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.See also:
Electronic Frontier Foundation: Defending Freedom in the Digital World (http://www.eff.org/)

These guys are amazing, and are fighting the good fight against fair use, the broadcast flag, and other abuses...

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.

That's not true.
My reciever is getting a Dolby Signal on one tuner and not the other. There is a major difference in sound from one tuner to the other.

merton,

I've had the same issue before after I've connected and disconnected a firewire device (in my case, a Mac laptop) to my 6412p3. The only way I've found to get the commands to respond as expected again is to pull the power, give it a standing 10-count, then plug it back in. This does nuke all your guide data, but that's the best I've been able to manage so far.

But at least you're not seeing a new or unexpected bug, eh?

-John

But at least you're not seeing a new or unexpected bug, eh?Hey, who needs new bugs when we've got such a wonderful and exciting variety of existing bugs from which to choose?

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

They said a few hours and I still haven't received anything...hopefully its circulating around the Comcast executive floor at this point :)

Has anyone ever recovered from an E609 error on a 6412 P2?

The symptom is that on boot the led display shows E609 then cycling through flashing "hunt" and "FR X" where X is are consecutive single digit numbers. Then it repeats.

From time to time (but rarely) it does actually boot far enough to show a channel number and pass video, but then it reboots half a minute later.

This 6412 worked well for months until this catestrophic failure. Its not the cable connection, I have another box right next to it thats still working fine. The CSR tried to do a remote reset, but the box didn't respond.

I'm pretty much resigned to just having it swapped out, though I hate losing the recordings I haven't seen and waiting a week for an appointment..

Just wondered if anyone ever recovered from this type of failure.

That's not true.
My reciever is getting a Dolby Signal on one tuner and not the other. There is a major difference in sound from one tuner to the other.

It may not be true for you, but it is for others. I get DD 5.1 on BOTH tuners, but the DD symbols only show in Tuner 1. I use the Component output for vision and the digital output (can't remember if I use optical or coaxial!) for the sound.

You may have a bad box, or there are bugs in the way you connect the box that don't show up on all the connection possibilities.

I'm sorry if this has been answered but I tried a search here and read the entire Wiki and still couldn't find it.

I do most of my recordings via Series Recordings. The other night I went to the guide and manually told it to record the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics. I watched 1/2 of it. The next night I sat down to watch the end and it was gone (I didn't delete it and I'm only at 30% full). That night the same thing happened: recorded and watched 1/2 of the 8pm broadcast only to have it disappear the next night.

I traded emails with a friend who also has a 6412 and they had the same thing happen. They indicated that they found out that by default if you simply record something from the guide it only keeps it for 24 hours.

Is this true? It seems to make sense since the same thing happened to me and my friends (and happened to me twice). If it is true, is there any way to adjust a default setting without having to go in to each recording manually and change the setting (FYI, when I did that it was already set to "Space is Needed").

I'm confused.

Thanks.

Chris

I'm sorry if this has been answered but I tried a search here and read the entire Wiki and still couldn't find it.

I do most of my recordings via Series Recordings. The other night I went to the guide and manually told it to record the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics. I watched 1/2 of it. The next night I sat down to watch the end and it was gone (I didn't delete it and I'm only at 30% full). That night the same thing happened: recorded and watched 1/2 of the 8pm broadcast only to have it disappear the next night.

I traded emails with a friend who also has a 6412 and they had the same thing happen. They indicated that they found out that by default if you simply record something from the guide it only keeps it for 24 hours.

Is this true? It seems to make sense since the same thing happened to me and my friends (and happened to me twice). If it is true, is there any way to adjust a default setting without having to go in to each recording manually and change the setting (FYI, when I did that it was already set to "Space is Needed").

I'm confused.

Thanks.

Chris


I have recordings from the guide that are a week old and they are still there. I'm not sure what your problem is, but that scenario isn't it. My 6412 uses I-Guide, is yours the same?

I am about to go buy an HDMI cable. What are my chances that I will be able to use my optical for DD with it?
VERSION III
firmware:12.18

thanks,
-Allen

I traded emails with a friend who also has a 6412 and they had the same thing happen. They indicated that they found out that by default if you simply record something from the guide it only keeps it for 24 hours.

It's not true. I record movies all the time from the guide. They remain until I get time to watch them, sometimes weeks.

I am about to go buy an HDMI cable. What are my chances that I will be able to use my optical for DD with it?
VERSION III
firmware:12.18

I think the firmware for mine is 12.18, but not 100% sure. Certainly no later than that. I use HDMI to the TV and optical from 6412 to receiver and get DD fine. Not getting it on DVR recordings, though.

I am about to go buy an HDMI cable. What are my chances that I will be able to use my optical for DD with it?
VERSION III
firmware:12.18

thanks,
-Allen

DD will only work for live tv. As soon as you start watching something that's recorded, DD will not output over the optical connection. It's not a matter of chance, this is the case for everyone trying to use HDMI.

Personally, I'm using component cables until they update the firmware. Mine is 12.18.

I'm sorry if this has been answered but I tried a search here and read the entire Wiki and still couldn't find it.

I do most of my recordings via Series Recordings. The other night I went to the guide and manually told it to record the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics. I watched 1/2 of it. The next night I sat down to watch the end and it was gone (I didn't delete it and I'm only at 30% full). That night the same thing happened: recorded and watched 1/2 of the 8pm broadcast only to have it disappear the next night.

I traded emails with a friend who also has a 6412 and they had the same thing happen. They indicated that they found out that by default if you simply record something from the guide it only keeps it for 24 hours.

Is this true? It seems to make sense since the same thing happened to me and my friends (and happened to me twice). If it is true, is there any way to adjust a default setting without having to go in to each recording manually and change the setting (FYI, when I did that it was already set to "Space is Needed").

I'm confused.

Thanks.

Chris

Change it to "Until I delete" on each series recording. The other option will delete it automatically once space is needed.

OK, I see. but will the recorded programs have DD if I use component output after being recorded using the HDMI as the output? I really want to save money cause its either use the HDMI or buy a Zektor (too expensive for me)switch. I got my Xbox 360 last week and I'm tired of switching out my components.
thanks,
-Allen

I noticed that I am not getting the DD and 5.1 icon anymore on any of the tuners. This is happening more often as before it would hardly ever happen. I have to reset the box and then I get the DD icon in one of the tuners which is normal. But then it goes away from the two tuners. Anyone know why is this happening?

I wonder how long until new firmware is released to fix HDMI on ver. III?
I don't dare waste my time calling comcast.

It's not a matter of chance, this is the case for everyone trying to use HDMIThat's not true; the problem disappears with firmware of 12.22 or greater. My cableco just pushed 12.26 (up from 12.13) and it solved the HDMI/DD5.1 issue.

I noticed that I am not getting the DD and 5.1 icon anymore on any of the tuners. This is happening more often as before it would hardly ever happen. I have to reset the box and then I get the DD icon in one of the tuners which is normal. But then it goes away from the two tuners. Anyone know why is this happening?
I occasionally lose 5.1 output from the 6412 (I have a series II). I don't know exactly why, but I suspect it's related to swapping between tuners. When this happens, I switch both tuners to a known 5.1 source (for me, that's one of the INHD channels). That is, tune to INHD, swap, and tune to INHD. This fixes the problem (at least, until the next time it goes bad).

will the recorded programs have DD if I use component output after being recorded using the HDMI as the output?Yes. The audio is always recorded properly and will later playback properly when your firmware is updated or you use a different video output.

That's not true; the problem disappears with firmware of 12.22 or greater. My cableco just pushed 12.26 (up from 12.13) and it solved the HDMI/DD5.1 issue.

I meant everyone with that firmware (12.18).

OK, I see. but will the recorded programs have DD if I use component output after being recorded using the HDMI as the output? I really want to save money cause its either use the HDMI or buy a Zektor (too expensive for me)switch. I got my Xbox 360 last week and I'm tired of switching out my components.
thanks,
-Allen

Yes, the DD is recorded.

I had the same issue with not enough component inputs on my TV. I bought a powered switchbox from Radio Shack that does the job really well, and can be controlled with a remote. The model number is 15-1927. It cost around $50.

I occasionally lose 5.1 output from the 6412 (I have a series II). I don't know exactly why, but I suspect it's related to swapping between tuners. When this happens, I switch both tuners to a known 5.1 source (for me, that's one of the INHD channels). That is, tune to INHD, swap, and tune to INHD. This fixes the problem (at least, until the next time it goes bad).

I have used that cure method before, as well. However, this past week both tuners forgot how to deliver 5.1. I powered down (not unplugged) for about an hour and when I powered back, both tuners delivered 5.1 although only one displays the DD 5.1 logo. I am on FW 9.19 with a Phase II box on Comcast.

Just hooked up my HDMI, looks great. Hopefully a new firmware is released soon!

I have a phase III box, and I want to change the output from 1080i to 720p. I've done it before, but now I can't seem to remember how. I know how to get into the setup menu. When I get there, I can see that it's currently set to 1080i. But I can't find a key that changes it at that point. If I push OK, right arrow, or left arrow, it just returns to the higher level menu. What do I push to change this setting? Thanks in advance.

I am getting a new 50" plasma later this week from Costco to replace an old 32" CRT pile of junk.

Since I am finally going to HDTV, I decided to call Comcast to see if I needed any new equipment to recieve the HD signals. I currently have the Moto 6412 dvr and I love it. Never had any problems and use it all the time.

The lady from comcast said I needed a new HDTV Box to recieve the high def signal, and that I should go to their office and give them back the 6412 and get this new box for my new HDTV.

Or, she said, I could pay 13 dollars and have someone come out and "install" HDTV at my home.

This seemed odd, since the 6412 says "HDTV Capable" on the front of it.

I figured the folks here would know the truth. Is comcast pulling a fast one on me?

Thanks!

I know how to get into the setup menu. When I get there, I can see that it's currently set to 1080i. But I can't find a key that changes it at that point.Sounds like you are in the "diagnostics" screens instead of the "Setup Menu". To get into Setup, press "MENU" when the box is turned off.

Is comcast pulling a fast one on me?Yes.

I am getting a new 50" plasma later this week from Costco to replace an old 32" CRT pile of junk.

Since I am finally going to HDTV, I decided to call Comcast to see if I needed any new equipment to recieve the HD signals. I currently have the Moto 6412 dvr and I love it. Never had any problems and use it all the time.

The lady from comcast said I needed a new HDTV Box to recieve the high def signal, and that I should go to their office and give them back the 6412 and get this new box for my new HDTV.

Or, she said, I could pay 13 dollars and have someone come out and "install" HDTV at my home.

This seemed odd, since the 6412 says "HDTV Capable" on the front of it.

I figured the folks here would know the truth. Is comcast pulling a fast one on me?

Thanks!

The 6412 is a two tuner HD DVR. Comcast is not pulling a fast one on you. The CSR is just ignorant. Simply order HD service and your 6412 is ready to go.

I am getting a new 50" plasma later this week from Costco to replace an old 32" CRT pile of junk.

Since I am finally going to HDTV, I decided to call Comcast to see if I needed any new equipment to recieve the HD signals. I currently have the Moto 6412 dvr and I love it. Never had any problems and use it all the time.

The lady from comcast said I needed a new HDTV Box to recieve the high def signal, and that I should go to their office and give them back the 6412 and get this new box for my new HDTV.

Or, she said, I could pay 13 dollars and have someone come out and "install" HDTV at my home.

This seemed odd, since the 6412 says "HDTV Capable" on the front of it.

I figured the folks here would know the truth. Is comcast pulling a fast one on me?

Thanks!

I think the lady just didn't know what she's talking about. The 6412 absolutely does do HD. Just tune to one of the HD channels and see for yourself. Even with composite or s-video, you can see the channels are working, though you won't actually see it in HD unless you go to component or DVI/HDMI.

Contrast this with one of the other, non-HD digital boxes, where you only get a audio and a black screen on HD channels.

I don't even have an HDTV, yet I still often record off of the HD channels instead of the SD ones, because the picture and sound still seem better, despite lack of the proper equipment.

[edited to add below]

The 6412 is a two tuner HD DVR. Comcast is not pulling a fast one on you. The CSR is just ignorant. Simply order HD service and your 6412 is ready to go.

Unless they do it differently in his area than in mine, there's no need to order HD service. It's just part of the DVR service automatically.

Lost HD was unwatchable as recorded last night. In fact, one tuner was all garbled on all HD channels. Wheeee. Now I get to download the episode and watch it on my computer. Great. Hopefully my overnight reboot took care of that. I'm starting to think I should reboot every night to keep things fresh.

The 6412 is a two tuner HD DVR. Comcast is not pulling a fast one on you. The CSR is just ignorant. Simply order HD service and your 6412 is ready to go.
What bobby said, but you may not have to call them at all. Just hook it up and you should be good to go. Make sure you connect your plasma with component cables or dvi/hdmi. HD isn't possible using the connections you were using on your last tv.

I had the same issue with not enough component inputs on my TV. I bought a powered switchbox from Radio Shack that does the job really well, and can be controlled with a remote. The model number is 15-1927. It cost around $50.

I looked at it on their website, but it doesn't have a picture of the back... Does this switchbox also switch Digital Audio? If so, does it have Optical, Coax, or Both? I've seen a similar product, but it was 3 times the price.

Thanks,
JayMan.

I am getting a new 50" plasma later this week from Costco to replace an old 32" CRT pile of junk.

Since I am finally going to HDTV, I decided to call Comcast to see if I needed any new equipment to recieve the HD signals. I currently have the Moto 6412 dvr and I love it. Never had any problems and use it all the time.

The lady from comcast said I needed a new HDTV Box to recieve the high def signal, and that I should go to their office and give them back the 6412 and get this new box for my new HDTV.

Or, she said, I could pay 13 dollars and have someone come out and "install" HDTV at my home.

This seemed odd, since the 6412 says "HDTV Capable" on the front of it.

I figured the folks here would know the truth. Is comcast pulling a fast one on me?

Thanks!

Which Plasma are you getting? Maxent, Phillips, Vizio, Pany, or Pioneer?

I just went through the same thing with Comcast... Since the DVR is HD ready, you do not need to pay additional fees per month. I had the 6208 DVR and upgraded to the 6412 when it became available. I set the box to output all to 480i and I was able to view the local networks & premiums that broadcast in HD, but only in SD on my 27" Sony Trinitron. When I got the Plasma, I contacted Comcast and they just flipped a switch and I was then able to get the other HD channels (InHD1/2, Discovery, ESPN & TNT). This was because I had an old DVR (that was not HD compatible) and that is how my account was setup.

JayMan

What bobby said, but you may not have to call them at all. Just hook it up and you should be good to go. Make sure you connect your plasma with component cables or dvi/hdmi. HD isn't possible using the connections you were using on your last tv.

This agrees my my experience. I got my 6412 back when I still had an SD TV. When the Comcast guy installed it, I asked him if I needed to call the office or anything when I would buy an HDTV down the road. Would I need to add another $5/month HD option to the $10/month DVR option? He said no, eveything was all set for HD. The HD channels were all active but I wouldn't get the benefits of HD until I got the new set.

Sure enough I even went on vacation the week before getting my HDTV and recorded a bunch of stuff off the HD channels. When I returned and bought the HDTV and plugged in the 6412 via component cable, there were all my recording in wonderful HD!

I always wondered whether the guy was winking at me and had simply "given" me HD capability for my $10? No, since then I've learned the $10 includes the $5 HD option.

I set the box to output all to 480i and I was able to view the local networks & premiums that broadcast in HD, but only in SD on my 27" Sony Trinitron.

What do you mean by setting the box to output all to 480i. I hope you mean the 4:3 override setting otherwise you might not be viewing any HD.

Can anyone tell me if 6412 is a significant upgrade to 6208. Recently changed to comcast from DSS (didn't want to invest in dss hd dvr with mpeg4 technology coming). 6208 is awful even compared to tivo 3 to 4 generations ago. My wife hates it even more than me and I'm the videophile! I live rurally so still don't have access to upgrades (6412) and they wont even estimate when upgrades will be available but given perfomance of current unit I wonder if its worth waiting at all. Other options are to buy a used dss hddvr and eat the cost when mpeg4 arrives or wait til tivo starts to work with comcast(but probably won't see results of that here for many months). My biggest issue is unreliablity of setting recordings (eg recording schedule not recognizing that the olympics are replacing normal shows) or lack of features (eg picking "first run" episodes only). Also the unit sometimes just glitches or freezes-won't take commands. Any comments would be appreciated. Would be somewhat reassured to hear that the 6412 is MUCH better.

guess I shoulda looked at stoli's quotes-not encouraging. Anybody know when tivo comcast equipment will be available?

guess I shoulda looked at stoli's quotes-not encouraging. Anybody know when tivo comcast equipment will be available?Is TIvo coming to Comcast? Personally I don't want it.... not because it wouldn't be far better than the 6412, but just because I pay more than enough for cable already without tacking on Tivo's monthly licensing fees.

Is TIvo coming to Comcast? Personally I don't want it.... not because it wouldn't be far better than the 6412, but just because I pay more than enough for cable already without tacking on Tivo's monthly licensing fees.

TIVO is doing software for Comcast DVR, that will incorporate some of TIVO's features...

TIVO is doing software for Comcast DVR, that will incorporate some of TIVO's features...
But, I understand there will be an additional monthly charge for the Tivo software, above and beyond the DVR monthly charge.

But, I understand there will be an additional monthly charge for the Tivo software, above and beyond the DVR monthly charge.

No seperate charge for TIVO, but there will be a few more bucks to upgrade your DVR service from the current level of DVR to the Tivo DVR.

Example: in my area: $9.95 per month will go up to $14.95 for DVR w/ Tivo per month

No seperate charge for TIVO, but there will be a few more bucks to upgrade your DVR service from the current level of DVR to the Tivo DVR.

Example: in my area: $9.95 per month will go up to $14.95 for DVR w/ Tivo per month

and what part of $5 a month is not a separate charge for the Tivo upgrade. :confused:

when is it going to be available?

Any thoughts if I get green splotches on all channels? I've read about the bug where both tuners are on analog, but the last two nights we've had it when both tuners were on HD stations. I wasn't around last night, but my wife said it happened; she just left it. Tonight, it was fine when I turned on the TV, but at some point, the green lines/boxes showed up. If I go into a menu, the menu appears fine but the TV picture in the upper right has the green spots. Recorded video that I know showed clean before is now showing green, and viewing unencrypted HD channels via the QAM tuner show that they are fine.

and what part of $5 a month is not a separate charge for the Tivo upgrade. :confused:

Exactly. I generally have no problem with Comcast, but this pricing structure, if accurate, is borderline ridiculous. We're going to be asked to pay more for Tivo via Comcast than Tivo service costs on stand-alone units. I suppose Comcast's justification (and the rationalization of those, like myself, who will be unable to resist - what's another $5 per month) is the light-years inferior interface of the current Comcast DVR. Something seems fundamentally wrong about this. I would have much less problem with this if Comcast just dumped the current software and switched to Tivo, even if they increased the prices slightly (I think $15 per month for DVR service is excessive).

And one more thing - is "Comcast Tivo" going to be "Tivo-lite"? Is it going to have all the peripheral services available on stand-alone Tivo (for example, Tivo-to-Go, etc.)? I bet not. And if not, the pricing becomes even more offensive.

No seperate charge for TIVO, but there will be a few more bucks to upgrade your DVR service from the current level of DVR to the Tivo DVR.

Example: in my area: $9.95 per month will go up to $14.95 for DVR w/ Tivo per month
I searched for "tivo" on this thread and would you believe I got "Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms. "????? Got the same result from Tivo and TIVO, so would you mind sharing where you got the above information? And has anyone heard any update on delivery?

Thanks in advance

I searched for "tivo" on this thread and would you believe I got "Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms. "????? Got the same result from Tivo and TIVO, so would you mind sharing where you got the above information? And has anyone heard any update on delivery?

Thanks in advance

The info source is inside Comcast.

After July 2006.

They should be out in Beta testing soon.

The New Iguide version is also do out soon.

Exactly. I generally have no problem with Comcast, but this pricing structure, if accurate, is borderline ridiculous. ...
While I agree with most of what you are saying, my $10/month for a dual tuner hd-dvr is the best 10 bucks I spend every month. You also said "We're going to be asked to pay more for Tivo via Comcast than Tivo service costs on stand-alone units". I don't understand this. The last time I looked into going tivo, the tivo service was at least $13 a month and I had to buy the hardware.

The last time I looked into going tivo, the tivo service was at least $13 a month and I had to buy the hardware.

I am counting the base $10 that you are spending for the Comcast DVR, and adding the $5 for the Tivo upgrade. (Another comparison - I have two 6412's - Comcast doesn't give me a "multi-subscription" discount now, and I am sure they will not give me a discount to upgrade the second DVR to the Tivo interface.) But I don't disagree that the $10/month is a reasonable DVR fee. I just think it is unreasonable to jack me up another $5 per box to get Tivo. Service on two stand-alone Tivo's in one house would be about $20, compared to $30 on Comcast if there is no discount. And we still don't know about in-home networking, Tivo-to-Go, Yahoo services, etc.

I simply don't buy the "free hardware" argument. Tivo practically gives away its hardware. More to the point, Comcast forces you to "rent" the hardware forever. I suspect I am not in a minority of those who would certainly consider buying a reliable cable box with robust features such as Tivo (I would even gladly pay something akin to cell phone insurance). In any event, you are paying for the hardware either way, and you may be paying much more in monthly box rental fees than you would ever pay if you had the option to buy the box outright.

I am counting the base $10 that you are spending for the Comcast DVR, and adding the $5 for the Tivo upgrade. (Another comparison - I have two 6412's - Comcast doesn't give me a "multi-subscription" discount now, and I am sure they will not give me a discount to upgrade the second DVR to the Tivo interface.) But I don't disagree that the $10/month is a reasonable DVR fee. I just think it is unreasonable to jack me up another $5 per box to get Tivo. Service on two stand-alone Tivo's in one house would be about $20, compared to $30 on Comcast if there is no discount. And we still don't know about in-home networking, Tivo-to-Go, Yahoo services, etc.

I simply don't buy the "free hardware" argument. Tivo practically gives away its hardware. More to the point, Comcast forces you to "rent" the hardware forever. I suspect I am not in a minority of those who would certainly consider buying a reliable cable box with robust features such as Tivo (I would even gladly pay something akin to cell phone insurance). In any event, you are paying for the hardware either way, and you may be paying much more in monthly box rental fees than you would ever pay if you had the option to buy the box outright.

Why on earth would you want to buy the STB?

I have 3 STB in the House right now (1-6412p3, 2-3412p1). In under 2.5 Years I have upgraded from a Moto DCT-2005 to a Moto DCT-6200 STB to a Moto DCT-6208, then to 3 Moto DCT 6412p2, then 1 was upgraded to a 6412p3, and 2 are now upgraded to a 3412p1.

If I had to buy these STB that would be over $4,500.00 in cost. When my area goes to the new Panasonic STB later this year, and they offer the Tivo DVR on whatever STB model, I will upgrade again FOR FREE! And having to upgrade $5 - 10 more bucks a month is nothing. Hell I paid Comcast an extra $10.00 per month just to have 8.561 kbps download speed. When you pay almost $200.00 a month, a few more bucks aint going to kill you.

I am counting the base $10 that you are spending for the Comcast DVR, and adding the $5 for the Tivo upgrade. (Another comparison - I have two 6412's - Comcast doesn't give me a "multi-subscription" discount now, and I am sure they will not give me a discount to upgrade the second DVR to the Tivo interface.) But I don't disagree that the $10/month is a reasonable DVR fee. I just think it is unreasonable to jack me up another $5 per box to get Tivo. Service on two stand-alone Tivo's in one house would be about $20, compared to $30 on Comcast if there is no discount. And we still don't know about in-home networking, Tivo-to-Go, Yahoo services, etc.

I simply don't buy the "free hardware" argument. Tivo practically gives away its hardware. More to the point, Comcast forces you to "rent" the hardware forever. I suspect I am not in a minority of those who would certainly consider buying a reliable cable box with robust features such as Tivo (I would even gladly pay something akin to cell phone insurance). In any event, you are paying for the hardware either way, and you may be paying much more in monthly box rental fees than you would ever pay if you had the option to buy the box outright.

Well, the TiVo that is practically given away is a single tuner box that doesn't record HD, so I'm not sure that is a valid comparison. And you won't be forced to go the TiVo route...it is just another option. I think it is reasonable to assume that Comcast is paying a licensing fee for the TiVo interface and they aren't just going to eat that, as much as we would like them to. And another point regarding the hardware...if your Moto box breaks (which certainly can happen, as everyone that reads this thread knows), you simply get another one (and hope it is a good one! :)).

If the Series 3 TiVo comes out at a decent price point, I'll definitely jump onboard. But until then, I'll just hope my Moto box keeps treating me nicely. And since the DFW market will be transitioned to TimeWarner in the not so distant future, I'll probably never even have the opportunity to see the TiVo-powered 6412...


As always, YMMV...
-Randy

I am counting the base $10 that you are spending for the Comcast DVR, and adding the $5 for the Tivo upgrade.
I'm with you!

More to the point, Comcast forces you to "rent" the hardware forever.
I see what you're saying, but I still feel my $10/month is the only reasonably priced service I'm paying for. I've upgraded my hardware 3 times at no additional cost. HD hardware is still too expensive to upgrade every 6-12 months. When cablecard and other hd-dvr hardware are more commonplace and cheaper, then the $10-15/month per box will get old real fast.

I suspect I am not in a minority of those who would certainly consider buying a reliable cable box with robust features such as Tivo (I would even gladly pay something akin to cell phone insurance). In any event, you are paying for the hardware either way, and you may be paying much more in monthly box rental fees than you would ever pay if you had the option to buy the box outright.

In this Hobby technology changes so fast. If you buy an STB (Dual Tuner HDDVR) vs paying monthly fee you would be left out on upgrades and in case it breaks vs renting. Even more if you have 2,3 or 4 HDTV setup where you want to have Dual Tuner HDDVR capability it is easier to see. With Comcast you would be at $40 month with E* (I don't have D* so I cant compare) it would be $300(first one)+DVR fee+lease fee and ~$700 for 2,3,4 +DVR fee on each. So it depends on your setup but as more and more homes upgrade their 2nd,third, etc TVs leasing starts to make a lot of sense if the prices for this type of DBS equipment continues. Hey it makes a lot of sense for me already:D

...And having to upgrade $5 - 10 more bucks a month is nothing. Hell I paid Comcast an extra $10.00 per month just to have 8.561 kbps download speed. When you pay almost $200.00 a month, a few more bucks aint going to kill you.I see what you're saying, and you're right; $5-10 a month isn't much. The problem with the cable companies (not just Comcast) is that it's $5-10 a month for this, $10-15 a month for that, and pretty soon you are up to that $200 a month bill. D@mn, that's $2400 a year just to receive a TV signal! At some point it just gets too much. Where that point is for each of us is different. I'm still paying Comcast every month, but I'll hit the point of pulling the plug before I hit $200 a month, I'll tell you.

My biggest issue is unreliablity of setting recordings (eg recording schedule not recognizing that the olympics are replacing normal shows) or lack of features (eg picking "first run" episodes only). Also the unit sometimes just glitches or freezes-won't take commands. Any comments would be appreciated. Would be somewhat reassured to hear that the 6412 is MUCH better.

I am just going to give my overall personal opinion on the 6412. I never had a 6208 or a TIVO so I can't go there. Is theh 6412 perfect? no. Is Tivo perfect? I don't know. What happens if the guide info on TIVO is wrong?
Most of the problems I have are due to the guide but there are some that are not

Problems related to the Guide info or Software
1. On a series recording programs are recorded even when you told it to only record "new". This mainly happens with syndicated shows since they are not tagged as new or repeat. Solution I delete the extra ones.
2. Missed recordings. Only two ocassions in about 6 months. 1 in HBOHD and 1 in ABCHD. The HBO one was not tagged as new. Since I had told the 6412 to only record "new" it missed it. Luckily HBO repeated Rome. How would that had been handled by Tivo? The other was Grey's Anatomy on Superbowl night. Luckily my local ABC repeated it. How would that been hanlded by Tivo?

Problems unrelated to the guide
1. Sometimes I lose 5.1 capability. Turning off/on/ reset or swaping tuners usually solves this problem.
2. Qued remote commands. Sometimes the box stops responding to remote commands and then they are exeecuted all at once. This happens less than 6 months ago.

I But I don't disagree that the $10/month is a reasonable DVR fee.

Also remember that the $10 includes HD. HD is $5 by itself.

As I said in my original post, I will absolutely upgrade as soon as possible based on the "what's $5 more" theory and the significant advantages of Tivo (I can't wait to see how Comcast implements it!). I also see the logic in the responses about the benefits of renting a box in terms of upgrades. At the same time, the distinction of renting or buying a box is really just a question of financing methods. You are paying for the box one way or another. Buying simply is not incompatible with upgrading, through trade in, buy back or any other variety of programs. There is also something to be said for holding vendors responsible for delivering products which work well, not subject to some excuse that there is a new box coming out in a couple months which will work better. I, for one, also had to pay installation fees to Comcast to upgrade from the 5100 to the 6408, and to then upgrade to the 6412.

Any way, my point was not that I desperately want to buy my cable box. I only said I would consider it, which I would, depending on the price/features/reliability. My point is that "we give away the hardware" does not rationally justify any particular level of monthly DVR fees. Is $15 per box reasonable? I think its starting to push the envelope, particularly if if there is no multi-box discount, if we don't get full Tivo functionality (is there any reason multiple 6412's couldn't be networked in the house right now?), and the cable/internet bill starts to exceed $200 per month.

I am getting a new 50" plasma later this week from Costco to replace an old 32" CRT pile of junk.

Since I am finally going to HDTV, I decided to call Comcast to see if I needed any new equipment to recieve the HD signals. I currently have the Moto 6412 dvr and I love it. Never had any problems and use it all the time.

The 6412 should be all you need.

I, for one, also had to pay installation fees to Comcast to upgrade from the 5100 to the 6408, and to then upgrade to the 6412.

I never heard about this. Usually the y charge you install fees the first time. Was this because they "delivered and installed" the upgraded boxes to you?
I guess this depends on your local cable company but I think in most areas you could just go to the local office and swap your box for free

Some first time installtion. For me some clueless guy came out w/ an older digi cable box(first time, before I got the HDTV) and hooked it up to a wall via coax. Saw that the picture was snowy, and the signal was so bad it couldn't even get a clock sync. Told me that was because the dumbass painters painted over the cable jacks threads, there was nothing more he could do, and left.

Fortunetly I have some spare connectors, so I just went to Lowe's and bought a .49 wall plate, put a new connector in it, and boom no problems.

$15(or whatever it was) for them to plug in 2 cables? F that!

Thankfullly when I got the DVR, my office just let me bring the box right to the office, and pickup a new DVR box. I still have a PII, and I don't want to get rid of it because I don't have many of the problems people speak of(knock on wood).

With HDTV though, if you are already paying $5 a month b/c you don't have Digi silver, then you are essentially already paying half of the DVR fee. I'll pay an extra $5 a month to watch TV on my own time, and FF commericials :)

The 6412 + Comcast will be the death of me! This much frustration should not occur when trying to watch a TV show!

(1) UHD has gone away. They added it for the Olympics but now all I get is the "This channel will be available shortly" screen.

(2) HD channels are ALL freaking out. I tried to record the primetime Olympic coverage in HD. No go. it's breakingup like crazy and recording a weird nonsense stream.

(3) Now it won't let me change the channel using the guide on the tuner that I'm not recording on. i.e. I'm using tuner A to record the Olympics in standard definition of course. When I manually swap tuners I am able to flip channels up and down but if I choose a new channel from the guide it tells me that I'm recording and can't change the channel without stopping to record. Of course, I don't know what the hell it thinks it's recording that it will lose if I change channels with the guide but not with the +- channel buttons.

I want to smash this thing with a hammer!

I've been reading through this thread and it seems my DVR responds differently than others. Please help with my clarification...

I have Comcast and they provided a DCT 6412/2005, which I beleive to be the Phase II model. It has the DVI output and no HDMI.

1. Firmware Revision.
How do you check the revision installed on the 6412, and is there a list of all the revisions and what each revision changed?

2. "Swap" Button/Two Tuners.
I have the silver remote with 5 PIP buttons at the bottom. "Swap" is the second button, but it has no affect (as PIP is not available).

It appears that (if PIP was available) the "Swap" button would be a feature of PIP. (I assume that if there were two PIP channels being displayed, the primary one would be larger with the audio active, and the secondary one would be smaller with no audio. I would think the "Swap" button would simply swap the two PIP channels, thus enabling the audio on the other channel.)

In reading this thread it seems others use the "Swap" button to simply move between the two tuners. My DVR seems to keep the tuners transparent to the user. I never know which tuner I am using at the time. When I am recording two channels at the same time, the "Swap" button does nothing, and I can't change to a third channel without the message option to cancel recording. I can only change between the two channels being recorded...either by manually selecting either channel or using the "Last" button.

All this seems normal to me. Maybe I'm confused...

3. DD-5.1.
Others have mentioned that "DD-5.1" is displayed in the Guide when it is available for a channel. Some say it is visible on one tuner but not the other (again...I never know which tuner I am using at the time).

I have looked everywhere in the guide, and I see no reference to "DD-5.1". I see "HD" and "CC", but nothing else. The only way I know when I am receiving 5.1 is to either hear it or see the symbols on my digital decoder change.

Maybe my model DVR and Firmware revision does not provide this info in the Guide.

This is the first and only HD DVR I have used, so I have nothing to compare it against.

Thanks for your help...

Mike

Sounds like you are in the "diagnostics" screens instead of the "Setup Menu". To get into Setup, press "MENU" when the box is turned off.

That was exactly what I was doing wrong. Thanks for reminding me of the correct button.

I've been reading through this thread and it seems my DVR responds differently than others. Please help with my clarification...

I have Comcast and they provided a DCT 6412/2005, which I beleive to be the Phase II model. It has the DVI output and no HDMI.

1. Firmware Revision.
How do you check the revision installed on the 6412, and is there a list of all the revisions and what each revision changed?

2. "Swap" Button/Two Tuners.
I have the silver remote with 5 PIP buttons at the bottom. "Swap" is the second button, but it has no affect (as PIP is not available).

It appears that (if PIP was available) the "Swap" button would be a feature of PIP. (I assume that if there were two PIP channels being displayed, the primary one would be larger with the audio active, and the secondary one would be smaller with no audio. I would think the "Swap" button would simply swap the two PIP channels, thus enabling the audio on the other channel.)

In reading this thread it seems others use the "Swap" button to simply move between the two tuners. My DVR seems to keep the tuners transparent to the user. I never know which tuner I am using at the time. When I am recording two channels at the same time, the "Swap" button does nothing, and I can't change to a third channel without the message option to cancel recording. I can only change between the two channels being recorded...either by manually selecting either channel or using the "Last" button.

All this seems normal to me. Maybe I'm confused...

3. DD-5.1.
Others have mentioned that "DD-5.1" is displayed in the Guide when it is available for a channel. Some say it is visible on one tuner but not the other (again...I never know which tuner I am using at the time).

I have looked everywhere in the guide, and I see no reference to "DD-5.1". I see "HD" and "CC", but nothing else. The only way I know when I am receiving 5.1 is to either hear it or see the symbols on my digital decoder change.

Maybe my model DVR and Firmware revision does not provide this info in the Guide.

This is the first and only HD DVR I have used, so I have nothing to compare it against.

Thanks for your help...

Mike


Do you actually have a problem, or do you just wish you did...???

I've been wondering the same thing as spredvan about the swap button. I have the same button config on my remote & it does nothing for PIP or tuner switching. Of course Comcast has no answeres for this. I've run into a situation a few times when I've started a recording after a prgm has started and then the box won't let you switch channels w/o stopping the recording. Can't figure out why it won't allow this when there are 2 tuners...unless both tuners are being used in this scenerio, 1 catch the prgm up & the other to do the live TV duties. Anyone w/input here?

The phase II boxes (probably phase III too) have no PIP function. The PIP specific buttons do nothing. However, the Swap button should switch between tuners. That's the way it works on my box.

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

Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice.
Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button.
Type in the code 00236.
Press whatever button you want to map the tuner swap command to (ex: PiP Swap). The "Cable" button will blink twice if successful.

How do you check the revision installed on the 6412This has been detailed many times in this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7079335&&#post7079335)."Swap" is the second button, but it has no affect.Try pressing swap, change the channel on the second tuner, then press swap again. Both tuners are on the same channel until you change one of them.

I've posted this question before but I never got a response. I currently have my television hooked up to the 6412 III with component cables, but bought a Phillips HDMI/DVI converter cable to see if there was an improved picture. I didn't notice any significant difference in the picture quality, but there was a thin white and orange band on each side of the picture and sometimes there would be a thin black band on the bottom. More confusingly, when the cable was hooked up to the 6412 any 5.1 channel DVR recording would only output in 2 channel stereo. When I disconnected the cable, the DVR recordings would output 5.1 sound. The cable wasn't hooked up through the home audio reciever... I had the reciever hooked up to the 6412 with an optical digital cord. Anyone know whats up with that? I've since returned the cable, but might pick up some cheap ones from monoprice just to have them.

I will only pay the five dollars extra for the Tivo 6412 until the Series III comes out. Then I'm done with the 3412 / 6412 iguide boxes.

Tivo is the best and I will gladly sacrifice on demand to go to a cable card set up. I have a series one sony Tivo that is 10 times more reliable then the 3412 piece of crap that sits on top of it.

I've been wondering the same thing as spredvan about the swap button. I have the same button config on my remote & it does nothing for PIP or tuner switching. Of course Comcast has no answeres for this. I've run into a situation a few times when I've started a recording after a prgm has started and then the box won't let you switch channels w/o stopping the recording. Can't figure out why it won't allow this when there are 2 tuners...unless both tuners are being used in this scenerio, 1 catch the prgm up & the other to do the live TV duties. Anyone w/input here?

I often can't get the swap button to work w.o. getting the "you will stop recording if you switch channels" msg. Doesn't happen all the time and I don't know what i happen to do differently when I do get it to work.
This box is def. not user friendly and i would not rec. it for a little old lady type.


...mike

sorry guys i just went through 33 pages of thread in 3 days and am wore out and still dont have a solution. i wasnt about to go through 236 more pages so i am sorry if this has been discussed already.

so my problem is i have a Motorola 6412 III FW 12.18
i connected the Moto via HDMI to my AVR(Yamaha RX-V1600) and then via HDMI to my plasma(HP Pl5000N). when i do this i get a HDCP error and a blinking green screen.

any solutions?

i have connected the Moto directly to the plasma via HDMI and it is wonderfully clean. no problems. there is definately a advantage of HDMI over component IMO.

so my question is will FW 12.22 fix this issue so i can use my AVR?

i and others have posted this in the other thread also and am hoping someone has found a fix. or do i have to be content with component for now?

thanks to alll

Koooter

sorry guys i just went through 33 pages of thread in 3 days and am wore out and still dont have a solution. i wasnt about to go through 236 more pages so i am sorry if this has been discussed already.

so my problem is i have a Motorola 6412 III FW 12.18
i connected the Moto via HDMI to my AVR(Yamaha RX-V1600) and then via HDMI to my plasma(HP Pl5000N). when i do this i get a HDCP error and a blinking green screen.

any solutions?

i have connected the Moto directly to the plasma via HDMI and it is wonderfully clean. no problems. there is definately a advantage of HDMI over component IMO.

so my question is will FW 12.22 fix this issue so i can use my AVR?

i and others have posted this in the other thread also and am hoping someone has found a fix. or do i have to be content with component for now?

thanks to alll

Koooter

By logical reasoning, it sounds like its the Yamaha receiver, not the Moto box having problems...I have an HDCP-compliant HDMI swtich and it works fine with the 6412...check with Yamaha and see if you need a firmware upgrade for htat

I'm having the same problem with a Denon 4806....

What is the Comcast montly charge on this box?

What is the Comcast montly charge on this box?


$5.00 per month out here in CA. I've got two of them.

$5.00 per month out here in CA. I've got two of them.
5 bucks! You are lucky. Most of the country pays 10/month. Some even pay 10/month + 5/hd fee/month

What is the Comcast montly charge on this box?

It can vary by market, apparently. Your best bet is to check with Comcast directly or you could try the Detroit Local HD Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=453486).

$5.00 per month out here in CA. I've got two of them.Sounds odd that there is such a significant price difference for wherever in CA that you live.

nope laxo01 it is definately not the Yamaha because i have a dvd via HDMI to receiver and there are no problems.

it definately is the Moto, i am just surprised no one has found a solution for this because i believe it effects just about any receiver just like donnyb's 4806.

I will only pay the five dollars extra for the Tivo 6412 until the Series III comes out. Then I'm done with the 3412 / 6412 iguide boxes.

Tivo is the best and I will gladly sacrifice on demand to go to a cable card set up. I have a series one sony Tivo that is 10 times more reliable then the 3412 piece of crap that sits on top of it.

I just read the TIVO series III specs and it sounds great. Problem will be the price as a standalone. It will likely be above 500 bucs (speculation) so If you have a multi-room setup its forget it for me. Hopefully the TIVO Comcast option works out ok

nope laxo01 it is definately not the Yamaha because i have a dvd via HDMI to receiver and there are no problems.

it definately is the Moto, i am just surprised no one has found a solution for this because i believe it effects just about any receiver just like donnyb's 4806.

well you didn't tell us a DVD player was working through the HDMI switch...have you tried changing the cables? maybe the Cable box one is damaged...

$5.00 per month out here in CA. I've got two of them.

Check your invoice closer.

I'm in SoCal and I pay $10 for the 6412, and $5 for HD service.

Check your invoice closer.

I'm in SoCal and I pay $10 for the 6412, and $5 for HD service.

You shouldn't be paying that extra $5 for HD service. The DVR With HDTV is $9.95.

02/10 - 03/09 Digital Platinum Package 56.95
Includes: Digital Classic, Digital Plus, HBO, HBO Plex, Cinemax, Cinemax Plex, Showtime, Showtime Plex, TMC, TMC Plex, STARZ, STARZ Plex, Encore, Encore Plex, Music Choice, Digital Converter and Remote, If Applicable.
02/10 - 03/09 Standard Cable 48.25
Includes: Limited Basic and Expanded Basic Service
02/10 - 03/09 DVR Service With HDTV 9.95
02/10 - 03/09 Digital Premier 4.99
02/10 - 03/09 Digital Addl Outlet 6.95
Includes: Digital Converter and Remote, If Applicable.
Subtotal 127.09

You shouldn't be paying that extra $5 for HD service. The DVR With HDTV is $9.95.



You seem to be quoting from your cable bill?
If so, those prices apply to YOU and are not necessarily applicable to everyone else.

For instance, I'm paying about $60/month for digital cable with HBO/Showtime, Latino channels, HD programming, DVR and one or two more things I can't remember right now (not at home at the moment). This is a one year deal because I switched from satellite. After that it goes up to about $95/mo.

Check the Comcast web site. It clearly states $9.95 for DVR and $5 for HD.

Comcast does not have a universal national pricing policy. That being said my bill reads $ 9.95 for DVR service with HDTV

March 2006 Comcast Basic Fee's (fee's vary by area due to Franchise fee's, local & state Tax ect. Not all services available in all areas.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly a la carte services
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Basic Service -- $16.90 per month

Expanded Service -- $30.85 per month

Digital Clasic -- $9.95 per month

Digital Plus -- $14.95 per month

Digital Sports -- $5.00 per month

DVR service -- $9.95 per month

DVR W/ TiVo service -- $14.95 per month

EC Addl. Outlet -- $4.75 per month

Digital Cable Addl. Outlet -- $8.95 per month

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Packages
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standard Package (Basic & Expanded) -- $47.75 per month

Enhanced Package ( STB & Standard Package) -- $49.70 per month

Digital Classic Package ( STB & Standard package + Digital Clasic) -- $57.70 per month

Digital Plus Package ( STB & Standard package + Digital Plus) -- $62.70 per month

Digital Silver Package ( STB & Standard package + Digital Plus + 1 Premium multi ch. service) -- $79.25 per month

Digital Gold Package ( STB & Standard package + Digital Plus + 2 Premium multi ch. service) -- $89.25 per month

Digital Platinum Package ( STB & Standard package + Digital Plus + 4 Premium multi ch. service) -- $106.25 per month

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Premium services
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

HBO Multi Ch. -- $18.95 Per Month

Showtime / The Movie Ch. Multi -- $18.95 Per Month

Cinemax multi ch. -- $18.95 Per Month

Starz multi Ch. -- $18.95 Per Month

Howard Stern On Demand -- $13.99 per month or $139.99 per Year *prepaid*

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Equipment Rental
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Basic Service-Only cable box (non Addressable) -- $0.50 per month

Basic Service-Only cable box (Addressable) -- $1.25 per month

Analog addressable Cable Box -- $4.50 per month

Digital Cable Box -- $ 4.50 per month

remote control -- $0.25 per month

Cable CARD -- $0.00 per month * NO CHARGE*

HDTV Digital Cable Box -- $8.95 per month

HDTV Digital Cable Box with Digital Clasic or Digital Plus package -- $5.00 per month

HDTV Digital Cable Box with Digital Silver, Digital Gold, Digital Platinum package -- $5.00 per month

If you order or get a HDTV capable STB then you will pay depending on what package you have $8.95 or $5.00 per month for the STB. This includes the HDTV non Premium channels.

if you want a HDTV DVR STB you will also be charged $9.95 per month for the DVR service + the $8.95 / $5.00 per month for the HDTV STB.

These are the basic fees set out by Comcast Corporate for all franchise locations.

Fee's will vary due to local franchise fees, state fees, ect.....

:)

I've had my 6412 for about 2 weeks and it is quite an improvement over the 6402 it replaced.

However, last night something weird happened. I was watching the Olympics in HD and suddenly wavy green lines appeard on the screen on all channels. Thought it might be something with the component cables so I checked these. Cut power to the box, waited a few minutes and powered up again. First time it booted up and then shut itself down. Second time it came on ok but the HD video was jerky, as if frames were being dropped. The audio was fine. The jerkyness was also present when playing back previously recorded HD movies.

The unit is in my rack sandwiched pretty closely between two shelves and was very warm on top. Thinking it might be a heat issue, I pulled the power over night. This morning, the jerking video was still present but the dropped frames seem to be getting further apart and the problem seems to be resolving itself somewhat.

I'm going to move it to another shelf in my rack where it will have more headroom and more airflow across the top.

Wonder if anyone else has experienced anything like this with their 6412 and what might be the causes.

Thanks for any help.

I just sent an email to comcast to tell them that our unit has lost our program subscriptions ( I still call them Season Passes from Tivo use) It will just out of the blue, Not record them, I go into the menue and see that they are there listed but when you click on upcoming episodes, it says 0, so I delete it, do a new search and set up a new season pass and then it shows the correct upcoming shows and records as it should. Problem is, I have to go in and delete all of them and reset them up. This is the third time in the last 6 months. Now I am also having the issues of locking up so the remote does not respond, this happens all the time.
We also still have some issues of missing sound on recorded shows. After a while and switching around from live tv and back it will come back most of the time.
I am pretty sure I have one of the first boxes, One of 3 that were DOA withing a day of them bringing them out.

have things changed much with newer issued units?

This is comcast lovely response
Thank you for contacting Comcast.

I understand you recently had issues with your Comcast service, and would like a credit applied to your account. I have carefully considered your request, however I am not able to apply the credit you requested. Comcast does not offer or supply credit for the issue you described.

I told her, thanks and I will be all over the forums with this response as well as looking into going back to DTV and Tivo.

good luck on a credit
Thank you for contacting Comcast.

I understand you recently had issues with your Comcast service, and would like a credit applied to your account. I have carefully considered your request, however I am not able to apply the credit you requested. Comcast does not offer or supply credit for the issue you described.

Thats what I get from them obver the same issues

I've had my 6412 for about 2 weeks and it is quite an improvement over the 6402 it replaced.

However, last night something weird happened. I was watching the Olympics in HD and suddenly wavy green lines appeard on the screen on all channels. Thought it might be something with the component cables so I checked these. Cut power to the box, waited a few minutes and powered up again. First time it booted up and then shut itself down. Second time it came on ok but the HD video was jerky, as if frames were being dropped. The audio was fine. The jerkyness was also present when playing back previously recorded HD movies.

The unit is in my rack sandwiched pretty closely between two shelves and was very warm on top. Thinking it might be a heat issue, I pulled the power over night. This morning, the jerking video was still present but the dropped frames seem to be getting further apart and the problem seems to be resolving itself somewhat.

I'm going to move it to another shelf in my rack where it will have more headroom and more airflow across the top.

Wonder if anyone else has experienced anything like this with their 6412 and what might be the causes.

Thanks for any help.


I had this exact problem on INHD one evening and then it just mysteriously went away. I have no idea what caused it.

I have read others have had problems recording Stargate. The issue is the SciFi channel shows episodes several times a day just about every day of the week, and the box will record them all.

Someone mentioned it was because the listing doesn't show "new" or "repeat".

Well, I notice now it shows "new" when it's a new episode and sometimes "repeat" when it's a repeat (but not always). So why does it not simply record new episodes and skip everything else?

Someone also mentioned you can set a manual recording, but I see it only lets you do that for ONE RECORDING. You can't set it for every Friday at 8pm.

Comcast does not have a universal national pricing policy. That being said my bill reads $ 9.95 for DVR service with HDTV

In Oregon and SW Washington HDTV is $5; the DVR is another $5.

In Oregon and SW Washington HDTV is $5; the DVR is another $5.


There is NO FEE for HDTV service!!!!!!

HDTV is not a service or part of any stand alone package.

If you requested a HDTV capable STB, or you were issued a HDTV capable STB then depending on what cable package you selected, you will pay $5.00* or $8.95* per month for the Set Top Box!

Local Broadcast HDTV Channels are included with Basic Service at no extra charge.

You must have at least the Digital Classic package to get the other HDTV Channels like (ESPN-HD, ESPN2-HD, TNT-HD, Discovery-HD, CSN-HD, INHD1&2, NBC-UHD, MTV-HD, HGTV-HD, HD-net, Ect. (these HDTV Ch. are included at no extra cost.)**

You must subscribe to a premium service to get that corresponding HD Ch.

HBO -> HBO-HD ect...

Comcast Does Not in any of it's markets charge a fee just to have HD access.

The fee is for the HDTV capable STB.

The DVR fee is just for the DVR service.

* as stated, some fee's for services might be different from other areas, due to special promos, local & state fee's and regulations.

** Not all services and Channels available in all areas.

In S. Florida Comcast charges $5 for the HD channels (depending on who you talk to). The first time that I signed up the the DVR they charged me an additional $5 for the HD channels. I cancelled the service and switched to OTA channels, then decided that I really "needed" a dvr so I went back to sign up for the service again. This time they didn't charge me the $5 fee, although I'm pretty sure that they do still charge it (sometimes).

In S. Florida Comcast charges $5 for the HD channels (depending on who you talk to). The first time that I signed up the the DVR they charged me an additional $5 for the HD channels. I cancelled the service and switched to OTA channels, then decided that I really "needed" a dvr so I went back to sign up for the service again. This time they didn't charge me the $5 fee, although I'm pretty sure that they do still charge it (sometimes).


HD service fee was removed over 2.5 years ago, and the various HD Ch. were added into the various cable packages, now at no extra cost. They can only charge you for having a HDTV capable STB.

The fee's list I posted is direct from comcast and is the base charge for those features for all Comcast locations in the USA. Some fees can be lower or higher due to local regulatory and other local & state fees....

In Oregon and SW Washington HDTV is $5; the DVR is another $5.
There is NO FEE for HDTV service!!!!!!

HDTV is not a service or part of any stand alone package.I think the confusion comes from the fact that (at least in Oregon/SW Washington) Comcast charges $5 more for an HD capable converter box, or $10 for DVR service (and the only available DVR is already HD capable). If you receive HD with your own equipment or by using a cable card, there is no fee.

good luck on a credit
Thank you for contacting Comcast.

I understand you recently had issues with your Comcast service, and would like a credit applied to your account. I have carefully considered your request, however I am not able to apply the credit you requested. Comcast does not offer or supply credit for the issue you described.

Thats what I get from them obver the same issues

You or the CSR must talk to a CSR supervisor or office manager to get a credit.

Comcast will normaly only give a credit for a channel that has been OOS or off the air or unavailable for over 24 hours.

Sometime you can get someone who does care about service.

While I trust everything Scanpa says, I don't understand why you guys don't simply go to Comcasts web site and see for yourself what it says.

HD service: $5!

I'm not pulling this out of my ass.

I'm looking at my bill right now. It says "HDTV Service......5.00.

I would gladly have Scanpa call Comcast for me and tell them to stop charging me the extra $5.

I think the confusion comes from the fact that (at least in Oregon/SW Washington) Comcast charges $5 more for an HD capable converter box, or $10 for DVR service (and the only available DVR is already HD capable). If you receive HD with your own equipment or by using a cable card, there is no fee.

This is what they can charge for the STB monthly, except under special deals or other local promos.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Equipment Rental
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Basic Service-Only cable box (non Addressable) -- $0.50 per month

Basic Service-Only cable box (Addressable) -- $1.25 per month

Analog addressable Cable Box -- $4.50 per month

Digital Cable Box -- $ 4.50 per month

remote control -- $0.25 per month

Cable CARD -- $0.00 per month * NO CHARGE*

HDTV Digital Cable Box -- $8.95 per month

HDTV Digital Cable Box with Digital Clasic or Digital Plus package -- $5.00 per month

HDTV Digital Cable Box with Digital Silver, Digital Gold, Digital Platinum package -- $5.00 per month

While I trust everything Scanpa says, I don't understand why you guys don't simply go to Comcasts web site and see for yourself what it says.

HD service: $5!

I'm not pulling this out of my ass.

I'm looking at my bill right now. It says "HDTV Service......5.00.

I would gladly have Scanpa call Comcast for me and tell them to stop charging me the extra $5.

How much per month for the Set top Box, and what model do you have? And what Digital package do you have?

How much per month for the Set top Box, and what model do you have? And what Digital package do you have?

3 other questions,

1) Who was the original Cable service provider before comcast took over?

2) What is the zipcode your service is in?

3) Who regulates your utilities ( phone & cable service ) ? They might be causing the extra charge due to local laws....

There is NO FEE for HDTV service!!!!!!

This is a strictly true statement. But to go from a digital STB to an HD STB is $5/mo. Hence, HDTV costs me $5/mo.

How much per month for the Set top Box, and what model do you have? And what Digital package do you have?

I have the 6412 PII.

This is what my invoice says:

Digital Gold Package... (Inc. DigiClassic, DigiPlus, HBO, Showtime, Music Choice, Digital Converter and remote): 39.95

Standard Cable... (Inc. Limited basic and Expanded): 50.45

DVR Service...: 9.95

HDTV Service...: 5.00

I get a discount of 50.45 for dumping Satellite.


Now, if HDTV service means something other than HDTV service, it should state that!!!

I have the 6412 PII.

This is what my invoice says:

Digital Gold Package... (Inc. DigiClassic, DigiPlus, HBO, Showtime, Music Choice, Digital Converter and remote): 39.95

Standard Cable... (Inc. Limited basic and Expanded): 50.45

DVR Service...: 9.95

HDTV Service...: 5.00

I get a discount of 50.45 for dumping Satellite.


Now, if HDTV service means something other than HDTV service, it should state that!!!

The additional $5.00 is for the upgrade to a HDTV STB.

only a non HD digital STB is currently included for free with the Digital packages.

and of course those who want DVR must also upgrade to a HDTV STB.

The additional $5.00 is for the upgrade to a HDTV STB.

only a non HD digital STB is currently included for free with the Digital packages.

and of course those who want DVR must also upgrade to a HDTV STB.

Is there a PVR that is not HD? If not, why are they charging an extra $5. I do not have a HDTV STB.

$5 for HDTV Service does NOT mean upgrade to a HDTV STB, it means what it says. Maybe they need to go to an ESL school.

It would make more sense if they said: PVR...: $15.

Is there a PVR that is not HD? If not, why are they charging an extra $5. I do not have a HDTV STB.

$5 for HDTV Service does NOT mean upgrade to a HDTV STB, it means what it says. Maybe they need to go to an ESL school.

It would make more sense if they said: PVR...: $15.

You meen DVR.

No there is currently no DVR STB that is not HDTV compatable..

Like I said Leebo, some areas might have addl. fees or costs due to local franchise regulations ect...

best of luck to you.

Thank you. That makes the most sense.
I got confused because a poster (RMK) stated on the previous page that the charge for this box in Calif. was $5.

DVR W/ TiVo service -- $14.95 per month



So Scanpa,

Any new info on when is the DVR W/Tivo Service coming up online. I heard the "sometime in 2006" around here a lot.

Also do you have any insight into what areas of the country are launching the service first?

I also saw a post about and upgraded iGuide software? Is that still on? Is that the same as the mosaic interface that I have seen around here too (I think it was from CES)?

Thanks

So Scanpa,

Any new info on when is the DVR W/Tivo Service coming up online. I heard the "sometime in 2006" around here a lot.

Also do you have any insight into what areas of the country are launching the service first?

I also saw a post about and upgraded iGuide software? Is that still on? Is that the same as the mosaic interface that I have seen around here too (I think it was from CES)?

Thanks

1) Late Summer / Fall 2006 area.

2) Nope, but I can tell you my area has ZERO Beta Testers :(

3) The Enhanced IGUIDE Software is due out anytime now.

Someone also mentioned you can set a manual recording, but I see it only lets you do that for ONE RECORDING. You can't set it for every Friday at 8pm.

Why not? Mine does that quite easily.

When setting up the manual recording, on the page after you choose the channel, choose "recording options". The first option on this page is "repeat recording" with options for "none", "everyday", "once a week", or "Mon-Fri". For a weekly show like Stargate, choose "once a week".

1) Late Summer / Fall 2006 area.

2) Nope, but I can tell you my area has ZERO Beta Testers :(

3) The Enhanced IGUIDE Software is due out anytime now.

What features will the new iGuide software have?

scanpa,

From all here including myself, thanks again for your input and expertise!

I'm also interested in the new iGuide features, and I'll even skip the obvious "will it suck less?" question....whoops!

;)

In addition, can you comment broadly or specifically as to how the new Panasonic DVRs fit into the overall Comcast strategy, and if (or how) they relate to the TiVo "deal"?

-John

Is there a PVR that is not HD? If not, why are they charging an extra $5. I do not have a HDTV STB.

$5 for HDTV Service does NOT mean upgrade to a HDTV STB, it means what it says. Maybe they need to go to an ESL school.

It would make more sense if they said: PVR...: $15.

Yes, there was a DVR that was not HD. I can't remember the model, maybe 6208. That was also $10/mo. Then the dual-tuner DVR came out and I exchanged for free. It (6412) is HD compatible, but my account was not changed to "add" the HD channels. I finally got a HDTV and called Comcast, the added the other HD channels (Discovery, InHD1/2, ESPN-HD & TNT-HD). I was able to get the others (locals & premiums) before.

The was it is here, $5 for HD STB or $10 for DVR STB (that is also HD compatible).
This was unclear to me for a long time, until I picked up the new rate schedule at CC and asked the dept manager...

Yes, there was a DVR that was not HD. I can't remember the model, maybe 6208.

Actually, the 6208 is HD capable. It is just a single tuner box with only 80GB. I had to use one when I was in a dual-line area here in the Dallas area...

-Randy

I have Digital Plus, and DVR service, and only pay $9.95/mo for my DVR. I do NOT pay $5/mo for an HD STB. I believe I asked my office about this once, they told me(at least in my area) that there is no addt'l $5 charge for HDTV if you pay for a DVR box.

Guess I'm lucky!

scanpa,

From all here including myself, thanks again for your input and expertise!

I'm also interested in the new iGuide features, and I'll even skip the obvious "will it suck less?" question....whoops!

;)

In addition, can you comment broadly or specifically as to how the new Panasonic DVRs fit into the overall Comcast strategy, and if (or how) they relate to the TiVo "deal"?

-John

Earlier this year, Comcast Media Center announced its Video-Rich Navigation Program, which is designed to help viewers drill down through TV guides to the exact show or movie they want. VRN is integrated with GuideWorks' on-screen interactive program guide to allow cable operators to create custom video portals for customers.

VRN integrates linear TV and VOD choices onto one portal where video mosaics are created by hyperlinking local content, linear TV and VOD movies to set-top boxes by using on-screen buttons and tags. The on-screen guide allows viewers to select from multiple programs simultaneously, and the content is then "one hop" away via the remote. CMC manages and operates the VRN platform, which gives cable operators the ability to program a video-based navigation system from one location instead of having to install individual systems at each headend.

VRN is currently undergoing Beta testing in a Comcast market, and is scheduled to be available nationwide in Mid to late 2006.

The TiVo software as far as I know is only for the Moto DCT 64xx & 34xx Series STB.

With the Comcast areas upgrading to the OCAP middleware, the Motorola DCT 3412 & The new panasonic 250 HD DVR STB will be usable.

I just found out that the DCT-3412 is already OCAP ready....

...With the Comcast areas upgrading to the OCAP software...
OCRAP!

I guess I need to do more research to learn the proper operation of my DVR.

scanpa,

From all here including myself, thanks again for your input and expertise!

I'm also interested in the new iGuide features, and I'll even skip the obvious "will it suck less?" question....whoops!

;)

In addition, can you comment broadly or specifically as to how the new Panasonic DVRs fit into the overall Comcast strategy, and if (or how) they relate to the TiVo "deal"?

-John

Same here. Thanks to Scanpa for providing that info.

More food for thought

http://www.cedmagazine.com/article/CA6264482.html
http://www.screenplays.bz/sp505o.html

As far as the new guide it will be kind of like browsing cover art like on the front ends for HTPC's or Media Servers except instead of being pictures (cover art) they will have the actual programming shown. I remember seeing one screenshot of the new guide but I can't find the link.

Ahh here it is

http://blog.itvt.com/my_weblog/2005/10/itv_interview_g.html

Same here. Thanks to Scanpa for providing that info.

More food for thought

http://www.cedmagazine.com/article/CA6264482.html
http://www.screenplays.bz/sp505o.html

As far as the new guide it will be kind of like browsing cover art like on the front ends for HTPC's or Media Servers except instead of being pictures (cover art) they will have the actual programming shown. I remember seeing one screenshot of the new guide but I can't find the link.

Ahh here it is

http://blog.itvt.com/my_weblog/2005/10/itv_interview_g.html


Thanks for all 3 of those links....

Whats not clear to me is whether the VRN guide will actually add any significant DVR features or even fix the irritating DVR bugs.

Whats not clear to me is whether the VRN guide will actually add any significant DVR features or even fix the irritating DVR bugs.

some of the fixes are only guide & recording settings related.

well you didn't tell us a DVD player was working through the HDMI switch...have you tried changing the cables? maybe the Cable box one is damaged...

It won't work. Last month I purchased the Sony 7100ES reciever and it would not pass an HDMI signal. After I returned it I spoke with a salesman from a competitior and he spoke with a installer. The installer said that he recieved a bulletin from Comcast that said no reciever with HDMI would pass a signal from Motorola DVR. It was an HDCP issue. I had no success with a 6412 III and a 3412.

My favorite part of the ordeal was when the salesman sold me on the HDMI cability of the reciever and then when I told he it did not work his suggestion was just to run the HDMI to the directly to the back of the TV.

Yet another reason to use a universal remote to perform all video switching functions. And why run your signal through additional circuitry and add another connection when it's not necessary?

Yet another reason to use a universal remote to perform all video switching functions. And why run your signal through additional circuitry and add another connection when it's not necessary?
This issue is going to get even more interesting with the new DVD formats where the HiDef audio portion is only through a HDMI output. To make use of the HiDef audio signals a new receiver- pro/pro will be required and we can only pray that the manufacturers get their s**t together and make HDMI connections more reliable. Motorola(Comcast) is obviously not one of those manufacturers yet...

Hmmm...the new VRN is interesting. Makes me wonder how they're going to do that with only a two-tuner box? I.e. if you're watching something one tuner 1 and recording on 2, then where is the video navigation coming from? Cached or streamed live some other way w/o actually switching the tuner? On-demand has the mini-video window but it isn't dynamic to each channel.

-John

Not to defend Motorola on their (obviously) flawed HDMI+HDCP implementation, but I have an iScan VP30 video processor and I can get both audio (albeit PCM only due to the previously discussed bug) and video to work via HDMI with it between my 6412p3 and Mits TV. I don't have any handshaking issues, etc.

So it is possible, at least at some level, for the 6412s to work with devices in-between it at the set. Therefore, at least a small part of the blame has to be handed back to the Yamaha's, Sony's and Denon's of the world for not making the effort to test better and provide some kind of workaround for the 6412s, which are probably a lot more widespread than all their installed base of HDMI receivers combined!

My $0.02, at least.

-John

I've had series recording setup for my wife for Dancing with the Stars on regular channel 5 (since they don't broadcast it in HD), and all has been fine until last night.

Last night, when I looked at my DVR schedule for the night, it showed Dancing with the Stars twice, once for regular, and once for HD. It was already passed 8 so I looked at what was actually recording, and only the regular channel was recording.

So far so good.

So while it was recording we were watching the olympics, decided we wanted to tape the olympics. DVR said we couldn't because we were already recording 2 shows (both dancing with the stars). Went the the DVR Schedule, went to the one for Dancing with the Stars HD channel, and told it to cancel the recording (which wasn't even happening anyway). Took it fine, but did not cancel it. No matter what I tried, I could not get it to cancel the Dancing with the Stars HD recording it said was scheduled even though it was not recording it.

Anyone seen this before?

I've had my 6412 for about 2 weeks and it is quite an improvement over the 6402 it replaced.

However, last night something weird happened. I was watching the Olympics in HD and suddenly wavy green lines appeard on the screen on all channels. Thought it might be something with the component cables so I checked these. Cut power to the box, waited a few minutes and powered up again. First time it booted up and then shut itself down. Second time it came on ok but the HD video was jerky, as if frames were being dropped. The audio was fine. The jerkyness was also present when playing back previously recorded HD movies.

The unit is in my rack sandwiched pretty closely between two shelves and was very warm on top. Thinking it might be a heat issue, I pulled the power over night. This morning, the jerking video was still present but the dropped frames seem to be getting further apart and the problem seems to be resolving itself somewhat.

I'm going to move it to another shelf in my rack where it will have more headroom and more airflow across the top.

Wonder if anyone else has experienced anything like this with their 6412 and what might be the causes.

Thanks for any help.
Yes, I had the exact same problem occur Tuesday evening (in Denver). The green noise on the screen made the program unwatchable - to the great consternation of my wife - and we had to switch to our SD TiVo to watch the end of the Olympics that night. The jerkyness that you describe has also been an ongoing problem, and I have not seen other reports of it (I've called it 'stuttering'). Last night was particularly bad. I also have thought that it might have something to do with heat, although my DVR is on a separate, well-ventilated shelf. Yesterday, the recorder had been off for roughly 12 hours before recording for several hours. I did not notice any jerkyness in the golf from ESPN-HD (although I'm not positive that it was HD), but the Olympics coverage was close to unwatchable.

Has anyone else seen this jerkyness/stuttering problem?

Thanks

Howard Gluckman
The 6412 is no TiVo

I've had series recording setup for my wife for Dancing with the Stars on regular channel 5 (since they don't broadcast it in HD), and all has been fine until last night.

Last night, when I looked at my DVR schedule for the night, it showed Dancing with the Stars twice, once for regular, and once for HD. It was already passed 8 so I looked at what was actually recording, and only the regular channel was recording.

So far so good.

So while it was recording we were watching the olympics, decided we wanted to tape the olympics. DVR said we couldn't because we were already recording 2 shows (both dancing with the stars). Went the the DVR Schedule, went to the one for Dancing with the Stars HD channel, and told it to cancel the recording (which wasn't even happening anyway). Took it fine, but did not cancel it. No matter what I tried, I could not get it to cancel the Dancing with the Stars HD recording it said was scheduled even though it was not recording it.

Anyone seen this before?

Yes, I've seen this as well. Happened last night with the Olympics. The more I use this DVR, the more I miss TiVo. I still have my SD TiVo, and am keeping my DirecTV TiVo running as backup because I just can't trust the 6412. I'm not even convinced that getting the TiVo software added to this box will fix the problems.


Howard Gluckman

Not to defend Motorola on their (obviously) flawed HDMI+HDCP implementation, but I have an iScan VP30 video processor and I can get both audio (albeit PCM only due to the previously discussed bug) and video to work via HDMI with it between my 6412p3 and Mits TV. I don't have any handshaking issues, etc.

So it is possible, at least at some level, for the 6412s to work with devices in-between it at the set. Therefore, at least a small part of the blame has to be handed back to the Yamaha's, Sony's and Denon's of the world for not making the effort to test better and provide some kind of workaround for the 6412s, which are probably a lot more widespread than all their installed base of HDMI receivers combined!

My $0.02, at least.

-John

In the hook up card for the 6412p3 & the 3412p1 For HDMI, it says to hook the HDMI cable directly from the STB to the TV. The STB does not support multi connections, daisy chain connections, or Repeatered signals.

Motorola is the one who installed the hardware, and comcast is responsible for the software & firmware to work.

HDMI is not yet ready for full use on the DCT series of STB.

In the hook up card for the 6412p3 & the 3412p1 For HDMI, it says to hook the HDMI cable directly from the STB to the TV. The STB does not support multi connections, daisy chain connections, or Repeatered signals.

Motorola is the one who installed the hardware, and comcast is responsible for the software & firmware to work.

HDMI is not yet ready for full use on the DCT series of STB.

Man, I am so glad that my TV doesn't have any HDMI or DVI inputs! All my A/V equipment feeds component video and digital audio to my Denon A/V Amp, which switches it to my TV without any issues and perfect clarity.

After reading all these issues I'm pretty sure I wouldn't touch the HDMI stuff even if I could. :eek:

After reading all these issues I'm pretty sure I wouldn't touch the HDMI stuff even if I could.Unfortunately, if the entertainment industry gets their way, eventually none of us will have any choice. Can't maintain license restrictions over component, after all!

Man, I am so glad that my TV doesn't have any HDMI or DVI inputs!

So you wont be disappointed when you can't use the HD DVD's coming out this year.

So you wont be disappointed when you can't use the HD DVD's coming out this year.

Not at all! If the manufacturers are stupid enough to limit the new HD DVD players to DVI or HDMI only outputs, they will lose a large chunk of market share. If they don't have component outputs, I'll gladly wait for a while before jumping on that band wagon. I'll let people like you play with the HDMI and DVI connectivity until the manufacturers get it right. :D

Not at all! If the manufacturers are stupid enough to limit the new HD DVD players to DVI or HDMI only outputs, they will lose a large chunk of market share. If they don't have component outputs, I'll gladly wait for a while before jumping on that band wagon. I'll let people like you play with the HDMI and DVI connectivity until the manufacturers get it right. The manufacturers don't necessarily have a lot of choice, if they want any content to be available in the format. Yes, it sucks, but that's the way it is right now. You aren't likely to see any HD DVD's with component outputs ever, unless there is a major change. And HDMI is the worst data connection "standard" I have ever seen.

Not at all! If the manufacturers are stupid enough to limit the new HD DVD players to DVI or HDMI only outputs, they will lose a large chunk of market share.Oh, they will likely have component outputs but, at this stage, those outputs will be limited to 1/4 resolution (960x540).

In the hook up card for the 6412p3 & the 3412p1 For HDMI, it says to hook the HDMI cable directly from the STB to the TV. The STB does not support multi connections, daisy chain connections, or Repeatered signals.

Motorola is the one who installed the hardware, and comcast is responsible for the software & firmware to work.

HDMI is not yet ready for full use on the DCT series of STB.

I wonder if anyone at Comcast has ever read the hook-up card or brought a copy of it to someones home for an installation.

I wonder if anyone at Comcast has ever read the hook-up card or brought a copy of it to someones home for an installation.I know I never saw one. And I'm pretty certain my installer hadn't either, considering he didn't even know what HDMI was. <g>

Man, I am so glad that my TV doesn't have any HDMI or DVI inputs! All my A/V equipment feeds component video and digital audio to my Denon A/V Amp, which switches it to my TV without any issues and perfect clarity.

After reading all these issues I'm pretty sure I wouldn't touch the HDMI stuff even if I could. :eek:
You'll be forced to go 100% digital soon:
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060224-6255.html

Seems like the past couple of days, I haven't been able to access my recorded shows. Also intersting is that when I do try to access the show, it will show the timer of the show I'm currently watching and when I try to change the channel, the screen will go blank. This is cleared up only when I turn the power off and turn the power back on. Does anyone else have this problem? Can I shut down the power to the box and reboot? What are the consequence of my recorded shows? Will they be deleted? I've never had to power down the whole box before. Thanks

Seems like the past couple of days, I haven't been able to access my recorded shows. Also intersting is that when I do try to access the show, it will show the timer of the show I'm currently watching and when I try to change the channel, the screen will go blank. This is cleared up only when I turn the power off and turn the power back on. Does anyone else have this problem? Can I shut down the power to the box and reboot? What are the consequence of my recorded shows? Will they be deleted? I've never had to power down the whole box before.
Unplugging the box will not hurt any recordings. You will lose your guide data, but it will fill in. Near-term data (6-8 hours) will take 15-30 minutes. The full data (up to 2 weeks) will take 8-24 hours. You should turn the box off and wait a few seconds before unplugging it to allow the hard drive to settle down and 'close' the video buffers. After plugging it in, wait a minute or so until it can re-establish a connection. If you try using features too soon, you may scare yourself when they seem to be missing (DVR functions and the second tuner may take a minute or so to be enabled.)

Also, are you using the digital (DVI or HDMI) video connection? There are all sorts of weird issues with the digital video connection.

Has anyone else seen this jerkyness/stuttering problem?

Yes I also saw stuttering and jerkyness on both live and prerecorded material the other night (Thursday, I think it was), but it was only occurring on one of my two 6412 - III boxes. That seems to indicate that it is a single box problem and not a Comcast feed problem...

As other posters indicated, it seemed to get less frequent the next day and was gone in a couple days. The box with the problem seems to have more quirks than the other box, so I'm thinking about replacing that box if problems become worse...so far I've usually been able to unscramble the box by unplugging/replugging it... Could also be a heat-related issue as the "bad" box is in a rack with other components, and the "good" box is just out on the kitchen counter (the good box also is NOT left "on" all the time like the bad box is...).

Re: Connecting/Disconnecting a firewire device

I have found on my 6412pII that when I disconnect a firewire device, STB end first, everything works as expected. However, if I disconnect the firewire device on the other end first (PowerBook G4), the result is slowed FFW and RW speeds as others have observed.



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.

Merton

merton,

I've had the same issue before after I've connected and disconnected a firewire device (in my case, a Mac laptop) to my 6412p3. The only way I've found to get the commands to respond as expected again is to pull the power, give it a standing 10-count, then plug it back in. This does nuke all your guide data, but that's the best I've been able to manage so far.

But at least you're not seeing a new or unexpected bug, eh?

-John

I have had a 6412pII (firmware 9.19) for a few weeks. Every couple of days the box locks up sometime overnight. This causes all of the DVR functions to stop working. I can watch TV but can't Pause/FFW/RW/Record, the "My DVR" button on the remote doesn't work, the list of recorded programs is empty, and worst of all any scheduled recordings do not record. The box will stay locked up until I unplug it.

If I am not around to unplug the STB I will not get any of my scheduled recordings!!

Do I have this problem? (from Wiki article)

Box locks up between 4:20 and 4:50 AM or PM
Cause: Most likely involves a series recording configured to add extra time to the beginning or end.
Remedies:
Go through your series recordings, or through the Series Priority List. On each, choose to modify (wrench icon), then also go to 'View all Options' (also a wrench icon). Change both 'Start Recording' and 'End Recording' to 'On Time'.
Delete all of your series recordings from the Series Priority List, then recreate them.
Use DVR HDD RESET to wipe everything and start from scratch.

Does this mean I can't have series recordings that add extra time?

Will a HDD RESET solve my problem? (I haven't done this yet because I remapped the replay button on my remote)

Do I just need to get a new STB? I have a 6412pIII in another room that works fine.
Comcast wants to send a technician. Will this accomplish anything?

Unplugging the box will not hurt any recordings. You will lose your guide data, but it will fill in. Near-term data (6-8 hours) will take 15-30 minutes. The full data (up to 2 weeks) will take 8-24 hours. You should turn the box off and wait a few seconds before unplugging it to allow the hard drive to settle down and 'close' the video buffers. After plugging it in, wait a minute or so until it can re-establish a connection. If you try using features too soon, you may scare yourself when they seem to be missing (DVR functions and the second tuner may take a minute or so to be enabled.)

Also, are you using the digital (DVI or HDMI) video connection? There are all sorts of weird issues with the digital video connection.

I powered down the box and was able to access my DVR recorded shows. Interesting that I had a few shows that I had deleted a couple of months ago, reappear.

FYI. I am connected via HDMI.

I posted this question on the 6208 thread on accident. I have a 6412 box. The 30 second skip worked fine for me for a long time. Now, however, it does not work at all. I have tried reprogramming using the suggestions here and it does not work. I have Cable One as my cable provider. Anyone else having these problems?

I just had a weird thing happen. Sorry if this has been mentioned before. I went to look at my upcoming recordings as I usually do each week, to check and delete multiples (Daily Shows being recorded five times a day, for example). I found that a program had been set up to record that I didn't set up. It was a one-time recording of a Grateful Dead concert film on PBS in a week or so. Not only didn't I set up the recording, I can't delete it either.

Is Comcast now telling me what I should watch? :) This is the second time something like this has happened. But I figured the last one was a last minute schedule change that somehow didn't get reflected in the upcoming recordings. But that one I could cancel. This one I can't seem to.

I had the same thing show up..... I actually had a ghost series recording. It shows up with the 3 red circles on the guide, but in MyDVR scheduled recordings nothing showed up. I could cancel it, but only when i tried to change channels and it gave me the conflict screen.

Why can't cable companies make decent boxes?

On another note, is there some setting that will allow the 6412 to buffer both tuners such as the TWC boxes or a tivo does?

On my previous boxes i could jump between 2 channels without losing the buffer on either.

On another note, is there some setting that will allow the 6412 to buffer both tunersIt already does this. You cannot "turn it off".

Re: Connecting/Disconnecting a firewire device

I have found on my 6412pII that when I disconnect a firewire device, STB end first, everything works as expected. However, if I disconnect the firewire device on the other end first (PowerBook G4), the result is slowed FFW and RW speeds as others have observed.

Are you just talking about which side of the cable you pull out of its jack? If so I don't see how the STB would know the difference.

If you do something different on the computer side before pulling its end of the cable, I could see it.

On another note, is there some setting that will allow the 6412 to buffer both tuners such as the TWC boxes or a tivo does? On my previous boxes i could jump between 2 channels without losing the buffer on either.
Sorry, if you are already doing this, but...

be sure that you are using the "swap" button and not the "prev" button. I'm fairly certain that the "prev" button will switch back and forth between the previous channel you are watching on the same tuner. The "swap" button should switch back and forth between the two tuners.

What kind of messed up formula are these boxes using to determine the % Full? Because quite often I'm getting weird things happening, like deleting shows having the % Full rise, or recording shows and having % Full drop. Not consistantly, mind you, just every so often.

I realize the % is just an estimate, but still, it's a pretty piss poor estimate if it's doing that.

What kind of messed up formula are these boxes using to determine the % Full? Because quite often I'm getting weird things happening, like deleting shows having the % Full rise, or recording shows and having % Full drop. Not consistantly, mind you, just every so often.

I realize the % is just an estimate, but still, it's a pretty piss poor estimate if it's doing that.

I don't know what formula they use but remember that there are 3 kinds of space eating shows. IIRC

digital - least space
analog -
high definition - most space

What kind of messed up formula are these boxes using to determine the % Full? Because quite often I'm getting weird things happening, like deleting shows having the % Full rise, or recording shows and having % Full drop. Not consistantly, mind you, just every so often.

I realize the % is just an estimate, but still, it's a pretty piss poor estimate if it's doing that.Is it estimating? I've not seen the problem you describe, but it doesn't seem that it should need to estimate space remaining. Space required to record x more hours, sure, but not total space available. If you've used 60GB of 120GB total, you've got 50% remaining regardless of what you've recorded or what you may record.

Of course, that said, I don't doubt you are seeing what you describe, and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if Motorola isn't doing something totally weird rather than a simple space-used calculation.

Not at all! If the manufacturers are stupid enough to limit the new HD DVD players to DVI or HDMI only outputs, they will lose a large chunk of market share.

Actually, in my opinion they are not being stupid but the opposite. Market share will not be lost since both HDDVD and Bluray hardware makers will have to support them if they want to continue being licensed. They will lose the people who have displays that cannot take a protected digital signal. Like you or me but they hope that eventually (if they have their way) we will be forced to buy in into it. Whether we like it or not well that's anohter story

I just had a weird thing happen. Sorry if this has been mentioned before. I went to look at my upcoming recordings as I usually do each week, to check and delete multiples (Daily Shows being recorded five times a day, for example). I found that a program had been set up to record that I didn't set up. It was a one-time recording of a Grateful Dead concert film on PBS in a week or so. Not only didn't I set up the recording, I can't delete it either.

Is Comcast now telling me what I should watch? :) This is the second time something like this has happened. But I figured the last one was a last minute schedule change that somehow didn't get reflected in the upcoming recordings. But that one I could cancel. This one I can't seem to.
You probably had a program scheduled to be recorded, and it was replaced by something else. If the new program starts before the old one did, the scheduled recording gets 'stuck' and you cannot delete it. Basically, even a series recording is mostly stored as just as date, start time, length and channel. When the guide changes and the start time doesn't match anything, it becomes orphaned. What will happen is it will start recording when the original program would have started.

I had that happen last week on ABC. I had 'Crumbs' as a series recording, but it was pulled and 'Stumbling with the Stars' was expanded into it's timeslot. I ended up with a 30 minute recording covering when Crumbs would have aired.

You probably had a program scheduled to be recorded, and it was replaced by something else. If the new program starts before the old one did, the scheduled recording gets 'stuck' and you cannot delete it. Basically, even a series recording is mostly stored as just as date, start time, length and channel. When the guide changes and the start time doesn't match anything, it becomes orphaned. What will happen is it will start recording when the original program would have started.
That sounds like a possibility except for one thing. I'm pretty sure I didn't have anything scheduled to record on the PBS channel.

It already does this. You cannot "turn it off".

Thanks for pointing out that both tuners act as a buffer. I never really thought about that. Now I know why the "space left" number changes at odd times. I would guess that if you are buffering 2 HD channels it will eat up more vacant space than if buffering either 1 or 2 SD channels.

...mike

Anyone having the issue I posted above? I cannot get the 6412 30 second skip to work. It used to work fine for me but it no longer works. Any ideas?

I programmed the code 141 to an unused button my JP1 remote. This is the code for MUTE on the 6412. This way I am able to "un-mute" the box until they fix this bug.


I had the same muting problem until I programmed the remote to adjust my surround sound. After that the muting problem went away completely. The directions for doing this were in the instruction book that came with the 6412 remote. I have also seen a code to do this online. I just typed Motorola 6412 into a search engine.

I had the same muting problem until I programmed the remote to adjust my surround sound. After that the muting problem went away completely. The directions for doing this were in the instruction book that came with the 6412 remote. I have also seen a code to do this online. I just typed Motorola 6412 into a search engine.

Speaking of remote programming, does anyone know a way to disable the power on/off signal to the Moto when the "all on" button is pressed? At present, that button sequentially signals all 4 devices the remote can control, but since I'd just assume leave the box on (and my kids know to hit the "all on" button) I thought that disabling the on/off signal from the remote would take care of that.

Is anyone else having trouble programming a Harmony 659 with the remote from the 6412? The Harmony will take most of the buttons, but not the 10 second rewind button, the 30 second skip button or the "list" button. I'm ready to head back to Costco with the Harmony, but I'll wait and see if any of you have some good advice.

Thanks Much,
Bart

Anyone having the issue I posted above? I cannot get the 6412 30 second skip to work. It used to work fine for me but it no longer works. Any ideas?
You're posting on the Comcast thread, which is probably why you aren't getting any responses. Take a look at the "30 second skip" thread, if you haven't already.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=564602

Is anyone else having trouble programming a Harmony 659 with the remote from the 6412? The Harmony will take most of the buttons, but not the 10 second rewind button, the 30 second skip button or the "list" button. I'm ready to head back to Costco with the Harmony, but I'll wait and see if any of you have some good advice.

Thanks Much,
Bart

I'm using the 659 with my 6412. On my 659 when I choose "Watch TV", two of the list items that appear on the LCD screen are "Replay" and "Advance". They work for me for the 10 second rewind and the 30 second skip. Not quite sure what you mean by the "list" button as I don't have that on my 6412 remote.

Is anyone else having trouble programming a Harmony 659 with the remote from the 6412? The Harmony will take most of the buttons, but not the 10 second rewind button, the 30 second skip button or the "list" button. I'm ready to head back to Costco with the Harmony, but I'll wait and see if any of you have some good advice.

Thanks Much,
Bart

Hi Bart,
Are you learning all of the commands manually? Or just trying to add a couple of buttons that weren't there or didn't work? I have a Harmony 880, and it works very well with my 6412. I believe I had to 'learn' the Day+ button because it didn't work for me with the downloaded command set, and I might have had to use learn mode for one other, but other than that the stock commands worked very well for me....

Good luck!
Randy

I read earlier in this thread that the Moto 6412 III may cause blank screens.
I have this STB connected to a 50" Sony SXRD (trhu HDMI) and lately in the mornings I have been experiencing green screens on startups. Sound is okay. When I switch channels or input, everything goes back to normal. Has been happening more frequently within the last 3 days. I dunno if this is a TV or STB problem. Will appreciate any advice. Thanx

Anyone having the issue I posted above? I cannot get the 6412 30 second skip to work. It used to work fine for me but it no longer works. Any ideas?

I think this feature is controlled by your cable company. Probably they disabled that feature.

Is anyone else having trouble programming a Harmony 659 with the remote from the 6412? The Harmony will take most of the buttons, but not the 10 second rewind button, the 30 second skip button or the "list" button. I'm ready to head back to Costco with the Harmony, but I'll wait and see if any of you have some good advice.

Thanks Much,
Bart

No problems. I have been running the 659 on Comcast STB since mid last year. Just remember that the in the harmony database there are multiple configurations for one box and not all they may work since they are user driven. The 30-second skip and 10 second rewind you mentioned in my config are as advance and replay. I you don't have those or something similar just use another config from Harmony website or learn the commands using the original remote. I don't remember seeing the "list" command

I have a 6412 II connected via DVI to my Toshiba 52HM95.
The Toshiba has a native resolution of 720p.
If I leave the 6412 set to the default 1080i output, my Toshiba converts the signal to 720p (if I understand correctly).
Would there be any advantage or disadvantage to setting the 6412 to 720p, or is it just a matter of the 6412 converting the signal instead of the Toshiba?

Also...I just picked up an additional DVR (3412) from Comcast for my daughter's room. She just has a 27" SD TV. I have connected it using the component input, and set the 3412 to output 480i...this way she can view the HD channels on her TV in SD.
This seems to work OK, but I just want to make sure this will not harm the TV.

Thanks for you help with these (silly) questions :)

Mike

Apparently later this year, we are going to have the option of being pushed Tivo software to our 6412s later this year! This is great news and hopefully not a repost ;)

http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2006-02/tivos-ceo-video-interview/

Is anyone else having trouble programming a Harmony 659 with the remote from the 6412? The Harmony will take most of the buttons, but not the 10 second rewind button, the 30 second skip button or the "list" button. I'm ready to head back to Costco with the Harmony, but I'll wait and see if any of you have some good advice.

Thanks Much,
Bart


Have you tried contacting Logitech. The rumor is that if you can't program it yourself they will enter your account and add the proper commands. All you would need to do is plug your remote in with USB and your problem is solved.

I have an 880 and I seem to remember adding these commands on one of the customization screens.

Good Luck

I also use a 659 and when I downloaded the set of commands from the database, one of them was for the 30 second skip, and it appears as such. As others have mentioned there are multiple choices on the website, so you may wish to try one that includes this one, or use the advance and replay commands if you already have those.

I have a 6412 II connected via DVI to my Toshiba 52HM95.
The Toshiba has a native resolution of 720p.
If I leave the 6412 set to the default 1080i output, my Toshiba converts the signal to 720p (if I understand correctly).
Would there be any advantage or disadvantage to setting the 6412 to 720p, or is it just a matter of the 6412 converting the signal instead of the Toshiba?


Mike, it all depends how good Toshiba's scaler is -- if you output 1080i from Comcast box, then Toshiba will handle downscaling from 1080i to 720p. If you set Comcast box to 720p, you are forcing the box to do downscaling. So at the end it depends which device has better scaler. I would think that Toshiba is probably better (can be wrong) so I will leave it at 1080i on the box. Having said that, it doesn't hurt to try both 720p and 1080i and see wich one you like better. :)


Also...I just picked up an additional DVR (3412) from Comcast for my daughter's room. She just has a 27" SD TV. I have connected it using the component input, and set the 3412 to output 480i...this way she can view the HD channels on her TV in SD.
This seems to work OK, but I just want to make sure this will not harm the TV.


No harm here -- your TV is OK.

HTH, Davie.

I disagree with eclipse98 on one point:

Fox broadcasts in 720p. If you leave the 6412 set to 1080i, it will upconvert Fox to 1080i, then your Toshiba will re-downconvert it to 720p. Since the 6412 cannot be set to output channels individually, I would set it to your sets native resolution. That way 720p stations will pass untouched, and 1080i stations will only be converted once.

I disagree with eclipse98 on one point:

Fox broadcasts in 720p. If you leave the 6412 set to 1080i, it will upconvert Fox to 1080i, then your Toshiba will re-downconvert it to 720p. Since the 6412 cannot be set to output channels individually, I would set it to your sets native resolution. That way 720p stations will pass untouched, and 1080i stations will only be converted once.

Leebo, you got me here :) -- with Fox being an exception I really did not want to confuse Mike even more. Having said that, if majority of his programming is Fox then I will agree with you -- otherwise he just has to try and see which device downscales better and take chances with Fox.

BTW anybody knows what video processing chip is used in 6412 ?

Thanks, Davie.

I thought there was another network doing 720p?
Is there a list somewhere (inc. HBO, Showtime, etc) showing what everybody is broadcasting?

I thought there was another network doing 720p?
Is there a list somewhere (inc. HBO, Showtime, etc) showing what everybody is broadcasting?

ABC and ESPN are 720p, generally. Actually, the DFW ABC affiliate, WFAA, is broadcasting 1080i. Their parent company, Belo, owns other stations and they settled on one standard for all their stations. So Fox, ESPN, and generally ABC are 720p...the rest are 1080i. Although I suppose their could be other exceptions besides WFAA...

-Randy

Actually, in my opinion they are not being stupid but the opposite. Market share will not be lost since both HDDVD and Bluray hardware makers will have to support them if they want to continue being licensed. They will lose the people who have displays that cannot take a protected digital signal. Like you or me but they hope that eventually (if they have their way) we will be forced to buy in into it. Whether we like it or not well that's anohter story
The player manufacturers are not the primary ones to blame. They are being REQUIRED to do this by the movie studios. If both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray fail in the marketplace, the studios might re-think their positions. If you think both formats can't fail, just look at what has happened with SACD and DVD-Audio.

Thank you both for the input.
I do have a few local station broadcasting at 720p, and my favorite show on FOX is "24", so I think I will experiment a little.

I'm new to the Comcast DVR, been with Dish Network for the past several years. Received a 3412 last week, and so far I'm astounded at how primitive it appears to be in many areas. For instance, there seems to be no way to schedule a fully manual recording, with a specific start and end time? (Can schedule the start time, but have to use pre-programmed durations?). And there's no way to schedule recordings beyond the term of the Guide?

Perhaps there are solutions here in this forum, I'll start monitoring it today. Are there work-arounds for the above problems?

Thanks!

Steve

I have two tvs attached to my 6412PIII, one is a 50" plasma (Visio P50HDM) connected via HDMI for movies and HDTV broadcasts, and the other is a 27" crt connected vai S-Video. When the big TV is turned off, the 6412PIII runs like a dog. Remote commands take forever (even when using the front panel). The guide is sluggish, etc.. However, when the big HDMI connected TV is on the box works great.

I read about this problem in previous posts, but never saw a resolution. Did anyone get anywhere with this issue?

Thanks -- Bob

I have two tvs attached to my 6412PIII, one is a 50" plasma (Visio P50HDM) connected via HDMI for movies and HDTV broadcasts, and the other is a 27" crt connected vai S-Video. When the big TV is turned off, the 6412PIII runs like a dog. Remote commands take forever (even when using the front panel). The guide is sluggish, etc.. However, when the big HDMI connected TV is on the box works great.

I read about this problem in previous posts, but never saw a resolution. Did anyone get anywhere with this issue?

Thanks -- BobYeah. Try disconnecting the HDMI cable from the 6412 and using component instead. Yes, picture quality is marginally inferior, but it fixed the same problem for me. The 6412's HDMI implementation is buggy, to say the least.

I'll try HDMI again when newer firmware is released in my area.

I'm new to the Comcast DVR, been with Dish Network for the past several years. Received a 3412 last week, and so far I'm astounded at how primitive it appears to be in many areas. For instance, there seems to be no way to schedule a fully manual recording, with a specific start and end time? (Can schedule the start time, but have to use pre-programmed durations?). And there's no way to schedule recordings beyond the term of the Guide?

Perhaps there are solutions here in this forum, I'll start monitoring it today. Are there work-arounds for the above problems?

Thanks!

Steve

I thought I might have answered this question for you in another forum. However, you might want to ask this question in the 3412 area of this forum instead of the 6412.

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

Thanks Bobby. My understanding is that they're essentially the same units?

...So Fox, ESPN, and generally ABC are 720p...the rest are 1080i... -Randy

This is why the 6412 should have a pass-through mode.

[QUOTE=bobby94928]However, you might want to ask this question in the 3412 area of this forum instead of the 6412.

Well, now I'm official - Comcast just swapped out the 3412 for a 6412. He said you get whatever they happen to have in the warehouse.

I'm new to the Comcast DVR, been with Dish Network for the past several years. Received a 3412 last week, and so far I'm astounded at how primitive it appears to be in many areas. For instance, there seems to be no way to schedule a fully manual recording, with a specific start and end time? (Can schedule the start time, but have to use pre-programmed durations?). And there's no way to schedule recordings beyond the term of the Guide?

Perhaps there are solutions here in this forum, I'll start monitoring it today. Are there work-arounds for the above problems?
You can create manual VCR-style recordings. Menu/DVR/DVR Schedule/Create a Manual Recording. Set start, end, and date. Hit Confirm. Select channel. On final screen, use Recording Options (wrench Icon), for more options such as daily/weekly/weekend repeating, extra start/end time, etc..

You can create manual VCR-style recordings. Menu/DVR/DVR Schedule/Create a Manual Recording. Set start, end, and date. Hit Confirm. Select channel. On final screen, use Recording Options (wrench Icon), for more options such as daily/weekly/weekend repeating, extra start/end time, etc..

Thanks, I'll try that. Just wondering if it's worth it, or maybe I should just buy the 80-hour Tivo2 at Costco for 60 bucks after rebate. Has anyone done a comparison of the 6412 vs Tivo?

Thanks, I'll try that. Just wondering if it's worth it, or maybe I should just buy the 80-hour Tivo2 at Costco for 60 bucks after rebate. Has anyone done a comparison of the 6412 vs Tivo?I take it you aren't interested in the high definition channels? Never used Tivo myself, but those who have generally hate the 6412 in comparison. Wouldn't you need a cablecard with that though? And if so, you'd lose the Comcast guide data and OnDemand.

I take it you aren't interested in the high definition channels? Never used Tivo myself, but those who have generally hate the 6412 in comparison. Wouldn't you need a cablecard with that though? And if so, you'd lose the Comcast guide data and OnDemand.
Bingo! The two main differences between the two, and they are BIGGIES...

I would say 90% of my recording hours have been in HD. I wouldn't own any unit that recorded only in SD - can't go back now.

I would say 90% of my recording hours have been in HD. I wouldn't own any unit that recorded only in SD - can't go back now.

With the recent launch of CBS HD in my area, I'd say that >95% of my recordings are HD now. :D

I take it you aren't interested in the high definition channels? Never used Tivo myself, but those who have generally hate the 6412 in comparison. Wouldn't you need a cablecard with that though? And if so, you'd lose the Comcast guide data and OnDemand.

Thanks. I've never used Tivo either, only the Dish Network DVR. I'd need the cable box from Comcast, of course, but doesn't Tivo offer its own guide data? Haven't yet explored the On Demand service.

I take it the 6412 will record in HD, while Tivo will not? The only problem I have with HD is that it takes up so much space on the hard drive...

Dear moderator,

This thread is already 240 pages long, making the mountain of information it contains almost impossible to get at, even with search, etc. Would it be possible to please open a sub-forum for Comcast 6412 users where moving forward we can post individual topics that are much easier to scan and read through for the relevant information people are looking for?

This thread alone must contain over 100 individual topics. I was reading one post where a pour soul spent 3 days searching through this thread looking for answers to their question and I agree with them that the search mechanism is totally useless for a thread with 240 pages. Even with my T3 connection at work, it is extremely painful to have to read through even 5 or 6 pages.

I'm sure the other individuals on this thread would agree, no?

I don't know what formula they use but remember that there are 3 kinds of space eating shows. IIRC

digital - least space
analog -
high definition - most space

Yes, but that does nothing to explain why deleting anything should make the number go up, just that sometimes it should go down more than others. (I only have 2 kinds of shows here, for the record. We went all digital (when using a box, anyway) before I got the DVR.)

Is it estimating? I've not seen the problem you describe, but it doesn't seem that it should need to estimate space remaining. Space required to record x more hours, sure, but not total space available. If you've used 60GB of 120GB total, you've got 50% remaining regardless of what you've recorded or what you may record.

Of course, that said, I don't doubt you are seeing what you describe, and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if Motorola isn't doing something totally weird rather than a simple space-used calculation.

I assume it's estimating because otherwise there wouldn't be wacko stuff like this happening. Also, the thing where the first program you record on an empty unit always seems to take at least 4%, even if it's just a half hour of SD.



I'm sure the other individuals on this thread would agree, no?

I can't speak for anyone else, but I certainly don't agree.

Just an FYI about the HD space, on a 120 GB HD only 109 GB of space is available for DVR recordings.
The rest is used for Buffering & other things.

You can find this info in the Hard Drive / DVR info page in the Diagnostic menu.

I had comcast come out to the house yesterday and report that the cable running from my outer wall to the street was no good. He replaced it and my TV reception (and VoIP) cleared up in an instant! I watched two HD shows virtually glitch-free last night! Still hate the 6412 for a lot of reasons, but my feelings on my reception are improved dramatically. Yippee!

I went to start watching Lost last night a bit before 10:00 and the record indicator was still lit. But when we went to watch, despite the info saying it recorded 64 mins, we only had 31 minutes. The box was 99% full at 10:00. Is there a bug where it won't delete shows despite their flag to delete for space?

Thanks,
Mike

Thanks. I've never used Tivo either, only the Dish Network DVR. I'd need the cable box from Comcast, of course, but doesn't Tivo offer its own guide data? Haven't yet explored the On Demand service.

I take it the 6412 will record in HD, while Tivo will not? The only problem I have with HD is that it takes up so much space on the hard drive...Tivo does offer it's own guide data, but that's as much as I know about it. As for as OnDemand, I didn't think I'd use it, but there is a lot of free stuff on there, and I'd miss it now.

But yes, the 6412 is HD capable, the Tivo is not, and that's the biggest issue. Doesn't make any difference if you don't have an HD display and have no immediate plans to upgrade, of course, but if you do it's hard to live without.

Dear moderator,

This thread is already 240 pages long, making the mountain of information it contains almost impossible to get at, even with search, etc. Would it be possible to please open a sub-forum for Comcast 6412 users where moving forward we can post individual topics that are much easier to scan and read through for the relevant information people are looking for?

This thread alone must contain over 100 individual topics. I was reading one post where a pour soul spent 3 days searching through this thread looking for answers to their question and I agree with them that the search mechanism is totally useless for a thread with 240 pages. Even with my T3 connection at work, it is extremely painful to have to read through even 5 or 6 pages.

I'm sure the other individuals on this thread would agree, no?
There is another site dedicated to the 6412 and similar with many separate forums for different issues. The direct web address is blocked here on AVS Forum, but you can find a link on my web site:
http://home.att.net/~andyross/AV/index.html

Anyone having the issue I posted above? I cannot get the 6412 30 second skip to work. It used to work fine for me but it no longer works. Any ideas?

It's probably due to a firmware change. My firmware recently change from 12.18 to 12.26 and my 30 sec skip no longer works.

I had the same issue on my PII box a while ago. 30 sec skip worked until the firmware changed then it didn't work, the firmware changed again and the 30 sec skip started working again. Go figure. Didn't even have to reprogram the remote. So now Ill just wait for the the next firmware. The good news is that this firmware, 12.26, seems allot more stable. No more remote delays or lockups. :)

It's probably due to a firmware change. My firmware recently change from 12.18 to 12.26 and my 30 sec skip no longer works.



Is Comcast your service provider?
I have not heard of any Comccast markets with no 30 sec skip but you never know

Speaking of remote programming, does anyone know a way to disable the power on/off signal to the Moto when the "all on" button is pressed? At present, that button sequentially signals all 4 devices the remote can control, but since I'd just assume leave the box on (and my kids know to hit the "all on" button) I thought that disabling the on/off signal from the remote would take care of that.


Anyone know the answer to this? I too thought this would be a great solution since my entire family automatically uses the all on button as a habit and it is very difficult to break them of this!

I am very confused...I see some people saying get the dct3412 and somie saying dct6412. And then I see others talking about Phase III. I am assuming the Phase III is the firmware version. I have a DCT3412i, and I don't see anyone talking about what the "i" means at the end. Also this box only has composite connections. I thought HDMI was a better connection. Please help, comcast said there are dct6412's available...do I want one?

The 6412 is analog and digtal DVR
3412 is all digital dvr no analog tuner.

The phase 1's,2's'3 and so on mean hardware differences, not firmware.

Andrew Wees














I am very confused...I see some people saying get the dct3412 and somie saying dct6412. And then I see others talking about Phase III. I am assuming the Phase III is the firmware version. I have a DCT3412i, and I don't see anyone talking about what the "i" means at the end. Also this box only has composite connections. I thought HDMI was a better connection. Please help, comcast said there are dct6412's available...do I want one?

I am very confused...I see some people saying get the dct3412 and somie saying dct6412. And then I see others talking about Phase III. I am assuming the Phase III is the firmware version. I have a DCT3412i, and I don't see anyone talking about what the "i" means at the end. Also this box only has composite connections. I thought HDMI was a better connection. Please help, comcast said there are dct6412's available...do I want one?The DCT6412 Phase II had a DVI output connector. The Phase III boxes have an HDMI output connector instead. Both boxes have component video outputs as an alternative for HDTV connections, and also have composite (yellow) and S-video for output to analog 4:3 TV's and VCR's (if you don't actually have an HDTV). Output of HD channels (16:9) is letterboxed on the 4:3 composite and S-video outputs, so you can still tune to the HD channels and watch their content on your non-HDTV.

These boxes also have analog tuner capability, to receive the analog channels provided by your cable system. Typically these are the analog versions of your local networks (e.g. 2-13), as well as analog versions of "basic cable" channels typically available all over the country.

Although I don't have a DCT3412, from what I've read it is a stripped-down all-digital version of the DCT6412 Phase-III, meaning that it has an HDMI connector on it as well as component video. It no longer contains support (hardware or software) for analog channels. It is for use in cable systems where all analog "national cable" channels have been replaced with digital versions, and where the digital version of a local networks is available. Thus there is no longer a need to support analog tuning in such cable networks, hence the cheaper all-digital version of the box.

From what I've read it still has composite (yellow) and S-video outputs for connections to analog non-HDTV 4:3 sets.

Again, I believe the 3412 is just an all-digital version of the Phase-III 6412. You still will be able to tune in your local networks (e.g. 2-13, conceptually), but you'll be watching their digital counterparts (e.g. 2.1, 4.1, 5.1, 7.1, etc.) which should give you GREATLY AND DRAMATICALLY improved picture quality for these local networks. They still might not always be providing 16:9 content on all of these digital channels, but even 4:3 content typically looks fabulous when viewed on the digital version of their channel.

As to your question regarding COMPONENT (not "composite" as you said, which is not for HDTV) vs. HDMI being better or worse, I think it would depend on the HDTV set you have. Most people feel there is very little or no observable difference when connecting to a CRT HDTV (e.g. Sony 34XBR960) using either option, component or HDMI. However most people feel there is a visible advantage (small or larger) when connecting to a fixed-pixel HDTV (e.g. plasma, LCD, DLP, etc.) using HDMI instead of component.

Depending on your HDTV setup, either component or HDMI should produce very similar (or identical) visual results.

[QUOTE=DSperber]Although I don't have a DCT3412, from what I've read it is a stripped-down all-digital version of the DCT6412 Phase-III, meaning that it has an HDMI connector on it as well as component video. It no longer contains support (hardware or software) for analog channels. It is for use in cable systems where all analog "national cable" channels have been replaced with digital versions, and where the digital version of a local networks is available.


Not sure whether this is different than the 6412 (or how useful this stuff really is), but the 3412 also contains an ethernet connector, IEEE 1394 port for HD output, SATA port for extrernal hard drive, USB 2 connector, in addition to HDMI.

Anyone know the answer to this? I too thought this would be a great solution since my entire family automatically uses the all on button as a habit and it is very difficult to break them of this!
What might work is to map a dummy code onto the cable Power key, so it does nothing when pressed. I believe the AllOn Macro just sends the key codes.
Hold Setup until 2 blinks
Type 994, should get 2 blinks
Press and release Setup, then type 000
Press and release Cable, then press and release Power, should get 2 blinks

If you want to retain remote power control, create a shift-power command:
Hold Setup until 2 blinks
Type 994, should get 2 blinks
Press/release Cable, then press/release Power
Press/release Setup, then press/release Power, should get 2 blinks

To send power, hit Setup (don't hold it down) before hitting the Power key.

Not sure whether this is different than the 6412 (or how useful this stuff really is), but the 3412 also contains an ethernet connector, IEEE 1394 port for HD output, SATA port for extrernal hard drive, USB 2 connector, in addition to HDMI.Yes, I neglected to mention those other options.

The 1394 firewire ports (two) are also on the 6412, both Phase-II and Phase-III boxes. These are entirely functional and support archiving to D-VHS, or feeding (live or recorded) audio/video digital data directly to HDTV's that can accept firewire A/V input.

Same with the USB connector and ethernet connector being present on the 6412 boxes, but that's all. I believe these are "for possible future use", aka "non-functional now".

The SATA port is new on the Phase-III 6412, but to the best of my knowledge falls into the same "for possible future use" category. Have not read on this forum about any cable system which has activated this. Seems like the SA8300 SATA port is the only one which actually works, and lots of people have added the external drive (300gB-600gB) for added capacity.

Seems like the SA8300 SATA port is the only one which actually works, and lots of people have added the external drive (300gB-600gB) for added capacity.

How do I get the SA8300 port?

How do I get the SA8300 port?

You get a new cable provider that uses Scientific Atlanta's 8300 box... :D

But seriously, it is a whole 'nother kind of box...not just a port.

-Randy

Is Comcast your service provider?
I have not heard of any Comccast markets with no 30 sec skip but you never know

Cable One with the black remote

Cable One with the black remote

Call or Email your Cable plant Head End Support team and ask them to please restore the 30 sec. Skip feature at the head end.

My biggest problem with the DVR so far is the delay when using the FF function - makes it almost unusable. Not to mention the 2-3 minute drop-back when going from FF to play. Sigh.

Moto 6412 phase iii stb via Comcast here in Detroit.

On one tuner my HT receiver will display Digital and the guide will show the DD flag. However, when I swapto the other tuner my HT receiver no longer displays Digital and the guide no longer has the DD flag.

Anyone else experience this? If so, can you explain the issue?

Thanks in advance.

Has anyone had the Firewire port(s) working, and then quit on them?

I got a DVHS deck, and have been trying to get it to work, somehow the ports seem to have gotten shut off, just connecting one of them to my TV like I used to have before I got the DVHS deck, won't even work anymore. No nothing from the ports.

I've checked in the diagnositcs and it says both ports are active, and that there is a device connected... TV also shows the cable box, and allows me to change channels through the TV interface, but no output at all.

Plus when I plug the firewire cable into my DVHS deck now, it kills the cable box and will put it into an endless loop of resetting itself! As soon as i unplug the cable, it starts up normal again.

The box is phase II, I'm using the DVI out to the HDMI input on my Samsung HLR-5667W

Moto 6412 phase iii stb via Comcast here in Detroit.

On one tuner my HT receiver will display Digital and the guide will show the DD flag. However, when I swapto the other tuner my HT receiver no longer displays Digital and the guide no longer has the DD flag.

Anyone else experience this? If so, can you explain the issue?

Thanks in advance.

I also have the 6412-III from Comcast.

Try this: set the tuner swap to the tuner that shows D or D5.1 in the IGuide. Set BOTH tuners to the same channel. Now use the tuner swap pay attention to the sound field. To me BOTH tuners sounded the same.

I have the a Denon 4306 using OSD-1 which shows a display of the type of audio stream it sees both tuners give Signal: Dolby, Format: Digital 3/2/.1 I even watch the signal from 2-channel commerical change to 5-channel program. The IGuide stills shows on one tuner no digital. This was the channel I'm currently watching.

So relax, it looks like an IGuide display issue for one tuner, does not affect function on either tuner at least on my 6412.

I'm using the coaxial SPDIF audio out, with component video out.

-- Brandy

What might work is to map a dummy code onto the cable Power key, so it does nothing when pressed. I believe the AllOn Macro just sends the key codes.
Hold Setup until 2 blinks
Type 994, should get 2 blinks
Press and release Setup, then type 000
Press and release Cable, then press and release Power, should get 2 blinks

If you want to retain remote power control, create a shift-power command:
Hold Setup until 2 blinks
Type 994, should get 2 blinks
Press/release Cable, then press/release Power
Press/release Setup, then press/release Power, should get 2 blinks

To send power, hit Setup (don't hold it down) before hitting the Power key.

I tried this a long time ago, but it doesn't work. The Power key no longer powers the cable box on/off, but the AllOn key still does. This basically makes the AllOn key totally useless. Every time I watch TV, I have to go through a 5 key sequence to power up/down: Aux, Power, TV, Power, Cable.

I also have the 6412-III from Comcast.

Try this: set the tuner swap to the tuner that shows D or D5.1 in the IGuide. Set BOTH tuners to the same channel. Now use the tuner swap pay attention to the sound field. To me BOTH tuners sounded the same.

I have the a Denon 4306 using OSD-1 which shows a display of the type of audio stream it sees both tuners give Signal: Dolby, Format: Digital 3/2/.1 I even watch the signal from 2-channel commerical change to 5-channel program. The IGuide stills shows on one tuner no digital. This was the channel I'm currently watching.

So relax, it looks like an IGuide display issue for one tuner, does not affect function on either tuner at least on my 6412.

I'm using the coaxial SPDIF audio out, with component video out.

-- Brandy

I thought my ears were playing tricks on me. I did try this early yesterday and I thought it sounded the same with the center channel working. I think because I didn't see the DD flag in the guide and my receiver didn't display Digital I tricked myself.

Thanks for the response...just needed the affirmation.

I just needed the affirmation.Well, OK...

You are smart, handsome, sexy and fun to be with. You are a credit to your parents and your children must be proud. All the women who know you, want you!!

Feel better now? ;)

We lost power yesterday for a few minutes. Today we went to watch a recorded show, but found them all gone. No recorded show, no scheduled shows, no series priority lists, nothing! I've never had that happen in the 1 year I've had a 6412 or 3412. Yes we've lost power many times. I don't recall this being an issue on either the 6412 or 3412 threads.

Today we went to watch a recorded show, but found them all gone. No recorded show, no scheduled shows, no series priority lists, nothing!It might seem odd to suggest but, power off, remove the power cord for 30 seconds, plug it back in and let it rebuild itself.

My biggest problem with the DVR so far is the delay when using the FF function - makes it almost unusable. Not to mention the 2-3 minute drop-back when going from FF to play. Sigh.
I have never experienced this behaviour with my 6412.

Recently I've been having a strange problem with my Moto6412 -- Comcast Detroit.

I never turn the cable box off. When I'm not watching TV I turn the TV off.

But lately when I turn the TV on I don't have any video or sound on any channel, except for the iGuide surf bar. The strange thing is that the iGuide shows up but none of the channels work. If I turn the cable box off and on again it doesn't help. I fix it by starting a DVR recording and then stopping it and then magically all my channels are working.

I haven't tried swapping tuners -- I'll try that next time. Just seems strange that this would happen when I don't even turn the Moto box off. How would it even know that the TV is off.

Recently I've been having a strange problem with my Moto6412 -- Comcast Detroit.

I never turn the cable box off. When I'm not watching TV I turn the TV off.

But lately when I turn the TV on I don't have any video or sound on any channel, except for the iGuide surf bar. The strange thing is that the iGuide shows up but none of the channels work. If I turn the cable box off and on again it doesn't help. I fix it by starting a DVR recording and then stopping it and then magically all my channels are working.

I haven't tried swapping tuners -- I'll try that next time. Just seems strange that this would happen when I don't even turn the Moto box off. How would it even know that the TV is off.

I've had this happen to me. Turn off power and unplug for 30 sec to 1 minute plugin let box rebuild it's self, should be ok. If not call cable co. have them 'hit' the box with a total reset, this will take a few minutes to reload and 24+ hours for I-Guide to rebuild.

-- Brandy

Cool, thanks. I'll give that a try.

DeathRay - if that doesn't work simply disconnect your box and return it to the local Comcast store. It's not at all difficult to connect a new box. You may also find yourself getting the newer phase III box.

My initial box - phase ii - had a loud hard drive and/or fan...to the point where we could hear it over the volume of the television. I disconnected it, went to the local store, and swapped it out. Funny thing was that I specifically asked for a phase iii box after reading about it on these boards, but the folks at the sotre had no clue what I was talking about. So, they gave me an unopenned box and I took it home expecting to find the phase ii...wrong. I was totally surprised to find the phase box when I got home.

But the above advice is most often the best first try for most problems. My wife had an issue with swapping between the tuners and not getting a picture. Called Comcast and they tried to schedule her for a $25 service tech visit. BS! I told her to simply unplug the unit, wait 30 seconds, and then pulg it back in. Ding, ding...it worked.

Recently I've been having a strange problem with my Moto6412 -- Comcast Detroit.

I never turn the cable box off. When I'm not watching TV I turn the TV off.

But lately when I turn the TV on I don't have any video or sound on any channel, except for the iGuide surf bar. The strange thing is that the iGuide shows up but none of the channels work. If I turn the cable box off and on again it doesn't help. I fix it by starting a DVR recording and then stopping it and then magically all my channels are working.

I haven't tried swapping tuners -- I'll try that next time. Just seems strange that this would happen when I don't even turn the Moto box off. How would it even know that the TV is off.

I have seen this a few times, the easiest way to get everything back (at least until the next time I accidentally turn the STB off) is to start playing a recorded program. The audio/video comes back and I just stop playing the recorded program and continue with live channels.

My biggest problem with the DVR so far is the delay when using the FF function - makes it almost unusable. Not to mention the 2-3 minute drop-back when going from FF to play. Sigh.

Sometimes the box gets so busy doing other things that it neglects response to remote commands. Seems like the remote should have priority, maybe the programmers never learned about task prioritization.

I did run into a very bad example of this the other night, I figured out what caused it this one time. I had scheduled recordings that ended on both tuners, with new ones starting right away on both tuners. I was watching a previously recorded program. What happens is that the STB puts up a little box on the screen saying "your scheduled recording has ended". While this is being shown (for about 20 secs), the STB totally ignores all remote command inputs. Then with the new recording starting, it displays "your scheduled recording has started" for another 20 seconds. So for 40 seconds, the box is totally locked out from accepting remote commands. I had just happened to start a FF4 on the recorded program I was watching and could not get "play" to take, so I ended up fast forwarding all the way to the end of my program! :eek:

Another example of poor programming in the STB.

DeathRay - if that doesn't work simply disconnect your box and return it to the local Comcast store. It's not at all difficult to connect a new box. You may also find yourself getting the newer phase III box.

My initial box - phase ii - had a loud hard drive and/or fan...to the point where we could hear it over the volume of the television. I disconnected it, went to the local store, and swapped it out. Funny thing was that I specifically asked for a phase iii box after reading about it on these boards, but the folks at the sotre had no clue what I was talking about. So, they gave me an unopenned box and I took it home expecting to find the phase ii...wrong. I was totally surprised to find the phase box when I got home.

But the above advice is most often the best first try for most problems. My wife had an issue with swapping between the tuners and not getting a picture. Called Comcast and they tried to schedule her for a $25 service tech visit. BS! I told her to simply unplug the unit, wait 30 seconds, and then pulg it back in. Ding, ding...it worked.

Thanks. My box is also very loud. I'm moving out of state in a few months though so I don't think I'll bother changing it unless the unplug doesn't fix this issue.

I tried this a long time ago, but it doesn't work. The Power key no longer powers the cable box on/off, but the AllOn key still does. This basically makes the AllOn key totally useless. Every time I watch TV, I have to go through a 5 key sequence to power up/down: Aux, Power, TV, Power, Cable.

I tried this also... I ended up creating the shift-power (while on cable) to power the cable box.. I also created a macro on tv-power that you have above (tv,power,aux,power,cable). This macro works on TV or Aux mode... so as long as no one uses the AllOn key, it works great..

Now if they would just fix the firmware for the command buffer delay. I didn't have a problem with this until they rolled 9.19 in Sept/Oct... its been a pain ever since.

JayMan

What happens is that the STB puts up a little box on the screen saying "your scheduled recording has ended". While this is being shown (for about 20 secs), the STB totally ignores all remote command inputs. Then with the new recording starting, it displays "your scheduled recording has started" for another 20 seconds.

OMG, this is so annoying. It's happened to me a couple of times. That pop up note should display only like 5 secs. max. But it lasts a looooongtime.

Has anyone had the Firewire port(s) working, and then quit on them?

I got a DVHS deck, and have been trying to get it to work, somehow the ports seem to have gotten shut off, just connecting one of them to my TV like I used to have before I got the DVHS deck, won't even work anymore. No nothing from the ports.

I've checked in the diagnositcs and it says both ports are active, and that there is a device connected... TV also shows the cable box, and allows me to change channels through the TV interface, but no output at all.

Plus when I plug the firewire cable into my DVHS deck now, it kills the cable box and will put it into an endless loop of resetting itself! As soon as i unplug the cable, it starts up normal again.

The box is phase II, I'm using the DVI out to the HDMI input on my Samsung HLR-5667W


Can anyone confirm that this doesn't erase the hard drive if I do the reset(power, menu buttons as you plug in) described many times before? This is also the same as calling Comcast and having them "hit" the box, correct? I've tried unplugging and replugging the 6412, won't restore the firewire output.

I'm starting by just trying to get the firewire output restored again... then I'll move to trying to get the DVHS to work.

OMG, this is so annoying. It's happened to me a couple of times. That pop up note should display only like 5 secs. max. But it lasts a looooongtime.

Just hit the exit button on the remote, this always gets rid of the "Your program is now being recorded" right away.

It might seem odd to suggest but, power off, remove the power cord for 30 seconds, plug it back in and let it rebuild itself.

Odd, but it did work. Thanks, saves me from screaming at a CSR. Neither one of us needs that.

Moto 6412 phase iii stb via Comcast here in Detroit.

On one tuner my HT receiver will display Digital and the guide will show the DD flag. However, when I swapto the other tuner my HT receiver no longer displays Digital and the guide no longer has the DD flag.
Does it do it if both tuners are on the exact same channel? It's a known quirk that the box may not show the Dolby symbol on tuner 2. I've found if you leave the box off for a few hours, it will start showing it on both. It may take a few long off-times for it to straighten itself out.

There are also some odd issues with the digital audio output if you have an HDMI cable connected to your TV.

Can anyone confirm that this doesn't erase the hard drive if I do the reset(power, menu buttons as you plug in) described many times before? This is also the same as calling Comcast and having them "hit" the box, correct? I've tried unplugging and replugging the 6412, won't restore the firewire output.

I'm starting by just trying to get the firewire output restored again... then I'll move to trying to get the DVHS to work.

Correct, only the CLR DVR will delete the Contents of the DVR Drive.

Does it do it if both tuners are on the exact same channel? It's a known quirk that the box may not show the Dolby symbol on tuner 2. I've found if you leave the box off for a few hours, it will start showing it on both. It may take a few long off-times for it to straighten itself out.

There are also some odd issues with the digital audio output if you have an HDMI cable connected to your TV.

Yes, it does it when both tuners are set to the same channel. That's how I ran across it.

I'm using component cables to avoid the whole HDMI debacle with this box.

Looks like I am simply seeing one of the known quirks with this box.

OMG, this is so annoying. It's happened to me a couple of times. That pop up note should display only like 5 secs. max. But it lasts a looooongtime.

Hitting the EXIT button will immediately remove the banner (and just about any other text on the screen).

I had a weird one happen last night that I have never seen before. I have a series recording set up for CSI Miami. Prior to recording it, the box showed 50% full. The 6412 turned on at the right time & the record light was on. A half hour into the show, I went to watch it. I brought up the program list in "My DVR" and it wasn't there. The record light was still on. I tried turning to that channel and rewinding but it would only go back as far as the point where I changed to that channel. I waiting for it to finish recording and turn off, thinking maybe it would straighten itself out then. When I turned it back on, it still didn't show up under My DVR. I tried unplugging the box for a couple minutes and plugged it back in to see if resetting it would fix the problem. Still no CSI Miami and the box still shows 50% full.

Has anyone seen this behavior before? Is there any way to retrieve the show? Is this a one shot fluke or should I expect future recordings to disappear also?

I've searched this thread and haven't been able to find any similar posts, but it was difficult finding keywords that would describe this situation.

Does anyone have ideas?

Thanks!

Joe

Has anyone had the Firewire port(s) working, and then quit on them?

I got a DVHS deck, and have been trying to get it to work, somehow the ports seem to have gotten shut off, just connecting one of them to my TV like I used to have before I got the DVHS deck, won't even work anymore. No nothing from the ports.

I've checked in the diagnositcs and it says both ports are active, and that there is a device connected... TV also shows the cable box, and allows me to change channels through the TV interface, but no output at all.

Plus when I plug the firewire cable into my DVHS deck now, it kills the cable box and will put it into an endless loop of resetting itself! As soon as i unplug the cable, it starts up normal again.


Quite frankly, this sounds like a hardware issue. When you perform the reset (Power+Menu+Power Cycle...DVR shows DL, etc.), this forces the unit to grab at least the most current firmware release, if not most current software and i-Guide releases.

I would seriously recommend having your unit swapped.

I tried this also... I ended up creating the shift-power (while on cable) to power the cable box.. I also created a macro on tv-power that you have above (tv,power,aux,power,cable). This macro works on TV or Aux mode... so as long as no one uses the AllOn key, it works great..

JayMan
I attempted to program this macro, but must have done it wrong - Now the TV/Power key sequence only controls power on my AUX device.

All attempts at resolving this problem have failed - ever the "Reset to factory .." routine (DEV/Setup/994/Setup/DEVx2) given at http://cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dct6412remoteAC.htm
won't do the job.

I can change the TV device code assigned to the key and control all TV functions except Power (which remains stuck to AUX). :confused:

Is there a way to just set the entire remote back to factory defaults (other than exchanging it for another one, i.e.)?

Help!

When I arrived home yesterday my 6412 was in "mute" mode. There was no sound coming from it and it had the word "mute" on the top of the screen, centered in white.

I have no idea how this happened. I was able to turn off the box and back on. This cleared it but nothing I did with the remote would turn the mute off. Any idea how this happened and how I can undo it next time instead of by turning the device off?

When I arrived home yesterday my 6412 was in "mute" mode. There was no sound coming from it and it had the word "mute" on the top of the screen, centered in white.

I have no idea how this happened. I was able to turn off the box and back on. This cleared it but nothing I did with the remote would turn the mute off. Any idea how this happened and how I can undo it next time instead of by turning the device off?

Simple Answer:

If you turn the STB to the standby / OFF mode, and you have a timed recording setup, then it will turn the STB on but with the Audio Muted. (just in case you left your Audio device on!) You must program into the remote the STB Mute / Unmute Code.

How To Add A Dedicated STB Mute/Unmute
The following technique can be used to map an unused or unneeded button on the "silver" remote to the 6412's mute/unmute command. Since the "silver" remote's mute button often controls the TV's or HT receiver's mute command, this allows you to reenable the sound if the box has muted itself (see bugs below).

Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice.
Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button.
Type in the code 00141.
Press whatever button you want to map the STB mute/unmute command to (ex: PiP On/Off). The "Cable" button will blink twice if successful.
Note: You can also use the MUTE button for both the STB and your TV by mapping the STB mute/unmute command to the MUTE button. The default function of the MUTE button will then be to mute/unmute the STB (or activated by pressing CABLE, then MUTE). The TV mute/unmute command can still be accessed by pressing the TV button, then MUTE.

Another alternative is to set up the STB mute command as a shifted mute:

Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice.
Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button.
Type in the code 00141.
Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button.
Press (do not hold) the "Mute" button.
Now, if the remote has volume lock enabled (the normal default is the TV), pressing MUTE will mute/unmute that device. To mute/unmute the STB, press (do not hold) the "Setup" button, then MUTE.

Note: The remote from RCN does not have a setup button. On that remote, these instructions should work, and more detailed instructions can be found in this thread: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13375545#13388234

Press and hold CBL, then press and hold OK until CBL lights up.
Press VOL + (the upper part of the VOL button).
Press and hold CBL. CBL should blink several times to indicate success.

Hi,

Are the newer (phase II/III) boxes less buggy than the original box? I have a 6412 with a DVI port (which I assume is a phase I), and I'm really getting sick of the random slowdowns, phantom recordings, "equal priority" bug, etc. Are these things fixed in the newer boxes, or do they show up in all versions?

Also, is there any difference in the DVI/HDMI output quality between the different versions? With my current box, I actually feel like the colors aren't as good over DVI as they are over component--faces in HD content seem somewhat paler over DVI--which doesn't make sense to me. (I don't think it's my TV, a Samsung 6168, as I had it calibrated, and HDMI from my DVD player looks fine.)

Thanks,

nj

Are the newer (phase II/III) boxes less buggy than the original box? I have a 6412 with a DVI port (which I assume is a phase I), and I'm really getting sick of the random slowdowns, phantom recordings, "equal priority" bug, etc. Are these things fixed in the newer boxes, or do they show up in all versions?
You obviously haven't read any of the previous 240+ pages, or you wouldn't ask such a silly question. <g> No, it actually appears Motorola introduces more bugs as they go along. I'd trade my Phase III for an earlier model if I could. A good summary has been posted on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_6412).