Dolby Digital is automatically sent over both digital outputs when available. At least it is here. At one point it stopped (decoder in the box must have silently crashed), and I cured it by turning the box off and on again.

Frankz1 and stevehof - frankly, I don't really know what I am getting from the digital audio output. I do know that the online manual posted earlier shows a Dolby digital option that is just not available on either of my two 6412s. Is this typical...different cable companies providing different menu options within the equipment.

If it defaults to DD when available, then all is just fine, I just have to figure out what I am receiving. I need to spend a little more time to get this sorted out. Jeeze I went away for one day and this thread grew by three pages.

Originally posted by dave7
Frankz1 and stevehof - frankly, I don't really know what I am getting from the digital audio output. I do know that the online manual posted earlier shows a Dolby digital option that is just not available on either of my two 6412s. Is this typical...different cable companies providing different menu options within the equipment.

If it defaults to DD when available, then all is just fine, I just have to figure out what I am receiving. I need to spend a little more time to get this sorted out. Jeeze I went away for one day and this thread grew by three pages.

Comcast does not offer to turn off and on DD as listed in the manual. It does default to DD if available...unless of course it crashes like happens to me on occasion. This is remedied by turning the box off and on again. Anything recorded during the time when DD is not being output because of a crash such as this does wind up being recorded with DD. I confirmed this tonight.

Tuner one (the one that is on when the box first comes on) will show the DD5.1 icon in the "INFO" page for a show that has it. Tuner 2, for some reason, does not do this. They both output DD here whenever it is present. Just for some reason the IGuide doesn't recognize it in the listings when you're on Tuner 2. Weird.

Go to an HD channel and hit info. If there's no DD symbol, press swap and try it again. Once you see it, turn on your receiver and you should be able to confirm that DD is coming out fine. If it's not, turn the box off and on again and then try again.

One other observation with the iguide and the6412. When I look at the premium channels in the iguide, it has info for the next 3 hours, but after that almost all of the entries are "to be announced".

Just wnated to see if there is anything I can do to force a refresh of the iguise or if anyone else experienced this problem.

I am located in the SF bay area.

Originally posted by Stephenb
One other observation with the iguide and the6412. When I look at the premium channels in the iguide, it has info for the next 3 hours, but after that almost all of the entries are "to be announced".

Just wnated to see if there is anything I can do to force a refresh of the iguise or if anyone else experienced this problem.

I am located in the SF bay area.

It takes 24 hours to get all the guide data at first, or to reload it if you've unplugged the box.

I have been reading these posts all night, i am on page 12 of 30...i doubt someone has posted about this but will keeping reading because there is some great info there...anyhow...when i switch video inputs after playing PS2 or Xbox to go back to video 7 (HDMI) the picture displays 2 separate boxes one on left and one on right both exactly the same. (Not PIP, my TV does not have PIP) You can see the TV program in each box. The DVI/HDMI cable is a low end cable, but this only happens on the FOX HD channel (825 in Boston). i have to change the channel in order for the picture to resume the normal size, filling the screen as it should. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem or more importantly knew why. I'm guessing its either the TV or the DVI/HDMI cable but where it only happens on that one channel maybe its the broadcast. Its probably not the STB because i had the 6208 and now have the 6412 and it happens on both. l guess i can try to see if it happens with the component cables too. Thanks, Chris

Originally posted by andyross63
Now if only OnDemand would work. The menus work, but no video.:(
I've seen a few other posts regarding On Demand not working. Can anyone confirm that VOD does or doesn't work with the 6412, especially in the Boston area? I want the DVR, but I don't want to give up VOD either. Thanks!

I have done this many times. Consider it confirmed. I have not tried the HD on Demand stuff.

John

iam420-

I too have experienced the split screen scenario. It is like the right 2/3 of the screen is shifted to the left side, and the space left open is filled with not quite the remaining image.

For me, this only occurs via DVI on HD channels. I don't know yet if it only occurs on one channel. I am using a Sharp 10K front projector and a 30 foot DVI cable from RAM electronics to my iScan HD and a 2M MIT cable between the 6412 and the iScan. I really doubt it is a cable issue. I never have this issue from any other source.

I think we're just going to have to flip the channel.

Originally posted by DenR
I just got a 6412 and set it up to record CSI:Miami and Medium last night. Both seem t be recording normally. When I went to watch CSI, it would immediately go to the option to delete the show that you get at the end of the recording. It seemed to have been recorded correctly, but it just wont play. Medium seems fine. Has anyone seen this?

Yes, this happened to me too. It seems however, that only the first programs recorded on the box do this. Also, I don't think the entire I Guide programming guide was in the box when I started recording. At least so far the recently recorded programs seem fine. I hope this is some kind of programming glitch that fixes itself as the guide is downloaded because it really sucks when it happens.

Hi,

The split screen has been happening to me, too, but only on 825 and only when I turn the TV and STB on and 825 is the selected channel.

I just got the 6415 and it happened with my previous 6200 box as well. My TV has PIP and a split screen option.

I am using DVI ( good quality )but I can try it with component to see if it is replicated.

FWIT, simply changing the channel and then going back to 825 remedies the problem.

Since this has happened with the both of my STBs I agree it could be FOX. Since it happens only on 825 I assume it is not the DVI port since it would possibly happen on other channels.

Vito

Originally posted by davisdog
The 6412 includes a 120Gb drive...You'll probably get closer to 60 hours of SD or 12-14 hrs of HD (or a mix). Firewire expansion doesnt work now...hopefully they will add that in the future since the biggest complaint is lack of storage space for HD.

thanks! i'm just psyched comcast is even offering this (kinda makes Tivo a waste no?) .........i heard about the boxes before the holidays, but ignorantly assumed it didn't record HDTV... so it wasn't worth my time...i didn't even think to ask here. i went on comcast's site and saw it did and immediately called to order it..................

if they don't enable the firewire expansion, would there be a chance that future boxes would have larger drives, and if so, does comcast upgrade those for free?

thanks again. can't wait to start recording and pausing live tv.

Originally posted by Stephenb
I just got my 6412 from Comcast today and I have spent alot of time going through this thread, but I have a question that I either missed the answer to or is not answered here.
I have always used Replay 5xxx DVR ( I ahve 4) but now I want to use the 6412 to record HDTV, but use the normal STB function to provide a signal to the replay for recording non-HDTV. I know that the 6412 has dual tuners and I have tested that the Replay IR blaster changes channels properly. But how can I assign the 6412 to record on one tuner and allow the other tuner to drive the RTV when I want to record an HDTV and non-HDTV program simultaneously? Any help would be greatly appreciated. It is unclear to me that if I use the swap button and choose to record on the 6412 then swap again the RTV can use the tuner that isn't in use for the 6412.

I think you can do this as long as you guarantee that you aren't recording two programs at the same time with the 6412. As far as I can tell, the 6412 always records on the background tuner first, so that watching TV and recording is seamless. If you use the Replay's IR blaster to change the foreground tuner, it's just the same as if you were changing the channel while watching TV. So everything should work. However, if you record two programs at the same time on the 6412, or want to watch a third channel while all the other recording is going on, then you'll have conflicts.

Originally posted by vito_jr
Hi,

The split screen has been happening to me, too, but only on 825 and only when I turn the TV and STB on and 825 is the selected channel.

I just got the 6415

Since this has happened with the both of my STBs I agree it could be FOX. Since it happens only on 825 I assume it is not the DVI port since it would possibly happen on other channels.

Vito

Two things: I hope you meant to refer to the unit as the 6412. A 6415 would likely mean a 150GB drive. I haven't heard there is one of those. If you truly have a 6415, please let us know!

Second, I have been experiencing the split screen upon TV power on (I leave the 6412 "On" all the time) regardless of which HD channel the box is tuned to. But it doesn't occur if the TV is turned off for only a short time. This has only been happening since I added DVI hookup so my unscientific conclusion is that it's DVI-out related. Something with the HDCP handshake, maybe? At first I thought it may be a Moto DVI-out to Sony issue but I see other reports of the problem from people with different TV setups. I have become accustomed to changing the channel to correct the problem.

Are both your boxes hooked up via DVI?

Bob

Originally posted by JimProuty
I don't think this is correct. I've turned the 6412 off while it was recording and it completed the task even though "off".

Well, that's comforting.

This means that the "three of us" who care about CC can stop fussing.

:D

Originally posted by JJMG
Well, that's comforting.

This means that the "three of us" who care about CC can stop fussing.

:D

Make that four. ER was a lot easier to follow with CC. All that medical jargon just sounds like mumbojumbo without it.

All networks send the same information to all companies. It's what the companies do with that information that is different. For example, iGuide shows only original theater ratings for movies on non-premium channels. Therefore, if you set up your parental controls on your 6412 to block TVPG ratings and R movie ratings, a movie originally rated R, but cut down to play on TV as TV-Y, will be blocked by the 6412. The reason seems to be that is the way Gemstar (the company majority owned by Comcast) sends out it's iGuide information. I don't know why they do it that way.

The problem with going to a channel or turning on your box and seeing a kind of split screen, and making it go away only by changing channels back and forth, is a bug that will hopefully be fixed by Comcast/Motorola in the future.

External Firewire drives don't work on the 6412. You can go to a PC or DVHS recorder from the Firewire port (see this and other threads). The problem basically is that the hard drive has to be formatted and copy protected in a way consumers are unable to do. The solution might end up being third party licensing by Comcast/Motorola to make these for sale.

Originally posted by hibricc
Make that four. ER was a lot easier to follow with CC. All that medical jargon just sounds like mumbojumbo without it.

It's now five and growing.

Originally posted by ridgefamus
Two things: I hope you meant to refer to the unit as the 6412. A 6415 would likely mean a 150GB drive. I haven't heard there is one of those. If you truly have a 6415, please let us know!



Bob



In the DCT6400 Series User Guide I downloaded from Motorola's website, there are references to a DCT6416 on page 3 and again on page 15. Maybe they are planning, or have available somewhere, a 160GB model?

Tim

Originally posted by macd23
according to motorola's website, it can record up to 90 hours of analog or digital tv and 10-20 hours of hdtv
They claim 12-20 hours of HD. It depends on how much is 720p or 1080i. Someone mentioned that they were able to get 18 hours of HD recorded, so far.

Hi all,

I just got mine (6412) last night and recorded a half hour show @ 720P and it used 7% of the drive space. At that rate I will only get just over 7 hours of HD. Can you record more 1080?

From the "You couldn't wait to have your DVR installed" that Comcast gave me with the new box the last step says to power the unit from the button on the DVR . Press the Cable button and enter channel 201. My box doesn't recognize 201 via DVI or Component. I am supposed to press and hold the pause button on the remote for 15 seconds when I get that channel to see a DVR menu. I cant get there. Anyone else have this problem?

Originally posted by Barrybud
Hi all,

I just got mine (6412) last night and recorded a half hour show @ 720P and it used 7% of the drive space. At that rate I will only get just over 7 hours of HD. Can you record more 1080?

From the "You couldn't wait to have your DVR installed" that Comcast gave me with the new box the last step says to power the unit from the button on the DVR . Press the Cable button and enter channel 201. My box doesn't recognize 201 via DVI or Component. I am supposed to press and hold the pause button on the remote for 15 seconds when I get that channel to see a DVR menu. I cant get there. Anyone else have this problem?

The Drive % meter is not very accurate in my experience. I've had a 1/2 hour SD digital show on there and it's shown 15% full. The only way it's been accurate is to show 0% when the DVR is empty.

As for the other part, I'm afraid I have no idea what to make of what you wrote. 200 is the beginning of the HD tier on my box (Bensalem). 201 is not a channel. It needs to be a valid channel skip around the guide.

As for pause to see a DVR menu - I generally just hit menu and then DVR.

so what takes up more space - 720p or 1080i?

Originally posted by oleus
so what takes up more space - 720p or 1080i?

Bearing in mind I am in no way a Transport Stream expert, I believe there are more pertinent factors to consider than resolution, such as the bitrate and audio format. 15 hours of average HD will fit on the 6412 according to the documentation.

In ripping TS's to my HD via firewire, I've seen 5-8 GB per hour files. Figuring there's some disc usage that's not for stored programs this works out to around the 15 hours advertised (probably at a minimum). Could be up to 20 or more.

Originally posted by frankz1
Bearing in mind I am in no way a Transport Stream expert, I believe there are more pertinent factors to consider than resolution, such as the bitrate and audio format. 15 hours of average HD will fit on the 6412 according to the documentation.

In ripping TS's to my HD via firewire, I've seen 5-8 GB per hour files. Figuring there's some disc usage that's not for stored programs this works out to around the 15 hours advertised (probably at a minimum). Could be up to 20 or more.

bit rate is the key factor (and I believe the audio component is neglible)...I believe the same show will have a higher bitrate in 1080i (vs 720p)...but that's assuming no compression is done (for instance HBO sends 1080i but does some compression to keep it under a certain bit rate)

Originally posted by MarcL
Here is the exact procedure to program a swap or 30 second skip to the remote.

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

Marc

Okay. I did this but I hit the WRONG button that I wanted.:mad:
Is there a way to "reset" the remote?
Taking the batteries out for a while doesn't seem to work...

is there a way, and i don't think there is... when i push OK and bring up the guide, i now have to push the down arrow to scroll up through the channels. I want to press up to go up. i use to have to press up to go up on my 6208.
For example, when i am watching Fox HD ch 825, i press OK > brings me to the quick guide (i forget the actual name, it is 530 am here and i have been working all night but you know what i mean, not the full guide but the flipping channels part) > i want to see whats on say channel 830, 840, 881 etc, and it shows me 2 channels at a time which is fine but to get to the next 2 channels i have to press the down arrow to get to the next channel which is a higher number. i am so use to pressing up and makes more sense to me to press up to go up through the channels. anyone have any ideas? or even know what I'm talking about? Thanks, Chris

I had that same problem with the controls on Halo 2 but they have a fix in the configuration menu. As for the 6412, I picked mine up last night and I could not find what you are refrerring to.

My only comments so far regarding the 6412 in just over an hour of fiddling:

1) comcast (Montgomery Co MD) did not have a supply of new remotes for the 6412 so you had to preset your old one for swap and it did not work. May be my bad but did it 3 times. I normally use a Harmony but to get it programmed I need for the swap feature to work so I can preload.

2) the menu style is exponentially better than before. Just that alone was worth it.

3) when I have the flip screen on, the far right edge of the flip extends 3/4 up the screen. Just annoying

When I test it more in the next few days I'll report back. Plus, if anyone knows where I can get the original 6412 remote, please send me a link.

Thanks

Originally posted by Dominus
1) comcast (Montgomery Co MD) did not have a supply of new remotes for the 6412 so you had to preset your old one for swap and it did not work. May be my bad but did it 3 times. I normally use a Harmony but to get it programmed I need for the swap feature to work so I can preload.

It was mentioned earlier in the thread that the proper Harmony profile to get all the 6412 features is DCT-6412. Any other way it's entered apparently brings up a profile that does not have all the features. That's the one I used, and I didn't have to touch my Comcast remote.

Originally posted by dave7
Frankz1 and stevehof - frankly, I don't really know what I am getting from the digital audio output. I do know that the online manual posted earlier shows a Dolby digital option that is just not available on either of my two 6412s. Is this typical...different cable companies providing different menu options within the equipment.

If it defaults to DD when available, then all is just fine, I just have to figure out what I am receiving. I need to spend a little more time to get this sorted out. Jeeze I went away for one day and this thread grew by three pages.

I may add a little mystery to this thread regarding whether or not it defaults to DD.

I picked up my 6412 last night and was given a sheet of codes to reprogram the remote for my previous 6408 which guides you to reprogram the "TV/VR" button at the bottom left. I did that and while watching HBOHD last night (Harry Potter) I pushed this button after reprogramming it to testa, and the DD logo would show up or disappear each time I hit the button. Why I was testing "swap" when I wasn't using the 2nd tuner is beyond me but wanted to see what it would do, i.e. error message, etc.

So, I will read more threads and test some more tonight to clear this up.

Originally posted by Dominus
I may add a little mystery to this thread regarding whether or not it defaults to DD.

I picked up my 6412 last night and was given a sheet of codes to reprogram the remote for my previous 6408 which guides you to reprogram the "TV/VR" button at the bottom left. I did that and while watching HBOHD last night (Harry Potter) I pushed this button after reprogramming it to testa, and the DD logo would show up or disappear each time I hit the button. Why I was testing "swap" when I wasn't using the 2nd tuner is beyond me but wanted to see what it would do, i.e. error message, etc.

So, I will read more threads and test some more tonight to clear this up.

Like I said about 25 posts up, (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4924775#post4924775) the Guide on Tuner2 does not display the Dolby logo even when the output is Dolby. I've tested, and both tuners do output DD when it's present.

Originally posted by frankz1
It was mentioned earlier in the thread that the proper Harmony profile to get all the 6412 features is DCT-6412. Any other way it's entered apparently brings up a profile that does not have all the features. That's the one I used, and I didn't have to touch my Comcast remote.

I used that one last night and could not find the likes of "Fav, Swap, or PPV" which are separate buttons on the "real" 6412 remote. So I performed the "Learn Command" for Fav and PPV but could not get the Harmony to "learn" the reprogrammed 6408 "Swap" function.

Did Fav, Swap and PPV show up in your Harmony database without "learning"?

Thanks

Originally posted by frankz1
Like I said about 25 posts up, (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4924775#post4924775) the Guide on Tuner2 does not display the Dolby logo even when the output is Dolby. I've tested, and both tuners do output DD when it's present.


Gracias, gracias. Thank you for making me see the light. I apologize.

Originally posted by Dominus
I used that one last night and could not find the likes of "Fav, Swap, or PPV" which are separate buttons on the "real" 6412 remote. So I performed the "Learn Command" for Fav and PPV but could not get the Harmony to "learn" the reprogrammed 6408 "Swap" function.

Did Fav, Swap and PPV show up in your Harmony database without "learning"?

Thanks

Yes. I don't think they were assigned to a button by default, but if you go into the activity you have set up to watch the 6412 they should all be available in the drop down menus where you assign things to keys.

We probably shouldn't discuss any more harmony specifics. We advised a 6412 brother on what remote to get to use with the 6412 over the weekend, and got our wrists slapped for going OT.

Originally posted by frankz1
Yes. I don't think they were assigned to a button by default, but if you go into the activity you have set up to watch the 6412 they should all be available in the drop down menus where you assign things to keys.

We probably shouldn't discuss any more harmony specifics. We advised a 6412 brother on what remote to get to use with the 6412 over the weekend, and got our wrists slapped for going OT.

Gotcha.

As for the 6412, thanks for all the advice. I'll get everything in sync and get ready to do some serious "swapping."

Now to get rid of that long pixelated line that runs up the right side of the flip screen to the top of the screen!

Thanks
Dom

I've had a problem with my local WB and Fox affiliate through my 6412 and I just figured out that the problem is exclusively on one of the two tuners, not both. I guess the box is bad.

The funny thing is the problem only affects those two channels for me on the one tuner, not the other, not OTA.

There's not a way to specify a tuner for a given recording is there?

Originally posted by Mike3
I've had a problem with my local WB and Fox affiliate through my 6412 and I just figured out that the problem is exclusively on one of the two tuners, not both. I guess the box is bad.

The funny thing is the problem only affects those two channels for me on the one tuner, not the other, not OTA.

There's not a way to specify a tuner for a given recording is there?

No, but if you only have one recording scheduled at any given time you can simply be watching TV on the tuner you *don't* want to record on and it will record on the background tuner. If there's only one scheduled recording, it records on the inactive tuner so as not to interrupt your live viewing.

I have started having breakup on two local HD channels, while the picture on all other HD channels is fine. The local channels with breakup are 806 and 809. 804 is fine as are all other higher 800 channels.

Is this a signal level problem, and if so, what is the best solution ? The two bad channels are sometimes not bad. When I have checked, the OTA HD signal has always been fine on those two channels.

Originally posted by frankz1
Has Comcast (Bensalem PA) stopped sending Dolby Digital, or am I having a problem with my receiver or 6412? I'm thinking it's not the receiver, as it picks up Dolby Digital when it's on a DVD. I first noticed it during MNF last night. Michaels and Madden were nearly inaudible, like Comcast was just sending LF/RF signal and not center. Receiver never registers Dolby Digital.

This happened to me one day too. Dunno what caused it (about a month ago now). It actually happened while I was watching, I switched the receiver to an AC3 source (in this case my HTPC) and then back and AC3 would stick sometimes. Then it stopped all togther, and refuses to stay on AC3. It just stays on Surround. :( AC3 just sounds SO much better. OH well.

My first shot also did not get me indemand. When the tech returned, he found the signal strength at the inside wall was not enough for it. Maybe this is your problem too.

Quote:Now to get rid of that long pixelated line that runs up the right side of the flip screen to the top of the screen!

Try going into the setup menu and play with the screen position until you get rid of it.

Originally posted by buzgz
I have started having breakup on two local HD channels, while the picture on all other HD channels is fine. The local channels with breakup are 806 and 809. 804 is fine as are all other higher 800 channels.

Is this a signal level problem, and if so, what is the best solution ? The two bad channels are sometimes not bad. When I have checked, the OTA HD signal has always been fine on those two channels.

I don't know how to check the signal strength but wish I did.
I have seen an HD channel breakup on one tuner but work fine on the other. I would think they would receive the same signal strength but I'm starting to have my doubts.

There was some mention of the problem of phantom recordings previously. I have this problem now, and am looking for a solution. I have tried unplugging my box, and when the reset was finished, I had two phantoms instead of one! I have had a service call, and the tech had no clue as to the problem, nor any solution. He recommended not swapping out the box, since he said a new box was likely to have other problems, in particular, "locking up"(?)

I have tried contact Comcast via email, and they keep sending me stock boilerplate answers on how to use the 6412. The last one said I might replace the box, a soution already recommended against by the tech. I also sent an email off to Motorola, but haven't heard back from them.

I believe that this is a software bug in the iGuide system that interfaces to the DVR hardware in the 6412. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any provision for clearing such errors in the system supplied. I'm wondering if anyone has anymore insight into either how to correct the problem or an avenue to persue to find a solution. I'm also wondering how widespread the problem is. I'm in the SF Bay Area and know of one other customer in this area that has experienced the same thing.

Originally posted by trojan125
I don't know how to check the signal strength but wish I did.
I have seen an HD channel breakup on one tuner but work fine on the other. I would think they would receive the same signal strength but I'm starting to have my doubts.


I find that this is exactly my problem too, with the breakup only on one tuner while the other is fine, and only on two channels on that tuner while all other channels are fine on the bum tuner.

I am now trying to game this problem, so that all recordings will be made with the good tuner on the two questionable channels.

Originally posted by frankz1
I'm a Harmony 659 Devotee, too. The only glitch I can see in using it with the 6412 is that hitting "OnDemand" on it just sends "1," where the box needs 001 or 1+Enter. I know I can just set up an "OnDemand" activity to get around it, but it's not that big a deal.

Same here on the wife thing. She's a fan of turning on the TV with the button on the front as she walks by for some reason. I guess she's retro.

I've a Harmony 688 guy myself and I love it. I was so frustrated before i got it, with all the remotes and setting, etc. With regard to programming an "OnDemand" button, the reality is, the Comcast remote passes 0-0-1. I made an OnDemand button that passes 1. But for this to work, i have changed the setup of the DVR to utilize "auto-tune". So after a second, it goes to OnDemand. Further, I don't have to enter the leading zero's to tune to a one or two digit channel and I don't have to fumble for the enter button.

Originally posted by buzgz
I find that this is exactly my problem too, with the breakup only on one tuner while the other is fine, and only on two channels on that tuner while all other channels are fine on the bum tuner.

I am now trying to game this problem, so that all recordings will be made with the good tuner on the two questionable channels.

You and I are in the same boat.....
I know one of the days I'm going to record using the wrong tuner and be really upset. I've only had the boxes 4 days now so I'm still learning its quirks.

I have found i get better (louder) volume on my non hd-sony when I select "cable" on the remote and use the dvr's volume method than when I use the "tv" on the remote and use Sony's volumn control.

Not sure if this is a known problem. I crashed my 6412 last night. I tried to change recording options while the show was being recorded. I originally had it to record 1 minute extra and tried to change to stop ontime when I decided I want to record something else during that one the hour.

Originally posted by frankz1
Bearing in mind I am in no way a Transport Stream expert, I believe there are more pertinent factors to consider than resolution, such as the bitrate and audio format. 15 hours of average HD will fit on the 6412 according to the documentation.

In ripping TS's to my HD via firewire, I've seen 5-8 GB per hour files. Figuring there's some disc usage that's not for stored programs this works out to around the 15 hours advertised (probably at a minimum). Could be up to 20 or more.

I think 720p should take up more room, as it's 720 lines every frame. 1080i is 540 lines every frame, interlaced.

Originally posted by miatasm
It Should only conflict if there is a 3rd event scheduled, don't know what to tell you otherwise.....

I have this same problem -- bogus conflicts. anyone know what the solution is?

Originally posted by quetranza
I think 720p should take up more room, as it's 720 lines every frame. 1080i is 540 lines every frame, interlaced.

Is that a guess on your part, or do you have some fact to back it up?

Last night's 2 hour Alias (720p) was 11.1 Gb. A recent Smallville (1 hour at 1080i) was 7.8 Gb.

Like I said before, there are other factors more pertinent than resolution.

Has Comcast (Bensalem PA) stopped sending Dolby Digital, or am I having a problem with my receiver or 6412?I had the same problem in Los Angeles last night. I was watching "Lost"and my 6412 was not sending Dolby Digital. The receiver showed "PCM 48000hz". When in this mode, the cable box's audio features in the setup menu such as the "matrix/stereo" and "compression" features made audible changes to the sound through the optical port. Clearly, somehow, the box "changed modes" and started passing its internally decoded audio out the optical port, and there was no way to re-enable Dolby Digital from the setup menu. Powering the box off and back on again (leaving the plug in) seems to have fixed it, but that's kind of annoying because you can't power off while it's in the middle of recording a show.

I think 720p should take up more room, as it's 720 lines every frame. 1080i is 540 lines every frame, interlaced. With film material (which is what most network HDTV is), there is significantly more picture information in 1080i than 720p. Film is only 24fps, so all 1920x1080 pixels will be resolved in 1080i, with a small amount of duplication of fields to get from 24 up to 30 (60 fields) per second. In 720p only 1280x720 pixels are rendered. They are just repeated more often to go from 24fps all the way to 60fps. The temporal advantages of 720p are completely lost on film material.

DJRobX

I'm beginning to think the problem may be more widespread than a box issue. I had the same problem but can't quite say when it started. I noticed I was on PCM about half way through Alias, after listening to all of LOST with who-knows-what audio. I fooled with my receiver and after concluding all was set up properly, went into the 6412 settings to see if there was anything I could change to help out. Nothing seemed to fix it. I verified that ABC was putting out 5.1 by switching to my OTA feed and it was perfect 5.1. Could it have been the feed from Comcast head ends?

Then, about 10:20 PST, the 5.1 kicked in from the ^$!@ ( that's 6412 in curse mode). Was it enabled by my switching off the box to get into the settings? Otherwise, I'm in the camp of never shutting the box off.

Originally posted by ridgefamus
Then, about 10:20 PST, the 5.1 kicked in from the ^$!@ ( that's 6412 in curse mode). Was it enabled by my switching off the box to get into the settings? Otherwise, I'm in the camp of never shutting the box off.

Yes. It appears something silently crashes from time to time in the 6412, and power cycling the box resets it.

In my case the problem was definitively resolved by powerng the box off and back on again. I don't turn mine off either. I couldn't turn the box off because it was recording the whole time between Lost and Alias. I got up the next morning and the audio was still in PCM mode. I verified other stations such as HBO and Starz were all outputting PCM. Normally even if it's not 5.1, it outputs Dolby Digital 2/0. I turned the box off and back on again, and it came back with Dolby Digital.

It was not the feed, because the DVR'd copies of both Lost and Alias had dolby digital after resetting the box.

I don't think this is correct. I've turned the 6412 off while it was recording and it completed the task even though "off".My 6412 pops up a dialog, giving you the choice of either powering off or continuing the recording.

Originally posted by quetranza
I think 720p should take up more room, as it's 720 lines every frame. 1080i is 540 lines every frame, interlaced.

Um, no.

720p is usually broadcast as roughly 30 (30000/1001, actually, working out to just about 29.97) progressive frames per second at 1280x720 pixels per frame, 1080i is usually broadcast at the same rate, with frames of 1920x1080. Because it's interlaced, there are two fields, 540 lines each, within the frame, at different times, so the field rate is actually ~59.94. If the data weren't compressed, you'd be looking at 1080i always being larger than 720p, at least at the same frame (not field) rate. Note that there are other frame rates that are legal for broadcast as well, other than this one, which is the "old" NTSC rate.

But because things are compressed, either may be larger. Depends entirely how the video is compressed.

You need to think about it in terms of peak bitrate. One HD channel can be up to just under 19.4Mbps. Since for hard drives, GB=1,000,000,000 bytes, that means that peak bitrate HD takes up about 9.15GB per hour. If the entire 120GB on the drive is available for recording, and I don't know if it is (there's at least some reserved for the live tv buffers) you'd be looking at about 13 hours of peak rate HD on the box. Because almost nothing uses the peak bitrate full-time, sometimes you'll get more, but it depends on how the video is encoded. So, knowing that 20% of the space is free might tell you how many bytes aren't in use, but it doesn't really tell you how much you can record unless you calculate worst-case (peak rate) all the time.

Originally posted by frankz1
Like I said about 25 posts up, (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4924775#post4924775) the Guide on Tuner2 does not display the Dolby logo even when the output is Dolby. I've tested, and both tuners do output DD when it's present.

Mine shows the DD and the DD 5.1 on both tuners every time. I have checked this on multiple channels today and weeks ago.

Originally posted by trojan125
I don't know how to check the signal strength but wish I did.
I have seen an HD channel breakup on one tuner but work fine on the other. I would think they would receive the same signal strength but I'm starting to have my doubts.

You can check your signal strength by going to the diagnostics menu (power off, and then an immediate press of the OK button). Then arrow down to "d04 INBAND STATUS".

[QUOTE]Originally posted by strider209
Well I'll report my finding once I play around with it... But if it is bad I'll call comcast for a replacement. I guess this is one of the good things about the Comcast box...if it goes bad just get it replaced with no out of pocket expense! [/QUOThe last two TE]

The last two recordings I did were like that. The other day I watched a recording and it didn't start until near the end of the show. I didn't get too concerned at first because I don't record too much and that first one was five days ago. I just tried to play a different recording and it started acting choppy right from the beginning. Now I'm concerned, as two out of the last two recordings is a big problem, because even tho I don't record too much, that's exactly what I'm paying extra for.

Mike

Hey 6412 guru's a couple of questions. First how can I keep this box on it keeps powering itself down. I leave it on come back and it's powered off, any chance of an auto shut off override. Also anyone have any issues with the Dolby Digital output. My box today had no audio, at first i thought it was my cabling but swapping the cable with a known good one and nothing. Eventually it snapped on after I switched to another channel ( I might have swapped tuners also) anyone expierience these probs? Or do I have a flaky box?

edit: Ok I've read a few pages back and see others are having audio issues I just and another wierd problem, it almost seem that when you start out on a channel the audio is out of sync as you stay on the channel it seems to get more in sync. Anyone else expieriencing this ?

> My box today had no audio,...

See all the numerous posts about simply leaving the box on all the time - and the other posts about re-programming the remote to have an UN-MUTE function. [Note the UN-MUTE bottom on the remote I have, by default, applied to the TV, not the Receiver nor the 6412. I chose to redefine it's behavior to UN-MUTE the 6412 to get around this problem...]

Originally posted by BullittMustang
Mine shows the DD and the DD 5.1 on both tuners every time. I have checked this on multiple channels today and weeks ago.
i see that on my box too.
it is the second one for me.
the first one kept shuttingoff if i hit too many buttons on the remote.

the other thing is that if i try to shut off during recording it will stop recording.
i do get the tb asking me to shut off or keep recording.

I have a bogus conflict occurring and not sure what to do... Any suggestions welcomed. Whats happening is on wed's with a series recording of lost and alias on abc. The conflict comes in with alias and west wing on at the same time. Please help...


Thanks

It also didnt start recording either show because of it I had to start it manually.

Originally posted by frankz1
Has Comcast (Bensalem PA) stopped sending Dolby Digital, or am I having a problem with my receiver or 6412?

I'm having the same problem with Comcast of Bensalem. Just got the 5100 a couple of days ago and noticed that the 5.1 programs are just coming through as 2 channel. I have been able to get them to change back to 5.1 sometimes by playing around in the audio setup menu on the 5100. I couldn't tell you what works and what doesn't, it just seems like random changing of the audio settings sometimes brings back the 5.1 sound. I've also tried changing up the optical cable with the coaxial cable with no change.

Frank
Warminster, PA

GO BIRDS!!

Originally posted by fmattis
I'm having the same problem with Comcast of Bensalem. Just got the 5100 a couple of days ago and noticed that the 5.1 programs are just coming through as 2 channel. I have been able to get them to change back to 5.1 sometimes by playing around in the audio setup menu on the 5100. I couldn't tell you what works and what doesn't, it just seems like random changing of the audio settings sometimes brings back the 5.1 sound. I've also tried changing up the optical cable with the coaxial cable with no change.

Frank
Warminster, PA

GO BIRDS!!

You'll read further on that we diagnosed what's happening (DD gets sent to analog outs, PCM to digital) and how to correct it (Turn the box off and on again). We just haven't found out what sets it off.

This is interesting, SA is going to offer external hard drive expanders for their DVR. I wonder if this is going to happen for the motorola. Here's the news release:

Time Warner Orders DVR ‘Sidecars’

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

1/6/2005 12:20:00 PMTime Warner Cable will offer customers additional digital video recording storage via new hard-drive “sidecars” under an agreement with Maxtor Corp., the companies said.

The new device, called a Maxtor Quickview Expander, is compatible with Scientific-Atlanta Inc.’s Explorer 8300 DVR, to which it connects using a serial ATA port on the back of the set-top.

Time Warner Cable has ordered the devices and is offering them to divisions that use S-A equipment. The divisions will decide their own launch timetables, a company spokesman said, and will charge an incremental fee for the device.

Once connected to the DVR set top, the Expander acts as an expansion of the existing hard drive, and the DVR set top determines which drive has the most space available on a recording by recording basis, Time Warner said.

Maxtor, a leading disk drive maker, introduced the device last April and has it on display at the current Consumer Electronics Show, in Las Vegas.

to which it connects using a serial ATA port on the back of the set-top.

But is there a "serial ATA port" on the back of the Motorola?[

Originally posted by BullittMustang
Mine shows the DD and the DD 5.1 on both tuners every time. I have checked this on multiple channels today and weeks ago. Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

I believe i-Guide (Gemstar/TV Guide) is aware of this problem and it is a known issue.

I seem to remember that another AVS member, AVIC informed his Comcast contact.

I know the whole i-Guide deployment for my area is on hold again. Forget i-Guide on any box other than the 6412 for a while.

I know that a "newer" version of i-Guide is supposed to be coming as well. I'm wondering if they are waiting on the new version.

Originally posted by dozens
Not sure if this is a known problem. I crashed my 6412 last night. I tried to change recording options while the show was being recorded. I originally had it to record 1 minute extra and tried to change to stop ontime when I decided I want to record something else during that one the hour. Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

What type of crash did you experience? Did it lock? Did it reboot???

Just had the 6412 swapped out, and so far it is working as expected. The only difference is the cable connections. The 6412 only has a coxial cable "in" no coaxial cable "out". With the 6208, I was able to connect my vcr to the box by running a cable from the "out" connecter on the box to the "in" on the VCR. This way I was able to record basic analog and digital channels.
Any ideals on how to connect the VCR to the 6412 to get the same results?

Originally posted by jgold
Just had the 6412 swapped out, and so far it is working as expected. The only difference is the cable connections. The 6412 only has a coxial cable "in" no coaxial cable "out". With the 6208, I was able to connect my vcr to the box by running a cable from the "out" connecter on the box to the "in" on the VCR. This way I was able to record basic analog and digital channels.
Any ideals on how to connect the VCR to the 6412 to get the same results?

http://broadband.motorola.com/noflash/customer_docs/user_guides/512659-001-a.pdf

Well, I'm gathering up all my Best Buy gift cards that I've been accumulating and I'm going to take the plunge on a Harmony remote. I have a 6412, a Mits CRT TV, a cheapie Aiwa reciever (not long for this world) and an Hitachi DVD player. Mainly, I use the 6412's remote and would like my new one to control skip, swap, and all the DVR functions as well as possible. I've read a little bit about these but I was hoping to get some feedback from some users. Anyone?

Originally posted by trojan125
I don't know how to check the signal strength but wish I did.
I have seen an HD channel breakup on one tuner but work fine on the other. I would think they would receive the same signal strength but I'm starting to have my doubts.

This may help.

You can check your signal strength by going to the diagnostics menu (power off, and then an immediate press of the OK button). Then arrow down to "d04 INBAND STATUS"

Good luck

Originally posted by JonM in MN
Well, I'm gathering up all my Best Buy gift cards that I've been accumulating and I'm going to take the plunge on a Harmony remote. I have a 6412, a Mits CRT TV, a cheapie Aiwa reciever (not long for this world) and an Hitachi DVD player. Mainly, I use the 6412's remote and would like my new one to control skip, swap, and all the DVR functions as well as possible. I've read a little bit about these but I was hoping to get some feedback from some users. Anyone?

You'll see our previous discussion of the Harmony + 6412 question starting about here, (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4899846#post4899846) followed by us being told that this discussion was off topic.

Originally posted by JonM in MN
Well, I'm gathering up all my Best Buy gift cards that I've been accumulating and I'm going to take the plunge on a Harmony remote...
I've read a little bit about these but I was hoping to get some feedback from some users. Anyone?
Two things, Best Buy is a pretty expensive place to buy these remotes and you can find a lot of feedback on these remotes in the Remote Control Area (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=93) forum. There are a lot of Harmony threads in there.

Comcast swapped a 6408 for a 6412 at my home yesterday and I experienced a couple of issues. Two have been resolved, a couple others I am watching to see if they occur again.

First of all the technician that installed my STB wired the video wrong and color on my Panny PT50LC14 was all screwed up and the right audio channel was buzzing. I informed the technician that I suspected he had an audio and video connection plugged in wrong. He disagreed and swapped out the entire cable (which worked fine on my 6208) and that fixed the color and audio problem. He claimed it was a bad cable. Ok whatever :)

Then I ask for the new remote and he says their is no new remote. Ok...whatever. Can you program the swap button on my present remote? He says he doesn't know how. Ok...I come here and find the procedure in this thread and show HIM how to do it. He seemed impressed *grin*

Ok now he leaves and I go about my business. Both tuners functioning fine it appears. I leave the house and a half hour later get a phone call from my daughter who is trying to record off FOXHD and she says some Spanish Channel keeps coming up. i dismiss it as her being unfamiliar with the STB but when I get home I notice my Iguide is literally retarded. The channel numbers do not match what I know to be the corresponding feeds. Fox is the Spanish Channel, ABC is QVC, and ESPN is USA. So I call Comcast and inform them I think I have the wrong Iguide. He looks me up and says yep you have the Iguide for a different cable system in your area. He zaps the box and viola the guide is good to go on both tuners.

Later in the evening I get the infamous spontaneous reboot. Annoying because I was in the process of setting up series recordings and when the STB rebooted the guide had to fully reload.

Then to cap off my evening I was watching an HD channel and the feed was freezing, pixelating, and acting very strange. I tried another HD channel and the same thing happened.

I then noticed my new STB was physically placed on top of my DVD player by the technician instead of next to it on the shelf. I checked the STB and it was very warm to the touch especially on the left front of the unit. I immediately moved it off the top of the DVD player where it only had about an 1/8 inch clearance and placed it next to it so proper ventilation could take place and within five minutes all HD feeds behaved normally.

I'm going to watch for the random reboot again and look for the freezing and/or pixelating HD feeds but it's my hope I'm over the hump.

I like the functionality of the Iguide and dual tuner capability as they are very notable improvements. I would like to see some kind of indication of which tuner I'm on if possible but from what I've read here that's not happening any time soon.

Overall it was an adventurous night but all seems fine now !

I was hoping for a bit more from someone that had used a 659 or 688 with the 6412, and how they were working together, but that's cool. I got some good info from the Logitech site. I'm still not clear on the differences though, and if they'd affect controlling the 6412.

Originally posted by JonM in MN
I was hoping for a bit more from someone that had used a 659 or 688 with the 6412, and how they were working together, but that's cool. I got some good info from the Logitech site. I'm still not clear on the differences though, and if they'd affect controlling the 6412.

There's a lot of information at that link I sent from this thread about a week ago when we fully discussed Harmony+6412 before being told off.

Is there any place to submit or report bugs with the iGuide software? Who is the developer -- Comcast, TV Guide or some other third company?

-John

Originally posted by frankz1
There's a lot of information at that link I sent from this thread about a week ago when we fully discussed Harmony+6412 before being told off.

Wow...that was being told off? There's nothing wrong with trying to keep the discussion in the thread centered on the topic. I thought davisdog was pretty polite about it, actually. If people have questions regarding a remote and the interaction with the 6412, great...but there is a whole forum topic dedicated to Remotes for general information. The discussion on closed-captioning with the 6412 while not of any personal interest to me was at least on topic...

-Randy

Originally posted by IFLYSWA
Wow...that was being told off? There's nothing wrong with trying to keep the discussion in the thread centered on the topic. I thought davisdog was pretty polite about it, actually. If people have questions regarding a remote and the interaction with the 6412, great...but there is a whole forum topic dedicated to Remotes for general information. The discussion on closed-captioning with the 6412 while not of any personal interest to me was at least on topic...

-Randy

Guess I'll have to start :D ;) :p :eek: using smilies when I'm kidding around.

is there a way to schedule a repeating manual recording? I am currently using the series recording feature to record the Daily Show, but it records all of them. I am hoping to simply schedule a manual recording M-F from 11-11:30.. is this possible?
thanks!

Yep... Go to the DVR Menu (Menu/DVR) and there's an option under there for MANUAL recordings.

the option to create a manual recording will only allow me to set it for one day (today, next tues, etc.). I want to make it repeating.. may not be possible.. oh well

What is the trick to swith to an analog channel? With my 6412 I can't just hit 4 to go to channel 4. I have to hit 004. Seems it requires a 3 digit input to swithch channels. Other option is to hit 4 then "Enter". Why can't I change to a channel by just hitting a single or double digit?

Originally posted by frankz1
Guess I'll have to start :D ;) :p :eek: using smilies when I'm kidding around.
That's what they are for! :D

-Randy

Originally posted by tirepatch
What is the trick to swith to an analog channel? With my 6412 I can't just hit 4 to go to channel 4. I have to hit 004. Seems it requires a 3 digit input to swithch channels. Other option is to hit 4 then "Enter". Why can't I change to a channel by just hitting a single or double digit?

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

Search for "Auto-Tune"

Originally posted by BobDole
the option to create a manual recording will only allow me to set it for one day (today, next tues, etc.). I want to make it repeating.. may not be possible.. oh well

Bob,

Search the thread, it has been mentioned here a couple of times.

the search feature isn't currently working.. if anyone has a quick answer, i would really appreciate it.. if not, I'll try another search later. thanks!

"Search for Auto-Tune"

Thanks Frankz1

I wonder at what point this thread becomes unwieldily or maybe it has become that already. As a comparison, the HD Tivo thread is virtually the same number of posts/pages as this iGuide thread but it has been around for ~8 months vs. ~2 months. This thread is on a pace to be about 400 pages long after 8 months. It isn't any wonder folks keep asking the same questions repeatedly once they see the sheer size of the thread. Also, the search works only if you are lucky enough to choose the right argument or else you wait 20 seconds between searches. Just my .02.

We need a volunteer to do a sticky FAQ about this box. I check this thread almost everyday and have not seen much new stuff in a while.

Hey Guys, quick question.

I ran a search, and have read most if not all of this thread, and didn't see an answer. Sorry if it's already been covered.

I got my 6412 hooked up last week. Everything works well in general. But I am having two problems.

1. If I have tuner one on an HDTV channel, and then swap to tuner 2, the second tuner is unable to display HDTV. I get a "this channel will be available shortly" message, or just really garbled/pixelated picture. Any thoughts?

2. I'm currently connected via component, but wanted to switch to DVI to free my component inputs. I purchased the DVI cable last night, and tried to hook it up, but when I turn on the box/TV I get a message stating "HDCP authentication failed, use Y/pb/pr instead". I can't figure out what the deal is. Something up w/ my TV or is it a box issue? FYI i have a sony 34XBR-800 TV.

Thanks in advance for your help. This is an awesome resource.

Originally posted by tall1
I wonder at what point this thread becomes unwieldily or maybe it has become that already. As a comparison, the HD Tivo thread is virtually the same number of posts/pages as this iGuide thread but it has been around for ~8 months vs. ~2 months. This thread is on a pace to be about 400 pages long after 8 months. It isn't any wonder folks keep asking the same questions repeatedly once they see the sheer size of the thread. Also, the search works only if you are lucky enough to choose the right argument or else you wait 20 seconds between searches. Just my .02.

My vote is that we make every 15th post or so commentary on the length of the thread. :D

Seriously, you can't really compare this thread to the HD TiVo thread for two reasons. One is that about 1/100th the number of people are willing to shell out $1000 on a HD Tivo than are willing to have Comcast drop a free HD box in their house. The second is that the HD TiVo generally works right.

Originally posted by s.bradford
Bob,

Search the thread, it has been mentioned here a couple of times.

I would like to do a repeated "manual" recording and can't find how to do it.

So if someone finds this info. -- please post it again.

Thanks.

It appears you are limited to:

a. a single manual recording

or

b. a series recording -- which may record a new episode multiple times if those new episodes are repeated at several time slots.


It would be nice to have the option to record only THIS channel at THIS time slot -- but do it repeatedly. Is that available or is it not?

Originally posted by frankz1
My vote is that we make every 15th post or so commentary on the length of the thread. :D

Seriously, you can't really compare this thread to the HD TiVo thread for two reasons. One is that about 1/100th the number of people are willing to shell out $1000 on a HD Tivo than are willing to have Comcast drop a free HD box in their house. The second is that the HD TiVo generally works right. I can compare this thread to any thread I want to :) Thanks for those "fun facts" about HD Tivo owners...I guess I missed the exit polls that showed 1% of HD Tivo owners prefer to shell out 1K vs. free 6412. HD Tivo generally works well? Are you kidding me? Since you can only post questions regarding Tivo functionality at Tivo Community, what do you think they are posting about in those 93 pages? That thread saved me a grand after reading through the myriad of problems folks were having with that box. I guess I am in the 99th percentile but my 6412 ain't free.

Originally posted by tall1
I can compare this thread to any thread I want to :) Thanks for those "fun facts" about HD Tivo owners...I guess I missed the exit polls that showed 1% of HD Tivo owners prefer to shell out 1K vs. free 6412. HD Tivo generally works well? Are you kidding me? Since you can only post questions regarding Tivo functionality at Tivo Community, what do you think they are posting about in those 93 pages? That thread saved me a grand after reading through the myriad of problems folks were having with that box. I guess I am in the 99th percentile but my 6412 ain't free.

And here I was told if I put smilies in my posts people would know I was only 1/2 serious.

Don't worry about missing the exit poll. We all know how accurate those are, anyway.

My serious point, posted now in all earnestness and solemnity, is that mainly tech fans (people who will generally RTFM before posting) are buying HDTivos whereas your average folk are more likely to have Comcast put the 6412 in their house. It doesn't help that Comcast CS are clueless about how to support the product, or that in most cases they don't provide a FM to R.

If I paid $1000 for a HD Tivo and it rebooted every time I tried to change a series recording or if the picture on one of the tuners was unwatchable, I wouldn't be posting about it on the Internet hoping maybe it was something it would be easier to fix myself. I'd be returning it. I'm more likely to search the Internet, ask questions and tinker if there's no cash at risk. Hopefully, there's some fix and I won't have to deal with yet another service call.

You paid for your 6412? They put my box in the house for free vs $1000 initial layout for HD Tivo. They both, of course, carry monthly fees above the initial cost (or lack thereof). In comparison to $1000, free is pretty much free.

Originally posted by frankz1
And here I was told if I put smilies in my posts people would know I was only 1/2 serious.

Don't worry about missing the exit poll. We all know how accurate those are, anyway.

My serious point, posted now in all earnestness and solemnity, is that mainly tech fans (people who will generally RTFM before posting) are buying HDTivos whereas your average folk are more likely to have Comcast put the 6412 in their house. It doesn't help that Comcast CS are clueless about how to support the product, or that in most cases they don't provide a FM to R.

If I paid $1000 for a HD Tivo and it rebooted every time I tried to change a series recording or if the picture on one of the tuners was unwatchable, I wouldn't be posting about it on the Internet hoping maybe it was something it would be easier to fix myself. I'd be returning it.

You paid for your 6412? They put my box in the house for free vs $1000 initial layout for HD Tivo. They both, of course, carry monthly fees above the initial cost (or lack thereof). In comparison to $1000, free is pretty much free. I put a smily face on my previous post, guess that didn't work either :) There are many posts in the HD Tivo thread that discuss serious hardware problems where the poster eventually returned the unit...but thanks for sharing what you would do :) No I didn't pay anything to purchase the 6412s but I will be paying for the service...that is what I meant. :) :) :)

Originally posted by tall1
I put a smily face on my previous post, guess that didn't work either :) There are many posts in the HD Tivo thread that discuss serious hardware problems where the poster eventually returned the unit...but thanks for sharing what you would do :) No I didn't pay anything to purchase the 6412s but I will be paying for the service...that is what I meant. :) :) :)

I'm feeling a little nostalgic for when we would double-team people and tell them to "Leave the damn box on." Those were the good old days. That was our heyday. I just hate it when we disagree. :D

Originally posted by frankz1
I'm feeling a little nostalgic for when we would double-team people and tell them to "Leave the damn box on." Those were the good old days. That was our heyday. I just hate it when we disagree. :D

I hereby renew my plea for help in stopping my firewire-connected Mits TV from turning off my 6412....anyone? When I turn off my Mits 55613, off goes my 6412 as well.

Oh, just so no one misunderstands...:D

Originally posted by frankz1
I'm feeling a little nostalgic for when we would double-team people and tell them to "Leave the damn box on." Those were the good old days. That was our heyday. I just hate it when we disagree. :D Me too but it is one damn boring day at work today and disagreeing with you is more fun than posting the merits of "box on, box off". :)

caesar1, that is exactly what I am talking about; on the older one-tuner units w/o iguide, all recordings were manual and could repeat once, daily, weekly, etc. For now, I'm just doing single recordings for each night a week in advance but it would be nice not to have to bother.

Originally posted by BobDole
caesar1, that is exactly what I am talking about; on the older one-tuner units w/o iguide, all recordings were manual and could repeat once, daily, weekly, etc. For now, I'm just doing single recordings for each night a week in advance but it would be nice not to have to bother.

I'm series recording the daily show, and just deleting the ones that show up that aren't from 11:00 pm (probably easier to it that way, then set up a manual recording constantly).

They don't take up much room.

Originally posted by BobDole
caesar1, that is exactly what I am talking about; on the older one-tuner units w/o iguide, all recordings were manual and could repeat once, daily, weekly, etc. For now, I'm just doing single recordings for each night a week in advance but it would be nice not to have to bother.

I-Guide does allow you to set a manual recording to recur on a particular day, daily, weekend etc...(a few options). Not as flexible (at least yet) as Tivo or replay but it is there...You need to choose recording options (or something like that) after you go through the initial Manual record screen...I dont have it in front of me, but its discussed in the Iguide thread.

Originally posted by s.bradford
You can check your signal strength by going to the diagnostics menu (power off, and then an immediate press of the OK button). Then arrow down to "d04 INBAND STATUS".

I have tried this several times. I press power off, the unit shuts down, and nothing else happens when I press the OK button. Any ideas ?

Does the type of remote have anything to do with this ?

Originally posted by buzgz
I have tried this several times. I press power off, the unit shuts down, and nothing else happens when I press the OK button. Any ideas ?

Does the type of remote have anything to do with this ?

They key word is "immediate." It has to be within 2 seconds.

Which is the better of the 2 remotes that Comcast has been delivering with the 6412?

Originally posted by frankz1
They key word is "immediate." It has to be within 2 seconds.

Using the "two thumb" approach, with one thumb on "ALL OFF" and the other thumb on "OK", I have tried this numerous times without any results. I promise that nowhere near 2 seconds elapses between button pushes.

Any other ideas ?

Originally posted by buzgz
Using the "two thumb" approach, with one thumb on "ALL OFF" and the other thumb on "OK", I have tried this numerous times without any results. I promise that nowhere near 2 seconds elapses between button pushes.

Any other ideas ?

On my remote, the OK button is the same as the Select button... the one in the middle of the four arrow keys. If this is the key you are pressing I have no idea why it is not working for you.

It works here.

Originally posted by s.bradford
On my remote, the OK button is the same as the Select button... the one in the middle of the four arrow keys. If this is the key you are pressing I have no idea why it is not working for you.

It works here.

Yes, my "OK" and "SELECT" are the same center button surrounded by 4 arrow keys . Near the top center is a button labeled "ALL OFF".

???????

Try pressing the cable off button, then the OK button. Maybe the ALL Off is the problem. I have never tried to access the user menu that way before..always, press cableoff, press OK.

Originally posted by buzgz
Using the "two thumb" approach, with one thumb on "ALL OFF" and the other thumb on "OK", I have tried this numerous times without any results. I promise that nowhere near 2 seconds elapses between button pushes.

Any other ideas ?

You may want to try just turning the box off like the instructions said. You won't be able to see the menu if it's turning your tv off too, and it may be turning the TV off last leaving your "OK" key mapped the TV remote commands and not the box commands.

Other than that, call Customer Service.

Hi All,

Just got my 6412 from C0mcast here in South Denver. All seems to be ok with it, except I have no audio from the second tuner in the 6412. This seems to be on the basic cable channels only. The digital channels seem to be ok.

Here's a bit more info...

I don't use the speakers in my TV, but instead I have a coaxial digital cable connected from the 6412 to my surround sound system.

All audio works fine on the first tuner... basic and digital channels, 5.1 audio and normal audio.
However when I hit SWAP on the remote, the video switches to the second tuner, however I have no audio if I'm on a basic cable channel. If I switch to say HBO, etc, the audio works just as it does on the first tuner.

I've called C0mcast, but of course, they can't get a guy back out today, and their phone support coudln't help. They are sending a tech out tomorrow and I hope he brings a replacement if that's what's needed.

Anyone else have this problem? Can someone test theirs that is connected this way and make sure it works? Wonder if there is anyway to reset the 6412... Maybe something just got setup wrong, although I've dug through the menus and can't seem to find anything wrong.

Any ideas or help is much appreciated...

-John

Originally posted by JonM in MN
I was hoping for a bit more from someone that had used a 659 or 688 with the 6412, and how they were working together, but that's cool. I got some good info from the Logitech site. I'm still not clear on the differences though, and if they'd affect controlling the 6412.

i was ready to order (a year ago) the 659 until i read the 688 was about to be release so i waited for the 688. this was before the dvr was available in my area but i have a tivo. the main difference other than the layout of buttons is the 688 has a couple of additional "transport" buttons. since then, i got a 6412 and since it is so tivo like, the extra buttons are useful. i suggest getting the 688. be careful where you get it. you can buy it cheap on the internet but before logitech bought them, they wouldn't honor the warranty if you didn't buy from an authorized retailer. i don't know if that changed but i did have to send one back and was glad i was able to.

When the Comcast installer came to install my 6412 on Tuesday when he opened the box htere was no manual/userguide. I can get the user guide from the moto site, but the Comcast one incorporates the guide with the iview and the remote. Does anyone know where I can obatin a legible soft copy of the Comcast User Manual for the 6412?

Originally posted by millerwill
Which is the better of the 2 remotes that Comcast has been delivering with the 6412?

This one. http://www.cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dct6412remote.htm

The consensus is that you can program in the 30 sec. skip on it. "The black Global ICX" that we have here in Denver you can't. There is one other remote but I can't remember what it is.

Originally posted by frankz1
You may want to try just turning the box off like the instructions said. You won't be able to see the menu if it's turning your tv off too, and it may be turning the TV off last leaving your "OK" key mapped the TV remote commands and not the box commands.

Other than that, call Customer Service.

Finally got it to work. Results are:

Tuner 1

snr 28.2dB poor
agc 87%


Tuner 2

snr 29.2dB poor
agc 83%


uncorrectable errors were 0000 on both, correctable errors 4981,4227 typical

I guess I have a signal level problem (poor is a clue). Is this something an amplifier can cure, and if so, any specifics appreciated. I know removing a splitter would help, but I would rather not. If I call a tech, he will.

I am close to ok, as I only have HD break-up on two local channels on one tuner with all other channels great, and no problem with the other tuner on any channels.

Originally posted by Couch Patato


quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by millerwill
Which is the better of the 2 remotes that Comcast has been delivering with the 6412?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



This one

The consensus is that you can program in the 30 sec. skip on it. "The black Global ICX" that we have here in Denver you can't. There is one other remote but I can't remember what it is.

The silver remote that you linked to is the one I have for a my second non-dvr STB. Is it possible to just swap them?

What are the benfits of the silver remote over the black one we are given here in denver (besides being able to program the 30 sec. skip)?

None that I know of.

Originally posted by BobDole
the search feature isn't currently working.. if anyone has a quick answer, i would really appreciate it.. if not, I'll try another search later. thanks!

no big deal, these people can be sucha a pain. just poke around in the cable box setup on the main menu. look for auto-tune and turn it on.

Originally posted by piperpilot
Hi All,

Just got my 6412 from C0mcast here in South Denver. All seems to be ok with it, except I have no audio from the second tuner in the 6412. This seems to be on the basic cable channels only. The digital channels seem to be ok.

Here's a bit more info...

I don't use the speakers in my TV, but instead I have a coaxial digital cable connected from the 6412 to my surround sound system.

All audio works fine on the first tuner... basic and digital channels, 5.1 audio and normal audio.
However when I hit SWAP on the remote, the video switches to the second tuner, however I have no audio if I'm on a basic cable channel. If I switch to say HBO, etc, the audio works just as it does on the first tuner.

I've called C0mcast, but of course, they can't get a guy back out today, and their phone support coudln't help. They are sending a tech out tomorrow and I hope he brings a replacement if that's what's needed.

Anyone else have this problem? Can someone test theirs that is connected this way and make sure it works? Wonder if there is anyway to reset the 6412... Maybe something just got setup wrong, although I've dug through the menus and can't seem to find anything wrong.

Any ideas or help is much appreciated...

-John

While not an expert, it may be possible that you are experiencing the mute problem discussed several times on this thread. Depending on which remote control you have, you may have to manually program a mute function to control the muting on this one tuner, and then see if you can unmute it. Read earlier in the thread for instructions on how to program your remote for this function. Good luck

Originally posted by millerwill
Which is the better of the 2 remotes that Comcast has been delivering with the 6412?

I think the actual remote intended for the 6412 is silver and features a dedicated swap button on the bottom along with dvr controls on the bottom. It came with mine but other areas of the country didn't use it. I believe the california market delayed the 6412 launch in part because they were waiting on the correct remote.

I guess I have a signal level problem (poor is a clue). Is this something an amplifier can cure, and if so, any specifics appreciated.Yes. The key is placing the amplifier before the split (before the signal is lost, you can't recreate what's not there), and getting an amplifier that does not disturb the return signal.

I would just call Comcast out. At least here in SoCal they will often just give you the amplifier if it's necessary. I have never seen them try to tell me to use fewer outlets. :) If you don't have that many outlets they may need to adjust the amp serving you home.

-- Rob

Originally posted by buzgz
Yes, my "OK" and "SELECT" are the same center button surrounded by 4 arrow keys . Near the top center is a button labeled "ALL OFF".

??????? Don't use the ALL ON button. Instead of using ALL ON, do this. Make sure both the cable box and the TV are on, and the TV is displaying the cable signal. Press CABLE. Press POWER. Press OK.I suspect that the ALL ON button is taking too long, as it cycles through all three devices. Either that, or you haven't set the remote to CABLE mode.

If this doesn't work, something is broken.

Originally posted by buzgz
I guess I have a signal level problem (poor is a clue). Is this something an amplifier can cure, and if so, any specifics appreciated. I know removing a splitter would help, but I would rather not. If I call a tech, he will.

I am close to ok, as I only have HD break-up on two local channels on one tuner with all other channels great, and no problem with the other tuner on any channels.

You need to use splitters that will let the entire signal through. One of the many Comcast techs I had out here mentioned that a 5/1000 splitter is recommended. Here's one for example. (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Monster-Cable-2-Way-Signal-Splitter--SS2RF-/sem/rpsm/oid/8413/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) They're not the cheap kind

Motorola makes a high frequency two-way signal booster (http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/signal_booster/) specifically for Digital Cable and Cable Modems. I had it for a while (signal strength turned out to not be my problem). It did boost the strength, but it made my analog channels look even worse if you can imagine.

Originally posted by rodneyremington
While not an expert, it may be possible that you are experiencing the mute problem discussed several times on this thread. Depending on which remote control you have, you may have to manually program a mute function to control the muting on this one tuner, and then see if you can unmute it. Read earlier in the thread for instructions on how to program your remote for this function. Good luck

Thanks, I'll take a look and read up on the mute problem...

Here's a bit more info.. I just ran a rca cable for audio just to see if anything was coming from the 6412 for basic channels on the second tuner, and it works fine on rca... the problem is only on the coaxial or optical connection.. I get no audio on the second tuner is on a basic cable channel...

Originally posted by buzgz
I guess I have a signal level problem (poor is a clue). Is this something an amplifier can cure, and if so, any specifics appreciated. I know removing a splitter would help, but I would rather not.

You have a pretty poor signal. Comcast is responsible for getting you a good quality signal no matter what it takes... and if you're a broadband user as well you need to be careful what kind of amp you use. As DJRobx said... call Comcast and make them make it right. I have never heard of them being reluctant to do so.

Originally posted by piperpilot
Thanks, I'll take a look and read up on the mute problem...

Here's a bit more info.. I just ran a rca cable for audio just to see if anything was coming from the 6412 for basic channels on the second tuner, and it works fine on rca... the problem is only on the coaxial or optical connection.. I get no audio on the second tuner is on a basic cable channel...

Sounds like you need a new box to me.

Originally posted by BobDole
the option to create a manual recording will only allow me to set it for one day (today, next tues, etc.). I want to make it repeating.. may not be possible.. oh well

Start the Manual recording procedure. After choosing the channel, you should have options for Create, recording options, or cancel. Choose recording options. The top entry scrolls left/right and give you None (just one recording), MON-FRI, Everyday, Weekly. For Weekly, you need to pick the start time to be the correct day of the week, and time.

I've had my 6412 for a little over 6 weeks now and for the most part it works pretty well. It's one of the later series and hasn't experienced any of the power down problems that some report. However, I have made a list of some things that have been disconcerting and after waiting to see if software upgrades or time itself would cure them, I called Comcast for an appointment for next Monday morning.

I reported before that I had some HD channel freezing, but not on all channels, but also not consistent to any one or two channels. Seems to happen during Leno and Letterman a lot though. This week I recorded West Wing in HD and the last 15 or so minutes had the top half of the picture frozen (all the way across the screen) and the bottom half played on as normal. Sound was good throughout. Not sure whether this is a decoding problem with my box or a signal problem from the broadcaster. Naturally, the young lady I spoke to from Comcast said she had never heard of HD freezing problems before.

One of the other things that is bothersome, but not a showstopper, is the Comcast Sports Network (channel 200 here). It's supposed to be HD, but the aspect ratio is off compared to other HD channels. I don't know how much HD that channel has, but most of the time, the screen is at 16:9 with distorted figures. I need to do 'compression' from my TV menu to fill the 4:3 screen and then all is well. If this is SD material on an HD channel, why doesn't it just display the same way as other HD channels handle SD material...that is, boxed in on all sides (I have a 36" Toshiba CRT)? Comcast CSR also said she has never heard anyone else mention this.

Finally, a couple of weeks ago, the little red light to the upper right of the time/channel display came on and just stayed that way. That's supposed to indicate that something is being recorded. Nothing is...no series or anything. I even tried pulling the plug out for a couple of hours to see if the box would reset. No luck. Doesn't really hurt anything, but when you do have something to record, you can't be certain it's recording because the light is always on anyway. Again, the Comcast CSR said this was a first.

I did make recordings (fortunately) of the problems I mentioned above, just in case it doesn't happen live while the tech is here. I suspect though, that this first visit is going to be a waste of time...only to have the tech record all the stuff I already mentioned to the CSR and then probably suggest I make another appointment to have the box replaced or pick one up myself. Not looking forward to the wait.

In case anyone else has experienced any of these problems (I know some have, as I've followed this thread from the beginning), I'll report back after Monday to let you all know the results.

. This week I recorded West Wing in HD and the last 15 or so minutes had the top half of the picture frozen (all the way across the screen) and the bottom half played on as normal. Sound was good throughout. Not sure whether this is a decoding problem with my box or a signal problem from the broadcasterYou have to remember that HD is still pretty much in its infancy. I see stuff like this all the time, and it's usually coming that way right from the broadcaster. I can almost always jump onto the HDTV programming or HDTV local information forum and find people complaining about the same trouble with their OTA setup.

I've also seen plenty of channel freezing, even with the non DVR 5200. I've seen problems with HD channel freeze-ups that duplicate both at my home and my mother's home, both Comcast areas but differnet plants. Those are usually Comcast problems, but not necessarily a problem with your DVR. They eventually get fixed by Comcast. If it's only happening on a certain channel, then it's probably a Comcast problem or perhaps a signal problem. Either way you should report it.

I highly suggest getting on the local HDTV information forum and sharing your experiences and comparing notes with other people in your vicinity. Those sound like programming glitches rather than box issues.

Your problem is not with the mute button. Do a "search this thread" and put in my user name "Tyr" and your see I'm suffering from the exact same problem and have posted about it half a dozen times. Could you post or pm me your serial number? It starts with GI and is on the bottom and on the work order.

Originally posted by piperpilot
Hi All,

Just got my 6412 from C0mcast here in South Denver. All seems to be ok with it, except I have no audio from the second tuner in the 6412. This seems to be on the basic cable channels only. The digital channels seem to be ok.

Here's a bit more info...

I don't use the speakers in my TV, but instead I have a coaxial digital cable connected from the 6412 to my surround sound system.

All audio works fine on the first tuner... basic and digital channels, 5.1 audio and normal audio.
However when I hit SWAP on the remote, the video switches to the second tuner, however I have no audio if I'm on a basic cable channel. If I switch to say HBO, etc, the audio works just as it does on the first tuner.

I've called C0mcast, but of course, they can't get a guy back out today, and their phone support coudln't help. They are sending a tech out tomorrow and I hope he brings a replacement if that's what's needed.

Anyone else have this problem? Can someone test theirs that is connected this way and make sure it works? Wonder if there is anyway to reset the 6412... Maybe something just got setup wrong, although I've dug through the menus and can't seem to find anything wrong.

Any ideas or help is much appreciated...

-John

Has this happened to anyone else? Went to turn on my box. It defaults to channel 1 which I have to hit OK to go into the OnDemand menu. I exit it and it brings me back to channel 1. My DVR button won't go to the DVR menu. Hit the menu button then proceed into my DVR menu and all my recordings are GONE!!!! My recording schedule is erased too!!! My swap button that I programmed no longer works (But the Mute button I programmed does). (also noticed that the color would get darker and lighter on the channels and menu on and off, just slightly though)

Has this or anything like this happened to anyone else?????

Edit: I unplugged the box and waited and plugged it back in. Now I get no video. Nothing. Just got a .0 on the box. I think this one is dead.

Edit #2: Had wifey send a hit to the box. All working fine now. And my recordings are still there. Yeah!!!!!

Originally posted by John Williams
This is very odd...

If iGuide has scheduled two shows to record at the same time (i.e. two events of separate full-season recordings at once), and I want to cancel them, it will let me cancel one OR the other, not both.

I.e. if I cancel show #1 @ 8pm (for instance) it shows up as "negated" as soon as I say
"Don't record this episode". But if I go to cancel show #2 also @ 8pm, that works...but show #1 now shows up as to-be-recorded.

Lather, rinse and repeat....always with the same results.

Maybe I'm missing something?

-JMW

Same problem here. Does anybody know to whom bugs can be reported? Is there an email address for iGuide? Tell Comcast?

-A

Hi,

Can I set up CC so that it only comes on when I mute the tv or DVR?


Thank You!

Originally posted by BJMoose

One of the other things that is bothersome, but not a showstopper, is the Comcast Sports Network (channel 200 here). It's supposed to be HD, but the aspect ratio is off compared to other HD channels. I don't know how much HD that channel has, but most of the time, the screen is at 16:9 with distorted figures. I need to do 'compression' from my TV menu to fill the 4:3 screen and then all is well. If this is SD material on an HD channel, why doesn't it just display the same way as other HD channels handle SD material...that is, boxed in on all sides (I have a 36" Toshiba CRT)? Comcast CSR also said she has never heard anyone else mention this.

In case anyone else has experienced any of these problems (I know some have, as I've followed this thread from the beginning), I'll report back after Monday to let you all know the results.

comcastsportsnet on the digital channel(200 in philly area) stretches nearly all non hd content.

the only time sd is not stretched is during daily news live when it is broadcast in hd. if they use sd hi-lites there will be bars on the side, much the same as espn-hd when in non hd mode.

Originally posted by jmnk
#############################
on the following issue
quote:Originally posted by jmnk
I've had the Motorola 6412 dvr installed yesterday (to be exact they replaced the single tuner one I've had already). All is fine except there's no programming on one of the tuners - it reads "One Moment Please. .... be available shortly". It's been like that since it was installed. All is fine on the other tuner of the same box. Comcast has reset the box at least twice by now to no avail. Anyone with similar problem? I'm thinking there might be something configuration wise that I could fix myself as the signal definitely is coming to my box. I have little to none faith in Comcast reps.
thanks.



I just got my box yesterday and experienced the same problem. Did it fix itself ? What should I do ?
#######################################
well, I have had Comcast visiting my house three times (plus they wanted to come for the fourth time because they apparently have not realized yet it was finally fixed). Anyway, they replaced the box but I'm not entirely sure if that was needed. I have cable modem and old DCT2000 on the same cable drop so I had two two-way splitters before signal was coming to the dvr. When the box was replaced it has not initially fixed anything - again no programming on one tuner. So we pulled the power plug from dvr (not just turn off), removed one splitter, and turned off the cable modem. After a moment we reconnected the power and it worked! It obviously took a while to have all the channels but you could immediately see and hear something on both tuners. I have not reconnected the DCT2000 or cable modem until later that evening, after all channels and guides were available. I was not brave enough to suggest we try the same procedure on supposedly bad box since I had it working. After all it is likely it WAS the bad box.
good luck.



Had similar problem. 6412 installed today. HD channels working fine (video and audio) on both tuners. However, with one of the tuners, i was only able to see video but no audio when viewing analog stations (also, couldn't pause live TV). No problems with analog on the other tuner. Called Comcast CSR and he was polite but unhelpful -- sending out a tech.

Upon your advice, I unplugged the STB, waited 30 sec, and replugged it in. Voila. The problem was solved. We'll see how long it lasts.

Originally posted by chibukuman
Had similar problem. 6412 installed today. HD channels working fine (video and audio) on both tuners. However, with one of the tuners, i was only able to see video but no audio when viewing analog stations (also, couldn't pause live TV). No problems with analog on the other tuner. Called Comcast CSR and he was polite but unhelpful -- sending out a tech.

Upon your advice, I unplugged the STB, waited 30 sec, and replugged it in. Voila. The problem was solved. We'll see how long it lasts.

I'd advise all new 6412ers to wait 24 hours before they start freaking out that this or that feature isn't working. Until the guide data and all the software and firmware get downloaded from Comcast over the cable, at least. My channels were all in the wrong positions for a good few hours the first day, and the menus were totally different. I'm not sure what order the data downloads in, but if a firmware update is last (if there is one) that could explain any problem.

Originally posted by BJMoose
Finally, a couple of weeks ago, the little red light to the upper right of the time/channel display came on and just stayed that way. That's supposed to indicate that something is being recorded. Nothing is...no series or anything. I even tried pulling the plug out for a couple of hours to see if the box would reset. No luck. Doesn't really hurt anything, but when you do have something to record, you can't be certain it's recording because the light is always on anyway. Again, the Comcast CSR said this was a first.


I had this same problem. Go to the Main Menu, select Setup, then select Cable Box Setup, make sure RF Bypass is off. That's what I did and the red light went away and only appears when I record a program. Give it a shot.

Laters,
Mikef5

When entering the diagnostic screen, I've noticed that my 6412 w/I Guide has no ipp
address. In other words, It is showing that I have an ipp address of 0.0.0.0. Video on Demand is not yet available, but it will be soon.

Should I be concerned about this? A Comcast rep came over and he had no clue what an ipp address was.

Thanks

Originally posted by carsolo
When entering the diagnostic screen, I've noticed that my 6412 w/I Guide has no ipp
address. In other words, It is showing that I have an ipp address of 0.0.0.0. Video on Demand is not yet available, but it will be soon.

Should I be concerned about this? A Comcast rep came over and he had no clue what an ipp address was.

It's an IP address, just like your computer. Being 0.0.0.0 possibly means it has been unable to talk back, or maybe they are not using IP addresses for communication. What are your Upstream Modem settings? Does it show a frequency, and is the strength less than 60db?

Not being able to talk back could be due to too many splitter, or an RF amplifier that is not broadband rated (no backchannel support.)

Since about Thursday (Jan 6), my 6412 has started showing the DD symbol for digital channels with BOTH tuners. It didn't do that before. I didn't write down the numbers before, but it shows SW version 71.44-1203, and FW version 09.12.

Also, does anyone know why OnDemand will work, but have no video or audio? Basically, the menus work fine, but I do not get the annoying little video (not that I'm complaining about that). When I try to actually play something, it's just blank. I do get the Play, FF, REW symbols on-screen, but otherwise, nothing.

Use the "replay" button to exit fast forwarding!

I figured something out that makes using FF and RWD a little easier. Coming from TiVo, I was used to the box jumping back a little as I fast forwarded to compensate for overshooting the start point. I was a little put off by the fact that the 6412 doesn't do that so you were always sure to overshoot the point you were looking for. I would hit "play" to exit FF and then "replay" to get back to the end of the commercial break or whatever. I realized last night (after a couple days of using this thing) that you can exit FF by hitting "replay" which will jump back 8 seconds from when you pushed the button. This is actually a little more than TiVo would adjust for, but I am learning to compensate. I find it incredibly useful.

For those of you using the 30 second skip to go through commercials, this is not a big deal. But for those of us that like to FF, I find this method to be a lot easier to hit the beginning of the show.

Gemstar-TV Guide/i-Guide - (212) 626-2564
Comcast Corp Office - (215) 665-1700

Perhaps do a search on the Web for those phone numbers first and/or go to gemstartvguide on the Web (just add ".com") to find a person to contact.

Don't forget the 6412 with iGuide is a collaboration between Comcast, Motorola and Gemstar/iGuide (which is owned by Comcast). Comcast asks Motorola to provide certain hardware and software and the companies work together to find a cost-effective solution. The same probably goes with Comcast asking Gemstar to provide certain iGuide features.

Don't contact any press people or public relations people or "communications" people because, as in any company, they are probably removed from the development process and will want to say yes to anything you ask, even though they may know the answer is "no."

I suggest simply giving them the URL of this thread for them to read, and request they post official company answers on the thread. Other companies do this in other discussion groups.

Originally posted by weldon
Use the "replay" button to exit fast forwarding!

I realized last night (after a couple days of using this thing) that you can exit FF by hitting "replay" which will jump back 8 seconds from when you pushed the button. This is actually a little more than TiVo would adjust for, but I am learning to compensate. I find it incredibly useful.



Isn't it 15 seconds, not 8 seconds for the "replay" button?

I see 15 seconds for replay -- 2 pushes to go back through one 30 second commercial.

It does show a frequency,and the strenght is 54db.

Does this mean it can talk back?

It's an IP address, just like your computer. Being 0.0.0.0 possibly means it has been unable to talk back, or maybe they are not using IP addresses for communication. What are your Upstream Modem settings? Does it show a frequency, and is the strength less than 60db?

Not being able to talk back could be due to too many splitter, or an RF amplifier that is not broadband rated (no backchannel support.)

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

It Does show a frequency. 9.36mhz, I believe.

Also, the strenght is 54db.

Does this mean my box is dead, and thus not communicating?

Originally posted by carsolo
It's an IP address, just like your computer. Being 0.0.0.0 possibly means it has been unable to talk back, or maybe they are not using IP addresses for communication. What are your Upstream Modem settings? Does it show a frequency, and is the strength less than 60db?

Not being able to talk back could be due to too many splitter, or an RF amplifier that is not broadband rated (no backchannel support.)

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

It Does show a frequency. 9.36mhz, I believe.

Also, the strenght is 54db.

Does this mean my box is dead, and thus not communicating?

More than likely you have a splitter or an amplifier that is not capable of letting signals get back to Comcast. You need to have bi-directional equipment.

Also, Comcast recommended 5/1000 splitters to me so the full frequency spectrum can get through to you, but that doesn't seem to be the problem.

I live in a large condo. Where would this amplifier be?

How do I alert comcast?

Thanks

Originally posted by carsolo
I live in a large condo. Where would this amplifier be?

How do I alert comcast?

Thanks

If you haven't installed any splitters or amplifiers yourself, it's not your problem and you have no way to correct it yourself. I honestly cannot tell you, sitting in PA, where your amplifier in FL would be.

1-800-COMCAST and get a tech out.

one of my 6412's keeps on defaulting back to 2.0 audio. turning the box off and on again always fixes it but this didn't used to happen, now it happens daily. it looks like i'm not the only one. what's going on?

Originally posted by nielloeb
Gemstar-TV Guide/i-Guide - (212) 626-2564
Comcast Corp Office - (215) 665-1700 Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

**** This is for everyone that wants to contact Comcast and i-Guide ****

I have had and still have a bunch of problems with my 6208, 6412, and Comcast in general. When I wanted to pursue my issues further I called Comcast Corporate.

A little information:

Comcast Corp Office - Call them, it will help up if we all pick up the phone and provide feedback. I recommend calling Comcast Corporate. They will route your call to a local Comcast engineer. From this point on you will have someone that is knowledgeable and can help.

I have gone this route and have a bunch of contacts and have been very successful.

Gemstar-TV Guide/i-Guide - A complete waste of time. I have tried over and over and although they seem nice when you finally get to speak with someone. They are not helpful nor do they care to help.

***** Important*****

The company Comcast and Gemstar-TV Guide created is called Guide Works. Guide Works is the company that created the i-Guide. This is the company we need to call. They have two locations and two phone numbers:

Denver CO:
(303) 267-6800

Radnor PA:
(610) 293-8500

Their website:

http://www.guideworkstv.com/

I hope everyone will call them with comments, concerns, and problems.

Originally posted by frankz1
I'd advise all new 6412ers to wait 24 hours before they start freaking out that this or that feature isn't working. Until the guide data and all the software and firmware get downloaded from Comcast over the cable, at least. My channels were all in the wrong positions for a good few hours the first day, and the menus were totally different. I'm not sure what order the data downloads in, but if a firmware update is last (if there is one) that could explain any problem. Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

To further this point. I have found that turning the 6412 off loads the i-Guide data even quicker. My box suffers from the old rebooting problem. So after a reboot I just turn the box off for 4 to 5 hours and all of the data is there again for 15 days.

There are people at Comcast monitoring this thread.

Originally posted by Midranger4
Later in the evening I get the infamous spontaneous reboot. Annoying because I was in the process of setting up series recordings and when the STB rebooted the guide had to fully reload.

I'm going to watch for the random reboot again and look for the freezing and/or pixelating HD feeds but it's my hope I'm over the hump. Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

I'm getting these reboots more often now. I have had the 6412 for two months with no reboots and now in my third month I have had about 5 reboots.

I feel that if your box reboots it will need to be replaced like mine (just have not been able to do it yet).

I know Comcast and Motorola are aware of this problem but they don't have a fix. I would assume that since every 6412 is not rebooting then it may be a random hardware defect.

Over the next month or so I will get my 6412 replaced and see what happens.

Originally posted by s.bradford
You have a pretty poor signal. Comcast is responsible for getting you a good quality signal no matter what it takes... and if you're a broadband user as well you need to be careful what kind of amp you use. As DJRobx said... call Comcast and make them make it right. I have never heard of them being reluctant to do so.

Thanks for all the help, guys. I have a Comcast tech scheduled for Monday.

Originally posted by caesar1
Isn't it 15 seconds, not 8 seconds for the "replay" button?

I see 15 seconds for replay -- 2 pushes to go back through one 30 second commercial.

The User's Guide (http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/downloads/URMD2.pdf) states it's 15 seconds. I think TiVo is 8.

i dont normally turn off the 6412, but when i do, it always comes back on to channel 8.
anyway to change the default on channel?

Yes, the "replay" button is 15 seconds. I was thinking about how it was longer than TiVo's 8 seconds and wrote out the wrong thing.

I've found that I can FF at 5x and hit "replay" as soon as I see the show to get to the beginning or I can use 4x and hit replay a couple seconds after I see the show start. Either way, it's working a lot better for me than hitting "play" when I want to exit FF. Incidentally, I use "play" to exit when I use RWD.

Originally posted by caesar1
Isn't it 15 seconds, not 8 seconds for the "replay" button?

I see 15 seconds for replay -- 2 pushes to go back through one 30 second commercial.

i believe 15 is correct, tivo replay is 8 seconds. i agree with this use of the replay button. i actually use the 30 skip and when i've passed the commercials and am back to the show, i hit replay. i catch a few seconds of the comercial but this process seems to be the quickest overall.

Here's a new small annoyance I found:

I sometimes go through the scheduled recordings listings to look for shows that the series recording feature has improperly scheduled to record. You know how with some shows it records the reruns too.

I find the reruns it has scheduled to record, click on them, and tell it not to record that particular showing.

Now if you go later and adjust the series priorities (say for instance if you add a new series recording for something else and want to adjust its priority), after you adjust priorities, even if you didn't adjust the show you had scheduled not to record, it will now be scheduled to record all of its showings again.

So that is a bit annoying.

Along with the annoyance mentioned above - is the 6412 totally unaware that it has recorded the same episode of a show earlier? I wouldn't mind the multiple recordings as much if it wouldn't record the same episode over and over in the space of a few days. I miss how the TiVo knew that it already recorded an episode in the last 30 days (and would tell you that this is why it isn't recording an upcoming showing).

I experienced the problem where doing any DVR function while watching live TV causes the "Progress Bar" to display "To Be Announced" as the program title. Changing the channel and then back resets it to the actual title. It also appears that, when this was happening, my DVR "forgot" it was dual tuner, and I was getting conflicts when scheduling two programs at the same time when there should have been no conflict. I was, however, able to swap between the tuners. Looks like the guide forgot it was dual tuner, but the hardware did not.

More information...the beginning of the problem seemed to coincide with my Internet connection going down briefly last night. Therefore, a possible cause of this may be loss of communication with Comcast via the data network. It would appear that you will get this problem if the data network in your area goes down. Your 6412 receives an IP address and is seen as a network device on the Comcast network.

The situation is solved only by pulling the plug, which I did. You probably will not want to do this while the Internet or network is down, as you will not be able to reconnect. The guide data and menu functionality is now reloading.

Hope this additional information helps anyone who sees "TO BE ANNOUNCED" as the program title when they use DVR functionality during Live TV.

Originally posted by buzgz
Tuner 1
snr 28.2dB poor
agc 87%

Tuner 2
snr 29.2dB poor
agc 83%

uncorrectable errors were 0000 on both, correctable errors 4981,4227 typical

I guess I have a signal level problem (poor is a clue).
I am close to ok, as I only have HD break-up on two local channels on one tuner with all other channels great, and no problem with the other tuner on any channels.
No, the signals aren't close to ok; after 'poor', there is 'fair', and then 'good'. IIRC, amps are only a good idea, if the signal is marginal.

I have ~15 Series Recordings set up, ~6 are set for local ABC-HD. When I first got the 6412, 1.5 months ago, there were two occasions where all the ABC-HD Series were changed to ABC Analog.

Now in the last few days, they changed again twice. I checked under 'More Options', and indeed it is supposed to record 'Only This Channel'.

Is anyone else seeing this bug on any channel with Series Recordings? Does this have to do with how much space is left on the HDD?

Hey I just got my 6412 installed at about 8:00 am today in san francisco. It's now about #:45 PM and the guide still does not extend beyond about 5 hours into the future. I called comcast at one point and they said they would resend the guide which when they did resulted in a reboot of the device and then no guide at all for about 30 minutes at which point i saw the same +4 hours info.

I read many of the posts in this forum but have only seen referneces to the guide taking a "long time" can someone send some details on when i should expect the full guide.

Also I am NOT a digital cable subscriber but since the install I have full digital and HD channels (including show time but not PPV or HBO) I assume that once the guide is done these will no longer be available...anyone have other experience?

A few other comments/questions:
+any updated news on PIP availability? when I called comcast she was totally confused and convinced that that was merely a TV feature (even though I explained that that would be impossible using S-Video)

+ The comcast rep that came to do the install tried to convince me that the DVR was only made for HD TVs. I had to laugh a bit but I explained that the box has numerous outputs that would work with non-HD TVs including S-Video and the single wire "video" RCA wire. (I was his 1st ever install)

+since I have a non-HD TV and I'm viewing in 480i it seems like i cannot use the setup features on-screen at all am I right? I would love to be able to view the config and diagnostic screens...is there anyway to do this over S-video or the non-composite RCA video?

any help and comments much appreciated

Thanks

-Barnaby Richards

Originally posted by Mikef5
I had this same problem. Go to the Main Menu, select Setup, then select Cable Box Setup, make sure RF Bypass is off. That's what I did and the red light went away and only appears when I record a program. Give it a shot.

Laters,
Mikef5
Mikef5, thanks for your help. That's exactly what it was. Not sure why the light comes on with the RF Bypass on, but at least it's out now. Thanks again.

I've had my 6412 for a couple of weeks and noticed the hard drive sounds coming from it. Today it now is making a continuous high pitched whine very much like the sound some TVs make when they are on. I thought I had ringing in my ears until I realized it was the box. Anyone else heard this, or do I need to have it replaced?

Originally posted by willrees
Hey I just got my 6412 installed at about 8:00 am today in san francisco. It's now about #:45 PM and the guide still does not extend beyond about 5 hours into the future. I called comcast at one point and they said they would resend the guide which when they did resulted in a reboot of the device and then no guide at all for about 30 minutes at which point i saw the same +4 hours info.

I read many of the posts in this forum but have only seen referneces to the guide taking a "long time" can someone send some details on when i should expect the full guide.

Also I am NOT a digital cable subscriber but since the install I have full digital and HD channels (including show time but not PPV or HBO) I assume that once the guide is done these will no longer be available...anyone have other experience?

A few other comments/questions:
+any updated news on PIP availability? when I called comcast she was totally confused and convinced that that was merely a TV feature (even though I explained that that would be impossible using S-Video

-Barnaby Richards

Expect the full guide data to take about 24 hrs to load. Some say turning it off makes it happen faster, can't confirm that myself.

As for PIP, don't hold your breath. Personally I never use it and don't miss it.

Originally posted by BrentHD
I've had my 6412 for a couple of weeks and noticed the hard drive sounds coming from it. Today it now is making a continuous high pitched whine very much like the sound some TVs make when they are on. I thought I had ringing in my ears until I realized it was the box. Anyone else heard this, or do I need to have it replaced?

These boxes make noise. The hard drive spins and there is a cooling fan. DOn't sweat it.

FWIW, my TiVo makes more noise than either one of my 6412s.

I just had my second 6412 installed today. Supposedly there is a one-per-household rule here in Central California due to supply issues, but I ordered one online a couple days after my first one was installed from a phone appointment, so it can be done. The installer told me there was a one-per-household rule as well but she seemed unaware that I already had one in another room (and I didn't volunteer it).

Originally posted by rodneyremington
These boxes make noise. The hard drive spins and there is a cooling fan. DOn't sweat it.

FWIW, my TiVo makes more noise than either one of my 6412s.

The fan on my 6412 only seems to run if the unit gets hot ... which in my case is almost never (just once when I closed the doors on my cabinet with it running and left it for 12 hours). Check that your placement allows for enough cool.

Originally posted by rodneyremington
These boxes make noise. The hard drive spins and there is a cooling fan. DOn't sweat it. FWIW, my TiVo makes more noise than either one of my 6412s.
I think I need to clarify my question. This noise is not the HD or fan. It is a very high frequency continuous pitch sound like that of some old TVs. The drive spinning I heard and could live with, but this sound just started. When you come into my viewing room its sounds like you have ringing in your ears. I was curious if anyone else has heard this particular noise and what, if anything, anyone has done about it.

Originally posted by BJMoose
Mikef5, thanks for your help. That's exactly what it was. Not sure why the light comes on with the RF Bypass on, but at least it's out now. Thanks again.

I think it's a legacy of the older 5100/62xx. That light was labeled A/B and was part of the RF bypass function. Since the 6412 has no RF output, that option should be removed from the menus. When I had a 6200, the RF bypass didn't work anyways. The RF output was ALWAYS from the box, even when off (which just gave a black screen.)

Originally posted by BrentHD
I think I need to clarify my question. This noise is not the HD or fan. It is a very high frequency continuous pitch sound like that of some old TVs. The drive spinning I heard and could live with, but this sound just started. When you come into my viewing room its sounds like you have ringing in your ears. I was curious if anyone else has heard this particular noise and what, if anything, anyone has done about it.

I heard a high pitched noise for about two seconds when my box was first installed and the time that I unplugged it and plugged it back in. It is part of the start up when it first boots from an unplug.
I would unplug the box for a minute then plug it back in and see if this helps. The only bad thing is you have to wait for the guide data to reload. Mine reloads very fast. Good luck

I have 4612, firmware 9.11, can some one post the pronto code for 30 Sec
skip here? I have dark grey remote without setup button, thanks a lot.

I have a recently installed Comcast DVR in San Francisco. Yesterday i attempted to connect my Zenith plasma via DVI. When i plug in the cable, i get a signal for about 3 seconds and then it goes black. Unconnecting and reconnecting repeats the same behavior. Turning off the DVR and hitting the menu button again shows the menu screen for 3 sec before going black.

I have connected the DVR to both the plasma and a computer LCD with the DVI and both had the same result so it definitely seems to be the box.

Has this been seen before? Do i have a bad 6412? Do i need a "special" DVI cable?

Originally posted by mitchgrasso
I have a recently installed Comcast DVR in San Francisco. Yesterday i attempted to connect my Zenith plasma via DVI. When i plug in the cable, i get a signal for about 3 seconds and then it goes black. Unconnecting and reconnecting repeats the same behavior. Turning off the DVR and hitting the menu button again shows the menu screen for 3 sec before going black.

I have connected the DVR to both the plasma and a computer LCD with the DVI and both had the same result so it definitely seems to be the box.

Has this been seen before? Do i have a bad 6412? Do i need a "special" DVI cable?

The DVR comes set at 1080i. I assume your Zenith will display 1080i? Does it work via component cables? I wonder if changing the DVR setting to 720i would make a difference. YOu may want to try a second DVI cable as well just to make sure it's not that.

watching fox, packers vikes game, i'm getting breakups, but when i switch to the other tuner, no breakups.

so i turned it off.
when back on, i still see the guide but no picture or sound.

turn it on and off 3 or 4 times with no success.

so i unplug it then plug it back in, of course now the guide is totally gone, but i have the picture and it still pixilates on one of te tuners but only on fox.

Originally posted by mitchgrasso
I have a recently installed Comcast DVR in San Francisco. Yesterday i attempted to connect my Zenith plasma via DVI. When i plug in the cable, i get a signal for about 3 seconds and then it goes black. Unconnecting and reconnecting repeats the same behavior. Turning off the DVR and hitting the menu button again shows the menu screen for 3 sec before going black.

I have connected the DVR to both the plasma and a computer LCD with the DVI and both had the same result so it definitely seems to be the box.

Has this been seen before? Do i have a bad 6412? Do i need a "special" DVI cable?

I also have the same 3sec/black problem
Only I have the New DELL 2005 PFS flat screen computer monitor (NOT LCD tv) that has vga, dvi, svideo and composite input.

The first time I plugged in the DVI I got some kinda protection warning about it not being enabled or something. Now it doesn't come up any more.

Any suggestions? I tried 1080i, and all the other options...
Did I do something wrong or is the screen unable to display the HD signal?

Originally posted by whotony
watching fox, packers vikes game, i'm getting breakups, but when i switch to the other tuner, no breakups.

so i turned it off.
when back on, i still see the guide but no picture or sound.

turn it on and off 3 or 4 times with no success.

so i unplug it then plug it back in, of course now the guide is totally gone, but i have the picture and it still pixilates on one of te tuners but only on fox.

I also have similar problems (unable to get comcast to issue another box yet).
I have access to FIVE HD channels with the cheap package.
When I"m having problems its either:

A) None of the HD channels work
B) Two of the HD channels won't work (WGN and ABC) on one tuner
c) Same as C but won't work on either tuner.
d) Combination of A & B on (tuner 1 vs. tuner 2).
e) Occasionally just one random channel won't work on ONE tuner. (Example local PBS won't work on Tuner A but will be OK on B)
f) sometimes the problems are totally random.
g) rarely everything works

Weird how it mostly happens when I want to watch some during Prime Time - Which has not been much often (re-runs).

Any Ideas? Do I need a new box? I have them reset over phone at least 6 times, external Line check, Internal signal check,
EVERYTHING BUT A NEW BOX...

cant you just call them and tell them you have a box that doesnt work and you want a new box?

just say there is no signal showing from the box to the tv. no image at all.

Originally posted by bob_vdi
I also have the same 3sec/black problem
Only I have the New DELL 2005 PFS flat screen computer monitor (NOT LCD tv) that has vga, dvi, svideo and composite input.

The first time I plugged in the DVI I got some kinda protection warning about it not being enabled or something. Now it doesn't come up any more.

Any suggestions? I tried 1080i, and all the other options...
Did I do something wrong or is the screen unable to display the HD signal?
I could be wrong but I don't think you can display a HD signal on that monitor.

I would suggest that all of you with technical problems or questions regarding the 6412 post it in the appropriate thread. This thread was intended by the OP to be a discussion of i-guide issues with the 6412.

Originally posted by whotony
watching fox, packers vikes game, i'm getting breakups, but when i switch to the other tuner, no breakups.

so i turned it off.
when back on, i still see the guide but no picture or sound.

turn it on and off 3 or 4 times with no success.

so i unplug it then plug it back in, of course now the guide is totally gone, but i have the picture and it still pixilates on one of the tuners but only on fox.

now i have a second channel pixelating.
this is irritating.
how can i record stuff for later if one has to keep getting a new box?

Hey everyone.

Been reading through this thread for the past week or so, so I'm familiar with a lot of the problems experienced by the 6412 unit. I'm having an issue that I haven't seen anything on but wonder if anyone else is experiencing it. First, let me say that I've been using the 6412 for a little over a month without a problem. It had it's first hiccup last night. Let me try and explain...

Was watching (and recording) a show on the SciFi channel. Everything was working fine as usual, then the screen froze like I had hit pause. Well, the remote was on the coffee table and no one was nearby, so I knew that didn't happen. At first I figured just a technical problem on Comcast's side and it would start playing again in a sec. After a minute or so I stuck my head into my son's room (he has an old STB that isn't DVR or HD) to see if he was having problems on the same channel. Nope - his was working fine. My first though was "Uh oh...the lock up problem has hit me." I figure before I unplug the box (and lose my guide info) I'd see what I could do with the remote. I couldn't power it off. I couldn't access the menu. I could, however, change the channel. Upon pressing channel up it went up a channel and started playing fine. I channeled back down to the SciFi channel and it started working fine again. In fact, the rest of the movie (45ish minutes) played fine. After the movie was over and it finished recording I figured I'd see what the DVR did. Remember, I was recording it. Instead of the 2 hour recording length it should have been, it was like 1:52, losing the roughly 8 minutes it was frozen from the time it stuck until I changed channels. When I skipped to that part in the recording the pause was not there, but of course neither was any of the show between the minute it frozen until I changed channels and "revived" it.

Here's where it gets even more weird. It locked up like that two more times last night, both times on the SciFi channel. I never cut the DVR off, so I figured I'd change the channel to something else overnight and during today and see if it locks up again. One tune is on INHD and the other is on Comedy Central. So far so good...as neither of them locked up. Going to leave it like this overnight to see if they lock up. If the don't, then tomorrow I'm going to leave it on the SciFi channel and see if I can make it repeat the lockup. Could it just be a signal with that channel causing a problem? Has anyone else experienced this?

Tom

Originally posted by rodneyremington
The DVR comes set at 1080i. I assume your Zenith will display 1080i? Does it work via component cables? I wonder if changing the DVR setting to 720i would make a difference. YOu may want to try a second DVI cable as well just to make sure it's not that.

Component cables work fine at 1080i (and 720p). I tried all the permutations of menu settings. The DVI cable works fine from my computer to LCD so i don't think it's the cable.

Frustrating, because i can see even during that 3 seconds when it works that the DVI signal is superior to the component.

Originally posted by toms26
Could it just be a signal with that channel causing a problem? Has anyone else experienced this? I have two possible scenarios....

1) Any chance you remember what channel the other tuner was on when the lockup happened? Perhaps the other tuner was on a digital or HD channel that was the actual cause... Doesn't seem likely a plain old analog NTSC channel would cause this.

2) Some random source of infrared in your room caused the STB to lockup on the IR interface. The moto boxes have an indicator on the display panel that lights up whenever it receives an IR signal from the remote. You can see it flicker when you press the remote buttons. Next time you experience this lockup, see if that indicator is turned ON. If so, maybe your STB locked up on some random source of IR in your room that confused it.

I don't have this box, I've got the 6208 - but I plan to upgrade so I've been watching this thread for a while now. It locks up this way on me constantly...

Originally posted by mitchgrasso
I have a recently installed Comcast DVR in San Francisco. Yesterday i attempted to connect my Zenith plasma via DVI. When i plug in the cable, i get a signal for about 3 seconds and then it goes black. Unconnecting and reconnecting repeats the same behavior. Turning off the DVR and hitting the menu button again shows the menu screen for 3 sec before going black.

I have connected the DVR to both the plasma and a computer LCD with the DVI and both had the same result so it definitely seems to be the box.

Has this been seen before? Do i have a bad 6412? Do i need a "special" DVI cable?

I remember reading that the 6214 when using the DVI connection requires DVI w/ HDCP, i.e., high-bandwidth digital content protection. There are many devices with DVI connections w/o HDCP. I've got a Toshiba HL84 that has DVI w/ HDCP and it works fine. What happens when you connect via component? My guess it will work.

Originally posted by rodneyremington
I just had my second 6412 installed today. Supposedly there is a one-per-household rule here in Central California due to supply issues, but I ordered one online a couple days after my first one was installed from a phone appointment, so it can be done. The installer told me there was a one-per-household rule as well but she seemed unaware that I already had one in another room (and I didn't volunteer it).

I tried to order a second 6412 on comcast.com and volunteered that I already had one. Online help came on and put me on a VIP waitlist; "come back at the end of January." Called CC the next morning, didn't mention this was my second one and presto, installed the next day.

Originally posted by QZ1
I have ~15 Series Recordings set up, ~6 are set for local ABC-HD. When I first got the 6412, 1.5 months ago, there were two occasions where all the ABC-HD Series were changed to ABC Analog.

Now in the last few days, they changed again twice. I checked under 'More Options', and indeed it is supposed to record 'Only This Channel'.

Is anyone else seeing this bug on any channel with Series Recordings? Does this have to do with how much space is left on the HDD?


I keep having the same problem. As far as I remember now, it's always with the ABC shows. Every Sunday night I delete the shows from my series list and put them back in CAREFULLY remembering to put the DIGITAL channel not the analog one and checking the "ONLY THIS CHANNEL" option.

The first few times I was sure I'd done something wrong but now I know there's some sort of bug somewhere.

Very frustrating for sure.

Does anyone know why this is happening and how we fix it?

Originally posted by toms26

Was watching (and recording) a show on the SciFi channel. Everything was working fine as usual, then the screen froze like I had hit pause. I couldn't power it off. I couldn't access the menu. I could, however, change the channel. Upon pressing channel up it went up a channel and started playing fine. I channeled back down to the SciFi channel and it started working fine again.
Tom

This has happened to me a few times--even without recording, just watching. Now that I think about it, it may have only happened with the Sci-Fi channel.

I too am experiencing the split screen issue after cycling through the video inputs and returning to video 7 (HDMI) on my xbr960. When doing so, the picture is split across the top 2/3 of the screen and the bottom is empty. I have had this happen on 2 or 3 HD channels so far. The only way to regain the full picture is to change channels and then go back. I have comcast service in SE PA and a new 6412.

Has anyone else had this happen? Is there a fix? Thanks.

I am using DVI to connect to my set and also have the split screen problems. Probably happened about a dozen times in the month I have had the box. I just flip the channel to solve it.

i have the same issue. i posted about it earlier in this thread. i suggest you read most of this thread, there is alot of useful info here. that said... my split screen only happens on the FOX HD channel. all of HD and SD channels are fine. The responce i got was that it is a known bug.

Originally posted by HTBruceM
I have two possible scenarios....

1) Any chance you remember what channel the other tuner was on when the lockup happened? Perhaps the other tuner was on a digital or HD channel that was the actual cause... Doesn't seem likely a plain old analog NTSC channel would cause this.

Thanks for the reply! If memory serves, I believe the SciFi channel was actually on both tuners. I was watching something else when the show I recorded started taping, so the red light came on indicating that it was recording on the other tuner, which would have put it on the SciFi channel. Rather than swap over to that tuner, I just changed the channel on the second tuner over to the SciFi channel.


2) Some random source of infrared in your room caused the STB to lockup on the IR interface. The moto boxes have an indicator on the display panel that lights up whenever it receives an IR signal from the remote. You can see it flicker when you press the remote buttons. Next time you experience this lockup, see if that indicator is turned ON. If so, maybe your STB locked up on some random source of IR in your room that confused it.


I thought about that, but the only other remote I have in there is a Hitachi remote for the TV and a Sony remote for the DVD player. I guess some freak happening like that is still a possibility.


I don't have this box, I've got the 6208 - but I plan to upgrade so I've been watching this thread for a while now. It locks up this way on me constantly...


Well, aside from this issue I love the box. So far so good....no more lock ups so I'm hoping it was just one of those freak things.

Tom

Originally posted by mikel51
This has happened to me a few times--even without recording, just watching. Now that I think about it, it may have only happened with the Sci-Fi channel.

Weird. Like I just mentioned in my other post, the STB has worked just fine the last couple of days and has not locked on the other channels it's been left on. I'm going to leave it on the SciFi channel tonight and see if it locks up again there.

I don't know anything about how stations broadcast, what all they broadcast, etc... but I wouldn't think a certain channel (especially analog as Bruce mentioned) could send any sort of signal that would cause the box to lock up.

Tom

Just wondering if anyone has encountered this anomaly with their 6412. So far this is the only problem (so far) but annoying nonetheless.

Wathing the Vikes/Packers and Moss mimics dropping his drawers which I thought was harmless but since the announcers said it was "disgusting" I had to see it again. I hit the "Replay" button, then "Play" and all is well until I have seen enough and then hit "Live." It then goes it "Hiccup Mode" where it plays, stops, starts and stops every 2-3 seconds. This also happens when I hit "Back/Rewind" and then hit Play numerous times. As soon as it gets to the current time, it begins to skip. The only way out of it is to turn the receiver off and back on.

I had no problems in this regard with the 6208.

Thanks

iam420,

Thanks. Yes I saw your original post and was a little relieved knowing I wasn't the only one experiencing this strange problem.

We have different tvs ( i too have a sony but its a diff model ) and someone else who posted is having this prob on a toshiba. So i guess its not the tv or the HDMI/DVI cable.

Whos bug is this, Comcast or Motorola? Do they know about it?

BTW, this is happening on espndh and abc hi def. And it does not happen when I go through component.

Originally posted by toms26
Hey everyone.


Here's where it gets even more weird. It locked up like that two more times last night, both times on the SciFi channel. I never cut the DVR off, so I figured I'd change the channel to something else overnight and during today and see if it locks up again. One tune is on INHD and the other is on Comedy Central. So far so good...as neither of them locked up. Going to leave it like this overnight to see if they lock up. If the don't, then tomorrow I'm going to leave it on the SciFi channel and see if I can make it repeat the lockup. Could it just be a signal with that channel causing a problem? Has anyone else experienced this?

Tom

I've had the same intermittant issue. It only seems to happen on SD (below 100) channels. For me it's been 47 (Fox News). It's infrequent but still a hassle.

Originally posted by puravida
I too am experiencing the split screen issue after cycling through the video inputs and returning to video 7 (HDMI) on my xbr960. When doing so, the picture is split across the top 2/3 of the screen and the bottom is empty. I have had this happen on 2 or 3 HD channels so far. The only way to regain the full picture is to change channels and then go back. I have comcast service in SE PA and a new 6412.

Has anyone else had this happen? Is there a fix? Thanks.

I'm in the same boat as you. I have a 60xbr950 and have seen what you've described. The only time I've seen this is when I first turn the TV on and changing the channel fixes everything. I didn't see this problem when connected with the component cables, only since I picked up a DVI cable.

Not sure if this is just the same "lock-up" problem others have faced, so I'll add my own experiences of the last few days. After having virtually no problem with my 6412, in the last few days we've had three separate occasions where a recording will stop for no apparent reason, leaving a blank screen. In two of the cases, the recording was effectively over ... we couldn't watch the rest of the program. Last night, this happened with 24, and I was able to get past the glitch by rewind/ff back and forth a couple of times and finishing a few seconds past the lock-up.

The channels doing this were an analog Fox feed (in the SF Bay Area we don't get FOX HD yet), and ... well, I confess I don't know for sure, I tape the X-Men and Jackie Chan cartoons for my wife, they're on Disney or Cartoon Network or something like that, not HD.

Originally posted by BigTony
I have 4612, firmware 9.11, can some one post the pronto code for 30 Sec
skip here? I have dark grey remote without setup button, thanks a lot.

The pronto CCF file is posted on the Remote Central site here (http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/files/rcfiles.cgi?area=pronto&db=devices&br=motorola&dv=cablebox&fc=) for the 6412 that includes the 30 sec skip.

I also have the dark grey remote w/o the setup button and I was able to program the pronto code on my HTM mx-500 remote.

Talk about crappy customer services. I am waiting for my 5th 6412, thats right 4 in a row bad. Never have been able to watch a movie I recorded. Says the movie is there and when I hit play the bar at the bottom while watching tv goes on and the screen goes blank. Called them last Tues, told them the box the put in the previous Wed was bad. Said they would schedule Wed or Thur morning asked if I was open both days and said yes. Friday, still no Comcast, talked to a lady who almost died when she looked at my acct and the amt of calls. Said she would call me before end of day to let me know when they would be out, she said no one scheduled the service call for Wed or Thurs. Did she call back by end of day, no she didn't. Called me on Sunday and left a message saying they would be out Wednesday morning. Already have my rental fee for the box waived, my HBO waived and gonna call and scream today and get one month waived. In Atlanta, I wonder if they got a bad run of boxes as the odds or 4 in a row being bad seem pretty high. If this new box doesn't work going to Dish and I will wait till their PVR becomes reasonable, Comcast has a nice package but if it don't work it really doesn't matter. Bummed to say the least.

whotony, I have the same problem in boothwyn... fox and the wb breakup on one tuner but not the other. Comcast tried an amplifier before I realized the problem was limited to one tuner. They're coming out Wednesday to swap the box out.

brianbes -

i see you are in atlanta, as am i. the comcast customer service in atlanta is the worst i have ever experienced in my 30 years of life. i cannot believe what they get away with as far as misinformation, rudeness, unresponsiveness, etc. if there was any way for me to get hdtv i'd do it but i can't.

I had set up a series recording ("season pass") for Desperate Housewives, I thought on ch. 707 which is the local ABC-HD. Last night, it came on, but it was recording ch. 7 (regular ABC). Is it possible that the box made this error, or is it more likely that I set it up for the wrong channel. I checked and it said it was set to record ch. 7 and "only this channel". Obviously, I'll recreate the series recording for ch. 707, just wondered what might have caused the problem and if I should "worry" about this occurring again in the future.

Originally posted by dmlove51
I had set up a series recording ("season pass") for Desperate Housewives, I thought on ch. 707 which is the local ABC-HD. Last night, it came on, but it was recording ch. 7 (regular ABC). Is it possible that the box made this error, or is it more likely that I set it up for the wrong channel. I checked and it said it was set to record ch. 7 and "only this channel". Obviously, I'll recreate the series recording for ch. 707, just wondered what might have caused the problem and if I should "worry" about this occurring again in the future.

I kinda thought I was the only one having this issue... and in the beginning, I thought it was my own error. Though I do go to the channel and time before I start setting up a series recording.

I have seen it, and yes it does happen. I fixed INDIVIDUAL problems by cancelling the series recording and entering it again.

Originally posted by bronowyn
I kinda thought I was the only one having this issue... and in the beginning, I thought it was my own error. Though I do go to the channel and time before I start setting up a series recording.

I have seen it, and yes it does happen. I fixed INDIVIDUAL problems by cancelling the series recording and entering it again.

What's needed is the ability to FULLY edit recording settings. Right now, you cannot change the channel on any type of scheduled recording. On manual recordings, you cannot directly change start and end times, only 'adjust' them, and cannot change the day at all. You cannot tell a manual recording to 'not record' a single entry like a regular series recording.

Originally posted by bronowyn
I kinda thought I was the only one having this issue... and in the beginning, I thought it was my own error. Though I do go to the channel and time before I start setting up a series recording.

I have seen it, and yes it does happen. I fixed INDIVIDUAL problems by cancelling the series recording and entering it again.

What's needed is the ability to FULLY edit recording settings. Right now, you cannot change the channel on any type of scheduled recording. On manual recordings, you cannot directly change start and end times, only 'adjust' them, and cannot change the day at all. You cannot tell a manual recording to 'not record' a single entry like a regular series recording.

I received my 6412 in December and it has been freezing on Analog channels since day one. Change the channel and it's fine for a while. Comcast changed my box once before they admitted it is a software issue that Motorola has to fix. It only freezes on Analog channels. When it freezes, the hard drive stops making noise. I think it has something to do with the buffering of analog channels.

Call comcast and complain. I got two months credit for the DVR because I told them it was useless for recording until they fix it.

The technicians that came out said the all of the channels will be switched to digital in January. Still waiting. It should fix the issue when they switch to all digital.

Originally posted by bronowyn
I kinda thought I was the only one having this issue... and in the beginning, I thought it was my own error. Though I do go to the channel and time before I start setting up a series recording.

I have seen it, and yes it does happen. I fixed INDIVIDUAL problems by cancelling the series recording and entering it again.
I mentioned this ABC bug yesterday; you are now the fourth person to mention it.
Do you think it is a bug with Motorola or ABC?

Originally posted by Ringmasterof3
The technicians that came out said the all of the channels will be switched to digital in January. Still waiting. It should fix the issue when they switch to all digital.
The tech. who installed my DVR in mid-Nov. said Q1, probably Feb. for digital simulcast, in this area. Hopefully, they stay on schedule.

Originally posted by QZ1
I mentioned this ABC bug yesterday; you are now the fourth person to mention it.
Do you think it is a bug with Motorola or ABC?

I was having the issue with CSI on CBS... so I would gander that's motorola or iGuide or Comcast.

Pick one. ;)

Originally posted by dmlove51
I had set up a series recording ("season pass") for Desperate Housewives, I thought on ch. 707 which is the local ABC-HD. Last night, it came on, but it was recording ch. 7 (regular ABC). Is it possible that the box made this error, or is it more likely that I set it up for the wrong channel. I checked and it said it was set to record ch. 7 and "only this channel". Obviously, I'll recreate the series recording for ch. 707, just wondered what might have caused the problem and if I should "worry" about this occurring again in the future.

I've seen this, too with Fox Digital and Fox SD.

Thought I was going nuts, glad someone else is seeing it too.

Originally posted by gregpr
I've seen this, too with Fox Digital and Fox SD.

Thought I was going nuts, glad someone else is seeing it too.

So good. Now that there's a bunch of us, what do we do now? I know when I used to read the Directivo message boards there used to be reps from Tivo and Directv that would read about our problems. Do we have the same thing here?

Are there Comcast or iGuide or Motorola folks reading about our problems?

I think about calling Comcast and the idea makes me laugh inside (ha! ha ha!) as I shudder to think of what response I might get from a CSR. So who DO we call?

(I apologize if a different form of this question has been asked in one of the 100 pages of this group, I've read LOTS of posts but certainly not all and I know how everyone hates reruns of questions).

Originally posted by raidbuck
The same thing happened to me this morning. My DVR is on all the time. So I turned it off (still plugged in) and when I turned it back on everything went back to normal.

Rich N.

RaidBuck had responded to BullittMustang who like me powers his box off and on. Last 2 days when I go and turn on the box (with TV and receiver with the Power All button) The screen comes up blank. Pressing My DVR and starting something then exiting back out fixes it, but I was wondering if any "progress" has been made in understanding the issue. I've had my 6412 for awhile now, dont have the rebooting or noise issues that others have, so I'm thinking that I may want to live with it till the next firmware upgrade comes out whenever - thoughts?

Originally posted by ohmyjosh
Are there Comcast or iGuide or Motorola folks reading about our problems? Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

If the aren't then we need to call them.

(This is for all those who may have missed this post.)

**** This is for everyone that wants to contact Comcast and i-Guide ****

Comcast Corp Office - (215) 665-1700 - Call them, it will help up if we all pick up the phone and provide feedback. I recommend calling Comcast Corporate. They will route your call to a local Comcast engineer. From this point on you will have someone that is knowledgeable and can help.

I have gone this route and have a bunch of contacts and have been very successful.

Gemstar-TV Guide/i-Guide - (212) 852-7564 - A complete waste of time. I have tried over and over and although they seem nice when you finally get to speak with someone. They are not helpful nor do they care to help.

***** Important*****

The company Comcast and Gemstar-TV Guide created is called Guide Works. Guide Works is the company that created the i-Guide. This is the company we need to call. They have two locations and two phone numbers:

Denver CO:
(303) 267-6800

Radnor PA:
(610) 293-8500

Their website:

http://www.guideworkstv.com/

I hope everyone will call them with comments, concerns, and problems.

Originally posted by Kaiser-Soze
RaidBuck had responded to BullittMustang who like me powers his box off and on. Last 2 days when I go and turn on the box (with TV and receiver with the Power All button) The screen comes up blank. Pressing My DVR and starting something then exiting back out fixes it, but I was wondering if any "progress" has been made in understanding the issue. I've had my 6412 for awhile now, dont have the rebooting or noise issues that others have, so I'm thinking that I may want to live with it till the next firmware upgrade comes out whenever - thoughts?

Yeah... my Cousin is seeing this issue on his Panasonic LCD-HDTV. I have not seen it on my Samsung DLP, but I have noticed a mysterious audio issue where some string of events that involves powering down the box. Sometimes when it comes up I have no audio (neither analog or digital) output. I am not quite sure just what the exact series of events are, but disconnecting and reconnecting the power cord on the box solves the issue.

The difference between his set and mine is that mine goes DVI out to DVI in, and his goes DVI out to HDMI in via an adaptor cable. I have chosen to leave my box on all the time and recommended the same practice to him and all seems well with both of us now. I am guessing that this has something to do with the handshaking of the two devices and content protection.

HTH

Originally posted by brianbes
Talk about crappy customer services. I am waiting for my 5th 6412, thats right 4 in a row bad. Never have been able to watch a movie I recorded. Says the movie is there and when I hit play the bar at the bottom while watching tv goes on and the screen goes blank.

Brian I think it's a distinct possibility that the issue(s) you are having may be related to hardware conflicts or some set-up issue with your system rather than getting 4 defective DVRs in a row. I have no evidence to support this other than that the odds of getting 4 bad boxes in a row seem almost impossible.

Statistically let's say there is a 1 in 10 chance of getting a bad box. That's just a guess, likely it's much less than that but it makes the math easy. It's been a while since I took statistics but it seems like the likelyhood of 4 bad boxes is 10X10X10X10 which is a very, very large number.

It's certainly possible but makes one suspicious of other issues.What kind of TV/setup do you have? Have you tried simply connecting the DVR to a CRT TV via component cables and recording a show and watching it? I wonder if eliminating potential sources of problems like using DVI/HDMI connections,using a HDTV with multiple resolution compatibilities, multiple cable splits, etc would be helpful. In other words, test the box on the most basic non-HD TV that you have, with basic connections, and then see if you have any luck.

I have 2 boxes that work flawlessly, so either I am the luckiest guy in the world, you are the unluckiest, or something else is coming into play.

w00t......finally got my 6412.....

so far so good here.....

Originally posted by Kaiser-Soze
RaidBuck had responded to BullittMustang who like me powers his box off and on. Last 2 days when I go and turn on the box (with TV and receiver with the Power All button) The screen comes up blank. Pressing My DVR and starting something then exiting back out fixes it, but I was wondering if any "progress" has been made in understanding the issue. I've had my 6412 for awhile now, dont have the rebooting or noise issues that others have, so I'm thinking that I may want to live with it till the next firmware upgrade comes out whenever - thoughts?

Kaiser, Have you tried unplugging the box for a minute and then plugging it back in? That has solved my problem. I still power the box off and on probably ten times a day and it still works perfect.

Originally posted by Kaiser-Soze
RaidBuck had responded to BullittMustang who like me powers his box off and on. Last 2 days when I go and turn on the box (with TV and receiver with the Power All button) The screen comes up blank. Pressing My DVR and starting something then exiting back out fixes it, but I was wondering if any "progress" has been made in understanding the issue. I've had my 6412 for awhile now, dont have the rebooting or noise issues that others have, so I'm thinking that I may want to live with it till the next firmware upgrade comes out whenever - thoughts?

It's a bug-- at the risk of restarting this debate, just leave it on.

Rodney, its actually a pretty simple setup on my 6412. I have a Z2, Yamaha Rcvr and a DVD player all switched thru the receiver. All tv functions work fine on one tuner, the other tuner is unwatchable in Hi-Def which leads me to believe this box is bad also besides the recording issues. Pausing live TV and then playing works fine. Recording a movie never works when you go to play it. Actually there is something there recorded when I recorded a show that says it was recorded 12/31/89. My hookup is straight component and again since the projector doesn't have a tuner the cable box is being used for everything so I don't really see where any conflicts could arise. The show I record indicates its recording and it does appear to record as when I go to watch it, its there. Hit play a bar comes up at the bottom of the screen which looks like a progress bar and then the screen goes blank. My Z2 autosenses any input signal and since everything else works fine including the tv stations (except for one tuner) it has to be a bad box, I think. I get the feeling from my many conversations with Comcast over the last month that they are having a number of problems with these boxes. Its just no me, it could very well be that they got a bad run of boxes delivered to my area. They have never argued or tried to claim its my equipment. They actually sent a real Comcast guy the last time instead of a sub. He took one look and just changed the box.

I'm sorry if this has already been discussed, I tried to find it in the thread to no avail.

When watching shows on SD channels which are broadcast in widescreen (letterbox), is there any way to zoom in so that you don't see the black bars on a 16x9 television?

I am using my 6412 on a sony rear projection tv connected with component cables. Because I am using the component inputs at 1080, I cannot use the Zoom feature that is built into my TV and the HD Zoom button on my 6412 remote (the old one without the PIP buttons) does not do anything.

Thanks for your help!

steinbr2

This is strange. I have my 6412 set at 1080i & when it tune to an SD channel I can zoom a letter boxed show just fine with my Sony.

Make sure that under user settings the 4:3 over ride is set to 480i or 480p.

Originally posted by Couch Patato
steinbr2

This is strange. I have my 6412 set at 1080i & when it tune to an SD channel I can zoom a letter boxed show just fine with my Sony.

Make sure that under user settings the 4:3 over ride is set to 480i or 480p.

Same here. Following the instructions in the user's guide and setting the 4:3 Override as they describe allows me to "stretch" all SD channels via my TV's features.

I have a Sony flat panel HD TV. This is working from memory (I'm at the office), but you should power off the 6412, push the front panel menu button, and set the 4:3 Override to "480i". Then you'll have full use of the Sony functionality on SD channels, including zooming, close caption, etc. At least on my TV, 480i looks fine.

It's funny we're talking about this. the other night I was messing around and decided to change my 480i override to `off'. So now (I think) everything is up-converted to 1080i. It looks about the same, PQ-wise, but I have more control over the shape of the picture, as my Mits TV gives me more options on 1080i--the `bars' aren't as big on my TV now. Anybody else doing this??

Has anyone heard anything about the next generation of DVR-STB's and networking throughout the house.
I am hearing a lot from the SAT forums, but nothing here.
Just wondering.

Originally posted by KentStater72
Has anyone heard anything about the next generation of DVR-STB's and networking throughout the house.
I am hearing a lot from the SAT forums, but nothing here.
Just wondering. I have done a little reading about the Ucentric/Comcast partnership but in my opinion it would probably be OT to discuss here. But here are some websites you can visit to learn more:

MoCA (http://www.mocalliance.org/en/index.asp)

Ucentric (http://www.ucentric.com/)

One other small annoyance to me with this box: The red message light on the left. I think it should be a different color. I keep thinking it's recording, even though the light is on the other side.

But I still love this box. I have had a few audio breakups or green lines (missing bytes?) during HD recording but overall, it's a great machine.

Originally posted by Joe_R
One other small annoyance to me with this box: The red message light on the left. I think it should be a different color. I keep thinking it's recording, even though the light is on the other side.

If you read and delete the messages, it will turn off. Is there any reason why you are holding onto them?

I do delete them. Most of it I don't even read (aka spam). But when I glance at the DVR, I keep thinking it's recording something when it's not.

I do delete them. Most of it I don't even read (aka spam). But when I glance at the DVR, I keep thinking it's recording something when it's not.

Hello. My Comcast DVR 6412 just shut of by itself and now.. It displays

"dl" with a moving dot. Anyone have this on their DVR?

When I unplugged and plug it in.. it says
"E309" then "hunt" then "fr 1"


It is stuck at that and I can't get anywhere?!!!!!

Originally posted by acaoacao
Hello. My Comcast DVR 6412 just shut of by itself and now.. It displays

"dl" with a moving dot. Anyone have this on their DVR?



Could it be a download, and you have to wait until it is done?

Thanks for the response.

10 minutes and still waiting. I unplugged it twice and same deal.... Anyone else have this issue

Now it just changed to EF, then FP and then shut off...

Looks like they did do an update!

Well.. update completed... They took away all my previously free premium channels. Oh shucks.!

Hey does anyone know how to switch the 6412 to an AUX input?

I'm using S-Video out to my TV in conjuction with audio out again direct to the TV

I tried connecting my PS2 to the front and rear audio and video inputs and pressing various buttons on the remote including the TV/VCR (Input) button to no avail.

Any help much appreciated...

Barnaby

Originally posted by willrees
Hey does anyone know how to switch the 6412 to an AUX input?

I'm using S-Video out to my TV in conjuction with audio out again direct to the TV

I tried connecting my PS2 to the front and rear audio and video inputs and pressing various buttons on the remote including the TV/VCR (Input) button to no avail.

Any help much appreciated...

Barnaby

The front inputs are not active, and if you've got inputs in the back of your 6412 you've got a different model than I have.

Does anyone have any info on a firmware update from Motorola to help improve picture quality on analog channels?

Ok, so I just got my 6412 here in the Sacramnento area last week. I have been using a Media Center PC for all my PVR/DVR functionality for over a year now. I made the switch primarily for the dual-tuner capability, and the digital audio output (much to my chagrin, the optical output is stereo for everything except premium channels, which I got rid of to offset the cost - but I digress).

So I've read through about the first 30 pages of this thread, as I'm new to this forum. I've picked up some good info, and I'm glad to see other technical types on here, MUCH more educated than comcast support folks.

I never realized how SUPERIOR the guide that comes with media center is, and how well thought-out microsoft's DVR functionality is until I started using the comcast dvr. I'll admit that if I had the comcast first, I would probably have a different opinion, but media center has probably spoiled me. I also have never used TiVo, ReplayTV, or any other DVR - Media Center was my first.

Okay, on to the review time, and then my serious question:

Speed: Comcast guide and menu are SLOW compared to media center. I could flip pages and browse channels so easily and quickly that now it feels like dragging my feet through mud.

Search: Comcast flat out sucks. Same search as the old tan guide where you have to scroll to each friggin' letter. Media center had the letters next to the numbers so you could enter them like a cell phone would. Also, it was incredibly easy to search by category, with many shows cross-referenced in multiple categories.

Series Recording: This is where Comcast is the WORST. The problem may be with the guide data, as others suggested, but this was the first thing I noticed when recording a series. I noticed it on Surreal Life, Howard Stern, and Real World, which are shows that play multiple times on the same channel, and the dvr is not smart enough to record only first-run because apparently the guide data doesn't flag it that way. Also, media center had additional options that would help in this area: You could say "only this channel", "only in time near this time" (like 3 hour window), and "on other days near same time" which was great for shows like Survivor that would put "special" episodes on different days due to sports, or finales. Man, that was great thinking on microsoft's part.

Guide data: This is my BIGGEST complaint of all, and brings me to my question. I did exhaustive searches (google, MSN search, and on this site) for guide duration. I think one person said they get about 3 days, but everyone else says ~14 days. What a crock! I get 3 days worth of guide. On Media Center I got about 2.5 weeks, and sometimes I thought THAT wasn't enough. You can guess why this sucks.... Say it is Sunday, and I just want to set up Saturday Night Live to record. I can't even do it because it doesn't show up in the guide because Saturday doesn't exist!! Plus, when you see ads for a show you want, you can't just go tag it during the commercial becuase IT DOESN'T EXIST YET.

Guide listings: What a great feature it was to be able to remove unwatchable or unwanted channels from the guide lineup on Media Center!! I didn't realize how important this was until I now use the i-guide because there are HUNDREDS of channels in my area, including foreign, premium, and pay per view that I can't even tune in, but NO WAY to remove them from the list. I got so used to just having about 150 tunable channels plus the digital music, and I didn't even have to think: "Do I get this channel?" before hitting OK. Now I have to ask that EVERY time, or use the "favorites" workaround, which is barely even an option. HORRIBLE to not have a way to remove channels. I even though, "Hey, if I remove some channels, maybe I can get more days of data, right? Less data to take up space?" WRONG! No chance, and I'm stuck with useless data.

Sound: I'm pretty bummed on this one. Since premium channels seem to be the only ones with more than just left/right (my receiver tells me channels coming from the stream), then the sound is no better than what I had before with Media Center (my PC was already using optical sound out to my receiver).

So, does ANYONE know how to increase guide retention time? Why would I only get 3 days? Please, if any experts know how to fix this problem, or why there seem to be a few unfortunate ones, let me know!!

I am half inclined to just do what I did with my old digital box, and just route the output to my Media Center PC anyway, and just continue to use the Media Center Guide and interface (it has an infrared eye that controls the cable box - works GREAT!). The only thing stopping me is the dual-tuner capability of the box!

Thanks for taking the time to read this (if you didn't fall asleep on me).

Originally posted by daemonic


[...]
Guide data: This is my BIGGEST complaint of all, and brings me to my question. I did exhaustive searches (google, MSN search, and on this site) for guide duration. I think one person said they get about 3 days, but everyone else says ~14 days. What a crock! I get 3 days worth of guide. On Media Center I got about 2.5 weeks, and sometimes I thought THAT wasn't enough. You can guess why this sucks.... Say it is Sunday, and I just want to set up Saturday Night Live to record. I can't even do it because it doesn't show up in the guide because Saturday doesn't exist!! Plus, when you see ads for a show you want, you can't just go tag it during the commercial becuase IT DOESN'T EXIST YET.

If you're only getting three days, either your local comcast is somehow screwing your or your box is screwed. Guide data is two weeks at least. There's no setting for it, it's just there.

Sound: I'm pretty bummed on this one. Since premium channels seem to be the only ones with more than just left/right (my receiver tells me channels coming from the stream), then the sound is no better than what I had before with Media Center (my PC was already using optical sound out to my receiver).

Again, sounds like your box or your local comcast is screwed, because the box puts out dolby digital on digital channels and DD 5.1 on the HD channels over the digital audio outputs by default.

Did you read the manual? (http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/downloads/URMD2.pdf) It's fairly detailed.

Don't know what to tell you other than leave the DVR off over night. People have said the guide data is suposed to load faster that way. I have always had 14 days out on mine.

Originally posted by Couch Patato
I have always had 14 days out on mine.

Same here. Just this past Saturday when watching the SciFi channel (the one that locked up on me) they advertised a movie that would be on 1/22. I skipped ahead in the guide to set it to record on the DVR. I had full listings, and that was exactly 2 weeks out.

Tom

I too have been having frequent SCIFI channel freezups. That's the ONLY channel I've ever encoutered this on. I'm on the Thornton, CO digital rebuild lineup. FYI, I noticed that one can easily reproduce this problem by tuning to one of the analog channels and temporarily disconecting the cable. So this looks like it could be related to signal level glitches. Signal strength on both tuners is in the GOOD category.

Anyone know when the patch will be out on this bug?

The remote I got with my 6412 does not have the setup button, thus I haven't got a way to produce a learnable command for my MX-500. Anyone have a workaround for this (maybe using some other cheapo programmable remote)?

Originally posted by daemonic
I never realized how SUPERIOR the guide that comes with media center is...

Speed: Comcast guide and menu are SLOW...

Search: Comcast flat out sucks...

Series Recording: This is where Comcast is the WORST...

Guide data: This is my BIGGEST complaint...

Guide listings: What a great feature it was to be able to remove unwatchable or unwanted channels...

Sound: I'm pretty bummed on this one... Comcast NJ - Union/Verona

Was there anything that you didn't like?

Was there anything that you didn't like?

:eek: :D

Seriously, daemonic, did you really expect the 6412 to match the level of refinement you'd find in a Media Center or TiVo box? That would be nice, but probably not realistic. It isn't that the 6412 sucks, just that it isn't very pretty.

Now, what the 6412 does excel at is dual tuner, dual HD recording capability at very minimal cost. And remember...your options for other dual QAM/HD tuner PVRs for Comcast would be.....none!

That being said, on background you should know that I actually unplugged my TiVo to replace it with a 6412, for those very reasons. And in another reality, I would probably have been one of the first fools in line to pony up $,$$$ for a dual QAM/HD tuner TiVo had they bothered to get their act together and release one this past Christmas.

But since their most recent press release said it'll be 2000-friggin-SIX before they'll have one...well, there you go. Time to get cozy with your 6412 and work around its flat spots.

-John

I have the Motorola 6412 box. When I go into the setup screen through the Main Menu I notice that there is a option to set the box to switched or Unswitched. What does this option do?



Rob