Official Comcast 6412 w/ iGuide Discussion [Text View] - Page 34

Dark Rain

06-30-06, 01:07 AM

I read that there is an I-Guide update coming out. Anybody have it yet?
http://www.comcast.com/guideupdates/

From posts on another site, the software version is 73.44.

I just had a firmware update a few days ago. I went from 12.22 to 12.35. My 6412 just went into the "dl" mode, so I wonder if I'm getting this new I-Guide? My cable provider is Mediacom. I'll report back later on this.

The new firmware seems to have fixed an issue I was having when using the pause function. With the 12.22 firmware I would hit pause and it would let me go frame by frame as long I kept hitting the pause button. If I stopped after a few seconds it wouldn't let me do it. I've also noticed better response to the 30-sec. skip and FF and REW functions. Anybody else with the 12.35 firmware notice anything new?

dabhome

06-30-06, 02:23 AM

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

Get the box first, then you will know. It works with regular TVs. :)

Dark Rain

06-30-06, 08:11 AM

Mediacom reset my 6412 back to the 12.22 firmware. I wonder why? Does anybody have any issues with the 12.35 firmware?

renpar61

06-30-06, 12:26 PM

Mediacom reset my 6412 back to the 12.22 firmware. I wonder why? Does anybody have any issues with the 12.35 firmware?

I'm still at 12.18 :(

renpar61

06-30-06, 12:29 PM

I read that there is an I-Guide update coming out. Anybody have it yet?
http://www.comcast.com/guideupdates/

From posts on another site, the software version is 73.44.

This sounds like important news which deserve at least an acknowledgement...

Has anyone seen the new iGuide yet?

weldon

06-30-06, 01:28 PM

I read that there is an I-Guide update coming out. Anybody have it yet?
http://www.comcast.com/guideupdates/

From posts on another site, the software version is 73.44.
I've had this update since May 4th or 5th (as has everyone else in Denver, CO). It doesn't fix all the problems with delays responding to the remote.

The main difference that you will notice is that pressing the "my dvr" button takes you to an intermediate screen where you can choose to see the list of recordings, the upcoming scheduled recordings, schedule a new recording, or review the list of series recordings. I wish that there was still a single button that would take you to the list of recordings (since that is what we use all the time), but it works OK. The screensaver is a nice addition for those of us with CRT-based displays (I have a RP CRT).

scanpa

06-30-06, 05:42 PM

On-Screen Guide Enhancements - June 2006

We’ve recently improved your Comcast Digital Cable On-Screen guide to help you find the shows you love easier, protect advanced TV sets and enhance your parental controls. Below are the most significant improvements you will notice:

NEW Screen Saver
In an effort to prevent HDTV sets from possible screen burn in, we have added a new “Screen Saver” feature. The Screen Saver has been pre-set to appear if you remain on a guide page for 3 minutes or longer. The Screen Saver is deactivated by pressing any remote key and can easily be disabled entirely with the following steps:

Access the “Main Menu” by pressing the Menu button on your remote and selecting the “house” icon at the bottom of your screen.

Select “Setup” and then the “Screen Saver” option

Toggle the highlight to “OFF” and press the OK/Select button on your remote.

NEW Menu Screens
We’ve simplified the Main Menu and the Quick Menu so you can easily find your favorite shows. The Main Menu is now one page and programming categories like HDTV, Movies, Sports, Premium Channels, Music and Kids are now located under Search. From this button you can also search for programming by title.

The Quick Menu has also been improved by consolidating the Movies and Sports icons under Search and a new Favorites icon has been added. This menu also features circular navigation allowing for continuous scrolling with the left and right arrow buttons.

Enhanced Parental Controls
If you have children in the house, we know you may want to decide what is appropriate for them to watch. In order to simplify the controls you can now block all access to ON DEMAND in one place. Just go to the “Main Menu”, choose “Setup” and then “Service Locks”. Highlight “Video On Demand” and press OK/Select on your remote. Simple.

DVR Enhancements
If you have our built-in DVR service, you may notice some positive changes to help you watch and record your favorite shows. The DVR button on your remote now takes you to the DVR menu so you can access all your DVR features from one place. Additionally, several options have been renamed. “My Recordings” replaces “DVR Recordings” and “Scheduled Recordings” replaces “DVR Schedule”.

For customers with a single tuner DVR, you may notice a new status bar when you use your rewind, fast forward or pause buttons while watching live television or a recorded show. Additionally, there are new series recording features including the ability to choose only new episodes of a series being recorded. This bar helps you see exactly where you are in a program and what function you are using.

For Dual Tuner customers we’ve added an onscreen SWAP feature. If you want to change channels while recording you can simply chose the “SWAP” option on your screen while your show continues to record.

Finally, several functionality improvements have been made to help correct some issues you may have been experiencing with your On-Screen guide. One of these is the DVR Mute issue that sometimes caused an unattended DVR recording to playback with no audio. Now you can press the volume button up or down on your remote to un-mute the playback.

Services, programming, and features are subject to change. Please call 1-800-Comcast, for minimum requirements, details and restrictions.

ridgefamus

07-01-06, 02:36 AM

On-Screen Guide Enhancements - June 2006

For Dual Tuner customers we’ve added an onscreen SWAP feature. If you want to change channels while recording you can simply chose the “SWAP” option on your screen while your show continues to record.

I think this is the feature I'll most profit from. It's a pain to find the swap function on my Harmony so I have to unbury my DVR remote to hit the SWAP button. Having an on-screen swap will almost make me remove the batteries from the DVR remote. ;)

So what's the release number these features will appear in?

scanpa

07-01-06, 03:57 AM

I think this is the feature I'll most profit from. It's a pain to find the swap function on my Harmony so I have to unbury my DVR remote to hit the SWAP button. Having an on-screen swap will almost make me remove the batteries from the DVR remote. ;)

So what's the release number these features will appear in?

software version is 73.44

We dont even have it at our Head End Yet. By End of July....

Kaiser-Soze

07-04-06, 11:17 AM

I think this is the feature I'll most profit from. It's a pain to find the swap function on my Harmony so I have to unbury my DVR remote to hit the SWAP button.

Why not just program anotherbutton to be the SWAP? On my 520, I use the *Clear button for Swap. And Eject in DVD mode.

jd4

07-05-06, 03:02 AM

DVR Enhancements
If you have our built-in DVR service, you may notice some positive changes to help you watch and record your favorite shows. The DVR button on your remote now takes you to the DVR menu so you can access all your DVR features from one place. Additionally, several options have been renamed. “My Recordings” replaces “DVR Recordings” and “Scheduled Recordings” replaces “DVR Schedule”.

If that's considered an enhancement, I'd hate to see what they think is a disenhancement. I mean, come on, was it really that much hassle to hit MENU then choose DVR to get to the place they're going to force the MY DVR button to take you? I use that menu maybe 6-7 times a WEEK. I use the one MY DVR currently takes you to maybe 6-7 times a DAY. So hip hip hooray for Comcast for not having common sense.

Okay, so it's not a huge deal, really, but it is annoying, even more so because they think it's something we should all sit around and smile about because we've been "enhanced".

It's almost like that old MS line about how "it's not a bug, it's a feature!"

Couch Patato

07-05-06, 05:27 AM

I agree 100%. I think is a pain in the you know what now!

bicker1

07-05-06, 09:01 AM

If that's considered an enhancement, I'd hate to see what they think is a disenhancement. I mean, come on, was it really that much hassle to hit MENU then choose DVR to get to the place they're going to force the MY DVR button to take you? Well, keep in mind that not everything that people want to see changed takes the same amount of work to change, nor require the same amount of work to test, nor incur the same amount of risk introduced by implementing the change. A good rule-of-thumb is that things that people generally (not necessarily you) want changed, that take very little to change, and for which the risk is very small, you really should go ahead and change. It's just basic logic.

ak3883

07-05-06, 02:54 PM

Anyone know if this firmware update is applicable to Phase II?

Someone at Motorola told me a couple weeks ago Comcast FINALLY bought a firmware update for the 6412 DVR boxes, I guess this is it.

scanpa

07-05-06, 03:07 PM

Anyone know if this firmware update is applicable to Phase II?

Someone at Motorola told me a couple weeks ago Comcast FINALLY bought a firmware update for the 6412 DVR boxes, I guess this is it.

This was not a firmware update.

This is a update to the current Iguide Software.

This is not the New version of Iguide.

AuroraProject

07-05-06, 10:23 PM

bicker1

07-06-06, 06:44 AM

My 3412 has been running continuously for a few weeks, without any lock-ups.

rosh400

07-06-06, 09:14 AM

I have had a 6412 III for a month without significant problems and no lockups even after multiple power surges over the last two weeks. The only problem was in series recording and that seems to have corrected itself after a reboot.

07-06-06, 10:00 AM

This was not a firmware update.

This is a update to the current Iguide Software.

This is not the New version of Iguide.

Is it known if the new Iguide will come out before the Tivo software?

PooperScooper

07-06-06, 10:56 AM

Anyone having lockup problems lately? My 6412 phase 1 has locked up hard at 4:50 pm for the last 5 days, today I turn it in to my local Comcast office and they give me a phase 3, within 2 hours of hooking it up it locks up hard as well. What the heck is going on?
I had the same thing happen to me with my Phase I. I got a Phase III and haven't had any problems since (with lockups). I think heat was an issue in the Phase Is.

larry

UncD2000

07-06-06, 11:10 AM

ceccacci

07-06-06, 11:34 AM

Has anyone noticed a slightly sweet odor from a 6412 that is perhaps running a bit warm? This is annoying in my small HT room. I swapped my Phase II for a Phase III to try to get rid of this problem, but I notice the odor with the new unit as well, although not nearly as bad. I am wondering if a fan blowing down on the top of the unit would help.I think if it's running hot enough you can smell it, it definitely needs a fan. Some people have used laptop cooling pads underneath the unit and reported lowered temperatures.....

andyross63

07-06-06, 05:28 PM

Anyone having lockup problems lately? My 6412 phase 1 has locked up hard at 4:50 pm for the last 5 days, today I turn it in to my local Comcast office and they give me a phase 3, within 2 hours of hooking it up it locks up hard as well. What the heck is going on?
This is a well-known bug. Between 4:20 and 4:50, am and pm, the box runs through the series priority list to schedule programs. If you have any configured with extra start or end time padding, the bug may pop up for awhile, then disappear due to some conflict someplace.

More details in the Wikibook:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Bugs#Box_locks_up_between_4:20_and_4:50_AM_or_PM

ssabripo

07-06-06, 11:03 PM

guys,

I just got my Comcast 6412, and I've done some searches in this thread and couldn't find the answers to the following questions....hopefully you guys can chime in:

1. When Accessing the Main Motorola menu (by pressing power and menu), I get to the box settings, and can change the 4:3 override, etc....however, the display settings for foreground and background colors, etc, are greyed out. Is there a way of enabling that? :confused: I'm trying to set it to transparent.

2. I'm supposed to be able to record two different channels at once, according to the motorola manual (found online...the comcast people didn't leave anything here :mad: )....how come mine is not doing it? I can record one show, but not two at a time.

3. When watching a channel, and I press record, it will record that show as long as I stay in the channel....if I switch, it stops. The only way is to goto the guide and set it to record the show, and then goto whatever channel I want. Is there a way to set it up to continue recording the channel I want on the fly?

4. does PIP even work on this thing? I thought it did....but I can't get it going...

cherry ghost

07-07-06, 02:17 AM

ssabripo

07-07-06, 09:05 AM

1. That's for closed caption and it must be enabled.

2 and 3. After pressing record, press swap to switch to the other tuner

4. no pip

thanks man :o

kevin79

07-07-06, 11:55 AM

I have a 6412 Phase I (maybe II) with DVI output. I recieved a firmware update last night as well as the guide update. Now, my 30 Skip doesn't work anymore. Does anyone know if there is a way to get it working again? I loved that feature it hate the thought of not being able to use it anymore.

riekl

07-07-06, 12:16 PM

andyross63

07-08-06, 10:34 AM

Kevin,

Nope ! I am also in Grand Rapids and got the new updates. You now have OnDemand however !! We have been waiting for this forever !

But the 30s skip is completely broken as the grand rapids head end turned off the option in this firmware. If enough of us complain to Comcast its just a checkbox for him(or her :)) to turn it back on.

But go look at all that OnDemand content !
Don't get your hopes up on the 30-second skip. As it is, ABC is trying to push cable companies to disable fast forward!!
http://publications.mediapost.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticleHomePage&art_aid=45264

andyross63

07-08-06, 10:38 AM

2 and 3. After pressing record, press swap to switch to the other tuner
These should be semi-fixed in the upcoming i-Guide update. It will offer a 'swap tuner' option when you try to change the channel while it's recording the one your are currently viewing.

jsg2020

07-08-06, 10:50 AM

"I would love it if the MSOs, during the deployment of the new DVRs they're putting out there, would disable the fast-forward [button]," Shaw said.

Shaw also threw cold water on the idea that neutering the fast-forward option would result in a consumer backlash....and consumers might warm to the idea that anytime viewing brings with it a tradeoff in the form of unavoidable commercial viewing.

... People can understand in order to have convenience and on-demand (options), that you can't skip commercials."

What a clueless, fascist nitwit. The guy just doesn't get it.

bicker1

07-08-06, 01:36 PM

What would be "clueless" would be to believe that media reports always present comments like that in an honest and balanced light -- they don't. Regardless, I doubt that's even the case this time: Shaw is known for making inflammatory comments, and I bet he does so, sometimes, just to float trial balloons. Just think how upset you've gotten about the idea of having fast forward disabled on your DVRs. Now that he's adroitly pushed your buttons with regard to the disabling of fast forward idea, he'll have a much easier time getting DVR vendors to consider some of the less inflammatory ideas that he needs to be adopted to safeguard the interests of the owners of his network.

jsg2020

07-08-06, 02:21 PM

I don't find it very hard to believe that Ad Execs feel this way, especially when it is their livelihood and they are surrounded by the like-minded.

I also don't find it hard to believe that TV people think that the General Public are sheep and will just go with the flow. Just take a look at some of the garbage they turn out every year for programming.

bicker1

07-08-06, 02:44 PM

The general public are sheep, and generally will go with the flow. (After all, look what they send to the White House.:D)

What makes you think otherwise?

These forums are a really bad indicator of what the general public cares about, how much the general public knows, and/or how sensitive the general public is to various nuances.

crossbeaux

07-08-06, 03:12 PM

IFLYSWA

07-08-06, 03:19 PM

I also don't find it hard to believe that TV people think that the General Public are sheep and will just go with the flow. Just take a look at some of the garbage they turn out every year for programming.

I'm not sure if a nail has ever been hit more squarely on the head...that about sums it up.

mrpunan

07-08-06, 05:28 PM

My 6412 III, the THIRD 6412 I have received from comcast as they all eventually fail, is no longer allowing me to copy HD content to my JVC 30K via firewire. It says "Copy Restricted, Output Switched to 480i" on the JVC when i try to view HD content coming out of the 6412. Is this really the end? Have they flipped the 5C flag now? I am on comcast in LA.

Anyone else having this prob? In the past I have had no problem archiving from the DVR to DVHS with my 6412, but it's been a few months since i tried, and now it appears to have changed.

schaffer970

07-08-06, 05:55 PM

My cable company (Bresnan) sent out the attached brochure regarding the i-Guide Feature Enhancements. They are supposed to download it to us on 7/13. I am hopefull that we will get firmware update at the same time (still on 12.18).

Ken H

07-08-06, 11:47 PM

In the Detroit area, my 6412 PI just got 71.44-1203. It does not seem to have the changes mentioned for 73.44.

MoneyMINTR

07-09-06, 01:46 PM

cavu

07-09-06, 02:20 PM

the picture quality from the component cables is much sharper than the HDMI output.The digital (HDMI/DVI) output of the Moto box is better than the analog. The weak link in your system must be in the "other end" (ie. the digital input of your TV/projector). What are you using?

Alternatively, the digital (HDMI/DVVI) output of the Moto box is "Studio video" standard (16-235), not "PC video" standard (0-255)!! Have you set/calibrated the display digital input to the correct setting??

bicker1

07-09-06, 03:50 PM

I see a very big difference, with HDMI being far superior to component video.

davila

07-09-06, 05:12 PM

Been reading the 6412 PIII thread and this one and still can't decide which stb.

Should I keep my phase II stb with component(atm*)/upgrade to dvi->hdmi OR go with a phase III stb via hdmi->hdmi?

Also, do I have to provide my own dvi->hdmi or hdmi->hdmi cables?

Thanks in advance.

*= at the moment

MoneyMINTR

07-09-06, 07:20 PM

I have the Panny 50" 600U plasma. Actually, I connected both the HDMI and component cables and HDMI is better.

cavu

07-09-06, 09:45 PM

today I got HDMI cables and it seems that the picture quality from the component cables is much sharper than the HDMI output.I connected both the HDMI and component cables and HDMI is better.So which is it!!?? :confused:

jd4

07-10-06, 01:29 AM

Well, keep in mind that not everything that people want to see changed takes the same amount of work to change, nor require the same amount of work to test, nor incur the same amount of risk introduced by implementing the change. A good rule-of-thumb is that things that people generally (not necessarily you) want changed, that take very little to change, and for which the risk is very small, you really should go ahead and change. It's just basic logic.
What does the amount of work to change it have to do with the price of tea in China? I don't care if it was super easy to change or a mega grade a pain in the tuchas to change. IMO, the only O I have, it's a DUMB change. If other people disagree, fine, but from the looks of things here, I'm not the only one to think this is a dumb change. Basic logic is if people think it's dumb don't do it, but hey, basic logic and Comcast rarely mix.

Don't get your hopes up on the 30-second skip. As it is, ABC is trying to push cable companies to disable fast forward!!

The day they try and pull that garbage on my DVR, they get the damn thing back, I keep my $10 a month, and my VCR suddenly gets much more use again.

Maybe if they want us to watch more commericals, they should stop with crappy and, worse than crappy, annoying commercials. I swear, these things are mostly so bad that, when I watch live TV, I pretty much have to just count on hitting mute the second the show goes to break and leaving it there until it's back. Oh, wait, this jerk probably wants to disable MUTE, too.

cavu

07-10-06, 01:51 AM

Maybe if they want us to watch more commericals, they should stop with crappy and, worse than crappy, annoying commercials.I agree completely!

I actually stop my fast forward and watch the current "Mac vs PC" commercials and the Ford one with that American Idol guy (I'll never buy a Ford but that's a different issue ;) ).

I even call family members in to watch the Mac commercials when a new one is released!

But there are many realllly crappy ones where the sound track is so irritating I practically heave - they're usually those ambulance-chasing lawyers, etc. ... "Call Sam!!" ... yeah, right. Not in my lifetime. Puke.

They must appeal to sub-100 IQs.

bicker1

07-10-06, 07:42 AM

What does the amount of work to change it have to do with the price of tea in China?It is an element of cost of provision.

I don't care if it was super easy to change or a mega grade a pain in the tuchas to change.However, what you individually care about isn't the end-all of the issue. It is just a minor contributor to what should or shouldn't be done. It's not uncommon for customers to overlook the supplier's side of the equation, but that doesn't make that side of the equation go away. If there isn't a profit motive, then there will be no service. If anything, the customer side of the equation is beholden to the supplier side of the equation.

ak3883

07-10-06, 02:08 PM

Let's see. I watch a program live. A commercial comes on. I press the pause button and switch to something else for a while. Then I come back, press the Live button and then the rewind button to rewind back to just after the commercial. Oh no, I've just skipped a commercial. We can't have that happen. So we have to disable the Live button too. If people rewind, they'll just have to watch the whole thing over again.

But what about just getting up and leaving the room during a commercial? That's not good. Let's make it so people have to hold down a button on the remote while they watch or otherwise the unit automatically pauses. Leave the room if you want, but you WILL watch that commercial later. Change the channel? Not while a commercial is playing! Yes sir, thank you. I love my Comcast DVR! :)

Are you swapping tuners after you pause the 1st program? I do this a lot, just hit pause, then swap over to tuner 2 and watch something else for a few minutes or see what else is on. Ok 5 minutes is up, hit swap to go back to tuner 1, and the show is still paused but now has 5 minutes ahead buffered. Hit play, hit my 30sec FF about 4-6 times and we are back live w/o suffering through commercials.

Use the swap button and both tuners and you can very easily skip commercials.

TheVehicle

07-10-06, 03:08 PM

Hi everybody - first time poster here.

When I moved to Des Plaines a few months ago, I switched from DirecTV to Comcast digital cable and I have the Motorola Phase III 6312 box. All in all, I actually prefer it to DirecTV for many reasons. However, I'd be very appreciative if you guys could help me out with some questions:

1. Has anybody been experiencing a lot of pixelation over the last few days, particularly since yesterday? I had a lot of pixelation/skipping while watching a DVR recording of Sunday night's Deadwood on HBOHD, as well as this morning's live WGN Morning News. Basically, I'm trying to figure out if it's something wrong with my line/box or if it's more of a widespread problem. I should also mention that I hooked up a really nice Panamax MX-5100 Home Theater Power Conditioner last night, but this is a very sophisticated device that supposedly should have virtually no drain or ill effect on the cable signal (insertion loss is <1db). To the contrary, it's obviously intended to improve the signal as the coax is looped through the unit).

2. Has anybody else locally received the most recent software update (Version 73.44)? If so, what issues did it address and how do I get it?

3. Does anybody have the newest firmware upgrade to Version 12.35 (with the on-screen menu enhancements)? If so, how do I get it?

4. Does Comcast only use RG6 cable? I thought this was the standard for digital cable, but I can't tell if the no-name coax they used is actually RG6 or RG59 (it's only identified by "18AWG").

Please respond ASAP. Thank you!

- Brad

ceccacci

07-10-06, 03:18 PM

Murphy

07-10-06, 03:45 PM

crossbeaux

07-10-06, 03:49 PM

Are you swapping tuners after you pause the 1st program? I do this a lot, just hit pause, then swap over to tuner 2 and watch something else for a few minutes or see what else is on. Ok 5 minutes is up, hit swap to go back to tuner 1, and the show is still paused but now has 5 minutes ahead buffered. Hit play, hit my 30sec FF about 4-6 times and we are back live w/o suffering through commercials.

Use the swap button and both tuners and you can very easily skip commercials.
Yes, I do that. My previous post was an (obviously lame) attempt to predict a future in which Comcast disables every last control that would permit one to skip over commercials.

rosh400

07-11-06, 10:13 AM

Quick question guys. I have the Comcast 6412 phase III. I had been using the component output of this STB, but today I got HDMI cables and it seems that the picture quality from the component cables is much sharper than the HDMI output.

Anyone else notice the same things?

I have the Comcast Moto Phase III box feeding a Sony 32XBR1 LCD. Maybe its the size of the set but I did extensive A/B comparison of component and HDMI inputs on and HD feed and could not tell the difference. I used INHD broadcast of a Bruce Hornsby concert and compared color, black level, shadow detail, contrast, clarity. I used the DVR functionality to freeze the picture. There was absolutely no discernible difference to my 20 20 eyes. Perhaps some sophisticated measuring equipment could tell the difference, but on this set, I could not. Please note that I used the exact same settings on both inputs.

stevehof

07-11-06, 10:31 AM

4. Does Comcast only use RG6 cable? I thought this was the standard for digital cable, but I can't tell if the no-name coax they used is actually RG6 or RG59 (it's only identified by "18AWG").
Any coax cable installed by Comcast in the last few years is likely to be RG6, but if you're living in an older home, it's probably got RG59 everywhere. It's what was used in the days before digital cable, and it's still OK unless you've got really long cable runs or excess sources of RF noise.

RG6 comes in both dual-shielded and quad-shielded versions. The quad-shielded is great stuff, but it's really stiff, so it's harder to retrofit it into some existing wire runs.

I've got both types in my home, and the signal strength comes through the same on either.

new2hometheater

07-11-06, 11:34 AM

Not to digress, but I had to rip up and replace all of the RG59 to get a decent signal in my house. I ran the wire myself and hired a Comcast tech "off the clock" to come over, use his crimping tools and strength meter. It made a huge difference.

I even had RG59 burried in the ground from the street to the house, and Comcast was on the hook to replace that. Be careful and limit splits and remember that an unconnected cable run stub picks up noise and injects it into the signal.

cavu

07-11-06, 12:51 PM

note that I used the exact same settings on both inputs.And that is to ensure what?!

Have you turned off all your automatic bits on your 32XBR1 such as "Contrast Enhancer" and "Picture Mode"?

Have you separately calibrated your DVI/HDMI input as mentioned above?

rosh400

07-11-06, 02:14 PM

And that is to ensure what?!

Have you turned off all your automatic bits on your 32XBR1 such as "Contrast Enhancer" and "Picture Mode"?

Have you separately calibrated your DVI/HDMI input as mentioned above?

The same settings ensures that differences would be do only to differences in the STB/input combination and not the setings.

Yes, all automitic bits are off.

Unfortunately I cannot calibrate my STB because none of the Comcast channels broadcast a robust package of calibration patterns. INHD unfortunately switched from a program called "Tune Up" to one called "Bars and tones". Bars and tones seems to be useful at best for color and hue, not for white and black levels and even color is difficult because blue/white mag/cyan are not net to each other. Therefore, I am using settings posted by another user on the XBR thread. I have a grid of 18 sets of settings posted on the threads and the settings I am using are the ones that give me the best balance of blacks and shadow details and contrast without crushing whites. Regardless, however, the display through HDMI was significantly better than through component, I think it would be discernable.

P.S. Calibrating with a DVD disk will not work because the settings arrived at only work for the DVD player, not the STB (though they can be used as a starting point)

cavu

07-11-06, 04:23 PM

Calibrating with a DVD disk will not work because the settings arrived at only work for the DVD player, not the STBNot so.

If you use a Bravo D1/D2 or Momitsu V880 or SnaZio 1300 DVD player (which all have the DVI outputs calibrated to the same digital "Studio Video" levels used by the Moto 6412) then, using DVE, Avia or THX Optimizer, you can certainly calibrate the BTB and WTW levels on the particular DVI/HDMI input on your Sony to be used by the Moto 6412 and the settings will be accurate.

rosh400

07-11-06, 05:37 PM

Well I have none of those models so I am back where I started. Nevertheless, the pepsi coke taste test showed the two to be equal. Maybe with another technology or a larger screen, there might be differences but I can't see any on my 32 inch LCD and I looked carefully for about an hour.

pdutia

07-12-06, 07:39 PM

cavu

07-12-06, 07:48 PM

Is this the latest one out there?Probably.
Also are there any special menus I can get to? Any cool hacks?Yes.

PS. "It sometimes looks like we're reflexively rude to newbies and the ignorant. But this isn't really true.

What we are, unapologetically, is hostile to people who seem to be unwilling to think or to do their own homework before asking questions."

I recommend that you read: How To Ask Questions The Smart Way (http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html#intro) !

fender4645

07-12-06, 08:51 PM

All:

Please forgive me if this has been answered before. The thread is too long to read completely (would take me weeks).

I just got HDTV service on Comcast in Berkeley, CA - they have given me a 6412 III cable box. Is this the latest one out there? Or is there a newer box available ?

Also are there any special menus I can get to? Any cool hacks?

Thanks,

If they gave you a 6412 then DS is probably not available yet in Berekeley so, yes, you have the latest (otherwise they would have given you a 3412 which is essentially the same thing without the analog tuner). Check out this (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR) wiki for tips/tricks.

cavu

07-12-06, 10:01 PM

I added an important, really constructive suggestion to my last message (two above this one).

pdutia

07-12-06, 10:30 PM

Probably.Yes.

PS. "It sometimes looks like we're reflexively rude to newbies and the ignorant. But this isn't really true.

What we are, unapologetically, is hostile to people who seem to be unwilling to think or to do their own homework before asking questions."

I recommend that you read: How To Ask Questions The Smart Way (http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html#intro) !

Point Taken!

Sorry.

pdutia

07-12-06, 10:32 PM

If they gave you a 6412 then DS is probably not available yet in Berekeley so, yes, you have the latest (otherwise they would have given you a 3412 which is essentially the same thing without the analog tuner). Check out this (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR) wiki for tips/tricks.

Thank you!!

chad5871

07-12-06, 11:51 PM

Greetings everyone. I just got a second 6412 III STB for my bedroom, and for some reason this box keeps turning off by itself whenever I turn it on and change it to a channel (any channel - Digital, Analog, or HD). I have a feeling there is something wrong with the "buffer" and it just will not stay on whenever it begins to play any type of content. I called Comcast and they said they would "resend the signal and to check back in 30 minutes." Like that's going to help with anything. Should I take the box back and get another one? Our other 6412 III has treated us great since we got it in January.

rosh400

07-13-06, 07:19 AM

Sometimes the signal Comcast sends can help clear a problem. Anyway, what have you got to lose? If it doesn't work, then you can bring it in and swap it for another.

ajwees41

07-13-06, 08:04 AM

donspaulding

07-13-06, 11:26 PM

Hello Everyone.

I have two 6412 phase III's from Insight cable in IL. One of them is registered to my account and authorized to receive my digital channels (leased from Insight, the second one is mine). I was here when the box was installed and saw the installer call in the ID of the box he put in. The other one only gets my standard analog channels (1-79). Is there a way that I can clone the authorized box's ID on my unauthorized box, in order to get the digital content I'm already paying for?

Thanks in advance,

Don

PaulGo

07-13-06, 11:42 PM

cavu

07-14-06, 03:00 AM

One of them is registered to my account and authorized to receive my digital channels (leased from Insight, the second one is mine).Why don't you just call them and ask them to add the second box serial number to your account?!

ssabripo

07-17-06, 10:27 AM

chad5871

07-17-06, 10:47 AM

guys,

one annoying feature that I don't know how to fix....when using a recorded program in your DVR, the rewind and fast forward features suck! even at the fastest speed (4 >>>> ) it goes about a min per sec or so. Is there a way to fast forward (or rewind) by skipping entire chapters or 10 min chunks, etc?

I think the only way to do this would be to program a button for 30 second skip, and then program a button for a macro to hit the button like 20 times (for 10 minutes). Here are the instructions on how to do that:

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

Create a 30 second skip using the following
directions:

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

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

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

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

StuJac

07-17-06, 11:09 AM

shane55

07-17-06, 01:35 PM

Whether or not you program the double 30 second skip it's still HORRIBLE compared to any other DVR (TiVo or even the Panasonic E95). Moving forward or backward in a program on this box is horribly slow.
Oh yeah... I had this sukkah do the 'brain-freeze' thing on me while watching an HD movie the other night.

The movie had finished, but I was lagging behind by about 30 min, or so. When I went to FF though a commercial break it froze on FF1 and went through the entire rest of the movie and kept going... I had to unplug the beast for it to recover. Ugh. This is one serious POS. It almost 'accidently' flew out my window! :eek:

How I long for Tivo...but this HD image makes all these headaches worth it. Kinda. Well, not really. :rolleyes:

shane

ChuckSF

07-17-06, 04:30 PM

Here in greater Palo Alto they have added a digital SciFi channel (160) in addition to the original analog SciFi channel. I selected the digital channel for several single recordings (hoping for a better picture) to be recorded a week or so in advance. Some days later I reviewed my recording schedule and found that the Motorola 6412 now showed that my recordings would be taken from channel 68, the original analog version. The only trick I could think of was to record on BOTH using the two tuners. That seemed to force one of the recordings to use the digital channel.

- Has anyone seen this?

- Any ideas how to force my requests to stick to the channel I want?

bicker1

07-17-06, 04:47 PM

Panasonic E95The Panasonic DMR-E95 is discontinued. Does anyone know if there are any plans for a replacement?

How I long for Tivo...It'll be interesting to see how many people are willing to pay how much extra for the TiVo software...

mcamden

07-17-06, 04:47 PM

I've had the same issue a couple of times -- where I told the DVR to record shows in HD on the HD channels and for some reason the POS that is the Moto 6412 decided to record the SD version on the analog channel. Nothing like sitting down with my wife on a Tuesday night all ready to watch the HBO Saturday Night premiere movie in HD only to discover that it was recorded in poopy-quality SD.

I hope that they can fix this thing with either the Tivo interface or the next gen of iguide.

andyross63

07-17-06, 05:49 PM

moyekj

07-17-06, 07:47 PM

Whether or not you program the double 30 second skip it's still HORRIBLE compared to any other DVR (TiVo or even the Panasonic E95). Moving forward or backward in a program on this box is horribly slow. Note that this is Iguide software limitation, not a limitation of the Motorola DVR itself. Passport Echo software on the same Motorola hardware has the same skip to tick functionality that Tivo has such that you can skip forwards or backwards instantly by up to 15 minute increments. Of course with Passport Echo we don't have a 30-sec skip hack, so pick your poison...

Tybee

07-18-06, 10:39 AM

Nothing like sitting down with my wife on a Tuesday night all ready to watch the HBO Saturday Night premiere movie in HD only to discover that it was recorded in poopy-quality SD.

Doesn't HBO rebroadcast Saturday premieres on Tuesday nights anyway? Or are they not doing that anymore? It's been a year or two since I've had HBO. :(

ajwees41

07-18-06, 10:49 AM

Doesn't HBO rebroadcast Saturday premieres on Tuesday nights anyway? Or are they not doing that anymore? It's been a year or two since I've had HBO. :(

Yes the HBO saturday movies are replayed on Tuesday.

ajwees41

shane55

07-18-06, 01:56 PM

So last night it happened AGAIN!
I had one of the tuners on 707 (Local ABC HD) while I finished watching something else. There may have been 5 or 10 minutes recorded on 707. I rewound to the beginning of the show. Watched it just fine until the commercial... then hit FF to get back to the program. It stuck on FF1 and stayed there forever. Not a couple minutes... we're talking for over 15! During this time I pressed every button many times (including Live, ch swap, etc.) all were non-functional. The speed of FF1 meant that it would never reach the end of the recorded section because with HD, FF1 is basically real time, just silent and jerky. :mad: :eek:

Anyway, after 15 minutes of increased blood preasure I pulled the plug... again. Well, there goes my iGuide for the next 24-48 hours! :mad: :mad:

It used to be bad, but these past two incidents with this POS NEVER waking-up from it's brain freeze has really pushed my 'fry' button. It used to wake up after a couple minutes... but now it won't... ever! :mad: :mad: :mad:

Anyone else have this? :(

shane

crossbeaux

07-18-06, 04:59 PM

Shane, did you try using the buttons on the box itself as well as on the remote? I'm wondering if this is a bad remote. (When I got my last receiver, its remote would stick on volume-up. That will get you up and running to the power switch after a couple of seconds!)

chad5871

07-19-06, 11:45 AM

So last night it happened AGAIN!
Well, there goes my iGuide for the next 24-48 hours! :mad: :mad:

It takes your iGuide that long to re-download all of the information? :eek: When I reset my 6412, it takes about 45 minutes or less to reload all of the information.

shane55

07-19-06, 12:41 PM

cross.... yes, I tried all the buttons on the box as well, even the power button. No go.

Chad. Yes, it can take up to 2 days to gather a week or two of program info. That's ugly enough, but a real oddity is when it dumps info... without a power loss. :confused:

Last night I went to program something a week out. It showed the info for the hour in question and I hit the record button, and bingo... done. Then I went back to check the programming... the show info was gone and it said "To be Announced". Most of the shows near it, within hours and chanels of it, said the same.

Now... 'splane that to me. :mad:

Ugh... this POS is a real nightmare. At least the PQ is outstanding (I gotta keep focussing on the positive!).

shane

rosh400

07-19-06, 01:51 PM

ceccacci

07-19-06, 01:54 PM

That is not nrormal. I don't lose data except for power loss and it takes about 45 minutes, at most 1 hour to reload all the data. I think you have a bum STB. I would have them swap it out. If their office is close by, I would disconnect it and bring it in yourself, but call first and make sure they have a replacement set aside for you.I don't lose data unless there's a power loss, but I do have to unplug for lockups every now and then, so it still happens. And like Shane, mine takes at least 24-48 hours to repopulate all the guide data.

cherry ghost

07-19-06, 02:51 PM

I don't lose data unless there's a power loss, but I do have to unplug for lockups every now and then, so it still happens. And like Shane, mine takes at least 24-48 hours to repopulate all the guide data.

I also have the 24-48 hour problem, but since I don't have the lockup, fast forward, or recording problems that others seem to have, I can live with it. No reason to swap
for another box and risk bigger problems.

IFLYSWA

07-19-06, 02:59 PM

I also have the 24-48 hour problem, but since I don't have the lockup, fast forward, or recording problems that others seem to have, I can live with it. No reason to swap
for another box and risk bigger problems.

I think the time to repopulate the schedule is generally 24-48 hours, although it seems to speed up some if you turn it off (which I rarely do). The stuff close to the present seems to repopulate pretty quickly, but the full sequence takes awhile in my case.

I'm in the same boat, though...the only chronic problem I have is the queued up commands issue. And while it can be inconvenient, I can live with it.

-Randy

Tybee

07-19-06, 03:00 PM

ceccacci

07-19-06, 03:09 PM

I have a 6412 Series 2 box that has never worked well for me. DVR never works, guide sometimes lags 30 seconds until it will register button presses (and then all at once). Signal breaks up a lot (though this is more likely a problem with the signal).I'd like to replace it, preferably with a Series 3 box. Can I just call Comcast and ask for that specifically? Or will they just give me what they feel like giving me?Most likely the customer service rep won't even know what you are talking about. You may have to just go in and see what they have. I don't know that a Phase III box is going to solve any of your problems though....

Tybee

07-19-06, 03:22 PM

Most likely the customer service rep won't even know what you are talking about. You may have to just go in and see what they have. I don't know that a Phase III box is going to solve any of your problems though....

Couldn't hurt. Though I'm pretty sure they won't just let me come in there and get one. I tried to do that the first time and they said "Under no circumstances do we allow customer self-install. Set top boxes must be installed by authorized Comcast personnel blah blah blah..."

I didn't think the people on the phone would be much help at all. I figured my best bet would be to just get a tech to come out and ask him if he had a Phase III in his truck.

shane55

07-19-06, 04:05 PM

Tybee

07-19-06, 04:18 PM

Bum box... sure, why not. :rolleyes:
24-48 hr. refresh for iGuide... yes, with power on or off. And yes current time is first to populate with lower channels almost immediate. The rest just sllllloooooooowwwwwwwlllllllyyyy fills in over the two days. :eek:

So I swap out the box (assuming that is even a possibility where I live… it is Oakland after all!)… what about all I’ve recorded? Hmmm… :confused:

shane

I guess I'm lucky there. My box never successfully records anything, or records it and won't play more than the first 5 seconds before freezing, and always deletes whatever it's recorded within a couple days, regardless of setting changes or available hard drive space. So I can swap boxes with no reservations whatsoever. :rolleyes:

shane55

07-19-06, 04:20 PM

I guess I'm lucky there. My box never successfully records anything, or records it and won't play more than the first 5 seconds before freezing, and always deletes whatever it's recorded within a couple days, regardless of setting changes or available hard drive space. So I can swap boxes with no reservations whatsoever. :rolleyes:
If that wasn't so damn sad it would be very funny! :D :D

shane

crossbeaux

07-19-06, 04:26 PM

So I swap out the box (assuming that is even a possibility where I live… it is Oakland after all!)… what about all I’ve recorded? Hmmm… :confused:
shane
If you swap, you'll lose what you've already recorded on the first box. So you may have to do a marathon viewing session beforehand. "Sorry dear, but I can't clean the garage today. Comcast is coming tomorrow and I've got eight hours of Ben Stiller to get through." :p

shane55

07-19-06, 04:44 PM

If you swap, you'll lose what you've already recorded on the first box. So you may have to do a marathon viewing session beforehand. "Sorry dear, but I can't clean the garage today. Comcast is coming tomorrow and I've got eight hours of Ben Stiller to get through." :p
Yup. Too bad they couldn't just swap HDD's. Unless the HDD was the (part of) problem... of course. :(

As for Stiller... nah. I'm sure you were just kidding, but it's Deadwood, Entourage and some movies I'm concerned about. So, sure a marathon viewing session could work. ;)

shane

Bruce Blakeslee

07-20-06, 10:57 AM

I have a 6412 Series 2 box that has never worked well for me. DVR never works, guide sometimes lags 30 seconds until it will register button presses (and then all at once). Signal breaks up a lot (though this is more likely a problem with the signal).I'd like to replace it, preferably with a Series 3 box. Can I just call Comcast and ask for that specifically? Or will they just give me what they feel like giving me?

Let me say this as emphatically as I can:

CHANGE THE BOX!!!!!!! STOP WAITING!!!! IT IS FREE...

There is no reason to wait. Have Comcast come to the house and change it for you because it sounds like your problems go well beyond the box it self. It sounds like you have a poor signal and the tech needs to check that. They will change the cable into the house and test the lines as well as set up your box.

DO IT TODAY!

sconset

07-20-06, 03:00 PM

Do you have to get a new box from Comcast to get the new menus and screensavers or can you do it by performing at DVR Authorization and Full Factory Reset?

ceccacci

07-20-06, 03:24 PM

Do you have to get a new box from Comcast to get the new menus and screensavers or can you do it by performing at DVR Authorization and Full Factory Reset?You shouldn't have to do anything. When the update is available in your area, all the boxes will get it at once.

Ken H

07-20-06, 10:08 PM

So I swap out the box (assuming that is even a possibility where I live… it is Oakland after all!)… what about all I’ve recorded?Archive to D-VHS.

shane55

07-21-06, 01:47 AM

Archive to D-VHS.
:D :D
If only....

shane

talman

07-21-06, 03:12 PM

Does anyone know if there's a way to specify the output of the digital coax output? Specifically I'm curious as to whether or not the cable box can down mix DD and just output PCM.

What does the digital coax output for those programs not in DD? Thanks!

lax01

07-21-06, 04:16 PM

cavu

07-21-06, 04:34 PM

Does anyone know if there's a way to specify the output of the digital coax output? [...]What does the digital coax output for those programs not in DD?(1) No. You can only alter the analog outputs in the audio setup menus.

(2) The original audio format, whatever that is, is passed through the coax/optical port without modification.

jimbojunko

07-22-06, 01:29 AM

Hello,
I bought a DCT 6412/2000 off of ebay last week, and flashed the firmware to comcast's setup. When I called comcast and asked them to provision the box, they said they won't provision a box they don't own, they told me it would be $15 a month for their box. Has any one bought their box and set it up with comcast?, if so how did you do it?. Thanks!

ajwees41

07-22-06, 01:47 AM

bicker1

07-22-06, 05:57 AM

Yes, unfortunately, cable companies in the United States will not provision boxes that are not their own. You could try to get your money back from the eBay seller, but unless the seller promised that Comcast would provision the box for you, you don't have much chance of that. Sorry, but you're probably out the money.

stevehof

07-23-06, 07:34 PM

I'm curious as to whether or not the cable box can down mix DD and just output PCM.
The 6412 hardware can indeed do this, but the software/firmware isn't currently set up to do it. About a year ago, people were experiencing a bug, in which, under certain conditions that nobody could positively identify, the box was doing exactly this, downmixing DD 5.1 to two channel PCM through the digital outputs. I actually want to do this on occasion, for example, to record the audio from a concert video onto a CD recorder. However, the bug was fixed, and the boxes no longer downmix through the digital outputs. Perhaps it will reappear as a feature in a future release.

MakoShark

07-24-06, 11:58 AM

keenan

07-24-06, 01:43 PM

I'm so pissed! Yesterday the wife and I each recorded a copy of the Nextel Cup Race on TNT. We each have our own DVR. (less arguments over Hard Disk space) When we went to pause, FF or REW all we got was the international NO symbol. All we can do is play the recording or not play it. We can start it over but cannot rewind or fast forward. This occurs on both DVRs. I'm wondering if this wasn't by design to keep us from skipping the commercials. If so, Comcast is getting dropped like a bad habit. I'm not paying for something less useful than my VHS Deck.
I'm sure you'll get more answers but I seem to recall this happening with other FOX programs in the past, might have been the program and/or even the specific Comcast system.

Does it do it on every recording from every channel?

MakoShark

07-24-06, 01:50 PM

I'm sure you'll get more answers but I seem to recall this happening with other FOX programs in the past, might have been the program and/or even the specific Comcast system.

Does it do it on every recording from every channel?

At this time this is the only recording that this has happened to. Other recordings seem to work just fine.

I record the NASCAR races on a regular basis. They are off next week so I will be two weeks before I can determine if this is only happening to the Nextel Cup Races. We recorded the Busch races and did not have a problem.

Since this happened to both of our DVRs I suspect others had the same problem. I'll be calling Comcast tonight looking for answers.

walk

07-24-06, 03:16 PM

heh...you're kidding right? you're lucky if you get an actual DD stream out fo the coax/optical ports...
Guess I'm very lucky then, it works 100% every time for me.

MakoShark, that's a classic DVR lockup situation. Try unplugging the box.

MakoShark

07-24-06, 03:23 PM

MakoShark, that's a classic DVR lockup situation. Try unplugging the box.

Tried that, same result. It is highly unlikly that the lockup occured on two boxes at the same time. One was unused.

andyross63

07-24-06, 05:22 PM

I'm so pissed! Yesterday the wife and I each recorded a copy of the Nextel Cup Race on TNT. We each have our own DVR. (less arguments over Hard Disk space) When we went to pause, FF or REW all we got was the international NO symbol. All we can do is play the recording or not play it. We can start it over but cannot rewind or fast forward. This occurs on both DVRs. I'm wondering if this wasn't by design to keep us from skipping the commercials. If so, Comcast is getting dropped like a bad habit. I'm not paying for something less useful than my VHS Deck.
Most likely it's just a glitch that is making it think it's protected. It could also be some corruption in the recording preventing FF/REW from working. Since it happened on two DVR's, it could have been some information encoded in the signal that was misread.

MakoShark

07-25-06, 08:40 AM

Most likely it's just a glitch that is making it think it's protected. It could also be some corruption in the recording preventing FF/REW from working. Since it happened on two DVR's, it could have been some information encoded in the signal that was misread.

Thanks Andy. Comcast's CSR said the same thing. It still doesn't make me happy, especially on a five hour recording.

weldon

07-25-06, 09:41 AM

There were some issues with FOX HD channels in certain markets when the 6412 was first released where programs recorded from these channels would not FF or RWD. People made a huge stink about a FOX conspiracy to remove those capabilities, etc. Turned out that it was a mistake and it was fixed in these markets over the next couple weeks.

I'm not sure what the issue was, but some have indicated that there was a bug in the iGuide software which was fixed in later versions and some have said that it was an error in the signal that FOX delivered to Comcast for broadcast over their digital cable system and some have said it was an problem in the equipment that Comcast uses to encode the signals for use on their cable system. I'm not really sure, but I do know that it's not intentional and can be corrected.

What software version is running on your DVR?

MakoShark

07-25-06, 01:06 PM

bshor

07-25-06, 01:53 PM

I will be receiving a 6412 shortly in Chicago, IL.

Does the box output audio simultaneously? I would like to connect the box to my TV for normal viewing through its small speakers (via RCA out), and to the receiver for movies (via SPDIF out).

I once had an older Comcast Motorola box that did this. Does the 6412?

I tried searching this thread as well as reading the WikiBook, but no luck.

bobby94928

07-25-06, 01:58 PM

cavu

07-25-06, 02:20 PM

Does the box output audio simultaneously?All audio and video outputs are live; mix and match to your heart's content.

shane55

07-25-06, 03:41 PM

Soooooo.....
After my Comcrap Moto 6412 PIII pulled another one of it's famous input freezes (where I hit either FF1 or Rew1 and it never, ever wakes up... must hard reset), I called them and I'll be getting a new box on Saturday.

I'll let you all know how the new one works... or doesn't. :o

shane

sconset

07-25-06, 04:28 PM

ceccacci

07-25-06, 04:42 PM

I have a 6412 II and want to know if anyone knows how to display the closed captioning without going into the service menu when the power is turned off on the box. Just switched from a Sony CRT to a Pioneer plasma and the Pioneer isn't great with the CC either. Are the series III any better...?Phase III is the same. The only way to display the CC is to go into the service menu.

scanpa

07-25-06, 04:43 PM

I have a 6412 II and want to know if anyone knows how to display the closed captioning without going into the service menu when the power is turned off on the box. Just switched from a Sony CRT to a Pioneer plasma and the Pioneer isn't great with the CC either. Are the series III any better...?

Sorry,

you have to turn the STB to the standby mode and press menu to change any CC / Digital CC settings.

the only way to turn the STB off is to unplug the power cord.

lmmmmm

07-25-06, 06:35 PM

I have my TV programmed into DVR remote.

When i press ALL ON it turns on cable box and tv.

When I press ALL ON again it only turns off cable box NOT the tv.

Any ideas????

sconset

07-25-06, 06:50 PM

I have my TV programmed into DVR remote.

When i press ALL ON it turns on cable box and tv.

When I press ALL ON again it only turns off cable box NOT the tv.

Any ideas????

Disable DVR Power key

1. Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2. Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3. Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice.
4. Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button.
5. Type in the code 00000.
6. Press the "Power" button.
7. You will get 2 blinks if successful.

kevini

07-25-06, 08:44 PM

I have my TV programmed into DVR remote.

When i press ALL ON it turns on cable box and tv.

When I press ALL ON again it only turns off cable box NOT the tv.

Any ideas????

Your TV probably has discreat On and Off commands. You will need to program an "Off" button

lmmmmm

07-26-06, 11:48 AM

SCONSET:

Maybe I wasnt clear enough. I want both the cable box and tv to turn off by pressing ALL ON. Would your instructions eliminate the cable box from being turned off?? Thanks for your reply.

Disable DVR Power key

1. Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2. Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3. Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice.
4. Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button.
5. Type in the code 00000.
6. Press the "Power" button.
7. You will get 2 blinks if successful.

Dave Harper

07-26-06, 11:53 AM

What he's saying is that some devices have one remote command that toggles the power ON and OFF. Others have separate commands, one for ON and one for OFF. If that's what your TV has, then that feature probably won't work since that button sends the ON command when pressed.

Oooops, noticed it was Kevini that mentioned the discrete commends, but I think sconset was trying to give a solution.

jeffb831

07-26-06, 12:04 PM

SCONSET:

Maybe I wasnt clear enough. I want both the cable box and tv to turn off by pressing ALL ON. Would your instructions eliminate the cable box from being turned off?? Thanks for your reply.

It has been stated may times in this thread that it is best to never turn the DVR off to avoid many of the problems that can arise. Off isn't really off, it is just in standby mode and is still running.

ak3883

07-26-06, 12:49 PM

It has been stated may times in this thread that it is best to never turn the DVR off to avoid many of the problems that can arise. Off isn't really off, it is just in standby mode and is still running.

You guys always say it's still running, and that is true, but the only thing disabled is not the video/audio outputs. When put in standby mode, the hard drive stops buffering the channels on the 2 tuners. At least on my 6412 PII that's the case. Would it lead to premature hard disk failure if you left the heads writing on the hard drive 24/7?(I'm asking, I really don't know)

weldon

07-26-06, 01:04 PM

When put in standby mode, the hard drive stops buffering the channels on the 2 tuners. Would it lead to premature hard disk failure if you left the heads writing on the hard drive 24/7?(I'm asking, I really don't know)
My opinion is that the drives will still outlast the useful life of the box. And if they don't, you're leasing it so a replacement box is not more than a phone call away.

ssabripo

07-26-06, 03:21 PM

jeffb831

07-26-06, 03:36 PM

You didn't specify who your cable provider is but Comcast doesn't show any of the premium channel indemand programs in HD, only SD.

ssabripo

07-26-06, 03:39 PM

You didn't specify who your cable provider is but Comcast doesn't show any of the premium channel indemand programs in HD, only SD.
yes..I have comcast! :(

ok..that explains it.

weldon

07-26-06, 03:56 PM

In the Denver market, Comcast is showing some of the TNT-HD programs on indemand. You should check your market as well.

scanpa

07-26-06, 04:00 PM

here is a pathetic question....... :o

how come I can't see any INdemand programs for HD content? For example, when watching HBO-HD, and in the info it has the IN-demand symbol, when I press On-Demand, it just goes to channel 1 and shows all the indemand stuff available, which doesn't include ANY HD programming other than the free HD movies.

what gives? am I missing a step, or is it just not available?

if your talking about the "on-demand" pop up in the info bar, that just lets you know that the channel you are watching also has programming available in the "on-demand" system. and yes there is HD / wide screen available content.

The Yar

07-26-06, 05:07 PM

Yes, I have TNT-HD On-Demand here in ATL as well.

I'm having trouble searching through this 280-page thread to figure it out on my own, but doesn anyone have any up-to-date info on TiVo+Comcast?

scanpa

07-26-06, 05:10 PM

Already a topic covering that subject.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=682350

lmmmmm

07-27-06, 01:08 AM

Just so i have it straight. Pressing the power button when it is on just puts it in standby mode?? Since I run my sound from the box to my sound amp I turn it "off" (whatever that means). I suppose I can just leave the box "ON" and mute the sound from the box and turn the TV off. Im going to assume totally off means power cord disconnected.

It has been stated may times in this thread that it is best to never turn the DVR off to avoid many of the problems that can arise. Off isn't really off, it is just in standby mode and is still running.

jeffb831

07-27-06, 01:15 PM

Just so i have it straight. Pressing the power button when it is on just puts it in standby mode?? Since I run my sound from the box to my sound amp I turn it "off" (whatever that means). I suppose I can just leave the box "ON" and mute the sound from the box and turn the TV off. Im going to assume totally off means power cord disconnected.

If the TV is off and the amp is off, there is no need to worry about muting the sound.

marx-7

07-27-06, 01:47 PM

ceccacci

07-27-06, 01:53 PM

The cable box's volume control only works with the analog outputs, regardless of what you've got it connected to. The optical outputs are fixed volume, like most other devices.

marx-7

07-27-06, 01:59 PM

The cable box's volume control only works with the analog outputs, regardless of what you've got it connected to. The optical outputs are fixed volume, like most other devices.

Thank you so much for the info. What about the other, non-optical, digital line out. Does that ouput a fixed volume as well?

ceccacci

07-27-06, 02:03 PM

Thank you so much for the info. What about the other, non-optical, digital line out. Does that ouput a fixed volume as well?'Fraid so. Best solution is to get a programable remote, so you can set the volume buttons to control the receiver volume without switching from DVR mode or using two remotes.

marx-7

07-27-06, 02:26 PM

'Fraid so. Best solution is to get a programable remote, so you can set the volume buttons to control the receiver volume without switching from DVR mode or using two remotes.

Well, at least I now know that it's not me or the AVR. I didn't know that all digital output is fixed. Thanks again.

jeffb831

07-27-06, 02:35 PM

Well, at least I now know that it's not me or the AVR. I didn't know that all digital output is fixed. Thanks again.

If you always use the AVR for sound, you can program the AUX mode to control the AVR then change the volume lock to this from the TV.

Check out http://www.urcsupport.com/ for info on setting the DVR remote

marx-7

07-27-06, 04:07 PM

If you always use the AVR for sound, you can program the AUX mode to control the AVR then change the volume lock to this from the TV.

Check out http://www.urcsupport.com/ for info on setting the DVR remote

Thanks for the link. I will try it when I get home. I just would have liked to keep the OSD of where the volume was.

pdutia

07-27-06, 04:42 PM

Something really weird happened to me the other day. I had my 6412/II hooked up to a Panasonic junk HTIB and was able to use the Moto's volume control via cablebox. I FINALLY got rid of the HTIB and replaced it with the Marantz SR4500 AVR. When I switched to the Marantz, I also switched from analog audio to optical audio. Well now the cablebox will not control the audio like it did. Sure the OSD volume moves when I change it, but nothing else happens. I have to switch it to the AVR's volume to control output. Now I don't mind doing this, but my wife is getting ready to make me go back to the HTIB :eek: !!! With my Panasonic HTIB, I had it set so when the 6412's volume hit the "stereo" mark, it was at reference level (and this is what I am trying to do again).

Please help, I have no idea what to do!

There is a solution... although a bit convoluted.

First you need to program your AVR's volume up and down buttons into the remote control (I am assuming you have already done this.)

Next step is to tell the remote control that no matter what component is selected, volume keys always control your AVR. You can do this by first pressing and holding setup until red light flashes. The press 993. Red light will flash again. Then press the component key for your receiver. (for example if your AVR controls are set to receiver, then press the receiver key).

There is one down side to this whole thing. If your STB goes into auto mute while recording, pressing the mute key will have no effect. This is really unfortunate. If you wish to un mute, you will have to undo the above steps by pressing setup, 993, and then the volume up key.

All this is of course assuming you are using the standard Comcast remote that comes with the Moto STB.

One way to get around the mute problem is to program the mute key function into another key on the remote (like HD Zoom that does nothing at all) The only way I know of how to do this is to have another learning remote that has learnt the mute key function and then teach the same function back to the moto box for the other key you have decided to use.

Of course you can skip all this nonsense and just go get a nice Harmony for ~$50

-Hope this helps.

marx-7

07-27-06, 04:59 PM

There is a solution... although a bit convoluted.

First you need to program your AVR's volume up and down buttons into the remote control (I am assuming you have already done this.)

Next step is to tell the remote control that no matter what component is selected, volume keys always control your AVR. You can do this by first pressing and holding setup until red light flashes. The press 993. Red light will flash again. Then press the component key for your receiver. (for example if your AVR controls are set to receiver, then press the receiver key).

There is one down side to this whole thing. If your STB goes into auto mute while recording, pressing the mute key will have no effect. This is really unfortunate. If you wish to un mute, you will have to undo the above steps by pressing setup, 993, and then the volume up key.

All this is of course assuming you are using the standard Comcast remote that comes with the Moto STB.

One way to get around the mute problem is to program the mute key function into another key on the remote (like HD Zoom that does nothing at all) The only way I know of how to do this is to have another learning remote that has learnt the mute key function and then teach the same function back to the moto box for the other key you have decided to use.

Of course you can skip all this nonsense and just go get a nice Harmony for ~$50

-Hope this helps.

It's funny how a PJ I got for $30 turned into an HT room that is pushing $5k and now an extra $50/mo for comcast. Anyway, I am using the Moto OEM remote and my Panny AE900U remote (I only need the Marantz AVR remote to switch inputs and run pink noise tests). I use the Panny's remote because of it's backlighting, but my wife doesn't like the layout because it's not as easy to navigate iGuide with. I will get a nice universal remote when I am done upgrading the surround speakers and mounts for my front 3 speakers (~2-4 months). To make sure that I get all the features/capabilities that I need, I think I will need to spend a bit more than $50 on a URC.

About this mute bug, I have never had that happen. Are you saying that it only happens when locking the volume to an AVR? I have never heard of or had an auto mute happen when recording, even on both tuners at the same time.

scanpa

07-27-06, 05:37 PM

It's funny how a PJ I got for $30 turned into an HT room that is pushing $5k and now an extra $50/mo for comcast. Anyway, I am using the Moto OEM remote and my Panny AE900U remote (I only need the Marantz AVR remote to switch inputs and run pink noise tests). I use the Panny's remote because of it's backlighting, but my wife doesn't like the layout because it's not as easy to navigate iGuide with. I will get a nice universal remote when I am done upgrading the surround speakers and mounts for my front 3 speakers (~2-4 months). To make sure that I get all the features/capabilities that I need, I think I will need to spend a bit more than $50 on a URC.

About this mute bug, I have never had that happen. Are you saying that it only happens when locking the volume to an AVR? I have never heard of or had an auto mute happen when recording, even on both tuners at the same time.

The Auto Mute only happens when you have the STB in the standby mode (off) and it has to awaken for a timed recording. It mutes the Audio outputs incase you left your Audio Amp Device on.

marx-7

07-28-06, 08:59 AM

The Auto Mute only happens when you have the STB in the standby mode (off) and it has to awaken for a timed recording. It mutes the Audio outputs incase you left your Audio Amp Device on.

Well that makes sense as to why I have never experienced the bug. I learned long ago not to turn the thing off. Thanks again guys!

pdutia

07-28-06, 12:35 PM

To make sure that I get all the features/capabilities that I need, I think I will need to spend a bit more than $50 on a URC.

Actually you can get a nice Logitech Harmony for ~$50 which will do almost anything more expensive remotes will, minus the fancy LCD displays.

Anyway, good luck!

Jack D

07-31-06, 10:19 PM

I'm desperate to find a way to avoid having the 6412 do any processing of video signals since I have a Crystalio II video process that can do it so much better. I've tried to get a response out of my local Comcast (Montgomery Country MD) and pretty much got crap.

Currently I set the default HD out to 1080i but that means that for all 720p stations the stupid 6412 is re-interlacing the signal and scaling it to 1080. That has to degrade the PQ.

1. I've seen on this thread from last year that there was a beta version of the passthough capable FW but I don't know if it has made it to production yet. Anyone have any news on that front?

2. Another thought: A way to avoid the 6412 processing is to switch its default mode of processing HD signals depending on the HD channel you are watching. This isn't easy, however, because you have to turn off the 6412 to get to the set up menu. Anyone thought of a good way to do this?

thanks.

lax01

07-31-06, 11:58 PM

scanpa

08-01-06, 12:25 AM

moyekj

08-01-06, 03:30 AM

Jack D

08-01-06, 06:56 AM

Jack,

After the 52xx series Moto STB there has been no native pass through of the Video Signal in any of the STB series.

This is not a F/W issue, it is the STB software problem. We have never got a reply back from Motorola about this issue.

Were all hoping the Panasonic DVR's will have this STB feature.

All of the FIOS based 64xx & 34xx are the same as cable. No Native pass through.

Oh. :( Why the reference to Panasonic DVRs? Is CC going to switch?

I was watching ESPNHD last night and tried turning off the 6412, reseting default to 720p, and turning on but the picture went green! Don't know what that is about. thx

Jack D

08-01-06, 06:59 AM

Firewire puts out native transport stream as is without scaling if that's any help...

Yeah I saw the references to that in this thread. The problem is that, while the CII has FW inputs, it doesn't list FW as a possible video input. Also with FW can you split off the sound to a surround processor or it has to go with the video signal? In any case, I do not think it will be possible for companies to allow use of FW for video because it would violate the HDCP rules since it would allow an HD video signal without encryption.

thx

Jack D

08-01-06, 07:01 AM

Some people in Europe have modded their HD STBs (Sky) for HD SDI interface which would solve the problem in a big way. I know Pixel Magic Systems is developing an HD SDI mod so maybe someone will figure out a way to mod the 6412. At least those of us who have one of the new gen of external VPs that are HD SDI capable will benefit.

Dave Harper

08-01-06, 08:48 AM

Firewire puts out native transport stream as is without scaling if that's any help...

That's exactly what I was thinking too. If you have a firewire input or another device like a D-VHS with firewire then you can get native that way. One down side is that you lose the on-screen graphics.

weldon

08-01-06, 10:09 AM

Also with FW can you split off the sound to a surround processor or it has to go with the video signal? In any case, I do not think it will be possible for companies to allow use of FW for video because it would violate the HDCP rules since it would allow an HD video signal without encryption.
1) The firewire output is simultaneous with the other outputs so, yes, there will be sound coming out of the stereo jacks or digital audio outputs as well as through the firewire port.

2) I'm not sure what the second part of your question really means, but firewire supports encrypted signals and the 6412 supports 5c encryption which can prevent recording the video stream. Perhaps you meant that a VP device that took the 5c encrypted stream and put out unencrypted HD would break the HDCP rules? If so, then you are right that such a device would break the rules for maintaining the integrity of the encryption.

scanpa

08-01-06, 12:28 PM

Oh. :( Why the reference to Panasonic DVRs? Is CC going to switch?

Comcast has completed the last purchase of /\/\otorola STB. Panasonic is the new maker of HD-DVR STB for Comcast, due out winter 2006 / spring 2007.

There is also still 2 years left on the SA STB Deal.

weldon

08-01-06, 12:34 PM

That has interesting implications for the TiVo deal. If the TiVo software only runs on the Motorola platform, then it can only be sold to a limited number of customers. Is there any talk of TiVo developing software for the Panasonic platform?

If TiVo on Comcast is a huge success, I suppose Comcast would open another order with Motorola?

Jim Miller

08-01-06, 01:07 PM

Any info on the Panny STB? Features, limitations, heat, UI?

tnx
jim

Bigboy1868

08-01-06, 03:30 PM

Im a bit confused on the differences between DVI-D 24+1 pin connections and DVI-D 18+1 pin connections. Im trying to find the best cable for to connect my Comcast Motorola DCT6412 HDTV reciver to my Pannisonic TH-50PX60U. The Reciver has a DVI-D 24 pin connection and my Plasma has a HDMI connection. All the cables I see for a DVD to HDMI connection use the DVI-D 18+1 male connectior. Would this work on a 24pin female connector. Please help.

Rudy1

08-01-06, 03:43 PM

Dave Harper

08-01-06, 03:53 PM

This should also work for you:

http://www.bestdealcables.com/Detail.aspx?ItemID=167

Let me know if you need one. I can probably sell it at a discount under the price listed.

The 18 pin is a single link and the 24 pin is a dual link cable.

Dave Harper

08-01-06, 03:58 PM

These might help explain it some:

http://extron.com/technology/archive.asp?id=dedigform
http://extron.com/technology/archive.asp?id=dvihdmi_ts

Jack D

08-01-06, 06:32 PM

1) The firewire output is simultaneous with the other outputs so, yes, there will be sound coming out of the stereo jacks or digital audio outputs as well as through the firewire port.

2) I'm not sure what the second part of your question really means, but firewire supports encrypted signals and the 6412 supports 5c encryption which can prevent recording the video stream. Perhaps you meant that a VP device that took the 5c encrypted stream and put out unencrypted HD would break the HDCP rules? If so, then you are right that such a device would break the rules for maintaining the integrity of the encryption.

1. As long as FW allows me to route the audio via coax to my sourround processor I don't think I care if the sound is going somewhere else as well.

2. Yeah maybe I was confused. If the FW maintains the HDCP encryption I don't see why the makers of my video processor would not want to implement it for video. The Crystalio II has two FW slots but they will only be activated with a furture firmware upgrade since the unit has just recently hit the market. I do not know, however, if they plan to allow input of video via FW. It could just be that they intend to use that for data transmission to the built in hard drive for moving video on or off the internal hard drive.

The best solution for me would be if I could mod the 6412 for HD SDI interface. Then I would be in digital heaven! Totally bypass any processing in the 6412. I don't know if I would then lose oher features on teh 6412. I suppose it would depend on how the mod was implemented. Then again, I don't know what Comcast's policy would be. At some point I would swap the 6412 for another model and then they probably wouldn't be too happy that I had modded it.

Jack D

08-01-06, 06:34 PM

Comcast has completed the last purchase of /\/\otorola STB. Panasonic is the new maker of HD-DVR STB for Comcast, due out winter 2006 / spring 2007.

There is also still 2 years left on the SA STB Deal.

So maybe there is hope after all. Then again, maybe the panny will be a piece of crap too. :D

Dave Harper

08-01-06, 06:42 PM

....2. Yeah maybe I was confused. If the FW maintains the HDCP encryption I don't see why the makers of my video processor would not want to implement it for video. The Crystalio II has two FW slots but they will only be activated with a furture firmware upgrade since the unit has just recently hit the market. I do not know, however, if they plan to allow input of video via FW. It could just be that they intend to use that for data transmission to the built in hard drive for moving video on or off the internal hard drive.

FYI, Firewire uses 5C copy protection, not HDCP, but you can cross the two, as long as you don't convert to analog. Many including myself do it with the JVC 30000U D-VHS VCR and the Samsung T-165. We send FW out of the JVC thru to the Samsung's DVI output to maintain an all digital signal for D-Theater/D-VHS tapes.

shane55

08-01-06, 06:44 PM

So maybe there is hope after all. Then again, maybe the panny will be a piece of crap too. :D
:D
That would be very funny if it weren't so sad... ;)

For some reason though, I have just a little more faith in Panny than Moto.

shane

Dave Harper

08-01-06, 06:45 PM

You may want to ask if the Chrystallio II implements 5C on their FW ports.

scanpa

08-01-06, 10:37 PM

So maybe there is hope after all. Then again, maybe the panny will be a piece of crap too. :D

It does have a 250GB HDD in it, reported to have 4 Digital Tuners. 1 Data, 3 Cable Tuners, It is OCAP based.

There is a Topic started in this forum for the upcoming DVR.

mcamden

08-02-06, 08:21 AM

Wow; 3 cable tuners! That's awesome. The 250GB HDD will also be a vast improvement; I can't see why a company would put anything smaller than that in an HD DVR (I know cost; but it's dang inconvenient).

jeffb831

08-02-06, 10:39 AM

It does have a 250GB HDD in it, reported to have 4 Digital Tuners. 1 Data, 3 Cable Tuners, It is OCAP based.

There is a Topic started in this forum for the upcoming DVR.

I was unable to locate it. Do you have a link to this topic?

scanpa

08-02-06, 10:56 AM

I was unable to locate it. Do you have a link to this topic?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=640348

crossbeaux

08-02-06, 01:09 PM

IFLYSWA

08-02-06, 02:25 PM

When I looked at my recording list this morning, the last item on the list (the oldest recording) was gone. In its place was another of those blank entries from 1998 or whenever. I now have two of them (the first one was there from day one). The item that disappeared was a movie (non-HD) that I'd saved for a month or two because my wife said she wanted to watch it but never got around to it. I'd already played it for myself.

I understand that it takes a reset or reformat to get rid of these blank entries. But does anyone know if they take up actual disk space (perhaps the disk space used to store the program that disappeared)? Are there any known scenarios that cause these blank entries to be created? Should I be worried about this, other than being irritated that one of my saved items is gone?

I could be wrong on this, but I am pretty sure that your existing recording is there, it just lost its link to the database info (title, etc.) so the machine is substituting info, like a plug number for the date...the first date the OS is designed to recognize. If I remember correctly, some people have their 'lost' recordings show back up when the 'phantom' recording goes away....unless they have to wipe everything to take care of it. So I think the space used will be equal to that of the program you lost. I've had one on my system for quite awhile, and I am just living with it until it either goes away or I get a new box down the line...

-Randy

cavu

08-02-06, 02:34 PM

The item that disappeared was a movie (non-HD) that I'd saved for a month or two because my wife said she wanted to watch it but never got around to it.Start the DVR recording something/anything (doesn't matter what).

WHILE THE MACHINE IS RECORDING: pull the power plug! Give it 30 seconds and plug it back in; the machine will be forced to "reindex" its directory. It will take a few minutes to sort itself out.

You may find your missing recording has returned and the phantom recordings gone.

IFLYSWA

08-02-06, 02:39 PM

Start the DVR recording something/anything (doesn't matter what).

WHILE THE MACHINE IS RECORDING: pull the power plug! Give it 30 seconds and plug it back in; the machine will be forced to "reindex" its directory. It will take a few minutes to sort itself out.

You may find your missing recording has returned and the phantom recordings gone.

This is definitely a YMMV thing...I've repeated this method on here a couple of times, and it has worked for me in the past. It didn't work (even after multiple attempts) on my current phantom. It is definitely worth a try, though, crossbeaux....

-Randy

andyross63

08-02-06, 05:33 PM

There are several reasons for the phantom 12/31/89 recordings. I've had them happen when rebooting the box, even when it was shut off at the time!!

If it's due to a lost link, it will usually fix itself after a reboot or two. I've found sometimes it takes two close together. After the first, I check the list as soon as it lets me. If it's still there, I reboot again. That has recovered a few recordings.

If that doesn't do it, you can try deleting it, BUT, that must be done carefully. I've found you can often delete them if you reboot, wait until you can get at the recording list, then delete them immediately. Do not try to play or view any other recording until after you try the delete.

Otherwise, never try to delete or play one of these. It can mangle things. If you have tried to delete or play one, and you can no longer access other recordings, try rebooting. (By rebooting, I mean unplug from power for a few seconds.)

At the worst, you can do a DVR reset, which will wipe out ALL recordings, scheduled recordings, and series list!!

A few links:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Bugs#There_is_a_recording_with_a_blank_title_and_a_date_of_1 2.2F31.2F1989
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Resets

Couch Patato

08-02-06, 07:13 PM

I discovered that when I had one & my HDD was almost full, ( I had gone in & made all of my recordings " I delete" ) & I was recording something new & hit the limit, It deleted the phantom recording on it's own since it was not designated "I delete".

Then a few days later, an old recording that I had deleted a few weeks earlier came back from the dead.

crossbeaux

08-03-06, 03:41 PM

scanpa

08-03-06, 04:09 PM

Well, I tried the "start recording something and then unplug" suggestion. Unfortunately, as a result, I now have three phantom recordings instead of two. I tried it a couple of times, and once I went immediately into the recordings list and tried to delete one of the phantoms. When I did that, the X on the delete confirmation button went away and by an internal error message appeared, with an error code HD (I presume that means hard disk) and instructions to call tech support. Instead I rebooted and things seem to be working, other than having three phantoms now instead of two. Darn.

edit. Sorry, the error code was NH, not HD. Don't know what those letters mean.

You need to clear the Hard Drive. (erase all content)

DVR Hard Drive Reset

NOTE *** This will delete all stored shows on the Hard Drive!
This will also delete all of your scheduled recording settings!

1. STB should be turned on
2. Press Cable, Power off, ok/Select, to bring up the Diagnostics Page
3. With diagnostics page showing press Replay (15-sec rewind), My DVR, My DVR, My DVR, Live.
4. Your STB should now show "Clr" in the LED display.
5. Press ok/Select to proceed with the reset (and presumably Exit to cancel).
6. The STB should now reformat the HD & then peform a STB reset and begin to reload your Cable settings and Time Settings from the Head End. It will then begin to populate the Guide data over the nexr 2 - 24 hours.

Dave Harper

08-03-06, 04:41 PM

...........
edit. Sorry, the error code was NH, not HD. Don't know what those letters mean.

"NH" means "No Hope":p

scanpa

08-03-06, 05:47 PM

"NH" means "No Hope":p

ROFLMBO! Good one Dave...

crossbeaux

08-03-06, 06:02 PM

Thanks folks. Good call on the code, Dave. scanpa, I appreciate you reposting the reset sequence so I don't have to hunt for it. I'll try to watch all my saved items and then do a drive reset. Luckily it's summer, so my drive is only about 30% full.

brookspw

08-03-06, 06:42 PM

I tried searching but couldn't find anything on this.

I want to set a series record for the NFL Network -- NFL Total Access.

It comes on at 5pm and 8pm CST. The second show is just a re-air of the first. Problem is that my machine records both.

I have it set to "first run only", not repeats. Is there a way to set it so that it only records the first, original airing?

I can't really do a time recording because they move the time sometimes.

HD Rookie

08-03-06, 06:56 PM

Dave Harper

08-04-06, 02:10 PM

ROFLMBO! Good one Dave...

I thought you'd like that one;) (Now get me on that Central PA Comcast Beta Test program for the TiVo:D!!!)

If you have a sec, could you PM me on an issue I'm having with Comcast Lancaster? I'd really appreciate your knowledgeable input on it. Thanks!!!

scanpa

08-04-06, 04:28 PM

I thought you'd like that one;) (Now get me on that Central PA Comcast Beta Test program for the TiVo:D!!!)

If you have a sec, could you PM me on an issue I'm having with Comcast Lancaster? I'd really appreciate your knowledgeable input on it. Thanks!!!

I would if I could.

Dave Harper

08-04-06, 04:35 PM

Awe, come on....you don't want me to throw another tornado at you, do you:eek:;)

sm8000

08-04-06, 11:02 PM

Couch Patato

08-05-06, 03:09 AM

Well, tonight my 6412 decided to crap out and do nothing but hunt. It starts with Eb09, hunts, then sits for a few seconds each on Eb02, Eb11, and Eb07. I tried the DVR reset per the wiki but when I hit OK on the remote the display just sits on 'n dl'. If I hit Select on the box it just hunts once and goes back to 'n dl'. Is there any last minute hope for this?

My phase II box did that in June. Got back from a trip & it was dead. Unplugged it & plugged it back in & all's it would do is what yours is doing.

Forget about it! It's dead & it's never coming back to life.:(

Just get a new box. Someone on hear told me the last time they saw a box do that something on the power board was fried.

andyross63

08-05-06, 09:25 AM

Well, tonight my 6412 decided to crap out and do nothing but hunt. It starts with Eb09, hunts, then sits for a few seconds each on Eb02, Eb11, and Eb07. I tried the DVR reset per the wiki but when I hit OK on the remote the display just sits on 'n dl'. If I hit Select on the box it just hunts once and goes back to 'n dl'. Is there any last minute hope for this?
Your box cannot communicate to get the download for some reason, or the flash ROM has become corrupt. It's also possible the OOB tuner (the one that listens to the special data channel) has gone bad. You should also verify that you are getting a signal to the box, and that a cable didn't become unplugged, or some RF amp unplugged.

sm8000

08-05-06, 10:44 AM

How would I verify that the box is getting a signal? All the cabling is secure, from the wall to the box. What is an RF amp and how do I check it?

ssabripo

08-05-06, 11:34 AM

IFLYSWA

08-05-06, 11:45 AM

ARRRRRRRGGGH!!! :mad:

I set the DVR on the 6412 to record Thomas and Friends for my son, for "all episodes"....and now, I cannot figure out a way to cancel it so it doesn't record any more episodes!! :(

everytime I goto scheduled recordings, I have to scroll day by day (which is a million basically) to eliminate scheduled recordings! :mad:

what gives? how do I tell the stupid thing to STOP recording all the shows....?? :confused:

Go to the Menu, select DVR, select Scheduled Recordings, then select any one of the upcoming 'Thomas' recordings, select Set or Cancel Recording (the red ball), select Modify Series Recording, then select Don't Record This Series.

Or you can do it through the Series Priority list...but most people don't confirm what they do there and it tends to screw everything up.

kjbawc

08-05-06, 09:07 PM

When I looked at my recording list this morning, the last item on the list (the oldest recording) was gone. In its place was another of those blank entries from 1998 or whenever. I now have two of them (the first one was there from day one). The item that disappeared was a movie (non-HD) that I'd saved for a month or two because my wife said she wanted to watch it but never got around to it. I'd already played it for myself.

I understand that it takes a reset or reformat to get rid of these blank entries. But [B]does anyone know if they take up actual disk space[B] (perhaps the disk space used to store the program that disappeared)? Are there any known scenarios that cause these blank entries to be created? Should I be worried about this, other than being irritated that one of my saved items is gone?

I have three 12/31/89 recordings listed on my HDD. At one time, I cleared all of my stored recordings, so only the three were left. It showed 95% recording time left. Whether one, or all three, cause 5% to be taken up, I don't know.

Is it possible you lost your oldest recording by trying to delete the 12/31/89 entry? Some times when I have tried to delete them, I have lost the oldest entry. I also tried the "unplug while recording" method, and just got a 4th such entry, but it did go away on its own a little while later. Next time I see "Tune Up" scheduled on an HD channel, so I can record it for the test signals, I will reformat the HDD, and be rid of those buggers!

DAB

08-06-06, 12:33 PM

sm8000

08-06-06, 12:59 PM

kjbawc

08-06-06, 07:03 PM

I have reviewed the manual, and searched here. I am still confused, I have COmcast 6412-III>HDMI>NEC50XR5HD-sound SPIF>5.1. PQ looks very good. I set the box to 16:9.
I have been seeing other threads talking about HD & SD being transmited 480I- P &720I and so-forth.
How do i find out if my com-box is set interally corect? the be able to get the best HD_PQ. The menu button on the remote does n't give me much help..
db
if you could PM it would be best- this thread is getting to big..

What sm8000 said, if you need to change the setting. But, just to tell what your TV is receiving, which is what the STB is outputting, select an HD channel, and hit the info button on your TV, or whatever they call the button on your brand, that will show you if you are getting 1080i, or 720p, over your HDMI input.

gaderson

08-06-06, 10:52 PM

Bum box... sure, why not. :rolleyes:
24-48 hr. refresh for iGuide... yes, with power on or off. And yes current time is first to populate with lower channels almost immediate. The rest just sllllloooooooowwwwwwwlllllllyyyy fills in over the two days. :eek:

So I swap out the box (assuming that is even a possibility where I live… it is Oakland after all!)… what about all I’ve recorded? Hmmm… :confused:

shane

Hey, have you gotten a new box. I've got the same 'button freeze' and I also have a bug where it shuts down, when I scroll through my DVR recordings while playing a recording. I across the bay from you...it Comcastic! Does anyone else have this problem? This is my second box as the first one wouldn't receive anything, so later that day the tech came and replaced it. At least my freeze just doesn't take input, not the fast-forward 'sticking'.
And, yes I've dumped some HD movies to DHVS, but, I guess I'll need to S-Video my SD recordings, maybe see what firewire might do.

Sundance

08-06-06, 11:00 PM

wwozniak

08-07-06, 07:33 PM

Any way to use the standard silver 6214 remote to change the output on a receiver? I have a pretty basic Sony component system with all video and audio running through it, but I've been unable to find a way to program the remote to change the output from Video1 to Video2 to DVD, etc.. The comcast book says the TV/VCR button is supposed to do this, but I haven't gotten it to work. Unable to find an answer to my question in this wonderful, but gigantic thread.... anyone know?

gaderson

08-07-06, 08:05 PM

I'm still have the problem if we are talking about the same thing, no response from remote commands or buttons on the box. I do a power unplug reset and all is well fro 8 to 24 hours then it's all locked up again. Debating if I should call support or just take the box in tomorrow for a new box.

Steve

Mine usually takes a few seconds, up to maybe a minute, and then things work ok. Seems to go in spurts, I'll be surfing around just fine, then for about 5 minutes I'll keep getting locked out. Some times I'll see the 'remote activity' light, the amber one on the lower right of the LCD display, go solid for the full time, other times it's dark. It's not quite a deal breaker, but, it really is annoying.
I've gotten the shutdown/lockout a few times, and it does seem to take for ever to get the guide data back, and then I had problems with Showtime for a few days, everything was off by an hour or so. I got a bunch of end-half, start-half recordings. Looks like I may do more 'manual' recordings to be sure.

kjbawc

08-07-06, 08:07 PM

wwozniak,

Can't say for sure about a Sony, but I programmed my Denon receiver to be controlled by the Aux mode of the silver remote, and can change the input selection using the number keys. You should have gotten the info on how to program the remote to control your TV, and one other piece of equip., with the remote. However, I recommend that you go to Wikipedia, and look up the Morotola 6412. You will find more that you imagined is possible with your remote, if you know how. You can program a button to do 30sec skips ahead in a recording. You can program one button to turn on, and off, both your receiver and TV, while leaving the 6412 on. Also, you will find the original instructions for the silver remote, in a PDF, to be printed at 11x17. Check it out.

wwozniak

08-08-06, 12:37 PM

Thanks kjbawc! I accidentally stumbled across it last night myself while fooling with the remote. The strange thing is that functionality isn't documented anywhere that I can find. I read the whole wikipedia thing a couple days ago and I swear it's not there (maybe I'll add it).

jeffb831

08-08-06, 12:41 PM

wwozniak

08-08-06, 02:04 PM

jeffb831 - How would that site help me? All I see there is the comcast manual... which we all know is pretty useless.

Ding62

08-08-06, 02:38 PM

Sorry about asking about a subject that has been discussed many times before, but I haven't been able to find a definitive answer using Search.

Did Comcast/Motorola ever fix the issue that caused the SP/DIF audio output to revert to a 2-channel signal whenever the HDMI output was used? My 6412 died and I just got a 3412 in exchange. I also just got a new display that includes HDMI inputs. I need to purchase new, longer, video cables, and I'm wondering whether I should buy an HDMI cable, or a component cable. I'd rather use HDMI for video, but only if it doesn't interfere with the 5.1 audio going to my receiver.

(I've asked this same question over in the 3412 thread, but I know that historically this has been the place for discussing this issue.)

willshinnick

08-08-06, 05:19 PM

I'm trying to find out if I can hook up an external hard drive to my Comcast Motorola HD DVR Phase III box. I've heard rumors that it is possible, but I have been searching this forum for about an hour and haven't found anything. Can anyone help?

bobby94928

08-08-06, 05:28 PM

You cannot hook up an external hard drive to your 6412 from Comcast. The SATA port is not energized and Comcast has no intention of allowing it.

cavu

08-08-06, 05:33 PM

I'm trying to find out if I can hook up an external hard drive to my Comcast Motorola HD DVR Phase III box.No.

cavu

08-08-06, 05:34 PM

Did Comcast/Motorola ever fix the issue that caused the SP/DIF audio output to revert to a 2-channel signal whenever the HDMI output was used?Yes.

willshinnick

08-08-06, 05:37 PM

Is there any solution to getting more DVR space if you have comcast?

cavu

08-08-06, 06:23 PM

Is there any solution to getting more DVR space if you have comcast?You can replace the internal 120GB Sata II drive with a 160GB drive.

(I am working on ways to get larger internal drives working but have had no time this summer; will get back to it after 22 August when I return home).

Sundance

08-08-06, 06:38 PM

I just took my Comcast DVR that has been freezing up on me in for a new box. They gave me a DCT 3412 Phase I to replace my DCT 6412 Phase III telling me it was the "New" box replacing the 6412. Is this true, is the 3412 the newer version? If it is what are the advantages over the 6412 and if not what am I looseing?

Thanks,

Steve

bobby94928

08-08-06, 06:43 PM

The 3412 is the newer box. It is digital only, has no analog tuners. Your area has ADS, Analog-Digital- Simulcast. You're not losing a thing.

bobby94928

08-08-06, 06:45 PM

You can replace the internal 120GB Sata II drive with a 160GB drive.

(I am working on ways to get larger internal drives working but have had no time this summer; will get back to it after 22 August when I return home).

Cavu, he has Comcast, he doesn't OWN his box. If he changes the drive he's gonna buy the box.

cavu

08-08-06, 07:11 PM

Sundance

08-08-06, 07:16 PM

I know a lot of Comcast subscribers who have swapped hard disks!

They do it carefully/responsibly and don't damage or mar their units and put the original drive back in if/when they return their boxes to Comcast.

Comcast's policy is to bill the customer for the unit if it is damaged. No damage - no charge.

Can you go bigger than 160GB? Also what is the procedure for preparing the new drive or does the box do that and you just replace the 120 for a raw blank 160?

Steve

drboom22

08-08-06, 08:21 PM

I'm on my 2nd 6412 already in 2 months. The first one failed in 2 days but the second works mostly. However, with increasing frequency the audio is screwed up.

I'm outputting via optical cable to my receiver but very frequently the audio will suddenly go quiet (no mute pressed or anything) or very low. If I force the receiver to change to stereo instead of using DD as input, audio works just fine. This only seems to happen when watching stereo channels (e.g., not HBO with a dolby digital program) although that may be an anomoly as we don't watch that much DD stuff. Fast forwarding, rewinding and even some commercials (I think the separation between the national broadcast and the local insert) will make the receiver jump back to thinking the input is dolby digital and lose audio. Sometimes the audio will magically come back briefly and sometimes the audio just gets odd (volume goes up and down or is crackly).
This doesn't happen all of the time but is happening with increasing frequency and is really annoying.

When the audio goes out, if I pull the optical cable and go to just stereo rca inputs, the audio is still broken.

Video out is via regular RCA connections so I don't think this is the hdmi problem I've seen mentioned.

Do I have another bad receiver or is there a fix? Given the effort in recreating our recordings, I'd rather not just swap out the receiver again just because it might help.

Thanks for any help, Jon

kjbawc

08-08-06, 08:39 PM

I don't know if it is related, but I do know there is a common problem with the 6412's Dolby Digital going out. It happens on mine all the time. All I do is turn the 6412 off for about a minute, then turn it on, and DD is restored.

mcamden

08-08-06, 08:52 PM

Did Comcast/Motorola ever fix the issue that caused the SP/DIF audio output to revert to a 2-channel signal whenever the HDMI output was used?
Yes.

Cavu, not to contradict you, but in my experience, I would say it kindof fixed it (at least with my box). My DCT 6412 often forgets that it should be outputting 5.1 and reverts to 2-channel. When this happens, turning the DCT-6412 off and then back on sometimes fixes it so it outputs in 5.1 again (at least for a while). When turning it off and on hasn't helped; unplugging it has always temporarily helped.

drboom22

08-08-06, 08:57 PM

bobby94928

08-08-06, 10:58 PM

I have found that doing a tuner swap will fix it sometimes as well.

cavu

08-09-06, 01:10 AM

Can you go bigger than 160GB?Not at the moment; the DCT6412/6 formatting lookup table will only format anything larger to 160GB. We are trying to determine whether a larger, externally formatted disk will be properly recognized.what is the procedure for preparing the new drive or does the box do that and you just replace the 120 for a raw blank 160?The box will do it when it wakes up after the drive is swapped. If there is a problem, you can always force the format.

PS. Use a security bit (http://www.newelectronx.com/proddetail.php?prod=BIT4_5MM) to prevent damage to the three security screws if your box is owned by Comcast. If you own the DVR, remove these screws with a pair of pliers and replace them with regular hardware.

ak3883

08-09-06, 06:11 PM

I dont recommend you do this if you REALLY are unsure of anything. My box has a sticker over the top piece, connected to the base of the unit, it would be extremely hard if not impossible to get the top off w/o slicing that sticker. If that sticker isn't intact, you are out $600.

Plus this can only be done with the PIII boxes, PII won't work since they don't use serial ATA, correct?

cavu

08-10-06, 01:06 AM

this can only be done with the PIII boxes, PII won't work since they don't use serial ATA, correct?Yes.

asutor

08-10-06, 02:52 PM

Does the all digital 3412 have a coaxial cable out? (I connect with DVI to my HDTV and use a seperate coaxial to my kitchen non-HDTV.)

APS

scanpa

08-10-06, 04:29 PM

Does the all digital 3412 have a coaxial cable out? (I connect with DVI to my HDTV and use a seperate coaxial to my kitchen non-HDTV.)

APS

Yes.

Murphy

08-10-06, 04:34 PM

Does the all digital 3412 have a coaxial cable out? (I connect with DVI to my HDTV and use a seperate coaxial to my kitchen non-HDTV.)

APS
Yes.
I've never connected anything to it so I don't know what is available there.

mterzich

08-10-06, 04:59 PM

Does the all digital 3412 have a coaxial cable out? (I connect with DVI to my HDTV and use a seperate coaxial to my kitchen non-HDTV.)

APS
Yes, and all HD channels will be letterboxed if selected.

scottndavis

08-10-06, 09:14 PM

Hi folks;

quick question. has anyone has this happend before? I've connected my 6412 III to my HP4260N via HDMI. I get picture, but I get no sound. Just a dialog box saying "HDMI unavailable."
Any thoughts?

walk

08-10-06, 10:29 PM

Yes, and all HD channels will be letterboxed if selected.
Of course it only shows the currently tuned channel, output on VHF channel 03.

pdutia

08-11-06, 02:20 PM

jeffb831

08-11-06, 02:29 PM

All:

I have a new phenomenon going on with the 6412 III box. Since the last couple of days, whenever I put the box on standby (power off via remote) the red light that signifies record stays on and I can hear the hard drive spinning. It is not infact scheduled to record anything and the lcd does not show the channel number as it normally does when it is in fact recording. When I turn the box on (to watch tv) the record light turns off, but back again when I put it on standby. I have tried unplugging and it does not make a difference.

Anyone have this happen to them? If so, what is going on? and how do I fix it?

Thanks,

Try setting both tuners to one of the music channels (which don't get buffered) and then try it. I believe that it is because the box is buffering the input even though it's in standby mode.

Also, to increase reliability and reduce issues, it has been stated many times to not use the standby mode. It just creates headaches and minor issues.

andyross63

08-11-06, 06:09 PM

I have a new phenomenon going on with the 6412 III box. Since the last couple of days, whenever I put the box on standby (power off via remote) the red light that signifies record stays on and I can hear the hard drive spinning. It is not infact scheduled to record anything and the lcd does not show the channel number as it normally does when it is in fact recording. When I turn the box on (to watch tv) the record light turns off, but back again when I put it on standby. I have tried unplugging and it does not make a difference.

Anyone have this happen to them? If so, what is going on? and how do I fix it?
It's most likely that 'RF Bypass' was turned on. You can disable it by following the information in the Wikibook:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Bugs#When_I_turn_the_DVR_off.2C_the_Record_light_turns_on.2C _but_there_is_no_recording_going_on