version history list (bug fixes and features for each firmware update) - along with rumored future firmware version updates and their fixes and features.

12.22 updates: (sorry for the lack in description)
- a mute issue
- a blank screen issue
- the SATA port enabled<<<<< Where did you hear this??
- the video sync lag when skipping forward

12.22 updates: (sorry for the lack in description)
- a mute issue
- a blank screen issue
- the SATA port enabled<<<<< Where did you hear this??
- the video sync lag when skipping forward

I knew this was coming... the conversation with the Comcast phone rep was:

RE the 12.22 updates:

rep: "... and ports will be enabled on the back"
me: "will the SATA port be enabled?"
rep: "yes"

And then he said don't quote him on any of this (12.22 updates) - and then I did. So who knows, maybe he's full of it.

It would be nice, but I think Comcast has already indicated that the SATA port will not be activated, ever.

We lost power yesterday afternoon (Thursday) so the 6412 was in the midst of downloading everything when I saw something disturbing. My Friday night programs were all there at the right time and all had the title 'To Be Announced'. I knew that would be filled in eventually. What was disturbing is that my ER program wasn't shown as above, there was nothing listed for Thursday. So I did a manual program just to be sure since we were going out for the evening. Got up this morning and saw the 'rec' indicator on the 6412. ER was recorded twice and both were 500 minutes long, the DVR filled to capacity. Luckily there were no shows on the DVR so I didn't lose anything. Some good did come from this, I know that HD capacity is approximately 1000 minutes and after I deleted one of them the capacity went to 53% so I now know that there is 3% always used.

My question is, has anyone seen anything like this? For the most part I like the 6412 and haven't had nearly the problems I see reported on this forum.

It would be nice, but I think Comcast has already indicated that the SATA port will not be activated, ever.

Best never to believe anything, ever, a Comcast CR tells you. I've had them tell me the SATA was active, they were offering an external hard drive and would only be charging me $6.95 per month. When I told the CR it was all fiction, she said she would check with Tech and put me on hold. Backs she comes and confirms it all. I set an appointment for it to be installed. Of course the service tech then arrived and knew nothing about the box he was to install. This type of stuff goes on all the time. I have 12.22 firmware on a 3412 and SATA is not active.

Oh, by the way, always remember to ask Comcast to have the service tech bring their 'booties.' Most will not know what you are talking about.

I just spoke to a Comcast rep who thinks this will be fixed in this elusive 12.22 firmware update. I have firmware 12.18.

I tried getting more info on this 12.22 firmware update which is not suppose to be quoted but I do not see why not:

12.22 has been sent out to some on the east and is being tested for the west. It may be sent out in a few weeks during an area update. The firmware cannot (or won't) be sent out individually. You can only have 12.22 right now if it came preinstalled on a box - but don't ask your local Comcast office where you can pick one up because they won't know what you are talking about.

12.22 updates: (sorry for the lack in description)
- a mute issue
- a blank screen issue
- the SATA port enabled
- the video sync lag when skipping forward

Perhaps someone can add to the 6412 wiki a firmware version history list (bug fixes and features for each firmware update) - along with rumored future firmware version updates and their fixes and features.

Hi Stormking,

The CSR you talked too was not informed.

The STB is blank (if it was reset properly back to factory new cond.) When you first connect the STB and have it activated, it Downloads and installs the following from the local head end plant.

1) STB Software
2) IPG Software
3) DVR / STB Firmware
4) Your Account Settings
5) the box reboots and then downloads the following
6) Cable clock time.
7) Begins populating the IPG data.

-------------------------------------------------
Firmware version 12.22 Aug 2005 is not new and is now outdated for most comcast areas. 12.25 did not make it out of beta, 12.27 is the current Firmware in Beta Testing.

Firmware is not the same for each Cable head end plant.

Moto does the basic coding, then Your local Cable plant further enables the features they want activated for there area and makes it compatable for that head end plant cable system. After it is beta tested and passes it is sent out over the cable system as needed.
----------------------------------------------

Mute issue is not a bug. it only happens if you have the STB turned off and it has to wake up from standby mode to record a timed recording.

Solution is Never turn the STB off. or add the STB mute/unmute code to your silver comcast remote. It is easy to do.

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

Sata Port is enabled hardware wise, but there is currently no Software or Firmware Support for it at this time on Moto DCT series STB.

Also Comcast has already stated they have dropped all current future plans to enable the SATA port for use, and they did drop plans to rent external hard drives.

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

Blank screen is also not corrected via 12.22, it is a power / sleep mode issue caused when users turn the STB to off (standby mode) since the STB is always on unless you unplug it.
-------------------------------------------------

Now the video sync lag when skipping forward is a firmware issue and should be on the fix list for 12.27 when released.

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

Any questions?

Nope, everything is S-Video and I never had a problem on a HD channel prior to this, basically you can't access the GUIDE, menu or any other functions while tuned to a HD channel, you have to manually change the channel to a SD channel before you can pull up the menu or the DVR functions or anything.

I asumme that you have an HDTV so if you want to take advantage of the HD resolution you need to use the Component or DVI input. Not S-Video

Thank you scanpa, that fixed my problem.
Is your TV HD capable? If so, you should be using the component or digital connections. Even if it's not HD capable, but has component, you will get a better picture.

Firmware is not the same for each Cable head end plant.

Any questions?

Thanks for the info!

After exchanging my Phase II for a Phase III I wanted to make sure I had the latest and greatest Firmware. It seems odd that in different parts of the country the firmware is at a different version despite being the same hardware. Perhaps it has more to do with the local "cable head end".

This next question is sort of 6412 related but more to do on the "signals" that the "head end" sends to your box. It appears that since last June or so some people in San Francisco including me had free SHO, TMC, Cinamax but only ordered HBO. But when you call Comcast about anything, they'll "zap" or "send signals" to it to update with what you have currently ordered, say just HBO. I got these channels for free for a while due to some glitch but like I said was reset after talking to Comcast one day. Upon getting a new Phase III box and plugging it in, what do you know the old free channels came back; SHO, MAX, TMC in addition to paid HBO, ENC. Of course when I called to get my OnDemand working - the diagnostic page showed I had an IP address of 000.000.000.000 - they sent signals to my box which fixed the OnDemand problem but turned off the free channels I was getting due to a glitch. So I guess the moral of the story is, if you are getting something for free, don't call Comcast for them to fix something else as they'll break your freebee. But it raises an interesting point that upon plugging in a fresh box, it sends/receives one set of signals/channels and if you CALL them they'll send a different set of signals that will set your channels differently. Additionally, these free channels would not work on OnDemand, just the normal channels. I *believe* this all started in June during a free promotion that went haywire and never ended in SF. Previously those free channels were turned OFF when I was SUCKERED into getting a *special* for San Francisco for free STARS - THE ONLY CHANNEL I WAS NOT GETTING. Of course I went for it thereby nuking all other free channels when they "sent the signal" to just paid STARS/HBO/ENC. I believe the "local special" was to purposefully correct the error in this area for people receiving free channels.

"Sending signals" is not a very technical term for a technical person. Can anyone expand on what is taking place more technically? Perhaps getting a new box and never calling them is the best thing.

Thanks!

All cable dvr's I think come with access to all Digital HBO,SHO, TMC, Cinamax.

If a box does not get sent a hit after install it will stop work on it need to communicate with the headend.

Andrew Wees











Thanks for the info!

After exchanging my Phase II for a Phase III I wanted to make sure I had the latest and greatest Firmware. It seems odd that in different parts of the country the firmware is at a different version despite being the same hardware. Perhaps it has more to do with the local "cable head end".

This next question is sort of 6412 related but more to do on the "signals" that the "head end" sends to your box. It appears that since last June or so some people in San Francisco including me had free SHO, TMC, Cinamax but only ordered HBO. But when you call Comcast about anything, they'll "zap" or "send signals" to it to update with what you have currently ordered, say just HBO. I got these channels for free for a while due to some glitch but like I said was reset after talking to Comcast one day. Upon getting a new Phase III box and plugging it in, what do you know the old free channels came back; SHO, MAX, TMC in addition to paid HBO, ENC. Of course when I called to get my OnDemand working - the diagnostic page showed I had an IP address of 000.000.000.000 - they sent signals to my box which fixed the OnDemand problem but turned off the free channels I was getting due to a glitch. So I guess the moral of the story is, if you are getting something for free, don't call Comcast for them to fix something else as they'll break your freebee. But it raises an interesting point that upon plugging in a fresh box, it sends/receives one set of signals/channels and if you CALL them they'll send a different set of signals that will set your channels differently. Additionally, these free channels would not work on OnDemand, just the normal channels. I *believe* this all started in June during a free promotion that went haywire and never ended in SF. Previously those free channels were turned OFF when I was SUCKERED into getting a *special* for San Francisco for free STARS - THE ONLY CHANNEL I WAS NOT GETTING. Of course I went for it thereby nuking all other free channels when they "sent the signal" to just paid STARS/HBO/ENC. I believe the "local special" was to purposefully correct the error in this area for people receiving free channels.

"Sending signals" is not a very technical term for a technical person. Can anyone expand on what is taking place more technically? Perhaps getting a new box and never calling them is the best thing.

Thanks!

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
I just got 2 6412s from Comcast 2 weeks ago and they both lock up almost daily. They were just here and the tech told me that they are having so many problems that swapping boxes probably wouldn't make anything better. What a load of crap!! Comcast better get off their butss and get some boxes that work. After reading this whole string of messages, it appears the the 6412 boxes are terrible pieces of electronics!!

Mike

You have to realize that most people tend to post messages about problems in the hope that someone has a solution. Why post if everything is OK?

A while back, I had the HD Tivo, 2 LG LST-3410A's, the Sony DHG-HDD250, and the 6412 in the same room. The 6412 was the unit of choice because it came closest to fulfilling my preferences. My system now employs the 6412 and one 3410A for overflow. My nephew uses the HD Tivo and likes it fine, my niece uses #2 3410A, and the Sony (although a very nice piece of equipment) got returned to BB because it was within 30 days of purchase and we just had 1 DVR too many.

I just got 2 6412s from Comcast 2 weeks ago and they both lock up almost daily. They were just here and the tech told me that they are having so many problems that swapping boxes probably wouldn't make anything better. What a load of crap!! Comcast better get off their butss and get some boxes that work. After reading this whole string of messages, it appears the the 6412 boxes are terrible pieces of electronics!!

Mike

In areas that are having the most Motorola DCT DVR STB problems. You will more then likely be getting one of the 2 NEW Panasonic Duel Tuner 250GB HD DVR STB Models Later this year.

In areas that are having the most Motorola DCT DVR STB problems. You will more then likely be getting one of the 2 NEW Panasonic Duel Tuner 250GB HD DVR STB Models Later this year.

really? it raises 2 questions for me:
1) for real? where did this info come from?
2) how do I get on the list of people who agree the the 6412 in any phase needs to be phasored into space dust?

It would be nice, but I think Comcast has already indicated that the SATA port will not be activated, ever.

And, as i've mentioned a few times, (maybe even in this thread), Moto said at CES that NONE of their customers has asked that the SATA port be activated.

...mike

And, as i've mentioned a few times, (maybe even in this thread), Moto said at CES that NONE of their customers has asked that the SATA port be activated.

...mike

Moto has nothing to do with it.

It is up to the MSO / Cable operator. all that is required is a click on the options tic box to have the Software & Firmware to include the drivers to use the SATA port. The SATA port comes from the Moto Factory Enabled.

They have a working 6412p3 with a 400gb HD connected to the SATA port in the Test room at one of the local PA Cable plants.

I just got 2 6412s from Comcast 2 weeks ago and they both lock up almost daily. They were just here and the tech told me that they are having so many problems that swapping boxes probably wouldn't make anything better. What a load of crap!! Comcast better get off their butss and get some boxes that work. After reading this whole string of messages, it appears the the 6412 boxes are terrible pieces of electronics!!
If they lock up around 4:20-4:50 AM or PM (set them to display the clock if needed), then it's a known bug. The most likely culprit is a conflict with a series recording configured to allow extra time at the beginning or the end. You may have no problems for months, then it will keep happening until the situtation that causes the bug passes. The general fix is to first try removing any extra time from series recordings. If that doesn't work, delete all of them, then recreate. At the worst, you may need to perform a DVR reset, which erases everything.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_6412

When I got my 6412P3, I kept my 6412P2. I've been waiting patiently for the firmware to uplgrade the P3 so that I could play back recorded DD 5.1 shows and still use a digital video connection. Yesterday I reconnected the P2, which has sat idle for a few months, to watch the SB. What a freaking wonderful difference it makes! I never watch live programming, so I'd been without DD 5.1 programming.

We need to storm the barricades on this issue. Perhaps if we raise an unholy stink about being given a product, that has not perfomed as advertised for over 6 months, they will listen. I, for one, am going to file an FCC complaint demanding that they fix this egregious problem.

We need to storm the barricades on this issue. Perhaps if we raise an unholy stink about being given a product, that has not perfomed as advertised for over 6 months, they will listen. I, for one, am going to file an FCC complaint demanding that they fix this egregious problem.

Maybe you should call Comcast and tell them that your DVR is not functioning properly and you would like a credit... and that you shouldn't have to pay for since it doesn't work as advertised.

while the CSR's are largely clueless, some of the techs are even worse.

2 summers ago when i first got HD with comcast and was having some reception/signal problems, one of the techs who came over claimed that Comcast didn't provide HD and didn't believe the picture i was showing him on my projector(some concert on INHD was playing) could possibly be from Comcast, since " i get comcast at home and it don't never look like that".

i sent him on his way and fixed the problem myself.

Best never to believe anything, ever, a Comcast CR tells you. I've had them tell me the SATA was active, they were offering an external hard drive and would only be charging me $6.95 per month. When I told the CR it was all fiction, she said she would check with Tech and put me on hold. Backs she comes and confirms it all. I set an appointment for it to be installed. Of course the service tech then arrived and knew nothing about the box he was to install. This type of stuff goes on all the time. I have 12.22 firmware on a 3412 and SATA is not active.

Oh, by the way, always remember to ask Comcast to have the service tech bring their 'booties.' Most will not know what you are talking about.

while the CSR's are largely clueless, some of the techs are even worse.

2 summers ago when i first got HD with comcast and was having some reception/signal problems, one of the techs who came over claimed that Comcast didn't provide HD and didn't believe the picture i was showing him on my projector(some concert on INHD was playing) could possibly be from Comcast, since " i get comcast at home and it don't never look like that".

i sent him on his way and fixed the problem myself.


Just want to clarify some things.

Techs, there are several kinds.

Instalation & line techs are 90% contracted outside comcast. Most have a mindset of a CSR.

Repair Techs are about 50/50 contracted out. some are like the CSR's

Plant techs are 100% Comcast. and are the only ones with brains. :D

In areas that are having the most Motorola DCT DVR STB problems. You will more then likely be getting one of the 2 NEW Panasonic Duel Tuner 250GB HD DVR STB Models Later this year.

What what? I would love to swap for a new model. I don't want to switch out boxes and get a just-as-bad-or-worse 6412. Any idea what areas will get the Panas? Because it can't possibly be worse!

Just want to clarify some things.

Techs, there are several kinds.

Instalation & line techs are 90% contracted outside comcast. Most have a mindset of a CSR.

Repair Techs are about 50/50 contracted out. some are like the CSR's

Plant techs are 100% Comcast. and are the only ones with brains. :D

Which one did I get the night I finally got my 6412 and called Comcast tech support because the thing would only output 480i? I told her I had connected it up via componant and she didn't know what the heck that was!

She thought the thing to do was schedule an appointment with a field tech (meaning either I take a day off work or wait for Saturday).

I hung up and figured it out using help from you guys.

Let's just hope that f they roll out those PAnasonic DVR's they don't come with more problems than our beloved Moto 6412 :rolleyes:

OK, so how do I find the firmware version of my 6412?

-- Brandy

how do I find the firmware version of my 6412?Press "MENU" twice.
Select "Setup"
Select "Cable Box Setup"
Select "Select to display"

-------------------------------------------------
Firmware version 12.22 Aug 2005 is not new and is now outdated for most comcast areas. 12.25 did not make it out of beta, 12.27 is the current Firmware in Beta Testing.

Any questions?

I don't get it. My 6412 firmware version says 9.19. I'm in Los angeles.

I don't get it. My 6412 firmware version says 9.19. I'm in Los angeles.

Leebo,

Sounds like you have the phase II 6412 (DVI interface). Thats what formware I have on mine in Richmond, VA.

JayMan

Yes. didn't realize the PIII had different firmware.

After programming a key to ff 30 seconds. How do I un program it to go back to defauly?

I don't get it. My 6412 firmware version says 9.19. I'm in Los angeles.

For the 62xx & 64xx p1 & p2 final F/W just released in Jan. 2006 is 09.21

After programming a key to ff 30 seconds. How do I un program it to go back to defauly?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_6412
(Look for 'How to restore a remapped button'.

Press "MENU" twice.
Select "Setup"
Select "Cable Box Setup"
Select "Select to display"

Thank you,

My series 2 6412 died last week and I got a new 6412 series 3. I also have a Denon 4306, I donot have a HDTV hooked to it yet that will heppen next summer when the new HDTV's are available.

My firmware is 12.18. When i get my HDTV it looks like the HDMI will have both problems. The audio with D5.1 switching to PCM and the HDCP, HDMI passthru problem .

I hope Comcast get the upgrade out before I get my new tv.

-- Brandy

Shaw just pushed 12.26 this morning (it was 12.13) !!

It has solved the HDMI DD5.1 problem and also enabled VOD.

Also, MUCH faster fast forward and rewind. And a "Shaw Logo" + TOD screen saver when on "Pause".

Addition: When attempting to change channels on the tuner that is recording, you now get a menu to cancel, stop recording/change channels or swap tuners.

I set the box up two record a two hour basketball game set for 15 minute delay to stop. channel was digital, but SD broadcast. My wife was watching a different channel and saw the record light come on right at 7pm. The record light went off at 9:15. She hadn't changed channels or used the record features. I went to watch the game and recording was listed as 135 minutes.

I started to play it back. At 10 minutes into the recording the, the timebar scale switched from 0 to 135 and displayed 0 to 33. Sure enough, when I had watched to 33 minutes I got the "delete cancel" popup.

I played around with this. If I selected the recording to play from the beginning the bar always started out as 0 to 135, but switch to 0-33 10 minutes in. I could rewind and forward or resume from that point but always had the 0-33 bar.

The disk space consumed seemed about right for 135 minutes of recording. I was unable to access any of the program beyond the 33 minute mark. I could watch the first 33 minutes just fine, forwards and backwards.

Something I did? Bug? Disk problem? Thanks in advance if anybody can point me to right thread of list of known problems.

the timebar scale switched from 0 to 135 and displayed 0 to 33. Sure enough, when I had watched to 33 minutes I got the "delete cancel" popup.I got the same thing last night on the Grammy Awards. It will only fastwind in the first 39 minutes of a 3:31 recoding. If I fastwind up to the 39 minute mark, I get the delete dialogue. If I am in play mode when it hits 39 minutes, it plays right past it and looks like it will play the entire program. But if I press Pause or rewind, it immediately goes back to the 39 minute mark, so I will have to watch the last 2.5 hours in real time. :mad:

I got the same thing last night on the Grammy Awards. It will only fastwind in the first 39 minutes of a 3:31 recoding. If I fastwind up to the 39 minute mark, I get the delete dialogue. If I am in play mode when it hits 39 minutes, it plays right past it and looks like it will play the entire program. But if I press Pause or rewind, it immediately goes back to the 39 minute mark, so I will have to watch the last 2.5 hours in real time. :mad:

It's a Bad recording, it does happen. You will need to perform a Hard Drive / DVR reset & reformat the HD. Bewarned this will delete all recordings. All Guide data, all series recordings and and all other DVR settings. So write the info down before doing the HD reset.

is a "bad recording" something that happens on the 6412 itself, or a problem with the signal coming from the mother ship? My grammies didn't have the recording problem, but several recordings recently have had this very problem. Is it known that the disk reset fixes this problem for future recordings?

is a "bad recording" something that happens on the 6412 itself, or a problem with the signal coming from the mother ship? My grammies didn't have the recording problem, but several recordings recently have had this very problem. Is it known that the disk reset fixes this problem for future recordings?

It could if the cause is a bad recording.

I have had this problem happen on several of my STB, and yes the HD reset fixed the problem till the next bad recording.

It's a Bad recording, it does happen. You will need to perform a Hard Drive / DVR reset & reformat the HD. Bewarned this will delete all recordings. All Guide data, all series recordings and and all other DVR settings. So write the info down before doing the HD reset.
I wouldn't think a reset would be needed if it deletes cleanly. I would only do it if a 12/31/89 recording pops up, or you have continuing problems with multiple recordings and channels.

One possibility is something happening that interrupted the video stream, causing it to get confused. There may be a software bug that keeps it from properly figuring out where it is and trying to continue.

how do you reset / reformat ? i searched this thread for "format" and got 10 pages of results ..

wikipedia is your friend.

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

I'm a newbie at this, so please help me.
I have a 6412 III with HDMI connection. There is an additional setting on this box, not on Phase I or II. It is called "Additional HDMI settings". One of the options is HDMI/DVI and of course I selected HDMI. The next option is 4:4:4 or RGB. What is the difference between these two settings and which should I choose, 4:4:4 or RGB to get the best PQ or does it matter?

Another problem I love is the Chipmunk voice problem. Anyone notice this? Great machine, this one.

Another problem I love is the Chipmunk voice problem. Anyone notice this? Great machine, this one.

Never experienced this one

Another problem I love is the Chipmunk voice problem. Anyone notice this? Great machine, this one.

I have on occasion. Changing channels fixes it. Also waiting a few minutes seems to fix it sometimes.

Another problem I love is the Chipmunk voice problem. Anyone notice this? Great machine, this one.

I used to experience this until I switched to Monster cables - voices are now deeper, with a wider soundstage.

;)

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.

The main cause of this is not confirming your series priorities. If you change the order and exit instead of selecting "confirm" it will cause this to happen.

And, yes, the only way to fix it once it's happened is to delete all series and add them back. You may be able to delete everything until you have a good list (i.e. 1-x with no duplication) and then start adding the ones you deleted. Jot down a list of your series so you don't forget any.

Hey all.

I have a Sony 60XBR1 (1080P set), .. and have my 6412p3 connected to the TV via HDMI. My question is, .. what are the correct (typical) User settings for teh motorola?
ie the HDMI output and teh 4:3 overide?When viewing 4:3 on teh TV, we usually have teh TV set the aspect ratio to "Wide mode / Wide FULL" setting.

Also, while watching the Olympics (HD on channel 762, WAVE TV Louisville) last night we got numerous "Video freezes", delays and jitters, .. audion was always fine... still don't know if this is a STB problem, etc ...

thanks for the great help!!
ALlen

Pretty sure last night was an NBC problem, same here in Jersey.

You'd really think there'd be a way to do that, wouldn't you? You can set favorites, but I've never found a way to get the guide to display only those channels. If anyone else has, I too would love to hear about it.

Add me to the list. The favorites seems to be pretty brain dead - scan in one direction only, and not even particularly easy to get to through the guide... What a letdown from Tivo...

Please don't flame me I didn't know where else to post this.. :confused:

Recently, I wanted to upgrade my hd reciever to an hd/dvr. I was excited to pick one up when heading over to the Carrolton office. Turns out they the only had single tuner (this really pissed me off! / i.e. The Office, Beauty and the Geek are on at the same time!). Anyway the guy told they're waiting for moto to get them new boxes and I had to be put on a list for them to call me. Now I go home with the single tuner box and hook it up. No guide data is shown (was kinda expecting that) so waited for about 5 hours to see if it downloaded anything. Nope. Called and had the box reset. Nothing for like 8 hours, Next day nothing. Called again to see what was up, csr said comp. problems. And I guess i need the guide data for the dvr functions to work because they don't nor VOD. Help me...

1.Whats the deal with the guide, the box, comcast?

2.Anybody in my area (DFW) heard of a shortage of 6412's? If so how long will it take to get them?

I don't ussually have problems with comcast but I'm a little ticked off. :mad:

I would just go to the Plano or Richardson office and see if they have one available.

Jason

Please don't flame me I didn't know where else to post this.. :confused:


2.Anybody in my area (DFW) heard of a shortage of 6412's? If so how long will it take to get them?

I don't ussually have problems with comcast but I'm a little ticked off. :mad:

Add me to the list. The favorites seems to be pretty brain dead - scan in one direction only, and not even particularly easy to get to through the guide... What a letdown from Tivo...

You can view only the favorites, by using Menu, Menu, Favorites. This will show only your favorites in the guide. I created a macro (Exit, Menu, Menu, Enter) on the [Help] button. I put the exit at the beginning incase it stuck, I could just hit the [Help] button again.

This would be much easier if Comcast would put the Favorites Icon on the Mini Menu. The interactive demo at the Motorola site show it this way.

JayMan

I used to experience this until I switched to Monster cables - voices are now deeper, with a wider soundstage. ;) That's the funny post I've read in this entire thread. :cool:

That's the funny post I've read in this entire thread. :cool:

No doubt! :D

Let's hope they don't have a shortage of 6412's in DFW. I'm getting transferred from CA to Lewisville, TX and was really excited about getting back with "Comcast" after being jack'd hard repeatedly by "Adelphia". Dual HD Tuners is the only way to go...........1 tuner would not be acceptable.

Had set the 6412-III to record the Olympics tonight from 8:00 to 11:30. Started watching from the beginning at about 10:00 with a lot of high-speed fast-forwarding through events/commentary/commercials made it about 1 1/2 hours into the recording, when I started getting primarily green blocky lines across the screen. Probably covered 2/3 of the screen. Unwatchable.

Tried going to live TV, tried changing channels, tried going from SD to HD, tried turning the box off, but finally had to unplug. Things are fine after plugging back in.

I've done pretty much the same thing recording/watching wise the last 2 nights with no problem, and I pretty much keep the recorded programs deleted. I've kept the box on since Feb. 4, when it was unplugged to set it and the other components up in a new stand.

Has anyone else had this particular problem? Regardless, any thoughts as to what caused this? The box has been relatively trouble-free since I got it about a month ago.

Thanks for your thoughts and help.

You can view only the favorites, by using Menu, Menu, Favorites. This will show only your favorites in the guide. I created a macro (Exit, Menu, Menu, Enter) on the [Help] button. I put the exit at the beginning incase it stuck, I could just hit the [Help] button again.

This would be much easier if Comcast would put the Favorites Icon on the Mini Menu. The interactive demo at the Motorola site show it this way.

JayMan

Yeah, the Menu, Menu, Favorites was what I meant by not being particularly easy to get to.

[RANT ON] with no way to hide/delete channels that you don't subscribe to, it just seems ridiculous to have to go through a minimum of three key strokes just to get to the list of what you can watch (assuming that is how you set up your favorites). Even then, you have no way to channel surf only through your favorites, which kills me as an inveterate channel surfer... Add that to the fact that the box can only seem to process 10 keystrokes in a row before having to take a break (I notice a hiccup occasionally with Tivo as well)... [RANT OFF]

Oh well, thanks for the macro recommendation, I'll give that a try.

BTW, the box was just installed this past weekend, and I noticed that it was a phase II. I'm currently hooked up with the Component cables Comcast provided, but I was thinking I would upgrade to a digital cable (DVI-HDMI); however, before doing that should I ask C* for a phase III box? I've read that there are a number of 5.1 issues with the phase III - do these exist with the phase II? I also read that someone was havng problems getting menus when using DVI on the phase II - I can't see why this would happen, does anyone else have this problem?

Thanks in advance.

Comcast is tracking your use of playback on your DVR. Somewhere in all the fine print of the stuff you sign to get an account and the related equipment, there is a permission granted to Comcast that allows them to share all the use you make of the equipment. Surprised that they track all the use of your DVR? Welcome to ‘Data Mining.”

Some of this comes to light in the information that advertisers will start getting about DVR use vs. live viewing. Apparently there is a war going on in the advertising community about only wanting to pay broadcasters for live, on broadcast ‘eye balls.’ Advertisers take the approach that all viewing other then live viewing gives the viewer the ability to skip thru the commercials and therefore they should not be paying for ‘DVR viewing eye balls.’ Seems like a reasonable assumption.

More about all this can be found at http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/13/business/media/13adcol.html

What does it mean? For cable people, higher DVR box fees! Essentially, the broadcasters want to charge back the cable companies for the DVR ability to screen out commercials. If the advertisers will not pay, the broadcasters want the offsetting lost revenue to be made up elsewhere. The only way the cable companies can ‘rebate’ the lost revenue is by building it into the base DVR fee. The talk is that could be $6 to $9 per more per month. It will come down to a DVR box being $20 a month or a non-DVR box being free, sort of. As is usual, all else is extra.

For the people who own their own DVR’s, some tax on either the box at acquisition or media/hard drive ‘use’ fees. This part of it will get very complicated. Long live the VCR!

Somewhere down the line is the ultimate business model, pay per view on everything, for everybody, all the time. Digital Rights Management gone amuck. We all need to forget about ‘fair use.’

Enjoy.

Comcast is tracking your use of playback on your DVR. Somewhere in all the fine print of the stuff you sign to get an account and the related equipment, there is a permission granted to Comcast that allows them to share all the use you make of the equipment. Surprised that they track all the use of your DVR? Welcome to ‘Data Mining.”

Some of this comes to light in the information that advertisers will start getting about DVR use vs. live viewing. Apparently there is a war going on in the advertising community about only wanting to pay broadcasters for live, on broadcast ‘eye balls.’ Advertisers take the approach that all viewing other then live viewing gives the viewer the ability to skip thru the commercials and therefore they should not be paying for ‘DVR viewing eye balls.’ Seems like a reasonable assumption.

More about all this can be found at http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/13/business/media/13adcol.html

What does it mean? For cable people, higher DVR box fees! Essentially, the broadcasters want to charge back the cable companies for the DVR ability to screen out commercials. If the advertisers will not pay, the broadcasters want the offsetting lost revenue to be made up elsewhere. The only way the cable companies can ‘rebate’ the lost revenue is by building it into the base DVR fee. The talk is that could be $6 to $9 per more per month. It will come down to a DVR box being $20 a month or a non-DVR box being free, sort of. As is usual, all else is extra.

For the people who own their own DVR’s, some tax on either the box at acquisition or media/hard drive ‘use’ fees. This part of it will get very complicated. Long live the VCR!

Somewhere down the line is the ultimate business model, pay per view on everything, for everybody, all the time. Digital Rights Management gone amuck. We all need to forget about ‘fair use.’

Enjoy.

You hit the nail with the hammer on the above.

that was Comcast main reason for halting there plans for renting external Hard Drives & supporting the SATA port.

Sent Comcast an e-mail to see when the firmware was going to be updated...who wants to take bets on whether they reply?

Just got the 6412 installed and having some issues.
The main one is that my boxes keep freezing up.
This results in the DVR and the guide just doing nothing.
This has happend 5 times yesterday and twice today.
The only way to get it to work it to power down and start again.
But then i lose all the tv guide.
Anybody know if this is a common fault ?

BTW, the box was just installed this past weekend, and I noticed that it was a phase II. I'm currently hooked up with the Component cables Comcast provided, but I was thinking I would upgrade to a digital cable (DVI-HDMI); however, before doing that should I ask C* for a phase III box? I've read that there are a number of 5.1 issues with the phase III - do these exist with the phase II? I also read that someone was havng problems getting menus when using DVI on the phase II - I can't see why this would happen, does anyone else have this problem? Many of the phase III problems, including the 5.1 playback problem, seem related to the HDMI port and so don't affect the phase II. I'd stick with what you've got, at least until a few more firmware revisions are released. In fact, if it was possible, I'd trade you my phase III for your phase II.

Just got the 6412 installed and having some issues.
The main one is that my boxes keep freezing up.
This results in the DVR and the guide just doing nothing.
This has happend 5 times yesterday and twice today.
The only way to get it to work it to power down and start again.
But then i lose all the tv guide.
Anybody know if this is a common fault ?

Got my 6412 PIII about a month ago, it has not frozen up yet :) The tech told me there are a number of "bad" boxes out there. Just have another one installed.

Sent Comcast an e-mail to see when the firmware was going to be updated...who wants to take bets on whether they reply?

What e-mail address did you use? I want to complain about not getting TNT HD, HDnet, ESPN2HD etc.

What e-mail address did you use? I want to complain about not getting TNT HD, HDnet, ESPN2HD etc.


I just went on Comcast.com and went to Contact Us and did a Feedback Inquiry...still no reply btw

It appears that the e-mail is sent to whichever local office is you put your address as since mine was sent to the Silver Spring office...

:confused: I just got a new III box after my old phase I box died. I have it hooked up via HDMI.
I noticed something wierd...
If the output is set to 1080i the picture almost looks like it's ghosting, 720p is much better.
If I set both tuners to the same channel and swap between them one has Dolby Digital and the other doesn't????
How is that possible?

:confused: I just got a new III box after my old phase I box died. I have it hooked up via HDMI.
I noticed something wierd...
If the output is set to 1080i the picture almost looks like it's ghosting, 720p is much better.
If I set both tuners to the same channel and swap between them one has Dolby Digital and the other doesn't????
How is that possible?

Only Tuner 1 will show the DD or DD5.1 in the info bar. It's still DD or DD5.1! This is a Iguide issue.

Had set the 6412-III to record the Olympics tonight from 8:00 to 11:30. Started watching from the beginning at about 10:00 with a lot of high-speed fast-forwarding through events/commentary/commercials made it about 1 1/2 hours into the recording, when I started getting primarily green blocky lines across the screen. Probably covered 2/3 of the screen. Unwatchable.

Tried going to live TV, tried changing channels, tried going from SD to HD, tried turning the box off, but finally had to unplug. Things are fine after plugging back in.

I've done pretty much the same thing recording/watching wise the last 2 nights with no problem, and I pretty much keep the recorded programs deleted. I've kept the box on since Feb. 4, when it was unplugged to set it and the other components up in a new stand.

Has anyone else had this particular problem? Regardless, any thoughts as to what caused this? The box has been relatively trouble-free since I got it about a month ago.

Thanks for your thoughts and help.

We had similar problems Sunday night here in Atlanta, however the screen would go totally green. It was definitely a network problem. We had the same problem with both the cable card tuner in our Sony KDF-E50A10 and the OTA feed through our LG3410A. The network then switched to a SD 4:3 feed and the dropouts stopped.

Merton

I just went on Comcast.com and went to Contact Us and did a Feedback Inquiry...still no reply btw

It appears that the e-mail is sent to whichever local office is you put your address as since mine was sent to the Silver Spring office...

You should have had a canned response reply within 24 hours max... :)

I've finally waded through all 234 pages of this thread and used the search function too. Forgive me if this has come up previously.

I've had a Phase II 3412 for the past year with few problems except archiving through the Firewire port to my JVC 30k. It worked - but not without lots of babysitting and failed recordings. So.... I got Comcast to switch out the box to a Phase III. Of course, it took them four trips to get it right: one bad box which they wanted to replace with a Phase II box.

The new box sometimes will not fast forward or rewind. The two to five arrows will display, but the FFW and RW speeds are at a snail's pace - much slower than regular playback speeds. This seems to have nothing to do with other simultaneous box functions such as recording or whether one or both tuners are tuned to SD or HD channels. This problem will continue until I unplug the box. Unfortunately it can take two days to load the guide data. This can be a PITA when I want to schedule a recording for when I'm out of town.

Is there anyway to do a soft reset of this box without losing the guide data and scheduled recordings? Obviously, I would rather have a mostly working box than swap it for another with worse problems.

Merton

We all need to forget about ‘fair use.’
Not necessarily. Fair use is the law, and has been reaffirmed by the Supreme Court. There's even a lobbying group, supported by the consumer electronics manufacturers, called the Home Recording Rights Coalition (http://www.hrrc.org/), that works to counter restrictions on fair use. Its web site has links that can help you send messages to your Congressmen. Fair use may or may not hold up in the long run, but if it doesn't, we only have ourselves to blame for not speaking out loudly enough.

We had similar problems Sunday night here in Atlanta, however the screen would go totally green. It was definitely a network problem. We had the same problem with both the cable card tuner in our Sony KDF-E50A10 and the OTA feed through our LG3410A. The network then switched to a SD 4:3 feed and the dropouts stopped.

Merton, thanks for the response. I hope that's what it was, but it seems a great coincidence that the timing of my unplugging the box and the network fixing their feed was so exact. My problem was on all channels and was Monday night rather than Sunday. I'll follow up if I see the problem again. Thanks again.

Only Tuner 1 will show the DD or DD5.1 in the info bar. It's still DD or DD5.1! This is a Iguide issue.

I believe this is an HDMI bug. The second tuner does NOT carry the DD sound track when HBMI is used. If you use component instead, then both tuners carry DD 5.1, although the Iguide only shows DD on the second tuner.