Has anyone else had this problem. It has happened to me several times now. If I have say 3 recordings set for the same time on my 6412 one will not record. If I go in a tell the box not to record one of the shows that is scheduled and then tell it to record the show it was originally skipping then it ignores the changes I made. This has happened at least three times now with the most recent being last night. I checked my Sunday schedule on Saturday to make sure that the final of Survivor was set to record. It was on my schedule but not set to record because it conflicted with other scheduled shows. I made some changes so that there were no conflicts and set the recording for Survivor again. I exited out of the menu then went back in to look at the schedule and now everything was set to record on Sunday - no conflicts. At 8:30 on Sunday I checked the dvr to make sure that Survivor started on time and it was not recording. I then checked the schedule and it still showed up as scheduled so it should be recording. Even stranger if I then manually started a recording of Survivor I got a warning that my new recording of Survivor was in conflict with Survivor. The box thought it was recording even though it was not. Very frustrating.

Has anyone else had this problem. It has happened to me several times now. If I have say 3 recordings set for the same time on my 6412 one will not record. If I go in a tell the box not to record one of the shows that is scheduled and then tell it to record the show it was originally skipping then it ignores the changes I made. This has happened at least three times now with the most recent being last night. I checked my Sunday schedule on Saturday to make sure that the final of Survivor was set to record. It was on my schedule but not set to record because it conflicted with other scheduled shows. I made some changes so that there were no conflicts and set the recording for Survivor again. I exited out of the menu then went back in to look at the schedule and now everything was set to record on Sunday - no conflicts. At 8:30 on Sunday I checked the dvr to make sure that Survivor started on time and it was not recording. I then checked the schedule and it still showed up as scheduled so it should be recording. Even stranger if I then manually started a recording of Survivor I got a warning that my new recording of Survivor was in conflict with Survivor. The box thought it was recording even though it was not. Very frustrating.

You're sure it wasn't on the other tuner?

man i just picked this box up from Comcast today and i am very eager to get it home and working, but coming from a Tivo this thread makes me nervous :P

You're sure it wasn't on the other tuner?

Yes I am sure. It happened again last night. I had series recordings set for Grey's Anatomy and Deal or No Deal. The guide showed Deal or No Deal starting at 8:25 thanks to W and the other show starting at 9. Grey's Anatomy actually started around 8:20. I cancelled the recording or Grey at 9 and then tuned to ABC where it was playing and hit the record button. I got a message that this recording would conflict with my Deal or No Deal recording. There was nothing recording on one of the tuners. It seems like the box thought that Grey at 9:00 was already recording which it was not. I kept trying to set the recording every few minutes to see if it would work. About 8:45 it allowed me to set the recording. This started a few weeks ago. Every time there is a conflict and I make a change it screws up everything.

Yes I am sure. It happened again last night. I had series recordings set for Grey's Anatomy and Deal or No Deal. The guide showed Deal or No Deal starting at 8:25 thanks to W and the other show starting at 9. Grey's Anatomy actually started around 8:20. I cancelled the recording or Grey at 9 and then tuned to ABC where it was playing and hit the record button. I got a message that this recording would conflict with my Deal or No Deal recording. There was nothing recording on one of the tuners. It seems like the box thought that Grey at 9:00 was already recording which it was not. I kept trying to set the recording every few minutes to see if it would work. About 8:45 it allowed me to set the recording. This started a few weeks ago. Every time there is a conflict and I make a change it screws up everything.


Have you considered calling and getting the 6412 checked out? It could have bad software on it.

ajwees41

I had the same thing happen. Eventually I had to delete all the series recording and record everything manually. What a pain. Anyone know a work around?

Thanks, Alan

I had the same thing happen. Eventually I had to delete all the series recording and record everything manually. What a pain. Anyone know a work around?

Thanks, Alan


Have tried unpluging and repluging it back in sounds like a software Iguide problem.

ajwees41

man i just picked this box up from Comcast today and i am very eager to get it home and working, but coming from a Tivo this thread makes me nervous :P
Hi Cos,
There is little doubt that there are some significant QC problems with the Moto boxes, but in my experience, if you get a good one they perform pretty well. And while it is a pain, since you don't own the box you can swap them out until you get a good one. It will, of course, be significantly different than your TiVo, but then again, it isn't a TiVo! I have two ReplayTVs that are still hooked up, but I seldom watch them...and I remain a huge fan of that platform! I used to use them as a 'safety net' but very rarely needed to watch my safety copy of a program...now I mostly use them for the rare times when I need to record more than two shows at once. Generally speaking, I'll trade a relatively small amount of convenience for two QAM tuners and the ability to record HD...

Good luck!

...but in my experience, if you get a good one they perform pretty well.... Wow! I really wish I could agree with that statement. <g>

Wow! I really wish I could agree with that statement. <g>

I guess that just means you haven't got a good one yet... ;)

Hi Cos,
There is little doubt that there are some significant QC problems with the Moto boxes, but in my experience, if you get a good one they perform pretty well. And while it is a pain, since you don't own the box you can swap them out until you get a good one. It will, of course, be significantly different than your TiVo, but then again, it isn't a TiVo! I have two ReplayTVs that are still hooked up, but I seldom watch them...and I remain a huge fan of that platform! I used to use them as a 'safety net' but very rarely needed to watch my safety copy of a program...now I mostly use them for the rare times when I need to record more than two shows at once. Generally speaking, I'll trade a relatively small amount of convenience for two ATSC tuners and the ability to record HD...

Good luck!

My feelings exactly. Big fan of my ReplayTV but only use it for backup now. Since I got an HP plasma HDTV, my 6412 gets the workout. The 30 sec skip and interface are inferior to my ReplayTV's commercial skip and interface but dual tuners and HD recording trumps them.

Generally speaking, I'll trade a relatively small amount of convenience for two ATSC tuners and the ability to record HD...

Good luck!

DOH! Just picking my own nit (so to speak)...I meant QAM tuners!!! I'll edit the original to reflect my sudden revelation...

Last night I was looking through the guide and saw an upcoming show I wanted to record. I highlighted it,and pushed the 'record' button and the red 'record' indicator appeared in the box... just as normal.

Guess what?
It didn't record the show. Why not? Does it need more than a half-hour to 'prep' for recording?

Learning and disliking the quirks.

shane

I guess that just means you haven't got a good one yet... ;)Let's see... Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, a good 6412, and an honest politician. What do these things have in common? <g>

No, I'll admit a lot of them have hardware problems, but the majority of my problems are software, and that's not changed by swapping boxes. Still, it's nice to know that somebody is having good luck with this thing!

OK, I just need some clarifacation on how this thing works...you can't record two programs at the same time? You can only watch one and record another? I.e.: Last night I was recording one program and watching it (at the same time) and trying to record another on a different channel. Why doesn't this allow me to do this? I understand there are two tuners, but why can't I watch it as its being recorded and still have another show being recorded?

OK, I just need some clarifacation on how this thing works...you can't record two programs at the same time? You can only watch one and record another? I.e.: Last night I was recording one program and watching it (at the same time) and trying to record another on a different channel. Why doesn't this allow me to do this? I understand there are two tuners, but why can't I watch it as its being recorded and still have another show being recorded?You can do that, but you may have to swap tuners. It should all be automatic if you set the recordings in the guide, but if you are starting them manually, you'll have to switch from one tuner to the other.

Hi Cos,
There is little doubt that there are some significant QC problems with the Moto boxes, but in my experience, if you get a good one they perform pretty well. And while it is a pain, since you don't own the box you can swap them out until you get a good one. It will, of course, be significantly different than your TiVo, but then again, it isn't a TiVo! I have two ReplayTVs that are still hooked up, but I seldom watch them...and I remain a huge fan of that platform! I used to use them as a 'safety net' but very rarely needed to watch my safety copy of a program...now I mostly use them for the rare times when I need to record more than two shows at once. Generally speaking, I'll trade a relatively small amount of convenience for two QAM tuners and the ability to record HD...

Good luck!
well so far it's been great.
was pretty easy to figure out, and the dual tuners rock.
this may have been my fault, but i chose to record 24 in HD last night to watch the Mavs game and for some reason it recorded the SD 24 :( i may have accidentally chosen the SD channel for the recording, but i am liking it so far.
it's a lot faster than my previous comcast digi box, and i was able to get my TV and DVD players all setup on the remote flawlessly.

but, IMO the remote is pretty fugly and i don't like the fact that my DVR controls are at the top of the remote. does anyone have any experience or recommendations for universal remotes that can run the 6412? or is that not p ossible?

You need to program the swap button into your remote to be able to go to the other tuner if you're recording the channel you're watching.

well so far it's been great.
was pretty easy to figure out, and the dual tuners rock.
this may have been my fault, but i chose to record 24 in HD last night to watch the Mavs game and for some reason it recorded the SD 24 :( i may have accidentally chosen the SD channel for the recording, but i am liking it so far.
it's a lot faster than my previous comcast digi box, and i was able to get my TV and DVD players all setup on the remote flawlessly.

but, IMO the remote is pretty fugly and i don't like the fact that my DVR controls are at the top of the remote. does anyone have any experience or recommendations for universal remotes that can run the 6412? or is that not p ossible?


Glad it is working well for you! I have a Harmony 880, and it works very well with the 6412. It isn't the lowest cost solution out there, but it isn't the priciest, either...I really like its appearance and it works great with pretty much all my components...

Having used this device for a few weeks now, with a chance to tweak and break it in, here are my thoughts.

- The picture quality is not as good as a cable card on my Panasonic plasma. Particularly, the analog RF to component converter degrades the PQ significantly. For digital signals, PQ is degraded only slightly using component, but noticeable. Using DVI instead of component is better, however I had to redo my in-wall wiring and wall mounts to make it work, and my receiver does not have HDMI or DVI passthrough.

- Series recordings do not work the way I want it to. It doesn't seem to distinguish between new or re-run programs. For example, I want the DVR to record Comedy Central's Daily Show every week night at 11 pm. However, the tuner tries to record re-runs at 8pm and 1pm. Even if they are not re-runs, there is no way to limit the timeslots of series recordings.

- A few times we've had the problem where the box is muted during a recording, and you can't un-mute it until the recording is done. You have to power the box off then on to reset it. Also, I once unplugged my DVR for an extended period while painting, and when I plugged it back in it would not give out any sound. I had to get a special code from Comcast to turn it back on.

- The machine sometimes slows down. For example, you try to change channels and it looks like the remote is not talking to the console. But several seconds later it finally "wakes up" and goes wild, performing all the button commands really quickly (channel changes, etc) that it couldn't do for some reason moments earlier.

That said, the machine is a major improvement over a mere VCR or even TiVO. I hope that in the future they merge the design features of TiVO with the on-demand and HD capabilities of this DVR. Then it would be perfect.

OK, I just need some clarifacation on how this thing works...you can't record two programs at the same time? You can only watch one and record another? I.e.: Last night I was recording one program and watching it (at the same time) and trying to record another on a different channel. Why doesn't this allow me to do this? I understand there are two tuners, but why can't I watch it as its being recorded and still have another show being recorded?

I was gone for a week and am trying to catch up on some of the shows I recorded while away. Last night, for example, I knew I wanted to record 24 and Grey's Anatomy which started at the same time. I went into the guide and selected each show seperately to record, putting the red button in the guide list for each. Then I watched last week's Grey's Anatomy while both the others were being recorded. I joined 24 in progress so I could skip through commercials and went to bed when it ended, checking to be sure Grey's Anatomy was still being recorded - which it was. In this process there is no need to swap between tuners.

My experience with recording from the two tuners while watching a recorded show has been great! I love that feature the best of everything the 6412 has and it sometimes even makes me overlook its many flaws.

Having used this device for a few weeks now, with a chance to tweak and break it in, here are my thoughts.


Dude, your entire post is a re-run!

Having used this device for a few weeks now, with a chance to tweak and break it in, here are my thoughts.

- Series recordings do not work the way I want it to. It doesn't seem to distinguish between new or re-run programs. For example, I want the DVR to record Comedy Central's Daily Show every week night at 11 pm. However, the tuner tries to record re-runs at 8pm and 1pm. Even if they are not re-runs, there is no way to limit the timeslots of series recordings.

- A few times we've had the problem where the box is muted during a recording, and you can't un-mute it until the recording is done. You have to power the box off then on to reset it. Also, I once unplugged my DVR for an extended period while painting, and when I plugged it back in it would not give out any sound. I had to get a special code from Comcast to turn it back on.


Check out the WIKIBOOK page for this

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR

You can setup a series recording for a specific time. It is not as easy as seting up one normally. Also, you can program your remote to turn on/off the set-top mute.

For the last two weeks I've started to suffer from the dreaded pixel breakup-macro-blocking and sound cut out problems. I'll have to look back in this thread to see what others have done about this.

Has this been reported b4? Last night I noticed my scheduled recordings after this Thursday have disappeared, even though they're still showing up in the recording priority list. And it's not due to the end of season issue since a scan through the guide shows new episodes of many of my shows through next week. Whats up with that?

Having used this device for a few weeks now, with a chance to tweak and break it in, here are my thoughts.

- The picture quality is not as good as a cable card on my Panasonic plasma. Particularly, the analog RF to component converter degrades the PQ significantly. For digital signals, PQ is degraded only slightly using component, but noticeable. Using DVI instead of component is better, however I had to redo my in-wall wiring and wall mounts to make it work, and my receiver does not have HDMI or DVI passthrough.

- Series recordings do not work the way I want it to. It doesn't seem to distinguish between new or re-run programs. For example, I want the DVR to record Comedy Central's Daily Show every week night at 11 pm. However, the tuner tries to record re-runs at 8pm and 1pm. Even if they are not re-runs, there is no way to limit the timeslots of series recordings.

- A few times we've had the problem where the box is muted during a recording, and you can't un-mute it until the recording is done. You have to power the box off then on to reset it. Also, I once unplugged my DVR for an extended period while painting, and when I plugged it back in it would not give out any sound. I had to get a special code from Comcast to turn it back on.

- The machine sometimes slows down. For example, you try to change channels and it looks like the remote is not talking to the console. But several seconds later it finally "wakes up" and goes wild, performing all the button commands really quickly (channel changes, etc) that it couldn't do for some reason moments earlier.

That said, the machine is a major improvement over a mere VCR or even TiVO. I hope that in the future they merge the design features of TiVO with the on-demand and HD capabilities of this DVR. Then it would be perfect.





- Picture Quality - this seems to be ver variable. Mine seems to be very good. You need to do a bit of research on this site and see what others have done to improve the PQ. My area of New Jersey is totally digital now and it is very very good.

- known issue - series recordings will record the NEW shows only when the guide clearly indicates that the show is new. The problem is that the guide does not always say if the program is new or a repeat. This is not a DVR issue but a Guide issue.

-known issue - When the box truns on to record a show it will turn on in MUTE mode. I can only guess that the developers thought this to be a feature so it would not wake you during the night when it started recording. This can be fixed by programming the mute code for the DVR into the mute button. Works great. I believe this can be found on Wiki.

-know issue - the slowdown and sudden rush of codes from the remote is well known. Don't know the reason but it has been a very infrequent problem for me. Others have had much more difficulty with it.

I agree with you that this is a really neat piece of euipment. I have loved mine and they would need to pry it out of my cold dead hands to get it back. Some like TIVO much better, some like other systems better. Enjoy.

Much of the information known about the 6412 and 3412 is contained on the wiki encyclopedia. It is a great place to search for information.

I was playing with padding recordings last night, and found something it doesn't do right, Motorola probably thinks that is a "feature"...

So say you are 5 minutes into a show, and you want to record it. However you also want to pad a few minutes onto it. So 5 minutes in, I go to the show I'm watching, and set up a recording to end a few minutes late. I confirm the recording, and the OTHER tuner goes and starts recording it. Of course this means the 1st five minutes you were watching on the current tuner, aren't recorded.

So then I tried arbitrarily recording something on the other tuner, to try and "force" the current tuner to record it. Sure enough it did, but it wipes out those 1st five minutes!

I guess if you just hit the record button to start recording it normally(it WILL pick up the 1st five mintues then) THEN go into the recording options and pad a couple minutes, it will probably work.

I was getting dropouts last night as well, I think it was time for the bi-weekly reboot, ugh. Signal levels were/are fine. It is ridiculous you have to unplug the box like every week to keep it running fresh. Feels like they have Windows 95 running on this thing! :rolleyes:

You need to program the swap button into your remote to be able to go to the other tuner if you're recording the channel you're watching.

ARGGGGGGGGGG I'm going to have to go home and pratice this...so you can technically do 3 things at once...tuner 1 - watch & record tuner 2 - record

right?

ARGGGGGGGGGG I'm going to have to go home and pratice this...so you can technically do 3 things at once...tuner 1 - watch & record tuner 2 - record

right?

Or watch something previously recorded while recording two shows.... :D

Or watch something previously recorded while recording two shows.Which includes watching, pausing, rewinding, slo-mo of one of the programs you are currently recording.

Last night the first 5 minutes of American Idol were unwatchable with of pixelation and audio off, then slowly went back to normal. Checking the diagnostics, I noticed all the numbers for bot OOB and In-Band acting crazy, they would keep changing at a very high speed, while usually they are steady. Have you ever noticed anything like that? Does it mean anything?

but, IMO the remote is pretty fugly and i don't like the fact that my DVR controls are at the top of the remote. does anyone have any experience or recommendations for universal remotes that can run the 6412? or is that not p ossible?

Yes it is possible. As far as remote recommendations there are tons out there but it depends on your budget. I also, like some here, have a Harmony 659 (~ 90 bucks online). I recommend you go the route of a nice universal control so that you can control all your gear with one remote. These remotes can do everything your OEM remotes can do (assumming they are IR and not RF)

- Series recordings do not work the way I want it to. It doesn't seem to distinguish between new or re-run programs. For example, I want the DVR to record Comedy Central's Daily Show every week night at 11 pm. However, the tuner tries to record re-runs at 8pm and 1pm. Even if they are not re-runs, there is no way to limit the timeslots of series recordings.



Known issue. Like other have said it is a problem with the guide information. The 6412 wold do ok if the shows were porperly tagged as new or repeat. Problem is when a show you are interested in recording also has syndicated runs. The syndycated runs have no new or repeat flag so the box ends up recording all of those too. Problem is solved by deleting them but it gets annoying to do that every couple of days specially if you are low on space


- The machine sometimes slows down. For example, you try to change channels and it looks like the remote is not talking to the console. But several seconds later it finally "wakes up" and goes wild, performing all the button commands really quickly (channel changes, etc) that it couldn't do for some reason moments earlier.



Known issue. No fix or solution yet

I don't know what the firmware update was supposed to fix, but if anything, I'd say my box runs slightly worse since they pushed it. More laggy responses mostly. Or maybe I just need to unplug/replug the thing again.

Yes it is possible. As far as remote recommendations there are tons out there but it depends on your budget. I also, like some here, have a Harmony 659 (~ 90 bucks online). I recommend you go the route of a nice universal control so that you can control all your gear with one remote. These remotes can do everything your OEM remotes can do (assumming they are IR and not RF)

My recommendation would be to get this bad boy:
http://www.ofausa.com/remote.php?type=URC10820

It's less than $20 online, can learn commands from other remotes, lets you reprogram keys, does macros.. it's absolutely outstanding. A little more work to set up than the Harmony, but not too tough and way cheaper and all around rad.

Enjoy!

-=Brazil=-

Check your scheduled recordings, because my DVR picked up the guide update but was scheduled to record the president thinking it was Prison Break. The 8:20 airing of Prison Break was not selected to record.

PrisonBreak and 24 recorded fine for me because Fox's guide was updated for the President. However CBS's guide was not updated, so it messed up "How I met your mother" I got 20 minutes of King of Queens. I deleted without watching. No need to watch 10 minutes of a 30 minute show.

Is there a way, other than watching it FF, to get to a part of the recorded program? If I want to see something at the 50 minute mark, for example, I have to wait for it to FF there.

Thanks

Is there a way, other than watching it FF, to get to a part of the recorded program? If I want to see something at the 50 minute mark, for example, I have to wait for it to FF there.

Thanks

That's all this thing offers... :(

That's all this thing offers... :(

OnDemand is even worse with very sluggish response time, no indicator of where you are in the program (unless you stop it and look at the "Saved programs" page and just one-speed FF/Rewind.

OnDemand is even worse with very sluggish response time, no indicator of where you are in the program (unless you stop it and look at the "Saved programs" page and just one-speed FF/Rewind.

Since I haven't used OnDemand yet... this will just be another fun 'feature' to look forward to! :eek:

Try watching something(movie) in HD for free with ON Demand before you buy a movie in HD. Everything I've watched so far has had bad audio drops avery 30sec. or so.

I will NEVER buy and On Demand movie.

OnDemand is even worse with very sluggish response time, no indicator of where you are in the program (unless you stop it and look at the "Saved programs" page and just one-speed FF/Rewind.
This is standard with ALL cable leased STB's, it's more likely the fault of the cable systems and the massive storage banks at the head end, rather than the STB's fault, but i agree, it's a huge pain in the @$$, i wish they would fix that. Sure would encourage me to watch on demand content more often.

Try watching something(movie) in HD for free with ON Demand before you buy a movie in HD. Everything I've watched so far has had bad audio drops avery 30sec. or so.

I will NEVER buy and On Demand movie.
I am no fan of the 6412, but I think OnDemand is a nice feature. I love it for the kid's shows for my daughter (no need to hog up HDD space with Barney, Cailou, Bearnstein Bears, etc). The only HD movie I watched over OnDemand was the free showing of The Fifth Element; it looked surprisingly good with no audio problems (at least for me).

I am no fan of the 6412, but I think OnDemand is a nice feature. I love it for the kid's shows for my daughter (no need to hog up HDD space with Barney, Cailou, Bearnstein Bears, etc). The only HD movie I watched over OnDemand was the free showing of The Fifth Element; it looked surprisingly good with no audio problems (at least for me).


Well like I said. Just check something for free first. It must be a Denver problem. A few other here/on the Denver Comcast thread have had the same thing as me.

Regular/SD VOD is OK.

Well like I said. Just check something for free first. It must be a Denver problem. A few other here/on the Denver Comcast thread have had the same thing as me.

Regular/SD VOD is OK.Not just a Denver problem, I get the same audio dropouts in Portland. Except here, it's not just the HD stuff. Seems very regular, not random like you'd expect if it was just signal loss somewhere.

Not just a Denver problem, I get the same audio dropouts in Portland. Except here, it's not just the HD stuff. Seems very regular, not random like you'd expect if it was just signal loss somewhere.

Yup... here too.

The drop-outs are constant in my analog's, not so much on my hi-def. I find that shutting off and turning on the box helps slightly, for a short time anyway. It's maddening.

- The picture quality is not as good as a cable card on my Panasonic plasma. Particularly, the analog RF to component converter degrades the PQ significantly. For digital signals, PQ is degraded only slightly using component, but noticeable. Using DVI instead of component is better, however I had to redo my in-wall wiring and wall mounts to make it work, and my receiver does not have HDMI or DVI passthrough.Analog PQ is much, much better with a DCT6412 Phase III (HDMI output) and either HDMI or component output. You should be able to take your box back to Comcast and swap it out for a Phase III as I did.

My 3412 recorded a program without any audio playback. It also will not ff or rew thru the program. Recordings made before and after that one are fine. A known issue?

Hi, I've got my 6412 loaded with the high def recordings of the latest Sopranos episodes and want to make my own dvds from them. I can't go via firewire, of course, because of the 5c protection, so I've got the dvr connected to the Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-150 card that's included in my new HP Media Center PC (via s-video and the red/white RCA audio jacks). I've gotten help from Hauppauge in order to install the appropriate middleware so that I can get around the machine's attempt to not allow me to record directly through the card (except using the vile Media Center format), and I have the latest drivers for the card and Hauppauge's WinTV2000 software. So, in theory I'm ready to go...

The problem is that despite my being able to get nice quality mpeg captures from the 6412 I also get a very annoying low-level audio hum that accompanies everything I record from the dvr. At first I thought it must be the card but I now believe it's because of the 6412. I've tried several possible fixes the Hauppauge people gave me but I still get the humming. I thought it might have something to do with the card's recording levels being too low since I have to turn the volume up much higher than usual to hear dialogue in the recorded mpegs.

But at one point I had my Sennheiser headphones on to listen to the signal from the box as it was being recorded and I paused the recording. I could still hear the hum, so I figure it's coming from the box, not the card?? I don't get any hum when I listen to dvd-video, .avi or .mp3 files from the hard drive, etc. so it's not the HP itself.

So, I then thought that perhaps it's the audio out settings from the 6412, so I went into Setup and changed the settings from Audio Output: Advanced, Stereo Output: Matrix (the settings I use with the box connected to my home theater receiver to get 5.1 output) to Audio Output: TV Speakers. When I do this the volume level is increased on the mpeg recordings the Hauppauge card makes, thus minimizing the hum a little.

But it's still there. I have yet to record an episode while it's being broadcast live (i.e., not from the dvr) and don't know if that will make any difference. Anyway, if anyone can offer any advice I would appreciate it, since I've been waiting till my box is full of all 12 Sopranos episodes before making my own dvds. Now I'm worried that I can't get those saved shows into my damn computer to make the dvds in the first place without crappy audio! Thanks.

Have you considered it might be the audio hardware in the 6412 itself?
Does the audio play correctly if you are watch the show through the dvr?

ajwees41





[QUOTE=brownstem]Hi, I've got my 6412 loaded with the high def recordings of the latest Sopranos episodes and want to make my own dvds from them. I can't go via firewire, of course, because of the 5c protection, so I've got the dvr connected to the Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-150 card that's included in my new HP Media Center PC (via s-video and the red/white RCA audio jacks). I've gotten help from Hauppauge in order to install the appropriate middleware so that I can get around the machine's attempt to not allow me to record directly through the card (except using the vile Media Center format), and I have the latest drivers for the card and Hauppauge's WinTV2000 software. So, in theory I'm ready to go...

The problem is that despite my being able to get nice quality mpeg captures from the 6412 I also get a very annoying low-level audio hum that accompanies everything I record from the dvr. At first I thought it must be the card but I now believe it's because of the 6412. I've tried several possible fixes the Hauppauge people gave me but I still get the humming. I thought it might have something to do with the card's recording levels being too low since I have to turn the volume up much higher than usual to hear dialogue in the recorded mpegs.

But at one point I had my Sennheiser headphones on to listen to the signal from the box as it was being recorded and I paused the recording. I could still hear the hum, so I figure it's coming from the box, not the card?? I don't get any hum when I listen to dvd-video, .avi or .mp3 files from the hard drive, etc. so it's not the HP itself.

Hi, I've got my 6412 loaded with the high def recordings of the latest Sopranos episodes and want to make my own dvds from them. I can't go via firewire, of course, because of the 5c protection, so I've got the dvr connected to the Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-150 card that's included in my new HP Media Center PC (via s-video and the red/white RCA audio jacks). I've gotten help from Hauppauge in order to install the appropriate middleware so that I can get around the machine's attempt to not allow me to record directly through the card (except using the vile Media Center format), and I have the latest drivers for the card and Hauppauge's WinTV2000 software. So, in theory I'm ready to go...

The problem is that despite my being able to get nice quality mpeg captures from the 6412 I also get a very annoying low-level audio hum that accompanies everything I record from the dvr. At first I thought it must be the card but I now believe it's because of the 6412. I've tried several possible fixes the Hauppauge people gave me but I still get the humming. I thought it might have something to do with the card's recording levels being too low since I have to turn the volume up much higher than usual to hear dialogue in the recorded mpegs.

But at one point I had my Sennheiser headphones on to listen to the signal from the box as it was being recorded and I paused the recording. I could still hear the hum, so I figure it's coming from the box, not the card?? I don't get any hum when I listen to dvd-video, .avi or .mp3 files from the hard drive, etc. so it's not the HP itself.

So, I then thought that perhaps it's the audio out settings from the 6412, so I went into Setup and changed the settings from Audio Output: Advanced, Stereo Output: Matrix (the settings I use with the box connected to my home theater receiver to get 5.1 output) to Audio Output: TV Speakers. When I do this the volume level is increased on the mpeg recordings the Hauppauge card makes, thus minimizing the hum a little.

But it's still there. I have yet to record an episode while it's being broadcast live (i.e., not from the dvr) and don't know if that will make any difference. Anyway, if anyone can offer any advice I would appreciate it, since I've been waiting till my box is full of all 12 Sopranos episodes before making my own dvds. Now I'm worried that I can't get those saved shows into my damn computer to make the dvds in the first place without crappy audio! Thanks.
Why don't you try to use firewire? Do you know for a fact that HBO content is 5c flagged "copy never"? If it's flagged "copy once" or "copy freely" or your cable company doesn't even enforce 5c, you will be able to get purely digital quality DVD's from your STB>PC>DVD. If you have not yet tried this, i would recommend it.

Why don't you try to use firewire? Do you know for a fact that HBO content is 5c flagged "copy never"?Believe me, HBO was the first thing I tried months ago when I came across instructions for using the firewire port. It will not work, though ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, etc. record just fine.

Have you considered it might be the audio hardware in the 6412 itself?
Does the audio play correctly if you are watch the show through the dvr?Thanks, but I've checked that many times. The audio plays fine from the 6412's hard drive through my home theater set up. Indistinguishable from watching the live HD signal.

Believe me, HBO was the first thing I tried months ago when I came across instructions for using the firewire port. It will not work, though ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, etc. record just fine.

Thanks, but I've checked that many times. The audio plays fine from the 6412's hard drive through my home theater set up. Indistinguishable from watching the live HD signal.
If the outputs you are using work fine for viewing live/recorded programs and there is no audio sync problem, then the problem HAS to be with your computer/software. The box can not distinguish what it is connected to via analog interfaces, and thus there will be no difference in the audo/video output. It has to be your PC setup.

If the outputs you are using work fine for viewing live/recorded programs and there is no audio sync problem, then the problem HAS to be with your computer/software. The box can not distinguish what it is connected to via analog interfaces, and thus there will be no difference in the audo/video output. It has to be your PC setup.Thanks, and you're certainly right given that I just tried to record tonight's Sopranos live through the Hauppauge card. Same damn hum. Back to square one with the manufacturer, I guess. Thanks.

Thanks, and you're certainly right given that I just tried to record tonight's Sopranos live through the Hauppauge card. Same damn hum. Back to square one with the manufacturer, I guess. Thanks.
I would suggest trying a different PCI card, and perhaps trying one with an on board MPEG-2 decoder and digital audio (one that doesn't need a short cable to go from the TV Tuner card to the sound card). If your Huappage card is one of these, my mistake, but i don't know about which Huappage models have those features. I'm only familiar with the ATI branded PCI Tuner cards. If you use one that sends the audio through the PCI slot and the motherboard without having to be looped through the sound card, you may achieve better results as the audio and video will be streamed together. Good luck in getting it to work.

Try watching something(movie) in HD for free with ON Demand before you buy a movie in HD. Everything I've watched so far has had bad audio drops avery 30sec. or so.

I will NEVER buy and On Demand movie.

Same drops here in Atlanta. Only on HD though...

If the outputs you are using work fine for viewing live/recorded programs and there is no audio sync problem, then the problem HAS to be with your computer/software. The box can not distinguish what it is connected to via analog interfaces, and thus there will be no difference in the audo/video output. It has to be your PC setup.No it doesn't. It could be simply a ground loop problem allowing noise in.

I am getting a Panny 50" 8UK with one HDMI blade.
I am interested in the Gefen EXT-HDMI-341 3x1 Switcher and wonder if there are any issues with this unit... especially with the Moto 6412 PIII?

HDMI equipment thus far:
Pioneer Elite DV-79avi
Comcast Moto 6412 PIII HD Cable STB

Eventually... some type of HD-DVD (or BD).

Any lower-cost alternatives to the Gefen?

TIA!

shane

No it doesn't. It could be simply a ground loop problem allowing noise in.
The point i was making is that the problem is NOT with the STB.

I am getting a Panny 50" 8UK with one HDMI blade.
I am interested in the Gefen EXT-HDMI-341 3x1 Switcher and wonder if there are any issues with this unit... especially with the Moto 6412 PIII?

HDMI equipment thus far:
Pioneer Elite DV-79avi
Comcast Moto 6412 PIII HD Cable STB

Eventually... some type of HD-DVD (or BD).

Any lower-cost alternatives to the Gefen?

TIA!

shane
HDMI switchers are KNOWN to be tricky and have issues with pretty much ALL STB's. If you decide to go with this, i would definately have a back up plan to connect in case the HDCP handshake does not occur as it should.

Believe me, HBO was the first thing I tried months ago when I came across instructions for using the firewire port. It will not work, though ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, etc. record just fine.

I had all episods of Rome from HBO on my 6412 and was able to dump the first 2 episodes to my Mac via firewire, then make a DVD copy, no problem. When I tried with the following episodes the recording to the computer was fine for the first 2/3 minutes, then it would stop (still plays fine from the DVR). Since the whole process was too long anyways, I gave up trying. Can this be "5c"related?

Anyone testing the Tivo software?

Hi, I've got my 6412 loaded with the high def recordings of the latest Sopranos episodes and want to make my own dvds from them. I can't go via firewire, of course, because of the 5c protection, so I've got the dvr connected to the Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-150 card that's included in my new HP Media Center PC (via s-video and the red/white RCA audio jacks). I've gotten help from Hauppauge in order to install the appropriate middleware so that I can get around the machine's attempt to not allow me to record directly through the card (except using the vile Media Center format), and I have the latest drivers for the card and Hauppauge's WinTV2000 software. So, in theory I'm ready to go...

The problem is that despite my being able to get nice quality mpeg captures from the 6412 I also get a very annoying low-level audio hum that accompanies everything I record from the dvr. At first I thought it must be the card but I now believe it's because of the 6412. I've tried several possible fixes the Hauppauge people gave me but I still get the humming. I thought it might have something to do with the card's recording levels being too low since I have to turn the volume up much higher than usual to hear dialogue in the recorded mpegs.

But at one point I had my Sennheiser headphones on to listen to the signal from the box as it was being recorded and I paused the recording. I could still hear the hum, so I figure it's coming from the box, not the card?? I don't get any hum when I listen to dvd-video, .avi or .mp3 files from the hard drive, etc. so it's not the HP itself.

So, I then thought that perhaps it's the audio out settings from the 6412, so I went into Setup and changed the settings from Audio Output: Advanced, Stereo Output: Matrix (the settings I use with the box connected to my home theater receiver to get 5.1 output) to Audio Output: TV Speakers. When I do this the volume level is increased on the mpeg recordings the Hauppauge card makes, thus minimizing the hum a little.

But it's still there. I have yet to record an episode while it's being broadcast live (i.e., not from the dvr) and don't know if that will make any difference. Anyway, if anyone can offer any advice I would appreciate it, since I've been waiting till my box is full of all 12 Sopranos episodes before making my own dvds. Now I'm worried that I can't get those saved shows into my damn computer to make the dvds in the first place without crappy audio! Thanks.


I have had this EXACT same problem when trying to offload some college bball games from my DVR to my PC to make DVDs. I tried several things, routing it through a VCR, adjusting audio levels, different cables, i could not get it to go away. I use the same analog audio output ports for regular audio, to a Aiwa mini-system(don't have 5.1 yet). I never notice it on the stereo, when watching regular TV or something on the hard drive. Same with analog hookups to a std VCR. But hooking it up to my computer, I get the hum.

I never found a solution, and just did my best to adjust the audio levels to drone it out as much as possible. One thing that helped quite a bit is if I turn down the high end of the EQ on the stereo when i'm watching a DVD I made this way. If I pull the high end all the way negative, it's a lot better.

Of course I don't have this problem using firewire, and I am able to capture to my PC via firewire from my 6412(HD too). But since these games were on ESPN I can't go that route b/c of 5C which is properly working/implemented on my cable system.

At least the NCAA tourney is on CBS, no worries about offloading games to the PC there! That is a GREAT thing.

I've had a weird problem this week of having my one-time recordings off by an hour. I set up the recordings either Sunday or Monday (probably some of each). I set up to record a half-hour show at 8:00PM Thursday on my PBS channel (Oregon Art Beat). But what actually recorded was the first half hour of "Live From Lincoln Center" which began at 9:00PM. In the recorded programs list, "Live from Lincoln Center" was listed, but the length was only 30 minutes (the actual LfLC ran 2hours).

Similarly, I set up to record "The Directors" on ENC at 8:15AM on Thursday morning, an hour program. And what actually got recorded was the first hour of the movie "Life with Mikey." Not the whole movie, just the first hour.

And, I set up to record four consecutive hours of "24" on A&E beginning at 8:00AM on Monday, June 5. However, when I just went back to look at the iGuide, what is now scheduled to record is three hours of "24" starting at 9:00AM, and one hour of "American Experience" beginning at 12:00PM. Again, everything shifted by an hour. (I adjusted this so that it will now hopefully record the correct programs.)

None of my series recordings were affected. Those recorded before and after Thursday's mistakes recorded fine.

Anybody had this happen? Could it be an iGuide problem on Sunday and Monday (when I set up to record)? Could it be a local guide issue (Portland, OR)? Or is it possibly a problem with the unit (a Series II). I'm testing today by setting up a couple of one-time recordings to see if it happens again. But it's damned irritating to get something different recorded than the program you set up.

Well surprise, surprise!
I thought that I had recorded a show several weeks ago. It never appeared in the recorded show list... so I figured this imbecilic machine simply screwed this up too.

So after a few re-boots to un-jam it's wee brain (for various idiotic reasons!), last night it was stuck on something or other and I unplugged it... again. Upon it waking up, it decided to list this 'un-recorded' show! :eek:

Imagine that! And guess what? It was recorded perfectly. No errors.

Well surprise, surprise! This thing never ceases to amaze me :rolleyes: :mad:

shane

Happy Birthday Shane:D!!!!!!!!! It's like finding $20 in an old jacket or something, huh;)?!?!?

I've had a weird problem this week of having my one-time recordings off by an hour. I set up the recordings either Sunday or Monday (probably some of each). I set up to record a half-hour show at 8:00PM Thursday on my PBS channel (Oregon Art Beat). But what actually recorded was the first half hour of "Live From Lincoln Center" which began at 9:00PM. In the recorded programs list, "Live from Lincoln Center" was listed, but the length was only 30 minutes (the actual LfLC ran 2hours).
Did you reboot (unplug/replug power) the box, or do you know if it was reset, after setting the recording? I've seen this sometimes after a reboot. Usually, just rebooting again will fix it.

I've had a weird problem this week of having my one-time recordings off by an hour. I set up the recordings either Sunday or Monday (probably some of each). I set up to record a half-hour show at 8:00PM Thursday on my PBS channel (Oregon Art Beat). But what actually recorded was the first half hour of "Live From Lincoln Center" which began at 9:00PM. In the recorded programs list, "Live from Lincoln Center" was listed, but the length was only 30 minutes (the actual LfLC ran 2hours).
...

I experienced the same thing after I called in to Comcast technical support for the problem we had in the Bay Area with Fox HD going dead the night of 24's finale. They "hit" my Motorola 6412 with a signal that caused a reset similar to unplugging. This didn't fix the Fox problem, but I discovered several one-time recordings off by an hour.

andyross63 said this happens after a reboot and a second reboot is necessary. I haven't rebooted again -- hope I don't keep having this problem. I assume the problem won't affect shows that aren't set to record yet!

I never rebooted, and I never called comcast about a problem, and they didn't to my knowledge "hit" my box. The shows I set up to record today recorded correctly. So I don't know what happened.

I experienced the same thing after I called in to Comcast technical support for the problem we had in the Bay Area with Fox HD going dead the night of 24's finale. They "hit" my Motorola 6412 with a signal that caused a reset similar to unplugging. This didn't fix the Fox problem, but I discovered several one-time recordings off by an hour.

andyross63 said this happens after a reboot and a second reboot is necessary. I haven't rebooted again -- hope I don't keep having this problem. I assume the problem won't affect shows that aren't set to record yet!
The bug only seemed to affect single programs, those picked off the guide or other list. Series programs, even if wrong, should correct themselves at the next update (typically between 4:20 and 4:50 am and pm). Manual VCR-style recordings were unaffected.

If you don't reboot again, you could end up with unremovable scheduled recordings. If a half-hour programs moves into an hour-long program, you will not be able to delete the scheduled recording as the start and end times of the listed program MUST match the scheduled start and end times as listed in the guide. A similar issue can occur if a program is replaced by another. You can quickly cancel the recording when it starts, though.

This could explain to me why the first 6412 I had
looked great..and when they just replaced it with another 6412 (big surprise)
the picture just doesnt look as good. Very grainy.
No consistancy between units.

I think Comcast is aware of the problem with these units but
we as consumers have to make it a point to bitch over an over to them until
they fix it.
No more mister nice guy.


So, I just double-checked, and here is a comparison of the calibration settings between the Pioneer PDP-4304 HDTV described above and a Sony DVD Player using component cables and the settings between the Motorola DCT-6412 via HDMI and the same Pio HDTV (the Pio retains different settings for each input device). I conclude the HDMI signal level being received by the TV is troubling. Are any other DCT-6412/Phase III users with well-calibrated HDTVs experiencing such differences?

DVD-PLAYER to PIONEER PDP-4304 (via Component)
Contrast -13
Brightness +1
Color -5
Tint -2
Sharpness +2

MOTOROLA DCT-6412 Phase III to PIONEER PDP-4304 (via HDMI)
Contrast +3
Brightness +6
Color -9
Tint -0
Sharpness +1

Does anyone think that the remote that they are using could be agravating the problem with the slow response of the 6412. The reason that I am asking this question is that about 2 weeks ago, I reprogrammed my Harmony remote to delay longer on a key press since I would regularly overshoot the channel when pressing the up/down channel button. Since then, the slow response issue has been significantly better.

However, over the past two weeks, the 6412 has gone into NeverLand twice (lost audio, massive delays that never stop, and menus popping up on the screen indicating that the program can't be deleted). This has never occurred prior to reprogramming the Harmony.

Currently I have the Harmony programmed to the longest key press delay as possible but still have an occasional overshoot when I up/down channels and am wondering if the new timing may be finding a new hole in the software that is now causing the 6412 to get totally screwed up.

I'll be using the Comcast supplied remote this week to see if the problem gets better.

Does anyone think that the remote that they are using could be agravating the problem with the slow response of the 6412. The reason that I am asking this question is that about 2 weeks ago, I reprogrammed my Harmony remote to delay longer on a key press since I would regularly overshoot the channel when pressing the up/down channel button. Since then, the slow response issue has been significantly better.

However, over the past two weeks, the 6412 has gone into NeverLand twice (lost audio, massive delays that never stop, and menus popping up on the screen indicating that the program can't be deleted). This has never occurred prior to reprogramming the Harmony.

Currently I have the Harmony programmed to the longest key press delay as possible but still have an occasional overshoot when I up/down channels and am wondering if the new timing may be finding a new hole in the software that is now causing the 6412 to get totally screwed up.

I'll be using the Comcast supplied remote this week to see if the problem gets better.

When it goes in slow-down mode I tried pressing buttons on the front of the box and they seem to be suffering from slow-down as well. I haven't tried the front of the box everytime there is a slowdown, so I don't know if it is always the case.

I have also noticed a slow response of my 6412

The two rituals that I go thru that seem to help are:

1) Power off, reboot, power on. (Note it wil show the new shows as To Be Announced for a few hours) Rebooting seems to be achieved be pulling the power cord for a minute or so, or perhaps having ComCast sending a Reset signal from their main server. -- This seems to help in clearing up the DVR for a while and speeding it up. Nore: Many of us remember that to get a display back after power off, one needs to display a recorded show and then the DVR will normally display imcoming TV show.

2) If possible, switch to not display DTV while trying to contorl the DVR. My superstition is that the CPU can be busy when decoding the Digital signals, switching recording... and if I can Idle the CPU, etc. it can speed up the response to the Remote.

2) If possible, switch to not display DTV while trying to contorl the DVR. My superstition is that the CPU can be busy when decoding the Digital signals, switching recording... and if I can Idle the CPU, etc. it can speed up the response to the Remote.
Actually analog signals are more of a strain on the CPU of a DVR, since they have to be converted from analog to digital for recording to the DVR (which is in digital format), and then back to analog form to be sent over the analog display interfaces (component, s-video, or composite). Digital feeds are written to the hard drive as is, and then only converted from digital to analog for transmission over analog video interfaces, so with DTV there's actually one LESS step for the DVR to go through. And yes, because of the buffer, the DVR will do this to analog programming even if you aren't recording it.

When it goes in slow-down mode I tried pressing buttons on the front of the box and they seem to be suffering from slow-down as well. I haven't tried the front of the box everytime there is a slowdown, so I don't know if it is always the case.
Nothing works until it processes the last command. Sometimes it takes about a minute per channel change and then I hit the up/down arrow in frustration 10 times. Then I would have to wait for ten minutes for anything else to work. That is because each of the commands (whether from the front pannel or the remote) causes a interrupt and that command is queued.

It would be nice to get a hold of the I_GUIDE source and fix it for Comcast. I've been a programmer in the Siicon Valley for 25 years and this sure sounds like a problem of not protecting critical code and the link list of the TV Guide is getting corrupted or the interrupt handler is not saving and restoring all registers correctly (firmware problem).

Nothing works until it processes the last command. Sometimes it takes about a minute per channel change and then I hit the up/down arrow in frustration 10 times. Then I would have to wait for ten minutes for anything else to work. That is because each of the commands (whether from the front pannel or the remote) causes a interrupt and that command is queued.

It would be nice to get a hold of the I_GUIDE source and fix it for Comcast. I've been a programmer in the Siicon Valley for 25 years and this sure sounds like a problem of not protecting critical code and the link list of the TV Guide is getting corrupted or the interrupt handler is not saving and restoring all registers correctly (firmware problem).

New version of I-Guide will be out soon.

Also, Beta testing of the TiVo software starts next month.

A New Topic has been made for the Comcast 34xx & 64xx series STB with TiVo Software.

We got the new I-Guid here a few weeks ago. It did NOT help with the remote delay!

It did not help me out at all. The biggest thing that made me mad is that you have to hit a button twice to get to what you have recorded. Insted of going strait to the list after punching My DVR. It goes to the page you used to have to get to by going thrue the menue & hitting DVR. That page that has all the DVR stuff comes up first. It's a real pain. Also You have to hit two buttons to get to the favorites list now to. :(

There is a new screen saver that would be good for those with CRT & plasma sets.

We got the new I-Guid here a few weeks ago. It did NOT help with the remote delay!

It did not help me out at all. The biggest thing that made me mad is that you have to hit a button twice to get to what you have recorded. Insted of going strait to the list after punching My DVR. It goes to the page you used to have to get to by going thrue the menue & hitting DVR. That page that has all the DVR stuff comes up first. It's a real pain. Also You have to hit two buttons to get to the favorites list now to. :(

There is a new screen saver that would be good for those with CRT & plasma sets.

I'm wondering if you decide to go to the Tivo Software is the monthly charge now going to be $12.95 plus the HD Box fee. If so you're looking at about $21.95 a month DVR Charge. Right now I pay $15 the 9.25 and 5.95 charge.

I completely agree that since I had my comcast hd unit replaced the picture is just not near as good. I go to the store and am amazed how the pics look in HD. Just makes me mad.

Are there any adjustments to the box that I should make certain have been done?

Thanks, Brad

I'm wondering if you decide to go to the Tivo Software is the monthly charge now going to be $12.95 plus the HD Box fee. If so you're looking at about $21.95 a month DVR Charge. Right now I pay $15 the 9.25 and 5.95 charge.

Not from what I heard. Supposedly, it will be $5 more.

You probably are paying $9.95 DVR + $5.25 STB = $15.20; so figure $20.20 + (fees and taxes) ~= $22.50/mo.

On a side note, in some areas, DVR nominally costs $9.95, because in those areas, like here, the first STB is included and not itemized. But in reality, that STB costs ~$5 (here it is $4.75), so, effectively, the DVR costs $15 + (fees and taxes), just like in your area.

Not from what I heard. Supposedly, it will be $5 more.

You probably are paying $9.95 DVR + $5.25 STB = $15.20; so figure $20.20 + (fees and taxes) ~= $22.50/mo.

On a side note, in some areas, DVR nominally costs $9.95, because in those areas, like here, the first STB is included and not itemized. But in reality, that STB costs ~$5 (here it is $4.75), so, effectively, the DVR costs $15 + (fees and taxes), just like in your area.


Correct the TiVo software will be a upgraded DVR Service Tier that will cost $5.00 more then the current DVR Service cost of $9.95 Your STB seriel number will be added to a list that will allow you to download the TiVo software

This price has nothing to do with the charge for the STB. DVR service is seperate.

Most digital packages now include the STB cost.

Does anyone think that the remote that they are using could be agravating the problem with the slow response of the 6412.Not me. I have had issues with the OEM remote and after market remotes.

At times, I've seen the unit lock up with a single button push, so I don't think timing is the issue either.

I completely agree that since I had my comcast hd unit replaced the picture is just not near as good. I go to the store and am amazed how the pics look in HD. Just makes me mad.

Are there any adjustments to the box that I should make certain have been done?

Thanks, BradTurn the unit off and hit the Menu button. For HD, the output must be 720p or 1080i. Not 480p or 480i.

When it goes in slow-down mode I tried pressing buttons on the front of the box and they seem to be suffering from slow-down as well.I can confirm this.

Nothing works until it processes the last command. Sometimes it takes about a minute per channel change and then I hit the up/down arrow in frustration 10 times. Then I would have to wait for ten minutes for anything else to work. That is because each of the commands (whether from the front pannel or the remote) causes a interrupt and that command is queued.

It would be nice to get a hold of the I_GUIDE source and fix it for Comcast. I've been a programmer in the Siicon Valley for 25 years and this sure sounds like a problem of not protecting critical code and the link list of the TV Guide is getting corrupted or the interrupt handler is not saving and restoring all registers correctly (firmware problem).I've been told it's both hardware and software issues, but I have no details.

I've been told it's both hardware and software issues, but I have no details.

Yes it is a CPU conflict with various currently used software and driver conflicts.

I know it was one of the bug fixes to be fixed in the new I-Guide version, however some people, some on here and others who are already testing it have all reported the same problems with stored remote and front panel key pres buffer cmds. :(

But this might be fixed in the new 14.xx series of DVR Firmware due out soon....

Nothing works until it processes the last command. Sometimes it takes about a minute per channel change and then I hit the up/down arrow in frustration 10 times. Then I would have to wait for ten minutes for anything else to work. That is because each of the commands (whether from the front pannel or the remote) causes a interrupt and that command is queued.

It would be nice to get a hold of the I_GUIDE source and fix it for Comcast. I've been a programmer in the Siicon Valley for 25 years and this sure sounds like a problem of not protecting critical code and the link list of the TV Guide is getting corrupted or the interrupt handler is not saving and restoring all registers correctly (firmware problem).

Maybe they can open-source it :-)

The problem of buffering commands is also present with the Microsoft guide software, so it may require a Motorola firmware change to resolve it.

On Sunday, as my nephew was watching one of the various children's channels, I looked up and noticed the whole screen had a blueish tint. Freaked me out a bit, and I hit channel up and then back down a few times, to no luck. Switched to one of the HD channels, and the picture went back to normal. I did not touch the connections at all. Any thoughts whether this might have been a cable box (Phase III) or TV issue are appreciated.

Correct the TiVo software will be a upgraded DVR Service Tier that will cost $5.00 more then the current DVR Service cost of $9.95 Your STB seriel number will be added to a list that will allow you to download the TiVo software

This price has nothing to do with the charge for the STB. DVR service is seperate.

Most digital packages now include the STB cost.
Well, it has to do with it, to the extent that $15 is the effective total cost for the DVR and the IGuide service, that was my point. ;)

Also. I have heard of areas that allow DVRs for Standard subs, and the fee is listed as DVR $15.

Regardless of how they itmemize or include the fees, doesn't the HD DVR cost Comcast 3x more than a Digital STB?

If so, $15 total vs. $5 seems logical, but that would mean that the IGuide service has no cost they are passing along, and that doesn't sound like Comcast. :D
Maybe it is less than 3x the cost to them?

On Sunday, as my nephew was watching one of the various children's channels, I looked up and noticed the whole screen had a blueish tint. Freaked me out a bit, and I hit channel up and then back down a few times, to no luck. Switched to one of the HD channels, and the picture went back to normal. I did not touch the connections at all. Any thoughts whether this might have been a cable box (Phase III) or TV issue are appreciated.

Was the "blueish" tint problem occuring on analog channels? It's possible the analog tuner in the box is going bad. Other then that, check you cables and make sure everything is seeded properly.

Well, it has to do with it, to the extent that $15 is the effective total cost for the DVR and the IGuide service, that was my point. ;)

Also. I have heard of areas that allow DVRs for Standard subs, and the fee is listed as DVR $15.

Regardless of how they itmemize or include the fees, doesn't the HD DVR cost Comcast 3x more than a Digital STB?

If so, $15 total vs. $5 seems logical, but that would mean that the IGuide service has no cost they are passing along, and that doesn't sound like Comcast. :D
Maybe it is less than 3x the cost to them?

My bill always shows a $15 total for my HD DVR, I think it does Itemize it as a HDBOX 9.25 and DVR Service 4.75 or something like that, any how it is more than the D* DVR Fee.

My bill shows "DVR Service With HDTV-$9.95".

My bill shows "DVR Service With HDTV-$9.95".
Yep, same here. There are no additional $5 fees on my bill. My total bill is $26. $16 for basic service + $10 DVR fee.

Was the "blueish" tint problem occuring on analog channels? It's possible the analog tuner in the box is going bad. Other then that, check you cables and make sure everything is seeded properly.

Thanks for responding. The channel was digital, but not HD. Was one of the children's channels my nephew was watching. Went away after I switched to ESPNHD. I'll give the connections a check as well.

We got the new I-Guid here a few weeks ago. It did NOT help with the remote delay!



:eek:


The biggest thing that made me mad is that you have to hit a button twice to get to what you have recorded. Insted of going strait to the list after punching My DVR. It goes to the page you used to have to get to by going thrue the menue & hitting DVR. That page that has all the DVR stuff comes up first. It's a real pain. Also You have to hit two buttons to get to the favorites list now to. :(



Sounds like my Dish's ViP 622. I guess the extra button press is going to make my finger muscles stronger :D

Yep, same here. There are no additional $5 fees on my bill. My total bill is $26. $16 for basic service + $10 DVR fee.
That's a screamin' deal, that's with Comcast? You have to spend around $60 or so in programming just to get a DVR out here in SF.

Yep, same here. There are no additional $5 fees on my bill. My total bill is $26. $16 for basic service + $10 DVR fee.

Do you just get the local HD channels (abc, nbc, cbs, fox) for that or do you also get ESPN-HD, Discovery, etc?

Please keep in mind that Comcast service and prices, in particular for HD and DVR, vary widely from area to area.

In other words, check the HDTV Locals Forum for details on your area.

I have a 6412 Series III with S/W Ver 71.44 - 1203, and Firmware 12.31. Service provider is Comcast in Salt Lake City, Utah. The 6412 is connected via a composite cable to an old Sony standard-def TV (480i). I'm trying to understand how closed captions work on the 6412. I've enabled them in the user settings menu, and even played around with changing font sizes, colors, and so on, but no matter what I do I can't get it to display captions. I've tried several each of analog, digital, and HD channels, and my TV's captions will work but the 6412's won't.

Do captions require a setup different than mine? I don't think it's just my box, because this is the third 6412 I've had and none of them have displayed captions. I'd really like to be able to use the 6412's captions rather than my TV's because it has the option of a translucent caption background rather than just straight black. My wife is hard of hearing, so we have captions on all the time, but the black background really interferes with viewing the guide and menus.

I have a 6412 Series III with S/W Ver 71.44 - 1203, and Firmware 12.31. Service provider is Comcast in Salt Lake City, Utah. The 6412 is connected via a composite cable to an old Sony standard-def TV (480i). I'm trying to understand how closed captions work on the 6412. I've enabled them in the user settings menu, and even played around with changing font sizes, colors, and so on, but no matter what I do I can't get it to display captions. I've tried several each of analog, digital, and HD channels, and my TV's captions will work but the 6412's won't.

Do captions require a setup different than mine? I don't think it's just my box, because this is the third 6412 I've had and none of them have displayed captions. I'd really like to be able to use the 6412's captions rather than my TV's because it has the option of a translucent caption background rather than just straight black. My wife is hard of hearing, so we have captions on all the time, but the black background really interferes with viewing the guide and menus.
Captions work on Component and HDMI but I wouldn't recommend using those since it is pretty bad (drops lines or words, places them all over the screen, and most of the caption options don't work). Also when you use component or HDMI, captions on the TV will not work.

I don't know how hard of hearing your wife is but I'm also hard of hearing and use Sennheiser HDR 140 wireless headphones and they improve clarity greatly so that I don't need captions for normal programs. Without the headphones, I wouldn't be able to watch TV without captions. However, for movies which are generally very noisy, I turn on captions also.

Do captions require a setup different than mine?On my Moto, they simply "work". I am using the HDMI port in DVI mode.

The only setting I can see that might mess you up is the "Service Selection". For Analog it is "CC1" and for Digital it is "Primary Language" which are the defaults.

I tried the "transparent background" option and it didn't seem to do anything. So you might not gain the advantage you were looking for.

Here the captions also work on my two 6412s. And also the transparent background works - no black solid background. I also switched it to use yellow text and different font. The only real annoyance is you have to turn the box off to change anything.

Do you just get the local HD channels (abc, nbc, cbs, fox) for that or do you also get ESPN-HD, Discovery, etc?
PBS also, but yes, you are correct. I get channels 2-34 plus local HD through the DVR. I also get channels 2-99 when going straight analog.

I know it is a basic question. I just got a new TV and need to set the "All On" button to power on/off the TV and 6412 STB. Can someone please explain in easy simple terms?

Thanks

Captions work on Component and HDMI but I wouldn't recommend using those since it is pretty bad (drops lines or words, places them all over the screen, and most of the caption options don't work). Also when you use component or HDMI, captions on the TV will not work.

I don't know how hard of hearing your wife is but I'm also hard of hearing and use Sennheiser HDR 140 wireless headphones and they improve clarity greatly so that I don't need captions for normal programs. Without the headphones, I wouldn't be able to watch TV without captions. However, for movies which are generally very noisy, I turn on captions also.


I can use my tv / monitor's built in Captions system and I am connected to my 3412 via component cables. One of my other tv's use component and a 6412p3 and the captions work via that TV system just fine..

Captions work on my setup too. I have a Comcast 6412. I tried playing around with the settings. I could not get the translucent background. But I was able to get the captions with no solid black background and yellow text so some of those settings work

Is there a way that you can wipe out all of the recording on the 6412 in 1 shot instead of having to go to each 1 and deleting them?

Rob

Is there a way that you can wipe out all of the recording on the 6412 in 1 shot instead of having to go to each 1 and deleting them?On your remote, press: Replay
My DVR
My DVR
My DVR
Live TV
This will erase & repartition the drive!

PS. On Motorola remotes "My DVR" is "List"

On your remote, press: Replay
My DVR
My DVR
My DVR
Live TV
This will erase & repartition the drive!

PS. On Motorola remotes "My DVR" is "List"

Does this also wipe out your series recording lists that you have setup? If so, maybe Rob316 does not want this to happen.

Does this also wipe out your series recording lists that you have setup?Yes.

I have a 6412 Series III with S/W Ver 71.44 - 1203, and Firmware 12.31. Service provider is Comcast in Salt Lake City, Utah. The 6412 is connected via a composite cable to an old Sony standard-def TV (480i). I'm trying to understand how closed captions work on the 6412. I've enabled them in the user settings menu, and even played around with changing font sizes, colors, and so on, but no matter what I do I can't get it to display captions. I've tried several each of analog, digital, and HD channels, and my TV's captions will work but the 6412's won't.

Do captions require a setup different than mine? I don't think it's just my box, because this is the third 6412 I've had and none of them have displayed captions. I'd really like to be able to use the 6412's captions rather than my TV's because it has the option of a translucent caption background rather than just straight black. My wife is hard of hearing, so we have captions on all the time, but the black background really interferes with viewing the guide and menus.
The 3412/6412's captioning function is a bit weird. Basically, it does NOT display captions for any 480i output. You MUST use your TV's closed captioning for that. Even when downconverting HD to 480i for the composite/S-Video outputs, it will not display on them. It does convert HD/digital closed captioning to standard CC, and will probably convert the selected CC channel chosen in the box's setup.
Some other answers may be here:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Setup

Is there a secret key combination that jumps to the end of a program?

It happened to me a couple of times when the remote went in slow-down mode and I was pressing buttons in frustration. Unfortunately I don't remember what combinations of keys I pressed.

I read some of the earlier posts that people are at times getting fewer slowdowns by cooling the unit off, some are using laptop "coolers". I am trying/testing pointing a small 12" fan in the general direction of the 6412. Will see if that helps...

Does this also wipe out your series recording lists that you have setup? If so, maybe Rob316 does not want this to happen.


Yes that is correct I just want to erase the recordings not wipe any settings.

Rob

I'm wondering if you decide to go to the Tivo Software is the monthly charge now going to be $12.95 plus the HD Box fee. If so you're looking at about $21.95 a month DVR Charge. Right now I pay $15 the 9.25 and 5.95 charge.

I was told by just about every Comcast CSR and supervisor I talked to that when you pay for the DVR service ($9.95 in my area) that it includes all HD you're paying for in your programming pkg, so there shouldn't be a charge for an extra $5 also.

To test this out, call them and say you want to drop the HD. They'll take the $5 fee off your bill, but since you have the DVR still activated you'll still get the HD stuff.

I just fought with a supervisor for over an hour on the phone about this because their website says it's an "Equipment Fee" and I don't have any additional epqt and I'm already paying for the DVR which it says and she confirms includes HD:mad:!!!

She was trying to charge me $5 for each Cablecard I had too and I told her the same thing..."I don't have your eqpt, it's mine, bought and paid for" and it clearly lists that charge on their website as an "HD Equipment Fee". I told her, Ok I don't want HD on those Cablecards then, so she took that off and as I tried telling her numerous times...I still get HD on EVERYTHING, DVRs and cablecards alike.

Damn I wish they knew what they were doing:rolleyes:

I wish I could get my bill broken down that much so I knew what they were charging me!

I've got 4 line items (besides taxes and fees):

* Standard Cable W/on-line (so I can't even tell what my cable TV bill is vs. my Internet connection)
* Digital Classic Package
* DVR Service (at $9.95)
* HD Digital Tracking (whatever that is, but it's at $0.)

Comcast's billing is pretty wonky. For a few months they were charging me about double what they should've for the package I had. Got it worked out in the end, though, with a big credit so there was no bill to pay at all for a couple months. So, if you think there's a problem, SPEAK UP. It might be a big hassle to finally get something done, but in the end it (probably) will be worked out.

Hi, I've got my 6412 loaded with the high def recordings of the latest Sopranos episodes and want to make my own dvds from them. I can't go via firewire, of course, because of the 5c protection, so I've got the dvr connected to the Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-150 card that's included in my new HP Media Center PC (via s-video and the red/white RCA audio jacks). I've gotten help from Hauppauge in order to install the appropriate middleware so that I can get around the machine's attempt to not allow me to record directly through the card (except using the vile Media Center format), and I have the latest drivers for the card and Hauppauge's WinTV2000 software. So, in theory I'm ready to go...

The problem is that despite my being able to get nice quality mpeg captures from the 6412 I also get a very annoying low-level audio hum that accompanies everything I record from the dvr. At first I thought it must be the card but I now believe it's because of the 6412. I've tried several possible fixes the Hauppauge people gave me but I still get the humming. I thought it might have something to do with the card's recording levels being too low since I have to turn the volume up much higher than usual to hear dialogue in the recorded mpegs.

But at one point I had my Sennheiser headphones on to listen to the signal from the box as it was being recorded and I paused the recording. I could still hear the hum, so I figure it's coming from the box, not the card?? I don't get any hum when I listen to dvd-video, .avi or .mp3 files from the hard drive, etc. so it's not the HP itself.

So, I then thought that perhaps it's the audio out settings from the 6412, so I went into Setup and changed the settings from Audio Output: Advanced, Stereo Output: Matrix (the settings I use with the box connected to my home theater receiver to get 5.1 output) to Audio Output: TV Speakers. When I do this the volume level is increased on the mpeg recordings the Hauppauge card makes, thus minimizing the hum a little.

But it's still there. I have yet to record an episode while it's being broadcast live (i.e., not from the dvr) and don't know if that will make any difference. Anyway, if anyone can offer any advice I would appreciate it, since I've been waiting till my box is full of all 12 Sopranos episodes before making my own dvds. Now I'm worried that I can't get those saved shows into my damn computer to make the dvds in the first place without crappy audio! Thanks.

You are experiencing a ground loop problem. Here are possible fixes:
1) make sure your PC and DVR are plugged into the same AC outlet
2) use the optical digital audio output from the DVR to the PC, if your PC supports this.
3) buy a ground loop isolator (available at radio shack and other electronics suppliers) and connect it between the DVR and PC.

I hope this helps...

Dave

Will the TIVO upgrade just replace the current software on the HD box or will I need to get a new box?

Will the TIVO upgrade just replace the current software on the HD box or will I need to get a new box?
From what little info there is, it's just a software update to the current box. That will help tell what problems people post are firmware (Motorola) or software (i-Guide, MSTV, Passport Echo, Tivo) issues.

I know it is a basic question. I just got a new TV and need to set the "All On" button to power on/off the TV and 6412 STB. Can someone please explain in easy simple terms?

ThanksYou need to program the remote for the TV. You also have a third device the remote can control, under the AUX key.

Once the device keys are programmed, the All On key will send power on/off commands to all 3 devices; cable box, TV, and whatever you program the AUX key for.

To learn how to program the remote, see the remote documentation given to you by Comcast.

http://comcast.com/MediaLibrary/1/2/CM/VanityURL/documents/comcast_dvr_remote_manual.pdf

Is there any way to determine the file size of a program that was recorded to the 6412 DVR. The SA 8300 HD DVR has this capability.

Is there any way to determine the file size of a program that was recorded to the 6412 DVR. The SA 8300 HD DVR has this capability.
Only in a destructive way. If you delete, you can see how much % you gain. You can also use the diagnostics menu to see the Capacity Remaining and PVR Content before and after deleting it.

Is there anyway to tell how a recording is scheduled? I have 3412 with iGuide, and noticed that I have an episode of "So you think you can dance" to record, and it seems like a series recording. I went to DVR's priority, and do not see a series recording for this show. I suspect some other series mistakenly scheduled this recording. I'd like to find out which of my series recording is scheduling this.

Is there anyway to tell how a recording is scheduled? I have 3412 with iGuide, and noticed that I have an episode of "So you think you can dance" to record, and it seems like a series recording. I went to DVR's priority, and do not see a series recording for this show. I suspect some other series mistakenly scheduled this recording. I'd like to find out which of my series recording is scheduling this.


You already know the network(FOX), now just figure out which of your series recordings would normally be on in that time-slot on that night. I'm going to guess "Bones".

Only in a destructive way. If you delete, you can see how much % you gain. You can also use the diagnostics menu to see the Capacity Remaining and PVR Content before and after deleting it.
I haven't been able to get into the diagnostic menu since the last firmware update. Can anyone else get into the menu?

Can anyone else get into the menu?Power-off, OK.

In quick succession.

Is there any way to determine the file size of a program that was recorded to the 6412 DVR. The SA 8300 HD DVR has this capability.

As far as i know there isn't, but you can get a ballpark if you record a program of the same duration from the same channel and then delete it to see its effect. Not a very accurate or efficient way, but for some space-eaters like HD channels it may be helpful. I did that a few times until I became familiar with the channels I record frequently from :)

Has anybody noticed that series recordings are working better? I have "Super Group" on VH1 setup to record "new" shows only. On Sunday, the guide indicated the show was on twice and both were tagged "New". Only the first one recorded. Then, last night a rerun was on and it wasn't tagged at all. It did not record. In the past, these would always record, but it didn't.

Whats going on? Anybody have a clue why things are working the way they should?

Whats going on? Anybody have a clue why things are working the way they should?I don't know ... I actually noticed the same thing on a different program/channel very early this morning ... but it could be cause for panic!

Has anybody noticed that series recordings are working better? I have "Super Group" on VH1 setup to record "new" shows only. On Sunday, the guide indicated the show was on twice and both were tagged "New". Only the first one recorded. Then, last night a rerun was on and it wasn't tagged at all. It did not record. In the past, these would always record, but it didn't.

Whats going on? Anybody have a clue why things are working the way they should?

Did you leave the first recording un-deleted. If a recording exists, it will not record another instance. I did that the whole season with Huff. Watched it on Sunday, and left it un-deleted. Once I forgot and the box recorded Mondays run of the same show.

Did you leave the first recording un-deleted. If a recording exists, it will not record another instance. I did that the whole season with Huff. Watched it on Sunday, and left it un-deleted. Once I forgot and the box recorded Mondays run of the same show.
WTF, why do you have to burst my bubble! You are probably right.

I don't recall my exact series settings, but the first recording was not deleted at that time. What I do recall is that the first episode recorded at 11:00am. Then at about 2:00pm that same day I noticed that the 8:00pm episode didn't have any red recording dots on it in the guide. I did delete the recording, so we'll see what happens going forward.

Has anyone had any success in scheduling a series recording for the World Cup? All of the games show up as "world cup soccer" in my guide (Denver, CO) on ESPN and ABC, but I can only schedule each individual game. Is there any way to create a series recording so that all the world cup games will be recorded?

I've asked in my local thread as well, but I figured that the iGuide info will be the same across markets and that others might have this problem as well.

Has anyone had any success in scheduling a series recording for the World Cup? All of the games show up as "world cup soccer" in my guide (Denver, CO) on ESPN and ABC, but I can only schedule each individual game. Is there any way to create a series recording so that all the world cup games will be recorded?

I just checked on my box, and it had no series recording option for the "world cup soccer" program that came up when I searched. But, since I don't watch sports, I have no idea if that's normal behavior for sports shows or not.

I guess you just have to check every few days under the "upcoming times" option and select each individual one to record.

Has anybody noticed that series recordings are working better? I have "Super Group" on VH1 setup to record "new" shows only. On Sunday, the guide indicated the show was on twice and both were tagged "New". Only the first one recorded. Then, last night a rerun was on and it wasn't tagged at all. It did not record. In the past, these would always record, but it didn't.

I have not noticed them working better. If anything, the opposite. A show I have set to only record if marked NEW was setting up recordings of reruns which weren't marked as NEW. Crap like this is why I tend to just pick and choose myself instead of bothering with series recordings 90% of the time.

WTF, why do you have to burst my bubble! You are probably right.

I don't recall my exact series settings, but the first recording was not deleted at that time. What I do recall is that the first episode recorded at 11:00am. Then at about 2:00pm that same day I noticed that the 8:00pm episode didn't have any red recording dots on it in the guide. I did delete the recording, so we'll see what happens going forward.
PTC, you are correct. When I got home last night there was another episode recorded (a rerun which was not tagged as a rerun). My series was set to save all recordings until space is needed. So, it seems the lesson learned was not to delete a recording until the next NEW episode records. I'll try that for the next week and see how it turns out.

Has anyone had any success in scheduling a series recording for the World Cup? All of the games show up as "world cup soccer" in my guide (Denver, CO) on ESPN and ABC, but I can only schedule each individual game. Is there any way to create a series recording so that all the world cup games will be recorded?

I've asked in my local thread as well, but I figured that the iGuide info will be the same across markets and that others might have this problem as well.

Well, I just sat down and went menu/sports/soccer and scrolled through the week and tagged the games that I wanted to record. It takes a few minutes because there are a lot of recap shows and such, but at least I won't miss any games.

I don't know about the rest of you but comcast ADDED ESPN2HD in my area just in time for WC!! Way to go Comcast.

Well, I just sat down and went menu/sports/soccer and scrolled through the week and tagged the games that I wanted to record. It takes a few minutes because there are a lot of recap shows and such, but at least I won't miss any games.

I don't know about the rest of you but comcast ADDED ESPN2HD in my area just in time for WC!! Way to go Comcast.

Where are you???

I emailed Comcast about a month ago to ask if they had any plans to add ESPN2-HD in DC metro area and they said no... :mad: :mad:

Where are you???

I emailed Comcast about a month ago to ask if they had any plans to add ESPN2-HD in DC metro area and they said no... :mad: :mad:

Central valley California. They must have just added it in the last couple of days because I checked recently for world cup games and it wasn't there then. Now it's there on chanel 924 (ESPNHD is 923)

P.S. does anybody know if the Tune-up show still airs on INHD? If so, when?

In San Francisco ESPN2HD has been temporarily placed on 725. I read that it will be permanently placed on 724 after the World Cup. Alas, it's not on the guide, so a lot of manual recording setup's required. But I'm still happy (and surprised).

I just read on another thread that ESPN2-HD is live in my area, too. So much for the info from Comcast rep.
Can't wait to go home!!
Too bad I recorded the games in SD since I didn't know...

ESPN2-HD was added here in the Chicago area, on channel 203.

ESPN2-HD was added here in the Chicago area, on channel 203.

Boston area on 850

ESPN2-HD was added here in the Chicago area, on channel 203.

203 in Minneapolis also.

Just had Comcast replace my D Satellite with the dual DVR and HD (yesterda). Was learning the functions on the DVR and making sure it was working on 1080i. Suddenly, I can't get the program guide and I can't access the DVR menu. Can only change channels using the up and down on the remote. Called Comcast, of no help. Have to send out tech in another week...meanwhile...important world cup games go unrecorded. Ack!

Wonder if anyone else has had this problem and any thoughts/recommendations if I can fix this. The Comcast support person was totally clueless. Frustrating...less than 1 day into Comcast... :eek:

Just had Comcast replace my D Satellite with the dual DVR and HD (yesterda). Was learning the functions on the DVR and making sure it was working on 1080i. Suddenly, I can't get the program guide and I can't access the DVR menu. Can only change channels using the up and down on the remote. Called Comcast, of no help. Have to send out tech in another week...meanwhile...important world cup games go unrecorded. Ack!

Wonder if anyone else has had this problem and any thoughts/recommendations if I can fix this. The Comcast support person was totally clueless. Frustrating...less than 1 day into Comcast... :eek:


I don't think the guide outputs in 1080. I could be wrong.

ajwees41

Just had Comcast replace my D Satellite with the dual DVR and HD (yesterda). Was learning the functions on the DVR and making sure it was working on 1080i. Suddenly, I can't get the program guide and I can't access the DVR menu. Can only change channels using the up and down on the remote. Called Comcast, of no help. Have to send out tech in another week...meanwhile...important world cup games go unrecorded. Ack!

Wonder if anyone else has had this problem and any thoughts/recommendations if I can fix this. The Comcast support person was totally clueless. Frustrating...less than 1 day into Comcast... :eek:

Download the manual from:
http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/dct6412/
See Installation 3-17 in the Manual.

Wonder if anyone else has had this problem and any thoughts/recommendations if I can fix this. Press the "CABLE" button on your remote and try again;

-or-

Unplug the power cord from the DVR to reset it.

BTW, you can operate the DVR from the front panel ... you don't need to use the remote.

I could be wrong.You are.

You are.


If the 4:3 setting is set to 480p

480p converts non-high-definition TV programs to a
higher-quality 480p format. Some TVs cannot display
480p format on their component video inputs (YPbPr).
Check the TV user manual for more information.
Graphics overlaying the video are not displayed.

ajwees41

The harddrive is coded to the hardware in the box, so you can not swap harddrives.Not true.

I have three hard drives which I swap all the time, a 120GB (original) and two 160GB. I also have a 500GB which I am working on getting going.

Not true.

I have three hard drives which I swap all the time, a 120GB (original) and two 160GB. I also have a 500GB which I am working on getting going.


How do you get the box open?
ajwees41

How do you get the box open?With a screwdriver?!

Three of the screws require a 4.5mm "security bit" if you want to "cover your tracks" on a rented unit; alternately, a pair of pliers will get them out and you can replace them with standard screws if you own your 6412. See this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7695913&&#post7695913) for details.

http://www.electronickits.com/cable/gamebit.jpg

I know you are with Cox and don't know their "rules" but Comcast will charge you $675 unless you return your box to them in "original" condition so be careful - otherwise, if you haven't already bought your 6412, you will. I own mine.

That looks like a gamebit, not a security bit. So called because it mainly showed up on Nintendo systems. Assuming that's what they are, the only "security" is most people don't just happen to have a driver for one sitting around in the toolbox, unlike flathead & philips. I don't know what actual security bits are like, so maybe it's the same deal.

Not that I recommend opening a rented box. That's your call, depending on if you can afford to be zonked if/when they catch it. I wouldn't, but that's just my personal decison.

That looks like a gamebit, not a security bit. So called because it mainly showed up on Nintendo systems.The same standard 4.5mm "security/game bit" which is used with Sega and Nintendo game boxes is also used on Jerrold, General Instrument, Motorola and Tocom cable boxes.

There is also a smaller 3.8mm version used for with Nintendo64, Super Famicom and Famicom.

They are very easy to find for a couple of bucks. Just Google them. Apparently "Home Depot" includes them in a set of bits they sell.

Press the "CABLE" button on your remote and try again;

-or-

Unplug the power cord from the DVR to reset it.

BTW, you can operate the DVR from the front panel ... you don't need to use the remote.

Tried a variety of suggestions, incl. downloading the manual. The only way I see the guide is if I go to a non HDTV station. Thanks for the input everyone. I'll try comcast again...we'll see if they have a diagnosis specific to my issue. Last time I called, I didn't realize it was only on the HDTV stations.

Hi all,

I am a Comcast customer in Boston. I have a first gen 6412 that I got when it was launched here, back in November of 2004. Here's my problem:
My recordings are stuttering and stopping. This will happen every few minutes on some recordings to none on others. The stuttering (audio goes blank and image on screen freezes) and stopping happen on both HD and SD recordings. When I restart the recording it will NOT stop at the same point.

When I say stopping I mean it will go to a black screen, and any attempt to press a key like Fast Forward or Play will give me an error message to call Comcast. If I hit the My DVR button it will send me back to that screen, so I'm assuming the box itself has not crashed.

My thinking is signal strength because the cable line is split between 4 boxes, but I am no expert here.

Here is some information I pulled from the diagnostic screen:
OOB Status
OOB Frequency: 075.25MHz
SNR hovers mostly in the low 20's (21 being the highest) but dips into "Fair" territory of 19.7 down to 19.4.
AGC stays at 25% (Good)

In-Band Status:
Tuner 1
QAM is 256
SNR bounces between 35 and 36 (Good)
AGC bounces between 73 and 74% (Fair)

Tuner 2
QAM is 256
SNR bounces between 33 and 34 with AGC staying steady at 73% (Fair)

There was no error correction on ether tuner.

How are those numbers? Is this problem my box, my wiring, or Comcast? Could it be bad sectors on the HD?

Tried a variety of suggestions, incl. downloading the manual. The only way I see the guide is if I go to a non HDTV station. Thanks for the input everyone. I'll try comcast again...we'll see if they have a diagnosis specific to my issue. Last time I called, I didn't realize it was only on the HDTV stations.

Three Questions:

1) Is your TV an HDTV?
2) How is it connected to the cable box?
3) When you do PowerOff-Menu, what are the first 3 lines in the User Settings?

HMy thinking is signal strength because the cable line is split between 4 boxes, but I am no expert here.

Here is some information I pulled from the diagnostic screen:
OOB Status
OOB Frequency: 075.25MHz
SNR hovers mostly in the low 20's (21 being the highest) but dips into "Fair" territory of 19.7 down to 19.4.
AGC stays at 25% (Good)

In-Band Status:
Tuner 1
QAM is 256
SNR bounces between 35 and 36 (Good)
AGC bounces between 73 and 74% (Fair)

Tuner 2
QAM is 256
SNR bounces between 33 and 34 with AGC staying steady at 73% (Fair)

There was no error correction on ether tuner.
When checking signal levels, make certain to tune to channels you think are having problems with first. Different channels may have different signal issues.

If the recording playback issues do not repeat at the same point, then it's not a problem with the recieved signal. If it has signal problems during a recording, the glitches will be recorded as is, and will repeat if you back up and play again. Since they don't appear to, it sounds like the box is having problems. When having playback problems, try and change both tuners to SD digital channels, or even the audio-only music channels (MusicChoice/DMX.) This will reduce the the hard drive activity and might help narrow where the problem is. If both tuners are buffering HD, and you are playing an HD recording, and the Guide is receiving updated data, can really bring the x412 to it's knees.

You may want to simply reboot the box (unplug from power for a few seconds.) That often seems to fix many small bugs that tend to build up over time. You will not lose any recordings, but it may take 8-24 hours for your guide to reload.

Tried a variety of suggestions, incl. downloading the manual. The only way I see the guide is if I go to a non HDTV station. Thanks for the input everyone. I'll try comcast again...we'll see if they have a diagnosis specific to my issue. Last time I called, I didn't realize it was only on the HDTV stations.

If you can't see the guide while you're watching a HD channel, then it sounds like you are not watching the cable box over a HD connection, i.e. the Component Video or DVI/HDMI outputs.

How is your cable box connected to the TV? If you are connected via the Composite Video or S-VIDEO outputs and you are set to output a HD signal, i.e. 720p or 1080i, you will not see any on-screen graphics when you are connected to a HD channel.

When checking signal levels, make certain to tune to channels you think are having problems with first. Different channels may have different signal issues.

If the recording playback issues do not repeat at the same point, then it's not a problem with the recieved signal. If it has signal problems during a recording, the glitches will be recorded as is, and will repeat if you back up and play again. Since they don't appear to, it sounds like the box is having problems. When having playback problems, try and change both tuners to SD digital channels, or even the audio-only music channels (MusicChoice/DMX.) This will reduce the the hard drive activity and might help narrow where the problem is. If both tuners are buffering HD, and you are playing an HD recording, and the Guide is receiving updated data, can really bring the x412 to it's knees.

You may want to simply reboot the box (unplug from power for a few seconds.) That often seems to fix many small bugs that tend to build up over time. You will not lose any recordings, but it may take 8-24 hours for your guide to reload.

I'll try your suggestions.

When I pulled that diagnostic information one tuner was set to an HD channel that I know created a problematic recording earlier that day.

I was checking the bit rates of my HD channels on my local cable system over the past few days and found the following.


Some HD channels were transmitting at 18-19 mb/s whether a HD or SD program.
Some HD channels were transmitting at 13-14 mb/s during HD programs and 10-11 during SD programs.
All four HD movie channels were transmitting at 10-12 mb/s.
INHD2 would transmit live regional sports at about 18 mb/s but would transmit all other HD programs at 8-10 mb/s.

Question 1:

Why is INHD2 transmitting at such a different rate between live and non live programs?

Question 2:

With the bite rate so high for SD programs, why are they not at or above DVD quality? Were they compressed too many times during the editing process?

If you are connected via the Composite Video or S-VIDEO outputs and you are set to output a HD signal, i.e. 720p or 1080i, you will not see any on-screen graphics when you are connected to a HD channel.Not true.

My DVR is set to 1080i over DVI to my projector. I ran a parallel S-video cable between the DVR and the projector. The projector can switch between the DVI and the S-video and the OSD appears on both the 1080i DVI and the 480i S-video on all channels, SD & HD!

I was checking the bit rates of my HD channels on my local cable system over the past few days and found the following.


Some HD channels were transmitting at 18-19 mb/s whether a HD or SD program.
Some HD channels were transmitting at 13-14 mb/s during HD programs and 10-11 during SD programs.
All four HD movie channels were transmitting at 10-12 mb/s.
INHD2 would transmit live regional sports at about 18 mb/s but would transmit all other HD programs at 8-10 mb/s.

Question 1:

Why is INHD2 transmitting at such a different rate between live and non live programs?

Question 2:

With the bite rate so high for SD programs, why are they not at or above DVD quality? Were they compressed too many times during the editing process?

just wondering, how were you checking bitrates?

Not true.

My DVR is set to 1080i over DVI to my projector. I ran a parallel S-video cable between the DVR and the projector. The projector can switch between the DVI and the S-video and the OSD appears on both the 1080i DVI and the 480i S-video on all channels, SD & HD!

Yes it IS true, but it depends on the 'User Settings' you set!

I assume it works for you because you have your '4:3 Override' set to '480i'. If you change that setting to 'OFF' so that the 6412 outputs SD channels in wide screen format with black bars around the sides, you won't get OSD to output from anything but the HD outputs.

This is exactly what happened to me when I ran with these settings for a while. I'll also add that this was with a 6412 Phase I box. I don't know if it's still the same with all the later versions.

I was checking the bit rates of my HD channels on my local cable system over the past few days and found the following.


Some HD channels were transmitting at 18-19 mb/s whether a HD or SD program.
Some HD channels were transmitting at 13-14 mb/s during HD programs and 10-11 during SD programs.
All four HD movie channels were transmitting at 10-12 mb/s.
INHD2 would transmit live regional sports at about 18 mb/s but would transmit all other HD programs at 8-10 mb/s.

Question 1:

Why is INHD2 transmitting at such a different rate between live and non live programs?

Question 2:

With the bite rate so high for SD programs, why are they not at or above DVD quality? Were they compressed too many times during the editing process?
HD channels don't change resolution when airing SD programming, they upconvert, so you still have alot of HD overhead.
Most of the pre-recorded INHD/INHD2 programming appears to be highly compressed and optimized. It often seems somewhat bright and washed out, possibly due to reduced contrast to further increase compression.

I assume it works for you because you have your '4:3 Override' set to '480i'. If you change that setting to 'OFF' so that the 6412 outputs SD channels in wide screen format with black bars around the sides, you won't get OSD to output from anything but the HD outputs.I have my Override set to "OFF" (and I know what it does, thanks).

OSD works and has always worked fine on both my P2 and P3 boxes in all modes and all outputs (except firewire)!

I have my Override set to "OFF" (and I know what it does, thanks).

OSD works and has always worked fine on both my P2 and P3 boxes in all modes and all outputs (except firewire)!

Jees, OK, I bow to your superiority!!

Now, ignoring 'cavu' who's system is obvious perfect and clearly works fine, I will again relate the experiences that I have actual had! I quote from the Motorola User Guide available at 'http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/dct6412/':

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/MarkTrbojevic/Motorola.jpg

In my case and I'll reiterate, my case, I originally had 'YPbPr' set to '1080i' and '4:3 Override' set to 'OFF' and I didn't get any OSD graphics over any output except the 'YPbPr' one. After setting '4:3 Override' to '480i', I got OSD graphics over the other outputs, except when I was tuned to a HD channel.

That's how it worked for me. Your mileage may vary.

just wondering, how were you checking bitrates?
I recorded the program then checked the remaining bytes in the diagnostic menu. Then I deleted the program and checked the remaining bytes in the diagnostic menu. Then I divided the difference by the recording minutes and divided that by 60 (seconds per minute) and then multiplied that by 8 (bits per byte).

Every HD channel was consistent in the bit rate over several days using different types of programs (sports, SD, drama, movie, etc.).

I recorded the program then checked the remaining bytes in the diagnostic menu. Then I deleted the program and checked the remaining bytes in the diagnostic menu. Then I divided the difference by the recording minutes and divided that by 60 (seconds per minute) and then multiplied that by 8 (bits per byte).

Every HD channel was consistent in the bit rate over several days using different types of programs (sports, SD, drama, movie, etc.).

wow thats a lot of work :) but thanks for informing us

HD channels don't change resolution when airing SD programming, they upconvert, so you still have alot of HD overhead.
Most of the pre-recorded INHD/INHD2 programming appears to be highly compressed and optimized. It often seems somewhat bright and washed out, possibly due to reduced contrast to further increase compression.
I agree that it is upconverted but with side bars which are just two duplicate entries per frame. Then when upconverting takes place, lines are basically just duplicated so the reduncy entries just contain a larger value. So it would seem to me that SD program indicated a bit rate of 19 mb/s, at least 9 mb/s of that would be more like the true bit rate of the program.

My recordings are stuttering and stopping. This will happen every few minutes on some recordings to none on others. The stuttering (audio goes blank and image on screen freezes) and stopping happen on both HD and SD recordings. When I restart the recording it will NOT stop at the same point.

When I say stopping I mean it will go to a black screen, and any attempt to press a key like Fast Forward or Play will give me an error message to call Comcast. If I hit the My DVR button it will send me back to that screen, so I'm assuming the box itself has not crashed.

My thinking is signal strength because the cable line is split between 4 boxes, but I am no expert here.

Here is some information I pulled from the diagnostic screen:

In-Band Status:
Tuner 1
QAM is 256
SNR bounces between 35 and 36 (Good)
AGC bounces between 73 and 74% (Fair)

Tuner 2
QAM is 256
SNR bounces between 33 and 34 with AGC staying steady at 73% (Fair)

There was no error correction on ether tuner.

How are those numbers? Is this problem my box, my wiring, or Comcast? Could it be bad sectors on the HD?

The AGC at 73% means your signal is a little low on power. Try removing the splitters as an experiment. 50% would be a great reading. You might need to add a pre-amp, or just re-order the splitters so that the HD box gets a stronger signal.

[Question is in last paragraph, but I think the background is necessary for some.]

After 18 months, my 6412 (new at install) developed firmware/computer problems and after 5 resets, I traded it in. Since my replacement has an HDMI, I assume it's a Phase III.

The issue is with the SPDIF out to my AV tuner. I have an analog component set to use the analog audio, and the 6412 uses the digital audio associated with the same output (i.e., Video 3). Those of you who have this kind of option will understand when I say, when the digital audio is not being input into the tuner, the tuner automatically passes the analog sound.

When watching in real time or a saved recorded show, if I pause, rewind or forward, the analog audio comes on until I press play on the 6412. Presumably, the SPDIF output is disabled when pausing, forwarding and rewinding! My old unit did not do this. Is there a setting I can do to make it work? I have been in the setup menu, so I know how to get to where this could be done if it's possible.

[Question is in last paragraph, but I think the background is necessary for some.]

After 18 months, my 6412 (new at install) developed firmware/computer problems and after 5 resets, I traded it in. Since my replacement has an HDMI, I assume it's a Phase III.

The issue is with the SPDIF out to my AV tuner. I have an analog component set to use the analog audio, and the 6412 uses the digital audio associated with the same output (i.e., Video 3). Those of you who have this kind of option will understand when I say, when the digital audio is not being input into the tuner, the tuner automatically passes the analog sound.

When watching in real time or a saved recorded show, if I pause, rewind or forward, the analog audio comes on until I press play on the 6412. Presumably, the SPDIF output is disabled when pausing, forwarding and rewinding! My old unit did not do this. Is there a setting I can do to make it work? I have been in the setup menu, so I know how to get to where this could be done if it's possible.What firmware do you have? (It's a bug in any case.)

If you are at 12.18 or before, the SPDIF out isn't dropping, it's just going from 5.1 to 2.0. The workaround for that is to not use the HDMI output.

If you are at 12.26 (or thereabouts) or higher, the optical output is dropping altogether. This is reportedly restored by swapping the tuners or power cycling. This particular bug doesn't affect everyone, for some reason.

If the firmware version is the same as the Platform Build Version (under Code Modules), I have 12.31, dated Jan, 24, 2006 (Boot Code 05.08).

There was no such thing as HDMI when I purchased my HDTV; I am using component video and SPDIF (not optical) digital audio.

But I tried your other suggestions. If by swapping tuners you mean that I set both to the same channel, both, when paused, disable the SPDIF out. When I turn the unit off, unlike my old one which stayed mute, the analog audio is automatically enabled, and on power up, the issue persists.

You say it does not affect everyone? Is that based on differing firmware versions or idiosyncratic reasons, that is, *could* swapping the 6412 with another with the same firmware solve the problem, or do I need to find one with a different firmware version?

Thank-you for your advice,
Chris

If the firmware version is the same as the Platform Build Version (under Code Modules), I have 12.31, dated Jan, 24, 2006 (Boot Code 05.08).

There was no such thing as HDMI when I purchased my HDTV; I am using component video and SPDIF (not optical) digital audio.

But I tried your other suggestions. If by swapping tuners you mean that I set both to the same channel, both, when paused, disable the SPDIF out. When I turn the unit off, unlike my old one which stayed mute, the analog audio is automatically enabled, and on power up, the issue persists.

You say it does not affect everyone? Is that based on differing firmware versions or idiosyncratic reasons, that is, *could* swapping the 6412 with another with the same firmware solve the problem, or do I need to find one with a different firmware version?

Thank-you for your advice,
ChrisThe firmware version is the platform build version, yes. And it sounds like you are experiencing the second bug.

By swap tuners, I just mean hitting the Swap button to switch to the second tuner, then back again. However, I'm only trying to repeat what others have said works, because I'm not one of the ones affected by that issue. And I don't know why, although it's not based just on the firmware version, or even the local cable operation. (I see now we're both in Portland metro, and on the same firmware.) Maybe someone else will chime in with more info on workarounds.... You might try asking on this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=558602) thread, that's where I first read about the bug.

BTW, while it may or may not be box related, you can't find one with a different firmware version. The firmware is downloaded into the box when it's connected to the cable, so everyone in one area with the same equipment is at the same firmware level.

I would love to hear from someone who can replicate the problem, since it's an hour drive to 'try' another unit.

Yes, I noticed we're both in the PDX area. :) Not having much faith in Comcast CSRs, I didn't call them until after I read your post. I was forwarded to one of their 'experts.'

First, he informed me, I have a 3412 (it's not marked anywhere on the unit, of course). That could explain, but not justify, this 'feature.' On the second attempt, he understood the issue but did not have any idea how to fix it. He did say he will try to find a 6412 PIII (I didn't know there were any) and call back if he did.

I wish I had a longer optical digital audio cable to test if both digital audio outputs work the same! I'd be risking expensive spaghetti damage trying to move the cable box closer to the tuner.

cglenn- I doubt the problem is just related to the 3412 (but who knows?). The 3412 is supposed to be identical to the 6412 except that it doesn't include the analog tuner. They even use the same firmware.

This is probably a silly thing to try, because it would be incredibly stupid design (but then, this is the 6412/3412....), but try disconnecting your analog audio cables from the unit. Perhaps it's detecting them in use, and disabling the optical?

That's the only difference I can see between my setup and that of those people experiencing this problem. The only cables I have connected to mine are the cable input, the HDMI out, and the optical out, and I have not once had this problem.

Interesting idea, but no effect.

Now, the only thing I'd like to know is if any other has this problem [new readers, see my post dated June 13], or if perhaps its actually a faulty 3412.

If nothing else, I'll have to switch my analog video 3 to a component that is usually turned off.

Thanks for your help!

Has anyone gotten an Error Code eb 11? I was out in Moab for a few days & came back to a dead box. I did a Factory Auth. reset & I'm getting codes eb 02, 09 & 11. Code Eb 11 says to that the needs to be replaced. After the codes it does show a DL but no little box showing it to really be downloading.

I think I've lost the season fin. of 24 & Smallville. :(

Has anyone gotten an Error Code eb 11? I was out in Moab for a few days & came back to a dead box. I did a Factory Auth. reset & I'm getting codes eb 02, 09 & 11. Code Eb 11 says to that the needs to be replaced. After the codes it does show a DL but no little box showing it to really be downloading.

I think I've lost the season fin. of 24 & Smallville. :(


The box is dead you lost everything.


ajwees41

It sucks too. It is an early box & never relly gave me any problems except the delayed remote thing. :(

Has anyone gotten an Error Code eb 11? I was out in Moab for a few days & came back to a dead box. I did a Factory Auth. reset & I'm getting codes eb 02, 09 & 11. Code Eb 11 says to that the needs to be replaced. After the codes it does show a DL but no little box showing it to really be downloading.

I think I've lost the season fin. of 24 & Smallville. :(

last time I saw a box give those errors, was due to a power short on the main controler board. The Box is toast.

I am sure your glad you do not own your box and just rent it.

last time I saw a box give those errors, was due to a power short on the main controler board. The Box is toast.

I am sure your glad you do not own your box and just rent it.


Yep! That would be the brite side of things. Now I get to have a new box. Not sure if it will give me more prob. than this one though.

Yep! That would be the brite side of things. Now I get to have a new box. Not sure if it will give me more prob. than this one though.


The newer 6412's have a second fan for better colling.


ajwees41

The newer 6412's have a second fan for better colling.


ajwees41


So you mean they're noisier? :D

So you mean they're noisier? :D


No it is quiet.


ajwees41

I'm J/K. I could always hear the hard drive though in this box.

In my case and I'll reiterate, my case, I originally had 'YPbPr' set to '1080i' and '4:3 Override' set to 'OFF' and I didn't get any OSD graphics over any output except the 'YPbPr' one.

I just tried it on my box, set exactly to those settings. Still got the OSD on composite, on an HD channel. I don't have any HD inputs on my TV, so I couldn't check those. So, the other guy wasn't just BSing you. Maybe you have a different firmware or something.

Well I got a new box. We'll see how it goes.

I have a DCT6412, ph. III STB. How the hell do i retrieve messages sent to my STB from 'ComCRAP'. The Main Menu screen doesnt have a header with 'messages' like it says it should after reading the manual. CSRs @ ComCRAP were of li'l help too....But, what else is new. Let's hope the transition, in July, to 'Time-Warner' fixes everything and upgrades these lousy DVR's. Otherwise, I'm gonna have to get 'TiVo Series III' box when it comes out later this summer.

Also from the diagnostic menu, What the hell does "OOB" status stand for and what db level should I be looking at on the SNR plane? Mine fluctuates between 15.5 and 18.5db~FAIR. Someone told me this should be above 22-23db range, which would put it in the 'GOOD' range. I'm getting alot of audio dropouts and various other anomalies. I've been with 'ComCRAP' for around 2 months now in the DFW Metroplex area and I'm getting nothin' but aggrovation. I never thought there would come a day when I would miss 'Adelphia' /MOXI STB, the only good thing here in DFW is that I get 8 more HD channels than what I had with SoCal Adelphia.

P.S. On a different note, I never thought I would see SMOG as bad as I saw in SoCal, DFW has got it beat, My wife & I can't breathe here. We're hoping on her next promotion we get the hell outta-here. They were all high on their "MAVS" until the "HEAT" finally woke-up, via D-WADE/FLASH, and opened a can of WHOOP-ASS on them last night. And who the hell is this "Mark Cuban" guy, he needs 2 shut his pie-hole and stop doing the "GAY" hand gestures from the stands. I hope ShaQ and D-WADE inject a dose of humility into the MAVS. Let's hope ShaQ gets another ring.

I have a DCT6412, ph. III STB. How the hell do i retrieve messages sent to my STB from 'ComCRAP'. The Main Menu screen doesnt have a header with 'messages' like it says it should after reading the manual. CSRs @ ComCRAP were of li'l help too....But, what else is new. Let's hope the transition, in July, to 'Time-Warner' fixes everything and upgrades these lousy DVR's. Otherwise, I'm gonna have to get 'TiVo Series III' box when it comes out later this summer.

Also from the diagnostic menu, What the hell does "OOB" status stand for and what db level should I be looking at on the SNR plane? Mine fluctuates between 15.5 and 18.5db~FAIR. Someone told me this should be above 22-23db range, which would put it in the 'GOOD' range. I'm getting alot of audio dropouts and various other anomalies. I've been with 'ComCRAP' for around 2 months now in the DFW Metroplex area and I'm getting nothin' but aggrovation. I never thought there would come a day when I would miss 'Adelphia' /MOXI STB, the only good thing here in DFW is that I get 8 more HD channels than what I had with SoCal Adelphia.

P.S. On a different note, I never thought I would see SMOG as bad as I saw in SoCal, DFW has got it beat, My wife & I can't breathe here. We're hoping on her next promotion we get the hell outta-here. They were all high on their "MAVS" until the "HEAT" finally woke-up, via D-WADE/FLASH, and opened a can of WHOOP-ASS on them last night. And who the hell is this "Mark Cuban" guy, he needs 2 shut his pie-hole and stop doing the "GAY" hand gestures from the stands. I hope ShaQ and D-WADE inject a dose of humility into the MAVS. Let's hope ShaQ gets another ring.

OOB stands for out of band, you don't have to worry much about this reading, it's only for the guide and software, so it shouldn't affect you signal quality. What you want to look at is the in-band reading, which tells you the level of signal and error corrections. If you get a lot of error corrections, it may be the cause of the audio dropouts.

I've found Comcast to be far better at providing courteous and accurate assistance than Time-Warner Cable ever was.

The TiVo Series 3 is not necessarily going to be available "later this summer". All they are willing to say is "second half of the year" and all reliable indications are that it'll be released for sale for Christmas. Also, it has been made very clear that the TiVo Series 3 will be the high-end (read: expensive) approach, by comparison to the relatively low-cost HD DVRs available through cable companies.

I would love to hear from someone who can replicate the problem, since it's an hour drive to 'try' another unit.

Yes, I noticed we're both in the PDX area. :) Not having much faith in Comcast CSRs, I didn't call them until after I read your post. I was forwarded to one of their 'experts.'

First, he informed me, I have a 3412 (it's not marked anywhere on the unit, of course). That could explain, but not justify, this 'feature.' On the second attempt, he understood the issue but did not have any idea how to fix it. He did say he will try to find a 6412 PIII (I didn't know there were any) and call back if he did.

I wish I had a longer optical digital audio cable to test if both digital audio outputs work the same! I'd be risking expensive spaghetti damage trying to move the cable box closer to the tuner.

i found your posts while searching for an answer to the same problem. so far, no luck. let me know if you figure it out.

I've found Comcast to be far better at providing courteous and accurate assistance than Time-Warner Cable ever was.

The TiVo Series 3 is not necessarily going to be available "later this summer". All they are willing to say is "second half of the year" and all reliable indications are that it'll be released for sale for Christmas. Also, it has been made very clear that the TiVo Series 3 will be the high-end (read: expensive) approach, by comparison to the relatively low-cost HD DVRs available through cable companies.

Ouch!!! :mad:

Well maybe I should go back to 'DirectTV' with its impressive compressed HD channel network :D

Sorry 2 hear that 'bout TiVo....................Maybe Verizon will get their act 2gether & get me FiOS soon, most of the city I live in has it. I'm on their notification list once it's available i'll be pulling the trigger faster than a ho on a trick down on sunset blvd :eek: .

It seems clear to me that the quality of what we get will be somewhat related to the amount of money we pay. Supply and demand is annoying that way. :)

I have a DCT6412, ph. III STB. How the hell do i retrieve messages sent to my STB from 'ComCRAP'. The Main Menu screen doesnt have a header with 'messages' like it says it should after reading the manual. CSRs @ ComCRAP were of li'l help too....But, what else is new.
Did you scroll down enough? There are typically 2 or 3 pages of menus in the Main Menu.

Also from the diagnostic menu, What the hell does "OOB" status stand for and what db level should I be looking at on the SNR plane? Mine fluctuates between 15.5 and 18.5db~FAIR. Someone told me this should be above 22-23db range, which would put it in the 'GOOD' range. I'm getting alot of audio dropouts and various other anomalies. I've been with 'ComCRAP' for around 2 months now in the DFW Metroplex area and I'm getting nothin' but aggrovation. I never thought there would come a day when I would miss 'Adelphia' /MOXI STB, the only good thing here in DFW is that I get 8 more HD channels than what I had with SoCal Adelphia.
OOB (Out Of Band) is typically located in a 4MHz gap between channels 4 and 5. It is used as the downstream channel for the guide, configuring the box, firmware/software updates, etc.. Upstream typically uses very low frequencies below channel 2. You need to use the Inband listing for various channels, as some frequencies may be more problematic than others.

Generically, ifyou have FAIR to POOR signals, and dropouts, a stronger signal may help. If possible, reduce the number of splitters and check the quality of the cable used (use thicker RG6 instead of the thinner RG59). A broadband compatible RF amp may also help. Don't use a cheap amp not rated for broadband, because they may block the upstream signal and OnDemand and other 2-way communications will not work.

... i'll be pulling the trigger faster than a ho on a trick down on sunset blvd :eek: .

I think I'd rather "pull" something else than do that:eek::D!!!!!!!!!

Hey Dave Elizabethtown needs some mo 'diversity' good god where's the color :p ?!?!

Check out this link:

http://www.bestplaces.net/city/profile.aspx?cat=PEOPLE&city=Elizabethtown_PA&ccity=

What does one from "Elizabethtown" know bout pimps 'n ho's......... :D ??!?!

I have a DCT6412, ph. III STB. How the hell do i retrieve messages sent to my STB from 'ComCRAP'. The Main Menu screen doesnt have a header with 'messages' like it says it should after reading the manual. CSRs @ ComCRAP were of li'l help too....But, what else is new.

When they first installed my DVR, after the guy left, I noticed several Main Menu options (such as messages) were mysteriously missing. A simple unplug/replug of the power cord and when the menus reloaded all options were there.



Today I experienced a new bug (new to me anyway.) This afternoon, I went to double check my recordings for tonight were set, and the box just didn't respond at all to the remote, not even the typical laggy response, just nothing. Then, I noticed it wasn't even on the channel I last watched, it was on some local weather channel. No one else has access to this box, so it wasn't someone else leaving it there. So, I tried the power button on the box itself. Nothing. Finally, I resorted to the old unplug/replug. Seemed to clear up whatever the problem was. And for the record, when the box came back on, it wasn't on that weather channel anymore, it was on the channel I remembered it being on. Weird.

I have a new bug with my new box now. When going to the guide or any of the menues for that matter. There is NO picture in the corner. The guide or menue simpley overlays on the picture. It does not shrink up to the corner like it should. Unpluging the box did not fix it.

Hey Dave Elizabethtown needs some mo 'diversity' good god where's the color :p ?!?!

Dang, it must be bad if it's coming from a cowboy in TX:eek:;)

What does one from "Elizabethtown" know bout pimps 'n ho's......... :D ??!?!

I watch a lot of movies:D

[QUOTE=Dave Harper]Dang, it must be bad if it's coming from a cowboy in TX:eek:;)

Actually, Dave, I'm a native of SoCal. My wife just got transferred to the DFW area & we're not happy campers. The Air Quality Sux big time here. I had the pleasure of driving from CT to TX, I had to pick up a car my folks sold me. PA was one of the prettiest st8s I had the pleasure of driving through along the way. I drove very close to your town. Along the 81 and transferred onto the 76 turnpike in Carlisle. Gr8 st8 u have man and I would love living in Elizabethtown. My wife's company is opening another center in PA, with any luck it'll be close to "Harrisburg". What PA needs are more citys with "Burg" on the end of it :D .

I h8 the cowboys, I'm a viking fan. These peeps talk real phunny out here too..............At least the native texans do, they're R alot of transplants like us in DFW. The only reason we up n left SoCal was they gave her a considerable raise if she jumped ship to TX.

Peace................................

OK newbie alert here. I just moved from a Time Warner market using a SA8300HD to PDX where I have Comcast and the 6412. I was playing around with the box for a while last night and I got a little stumped on scheduling a series recording. I'm a huge fan of The Daily Show so naturally that was the first show I added as a series recording. I was surprised to see that the box doesn't have a setting to only tape a show at a certain time. I set the options to record only new shows but it wants to record all showings of The Daily Show. Comedy Central runs the thing about a dozen times every week. How do I schedule this show to be recorded only at 11PM Mon-Thurs ? I apologize if the answer is somewhere in this thread but searching didn't yield anything and I didn't have the time to read through 273 pages.

-MarcW

One way is to set up a manual recording to force it to record only the times and days you want. Otherwise, let it select all the shows it thinks it wants to record and then go into scheduled recordings list every week or so and manually delete all the ones you know you don't want.

Part of the problem is with iGuide, which for some programs doesn't distinguish between first run shows and repeats. The other part of the problem, as you've found out, is that for series recordings, the box doesn't let you limit the recordings to particular times of the day.

One way is to set up a manual recording to force it to record only the times and days you want. Otherwise, let it select all the shows it thinks it wants to record and then go into scheduled recordings list every week or so and manually delete all the ones you know you don't want.

A problem with manual recording is it does not record the information about the show. So you have to know what the show is.

A problem with manual recording is it does not record the information about the show. So you have to know what the show is.
yes, that's the tradeoff.

I gave up trying to get the 6412 to determine which is new and which is repeated so I now record it on another hard drive, a Panasonic E-95. I could also put it on the TiVo which seems to know the difference far better. The Panasonic, in fact, has it as a series recording but somehow knows the difference between the many showings. One of the many flaws of the 6412. Can't wait for the Comcast TiVo to come out.

Is 118 an abnormal internal temp for a Phase II 6412? It used to show 108 pretty consistently in the diagnostic menu. I am detecting a slightly "sweet" odor in my TV room which has proved impossible to localize with certainty. Has anyone run into this with a 6412?

Is 118 an abnormal internal temp for a Phase II 6412? It used to show 108 pretty consistently in the diagnostic menu. I am detecting a slightly "sweet" odor in my TV room which has proved impossible to localize with certainty. Has anyone run into this with a 6412?

That's definitely hot. My unit was running around that temp (or even higher) before i tossed a laptop chillmat on top of it... that solved the problem, and it runs closer to 100 degrees now.... and performance *seems* to have improved as a result.

OK newbie alert here. I just moved from a Time Warner market using a SA8300HD to PDX where I have Comcast and the 6412. I was playing around with the box for a while last night and I got a little stumped on scheduling a series recording. I'm a huge fan of The Daily Show so naturally that was the first show I added as a series recording. I was surprised to see that the box doesn't have a setting to only tape a show at a certain time. I set the options to record only new shows but it wants to record all showings of The Daily Show. Comedy Central runs the thing about a dozen times every week. How do I schedule this show to be recorded only at 11PM Mon-Thurs ? I apologize if the answer is somewhere in this thread but searching didn't yield anything and I didn't have the time to read through 273 pages.

-MarcW

I'm having the same problem -- also with the Daily Show. My old 6412 Phase 1 box would sporadically screw up but the Phase III box I got several weeks ago screws up on series recording virtually all the time. I also have to go to my recordings list and delete the dupes. Don't know if it's the software or its the tags on the show. It's a pain but there are far worse problems in life. Hopefully the technology will improve over time and they will work there glitches out.

P.S. Do you know how to program your remote to do the 30 second skip ahead. It helps getting through the commericials quickly. Also, are you connected to an HDTV and have you configured your box to work with your TV?

That's definitely hot. My unit was running around that temp (or even higher) before i tossed a laptop chillmat on top of it... that solved the problem, and it runs closer to 100 degrees now.... and performance *seems* to have improved as a result.

Pardon my ignorance, but what is a laptop chillmat? I might want to get one for my 6412. Our bedroom faces the southwest and is several degrees warmer than the rest of the house. I would love to cut down on heat generation.

Pardon my ignorance, but what is a laptop chillmat? I might want to get one for my 6412. Our bedroom faces the southwest and is several degrees warmer than the rest of the house. I would love to cut down on heat generation.

Oh, sorry -- it's a small device with fans built in that is designed to sit under a laptop, pulling heat out from the computer, and pushing it out the back. Flip it upside down, and it does a handy job when sitting on top of a cable box....

The one I have is at Best Buy:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6211752&type=product&id=1074788100200

And I know that others on this forum have noted other models that work for them.

This particular model is USB-powered, so if your USB ports on the 6412 are active, it'll work like a charm. Otherwise, you'll need to get a slightly more expensive version that is AC powered.

Newbie question. I am getting an HDTV (Samsung HL-S5687W) in the next few months. Does the dual tuner box have a direct HDMI connection so that I can go HDMI to HDMI or do I have to go DVI to HDMI. Thanks! I want to order the cables (mono) before I get my tv and the box so that I can be set with everything.

Newbie question. I am getting an HDTV (Samsung HL-S5687W) in the next few months. Does the dual tuner box have a direct HDMI connection so that I can go HDMI to HDMI or do I have to go DVI to HDMI. Thanks! I want to order the cables (mono) before I get my tv and the box so that I can be set with everything.

It depends on which version of the box you get (which is not necessarily under your control, but you can try :) ). The older Phase Is and maybe phase IIs had DVI, while the Phase IIIs have HDMI. There have been some problems associated with HDMI, but they might have been worked out by a recent firmware upgrade. Search this thread for HDMI and I'm sure you'll get plenty of info on it...


-Randy

Thanks for the info Randy! I think I will order both cables to be on the safe side but try and push comcast to give me the Phase III

It depends on which version of the box you get (which is not necessarily under your control, but you can try :) ). The older Phase Is and maybe phase IIs had DVI, while the Phase IIIs have HDMI. There have been some problems associated with HDMI, but they might have been worked out by a recent firmware upgrade. Search this thread for HDMI and I'm sure you'll get plenty of info on it...


-Randy

Thanks for the info Randy! I think I will order both cables to be on the safe side but try and push comcast to give me the Phase III

Glad to help. You can find a huge amount of info here. (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR) Check it out and you'll probably want to bookmark it, too!

-Randy

Dang, it must be bad if it's coming from a cowboy in TX:eek:;)

Actually, Dave, I'm a native of SoCal. My wife just got transferred to the DFW area & we're not happy campers. The Air Quality Sux big time here. I had the pleasure of driving from CT to TX, I had to pick up a car my folks sold me. PA was one of the prettiest st8s I had the pleasure of driving through along the way. I drove very close to your town. Along the 81 and transferred onto the 76 turnpike in Carlisle. Gr8 st8 u have man and I would love living in Elizabethtown. My wife's company is opening another center in PA, with any luck it'll be close to "Harrisburg". What PA needs are more citys with "Burg" on the end of it :D .

I h8 the cowboys, I'm a viking fan. These peeps talk real phunny out here too..............At least the native texans do, they're R alot of transplants like us in DFW. The only reason we up n left SoCal was they gave her a considerable raise if she jumped ship to TX.

Peace................................

Thanks for the explanation. I feel your pain. PA is kinda nice, but I'm doing my damnedest to get out of here. I want to head to the SW or maybe even Hawaii. Maybe I'll move to Honoluluburg;):D:p!!!

At least we have one thing in common, I hate the Cowboys too, especially now that they have selfish A-hole T.O.

It depends on which version of the box you get (which is not necessarily under your control, but you can try :) ). The older Phase Is and maybe phase IIs had DVI, while the Phase IIIs have HDMI. There have been some problems associated with HDMI, but they might have been worked out by a recent firmware upgrade. Search this thread for HDMI and I'm sure you'll get plenty of info on it...


-Randy
What Randy said. In addition, many areas no longer offer the 6412, they only offer the 3412. You may want to follow up on the attached thread and see if you can't find somebody from your neck of the woods and see which box is being used.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7878009#post7878009

I noticed something curious. My 6412 was set to output 1080i. With the two tuners tuned to ESPN-HD and ESPN2-HD (following two World Cup games simultaneously), I noticed that the 6412 became almost completely non-responsive to remote commands with the TV Guide or My DVR menus on. Note that both these channels were broadcasting 720p at the time. When I flipped one of the channels to a 1080i or a 480i channel, the behavior changed and the 6412 was responsive once again.

This behavior is repeatable.

It appears that the act of transcoding two 720p broadcasts to 1080i and simultaneously shrinking one of them to 1/4 size (for display along with the on-screen menu) is overwhelming the graphics processor. Of course, I still don't understand why the main processor stops responding to interrupts when this happens.

I noticed something curious. My 6412 was set to output 1080i. With the two tuners tuned to ESPN-HD and ESPN2-HD (following two World Cup games simultaneously), I noticed that the 6412 became almost completely non-responsive to remote commands with the TV Guide or My DVR menus on. Note that both these channels were broadcasting 720p at the time. When I flipped one of the channels to a 1080i or a 480i channel, the behavior changed and the 6412 was responsive once again.

This behavior is repeatable.

It appears that the act of transcoding two 720p broadcasts to 1080i and simultaneously shrinking one of them to 1/4 size (for display along with the on-screen menu) is overwhelming the graphics processor. Of course, I still don't understand why the main processor stops responding to interrupts when this happens.
I tried that on mine but didn't see the problem. However, I recently exchanged my 6412 for a 3412 and haven't had a lot of problems lately with the slow response problem. I've only had the 3412 for about 2 days now so I don't know if it will act up.

One of the things that I noticed is that whenever my old 6412s started having the slow response problems, the box appeared to process two up/down channel commands when I sent it only one. This happened on both the Harmony as well as the supplied remote. I tried to put large delays in the Harmony remote but that didn't help.

It appears that the box has a bug that thinks it has received two consective commands. I suspect that the two problems are related.

I see the slowdown, but all you have to do to repeat it is be watching a tuner with an HD channel on it, and the menus will be a lot more sluggish. I haven't noticed a difference if the other tuner is on an HD channel too.

If i'm watching one channel all evening I put the other tuner on a digital music channel so it's not buffering, and theoretically hardly taking up any system resources.

I get the 2 channels per press a lot too. Always seemed to happen when I was on the 700's for ESPN full court, but that's the only time I use the CH+/CH- buttons, since you can't press ok in the guide to bring up the 700 channels, and there are multiple games on channels all next to each other. Same thing with the MLB extra innings channels.

I hardly ever use CH+/CH- when on normal channels, usually i use the guide.

I just want to say once more how much I hate this ridiculous piece of crap DVR...seriously what a useless POS

I feel the 6412/3412 is a little like democracy, of which Churchill once said, "democracy is the worst form of government except for all the other forms that have been tried." It's not quite that, because bits and pieces of what these devices do are done better elsewhere. The problem is that there simply isn't an alternative where every aspect of the device is better. The best DVR software out there, TiVo, either doesn't do HD, or does HD but slaves you to DirecTV service, with the inherant compromises in PQ as compared to HD via cable (at least in my neighborhood). Before the end of the year, there might be a better alternative, but even that will have its detractions: It will be ungodly expensive by comparison to Comcast and the 6412/3412. So perhaps by the end of the year, rather than being like democracy, it'll be more like software: You'll be able to have low price, high quality or short schedule -- pick two.

Very well said except that the solution is on the way. By the end of the year (hopefully by the end of the summer) Comcast will have a TiVo hi-def box. I predict a much, much improved product.

Not "except" -- as I said, "You'll be able to have low price, high quality or short schedule -- pick two." Comcast's high-def DVR box with TiVo software will be a premium offering, at an added cost over-and-above the standard high-def DVR price. While I expect the Comcast/TiVo offering to be perhaps a little more affordable than the TiVo Series 3 boxes, expected before the end of the year, it wouldn't be by much; indeed, it'll probably be just a trade-off between paying a good amount up-front, and also taking some risk of defects after the warranty period (with the TiVo Series 3), versus paying more month-to-month (with the Comcast/TiVo).

It'll be interesting to see if they have to give you a whole box, or they can Download the Tivo Software to the existing unit.

I believe you're supposed to be able to download the Tivo software on your 6412. But I can't remember (there is discussion here or on another thread about this) whether you need a Series III or not.

It'll be interesting to see if they have to give you a whole box, or they can Download the Tivo Software to the existing unit.

I know for sure that it is downloadble for all current Moto DCT-64xxp3 & DCT-34xxp1 & the new DCT-34xxp2 STB's...

All they do is move your STB Serial number from the IGUIDE controller to the TiVo Controller.

Then Comcast or yourself can do a Factory Reset and it will then download the new software and firmware......

When the TiVo service is available in your market, all you will need to do is:


Step 1: Call Comcast.
Step 2: Ask for your DVR service to be upgraded to the TiVo service.
Step 3: CSR will make the change to your account.
Step 4: CSR will then send a Factory reset / STB Authorization hit to your STB.
Step 5: Your STB will then download the TiVo Software and the new Firmware from the head-end.
Step 6: Your STB will then reboot and begin to download your service settings and STB Time & Guide Data.

:) :) :)

well i was all excited and just tried calling them... they had no clue. is this only for certain markets? do i need to say something special?
thanks!
-r

Somehow I just *knew* that was going to happen.... :)

I know for sure that it is downloadble for all current Moto DCT-64xxp3 & DCT-34xxp1 & the new DCT-34xxp2 STB's...

All they do is move your STB Serial number from the IGUIDE controller to the TiVo Controller.

Then Comcast or yourself can do a Factory Reset and it will then download the new software and firmware......


Step 1: Call Comcast.
Step 2: Ask for your DVR service to be upgraded to the TiVo service.
Step 3: CSR will make the change to your account.
Step 4: CSR will then send a Factory reset / STB Authorization hit to your STB.
Step 5: Your STB will then download the TiVo Software and the new Firmware from the head-end.
Step 6: Your STB will then reboot and begin to download your service settings and STB Time & Guide Data.

:) :) :)
OK, so please expain to me why I should get this TIVO software for my 6412 ver III DVR. I have never had TIVO in the past, so I need to know how it is better than this 2 tuner DVR? Also, how much additional does it cost per month?

For those of you trying to order TIVO...


Very well said except that the solution is on the way. By the end of the year (hopefully by the end of the summer) Comcast will have a TiVo hi-def box. I predict a much, much improved product.

Somehow I just *knew* that was going to happen.... :)

Guess I should add to my POST:

When it becomes available in your area.

LOL

<sigh>

well i was all excited and just tried calling them... they had no clue. is this only for certain markets? do i need to say something special?
thanks!
-r

It is in Beta Testing at this time. Look for it to be available 4th qtr. this year.

OK, so please expain to me why I should get this TIVO software for my 6412 ver III DVR. I have never had TIVO in the past, so I need to know how it is better than this 2 tuner DVR? Also, how much additional does it cost per month?


Ease of Use.

Better DVR & Guide Features.

Less CPU problems we hope!

any idea what areas are currently open for beta testing?
maybe i'll sell my house and move there.
-r

Ease of Use.

Better DVR & Guide Features.

Less CPU problems we hope!

Much, much better guide features; the ability to search by several different criteria; season passes that actually work; a much smoother interface.

I've got 3 different DVR's now, the Moto 6412, Tivo Series 1 and Panasonic DMR E-95. I've also had the *D* Tivo box. Tivo isn't perfect but their software is much better than anybody else, IMHO.

Tivo isn't perfect but their software is much better than anybody else, IMHO.

Except for maybe ReplayTV...okay, sorry, couldn't resist! I am interested to see what happens with the RTV software that is going to be available with Hauppage cards that is currently in beta....

-Randy

Much, much better guide features; the ability to search by several different criteria; season passes that actually work; a much smoother interface.

I've got 3 different DVR's now, the Moto 6412, Tivo Series 1 and Panasonic DMR E-95. I've also had the *D* Tivo box. Tivo isn't perfect but their software is much better than anybody else, IMHO.

Thanks Scanpa, and StuJac, any idea what Com will nail us for the software?

OK, so please expain to me why I should get this TIVO software for my 6412 ver III DVR. I have never had TIVO in the past, so I need to know how it is better than this 2 tuner DVR? Also, how much additional does it cost per month?
To be more specific for those of you who haven't had a Tivo or ReplayTV, the "series" recording function is more robust. Not only can you specify to record a particular TV series only on a set day and time, you can also set up your own "series," such as recording all movies in which John Wayne appears, for example. Or all hockey games, etc. That's the season pass thing.

The general search function is more powerful too. I think you can search by person and subject, in addition to title.

Also, with the Tivo software, you will still have a two-tuner DVR. I assume they will modify the software so that it will allow you to record two shows at the same time or watch live while recording, etc.

BTW, I know Tivo vs. ReplayTV is really off-topic here, but I think one's preference is partially based on first experience. My first DVR was a Replay, and I prefer that interface to Tivo. I have a friend whose first was a Tivo, and I gave him my Replay when his Tivo croaked. He much prefers the Tivo.

Anyone interested in price speculation, etc with the Tivo on Motorola DVRs for Comcast, ScanPA started a new thread covering this here:
AVS Forum Comcast DCT with Tivo Software (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=682350&page=1&pp=30)

It's only four pages but has a ton of good info!

ScanPA, thanks a bunch for all of the quality updates -- I know that I for one greatly appreciate your contributions. The only negative is that you really have me chompin' at the bit for this update!

Anyone interested in price speculation, etc with the Tivo on Motorola DVRs for Comcast, ScanPA started a new thread covering this here:
AVS Forum Comcast DCT with Tivo Software (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=682350&page=1&pp=30)

It's only four pages but has a ton of good info!

ScanPA, thanks a bunch for all of the quality updates -- I know that I for one greatly appreciate your contributions. The only negative is that you really have me chompin' at the bit for this update!

I have been bugging the tech manager for first crack at looking at the software when it gets to our Head End. I will have it on a test bench in a working 3412 / 3416.

Right now there still working on the new equipment on the computer end...

BTW, I know Tivo vs. ReplayTV is really off-topic here, but I think one's preference is partially based on first experience. My first DVR was a Replay, and I prefer that interface to Tivo. I have a friend whose first was a Tivo, and I gave him my Replay when his Tivo croaked. He much prefers the Tivo.

I'd have to agree...and I also agree it is off-topic, but not nearly so much as some other stuff recently! And over 138 pages, it is going to happen now and then... ;)

TiVo also won't re-record a specific episode of something for 30 days after it has recorded it.

The TiVo software beta, I believe, is taking place in the SF Bay area.

TiVo also won't re-record a specific episode of something for 30 days after it has recorded it.

The TiVo software beta, I believe, is taking place in the SF Bay area.
I seriously doubt it, the SF Bay Area historically gets 'new stuff" way later than other areas of the country. It's partly due to a conscious decision on Comcast's part because of the very vocal media in the area that has "spanked" Comcast in the past when it has bungled something, such as the DVR rollout here, it made the print press and TiVo did a giveaway program. Comcast was embarrassed to say the least.

I had read that the TiVo beta was in 4-5 systems in the northeast.

I seriously doubt it, the SF Bay Area historically gets 'new stuff" way later than other areas of the country. It's partly due to a conscious decision on Comcast's part because of the very vocal media in the area that has "spanked" Comcast in the past when it has bungled something, such as the DVR rollout here, it made the print press and TiVo did a giveaway program. Comcast was embarrassed to say the least.

I had read that the TiVo beta was in 4-5 systems in the northeast.

The only possible reason it may happen in the Bay area is because TiVo is here. I still doubt it.

Kevin

I have a older Motorola 6412 and I recently bought a Harmony 628 remote control. But the play/pause/rewind/fwd keys on the remote are not working. Is there a special way to set this up or should it work out-of-the-box?

Any inputs will be appreciated.

Thanks

I have a older Motorola 6412 and I recently bought a Harmony 628 remote control. But the play/pause/rewind/fwd keys on the remote are not working. Is there a special way to set this up or should it work out-of-the-box?

Any inputs will be appreciated.

Thanks

I have a Phase I box with a Harmony 880...most everything worked with the profile I downloaded from Logitech. I believe I had to learn one or two buttons (even though they were included in the profile), but for the most part it worked as soon as I set it up at the website...

-Randy